Other books that might interest you

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  Creating the KGB and CIA: The...

  Editors Charles River

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  The KGB is one of the most famous abbreviations of the 20th century, and it has become synonymous with the shadowy and often violent actions of the Soviet Union’s secret police and internal security agencies. In fact, it is often used to refer to the Soviet state security agencies throughout its history, from the inception of the inception of the Cheka (Extraordinary Commission) in 1917 to the official elimination of the KGB in 1992. Whether it’s associated with the Russian Civil War’s excesses, Stalin’s purges, and even Vladimir Putin, the KGB has long been viewed as the West’s biggest bogeyman during the second half of the 20th century. However, the KGB did not appear out of thin air. Naturally, the earliest Soviet leaders utilized intelligence agencies that collected information both abroad and within the Soviet Union, targeting foreign opponents and domestic opponents alike. Lenin did not imagine the scale of the opposition he would have to face after the revolution, and he quickly came to the conclusion that "a special system of organized violence" must be created to implement the dictatorship of the proletariat. 
  Though it might be hard to believe, the Americans did not have a covert operations organization when they joined World War II, and like the British, it took them some time to realize it could be a powerful tool. As a result, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was not established until June 13, 1942, six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. This would all chart a path for the early days of America’s most famous intelligence agency, the CIA. Although plagued by its own share of problems in its early existence during World War II and the early Cold War years, the agency’s early problems, smoothed over by a string of tenured presidents, paled in comparison to those it would face in the coming decades.

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  The Gaboye of Somaliland - The...

  Elia Vitturini

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  The book explores the history of a minority group, the Gaboye, in Somaliland, and, using a historical ethnographic approach, addresses two main issues. First, the analysis addresses the transformation and reproduction of the social boundary which separates an ascribed status-based minority group within the society: what symbolic, political, economic and social apparatuses have articulated the boundary and the belonging to this minority group? How have these apparatuses changed? Second, the analysis adopts the trajectory of the minority members in the town of Hargeysa as a perspective on the history of north-western Somali society: from the point of view of an ascribed status-based minority group, what can we see of the social, economic and political changes which occurred during the decades of slow colonial penetration into the area, of urban expansion, of postcolonial state consolidation and collapse, civil war, mass displacement, peace building, and the contemporary waves of diasporisation of this society?

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  The Simpler Side of Buddhist...

  Kassapa Thera

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  This is an audiobook of Bodhi Leaves No. 2 by Kassapa Thera, The Simpler Side of Buddhist Doctrine narrated by Jim Swift. The print edition can be found in the Pariyatti Edition of Collected Bodhi Leaves Vol. 1. The eBook of Bodhi Leaves No. 2 can be downloaded from the BPS website.
   
  Excerpt:
   
  In the Holy Books are many sermons, long and short, full of advice to the average layman. Notable amongst these is the Sigālovāda Suttanta, known as “the Layman’s Vinaya” which details correct behaviour for the good layman. Excellent though all such sermons are, none can surpass the brief simple appeal of the words to Nakula’s parents, which advise the cultivation of four things: Saddhā, Virtue, Generosity and Wisdom.
   
  A striking thing in the Buddha-dhamma is that here we find naught of “Thou shalt” or “Thou shalt not.” When once it is realized that selfishness and self-indulgence cause all our woe, then a wise one strives for self mastery. Sīla is the mastery of speech and action. Of his own free will, the Buddhist “pledges to observe” this precept of virtue, and that. The minimum number of such precepts of virtue that the good Buddhist should observe is five: (1) I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from destroying the life of beings; (2) from taking things not given; (3) from sexual misconduct; (4) from false speech, and (5) from liquor that causes intoxication and heedlessness.
   
  
   
  The Buddhist has no impossible postulates; he tries to see, as his teacher taught, “things as they really are.” He looks at the world around him and sees that all, all is transitory there. He sees that what is transitory is bound to be sad. All that we love is passing away, and such parting from the loved is suffering.  ..."

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  Crafting Productivity: Secrets...

  Orson Finchley

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  Crafting Productivity: Secrets to Transform Ideas into Action 
  ⭐⭐ Simplified Guide & Explanations Included ⭐⭐ 
  Are you eager to advance in your career and confidently transform your ideas into actionable steps? 
  Searching for an all-inclusive resource that encompasses everything you need to master focused productivity? 
  Your quest ends here! 
  This guide is your ultimate ally in enhancing your understanding, applying your skills, and engaging in practical exercises. With this, you're positioned for triumph. 
  Updated for 2025 Productivity Strategies. 
  Key Features of This Comprehensive Guide: 
  - In-depth insights on achieving your dreams by mastering focused productivity. 
  - Clear explanations of essential productivity concepts. 
  - Effective strategies for preparing and taking actionable steps towards your goals. 
  Our guide stands out through its thorough approach, providing the necessary foundation for your success. We dive deep into concepts, ensuring nothing is overlooked. 
  Please note that this guide is an independent resource and isn't affiliated with any official productivity organization. 
  Crafted with a logical structure and straightforward language, our guide ensures seamless transitions between topics. Say goodbye to convoluted jargon, and embrace clear, precise, and technically sound content. 
  So, why delay? Click the BUY NOW button, secure your guide, and embark on your journey towards mastering productivity today!

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  The Wild and Free Family -...

  Ainsley Arment

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  ""Ainsley Arment has emerged as one of the most prominent voices in [this] grass-roots community."" — New York Times 
  As parents, we dream of creating a magical childhood for our kids, yet it can be so easy to slip into autopilot. Ainsley Arment-- a mother of five, founder of the thriving community Wild + Free, and bestselling author-- is no stranger to the barrage of decisions, opportunities, and daily tasks that each day brings. But what Ainsley has discovered is that the magic of life isn’t found in the hustle and bustle of constant activity but in the intentional ordinary decisions of our days. And when we assume that a family has to look or act a certain way, we miss the opportunity to build a meaningful and fulfilling life together.  
  Drawn from her family's stories and those shared by the Wild + Free community, The Wild + Free Family explores how to create a family culture that breaks the mold by seeking to connect with our children, unleash their gifts, pursue a shared vision together, and redeem generational brokenness, among so much more. Inside these pages are Ainsley’s words of encouragement, honesty, and wisdom, guiding all parents to create a home where families can forge their own path to love stronger, live more fully, and grow closer to each other.  
  Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

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  Camilla - From Outcast to Queen...

  Angela Levin

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  For many years, Camilla was portrayed in a poor light, blamed by the public for the break-up of the marriage between Prince Charles and Lady Diana. Initially, Queen Elizabeth refused to see or speak to her, but, since the death of Prince Philip, Camilla had become one of the Queen's closest companions. Her confidence in Camilla and the transformation she had seen in Prince Charles since their wedding resulted in her choosing the first day of her Platinum Jubilee year to tell the world that she wanted Camilla to be Queen Consort, not the demeaning Princess Consort suggested in 2005. 
   
   
   
  Angela Levin uncovers Camilla's rocky journey to be accepted by the royal family and how she coped with her brutal portrayal in Netflix's The Crown. The public have witnessed her tremendous contribution to help those in need, especially during COVID. Levin has talked to many of Camilla's long-term friends, her staff, and executives from the numerous charities of which Camilla is patron. She reveals why Camilla concentrates on previously taboo subjects, such as domestic violence and rape. Most of all, Levin tells the story of how Camilla has changed from a fun-loving young woman to one of the senior royals' hardest workers. She has retained her mischievous sense of humor, becoming a role model for older women and an inspiration for younger ones.

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