We are all on the journey. The hero’s journey is for everyone, and we are the hero in our own story.

Being on the journey is the most human thing we can do – humanity will cease to grow or evolve if we follow the status quo. We live in a world of social media, hyper-connectedness, and convenience, but we are becoming less human the further down the path we go. Stepping into our own journey and finding the guidance and lessons to grow as a person is our destiny. Along the path, we find our mentors and face our trials. We are distracted, and we fail – we are human, after all. In the chaos, we eventually find the balance required to grow. This is a book about facing demons and meeting mages.

The Shepherd and the Beast is about the universal truth that binds us; we are all the same, just on different parts of the same mythological journey.

Tramayne Monaghan went on a journey of heroic proportions, learning how to be a leader from the best and learning lessons from the trials of beasts. Being thrust into leadership positions at a young age, these are the real-life lessons learnt and the steps the reader can take to absorb them.

This is the story of a man trying to find meaning in leading others. This is a story of becoming a leader while discovering the shepherd and the beast …

Five feature-length action adventures based on the Marvel comic.

In 'X-Men' (2000), mutants Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Ian McKellen) are former friends, but look set to become mortal enemies when fascist US senator Robert Frank Kelly calls for the registration of all humans with abnormal powers. While telepath Xavier, who runs an altruistic academy for superhuman 'X-Men', wishes to enlighten non-mutants and break down the prejudices which divide them, Magneto believes that the only solution is for the mutants to take over. Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) - an aggressive loner with an admantium skeleton and the ability to heal his body of any wound - and teenager Rogue (Anna Paquin), who can absorb the life force of others simply by touching them, are selected by Xavier to join his academy, but it isn't long before Magneto's followers are attempting to capture them so that they can assist in his plan for world domination.

In the sequel, 'X-Men 2' (2003), Xavier, Wolverine and the X-Men find themselves in the firing line after a failed assassination attempt on the president points the finger at the school. It was in fact the mysterious teleporter Nightwalker (Alan Cumming) who ordered it, and, in an attempt to clear their names, the X-Men are led into a trap set by the evil William Stryker (Brian Cox), a mysterious scientist apparently working for the government. As it soon becomes evident that Stryker's agenda is to destroy all mutants, the X-Men need to call in the help of many of their old friends and foes, including Magneto, if they are to stop him.

In the third film, 'X-Men: The Last Stand' (2006), the mutants are given the option of giving up their powers and becoming human after a private laboratory supported by the government finds a way to use the DNA of a powerful boy to correct the mutants. However, Magneto opposes and decides to join a force to fight against the government and kill the mutant boy. Meanwhile, Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) resurrects, uncontrolled by Xavier, and with the personality of the powerful Dark Phoenix. She destroys Cyclops (James Marsden) and Xavier and allies herself to the evil forces of Magneto, making them almost invincible.

The fourth film in the franchise, 'X-Men: Origins - Wolverine' (2009) is a prequel to the other three films. Hugh Jackman reprises his role as Wolverine, who, some 20 years before the action of the original movie, is seeking revenge on his half-brother Victor Creed (Liev Schreiber) for the death of his girlfriend, and eventually signs up to the ominous Weapon X programme.

Finally, 'X-Men: First Class' (2011) charts the beginning of the saga, following Professor X (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender) through their formative years in the 1960s as they come to terms with their newfound superpowers. Initially close friends who work together to fight against evil, the two men are driven apart by a conflict of opinion that ultimately leads to the eternal war between Magneto's Brotherhood and Professor X's X-Men.

Triple bill of romantic dramas based on the novels by Nicholas Sparks. In 'Dear John' (2010), while Special Forces Army Sergeant John Tyree (Channing Tatum) is home on leave, he meets beautiful college student Savannah Curtis (Amanda Seyfried) and the two fall in love. When the time comes for Savannah to return to college, she promises to write to John during his 12-month enlistment overseas. However, their budding love affair is put to the test when John decides to re-enlist in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. 'Safe Haven' (2013), follows the fortunes of a guarded young woman who unexpectedly finds love in a North Carolina town. Katie Feldman (Julianne Hough) stands out on arrival in Southport. Beautiful but highly reserved, she makes it clear that she expects to have little involvement in the social life of the town and its inhabitants. However, an unforeseen chain of events brings Katie close to Alex (Josh Duhamel), a widower who runs a store while also attempting to bring up his young children. As she inexorably falls in love with Alex and the children Katie begins to let down her guard, but doing so threatens to raise the dark secret she has been protecting. Will she find a way to reconcile the trauma of her past with the possibility of a brighter future? 'The Best of Me' (2014), charts the relationship between Dawson Cole (Luke Bracey/James Marsden) and Amanda Collier (Liana Liberato/Michelle Monaghan), two people from opposite sides of town, who fall deeply in love as teenagers. However, Amanda's parents don't approve of Dawson and their relationship is short-lived due to a number of unfortunate events outside of their control. 20 years later, the pair are reunited at a mutual friend's funeral and it doesn't take long for their romance to rekindle. But although it seems the universe is conspiring to bring them back together after all this time, it seems there are still other forces at work which are determined to keep them apart...

This illuminating book explains how and why Russia’s relations with the west have deteriorated to the point of initiating a new era of ‘great power competition’. An updated version of the bestselling 2016 edition, it explores the decline in relations since the early 2000s, taking in the war in Syria and the 2022 escalation in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Beyond geopolitical considerations, the book delves into the nature of power in Russia itself, providing an in-depth examination of the networks of influence that define the country's political landscape. In doing so it moves beyond the simplistic, Putin-centric narratives often found in western accounts, offering readers a fresh perspective on Russian politics. Understanding Russia is crucial for western leaders seeking to establish stable and constructive relations in the future. The new politics of Russia serves as a key resource, challenging conventional wisdom and unpicking the complex dynamics at play in the relationship between Russia and the west. -- .

Sci-fi drama directed by Phillip Noyce and starring Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep and Brenton Thwaites. Set in a seemingly utopian future where all war, emotion and personal freedom have been eradicated, the film follows Jonas (Thwaites), a young man who is chosen to be the recipient of the community's collective memories. As he learns the details of the community's history from The Giver (Bridges), he grows frustrated with the power those in charge hold over his fellow citizens and the terrible price they have been forced to pay in exchange for conformity and peace...

TV sensation Patrick Dempsey stars in this sweet and funny film about a guy whose dream girl asks him to be her maid of honor. He agrees in an attempt to win her heart.

Christopher N. Rowley co-writes and directs this children's fantasy adventure adapted from Georgia Byng's novel. After discovering a magical book on hypnotism, orphan Molly Moon (Raffey Cassidy) uses its powers to escape her glum orphanage life and travel to London in search of her friend Rocky (Jadon Carnelly-Morris). With the bright lights of the city quickly causing a distraction, Molly soon deviates from her quest and mesmerises her way into the lead role of her very own musical, becoming a singing sensation overnight. Trouble is not far away however, as Molly's new-found fame attracts the attention of bungling criminal Simon Nockman (Dominic Monaghan), who attempts to steal the magic book to use as part of his latest robbery scheme. The cast also includes Emily Watson, Joan Collins and Omid Djalili.

Double bill of action films telling the story of the X-Men character Wolverine. In 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' (2009), Hugh Jackman stars as the clawed mutant Wolverine formerly known as James Logan. The film, set in the years leading up to the action of 2003's 'X-Men', follows the young Logan from the first awakenings of his mutant powers in childhood up to his rebirth as Wolverine, and recounts his tumultuous relationship with his ferocious half-brother Victor Creed, aka Sabretooth (Liev Schreiber), and the events that led him to sign up to the ominous Weapon X programme. In 'The Wolverine' (2013), at a time following the events of 'X-Men 3' (2006), Logan finds himself vulnerable, alone and at his lowest point, after losing his intimate connections with the outside world. Drawn to modern-day Japan by the gratitude of a wealthy industrialist from his past who secretly covets his healing powers, Logan soon finds himself up against the deadly charms of a femme fatale known as 'The Viper' (Svetlana Khodchenkova), whilst having to confront samurai steel and lethal ninjas as his destiny draws him towards a winner-takes-all battle with his ultimate foe The Silver Samurai (Will Yun Lee).

Jack sells expensive and rare gaming cards to rich collectors. Henri is a millionaire who wants the elusive Okinawa Dragon, a one-off card owned by a Japanese businessman who refuses to sell. A plan is hatched, and Jack is sent to Osaka to get hold of the card.

Career Pathways in Adult Education showcases the wide-ranging possibilities for a satisfying career in the field of adult education. Along with practical advice for launching and advancing a career in adult education, this book includes personal stories and insights from adult education professionals which focus on the research, practices, programs, and services within multiple industries. Divided into two sections, the book begins by examining transferable skills that adult educators need to be successful in any adult education career. Chapters in the second section focus on specific career opportunities for those with adult education backgrounds, including discussions around career lifecycle from entry to advancement, career development, and future trends. Written by active practitioners in adult education and adjacent fields, chapters are designed to be practical, informative, and thought-provoking regarding career entry, progression, development, and advancement. A truly one-of-a-kind text, Career Pathways in Adult Education is the ideal companion for students and professionals looking to transition into adult education as well as graduate program administrators who wish to learn the importance of their programs.

This book is for people who teach calculus – and especially for people who teach student teachers, who will in turn teach calculus. The calculus considered is elementary calculus of a single variable. The book interweaves ideas for teaching with calculus content and provides a reader-friendly overview of research on learning and teaching calculus along with questions on educational and mathematical discussion topics. Written by a group of international authors with extensive experience in teaching and research on learning/teaching calculus both at the school and university levels, the book offers a variety of approaches to the teaching of calculus so that you can decide the approach for you. Topics covered include A history of calculus and how calculus differs over countries today Making sense of limits and continuity, differentiation, integration and the fundamental theorem of calculus (chapters on these areas form the bulk of the book) The ordering of calculus concepts (should limits come first?) Applications of calculus (including differential equations). The final chapter looks beyond elementary calculus. Recurring themes across chapters include whether to take a limit or a differential/infinitesimal approach to calculus and the use of digital technology in the learning and teaching of calculus. This book is essential reading for mathematics teacher trainers everywhere.

The director of the acclaimed 'Moon' (2009), Duncan Jones, helms this sci-fi action thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal. Soldier Colter Stevens (Gyllenhaal) wakes up in the body of an unknown man and discovers that he is part of a government mission to identify the bomber of a Chicago commuter train. The experiment, known as the 'Source Code', enables its subjects to take on a person's identity for the last eight minutes of their lives. Colter has been programmed to relive the incident over and over again, piecing together clues until he can figure out who the suspect is and prevent another large-scale terrorist attack. Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga and Jeffrey Wright co-star.

The extended edition (over 40 extra minutes) of the second film in Peter Jackson's epic big screen adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. The Fellowship of the Ring has now divided and Sam and Frodo are lost in the hills of Emyn Muil. They are also being followed by Gollum, a creature who promises to help them find the Mountain of Doom. Meanwhile Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli search for the hobbits Merry and Pippin in the Kingdom of Rohan, which is currently being attacked by Saruman's orc armies. Gandalf returns as Gandalf the White to remind Aragorn of his destiny to unite the people of Rohan with Gondor. Whilst the Fellowship are not travelling together they must unite against the powerful forces coming from the Two Towers: Orthanc Tower in Isengard where Saruman has bred a deadly army of 10,000, and Sauron's fortress at Barad-dûr.

For the majority of the post-Cold War era, Russian maritime power has hardly featured in the Euro-Atlantic community’s thinking. But in the mid-2010s, the idea that the Russian navy poses a threat to NATO began to gain ground. It took very real form in February 2022, when Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine. This book presents the first sustained examination of Russian maritime power in the period since the Cold War. It brings together leading specialists from public policy and academia to reflect on historical and contemporary aspects of Russia's naval strategy and capacities. At a time of mounting tensions, which some observers have named the ‘Fourth Battle of the Atlantic’, the book offers an informed and nuanced discussion, taking into account the view from Moscow and how this differs from western perspectives. It sketches a trajectory of Russia’s power at sea and reflects on current capabilities and problems, as well as Moscow’s strategic planning for the future. -- .

Career Pathways in Adult Education showcases the wide-ranging possibilities for a satisfying career in the field of adult education. Along with practical advice for launching and advancing a career in adult education, this book includes personal stories and insights from adult education professionals which focus on the research, practices, programs, and services within multiple industries. Divided into two sections, the book begins by examining transferable skills that adult educators need to be successful in any adult education career. Chapters in the second section focus on specific career opportunities for those with adult education backgrounds, including discussions around career lifecycle from entry to advancement, career development, and future trends. Written by active practitioners in adult education and adjacent fields, chapters are designed to be practical, informative, and thought-provoking regarding career entry, progression, development, and advancement. A truly one-of-a-kind text, Career Pathways in Adult Education is the ideal companion for students and professionals looking to transition into adult education as well as graduate program administrators who wish to learn the importance of their programs.

A critical perspective on one of the major public health issues of the day Discusses both conceptual and practical issues Synthesizes a range of disciplinary perspectives Includes findings from primary research International author team

Written by leading social scientists working in and across a variety of analytic traditions, this ambitious, insightful volume explores interpretation as a focal metaphor for understanding the body’s influence, meaning, and matter in society. Interpreting body and embodiment in social movements, health and medicine, race, sex and gender, globalization, colonialism, education, and other contexts, the book’s chapters call into question taken-for-granted ideas of where the self, the social world, and the body begin and end. Encouraging reflection and opening new perspectives on theories of the body that cut through the classic mind/body divide, this is an important contribution to the literature on the body.

This book is for people who teach calculus – and especially for people who teach student teachers, who will in turn teach calculus. The calculus considered is elementary calculus of a single variable. The book interweaves ideas for teaching with calculus content and provides a reader-friendly overview of research on learning and teaching calculus along with questions on educational and mathematical discussion topics. Written by a group of international authors with extensive experience in teaching and research on learning/teaching calculus both at the school and university levels, the book offers a variety of approaches to the teaching of calculus so that you can decide the approach for you. Topics covered include A history of calculus and how calculus differs over countries today Making sense of limits and continuity, differentiation, integration and the fundamental theorem of calculus (chapters on these areas form the bulk of the book) The ordering of calculus concepts (should limits come first?) Applications of calculus (including differential equations). The final chapter looks beyond elementary calculus. Recurring themes across chapters include whether to take a limit or a differential/infinitesimal approach to calculus and the use of digital technology in the learning and teaching of calculus. This book is essential reading for mathematics teacher trainers everywhere.

* Grounded in context, explaining how Public Law operates in practice. For example, this would provide students with an overview of the practical steps in a judicial review application and examples of relevant documents. This approach would be mindful of the changing curriculum legal education in light of the Solicitors Regulation Authority's proposals with the SQ1 and SQ2 exam. * Provide a balance in terms of content between Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Administrative Law, in order for the proposed text to be suited to a large number of Public Law courses. * Includes fully integrated pedagogy to help visual learners work through the more complex material. Some features, such as maps, are not commonly seen in Public Law textbooks.

Some inventions are created on purpose, like the television or the car. But some inventions are created by accident. Some of the most popular snacks and desserts were invented this way. Read to find out about how some of them were invented.

This book sets out and explores the case for a modernised impeachment process for the United Kingdom. The work examines the present law and history of impeachment in the United Kingdom, which today is widely regarded as having fallen into desuetude and its procedures inappropriate for modern conditions. It discusses how impeachment operates in two countries, the United States and Denmark, selected respectively for their marked differences from and similarities to the United Kingdom's political and constitutional system, for the purposes of illumination and possible lessons for a new impeachment process. The book seeks to provide a balanced and independent examination of the case for this, concluding that it would have a valuable role to play in the future development of the United Kingdom's system of politics and government. It concludes by setting out a detailed model for the structure, working and effect of impeachment. The book will be of interest to students, academics and policy-makers working in the areas of constitutional law and politics.