"An insightful, riveting study of marriage." --People From the bestselling author of Ask Again, Yes, a masterful and "absorbing" (The New York Times) novel about a couple in a small town navigating the complexities of marriage, family, and longing. Malcolm Gephardt, handsome and gregarious longtime bartender at the Half Moon, has always dreamed of owning a bar. When his boss finally retires, Malcolm stretches to buy the place. He sees unquantifiable magic and potential in the Half Moon and hopes to transform it into a bigger success, but struggles to stay afloat. His smart and confident wife, Jess, has devoted herself to her law career. After years of trying for a baby, she is facing the idea that motherhood may not be in the cards for her. Like Malcolm, she feels her youth beginning to slip away and wonders how to reshape her future. "A quick and impactful read that will stay with you long after you finish it" (theSkimm), The Half Moon takes place over the course of one week when Malcolm learns shocking news about Jess, a patron of the bar goes missing, and a blizzard hits the town of Gillam, trapping everyone in place. With a deft eye and generous spirit, Mary Beth Keane explores the disappointments and unexpected consolations of midlife, the many forms forgiveness can take, the complicated intimacy of small-town living, and what it means to be a family.

Comprehensively explore topics and help students visualise and appreciate chemistry within the Caribbean context as they prepare for the CSEC (R) Examination. - Engage students with full colour design, colour photographs, clear diagrams and illustrations. - Reinforce and consolidate learning with end of chapter questions and practice exam questions. - Show relevance of Chemistry to everyday life with Caribbean and international examples. - Support SBA portion of the syllabus and offer new detailed content on metals and non-metals in the environment. - Extend learning with extra online resources for students and teachers.

There are two sides to every story - and every marriage in crisis . . .

Malcolm, bartender at the Half Moon, has always dreamed of owning a bar, and when his boss finally retires, he seizes his chance.

His wife, Jess, has devoted herself to her law career, but after years of trying for a baby, she's struggling to accept the idea that motherhood might not be in her future. She finds herself slipping away from both her career and her marriage. The bar is Malcolm's dream, and as she feels her youth start to fade, she wonders how to reshape her own life.

When a blizzard hits their upstate New York town on the same day that Malcolm learns some shocking news about Jess, and a regular at the bar goes missing, everyone is frozen in place for a single, pivotal week, forcing Malcolm and Jess to confront their uncertain future.

The Half Moon carefully explores a marriage in crisis, what it takes to make a life with another person, and the true meaning of family.

Comedy starring Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson as three men in different stages of life competing to become champion birdwatchers. Stu (Martin) is a successful business executive on the brink of retirement. Brad (Black), the youngest of the three, works as a computer programmer but lacks direction and focus in his life. Meanwhile, the obsessive and unscrupulous Kenny (Wilson) will stop at nothing to hold onto his title of World's Greatest Birder. As they travel the length and breadth of North America as participants of the 'Big Year' competition, in which birders compete to spot the greatest number of bird species in the United States over the course of one year, the three men discover as much about themselves and each other as they do about America's bird population.

The melodramatic and romantic cliche s that pervade popular conceptions of working-class Londoners in the 19th and 20th century are debunked in this innovative expose of proletariat London. The individual stories of muted historical figures, including an illiterate silk weaver, a grandmother in an asylum, a deserted family, an abused daughter, and a dead child, are brought to light through interpretations of the scraps they left behind-- gravestone inscriptions, photographs and certificates, the grimy contents of hidden cubbyholes, and even childhood recollections that have been passed down through the generations. The unusual contents of these stories intertwine to evoke a haunting and original picture of working-class London that adds a much-needed, though bleak facet to the city's social history.

Complete third series of the popular telefantasy about the trials and tribulations of the thinly clad busty warrior princess, Xena (Lucy Lawless) and her equally comely sidekick, Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor). Episodes are: 'The Furies', 'Been There, Done That', 'The Dirty Half Dozen', 'The Deliverer', 'Gabrielle's Hope', 'The Debt (Part 1)', 'The Debt (Part 2)', 'The King of Assassins', 'Warrior...Priestess...Tramp', 'The Quill is Mightier', 'Maternal Instincts', 'The Bitter Suite', 'One Against an Army', 'Forgiven', 'King Con', 'When in Rome...', 'Forget Me Not', 'Fins, Femmes and Gems', 'Tsunami', 'Vanishing Act', 'Sacrifice (Part 1)' and 'Sacrifice (Part 2)'.

The enemy is close to home in The Manor, a gripping gangland thriller from the top five bestseller Jessie Keane. Charlie Stone and Terry Barton have been blood brothers since the cradle. They grew up in the East End skimming along the bottom of the underworld, until Charlie took over the manor from the local mob and a twist of fate put him and his best mate on the road to the high life. When Charlie and Terry both marry and have kids, everything is set. Both families have everything they ever wanted. But things begin to turn sour when Charlie’s adopted son Harlan starts to cause trouble. It soon becomes clear that Harlan doesn’t just want to be number one son; he wants to be number one, full stop, and he wants Terry’s daughter Belle Barton by his side. As the feud caused by Harlan spirals out of control it is left to Belle to pick up the pieces. Is she strong enough to take on Harlan Stone? And has she got what it takes to rule the manor . . .

Zombie horror starring Billy Zane, Dee Wallace and Mischa Barton. The youthful residents of the small town of Elwood spend their days training under the command of veteran Seiler (Zane) who prides himself in preparing the next generation for their future of fighting off zombies. The hordes of the undead, brought back to life by a virus that has wiped out the rest of humanity, lurk on the other side of Elwood's perimeter fence, waiting for any opportunists who wish to step outside. While the rest of the town fight over the cause of the virus, the 'zombie killers' put their training into action to defend their homes and families. The cast also includes Gabrielle Stone, Felissa Rose and Brian Anthony Wilson.

A fitting tribute to John B. Keane, for decades Ireland's favorite storyteller, this winning short story collection typifies the late author's folkloric imagination and storytelling arts. These are congenial tales, too, as this literary legend views the foibles and fallibilities of Irish country folk with abundant compassion as well as a shrewd, sometimes sardonic eye. Add to that Keane's glorious sense of fun and roguery that will make readers relish all the more how and why, in "Fred Rimble," Jim Conlon kills the best friend he ever had. Or how Willie Ramley determines that his future wife will be "Guaranteed Pure." Or how, to tragic as well as comic effect, a gasp, garlic, and gossip undo Denny Bruder in "The Hanging." In all, Keane uncovers the folly in the romantic pangs, exalted aspirations, misguided mischief, and everyday shortcomings of the characters in the village of his storyteller's mind-and beyond the folly finds their humanity.

China is at the crux of reforming, professionalising, and internationalising its cultural and creative industries. These industries are at the forefront of China's move towards the status of a developed country. In this comprehensive Handbook, international experts including leading Mainland scholars examine the background to China's cultural and creative industries as well as the challenges ahead. The chapters represent the cutting-edge of scholarship, setting out the future directions of culture, creativity and innovation in China. Combining interdisciplinary approaches with contemporary social and economic theory, the contributors examine developments in art, cultural tourism, urbanism, digital media, e-commerce, fashion and architectural design, publishing, film, television, animation, documentary, music and festivals. Students of Chinese culture and society will find this Handbook to be an invaluable resource. Scholars working on topics related to China's emergence and its cultural aspirations will also find the themes discussed in this book to be of interest. Contributors: R. Bai, M. Cheung, Y. Chu, P. Chung, J. Dai, J. De Kloet, A.Y.H. Fung, L. Gorfinkel, M. Guo, E.C. Hendriks, C.M. Herr, V. Ho, Y. Huang, M. Keane, W. Lei, H. Li, W. Li, Y. Li, W. Lei, B. Liboriussen, T. Lindgren, R. Ma, L. Montgomery, E. Priest, Z. Qiu, X. Ren, F. Schneider, W. Sun, M.A. Ulfstjerne, J. Wang, Q. Wang, C. Hing-Yuk Wong, H. Wu, B. Yecies, L. Yi, N. Yi, X. Zhang, E.J. Zhao, J. Zheng

An Irish Times book of the year 2022 A powerful, probing book about PTSD. As a journalist Keane has covered conflict and brutality across the world for more than thirty years, from Rwanda, Sudan, South Africa, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine and many more. Driven by an irresistible compulsion to be where the night is darkest, he made a name for reporting with humanity and empathy from places where death and serious injury were not abstractions, and tragedy often just a moment's bad luck away. But all this time he struggled not to be overwhelmed by another story, his acute 'complex post-traumatic stress disorder', a condition arising from exposure to multiple instances of trauma experienced over a long period. This condition has caused him to suffer a number of mental breakdowns and hospitalisations. Despite this, and countless promises to do otherwise, he has gone back to the wars again and again. Why? In this powerful and intensely personal book, Keane interrogates what it is that draws him to the wars, what keeps him there and offers a reckoning of the damage done. PTSD affects people from all walks of life. Trauma can be found in many places, not just war. Keane's book speaks to the struggle of all who are trying to recover from injury, addiction and mental breakdown. It is a survivor's story drawn from lived experience, told with honesty, courage and an open heart.

Elgar Research Agendas outline the future of research in a given area. Leading scholars are given the space to explore their subject in provocative ways, and map out the potential directions of travel. They are relevant but also visionary. At a time when neoliberalism has become an accepted term in public debate to refer to the current state of modern societies and their political economies, Kean Birch critically analyses the conflicting theories that shape our understanding of 'neoliberalism'. With an ever-expanding variety of perspectives on the concept of neoliberalism, it is increasingly difficult to identify any commonalities. This book explores how different people understand neoliberalism, and the contradictions in thinking of neoliberalism as a market-based ethic, project, or order. Detailing the intellectual history of 'neoliberal' thought, the variety of critical approaches and the many analytical ambiguities, Kean Birch presents a new way to conceptualize contemporary political economy and offers potential avenues for future research through a judicious exploration of 'neoliberal' practices, processes, and institutions. This work will be an essential resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students, scholars, and researchers to critically assess the concept of neoliberalism across many disciplines. The book will also serve as a general introduction to a wider audience interested in the term 'neoliberalism', its potential pitfalls, and its contested future.

Ellen Keane spent most of her teens uncomfortable with her limb difference. Hiding behind long-sleeved hoodies, she perfected poses in photographs and concealed her insecurities. How did she go from being a shy young girl to a strong, confident woman and gold-winning Paralympian? The day Ellen embraced her difference was the day she found her superpower. She started to believe in her unique abilities and gradually find the success that she had never dreamed possible. Perfectly Imperfect is for anyone struggling to embrace who they are. With anecdotes from her own life, practical advice, monthly check-ins and good-natured humour, Ellen dares you to let go of waiting until everything is perfect and, instead, embrace your imperfect, messy self just as you are. It might just change your life.

In this funny, feel-good first-pet book, one aspiring dog owner and her parents ponder - in wildly imaginative and hilarious detail - all the best and worst outcomes of bringing home more dogs than you can (literally) shake a stick at. A young girl proclaims, "I want 100 dogs." In a twist, her parents agree, but they have just one question: Where will 100 dogs sleep? Our protagonist revises her request to 90 dogs. But how does one walk 90 dogs? A silly, subtractive counting tale and an over-the-top ode to the joys (and woes) of canine company, this sweet and surprising story proves that no matter how boundless your enthusiasm, when it comes to finding the perfect pet, sometimes less really is more. Written by bestselling author Stacy McAnulty and illustrated with vintage flair by Claire Keane, this clever and funny picture book will be a new favorite for readers and pet lovers everywhere - whether you have no dogs, one dog, or one dog too many.

When President Habyarimana's jet was shot down in April 1994, Rwanda erupted into a hundred-day orgy of killing - which left up to a million dead. The world's media showed the shocking pictures, and then largely moved on. Fergal Keane travelled through the country as the genocide was continuing, and his powerful account reveals the terrible truths behind the headlines.

He takes us to the scene of the appalling massacre at Nyarubuye, to the camp in Tanzania where the chief perpetrator lives like a prince, to the orphanages and Red Cross hospital, through territory controlled by Hutu extremists, and behind the siege lines, as Kigali is about to fall. Yet his searing descriptions are matched by trenchant political and historical analysis. This book offers a few brief glimpses of hope - of individual decency and heroism - but is essentially the story of an encounter with evil. It offers an unforgettable portrait of one of the century's greatest man-made catastrophes.

A Disney production mixing animation with live action. Lonely orphan boy Pete (Sean Marshall) finds a new friend in a surprising form: Elliott, a 12-foot tall dragon that has the power to make itself invisible. Together they innocently cause chaos in their sleepy hometown, but their partnership is put in jeopardy when a visiting medicine seller (Jim Dale) tries to kidnap Elliott.

Jody Jean Dreyer worked for the Walt Disney Company for 30 years and in Beyond the Castle she shares one-of-a-kind stories and insights into what sets the Disney experience apart, as well as secrets to help you discover your own "happily ever after." When the credits roll and you've left the park, when your Disney day is over, how do you take the magic with you into your everyday work and life? The wish for happy endings is written in our hearts. Every park guest or movie watcher is looking for their own "happily ever after," as they ask the questions: What's my story? Does it matter? Will the story end well for me? Jody's personal experiences and her underpinning faith help her to offer practical and sometimes unexpected principles to better appreciate and navigate our own stories. Now updated with a discussion guide for individual and group study, you can open the doors and peek inside the castle - and more, to unlock and illuminate life's true treasure. Beginning with her first position as a summer intern at Walt Disney World, through her role leading synergy and special projects for Disney (reporting to former CEO Michael Eisner), to her work with top leadership at Walt Disney Motion Pictures sharing the magic of Disney films around the world, Jody's entertaining storytelling unpacks secrets that can change the way we understand ourselves, our work and relationships, and how we can find our own path to happiness. You will read her stories about working with Walt's nephew, Roy E. Disney, her front-line role in the opening of theme parks around the world and her own journey to discovering how to bring some Disney magic into every day.

From his vantage point as a garden designer and writer based in Kyoto, Marc Peter Keane examines the world around him and delivers astonishing insights through an array of narratives. How the names of gardens reveal their essential meaning. A new definition of what art is. What trees are really made of. The true meaning of the enigmatic torii gate found at Shinto shrines. Why we give flowers as gifts. The essential, underlying unity of the world.