Many facts were at the origin of the present monograph. The ftrst is the beauty of maple leaves in Quebec forests in Fall. It raised the question: how does nature create and reproduce such beautiful patterns? The second was the reading of A. Lindenmayer's works on L systems. Finally came the discovery of "the secrets of DNA" together with many stimulating ex changes with biologists. Looking at such facts from the viewpoint of recursive numerical systems led to devise a simple model based on six elementary operations organized in a generating word, the analog of the program of a computer and of the genetic code of DNA in the cells of a living organism. It turned out that such a model, despite its simplicity, can account for a great number of properties of living organisms, e.g. their hierarchical structure, their ability to regenerate after a trauma, the possibility of cloning, their sensitivity to mutation, their growth, decay and reproduction. The model lends itself to analysis: the knowledge of the generating word makes it possible to predict the structure of the successive developmental stages of the system; and to synthesis: a speciftc type of structure can be obtained by systematically constructing a generating word that produces it. In fact the model here proposed is coherent with the fundamental assumptions of cellular biology and in particular with recent discoveries concerning DNA, which in the light of our model behaves like a very elaborate generating word."

The new Bulgarian ambassador to London is determined to satisfy the whims of his bosses at all costs. Putting himself at the mercy of a shady PR-agency, he is promised direct access to the very highest social circles. Meanwhile, on the lower levels of the embassy, things are not as they should be. With criminal gangs operating in the kitchens, police on the trail of missing ducks from Richmond Park and a sexy Princess Diana impersonator employed as the cleaner, how is an ambassador supposed to do his job? Combining the themes of corruption, confusion and outright incompetence, Popov masterly brings together the multiple plot lines in a sumptuous carnival of frenzy and futile vanity, allowing the illusions and delusions of the post-communist society to be reflected in their glorious absurdity!

The Eels and Turtles of Lake Baccarat truly is the 'Song of the Otway'. Told in the narrative of a descendant of the original Otway Indians that inhabited this once remote corner of what is now Ohio, Charles Gill brings the story to life with wonderfully descriptive writing in a story spanning generations. Tragedy and upheaval befall the Otway as white settlers relentlessly move west, overrunning the land they call home. But what of the settlers themselves? What is their story? This is also told with compassion and understanding, showing that there was indeed tragedy on both sides. As the story flows through the ages, characters are born, grow, and eventually die, leaving their mark on the landscape and in the hearts of their loved ones. All except the mysterious 'Bag', who seems to be live through time, appearing as a guide to many along the way.

Can you imagine what your ancestors were doing over four hundred years ago? Perhaps they were important people; perhaps their actions had a bearing on a significant historical event. Charles Gill has traced his family that far back, and with a wonderful mix of historical fact and informed fiction, he has brought back to life ancestors who were previously just names in a register. Join Alecka as she starts a new life in 16th century France, where one of her children gets inadvertently involved with royalty. Re-live Abraham's adventures in the Caribbean on his way to settling in America. Follow Abraham's descendents as they struggle with the challenges of a new country. All through the ages, the family is followed by a painting of a young man. The origins of the painting are lost along the way, but it always seems as if the young man is watching over them and making sure the debt he owes his long forgotten savior is repaid in full.

Steve is looking for direction in his life, a place where he belongs. One night while driving in thick fog, an accident involving a rabbit leads him to Moon, a girl with an unusual physical feature and a strange family history who also needs direction and answers. Together they embark on a spiritual and supernatural journey of personal discovery which leads them to unexpected places, both outside and within themselves. Their journey will eventually tell them that what they are seeking has always been within reach.

This is the autobiography of Charles Franklin Gill, Jr. beginning in 1835 when the Gills and Haynes arrived in Richwood, Ohio and played a major role in the establishment and administration of the community. It continues with the arrival of the Foxes and LeMasters from West Virginia and the union of those two families. My story tells of my birth, childhood, moving to Reno, Nevada, college, Vietnam, and later my life in Saratoga, California as a businessman. I have included an extensive appendix containing articles in the Union County History archives and family trees of the Gills, Haynes, Foxes and LeMasters families. Part I is largely historical. I have attempted to make it readable with lots of photos. Part II is my story and I will let it speak for itself. These anecdotes and stories are derived from the sources stated in the appendixes as well as my own life experiences.