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.

Alex Rogo is a harried plant manager working ever more desperately to try and improve performance. His factory is rapidly heading for disaster. So is his marriage. He has ninety days to save his plant - or it will be closed by corporate HQ, with hundreds of job losses. It takes a chance meeting with a colleague from student days - Jonah - to help him break out of conventional ways of thinking to see what needs to be done.

Described by Fortune as a 'guru to industry' and by Businessweek as a 'genius', Eliyahu M. Goldratt was an internationally recognized leader in the development of new business management concepts and systems. This 20th anniversary edition includes a series of detailed case study interviews by David Whitford, Editor at Large, Fortune Small Business, which explore how organizations around the world have been transformed by Eli Goldratt's ideas.

The story of Alex's fight to save his plant contains a serious message for all managers in industry and explains the ideas which underline the Theory of Constraints (TOC) developed by Eli Goldratt. Written in a fast-paced thriller style, The Goal is the gripping novel which is transforming management thinking throughout the Western world. It is a book to recommend to your friends in industry - even to your bosses - but not to your competitors!

A Brief History of Time for the 21st Century At the heart of our galaxy lies a monster so deadly, not even light can escape its grasp. Its secrets lie waiting to be discovered. It’s time to explore our universe’s most mysterious inhabitants Black Holes At the heart of the Milky Way lies a supermassive black hole 4 million times more massive than our Sun. A place where space and time are so warped that light is trapped if it ventures within 12 million km. According to Einstein, inside lies the end of time. According to 21st-century physics, the reality may be far more bizarre. Black holes lie where the most massive stars used to shine and at the edge of our current understanding. They are naturally occurring objects, the inevitable creations of gravity when too much matter collapses into not enough space. And yet, although the laws of nature predict them, they fail fully to describe them. Black holes are places in space and time where the laws of gravity, quantum physics and thermodynamics collide. Originally thought to be so intellectually troubling that they simply could not exist, it is only in the past few years that we have begun to glimpse a new synthesis; a deep connection between gravity and quantum information theory that describes a holographic universe in which space and time emerge from a network of quantum bits, and wormholes span the void. In this groundbreaking book, Professor Brian Cox and Professor Jeff Forshaw take you to the edge of our understanding of black holes; a scientific journey to the research frontier spanning a century of physics, from Einstein to Hawking and beyond, that ends with the startling conclusion that our world may operate like a giant quantum computer.

This cutting-edge and authoritative Handbook covers a broad spectrum of social movement research methodologies, offering expert analysis and detailed accounts of the ways in which research can effectively be carried out on social movements and popular protests. Addressing practice-oriented questions, this Handbook engages with both theoretical and political dimensions, unpacking the multidimensional nature of social movement research. Divided into three thematic sections, this stimulating Handbook dives deep into discussions relating to the methodological challenges raised by researching social movements, the technical question of how such research is conducted, and then to more practical considerations about the uses and applications of movement research. Expert contributors and established researchers utilise real-world examples to explore the methodological challenges from a range of perspectives including classical, engaged, feminist, Black, Indigenous and global Southern viewpoints. The Handbook on Research Methods and Applications for Social Movements will not only appeal to experienced researchers, but also to activists who have started to think about researching their own movements and to politically engaged students. It speaks to beginning and established scholars in relevant disciplines such as sociology, political science, anthropology, geography, development studies, gender studies, and race and ethnic studies, and particularly those looking to better appreciate the different research methods for understanding social movements.

Historian Mike Cox has been writing about Texas history for four decades, sharing tales that have been overlooked or forgotten through the years. Travel to El Paso during the "Big Blow" of 1895, brave the frontier with Elizabeth Russell Baker, and stare down the infamous killer known as Old Three Toe. From frontier stories and ghost towns to famous folks and accounts of everyday life, this collection of West Texas Tales has it all.

Bryan Bertino co-writes and directs this found footage thriller starring Todd Stashwick, Alexandra Lydon and Barak Hardley. The film follows three separate people who receive a video camera on their doorstep with instructions to begin filming and be entered into a mysterious competition. However, as the reality of their situation slowly becomes apparent, they find there is something much more sinister going on behind the scenes.

India Eisley and Samuel L. Jackson star in this thriller directed by Ralph Ziman. When young Sawa (Eisley) discovers that her parents have fallen victim to a brutal double murder she enlists the help of her policeman father's former partner Karl Aker (Jackson) to help her find the killer and bring him to justice. As Sawa finds herself digging deeper into the underground world of human trafficking she discovers home truths that she wishes had stayed secret.

Kim Cattrall stars as a faded porn star, down on her luck, in this independent comedy from first-time writer/director Keith Bearden. Seizing the chance to sell his unique hot dog wagon to a potential buyer, while at the same time catching the club act of his favourite 1980s porn star Monica Velour (Cattrall), 17-year-old geek Tobe Hulbert (Dustin Ingram) sets off for Indiana. On arrival, Tobe finds an ageing Monica performing in a run-down strip joint, where, after defending her from ungracious patrons, he gets beaten up. Taken in by a grateful Monica, Tobe is sure that he's met his ideal woman and can finally set about turning his dreams into reality. But although she feels affection towards the teenager, Monica realises that her first priority needs to be getting her life back on track, and in particular, winning a custody battle for her daughter.

Double bill of film fantasies. 'Stardust' (2007) is an adventure based on the bestselling graphic novel by Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess. When a young man, Tristan (Charlie Cox), tries to win the heart of his beautiful but cold object of his desire Victoria (Sienna Miller) by going on a quest to retrieve a fallen star, his journey takes him to a mysterious and forbidden land beyond the walls of his village. On his odyssey, Tristan finds the star, which has transformed into a striking girl called Yvaine (Claire Danes). However, Tristan is not the only one seeking the star. A king (Peter O'Toole)'s four sons - not to mention the ghosts of their three dead brothers - all need the star as they vie for the throne. Tristan must also overcome the evil witch, Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer), who needs the star to make her young again. As Tristan battles to survive these threats, encountering a pirate named Captain Shakespeare (Robert De Niro) and a shady trader named Ferdy the Fence (Ricky Gervais) along the way, his quest changes. He must now win the heart of the star for himself as he discovers the meaning of true love. Neil Jordan directs the Irish drama 'Ondine' (2009). Syracuse (Colin Farrell) is a poor fisherman whose life is changed forever when he fishes a beautiful live woman (Alicja Bachleda) out of the sea. His young daughter, Annie (Alison Barry), is convinced that the mysterious beauty must be a mermaid. Theories abound about the girl's origins as she transforms the lives of Syracuse, Annie and the local townsfolk. Stephen Rea and Dervla Kirwan co-star.

This multi-perspective Research Handbook provides a clear pathway through the nonprofit governance research field, pushing beyond the borders of current theory to expand and deepen the analytical framework for nonprofit governance. It offers an analysis of the basics including definitions, organizational forms and levels of governance, and takes a critical approach towards the normative and prescriptive tendencies in much of contemporary governance scholarship.   Divided into four distinctly thematic parts, contributors provide an in-depth review of the last 20 years, building on the foundations of classical contributions and further exploring new theoretical approaches, while examining the governance challenges of diverse types of organizations, including those from both developed and developing countries. Future challenges including multilevel governance are expertly addressed, and insights leading towards a unified theory are proposed.   This thoroughly engaging Research Handbook will be an excellent resource for scholars in business and strategic management, nonprofit management and civil society, interested in topics such as nonprofit governance practice and boards of directors, governance theory, stakeholder management, membership organizations, foundations and hybrid organizations. Teachers of nonprofit management will also find this invaluable as it addresses both the core concepts and the most recent developments.

Central Texas is an area as diverse culturally as it is geographically. Bordered by Hill Country in the west, green farmland in the east and Waco and New Braunfels in the north and south, this area has drawn settlers from around the globe for over two centuries, leaving their mark and their stories along the way. From a surprising story of nineteenth-century psych ops at Fort Mason and what really happened to Bevo, the UT longhorn, in 1920 to Mrs. Ross's Croghan Cobbler recipe and rumors of a Lone Star visit by old Abe himself, historian Mike Cox regales readers with over fifty stories about the fascinating people, history and places of middle Texas.

Double bill featuring two spoof comedies. 'Epic Movie' (2007) tells the tale of four fully grown orphans: one the victim of snakes that attacked her plane, another raised by a kindly Louvre curator, the third a Mexican 'libre' wrestling refuge, and the last an average mutant from an 'X'-community. When the curious quartet visits a sprawling chocolate factory, they stumble across a magical wardrobe which transports them to the enchanted land of Gnarnia. It seems that the wondrous fantasy land has recently fallen under the spell of the evil White Bitch (Jennifer Coolidge), and in order to bring peace back to Gnarnia these four bumbling mortals will have to join forces with a charismatic pirate, a painfully sincere group of aspiring wizards, and one particularly libidinous lion. 'Date Movie' (2006) stars Alyson Hannigan as a hopeless romantic who has finally met the man of her dreams Grant Funkyerdoder. But before they can have their 'Big Fat Greek Wedding', they'll have to 'Meet the Parents', hook up with 'The Wedding Planner' and contend with Grant's girlfriend, Andy, a spectacularly beautiful woman who wants to put a stop to her 'Best Friend's Wedding'.

Ensemble comedy about a group of twentysomethings all approaching the landmark age of 30 who decide to compile a list of things they should do before they finally have to grow up. Cass (Dougray Scott) is shocked to find that he might want to settle down, Dylan (Jimi Mistry) is still trying to find the perfect woman, and Colin (Bruce Mackinnon) is just desperate to have a threesome. Also starring Billie Piper, Emilia Fox, and Shaun Parkes.

Sure, sex is great, but have you ever cracked open a new notebook and written something on the first page with a really nice pen? The story behind Notebook starts with a minor crime: the theft of Tom Cox's rucksack from a Bristol pub in 2018. In that rucksack was a journal containing ten months' worth of notes, one of the many Tom has used to record his thoughts and observations over the past twelve years. It wasn't the best he had ever kept - his handwriting was messier than in his previous notebook, his entries more sporadic - but he still grieved for every one of the hundred or so lost pages. This incident made Tom appreciate how much notebook-keeping means to him: the act of putting pen to paper has always led him to write with an unvarnished, spur-of-the-moment honesty that he wouldn't achieve on-screen. Here, Tom has assembled his favourite stories, fragments, moments and ideas from those notebooks, ranging from memories of his childhood to the revelation that 'There are two types of people in the world. People who fucking love maps, and people who don't.' The result is a book redolent of the real stuff of life, shot through with Cox's trademark warmth and wit.

The first seven episodes from the first season of the animated series following a team of superheroes as they battle against some of the deadliest villains. Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, the Hulk, Ant-Man, the Wasp, Hawkeye and the Black Panther unite to defeat various enemies, including Loki and The Masters of Evil. Episodes are: 'Iron Man Is Born!', 'Thor the Mighty', 'Hulk Versus the World', 'Meet Captain America', 'The Man in the Ant Hill', 'Breakout: Part 1' and 'Breakout: Part 2'.

The first seven episodes from the second season of the animated series following a team of superheroes as they battle against some of the deadliest villains in the known universe. Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, the Hulk, Ant-Man, the Wasp, Hawkeye and the Black Panther unite to defeat various enemies, including Loki and The Masters of Evil. The episodes are: 'The Private War of Doctor Doom', 'Alone Against A.I.M.', 'Acts of Vengeance', 'Welcome to the Kree Empire', 'To Steal an Ant-Man', 'Michael Korvac' and 'Who Do You Trust?'.

An award-winning adventure story set at Tower Bridge. While the crowds are waiting for The Queen to pass under the bridge in her Royal Barge Bella, the Tower Bridge Cat notices a London bus is heading across the opening bridge. She has to act quickly to help Babs the Bus Driver save all the bus passengers, and the day. We watch the bus fly over the opened bridge and enjoy a beautiful firework display over the Thames at the end. The story gets its inspiration from the true story of the number 78 jumping over the opening Tower Bridge in 1952. The Tower Bridge Cat won Best Children's Publication at the ACE Product Awards 2019.

From behind her came a noise, and she whirled around. Two pairs of cold, murderous eyes stared back at her from beneath hooded cloaks. She stood cemented in place, even as her brain screamed at her to run... It's their usual Thursday girls' night in, and best friends Skye, Elena, and London are enjoying hanging out at Skye's house in New Mexico, eating junk food, drinking wine, and playing with Skye's little children, Carter and Abigail. Until the intruders arrive. Hearing the horrific screams from Elena and Skye, London hides the children, tiptoes out to see what has happened... and disappears. After Carter raises the alarm, Detective Alyssa Wyatt is called in to investigate a bloodbath that appears to have no motive, no evidence, and worse still - no sign of London. As Alyssa and her team dig deeper, the truth is always out of their reach... but what is clear is that they need to find London, and fast. And as they uncover a link between the murders and a sinister local cult, can Alyssa find the young woman who has vanished without a trace - before London joins the list of victims? Meet Detective Alyssa Wyatt. Mom, Wife... and a serial killer's worst nightmare. An utterly addictive, dark and twisty detective novel with a twist that will leave you gasping. If you're a fan of Kendra Elliot, Lisa Regan or Angela Marsons, you'll fall in love with Charly Cox's stunning detective series. Readers are loving The Devil's Playground: 'This one came with a twist that I just did not see coming and it was one of those moments that I had to read two or three times...! I had tears in my eyes so many times in this book.' Reader Review 'I was seriously terrified at times but could not stop reading...A tale filled with what one could only describe as your worst nightmares come to life.' Reader Review 'Believe me, you will want the criminals caught, and to find out why they did what they did! If you are looking for a new, well-written series, this is for you!' Reader Review 'Bone chilling! murder, devil worshippers, and a crazy race to find the killer keep the pages flying. If you're in the mood for an intense thriller that holds no punches this is it.' Reader Review 'Omg this book is absolutely amazing! I went through it in a day and loved every second of it. This will keep you up reading through the early hours.' Reader Review 'Holy SMOKES! What a ride. From the first page my heart was pounding. I could not look away. This book was so good. And I literally teared up at the end. So dang awesome.' Reader Review 'Best one in the series! Gritty, dark, fast paced. Highly recommend!' Reader Review 'OMG WHAT A READ!!! Bone chilling, visceral and bloody terrifying. The best in the series so far. This very talented author is well on the way to being known as the Mistress of the Dark.' Reader Review 'When I saw that another book was coming out in this series I literally squealed with happiness. This book will keep you reading into the night so plan on not sleeping or doing anything! Perfect thriller!' Reader Review 'Detective Alyssa Wyatt is back with another adventure!!! From start to finish, I was literally hooked into the story. If you love an unputdownable, twisty thriller that will keep you on the edge, then this book is one for you. Worth five stars!' Reader Review 'I absolutely love this series. I devoured this book in a flash. Could not put it down.' Reader Review 'This one will keep you up late until you finish! suspense to the max!' Reader Review

What is my purpose? Where is my place? What is the point? Within a culture of confusion, we need something to anchor ourselves in – or rather, someone. The God Story invites you to find yourself and your purpose within God’s overarching and awe-inspiring plans for humanity. Faithfully unfolding the narrative of Scripture in a chronological yet poetic way, The God Story welcomes you to immerse yourself in the sacred themes of scripture – from work and rest, to sexuality and justice – whilst reinforcing the truth we can build our lives on: that God is love. Exploring three common threads that permeate the pages of the Bible – the presence paradigm, the family paradigm, and the Kingdom paradigm - The God Story pulls us into a deeper knowledge of God, encouraging prayer, reflection and worship. It is time to be enchanted afresh by the story of Scripture and in doing so to find personal fulfilment, transformation, and the inspiration to make a difference in today's world.