The first two films in the comedy franchise based on Jeff Kinney's best-selling illustrated novel detailing the trials and tribulations of a wise-cracking pre-teen. 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' (2010) follows 12-year-old Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon), who, along with his best friend, Rowley (Robert Capron), spends his days negotiating the minefield that is middle school. Whether dodging bullies, learning complex and seemingly ever-changing social codes, grappling with the onset of puberty or attempting to fathom the mysteries of the opposite sex, Greg writes it all down in his diary. In 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 - Rodrick Rules' (2011), just when he thought life couldn't get any more complicated, Greg is horrified to discover that his older brother, Rodrick (Devon Bostick), has taken possession of his secret diary. Meanwhile, he must navigate the hurdles posed by a summer swimming contest and the school talent show.

Can stopping time solve a murder . . . ? A delicious mystery adventure for fans of Robin Stevens and Cressida Cowell from the award-winning and bestselling author of the Pinch of Magic series.

When the Morrow twins, Merry and Spike, arrive at dusty old Fox House, they think spending their holidays there is going to be dull. But they soon discover that there are secrets to the old house. A missing woman, a baby left on the doorstep, a locked study . . . As the mysteries pile up, the girls begin to investigate, using their own secret to help them: they can stop time!

What happened in this old house? And can their strange powers help them solve a decades-old crime?

The first two films in the comedy franchise based on Jeff Kinney's best-selling illustrated novel detailing the trials and tribulations of a wise-cracking pre-teen. 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' (2010) follows 12-year-old Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon), who, along with his best friend, Rowley (Robert Capron), spends his days negotiating the minefield that is middle school. Whether dodging bullies, learning complex and seemingly ever-changing social codes, grappling with the onset of puberty or attempting to fathom the mysteries of the opposite sex, Greg writes it all down in his diary. In 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 - Rodrick Rules' (2011), just when he thought life couldn't get any more complicated, Greg is horrified to discover that his older brother, Rodrick (Devon Bostick), has taken possession of his secret diary. Meanwhile, he must navigate the hurdles posed by a summer swimming contest and the school talent show.

"Harrison's examination of the Caribbean sugar industry straddles the line between a journalistic and a scholarly approach...Unique characteristics of the book are the personal vignettes and interviews with plantation workers, producers, traders, and buyers."
--"Choice"

What is life like on a sugar plantation at the end of the twentieth century? What will happen if the sugar industry collapses? How do the poverty-stricken cane cutters of rural Jamaica fit into the global economy? And how does sugar make its way from the canefield to our kitchens?

The Carribean's history is inseparable from sugar. In Jamaica entire communities depend on the sugar industry, earning a precarious living on old-fashioned plantations. For many the crop even doubles as currency. But as the advanced nations reassess the economic policies that keep sugar alive, time is running out for the island's industry.

King Sugar looks at the world sugar business, identifying the key playersproducers, markets and transnational companiesand explaining how the industry works. It explores the economics and politics of trading agreements, the mysteries of the futures market and the technology of sugar production. Based on interviews with traders, buyers and producers, it provides a unique look at the history of this commodity.

King Sugar also looks in detail at how ordinary people fit into this global industry. Through interviews with workers on a plantation she provides a vivid picture of producers and the crises they face. The book finally assesses the future of sugar, both in Jamaica and the wider world, and considers the options for those still ruled by "King Sugar."

While visiting her grandmother's house, an old photograph leads Tanya to an unsolved mystery. Fifty years ago a girl vanished in the woods nearby - a girl Tanya's grandmother will not speak of. Fabian, the caretaker's son, is tormented by the girl's disappearance. His grandfather was the last person to see her alive, and has lived under suspicion ever since. Together, Tanya and Fabian decide to find the truth. But Tanya has her own secret: the ability to see fairies. And, after disturbing an intruder in the night, it emerges that someone else shares her ability . . . The manor's sinister history is about to repeat itself . . .

The aim of this book is to bring students of economics and finance who have only an introductory background in mathematics up to a quite advanced level in the subject, thus preparing them for the core mathematical demands of econometrics, economic theory, quantitative finance and mathematical economics, which they are likely to encounter in their final-year courses and beyond. The level of the book will also be useful for those embarking on the first year of their graduate studies in Business, Economics or Finance. The book also serves as an introduction to quantitative economics and finance for mathematics students at undergraduate level and above. In recent years, mathematics graduates have been increasingly expected to have skills in practical subjects such as economics and finance, just as economics graduates have been expected to have an increasingly strong grounding in mathematics. The authors avoid the pitfalls of many texts that become too theoretical. The use of mathematical methods in the real world is never lost sight of and quantitative analysis is brought to bear on a variety of topics including foreign exchange rates and other macro level issues.

There are secrets hidden beneath the ice . . . bring the magic home in the frosty fourth instalment of the bestselling Pinch of Magic Adventures, from the award-winning author Michelle Harrison.

When the Widdershins sisters and Granny are called away in deepest winter to look after cousin Clarissa, it doesn’t take long for adventure – or trouble – to find them. The town of Wilderness has plenty to explore with its frozen lake and winter market, as well as being haunted by a doomed highwayman and his secret love. But the legends are true and seeing a ghostly figure one night, the girls realise that Granny is in terrible danger.

As an icy storm rages, the race to save her begins – can the sisters lay Wilderness’s ghosts to rest before another soul is claimed?

'A SPELLBINDING STORY, STEEPED IN MAGIC. I ADORED IT' - Abi Elphinstone, author of Sky Song

Three sisters trapped by an ancient curse.

Three magical objects with the power to change their fate.

Will they be enough to break the curse?

Or will they lead the sisters even deeper into danger? ...

The enchanting new story from Michelle Harrison, author of the bestselling THIRTEEN TREASURES trilogy

First published in 1971 The London that was Rome is both a detective story and a tale of buried treasure. Some years ago, Michael Harrison set out to discover the truth about Roman London. Did it survive the Saxon onslaught in the fifth century or (as many historians have claimed) did it lie sacked, ruined, and abandoned for about a century and a half? Searching for an answer, Harrison forged himself a new 'truth detecting' method of discovery; but even he could not anticipate the immense success of this method. With 'New Archaeology' he has not only recovered the street plan of Roman London, but also replaced the buildings-temples, barracks, banks, baths, picture-galleries, treasuries and so on - which lined those streets. In many cases he has been able to name the streets and at the same time vividly describe for us the social and economic life of a London, which under the Caesars, ranked among the principal cities of the Empire. This book is an interesting read for students of archaeology, history, and for general readers interested to know about London.

Sisters, secrets and spellbinding adventure. Discover the Pinch of Magic Adventures from bestselling Michelle Harrison, where everyone knows that magic and trouble go hand in hand . . . A Storm of Sisters - out now! It should have been a fresh start for the Widdershins sisters, Betty, Fliss and Charlie, who have left the misty gloom of Crowstone for a new life in the pretty village of Pendlewick. But all is not as it seems and as one of their own begins to slip away from them, the sisters find themselves in a race against time to break a dark magic that has cast a spell over the village. A Gold Standard Selection from the Junior Library Guild, discover the third spellbinding Pinch of Magic adventure from Michelle Harrison, winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. Read all of the Widdershins sisters' adventures in A Pinch of Magic, A Sprinkle of Sorcery and A Storm of Sisters. Praise for the Pinch of Magic Adventures 'A spellbinding story, steeped in magic. I adored it.' Abi Elphinstone 'Brilliant' Emma Carroll 'What a gorgeous, funny, creepy, page-turny story! If you're yet to discover the Widdershins sisters books, you're in for a TREAT!' Lucy Strange 'A stunner. Such great writing!' Peter Bunzl 'I love Michelle Harrison - I hadn't read much fantasy but this series hooked me! Brilliant writing, beautiful!' Lisa Thompson 'Simply phenomenal' Sophie Anderson 'The wry enchantment of an E. Nesbit classic' Guardian 'Fantasy and adventure appear on every page of this spellbinding tale' Daily Mail

This book examines the dominant popular culture convention of the superhero, situated within the most significant global event of the last 20 years. Exploring the explosion of the superhero genre post-9/11, it sheds fresh light on the manner in which American society has processed and continues to process the trauma from the terrorist attacks. Beginning with the development of Batman in comics, television, and film, the authors offer studies of popular films including Iron Man, Captain America, The X-Men, Black Panther, and Wonder Woman, revealing the ways in which these texts meditate upon the events and aftermath of 9/11 and challenge the dominant hyper-patriotic narrative that emerged in response to the attacks. A study of the superhero genre's capacity to unpack complex global interplays that question America's foreign policy actions and the white, militarized masculinity that has characterized major discourses following 9/11, this volume explores the engagement of superhero films with issues of authority, patriotism, war, morals, race, gender, surveillance, the military industrial complex, and American political and social identities. As such, it will appeal to scholars and students of cultural and media studies, film studies, sociology, politics, and American studies.

From the bestselling author of A PINCH OF MAGIC comes another spellbinding adventure that will take your breath away and make you believe in magic.

A missing sister, a secret island and ... a sprinkle of sorcery.

The family curse has been lifted and the Widdershins sisters: Betty, Fliss and Charlie are free to leave the misty prison isle of Crowstone. But when a mysterious girl arrives at the Poacher’s Pocket with a pocketful of hagstones and accompanied by a will-o’-the-wisp, it seems another adventure has landed on their doorstep. And when Charlie goes missing, it’s up to Betty and Fliss to journey through misty marches, past wisp catchers and on to a secret island that doesn’t exist on any map…

This book examines the dominant popular culture convention of the superhero, situated within the most significant global event of the last 20 years. Exploring the explosion of the superhero genre post-9/11, it sheds fresh light on the manner in which American society has processed and continues to process the trauma from the terrorist attacks. Beginning with the development of Batman in comics, television, and film, the authors offer studies of popular films including Iron Man, Captain America, The X-Men, Black Panther, and Wonder Woman, revealing the ways in which these texts meditate upon the events and aftermath of 9/11 and challenge the dominant hyper-patriotic narrative that emerged in response to the attacks. A study of the superhero genre's capacity to unpack complex global interplays that question America's foreign policy actions and the white, militarized masculinity that has characterized major discourses following 9/11, this volume explores the engagement of superhero films with issues of authority, patriotism, war, morals, race, gender, surveillance, the military industrial complex, and American political and social identities. As such, it will appeal to scholars and students of cultural and media studies, film studies, sociology, politics, and American studies.

The Thirteen Treasures have become the Thirteen Curses.

When fairies stole her brother, Red vowed to get him back. Now trapped in the fairy realm, she begs an audience with the fairy court where she strikes a bargain. Her brother will be returned - but only if she can find the thirteen charms of Tanya's bracelet that have been scattered in the human world. Returning to Elvesden Manor, Red is assisted by Tanya and Fabian and a desperate hunt begins.

Soon they make a shocking discovery. The charms now have twisted qualities of the thirteen treasures they represent... and the longer they are missing the worse the consequences will be. Can Red, Tanya and Fabian find all the charms? And even if they do, will the fairies keep their promise?

Cents and Sustainability is a clear-sighted response to the 1987 call by Dr Gro Brundtland in Our Common Future to achieve a new era of economic growth that is 'forceful and at the same time socially and environmentally sustainable'. The Brundtland Report argued that not only was it achievable, but that it was an urgent imperative in order to achieve a transition to sustainable development while significantly reducing poverty and driving 'clean and green' investment. With some still arguing for significantly slowing economic growth in order to reduce pressures on the environment, this new book, Cents and Sustainability, shows that it is possible to reconcile the need for economic growth and environmental sustainability through a strategy to decouple economic growth from environmental pressures, combined with a renewed commitment to achieve significant environmental restoration and poverty reduction. Beginning with a brief overview of some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, the book then explains 'decoupling theory', overviews a number of factors that can undermine and even block efforts to decouple in both developed and developing countries, and then discusses a number of key considerations to assist the development of national 'decoupling strategies'. The book then focuses on presenting evidence to support greater action, not just on climate change, but also on decoupling economic growth from the loss of biodiversity and the deterioration of natural systems, freshwater extraction, waste production, and air pollution. In the lead up to the 2012 United Nations Earth Summit and beyond, Cents and Sustainability will be a crucial guide to inform and assist nations to develop strategies to significantly reduce environmental pressures, strengthen their economy, create jobs and reduce poverty. 'I commend the team from The Natural Edge Project and their partners for undertaking to develop a response to 'Our Common Future' to mark its 20th anniversary.' Dr Gro Brundtland. Sequel to The Natural Advantage of Nations Published with The Natural Edge Project

Direct and to the point, this book from one of the field's leaders covers Brownian motion and stochastic calculus at the graduate level, and illustrates the use of that theory in various application domains, emphasizing business and economics. The mathematical development is narrowly focused and briskly paced, with many concrete calculations and a minimum of abstract notation. The applications discussed include: the role of reflected Brownian motion as a storage model, queueing model, or inventory model; optimal stopping problems for Brownian motion, including the influential McDonald-Siegel investment model; optimal control of Brownian motion via barrier policies, including optimal control of Brownian storage systems; and Brownian models of dynamic inference, also called Brownian learning models, or Brownian filtering models.

Orphaned Mary Lennox doesn't want to live on the moors in a dark and gloomy mansion. The only thing that interests her is the story of the secret garden which her uncle has locked up forever. But then she finds a key ... Will Mary bring the garden back to life and discover the other secret Misselthwaite Manor is hiding? The Secret Garden is part of the Reading Planet range of books for Stars (Lime) to Supernova (Red+) band. Children aged 7-11 will be inspired to love reading through the gripping stories and fascinating information books created by top authors. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and questions to support reading at home and develop comprehension skills. Reading age: 8-9 years

This collection of amazing work, based on rigourous academic and practical research, brings together an overview of the 21st-century business case for sustainable development (Business Opportunities), incorporates innovative technical, structural and social advancements (Innovation), and explores the role of governance to lead and underpin business and communities in the shift towards a sustainable future (Governance). The editorial team from The Natural Edge Project have studied and incorporated the works of over 30 of the world's leaders in sustainability. This book combines the lessons of competitive advantage theory and practice, such as the works of Michael Porter, with the sustainability paradigm in light of the important developments in economics, innovation, business and governance over the last 30-50 years. Far from being in conflict with economics and business practice this book shows how we can maximize the well being of society and the environment and drive innovation in an increasingly competitive world. The book and an extensive companion web site are significant resources that offer core information for all those working on and in the new sustainable economy.

"Consuming Interests" focuses upon the key interests which lead to the provision of food choices: corporate retailers, government regulators and consumer organisations; and examines how a retailed form of food governance has emerged. Divided into three sections: Concepts and Strategies, National Strategies and Local Strategies, the book provides a detailed examination of corporate retailers, state agencies and consumer organisations involved in the food sector. The analysis raises some key social scientific questions concerning what the public can expect the central and local state to ensure; what limits there may be upon state action; and what the most appropriate balances should be between public and private interests in the provision of "quality" foods. Blending critical theory, empirical research and policy, "Consuming Interests" provides a topical and interdisciplinary exploration into the nature of food provision, policy and regulation and gives an insight into the broader social science concerns of the nature and powers of the contemporary state.

"Consuming Interests" focuses upon the key interests which lead to the provision of food choices: corporate retailers, government regulators and consumer organisations; and examines how a retailed form of food governance has emerged. Divided into three sections: Concepts and Strategies, National Strategies and Local Strategies, the book provides a detailed examination of corporate retailers, state agencies and consumer organisations involved in the food sector. The analysis raises some key social scientific questions concerning what the public can expect the central and local state to ensure; what limits there may be upon state action; and what the most appropriate balances should be between public and private interests in the provision of "quality" foods. Blending critical theory, empirical research and policy, "Consuming Interests" provides a topical and interdisciplinary exploration into the nature of food provision, policy and regulation and gives an insight into the broader social science concerns of the nature and powers of the contemporary state.

Misty has just started at school and Ella and Jack are keen to make her feel welcome. But Misty isn't like the other children; she has a spell book, she keeps vanishing, and why is she holding that broomstick? Can Ella and Jack solve the mystery of the new girl? The New Girl's Secret is part of the Galaxy range of books from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Galaxy provides captivating fiction and non-fiction for Pink A to White band. The rich collection of highly decodable books immerses children in a range of cross-curricular topics and genres. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 6-7 years

The aim of this book is to bring students of economics and finance who have only an introductory background in mathematics up to a quite advanced level in the subject, thus preparing them for the core mathematical demands of econometrics, economic theory, quantitative finance and mathematical economics, which they are likely to encounter in their final-year courses and beyond. The level of the book will also be useful for those embarking on the first year of their graduate studies in Business, Economics or Finance. The book also serves as an introduction to quantitative economics and finance for mathematics students at undergraduate level and above. In recent years, mathematics graduates have been increasingly expected to have skills in practical subjects such as economics and finance, just as economics graduates have been expected to have an increasingly strong grounding in mathematics. The authors avoid the pitfalls of many texts that become too theoretical. The use of mathematical methods in the real world is never lost sight of and quantitative analysis is brought to bear on a variety of topics including foreign exchange rates and other macro level issues.

This book is more than just a 'palliative care' guide for the planet - it is about innovation, solutions, competitiveness and profitability. At work, at home and as members of society, our generation has an opportunity - to be part of the obligation - and an exciting solution in restoring the balance. The authors present a bold vision for the future and demonstrate how we can get there, drawing on lessons of competitive advantage theory and the latest in sustainability, economics, innovation, business and governance theory and practice. The result is nothing less than the most authoritative and comprehensive guide to date, to building the new ecologically sustainable economy. For further information about The Natural Edge Project and to view the book's online companion, visit www.naturaledgeproject.net.