Gero may be a master assassin, but he’s not exactly killing it in the romance department! Can marriage swindler Kinosaki help him find true love?

Poison Master Hikaru Gero is about to take on his most challenging assignment yet—getting married! But after training his entire life to become one of the world’s deadliest assassins, Gero couldn’t be more clueless when it comes to the art of dating. Thankfully, marriage swindler Mei Kinosaki knows everything there is to know about love, and together, this unlikely pair is going to do whatever it takes to get Gero hitched—even if they have to take on the entire criminal underworld in the process!

After assessing Gero’s romantic qualities (or lack thereof), Kinosaki decides the best strategy to find Gero a wife is to use his impressive talents as an assassin instead! Together they respond to a job listing to rescue Himekawa, an art thief who’s been taken hostage—but with a water master now standing in their way, their plan takes a turn for the worse! Can Gero win this fierce battle of poison versus water and take his first step toward marital bliss?

With a new introduction, this collection of Japanese ghost stories brings together fantastic tales of vengeful spirits, mountain-dwelling phantoms, man-eating oni, haunted trees, and child-rearing ghosts, with stories such as Yuki-Onna, Hoichi the Earless, The Ghost of O-Kiku from The Bancho Sarayashiki, the sorry tale of O-Iwa from the Yotsuya Kaidan, The Peony Lantern and The Ghost Who Bought Candy. Japan has a long and ancient custom of sharing stories of the supernatural, brought to fashionable prominence in the Kaidan literature of the Edo period, now presented here for the modern reader. FLAME TREE 451: From myth to mystery, the supernatural to horror, fantasy and science fiction, Flame Tree 451 offers a healthy diet of werewolves and mechanical men, blood-lusty vampires, dastardly villains, mad scientists, secret worlds, lost civilizations and escapist fantasies. Discover a storehouse of tales gathered specifically for the reader of the fantastic.

Gero may be a master assassin, but he’s not exactly killing it in the romance department! Can marriage swindler Kinosaki help him find true love? Poison Master Hikaru Gero is about to take on his most challenging assignment yet—getting married! But after training his entire life to become one of the world’s deadliest assassins, Gero couldn’t be more clueless when it comes to the art of dating. Thankfully, marriage swindler Mei Kinosaki knows everything there is to know about love, and together, this unlikely pair is going to do whatever it takes to get Gero hitched—even if they have to take on the entire criminal underworld in the process! Hikaru Gero is an assassin from a centuries-old clan of poison masters. Considering his less-than-honest occupation and complete lack of experience with women, he’s never considered himself marriage material—that is, until the family orders his sister to produce the poison clan’s next heir in his place. That’s when Gero comes across his next target, Mei Kinosaki, a marriage swindler! Refusing to let his sister abandon her own chance at true love with her girlfriend, Gero enlists Kinosaki’s services in matchmaking. Does Kinosaki have what it takes to turn this trained killer into a charming husband-to-be?

In this sequel to 'Star Wars Episode I: A New Hope' (1977), the Rebel Alliance flees the power of Darth Vader (Dave Prowse) once again and finds refuge on the frozen planet of Hoth, but their safe place does not stay safe for long. The all-star cast also includes Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher.

The next instalment in the 'Star Wars' franchise. Rebel Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and his friends continue to battle evil in the form of the decadent galactic empire, headed by Jedi-gone-bad Darth Vader (Dave Prowse, with the voice of James Earl Jones), as the ruthless Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) sets plans in motion to build a second Death Star with the purpose of destroying the Rebel Alliance.

Episode 1: The Phantom Menace
Anakin Skywalker, a boy with special powers, is unaware that the journey he is beginning will transform him into the evil Darth Vader. Obi-Wan Kenobi, is a determined young apprentice and Palpatine, well know as the evil Emperor, is an ambitious Senator in the Galactic Republic. It is a time when the Jedi Knights are the guardians of Peace in a turbulent galaxy and a young Queen fights to save her people. In the shadows lurks an evil force waiting for the right moment to strike.

Episode 2: Attack Of The Clones
Anakin Skywalker has grown into an accomplished Jedi apprentice, and he faces his most difficult challenge yet as he must choose between his Jedi duty and forbidden love. Relive the adventure the way it was meant to be seen in spectacular digital clarity, including the climatic Clone War battle and Jedi Master Yoda in the ultimate lightsaber duel. Discover how Episode II unlocks the secrets of the entire Star Wars saga...

Episode 3: Revenge Of The Sith
Torn between loyalty to his mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the seductive powers of the Sith, Anakin Skywalker ultimately turns his back on the Jedi, thus completing his journey to the dark side and his transformation into Darth Vader. Experience the breathtaking scope of the final chapter in spectacular digital clarity and relive all the epic battles including the final climactic lightsaber duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan.

Within the Wisdom of My Soul - A Life's Journey is a spiritual book with fifty-two weekly meditative affirmations and beautiful illustrations. These have a broad appeal, suitable for adults of all ages (children might also enjoy colouring some of the designs and animals). The book encourages the reader to dip in at any time to help de-stress and listen to the still, small, inner voice within (otherwise known as the soul). This can be done while mindfully colouring or repeating the affirmation. The additional space provided also enables the reader to jot down their reflections or 'a-ha' moments, helping them to instil a sense of awareness and profound inner peace. This book can also be used randomly in any order and works well as a mini journal. The fifty-two affirmations can help create a positive change in one's inner dialogue by replacing old thought patterns with positive and affirming new ones. They can also help the reader gain insights or different perspectives regarding physical, emotional, mental or spiritual challenges to support one's well-being. A timeless gift - for those you love or for yourself!

Episode 4: A New Hope
The Jedi Knights have been exterminated and the Empire rules the galaxy with an iron fist. A small group of Rebels have dared to fight back by stealing the secret plans to the Empire's mightiest woman, the Death Star battle station. The Emperor's most trusted servant, Darth Vader, must find the plans, and locate the hidden Rebel base. Princess Leia, a captive Rebel leader, sends out a distress signal that is intercepted by a simple farm boy, Luke Skywalker. Seizing his destiny, Luke takes up the challenge to recuse the princess and help the Rebellion overthrow the Empire, along with such unforgettable allies as the wise Obi-Wan Kenobi, the cocky Han Solo, the loyal Chewbacca, and the droids R2-D2 and C3PO.

Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back
It is a dark time for the Rebellion. After a devastating attack on their ice base on the frozen planet of Hoth, the Rebels are scattered by Imperial pursuit. Luke Skywalker seeks out the mysterious Jedi Master Yoda in the swamps of Dagobah, while Han Solo and Princess Leia outrun the Imperial fleet to the beautiful Cloud City of Bespin. In an attempt to convert Luke to the dark side, the evil Darth Vader lures young Skywalker into a trap. In the midst of a fierce lightsaber duel with the Sith Lord, Luke faces a terrible truth about the Skywalker legacy.

Episode 6: Return Of The Jedi
In the spectacular final chapter of the Star Wars saga, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia must travel to Tatooine to free Han Solo by infiltrating the wretched stronghold of Jabba the Hutt, the galaxy's most loathsome gangster. Reunited, the Rebels team up with tribes of Ewoks to combat the Imperial forces on the forest moon of Endor. Meanwhile the Emperor and Darth Vader conspire to turn Luke to the dark side, and young Skywalker is determined to rekindle the spirit of the Jedi within his father.

Forget Godzilla. Forget the giant beasties karate-chopped into oblivion by endless incarnations of Ultraman, Kamen Rider, and the Power Rangers. Forget Sadako from 'The Ring' and that creepy all-white kid from 'The Grudge.' Forget everything you know about tales of terror before reaching for this book.
"Yokai Attack " is a nightmare-inducing one-stop guide to Japan's traditional creepy-crawlies. Yokai are ethereal sorts of beings, like ghosts, nearly always encountered at night; everyone has their own take on how they might look in real life and what sorts of specific characteristics and abilities they might have. This book is the result of long hours spent poring over data and descriptions from a variety of sources, including microfilms of eighteenth-century illustrations from the national Diet Library in Tokyo, in order to bring you detailed information on almost 50 of these amazing creatures for the first time in English.
Illustrations, created by the talented Tatsuya Morino, detail the potential appearance of each yokai. Alongside each illustration is a series of "data points," with each yokai's important features at a glance--especially handy for any potential close encounters.
"Yokai Attack " will surely convince you that Japan's tradition of fascinating monsters is a long one--yet far from being history.

Ninja Attack! introduces dozens of unforgettable real-life ninja straight out of the annals of Japanese history--many of whom are all but unknown outside their home country. Ninja masters. Solo assassins and operatives. Femme fatales as deadly as they were beautiful. Swordfighters out of legend. And the Shogun and warlords who commanded them. Each individual in this graphic novel is profiled with a full-page manga-style drawing and a dossier brimming with top-secret information, including photos, anecdotes, and dramatic stories of the individuals in action. The book covers ninja clothing styles, the types of weapons that were used, ninja tools, ninja tricks of the trade, and the basics of the ninja diet. It also includes a do-it-yourself tour of ninja related spots in modern Tokyo. Ninja Attack! is everything you always wanted to know about ninja but were too afraid you'd get a shuriken in the eye to ask. Legendary ninja covered in this book include: Prince Shotoku Mochizuki Chiyojo Hattori Hanzo Matsuo Basho Mamiya Rinzo Jiraiya Book 2 of 3 in the Yokai Attack! series. Others include Yokai Attack! and Yurei Attack!.

Bridge Engineering: Classifications, Design Loading, and Analysis Methods begins with a clear and concise exposition of theory and practice of bridge engineering, design and planning, materials and construction, loads and load distribution, and deck systems. This is followed by chapters concerning applications for bridges, such as: Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete Bridges, Steel Bridges, Truss Bridges, Arch Bridges, Cable Stayed Bridges, Suspension Bridges, Bridge Piers, and Bridge Substructures. In addition, the book addresses issues commonly found in inspection, monitoring, repair, strengthening, and replacement of bridge structures.

Starting and growing a small business is a challenge in any economy. Faced with the environment of the last several years, every entrepreneur needs an edge. "Secrets to Entrepreneurial Success" gives an entrepreneur that edge. No matter where a small business is in its growth cycle - startup, growth or near exit - the "Secrets" provide "to-the-point" advice and easily implementable solutions for key issues entrepreneurs face, every day. The book is authored by Lonnie Sciambi, "The Entrepreneur's Yoda," a veteran of more than 30 years in the entrepreneurial trenches as a founder, CEO, turnaround specialist and advisor to small businesses. His "Secrets' are delivered with equal parts experience, candor and humor that makes them impactful and not easily forgotten. The "Secrets" are focused around critical functional areas to help get a startup on the path to success "right out of the chute " They explain why partners and advisors are, often, as important as strategies and plans. The "Secrets" show how an entrepreneur's success begins and ends with marketing and sales and why it's so critical to "love" your customer and how to make them love you back. They show how the culture you create should reflect your values and provide an environment for employees to thrive. The "Secrets" answer the key questions why cash, how to generate it, manage it and raise it, are second only to breathing for an entrepreneur. They will describe unique ways to continue grow top and bottom line, over time, and then how to develop an "end game" and assist you to, ultimately, monetize all of your efforts. In each chapter, there are anecdotal stories from real-life situations that "The Entrepreneur's Yoda" faced in his multi-faceted career that entrepreneurs and small business owners can relate to and help them apply the lessons to their businesses today.

Check the author's blog at: http: //kongtcheu.blogspot.com/ for more explanations, insights & relevance to current affairs Introductory material on BICs is available at: http: //knol.google.com/k/phil-kongtcheu/introduction-to-basis-instruments/ This volume introduces the reader to the proto-probabilistic concept of BICs, a new paradigm in dynamic systems and decision sciences analysis in the most appropriate framework of financial derivatives. Globally, the major contribution of this book is the analytic framework it introduces, develops and the rationale behind it. It represents a major departure from the stochastic process approach as major tool for randomly fluctuating systems analysis of the past century. This approach widens the scope of analysis while at the same time practically simplifying real life problems.

The prolonged downturn in the Japanese economy that began during the recessionary 1990s triggered a complex set of reactions both within Japan and abroad, reshaping not only the country's economy but also its politics, society, and culture. In Japan After Japan, scholars of history, anthropology, literature, and film explore the profound transformations in Japan since the early 1990s, providing complex analyses of a nation in transition, linking its present to its past and connecting local situations to global developments.Several of the essayists reflect on the politics of history, considering changes in the relationship between Japan and the United States, the complex legacy of Japanese colonialism, Japan's chronic unease with its wartime history, and the postwar consolidation of an ethnocentric and racist nationalism. Others analyze anxieties related to the role of children in society and the weakening of the gendered divide between workplace and home. Turning to popular culture, contributors scrutinize the avid consumption of "real events" in formats including police shows, quiz shows, and live Web camera feeds; the creation, distribution, and reception of Pokemon, the game-based franchise that became a worldwide cultural phenomenon; and the ways that the behavior of zealous fans of anime both reinforces and clashes with corporate interests. Focusing on contemporary social and political movements, one essay relates how a local citizens' group pressed the Japanese government to turn an international exposition, the Aichi Expo 2005, into a more environmentally conscious project. Another essay offers both a survey of emerging political movements and a manifesto identifying new possibilities for radical politics in Japan. Together the contributors to Japan After Japan present much-needed insight into the wide-ranging transformations of Japanese society that began in the 1990s. Contributors. Anne Allison, Andrea G. Arai, Eric Cazdyn, Leo Ching, Harry Harootunian, Marilyn Ivy, Sabu Kohso, J. Victor Koschmann, Thomas LaMarre, Masao Miyoshi, Yutaka Nagahara, Naoki Sakai, Tomiko Yoda, Yoshimi Shunya, Mitsuhiro Yoshimoto

Boldly challenging traditional understandings of Heian literature, Tomiko Yoda reveals the connections between gender, nationalism, and cultural representation evident in prevailing interpretations of classic Heian texts. Renowned for the wealth and sophistication of women's writing, the literature of the Heian period (794-1192) has long been considered central to the Japanese literary canon and Japanese national identity. Yoda historicizes claims about the inherent femininity of this literature by revisiting key moments in the history of Japanese literary scholarship from the eighteenth century to the present. She argues that by foregrounding women's voices in Heian literature, the discipline has repeatedly enacted the problematic modernizing gesture in which the "feminine" is recognized, canceled, and then contained within a national framework articulated in masculine terms.

Moving back and forth between a critique of modern discourses on Heian literature and close analyses of the Heian texts themselves, Yoda sheds light on some of the most persistent interpretive models underwriting Japanese literary studies, particularly the modern paradigm of a masculine national subject. She proposes new directions for disciplinary critique and suggests that historicized understandings of premodern texts offer significant insights into contemporary feminist theories of subjectivity and agency.

Roughly a decade has passed since the bursting of Japan's bubble economy, and despite some intermittent signs of recovery, the nation's economic downturn that began in the early 1990s continues in the present. This special issue of South Atlantic Quarterly, "Millennial Japan," was conceived as an attempt to take stock of the so-called Heisei recession in terms of its construction as a moment of major historical transition. The articles collected here examine the discourse surrounding the recession and the ways this discourse has influenced the production of scholarship on Japan.