Gummy's Adventures in Fatro

Gummy is back and this time he has many new friends including Sebby the Skate, Kermit the Hermit Crab, Algy and Angie the Angel, fish and a surprise meeting with a character you may have heard about!

These six short stories will capture your imagination as the underwater antics continue. There are also encounters with Gummy’s old friends from his first adventures.

As Gummy travels from his lonely goldfish bowl to the fantastical underwater world of Fatro, the magic lingers. Come inside and see!

New Governments and the Protection of Foreign Investments under International Law

In recent years, there has been a tension in international arbitration between legal stability and political change. This tension increases significantly when new governments face pressure to enact economic reforms that redress the perceived shortcomings of their predecessors. In doing so, new governments may have to renegotiate concession contracts, terminate monopolies and re-nationalise state assets that have been illegitimately transferred into private hands. However, when foreign investments are affected, foreign investors may claim that judicial, administrative or legislative measures have violated the core principles of international investment law under investment treaties. Indeed, foreign investors have previously raised claims against host states in relation to the implementation of treaty obligations. Such claims raise the question of how arbitral tribunals should address the tension between legal stability and political change.

The primary aim of this book is to effectively understand how international law deals with the tension between legal stability and political change. Specifically, this book seeks to address the vagueness that surrounds determinations on the international liability of new governments in relation to foreign investments under international law. Thus, the scope of the book covers three main areas of international law: 1) the law of state immunity; 2) the law of state responsibility; and 3) international investment law, which is a sub-field of international law that integrates both public and private international law.

A New Home for Holly and Ivy

Holly and Ivy are a new pair of matching, colourful Christmas socks. They are very fond of each other.

One day, something unexpected and strange happens, and Holly finds that Ivy is suddenly missing.

Holly feels rather sad, but luckily, she will be reunited with Ivy very soon – on Christmas Day itself!

A sweet, festive story that introduces young children to the concepts of temporary loss and the possibility of helping others through second-hand clothing charity shops.

Elimination

This is the world. This is our world. This is my world. My world is not fair. My world is cruel. My world is indifferent to all that inhabit it. In my world, life is cheap. In my world, evil excels. In my world, the good are condemned, while the bad proliferate. There are many people who inhabit my world. To the east, there is the fascist ‘paradise’ of Antrioch. There, women dominate all. There, the leader decides what is right and what is wrong. There, humanity is unaffordable. To the west, there is the democratic country of Allia. There, they think they’re free.

Are they really free, though? It’s a funny thing, freedom. It’s often when we believe that we possess it that it’s furthest from our reach. To the north, there is my home, the socialist utopia of Spidred. Here, there is little to do but think and freeze. Often that is the best strategy for survival. Is it enough to consider? Or must we act in consideration? That’s what’s left to contemplate in this part of the world. Technology has supposedly freed us.

Are we truly advanced? Or are we merely tomorrow’s obsolescence? Sometimes I wonder. Will this world thrive? Will it move forward to a better future? Or is it doomed to destitution? I do not know, but, I’m sure that I will have fun finding out.

Now We Are Very Old

If poetry be the food of love, read on’ as some particularly famous playwright bloke once said or maybe he didn’t. It might have been that he said, ‘if music be the food of love, play on’. Frankly, be that as it may, this composer of little rhyming ditties thinks poems are rather fun and many of them are, in any case, about things he loves. Thus, it works either way.

This little volume of twenty-four poetic offerings on various themes (plus one totally free extra ditty in the introduction, please note) rather proves the point even if the author most un-humbly does say it himself.

Read out loud with rhythm in your voice. Set them to music of your own choosing and sing them if you like. However you prefer to take your poems, please enjoy them for what they are: a bit of simple fun.

Reckoning

Harrison Stone knew they’d taken a risk returning to Carlisse, but had no idea how truly shattering the consequences of rescuing Queen Nadia would be. Barely escaping the city with his life, Harrison returns to the mage sanctuary in Arencia to understand the fiery power that has overwhelmed Rylie whilst also getting aid for Zack, who has been severely wounded.

To protect the people he cares for, Harrison must combine old skills with new knowledge, deal with a recent betrayal and the rising threat of war. Time is of the essence as hunters become the hunted, friends are called upon in the hour of need, and the Imperator’s determination threatens to destroy them all.

The S. C. R. A. P. Book

In The S.C.R.A.P. Book, Malcolm Leach embarks on a whimsical and thought-provoking exploration of the history of rowing and its impact on the world. With a keen eye for detail and an insatiable curiosity, Leach delves into the origins of this ancient sport, tracing its development from the earliest days of human civilization to the present. Along the way, he uncovers fascinating stories and anecdotes that illuminate the crucial role that rowing has played in shaping the course of history.

Leach’s engaging and often humorous writing style brings to life the colourful characters and pivotal events that have defined the sport of rowing. From the early Egyptians and Greeks to the Vikings and Normans, he shows how the humble oar has been a driving force behind some of the most significant moments in human history. With a wealth of illustrations and a keen sense of the absurd, Leach takes readers on a rollicking journey through time, exploring the impact of rowing on cultures around the world and the enduring legacy of this timeless sport.

Whether you’re a seasoned rower or simply a curious reader, The S.C.R.A.P. Book is sure to entertain and enlighten. Leach’s infectious enthusiasm for his subject and his unique perspective on history make this a must-read for anyone who has ever wondered about the story behind one of humanity’s most enduring pastimes.

The Golf Club and Chess Society

Step into the captivating world of Bletchley Park, where codebreakers not only deciphered enemy messages but also cultivated a vibrant cultural life. The Golf Club and Chess Society, a gentle parody of ‘Government Code and Cipher School,’ delves into the previously untold stories of the Park’s artistic endeavours.

Witness the growth of the Musical Society, which began with intimate light music shows and small soirees shared among members. As time passed, the society expanded to include distinguished guests from outside the Park and even welcomed renowned professionals who were secretly part of the codebreaking team.

Discover the evolution of the BP Drama Group, from a small group of enthusiasts to a highly-skilled company whose reputation extended far beyond the confines of Bletchley Park. Explore surviving scripts that reveal the creative process behind individual sketches and items, and uncover the sources of inspiration for the talented writers.

Poetry flourished at BP, thanks to the presence of nationally recognized writers, while fine art persevered despite wartime shortages. Dance was not only enjoyed for recreational purposes but also as a means of personal improvement. And, of course, chess players were legendary figures in the codebreaking scene – but why?

Through the use of original and contemporary sources, this account provides a unique insight into the ways in which these gifted artistes enriched their extraordinary universe.

Strawberry Adventure

Imogen loves exploring new adventures with her family, especially visiting the local strawberry farm. More than the farm itself, she adores making her own strawberry milkshake at home.

Join Imogen on her strawberry adventure as she reveals her secret milkshake recipe, which you can make with a parent or guardian’s help. Through her outings, Imogen gains confidence, shares her experiences with friends, and spreads kindness to everyone.

Khaos Engine

Andrew Dax, a thirty-something corporate cog working for the world’s second-largest company, leads a mundane life until everything changes. Suddenly, you and Andrew are thrust into a perilous journey across England’s capital.

The City of London, having descended into chaos under criminal rule, seeks assistance from Dr. Ezekiel Cleaver, one of the world’s foremost intellectuals and the country’s richest and most powerful businessman. However, there’s a fatal flaw in Dr. Cleaver’s plan: a flaw only Andrew Dax has discovered. But who will listen to him when:

The City is safe.
The City is secure.
The City is sure of itself.

Yet, while the City sleeps…

BANI World

In today’s workplace, traditional leadership models offer little guidance. Rosarii explores what can lead us to excellence in a BANI world: Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, and Incomprehensible. This invaluable guide equips leaders, managers, and staff with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the modern work environment.

Compelling and practical, BANI World is a must-read for leaders navigating these challenging times. This book will be the foundation for your success and the success of your team.

Greener Pastures

If you have ever wondered at the racial and ethnic diversity you encounter on the streets of London or any of the larger cities in the UK today, this book will give you an insight as to how and why this phenomenon occurred. What was life like for these people in their original homeland? What was the call of Britain to them? Why has Britain become their home? And introspectively, did the British not spread themselves across the globe so that one once claimed: ‘The sun never sets on the British Empire?’

Was the Britain of the 1950s a truly welcoming place for ‘Windrush’ emigrants? The fact that most of them stayed on to make their lives here is testimony to their resilience rather than the influence of an accepting attitude from the host nation. The Transport, Health and Construction industries certainly needed their manpower, but the influx of a non-white contingent of job seekers seemed to threaten the livelihood of the local working-class population. Racial prejudice reared its ugly head from time to time, and conflict resolution became a necessary tool in the building of harmonious relationships. This resulted in a changing attitude which enabled the formation of today’s modern, multicultural Britain.