Another reason for writing the 'Action Annie' stories was to correct an imbalance which had appeared to have developed between girls and boys; and in particular, the differing stereotypes. When one looked at 'roles' and 'the type of behaviour' that might be 'expected' from a boy, but which was wholly 'never expected' or considered 'acceptable' from a girl; the discrimination practised was more subtle: such as shouting, swearing, fighting, picking one's nose and even making rude noises in p...

Numerical Linear Algebra with Applications: Using MATLAB and Octave, Second Edition provides practical knowledge on modern computational techniques for the numerical solution of linear algebra problems. The book offers a unified presentation of computation, basic algorithm analysis, and numerical methods to compute solutions. Useful to readers regardless of background, the text begins with six introductory courses to provide background for those who haven't taken applied or theoretical lin...

As a growing child, the one thing that I experienced in abundance was 'second chances.' In fact, I'd go as far as to say that without having had my fair share of second chances, my life would have taken a much different course. Second chances were my life saver!Not surprisingly, one of my favourite books was Victor Hugo's 'Les Misērables,' a story that was chiefly responsible for transforming me from 'Thief' to that of 'Probation Officer' in later life. I was also fascinated by the...

In the year 2000, when this book was first published, I wanted to create a book which could be given to a child who was starting school at the age of 5 years and which could be read by them progressively until the age of 13 years when they either moved up to 'Middle or High School.' I also wanted to mark their memory of the New Millennium with their own special book.Because the reading age between all children of between 5 years of age and 13 is so vast, this project naturally invol...

As a growing child, the one thing that I experienced in abundance was 'second chances.' In fact, I'd go as far as to say that without having had my fair share of second chances, my life would have taken a much different course. Second chances were my life saver!Not surprisingly, one of my favourite books was Victor Hugo's 'Les Misērables,' a story that was chiefly responsible for transforming me from 'Thief' to that of 'Probation Officer' in later life. I was also fascinated by the...

Another reason for writing the 'Action Annie' stories was to correct an imbalance which had appeared to have developed between girls and boys; and in particular, the differing stereotypes. When one looked at 'roles' and 'the type of behaviour' that might be 'expected' from a boy, but which was wholly 'never expected' or considered 'acceptable' from a girl; the discrimination practised was more subtle: such as shouting, swearing, fighting, picking one's nose and even making rude noises in p...

Ronnie is the younger of two children, neither of whom ever knew their father. Her brother Peter is six years older than she is. Both children live with mum who is a drunken, lustful, emotional wreck; a woman who is guilt ridden by her past and unable to sustain healthy relationships with the opposite sex or her children. Mum provides Ronnie and Peter with a succession of stepfather figures; using the men in her life as a meal ticket and passport to a good time until she tires of them and ...

In the year 2000, when this book was first published, I wanted to create a book which could be given to a child who was starting school at the age of 5 years and which could be read by them progressively until the age of 13 years when they either moved up to 'Middle or High School.' I also wanted to mark their memory of the New Millennium with their own special book.Because the reading age between all children of between 5 years of age and 13 is so vast, this project naturally invo...

The social cohesion of any civilised society cannot be achieved without the eradication of high unemployment, mass homelessness and class division. While ever this triple scourge plagues our country, Britain will remain a divided nation, unable to harness the full potential of its human resources.The provision of adequate shelter, to act as a base from which meaningful tasks can be performed, alongside the rightful expectation to be treated equally, are the basic rights of every ci...

In the year 2000, when this book was first published, I wanted to create a book which could be given to a child who was starting school at the age of 5 years and which could be read by them progressively until the age of 13 years when they either moved up to 'Middle or High School.' I also wanted to mark their memory of the New Millennium with their own special book.Because the reading age between all children of between 5 years of age and 13 is so vast, this project naturally invol...

The worlds of 12-year-old Axel Tyler and 73-year-old Brigadier Butterworth couldn't possibly be farther apart. While one is content to live life to the full in the fast track of 1990's Britain, the other yearns for the day when the country regains its senses and returns to those pre-war values that made Britain 'Great'.When events conspire to bring the 12-year-old rebel and the madcap Brigadier face-to-face, conflict becomes inevitable as the irreconcilable values and beliefs of two...

In dealing with the theme of this first story in the 'Action Annie' series of stories from the book of the same name, I wanted to address that perennial question that has perplexed the minds of millions of children ever since 'Father Christmas' became a prime feature of their Christmas Day celebrations. "If there is a Father Christmas, and he is a Christmas visitto the home of every boy and girl across the world to give them a present; then why does he always give the most expensive presen...