I've believed for many years that the powers that be (whoever they are) who control most everything in America have worked overtime to turn the American Law Enforcement Officer into little more then a tool for the shadow Government- a way to get around The Posse Comitatus Act. (The Posse Comitatus Act is the United States federal law (18 U.S.C. � 1385, original at 20 Stat. 152) that was passed on June 18, 1878, after the end of Reconstruction and was updated in 1981. Its intent (in concert with the Insurrection Act of 1807) was to limit the powers of Federal government in using federal military personnel to enforce the State laws.) The training and armament of our civilian police has led to many abuses of power where the police don't believe they are "Above" the law, but that they"Are the Law". This has resulted in the deaths of many Americans who have reacted to middle of the night break-ins that have resulted in the shooting of said homeowner for reaching for a weapon to protect his or her family. The 'no-knock' rule must go and civility towards the public must return. Barring that, I see a time when this story line will become the common occurrence. People will say, "Enough!" and will say it with force, if needed.

Steve wants to be like any other kid on a normal summer break. But when he learns that his dad is keeping a dragon-sized secret, all hope of ‘normal’ is gone. Now, it’s exciting. And dangerous. In a deep mud pit near Steve's home, a dragon blissfully snores away. A demon and his human flunkies come to town to battle the dragon. Steve three friends, a ninja granny, some surfer dudes, and a stutter are all that stands between the determined demon and the dozing dragon. Is that good enough? It better be. Because everyone knows, it is always best to let sleeping dragons lie.

This exciting new translation of the Chinese classic is designed to delight modern readers. The Three Kingdoms is an epic Chinese novel written over six centuries ago. It recounts in vivid historical detail the turbulent years at the close of the Han Dynasty when China broke into three competing kingdoms and over half the population was killed or driven from their homes. readers will experience the loyalty and treachery, the brotherhood and rivalry of China's legendary heroes and villains during the most tumultuous period in Chinese history. Part myth, part reality, The Three Kingdoms is considered the most significant work in classic Chinese literature. Many Chinese people view it not only as a work of art but also as a moral guide to success in life and business. Foreigners often read it to gain insights into Chinese society and culture. From the saga of The Three Kingdoms, readers will learn how great warriors motivated their troops and enhanced their influence while disguising their weaknesses and turning the strengths of others against them. Complete with footnotes and a detailed character list, this readable new edition is sure to thrill today's readers from all over the world. This second volume introduces Liu Bei's greatest ally, his advisor Zhuge Lian--a master strategist whose inventiveness allowed Liu Bei to claim many victories in the never-ending battle for dominance during the Warring States period in Chinese history.

Potterversity: Essays Exploring the World of Harry Potter presents a written companion to the popular, "Hermione-Approved" MuggleNet podcast by the same name. Selected from the top Potter Studies scholars in the field, the diverse authors in the volume provide a range of interpretations of wizarding world stories. Essays include analysis of genre conventions, literary and religious symbolism, the role of games in the series, pedagogical approaches, and politically challenging issues like U.S. race relations, colonialism, and gender and sexuality--including direct attention to J.K. Rowling's controversial statements about trans people. Grouped into the sections "Occult Knowledge," "Ancient Magic," "A Question of Character," "Self and Other," "Playing Potter," and "Teaching, the Hogwarts Way," partnered essays precede transcripts of podcast conversations, led by the hosts of Potterversity. The book's essays and conversations aim to engage not only the mind but the spirit as well--the emotional, personal, and moral responses the Potterverse has evoked in so many people around the world. Fundamentally, this book demonstrates that the characters, stories, and situations of the magical realm promote thinking that helps us navigate our more mundane but no less dangerous world. Perhaps even more importantly, they help us to recognize the magic amid our everyday Muggle realities.

In a desperate attempt to avoid defeat, the Japanese High Command devise Operation Sleeping Dragon. A sub carrying the virus disappears in the last days of WWII so the operation remained a secret, until now.

Call it an encyclopedia of dragonology--this beautifully illustrated, lovingly assembled tribute to all things dragonological features a guide to dragon species; an in-depth look at dragons' habits including those notorious hoarding practices; practical essentials like how to care for sick dragons; and a comprehensive glossary, index, and much more!

Perfect for fans of Jack Prelutsky and Shel Silverstein, award-winning author Vikram Madan’s new poetry collection features delicious vocabulary, hilarious poems, and a full-color graphic novel format! Vikram Madan packs this whimsical poetry collection with surprise twist after surprise twist and a host of unusual characters. In these pages, you’ll meet ghost guppies (and the brave girl who creates them), Stan the Slouching Man™ who’ll teach you blackbelt slouching, oozing dinosaurs called squishosaurs, a suspicious dragon, and the Nozzlewock (a nose with super-vacuum strength), among many other memorable heroes. Recurring characters and subplots in the art weave the poems together, adding to the merriment. This quirky collection in full-color graphic novel format begs to be read over and over again.