Three decades ago, the charismatic Howard York built the empire of his dreams: the Hotel Alpha. It was once the finest in London, but over the years, as the world around it has moved on at an ever more dizzying rate, the hotel has struggled to keep pace. Graham, the Alpha's concierge, has been behind the front desk since the day the hotel opened and has witnessed every stage of its history. Chaz, Howard's blind adopted son, has almost never ventured outside its walls. Both of them view the Alpha as their sanctuary, the place that gives them everything they need. But both of them must now accept that the Alpha no longer offers them the life they most want, and that Howard's vision has been built on secrets as well as dreams ...
A complete explanation of the operation and procedures involved in GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress & Safety System) as well as the established exam syllabus handbook. Written in jargon-free language and with very clear illustrations.
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) - the maritime equivalent to the emergency services number - provides a fast and efficient way of calling for assistance at sea, whatever the size of craft or its location. Denise Bréhaut explains the operation of the system as a whole and clearly outlines the procedures required to get help quickly, as well as covering the syllabi of the General Operator's Certificate (GOC), the Long Range Certificate (LRC) and the Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC). Concise descriptions of channel usage, call signs, types of transmission and equipment allow novices as well as long-time users to thoroughly understand this life-saving communications system. The 6th edition of GMDSS incorporates all the changes to the regulations that came into force in 2009 as well as the 2016 system updates. GMDSS: A User's Handbook has proved an invaluable reference for exam candidates and equipment users alike for almost 20 years - it is the GMDSS bible. The clear and lucid text is supported with illustrations, handy Q&A sections and a quick-reference revision guide for GOC and LRC students. Since it was first published, this book has helped explain the system for anyone using GMDSS and has been excellent pre-course reading for students.
When Engmawi, a village girl from the North East, is hired as a hostess in Hotel Alpha by Abhay, her joy is inexplicable. However, what she doesn’t know is that Abhay is a gangster, a sex-maniac, the son-in-law of a powerful don Rocky and the son of Dhruv, who’ll do anything to take revenge. Naive but pure-hearted, Engmawi is shocked to find the real intention of Abhay right from the first day at the hotel. The more she keeps her distance, the more it makes him want her. Engmawi’s world suddenly takes a terrifying turn when she witnesses Dhruv killing Damodar. Though Dan, her crazy lover, saves her life from Dhruv’s men, Engmawi has no choice. She needs to work and earn for her poor parents back in the village. Despite warnings from Sharon D’souza, Abhay’s girlfriend, that her life is in danger, Engmawi chooses her way and lands in a trap of kidnap, rape and murder. Who’ll save her from the bad guys? Will she ever see her parents again?
"Give me a baby, Orion." "Make a baby with me." Standing close the door to my chamber, I noticed my Luna, Petra, enjoying wild s*x with my Beta, Orion. Three years of mate bonding, as well as fifteen years of friendship and trust, were shattered at that instant. After three years of betrayal and covert love with my Beta, this woman pleaded for mercy: "1, Xavier Lincoin, the Alpha of Sirius Bright pack reject, Petra Lincoin as my mate, and Luna."
“From the Ground…Up” is not just the story of Raj, the protagonist, but a universal journey that reflects the aspirations and struggles we all face. Once we set a goal, we must find the means and the determination to achieve it. Along the way, the Supreme Power tests us, yet we must continue to believe in ourselves and work tirelessly toward our dreams, it is in these very challenges that we find the strength to push forward. This tale weaves together the obstacles, humor, opportunities, and romance that define our experiences. As Raj navigates the ups and downs of his journey, he learns that perseverance and belief in oneself are key to overcoming life's hurdles. Will Raj succeed in his pursuit? Will he reach the heights he dreams of? Only time will tell.
_______________ '[An] acutely observed collection of occasional pieces that pick at absurdist life and reveal him to be a quiz, a cultural critic gifted with precise comic timing' - The Times 'The author's prose is always a delight ... a book that manages the high-wire act of being genuinely funny while dispensing genuine wisdom' - Times Literary Supplement 'Jacobson is one of the great sentence-builders of our time. I feel I have to raise my game, even just to praise ... In short, he is one of the great guardians of language and culture - all of it. Long may he flourish' - Nicholas Lezard, Guardian _______________ Week after week, for eighteen years, the Booker Prize-winning novelist Howard Jacobson wrote a weekly column for the Independent, reflecting in inimitable style on the sacred and the profane in turn, the frivolous and the serious, the deeply personal and the most universal. The shame and humiliation inherent in death is explored with frank astuteness. Matisse, darts and the power of love are celebrated; while cyclists are very much censured. And meanwhile, a beloved old Labrador walks his last walk as life elsewhere hurtles on and away... The Dog's Last Walk is a collection of wisdom and iconoclasm for our uncertain times, and one that reveals one of our greatest writers in all his humanity. _______________ 'Sharp and playful, surreal and thoughtful, and occasionally ... rather moving' - New Statesman 'Yes, Jacobson is an entertainer ... And he does indeed entertain, but in a way that stimulates rather than simply amuses' - Sunday Telegraph 'His columns were always one of the best things in [the Independent] – funny, argumentative, contrary and stuffed with ideas as well as a big, sympathetic personality' - Philip Hensher, Spectator
