The Honorable Floyd L. Griffin Jr. with President Barack Obama, the first African American President of the United States. Griffin was first African American to be elected to the Georgia State Senate from the Twenty-fifth legislative district, an area with a majority of white voters. In 1998 Griffin was candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia. In 2002, Griffin continued to do what political experts said was impossible by becoming the first African American mayor of the Old Capitol City of Georgia, Milledgeville. At different times in his life, Floyd Griffin has been a cadet, Vietnam Helicopter Pilot, Army Colonel, football coach, professor, businessman, state senator and mayor. Throughout his life of change and challenges, Floyd Griffin has always been dedicated to public service. In 1994, Griffin did what political experts said was impossible. He literally stormed onto the political scene and defeated an incumbent Georgia State Senator. The victory made Griffin the first African American in modern times to be elected in a rural legislature district containing a majority of white voters. In 2000, Griffin continued to do what political experts said was impossible by becoming the first African American mayor of the Old Capitol City of Milledgeville, GA. The Honorable Floyd Griffin served as Senator of Georgia’s Twenty-fifth District for two terms. In the Georgia Senate, Griffin was Chairman of the Interstate Cooperation Committee and served on the Defense and Veteran’s Affairs, Health and Human Services, Higher Education, Local and State government operations and the powerful Rules committees. In 1998, Griffin was candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia. His candidacy for Lieutenant Governor made him the first African American to run for that office in modern times. Griffin was elected Mayor of the city of Milledgeville for the term 2002–2006. He was the sixty-seventh Mayor to serve. Former Mayor Griffin served on the Board of Directors of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Alexandria, VA. In 1967, he entered the United States army. In Vietnam, Griffin served as a helicopter pilot, instructor pilot, aviation platoon leader and commander of a construction engineer company. After combat service he commanded an engineer battalion under General Norman Schwarzkopf, then served on the Army Staff at the Pentagon and was later promoted to the rank of colonel. Floyd Griffin has also worked as an educator. At Wake Forest University he served as an Assistant Professor of Military Science. He was the director of ROTC at Winston-Salem State University, where he coached the football team’s backfield as they won two conservative college championships. Griffin has served as a part-time instructor at the Georgia College and State University School of Business. Former Mayor Griffin served on the Board of Directors of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Alexandria, VA. In 1967, he entered the United States army. In Vietnam, Griffin served as a helicopter pilot, instructor pilot, aviation platoon leader and commander of a construction engineer company. After combat service he commanded an engineer battalion under General Norman Schwarzkopf, then served on the Army Staff at the Pentagon and was later promoted to the rank of colonel. Floyd Griffin has also worked as an educator. At Wake Forest University he served as an Assistant Professor of Military Science. He was the director of ROTC at Winston-Salem State University, where he coached the football team’s backfield as they won two conservative college championships. Griffin has served as a part-time instructor at the Georgia College and State University School of Business.

Life: Four Quarters plus Overtime is a book created specifically with the African American community in mind. The book will examine the periods of development associated with the human life span with brief overview of the social, emotional, congenital, perceptual, and moral development specific to each life stage. The book will include cutting-edge commentary from experts in the field of psychology, public health, education, religion, genonrology, and the healing arts. Each chapter/quarter will have African American proverbs, cultural maxims, quotes, stories, and words of wisdom from black achievers, along with biblical scripture that will strengthen our faith and belief and help us interpret and experience our lives in a vastly different way. The book will conclude (Epilogue) with Mr. Griffin’s Life Four Quarters plus Overtime Memoirs.

In the world of rugby, the All Blacks have an unsurpassed legacy of success. We are the best of the best. Legends in Black comprises frank, no-holds-barred interviews with New Zealand rugby greats, each sharing their thoughts on every aspect of what it means to be an All Black: first selection, the haka, international and provincial rugby, professionalism, team culture, camaraderie, technical advances, coaching and leadership. A one-of-a-kind account of New Zealand rugby, Legends in Black draws on unprecedented access to some of the biggest names in the game – revealing the secrets to why we win. 'The winning ethos was so fundamental to the culture and had been ingrained for years, and it just keeps going. The wonderful thing about the All Blacks is the tradition of its history, the belief by players in what happened before. Winning was something that was an absolute focus.' —John Hart 'Leadership is within the team. I had a role as a fixer, if there was trouble going on – not a dirty role, but as the one able to talk to the opposition and tell them, 'I wouldn't do that again, if I were you.''' —Colin Meads 'Winning becomes a habit, because success is fantastic, but when you take those platitudes you've also got to learn how to lose, lose well and graciously, and learn from your losses.' —Wayne 'Buck' Shelford 'It was about working out who you played the game for . . . it's not the name of the team or the colour of the jersey, but the people around you.' —Andy Haden Also available as an eBook

THE ENEMY OF MY ENEMY... Since appearing in the Inner Sphere, the frenzied Clans have overwhelmed every planet they’ve invaded, brutally crushing any opposing force. Their race is selectively bred for combat. Their technology is superior to anything the Inner Sphere possesses. Nothing the Great Houses have can stop them. Humanity’s only hope—an alliance of mortal enemies—may be doomed. The Clan invaders have chosen their next objective—Luthien, capital of the Draconis Combine. House Kurita must now fight for survival on its homeworld. Hanse Davion is presented with a situation undreamt of...the final defeat of the Dragon itself. Should he attack his distracted foe and destroy the enemy his family has battled for over 300 years? Or should he reinforce a fellow House of the Inner Sphere against a force that Davion and the Federated Commonwealth might not otherwise defeat when their time comes? And even if the Houses should somehow agree to stand together against the Clan menace, another just as dangerous threat lurks within their very midst. ComStar, the semi-mystic sect that controls interstellar communication, schemes to hurl House Davion, House Kurita, and the Clans into a devastating war that will leave ComStar in a position to dominate the Inner Sphere...

During this savage civil war, all efforts to end Jacen Solo’s tyranny of the Galactic Alliance have failed. Now with Jacen approaching the height of his dark powers, no one–not even the Solos and the Skywalkers–knows if anything can stop the Sith Lord before his plan to save the galaxy ends up destroying it. Jacen Solo’s shadow of influence has threatened many, especially those closest to him. Jaina Solo is determined to bring her brother in, but in order to track him down, she must first learn unfamiliar skills from a man she finds ruthless, repellent, and dangerous. Meanwhile, Ben Skywalker, still haunted by suspicions that Jacen killed his mother, Mara, decides he must know the truth, even if it costs him his life. And as Luke Skywalker contemplates once unthinkable strategies to dethrone his nephew, the hour of reckoning for those on both sides draws near. The galaxy becomes a battlefield where all must face their true nature and darkest secrets, and live–or die–with the consequences. Features a bonus section following the novel that includes a primer on the Star Wars expanded universe, and over half a dozen excerpts from some of the most popular Star Wars books of the last thirty years!

The 'RUSSIAN LEGACY Boxed Set' unfolds an illustrious tapestry of the Russian soul through its grand assembly of novels, short stories, plays, folk tales, and legends. These pieces vary widely in literary style from the deep psychological drama of Dostoevsky to the sharp-witted social satires of Chekhov, and from the rich historical narratives of Tolstoy to the stark existential reflections of Andreyev. The collection stands as a monumental testament to the breadth and depth of Russian literature, offering readers an unparalleled glimpse into the country's storied past and its complex, often tumultuous cultural landscape. Notable works within the anthology resonate with themes of existential angst, societal upheaval, and the unfathomable depths of the human psyche, cementing the collection's place as a critical scholarly resource and a testament to the power of storytelling. The contributing authors represent the vanguard of Russian literature, whose collective works have shaped not only Eastern European literary tradition but also the global literary landscape. Their backgrounds range from noble elite to self-taught proletarians, reflecting the varied social fabric of Russia over the centuries. Many were at the forefront of literary and philosophical movements, such as Realism, Romanticism, and Symbolism, engaging with and influencing the discourses of their times. Their contributions to this anthology encapsulate the essence of Russian thought and aesthetic, weaving a narrative that transcends individual experience to touch upon universal human truths. By delving into the 'RUSSIAN LEGACY Boxed Set,' readers are invited on a journey through the heart of Russias literary heritage. This anthology is more than a compilation; it is a gateway to experiencing the multiplicity of Russian life and thought across different epochs. It promises to enrich one's understanding of the world, offering valuable lessons drawn from centuries of reflection, struggle, and insight. For scholars, students, and lovers of literature alike, this collection is an essential exploration of human nature, societal dynamics, and the timeless art of storytelling through the lens of some of Russias greatest minds.

This dictionary of American English is designed to help learners write and speak accurate and up-to-date English. • Ideal for upper-intermediate and advanced learners of English • Based on the Collins 4.5-billion-word database, the Collins Corpus • Up-to-date coverage of today’s English, with all words and phrases explained in full sentences • Authentic examples from the Collins Corpus show how English is really used • Extensive help with grammar, including plural forms and verb infl ections • Fully illustrated Word Web and Picture Dictionary boxes provide additional information on vocabulary and key concepts • Vocabulary-building features encourage students to improve their accuracy and fl uency: †- Word Partnership notes highlight important collocations †- Thesaurus entries offer synonyms and antonyms for common words †- Usage notes explain different meanings and uses of the word • Supplements on Grammar, Writing, Speaking, Words That Frequently Appear on TOEFL® and TOEIC®, Text Messaging and Emoticons

No war can last forever. Now, in the long and punishing battle between the defiant champions of the New Jedi Order and the juggernaut that is the Galactic Alliance, the endgame is finally at hand. With so much lost–and nothing less than the course of the future still at stake–there can be no turning back. No matter the consequences. The rebel cause is losing ground under the twin blows of Admiral Gilad Pellaeon’ s assassination and the death of Mara Jade Skywalker. At the same time, having gained the support of the Imperial Remnant and its ruthlessly efficient forces, the Galactic Alliance, with the extraordinary power and dark brilliance of newly ascendant Sith Lord Darth Caedus at its helm, may be unstoppable. Tormented and torn between the call of duty and the thirst for vengeance, Luke has searched the Force and beheld an unspeakable vision of the galaxy enslaved under tyranny more monstrous than even Palpatine’s. Now it seems that the last, best hope lies in mobilizing the scattered Jedi for one decisive search-and-destroy mission. The objective: eliminate Darth Caedus. It’s a plan that will be as difficult and dangerous to execute as it is daring. For Caedus is a scion of both the Skywalker and Solo bloodlines whose command of the Force surpasses even that of his grandfather Darth Vader. There is only one who is bound by destiny to stand against him in what will surely be a duel to the death, only one with an outside chance of bringing down the dark lord who was once Jacen Solo. Failure is not an option. The furious final moments between power and peace are here, and whoever confronts Darth Caedus will decide the outcome–and the fate of those left standing. Features a bonus section following the novel that includes a primer on the Star Wars expanded universe, and over half a dozen excerpts from some of the most popular Star Wars books of the last thirty years!

A new era of exciting adventures and shocking revelations continues to unfold, as the legendary Star Wars saga sweeps forward into astonishing new territory. Civil war looms as the fledgling Galactic Alliance confronts a growing number of rebellious worlds–and the approaching war is tearing the Skywalker and Solo families apart. Han and Leia return to Han’s homeworld, Corellia, the heart of the resistance. Their children, Jacen and Jaina, are soldiers in the Galactic Alliance’s campaign to crush the insurgents. Jacen, now a complete master of the Force, has his own plans to bring order to the galaxy. Guided by his Sith mentor, Lumiya, and with Luke’s young son Ben at his side, Jacen embarks on the same path that his grandfather Darth Vader once did. And while Han and Leia watch their only son become a stranger, a secret assassin entangles the couple with a dreaded name from Han’s past: Boba Fett. In the new galactic order, friends and enemies are no longer what they seem. . . . Features a bonus section following the novel that includes a primer on the Star Wars expanded universe, and over half a dozen excerpts from some of the most popular Star Wars books of the last thirty years!

Fighting alongside the Corellian rebels, Han and Leia are locked in a war against their son Jacen, who grows more powerful and more dangerous with each passing day. Nothing can stop Jacen’s determination to bring peace with a glorious Galactic Alliance victory–whatever the price. While Luke grieves the loss of his beloved wife and deals with his guilt over killing the wrong person in retaliation, Jaina, Jag, and Zekk hunt for the real assassin, unaware that the culprit commands Sith powers that can cloud their minds and misdirect their attacks–and even turn them back on themselves. As Luke and Ben Skywalker struggle to find their place among the chaos, Jacen, shunned by friends and family, launches an invasion to rescue the only person still loyal to him. But with the battle raging on, and the galaxy growing more turbulent and riotous, there’s no question that it is Jacen who is most wanted: dead or alive. Features a bonus section following the novel that includes a primer on the Star Wars expanded universe, and over half a dozen excerpts from some of the most popular Star Wars books of the last thirty years!