Costa Rica is renowned for its tropical beauty the warmth & charm of the Ticos"--its people's own name for themselves--and its political stability. This " Switzerland of the Americas" is widely regarded as an oasis of democracy in turbulent Central America. Since the first edition of " Culture Smart! Costa Rica" was published in 2005 however there have been some important changes & with rapid economic development some growing pains. Over the past few years there has been a movement of population to the towns of the Central Valley. Higher education is now the norm for young Ticos & the middle class has expanded--but so has the gap between rich & poor. Tourism took a dive after the 2009 recession & the national debt has grown while the arrival of multinationals & significant Chinese investment has been welcomed. Unemployment has risen people are prepared to go on strike more readily & there is a general disillusionment with politicians. In the face of mounting difficulties the Ticos remain remarkably peaceable relaxed & fun-loving. Their enthusiasm for life is seen as much in their passion for soccer as in their demonstrations in support of human & political rights. " Culture Smart! Costa Rica" explores & explains the complex human realities of modern Costa Rican life. Armed with this information you will be better equipped to understand your hosts & to enjoy your visit to this beguiling & beautiful country to the full." ...

Costing gives a thorough understanding of the theory & practice of cost & management accounting. It is particularly suitable for its wide & systematic coverage of the professional cost accounting syllabuses but is also suitable for introductory degree & diploma courses in business accounting & finance. The first part of Costing gives detailed coverage of the objectives principles techniques & methods of cost accounting relating to the analysis & gathering of costs & cost ascertainment. The second part focuses on the use of cost information for planning control & decision-making. At each stage concepts are illustrated by practical examples & placed into context so that the reader is aware of the importance & relationships of the various aspects of costing. Fundamental management accounting topics such as budgetary control standard costing & marginal costing are also thoroughly explained. ...

An essential text for the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting (Costs & Revenues). This text contains practice examinations with answers helping the student to prepare for the exam. This revised edition has been updated to include a brand new practice assessment. ...

This expanded & updated edition of John Peacocks unrivalled collection of drawings ranges over eleven centuries of English historical costume. More than a thousand clear & detailed illustrations plus notes that pinpoint specific features such as fabric decoration accessories & cut make each costume immediately comprehensible. With additional pages covering the past decade & a new chart showing the main changes in fashion through the centuries this is an essential reference for students of theatrical design & fashion amateur drama groups & anyone interested in the history of costume. ...

The three great-nephews of cantankerous Mr Penicuik know better than to ignore his summons especially when it concerns the bestowal of his fortune -- the wily old gentleman has hatched a typically freakish plan for his stepdaughter's future & his own amusement: his fortune will be Kitty's dowry. But while the beaux are scrambling for her hand Kitty counters with her own inventive if daring scheme: a sham engagement which should keep wedlock at bay.. . Cotillion shows what made Georgette Heyer the undisputed queen of historical romance
- one of the most popular novelists of her day she is still adored by a huge readership.
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Series 666
- Size 10mm 3/8 brush by Cotman. For edges & shapes or applying washes. This flat brush give firm sharp lines for lettering
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Nestled in the fertile hills of the Cotswolds the village of Duntisbourne Abbots is a well-kept secret: beautiful timeless & quintessentially English. When recently widowed Thea Osborne arrives to house-sit for a local couple her only fear is that three weeks there might prove a little dull. Her first night s sleep at Brook View is broken by a piercing scream outside but she decides such things don t require investigation in a sleepy place like this. At least not until a body turns up... In calling on her neighbors to get some answers Thea uncovers more tragedy & intrigue than she thought possible behind the peaceful Gloucestershire village. The first in a new series of thrillers to be set in the Cotswold area A Cotswold Killing takes the reader on a tense journey along winding roads & muddy paths towards a dramatic & unexpected denouement. ...

After three catastrophic house sitting commissions filled with murder & intrigue the Montgomery house in Blockley seems like a welcome break for fearless Thea & her trusty spaniel Hephzibah. The opportunity to explore the lost Cotswold villages with only the minor hindrance of checking up on the client's mother in the adjoining house promises to be the perfect get away. But Granny Gladys Gardener with her conveniently erratic memory & series of ailments that disappear as quickly as they arrive is a force to be reckoned & is soon arousing Thea's suspicion. After all why do the Montgomery's lock her connecting door to the house? & why do they set an alarm that goes off every time Granny goes out? Thea's concerns however soon turn to something more sinister when the arrival of her daughter trainee police woman Jessica prompts the discovery of a body. Slowly the secrets of Blockley begin to unravel themselves to the Osborne women but nothing in the village is quite what it seems. ...

Thea Osborne & her spaniel Hepzibah embark on their second house-sitting commission with few worries. Despite her first disastrous venture in which she became drawn into a murder case (A Cotswold Killing) Thea is convinced that lightning will not strike twice & arrives at idyllic Frampton Mansell with renewed enthusiasm. However it seems she is jinxed: within days of her arrival she finds a body hanging from the rafters of one of the barns. But was it suicide...or murder? The second novel in the series A Cotswold Ordeal" weaves the reader into a tangle of village history neighbourly betrayal & conflicting passions which culminates in a gruelling climax for Thea herself." ...

A celebration of one of Britains most beautiful & beloved regions the Cotswold Sketchbook is packed with over 200 evocative line & watercolour illustrations of some of the authors favourite villages & towns in this charming part of Engl&. The illustrations are accompanied by historical footnotes quirky facts a gazetteer
- & most importantly where to park & get a cup of tea! The Cotswolds is one of Britains premier tourist areas drawing visitors from all over the world which ensures a huge market for the Cotswold Sketchbook which is both a useful guidebook & a perfect souvenir. Jim Watson is an experienced illustrator & writer with three best-selling award-winning books on the English Lake District to his credit. A unique book in handy hardback A5 format beautifully bound & printed in colour throughout the Cotswold Sketchbook along with the Lake District Sketchbook are the first titles in a new series celebrating the most beautiful regions of Britain. Casebound & printed in colour.
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