Last year's protracted health care debate in the United States exposed the world to a Congress gridlocked by outdated rules, incivility, and partisanship that have national security implications. In a post-9/11 world of nuclear standoffs, terrorist threats, and economic rivalries, congressional oversight and action is needed more than ever. Yet deadlock and dysfunction have caused Congress to fall short in fulfilling its constitutional role as partner to the executive branch in the formulation and implementation of national security policy.

Congress and National Security reviews the factors that have led to today's dysfunctional Congress and the impact the breakdown has had on its role in shaping national security policy. Kay King explains the demise of effective congressional action on pressing international issues since the conclusion of the cold war. She offers a series of recommendations to reset congressional rules, practices, and procedures to address the deadlock and restore Congress as a full partner to the executive branch in advancing U.S. national security interests.

The loss of a baby, however it occurs, can be heartbreaking and painful and leave parents in need of support as they grieve. While awareness about baby loss is increasing, the suffering and sadness, isolation and loneliness parents feel is often invisible and it can be hard for them to reach out, and for those around them to know how best to support them. Why Baby Loss Matters explores what happens when families experience baby loss or the end of a pregnancy, drawing on the first-hand experiences of parents who have navigated life and the fourth trimester without their baby, and the vital work of charities and services which offer support. By examining different approaches to coping with the loss of a baby and keeping memories alive, the book offers insight into the ways that families have found the support and peace that they need to continue living after saying goodbye.

Michael John Norris is an ordinary little boy, who likes all the same things all children do. Michael lives in a children's home and gets up to all sorts of adventures - come and learn about Michael's life and how he is looked after as there are lots of children just like Michael who might live near you...

A little girl with a leaky boat

Once had a cabbage, wolf, and goat

To ferry to the other side

Of a river half a mile wide.

So begins the story in lively verse of an intrepid young girl, who solves an age-old logic conundrum and rows her three passengers across the river without letting the wolf eat the goat or the goat eat the cabbage. The heroic tale in humorous verse is carried along by the little girl's cleverness and fortitude and the poetry's capering rhythms. Children will delight in the story and music, and parents will enjoy the wisdom and the wit.