Tom Allen

It may be quiet in the suburbs, but it's far from peaceful . . . Oak Drive nestles tidily in an unassuming English town. Its uniform gardens overlook a small common and grand oak tree, which the street's residents survey with smug pride. It's a place where it pays to sweat the small stuff. Bins should be placed back in position in a timely fashion, noise kept to a minimum past 9 pm. Sometimes, however, big problems come a calling - and all hell can break loose in sleepy suburbia. Common Decency chronicles the lives and interactions of these neighbours, as they band together to save their tree from destruction at the hands of developers. As tensions rise and repressed resentments seep out, the secrets of Oak Drive threaten to shatter the well-ordered veneer, revealing some rather more surprising truths. . .

This book considers whether Parliament recognises a constitutional right to property. Parliament is supreme: in theory, there is nothing to stop it from passing laws to confiscate property. Nevertheless, MPs often argue that a proposed law would be unconstitutional. What does this mean in a system without a written constitution? What counts as a sound argument about constitutional rights? And what influence do constitutional arguments have on the legislative process? The book takes a close look at these questions. It reviews legislation and debates from the Middle Ages through to more recent legislation, and covers a wide range of topics, such as land reform, nationalisation, taxation, regulatory laws and retrospection. It also looks at the most recent debates and considers the relevance of constitutional thinking to election manifestos of the main political parties.

It may be quiet in the suburbs, but it's far from peaceful . . . Oak Drive can be found nestled tidily in an unassuming English town. Its uniform front gardens overlook a midsized common which the street's residents survey with quiet, some might say smug, pride. This is the sort of place where it pays to sweat the small stuff, and let the big things look after themselves. Bins should be placed back in their right positions in a timely fashion and paintwork should share the same tasteful but muted palette. Sometimes, however, the big things do not look after themselves - and all hell can break loose in sleepy suburbia. Common Decency chronicles the lives and interactions of the street's residents as they band together to save a beloved oak tree from destruction at the hands of ruthless developers. As tensions rise and repressed neuroses and resentments seep out, the secrets of Oak Drive threaten to shatter the well-ordered veneer, revealing some rather more unsettling truths. . . Tom Allen brings his trademark dark comedy to the page in this brilliant novel about what it truly means to be a neighbourhood.

Introductory Sports Engineering and Technology provides a fundamental primer to the world of sports engineering and technology, including the key themes that dominate design and practice. The text has been created to provide a comprehensive overview of key principles and is developed from established and recognised education providers. This new text includes case studies and worked examples to facilitate deeper learning and prepare readers for a high performance future in Sports Engineering and Technology. Sports performance is a complex and increasingly technology-enhanced environment, incorporating a broad range of disciplines and topics. The sports engineer or technologist operates a key role within this environment, applying fundamental techniques derived from maths and physics to solve problems, analyse opportunities, and optimise equipment and practice to maximise performance outcomes and reduce injury risk. This book is the first to offer a concise overview of the fundamental concepts required for budding sports engineers and technologists and is key reading for undergraduate and masters students of sports engineering and technology degree courses as well as undergraduate engineering, technology and product design students.

Introductory Sports Engineering and Technology provides a fundamental primer to the world of sports engineering and technology, including the key themes that dominate design and practice. The text has been created to provide a comprehensive overview of key principles and is developed from established and recognised education providers. This new text includes case studies and worked examples to facilitate deeper learning and prepare readers for a high performance future in Sports Engineering and Technology. Sports performance is a complex and increasingly technology-enhanced environment, incorporating a broad range of disciplines and topics. The sports engineer or technologist operates a key role within this environment, applying fundamental techniques derived from maths and physics to solve problems, analyse opportunities, and optimise equipment and practice to maximise performance outcomes and reduce injury risk. This book is the first to offer a concise overview of the fundamental concepts required for budding sports engineers and technologists and is key reading for undergraduate and masters students of sports engineering and technology degree courses as well as undergraduate engineering, technology and product design students.

Suburbia, 2024Oakwood Avenue can be found nestled tidily in an unassuming part of England. Its neat front gardens overlook an average-sized common which the street's residents survey with quiet, some might say, smug, pride. This is the sort of place where it pays to look after the small things, and let the big things look after themselves. Bins should be placed back in their right positions in a timely fashion and paintwork should share the same tasteful but muted palette. Sometimes, however, the big things do not look after themselves - and all hell can break loose in the sleepy streets of suburbia. Set in suburban Britain, Common Decency chronicles the lives and interactions of the street's residents as they band together to save a beloved oak tree from destruction at the hands of developers. As tensions rise and repressed neuroses and resentments seep out, the secrets of the street's inhabitants threaten to shatter the well-ordered veneer and reveal some rather more surprising truths...

This book considers whether Parliament recognises a constitutional right to property. Parliament is supreme: in theory, there is nothing to stop it from passing laws to confiscate property. Nevertheless, MPs often argue that a proposed law would be unconstitutional. What does this mean in a system without a written constitution? What counts as a sound argument about constitutional rights? And what influence do constitutional arguments have on the legislative process? The book takes a close look at these questions. It reviews legislation and debates from the Middle Ages through to more recent legislation, and covers a wide range of topics, such as land reform, nationalisation, taxation, regulatory laws and retrospection. It also looks at the most recent debates and considers the relevance of constitutional thinking to election manifestos of the main political parties.

Riley Adams and his beloved Highfield Flyers FC are back for a new season, with the chance to erase the painful memory of his critical penalty miss the last time he pulled on the golden Flyers shirt. However, Riley struggles to cope with football, the final year at primary school and, most of all, supporting his terminally ill Mum. When the dreaded day arrives, he is overcome by grief and devastated by the knowledge that she won’t be there anymore. Nothing seems worthwhile: not even football. Can anything bring him back from the brink? With support from his aunt and uncle, teachers, loyal friends and teammates, and his incredible coach, Ted Bristow, Riley somehow finds the strength to face the world and get back on the pitch. Old rivalries are renewed, exciting opportunities arise, and the Flyers play themselves to the brink of glory. Can Riley lead his team to the league title they so desperately desire? Can he truly come to terms with life without Mum? Ultimately, it’s her strength inside him that provides the answer…

Riley Adams has three passions in life: family, friends and football. Despite often finding school difficult, Riley finds happiness in friendships with his ‘band of brothers and sisters’, who play for his beloved Highfield Flyers FC. Riley and the Flyers learn to play together and focus, bringing them great moments and taking them close to glory. Rivalries form and the desire to win grows until… Riley’s world is turned upside down when his mum receives life-changing news. Can he really care about football again? What will happen to Mum? How will he cope with life now?

This new, thoroughly updated sixth edition of Bradt's Armenia remains the only standalone, English-language guide to this mountainous post-Soviet republic at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Packed with detailed background information and invaluable practical advice, Bradt's Armenia remains the essential choice for anyone travelling to this beautiful country, which is now easily and cheaply accessed by air. Following recent political changes, the story of this new republic is rapidly being rewritten, with transformations extending far beyond the vibrant capital of Yerevan. Road infrastructure has greatly improved, while rural tourism is coming to life in even far-flung provinces, thereby catering for visitors exploring well off the beaten path. New elements in this edition include: expanded treatment of new budget accommodation in Yerevan and provincial capitals; enhanced information on Yerevan designed to inspire the city-break visitor, encompassing arts, culture and nightlife; a wealth of new information for adventurous travellers, including about more than 300km of new hiking trails established since 2018; and an enhanced language section designed to facilitate communication with Armenians. Bradt's Armenia provides the information needed for a successful trip, covering all the most popular sights as well as those off-the-beaten track, including Dilijan National Park and the stunning forested mountains of Tavush, a region undergoing a renaissance as a place to reconnect with nature; Areni village, one of the birthplaces of wine; and Vayots Dzor, the 'valley of woes', whose side valleys are abundant with wildlife-spotting opportunities. Tatev village and the Vorotan Canyon are included, as are the Orbelian's Ccaravanserai and other remnants of the ancient Silk Road trading route network that once criss-crossed the Caucasus region. Rich in both history and spectacular scenery, Armenia is a truly captivating country. Whether seeking out ancient monasteries dotted within dramatic landscapes, wandering through one of Yerevan's impressive museums or admiring the intricate stone carvings at Noratus, you'll find opportunities to delve into this nation's past at every turn. Add to this the welcoming local people, superb hiking possibilities and abundant bird life, and you'll soon discover why Armenia is worth more than just a fleeting visit.

As seen on BBC2's BETWEEN THE COVERS'An extraordinary portrait of a son navigating his way through grief and loss in real time. Funny, candid, and measured' GRAHAM NORTONHappily settled in a new relationship and with a dream house of his own, Tom Allen could finally call himself an adult. But when his beloved dad died suddenly, Tom's life was rocked by a fresh set of challenges, and he started to find comfort in his friends, his past and his newly dug vegetable patch. With his hallmark honesty and wit, Tom writes beautifully about those days, weeks and months following loss, and about how bewildering the practicalities of life can be in the wake of an upheaval - those moments, really, when everything can start to feel a bit too much . . .'Hilarious and poignant' JO BRAND'Heartfelt, vulnerable and touchingly sincere' GUARDIAN'Life-affirming' ATTITUDE

Today’s game of football is more physically demanding than ever. Every play is full speed, sideline to sideline, goal line to goal line, for four punishing quarters. To withstand the rigors of the game, today’s players must be better conditioned than ever. The team with the stronger, faster, more agile, and more powerful athletes is the one earning Ws on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons. Complete Conditioning for Football provides the modern training system needed to prepare your players to perform at their peak and win consistently. Former National Football League (NFL) strength and conditioning coach and current college senior assistant athletic director for football performance Aaron Wellman addresses every aspect of football conditioning-emphasizing strength, power, and muscle hypertrophy-to deliver results at every level of competition. From initial movement preparation to an integrated, comprehensive, year-round training plan, Complete Conditioning for Football offers ready-to-use research-based training methods and programs involving general and position-specific exercises, drills, activities, and progressions. This book is an ideal resource to help strength and conditioning coaches design training regimens for their team and each player. It is also a practical guide for coaches and athletes in a program without a full-time strength coach. Complete Conditioning for Football explains how to evaluate current fitness levels and monitor progress in each aspect and phase of training throughout the year. Included are team-wide and position-specific exercises, drills, and programs as well as training plans for preseason, in-season, and off-season workouts, all aimed at building speed, agility, strength, power, and stamina to achieve optimal performance. Useful nutritional information and recommendations are provided to boost the benefits of training, aid in recovery from workouts, and fuel players to perform their best in games. Guidelines and recommendations for sleep and rest are included to ensure athletes stay fresh and primed for every physical and mental challenge they’ll face. The book also features invaluable guidance for safely and responsibly reintroducing players to training and competition after an injury. The most comprehensive conditioning guide in the sport, Complete Conditioning for Football offers readers expertise from a top strength and conditioning coach to physically prepare teams and players to dominate on game day.

'An extraordinary portrait of a son navigating his way through grief and loss in real time. Funny, candid, and measured' GRAHAM NORTONHappily settled in a new relationship and with a dream house of his own, comedian Tom Allen had finally moved on from the arrested development of millennial life and could at last call himself an adult. But when his father died suddenly in late 2021, Tom's newfound independence was rocked by a fresh set of challenges, and he began to find solace in the past (and his new vegetable patch). Told through snapshots from Tom's busy life - whether reflecting on the campness of funeral customs, muddy lockdown walks in unsuitable footwear or just reminiscing on his childhood obsession with Patricia Routledge - Too Much is a hilarious joyride of stories as well as an emotional ode to Tom's beloved dad, and a touching manifesto on how to navigate the complexities of grief. With moving honesty and wit, Tom writes beautifully about those days, weeks and months following his family's loss, and about how bewildering the practicalities of life can be in the wake of an upheaval - those moments, really, when everything can start to feel a bit too much...'Hilarious and poignant' JO BRAND

A former city dweller reluctantly returns to the big city to help the police solve a case involving a series of murders.

Part of the Oxford AQA History for A Level series Approved by AQA Updated as part of our commitment to the inclusive presentation of diverse histories and to reflect the world around us. This Student Book covers both AS and A Level content, and supports students in exploring the complexities of the British Empire through engaging thematic questions, such as: How did the Empire influence British attitudes and culture? And how did indigenous peoples respond to British rule? - Expertly developed by a team led by Sally Waller, an experienced author with senior examination experience - With input from specialist historians, including Mishka Sinha and Emily Manktelow - Explores key themes such as change, continuity, and cause and consequence - Builds essential skills in historical source analysis with carefully selected extracts - Will enable you to understand and make connections between the key questions covered in the specification - Includes exam-style questions to practice, and study tips to support confident exam preparation Perfect for use alongside Kerboodle.

* AS SEEN ON BBC TWO'S BETWEEN THE COVERS * 'Excellent - I inhaled it, I absolutely loved it!' CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN, BBC Radio 2 'Wonderfully funny, utterly charming and sharp as all Hell' SARAH MILLICAN 'Tom Allen is one of the funniest comedians in the UK, the best-dressed man I know and now it turns out he is a superb writer' JOSH WIDDICOMBE ------ When I was 16 I dressed in Victorian clothing in a bid to distract people from the fact that I was gay. It was a flawed plan... No Shame is a very funny, candid and emotional ride of a memoir by one of our most beloved comedians. The working-class son of a coach driver, and the youngest member of the Noel Coward Society, Tom Allen grew up in nineties suburbia as the eternal outsider. In these hilarious, honest and heart-breaking stories Tom recalls observations on childhood, his adolescence, the family he still lives with, and his attempts to come out and negotiate the gay dating scene. They are written with his trademark caustic wit and warmth, and will entertain, surprise and move you in equal measure.

'Wonderfully funny, utterly charming and sharp as all Hell' SARAH MILLICAN'Tom Allen is one of the funniest comedians in the UK, the best dressed man I know and now it turns out he is a superb writer. I hate him'JOSH WIDDICOMBE'A delightful, touching side-splitter'JO BRAND'An absolute joy! Funny, witty and totally charming'ALAN CARR~~~~~'When I was 16 I dressed in Victorian clothing in a bid to distract people from the fact that I was gay. It was a flawed plan.'No Shame is a very funny, candid and emotional ride of a memoir by one of our most beloved comedians. The working-class son of a coach driver, and the youngest member of the Noel Coward Society, Tom Allen grew up in 90s suburbia as the eternal outsider. In these hilarious, honest and heart breaking stories Tom recalls observations on childhood, his adolescence, the family he still lives with, and his attempts to come out and negotiate the gay dating scene. They are written with his trademark caustic wit and warmth, and will entertain, surprise and move you in equal measure.

This book explains the essence of true Smart Cities, the four different types of Smart Cities, outlines select case studies that support the types and concepts behind Smart Cities and identifies the overall trends in building a Smarter Planet. Moreover, this book addresses subjects that are normally ignored in discussions and presentations regarding Smart Cities, such as Smart Education, Smart Culture and Smart Transformation Management for Social and Societal changes that are brought up by the implementation and institutionalization of Smart Cities. The book does not claim to have all the answers and prescripted solutions to all issues and challenges raised by the introduction of Smart Cities. But the reality is that no one does. Smart Cities is actually launching an entire new civilization similar to the Renaissance, and no one today can fully explain what this new civilization is all about because it represents the confluence of industry-wide changes (as outlined by the 4th Industrial Revolution), massive technological changes (that lead to dramatic changes in jobs and professions), and gargantuan social transformations that will affect how people view each other, work, business in general ... and even political systems. There will be breathtaking changes before the end of this century that will leave people both in awe and amazement. We do encourage dialogues and discourses that will advance and even accelerate all the concepts presented in this book.