Virtual Culture

Marriage in Japan I went out for lunch with my partner at a cafe the other day that stood across the train station in a Japanese desolate rural town where I live. To call it a cafe is a bit too fancy. It’s not the likes of Starbucks but rather a small old mom-and-pop diner that was built well over 30 years ago and remained as it was, which perfectly matched this old town itself. We sat at the table and overheard a conversation from the table next to us. Three old women in their eighties sat around the table by the window. “She has passed away, too.” “This could be the last time we ...

Solarium is a powerful collection of poems that speak to the astonishing spirits of cities and built environments as spaces that can activate inner contemplation and spiritual or artistic rebirth. This volume also includes a nostalgic and evocative collection of Lauren Coyle Rosen’s photography, taken in Oslo, Norway. This is the fourth volume in Prisms, the illuminating second series of Lauren Coyle Rosen’s selected poetic works. Prisms as frame refers to the ways in which the light of spirit or consciousness is refracted through various forms in our inner and outer realms – through ...

Are you about to move to South Louisiana and you want to get a feel for its famous culture? Or are you a lifelong dweller who wants a few nostalgic chuckles? Maybe you are neither, but instead are just curious about the crawfish-eating, hard-partying, swamp-dwelling denizens who call South Louisiana home? Look no further. Learn all you need to about the elusive South Louisiana Folks, from the Acadians to the Zydeco lovers, in this tongue-in-cheek guide. By the time you finish, you’ll know enough to blend in with the locals if you don’t already. And you may just have a few chuckles along...

Are you a high achiever on the verge of burnout? You're not alone, and high performance doesn’t have to come at the cost of your peace of mind. Ambition Without Anxiety offers a comprehensive stress management strategy designed for driven professionals like you, showing you how to achieve more with less stress and anxiety. Imagine waking up with mental clarity and unshakable focus each day, picture setting healthy boundaries at work without guilt and still accelerating your career. Feel productive and fulfilled, no longer busy, overwhelmed or drained by the daily grind. This ...

When 19-year-old Kyle finds himself jobless after college, he embarks on a journey into entrepreneurship. Guided by his Uncle Ned, who challenges him to go beyond selling roadside food, Kyle must overcome his fears, think big, and outclass the competition in a pandemic. Over the course of five years, he discovers how a small idea can have global impact. Through the compelling story of Start, Grow, Thrive: Build a Business to Last, Golden offers a road map for taking a second look at culture and practices that are often taken for granted. This book provides tools for rethinking small ideas ...

Ever wondered why we reach for that next drink, pill, or puff—knowing the risk, craving the rush? High as a Kite – The Effects of Drugs is JD Arden’s unflinching, sharply witty guide through the strange logic of our own minds and the global culture of getting high. From the legal highs (coffee, cigarettes, alcohol) we barely question, to the forbidden substances lurking in the shadows, this book pulls no punches. Cutting through the myths and the moralizing, JD Arden explores what really happens to our brains on drugs, why we crave altered states, and who ends up paying the real price...

Unlock the Secrets of China's Past, Present, and FutureFascinated by China's history, politics, and culture? Want to get a better understanding of the hidden forces that shape the future? China's Future in Focus is a Comprehensive Insightful Analysis of China's past, present, and future, a must-read for anyone interested in understanding China's rise to global superpower status. Discover the Keys to Unlock the Future Through a critical examination of Rudyard Lynch's predictions and theories, this book provides a unique perspective on China's future. You'll learn about: the driving forces ...

Learn the world of entertainment law with this essential guide designed for entrepreneurs, legal experts, and creative professionals navigating the ever-evolving intersection of law, technology, commerce, and creativity. Whether you're a filmmaker, musician, or business executive, understanding the legal landscape is crucial for success in the dynamic entertainment industry. From copyright laws and intellectual property rights to contract negotiations and dispute resolution, Entertainment Law 101 provides the insights you need to protect your work, negotiate fair deals, and navigate complex...

Ever stood in front of your wardrobe and thought, “Nothing to wear”? What if it’s not about fashion at all? In Nothing to Wear: Naked Truths, JD Arden peels back the layers—literal and psychological—on why we dress, how we judge, and what our clothes really say about us (and to us). From the raw honesty of birth to the last outfit we wear, Arden’s sharp, witty prose asks: Are we ever truly clothed, or are we just hiding in plain sight? If you’ve ever wondered why the right outfit feels like armor and the wrong one feels like a jail, this book is your invitation to undress, ...

Unlock the quintessential charm of Britain with "The British Way," your comprehensive guide to understanding the captivating culture of the United Kingdom. This eBook serves as your passport to a land where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly, inviting you to delve into the heart of British life with ease and fascination. Start your journey with an exploration of British identity and the colorful mosaic of its landscape. Dive into the nuances of everyday customs, from the soothing ritual of tea time to the revered social haven of the pub. Discover the artistry of queuing, where ...

The slush pile comes to life in this action-packed adventure that follows the journey of two men as they face off against ninjas, zombies, werewolves, dinosaurs, dragons, and Christopher Columbus -- plus whatever else the author could cram in there -- while fighting to save the woman they love. Chock full of more clichés and tired turns of phrase than you can shake a stick at, the poorly executed writing will keep you turning the pages as the hilarity just keeps coming. A one-two comedy punch to the face, see what critics are calling "the greatest literary shit-show of our time" that will ...

Veils of Apollo is a powerful collection of poems and drawings/paintings that illuminate forms of revelation, healing, and spiritual liberation through the arts. Lauren Coyle Rosen intersperses her poems with her visual art, tracing the vitalities of dance, music, sculpture, painting, theater, and the artistic movements of the so-called natural world. This is the third volume in Prisms, the moving second series of Lauren Coyle Rosen’s selected poetic works. Prisms as frame refers to the ways in which the light of spirit or consciousness is refracted through various forms in our inner and ...

"Kiss My Fish" is a series of adventures that highlights the hope that is found in chasing God around the world. This collection of stories follows J. Bethany Anderson, missionary nomad, around the globe as she encounters God in new and fresh ways. These stories will make you laugh and pull at your tear ducts all at the same time. True faith is about learning to surrender to the God of adventure!

Set in modern day Japan and during Obon—the most supernatural of Japanese holidays, a time when the dead return for a short visit—Tonbo is a story of English conversation teacher, Jezzy Dubois from Louisiana, U.S.A., who has grown weary of her job but loves living in Japan and doesn’t want to leave it. She visits a local shrine to seek the advice of the nature gods, and in the days that follow a series of unexplainable events occur and culminate in a suspenseful encounter that has Jezzy calling on deepest instincts to find her way out as unseen forces provide guidance and support.

Embark on a literary journey to Japan with Tatami Days: Getting a Life in Japan, a captivating memoir by Michael Guest, an Australian writer and Sydney University PhD graduate in English literature. In his mid-30s he went to Japan on a whim but stayed 15 years, eventually working as tenured Professor in a national university. Through witty anecdotes and rich storytelling, Tatami Days takes readers on a journey of discovery as the author navigates the intricacies of Japanese society, from its enchanting customs to its perplexing idiosyncrasies. A specialist in modern literature and ...

KINDLE UNLIMITED & AMAZON PRIME CAN READ THIS BOOK FOR FREE! Ever wondered what’s so special about Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Jack Ma, and some of the richest people in the world? There is one thing common among all the rich people and that’s their mindset. The way they think and perceive things is different than everyone else. Their thoughts make them rich. The easiest way to become rich is to change your mindset and start thinking like a millionaire. This is what exactly this book is about. It shows you how to change your mindset in as low as 30 days. The book presents 30 thoughts and...

What makes a Human? A frozen world on the edge of civilized space has a deadly secret. The indigenous people, known as the Ixtyl are human-looking to be sure, but they have characteristics so unique there was doubt they are naturally acquired. Human? Or genetically modified creatures? Humans, including Indigenous peoples, are heavily protected by law. Genetically modified creatures are not. GeeMo's are like lab rats who have no rights, no hope, and no future. The tribe lives on a planet rich with an invaluable ore: One men are willing to kill for. When Certified Genomist Damien Durne is ...

How effective is your innovation system? How many leaders in your organization are delighted by the innovations they see coming from their teams? How many customers compliment you on the innovative products and services they receive from your organization? How many employees are inspired by the creative work they are doing, and their personal development as a result of your innovation system? How many people talk about your organization as having a culture of innovation? Organization’s often fail to achieve real results from their innovation systems even though they have: Set up an ...

Are you tired of feeling like you're living in a cultural time loop? Welcome to "Stuck Culture: The Great Stagnation," a riveting exploration of why our society seems frozen in time. Dive into a world where algorithms dictate our tastes, Hollywood churns out endless remakes, and fashion trends from two decades ago dominate our closets. This eye-opening book unravels the complex web of forces keeping us trapped in a nostalgic bubble: • Discover how tech giants and media conglomerates are stifling creativity for profit • Uncover the psychological comfort we find in familiar content—and ...

Photographic Memory: An Album of Illustrated Song Lyrics, is a musical double album in book form with eighteen original song lyrics, each one with an accompanying full color illustration or vintage photograph from the author’s collection. There are songs about adolescence, friendship, lost loves, pop music, the rise of fascism, time travel, scream queens, and not one, but two songs about the best actress you never heard of, Megan Ward. Photographic Memory: An Album of Illustrated Song Lyrics is a unique poetry book and a perfect gift for pop music lovers and illustration fans.