Virtual Culture

Tomato sandwiches. Tobacco barns. Cooking collards. A shopping list left on a desk for 40 years at a deceased grandparent's house. Traditions that die as families age. What it means to "be country." Pig pickins'. Splitting firewood. Minor league baseball. Redneck snow days. Places that you can't go back again—sometimes good, sometimes not. All of these nostalgic and not-so-nostalgic stories from a rural upbringing are colliding with the New(er) South and are at risk of being lost from the culture. A Southern Season: Rural Stories is a collection of short stories about the food, lifestyle,...

This new English translation of Icelandic Fairy Tales marks the first time these stories have been translated from German to English, bringing Josef Calasanz Poestion’s celebrated 1884 collection to a new audience. Poestion’s dedication to capturing Iceland’s rugged beauty and mystical heritage shines in each tale, offering a window into a land shaped by glaciers, volcanic peaks, and an enduring love for storytelling. Within this collection, readers will meet a captivating range of characters central to Iceland’s folklore. Giants and giantesses stride through these pages, as noble ...

In the Japanese social imaginary, abstention of behaviors based on one's own feelings and ideas (enryo) and conjecture about what the interlocutor expects (sasshi) play a central role in everyday interactions. These attitudes are internalized during the early years of primary education. Empathy is privileged and particular importance is given to avoiding conflict. This type of behavior is also part of a disciplinary process in which vertical relationships prevail and dissent acquires a negative connotation. Since premodernity and even in the industrial society of the twentieth century, ...

Wondering how to train, equip and motivate your people to invite their friends & family to your church? Are you searching for practical strategies to revitalize your church's outreach? Do you feel your church could do more to welcome and engage new members? Are you curious about navigating the challenges of building an invite culture in today's digital age? In today's rapidly changing world, many churches are at a crossroads, struggling to grow and connect with their communities. "Unlocking Your Church's Invite Culture" by Rich Birch provides a groundbreaking solution to this challenge. ...

“An insightful and often funny depiction of Italian life” Hannah McIntyre. The Italian Insider Magazine In this, the sequel to his successful ‘An Italian Home – Settling by Lake Como’ artist and author Paul Wright relays more enthralling real-life stories about what it’s really like to live in an Italian village on the shores of Lake Como. With the saturation of expat memoirs on bookshop shelves, Wright's original approach makes for a worthwhile read. In this ‘An Italian Village - A perspective on life beside Lake Como’ the author offers an insight into a world few outsiders...

This is not a book about losing faith. It’s about walking away from the version of it that asked you to disappear. In Not Your Good Girl Anymore, Faith Hubble writes with razor-edged tenderness about what it means to grow up obedient, to unlearn silence, and to come home to a self you were never taught to love. Told in three parts—what they taught me, the leaving, and free looks like this—this collection traces the quiet violence of religious shame and the fierce, beautiful work of reclaiming your body, voice, and worth. These poems are for the ones who stopped being good to start ...

When global pop icon Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce unexpectedly collided in the spotlight, the result wasn’t just viral—it was transformative. Love on and Off the Field: The Travis & Taylor Story unpacks the layered, unscripted, and intensely watched relationship between two of today’s most celebrated figures. Far from tabloid fluff or speculative drama, this deeply reported and sharply written biography explores how two independent forces built something meaningful in a world obsessed with performance, perfection, and publicity. From Swift’s evolution from Pennsylvania ...

WARNING: Reading this book while on the throne will make your bathroom breaks exceptionally entertaining, potentially causing delays in resuming your regular schedule! Ever pondered why reading in the bathroom makes you feel extra enlightened? Or the surprising truth about why some birds can sleep while standing up? (Hint: It's not due to their impeccable balance!) Hold onto your plungers, curious minds! Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure through history, science, pop culture and the bizarre... in the pages of "At Home On The Throne", a hilariously addictive Bathroom Reader! ...

Ever dreamed of exploring a place where every day is an adventure? Well, pack your bags because Costa Rica is calling your name, and we've got the only guide you'll ever need to discover its wonders! Here's Why You'll Love Our Guide: Dive into Paradise: Find the best spots for surfing, chilling on breathtaking beaches, and where to catch the perfect wave in Manuel Antonio. Fly High in the Clouds: Zip-line through the magical Monteverde Cloud Forest. It's like being a bird, but cooler! Explore Mighty Volcanoes: Hike around Arenal Volcano and feel the thrill of adventure under your feet. But ...

From Mountains to Morales - Stories of Bolivia reflects a love of Bolivia, its diverse culture, geology, and ecology. Drawing on the author’s Peace Corps experience, it highlights some of the places and rituals that distinguish this landlocked Andean nation. This is also a contemplation of the country’s history as viewed through the lens of a small sampling of Bolivians. These include Humbertó del Rosario Torres Ortíz, the grandfather of the author’s wife, and the former comandante general of the Bolivian Armed Forces, who played a principal role defining the country’s ...

How did America become so screwed up? The answer is probably not what you expect. To find the truth, journey through the tumultuous history of a nation that has weathered storms of epic proportions. From the haunting legacy of chattel slavery to the fiery crucible of the Civil War, there has long been a struggle for unity and identity—to shape the American landscape. As brother fought brother on the battlefield, families were torn asunder, and the soil of the nation was stained with the blood of countless fallen soldiers. Yet, even in the aftermath of war, healing remained elusive as ...

From Chant to Choir: Sacred Music in Religion and World Culture In From Chant to Choir, explore the profound power of music as it transcends time, cultures, and spiritual traditions. This captivating journey delves into the sacred sounds that have shaped religious practices across the globe—from the ancient rhythms of indigenous chants to the harmonies of modern worship. Discover how music has been used not only as a tool for devotion and connection to the divine but also as a source of healing, resistance, and transformation. With a focus on the rich and diverse traditions of Hinduism, ...

⚠Become a leader who inspires and succeeds with proven strategies and real-world cases!⚠Leadership Through Self-Improvement is more than just another leadership book. It’s your comprehensive guide to mastering the art of leadership, blending theory with practical insights from some of the world’s largest and most respected companies, including Google, Microsoft, Starbucks, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Toyota. This book goes beyond abstract concepts, offering real stories of overcoming challenges and achieving success, giving you the tools to confidently navigate your own leadership ...

Unlock the secrets to academic and personal success with "Avoiding Common Pitfalls," your comprehensive guide to navigating the challenges of today's fast-paced world. Are you tired of time slipping away with little progress to show for it? Do you find yourself caught up in the party culture or struggling with ineffective study habits? This book is your roadmap to a more productive, balanced, and fulfilling life. Dive into the critical first chapter and learn to identify and combat the common time wasters that steal your focus and productivity. Discover how to resist social pressures in the...

In this powerful self-help book, Mastering Self Discipline: The Key To Achieving Anything you'll discover how discipline can be the catalyst for elevating every aspect of your life. From your career to your relationships, from your health to your personal growth, discipline serves as the cornerstone of success in all areas. From managing your time effectively to overcoming common hurdles like procrastination and self-doubt, this book offers practical solutions for everyday challenges. Whether you're aiming for career advancement, personal growth, or simply a happier, more fulfilling life, ...

Night Jasmine Tree, a Somerset award-winning contemporary novel, describes the hidden backstory of an Indian man’s immigration to the U.S. The high caste protagonist fell in love with a lower caste girl in college, but she was rejected by his very conservative family. They married, but deep emotional wounds continued to torment him even after they were well settled in the U.S. The past cannot be willed away. Later, the arresting stories of his childhood and youth he innocently tells his American grandchildren, reveal the silent torment and struggles that originated in India. These ...

This book is not about hating women. It’s about telling the truth—something we need more of these days. The Vicious Female pulls back the curtain on a hidden epidemic: women attacking other women. Not with fists (though sometimes that too), but with gossip, exclusion, mob tactics, and calculated cruelty. It’s the kind of aggression that leaves no bruises, but plenty of scars. And if you think this is just a “girl problem,” think again. Men, this book is for you too. You’ve seen this behavior at home, at work, online. Maybe it’s been aimed at you. Maybe your daughter has been ...

BEYOND ELEGY: APPALACHIA'S TRUE STORY OF RESILIENCE AND HOPE By Laurel Ridgewater "Beyond Elegy" is a compelling non-fiction narrative that challenges stereotypes and presents a nuanced portrait of modern Appalachia. Through personal stories, rigorous research, and vibrant storytelling, the book explores how this diverse region is navigating the complexities of the 21st century while honoring its rich heritage. Moving beyond simplistic portrayals of poverty and rural decline, Beyond Elegy examines Appalachia’s: Cultural Diversity and Evolution A rich tapestry of traditions interwoven with...

This book is a highly personalized (and admittedly highly idiosyncratic) guide to a eighteen-day trip to Greece focusing on two things: antiquities and food. If your idea of a vacation in Greece is mostly cruising from island to island, going on long hikes to take in the scenery, and spending hours swimming or lying on the beach, then this book probably isn’t for you. What you’ll find in these pages instead is an extremely detailed account of the art and architecture of Greece, with attention paid primarily to the mainland where so much of ancient Greek history occurred. Each chapter ...

"Principles: How to Create a Principled Business Culture '' is an explanation and guide of the method and results used to establish the best working environment I experienced in my nearly forty year business career. Our small Chicago company, Outer Circle Products, changed its internal operations and culture from an ordinary business to a principled business. The entire staff determined our principles and the working guidelines associated with each of them in partnership with the owner and management team. We put them in place, then worked to establish our culture as our daily method of ...