Virtual Culture

DISCOVER THE HIDDEN HEART OF VENICE AND VENETO—SEE WHAT MOST TRAVELERS MISS! Are you ready to explore secret courtyards, savor authentic flavors, and experience the magic of Venice beyond the usual tourist paths? With 101 exclusive secrets, this guide takes you beyond the postcards and into the soul of Venice and Veneto. Designed for curious adventurers, it’s packed with hidden gems, insider tips, and budget-friendly advice to help you uncover the region like a local. Have you ever wondered: Where Venetians go for the most authentic cicchetti and prosecco? How to explore hidden frescoes...

Discover the quiet strength and timeless wisdom of a community that lives by its values, defying the rush of modern life. The Amish for Beginners: An Introductory Guide to Beliefs and Culture is your window into a way of life rooted in simplicity, resilience, and profound faith. Whether you’re curious about their customs or seeking life lessons that resonate beyond the pages, this guide offers a compelling and thoughtful exploration of Amish beliefs, traditions, and everyday practices. Step into the world of the Amish with clarity and insight The Amish for Beginners goes beyond the ...

When Detective Senior Constable Sarah Chen finds prominent Aboriginal rights lawyer David Namatjira dead at the bottom of Emily Gap, what appears to be a hiking accident quickly reveals itself as calculated murder. David's death coincides with the systematic ransacking of his Legal Aid office, where crucial files documenting mining company corruption have been stolen. His legal challenges cost Northern Territory Minerals millions while protecting sacred Aboriginal sites from illegal exploration, giving corporate executives powerful motives for eliminating their most effective opponent. But ...

The Second Book of Enoch (Slavonic Enoch) or "The Book of Secrets or Enoch" is an ancient Jewish spiritual composition. Though named after Enoch, it was not written by the biblical Enoch himself. He is the main character in the story of heavenly ascent, but not the author of the text we have today. Analyzing the medieval manuscripts, scholars estimate the text's composition sometime after the second century CE. This new translation presents the ancient, reconstructed text in modern, easy-to-read English. The primary goal of this new translation was to produce the text of 2 Enoch accessible ...

We all grow up and have coming-of-age moments. It doesn’t matter when you were born or what age you are now. You have in common with other people of any age the event of change that is associated with a growth in understanding, maturity, and becoming who you are. Sometimes these moments of change are referred to as epiphanic turning points. That means: we used to be like this, and now we are like this. It is not the particulars of the experience that make this kind of moment a universal experience; it is the event itself. Different fields of study approach this event of change and assign ...

A historical adventure novel set in the Yukon Territory and Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Join the Bradford family on an exhilarating journey through the icy wilderness in "The Golden North," a tale of adventure, resilience, and family bonds. When a daring invitation from Uncle Will beckons them to the gold-laden territories of the north, Charles Bradford, along with his sons David and Roly, must navigate uncertain paths, dangerous encounters, and transformative experiences in a land ripe with promise and peril. As they leave behind the familiar comforts of Connecticut, the ...

A historical adventure book set in Easter Island and the surrounding Pacific islands during the early 1900s. Join a thrilling expedition that navigates the mysteries of Easter Island's iconic Moai statues in "The Moai of Easter Island." This captivating narrative weaves together adventure, discovery, and the intricate threads of human history, as a determined couple embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the secrets of an isolated paradise. Beginning in 1910, the story follows a couple as they design and construct their sailing yacht, Mana, all fueled by the allure of the ancient wooden ...

Ready to Build a Lasting Legacy into Your Family? Being a Christian parent in today's world is no easy task. It seems everything in the culture is set against raising kids that honor God, stand for truth, and impact the world for Christ. This creates fear and doubt. We wonder if we are doing the right things as parents...and even wonder what the rights things are! If that is you, then be encouraged! God is on the throne, and all things are possible with Him! He is with you each step of the way. Everything you need, He can (and will) provide! We know that the choices we make as parents today...

A historical non-fiction book set in various regions of ancient North and South America during the pre-Columbian era. Unearth the forgotten legacy of the Mound-Builders—an advanced civilization that flourished across North America long before European contact. This compelling narrative dives deep into the rich history of these remarkable ancient peoples, exploring their impressive earthen mounds, complex social structures, and the tragic tales of knowledge lost to time and conquest. Their story is one of ingenuity, resilience, and ultimately, a poignant reminder of what was lost in the ...

A LIVING LEGACY: CULTURE, FAITH, AND THE FUTURE OF APPALACHIA (Part 2 of "Beyond Elegy: Appalachia's True Story of Resilience and Hope") By Laurel Ridgewater In this compelling second volume, A Living Legacy delves deeper into the heart and soul of contemporary Appalachia, exploring the vibrant cultural traditions, spiritual foundations, and emerging future of this complex region. Through rich storytelling and meticulous research, this work illuminates how Appalachia’s traditional values and modern aspirations interweave to create a tapestry of resilience and innovation. Key explorations ...

Two Wheels in the Sun: Adventures and Reflections of a Mexican Motorcycle Odyssey Embark on an exhilarating journey through the heart of Mexico with "Two Wheels in the Sun." This captivating memoir chronicles the adventures, challenges, and cultural discoveries experienced by a passionate motorcyclist navigating the diverse landscapes of Mexico. From the sun-soaked beaches to the rugged mountains, and from bustling cities to tranquil villages, every page is a testament to the thrill of exploration and the joy of the open road. Join the author as they delve into Mexico's rich history, ...

Unlock the Mysteries of Africa’s Sacred Christian Legacy For centuries, two of the world’s most fascinating Christian traditions have quietly preserved their ancient roots, vibrant rituals, and unwavering faith. Christianity’s African Treasures: The Coptic Orthodox and Ethiopian Catholic Churches delivers two captivating journeys in one essential volume. Travel Back in Time: Walk through the sands of Egypt, where the Coptic Orthodox Church was born, and ascend the Ethiopian highlands, home to a Catholic tradition as unique as it is enduring. Witness Ancient Practices: Experience the ...

12 Japanese concepts to Live By : "Uncovering The Secrets of Ancient Japanese Wisdom to Live Rich, Purposeful And Fulfilling Life. Applying Ancient Japanese Concepts to Navigate Life's Challenges and Achieve Inner Peace." “One glass of water doesn’t equal another. One may just appease the thirst, the other you may enjoy thoroughly. In Japan, people know about this difference.”- Jil Sander Japanese culture is renowned for its unique concepts of living that emphasize harmony, simplicity, and a deep connection with nature. Rooted in centuries-old traditions and philosophies, these ...

Was Diogo Alves really Portugal’s first - or biggest - serial killer, or just the subject of legend? Stories claim he threw dozens of victims from Lisbon’s famous aqueduct, that he was the country’s most infamous murderer, and that his severed head was even preserved for study. But how much of it is true? This book is a simplified adaptation of Os Segredos de Diogo Alves, offering an English-speaking audience a look into the essentials of the research behind the legend. Instead of lengthy historical documents, it presents just the key findings, the myths, and the real story behind ...

How you like to live abroad in Albania? What might it be like? Well, in this play, an ordinary American family gets to experience an extraordinary life, when Jack, the head of household gets himself hired to teach English in Tirana, the capital of Albania. This American family will have to deal with less creature comforts such as living in a small apartment, having to take crowded busses to get around town, to the universal problem all outsiders face: not fitting in and feeling a bit unwanted. But they will have to grow and triumph over adversity of being a foreigner in a strange new land, ...

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 ...

A brief history of Ireland from the earliest times to the present, illustrating how harmful religion has been, moulding the culture and dividing the people into warring factions and eventually dividing the island into two seperate states.

Great British Icons is a fascinating exploration of fifty of the most iconic symbols and institutions of British culture. From the red phone box to the Spitfire, from the Wellington boot to Concorde, this book takes you on a journey through the history and significance of these beloved objects and their role in British history and culture. Each chapter delves deep into the origins and evolution of these iconic symbols, tracing their history from their earliest beginnings to the present day. Along the way, you’ll discover fascinating anecdotes and insights into their cultural significance,...

Discussions of the First Amendment often focus on specific freedoms that the text cites, including religion, press, and assembly. But philosopher Tara Smith’s new book usefully reminds us that those particular freedoms—and many more that Smith and the other contributors examine—are united by a crucial principle: intellectual freedom. The book demonstrates that the free mind is indispensable for a free society. —Nadine Strossen Tara Smith’s masterful celebration of intellectual freedom is both subtle and forceful. She unhesitatingly carves out a place for herself as a warrior for ...

"JAMAICAN PATOIS (PATWA) COURSE: Speak the Language of Jamaica: Patois Phrases, Culture, and Conversations" Dive into the vibrant heart of Jamaica with the "JAMAICAN PATOIS (PATWA) COURSE," your all-encompassing guide to mastering the rich, rhythmic language of Patois while immersing yourself in the island's captivating culture. Whether you're a linguistic enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or someone who loves the sounds of Reggae and Dancehall and wishes to understand the lyrics deeply, this course is your gateway to a profound connection with Jamaica and its people. Why You Should Enroll ...