Virtual Culture

With her delightfully evocative prose, Xu Xiaobin presents us with a collection of stories crawling with fraught power dynamics, strange events, and unsettling images. Not only does she write about women, but the worlds around them, the fears that dog them, and the histories that haunt them. Xu's entangled plots sneak up on the reader and make a lasting impression, from the blind singing sensation with a calculating mother, to the scornful aunt of an aging Miss Asia winner, to the young woman who becomes consumed by filth in the dilapidated house of her in-laws. Each of these mournful ...

Reviews and Essays: Cult films, underrated movies, forgotten TV shows, pop culture, and other cool stuff is the fourth non-fiction review book from James J. Caterino, the author of Pop Culture Musings, 50 Films That Mattered to Me and Why, and Fantastic Films, Cult TV Episodes, and Perfect Pop Songs. In this book Caterino covers the neglected 2023 blockbuster The Flash, the underrated Jessica Chastain vehicle Miss Sloan (2016), the misunderstood Passengers (2016), cult movies like Joe Dante’s Piranha (1980), Amazon Women on the Moon (1987), Pump Up the Volume (1990), Sam Raimi’s The ...

Craving the magic of Dublin? Uncover its hidden gems and timeless wonders beyond the bustling streets.Dreaming of exploring Dublin’s rich tapestry of history, art, and culture? Renowned author and traveler Christy Nicholas invites you to experience the soul of Ireland’s capital through ten of its most captivating landmarks. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or simply seeking unforgettable experiences, this guide brings Dublin’s essence to life. What You’ll Discover in Dublin: Castles, Culture, and Craic: Dublin Castle – Step into centuries of history at this iconic site,...

The season of approaching darkness, Nos Galan Gaeaf, begins with the harvest and the traditions of magic that haunt the hills and valleys of North Wales. This mysticism is strong in the village of Llangynog, where visitors gather for the faire, for the bonfire, and for the hope of seeing something that has crossed between worlds. Llangynog is a thin place, a place of old magic where community spirit thrives and the mysticism of ancient times lingers on. This year, screams shatter the fun of the community celebration, and the magic evaporates when DCI Will Cooper is tasked with ...

Have you ever wondered how immortal superstars from baseball's past would fare in today's game? Well, Roland Colton's new novel, Baseball Immortal, answers that question . . . or does it? Is the man who awakens in a present-day Georgia hospital, after suffering a nearly fatal hit-and-run accident, truly the legendary Ty Cobb (who has been inexplicably transported forward in time), or is he a man suffering from severe psychosis and delusions of grandeur, who has hijacked Cobb's identity as his own? The book begins in 1911, with the Detroit Tigers on the calamitous end of a humiliating twelve...

This comprehensive exploration of idioms examines how these colorful expressions reflect cultural values across different societies. Consider the Vietnamese saying "The monkey knows which tree to climb," reflecting how wisdom involves knowing whom to approach for help, or the Turkish adage "A dog with money is called Mr. Dog," highlighting how wealth can change social dynamics. The text delves into several key categories including life wisdom, relationships, work, emotions, travel, and cultural identity. Take the Ethiopian proverb "Destiny hides in the roots, not in the branches," ...

A moving and meditative account of the crushing demands of Korean careerism. - KIRKUS REVIEWS, Verdict "GET IT" Discover the Realities of Contemporary Korea "Hi, nice to meet you. This is my third blind date this week, so... let's get the usual stuff out of the way and decide where to go from there. Great, I'll start. First, what's your age? Your academic background? How much do you make? And your parents? How many siblings do you have? Any debt in the family? How much do you have in your savings account right now? Where do you live in the city? What kind of car do you drive? Purchased or ...

Chasing Money: Finding Peace Beyond the Hustle You’ve done the grind. Built the side hustles. Started the businesses. You’ve chased money in circles, trying to feel secure, successful, or seen. But even when the checks came in… something still felt missing. In Chasing Money: Finding Peace Beyond the Hustle, Steph Wynne shares a raw, real journey through ambition, missteps, reinvention, and clarity. This isn’t a how-to-get-rich guide, it’s a deeper look at what we’re really after when we say we want “success.” Inside, you’ll explore: The emotional cost of always chasing the...

Embark on a Journey to the New 7 Wonders of the World Without Leaving Your Seat—or Start Planning the Adventure of a Lifetime! Are you craving inspiration for your next adventure? Do you dream of exploring breathtaking places steeped in history and wonder? Whether you’re a passionate traveler or an armchair explorer, this book is your ultimate guide to the world’s most remarkable destinations. From the timeless majesty of the Taj Mahal to the awe-inspiring heights of Machu Picchu, this book takes you on a journey to Explore the New 7 Wonders of the World. Through vivid storytelling, ...

EXPANZION: The Internal Leadership Execution Operating System AI is not a Tool. It’s a Mirror. Use it for Both Execution and Evolution. The Real Operating System for AI-Era Leaders Who Are Done Hesitating This is not a leadership book from the top-down. No. It's from the inside out. Built under fire. Refined under pressure. Field-tested in public battles where silence was weaponised—and still, the signal held. EXPANZION™ isn’t here to motivate you. It’s here to transmit clarity through you. This is not for you if: You want another productivity hack You think dashboards are for ...

18X Best-Selling & Award-Winning Author and Podcaster; Leadership, HR, Innovation, Future of Work, Diversity and Inclusion, and Workplace Culture Global Thought Leader; Chair/Professor of Organizational Leadership; Change/OD/HR/Social Impact Consultant; Ranked in the top 20 of global researchers in the following topic areas - "Future of Work," "Global Leadership," "Organizational Development, "Public Service Motivation," and "Social Impact" (Google Scholar); ScholarGPS has ranked him the #15 scholar in the world for job satisfaction research. In today's rapidly changing world of work, the ...

One night with my best friend’s daughter was a sin. Now, she’s my fake fiancée, but our baby might turn this lie into forever. I built my billion-dollar empire on rules. Rule #1: Never touch my best friend’s daughter. Especially when she’s half my age. One night with her broke every rule I made. Five years later, she struts into my office as my assistant. With eyes burning with hatred. I should have sent her packing. Instead, I made her my fake fiancée. A lie I need to save my studio and my son. But Leah is my greatest weakness. Her fire burns every rule I’ve built my life on to...

How to Win Over Your Mother-in-Law Without Losing Your Mind! If navigating the mother-in-law relationship feels like an Olympic event, don’t worry—you’ve just found your gold-medal playbook! In The Proper Way to Suck-Up to Your Mother-in-Law, Kim Heidler Brooks serves up the ultimate guide to keeping your family relationships smooth, stress-free, and dare we say—fun. Think winning her over is impossible? Think again! This hilarious, no-nonsense book is packed with tried-and-true strategies to charm your mother-in-law and keep the peace. Whether you're dealing with unsolicited advice...

Have you ever thought that maybe things aren’t as good as you thought they were? Take a look inside and explore the War on the West, the new and explosive guide from Neville Patrick Carter that takes a look at some of the key issues in the political and societal downfall that we are currently facing in countries like America, Australia and England. Carter takes a refreshing and new aged approach to analyze some of the big issues facing your ordinary citizen in the 21st century including free speech, social media and most importantly, the Emu War. Prepare yourself for memes and a guide ...

What if the secret to a longer, healthier life was already known—and practiced every day on a small island in Japan? Okinawa is one of the world’s five “Blue Zones,” regions where people live far longer than average. But it’s not just about genetics. It’s about how they live, what they eat, and why they get up in the morning. In this quick but powerful exploration, you'll learn: The key foods of the Okinawan diet How elders in their 90s maintain purpose and community What hara hachi bu and ikigai really mean—and why they matter How lifestyle, mindset, and connection may matter...

An alternative travel guide to Maui's sacred places, a hidden Maui that most travelers and residents never experience. Exploring Lost Maui takes the reader on a cultural tour of massive ancient stone temples, healing stones, places of refuge and places of power. The award-winning authors have visited and researched all sites and include stories from Maui's past and present that are fascinating, informative and often dark and mysterious. Discovering Maui's intriguing past will enhance your visit to this beautiful island.

In today's digital age, eSports has transformed gaming into a legitimate career path, captivating millions of youth worldwide. Raising Digital Athletes equips parents with the tools to support their child’s gaming passion while fostering balance, wellness, and success in the competitive gaming world. Key Topics Covered: The Evolution of eSports: Understand how competitive gaming grew into a global phenomenon. The Gamer’s Mindset: Explore motivation, cognitive benefits, and skill development in gaming. Balancing Gaming and Life: Practical strategies for a healthy balance between gaming, ...

Deeper than African Soil captures the romantic, pores-open wonder of a child raised among worlds. It unveils the adventure and suffering of revolution, disease, boarding school trauma, wrenching farewells and losses deeper than most people endure in a lifetime. It explores the nature of memory itself, why we repress it and how to call it forth, all five senses open. Daughter of Canadian Mennonites, Faith Eidse was separated from family at the scariest moments of her life. Amid postcolonial tensions in Congo, Canada and the U.S., Faith and her sisters—Hope, Charity and Grace—lived vivid ...

Experiencing France is the result of numerous trips to this fascinating country in search of art, culture, breathtaking landscapes, culinary delights, eco-beaches and more. Included are over 120 photos, 95% of them by the author himself, that will help appreciate to the full what's being described. The book isn't meant to cover every inch of France but does take in the best of what the country offers: Paris, Provence, Loire Castles, Alsace-Lorraine, Bordeaux among them. There's also a chapter on learning French which is not as hard as it seems, there are some 4,000 words French and English ...

Unlock the Magic of Sicily's Traditions, Festivals, and Hidden Gems Unlike other travel guides, the Ultimate Festival & Travel Guide takes you straight to the island’s beating heart—its incredible festivals. Dive into the rich traditions, vibrant celebrations, and authentic local experiences that bring each town to life. From these unforgettable moments, explore Sicily’s iconic landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine. This isn’t just a guidebook—it’s your key to experiencing Sicily at its most vibrant and unforgettable. Discover the unparalleled charm of ...