Virtual Culture

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 ...

The Beatles left an indelible mark not only on music, but on the culture in which they created it. In a time of great and sudden change, they led a generation into new territory, redefining the social landscape as a place where men and women could try on new roles. They led this change through their music, their public personae, and - under scrutiny - their example. The Beatles Guide to Love & Sex examines all three - the songs, the parts they played in public, and the way they led their lives, for better or worse. John, Paul, George and Ringo began their journey as typical working-class ...

“Mark writes about place with such care and consideration – there's a richness and beauty to his descriptions, such that his setting becomes a key character…” – Kind words from an editor at one of the world’s biggest publishing houses. The life- and death-cycles of an idyllic Balinese village have been going on, almost undisturbed, for generations – but when the bodies of two foreigners are discovered life for the entire village is altered forever. Driftwood Chandeliers is set in a traditional village in rural Bali, where Brazilian surfer Natalia de Souza has been hired to ...

In October 2012, George Shetuni took a trip to the land of his birth Albania, exactly 20 years after his family first immigrated to the US. This essay recounts the visit which was a homecoming and a vacation of a lifetime. This essay is also a unique written description of contemporary Albania, a small and easily overlooked European country.

Embark on a journey of transformation and innovation with "The Innovative Mindset." How can you unlock your untapped potential and conquer challenges with confidence? This book provides practical strategies and real-world examples to empower you on your quest for creativity and adaptability. Whether you're an entrepreneur, professional, or artist, it's your guide to embracing growth and seizing opportunities in a rapidly changing world. Here are the five major highlights of "The Innovative Mindset": ★ Practical Strategies: Explore actionable techniques to transform theoretical ...

What if your greatest calling lies not within your comfort zone—but among cultures, languages, and people you’ve never met? Millions perish without ever hearing the name of Jesus—not because they rejected Him, but because no one ever told them. The time to remain silent is over. You were born for more. You were called for this. In an increasingly globalized world filled with cultural barriers, religious pluralism, and spiritual darkness, the Church is at a critical crossroads. Many believers feel the tug of the Great Commission but are unsure how to respond. How do you effectively ...

Have you ever wanted to meet the heroes of the Bible? This book will give you the opportunity to interact with many of the Biblical characters - to ask them what they're thinking and feeling, and why they behave the way they do. You'll also meet God, ancient man's imagined version of the prototypical forefather. You probably have a lot of questions for him about his behavior; this time, for a change, he'll answer. The heroes of the Bible spoke their own language. They never said, “In my opinion,” or “I don’t know,” or “That’s interesting.” They never asked themselves why ...

Discover the soul of Puerto Rico through the eyes of its most resilient people—the jíbaros. Step into the heart of Puerto Rico's mountains, where culture, tradition, and pride come alive in the hands of its hillbilly farmers, known affectionately as jíbaros. In Puerto Rico Hillbilly - El Jíbaro, we unveil a powerful narrative that transcends time, tracing the evolution of the jíbaro spirit from the island's earliest settlers to the modern day. Through rich storytelling, this book explores how the jíbaros’ distinct lifestyle has become a cornerstone of Puerto Rican identity. Each ...

Using humor & pop-culture references, UNF*CK LEADERSHIP presents a process to analyze your leadership and to apply systems-thinking & continuous improvement methodologies to become the best leader that you can be. Plus enough profanity to choke a horse. UNF*CK LEADERSHIP gives anyone a way to assess their leadership skills (regardless of leader-role) and a methodology to improve their leadership skills. This book is a no-holds-barred look at leadership from a systems-thinking perspective. Using humor, pop-culture, and enough F*bombs to level a small town, the author examines the 4As of ...

Have you ever walked out of a meeting feeling invisible, insulted, or vaguely humiliated—but no one else seemed to notice? That’s quiet sabotage. It’s the eye-roll after you speak. The “just trying to help” correction that wasn’t needed. The missing email thread, the closed-door meeting, the joke that lands a little too close to home. You’re not imagining it. You’re not too sensitive. And you’re not alone. Quiet Sabotage is your field guide for navigating the subtle, silent power plays that drain your confidence and leave you questioning your value at work. With sharp ...

Unlock the Secrets of Starting Your Career with Your First Job in the Corporate World! Fresh out of college or starting an internship, and feeling overwhelmed? Dive into "Cubicle To Corner Office" and navigate the unspoken rules of the corporate culture, ensuring your career development takes off from day one. Dive in and decipher the unwritten rules and business etiquette that will be pivotal for your career development. Remember, your first job, be it as a new hire, intern or a foreign worker, sets the tone for your career path. The unwritten rules, the corporate etiquette, and the ...

“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...

Truth Bombs & Grace Grenades Bold Faith. Real Truth. No Apologies. If you’ve ever looked around and thought, “This isn’t normal—and it sure isn’t biblical,” you’re not alone. The world is loud about its lies. It’s time the Church got louder about the truth. In Truth Bombs & Grace Grenades, author and cultural commentator Elsa Kurt delivers a fiery, faith-filled takedown of today’s most toxic ideologies—without losing her wit, warmth, or biblical compass. From gender confusion to political idolatry, spiritual apathy to woke theology, this book tackles the culture war with...

What is our situation? What’s the Big Idea? Do we dare? Who is with us? What are we good at? What are we doing that’s different, and how will we take people with us? What steps must we take, and in what order? How do we get better as we go? How are things arranged? How will strategy change us? If you want to be a great athlete, train. If you want to be a great pianist, practise. If you want to be an effective strategist, hire forty­ five consultants, undertake a six-month review, and produce a two­-hundred and fifty-page document... ...or not. Strategy is becoming more complicated, ...

Ash shook off the images swarming his head and tried to focus on her again; it wasn’t hard. She was so beautiful, those plump lips naturally lined by a darker stain of pink as they blossomed into a cherry in the center, those wide eyes so rich and opaque he could stare into them for hours and never separate pupil from iris. The lashes kissing the delicate smattering of freckles on her mahogany cheek—“I can’t begin to tell you how much your friendship means to me,” Ash said, still drinking in her face. She was so close. It would take nothing to just come a little closer, just there...

A historical fiction book set in California during the 16th to 19th centuries. Step into the vibrant and tumultuous world of early California in "California Gold," a sweeping historical fiction that captures the spirit of exploration, ambition, and survival against a backdrop of heart-wrenching beauty and conflict. As cultures clash and dreams are forged in the fires of gold fever, the story invites readers on an unforgettable journey through a land shaped by the hands of both settlers and native tribes. "California Gold" masterfully unfolds over centuries, beginning with the Spanish ...

What do Chinese religions and Christianity have in common? More than you might think! For centuries, Chinese religions like Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism have been practiced alongside Christianity, each with their own unique beliefs and traditions. But despite their differences, these two ancient faiths share a surprising number of commonalities. In "The Tao of Christ", we embark on a fascinating journey to explore the unexpected similarities between Chinese religions and Christianity. From the concept of the Tao and the Logos to the importance of compassion and selflessness, we'll ...

Discover the Epic Story of China: A Concise History from Ancient Dynasties to Modern Superpower! Quickly learn the fundamental facts of China with a fun and user-friendly experience! Embark on the exhilarating journey through the vast expanse of Chinese history! From the myths and legends of the Xia Dynasty, to the vibrant new era of the new happy China, this concise and engaging guide is meticulously designed for students, businessmen, diplomats, and analysts. This book gives you a comprehensive and thorough overview of China's rich cultural heritage, political transformations, and ...

“Happy, sad and all emotions!” Dull and predictable English retiree, Frank, gets more adventure than he bargained for when he sets off on a road trip across 1980s Europe hoping to shake up his mundane life. Be transported with him to Berlin as the Berlin Wall falls, to Nice in the South of France, and to Naples and Sicily. In East Germany, Frank finds getting in much easier than getting out. In France, Frank meets the exotic Delphine who persuades him to cast a lifetime of caution to the wind. He's having the time of his life on the Cote d'Azur until things get complicated and the two ...

As a freelance travel journalist Mark Eveleigh has written more than 850 full-length features for some of the world’s most prestigious publications – including BBC Wildlife, BBC Travel, CNN Travel, Telegraph, The Independent and National Geographic. PRAISE FOR 'MAVERICK IN MADAGASCAR' ‘A personal account of two decidedly unusual Malagasy journeys – trips no tour operator would recommend – completed with a plodding, somewhat touchy zebu pack-bull and a guide in a bulletproof vest. Fascinatingly crazy stuff that makes for good reading. Snippets of the country’s history – pirates...