Virtual Culture

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...

** NEW FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR M.S. CARTMAN ! ** As the Culture Wars rage, it is clear liberals and Marxists in academia have been attacking, and in many cases, destroying America for decades...now it is our turn to return the favor. Join us as we absolutely intellectually and comedically kick the living $#!t out of Harvard, Political Correctness and PC liberalism, Critical Race "Theory", Marxism, Egalitarianism, & destroy the floundering myth of Harvard’s “intellectual” and “moral” supremacy. We dig deep into Harvard's history and the resulting failing of today's institution. As ...

How does the excavation site in Idaho compare to those in places like Luxor or Timbuktu? Beneath the surface lies the universal pursuit of archaeology, unearthing truths that have long been obscured by time. Archaeology serves as a bridge between written records and tangible evidence, seeking to validate historical accounts and provide context for humanity's collective journey. In this captivating book, the author vividly portrays the life of John, a young archaeologist whose journey takes him to excavation sites across the globe. While working in Alaska, his team uncovers startling ...

The organizations we work for destroy confidence We starve professionals of information, direction, psychological safety, and purpose by isolating workers in cubicles, teams into silos, and decisions into oblivion. Individuals drift and become alienated, waiting for direction that never comes. This way of working…is not working. When individuals work in teams, they create value The Collaboration Equation helps individuals be professionals, teams take pride in their work, and companies become more resilient. This guide enables you to build visual systems where people can see their work ...

“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 ...

Step into the world where philosophy wasn’t just a subject—it was a way of life. Where the greatest minds of antiquity collided, and from that clash of ideas, the foundations of Western thought were forged. Philodemus and Sextus: A Dual Exploration of Ancient Thought offers you a front-row seat to the intellectual revolution that bridged Greek wisdom and Roman power. Uncover the timeless teachings of Philodemus, the philosopher who seamlessly wove the intricate tapestry of Greek philosophy into the heart of Roman culture. His Epicurean insights—centered on the pursuit of happiness, ...

Did you know red lipstick made its mark during World War II as a sign of defiance? Or that the solution to one of the oldest riddles in history, found inscribed on an ancient Sumerian tablet, is still debated by scholars today? "Masterful Mingling" is brimming with fascinating trivia, weaving together the worlds of history, science, and culture to enrich your conversations and ignite your curiosity. This book will help you master engaging conversations even if you dread small talk and social gatherings. Divided into four parts, "Masterful Mingling" begins by dissecting the nuances of small ...

In January of 1971, four young guys who knew nothing about music convinced an entire town they were a hot rock and roll band on the brink of stardom. A lie that crazy could only go one direction… off the rails! 20-year-old Arthur "Ziggy" Zigmond has ideas. Lots of ideas. But no one wants to hear them. Especially the three guys he works with. When they set out from Chicago in a VW bus to shoot a local beer commercial "as a favor to some guy who owes a big favor to some other guy" they find themselves snowbound and stranded by a raging blizzard in Hibbing, Minnesota – former hometown of ...

While the Gods Slept brings together many of the disparate anomalies, myths, and religious beliefs that confound and confuse those who would like answers to age-old questions. The story begins some four hundred thousand years into our past when a great civilization occupied this planet. After a great cataclysmic event, the few survivors begin a project to rebuild and repopulate the Earth. Their efforts are recorded throughout the book, but there is a parallel story. One that is taking place around our globe today. One man, Simon Krall, is discovered to have unique DNA. His DNA could hold ...

A Culinary Journey Through History The Celebrity Cookbook explores the truly important question: What on earth did famous people eat? Part cookbook, part comedy, part historical expedition gone slightly off course, this book is your guide to the favourite meals and drinks of emperors, rock stars, poets, pirates, and philosophers—some of whom really should have seen a nutritionist. The Celebrity Cookbook is a no-nonsense, laugh-out-loud collection of the actual (and occasionally ridiculous) favourite meals and drinks of the world’s most famous people—alive, dead, or somewhere in ...

Ever felt like the star of your own movie, with the world as your stage? You’re not alone—and it’s more dangerous than you think. Main Character Syndrome (MCS) is the psychological and cultural phenomenon sweeping our hyper-connected age, where individuals see themselves as the protagonist of a scripted life, casting friends, family, and even strangers as mere supporting characters. In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Elias Vorne, PhD, unveils the seductive curse of MCS, a delusion that’s reshaping how we live, love, and connect in the digital era. If you’ve ever wondered why social ...

The events of September 11, 2001 changed our nation, and the world, forever. For our nation, these attacks signaled the realization of the quintessential struggle for this generation. A conflict not between nations whose borders are delineated on a map or between groups of nations diametrically opposed in their political philosophies, but a conflict of ideologies transcending recognized borders. Understanding the Threat of Radical Islam provides a cursory examination of violent Islamism and how this radical ideology threatens Western Civilization; perfect as an introduction to the issue or ...

Alex Dubois changed from a human male to an Elven female. Come along with her as she travels with Captain Samuel Ash, an American Civil War Veteran, and their Dire Wolf, Socks. Join the adventure as the see the wonder of Treetop City and become embroiled in a war. Remember, this is Eden, and things are different from what they appear, and the key to winning this war lays in the dead Dwarven city of Glanim. Their lives depend on answering two questions: who is friend, and who is foe?

The Trail of Tears is a tragic chapter in American history - as is the Wounded Knee Massacre, and the many that preceded it. The legacy of the European invasion of North America is, at this point, exhaustively documented; the abuses and injustices unleashed by white men on the indigenous inhabitants are, at this point, well known. What is less well known is their actual legacy. Many, if not most, think of the Native American tribes as bands of savages – violent, brutal, immoral. But they are wrong to think so. In fact, the legacy of Native America lives in our deepest commitments as a ...

Gain Insights To Exceptional Leadership Communication In a world where effective leadership is synonymous with clear communication, Voice of a Leader: Enhancing Your Communication Skills For Success emerges as the quintessential guide for mastering the art of influence and expression. This book equips current and aspiring leaders with the strategies they need to communicate effectively in any professional scenario. Inside, You'll Discover: The Art of Communication in Leadership: Understand the pivotal role communication plays in leadership, and how you can leverage it to your advantage. ...

What if the Beatles wrote “Help!” in the age of anxiety—or “Eleanor Rigby” in a world obsessed with connection but drowning in loneliness? Yesterday, Today reimagines 20 of the most iconic Beatles songs through a modern lens. From social media and mental health to shifting cultural values, this book explores what these timeless tracks might look and sound like if they were written in today's world. Author Steven Michaels, a longtime musician and English teacher, has spent more than two decades guiding teenagers through Beatles lyrics—uncovering new interpretations and emotional ...

When corruption poisons the throne and rebellion ignites the land, who will rise as a hero—and who will fall as a tyrant? China is falling apart in the last days of the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Behind the grand palace walls, scheming eunuchs hold all the power. Secret plots grow in the shadows and threaten the throne. Grand General Dou Wu risks everything to rid these corrupt forces, but the Empress Dowager’s attitude sets the stage for a storm of bloodshed and betrayal. The people’s anger reaches its breaking point outside the palace. Furious at the corruption, the Yellow ...

Leadership is a conversation—and you need to own the mic. Lead Like You Mean It gives leaders and professionals the communication tools to inspire, resolve conflict, and motivate action. It combines emotional intelligence, confidence, and language strategy in one practical guide. Learn what your leadership style says before you speak Handle hard conversations with grace and authority Use language that motivates, not manipulates Apply EQ in communication, team feedback, and performance reviewsReal leadership is influence—and influence starts with how you speak and listen. Communicate ...

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...

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...