Virtual Culture

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 ...

Now with an extra chapter, the beginning of the sequel Our Little Piece of Paradise. A warm-hearted, autobiographical story about the location and lifestyle in a small village in the Algarve, as seen through the eyes of Karen, and her husband Nick, who made the move seeking a quieter, more serene way of life. What lurks in the shadows of paradise, however, is a life-changing illness she has struggled with in the past and now comes to the fore. They have made Portugal their home. Will they be able to navigate the health system and succeed in getting her the urgent operation needed, to ...

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, ...

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, ...

Our culture’s lack of simple nudity understanding leads to many dangers like pornography addiction, sexual abuse and trauma. For far too long, Christians have adopted the worldly view that naked bodies are shameful. We dutifully layer on clothing and swimming costumes and force nursing mothers to cover up. As a result, we have drifted along with a world that places being acceptable and inoffensive first. Scripture, however, tells us that we are the Imago Dei, literally made in the Image of God! ReNude Life reminds us that God made us “naked and unashamed" and provides answers to age-old...

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, ...

The legend of White Buffalo. Let me share this story whose roots are rich in sacred indigenous culture. Unbeknownst to me at the time, this legend has been around for 2,000 years, shared through tribal storytellers at many sacred ceremonies and council meetings. Grab my hand and let’s slip through a tiny tear in the fabric of consciousness to meet face-to-face with spirits from the Lakota Sioux Nation. We’ll throw a grappling hook into the past and bring ancient wisdom to the present. Let’s step beyond our human limitations and march into the ethers of the unknown to meet White ...

The inspiration for this book came from a thought that deeply intrigued me – what if an alien visited Japan, seeking to understand the life here? Where would I, who have been living in this country for over ten years, take him? Perhaps on a tour of a typical corporate office, presenting him with “the average day in the life of a salaryman”, would this be enough to capture the essence of Japanese life? Certainly not. To truly penetrate the soul of Japan requires a journey across its vast expanse, engaging with the myriad personalities that stitch together the nation's cultural and ...

Are You Ready to Relive Your Favorite Pop Culture Moments? Do You Love Classic Movies, Music & Random Fun Facts?… Either Way, This is The Trivia For You! Is your mind filled with random info about celebrities, music, movies, and the latest TV show that you love to binge on? If so, then this is the trivia for you! In this book, you will find: Music Movies/TV The 80s The 90s The 2000s Celebrities & More Our Ultimate Pop Culture Trivia will take you through a roller coaster ride from the 80s to today’s pop culture. There is something for everyone! It’s the perfect trivia night for both ...

COMPUTATIONAL LINGUISTICS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE --- This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between artificial intelligence (AI), natural language processing (NLP), and computational linguistics, providing an in-depth analysis of their impact across various domains. It gets into the challenges of developing NLP tools for low-resource languages, emphasizing the need for linguistic diversity in the digital age. Ethical considerations in AI language models are scrutinized, highlighting the importance of responsible AI development. The book also addresses the ...

Dive into a world where vibrant traditions meet joyous celebrations with Carnival and Beyond, your passport to the heart and soul of Caribbean festivals. This captivating eBook is a journey through a dazzling array of cultural expressions that showcase the rich tapestry of the Caribbean's unique heritage. Start with an exploration of the Caribbean's spirit beyond its pristine beaches, uncovering the essence of the region's deep-rooted traditions. From the lively parades of Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago to the soul-stirring rhythms of Jamaica's Reggae, this guide introduces you to the ...

Discover the secrets to a long, healthy, and fulfilling life with "The Blue Zones," a groundbreaking new eBook that takes you on a journey to the world's longevity hotspots. Immerse yourself in the captivating stories and unparalleled wisdom of those who live life to the fullest in these remarkable regions. Unravel the mysteries of Ikaria, Greece, an island where residents seemingly forget to die. Learn about the Mediterranean Diet and how the Ikarian Lifestyle contributes to their exceptional longevity. Journey to Sardinia, Italy, where the world's longest-lived men reside, and uncover the...

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 ...

For too long, Christians have been told that faith is a personal matter—something to be kept inside the walls of the church. But what if Christianity was never meant to be boxed in? What if it was designed to shape everything—politics, education, art, business, and even technology? Neo-Calvinism is not just a theology—it’s a way of seeing the world. A vision that insists every square inch of life belongs to God. A movement that challenges both retreat and compromise, calling believers to transform culture instead of conforming to it. Inside this book, you will discover: Why ...

“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...

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,...

The Bridge of Isfahan is a love story, set in Iran during the postwar 1940s, a time of burgeoning hopes and dangerous conflicts –– not the least among them the cold war. Shirene is the green-eyed granddaughter of the empress of Persia. Jamshid is the blue-eyed son of working class parents and an organizer for the socialist Tudeh Party. Shirene lives in the palatial Dove Tower near the ancient city of Isfahan, once the capital of Persia. She owns land and has feudal power over the local villagers. Jamshid has come to Isfahan to organize the local textile workers and to agitate against ...

Follow Hagar Khalifa as she navigates growing up between two worlds. Caught between an American Christian mother and an Egyptian Muslim father, Hagar searches for her identity as she navigates the public Egyptian school system and subsequently the private American one. As she explores the two worlds, she discovers her ambition to immigrate to the United States and join the U.S. Army. As she navigates extreme challenges of growing up between these two worlds, join Hagar in the second novel of the Nadiri series to discover her journey as she becomes a U.S. Army officer, joins a university in ...

Who causes you stress? a member of the family, parent, or the society? They are unchangeable. However, you can alter yourself. If you read this book, you'll: Know the principles that guide how families work. Learn how to accept responsibility only for yourself. Find out how to maintain a calm presence in your family, workplace, and church. In the book, Each chapter takes a convoluted subject, family frameworks hypothesis, and makes it straightforward. It will show you how your upbringing influences your thoughts and actions, as well as how awareness and intentionality can help you discover ...

Discover the sun-kissed treasures of the Caribbean with "Top Caribbean Beaches," your ultimate guide to the most captivating shores in paradise. Whether you're dreaming of secluded coves, bustling beach festivals, or a family-friendly getaway, this book unlocks the doors to a world where azure waters meet soft sandy shores, and adventure beckons at every turn. Dive into the allure of the Caribbean with a deep dive into the diverse beach types and what makes each one unique. Uncover hidden gems far from the tourist traps, where tranquility reigns supreme and the beauty of nature envelops you...