Other books that might interest you

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  Conversations with a Deaf Cat

  Michael Durack

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  Conversations With a Deaf Cat is the story of how Yolande and Michael taught English on a Canadian Indian reservation and cared for Yolande's mother for five months in the Netherlands until her death from ALS. It also tells about Michael's experiences as a native English speaker in a home with people who tried not to speak English whenever possible.Michael and Yolande are English teachers and writers who travel the globe teaching non-English speaking students how to sound and write like native English speakers. Before teaching, Michael was a corporate manager and actor for thirty-odd years, while Yolande did almost everything (teaching, costuming, animal sheltering, etc.) Together, they have traveled all over the world and plan on continuing to do so until retirement (or partial retirement), whichever comes first. Michael also intends to keep writing, so be on the lookout for more stories about his adventures.

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  Hoysala Empire - The...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Hoysala Empire was one of the most influential dynasties in South Indian history, known for its patronage of art, culture, and architecture. Flourishing between the 10th and 14th centuries, the empire left an indelible mark on the Deccan region, particularly in present-day Karnataka. The Hoysalas emerged as a powerful force after the decline of the Western Chalukyas, establishing their capital first at Belur and later at Halebidu. Their rule was characterized by military conquests, administrative efficiency, and an enduring legacy of architectural splendor that continues to captivate historians and art enthusiasts. 
  The origins of the Hoysala dynasty are traced to a chieftain named Sala, who, according to legend, was instructed by a Jain monk to kill a tiger that was attacking them. This act of bravery led to the adoption of the royal emblem depicting a warrior slaying a tiger, symbolizing the valor of the Hoysala rulers. Over the centuries, the dynasty expanded its influence through strategic alliances and military campaigns, gaining control over vast territories in the Deccan. Prominent rulers such as Vishnuvardhana and Veera Ballala II played a crucial role in consolidating the empire and fostering a rich cultural heritage. 
  A significant aspect of Hoysala rule was its deep connection with religious and artistic traditions. The dynasty was known for its support of Hinduism, Jainism, and, to some extent, Buddhism, leading to the construction of numerous temples and religious institutions. These temples were not just places of worship but also centers of learning and artistic expression. The Hoysalas employed skilled artisans and sculptors who developed a distinctive architectural style, characterized by intricate carvings, star-shaped temple layouts, and finely detailed sculptures depicting gods, celestial beings, and mythological narratives.

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  The Dreamtime and Beyond -...

  Lillian Brooks

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  Dreamtime, also known as "The Dreaming," is the foundational concept of Aboriginal culture and spirituality. It is a complex, multifaceted belief system that encompasses creation stories, spiritual teachings, and an understanding of the interconnectedness of all life. Dreamtime is not confined to a particular period in history but is viewed as an ongoing reality, a state of being that transcends time and exists both in the past and in the present. For Aboriginal people, Dreamtime is both a spiritual truth and a living tradition that shapes their worldview, guiding their actions, relationships, and understanding of the natural world. 
  The significance of Dreamtime lies in its ability to explain the origins of the world, the laws governing life, and the connection between humans, animals, plants, and the land. At its core, Dreamtime is a spiritual map, describing the creation of the earth, the formation of natural features, and the roles of various creator beings. These beings, often depicted as animals, deities, or ancestral spirits, shaped the land, created life, and established the laws of existence. Through Dreamtime stories, Aboriginal people understand their place within the larger web of life, their responsibilities toward the environment, and the moral code they follow to maintain balance and harmony.

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  Exploring Our National Parks;...

  Michael Finney

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  Exploring the National Parks across the United States is an opportunity that should not be taken for granted. To understand the profound notion of stewardship, in terms of responsibility and accountability, we must know the land as intimately as possible. This album seeks to further nurture the seed planted in Volume 1 of the series. 
  Captured in photographs are views of eight parks around the country with poetry, journaled notes, and essays which catalogue the author’s experiences and thoughts while traveling through them. 
  Included: 
  Cuyahoga Valley 
  Mt. Rainer 
  Olympic 
  North Cascades 
  Yellowstone 
  Mammoth Cave 
  Great Smoky Mountains 
  Acadia

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  HowExpert Guide to New Haven...

  HowExpert, Rick Pecka

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  If you want to learn about, and discover the best places to eat, play, and stay in New Haven, Connecticut, then check out HowExpert Guide to New Haven, Connecticut. 
  Welcome to New Haven, Connecticut, the unofficial “Cultural Capital” of the nutmeg state. Located in Southern Connecticut along Long Island Sound, New Haven is one of the nation’s oldest and most historic cities and one with a rich, diverse background for those keen on visiting. It is the home of Yale University, the birthplace of the hamburger (no, really), the site of several of the country’s top-ranked pizzerias, and a city with much to offer in the way of food, art, history, entertainment, culture, and truly unique sights and landmarks. 
  This book of more than 101 tips and facts about New Haven is your unofficial guide to the Elm City, one of the Northeast’s most fascinating cities. Within these pages, you will find valuable information on the city’s roots, where to eat, what to see, and “insider tips” to help make your trip even more enjoyable. Get ready to learn the difference between a burned pizza crust and “char.” Be prepared to learn the “local lingo” when ordering a hamburger from the place where it was born. Get familiar with the Ninth Square District, the Yale Campus, and the numerous theaters, restaurants, music venues, museums, and attractions nestled in New England’s hidden gem. 
  Check out HowExpert Guide to New Haven, Connecticut if you want to learn about, and discover the best places to eat, play, and stay in New Haven, Connecticut! 
  About the Author 
  Rick Pecka is an educator, writer, and former marketer who has called Connecticut his home for nearly 40 years. Born and raised in Waterbury, CT, he has spent the last 15 years living along the Connecticut shoreline, not far from the city of New Haven. 
  HowExpert publishes quick how to guides on all topics from A to Z by everyday experts.

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  A History of Ancient Egypt’s...

  Editors Charles River

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  Africa may have given rise to the first humans, and Egypt probably gave rise to the first great civilizations, which continue to fascinate modern societies across the globe nearly 5,000 years later. From the Library and Lighthouse of Alexandria to the Great Pyramid at Giza, the Ancient Egyptians produced several wonders of the world, revolutionized architecture and construction, created some of the world’s first systems of mathematics and medicine, and established language and art that spread across the known world.  
  For almost four millennia, the Great Pyramids of Ancient Egypt have been widely hailed as the single greatest archeological feat man has ever accomplished. The Great Pyramid at Giza is the only one of the seven wonders of the ancient world to have survived into the modern age. Unlike so many pieces of the historical record which have been “re-discovered,” relatively recently (in the grand scheme of things,” in their four thousand years of existence, the Great Pyramids have never allowed themselves to be truly forgotten by the human civilization which has never ceased to regard them with wonder and awe. 
  Egypt also impressed its contemporaries. The 5th century B.C. Greek historian Herodotus wrote that Egypt was “the gift of the Nile” because the river made its soil so fertile and thus helped create one of the first great civilizations. Indeed, the land of Egypt so impressed the Greeks that when Alexander the Great conquered the Nile Valley in the 4th century B.C., he decided that he would build a new city on its soil and name it Alexandria. After Alexander, the city of Alexandria grew and became the most important city in the world for centuries as it watched and played a role in the rise and fall of numerous dynasties. The city also became home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Lighthouse of Alexandria – and a center of culture and learning, which was exemplified by the Library of Alexandria.

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