Other books that might interest you

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  The Devotees of Buddhism - Diary...

  Marion Dapsance

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  The temple is packed. "It stinks in here," says the master in English. "You mustn't do any more prostrations, or else you'll have to open the windows." A tall, skinny steward discreetly points out that it's pouring rain, and that perhaps this isn't entirely appropriate. The master then grabs him by the hair and shakes him back and forth. "Who are you to judge? I'm your master, you're my slave. Ah, it may not be politically correct with you Westerners, but in Tibet it's like that. You have to submit totally. You must never challenge a great master.
  Anthropologist Marion Dapsance conducts the first field survey of Buddhism in the West, delving into the heart of a hijacked religion that leaves you speechless: sectarian organization, sexual aberrations, financial pyramids, hierarchical humiliations.

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  Reagan-Mondale Debate 1

  Ronald Reagan, Walter Mondale

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  The first of two debates between President Ronald Reagan and former Vice President Walter F. Mondale was held in Louisville, Kentucky on October 7, 1984. Barbara Walters was the debate moderator. James Weigart, Diane Sawyer, and Fred Barnes were the three panelists who asked questions. 
  This first debate was on the economy and domestic issues. Questions focused on the following topics: the nation’s economy, leadership qualities, religion, political issues, abortion, federal taxation, social welfare programs, the presidential campaign, and closing statements. Reagan won a landslide victory in 1984 winning every state except Minnesota and the District of Columbia. 
  Note: 43 seconds of the audio (part of Barbara Walter’s introduction) was garbled. The section from 57 seconds to 1 minute 40 seconds was omitted. This omitted section can be seen and heard in the text and video versions at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Search online for “Ronald Reagan major speeches” to see both a text version and a video version of this debate.  
  Audio recording courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. 
  aspenleafmedia.com

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  Urban Infrastructure - Planning...

  Lyric Vale

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  Urban infrastructure forms the backbone of modern cities, shaping their development and function. It encompasses the essential systems and structures that ensure the smooth operation of urban life, from transportation networks and energy systems to water supply and waste management. The presence of effective infrastructure directly influences a city's ability to grow, innovate, and provide a high quality of life for its residents. In an increasingly urbanized world, the need for robust and efficient urban infrastructure has never been more critical. 
  Defining urban infrastructure is the first step in understanding its importance. At its core, urban infrastructure refers to the fundamental physical and organizational structures needed for a city to function. These include transportation systems like roads, bridges, and railways; utilities such as electricity, water, and sewage; and the telecommunications networks that connect people to one another. In more advanced urban environments, smart technologies, energy-efficient solutions, and waste recycling systems are becoming integral to how cities operate. This broad and diverse range of components forms the lifeblood of cities, supporting both day-to-day operations and long-term growth. 
  The role of urban infrastructure in city development cannot be overstated. Well-planned infrastructure enables cities to support larger populations, fuel economic growth, and adapt to changing environmental conditions. For instance, efficient public transportation systems reduce congestion and pollution while improving access to essential services. Likewise, a reliable energy grid ensures that businesses can operate without disruption, fostering innovation and productivity. As urban populations continue to grow, the demand for sustainable and resilient infrastructure becomes even more pressing.

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  The Wars of the Roses

  History Nerds

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  About empty thrones, a lot can be said. Throughout history, both ancient and near modern, a lack of an heir and the sudden death of a beloved monarch always meant trouble. When the position of a king is up for grabs, a lot of eager hands come forward. Pretenders and would-be heirs, cousins and nephews, bastard sons and daughters - they all came forward staking their claim to the throne. In the history of Medieval England, such episodes were many. Usurpers who oust kings and heirs, pretenders with long-forgotten dynastic claims: many once fought for the lucrative throne of the English Kingdom. However, by far the most important of all these historic episodes lasted from 1455 to 1487 - 32 long years of struggle and bloodshed in England. And that episode was known as the Wars of the Roses. These wars ravaged England, pitting two competing cadet families of the royal House of Plantagenet - York, and Lancaster. Their supporters, the Lancastrians and Yorkists, descended into bitter warfare over the throne. For their symbols they took red and white roses, respectively - thus giving the name to the conflict.

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  Unequal - How extreme inequality...

  David Buckham, Robyn Wilkinson,...

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  ‘Twenty-first-century capitalism and the democracies that enabled it are self-destructing... a sobering ― and impeccably researched ― warning of what is likely to come next’ Bruce Whitfield  
  The leading lights of the tech revolution – Gates, Bezos, Zuckerberg, Musk – have been hailed as savants and saviours of the modern age. And yet they are at the forefront of wealth inequality not seen since the heyday of the robber barons in the late 19th century, part of the slide to the First World War. Today, rampant inequality is inciting social unrest and undermining faith in the institutions of the democratic state. Citizens have been left at the mercy of unfettered capitalism – mere data subjects, endlessly surveilled, marshalled and increasingly angry and polarised. 
  The decoupling of capitalism from democracy has fostered an economic system seemingly powered by greed alone, with the marginalisation of democratic principles facilitating the rise of authoritarians and populists like Putin, Xi Jinping, Trump and Boris Johnson. 
  How has it come to this? And does the unanticipated fightback in Ukraine, with support from the West, show us the way to reclaiming the lost spirit of freedom inherent in liberal democracy?

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  Thought and Circumstance — From...

  James Allen, Charles Crawley

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  Two foundational chapters from the legendary work As a Man Thinketh by James Allen — a timeless, public domain classic that explores how our thoughts shape our character, and our character shapes our destiny. Narrated by Chuck Crawley with clarity, power, and purpose. 
   Ideal for anyone seeking motivation, mindset mastery, or the roots of modern self-help.

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