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  Western Han Dynasty - The...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 9 CE) emerged following the collapse of the Qin Dynasty, a period marked by harsh legalist rule and widespread rebellion. The fall of the Qin created a power vacuum, leading to years of conflict between rival warlords. Among them was Liu Bang, a peasant-born general who would go on to establish one of China’s most influential dynasties. His leadership, pragmatic policies, and ability to gain the support of both the military and the common people played a crucial role in shaping the early Han state. 
  Liu Bang, later known as Emperor Gaozu, rose to prominence during the rebellion against the Qin. Unlike his rival Xiang Yu, a nobleman known for his military prowess, Liu Bang relied on strategy, diplomacy, and alliances to gain an advantage. In 202 BCE, he decisively defeated Xiang Yu at the Battle of Gaixia, solidifying his control over China and declaring himself the first emperor of the Han Dynasty. His rule marked a shift away from the oppressive policies of the Qin, emphasizing stability, leniency, and bureaucratic governance. 
  One of Gaozu’s first major reforms was the reduction of harsh legalist laws that had caused unrest under the Qin. He abolished extreme punishments, lowered taxes, and granted land to military leaders and allies. However, in order to maintain control, he adopted a semi-feudal system, granting large territories to loyal kings while keeping direct control over the central government. This system helped secure loyalty but later posed challenges as regional rulers sought more autonomy.

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  Sea Pools - 66 saltwater...

  Chris Romer-Lee

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  WINNER in the Architectural Book Awards 2024.
  SHORTLISTED in the British Book Design and Production Awards 2024.
  A celebration of sea swimming – looking at the architecture, history and social significance of sea pools around the world.
  The sea can be challenging and changeable. Protected from the dangers of currents, crashing waves and extreme cold, sea pools (also known as tidal or ocean pools) are manmade pools that provide a safe space for swimmers to enjoy the benefits of the sea at all states of the tide and weather. 
  Sea Pools begins with an introduction to sea pools within the history of outdoor swimming, their unique designs and architectural significance and commentary on the resurgent appreciation for sea swimming in the 21st century. Chris Romer-Lee selects 66 of the most beautiful and culturally significant sea pools from around the world, including the 25-metre cliffside Avalon Rock Pool in new South Wales, Australia, the sublime Pozo de las Calcosas in Spain that is shrouded in volcanic rock, and Ireland's historic Vico Baths to name but a few.
  Sea Pools also includes four insightful essays: Nicola Larkin looks to the next generation of ocean pools in her exploration of how we can conserve, protect and regenerate the coastline; Therese Spruhan testifies to the healing and transformative benefits of ocean swimming; Freya Bromley discusses her odyssey to swim in every sea pool in Britain; and Kevin Fellingham reflects on the importance of sea pools in South Africa.
  The book is illustrated throughout with beautiful colour photography, as well as fascinating archive material to give an insight into the provenance of these vital sanctuaries.

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  Medieval Architecture and Legacy...

  Harris Ropes

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  These three works highlight how architecture and intellectual ambition shaped the heart of the Middle Ages and left a legacy that endures to this day. 
  Begin with The Gothic Cathedral, a stunning symbol of spiritual devotion and engineering genius. Soaring spires, flying buttresses, and luminous stained glass windows combined to create sacred spaces that lifted hearts and minds toward heaven. These architectural marvels not only defined the skyline of medieval Europe but also reflected the era’s complex religious and social structures. 
  Next, delve into The Carolingian Renaissance, a revival of learning, literacy, and classical influence under Charlemagne's rule. This movement sparked architectural innovation, preserved ancient knowledge, and laid the foundations for a more cohesive European identity during a time of fragmentation and uncertainty. 
  Conclude with The Italian City-States, hubs of commerce, culture, and politics. Their wealth and rivalry fueled a vibrant civic life and groundbreaking urban planning that blended practicality with beauty. From Florence to Venice, these city-states bridged the medieval and Renaissance worlds, forever changing the course of European history. 
  Together, these works offer a window into how medieval people built not only physical structures—but also enduring cultural legacies.

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  Primary - Vertex One of The Prism

  Alex Holland

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  On the brink of suicide on his 21st birthday, a young man's world is turned upside down when he encounters an elf and dwarf whose voices he can hear in his head. Thrust into a realistic video game, he must race against time to recover ancient artifacts that hold the key to his true origins before his high school bully kills him. As he uncovers the truth about himself, he discovers his reason for existing in this thrilling tale of self-discovery and adventure.

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  Whiplash - The Ultimate Trivia...

  Film Trivia Metaverse

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  WHIPLASH 
  THE ULTIMATE TRIVIA COLLECTION 
    
  FROM THE MOVIE DIRECTED BY DAMIEN CHAZELLE 
    
  CREATED BY FILM TRIVIA METAVERSE 
    
  ABOUT THE FILM 
  Whiplash is a psychological drama that follows Andrew Neiman, an ambitious young jazz drummer at a prestigious music conservatory. Eager to prove his talent, Andrew is pushed to the extreme by Terence Fletcher, a ruthless and demanding bandleader who uses harsh, abusive tactics to shape his students into perfection. The film explores themes of obsession, sacrifice, and the cost of pursuing greatness. Through intense, emotional practice sessions and competition, Andrew faces the tension between his artistic ambition and personal well-being. The narrative delves into the extremes of mentorship and the pursuit of excellence in a highly competitive environment. 
    
  TRIVIA SAMPLES: 
    
  “During intense practice scenes, director Damien Chazelle wouldn’t call for a “cut,” forcing Miles Teller to keep drumming until he was physically exhausted.” 
    
  “Damien Chazelle, the film's director and writer, struggled to get funding for Whiplash, so he turned it into a short film. The short was well-received and helped him secure funding for the feature-length version.” 
    
  “In the slapping scene, J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller filmed several takes where the slap was mimed. However, for the final take, they decided to go for a real slap, which made it into the film.” 
    
  “All of Andrew's drumming scenes were performed by Miles Teller, though a visual double was used in some shots. Approximately 40% of Teller’s drumming was included in the film’s soundtrack.”

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  Sonny Sunshine

  Beat Poet Experience

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  Sonny Sunshine the new Album by the Beat Poet Experience is formed around the poetry and dynamism of performance artist David O'Kelly. Paying more than a passing nod to the Beat Poets of the 60's it embraces warmly all that we love and hate about ourselves with a wry twist of phrase and some of the hottest jazz licks this side of New Orleans ...Reflecting the major works of Beat writing ALA Allen Ginsberg's Howl (1956), William S. Burroughs's Naked Lunch (1959) and Jack Kerouac's On the Road (1957), the Beat Poet Experience joins these members of the Beat Generation as one of the new bohemian hedonists celebrating nonconformity and spontaneous creativity. 
  The album Sonny Sunshine includes songs, lyrics and poems that have been written and performed over the last two decades in New York, Prague and London. It is Beat Poetry with an English twist and an eye to the odd crazy frailty of human nature with incredible performances from some of the best players currently on London's vibrant jazz scene. Written with a wry turn of Phrase and a sharp observational eye these are poems about life, death and magic.

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