Editorial: Ventus
In "A Society Sensation," Rudolph Valentino stars in this silent short drama, showcasing the tumultuous romance between a wealthy young heiress and a dashing navy officer. The film's elegant visuals and Valentino's magnetic presence weave a tale of class divides and passionate love, capturing the essence of early 20th-century cinema allure.
A revelatory adventure that leads two friends into the belly of the beast with the ’90s most influential U.K. punk band that changed so many lives It might seem odd — a punk band introducing poetry into someone’s life. But what if this lyrical influence was the reason you became a writer in the first place? Days and Days weaves together two stories. One is a tale of friendship and self-discovery that occurs during a backpacking adventure through England, Scotland, and Ireland. The other celebrates the highly influential yet underestimated UK band Leatherface, a group that The Guardian called “the greatest British punk band of the modern era.” Without so much as a single hostel booked, Chris MacDonald and his friend Jason cross the Atlantic. They sleep in train stations, endure a haunting on top of a volcano in Edinburgh, are driven out of Belfast by the IRA, and witness the mother of all storms. They also find themselves in the rehearsal space of their teenage punk idols, a building steeped in cultural significance for the Sunderland music scene. Days and Days is about the silver thread that connects us even after drifting apart. It’s a story about forgiveness and reflection, how beauty can be found within callous cladding. Leatherface band members, colleagues, and friends generously share personal insights that guide the reader into the melancholy, darkness, and humor that surround Sunderland’s best-kept secret.Ver libro
THE SOCIAL NETWORK THE ULTIMATE TRIVIA COLLECTION FROM THE MOVIE DIRECTED BY DAVID FINCHER CREATED BY FILM TRIVIA METAVERSE ABOUT THE FILM The Social Network is a 2010 biographical drama directed by David Fincher, depicting the founding of Facebook and the legal battles that followed. The film centers on Mark Zuckerberg, a Harvard student who creates a social networking site that becomes a global phenomenon. As Facebook grows in popularity, Zuckerberg faces betrayal and lawsuits from former friends and business partners, including Eduardo Saverin and the Winklevoss twins. The movie explores themes of ambition, friendship, betrayal, and the cost of success in the digital age, highlighting the complex dynamics of power and identity in the tech world. TRIVIA SAMPLES: “Mark Zuckerberg originally planned to never watch this movie. However, he ended up going with several of his employees and later commented that despite some inaccuracies, they got his clothing right.” “Jesse Eisenberg, who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), said that one of the hardest parts of his role was intentionally acting in ways that contradicted his natural behavior, something he had struggled against his whole life.” “David Fincher's favorite line in the movie is, "I'm just checking your math on that. Yes, I got the same thing." “Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield became close friends during filming. Eisenberg revealed that the dramatic rivalry between their characters was emotionally challenging for them, as it affected their relationship in real life.”Ver libro
Growing Up Stories brings together beloved Disney characters and a ton of fun, providing a new way to teach kids about positive traits. These simple stories highlight social-emotional skills like bravery, responsibility, and honesty, making it easy for young ones to grasp these important lessons. A New story featuring Mimi, Daisy, and Mickey to teach kids about being responsibleVer libro
The Song Dynasty (960–1279) emerged from the remnants of the fragmented Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, establishing a centralized government that would shape China for centuries. Unlike previous dynasties that relied heavily on military conquest, the Song prioritized administration, economic growth, and cultural development, laying the foundation for one of the most prosperous eras in Chinese history. The dynasty is traditionally divided into two periods: the Northern Song (960–1127) and the Southern Song (1127–1279). The Northern Song was founded by Emperor Taizu, who implemented policies to weaken the power of military governors and strengthen civilian rule. This shift reduced the influence of warlords, allowing for a stable bureaucratic system. However, external threats, particularly from the Khitan Liao and later the Jurchen Jin, forced the court to focus on diplomacy and financial strategies rather than military expansion. Eventually, the Jin conquest of the north in 1127 led to the retreat of the Song court to the south, marking the beginning of the Southern Song period. Despite losing control over key northern territories, the Southern Song maintained a flourishing economy, driven by trade, technological advancements, and agricultural productivity. The Song Dynasty’s political structure was characterized by a well-organized bureaucracy based on merit rather than aristocratic privilege. The expansion of the civil service examination system ensured that government officials were selected through rigorous academic testing rather than birthright. This system, rooted in Confucian ideals, emphasized knowledge of classical texts and governance principles, creating a scholar-official class that played a crucial role in state affairs. While this meritocratic system promoted stability, it also created a conservative bureaucracy resistant to radical reforms.Ver libro
Taking us into the minds of artists—from contemporary stars to old masters—See What You're Missing shows us how to look and experience the world with their heightened awareness. Artists are expert lookers: they have learned to pay attention. The rest of us spend most of our time on autopilot, rushing from place to place, our overfamiliarity blinding us to the marvelous, life-affirming phenomena of our world. But that doesn't have to be the case. In his inimitable engaging style, Will Gompertz takes us into the minds of artists—from contemporary stars to old masters, the well-known to the lesser-so, and from around the world—to show us how to look and experience the world with their heightened awareness. In See What You're Missing we learn, for example, how Hasegawa Tohaku can help us to see beauty, how David Hockney helps us to see color, and how Frida Kahlo can help us see pain. In doing so we come to know the exhilarating feeling of being truly alive. See What You're Missing is at once entertaining and enlightening art history while delivering empowering new insights to its listener.Ver libro
The origins of Ife are deeply rooted in mythology, oral traditions, and historical accounts, making it one of the most revered ancient cities in West Africa. Ife is often referred to as the cradle of the Yoruba civilization, a place where culture, religion, and governance took form. The story of its beginning is intertwined with Yoruba cosmology, particularly the legend of Oduduwa, who is considered the progenitor of the Yoruba people. According to Yoruba mythology, Olodumare, the Supreme Being, entrusted Oduduwa with the sacred task of creating the earth. He descended from the heavens with a chain, a handful of earth, and a rooster. Upon reaching the watery expanse that covered the world, he spread the earth on the surface, and the rooster scattered it, forming the first landmass. This sacred land became known as Ile-Ife, meaning “The Land of Expansion.” Over time, Oduduwa and his followers established a kingdom that became the center of Yoruba civilization, laying the foundation for its political, spiritual, and artistic traditions. Beyond mythology, historical and archaeological evidence suggests that Ife was already a flourishing city-state by the 9th century, possibly earlier. It grew as a hub of trade, attracting merchants and artisans from different parts of West Africa. Its strategic location allowed for the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices, contributing to the city’s rapid development. The city’s early rulers, often referred to as the Oonis, played a crucial role in consolidating power and maintaining the harmony between religious and political institutions. The Ooni of Ife, regarded as both a king and a divine figure, acted as the intermediary between the people and the gods, reinforcing Ife’s status as a sacred city.Ver libro
