Other books that might interest you

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  Disabled People Transforming...

  Beth A. Haller

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  This book tells the stories of disabled people who have been influential in creating modern mass media. 
   
   
   
  Through the voices of key disabled media makers and collaborators, the author highlights the ways in which their contributions are changing society's understanding of disability and shaping mass media and culture. Spanning a range of media formats—television/streaming productions, performances, podcasts, TED Talks, films, reality TV, graphic novels, and social media channels—the book illustrates how disabled people are confronting the marginalization they have faced in mass media for decades. Modern disabled media creators are leveraging new media platforms to recognize the lived experiences of disability and their authentic place in media culture. 
   
   
   
  This innovative and thought-provoking volume will be a must-listen for scholars, disability advocates, and students of disability studies, mass communication/media studies, as well as mass media production faculty, disabled people, and their allies.

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  Luba Empire - Central Africa's...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Luba Empire emerged as one of the most influential kingdoms in Central Africa during the pre-colonial period. Rooted in a rich tradition of oral history and cultural heritage, the empire played a central role in shaping trade, political organization, and social structures throughout the region. The Luba people developed a sophisticated society that not only thrived on local commerce but also participated in expansive regional networks, connecting diverse communities across the African continent. 
  The formation of the Luba Empire was marked by a blend of indigenous traditions and innovative political practices. At its core was a system of governance that efficiently harnessed local resources, maintained internal stability, and forged strategic alliances with neighboring groups. This centralized authority, balanced by localized autonomy, enabled the empire to mediate conflicts and expand its influence through both diplomatic and military means. The administrative techniques developed during this era laid the groundwork for a resilient state capable of adapting to shifting economic and social dynamics. 
  Economically, the Luba Empire became a beacon of trade and craftsmanship. Its strategic location allowed it to serve as a vital crossroads for commerce, facilitating the exchange of valuable goods such as salt, iron, and agricultural products. The empire’s success in trade was not only a product of its abundant natural resources but also of the innovative methods its people employed in agriculture, metallurgy, and artisanal production. These economic activities formed the backbone of a prosperous society that celebrated both practical skills and cultural achievements, fostering an environment of continuous growth and learning.

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  Mastering the French Accent and...

  Oscar Stanley

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  Are you an actor preparing for a role that requires a convincing French accent? Do you need to refine your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation for an audition? Mastering the French Accent and Pronunciation: Professional Techniques for Actors is the ultimate audio course designed to help performers perfect their French-accented English for stage and screen.
   
  This immersive training program, created specifically for English-speaking actors, provides expert guidance on the nuances of French phonetics, vowel and consonant shifts, speech rhythm, and intonation patterns. You'll learn how to soften consonant clusters, pronounce the signature uvular 'R,' and master the melodic cadence of a true French accent. The course also includes in-depth pronunciation drills, practical exercises, dialogue practice, and listening exercises modeled after authentic French-accented English.
   
  Beyond speech training, this course explores non-verbal communication, including body language and gestures essential for embodying a French-speaking character. You’ll also gain insight into regional variations—from the refined Parisian accent to the lyrical southern tones of Provence—allowing you to adapt your accent to different characters and settings.
   
  By the end of this course, you’ll have the confidence and precision needed to deliver a natural, compelling French-accented performance. Whether you're preparing for a major film role, a theatrical production, or a voice-over gig, this training will enhance your range and credibility as an actor.
   
  Perfect your French accent today—immerse yourself in expert training and bring authenticity to every performance!

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  Uncommon Measure - A Journey...

  Natalie Hodges

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  How does time shape consciousness and consciousness, time? Do we live in time, or does time live in us? And how does music, with its patterns of rhythm and harmony, inform our experience of time? Uncommon Measure explores these questions from the perspective of a young Korean American who dedicated herself to perfecting her art until performance anxiety forced her to give up the dream of becoming a concert solo violinist. Anchoring her story in illuminating research in neuroscience and quantum physics, Natalie Hodges traces her own passage through difficult family dynamics, prejudice, and enormous personal expectations to come to terms with the meaning of a life reimagined—one still shaped by classical music but moving toward the freedom of improvisation.

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  The Disenlightenment - Politics...

  David Mamet

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  AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 
  One of America's greatest living literary legends invites you think for yourself in this compelling narrative of manipulation, power, and the human condition. 
  ""Government, like Circe, turns men into swine,"" David Mamet writes in his latest political tour de force. Prepare to be challenged, enlightened, and entertained by The Disenlightenment as Mamet dissects the modern world with enthusiasm, wisdom, and lots of references to movies about the mafia. 
  Once a stalwart of liberal thought, Mamet now turns his penetrating gaze on the cultural milieu that nurtured his artistic growth, revealing how America's elites have twisted our institutions into tools of manipulation. With his one-of-a-kind wit, he exposes the intricate dance between power and myth, unmasking how the elites manipulate media and culture to maintain control. 
  The Disenlightenment fearlessly tackles topics from war to love, success to death, offering a fresh perspective on the human condition. His observations, ranging from the carnival-like nature of politics to the power of language, reflect a society where traditional values are under siege. 
  This book is an opportunity to engage with one of the most provocative and insightful writers of the modern era. Whether you're a long-time Mamet aficionado or new to his work, The Disenlightenment promises to challenge your perceptions, stimulate your mind, and perhaps change how you view the world.

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  The Legends of Ancient China -...

  Odessa Nightshade

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  The mythology of ancient China is a vast and intricate tapestry woven from centuries of oral traditions, folklore, and philosophical beliefs. These myths have shaped the cultural identity of China, influencing everything from governance and moral values to artistic expressions and religious practices. Unlike the mythologies of ancient Greece or Norse traditions, which focus heavily on gods and heroic figures, Chinese mythology is deeply intertwined with cosmology, nature, and the balance of forces within the universe. From the creation of the world by the primordial being Pangu to the celestial hierarchy ruled by the Jade Emperor, these stories offer a window into how the ancient Chinese perceived their existence and the forces governing it.  
  Oral traditions played a crucial role in the preservation and transmission of these myths. For generations, storytellers passed down tales of divine rulers, celestial beings, and powerful creatures, ensuring that the wisdom and values embedded in these narratives remained alive. Over time, these oral traditions were recorded in classical texts such as the *Shan Hai Jing* (Classic of Mountains and Seas), *Fengshen Yanyi* (Investiture of the Gods), and *Journey to the West*. These literary works not only compiled and expanded upon the myths but also integrated historical events and philosophical ideals, blurring the line between legend and reality. As a result, Chinese mythology became a living tradition, continuously evolving while retaining its fundamental themes.   
  One of the most remarkable aspects of Chinese mythology is its profound influence on Chinese culture. Mythological figures like the dragon and phoenix continue to be symbols of power and prosperity, appearing in imperial regalia, architecture, and festivals. The concept of the Mandate of Heaven, which legitimized dynastic rule, originated from mythological beliefs about divine approval.

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