Editorial: Tales of Terror
Aliens, or extraterrestrial beings, are forms of life which did not originate on Earth. They are a major archetype of horror movies. In this book, film critic Steve Hutchison reviews and ranks 50 of the best horror movies featuring aliens ever released. How many have you seen?
'Hilarious, heart-wrenching and packed with British music history.' - COLDPLAY A Virgin Radio Book of the YearIt's a life-and-near-death story. But whose life? And whose near-death?As a one-time NME journalist, former Xfm radio presenter, toilet-circuit promoter and the founder of enduring homespun British record label Fierce Panda, Simon Williams has been at the cutting, cutting, cutting edge of all things 'indie' for over thirty years. During his tenure as managing director of Fierce Panda (a role he holds to this day), Simon was responsible for tripping over bands such as Coldplay, Keane, Placebo and countless other acts of independent hue - some of whom have gone on to achieve earth-shattering musical superstardom, while others have merely baffled the crowd at the Bull & Gate in north London on a wet Wednesday evening.Unfiltered and unflinching, Pandamonium! is the story of Simon's time at the indie coalface, filled with insider anecdotes to entertain music enthusiasts everywhere - from the origins of a bootlegged Oasis release to Chris Martin's delight at reaching number ninety-two in the charts. But it is also the story of how Simon tried to bring a premature end to proceedings, documenting in blunt, matter-of-fact detail his longstanding mental-health struggles.Yet, despite his raw and often poignant honesty, Simon writes with the warmth, wit, self-deprecation and wide-eyed good fortune of someone who has stared into the abyss and survived, bounding down a few indie rabbit holes along the way.Ver libro
Designer, activist, and educator Cheryl D. Holmes-Miller is legendary for her decades of scholarship and advocacy, and as a touchstone and conscience for the design profession. In HERE: Where the Black Designers Are, Holmes-Miller documents the history of—and answers to—the question she has been asking for decades: “Where are the Black designers?” Holmes-Miller explores this essential question through the lens of her own development as a designer and leader, beginning with her own family and its rich multiethnic history. She narrates her experiences as a design student at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), and Pratt Institute, leading up to her oft-cited Pratt thesis examining barriers to success for Black designers. Holmes-Miller describes the work of her eponymous studio for noted clients that included NASA, Time Inc., and the nascent Black Entertainment Television (BET), as well as the story of her later critiques of the industry in Print magazine and other design publications. Holmes-Miller also recounts the parallel history of collective efforts by fellow scholars and advocates over the past fifty years to identify and celebrate Black designers. HERE is part memoir, part historical investigation, and an urgent call for justice and recognition for Black designers. “This book is representative of the shoulders on which we, as Black graphic designers, stand. These are the legacies we are fighting to uphold and the torches we must continue to carry. The journey of the Black designer has not been easy. It isn’t easy. And while we may be left out of history books, this is a reminder that we are here. Always have been. Always will be.”—Tré Seals, Vocal TypeVer libro
Discover the ultimate guide to relaxation and stress relief with Nature's Rhapsody Of Soothing Rainfall For Inner Peace, Deep Relaxation & Stress Relief. This book is designed to help you cultivate a more peaceful, mindful existence through effective stress management tips and guided relaxation practices. In our busy lives, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This book offers a comprehensive collection of natural stress relief solutions that empower you to reclaim your calm. You'll learn practical techniques for deep relaxation methods, enabling you to unwind and recharge your mind and body. From simple breathing exercises to more structured self-care rituals for stress relief, each chapter provides easy-to-follow strategies that you can incorporate into your daily routine. As you delve into the pages, you'll explore mindfulness strategies for anxiety that promote a greater sense of awareness and presence in your life. These methods will help you navigate challenges with ease and clarity, allowing you to embrace a more balanced, centered way of living. Whether you seek to enhance your wellness and self-care practices or simply wish to find a moment of peace in your hectic schedule, this book serves as a gentle reminder of the power of relaxation. Each chapter invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with your inner self, creating a sanctuary of calm amid life’s demands. Transform your approach to stress and unlock the tools you need for lasting relaxation and tranquility. With this book in hand, you’re one step closer to experiencing a harmonious, fulfilling life.Ver libro
The Southern Song Dynasty emerged in 1127 after the fall of the Northern Song to the Jurchen-led Jin Dynasty. This period marked a time of resilience, adaptation, and cultural flourishing, despite ongoing threats from external forces. The dynasty’s establishment in the southern region of China reshaped political, economic, and artistic developments that would leave a lasting impact on Chinese history. Following the invasion of the Jin forces, the Song court was forced to abandon its northern capital, Kaifeng. The remnants of the ruling family, led by Emperor Gaozong, retreated southward, eventually establishing a new capital in Lin’an (modern-day Hangzhou). This move signified not only a geographical shift but also a fundamental transformation in governance and strategy. Without control over the traditional heartland of Chinese civilization, the Southern Song had to develop new approaches to survival and stability. The dynasty focused on strengthening its bureaucracy, relying on a sophisticated civil service system that emphasized merit and Confucian ideals. Unlike the Northern Song, which had struggled with military weaknesses, the Southern Song sought to bolster its defenses by investing in naval power and fortifications along the Yangtze River. The loss of northern territories meant that the Southern Song had to rely heavily on its southern provinces, which were rich in agricultural resources and well-positioned for trade. The economy shifted toward maritime commerce, with ports such as Quanzhou and Guangzhou becoming vital centers for international trade. Merchants expanded connections with Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East, ensuring a steady flow of goods, wealth, and cultural exchanges. This economic shift allowed the Southern Song to sustain itself despite territorial losses and military pressures from the Jin and, later, the Mongols.Ver libro
The book "Warrior's Path: Exploring Gareth Evans' Merantau" is a comprehensive analysis of the 2009 film "Merantau" directed by Gareth Evans. The book delves into key themes such as the protagonist's hero's journey, cultural identity, and tradition depicted in the film. It provides in-depth insights into the narrative, themes, and cinematic techniques used in the movie. The analysis celebrates the protagonist's growth from a rural youth to a skilled protector through trials, emphasizing compassion and sacrifice. Additionally, it explores the importance of Indonesian culture, tradition, and martial arts (such as Silat) in preserving values like honor, loyalty, respect, and community amidst modernization. Through expert observations and analysis, readers gain a deeper understanding of the film's transformative power and its reflection on the human condition.Ver libro
Born in 1852 in a small coastal town in Scotland, Helen D'Oyly Carte, through academic brilliance and an incredible talent for 'managing chaos', developed and ran the world's foremost top entertainment and hospitality organisation with her husband, Richard D'Oyly Carte (known as D'Oyly). By the age of 30, she was running five Gilbert & Sullivan companies for the Savoy Group in the United States, crossing the Atlantic thirty times, and for the next three decades she ran the Savoy Theatre, the Savoy Hotel, Claridges and Simpson's-in-the-Strand. She was the only one trusted by the prickly, brilliant William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, to keep them from breaking apart, as they so regularly wanted to do. From a conventional upbringing, she chose to remain in London after the emigration of her family to Australia, first as an actress, then working alongside D'Oyly – she took over the reins as he became ill in the late 1880s. Until her death in 1913, she flourished and was famous, interviewed and admired, in a competitive, vibrant London that was the centre of world power and commerce. Queen of The Savoy charts Helen's course from Wigtown to the West End, where running a company with hundreds of employees, led to her fame and fortune. The artists Whistler and Sickert were friends and immortalised her in portraits. She was known in her time as the true founder of the Gilbert and Sullivan franchise and this biography will bring to light, some 110 years after her death, the extraordinary role that she played in one of Britain's greatest success stories.Ver libro
