Editorial: Tales of Terror
The following recommendations represent the top 15% of 1900 horror movie reviews. I use a classification method that combines genres, subgenres, ambiances, and antagonists. My evaluation ratings are stars, story, creativity, action, quality, creepiness, and rewatchability
The Tokugawa Shogunate, which had ruled Japan for over two centuries, faced a gradual but inevitable decline in the mid-19th century. Although the regime had maintained stability and peace through strict social hierarchy and isolationist policies, internal weaknesses and external pressures ultimately led to its downfall. The combination of economic struggles, social unrest, and increasing foreign intervention exposed the shogunate’s vulnerabilities, setting the stage for a dramatic political transformation. One of the major factors behind the decline was Japan’s rigid economic system. The Tokugawa rulers relied heavily on a feudal structure in which the daimyo, or regional lords, maintained their own domains under the authority of the shogun. However, the economy began to shift from an agrarian-based system to one influenced by commerce and trade. The samurai class, who traditionally depended on fixed stipends from their lords, found themselves in financial hardship as inflation and economic instability grew. Meanwhile, wealthy merchants gained power, disrupting the established social order and creating tensions between classes. In addition to economic issues, political dissatisfaction increased within Japan. Many daimyo and samurai resented the centralized control of the shogunate, believing it had become ineffective in governing the country. Corruption and inefficiency within the government further weakened public trust. While some reform-minded leaders proposed changes, the rigid nature of the Tokugawa system made meaningful reform difficult to achieve. This frustration contributed to the rise of movements advocating for a return to imperial rule under Emperor Meiji.Ver libro
From the acclaimed biographer and author of Balzac's Omelette, an engaging new work on the life of "the father of Impressionism" and the role his Jewish background played in his artistic creativity. The celebrated painter Camille Pissarro (1830–1903) occupied a central place in the artistic scene of his time: a founding member of the new school of French painting, he was a close friend of Monet, a longtime associate in Degas's and Mary Cassatt's experimental work, a support to Cézanne and Gauguin, and a comfort to Van Gogh, and was backed by the great Parisian art dealer Paul Durand-Ruel throughout his career. Nevertheless, he felt a persistent sense of being set apart, different, and hard to classify. Settled in France from the age of twenty-five but born in the Caribbean, he was not French and what is more he was Jewish. Although a resolute atheist who never interjected political or religious messages in his art, he was fully aware of the consequences of his lineage. Drawing on Pissarro's considerable body of work and a vast collection of letters that show his unrestrained thoughts, Anka Muhlstein offers a nuanced, intimate portrait of the artist whose independent spirit fostered an environment of freedom and autonomy.Ver libro
Whistler's work can be divided into four periods. The first was a research period in which the artist was influenced by the Realism of Gustave Courbet and by Japanese art. Whistler then discovered his own originality in the Nocturnes and the Cremorne Gardens series, thereby coming into conflict with the academics who wanted a work of art to tell a story. When he painted the portrait of his mother, Whistler entitled it Arrangement in Gray and Black, and this is symbolic of his aesthetic theories.Ver libro
Ways of Voice explores techniques of voice production in North India, from Bollywood to raga music to ghazal to devotional hymns and Sufi song. The voices in play here are not merely given, but achieved. Singers consciously train themselves to cultivate characteristic vocal gaits, sonorities, and poetic attunements; they adopt postures of the vocal apparatus; they build habits of listening, temporality, and social relations. The action in Ways of Voice revolves around several dozen North Indian popular, devotional, classical, and folk singers engaged in projects of vocal striving. Like most singers, they are strategically working on changing, refining, and making their own voices. The book thus highlights the ways in which singers not only "have" voice, but actively acquire, cultivate and contest particular vocal dispositions for particular kinds of listeners. In framing a "Hindustani vocal ecumene" that encompasses a diverse range of classical, popular, and spiritual-devotional musical styles and practices, it offers an expansive look at ways of voice that extend far beyond commonsense boundaries of genre and place. A rich archive of audio and video examples are provided on the online companion site, which can be found at https://www.weslpress.org/readers-companions/.Ver libro
*Nominated for Best Book at the 2025 Chortle Awards*'Outstanding, I want to press it into the hands of every newly diagnosed person' Fern Brady'Like a Martian's guide to living on Earth. Funny, enlightening and gobsmacking' Frank Skinner 'A hilarious, crystal-clear guide to autism' Phil Wang'An illuminating and joyously entertaining book' Daily ExpressWhy were the other kids at school obsessed with Britney Spears instead of The Goon Show? Why don't people ever say what they mean? And... Why is everyone chewing so loudly?Comedian Pierre Novellie was on stage when a heckler suggested he was autistic. Usually, this disruption would be water off a duck's back but two things made this heckler different: first, he was himself autistic. Second, he turned out to be absolutely right.This random encounter led to a diagnosis of autism at the age of 31 that unravelled his world, explained his struggles and answered questions that had bothered him for his entire life. At once a hilarious and insightful journey through autism and neurodivergence, an entertaining explainer for the uninitiated and observational comedy for the neurodiverse, this is the perfect read for anyone who has ever asked themselves: why can't I just enjoy things?The audiobook includes an exclusive Q&A with comedian and BudPod co-host, Phil Wang.Ver libro
The King of Pop: The Life and Legacy of Michael Jackson More than an entertainer. More than a phenomenon. Michael Jackson was a force that shaped the world. From his electrifying rise as a child prodigy in the Jackson 5 to his reign as the King of Pop, Michael Jackson’s life was a tapestry of genius, complexity, and unmatched influence. In The King of Pop: The Life and Legacy of Michael Jackson, take a deeply inspiring journey into the story of a man whose music, dance, and compassion transcended borders and changed culture forever. Highlights of this captivating biography include:Behind-the-scenes revelations: Rare stories from the creation of iconic hits like "Thriller" and "Billie Jean", and how Michael redefined music videos and live performances.Humanitarian heart: Learn about Michael's remarkable, often unpublicized, philanthropy—from visiting hospitals to supporting global causes, proving his love for humanity matched his artistic genius.The man behind the music: Intimate insights into his struggles with fame, family, and the relentless scrutiny of the media.Trials and triumphs: A compassionate yet balanced exploration of the controversies that shadowed his later years, including how some accusations remained unproven.Legacy and influence: An inspiring look at how Michael Jackson continues to shape music, fashion, and pop culture to this day.Stunning visuals: Packed with a rich collection of photographs spanning Michael’s career, including rare and iconic images that every fan will treasure.Rediscover the magic, the man, and the legacy of Michael Jackson. Get your copy today!Ver libro
