Publisher: Tales of Terror
Two popular subgenres converge. Film critic Steve Hutchison covers 50 excellent school slasher films and ranks them mathematically. A synopsis, five ratings, and a review are provided for each film. How many have you seen?
PLATOON THE ULTIMATE TRIVIA COLLECTION FROM THE MOVIE DIRECTED BY OLIVER STONE CREATED BY FILM TRIVIA METAVERSE ABOUT THE FILM Platoon (1986), directed by Oliver Stone, is a gritty Vietnam War film that follows Chris Taylor, a young and idealistic U.S. Army recruit, who is thrust into the harsh realities of combat. Assigned to a platoon in South Vietnam, Taylor faces moral and physical challenges as he navigates the brutal conflict. The film explores the psychological toll of war through the contrasting leadership styles of two sergeants: the callous Sergeant Barnes and the compassionate Sergeant Elias. The film delves into themes of loyalty, survival, and the moral ambiguity of war, offering a raw and realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War experience. TRIVIA SAMPLES: “According to Oliver Stone, he intentionally cast Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe against type. Berenger, who played the ruthless Sergeant Barnes, was mainly known for playing good guys, while Dafoe, who had often played villains, took on the heroic role of Sergeant Elias. The casting was a success, earning both actors Oscar nominations.” “Charlie Sheen credited Keith David with saving his life. During filming in an open-door Huey gunship, the helicopter banked too sharply, throwing Sheen toward the open door. David grabbed him and pulled him back inside just in time.” “Lieutenant Wolfe’s character is frequently used in U.S. military leadership courses as an example of how not to behave as a junior officer.”Show book
Imagine this: stepping into a room where you instantly felt more at ease, where you felt comfortable and connected to tradition and nature. A room that embraced you with its serene energy, a sanctuary from the noise and chaos of the modern world. Japandi style isn't just an aesthetic; it's an invitation to slow down, to breathe deeply, and to reconnect with the natural world around us. It's a rebellion against the cluttered and overstimulated, a conscious choice to embrace minimalism and intentionality in our living spaces. In this audiobook, we'll explore the art of Japandi style and design, a timeless blend of two cultures united by their reverence for craftsmanship, functionality, and a deep respect for nature's beauty. We'll uncover the principles that guide this design philosophy, the colors that breathe life into these spaces, and the textures that invite us to touch and feel the world around us. But more than that, we'll discover the power of intentional living, of creating environments that nurture our souls and remind us of what truly matters. Because in a world that often demands our attention and energy, Japandi offers a sanctuary, a place to pause and reconnect with the essence of what it means to be human. Let's start your journey into the world of Japandi design!Show book
Voodoo, D'Angelo's much-anticipated 2000 release, set the standard for the musical cycle ordained as "neo-soul," a label the singer and songwriter would reject more than a decade later. The album is a product of heightened emotions and fused sensibilities; an amalgam of soul, rock, jazz, gospel, hip-hop, and Afrobeats. D'Angelo put to music his own pleasures and insecurities as a man-child in the promised land. It was both a tribute to his musical heroes: Prince, Sly Stone, Marvin Gaye, J Dilla...and a deconstruction of rhythm and blues itself.Despite nearly universal acclaim, the sonic expansiveness of Voodoo proved too nebulous for airplay on many radio stations, seeping outside the accepted lines of commercial R&B music. Voodoo was Black, it was definitely magic, and it was nearly overshadowed by a four-minute music video featuring D'Angelo's sweat-glistened six-pack abs. "The Video" created an accentuated moment when the shaman lost control of the spell he cast.Show book
The Delhi Sultanate was a defining era in Indian history, marking the establishment of Muslim rule in northern India. Its rise was shaped by a series of invasions, strategic conquests, and the formation of a centralized administration. The foundation of the Sultanate can be traced back to the late 12th century when Muslim forces, primarily from Central Asia, began making inroads into the Indian subcontinent. These incursions set the stage for a new political order that would influence the region for centuries. One of the earliest significant Muslim invasions was led by Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century. Although he did not establish permanent rule, his raids weakened Indian kingdoms and demonstrated the vulnerability of the region. However, it was Muhammad Ghori in the late 12th century who laid the groundwork for the Delhi Sultanate. Unlike Mahmud, Ghori aimed for long-term control rather than mere plundering. His victory over Prithviraj Chauhan at the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 was a turning point, allowing Muslim forces to establish a foothold in northern India. Following Ghori’s assassination in 1206, his general, Qutb al-Din Aibak, took control of his Indian territories and proclaimed himself the first Sultan of Delhi. Aibak, originally a slave who rose through the ranks, became the founder of the Mamluk or Slave Dynasty. He consolidated his rule by strengthening administrative structures and commissioning architectural marvels like the Qutb Minar, which symbolized the establishment of Muslim rule. However, his reign was short-lived, and his successor, Iltutmish, played a more crucial role in shaping the Delhi Sultanate into a powerful and stable empire.Show book
This ultimate playlist for fans of the Boss “makes for great debate among friends” (Asbury Park Press). For decades, Bruce Springsteen has held center stage as the quintessential American rock and roll artist, expressing the hopes and dreams of the American everyman (and woman) through his vast array of insightful and inspirational songs. In Counting Down Bruce Springsteen, rock writer Jim Beviglia dares to rank his finest songs in descending order from the 100th to his #1 greatest song. He also reflects on why each song has earned its place on the list, and lays out the story behind each of the 100, supplying fresh insights on the musical and lyrical content of Springsteen’s remarkable body of work—in a compelling read for the diehard fan or the newbie just getting acquainted with the Boss. “Many of Springsteen’s most popular songs are here, and rightly so, but so are just as many of his obscure ones . . . Of course, Springsteen fans will shake their collective heads in disagreement at times, but that’s part of the fun.” —Booklist “Beviglia has created so much more than a list . . . If you have ever seen Springsteen perform live in concert, those musical memories will all come rushing back as your turn the pages.” —Osceola News GazetteShow book
The poet and founder of the music collective Flowers for the Living pays tribute to all Black women by focusing on visionaries and leaders who are making history right now, including Ava DuVernay, Janelle Monae, Kamala Harris, Misty Copeland, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Robin Roberts, Roxane Gay, and Simone Biles—with this compilation of celebratory odes. Black women are exceptional. To honor how Black women use their minds, talent, passion, and power to transform society, Harold Green began writing love letters in verse which he shared on his Instagram account. Balm for our troubled times, his tributes to visionaries and leaders quickly went viral and became a social media sensation. Now, in this remarkable collection, Green brings together many of these popular odes with never-before-seen works. A timely celebration of contemporary Black figures who are making history and shaping our culture today, Black Roses is divided into five sections—advocates, curators, innovators, luminaries, trailblazers—reflecting the diversity of Black women’s achievements and the depth of their reach. These inspiring changemakers are leaving their mark on the world by creating new beauty in their respective art forms, heading movements, fighting for equality and to change the status quo, and championing new definitions of what’s possible in every meaningful way. Green lifts them up to create meaningful connections between these figures and our own lives and experiences. Black Roses spotlights and urges readers to learn more about Allyson Felix, Angelica Ross, Ava DuVernay, Bisa Butler, Bozoma Saint John, Charisma Sweat-Green, Dr. Eve Ewing, Dr. Janice Jackson, Dr. Johnnetta Cole, Eunique Jones-Gibson, Issa Rae, Janelle Monae, Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Matthews, Kamala Harris, Keisha Bottoms, Kimberly Bryant, Kimberly Drew, Lisa Green, Lizzo, Mandilyn Graham, Mellody Hobson, Michelle Alexander, Misty Copeland, Naomi Beckwith, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Phylicia Rashad, Rapsody, Raquel Willis, Robin Roberts, Roxane Gay, Shellye Archambeau, Simone Biles, Stacey Abrams, Tabitha Brown, Tamika Mallory, Tarana Burke, Tasha Bell, Tomi Adeyemi, and Tracee Ellis Ross. The audiobook edition of Black Roses also includes an exclusive interview between Green and his mother about the making of the collection.Show book
