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  Vijayanagara Empire - Hampi's...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Vijayanagara Empire emerged as one of the most significant and powerful dynasties in Indian history, rising at a time when the Indian subcontinent was fragmented and facing threats from expanding Islamic sultanates. Its foundation in the 14th century was a turning point that not only established a strong Hindu kingdom in southern India but also laid the groundwork for a cultural and economic renaissance. 
  The origins of Vijayanagara trace back to the political instability of the Deccan region. The Delhi Sultanate had extended its influence into the south, leading to the weakening of older Hindu kingdoms such as the Kakatiyas, Hoysalas, and Pandyas. Amid this turmoil, two brothers, Harihara and Bukka, originally serving under the Kakatiya rulers, rose to prominence. After being captured and later released by the Delhi Sultanate, they sought guidance from the sage Vidyaranya, who inspired them to establish a strong Hindu kingdom to resist further invasions. In 1336, they founded the city of Vijayanagara on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, marking the birth of the empire. 
  From its inception, the Vijayanagara Empire was strategically positioned to thrive. The Tungabhadra River provided a natural defensive barrier, while the rocky terrain of Hampi served as a formidable protection against enemy invasions. The early rulers focused on consolidating power, expanding their territories, and strengthening their military capabilities. Under Harihara I, the empire extended its control over parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, securing key trade routes and fortifying its defenses.

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  I Think I Own That - John...

  Sophia Blackwell

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  John Locke: Enlightenment philosopher, father of liberalism, inventor of “natural rights,” and accidental spiritual patron of land developers, libertarians, and your uncle who won’t shut up about property taxes. 
  In this gloriously sarcastic takedown of one of Western philosophy’s most over-quoted minds, Sophia Blackwell (Kant You Not, No Self, No God, No Clue) guides you through Locke’s greatest hits—including: 
  The blank slate theory, which basically says you’re born dumb and the world makes you worse 
  His ideas on identity, which collapse the second you forget your phone password 
  His version of consent, which mostly consists of “You didn’t leave, so I assume you’re fine with it.” 
  And of course, property rights—where mixing your labor with the earth somehow makes it yours, and stealing land becomes morally correct as long as you bring a shovel 
  Locke’s political philosophy inspired democracies, revolutions, and every 400-comment Reddit thread titled “Taxation is theft.” 
  This is not a respectful biography. 
  This is a roast. A eulogy. A survival guide for understanding how Locke gave us: 
  Liberalism 
  Landlords 
  Legal headaches 
  And a political system that thinks fencing off a patch of dirt = moral superiority 
  Perfect for: 
  Recovering philosophy students 
  Political skeptics 
  Enlightenment haters 
  Property law survivors 
  And anyone who wants to laugh while questioning whether government is just a giant metaphor for a really passive-aggressive roommate agreement 
  You don’t need to read Two Treatises of Government. 
  You just need to know Locke said, “I think I own that,” and people believed him.

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  Man Bites Dog - Hot Dog Culture...

  Bruce Kraig, Patty Carroll

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  Whether you call them franks, wieners, or red hots, hot dogs are as American as apple pie, but how did these little links become icons of American culture? Man Bites Dog explores the transformation of hot dogs from unassuming street fare to paradigms of regional expression, social mobility, and democracy. World-renowned hot dog scholar Bruce Kraig investigates the history, people, décor, and venues that make up hot dog culture and what it says about our country.  These humble sausages cross ethnic and regional boundaries and have provided the means for plucky entrepreneurs to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. Hot dogs, and the ways we enjoy them, are part of the American dream. Man Bites Dog celebrates the power of the hot dog through a historical survey and profiles of notable hot dog purveyors. Loaded with stunning color photos by Patty Carroll, descriptions of neighborhood venues and flashy pushcarts from New York to Los Angeles, and recipes for cooking up hot dog heaven at home, this book is the u

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  Chronicles of a Motorcycle...

  Tiffani Burkett

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  When life gives you lemons, run them over with your dirt bike! 
  After taking the year off to save up money and establish a more portable career, Tiffani Burkett was finally ready to get back on the road and finish her "Round The World" ride that she had started on her 2015 Yamaha FZ-07. Little did she know that getting rid of everything in January of 2020 would be one of the biggest mistakes of her life. Or perhaps one of the biggest opportunities. 
  With her plane grounded, international borders closed, and no home to quarantine in, Tiffani and her travel partner, Hollywood, turned their focus toward the American wilderness, rife with trails and challenges that would entertain even the most advanced dirt bike rider. But, there was just one issue: Despite over a decade of riding on roads and race tracks, Tiffani didn't know the first thing about riding off-road, and learning to ride dirt as an adult presents its own set of mental and physical challenges. But, if she wanted to ride across Siberia one day, it was about time to face her fear, anxiety, and self-doubts that had held her back for all these years by turning the summer into a dirt-bike boot camp. 
  With their old Chevy pickup, a Kawasaki KLX125, a Kawasaki KLX250, and a lot of hope, they set off to the Rocky Mountains to ride some of the greatest trails the USA has to offer, finding dinosaur bones, old mines, beautiful backdrops, and a whole lot of single track and stream crossings along the way. 
  Chronicles of a Motorcycle Gypsy: Dirt Bikes and Dinosaur Bones also includes a full gear list and bike builds for the aspiring dirt bike rider, with lots of pictures for every chapter!

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  Mooses with Bazookas - And Other...

  S. D. Smith

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  Mooses with Bazookas: And Other Stories Children Should Never Read is a fun collection of stories. It’s exactly like The Count of Monte Cristo apart from the many differences. Our lawyers have instructed us to warn you that reading it may directly cause you to come down with every single disease you are worried about contracting. On the plus side, our nation’s beloved and heroic critics have had their say.“FANTASTIC is not a word that comes to mind.”—Beth Hinkle, author of Elite Prose“ASTOUNDING problems at the sentence level and beyond.”—Dr. Roger Johns, Ph. D.“S. D. SMITH IS in dire need of A GENIUS editor.”—Art Simonson, Inner Ring Magazine“This author had nothing MUCH BETTER to do THAN destroy the language of DICKENS, SHAKESPEARE, AUSTEN!”—Yammy Tork, Good Lit GuildS. D. Smith has been called “America’s aft-most wordsmith” and is the award-losing author of more than ten books and less than thirty-seven books. He is half-man, half-rabbit, and half-mathematician. He lives in West Virginia with his wife and four children, because it would be kinda weird to live with some other family and super weird not to live in West Virginia.

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  Qin Dynasty - The Birth of China...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Qin state emerged as a formidable power during the turbulent Warring States period (475–221 BCE), a time when rival kingdoms vied for dominance over China. Originally a small and relatively minor state located in the western regions, Qin gradually expanded its influence through strategic warfare, strong leadership, and administrative reforms. Unlike some of the more culturally refined states in the east, Qin was often perceived as a land of rugged warriors and strict discipline, an image that ultimately worked in its favor. 
  One of the key figures in Qin’s rise was Duke Xiao (r. 361–338 BCE), who implemented sweeping reforms with the help of his advisor Shang Yang. Shang Yang, a staunch advocate of Legalism, introduced policies that emphasized merit-based governance, agricultural development, and a powerful military structure. His reforms transformed Qin into a highly efficient and centralized state, strengthening its ability to compete with and eventually surpass its rivals. While Shang Yang's policies greatly benefited Qin, they also led to significant social hardships, as strict laws and severe punishments were imposed to maintain order. 
  Militarily, Qin adopted advanced tactics and weaponry, incorporating iron tools and crossbows that gave its armies a technological edge. The state also developed a well-organized conscription system, ensuring a steady supply of disciplined soldiers. Unlike some of the fragmented alliances among other states, Qin’s centralized command structure allowed for swift and decisive military campaigns. Under leaders such as King Huiwen and later King Zhaoxiang, Qin expanded its territory, securing vital strategic locations that set the stage for its final conquest.

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