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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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  What Actors Do - Advice to the...

  Mike Alfreds

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  'Only what is open and searching is active and alive. You, the actor, must learn to find security in insecurity, certainty in uncertainty, to trust that this will lead to discovery and growth.'
  In What Actors Do, revered theatre director Mike Alfreds explores the wellspring of the actor's craft, tracing a pathway to creative freedom through the thickets of competing methodologies and confusing paradoxes that you will face throughout your training and career.
  How do you give life to a character that both is and isn't yourself? How can you be childlike and open in your work without becoming childish? How, when you know what's coming next, can you still be spontaneous?
  Frank, uncompromising and full of sharply focused insights, this book will help you strip away the inhibitions and habitual thinking that can shackle our imaginations. It will show you how to generate truthful performances by trusting your inner creativity and remaining radically open, responsive and present in every moment.
  Mike Alfreds has been directing plays for more than seventy years. In the 1970s he founded Shared Experience, and has since worked for the National Theatre, Shakespeare's Globe, the Royal Shakespeare Company and also extensively abroad. He is hugely respected within the profession, and is the author of two previous books, Different Every Night and Then What Happens?
  'If I was allowed to train again to be an actor, but I was only allowed one teacher, it would have to be Mike Alfreds. To me he is a genius when it comes to acting and storytelling' Mark Rylance

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  The Fever Syndrome

  Alexis Zegerman

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  Professor Richard Myers, now in his 70s and suffering from advanced Parkinson’s disease, is about to receive a lifetime achievement award for his work in the development of in-vitro fertilization. That calls for a family reunion, and given this high-functioning, dysfunctional family, there’s bound to be trouble ahead. As they gather, old resentments erupt as they fight over Richard’s legacy while facing another family member’s serious illness. 
   
  Incudes a conversation with playwright Alexis Zegerman. 
   
  This play is part of L.A. Theatre Works’ Relativity Series of science-themed plays. Lead funding for the Relativity Series is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, bridging science and the arts in the modern world. 
   
  Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood in December 2023. 
   
  Directed by Sarah Drew 
  Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg 
   
  An L.A. Theatre Works full cast recording, starring: 
   
  Hugo Armstrong as Professor Richard Myers 
  Seamus Dever as Thomas Myers 
  Sarah Drew as the voice of Karen 
  Patrick Heusinger as Anthony Myers 
  Kelly McCreary as Dot Myers-Cooper 
  Monica McSwain as Lily Cooper and Young Dot 
  Matthew Floyd Miller as Nate Cooper 
  Desean K. Terry as Phillip Tennyson 
  Joanne Whalley as Megan Myers. 
   
  Senior Producer: Anna Lyse Erikson 
  Prepared for audio by Mark Holden. 
  Recorded, designed, and mixed by Charles Carroll, and edited by Neil Wogensen for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood. 
  Piano music and musical characters adapted and performed by Rusty Tinder, recorded by Charles Carroll, and Directed by Mark Holden. 
  Senior Radio Producer: Ronn Lipkin 
  Foley Artist: Stacey Martinez

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  Mysteries in the Music: Case Closed

  Jim Berkenstadt

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  Mysteries in the Music: Case Closed examines some of the secrets, myths, legends, hoaxes, conspiracies, and wildly inexplicable events that are such an intriguing part of rock and roll history. 
  Travel Back to the 1950s to uncover "Who Really Discovered Elvis Presley?" Revisit the 1960s when a folk troubadour tried forming a supergroup with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Transport back to Jamaica 1976 to discover whether the CIA tried to assassinate reggae superstar Bob Marley. Discover whether The Beach Boys actually stole a song from cult leader Charles Manson. Uncover the secrets behind Nirvana's Nevermind album. 
  Award-winning, Bestseller Jim Berkenstadt, aka the Rock And Roll Detective®, has spent decades researching the players behind these famous mysteries hidden within the music itself. No one has ever asked eyewitnesses the tough questions or dug through the primary source materials and documentary evidence left behind... until now. Unsolved for decades, the stories of pop music lore have been unearthed - and the truth is finally revealed. Berkenstadt has served as an historical consultant to the late George Harrison, Martin Scorsese, The Beatles (Apple Corps Ltd), Traveling Wilburys, REELZ TV, and the estate of Roy Orbison. 
  Praise for Mysteries in the Music: Case Closed 
  "Jim Berkenstadt, the Rock And Roll Detective®, strikes again! Rock and Roll was built on its own crazy mythology, but Jim knows the true stories are likely to be even wilder than the myths. Mysteries surrounding Bob Marley, Elvis, The Beatles, the Stones, the Beach Boys, Nirvana, Traveling Wilburys, and even the FBI are finally revealed. I read this book with great pleasure and fascination and I have no doubt that you will too."  
  -- Chris Frantz, Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club and author of Remain in Love"

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  Drawing Hands and Feet

  Šárka Darton

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  This practical and inspiring book explains how to draw realistic hands and feet. With a focus on the importance of practice and observation, it looks first at fundamental anatomy and external structures before explaining how to simplify form and develop your own artistic style. With over 300 images, this book is a detailed and impressive guide for all artists keen to master these key subjects.

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  The Dark Side Of Indie Survival

  Jason R Martin

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  Independent artists all over the world are trooping into the entertainment industry to find a spot for themselves. This is because the entertainment industry has proven to be very enterprising and profitable. However, many people give up before achieving anything tangible because they fail to get signed by a big record label. Getting signed by a record label is not a bad idea; however, being an independent artist isn't less profitable. Being by yourself without getting the support that you see others get might be very discouraging. That is how the situation was in the past, before the digitalization of the music industry through technology. In this book, I examined indie music's evolution and the differences between a record label artist and an independent artist.This book also examines the challenges of an indie artist. The various emotional, professional, and marketing strategies that an artist may face by himself or herself are extensively discussed and analyzed. As an aspiring or trying or independent musician, you would find this valuable book in your struggle to build a name against the odd. The book explains the three categories of challenges and explains the fundamental method s of coping and developing as an indie musician. It teaches indie musicians to learn what it takes and means to do it all themselves.In recent times, it is obvious that technology has replaced the record labels and their benefits as a bridge between an upcoming artist and success. Beautifully enough, it has made it so easy and simple for artists to now make, promote and sell their music without consulting or contacting anyone. It is now a world truly for independence. At this point in time, many artists are quitting their record labels to face their music themselves or set up their own independent record labels. This book clearly exposes and expresses what it looks like to make it as an indie artist and what it takes.    The Evolution o

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