Publisher: Imagination Books
Mountains - Nature Through Watercolors A wonderful collection of beautiful, nature watercolor paintings, showcasing the sublime, wild and amazing power of Mother Nature through the beauty of the brush stroke...Get it now!
GOODFELLAS THE ULTIMATE TRIVIA COLLECTION FROM THE MOVIE DIRECTED BY MARTIN SCORSESE CREATED BY FILM TRIVIA METAVERSE ABOUT THE FILM Goodfellas is a 1990 American crime film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the true story of Henry Hill and his life in the Mafia. The film follows Hill's rise and fall within the organized crime world, starting from his youth in Brooklyn to his involvement in major heists. It explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the brutal realities of mob life, depicting the allure and dangers of the criminal underworld. Through dynamic storytelling and intense performances, the film delves into the psychology of its characters, offering a gritty, realistic portrayal of the Mafia’s impact on individuals and families. TRIVIA SAMPLES: “Joe Pesci's Oscar acceptance speech is the sixth shortest in the Academy's history. It was simply, "It's my privilege, thank you." He later admitted that he didn’t expect to win, which is why he kept it short.” “Ray Liotta once mentioned that Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci were like the "glitter" of the film, while he was more like the "glue" that held everything together.” “The film was ranked number two on the American Film Institute's list of the greatest gangster films in June 2008.” “Initially, producer Irwin Winkler disagreed with Martin Scorsese's choice of Ray Liotta for the role of Henry Hill. Liotta convinced him in a conversation at a restaurant.” “Robert De Niro was offered the roles of both Jimmy "The Gent" Conway and Tommy DeVito, but he chose to play Jimmy.”Show book
Step into the spotlight and meet six stand-out legends of the comedy world, who have spent their careers bringing joy to people around the world. Have you ever wondered why comedy performances are so entertaining? Do you marvel at the talent of comedy stars and wonder how they are able to capture the attention of audiences with their wit and humor? Whether it’s a mockumentary on the everyday lives of typical officegoers or a “golden” gang of grandmas charming the world from their kitchen… audiences enjoy anything they can relate to and makes them laugh. But what is it about these comedic legends that audiences find so captivating? In this tribute to some of the biggest comedic superstars, you will explore the lives and careers of 6 of the most talented entertainers in comedy and film. In this book you will discover:A brief history of comedy – from the Greek amphitheaters to your smartphone screens, to how comedy has evolved over the centuriesQuirky insights into why humans long for a dose of laughterCharming snippets from the fabulous career of Betty White, the celebrated “Queen of the TV Screen”A journey through the inspiring life of Jerry Lewis, and his role as a cinematic pioneerA riveting account of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Jim Carrey, and the shocking incident that earned him millions of dollarsHighlights from the animated life of Ricky Gervais – the outspoken comedian who often makes headlines for his controversial remarks and dry witAn exciting dive into the life of Whoopi Goldberg – and the funny and real story behind her nameA look into the newest generation of comedy legend Tiffany Haddish If you’re searching to explore how these talented artists use humor to help change your perspective and bring a little more hope and optimism into your life – then look no further than this in-depth guide.Show book
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
The Rashtrakutas were one of the most powerful dynasties in Indian history, ruling vast territories across the Deccan and beyond. Their origins, however, remain a subject of debate among historians due to conflicting inscriptions and interpretations. Some sources trace their roots to the Kannada-speaking regions, while others suggest connections to northern India. Despite the uncertainty, it is widely accepted that the Rashtrakutas emerged as a prominent force in the Deccan by the 8th century. The dynasty first gained prominence under the rule of Dantidurga, who established Rashtrakuta authority by overthrowing the Chalukyas of Badami. However, evidence suggests that the Rashtrakutas had been a significant regional power even before his reign. The earliest references to the name "Rashtrakuta" appear in inscriptions from the 6th and 7th centuries, indicating that they were already influential feudatories before rising to imperial status. Some scholars believe they originally served as administrators or military governors under the Chalukyas before asserting their independence. The question of the dynasty’s ethnic and linguistic identity has long been debated. Some sources claim that they were of Kannada origin, citing inscriptions and literary works composed in the Kannada language under their patronage. Others argue that they may have had northern Indian roots, pointing to their interactions with Rajput and Gurjara clans. Regardless of their precise origins, the Rashtrakutas embraced the cultural diversity of the Deccan, ruling over a population that spoke multiple languages, including Kannada, Sanskrit, and Marathi.Show book
In this valuable resource guide for both beginners and professionals, veteran songwriter, producer, arranger, vocalist, music director, and educator Larry D. Batiste shares practical advice and tips from his decades of experience in ways that are bound to help all listeners improve their songwriting skills. Through this book, listeners will learn the craft of professional songwriting, including the ins-and-outs of song structure, lyric and melody writing, and the essential elements of a hit song. From the start, Batiste incorporates exercises to help songwriters strike upon ideas for song titles, concepts, and stories that will appeal to their audience. He also discusses critical business aspects of songwriting, such as copyrighting, publishing, royalties, networking, and digital media. In addition to the fundamentals, the listener will learn how to build their songwriting career, generate income, build an online community and fanbase, release music independently, expertly place their songs, and navigate the world of digital music. Throughout the book are interviews with iconic songwriters and producers such as Peter Asher, Lamont Dozier, and Narada Michael Walden, as well as independent recording artists, including Fantastic Negrito, a winner of multiple Grammy Awards, and Meklit Hadero.Show book
The piano is a longstanding, classical, and revered instrument. Invented in the 1700s by Bartolomeo Cristofori (1655-1731) of Padua, Italy, with plenty of hammers and planters to boot, the piano came to be quite popular in the homes of many a Western brood by the end of the nineteenth century. When someone thinks of a classical composer, it wouldn’t be unusual to go to Bach, Beethoven, and the like and easily associate them with piano. Many believe that piano sets the standard for musicians, laying the foundation for instrumental affinity. What does that mean, exactly? The piano is awesome. But you knew that already. Yet, what makes a good pianist great? What are the tools used to get you from here to there? While playing is, of course, supposed to be fun, sometimes a bit of direction is what we need to get to the next level. The basic keyboard, housing case, lid, pedals, keys, hammers, and strings still make up the majority of the modern piano’s design and componentry. This piano has withstood the test of time and largely remained intact, with the exception of electric keyboards and some piano types. How exactly does a piano work? How does it create such lovely tunes and tones? Let’s see how all piano parts work to create one of the most enduring and identifiable instruments in contemporary music.Show book
