Literary Nonfiction. Written according to its own dictum, "language is the universal inebriant," these epistolary essays, personal narratives, meditations on avant- garde writers, and unorthodox forays into the "narco-imaginary" the habits and conventions surrounding literary and cultural representations of drug use attend to the residue of transient impressions that remain, long after the delirium of creative activity subsides."
Few mixtures are as toxic as absolute power and insanity. When a leader's delusional whims go unchecked, bizarre outcomes can ensue. This exploration delves into the lives of nine of history's most mentally unstable figures. Some, like French King Charles VI, suffered from genetic disorders leading to schizophrenia, believing he was made of glass. Others, barely literate, claimed to be divine representatives and produced religious texts promising heaven. From Ottoman Sultan Ibrahim I, who practiced archery on palace servants, to Turkmenistan's Akhbar Turkmenbashi, who renamed the days of the week after himself and erected a massive golden statue that turns to face the sun, history is rife with crazed leaders. While these anecdotes are entertaining, the work also examines the addictive nature of power and its effects on those who cling to it. It discusses how leaders can navigate the complexities of governance despite significant mental instability and why society often tolerates their behavior, maintaining a facade of normalcy. The narrative questions whether such rulers are relics of monarchic times or if they will persist in the democratic age. As contemporary figures like Donald Trump and other populist politicians are scrutinized for their mental health, this analysis distinguishes between truly insane rulers and those who may simply exhibit troubling behavior.
Build your own moving race car from household objects in this step-by-step guide based on the science behind Formula One.Take your place at the starting gate and fire up your engine: it's time to build your very own racing car! Join presenter and maker Fran Scott for a crash course in racing engineering, then use your new-found skills to build your own awesome air-powered machine using household objects. From the chassis to the engine, discover the science behind Formula One in this perfect project for budding young engineers. So what are you waiting for? 3, 2, 1 ... let's race!