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Twitter OSINT Hacking Ethical Hackers and OSINTeers
Updated 07/2022
MP4 | Video: h264, 1280×720 | Audio: AAC, 44.1 KHz, 2 Ch
Genre: eLearning | Language: English + srt | Duration: 49 lectures 3h 40m | Size: 2 GB​

Reveal sensitive information about your targets on Twitter like real world expert hackers

What you’ll learn
Understand what hacking is exactly
Understand OSINT and what you can do with it
Use Twitter as an OSINT hacking tool like the advanced real hackers
Learn how to create an undetectable and realistic fake identity
Use Twitter with hacking tricks and tips to reveal information
Reveal the most amount of information about a company and individuals
Learn the hacking techniques and tricks to reveal sensitive information
Manipulate Twitter Search Engine to reveal more information
Harden your OSINT hacking skills
Learn how to optimally secure your privacy on Twitter

Requirements
No knowledge or experience, you will learn Twitter OSINT hacking from scratch to the advanced level

Description
Do you want to learn how to reveal and gather information about your target on Twitter like real world pro hackers?

Hello, my name is Mostafa Ahmad, I’m an Expert Ethical Hacker and Cybersecurity Engineer with over seven years of experience, with a successful track record and high effectiveness. I’m more than happy to deliver completely my successful experience through my courses.

Throughout this course, you will learn highly advanced and hacking technical methods besides the non-technichal methods with the skills of advanced real world hackers to reveal deep information about your target on Twitter and I will of course answer any question you have to harden your skills and knowledge and help you step by step in your learning journey.

Here is what you will learn throughout this course: <All videos inside of the course with high resolution>

What hacking exactly is

What OSINT is and what you can do with it

How to create an undetectable realistic fake account.

How to use Twitter with tips and tricks that are performed by real world malicious hackers.

How to reveal the most amount of information about a company

How to reveal the most amount of information about an individual

How to use advanced searching techniques

How to Manipulate Twitter search engine and reveal deeper information.

How to protect yourself on Twitter.

Learning should be enjoyable and full of valuable information. This course has been designed with great care to ease learning and get the best outcome and you will find me very responsive to any question you ask me to help you with your learning journey step by step.

Who this course is for
Ethical Hackers and Penetration Testers
Anyone who wants to learn Twitter OSINT with advanced hackers mind and techniques
Anyone who wants to optimally secure himeself/herself on Twitter

TTC Video – The Instant Sommelier: Choosing Your Best Wine
.MP4, AVC, 1280×720, 30 fps | English, AAC, 2 Ch | 3h 5m | 2.86 GB
Lecturer: Paul Wagner, Wine Author and Lecturer Instructor | Course No. 9033​

With nearly 150,000 wines for sale in the U.S. market, the world of wine can seem needlessly complex. Cut through the clutter with eight down-to-earth, practical, and accessible lessons that will take the intimidation factor out of choosing, drinking, and enjoying wines, led by Professor Paul Wagner, who has dedicated his career to what he calls, "democratizing wine appreciation." From swirl to finish, he’ll introduce you to the vocabulary you need to speak intelligently about wine and to understand what each term means when it comes to finding wines you’ll love.

The same can be said with wine. You don’t have to master the entire repertoire of grapes, techniques, ingredients, variations, and other components to truly appreciate the wine you’re drinking. Simply armed with the senses you already have, an expert guide, and a glass of your favorite, you can learn how to better enjoy the wine you’re drinking, while at the same time gaining a deeper recognition of your own tastes.

But let’s face it. Choosing wines can feel daunting. There are nearly 150,000 wines for sale in the U.S. market alone. And there are just as many books, articles, websites, and other resources instructing you on the plethora of ways to choose, drink, and enjoy wine. So, how do you cut through the clutter and find the best wines for you? Paul Wagner, an instructor for Napa Valley College’s Viticulture and Enology department has spent the last 25 years helping people do just that. He’s dedicated his career to what he calls, "democratizing wine appreciation." After spending years working in wineries, leading hundreds of tastings, and having hands-on experience in every aspect of winemaking, he shares his deep and comprehensive wine knowledge through the eight down-to-earth, practical, and accessible lessons of The Instant Sommelier: Choosing Your Best Wine, which will take the intimidation factor out of choosing, drinking, and enjoying wines. From swirl to finish, he’ll introduce you to the vocabulary you need in order to speak intelligently about wine and to understand what each term means when it comes to finding wines you’ll love.

Explore Each Glass

In addition to each insightful lesson, Professor Wagner includes tasting exercises, where you’ll flex and develop four of your senses:

[]Vision. Examine how really looking at wine and understanding how to identify the color and clarity of the wine can allow you to assess if it is fresh and lively, or older and more evolved.
[]Smell. You’ll hear sommeliers go overboard describing all the essences they can smell from one glass, but the reality is you’re looking for two basic smells: fruits (from citrus to berries) and vegetables (grassy or herbal). Knowing what smells appeal to you in a wine can help you find more wines you will probably like.
[]Taste. Cooks can tell you there are six basic flavors: salty, sweet, bitter, sour, spicy hot, and umami (a meaty flavor). Learn how to translate what flavors you like into wine descriptors-sugar, acid, and tannin-and how to use that information to select new wines you will love.
[]Touch. Far from dipping your finger into your glass, the term "touch," in wine, refers to the body of the wine, which is determined by how it feels in your mouth. The richer flavors of a fuller bodied wine such as a Chardonnay or Cabernet often go well with richer foods, while a lighter bodied wine will be more refreshing.

Economies of Wine and Taste

Most important, Professor Wagner’s lessons are eminently accessible. You won’t be dealing with rare vintages or bottles that cost more than your mortgage. In fact, as you better understand your own tastes and pair reds, whites, and rosés to your own personal palate, you’ll discover that the "best" wines-the award-winners or most expensive bottles-are not always YOUR best wine.

But before you discover this, Professor Wagner breaks down exactly what makes some wines better than others and why you do often pay more for them, including:

[]The region of the vineyard,
[]The conditions during the year the grapes were grown,
[]The ripeness of the grapes,
[]The balance of acid, and
[]The equipment used in the winemaking process.

Given that winemaking is a wonderful combination of art, science, and the unpredictability of Mother Nature, it’s no wonder that the old saying goes: "The best way to make a small fortune in the wine business is to start with a large fortune, and then watch it slowly dwindle away."

However, even understanding the expensive grapes, techniques, labor, and equipment that go into creating a "great" wine-and thus, raising the cost per bottle-it’s often difficult to taste the difference. When it really comes down to it, your preferences are all that matter. As Professor Wagner states, "If you want the wine that you love, you have to pay what it costs to buy that bottle. That’s why it’s so important to understand what you like."

Red, White, and Bubblies

Many people can tell you they prefer whites, reds, or rosés, but it gets more complicated beyond that. Professor Wagner spends one lesson each digging into the different nuances between each genre of wine and suggesting what food best complements each type. Among dozens of options, you’ll examine:

Whites:

[]Muscats: These include Moscato, Moscatel, Muscat of Alexandria, Gewürztraminer, and similar styles, which have a lovely floral character in the nose, a pure flavor of fruit, and relatively low acidity. The sugar found in these wines pairs well with spicy foods.
[]Chardonnays: Oak aging and powerful flavors provide winemakers with additional flexibility to create new style options that can pair well with richer foods such as roast chicken and creamy sauces.
[]Sauvignon Blanc: An herbal white wine, often without oak aging. They typically offer notes of herbal green grass, green peppers-and even a note of what Professor Wagner claims to be similar to cat pee. Don’t let that turn you away. A good Sauvignon blanc can be delicious and can perfectly complement a seafood salad.

Reds:

[]Cabernet Sauvignon: Flavors of plums and blackberries, sometimes with a little bit of green olive, these full-bodied wines are typically aged in barrels to soften up the tannins and add nice notes of vanilla and cinnamon to the wine.
[]Pinot Noir: Often drinkers will taste black cherries, strawberries, and sometimes a little hint of something like leather or even a bit of mushroom. The variety of flavors it presents, and the medium body, means it pairs well with a huge range of foods.
[]Merlot: Boasting aromatic notes of plums and sometimes even licorice, Merlots are medium-bodied, and with tannins that are soft enough to enjoy when the wine is only a few years old.

Bubbly and beyond:

[]Sparkling Wines: See how Prosecco, Asti Spumante, Champagne, and other similar bubbly wines can be enjoyed with most dishes that pair well with white wines. But they will also surprise you by working well anytime you might choose to drink a beer-for example, with Mexican food.
[]Sherry: Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso, Cream Sherry, and Amontillado, among others, make wonderful aperitif wines to stimulate the appetite, but the sweeter ones can also work well after dinner with dessert or on their own.
[]Madeira: The founding fathers reportedly drank about a bottle of Madeira a day while they debated the writing of the Constitution. A rich and powerful wine, it’s fortified and essentially indestructible. The notes of deep rich flavors include orange rind, figs, and vanilla, perfectly complementing blue cheese or dark chocolate.

Building Your Wine Confidence

Once you understand the differences in each type of wine, Professor Wagner introduces you to the history of wine, tracing the evolution of this globally celebrated drink back to ancient Babylon. And he’ll review how to put everything you’ve learned throughout this course into practice when ordering or buying a wine.

Many people look at a sommelier as a tool of the restaurant whose job is to help increase your bill! But a good sommelier understands how to help you find a wine that will make YOU happy-regardless of the price of the bottle. As mentioned, there are 150,000 wines in the United States alone, and at a good restaurant, it can feel like they offer at least half of those on their wine list. The sommelier is there to help you wade through the clutter and find something you will like, so it’s important to know what you like, why you like it, and how to explain that to the sommelier. And don’t let the presentation ceremony intimidate you. Professor Wagner walks you through exactly what to expect and how to respond to each step, including why smelling the cork isn’t necessary.

If you enjoy drinking wine, want to learn more about wine, or you’re just curious what all the fuss is about, join Professor Wagner for this short course jam-packed with everything you need to know about wine on an everyday basis. All you need is a corkscrew, a couple of wine glasses, and an open mind when it comes to the wonderful world of wine.
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TTC Video – The History and Achievements of the Islamic Golden Age
Course No. 3863 | .M4V, AVC, 500 kbps, 640×360 | English, AAC, 128 kbps, 2 Ch | 24×30 mins | + PDF Guidebook | 3.08 GB
Lecturer: Eamonn Gearon​

The study of Western Civilization traditionally follows a well-known but incomplete arc: the grand achievements of Greece and Rome, several hundred years of the "Dark Ages," and then the bright emergence of the European Renaissance. But most students of history have only a passing familiarity with a significant period known as the Islamic Golden Age in the Greater Middle East, from about 750 to 1258. Advancements in medicine, algebra and astronomy; influential figures like Avicenna and Averroes: these asides in the traditional story of the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance only gloss the surface of one of the most important periods of world history.

It is nearly impossible to overstate the power and importance of this crucial 500-year history, headquartered in Baghdad but impacting the wider world. The History and Achievements of the Islamic Golden Age is your opportunity to get to know the story and the accomplishments of this great period in human civilization. Taught by acclaimed lecturer Eamonn Gearon, these 24 remarkable lectures offer brilliant insights into an era too often overlooked by traditional history textbooks. The philosophers, scientists, inventors, and poets of the Abbasid Empire paved the way for the Renaissance and continue to affect our world today in surprising ways, and The History and Achievements of the Islamic Golden Age brings the story to life in rich detail and will forever change your perspective on world history.

The Abbasid Empire, which ruled the Middle East as well as much of Northern Africa and Central Asia in much of the Middle Ages, is a vitally important bridge between the ancient and modern worlds. While much of Europe was quietly passing the time, the Abbasid Empire was an international, multicultural hub of trade, travel, education, art, science, and much more. Just a few of the many events and achievements of the era include:

Advancements in mathematics, including the birth of algebra and new insights into geometry and trigonometry.
The origins of the scientific method, along with the development of chemistry, physics, and astronomy as discrete fields of inquiry.
The invention of the modern "teaching hospital" and a medical encyclopedia that served Europe for the next 600 years.
The preservation and translation of the world’s great literature, from the Hadith (or sayings of Muhammad) to the master works of Greece and Rome.
Ontological philosophy that served future Jewish, Christian, and Muslim theologians concerned with the nature of God and the relationship between faith and reason.

Meet the People Who Revolutionized the World

While the period of the Islamic Golden Age was comparatively quiet in Europe, the Middle East was a multi-national, multicultural, cosmopolitan brew. The Abbasid Empire was a highly educated, highly mobile society, and you’ll follow in the footsteps of many travelers as they made their way around the empire, from the Mediterranean to Central Asia. For instance, you’ll meet Ibn Battuta, who traveled more extensively than even Marco Polo and whose life gives us an amazing window into a society little studied in the West.

The epicenter of the age was Baghdad and its House of Wisdom, the world’s preeminent center for learning, translation, and original research at the time. Thanks to the House of Wisdom, scholars, scientists, artists, and other great thinkers flourished. Among them, you will learn about:

Caliph Harun al-Rashid, who established the House of Wisdom and was later immortalized in Arabian Nights
Al-Jahiz, an Arabic writer who discussed evolution a thousand years before Darwin
Iman al-Bukhari, who sifted through hundreds of thousands of alleged sayings from Muhammad and compiled the official hadith
Moses Maimonides, one of the greatest Talmudic scholars of all time
Al-Jazari, the so-called "father of robotics" who lived nearly fifteen hundred years before the computer age
Ibn Sina-also known as Avicenna-one of the world’s most influential thinkers and one of the founders of modern medicine

In studying these astonishing individuals, you’ll get a glimpse at another side of history that has been often overlooked. While many of these names may be unfamiliar to Western audiences, their impact continues into our world today-from the all the benefits of the Scientific Revolution down to the humble three-course meal popularized by a trendsetting cook and musician named Ziryab.

Unlock the Achievements of the Golden Age

Although the word wasn’t coined until much later, today we would call many of the influential figures of the Islamic Golden Age "scientists"-experimental thinkers who researched everything from the circumference of the Earth to the classifications of chemical compositions. This period saw the birth of the scientific method-including the origins of the "control" in an experiment-and ushered in transitions from what we would call astrology to astronomy, and from alchemy to chemistry.

In this course, you will witness the era’s many forays into mathematics and the sciences, theology and philosophy, agriculture and architecture. For example:

Meet al-Khwarizmi, who built on the works of the Greeks and Babylonians to formalize algebra as its own discipline.
Explore the world’s first teaching hospitals and encounter several foundational texts on medicine and medical ethics.
Find out why so many stars have Arabic names-and how Islamic astronomers challenged Ptolemy’s worldview.
Study with al-Haytham, whose revolutionary book on optics offered the first modern insight into how light and vision interact.
Discover the delightful inventions of the Banu Masa, including automatic drinking fountains and a steam-powered flute.
Tour the rich architecture of the Muslim world, from mosques to military arches to the hanging gardens of the Alhambra and the Taj Mahal.

Finally, no discussion of the Golden Age’s achievements would be complete without a mention of the tension between faith and reason. You’ll encounter several philosophers who wrestle with the age-old question and consider how they resolve the dilemma-and how thinkers such as Ibn Sina influenced later theologians in all three Abrahamic faiths.

A Sumptuous Feast of Insights

Your lecturer, Eamonn Gearon, takes you inside this magnificent era, and introduces you to the people and ideas that make the Islamic Golden Age great. He also steps back and asks a few fundamental questions about the story: When did the Golden Age begin? Why did it come to an end? And why has it not featured more prominently in the history textbooks?

As with his previous popular course, Turning Points in Middle Eastern History, Mr. Gearon is a remarkable storyteller. He expertly draws the links between Aristotle and Ibn Sina, and between Ibn Battuta and the Renaissance poet Petrarch, who, like many history students today, had little understanding of the Islamic Golden Age.

From Baghdad to Cairo, and Alexandria to Cordoba, the breadth of the Abbasid Empire is astounding. With a rich set design and authentic music recreated from the era, The History and Achievements of the Islamic Golden Age immerses you in the fantastic world of Golden Age art, education, prosperity, and innovation-and gives you an incomparable understanding of one of the most vibrant and influential civilizations to ever grace the world stage.

TTC Video – The Great Tours: Washington DC
Course No. 8609 | .MP4, AVC, 2500 kbps, 1280×720 | English, AAC, 128 kbps, 2 Ch | 24×30 mins | + PDF Guidebook | 18.73 GB
Lecturer: Professor Richard Kurin, Ph.D.​

As a political epicenter, Washington DC is a major national and international crossroads, attracting visitors from all corners of the Earth and being featured in the global news on a daily basis. But beyond the glamour and glare of high-profile politics, it is a city on par with some of the greatest in the world, brimming over with remarkable history and culture, and offering a multitude of unforgettable sights and experiences.

Throughout this intriguing city, you’ll find some of the world’s most beautiful and extraordinary national monuments-of which the iconic Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial are only the beginning. You’ll also find some of the world’s finest museums of history, science, and art, from the phenomenal Smithsonian museums to the National Gallery of Art, Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, and more. You will experience masterpieces of civic architecture such as the National Mall and the Library of Congress, as well as monumental government facilities, from the U.S. Capitol to the State and Treasury Departments. Along the way, you will also encounter beautifully landscaped parks and gardens; a wealth of extraordinary historic homes; a rich and varied performing arts, entertainment, and culinary scene; and innumerable lesser-known focal points to surprise and delight.

Now, in The Great Tours: Washington DC, The Great Courses partners once again with the Smithsonian, the nation’s premier repository of U.S. history and world culture, to bring you a deep and multi-faceted look at this amazing city.

With this course, you will get to know Washington DC and the spectrum of treasures it contains. Your in-depth experience will allow you to better appreciate:

A one-of-a-kind urban environment containing stunning public buildings, works, and spaces;
The American people’s historical efforts to embody the U.S. Constitution and our founder’s ideals;
A thoroughly remarkable window into modern history;
The history, the workings, and the dimensions of our government in action; and
A vibrant, cosmopolitan city that resonates with people from all nations and cultures, as well as an intimately livable city that 700,000 people call home, and 5 million in the Metro region regularly enjoy.

Discover Washington DC through the Expertise of the Smithsonian

This exciting 24-part travelogue-lavishly illustrated with thousands of historic images, animated maps, and substantial location footage-rests on the vast historical and administrative resources of the Smithsonian, and on the brilliant and engaging commentary of Dr. Richard Kurin, Smithsonian Distinguished Scholar and Ambassador-at-Large. Dr. Kurin brings both his 40 years of experience at the Smithsonian-overseeing most of the institution’s national museums, libraries, and archives-and his own decades of exploration of his beloved home city to these content-rich videos.

In this unique, insider’s tour of Washington, Dr. Kurin leads you on a dazzling journey through the many layers of history and human endeavor that created DC’s extraordinary urban environment. Along the way, he takes you beyond the most visible and well-known sites to uncover hidden gems that visitors usually don’t know about, offering fascinating perspectives on DC’s history, from the 18th-century origins of the District of Columbia to the 21st-century city we know today. Throughout the course, lectures are arranged by site and activity, making it easy to go directly to specific subject matter or special interests.

Dr. Kurin rounds out your view of DC with a series of special interviews with expert guests interspersed throughout the lectures, drawing on his remarkable resources and contacts developed over a four-decade-long career. Among others, you’ll get special insight into the meaning of military memorials from General Colin Powell himself, look into the Kennedy Center and arts in Washington with renowned cellist Yo Yo Ma, and explore the relationship of food and American history with celebrated chef José Andrés.

Legendary Sights and Hidden Treasures

In a comprehensive view of the city and its history, you’ll delve into the incredible range of Washington’s riches, including:

Landmarks and Departments of the U.S. Government. Make a detailed visit to the White House, taking account of its construction, rebuilding, and dramatic history. Take in the architectural magnificence of the U.S. Capitol building, and visit its legislative chambers. Dig into the history, lore, and imposing facilities of the Supreme Court; the spectacular Library of Congress; the departments of State, Treasury, and Justice; and the unmissable National Archives;
Majestic Monuments and Memorials. Among DC’s most revered sights, visit and study the background of the great presidential memorials to Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Explore the National Mall’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and its particular significance, and contemplate the meanings of the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and the extraordinary memorials at Arlington National Cemetery;
A Spectrum of World-Class Museums. Within the city’s astounding wealth of museums, learn about the collections of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, and National Museum of African American History and Culture, among others. Explore the artistic splendors of the National Portrait Gallery; The Phillips Collection; and the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens; and sample the wonders of the Smithsonian National Zoological Park;
Lesser-Known Historic Gems. Discover a range of extraordinary sites overlooked even by many locals. Among these, visit the historic mansion of General Robert E. Lee, uncover the history of Abraham Lincoln’s "summer White House," study the life and work of abolitionist Frederick Douglass at his preserved home, learn about presidential connections with the historic Willard Hotel, and visit locations associated with humanitarian and Red Cross founder Clara Barton.
Storied Neighborhoods and Homes. Venture beyond the famous sights to explore DC’s colorful and elegant neighborhoods: Savor the architecture and cultural richness of Embassy Row; the revitalized DC waterfront; and the neighborhoods of Dupont Circle, historic Georgetown, and nearby Alexandria, Virginia. Get to know George Washington’s Mount Vernon, and other grand mansions, plantations, and humble homes that memorably reveal the city’s history.

Experience the Numerous Facets of This Living City

In the course’s second half, Dr. Kurin takes the tour far beyond politics and history, to give you a vivid view of contemporary Washington and its wide range of appealing activities, events, and lifestyle choices. Within these, you’ll explore DC’s:

Arts and Entertainment Scene:Review the huge diversity of Washington’s performing arts offerings, spanning the multi-venue Kennedy Center; a plethora of distinguished live theater and dance; and seemingly countless music venues offering live performances of popular, classical, and world music.

Dining and Food Culture: Learn about DC’s traditional food culture, historic restaurants, contemporary fine-dining options, food festivals, and wide array of world cuisines.

Sports:Investigate the lore of DC’s sports teams, past and present, and find out where to see (and play) sports from baseball, football, and basketball to imports such as rugby, Gaelic football, and cricket.

Outdoor Activitiesiscover DC’s many nature sites, and note Dr. Kurin’s suggestions for where to enjoy beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, and outdoor pursuits from hiking and boating to nature and heritage sites.

In these visually sumptuous lectures, Dr. Kurin and the Smithsonian profile the diversity and the many layers of Washington DC-as a beloved national symbol; a vital seat of government; and a living, thriving metropolis. Whether you’re planning your own visit to Washington or would simply like to explore the nation’s capital from where you are, The Great Tours: Washington DC offers you a detailed, insider’s view of one of the world’s most exciting and culturally rich cities.

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TTC Video – The Great Tours: France through the Ages
.MP4, AVC, 1280×720/854×480, 30 fps | English, AAC, 2 Ch | 12h 13m | 10.33/6.47 GB
Lecturer: John Greene, PhD | Course No. 8012​

France is the world’s most visited destination for travelers. From the beloved city of Paris-a global archetype of beauty, romance, and fine living-to the sunshine and lavender fields of Provence, the medieval splendor of Carcassonne and Avignon, the glittering seaside life of the Côte d’Azur, and more, France ignites the imagination and dazzles the senses like no other country on Earth.

In this thrilling new edition of The Great Tours, you’ll delve deeply into what makes France such a magical and irresistible draw, and you’ll discover how a visit to France can be an unforgettable adventure, an astonishing journey through history, and a multifaceted immersion in the French "art de vivre"-the art of living.

In the 24 visually lavish segments of The Great Tours: France through the Ages, you’ll travel across the diverse regions of France, from Brittany and Normandy in the north to Aquitaine and Provence in the south, enjoying an inside view of France unlike any other you’ll find without a plane ticket. What truly sets this tour apart is your consummate guide to France, Professor John Greene of the University of Louisville, a multi-award-winning scholar and professor of French language, culture, and civilization.

Professor Greene’s extraordinarily detailed knowledge of France has been honed through a lifetime of travel across all of France’s remarkable regions-an intimate, personal familiarity with French life and culture far surpassing guidebooks or conventional itineraries. He was named by the French government as a chevalier in the Ordre des Palmes Académiques for services to education and culture. Professor Greene’s expert guidance and richly informative commentary make this tour a thoroughly delightful-and insightful-excursion into the cultural and historical treasures of La Belle France.

Discover the Timeless Appeal of France

The Great Tours: France through the Ages is both an ideal resource for planning your own trip to France and a way to enjoy a deeper grasp of the beauty, history, and culture of France from the comfort of your own home. All segments of the tour are richly illustrated with contemporary and historic photos, maps, and visual aids, bringing the sights and landscapes of France vividly alive.

As one of Europe’s premier civilizations, with a tradition reaching back over two millennia, France boasts a spectrum of historical treasures and cultural riches to enchant even the most seasoned traveler. Across the many distinct cultural regions of France, you’ll enjoy such diverse sites as:

[]The Palace and Gardens of Versailles-Among Europe’s most spectacular royal residences, and the majestic seat of Louis XIV, the "Sun King";
[]Bordeaux-Home to both the beautiful city of Bordeaux and the superlative, verdant wine region known for some of the world’s finest wines;
[]The Basque Country-Featuring the proud Basque culture, culinary traditions, and fascinating history, plus the world-renowned religious pilgrimage site of Lourdes;
[]Corsica-Known to the French as the "Isle of Beauty"; the birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte, seat of the legendary French Foreign Legion, and a paradise of natural scenery; and
[]Arles-The sun-drenched, historic town of matchless Provençal charm and the place that inspired numerous masterpieces of Vincent van Gogh.

Enjoy a Phenomenal Tapestry of History

France has often been a major player in some of the most impactful events of European history, making it an infinitely rewarding place to visit for history buffs and for travelers looking for a rich, cultural experience. In the course of this wide-ranging travelogue, you will truly experience France through the ages. As you journey through France’s regions and subregions, you’ll encounter landmarks of French heritage, such as:

[]The 35,000-year-old cave paintings of Lascaux and Chauvet, among the world’s most stunning prehistoric artworks;
[]The imposing medieval castles of the Cathars-a storied religious sect-and their dramatic history;
[]Outsized historical figures such as Eleanor of Aquitaine, Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc), and Charles de Gaulle, and the sites associated with their lives;
[]The historic locations where the world-changing French Revolution unfolded; and
[]The enthralling worlds of George Sand, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and the swirl of art and artists in 19th-century bohemian Paris.
[]Along with a thorough look at the past, you will also get to see the cultural landscape of contemporary France, as captured in the French passion for art, cinema, soccer, fine food, and daring modernist building projects across the country, such as the Viaduc de Millau, a wonder of 21st-century engineering.

Travel to the Heart of French Culture

Throughout the tour, Professor Greene delights in probing the question of what makes France such a magnet for visitors from all over the world. Central to this matter is the art de vivre, a sensibility that permeates nearly every aspect of French life, expressing the French people’s desire to live well and to seek out the best life has to offer, in terms of food, art and culture, décor, fashion, nature, and more.

As just one instance of the art de vivre in action, you’ll study the concept of "terroir" in French winemaking-the combined factors of the grape, soil, growth environment, weather patterns, and how the land is worked, all of which define the identity and value of a fine wine.

Across the 24 segments of the tour, you’ll experience this hallmark of French culture in examples such as:

[]The Multiple Wonders of Paris-Within six full segments on Paris, dig deeply into the French capital-arguably the world’s most aesthetically beautiful major city. Stroll the Grands Boulevards and the enchanting squares, a masterstroke of 19th-century urban planning. And explore the city’s multidimensional history, iconic landmarks, romantic neighborhoods, and artistic and literary life, as well as its eminence in the worlds of cinema, photography, and fashion.
[]Lyon-Explore the self-proclaimed capital of French gastronomy, even above Paris; learn why this remarkable city attracts icons of haute cuisine; sample its culinary scene, from its fine dining restaurants to its more informal "bouchons"; and also note how Lyon gave birth to France’s-and the world’s-love affair with the cinema.
[]The Loire Valley-Spend time in one of France’s most celebrated regions, most famous for its 300+ châteaux, a Renaissance cluster of architectural masterpieces designed for luxury, comfort, and elegance; trace the historic factors that created this most astounding building boom; and take an in-depth look at the palatial splendor of Azay-le-Rideau and Chenonceau.
[]Regional French Food and Wine-In the home of the Western world’s most celebrated culinary and wine traditions, learn about the history, lore, and methods of preparation of many of France’s favorite regional foods, such as bouillabaisse (Marseille), ratatouille (the Rhône valley), and cassoulet (the Camargue). Visit France’s world-famous wine regions of Alsace, Champagne, Burgundy, and the Loire, among others, and discover iconic wines, including Château Margaux, Beaujolais, Côtes du Rhône, and Pouilly-Fumé.
[]Glories of Art and Architecture-Across the span of the tour, pay visits to a multitude of France’s greatest cultural treasures, such as the island citadel of Mont Saint-Michel; the 11th-century Bayeux tapestry; Claude Monet’s home and gardens at Giverny; the Cathedrals of Rheims, Chartres, and Paris’s Notre Dame, as well as Paris’s sublime Opéra Garnier; the Gallo Roman architecture of Arles; and Avignon’s magnificent Palais des Papes.

Finally, you’ll also take in the remarkable natural wonders of France and its idyllic landscapes, from the gorgeous coastal scenery of Normandy and Brittany to the soaring peaks of the French Alps.

In The Great Tours: France through the Ages, you’ll mine the essence of a culture that has long stood as a symbol of romance, beauty, and the very best of life and living.

TTC Video – The Great Tours: England, Scotland, and Wales
.MP4, AVC, 1280×720, 30 fps | English, AAC, 2 Ch | 17h 56m | 20.3 GB
Lecturer: Patrick N. Allitt, Ph.D. Professor, Emory University | Course No. 8006​

Whether you are searching for the past or want to better understand the world as it is today, travel-even virtually, from the comfort of home-offers a unique opportunity to see the world in new ways. Perhaps you would like to wander the cosmopolitan streets of London, roam the 1,000-year-old campuses of Oxford and Cambridge, or tour world-famous museums like the Tate Modern and the National Railway Museum. Or maybe you are aiming for a more pastoral adventure, like an expedition across the romantic wilds of the Scottish Highlands, or a journey to see the breathtaking vistas of the Jurassic coast. No matter what experience you are hoping to find, a tour of England, Scotland, and Wales rewards visitors with an astonishing array of historical, cultural, and scenic pleasures and reveals the heritage of a nation that has influenced the world immeasurably.

With so many beautiful and fascinating places to see, where do you start? What famous sites are most worth seeing-and where are the hidden gems that many tourists miss? Let us help you get the most out of your journey across this superb island.

No matter what you are hoping to discover in this magnificent region, The Great Tours: England, Scotland, and Wales is the perfect guide. Taught by acclaimed Professor Patrick Allitt, a British-born scholar who teaches at Emory University, these 36 engrossing lectures give you an insider’s take on traveling through Great Britain. Whether you are planning a week-long vacation; a month-long grand tour; or just want to experience England, Scotland, and Wales from afar, this visually immersive course brings Great Britain into your living room and gives you all the background you need to plan the trip of a lifetime.

Go beyond the Guidebook

Gain the historical and cultural context you need to appreciate some of Britain’s most popular sites, including:

[]Stonehenge
[]Buckingham Palace
[]The Houses of Parliament
[]St. Paul’s Cathedral
[]The English Lake District
[]Edinburgh, Scotland
[]Cardiff, Wales
[]and many more

Professor Allitt shows you worthwhile destinations that are often swamped with tourists and long lines, giving you access to these sites without the crowds, but also showing you which of these destinations really are worth braving if you visit in person. Perhaps more important, he introduces you to many overlooked or little-known gems that will surprise and delight even the most seasoned traveler to Britain. This is the insider look that the travel guides and tour programs can’t match. For instance, as Professor Allitt guides you across Great Britain, you will:

[]Consider Avebury, a breathtaking set of stone monuments largely overlooked in favor of the more famous Stonehenge;
[]Venture to Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire, the single best place in Britain to study the history of the Industrial Revolution;
[]Spend some time in the beautiful (and tragic) Scottish valley of Glencoe, and tour a ring of UNESCO World Heritage Site castles in Wales; and
[]Explore the fascinating history of the often-overlooked English Midlands, tour the country houses of East Anglia, and take a hike through the wild moorlands of Cornwall.

All the World’s a Stage

One of the many pleasures of travel is seeing places you have only heard about in books or seen in glimpses on television. Likewise, knowing something about a place before you visit it deepens your experience of seeing it in person. With that in mind, Professor Allitt’s first job in this course is to survey the more than 1,000-year history of Great Britain.

The early history of Britain was largely shaped by a series of invasions. First the Romans came, and you can visit the edge of the Roman Empire at Hadrian’s Wall, near the Anglo-Scottish border. After the Roman retreat, the Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, and Normans all raided the coast and eventually settled. War dominated early British history, which resulted in the construction of many of the medieval castles that must be near the top of any tourist’s itinerary. Some of the many monuments and fortifications you will encounter are:

[]Lindisfarne, a monastery that was the site of a major Viking attack;
[]The Tower of London, with its remarkable stone keep and outer wall;
[]Dover Castle, overlooking the great cliffs; and
[]Warwick Castle, a must-see crowd-pleaser at the heart of the kingdom.

Christianity was the other great force in early British history, a facet of history you will explore through its astonishing cathedrals. Among them, consider Norwich Cathedral, Canterbury, and-most famously-Westminster Abbey.

After the many invasions of the Middle Ages, Britain saw several hundred years of political change-with tension between the monarchs and Parliament, between the English and the Scots, between Catholics and Anglicans, and a host of other struggles. Professor Allitt illuminates the story from the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 through the rein of Queen Victoria and into the 20th century.

Modern Britain was an industrial dynamo, so in addition to highlighting the famous monasteries, government halls, country houses, and battlefields where history was made, Professor Allitt also shows you the villages, mills, quarries, canals, and railroad lines that made Great Britain the powerhouse it is today.

The Road Not Taken

A visitor could spend a year in London and still not see everything worth experiencing. The city is home to an abundance of museums, monuments, parks, and lively neighborhoods. Among the highlights of Professor Allitt’s London tour are the wonderful Victoria and Albert Museum; the British Museum; Trafalgar Square; Kensington; Piccadilly Circus; and, of course, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.

But as Professor Allitt notes, London is in many ways the least representative part of Great Britain. To really understand this nation, you must venture beyond the city-and this course takes you region by region around the island, including four rich lectures dedicated to Scotland and Wales. You’ll visit the royal mile in Edinburgh, ride a locomotive to the summit of Mount Snowden in Wales, and much more.

In England, you will head to the West Country to track Arthurian legends at iconic places like Tintagel Castle and Glastonbury Tor; spend time in the northern industrial cities of Manchester and Liverpool; stroll through Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire; and experience the gentle, rustic, and often remote land of East Anglia. Any one of these regions is worth a day trip or an extended stay.

Though this course is not concerned with the specific details of transportation options, Professor Allitt does offer many interesting tidbits about the history of Britain’s canals and railroads, the London underground, and the island’s major highways. For his part, he recommends walking as an ideal mode of transportation, and hiking enthusiasts will discover opportunities in every part of Britain, from the gentle Cotswolds to the dramatic coastal paths of Southwest England.

From Baker Street to the Lighthouse

Great Britain offers opportunities to explore almost every artistic and cultural interest you can imagine. Lovers of literature will be able to connect numerous sites with their favorite authors, from the picturesque Lake District beloved by Wordsworth to the Oxford haunts of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien-and, of course, the famous Baker Street of Sherlock Holmes. Professor Allitt introduces you to places associated with hundreds of years of great writers, including:

[]The national bards Chaucer and Shakespeare
[]Poets Wordsworth, Keats, Shelley, and Byron
[]Novelists Austen, Dickens, the Brontës, Woolf, and Orwell

He also introduces you to the great tradition of visual arts and artists. In addition to reflecting on the lives and works of artists such as William Hogarth, Joseph Turner, and Thomas Gainsborough, you’ll also learn about some of the best art museums in the country:

[]The National Gallery in London
[]The National Portrait Gallery
[]The Tate Modern
[]The Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh
[]The National Museum in Cardiff

Great Britain’s literary and artistic heritage is tremendous, but its centuries-long culture of gardening is equally astounding. Because of the island’s mild and damp climate, it is an ideal location for floral displays-and the gardens throughout England, Scotland, and Wales arguably are unmatched around the world. Professor Allitt takes you to some of the finest, including:

[]Stourhead Estate in Wiltshire
[]The Botanic Garden at Oxford University
[]Kew Gardens in London
[]Bodnant Garden in Wales
[]and more

Ode to an Island Nation

There is no substitute for travel. Some things you simply have to see for yourself. That said, The Great Tours: England, Scotland, and Wales is the next best thing. Visually dazzling with hundreds of photographs from your professor’s own archives, you will see all the sites Professor Allitt describes-and, thanks to the help of a professional accent specialist in several of the lectures, you will also be able to hear the sounds of the Scottish brogue, the Welsh voice, the Cockney accent, and more.

If you have an upcoming trip to Great Britain, you will be well-prepped to have a rich experience-with insight on where to go, what to do, and what it all means. But even if you simply plan to enjoy Great Britain from your home, Professor Allitt grounds you in the history, the people, the land, and the cultural touchstones to enhance your understanding of this mighty nation. Every lecture in The Great Tours: England, Scotland, and Wales offers an immersive experience and astonishing insight into this small island that has had an outsized influence on the world’s stage.
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TTC Video – The Everyday Gourmet: Making Great Meals in Less Time
English | wmv | WMV9 640×360 2000 kbps | WMA 2 ch 128 kbps | 3 hrs 18 min | 2.89 GB
eLearning | Course No. 9211​

We’d all love to create the same wholesome, delicious meals that professional chefs make. But the one thing that often prevents us from doing so: lack of time.

While a lot of TV shows and cookbooks out there focus on quick and simple meals, what they tend to skip is teaching you the actual time-saving techniques themselves. It’s not the 5-minute breakfast or the 30-minute dinner that matters; it’s being able to use the same skills, strategies, and tricks that chefs use so you can make every meal you cook not just great tasting-but an efficient use of your personal time.

The secrets to making great meals in less time are simple and easy to learn. And once you’ve mastered them, you’ll be able to

• use your time more effectively in the kitchen,
• enhance your cooking skills with a range of everyday items,
• avoid giving in to the temptation-and poor nutrition-of fast food, and
• discover just how enriching and rewarding the experience of cooking can be.

And the best part: These techniques can be applied to every meal and almost every dish imaginable, whether you’re cooking for yourself or for that next big dinner party.

In The Everyday Gourmet: Making Great Meals in Less Time, award-winning Chef-Instructor Bill Briwa of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America gets you off the fast-food treadmill to learn tips, techniques, recipes, and simple ingredients to keep on hand for quick, healthy meals that will delight your family and friends. These six innovative and practical lessons, filmed on location at the CIA’s Greystone campus in Napa Valley, are your chance to learn the time-saving secrets of chefs so you can make tasty and rewarding dishes-from appetizers to main courses to desserts-whenever you’re strapped for time.

Time-Saving Insights to Cook Smarter

As Chef Briwa demonstrates throughout this course, the secret to making great meals in less time is learning how to cook and think about kitchen tools and ingredients as professional chefs do working in their own kitchens, where time is always of the essence. His goal is not just to teach you how to cook faster, but how to cook smarter. And by cooking smarter, you’ll turn out better-quality food and enjoy your efforts more, meal after meal.

Every lesson of Making Great Meals in Less Time is filled with insights you can return to again and again whenever you crave a home-cooked meal but are pressed for time.

• Divide kitchen time into parts: Mentally separate your time into three parts to help make cooking more manageable. The first part should be for prepping ingredients and getting things started; the second for keeping up with different tasks; and the third for finishing your dishes-putting the focus on the details of seasoning and presentation, where it belongs.
• Use what you already have: There is an untapped wealth of cooking ideas right in your pantry or fridge. Chef Briwa suggests getting creative (and economical) by using what’s already around you, such as leftovers and canned or jarred items. Then, all you need to do is incorporate a single fresh ingredient to elevate your meal into something spectacular.
• It’s OK to buy dessert: Keep dinner parties simple by ending the meal with store-bought desserts such as small pastries or ice cream with a spectacular sauce and favorite cookies. That way, you can focus your time and effort on cooking a spectacular main course-while still giving guests something sweet afterward.

Delicious Recipes from an Expert Chef

Of course, a highlight of this course is the recipes themselves. In Making Great Meals in Less Time, Chef Briwa provides you with many recipes that you can add to your collection or enhance with your own personal touches.

Some of the dishes and meals you’ll learn how to make include

• breakfast fried rice, complete with eggs and mushrooms;
• hearty clam chowder, with variations featuring corn and fish; and
• panzanella, an Italian bread salad tossed with tomatoes and fresh herbs.

Making Great Meals in Less Time allows you to follow Chef Briwa step by step as he prepares, cooks, and plates these and many other magnificent, good-for-you dishes and meals. And the course comes complete with a guidebook featuring recipes, techniques, and full-color photos.

As soon as you start the first lesson, you’ll immediately learn why so many lifelong learners have praised Chef Briwa’s ability to make cooking look engaging, exciting, and easy for any interested home cook. And he brings his more than 30 years of cooking and instruction experience into every minute of this series.

So whether you’re cooking for an everyday meal or a special occasion, take the stress out of your kitchen and discover just how rewarding it can be to make delicious home-cooked meals in less time.

6 Lectures
1 Into the Mind of a Chef
2 Launching the Day
3 One Fresh Thing
4 Evolution of a Quick Dish
5 What Makes a Meal?
6 A Chef Entertains

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TTC Video – The Everyday Gourmet: Essential Secrets of Spices in Cooking
English | mp4 | Mpeg4 570×320 | AAC 2 ch 94 kbps | 3 hrs 13 min | 1.6 GB
eLearning | Course No. 9222​

Think about the last fantastic meal you had. Chances are, the reason you remember it is because of the spices used in cooking it. Whether oregano, chiles, coriander, cinnamon, thyme, or even tea, spices add incredible dimensions to what would otherwise be plain, ordinary meals. And while cooking with these and other spices from around the world can often be intimidating and confusing, they’re actually quite easy to adapt to your own everyday cooking.

Everyone who cooks-from the master chef planning an elaborate banquet to the amateur cook looking for a quick dinner-should have a confident understanding of spices and how each one can be used to create an exciting range of taste sensations. Uncover the secrets of spices and you’ll possess the power to

• transform the food you cook from simple and dull to exciting and memorable;
• know which spices to use to get the flavor you want; and
• experiment confidently with new spices and cuisines from around the world.

In The Everyday Gourmet: Essential Secrets of Spices in Cooking, join Chef Bill Briwa of The Culinary Institute of America as he reveals the essentials of incorporating a variety of spices from around the world-and perhaps even your own backyard-into your everyday meals. An aromatic array of spices fills each of these six engaging lessons, providing you with myriad ways to use spices in soups and salads, with meat and fish, and even in drinks and desserts. Filmed on location in the kitchens of the CIA’s Greystone campus in Napa Valley, these lessons are rich with insights that are sure to take your cooking to the next delicious level.

Savor the Secrets of the World’s Great Spices

According to Chef Briwa, each culture in the world has embraced spices in a unique, distinct, and defining way. This makes Essential Secrets of Spices in Cooking an excellent way to savor the spices and cuisines of exotic locales-and even recreate them right in your home. After these six lessons, you’ll have a well-rounded mastery of how to cook with a wide range of international spices.

• Indian spices: India alone produces 50 percent of the spices we consume annually. Among those you’ll get firsthand experience with are toasted mustard seeds, black peppercorns, cardamom, and tamarind, as well as special spice mixtures called masalas.
• Latin American spices: Latin America is a treasure trove of exciting spices, many of them used to add a special (but not overwhelming) heat to various dishes. Gain confidence in cooking with a range of chiles-from jalapenos to poblanos and guajillos to anchos-as well as with regional spices such as Mexican oregano and canela ("true cinnamon").
• Mediterranean spices: Chef Briwa takes you on a fascinating tour of spices and spice mixtures from the birthplace of Western civilization. A chile pepper paste from Tunisia (harissa), a Turkish spice mixture that goes great with grilled meats (baharat), and powdered sumac (used in the eastern Mediterranean to make food sour in the absence of vinegar) are just three of the many tastes you’ll encounter.

Spice Up Your Culinary Repertoire

Of course, you get more than just a basic primer on global spices in these sessions. You actually get to watch an expert chef put them to use in a fascinating series of dishes that highlight a particular spice’s characteristics, whether the captivating aroma of toasted cumin or the palate-warming heat of a roasted chile. From mise en place (the preparation of your ingredients) to the final presentation, Chef Briwa shows you how to make

• tea-smoked quail,
• rosemary lamb kebabs,
• authentic Mexican mole,
• chile tamarind shrimp,
• hot mulled wine,
• and much more.

Every minute of this course places you in the hands of a chef whose decades of cooking education have given him both authority in the kitchen and that unique ability to teach and inspire others to cook. Chef Briwa has crafted a lecture series that’s essential for anyone looking to spice up everyday meals. And the included guidebook-with full-color photos, techniques for cooking with spices, and easy-to-read recipes-makes a handy resource for the home chef.

Taken together, Essential Secrets of Spices in Cooking is a cornerstone of the well-rounded chef’s toolkit and the secret to richer, more rewarding culinary experiences.

6 Lectures
1 India-Heart of the Spice World
2 China-From Peppercorns to Tea
3 Mexico-Chiles for Every Palate
4 Mediterranean Spices-Exotic Blends
5 Treasured Spices in Northern Europe
6 New American Cuisine-The Global Kitchen
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TTC Video – Great Tours: Greece and Turkey, from Athens to Istanbul (2011)
DVDRip | M4V / AVC 1500 Kbps | 640х480 | 29.97 fps | AAC 126 kbps | 8.54 GB
Language: English | Run Time: 24×30 min​

The shimmering turquoise waters and lost worlds of the Aegean await you. Grab your travel hat and join us for a unique cultural journey to the dramatic landscapes of Greece and Turkey-to dazzling ancient cities, majestic empires, and magical treasures of history.

This is a land of gods and heroes. Here great myths came to life and epic battles were fought, and the wondrous remains of ancient civilizations still call to you from across the centuries.

In these rich lands you discover such legendary sites as these:

The Acropolis of Athens, beloved symbol of Greece and the ancient world
Mycenae, the mighty mountain kingdom where the Trojan War was planned
The Oracle of Apollo at Delphi, fabled site of pilgrimage and prophecy
Ephesus, among the greatest classical cities of the ancient world
Pergamon and Sardis, royal citadels and home of architectural and engineering marvels
Hagia Sophia of Istanbul, one of humanity’s most glorious monuments to faith
To know these places is to know your own beginnings. Anyone who wants a full-bodied comprehension of Western culture must know these extraordinary sites and grasp their history.

In The Great Tours: Greece and Turkey, from Athens to Istanbul, award-winning Professor John R. Hale of the University of Louisville is your guide to the fabulous civilizations of the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, and to the natural wonders and idyllic landscapes that surround them. These 24 richly enjoyable lectures are a journey unlike any other, giving you the chance to experience these important sites and cultures through the eyes of an expert archaeologist and scholar, whose knowledge and depth of insight go far beyond any ordinary travel narrative.

Through Professor Hale’s vibrant commentary and extensive field footage, you discover monumental ancient cities, classical ruins, temples, shrines, fortresses, stadiums, theaters, churches, and palaces. In each site, you explore the critical history and culture that defined them and the ways in which they influenced our modern world. In their compelling historical and visual detail, the lectures offer both a rich resource for travelers preparing to visit these distant lands and a multilevel cultural journey that can be enjoyed just as well from the comfort of home.

Classical Glories, Great Empires

In a wide-ranging exploration, you’ll visit the pivotal historical sites of this epic region and the civilizations that built them, including these landmarks of human culture:

Olympia, home of the ancient Olympic games: At the site’s massive stadium and training areas, explore the rituals of the games, the dramatic mind-set of the competitors, and the significance of athletic competition as worship.
The Healing Sanctuary of Kos: In this grand complex of terraces, staircases, and ruins, study ancient healing in the work of the pioneer physician Hippocrates, including the clinical principles that gave birth to Western medicine.
The Minoan Palace at Knossos: At one of the world’s premiere archaeological sites, investigate its labyrinthine rooms, grand courtyards, and culture of royal display and the death-defying bull dance.
Sunken Cities of Cappadocia: As you travel through some of the most astounding and mysterious discoveries of the ancient world, track the vast and complex underground cities where a nameless people sought refuge.
The Citadel of Troy: In sorting history from legend, penetrate the archaeological layers of the site of the Trojan War, finding striking connections to Homer, the real King Priam, and Alexander the Great.
Topkapi, Palace Complex of the Ottoman Sultans: In this jeweled seat of the Ottoman Empire, explore its sumptuous court life and culture and its glittering interiors of royal halls, kitchens, and harem.
A Vivid Encounter with Ancient Life

Professor Hale has walked these superlative sites in depth, in the course of decades of archaeological work and study in the region. As a core element of his teaching, he invites you to touch these vanished worlds and ways of life.

On the Acropolis, you travel the site, following the path of the ancient annual procession honoring Athena. At Delphi, your visit reconstructs a pilgrimage to the oracle in classical times, taking you through the rituals of offerings and religious observances on the way to consult the Pythia (priestess), who answers each pilgrim’s question. At Hagia Sophia, you envision the experience of a 6th-century visitor, amid the pomp and embroidered finery of the Byzantine royals.

Scenic Islands, Otherworldly Landscapes

Parallel with your historical journey, you learn about the extraordinary natural wonders of the Aegean, an unforgettable feature of travel in these lands.

On the Greek islands, you discover Crete’s dramatic Samaria Gorge and the breathtaking volcanic archipelago of Milos and Santorini, as well as scenic riches, including the transcendent vista of the Cycladic islands from Mount Kynthos.

In the course’s second half, you explore Turkey’s richly beautiful Turquoise Coast-its crusader castles, submerged cities, and unique wildlife. In the central highlands, you linger in the mysterious topography of Cappadocia, with its geologic "fairy chimneys" and ancient cave dwellings.

A Rich and Diverse Educational Journey

Throughout Professor Hale’s multitextured narrative, you enjoy

detailed location footage in each lecture;
illuminating maps in both the lectures and course guidebook; and
vivid 3-D re-creations of ancient monuments and sites.
Professor Hale enriches these lectures with engrossing stories of ancient life, his own extraordinary experiences, and his insightful reflections on how these civilizations unfolded. Among learning about many history makers, you meet Herodotus, Galen, Paul the Apostle, and the emperor Justinian of Byzantium. You contemplate the original Hippocratic oath and the moving words of the Sufi poet Rumi on human seeking and the journey of life. And you track Professor Hale’s fascinating work with colleagues at Delphi, vindicating Plutarch’s claim that the trance state of the oracle’s priestess was linked to intoxicating vapors present at the site.

Professor Hale reveals not only the cultural and archaeological history, but also the local lore, legends, foods, pleasure spots, and out-of-the-way gems that make this part of the world such a seductive draw. You learn about the wines of Monemvasia and Santorini; places to enjoy ancient spas and baths; a sublime Aegean town where you can savor Greek life to the full; and where to drink Turkish tea in Ottoman splendor.

With Professor Hale as your guide, you will touch the ancient world, retracing the steps of great ancient oracles, athletes, playwrights, and warriors and reliving their experiences:

Lie on the same benches at Amphiareon where oracles read dreams.
Crouch at the starting line for an Olympic race.
Stand on the stage at Epidauros, whisper, and be heard in the highest row.
March along the walls of Troy like the heroes of Homer’s epics.
The glory of past civilizations still lives in these magical sites and monuments, and in the same beautiful Aegean Sea and landscapes that the ancients traveled. In The Great Tours: Greece and Turkey, from Athens to Istanbul, these extraordinary lands are yours to discover and rediscover. Come with us as we touch lost worlds-as we find humanity’s majestic past and the great cultures that gave us the world we know.

About Your Professor

Dr. John R. Hale is Director of Liberal Studies at the University of Louisville. Professor Hale completed his undergraduate studies at Yale University and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge. He has received numerous awards for his distinguished teaching, including the Panhellenic Teacher of the Year Award and the Delphi Center Award.

During more than 30 years of archaeological field work, Professor Hale has led student and adult tours to many of the sites he has studied, especially in Greece and Turkey. He has carried out studies of ancient oracle sites in Greece and Turkey, including the famed Delphic oracle, and has participated in an undersea search in Greek waters for lost fleets from the Greek and wars. He has also conducted research at sites in England, Scandinavia, Portugal, Italy, Jordan, and Guatemala.

As a lecturer for the Archaeological Institute of America, Professor Hale has toured the United States and Canada, and has presented lecture series in South Africa, Finland, Australia, and New Zealand.
Touring the Cradle of Western Civilization
Athens-Around the Acropolis and Parthenon
In the Footsteps of Socrates-Historic Athens
Around Attica-Temples and Mysteries
Seeking the Good Life-Corinth to Epidauros
Mycenae-Where Kings Planned the Trojan War
Around Nafplio-Greek History at a Glance
Ancient Olympia-Gods, Games, and Temples
Quest for Wisdom at Apollo’s Oracle-Delphi
Byzantine Outposts-Monemvasia and Mistra
Cruising the Islands-Mykonos and Delos
Aegean Ring of Fire-Milos and Santorini
Exploring Crete-Realm of Ancient Minoans
Lure of the Labyrinth-Palace at Knossos
The Dodecanese-Kos, Patmos, and Rhodes
Welcome to Turkey-The Turquoise Coast
Central Turkey-Ankara, Konya, Cappadocia
Up the Meander River-Priene to Pamukkale
A Wonder of the World-Ephesus
Royal Cities of Asia-Pergamon and Sardis
Troy-Beyond Homer and the Trojan Horse
Istanbul-Capital of the Byzantine Emperors
The Pearl of Constantinople-Hagia Sophia
Ottoman Istanbul-Mosques, Palaces, Bazaars

Professor John R. Hale

!!! No Mirror(s) Please !!!

TTC Video – Wonders of the National Parks: A Geology of North America
Course No. 1707 | .MP4, AVC, 870 kbps, 856×480 | English, AAC, 135 kbps, 2 Ch | 36×30 mins | + PDF Guidebook | 7.89 GB
Lecturer: Ford Cochran​

In 1872, a wondrous region called Yellowstone was set aside as the world’s first national park, giving adventurous travelers access to a geologist’s paradise that seethes with pent-up volcanic forces. As more and more national parks were created-not just in the United States but also in Canada and Mexico-geologists were revolutionizing their field, piecing together a detailed understanding of how the world works. National parks have made these magnificent reminders of the awe-inspiring power of our planet accessible to everyone. Today, there is no better education in the remarkable forces that formed our world than a tour of the national parks of North America. These parks capture a special place in our hearts and draw millions of tourists each year.

From Yellowstone’s bubbling, steaming landscape to the great slabs of granite along Acadia’s shores, each park contributes its own chapter to the story of Earth. Most visitors get only a superficial view of these sites, guided by the informational signposts or tour books, but there is so much more to be discovered. Our national parks offer profound lessons for anyone who loves history, geology, and nature. This course provides in-depth insights, intriguing perspectives, and riveting little-known facts about these treasured places that you won’t find simply by driving through them. And the next time you do drive or hike through a national park, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the forces-geological, historical, and otherwise-that shaped it.

You will learn how our majestic parks provide dramatic evidence of geological processes such as:

Colliding continents: From Maine’s Acadia National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, the rolling Appalachians are the eroded remnants of once-mighty peaks formed in the collision of ancient continents.
Glaciation: The magnificent valley that welcomes visitors to Yosemite National Park is the work of vanished glaciers that were nearly a mile thick. Glaciers sculpted this region and much of North America in a succession of pulses during Earth’s latest ice age.
Uplift and erosion: Imagine a board lifting into a buzz saw. A similar phenomenon produced the Grand Canyon and other breathtaking chasms in the American West, as the Colorado Plateau rose and fast-flowing rivers sliced through the land.
Volcanic Hotspots: Deep beneath Yellowstone National Park is a huge magma chamber that erupted as a supervolcano 640,000 years ago and will explode again. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hides a tamer, fiery hotspot.

Formed just 16 years after Yellowstone was dedicated as a park, the National Geographic Society has led the way in securing protection for America’s most important natural wonders. With a connection to the national parks that stretches back all the way to the 1800s, the National Geographic Society has maintained an abiding interest in their creation and preservation, sponsoring scientific and exploratory expeditions; featuring the parks in scores of magazine articles, books, and films; and working to raise awareness and support for national parks at home and abroad. Apart from the National Park Service itself, no other organization has compiled as impressive an archive of maps and images, assembled as knowledgeable a staff, or been as committed to educating the public on the subject of these national treasures.

We are proud to join forces with this extraordinary institution to present Wonders of the National Parks: A Geology of North America, a fascinating introduction to geology that forged North America’s national parks. Beautifully illustrated, these 36 half-hour lectures take you to more than a hundred spectacular sites guided by geologist and former college professor Ford Cochran, who is currently the Director of Programming for National Geographic Expeditions. He is a storyteller and an explorer at heart who specializes in interpreting landscapes for a variety of audiences.

No previous background in geology or science is needed to experience the thrill that these lectures offer, just a sense of curiosity as you unravel the mysteries of some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet.

Learn about Every National Park.and More

The scope of this course is truly astonishing. Professor Cochran covers every national park in the United States, together with exceptional state parks, national monuments, historical parks, marine sanctuaries, and other preserves, plus a number of outstanding parks in Canada, Mexico, and beyond. Anyone planning a trip to one or more of these sites, whether a weekend outing or a transcontinental expedition, will find their experiences immeasurably enriched by Professor Cochran’s insightful and entertaining presentation. And just staying at home watching the series is an adventure itself!

As a special bonus, three of National Geographic’s top experts appear in interview segments following many of the lectures. Photojournalist Chris Johns was the first journalist onto Mount Saint Helens after it erupted in 1980, and he recently stepped up from Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic magazine to oversee all editorial content creation at National Geographic. Biologist and wildlife documentary producer John Francis is currently National Geographic’s Vice President for Research, Conservation, and Exploration. And Kaitlin Yarnall is one of the gifted cartographers behind National Geographic’s famous maps, now serving as Executive Editor for Cartography, Art, and Graphics at National Geographic magazine as well as Director of Cartography for the Society. These three creative professionals add their fascinating perspectives to Wonders of the National Parks, rounding out the experience to provide truly enriching lessons.

The Greatest Spectacle on Earth

Many visitors to national parks never go beyond the most accessible sites, but this course shows how to experience the breathtaking diversity of these places in depth. You learn how each park fits into the geological epic of North America-a story of mountain ranges created by the collision of tectonic plates, of oceans rising and drowning the lowlands, of volcanoes raining ash and liquid fire, of glaciers growing to towering heights and scouring the terrain down to the bedrock, of desert sands burying entire regions, of earthquakes transforming the land in an instant, and of the tenacious, erosive power of flowing water. If it sounds like the greatest spectacle on Earth, it is!

Drawing on his wide experience as a field geologist and National Geographic expedition lecturer, Professor Cochran has plenty of recommendations for must-see attractions and activities. Here are just a few:

Driving: A National Geographic staffer once told Professor Cochran that Canada’s Icefields Parkway was "the most spectacular drive anywhere." He took the trip and discovered why. The largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains, it stretches from Banff National Park to Jasper National Park along the Continental Divide.
Hiking: Among the many hikes suggested by Professor Cochran, he especially loves the West Rim Trail at Zion National Park. The awe-inspiring views of the sandstone canyons carved by the North Fork of the Virgin River are well worth the walk.
For the more adventurous:
Canoeing and kayaking: A tranquil river trip takes you through the dramatic badlands of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, retracing a portion of Lewis and Clark’s epic voyage.
Rock climbing: One of the oldest rivers on the continent, paradoxically called the New River, has worn a gorge into a uniquely hard form of sandstone that is a nearly perfect rock for climbers, who flock to New River Gorge National River to test their skills.

Remind Yourself: "This Is Real!"

In addition to geology, Wonders of the National Parks also touches on botany, zoology, atmospheric science, and other disciplines as they relate to specific protected areas. The course also explores the role that humans have played in these distinctive landscapes. For example:

Gettysburg: Gettysburg National Military Park provides a geology lesson wrapped up in a history lesson. Little Round Top, Cemetery Ridge, and other key sites in the three-day battle owe their existence to the rifting that opened the Atlantic when the supercontinent Pangaea split apart.
Gold rush: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve includes gold formations mined during Alaska’s great gold rush. Just as in California’s gold fields, seafloor subduction and other tectonic forces created the right conditions to concentrate the glittering element in rocks near the surface.
John Wesley Powell: One of the founders of the National Geographic Society was John Wesley Powell, who led the first expeditions through the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau, including the Grand Canyon. His vivid reports brought these future parklands to public attention.
Ansel Adams: The world’s most revered nature photographer did his most famous work in the parks of the American West. Professor Cochran takes Adams’s classic view of Yosemite Valley and reads it like a book, pointing out the riveting geological story it tells.

With a career at National Geographic spanning more than 20 years, plus his professional training in geology, Professor Cochran is the ideal lecturer for this course: a deeply knowledgeable scientist, an experienced and enthusiastic traveler, and a consummate storyteller who lives and breathes the Society’s mission to "inspire, illuminate, teach."

You may even be able to detect Professor Cochran’s background in English literature, which he pursued as an undergraduate before falling in love with geology. He often peppers his lessons with quotes and stories, adding an additional dimension of elucidation. For example, in his lectures on Yosemite, he quotes the great author and naturalist John Muir, whose eloquence helped preserve Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks in the 1890s. Professor Cochran has a similar way with words, describing one of the Yosemite hikes as follows: "The soaring scale and beauty of the granite landscape from this portion of the John Muir Trail are so extraordinary that, though you’re there and seeing it-actually seeing it-you still have to remind yourself: This is real!"