price：$29.65
Panasonic
Usually ships in 1 to 3 months Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Nice for price, quiet too, awesome couch / car / stair tool !) 『**update 11/23/09 still like this unit but please be sure your included bag is fully installed (seated over suction area.)
The factory had my bag connection lose on bottom and dirt was flying all over in the canister, didnt know till I got high filtration bags and installed one. Installing is a little tricky you really have to be careful to get the bag on bottom of installed area snugly then top, its easy to miss the bottom part of where bag goes on if youre not careful and lose dirt in canister. Not a biggie if youre aware of it tho'.
Original review: I own the mcug471 panny" vacuum. I like it a lot that said if youre like me and scaling down from a vacuum shop $3-400 dollar higher grade model this one will seem cheap and not as powerful. I know duh! LOL
I previously owned a simplicity 7250 (made by panasonic) it was awesome I swear it cleaned under side of rug from top LOL. But its old and needs a thorough maintenance upgrade and its too costly for its age.
I thought Id try this one because I wanted a panny' since they run quieter then most store bought vacs', I live in an apartment and tend to need to use it late (my neighbors say they never hear it!). This mcug471 is very quiet in fact quieter then my better one I retired, you can have a conversation without yelling.
Its very plastic compared to the durable plastic the higher grade models are made of, I think if I bump it around too much Its a goner as the wheels are mounted in cheapo plastic or appear to be as well as rest of it. ( the higher price ones can be fixed completey all over). Vacuumng bare floors needs to be done with tools and can be cumbersome since tubes arent very long...I can use my old tools from prev panny bac but this could be a problem for some.
That said it does a nice job, I have low shag rug from eighties and carpet runners which it transitions too very easily unless you have fringes but theyd all choke that up.
ITs not heavy to me because my higher grade panny' was really heavy..they prob' are heavier then most tho' which is why the thing is quieter then the high pitch the really cheapos have.
The cord winder is awesome, I hope its durable and doesnt wear on cord, I really like the auto wind up function.
The tools are great especially the power paw thing...its a small tool with its own rotating brush you put on tube to do couch or other and its suction is great! Its an easy vac to use and store, and I like the hepa filter. My old panny bags fit and tools (if I use the extended hose I have from my old panny I have to put it in the hole where you connect the hose on the vacc of this one) I clean car this way.
The hose on this vacuum is very flexible, not cheap or stiff, will wear well I think, my expensive old one had a stiffer hose that wore. I like the grip area on back to lift it with, helps not wear on handle. Time will tell on wear of this unit but it is really nice for the price. I cant be sure how it would do on higher pile rugs, I think Id rather one with manual adjust vac height if I had thicker carpets.
It comes with one bag installed (mine did anyway) I will buy high filter bags tho'they do a great job at holding dust and vac. If you cant spend a ton on a vacuum (300 and up in specialty shops) then this one is a good medium, I do recc'd it.
VACUUM USES THE FOLLOWING BAGS BELTS: ub8 belts, and style u bags (u3/6). 』
(Initial impressions) 『I was shopping for a vacuum lately and see this on sale at Fry for $39 !!(refurbished? didn't say but I know Fry is kind of sneaky) I thought it was used or floor model but store clark told me they have 4 in stock and I can pick 1 that I like. I realize that contrary to the latest vaccum cleaners which are uniformly bagless this one still uses a bag but the price is just too good and I actually prefer an "oldfashioned" vaccum that uses a bag because a lot of reviews I read about bagless vaccum were complaining about how messy things can get when emptying them.
The setup was very simple -- I don't even need the manual. Out of box only 2,3 pieces need to be hooked to the main body and you are ready to go. The hoses and tubes are still in sealed bags and there was no sign of usage. if this is a refurbished machine then they did a very good job.
Pros: Very strong suction (the most important), coil rewind, a nice headlight, HEPA filter, VERY EASY to roll/move around( while it is not light it is certainly not heavy to me ), bags (easy to remove)
Cons: bags (costs $$ but ...) HEPA filter (it is a small size so I don't how long it can last)
** people complaining that it dosn't work on bare floor -- they need to use the attachment on bare floor, in my case it works fine
The initial impressions are pretty positive -->straight forward design and sturdy built. I realize that it dosn't have fancy colors and fancy shapes of parts but If you not buying it as part of your Art collection you should be fine.
P.S. you need to buy type U6 bags not the type U3 that are listed with the machine, U3 works but it is too small U6 fits the bag chamber
』
(my new panasonic mc-ug471) 『this is my 3rd panasonic. love them. this one works just as well as the others. it is ALL plastic (as noted in other reviews), but i'm optimistic about it holding up.』
(really good vacuum) 『very good suction, pretty color, really nice feature with the mini staircase carpet vac. on board.. love it. just a little heavy』
(I LIKE IT!!) 『I bought this over the internet so I wasn't sure what it would be like. I had previously owned a Panasonic upright for 16 years and loved it! Yes, this one weighs more due to the on-board tools. However, I find it quite easy to operate. Some people like the cord reel(I don't). This one has that feature, but I could do without it. I found mine for $80 so I was thrilled with the price.』 『12-Amp Motor; 15" Cleaning Path; Automatic Carpet Height Adjustment; On-Board Tools; 24-Ft Power Cord; Auto Cord Winder; Optional Hepa Filter』
price：$22.05
Delonghi
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Wish I could give it 0 stars) 『Most expensive, worthless piece of junk I've ever bought. This fryer gets great reviews, but it has a fatal flaw - the safety mechanism on it is a little ticklish, and keeps shutting down the power to the fryer frequently. The result is disgusting fried food, since there is no way to maintain any consistent temperature. I wish I had bought something reliable like a fry-daddy that will just stay on while I'm frying. The draining mechanism is nice, but that's little consolation when the food tastes terrible.』
(Great till it dies 3 of 4 in dumpster) 『I had a DeLonghi fryer with a rotating basket. Loved it. Electronics died and I couldn't find the same unit so I purchased a D14427DZ (same unit with digital temp control). Electronics died. Got another. Same fate. Got this unit. Thought great, the digital temp was replaced with analog. Problem solved. Wrong!!! It died too. On number 4 of this model. I have had other DeLonghi products and been happy, but 3 of 4 of this model died, and 1 other model died. If it would not die it would be a great product; however, not worth the agrivation. Hard to salvage a pot of warm fat laden fry's!!!!』
(Great for a year....) 『This deep fryer was terrific - for a year. I loved the way it cooked plus cleanup was a cinch. But then it just stopped heating and nothing I did (including pushing the reset button) could get it working again. I've never been crazy about the way the plug inserts in the back of the fryer - for safety, I suppose, it's magnetic and didn't ever seem to be fully connected the way I would have liked. But that wasn't the problem with heating either. I called Customer Service and they told me the only thing I could do was take it to the nearest service center - which is over 100 miles away. I'm buying a different brand for a lot less money. If I knew it was only going to last a year, I never would have invested $100 in it!』
(Good fryer) 『The best things about this are 1) Gets very hot and stays hot 2) Simplicity and ease of use (cleaning could not be easier with hose to drain oil and all parts except heating element dishwasher safe and removable) - this is probably the biggest plus 3) Extra large capacity is awesome especially if you are frying for a family, etc.
Considerations: 1) I definitely appreciate the simplicity but it takes some getting used to (especially if you are going from a smaller more insulated model). The lid is very thin and outer housing is just metal so when the oil is hot - EVERYTHING is hot... which is fine considering that this is also what makes it so practical and easy to clean - you just have to be careful. 2) I really wish the handle could fold down while frying (small gripe but it annoys me a little) 3) The cord in the back seems weird to attach and while it has never fallen off, can't help but feel like it could at any time!
Overall - yes would definitely recommend. It fries great, cleans up great. It should hold up for a long time too.』
(Deep fryer) 『I give this fryer a 4. it works well. takes about 15 minutes to come up to full temp. basket is large for large quantity frying. the outside stainless makes for easy cleanup. now the drawbacks. the power cord does fall off easily if you move the fryer but I understand it was designed that way for safety. next the lid comes completely off. you have to be careful where you place the hot lid. I wish it were attached. finally, the handle of the fry basket has to stay extended when there is oil in the fryer, this makes cold storage difficult. still overall I gave it a 4 star.』 『The DeLonghi Dual Zone Deep Fryer has an extra large 3-LB. (4-LITER) food capacity. Ample space allows food to fry evenly and completely, for delicious results every time. Its generous capacity makes the Dual Zone deep fryer perfect for meals and families of all sizes. Dual Zone Technology- The cool zone located beneath the heating element, prevents food from burning. This unique technology reduces odor and keeps oil clean, for tasty fried food every time. The adjustable thermostat with Indicator light, lets you easily set the temperature, giving you the flexibility to fry foods just the way you like them. Removable parts Make cleanup quick and effortless. The bowl, frying basket and lid are all dishwasher-safe. A permanent mesh filter is located inside the stainless steel lid, the permanent filter prevents the release of oil vapors and odors into your kitchen. The viewing window allows you to safely and easily view the entire frying process. A removable heating element allows for quick and easy cleanup, and it's in direct contact with the food for fast and crispy results. Cool Touch removable handle lets you lift or lower the frying basket for safe operation.』
price：$4.57
Panasonic
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Great size, great looking) 『I love this microwave. I wanted a smaller size microwave but one that could still fit a full size plate. I don't do very much besides warm up a dinner plate. So this one is perfect for what I needed. I love the look and the knob is a bonus. Overall wonderful microwave! I am very happy with my purchase.』
(A little Microwave oven that worked 4 me!) 『Pro: I liked the compact size of this oven and the comtemporary look on the front and the price was a little expensive compared to the other brand.
Con: I didn't like it there was no interior light and the time display was hard to read on the side unless you had to read it straight from the front.』
(Great little microwave, but not perfect) 『It's true, the display is unreadable unless you look at it straight on. It's hard to believe this microwave made it to the production line with this obvious design flaw. This is a countertop model. I'm 5'11", and I have to stoop down to read the display. My wife is 5'3". It's not so much of an issue for her.
The unit we received from Amazon had another flaw. The four feet wouldn't rest flat on the counter. I solved this by sticking a 1/8" thick rubber "furniture protector" thingy under one of the feet. I don't think our granite counter top is that far out of whack, so I'm blaming the microwave.
Even with the flaws taken into consideration, I still think this is the best microwave in this size. It has a nice solid feel, good buttons, intuitive controls, and it looks fantastic in our stainless kitchen. It's just the right size for our needs. We don't do any serious cooking in it - just reheating and defrosting and such - and for that, it's perfect. Some small microwaves don't have a rotating turntable. This one does, and a dinner plate fits on it with room to spare. We aren't popcorn eaters so I can't comment on how well it pops. Neither can I comment on its reliability, since we've only had it a month. If you research the matter, I think you'll find all brands have their detractors these days, and there's no obvious winner on internal quality. I did verify there was a Panasonic service center in my home town before buying. 』
(Much better than I thought) 『I replaced a microhood from a different manufacturer with this item, and I was pleasantly surprised with it's performance. It takes up less space in my kitchen than I thought it would and it works twice as hard as it's predecessor. I thought I was going to have to settle when I was moving to a smaller appliance, I was wrong. I am very happy with this microwave.』
(Good looks/ Good power) 『We are very pleased with the Panasonic microwave, which replaces our old GE. If anything,it heats quicker than the old one, and looks a lot nicer with our stainless appliances. The dial-in feature is very convenient, and the unit seems sturdy.. 』 『0.8 cu ft; 800W cooking power; stainless front and silver body; pop-out dial; reflective door; reflective door; auto cooking (8 categories); auto reheat and defrost; 4 digit display; popcorn key; quick minute; more/less control』
price：$1.99
Ark 21
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Good introduction) 『This was what I needed. I have a few advanced drum solo's. This one helped a lot with the beats and the basics moves to the drums. It is more of a break down so that you can work your way up to the harder ones. Drum solo's are just learning how to make your body mimic the beat of the drums and to master isolations and layering to different beats at the same time. out of the basic beginner drum sols' this one will give you the foundation you need. just like in basic belly dance you need a good foundation before you can do the harder moves. I tried jumping into learning the harder ones first. I prefer to work smarter not harder. Become confident in the foundation and then the harder moves will be less stressing. The key is to be able to develop your own technigue or style and to be able to apply the moves without watcing the dvd to a piece of music. This comes with a music dvd to practice to for the price you can't beat what you are getting. The Art of Drum solo is saying you are learning the foundation and there is a Art to it. Art normaly refers to creativity.』
(Why Is She The Princess of Drum Solos?) 『She has no rhythm. Watch her when she's doing simple 4/4 movements. She doesn't hit the beat. All her drum solos are canned and have probably been spoon fed to her, as she does the same thing every time. This is the routine she calls an "improvisation" at every show.
I give this DVD two stars because I learned one combination from her, and learned two moves by watching her take lessons from the real stars for thirty seconds. Incidentally, the music they chose for the Cairo sequence sounds Turkish to me...but I wouldn't commit myself either way. This DVD is worth renting or borrowing if you can get your hands on it, but until they start selling them used for four dollars, go buy something else.』
(Inspiring Beginner Drum Solo) 『This DVD is one of the longer ones for beginners (It says 71 minutes but I think its only 60 minutes worth of instruction.) And there is a bonus music CD too.
First, there is a stretching section. Next comes the teachig section, each bellydance step is paired with a lesson on different kinds of drum beats by the male drummer. (I haven't heard this information anywhere else. Important if you get deep enough into this dance style)
The second half of the video teaches a choreography. And it's broken down very well. Each step you learn is taught along with the next step so that you learn how to transition from one move to the next. There is a dance at the end with some of the steps you learn but the full choreography really isn't done at the end--exactly as it was in practice and most videos I have do. This was a major misstep in my opinion--and this is where it loses one star.』
(Absolute must have) 『I bought this dvd based off of the other good reviews and I must say out of all the other belly dance dvds that I have this is my #1. It really broke down the rhythms of the music and it was easy to follow. I was having a hard time with choo choo shimmy's but after watching this dvd I was FINALLY able to get it. This is a great dvd and it comes with a bonus cd of Issam's music. (I didn't know that). This is the best choice for learning moves that are in sync with the music. The performance is like poetry in motion!』
(Drum solo) 『This was a nice video, the explanations were excellent and Sonia and Issam worked very well together. the bonus CD was fun too.』
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (sublime) 『When this came on our local alternative station, WCBE, my ears perked straight up. What is THAT? I had never heard anything quite like it. I couldn't tell whether it was Arabic or Jewish (hallelujah and amen) and I had to dance while it was on, no question, in the midst of cleaning my kitchen. My pet cats and birds wondered what the deal was. When it was over I couldn't wait to hear what it was....Pharoah's Daughter? great name but still no clue, Arabic or Jewish, what's going on, is the Messiah here already? definitely overdue. So now I've found it on Amazon and I'm thrilled not just to be able to order this but to know so many other people are as blown away as I am. May the Middle East get it together the way this music does. 』
(The best album I've heard in a very long time. Literally Grammy material) 『This is the best album I've heard in a very long time. Despite its being a jewish album recorded in several languages, it will appeal to people of standard tastes. It is very hard to describe, as it is almost a new genre. Middle eastern world music with a jam band feel and the precision of classical? Neo-classical jewish middle eastern/latin fem psychedelic jazz? middle eastern rock/psychedelic spiritual jam band music performed by obsessive compulsive classically trained gypsies? I don't know what to call it, and neither will you. But you will love it. If it were in english, it would be nominated for a grammy.』
(instantly rewarding) 『Heard this outfit playing selections from Haran live on John Diliberto's Echoes as I drove home late last night. One of those groups whose sound makes an immediate great impression.』
(Superb!) 『This highly anticipated release lives every bit up to expectations, and then some. With help from producer Fred Rubens, the album showcases the band's signature innovative Middle Eastern sound with modern-day grit and attitude. To be sure, the force of this album rests firmly on the foundation of Shechter's exquisite compositions. Still, it is the incredible musicianship of the band that makes this nothing short of a masterpiece. In addition to the earnest vocals of leader Basya Schechter and her oud and saz playing, the album features stellar performances by core band members playing violin, bass, organ, recorders, accordian, drums, and percussion. Topping it all off are exciting guest performances including Alan Kushan on santur, Adam Levy (of Norah Jones' band) on guitar, and others. This music is exquisite but edgy, authentic but contemporary, and absolutely infectious. This is World Music at its best--intricate and nuanced, but utterly accessible, blending swirling, syncopated seas of polyrhythm with beautiful, singable melodies. Pharaoh's Daughter's scope may be compared to that of Béla Fleck, who also draws from a wide array of musical traditions and sounds. However, while Fleck's combinations can sometimes sound forced, these always seem to work perfectly. Highlights include a Celtic-infused "Kah Ribon" with santur, Jason Lindner's psychedelic organ over Schecter's oud on "By Way of Haran," Levy's haunting guitar on the gripping "Hagar," and the rich, sensuous violin of Meg Okura on "Samai."』 『"A gilt-edged masterpiece." --Jewish Week
"Best Middle East Peace Plan." --Village Voice
"I want more of this band, much more." --Global Rhythm
"A sound both hypnotic and charged." --Washington Post
"Fuses Middle Eastern and Jewish sounds with a dark, indie pop sensibility." --All Music Guide
Following Matisyahu's dramatic crossover from the Jewish market into the secular world, the most popular female New York Jewish musical artist is ready to break out!Haranfeatures catchy songs that blend a Middle Eastern sound with contemporary hooks and a folk/pop mentality. Easy to dance to, it works for all audiences. Blending a psychedelic sensibility and a pan-Mediterranean sensuality, Basya Schechter leads her band through swirling Hasidic chants, Mizrachi and Sephardi folk-rock, and spiritual stylings filtered through percussion, flute, strings, and electronica. Her sound has been cultivated by her Hasidic music background and a series of trips to the Middle East, Africa, Israel, Egypt, Central Africa, Turkey, Kurdistan, and Greece. She has recorded four albums: three with Pharaoh's Daughter and one instrumental exploration with Persian santur player Alan Kushan. Over the past two years, Schechter was the recipient of numerous compositional and project grants from the New York State Council of the Arts, American Composers Forum, and American Music Center.』
『Product Details: The Asia table lamp has been designed by Andrea Lazzari&Massimo Tonetto for Morosini. This collection of lamps comes in chrome metal with double white and black blown glass, polished finish. The Asia series adds a touch of glamour to any room. - Details: Manufacturer: Morosini - Designer: Andrea Lazzari&Massimo Tonetto - Made in: Italy - Dimensions: Height: 14 1/8" (36 cm) X Width: 6" (15 cm) - Light Bulb: 1 X 150W Halogen or Incandescent or 1 X 23W Fluorescent - Material: metal, glass』 タイトル『 Filter for D1 Spa >
price：$10.00
Razor Digital Entertainment
Usually ships in 24 hours 『Asia is the continent of islands: at its southern limit alone there are some 30,000 islands dashed across the watery surface of the world. On these islands, freed from the certainties of continental life and powered by the magic of islands, species multiply and diversify.
The central characters of Island Magic are the leopard, a top predator; the monitor lizard, an opportunistic scavenger which could become a top predator; and the ubiquitous fig tree.
The story begins on the island of Java which, until the thaw that ended the last ice age, was part of the Asian continent. Island life is difficult for the mammals from the continent; elephants and tigers are already extinct while the Javan rhino teeters on the verge. On Java it is the leopard that writes the rules which shape the lives of the creatures lower down the food chain. A more benevolent but no less powerful influence is that of the Fig tree the tree of life in this part of Asia. Our animal characters gather at a fruiting fig tree; the leopard to find its favourite food young piglets and the monitor lizard to find what it can. Meanwhile, high in the tree, bats devour the figs.
It was fruit bats that carried fig seeds to one of Asia s newest islands, Anak Krakatoa, which erupted from the sea some forty kilometres west of Java in l930. Anak Krakatoa, like all the islands, is populated by an eccentric cast of chance arrivals. The first monitor lizard arrived on the island within 6 years of the eruption. With the leopard left behind on Java, the monitor has become the undisputed top predator, but with only 70 years of isolation, there has been little time for island magic to weave its spell.
North of Java is the island of Sulawesi which has been isolated for 30 million years. From the handful of mammals that have managed to breach its isolation, Sulawesi has produced more than a hundred new species, making it one of the world s most remarkable species factories. Most extraordinary of all are the seven distinct species of macaques which Sulawesi has created from the single founding species which rafted its way from Continental Asia millions of years ago.
If the Fig is the tree of life on Java and Anak Krakatoa, on Sulawesi it is the forest of life. Here there is a greater diversity of fig trees than anywhere else on earth, and the fig has played a part in fashioning the community of exotic creatures that inhabit the island.
The monitor lizard has found its way to Sulawesi and, here too, it is the island s top predator. But because it has always been able to come and go to other islands, has never been fully isolated and island magic has had no chance to work.
But on isolated islands at the edge of Asia one to the east of Sulawesi and the other to the south isolation and island magic have fashioned from the humble monitor lizard two remarkable creatures. On one, a tiny tree-living vegetarian lizard. On the other, the komodo dragon, the top predator and the leopard of its island. Such is the power of Island Magic.』
price：$29.99
Utv
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Drags, but overall a great movie.) 『Great action, amazing performances, and good concept. Like the new ending. But this movie could've been 15 minutes shorter.』
(SRK is pathetic...) 『SRK is trying to put himself into Amitabh's shoe, which definitely are too big for him. He is nowhere close to Amitabh. Twist at the end is only good thing about this movie. Overall, script of the movie itself is appealing hence movie is good. 』
(Well conceived plot but not the usual happy ending) 『Don is slick and well conceived on plot with lots of surprises along the way. When I was trying to work out originally whether this one was for me I wasnt sure how serious it was or whether it was a light Bollywood. For those who have the same question in mind - it isnt really light overall. Don is an arrogant psychopath drug trafficker - and I'm afraid, unlike other Bollywoods, good doesnt win in the end and the nasties dont meet their consequences. This may not particularly bother you or you may like endings that arent politically correct. For those not in that category be aware that the surprise ending actually left me and my adult daughter feeling quite uncomfortable and gave us a restless nights sleep after. Those we had identitified with dont triumph (sorry about the spoiler but you may need to know that if you want to assess whether this is for you). I have given it a 5 because of its quality but a different ending would have made me more excited about this movie. Given the amoral ending its fascinating that Indians wanted to do this movie twice (it is a remake of an earlier celebrated one) and seem to love the character of Don. The music was fine but none of it stayed with me or stood out. A few of the dance sequences were good so there was song and dance amongst the plot (something I also wasnt sure of when reading prior reviews).』
(The indestructible Don is back!) 『First of all, "Don" is an important film for Indians because it is a modern remake of a 1978 cult classic starring Bollywood legend, Amitabh Bachchan, but I'm confident that this up-to-date Don will also appeal to an English/American audience which is tiring of the usual loud, hard-core Hollywood action-suspense blockbusters. Take a bit of 007 James Bond, Tom Cruise and Mission Impossible, mix with sophisticated Indian song and dance routines and some essential Bollywood-style sentimentality, and you've got "Don": a slick, suave and smooth crime-action-suspense drama, Indian-style. Filmed mainly in Malaysia, "Don" has a splash of all the Western-style trappings such as exotic locations, high-tech gadgets, stunning city skyscrapers, dare-devil stunts, unbelievable action and beautiful girls, yet the overall style and impression of the film is still pleasantly subdued and refreshingly sophisticated, especially when compared to its American counterparts. This might be partly due to the very clever script with several unexpected twists and turns, as well as attention to the personal emotions of some of the characters, but let's face it: how can you take an indestructible drug-trafficking bad guy like Don seriously when he breaks into a song and dance routine every 20 minutes?
Keeping faithful to the original famous Seventies "Don", it is most appropriate that the new Don is played by Mr Bachchan's successor to the Bollywood throne: Shahrukh Khan, who manages to make bad look cool with the ease of a sneer and the flick of a cigarette. Move over, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Bruce Willis and `Big Arnie' - Shahrukh Khan is all of these, and far more. A mega superstar in India for over a decade, Khan has played an impressively vast range of diverse characters with his trademark dynamic, expressive and emotive manner which has made him incredibly popular with men, women and children viewers alike. Although some of his best-known films are glossy feel-good romance musicals in which he is the nice-guy hero (such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Mohabbatein, Veer-Zaara and Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham), I personally find his bad guy and psycho roles far more fascinating and entertaining. In fact, he began his successful career with such challenging psycho/bad guy roles, (Darr, Baazigar, Ram Jaane, Anjaam) and in "Don" he is able to combine both good and bad characters as he plays a dual role: the bad-as-bad-can-be Don, and his exact look-alike, harmless and innocent Vijay, who is recruited to help the police bring down Don's crime gang. It sounds simple enough at first, but the plot gets more involved and intriguing, until the final climactic twist takes your breath away. While in my personal opinion Khan's best dual performance is in "Duplicate", a surprisingly good action-comedy from several years ago, his performance in "Don" is no less entertaining and exciting than his other successful roles. Some expertly-crafted music and choreography, as well as attention to photography and overall colour/lighting of the film are other highlights which enhance the story and Shahrukh Khan's character. Needless to say, "Don" is an essential addition to any Bollywood collection, and also a nice change for anyone with a taste for foreign films which have something new and different to offer. The packaging of this DVD is just as slick and sophisticated as the movie, with good photos and comments by cast and crew, a bonus disc of special features (although the 1-hour "Making of..." is without subtitles and a bit hard to follow) and for a special treat, try to get the DVD (released in the UK) which has a thick comic book with pictures straight from the movie.
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (200 pounds of beauty) 『I LOVE THIS MOVIE! It's really cute and original! Great acting as well! Kim Ah Joong should have her own album though. Her singing is really great! This is a must have!』
(a sweet popcorn film) 『I had no expectations of the film when i started to watch but the young girl who played Hanna was adorable and drew me in to caring what happened to her character. Yes it is a bit cliche and yes the premise of this film has been done several hundred times in different ways but I really liked the film. It has a very sincere message about being liked for who you are on the inside. Its a sweet piece of cinema and I will gladly watch it again on a rainy day when I don't want to think too hard.』
(ATTENTION all women: Don't like yourself or your body? You can just chop up your body and get silicone!) 『First, I'm going to say that I'm more than a bit disappointed with the underlying themes in the film. It was like a Korean twist of "Shallow Hal," but thoroughly Korean in the sense that the film promotes the idea that overweight people are somehow inherently not as valuable or do not deserve to be loved equally as "others." And it does a piss poor job of trying to salvage a "plastic surgery is BAD, mmm KAY?" message at the very, very end.
Oh, so it doesn't matter if overweight Hanna had the talent of a lifetime: she was overweight. BUT HEY, when she got plastic surgery in Korea, her whole life took a turn for the better, and you know what? It was "okay" to do so because she felt oh so remorseful... and oh yeah she was still beautiful. That part is always nice. Pretty easy to forgive a gorgeous talent as opposed to the real Hanna, an overweight pariah, isn't it?
Look, I liked the film and I'm not going to spend my time writing a thorough review and synopsis. The other reviewers on this board can do that for you. What I AM going to write is this: What kind of message is this film trying to convey?! (ESPECIALLY at the end during the credits! Does this not disturb anyone?)
Sure, the film was funny and light-hearted, and maybe even tugged at the heartstrings at some moments. But the bottom line is that the film is somehow JUSTIFYING plastic surgery and altering who you were naturally made to be in a nation where plastic surgery is already as common as McDonald's. If you don't believe that, ask someone who has lived in Korea or better yet a Korean themselves and they will tell you in far better detail just how common plastic surgery is there.
Let's make one thing clear clear: I am not against a film promoting woman accepting themselves for who they are, coming to grips with their body-image and learning to love themselves. What I AM against is a film promoting the idea that you are somehow unlovable or a reject in society because you are obese, or even somehow "chubby" or "slightly overweight." And clearly, this is the case in Korea and is only proven more so by this film.
Was the goal of the filmmakers to discourage plastic surgery as a way of "improving your life," or encourage it as another means to "finding your true self and learning to love yourself" (once you're skinny, of course. Before that, you're screwed.)
All I can say is I got one message from this film: If you're somehow overweight, you will never be loved and find true happiness in this life. Sure that may hold some truth in Western society where we seem to have an anorexic standard of beauty, but by and large... is this what we want our daughters and young women to believe?
Woman should love themselves for who they really are, and the film does a poor, poor job in trying to convey this, because in the end if Hanna had become "fat" again... well, that would have been a different story, wouldn't it?
3 Stars because it was a well executed, funny, and enjoyable film. It never dragged, but it didn't sit well with my conscience in the end. And I thought American girls had it bad... man.
And no, I am not obese or overweight.』
(Light Entertainment for Those Young at Heart) 『I watched this film on a Singapore Airlines international flight. I was travelling with a teenager and urged her to watch it too. It was her first foreign language film and she loved it! At a couple of points in the movie she even shed a tear. She forgot all about the fact she was reading subtitles as the movie carried her away. On the remainder of our trip she was humming and singing the song "Maria" which has now been recorded and released in English by the American singer Blondie. When I returned to Korea this month I had my Korean host sing Maria at a Karoke bar we went to. The movie and song were huge successes in Korea. I thought it was a great light hearted film I would willingly watch again.』
(Beautifullly You) 『Ive always loved Korean movies - they have a very refreshing theme. This movie is wonderfully good - the best movie Ive watched this year so far!
Its about an overweight girl who had to loose weight just to get the attention - from the person she loves and for her career.
Of course, this fairy tale comedy turns out beautifully as expected, and there were many moments to shed tears where you can really feel for the girl in her journey of accepting herself from both before and after surgery.
With funny moments in between, this movie is a good movie to watch to inspire and be inspired, whether on a good or bad day.
Truly recommended :) 』 『Hanna is the famous Korean pop singer. She suffers from having extremely poor self-esteem, as she has been ignored because of her appearance. At last, she makes the decision of a lifetime to have full-body plastic surgery.』
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (A mild white tea in an Earl Grey blend.) 『This blend of Early Grey is very mild as long as you don't over brew it. It has a very subtle taste and a great blend for those who enjoy white teas. However, if it's left to brew too long, the flavor can get a little bitter, so just watch how long the tea bag sits in the cup and you'll be sure to enjoy your cup of tea.
A great white tea that I recommend! 』
(Fave White Tea) 『Harney and Sons does a real service to providing affordable tea. This white is very light and elegant. The bergamont is so soft. Brew your white teas with care or you may recieve a bitter cup of tea. Harney and Sons makes the great flavor of loose tea available by putting real loose tea in these little silk sachets for ease. Each tea bag, brewed properly (the directions are on the tin), can yield two cups of tea. This is my favoite white, I would whole heartedly recommend it.』
(Absolutely lovely!) 『I picked up my first small tin of this at a Starbucks - and now I'm hooked! I'm usually a Lady Grey kind of girl... like Earl Grey, but lighter and more lemony-orangey. This tea is even lighter-tasting and with more citrus flavor. Plus - they come in little pyramid-shaped SILK bags!! I'm kind of a tea snob, so this was perfect for me. It turned my precious tea time into an escape!! It smells decadent and tastes delicious even without sugar! I'm loving the white teas... it's too bad this particular one is only available in stores in the winter. Thank goodness for Amazon!!』
(Excellent Tea) 『I wanted to try a white tea for its health benefits. I am more of an iced tea drinker and this one is great cold. Add a little ice and a splenda and it is very very refreshing! Good smooth taste, a health drink that tastes really good!』 『Winter White Earl Grey Tea by Harney&Sons is a new tea that combines beautiful Chinese Mutan White tea with lemony natural Bergamot. Have you been following all the press on the health benefits of white tea?』
『Earl Grey Supreme Tea by Harney&Sons. For the connoisseur of Earl Grey tea, we offer Earl Grey Supreme, which uses a higher grade of teas along with the addition of Ceylon Vintage Silver Tips. If you love Bergamot and fine tea, this is the blend for you.』
タイトル『 Decorated Mouse Pad with "black and white", India, ocean, cargo, barge, bags, boat, Asia, sea >
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SHOPZEUS
『Professional "Brite White" fabric mouse pads are among the most versatile and durable, providing brilliant graphic reproduction for spot color or full color imprints. This durable polyester surface is above industry standards and provides a superior product value overall. Designed to reproduce vibrant detailed images. Our mouse pads have white fabric top with the 100% genuine black rubber base (not the cheap foam your seen on other advertisements).』 タイトル『 Decorated Mouse Pad with "black and white", endangered, tiger, India, animal, "big cat", Asia, feline >
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SHOPZEUS
『Professional "Brite White" fabric mouse pads are among the most versatile and durable, providing brilliant graphic reproduction for spot color or full color imprints. This durable polyester surface is above industry standards and provides a superior product value overall. Designed to reproduce vibrant detailed images. Our mouse pads have white fabric top with the 100% genuine black rubber base (not the cheap foam your seen on other advertisements).』 タイトル『 Decorated Mouse Pad with "black and white", vessel, sea, India, boat, sails, Asia >
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SHOPZEUS
『Professional "Brite White" fabric mouse pads are among the most versatile and durable, providing brilliant graphic reproduction for spot color or full color imprints. This durable polyester surface is above industry standards and provides a superior product value overall. Designed to reproduce vibrant detailed images. Our mouse pads have white fabric top with the 100% genuine black rubber base (not the cheap foam your seen on other advertisements).』 タイトル『 ZapTel Asia Best international phone card >
『DVD-9, imported from China, Probably won't be able to play on regular DVD player.』 タイトル『 Hoodie Mens Navy Blue " ASIA Bowling " Sports >
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『This Bowling Hoodie has undergone extensive quality control before reaching you. We have over 10 years experience in selling shirts on the internet. The shirts are created by us and are even customizable! Just contact our great customer service for any inquiries.』 タイトル『 Hello Kitty Team HK Junior Women's T-Shirt >
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Lovely European doll) 『This is a lovely Bandai doll made for the European Market in 1996 (while Bandai America was making the not so cute dolls for the US market). These high quality European dolls are the same mold they used for the Bandai Asia (though not the Japanese dolls) dolls. So you're getting authentic Bandai Quality. If you're used to the Irwin American releases this doll is going to be something new and different. The plastic is lighter weight, the scale is a bit different, The stand is different (it requires some assembly but, works much better than the Irwin stands do!) and they opted to give Mars silky deep brown hair rather than black. She comes with wand&gloves. The gloves are kind of Ill-fitting but, I have yet to run into a doll where that isn't the case. She holds her wand pretty tightly in spite of the loose gloves which makes her a good display doll!.
She's got a cute face mold though her eyes aren't exactly true to mars color of purple but they aren't bad either. I personally prefer The 2000 Irwin face mold to this one but, given that this doll was produced in 1992 she's still very very nice!
This is a fun addition if you're a sailor moon completionist as it's a very cute doll . But, be aware if you're collecting the Bandai asia dolls (IE Korea, Taiwan, china, etc.) this doll is essentially the same but, in a multi-lingual European box.』 『One of the first Bandai dolls for the European market, this doll is gorgeous. She has the typical incredible detail that Bandai puts into its Sailor Moon action dolls. A Special Edition doll, just for Europe. A rare find!』 タイトル『 InFlight 500 British Asia B747-400 Model Airplane >
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Hot Wings
『This is a 1:500 scale model airplane from InFlight500 of the Boeing 747-400 aircraft in the colors of British Asia Airways』 タイトル『 How Are You Feeling? Poster in Chinese (Simplified) (Chinese - Simplified Character) >
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『Now popular Jim Borgman's How Are you Feeling today is available in Chinese. Excellent for your wall, door. 18" x 24"』 タイトル『 PSHROD RETAINR CLIPXL PAN >
price：$6.72
Penguin (Non-Classics)
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (The American Civil War...) 『...at least the one in the 20th Century, was fought over this country, and the ramifications reverberate today. There were those who saw, and those who will never see. Those who lived through that period, and took sides in one camp or the other are unlikely to ever change their minds, even if the motivation took the form of the proverbial lightning bolt on the way to Damascus. And certainly one book is unlikely to do it, as evidenced by some of the other reviews, particularly the 1 and 2-star ones. However, for the "younger generations," those who look back on the ancient events of America's involvement in Vietnam as they might the Peloponnesian Wars, and want to read just one book, this one would be it, the sine qua non of books on Vietnam, covering both the prelude to American involvement, as well as the entire war to the end, in 1975.
Stanley Karnow is a reporter of astonishing erudition. He combines the first-hand knowledge that comes from the "field work," with a scholarly appreciation of the historical forces at work. Like other soldiers who were in the war, I've had my problems with reporters, and what they chose to see and report. Karnow neatly addresses the issue of page 279, when he reports an exchange between Peter Arnett of the Associated Press (and later famous for his coverage from Baghdad of the '91 war) and Admiral Felt. Arnett had asked Felt a hard question after the Battle of Ap Bac, and Felt shot back: "Get on the team." All too many did, buying the line that was peddled at what even they would call "the Five O'clock Follies," the spin the America military would put on the war each day for press consumption. Karnow was one of the courageous ones, along with Neil Sheehan, Jonathan Schell, and others, who would report what they saw. But as he sardonically says of others: "Frequently, though, the magazines distorted the dispatches of their reporters and relied instead on guidance from White House...True to their tradition, "Time" and "Life" stood up for America (p 503). In terms of how people "spun" the facts, Karnow quotes Komer about a situation report that was filed, and Komer corrects to say that he was asked to file a PROGRESS report, and thus all the non-progress had to be edited out. (p 515)
Over half of this almost 700 page book is devoted to events prior to the major American military buildup in 1965. It covers the French involvement, from the 1800's through their colonial demise in 1954. Another excellent book on this era is "River Road to China," which I recently reviewed. The first chapter of the book is aptly entitled, "The War Nobody Won," (like almost all wars.) It updates the 1983 edition to the early `90's. There are so many valid points to highlight, it is hard to select only a few, but one that has always been particularly infuriating to me was the campaign to give the MIA families the false hope that their loved ones might still be alive in Vietnam; all of which was a pretext for maintaining diplomatic non-recognition of the country. It was an effective campaign, and Karnow cites a "Time" magazine survey published in April, 1990 that showed 62 percent of Americans--and 84% of veterans--maintained that the Vietnamese were holding U.S. captives (p 55). Meanwhile, for all this support of imaginary veterans, the very real ones here in the States were all too often denied treatment for conditions caused by military service, such as the devastating effects from Agent Orange.
Like Sheehan, Karnow excoriates McNamara, the master of "can-doism," and famous for his statement: "every quantitative measurement...shows that we are winning the war" (p 271). Yet the qualitative picture "in the field," that was daily rubbed in the face of the G.I's willing to see was so vastly different. Karnow quotes Mark Smith, formerly of the 1st Cav. Division, who was also fascinated by the physical beauty in Binh Dinh province where I served. Karnow says of Binh Dinh: "...the lush green mountains rose from a plain of rice fields divided with such geometrical precision as to suggest that the peasants who had landscaped the scene were natural mathematicians. And then Karnow quotes Smith, who felt intimidated by the "subtle, incomprehensible villages--whole societies right in front of us, yet impenetrable even after we had entered them, never understanding anything or seeing anything understandable, the people staring at us as if we were from Mars." (p 482).
As for those who didn't see, it would be hard to top the statement made by someone who hide in the Texas Air National Guard during the war. During President Bush's "diplomatic" visit to Vietnam, he told the Vietnamese that the "lessons" of the Vietnam War are that if we had stayed long enough, we would have won! As for the "lessons" that one of those who did see, Karnow, said, and it was reported in this month's "Newsweek": When the commanding general of American and Allied forces in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal asked: "Is there anything we learned in Vietnam that we can apply to Afghanistan?" Karnow's reply was just as simple: "The main thing I learned is that we never should have been there in the first place."
Truly excellent advise for Afghanistan as well. This book is more than a 5-star read, it should be required reading for all American students. 』
(Great History) 『There is a reason this is considered the best single volume history of the Vietnam War. Karnow, who was a reporter in Vietnam before and during the war, and had also made a number of reporting trips back to Vietnam to interview community leaders, produced a great history of that ultimately tragic war for both Vietnam and the US. Karnow traces US involvement in Vietnam from before the end of the Second World War. Cold War politics drove the US to stay involved in the internal politics of Vietnam. Misguided ideas about the domino theory, or that the fall of one Asian county to communism would lead to the whole continent to succumb, led political leadership of both the Republican and Democratic parties to increase troop levels. The numbers of troops escalated sharply during the presidency of Lyndon Johnson.
Karnow covers in depth the reaction of US military and political leadership to the Tet Offensive in 1968 and the impact Richard Nixon had on the conflict. Nixon increased the bombing campaign, but also began peace talks (with a shove from the Democratically controlled Congress).
A great read, this is the go to source for those looking for the story of the Vietnam War. I highly recommend this book.
』
(Excellent account of Vietnam) 『Stanley Karnow is an excellent author who reports the history of Vietnam through multiple perspectives. If you ever had a question about Vietnam, READ THIS BOOK!』
(Study this history to avoid repeating it) 『A very detailed study of not just the military dimension but the underlying political motivations and manoeuvers which created and sustained the 'Vietnam war'. The author has a mature but never cynical position which not surprisingly exposes the unprincipled actions of the few that created suffering for the many.
Only one thing about this book shocked me - the resonance and even clear parallels with actions in our own decade with the US offensive in Iraq. The book exposes a litany of distortion, censorship and outright lying for US domestic political purposes, as well as abduction and 'rendition' of prisoners; it's all too easy to assume that the same approaches are equally active today.』
(Comprehensive but covered elsewhere) 『This book is written in a clear style, and it covers the history of Vietnam comprehensively from the earliest beginnings through the end of the war and a bit beyond the war. However, having read other works on Vietnam, including "Fire In the Lake," the "Pentagon Papers" and numerous articles in magazines and newspapers, I found that Karnow did not offer much in the way of information or theories that I had not already gotten from earlier sources. So it is an excellent work for people who don't know a lot about Vietnam already, and who want to read a complete history, but not so good for someone who already has a strong background.』 『Provides a comprehensive look at both sides of the Vietnam War through a collection of personal tales and delves into the political and military events in the United States and elsewhere that originally caused the war and the brought it to an end. Reprint. TV tie-in."』
price：$9.95
Stone Bridge Press
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Out of date info.) 『For a book with a publishing date of 2008, this is stunningly out of date. Just got back from my trip to China (Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an) and virtually nothing stated in this book was true. One stand-out: yes, they're right: most toilet stalls don't have paper. But no, there is none for sale or available by the door. BYO tissues or moist towels - those are useful anyway for keeping your hands clean through the day, too. Also, the info. on how to bargain is good; yes, skimpy tops do raise a few eyebrows [more amused and surprised than angry]; and certainly, non-queueing is an art form especially among seniors.
But dead wrong (for my three stops): taxi drivers are literate and can read your hotel address in Chinese if you bring it with you; crossing the street is fairly easy as long as you keep your eyes open and obey the electronic signs (which even count down to tell you how many seconds you have before they are going to change to red); taxi drivers are aggressive but don't drive particularly fast so it's hardly a white-knuckle experience; western-style toilets are available at almost all markets, tourist sites and restaurants; and everything in our hotel rooms was clean and in full working order (4 hotels). Shorts are fine, too.
The stories of the authors' travels are cute, and I can't comment on the business etiquette or medical info., but unless you are traveling back in time or to the remotest hinterlands I doubt you will encounter many of the problems mentioned here. I also found the politics somewhat suspect although I understand that praising dictatorship as the only way to control so large a population may go down well with the officials the authors have to deal with to get their forthcoming documentary made. In any case, I left my copy in Shanghai as it wasn't worth bringing home and I hope the hotel maid had a good sense of humor as she perused it on her way home in the city's brand-new subway system that night.
Other hints for travelers: I had no idea going in that so much info (road signs, restaurant names and menus, tourist info. signs, etc.) would be in English. That, the warm people and the wonderful taxis made getting around much easier than I expected. Also: try to avoid visiting during the first few days of the National Holiday (Oct 1-8). The first two days are military parades and regional spectacles in Beijing, so Tiananmen Square is in use and the Forbidden City is closed to the public, which makes Oct 3-5 *very* busy as most Chinese get the whole week off and flock to visit the sights (esp. the Square, the City and the Badaling section of the Wall). The Mutianyu section of the Wall is a bit further from Beijing but a much better choice -- it was not at all crowded even on the 4th. By about the 6th, things are calming down all over, as the Chinese start to head home. Finally -- if you go to Xi'an, make time to visit the "little warriors" at Xianyiang[sp?], near the airport, as well as the more famous (and admittedly very fabulous) Qin warriors.』
(China Survival Guide: How to Avoid Travel Troubles and Mortifying Mishaps) 『I've been reading a lot about China in preparation for my trip and this book, by far, has the best practical information for travelers -- tips like "never take a black taxi," make sure you inspect your hotel room, when to go to get your breakfast at the buffet in the hotel, where to exchange money, and what to do if you have a medical emergency. Never having been to China, I really didn't know what to expect. I think I now have a better feel for what I will encounter.』
(Very useful, mostly correct) 『I read this prior to a trip to China. It was very useful to understand many things we encountered. Only one glitch--it says Chinese people don't wear shorts in public. That probably changed recently, as shorts appeared to be common. Other than that, highly recommended.』
(irrelevant, inappropriate, tasteless writing) 『"...[O]n the printed notice, they had inadvertently left out the letter "o" from "count." This comment was found in Chapter 4, "What to Expect (and Inspect) at Your Hotel," Location 377-82 in the Kindle edition. Okay, so a typo is a typo, but the authors make a tasteless joke out of it. By Chapter 2, I was already questioning whether I should read the book; but their irrelevant and inappropriate comment in Chapter 4 was the decisive factor for me. I am returning the book for a refund.』
(Nice quick overview) 『I am ethnic Chinese but do not speak or read Chinese. However I was raised with Chinese sensibilities so the subtleties of the culture were already ingrained in me. I went to Shanghai,Hangzhou, Xi'an and Wuhan. I traveled with a friend from China who now lives in the US. There are some good tips especially about etiquette in the book but there are others that are missing. Some tips may be dated because the pace of change in China is so fast. Foremost is that you don't need to bring US $100 bills. There are Bank of China ATMs with English menus everywhere that work fine and have much more security features than in the US. At Shanghai airport, there is a currency exchange machine that sucks your money in and dispenses RMB but that is the only place I used dollars. You need RMB for everything because the only places that accept US credit cards are hotels. The other cards you see people using in store are debit cards that require PIN numbers and they only accept debit cards from Chinese banks. You should warn your bank that you will be in China so they don't freeze your cards. Bring a couple of cards because they will be refused sporadically. Hotels charge 8% service charge to exchange money which is pretty steep so go to the ATM. Make sure you write down the taxi driver's cabby license number so you can report him if necessary. We were taken for a ride (over an hour)in Xi'an to drive up the fare from the airport and we were terrified that he would drop us by the side of the empty highway at 10pm. The biggest problem when using the squat potties is the stray puddles of urine. I don't know how women wear sandals! You have to roll up your pants and swing your handbag across your back so it doesn't touch the floor. Most places do have Western style toilets but you have to wait. I did not see any diet drinks anywhere so you have to drink bottled water. The juices are less sweet than in the US but you have to be sure to ask for cold otherwise you will be given room temp. Anything that is imported is the same or more expensive than in the US. Japanese snacks like Pocky are the same price. My friend's suitcase was filled with Lancome cosmetics for her cousin so that is a good gift for hosts. People are very conscious of real brand names and will pay through the nose at the Nike or Adidas store. Lastly, most of the tourists you will see are Chinese, not Western. There is a vast middle and upper and even uber class. Tourist sites are geared to the Chinese not Westerners. There was a Porsche dealer in every city we visited. In August2009, the ten story Superbrands Mall in Shanghai Pudong was packed to the rafters with people shopping at Western priced stores. Malls in the US are half empty.』 『
This first-ever humorous travel guide on China both dishes the dirt on the myriad travel mishaps that may befall any unsuspecting tourist and explains how to avoid them! Possible danger zones debunked include airports, hotels, hospitals, taxis, and bathrooms. Readers will learn essential skills like how to haggle, exchange currencies, cross the street, decipher menus, say useful phrases in Chinese, and more. The guide comes complete with survival tips on etiquette, a map, and resource lists. Don't leave home for China without it!
Veteran travelersQinandLarry Herzbergare Chinese language and culture professors at Calvin College in Michigan.
price：$8.82
Thomas Dunne Books
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Essential Reading) 『For those interested in the ground truth of what's going on in Afghanistan, Pakistan and throughout Central Asia, this book is a mandatory read. Peters spent years researching the ground truth and lays it all out clearly, concisely and with the requisite background stories so the information is properly framed.
An unbelievably worthwhile read; illuminating, insightful, and quite honestly disturbing.』
(Excellent journalism - mediocre book) 『Ms Peters has done great service by bringing the role of drugs in Afghanistan and Pakistan to our attention. The book is well researched and the author has shown great dedication in her work given the risk to journalists in that part of the world. Unfortunately, the book is poorly organized and not very well written. At times it is repetitious. It does not follow a timeline. Much of it could be deleted without losing much of its value. Overall, I think it would have been a much better article in a magazine or newspaper. It you trudge through it however, you will be rewarded with an interesting viewpoint on how to win the war on terror. Given that so much of our tax dollars is being spent in Afghanistan, the American people need to become much more knowledgeable on that region.』
(Good Jourrnalism) 『In this short, but remarkably good book, Peters argues and presents a good deal of evidence to support her argument that both the revived Taliban movement and the continued existence of al Qaeda are subsidized in part by the ill-legal export of opium products (mostly Heron) from Afghanistan to the West. She argues that the current strategy of indiscriminately destroying opium crops is counter-productive since widespread destruction simply raises the price of opium products on the world market. Her theses is that rather than destroying crops or paying farmers not to produce opium, the proper strategy would be to disrupt the flow of money to the Taliban and al Qaeda movements by various methods and to target the principal Afghan and Pakistani drug traffickers. In order to understand how to disrupt this flow of money, Peters has developed a good deal of accurate information on how the movement of money into and out of Afghanistan is actually accomplished. She does a particularly good job in describing the new Taliban's (and al Qaeda's) juxtaposition of the traditional Islamic banking system called 'Hawalla' with Western style commercial banking, and how money laundering affects both systems. She correctly points to the UAE as a center for dubious financial activities and indeed the flow of narcotics. Peters also characterizes Pakistan's role in this trade as ambiguous at best and describes Pakistani efforts to stop the narcotics trade as uneven. For example, trucking consortiums based in Pakistan's federally administered tribal areas appear to be major carriers of illicit drugs to the port of Karachi, Pakistan. There is also the still murky role of Pakistan's powerful Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) organization and its love-hate relationship with the Taliban and possibly al Qaeda. Is the ISI trying to halt or trying to support the Afghan narcotics trade? Perhaps the answer to this question is yes. A book well worth reading by anyone with an interest in Afghanistan, counter terrorism, or counter-narcotics. 』
(Money in, opium out) 『Despite its depressing subject matter, the book itself was pretty easy to get through, maybe partly because it wasn't that long. What kept me reading was the accessible language, easty-to-follow structure, and interesting characters. Although you won't finish this book with detailed knowledge of all the intricacies of drug smuggling and how it finances terror groups, you (at least I gained) a basic framework to understand the situation and some idea of who the different players are and how they interact with each other.
I did appreciate all the other reviews. But, I noticed there was some sort of conspiracy theorist in the mix, and, I have to confess, I have no idea where this viewpoint comes from.
One minor problem, I caught one spot where the date the Taliban threw their chips in with the Taliban as 2004 at Spin Boldak. Should that have read 1994? I was thoroughly confused when I read that part.
Anyways, I wouldn't have minded if this book was a little longer. This could've used a couple more chapters.』
(Seeds of Terror) 『This book is very informative on an issue that has been ignored at the national level for far to long. It truly makes the case that the aim of our military forces should be Afghanistan. A drawback of the book,however, is that it makes the point over and over again and advances very slowly towards the overall conclusion drawn by the author. I would recommend this book to others with an advisory that it is not a light read. (Not surprising considering the author describes her own work in this way also)』 『
Most Americans think of the Taliban and al Qaeda as a bunch of bearded fanatics fighting an Islamic crusade from caves in Afghanistan. But that doesn't explain their astonishing comeback along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Why is it eight years after we invaded Afghanistan, the CIA says that these groups are better armed and better funded than ever?
Seeds of Terrorwill reshape the way you think about America's enemies, revealing them less as ideologues and more as criminals who earn half a billion dollars every year off the opium trade. With the breakneck pace of a thriller, author Gretchen Peters traces their illicit activities from vast poppy fields in southern Afghanistan to heroin labs run by Taliban commanders, from drug convoys armed with Stinger missiles to the money launderers of Karachi and Dubai.
This isn't a fanciful conspiracy theory.Seeds of Terroris based on hundreds of interviews with Taliban fighters, smugglers, and law enforcement and intelligence agents. Their information is matched by intelligence reports shown to the author by frustrated U.S. officials who fear the next 9/11 will be far deadlier than the first--and paid for with drug profits.
Seeds of Terrormakes the case that we must cut terrorists off from their drug earnings if we ever hope to beat them. This war isn't about ideology or religion. It's about creating a new economy for Afghanistan--and breaking the cycle of violence and extremism that has gripped the region for decades.
The scallop of large satisfactory ! northern countries and - [ of how much ] botan shrimp are ! tightly.
getting to know the technique of motorbike expensive sale -- Ta -- if -- -
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