Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Tiger America 10 c. Elec Rice Cooker) 『This is an AWESOME rice cooker. A MUST have rice cooker and don't get any size smaller than 10cups since their prices are almost the same.』
(Rice the way it was meant to be eaten...) 『I have owned this cooker for almost 17 years, yes, only one of them. And though the lid doesn't always close tightly any more, it still makes incredible rice. International friends who come to my house are always surprised, and pleased, to see the cooker. They know they will get to eat good rice. I have eaten what comes out of cheaper cookers. Buy a good one, and this is a good one. We use it one to two times a week and it has been a workhorse, 3 servings, 10 servings, it does them all. It keeps the rice warm for hours. A great investment.』
(Best Rice Cooker - Dependable - Great for the Money) 『Got Rice? Our family eats rice every day (2-3 times) and our last Tiger 10 cup rice cooker was a Christmas present from my parents over 10 years ago. When the non-stick got too worn out, I decided to buy a Panasonic based on decent user reviews. Well, the quality of rice that came out was not up to TIGER standard. With TIGER, you have fluffy rice that kept well for hours, not crusty/hard/crunchy. Well, after seeing this on sale, I had to buy it. Trust a life time rice eater. This is the best rice cooker for around $100 (or more) that you can buy.』
(Warm rice all the time) 『I have owned this type of Rice Cooker for more than 2 years. It is a little pricey compared to other rice cookers, but from my experience, it is worth it. This rice cooker cooks rice quickly (15 minutes or so) and it keep the rice warm until you are ready to eat. I had my rice stay on "warm" one time for two days without the rice turning brown and the bottom getting hard and burnt. We always have our rice cooker on "warm" so that we can have rice available 24/7. We eat rice for lunch and dinner and sometimes for breakfast too, so I always cook rice in the morning and it will last us until dinner. If we have left over rice for dinner, it will still stay warm and fluffy the next day.
I have tried several cheaper rice cookers sold in Target, they do a good job in cooking rice, but they dont keep it warm and soft... after a few hours of being on "warm" the rice turns brown and hard. These cheap rice cookers are only good for occasional rice eaters and for those who can finish their rice in one seating.
I was told also that Rice cookers made in Japan last longer than the ones made in China. There are similar "Tiger rice cookers" made in China but are sold at a much lower price ($50+-). According to friends, these doesn't last long especially if you plan to use your rice cooker everyday. So be sure to get a "Made in Japan" model.
』 『Product Information Cooking fluffy delicious rice is as easy as pushing a button. The JNP-1800 by Tiger of Japan steams up to 10 cups of rice to perfection then keeps it warm until serving time. Advanced cooking features such as surround heating for even cooking Thermal Read Switch to precisely control temprature and steam flow. Nonstick inner pan cleans easily and the cord retracts for storage. Measuring cup and rice ladle included. Heavy duty unit is built to last. Design: Pure Flower Capacity: 10 cups Power: 120 Volts (USA use) Made in Japan』
price：$66.91
Zojirushi
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (good product) 『This is a good little cooker. The only small problem is there is no automatic off function.』
(Buy it for its looks, but the rice is good too) 『When I lived in Japan, I had an old Zojirushi rice cooker. I've wanted a new one for a long time and finally purchased the Zojirushi NS-XAC05XR Rizo Micom 3-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer, Stainless. I first saw the yellow model in a magazine article and thought it was very cute. I followed the advice of one of the reviewers and purchased the rice cooker via warehousedeals.com. It was more affordable. They happened to have the stainless model, so I purchased it. In many of the photos it does not look shiny, but it is shiny like a mirror.
This is, as you know, a small rice cooker. I usually make 1 or 1.5 cups for two adults and have leftovers. Since I had used a rice cooker before, I found this model easy to use. I have tried both cheap white rice and CalRose and both taste good. This model does not have a brown rice setting, but I have been making a mix of half or two thirds brown mix and I think it comes out good. I have not tried the steamer or made mixed rice and I don't plan on ever making Risotto.
I think this is a great looking rice cooker, which I will leave out on my counter when it is being used at least every couple of days. I think it makes good rice and it is so convenient to be able to set the rice and do something else while it cooks. I time the cooking of the rest of the meal to be done when the rice will be done. 』
(My beautiful rice cooker.) 『I really enjoy my new Zojirushi Rice Cooker. It does what it says it does, but you have to read the instructions. I thought I did, but after the second batch, I had figured out how to use it. Everything is great, but the instructions could be a little clearer.』
(Perfect function and apperance) 『I had been looking for a rice cooker since mine was broken. Since I saw Zojirushi Rizo Micom I decided to purchase it right away. Zojirushi is the one of the best companies for rice cookers. Besides, they made a stylish rice cooker this time. This rice cooker makes perfect fluffy rice without scorched part at the bottom of the pot. It is very easy to clean up. The only thing I wish is to shorten time to cook rice. It takes 50-60 minutes, but has function to set up time to start cooking. Anyway I am very happy with this product.』
(risotto made easy) 『This thing is amazing when it comes to making risotto. I've only had it a short time but have made about a half-dozen batches of risotto and all have been successful beyond expectations except for one batch with peas in it which was a little underdone. The best so far has been risotto con gorgonzolla, but the batches of risotto milanese I have made have also been excellent.
However, I'm still working out cooking regular rice in it. The batches I have made so far have been a little sticky but they are getting better (I reduced the water I used). But since I bought it primarily to make risotto I can't complain too much.』 『Zojirushi 3 Cup Rice Cooker - Zojirushi NSXAC05』
price：$3.01
Mondo Melodia
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Great Music!) 『A smashing new sound! Great beats! Easy to dance to! Nice blend of cultures!』
(Belly Trip Hop? I'm in.) 『An ignorant pop and rock listener for decades, I had recently developed a thirst for a broader range of sound. I can't even recall how I tripped onto this compilation nugget. I generally consider compilation albums gutter sludge. But this was a foray into a new genre for a quick taste then move on. It was not to be.
I know nothing of Middle Eastern music, so don't go looking for it here. But this fusion of electronic and classical middle eastern shares common roots with Enigma (a stretch, perhaps), and a few tunes from Thievery Corp and Jesse Cook.
If your into ME Trip Hop, you're in luck.』
(Bellydance music -- good!) 『The CD came quickly and is as advertised....interesting music with the right kinds of rhythms and sounds for practicing one's bellydance exercises....』
(Smooth music) 『I bought this at the recommendation of my bellydance instructor. I was not disappointed. It's a great mix of slow, fast, instrumental and vocal accompanied arabic music. Not very traditional, but suited my practice purposes perfectly.』
(It's okay, but doesn't sound like bellydance to me) 『I was hoping this would be techno or ambient versions of bellydance beats and a few songs are, but most are just Arabic pop sounding.』
price：$14.98
Ammp Records
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Classic Indian Music) 『Great music, very well recorded. A collector's item for anyone fond of Indian Classical music.』
(Mind Bending!!) 『I have never heard a performance more powerful than this one in any music genre. The variety of tones that Ali Akbar Khan coaxes out of his sarod is amazing as is the constantly shifting rythym. The piece that comes closest to mind when I hear this is La Sacre du Printemps by Stravinsky in terms of sheer power. The last few minutes can be compared with being hit by an oncoming freight train coming down a steep hill at top speed, but my words are feeble in comparison to the real impact of this music. One must hear it to comprehend!』
(KhanSahib at his peak) 『If one wants to know the brlience of this master, have rare glimps of the intrcate fabric of this difficult raag or get evidence of fantastic tonal potntials of the Sarode, Marwaa-recording is the way to go. Mishra-Shivranjni has always been the vanila icecream to charm audiances all over. KhanSabib's bold strokes and Jhalaa in Roopak Taal are unsurpassed.』
(Fire and Peace) 『I would have to say that this is a great cd but not quite as great as I expected in one respect, and even better than I expected in one respect.
I'm not sure why, but I am still rather unmoved by the alap in Raga Marwa. Before hearing this cd I sort of expected it to be one of the highlights of the disc.
The flipside to that is the fact that Mahapurush Misra's tabla performance during the gat in Raga Marwa is absolutely explosive! When it really comes down to it, this cd is worth purchasing for Mahaparush's performance alone.
I think Ali's best playing comes during the gorgeous Raga Misra Shivaranjani. This is a melodically beautiful raga, and here Ali is accompanied by Shankar Ghosh on tabla. What I love about this performance is that even though it's very energetically played, Misra Shivaranjani still has an overall feeling of serenity and peacefulness. This is one of my favorite recorded performances by Ali himself.
Overall, I would say that I still prefer Volume 4 of the Signature Series (with Nikhil Banerjee, Ali Akbar Khan, and Mahapurush Misra) over this one but that in no way slights this great cd, Volume 3, which has some of the most essential Hindustani recordings ever made.』
(This one is a MUST HAVE!) 『Originally released by Connoisseur Society during the early 70's on vinyl, this legacy is now available on CD for a new generation of listeners to discover. The gat in Raga Marwa allows us to enjoy once again the wonderfully brilliant tabla accompaniment of the late Mahaparush Misra. Khansahib explores this raga and reveals it's beauty with his graceful slides and embellishments on the sarod.
Misra Shivaranjani is remarkable as well! After a short introduction we begin the journey. Subtle and seductive - It's hard not to become engrossed in this one. Tie it all up with the gifted, insightful and uncanny tabla accompaniment of Shankar Ghosh and you've got a great package. Absolutely one of my favorites! A"must"for lovers of Indian music.』
『Special edition features a bonus track!2009 release from the Country/Pop icon.American Classicis Willie Nelson's return to the Great American Songbook, a crossover standards album by the man who invented the genre with his landmark, best-selling 1978 albumStardust, which has been certified five-times Platinum by the RIAA. Produced by Tommy LiPuma and featuring guest duet partners Norah Jones on the classic tale of seduction 'Baby It's Cold Outside' and Diana Krall on 'If I Had You.'
『As the planet spins, shifts, erupts, melts and freezes, it forces its inhabitants to accept this truth: a life-form either changes it ways or it passes away. Every life-form, that is except one...humans.』 タイトル『 Shusaku Replay Volume 4 the Fourth Night >
>
price：$12.95
NuTech
『The intentions of the old man are completely obvious. It finally reaches the last climax! It is an ecfxtasy you have never experienced.』 タイトル『 The Himalayan Region [VHS] >
『Focusing on the Indian state of Kashmir and the country of Nepal, this program introduces the geography, geology, and cultures of the area around the youngest and highest mountains in the world. The influence of varied religions, nationalities, and environments are highlighted.』 タイトル『 Bamboo Table Lamps (Pair) >
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (The most beautiful item in the universe...) 『Okay, so I really like this lamp. The rosewood has a sort of monastic aesthetic appeal, and the yellowed glow of the bulb through the rice paper is very tranquil. I actually don't own one myself but have given it as a gift to several people, and plan to buy one at the first opportunity. I've examined two or three of these on arrival and all were in perfect condition. Great present. I wish someone would give me one, but I guess I'll have to buy it for myself. ;) Then I will polish it with beeswax and lemon oil. It's that sort of lamp.』 『Traditionally crafted shoji style Japanese lantern, of hardy Scandinavian spruce, with pressed pulp rice paper shade. Comes fully wired with UL approved switch and socket for 25 Watt bulb. Wonderful diffused light for any room in the home, ships in 48hrs. from our Massachusetts warehouse, via FedEx, expedited delivery available.』 タイトル『 Titan Tool Stubby Flex-Head Ratchet Combo- 1/4" and 3/8" >
price：$2.50
TLA
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Sexy, Erotic, Sora Aoi is Such a Sight to Look at...But Falls Short as a REAL Japanese "Pink" Film) 『Japanese pink films have the uncanny ability to maintain "art house" themes while blending in pure weird exploitive elements. "Man, Woman and The Wall" is a Japanese pink film by Masashi Yamamoto and stars av-idol Sora Aoi. It is somewhat a light-hearted, kinder side of pink cinema, but it no less exploitive than others. Oh, I recently reviewed a "chick flick" so allow me to re-establish my twisted mind. Oh, this movie stars sexy av-idol Sora Aoi--so do I have your attention yet?
Ryo (Keita Ono) is a young magazine reporter who had just recently moved into a small apartment with thin walls. The walls are paper thin that he can hear almost everything that goes on in the next door apartment occupied by a beautiful young woman named Satsuki (Sora Aoi). Eavesdropping becomes a habit for Ryo that he can listen in to the details of his neighbor's life; her conversations, her phone calls, when she bathes, even her moans when she makes love to her boyfriend Yuta (Hiroto Kato). Ryo's fantasies escalate to love and passion. Meanwhile, Satsuki becomes increasingly afraid because of the bizarre phone calls she gets almost every night. Now when Ryo and Satsuki finally meet and begin a friendship, reality and fantasy intertwine, a simple harmless prank may just lead to the unthinkable.
Japanese cinema seem to look at kinky cinema and perversion in a very different way than us in the West. Ryo's behavior may seem downright creepy and unsettling to U.S. audiences, but director Yamamoto manages to make his character interesting and need I say it--a little humorously likable? Yamamoto goes to the mystery stalker angle that gives the viewer the idea that Ryo is the harmless kind, and that there are real perverts that may be hanging around in our everyday lives. Ryo is the lonely guy, and often he has nothing else to do after work, he fantasizes on his next door neighbor, as he sees her in a very different way and rather a little cartoonish as displayed by Ryo's fantasies about how her apartment looks. It was colorful and vibrant, while in real life Satsuki's apartment is simple and extremely drab.
Satsuki is your typical girl next door type, and while Ryo sees her as this voluptuous conquest, sex siren Sora Aoi plays her as one sympathetic character. Satsuki went through a lot of difficulties, she works two jobs and sends money to her family. The real Satsuki is so different from the "sex object" imagined by Ryo. It's a clever trick to expose the protagonist's perspective and to have reality crash down on his fantasies. Yamamoto wisely films some of the scenes of Ryo and Satsuki somewhat "imaginary and cartoon-like" as when they are seen in the same room ONLY in Ryo's mind. When the two actually meet, the shots are made in a minimalist manner, to emphasize realism.
Now, this is a pink film, so expect a good share of gratuitous sex scenes and even full frontal nudity. As with most pinku films, this movie blows the ones seen in late night cable out of the water. The usual "pink" sex scenes are on display, as Sora Aoi is seen in her birthday suit, as well as the infamous "pinku" style of hand inside the panties. The sex scenes are long, titillating and erotic, the Japanese knows their stuff when it comes to exploitive scenes and Sora Aoi being an av-actress, seems to be very comfortable with the scenes. The acting is rather uneven, and some parts of the acting is downright laughable, but Sora Aoi manages to steal the show with her acting skills as well as her outright sexiness.
"Man Woman and the Wall" is a story about love and lust, obsession and betrayal. I know that this type of film relies on titillation, shock, exploitive sex that leans on an "art house" theme, but this is where the film falls a little flat. The film is very predictable, while delightful in its simplicity on some aspects, the characters were too average to really make this film a memorable art house affair. The sex scenes are good but falls a little short to be truly remarkably exploitive. It had that "cute" tone to it, that fans who liked "A lonely Cow Weeps at Dawn" and "Sachiko Hanai" may find themselves looking for more. It is somewhat of a let down when it comes to provocative material.
The movie is good and passable but so far from becoming great. The film doesn't really manage to do anything different or inspiring in an art house theme, the film is a little flat. It's too cute to be real guilty pleasure and never manages to make me feel dirty; and for me a pink film should be able to shock with a good storyline. Recommended! To Japanese pink film fans, a rental for everybody else. [3- Stars]
The TLA release is letterboxed at 1.78 ratio with 2.0 Dolby Digital Japanese track. Good picture but somewhat contains more grain on some scenes.
』
(Hearing and Desire) 『Kawase Ryo is a young wrier for a small publisher's magazine for which he mainly writes about what is going on in Japan's underworld. Not quite yet raking in the money, Ryo is happy enough that he has made enough money to rent an apartment that possesses his dream object: a bathtub. However, there is one thing with the apartment that would prove to be a bother to most: the walls are paper thin. Yet, this proves to be a boon for Ryo because he soon becomes obsessed with his neighbor, a young woman whose every move he can hear. Be it when she goes to the restroom, drinks a beer after a hot bath, or makes love to her boyfriend Yuta, Ryo listens and often masturbates to the images of his neighbor that float through his mind.
After a bit of snooping, Ryo learns that his neighbor is named Sugiura Satsuki, played by the former adult film star Aoi Sora, whose beauty and impressive "talents" drive Ryo wild and he soon goes to greater lengths so that he can spy on Satsuki such as sending her boxes addressed to himself so that she will have to bring them to his door and having a friend set up a better system so that he can listen to her clearer. It is at this point that Ryo learns that Satsuki is being stalked by someone else whose intentions are far less noble than Ryo's.
Man, Woman, and the Wall is a Pink Film, pinku eiga, whose main point is to titillate its audience. There are several scenes within the short film of Aoi Sora bathing and dressing and also a few scenes of intercourse with her boyfriend Yuta which can be quite heavy at times without showing any naughty bits. It would be easy to toss this film into a pile of other Japanese softcore porn titles, but there are some instances that makes Man, Woman, and the Wall stand out and that is the subject of voyeurism.
Oftentimes within the film, Ryo imagines himself within Satsuki's room watching her bathe, brush her teeth, and eat. In these early scenes, before Ryo actually knows what Satsuki's room looks like, he pictures it as being ultra girly with tons of stuffed animals and bright colors. Therefore, he is a bit surprised to discover that her room is quite plain. Ryo falls in "love" with the image of Satsuki that he has created within his own mind. An image that is so strong, the real beautiful and busty Satsuki does not live up to his expectations. This aspect makes the film an interesting critique of reality versus fantasy is a softcore film format.』
(A slightly perverted escapist film...) 『TLA is known for their variety of Japanese sex titles, but every once in awhile they manage to distribute a slightly above average demented title.
This one follows two young strangers that share the same apartment wall and how their lives become horribly intertwined. Our main male character discovers he can hear/eavesdrop on his new female (and beautiful) neighbor, played quite well by Japanese sex actress Aoi Sola, as she lives her day to day life. Instead of being mellow about it, he becomes obsessed, the kind of scary obsessed that involves sound equipment, schedules, charts, stalking, garbage searching, etc. Just when you think this film might go down the exploit lane, they twist it around and create some relationship building you do not see coming.
The acting is par, sometimes painfully forced, but once you see the end scene, it all played for a reason; that in the right people finding each other. Aoi, is a beautiful lady, and plays her difficult sexual role very convincingly, and would really be the only reason to watch this film. The DVD has a decent making of docu, and the transfer is interestingly a 1.77 ratio.』 『MAN WOMAN AND THE WALL (DVD MOVIE)』
price：$3.51
Eagle Rock Ent
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (A Must Have For Any Fan...) 『I have loved Asia since their arrival on the scene with their debut album back in 1982. This album was fantastic and the follow-up of Alpha, although not as great, did not disappoint those who wanted a continuation of their first album. I say a continuation because it was nothing ground-breaking, nor was it easy to remember which of the two albums a particular song came from in later years. Their third album, Astra, was a major disappointment to the fans and the band fell apart in 1985.
The band reunited in 1990 with varying line-ups for tours and a couple of studio albums, but nothing could match the magic of the original line-up. Then, when the original band-members came together for the 25 year anniversary show in Tokyo in 2007, I had to buy the CD to hear how the band would do after all this time. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the variations on old-hits of both Asia and some of the bands the members used to belong to. With the exception of "Video Killed The Radio Star" (at least in MY opinion), Asia was a worthy contender for my time and attention.
So, when Asia came to Los Angeles in July of 2009, I had to go see them play and was again thrilled by their sound, but also by the show itself... and to re-capture that memory, I turned to this DVD to bring those memories back alive.
I highly recommend this for any fan of ASIA and most fans of the "progressive rock" genre. While it isn't for everyone, I was quite pleased with it.』
(Grade AAA+) 『I started to hear Prog Rock since I was 13, today I'm 42, and, became, between other bands, a YES,ELP, King Crimson, between other bands, fan. Well, quite frankly, I was with not big expectations about this Show from, ASIA, you know, Howe with some health problems, Downes kind of out of shape, Wetton fat, Palmer with that "short weird hair and looking".... what a mistake !!! Those guys are booming and rocking better than on the begining of their respectives careers, very powerful, technical, keeping control of every little part of every song...Howe vibrating much more than at with YES, Palmer,kindly destroying and dominating the drums, Wetton singing perfectly from the botton to the top notes and Downes, with much more consistency and punch. Definetely , a Blue Ray concert that worth every minute and money that I spent. Prog Roch Forever and hopefully more shows and long life to ASIA !』
(Awful sound mix) 『Totally agree with a previous review about the sound mix on the Blu-ray disc - it's awful. You get 3 options, DTS-HD, Dolby 5.1, and LPCM. Both the DTS-HD and Dolby 5.1 are terrible - you can barely hear the guitar and anytime the keyboard plays it is way louder than all the other instruments. The only way this disc is watchable is by using the LPCM audio option, which doesn't suffer from the bad audio mixing, but still isn't worth paying extra for Blu-ray. Don't know if this is a problem with my player - it's a Panasonic DMP-BD35, but if you're looking for sweet DTS-HD sound, keep looking.』
(Great Show!) 『These guys are aging like fine wine. Wetton still has that clear and dynamic voice. The video and sound are done well and there is not a medicre song on the playlist in my opinion. Especially loved hearing "In the Court of the Crimson King". Amazing group of musicians.』
(Yikes! Sound Mix?!) 『I love ASIA. I loved seeing 'em live and was totally blown away. And, this is a great document of their tour--except for the sound mix! I was excited to hear the DTS-HD Master Audio and totally immerse myself in the band. Problem is, the surround mix just totally immerses you in Geoff Downes! I saw another review online that asks how this mix could've been released. I wonder the same thing myself. What happened?!! It's really like listening to the keys monitor mix. Can't hear Steve much at all, and Carl is a distant mono. Is this a problem with my player? Do I need to update it? Or is this issue with the mix? In any case, it's very disappointing.』 『Asia, featuring members of Yes, ELP and King Crimson, was the first supergroup of the eighties. Their eponymous debut album, released in 1982, was a huge success racking up global sales in excess of 15 million copies. In 2006 the original four members reunited for the first time in over 20 years for a series of concerts in the US and the UK. The success of this tour led to a full-blown world tour running throughout 2007 in celebration of their 25th anniversary. This DVD was recorded in Tokyo in March 2007 on the Japanese leg of the tour.
Tracklisting: 1) Time Again 2) Wildest Dreams 3) One Step Closer 4) Roundabout 5) Without You 6) Cutting It Fine 7) Steve Howe Guitar Solo 8) Fanfare For The Common Man 9) The Smile Has Left Your Eyes 10) Don't Cry 11) Court Of The Crimson King 12) Here Comes The Feeling 13) Video Killed The Radio Star 14) The Heat Goes On / Carl Palmer Drum Solo 15) Only Time Will Tell 16) Sole Survivor 17) Ride Easy 18) Heat Of The Moment
BONUS FEATURES: 40 Minute Interview with all 4 band members.』
price：$2.46
FIRST RUN FEATURES
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Lovely gentle quality of surreality) 『Dreaming Lhasa started in such a way that I wasn't sure if it was a documentary or a film about the making of a documentary....but it rapidly turned into the adventure that gentle friends make into exploring a mystery of the past. I felt that I can better understand what can happen to a culture where political unrest creates chaos and dislocation. The clash of Tibetan and western/Asian values was interesting. The everyday spiritual consciousness of the Tibetans was lovely to see. It's a DVD to own because you'll want to watch it again and again.』
(Longing for Home) 『This cinema realistically portrays the plight of first and second generation Tibetan refugees. It shows them as real people who want to preserve their Tibetan cultural and religious heritage in lands to which they have been driven by foreign conquerors. The elderly who have the most profound understanding of of traditional Tibetan civilization are beginning to die off. The young wonder how they are to preserve Tibetan language amid alien cultures. Most Tibetans want to return to Tibet; to do so risks imprisonment, torture, and death. This movie shows the struggle, suffering, and hope in which Tibetans live. It is profoundly moving.』
(lives torn asunder by violence and repression) 『***1/2
In "Dreaming Lhasa," a young American filmmaker goes to India to make a documentary on the Tibetan monks who have been living in exile in that country ever since the Chinese invaded their nation and overthrew the Dalai Lama nearly sixty years ago. A Tibetan native herself, Kharma temporarily puts her film on hold so that she can help one of the refugees in the area locate the whereabouts of another monk who disappeared during a protest rally in 1987.
Though "Dreaming Lhasa" feels only half-formed at times in terms of storytelling and characterization, the unhurried, contemplative rhythm of the film nicely captures the flavor of the setting and the nature of the theme. While Tenzin Chokyi Gyatso occasionally lacks projection and confidence as an actress (though at times she is very good), Jampa Kalsang, the actor playing the monk, centers the movie with his quiet stoicism and gravity.
This heartrending subject could probably do with a more passionate treatment, but the quiet serenity of "Dreaming Lhasa" is not without its special rewards as well.』
(Dreaming in earnest) 『A young Tibetan filmmaker from New York in India to produce a documentary on the Tibetan political prisoners remarks on her feelings of displacement in a foreign land that she seems to be "dreaming Lhasa." Karma's imaginary capital city is to this film what the film was to its makers - an object of intense interest just beyond reach.
Wife/husband production team Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam have been making documentary films for more than a decade, with perhaps the idea of a feature film always out there on the edge of their ambition. For untested directors using an untested Indian/Tibetan crew with non-professional actors, they've reaped a remarkable return on their investment in a dream.
The story itself is quite simple, about an exile Tibetan in Dharamsala to make a documentary on the Tibetan diaspora. Karma becomes involved in the quest of one of her subjects, a former political prisoner who has come from Tibet to deliver a sacred object to a man about whom he knows nothing but a name. Together Karma and Dhondup criss-cross northern India chasing clues to the whereabouts of the mysterious Loga. Along the way the viewer is treated to glimpses of life in exile, from the young kids wasting hours in clubs and pool halls, to the more determined seekers of justice involved in hunger strikes and political organizing, to the average person just trying to make a living.
For anyone who has traveled the Himalayas or had intimate contact with exile Tibetan communities, the film has a beautiful ring of verisimilitude. This probably has as much to do with the production crew having been raised in such communities and being able to get the details right as it does to the directorial decision to shoot in documentary style, with no redubbing.
For a bunch of amateurs, the quality of the acting is high, though hardly of the award-winning variety. More than once Tenzin Chokyi Gyatso's performance as Karma evoked a wince, but her earnestness created a reserve of sympathy that couldn't be completely undone. By far the best performance is Jampa Kalsang's staid and world-weary exile, Dhondup, whose quest leads to an anguishing discovery.
If you're tired of Hollywood movies, tired of pretentious North American indie films, you'll be delighted by the sincerity of this little film with a big heart from the Land of Snows.
#』
(an excellent film) 『i really enjoyed this film and to think that only one professional actor was used is amazing-the lead actress isn't even an actress-she's a banker of all things-the film illuminated a real issue-the situation of Tibetan refugees- and it did so in a non-preachy way-it was in the context of a mystery/romance/semi documentary which did not come across as the usual patronizing view of Buddhists as nice little pacifists(they aren't)-the Chinese weren't demonized as people -just the communist regime,which is really evil and always has been-this film was definitely a "watch again" effort that is well worth purchasing』 『90 minutes, color, Tibetan&English w/English subtitles
* Executive Produced by Richard Gere
DVD Bonus Features: * Making Of Documentary * Interview with Filmmakers * Deleted Scenes * Short Film: Rights and Wrongs * Film Notes by HRW Tibetan filmmaker Karma travels from New York to Dharamsala, the Dalai Lama's exile headquarters in northern India, to produce a documentary about former political prisoners who have escaped from Tibet. There she meets Dhondup, an enigmatic ex-monk who has come to India is to fulfill his dying mother's last wish -- to deliver a charm box to a long-missing resistance fighter. Soon Karma finds herself in love with Dhondup and is pulled deeper into his quest, which becomes both a journey into Tibet's fractured past and a voyage of self-discovery.』
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Addiction in a small blue and white wrapper) 『I grew up with these. They're a total chewy, sweet and salty addiction. You might find yourself eating half a dozen in a row. There's a large seed inside you chew around and spit out. Sometimes you get a pack that's nice and juicy and fresh, sometimes they're a bit hard and small and dried out, depending how long they've been off the boat I suspect, but still pretty good - they vary just like dried fruit varies. I also like the other varieties you can get, preserved lemon peel etc. Sold at most Chinatown type shops.』
(The best quality of CHAN PUI MUI) 『Very highest quality of CHAN PUI MUI. Most excellent and edibility plus!!
Unwrap flavour nuggets of plum with licorice salt!
So fresh!! So good!!』 『Individually wrapped preserved plum. Chinese traditional food.』 タイトル『 Decorated Mouse Pad with "black and white", China, Asia >
>
price：$9.95
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", cheetah, India, animal, "big cat", Asia, feline >
>
price：$9.95
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", art, tradition, logo, bust, China, horse, equine, animal, Asia >
>
price：$9.95
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", "palm trees", scenery, sea, seashore, Asia, Burma, landscape, beach >
>
price：$9.95
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『 Telemania 498822 15 inch Incredibles Neon Wall Clock >
>
price：$18.00
TeleMania
『TM INCREDIBLES 498822/WALL CLOK/NEON/12""』 タイトル『 Decorated Mouse Pad with "black and white", pillar, scene, bricks, wall, India, Asia >
>
price：$9.95
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『 Fred Perry Classic Black/White Gingham Men's Woven Long Sleeve >
>
price：
タイトル『 Hoodie Mens Navy Blue " ASIA Bandy " Sports >
>
price：
『This Bandy 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『 Cubavera Men's Cream and Black Panel Notch Sleeve Cuff Button Down Shirt >
>
price：
『
Please see otherCubavera Collection
For those who love to wear Cubavera shirts, and for the ladies who love when their 'man' wears these fine products, this is the shirt for you and your men. Inspired by the heritage of Latin lifestyle and the traditional guayabera shirt, Cubavera are known for their lightweight fabrics, embroidered details, and sexy tropical colors. It represents cool, clean, and relaxed casual elegance.
Cubavera shirts are perfect for all occasions from the beach front weddings to the office or casual events.
This Geisha Girl deluxe costume includes: a red satin nicely printed kimono, a red polyester slip dress, a gold lame belt with string tie, a folding fan, and a black wig.Note:If returning this item, for sanitary reasons, the wig included cannot be opened. No exceptions.Available in sizes: Small (size 4-6), Medium (7-8) and Large (10.5-12.5).
』 タイトル『 Homework Outsourced to Asia - pink >
>
price：$57.99
Creative Images
『TheBeveled Edgeis Art specifically constructed for a child´s world. Art that can be touched and explored without worry of glass to break. Art prints are laminated with a matte finish for protection, mounted to a wooden base and given a colored beveled edge for years of enjoyment. Choose from hundreds of images designed to stimulate, amuse and inspire children. Ready o hang with a wire hanger.
TheCanvasis a popular upscale look for juvenile art, but our version is specifically crafted with the child in mind. Canvas textured art prints are wrapped on a solid substrate allowing children to touch and explore the pictures without damaging the surface. Soils on the surface are easily cleaned with normal spray cleaners. Ready to hang with a wire hanger.
TheFramedArt is for consumers with a more traditional eye. Still no glass to break! This framed art is specifically constructed for children with a touchable, non-breakable matte laminate or canvas texture surface and solid wooden frame for years of enjoyment. Ready to hang with a wire hanger. All images are available in Framed and Framed Canvas formats.
The Euro-styleArtBlockadds the drama of canvas wrap while retaining the full image size. Your chosen art print is mounted to a lightweight ArtBlock with a hand-textured edge in an appropriate color. Our Art Blocks are slightly more than 1" thick for a striking, contemporary presentation. As with all our products, the ArtBlock is designed for a child's world. Children love to touch the surface of a picture, and, quite frankly, they are not always gentle! Our ArtBlock is designed to be touched. The Creative Canvas surface will never sag, dimple or tear and it is easy to clean with a damp cloth or glass cleaner. Ready to hang with a wire hanger. All images are available in the ArtBlock format.』 タイトル『 Kimono Kutie Child Costume Child (10-12) >
>
price：$26.99
Disguise Inc
『Includes: Dress with belt and hair accessory. Shoes not included.』 タイトル『 2:1 73-84FX SPEEDO 150MPH >
price：$10.18
Company
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Chinese cookbook) 『A good cookbook, I would purchase it again. It is not my favorite Chinese cookbook.』
(Wow again!) 『I bought Fuchsia Dunlop's first book about Sichuan cooking. I loved that, and I love this! Very different from the Chinese food I grew up with that my family got at the restaurants in America!
There are a few differences between the first and the second book. This cookbook is also filled with many more pictures than the first. Honestly, I never worry about the pictures. I tend not to try to cook food I know nothing about. The paper is also different. The first book has the darker, off-white more textured pages. I like that. Because the second is filled with color photos, the paper is the bright white semi-glossy type. If you are like me, I spend long hours reading through cookbooks. My eyes tend to tire out when looking at the glossy white paper. For someone who like anecdotes about her experiences in China, will love both. I'm not very concerned about having those stories in there myself, but they do make it quite easy to imagine the dishes!
More on the personal side, from my experience with her recipies in this second book, I seem to prefer Sichuan cooking over Hunan. For example, the Sichuan recipe for red braised pork I like much better then the Hunan version. The Hunan version calls for more spices which makes it much more aromatic. It's a bit too much for me, but that's just me. In neither of the books are there any menu planning guides. She does recommend dishes to go with the one your preparing. I would like to be able to see more of what a meal is like.
I recomend this book to anyone who is familiar with Chinese cooking and or anyone who like adventure. I don't think that it is a good beginner's book. I have ruined many a recipe in my day and I relaize that it takes a whole lot of advice to avoid the common mistakes. However, I don't think anyone would be diappointed in this book.』
(What an achievement this book is!) 『Dunlop does everything here except come to your house and make this dishes for you. What an incredible achievement this book is in every way, from its art, photography, history, stories, recipes, translations, and breadth of information. Sometimes she gives you the equivalent ingredients that will substitute if you happen not to live in Hunan Province, New York, or San Francisco. I live in the Midwest and I have to find creative ways to substitute for a lot of the ingredients she lists. For example, she's in love with potato flour, but that doesn't exist here. Flour is flour, right?
Finally, this book has the distinction of poor writing. Dunlop likes to "verb" her nouns throughout, and she doesn't seem to recognize either a dangling modifier or how not to hang a preposition from every other verb. Soon this becomes intolerable to the point you scream, "Oh, come on!"』
(An excellent guide to Hunan cooking) 『Like Dunlop's previous cookbook, Revolutionary Chinese Cookbook offers a vast collection of authentic recipes, this time with a focus on Hunan cooking. The dishes I have cooked from this book taste true to the food I enjoyed in Hunanese restaurants in China. The book contains sections for street food, appetizers, meat, poultry, vegetables, tofu, and soups, with classics like nongjia("farmhouse style") stir-fried pork and Mao's red-braised pork. Hunan cooking involves less difficult-to-find ingredients than Sichuan cooking, and thus might be more accessible to the typical Western cook.
Together with Dunlop's previous book on Sichuanese cooking, it is a refreshing change from the typical "Chinese" cookbook offering sticky-sweet Americanized versions of the real thing.
Dunlop provides interesting commentary on the origins of particular recipes and Hunan cuisine throughout the book, making it enjoyable to read in itself, especially for those of us who love food. In addition, the book is printed on glossy paper and has many more photos than Dunlop's previous book. Highly recommended.』
(Great Chinese cook book) 『The few recipes that I've tried from this book turned out very good. I'm starting to understand the different Chinese region cooking. I'm looking forward to trying several recipes from this cookbook.』 『Authentic recipes and fascinating tales from one of China's most vibrant culinary regions.Fuchsia Dunlop is the author of the much-loved and critically acclaimed Sichuanese cookbookLand of Plenty, which won the British Guild of Food Writersâ Jeremy Round Award for best first book and which critic John Thorne called âa seminal exploration of one of Chinaâs great regional cuisines.â Now, withRevolutionary Chinese Cookbook, she introduces us to the delicious tastes of Hunan, Chairman Maoâs home province.
Hunan is renowned for the fiery spirit of its people, its beautiful scenery, and its hearty peasant cooking. In a selection of classic recipes interwoven with a wealth of history, legend, and anecdote, Dunlop brings to life this vibrant culinary region. Look for late imperial recipes like Numbing-and-Hot Chicken, Chairman Maoâs favorite Red-Braised Pork, soothing stews, and a myriad of colorful vegetable stir-fries. 65 color illustrations.』
price：$15.30
Artisan
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Beautiful, Informative, Luscious) 『As all the Alford-Daguid collaborative efforts, the book defies easy categorization--cookbook, travelogue, photojournalism. Recipes are authentic and delicious. Leafing through the book is almost as deeply satisfying as eating the meals.』
(One of my favorite food books) 『Food is my biggest hobby. I've been cooking for 15 years, and this is one of my favorite books. Beautiful photos, interesting narrative, and most importantly, solid recipes. Highly recommended for learning about SE Asian food/cooking/culture.』
(Wonderful) 『This was given to me by a good friend. I love to cook, and over the years have struggled with South East asian, Thai in particular, cooking. But this book lays it all out in such a way, and has such clear instructions that, in combination with an asian grocery store, it is foolproof. As a bonus, the travelogues and side bars are wonderfully interesting. Even if you don't cook, you will be taken away on a wonderful culinary journey through the region.』
(Some issues with book) 『Pondering on whether to return book or not. Purchased for Cambodian recipes, having a hard time finding a Cambodian cookbook, this was the best bet = and it does have dishes for things we ate like Khmer soup, pumpkin curry and a similar version to Amok. (oddly i have the amok recipe in my New York Cookbook, a favorite standby)
But as an avid photographer and traveler and cookbook collector, i have to say the travel writing is amateurish, the photos are not great (a mini picture of Angkor wat and i don't think i saw many pictures of places i'd been to in thailand or vietnam - just street scenes - what kind of travelogue is this?) and never seem to match the right page (you would think there would be a photo of what you are reading about next to it) and the pictures of dishes are far and few between. For the huge irregular book format of the book there are not that many recipes. Compare for example "the Cook's Book" for the same heft has 685 recipes.. Compare with Nobu Now for the difference in food photography capability..
if many of these reviews didn't say the recipes are good they are part of daily repetoire, i'm tempted to return. it really is way to big for the content inside.』
(Very Good Coffee Table Book. Good recipes, but expensive) 『`Hot Sour Salty Sweet' by husband and wife team, Jeffrey Alford and Naomi Duguid is a troublesome book to evaluate. Its biggest problem is its relatively high list price ($45) for no more than average culinary content. Much of that inflated price is based on its oversized heft and the fact that it mixes cooking content with comments on culinary regionalism and pure travelogue in text and pictures.
I confess that this is a very attractive book, very similar in appearance to their later volume, `Home Baking' that I enjoyed and very favorably reviewed. And, since the authors have just come out with a new book with similar heft, price, and subject, I figured it was time to attend to reviewing this volume.
Aside from the price, I have one major problem with this book. While its focus is the culinary world of Southeast Asia, the text is far more anecdotal and personal than it is analytical. After reviewing many excellent books on the regional cooking of France, Italy, and other parts of the Mediterranean, I really find this book very thin on substance. Part of the problem for me may be that it tries to cover far too great an area. In 324 pages of material, they cover Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Yunnan Province of China. Thailand alone has required a 675 page book (`Thai Food') from David Thompson. And, on the ingredients of Asia, you can get a far more comprehensive coverage in Bruce Cost's classic `Asian Ingredients'.
In contrast, the books on Italy's regions all include great insights on the origins of culinary mores in these relatively small venues. And, while Arthur Schwartz' book on Naples may include 50 detailed recipes for pasta in Campania, this book gives but 10 for a much larger region. On the other hand, I give the authors extra credit for providing a recipe for fresh, homemade rice noodles. You may have a bit of a problem wrangling this big book around your kitchen andmaking a decent photocopy of the oversized page, but it is still a good recipe.
If you have no interest whatsoever in acquiring any OTHER books on Southeast Asian cuisine and you have the budget for it, this is a very nice book. I just think that if you are serious about learning about food, you look for books with greater depth and less fluff.
I find it very interesting that none of the blurbs on the back of the book refer to this volume and none are from culinary notables. All refer to the authors' earlier book on flatbreads and most come from general publications such as `The New York Times' and `The Globe and Mail'.
I can really appreciate all the nice things other reviewers have said about this book, as I was impressed with it when I first looked at it 300 cookbook recipes ago. Since then, I find it just a bit too light for the price.
Recommended as a good coffee table book. Look for it at a steep discount! 』 『The Mekong region, which extends south from China through Laos and Thailand to Cambodia and Vietnam, offers extraordinary food.Hot Sour Salty Sweet, which takes its name from the principal taste sensations of the region's cooking, provides an unparalleled culinary journey through this fertile land. Though the book contains a wealth of anecdotal material, its great strength lies in its 175 recipes, explicit formulas for the likes of Shrimp in Hot Lime Leaf Broth, Lao Yellow Rice and Duck, and Hui Beef Stew with Chick Peas and Anise. The breadth and substance of this authentic yet approachable collection is truly exciting; readers who cook from the book (not difficult to do once ingredients are assembled and techniques understood), as well as those searching for the best kind of armchair travel, will be delighted.
Beginning with a discussion of the Mekong region, its people (a complicated mix, among them the Kai, Akha, and Cham), and their characteristic foods, the book then provides recipes organized by ingredients, dish types, and topics such as "Everyday Dependable," "One-Dish Meals," "Kids Like It," and "Vegetarian Options." This latter style of division helps define and "domesticate" a vast array of cooking, often enjoyed at times and places foreign to Westerners. Chapters devoted to such sweets as Tapioca and Corn Pudding with Coconut Cream, grilled specialties, and fare for adventurous cooks, such as Aromatic Steamed Fish Curry (more painstaking technically, though not truly difficult) further widen the book's scope. Illustrated throughout with 150 color photos and containing a comprehensive ingredient glossary, the book is a definitive point of entry to a mostly unexplored culinary port of call.--Arthur Boehm』
『Luminous at dawn and dusk, the Mekong is a river road, a vibrant artery that defines a vast and fascinating region. Here, along the world's tenth largest river, which rises in Tibet and joins the sea in Vietnam, traditions mingle and exquisite food prevails.
Award-winning authors Jeffrey Alford and Naomi Duguid followed the river south, as it flows through the mountain gorges of southern China, to Burma and into Laos and Thailand. For a while the right bank of the river is in Thailand, but then it becomes solely Lao on its way to Cambodia. Only after three thousand miles does it finally enter Vietnam and then the South China Sea.
It was during their travels that Alford and Duguidâwho ate traditional foods in villages and small towns and learned techniques and ingredients from cooks and market vendorsâcame to realize that the local cuisines, like those of the Mediterranean, share a distinctive culinary approach: Each cuisine balances, with grace and style, the regional flavor quartet of hot, sour, salty, and sweet. This book, aptly titled, is the result of their journeys.
Like Alford and Duguid's two previous works,Flatbreads and Flavors("a certifiable publishing event"âVogue) andSeductions of Rice("simply stunning"âThe New York Times), this book is a glorious combination of travel and taste, presenting enticing recipes in "an odyssey rich in travel anecdote" (National Geographic Traveler).
The book's more than 175 recipes for spicy salsas, welcoming soups, grilled meat salads, and exotic desserts are accompanied by evocative stories about places and people. The recipes and stories are gorgeously illustrated throughout with more than 150 full-color food and travel photographs.
In each chapter, from Salsas to Street Foods, Noodles to Desserts, dishes from different cuisines within the region appear side by side: A hearty Lao chicken soup is next to a Vietnamese ginger-chicken soup; a Thai vegetable stir-fry comes after spicy stir-fried potatoes from southwest China.
The book invites a flexible approach to cooking and eating, for dishes from different places can be happily served and eaten together: Thai Grilled Chicken with Hot and Sweet Dipping Sauce pairs beautifully with Vietnamese Green Papaya Salad and Lao sticky rice.
North Americans have come to love Southeast Asian food for its bright, fresh flavors. But beyond the dishes themselves, one of the most attractive aspects of Southeast Asian food is the life that surrounds it. In Southeast Asia, people eat for joy. The palate is wildly eclectic, proudly unrestrained. InHot, Sour, Salty, Sweet, at last this great culinary region is celebrated with all the passion, color, and life that it deserves.』
『The culinary map of Southeast Asia is about to change, if award-winning cookbook authors Jeffrey Alford and Naomi Duguid have their way. Realizing that the wonderful flavors of Southeast Asia spill over national borders, Alford and Duguid set out to eat their way through the region's towns and villages, all the while collecting recipes, cooking techniques, stories, and photographs.
InHot Sour Salty Sweet,dishes like Spicy Grilled Beef Salad and Vietnamese Chicken with Fresh Herbs appear side by side with more exotic treats like Jungle Curry from Thailand and Pomelo Salad from Cambodia. There are simple warming soups, easy stir-fries, brilliant, hot salsas, and cooling desserts. Evocative stories and photographs of their travels also appear throughout.』
price：$4.48
Harper Perennial
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Good, but only if you like travel writing) 『I have a soft spot in my heart for anyone who travels to Central Asia and writes about the region's people. If you intend to travel to this part of the world, this is a good book to buy if you like travel writing. Another great book is The Opportunists by Yohann de Silva. Its a fiction/thriller that presents modern day Uzbekistan through a really interesting page-turner. The story is fiction but the context is 100% accurate. Here's a link: The Opportunists: A Novel』
(Thubron - a master of the travel essayist's craft) 『"I feel like a stray animal. The face in the mirror belongs somewhere else. For a sad instant I mistake it for my father's. But it seems startlingly solid now: not the refinement of eyes and ears I had imagined on my journey. I see features harsher than mine, or his. A wind-tan has darkened them since China. The eyes are hung with tired crescents. One tooth is chipped, so that smiling is a qualified event. And my fingernails are still jagged from climbing Maimundiz. As I fall asleep between white sheets, I feel surprised that anyone ever talked to me, belatedly grateful." - Author Colin Thubron at the western terminus of the Silk Road
For the imaginative and adventurous mired in the daily drudge, travel essays can provide escape. They've always been my great diversion, leading me to places I shall never see. And travel essays range from the moronically superficial (The Ridiculous Race by Steve Hely and Vali Chandrasekaran) to the humorously informative (anything by Iowa's treasure, Bill Bryson, e.g. Notes from a Small Island) to the cleverly unusual (Attention All Shipping: A Journey Round the Shipping Forecast (Radio 4 Book of the Week) by Charlie Connelly) to the classic. SHADOW OF THE SILK ROAD certainly qualifies in the last category.
Here, Thubron retraces the ancient trading route, the Silk Road, roughly 7,000 miles from Xian in central China west across that country's vastness on a path between the mountains of Tibet and the deserts to the north to Kyrgyzstan, then through Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey, finishing at the ancient, ruined port of Seleucia Pierea on the Mediterranean.
Thubron has traveled this road before in The Silk Road: Beyond the Celestial Kingdom and The Lost Heart of Asia (P.S.). Colin takes this latest journey in the years 2003-2004. His love for the lands he traverses - more specifically, an affection for their histories, perhaps - shows in the tenor of his narrative, which approaches journalistic reporting and which, while never humorous, at times is almost lyrical.
"Outside (his hotel room in vaguely menacing Maimana, Afghanistan) there was no sound but the scraping of the pine trees in the wind. Danger was cumulative, of course, it crept up step by step half-noticed as your journey took you deeper, farther. Until you woke up at night in a place beyond help."
SHADOW OF THE SILK ROAD includes 4 useful maps depicting Colin's route. A photo section would have been most welcome, but it's the infrequent travel essay that includes such so I've ceased expecting one. Indeed, the absence of a camera in the author's possession eased his way through at least one tense border crossing.
Periodically in the text, Thubron engages in a mental conversation with an imaginary Sogdian trader of old. Drifting towards sleep in his Antioch hotel room near the last stop of his journey, Colin's fantasy travel companion gives voice to an inner truth which perhaps had relevance when the author wrote the book, at which time he was in his mid-60s:
"At first, when you're young, each place you come to is poorer than the place ahead, which you do not yet know. The other is extraordinary, beautiful. So you go on, perhaps for many years. You go on until you realize that the trading was also good, with certain shortcomings, in the city you left behind. Soon younger men say you have lost ambition; older, that you have grown wiser. Then, as you settle, there is comfort, and a kind of sadness."
Thubron turned seventy in June of this year. I wonder if he has found comfort. In any case, to the author honor is due for the expeditions of discovery on which he has served as our consummate guide.
Note: This review is of the Vintage paperback edition (2007). 』
(Not worth the money or rime) 『I bought this book in preparation of my trip to central Asia, central and western China. The book was palatable -Nothing sensational nor magnificent- until I reached the chapter about Iran. It fell apart and the Author lost his credibility when he started to talk about Iran, A country where I have traveled extensively. He seemed to invent stories to spice up his book, after all he want to sell his book. No Iranian "or any one in this world" will discuss his parents sex life to a total stranger or "any other human being". I can't imagine any Iranian will discuss how his mother lost her virginity. That was really strange. Also It seemed to me that he was writing to please the western reader, to confirm stereotypes. It is hard for me to believe he did not meet a single person who agreed with the Iranian government. He did not come across as some one credible or fair-minded when he talked about Iran.
This book without the Iran chapter deserve 2 star, with the Iran chapter No star. I would recommend to read another book called "Silk Road: Monks, Warriors&Merchants" by Luce Boulnois ISBN-10: 9622177212』
(Very fascinating and insightful!) 『Thubron writes about his spiritual and physical journey along the once commercial highway of the Silk Road which ran from China across Central Asia to Iran and Turkey. He passes through China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey and describes the territory's history, archeology, mythology, religions, cultures and people along the way. He can speak Mandarin and Russian and engages the reader with his discussions with the Uighars and other Muslims. So this travel memoir is very beautifully written, fascinating and insightful.』
(A journey into the unknown) 『When I picked up The Shadow of the Silk Road, I was expecting a travelogue through an area of the world that is largely shrouded in mystery. Fortunately, I got this and much more. Thurbin teaches us about the history of an area that at one time flourished and was a true crossroad of cultures and trade. He shows us how the current borders are truly artificial and how cultures bleed across international borders, creating tensions and poverty through wars and exclusive national policies. This book contains a wealth of information reflective of the wealth of goods that at one time moved along the Silk Road.』 『
To travel the Silk Road, the greatest land route on earth, is to trace the passage not only of trade and armies but also of ideas, religions, and inventions. Making his way by local bus, truck, car, donkey cart, and camel, Colin Thubron covered some seven thousand miles in eight monthsâout of the heart of China into the mountains of Central Asia, across northern Afghanistan and the plains of Iran into Kurdish Turkeyâand explored an ancient world in modern ferment.
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 -- -
>
