『Reminiscent of the iconic carvings found througout the jungle temples of Asia, this enchanting elephant makes a proud statement! Rich turquoise highlights every detail against handsome matte black finish, giving the appearance of a hand-hewn treasure. Adds an exotic flair anywhere! Ceramic. 6 3/4" x 2 3/4" x 12 1/2" high.』
price：$14.01
Zojirushi
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (excellent container for food!) 『In the morning, I packed my lunch and brought it to work. At 2pm, when I've already worked pass my lunch hour my food was still hot! And since I like to munch on things as often as I can, this was great because it can hold so much food and keep all them separate! I have a container for my midmorning soup, lunch stuff and dessert space. All in one container with a bag where you can fit utensils! also very good for picnics, if you pack the containers pretty full, you definitely have enough food for two!』
(good idea but item is huge compare to how it looks online) 『I liked this idea but item is huge in real life. You can put food for a whole family. Is like going around with a gallon of food. As soon as I saw it was a nono.』
(Almost everything I expected...) 『I was excited to receive my Zojirushi Classic Lunch Jar/Bento after the reviews I read. I love the chopsticks w/case that fit so nicely on the side of the bento jar. I would have liked the soup bowl to have been slightly larger, found the middle section for the rice/main meal to be very ample as well as the top bowl, but I have yet been able to keep anything in the top bowl that starts out cold from getting warm from heat of the main bowl. I have tried putting the top bowl in the freezer before putting the salad or fruit, etc. in the bowl as well as put the side dish w/bowl in the refrigerator until the last minute before I leave for work. By lunchtime, the cold section is room temp or warm, but that's okay. If it bothered me enough, I would put the top bowl in the refrigerator at work. By lunchtime, the hot food is warm to steamy but not hot--still tasty though.
I have not used it as regularly as I would like because of the preparation time in the morning to heat the bento with hot water and heat the food. I do find that the bento jar/chopsticks are great in helping with portion control if you are trying to watch your weight.』
(Too manish) 『I love my other Bento so I decided to purchase another one. I received the classic in the mail and I was extremely disappointed. Im sure it works well but it was so masculine that I decided to return it.
Ill stick with my smaller Mr. Benton.
The Bowls were all larger and theres only 3 vs oher Bento that has 4 holders. This would be perfect for lunch while camping or for construction site.....not fitting for girlie girls like myself.』
(Not that hot) 『Because I work outside and I keep the container in my truck - which can be very cold in the winter - the food don't stay hot for a long time. I usually pack my food - hot - around 6.30 am and by 12.00 noon the food is cold. It did not work out too good for me but I may be asking too much.』 『Includes Lunch Jar Main Bowl Side Bowl Soup Bowl Carry Strap.』
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Just like the picture) 『Our screen arrived very quickly and in perfect condition. It is lovely. I seem to recall the description saying it was made partially of fiberglass so I thought the white part might be hard. However, it feels more like a heavy cotton blend (but looks nice!).』
(Beautiful) 『Beautiful Shigo screen. It is perfect for hiding boxes and storage containers in the corner of a room. The product is well-built, and the design really adds to the room. A tall bamboo-type plant placed next to this screen was a perfect complement.』 『Beautiful black wood framed room divider/screen with bamboo design. Like a piece of art, this delicate floral design screen will be a great accent to your home decor. Gain additional privacy by dividing up a room or use as a decorative accent piece to create mood and atmosphere. Also great in the bedroom to create a private dressing area. The wood trim is solid with shoji paper insert. Shoji is a translucent, smooth textured vinyl coated fiberglass that looks like rice paper. This 4 panel screen folds up for easy movement and storage. Great as a gift. No assembly required. New in Box.70" tall x 72" wide.』
price：$8.99
Naxos
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Best recording of "Polovtzian Dances") 『This recording is thrilling, especially with the pace, volume, the raw energy of both choir and orchestra. I'm going to give away my cd's which include a namby-pamby American or European version of these exciting dances. This recording proves that you need Russian ensembles to really get the most out of Russian music. This is the way Borodin's music should be heard. I've been listening to inferior recordings of it for fifty plus years. Perhaps Naxos will release this version of Prince Igor in its entirety....』
(A Great Intro to a Lesser Known Opera) 『Borodin's PRINCE IGOR is a large, grand spectacle of Russian opera in the tradition of BORIS GODOUNOV. The robust overture is known to concert goers and the melodies of its Polovtsian Dances would be among classical music's better known tunes. Today the opera is largely unknown outside of Russia except by those who own the complete versions of the work (EMI and Sony both include the work in their catalogues). For those who would like a sampling of the opera, this disc from Naxos fits the bill. It includes the overture, the dance scenes with chorus (a treat for those only familiar with the orchestral renditions), the Polovtsian march, and a sampling of arias, one each for tenor, mezzo, baritone, and bass.
If the expression that water only makes us thirst for wine is true, then this disc is the water that makes a listener thirsty for the wine of a complete recording, with the soloists of this set, its orchestra and chorus. We get a sense that all involved are familiar with the opera. The Ukraine National Radio Symphony under Theodore Kuchar's direction has a fulsome sound that is appropriate for the music. The soloists seem at home with the music they perform as well. My only objection is that some of the great choral scenes of this opera are not included on the disc, perhaps in place of "In the Steppes of Central Asia" which concludes the recording, but since we hear a fine rendition of the work, it's not a major criticism. 』
(Highlights of Borodin's Prince Igor, and More) 『There are purists who scoff at highlights recordings of operas. But my experience is that when there is an opera that I'm not familiar with, it sometimes helps to hear the highlights first and make a judgment about its overall quality in order to decide whether to spend the sometimes huge cost of obtaining the complete opera. As it happens, I have a full recording of Borodin's 'Prince Igor,' but I also have become a fan of Theodore Kuchar and the orchestra he records with so often, the National Radio Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. And I knew that there are some fabulous voices coming out of Ukraine these days. Hence this recording. And what a delight it is!
The highlights included here are the Overture, Galitsky's first act aria, the Dance of the Polovtsian Maidens from Act II, Konchakovna's Act II aria, Vladimir's Act II Cavatina, Igor's Act II aria, the choral version of the Polovtsian Dances (different, and more effective, than the all-orchestral version we tend to hear) and then the Polovtsian March from Act III. This totals about fifty minutes. The CD is then filled out with an excellent performance of Borodin's 'In the Steppes of Central Asia.'
I must say that the singers here do not disappoint; both the chorus and the various soloists are excellent. Galitsky is sung by Taras Shtonda, a bass whose voice has enough ping (deriving from his fast vibrato) to give the evil Galitsky a bit of a nasty edge (appropriately so). Konchakovna's exotic sounding Cavatina is sung by the wonderful rich-voiced contralto Angelina Shvachka. Prince Vladimir, her lover, is sung by the 23-year-old tenor, Dmytro Popov. He is headed for big things, I suspect. His caressing tone in the softer portions of the aria is very pleasing. The title role is sung by bass-baritone Mykola Koval, the most established member of the cast; he's been singing at the Ukraine National Opera for more than twenty years. His melancholic aria is sung with dramatic thrust, but there is an incipient wobble in the voice. The orchestra and chorus give us exciting and characterful performances of the orchestral and choral sections.
The transliterated Russian words of the arias and their English translations are included in the booklet. There is also a fairly detailed synopsis provided.
I suspect this would be a good buy for someone who is not familiar with Borodin's opera or for someone who knows some of the music but doesn't want to invest in a full recording. (Naxos some time ago also released a historic 1950s recording from the Bolshoi of the full opera on 3 CDs . It is in mono, of course, but is a fine account for relatively modest cost.)
price：$12.98
EMI Europe Generic
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Bought this album 3 times. Three. Worth every penny.) 『If you've never heard Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan sing before, or aren't sure what to think about this kind of music, all I can say is: BUY THIS RECORD.
I'm a pretty average American. I don't play an instrument, don't speak a foreign language, don't spend my days living an exotic lifestyle.
And I've purchased this album 3 times. The first time I picked it up in a bargain bin on a whim. When I lost that one, I purchased a used copy for $35.00 from a guy in Canada. When that one became too scratched, I purchased this digital version.
Absolutely, without a doubt, worth every penny.
Yes, it' "world" music. Yes, they sing in a language that isn't English. Yes, they use non-western instruments that sound kind of different. Yes, the songs are really long.
And Yes, YES, this album is one of the most amazing listening experiences I've ever had. I don't know how many times I've listened to it, but it must be in the hundreds by now.
It's difficult to describe what listening to this album is like, especially if you're unfamiliar. But for me, it was like listening to Muddy Waters for the first time. Till then I had listened mostly to the radio. Top 40, classic rock, hard rock, RnB. Whatever. But when I listened to Muddy, it was like finding a sunlit plaza after spending a long time in a room lit by flourescent lights. It was heartfelt. It was raw, simple, powerful. And you had no doubt it was performed by someone who lived and breathed music, and who made performing it a way of life.
That's what this album is like.
Give it a chance. You won't be disappointed.』
(Can't Be Beat!) 『I bought this MP3 CD after reading the reviews here and am happy to report that I am not one bit disappointed. Nusrat CDs are particularly hard to buy because many of the CDs simply recycle previously released material and yet others list the songs with fictitious anglicized names that make the qawwalis unrecognizable. This CD is for the connoisseur. Nusrat is at his peak here. The performances are raw and the sound quality is top notch. Since Nusrat achieved growing fame later in life, many of his later CDs actually contain material that was recorded when he was past his prime. Not so on this CD. For those who are looking for a lighter introduction to the qawwali genre or to Nusrat himself, I suggest the highly-produced (perhaps even over-produced) Mustt Mustt or Ecstacy (remixed rather well by Bally Sagoo).』
(Nusrat sings only to Allah now but we can all still hear him on earth) 『My heart sings what my mouth cannot whenever I listen to Nusrat, his music can never be matched, his voice stretches human limits because he truly sings with all angels, prophets, and martyrs in heaven. Shahen-Shah has Allah, Mohammed, Char, Yaar which is absolutely enchanting and stands out in this compilation. I dare the listener not to sway, dance, and sing with Nusrat as he sings in Shahen-Shah with all body, soul, and mind. There is nothing but you and Nusrat's singing. Shahen-Shah is a brief but good representation of Nusrat's immortal legacy. Shahen-Shah must be in the collection of anyone who listens to Nusrat.』
(Inspiring) 『...and particularly good to pop into your CD player and listen to while driving across the desert at night.』
(Voice of God) 『Having grown up with Led Zeppelin, the Who and being a fan of modern artists like Bruce Springsteen and Co., I was somewhat surprised when a rock obsessed friend of mine gave me Shahen-Shah to listen to in September 2005. His words were "man this is freaky". Thinking it was some middle eastern music of a large man I put this CD into my CD player and well, what can I say? I have listened to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan in some form or another for the last 9 months every day.
Make no mistake. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (the Shahen-Shah himself)is the best vocalist of the 20th century and were it not for his untimely, tragic death in 1997, he would be revered all around the world today. How different the world would be post 9/11 etc with this man around to sing and make it all better. If God (whoever he is) could choose someone to sing on his behalf, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that Nusrat would be it.
Traditional Qawwali is raw, repetitive, rythmnic and long. "Shahen-Shan" provides a perfect snapshot into this genre of music (for those who are novice listeners) and also the deep spirituality that is associated wth hearing NFAK sing. And then there is the Nusrat factor itself. How scary it must have been to see this musical monument sing live. It is the greatest regret in my life that I discovered him too late. His improvisations, voice, control and charisma that is evident just by listening to him is amazing.
If there were more than five stars, I'd give it more. Nusrat is the best ever. If you haven't heard him, you are missing out.』 『It's difficult to escape the tight, almost rushed feeling characteristic of some of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's studio recordings. Unlike theQawwali: The Vocal Art of the Sufisseries, where the party takes its luxurious time in immersing itself in praising Allah, studio-recorded Nusrat can often feel rushed, as if the party was singing qawwali for the sake of the recording rather than for the sake of religious praise. Thankfully, 1989'sShahen-Shahis different. With Nusrat's voice in fine form and the recording providing the right touch of reverb, this CD leads listeners through an outstanding sample of qawwali. Nusrat's improvisational vocal work on "Kehna Ghalat Ghalat To Chhupana Sahi Sahi" is mind-boggling, and the ensemble is outstanding for the wall of beautiful melody it creates. Rich with spirit and grace.--Karen Karleski』
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Pure unadulterated NFAK at his best-) 『The very first track Too Karemi Man Kamina Barda Am may be the purest, best thing Nusrat and company ever did. It alone is worth the price of the double cd set. It embodies sufi devotion and spiritual intoxication. Thank God Michael Brooks did not get his paws on these tracks- for those who disagree, I submit without any 'Imho' that those folks don't "get" what NFAK was and is about....it transcends religions, cultures- Simple vocals accompanied by handclaps, handmade drums- the harmonium is likely the only thing that couldn't have been used thousands of years ago.....』
(A Sufi is at his peak just before dying...) 『A Sufi is at his peak just before dying as death does not imply the end of the line to him, but the meeting with the Beloved. Among the tracks included in this final recording there is one dedicated to Khwaja Mo'inuddin Chishti, who was the most important Sufi living on the subcontinent of Indo-Pakistan. What makes this recording so valuable are the translations of all the songs and the printed original (sometimes in) Persian text. If you compare the printed Persian text with the handwritten text of Nusrat himself, you can see that they differ a little bit and that he of course follows the handwritten text.
There are several cd's of Nusrat which are without importance from the Sufi point of view as they would never be used in the musical meetings of the Sufis. This selection could however be used during the so-called sama' meetings of the Sufis. Perhaps it would be thus that in a real Sufi musical gathering less ornamentation would be appropriate and of course in such a place the qawwal is not the centre of attention, but nevertheless this selection is quite good!
Siraj』
(Nusrat at the top of his game) 『I bought this wondering whether his ultimate recording sessions would yield a feeble product and reveal him to be in ill health and poor spirits. I couldn't have been farther from the truth. This is without a doubt one of the most energetic, uptempo, intense and monstrous recordings he ever put forth. His ensemble was never tighter; the tabla player is entirely sympathetic, the harmonium constantly by his side with every sudden new direction into which Nusrat takes the group, and his supporting singers always match him but never overshadow. His voice is strong, and he was just as capable of belting as he ever had been, though he does show restraint at times. The production is perfect: every element occupies a different section of the frequency spectrum, and the ambiance is entirely dry, which provides for an immediate, up close recording. Rick Rubin did a fine job of knowing how to capture his group shiningly without any gimmicks. Of all his albums that he released, this is the traditional set that I will return to and listen to most often.』
(a fantastic recording) 『don't listen to the guy below; the vocals are all excellent. it's a very warm and intimate recording. I've listened to many of his recordings and this is as strong an outing as you will find ... the recording studio was a very large open room full of indian rugs. so everyone is sitting very comfortably on pillows or rugs. the tabla player rocks! having I believe 6 second level or backup or side singers makes for some very cool sounds...you can pick up in alot of spots how much they are following nusrat's lead and there are absolutely no [...] ups. just alot of changing gears... and thankfully this is 'live in the studio' so no annoying applause....I especially like how the songs end with the singers just winding down like they are running out of air and they must just slump over at the end and rest because of the great amount of energy released from the 14 to 17 minute length of the songs in many of his live recordings in the u.s the audience is applauding before the songs are actually over...only in america folks...which only proves they were not really listening to what was being sung... whether they actually understood the words is of secondary importance whether you find this one new or used its worth it』
(Ok but....) 『Being a big fan of Nusrat's, I have listened to many of his recordings. Many have been brilliant, but i cannot say the same about this one. The album contains very meaningful and emotional songs, as well as religious. However, they are not very good as far as Nusrat's voice goes. The title is 'The Final Studio Recordings', so I asume that they were recorded during the end of Nusrat's career and life. Therefore, he was in ill health. This explains they poor quality of voice. But obviously it does not matter, the Ustad has proved what he had to, the fact that he WAS the BEST!』
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Dancing Through Death) 『This is an excellent video about Khmer dance, its history, techniques and contemporary practices. It focuses on the Monkey Dance and also heavily centres on survivors of the KHmer Ruge regime telling their history. it is very useful for anyone doing a study of Khmer dance, especially as Shapiro's book on Khmer dance is virtually unobtainable.』 『Thavro Phim came of age under the Pol Pot regime and lost his father, brother, and grandfather to the Khmer Rouge. What kept him whole after the ordeal was his Buddhist faith and dedication to Cambodian classical dance. We follow Thavro from California back to Cambodia for a bittersweet reunion with his family and teachers. The film takes us back to the late 1970s, when 90 percent of Cambodian dancers were executed or died of starvation or disease.』 タイトル『 P.O.W.: Prisoners of War (aka The Secret of Blood Island / 1964) >
『Against floggings, tortures, murders... theirs was the brightest saga in the setting of the rising sun! Every day a man flogged to death till the secret is told! Elaine (Barbara Shelley), a female pilot on her way to Kualumpar, crash-lands on a South Pacific island during World War II, after her aircraft is shot down over occupied territory while on a secret mission. Disguised as a man, she is captured and interned in an all-male Japanese P.O.W. camp in Malaya. British P.O.W.s, Crewe (Jack Hedley) and his fellow prisoners, hide her and try to help her escape, knowing she has information vital to victory in the Pacific. Barbara Shelley manages to fool the Japanese guards into thinking she's just another male prisoner and when she's supposed to look dirty and sweaty (and this attention to detail is due to meticulous work by the technicians on the film), she looks properly soiled. The ensuing incidents that occur provide intense action. The Japanese realize that Elaine must be somewhere on the island, however, and when their search fails to produce her, they suspect that their prisoners know more than they are willing say. So the men are tortured one by one, and their endurance is severely tested. Will any crack and tell the truth? Will Elaine be caught? Watch and learn the answers! None of the actors are ever seen out of character. Besides Shelley, very good performances are given by Jack Hedley and Charles Tingwell as the leaders of the British prisoners and Bill Owen, Peter Welch, Lee Montague and Edwin Richfield as other prisoners. Originally released in the United Kingdom in 1964, this film was titled, The Secret of Blood Island. It was released in the US in April 1965 and the name was subsequently changed to the current, P.O.W.: Prisoners of War. This film was one of few features by television director Quentin Lawrence. It was produced by Hammer Film Productions, shot at Pinewood Studios, United Kingdom, and released by Universal Pictures in the US.』 タイトル『 SNOW COUNTRY (1957-JAPAN) [VHS] >
『 SNOW COUNTRY (1957-JAPAN) [VHS] >
『 When a Woman Ascends the Stairs: Criterion Collection >
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price：
Japan
『'Directed by SHIRO TOYODA. Based on a novel by Nobel Prize-winning writer YASUNARI KAWABATA. This poetic and allegorical romantic drama tells the deeply poignant and personal story of what it means when two people fall in love and one of them is not completely available to make a permanent commitment. It is the story of Shimamura, an artist who is returning to Tokyo from a sojourn to a hot-springs resort. He looks forlorn as he rides on a train and is lost in his thoughts. As he peers out the window at the snowy mountains, he visualizes a woman. She is Komako, a pretty young geisha he had met at the resort and with whom he has fallen in love. Komako is sweet and sensuous and Shimamura cannot get her out of his mind. However, his romantic idyll is certain to lead to complications: Shimamura arrives home to the familiarity of a wife to whom he has been married for what seems like an eternity. The multi-layered scenario charts Shimamuras plight as he spends time with Komako and eventually must make a momentous decision. Will he cling to the security of the life he knows with his mate or abandon it for the beautiful and desirable Komako? Furthermore, how much will his own character and personality impact on his ultimate decision? What makes the film so interesting is that not all of the characters complex emotions are expressed verbally. Director Shiro Toyoda does a brilliant job of depicting their feelings via stark and evocative imagery. In Japanese with English subtitles. 133 minutes.』
タイトル『 Table Lamp -reproduction Chinese Trunks with burl wood finish >
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price：$99.00
Reorient
『Masterfully hand painted with a faux burl wood finish, this table lamp reproduces the richness of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) furnishings. Its simple lines and stately appearance flatter any setting. Each lamp is individually hand made and finished. Use the table lamp to add an Asian flair to a room or enhance an existing oriental decor. Paired with an oriental rug or Chinese porcelains these lamps create an opulent collection for a living room, den or study. Each lamp has a three-way socket for up to 100 watts. Shade and harp are included, however if desired taller or shorter harps and shades can be used.』 タイトル『 Best Price Low Cost - 18" Calligraphy Teapot Oriental Table Lamp w/ Pagoda Shade - JCOX-40 >
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Cup hooks and wire?) 『Hanging a plain wire from small "cup" hooks is not what I consider a hanging lantern. Looks kinda okie. Not sure if it would even meet code to hang a wire as they suggest. You would have to spend another $15 for chain and decent looking hooks to make it presentable. This is only half of a hanging lantern. really a ripoff. What you get is a light socket attached to a wire and plug, two cheap "cup" hooks and the paper shade.』
(Perfect!) 『The lantern came carefully packaged and arrived quickly! I would definitely buy from this source again. Thank you!』
(Easy to install and wonderful to look at) 『This was so easy to install (all hooks needed were included in the packaging) and it looks great hanging up. The nice detail of the bamboo around the bottom gives it added interest and stability. Wonderful.』 『Traditional Japanese shoji style rice paper hanging lantern w/ split bamboo ribbing. UL approved wiring, socket, and switch. Great gift idea! Ships in two days from our Massachusetts via Fed Ex Home Service, expedited delivery available.』
price：$1.49
DVD)
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (a great look at cultural clashes and identity.......) 『A GREAT WALL is a great film, over twenty years later and is definitely worth watching. Director Peter Wang did a great job capturing the experiences of Chinese-American family, headed by their father (Peter Wang), a product of Silicone Valley, who, when passed up for a promotion believes that it is because he is Chinese. After that setback, he quits his job and uproots his family to go visit relatives in China. Yet, struggle exists everywhere (even if you try to relocate yourself to get perspective). Good lord knows the family experiences this in droves, due to cultural misunderstandings and language barriers. Yet, it is also a very important journey (filled with warm and happy moments, too). I enjoy that this film is so real and believeable. The actors are great and they truly work well together as an ensemble. It also provides insight for audience members unaware of the great divide between people that exists when some family relocates to the United States, while others remain in their native country. This is a great character study.』
(A very nice movie about family) 『I saw this film in an LA theater when it first came out. It was gentle, charming, and about family and generations in a universal way but with Chinese faces, places and customs which made it interesting. It was a very nice way to spend a couple of hours and I recommend it highly.』
(Cool Record of the Past) 『I like this film. Can't think of any others like it. Written, directed, and acted in by a Chinese-American immigrant, about relations between Americanized Chinese-Americans and Chinese folk in Beijing. The picture on the DVD looks great. In some ways it is more a document of the 80's than the current situation. Beijing of today is not like Beijing of 86 (I was there twice this year). Today, with a more open society and the internet, Chinese people are more knowledgable about US culture than they are portrayed in this film. (Can't say the reverse is true.) One criticism of the film is that it milks a lot of humor by portraying mainland Chinese society and people as quaintly backward (for example, the Chinese computer lab scene). I think that it is somewhat misguided to laugh at a poorer society just because they aren't as hip as our powerful, rich country. Still, I loved this film when I saw it in the 80's and the DVD is worth seeing or having.』
(Culture Crash...) 『The American Fang family is going to Beijing to meet Leo's sister and her family who he has not seen for 30 years. When they meet, both families have preconceived notions of how things should be based on their own culture and they encounter different barriers besides the Great Wall. These barriers are built upon the minute details that are encountered in everyday life along with ideas that people have been taught through their environment. These differences are blown up by presumptions of how things should be base on learned morals, values, and beliefs. The Great Wall presents an interesting idea; however, the film feels forced as the characters seem a little to rigid in their environment. The end result is an average cinematic experience that does not meet up to the expectations of the story.』
(Funny, insightful, fully enjoyable) 『A Great Wall tells the story of a Chinese family living in America when the father, a first generation Chinese immigrant and computer specialist, decides to take his family home to China for a visit. What follows is a delightful study in cultural contrasts but, more importantly, a study in the special issues that 1st generation families face from both the perspective of the parents and the children. In the end, the movie still manages to be warm and light-hearted while still exposing the key issues in satyrical fashion. A really fun movie to watch over again. Highly recommended.』 『You expect a culture clash when a Chinese-American Silicon Valley computer hotshot quits his job and takes his thoroughly American family home to Beijing to see his sister. In the hands of director-star Peter Wang, it's more like a series of love taps as each family receives a gentle lesson in how the other half lives. The sights and sounds of Beijing's sleepy suburbs and bustling modern urban center was an eye-opening glimpse behind the Great Wall for 1986 audiences watching the "first American comedy shot in China," and the easy pace, the genial portrait of family life, and the subtle, almost fleeting references to the cultural revolution, give it a flavor steeped in both cultures. Perhaps Wang's evenhanded humor and innocence was only possible before the Tiananmen Square massacre, but it remains an enjoyable journey.--Sean Axmaker』 『When computer programmer leo fang is passed up for promotion he feels it is because he is chinese and quits. He takes his chinese-american family to china to visit his relatives the the chaos for a vacation. The clash of cultures between the men wives&teenagers leads to some confusion&misucerstanding Studio: Tcfhe/mgm Release Date: 09/21/2004 Run time: 102 minutes Rating: Pg』
price：$19.99
Geethanjali
Usually ships in 24 hours 『BHARATANATYAM being the oldest and purest from of Indian classical dance in a combination of music expression and rhythm. The two faces of Indian dance, the Tandava (vigorous) and the Lasysa (gentle) blend beautifully in Bharatanatyam. It encompasses all the elements of dance, drama and spiritually elevates the audience. Bharatanatyam is poetry in motion and all the cognate elements of Bhava, Raga and Tala reveal themselves as all in one. ** 1. Padal Adavus - leaps 2. Utplavanam Adavus - front and side jumps. 3. Thattumettu Adavus - stamp and Jump 4. Behas - Head and Feet movements. 5. Rasas - Nine Moods in dance 6. Gaits - Dance Walks 7. Abhinaya - Padam and Javali - facial expressions. ** SREKALA BHARATH: A disciple of renowned Guru K.J.Sarasa, Srekala Bharath is a passionate dancer, an ingenious chorographer and an inspirational teacher of international repute. Srekala started dancing at the tender age of seven with her immitable style, nimble footwork and exquisite abhinaya. She has created thematic presentations ranging from traditional classic to modern day concepts winning critical acclaim including the Kalaimamani, Tamilnadu state award, and the Bharata Rathnam from the Government of Sri Lanka. Srekala is deeply committed to the exceptional development of her students enabling them to evolve as artistes as they share in her creative journey at Thejas an institution she founded that defines talent and continues to empower artistic expression in Chennai, India for over a decade.』
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (A Must See Italian Horror Film) 『If you even have the slightest interest in horror (especially Italian Horror) Then you HAVE to see this film. I honestly feel that this rivals Suspiria for best Italian horror film. It has a BRILLIANTLY written story, filled with captivating moments, great suspense, and oh baby does this film not skimp out on the gore, something only the Italians have the balls to do. Oh and blasphemy against Catholicism, man this film makes The Exorcist look like Mary Poppins, how can you resist? So don't waste your time and money on the Saw films or stupid remakes of Halloween or Friday the 13th , or any other new crap, pick up a masterpiece of horror cinema, pick up Michele Soavi's The Church』
(Decent Italian Horror Flick) 『In present day Rome, an ambitious cathedral librarian unearths a demonic plague trapped in the ground by knights in medieval times. When the possession begins to spread, an ancient lockdown goes into effect trapping the caretakers, employees, a tour of school children, and others within the church walls. It's left to one noble priest, with the help of a rebellious young girl, to prevent the plague from escaping into the world outside.
Produced by Italian horror legend Dario Argento and directed by Michele Soavi of "Cemetery Man" fame (Dellamorte Dellamore), "The Church" (La chiesa) was originally planned to be the third installment of the Demons franchise. However, director Soavi wanted to make something better, and the result is a more mature film, though surely not as much fun as the original "Demons". The story is an interesting one, as is the film throughout, though I would have personally preferred more insight into the lead characters and a clearer explanation of some of the medieval events that set up the situation. Of course, this is an Italian horror film we're talking about here. Personally, I have always found them somewhat lacking, though they have their good points too (I rather enjoyed Demons when I finally saw it and look forward to getting it, and Cemetery Man is well-known to be a fantastic little film). With dubbing, it can be hard to judge performances, and some of the dubbing is goofy, as always, but the stars do well, especially Hugh Quarshie as Father Gus and Argento's daughter Asia, who is very cute here as little Lotte (took me a while to recognize her). If you are a fan of Italian horror, Dario and/or Asia Argento, and so on, this is a must own. It's pretty good for that sub-genre. However, if you know you don't like Italian horror, I wouldn't recommend it to you. If you're in the middle, rent it at least. The DVD has good widescreen picture and sound and includes the theatrical trailer and a thorough text bio of Michele Soavi.
』
(Soavi in 1989>Argento in 1989.) 『La Chiesa (Michele Soavi, 1989)
Michele Soavi's Dellamorte Dell'Amore remains one of the best horror-comedies of all time, so when I got a chance to see one of his earlier films, La Chiesa, I jumped at it. Now, Soavi got his start as an assistant director for Dario Argento, and Argento wrote the script, so it should come as little shock that La Chiesa comes off kind of like second-rate Argento. (Argento's daughter Asia even has a minor part in the film, as she did increasingly often in Argento films during the eighties.) Plotwise, anyway. While Soavi's direction does wear his Argento influence writ large on its sleeve, he learned all the right things from the master of Italian horror, and there's enough actual Soavi in there to ensure that you at least sense this isn't completely an Argento joint (as was, say, "Lamberto Bava"'s Demons).
We open with an extended scene that takes place during what seems to be the Inquisition or the Crusades, in which an entire village is slaughtered for witchcraft and a mad monk tells the murderers to build a church on the land; the consecrated ground will stop the dead from coming back. Fast-forward to the twentieth century. A new librarian starts working at the church while some restoration is going on. The combination of these two things kicks into motion a series of events that ensures, of course, that the dead will, in fact, come back for some sinister purpose. When the dead trip off one of the safety mechanisms, the church is sealed off from the outside, trapping a number of innocents with the vengeful spirits. If you've seen Demons, you know what's going to happen from that point. (The script was originally conceived as a third entry in the Demons series, but Soavi rewrote it to the point where La Chiesa has very little in common with the other films in the franchise. Two other attempts were made to produce a third Demons film, Black Demons and The Ogre; both, interestingly, met the same fate as La Chiesa. Someone must have realized that if Demons 2 was that bad, the series was unsaveable. And thank heaven for that.)
The acting is mediocre, the script not much better; neither is remotely up to the standard Soavi would set for himself with Dellamorte Dell'Amore five years later. What is here and intact, however, is Soavi's incredible visual sense, which is even more pronounced here than it is in his later work. I do note that this may well be because you don't have such niceties as plot, character development, etc., to distract you from Soavi's constant barrage of gorgeously-constructed shots. It's a gorgeous movie, and those who simply appreciate the fine visuals will find this a treat; most filmgoers, however, will likely not be satisfied with a pastiche held together so thinly. For them, I recommend Dellamorte Dell'Amore instead. ***
』
(Quite good and bizarre Italian horror flick!) 『In the medieval ages, christian knights massacred a possessed village and buried all the folks who worshipped Satan to a large burial ground. They build a church over it so that the taint of evil wouldn't come back again, now in the present day a librarian wants to uncover the secrets of the cathedral as he accidently opens the secret sealed tomb as it unleashes demonic forces onto the church and trapping a group of people inside. But can the priests and some of the trapped people put a stop to this unholy curse or will the world be damned forever?
A feverish and bizarre supernatural horror fantasy shocker from Michele Soavi (Director of the brilliant "Cemetery Man" and "StageFright") and from co-writer and producer Dario Argento delivers a grueling and stylish journey to hell. There is some nudity and graphic violence shown with some good make-up and demon effects, the film itself is a sequel of sorts to both "Demons 1 and 2". Legendary Italian actor Giovanni Lombardo Radice does a nice performance as the Reverend, Asia Argento as the young girl Lotte and the movie has a good score by Goblin, fans of "Demons 1&2" should seek out this gem.
This DVD contains good picture and sound with a couple of extras like trailer and bio to director Michele Soavi.
Also recommended: "Prince of Darkness", "Evil Dead 2", "Demons 1&2", "End of Days", "The Omen (1976)", "The Exorcist", "Suspiria", "Inferno", "Tenebre", "Phenomena (a.k.a. Creepers)", "City of the Living Dead (a.k.a. Gates of Hell)", "Hellraiser", "Hellbound: Hellraiser II", "The Amityville Horror (1979 and 2005)", "The Wicker Man (1973)", "Evilspeak", "Cemetery Man (a.k.a. Dellamorte Dellamore)", "Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Overfiend", "House By The Cemetery", "From Dusk Till Dawn", "The Fog (1980)", "The Blind Dead Series", "StageFright", "Poltergeist", "Exorcism of Emily Rose", "The Shining", "Rosemary's Baby", "Pumpkinhead", "Mark of the Devil" and "The Beyond".』
(Decent movie mostly saved by the visual side) 『The Church is the 2nd feature film from director Michele Soavi who was dubbed as the savior to Italian horror. Soavi came around when Italian horror was on its last legs. With the exception of Dario Argento a lot of the other popular filmmakers were on the decline, were having trouble getting work or became knockoff directors. Michele Soavi was hailed as the savior and to be honest I never quite got why.
Originally The Church was meant to be the 3rd part of the Demons series, but it ended up going in a different direction and what we get is a very mixed bag. The Church wasn't a bad movie, but the problem is nothing really happens.
The screenplay was written by Dario Argento, Franco Ferrini&Michele Soavi. Dardano Sacchetti, Lamberto Bava and Fabrizio Bava also contributed to the screenplay, but were un-credited. So due to that I'll just mention the credited writers.
The screenplay actually wasn't too bad; there were some interesting concepts, while there might be a silly moment or two for the most part the script wasn't bad. The basic concept here is the same as Demons, but there was a little more depth to the screenplay. Demons and Demons 2 were fun splatter flicks, but The Church was more serious. The biggest problem here is the lack of action. The screenplay really wasn't too bad and made even better by what was coming out of Italy at this time.
But there are some problems; the two lead characters pretty much go MIA in the 2nd half, other characters might appear early on than don't come back until the end. The 2nd half introduces some new characters and they don't add anything to the plot. They are just there to die and we don't even see most of the deaths.
The Church does benefit from a solid cast, Giovanni Lombardo Radice has a small role and it's always great seeing him in a horror movie and a young Asia Argento also stars. The Church was Asia's 3rd movie.
Michele Soavi worked under Dario Argento as an assistant director and it is quite clear he learned a lot. Dario Argento is a very visual filmmaker and if I didn't know any better I would think he was the director. Soavi creates a movie that is visually stunning. The Church is one of the very best shot movies I have ever seen. Dare I say it's on par with an Argento movie?
The problem though is really nothing happens. The first few minutes are set in the medieval times and we get a little bit of action, but surprisingly little gore. After that we cut to the present and from that point on it's mostly talk and more talk. Michele Soavi is able to build some suspense and tension, but the problem is there is no pay off; though to Soavi's credit he's very much able to have a nice gothic looking horror movie.
Like I said The Church is slow, but what saves the movie from being an all out bore is the visuals. The first half in particular is just so amazingly shot. The Church easily rates as one of the best shot horror movies I have ever seen. In the case of Italian filmmakers not all, but most have this great visual side to their movies and Michele Soavi might be one of the best. The student can't top his teacher though, but you can clearly see the Argento influence. There is some great stedi-cam work as well.
Once we hit the 45-minute mark things begin to pick up with an excellent scene, which a character is chased around her house and I thought right there would be the turning point, but instead after that nothing really happens again. Once the hour mark comes in we have a group of characters trapped in the church and it seems like the action is about to start, but guess again.
This is the biggest downfall to The Church the lack of action like I said we get some good moments of suspense and tension, but there is very little pay off. Despite the lack of anything happening Michele Soavi is able to create some tension and suspense thanks to his visual touch and that is what kept me interested in the movie despite the lack of action. The final act to The Church is kind of messy and more often than not the movie just sort of repeats itself by this point and the ending is very anti-climatic. If you are expecting a big showdown between the characters and demons you can forget that.
I can't really explain why I enjoyed The Church; there is very little action, but the gore level is decent. While it might take sometime to get to the gore and when we finally get it, well it seems like a long time till we get it again, but it is done well. But not a whole lot happens. It's a lot of talk and build up with little pay off, but yet there is just something about The Church I liked. I guess it's the visual side that held my interest, but the 2nd half none of this works as well.
In closing, The Church is a movie with a lot of potential, but just doesn't seem to go anywhere. Even though I did enjoy the movie it's not a must see and it's really the visual side that keeps things interesting, but that can only save it for so long.
The Church sometimes goes under the title of Demons 3 along with two other movies, 1 being Lamberto Bava's The Orge and Umberto Lenzi's Black Demons. None though are sequels to Demons, but The Church is the closest one in that style. 』
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Japanese Loose Leaf Green Tea) 『This is just what I thought it would be. I purchased this as a gift for my boss for Christmas and he and his family really enjoy it.』 『Matcha leaves are ground into a powder using exacting techniques and standards.
Matcha is used in the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. Highly balanced in flavor, it is also used to make green tea ice cream and other desserts.
This green tea was selected for its superior quality and flavour. It is grown in the Uji district in Kyoto, the most famous tea growing region in Japan.』
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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 and making 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 Duguid—who ate traditional foods in villages and small towns and learned techniques and ingredients from cooks and market vendors—came 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"—Vogue) andSeductions of Rice("simply stunning"—The 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：$3.99
Random House Books for Young Readers
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (no title) 『The theme of this book would probably be that it ties in with the rest of the series, which is 'The Magic Treehouse Series'. The moral lesson might be not to burn or destroy books because they are such a great source of history. There are actually three main characters. First there is Morgan le Fay, from the time of King Arthur, who owns the treehouse. Next there is Jack, the oldest of the two siblings. Fianally, there is Annie, the younger of the two siblings. The supporting characters are their mom, who is in pretty much every story at the begining and end. Also included are a few people from ancient China. Mainly there are the silk weaver, the scholar in disguise, and Emporer Qin. More minor roles are the silk weaver's fiance, and a few various scholars, townspeople, and guards. "You're going to ancient China." is a good excerpt to illustrate the geographic and time settings. The time is around 2,000 years ago in the time of the first emperor, The Dragon King. The geographic setting is, of course, China. Since Emperor Qin (the first emperor) was trying to unite the colonies it was, by that time, all one country rather than being divided. It is set in the capitol where the Imperial Palace was built. The political setting is to the point where Emporer Qin was so frustrated with the scholars that he is burning all the books. Because of this everybody is scared of him, especially the scholars and philosophers. The major problem in this story is Jack and Annie need to find the ancient book, without any major mishaps. Normally they have a few minor problems, but nothing too huge, as it's a children's book and only about 68 pages. Helping them resolve this problem are a silk weaver and a scholar in disguise. Resolving the problem, simply, they find the book and bring it home with only a few problems.
I have always liked this series, even though I'm 15 now, I still like this series even though they're kind of young for me, and I can finish one in 30 minutes.』
(The Magic treee house The day of the dragon King) 『What a great way for the kids to learn! These books are great reading for children 7- 10 the characters are a brother and sister ages 7 and 8 who travel through time in a magic tree house by picking up a book and wishing to go to the places in the book. The facts of each book are acurate so the children are learning without realizing it. The passport on line for the children to fill out helps the children retain the knowledge the attained while reading. These books are a great teaching tool for teachers and parents alike』
(Great chapter books!) 『My four year old son is in love with this chapter series! A friend suggested it to us since he seemed ready for a more advanced reading material at bedtime. My husband reads him a chapter every night...sometimes more because they don't want to stop. It's become a great tradition for them, and something they both look forward to. We love that there are so many in the collection! Start with number 1 and just continue. :)』
(MY BOY LOVES READING) 『My 1st grader hates to put it down, he would rather read Magic Tree House books, than play video games. He even reads them to his class and explains the story for show and tell. In his kindergarten class the teacher would also let him read the Magic Tree House books out loud, not to give her a break, but to promote reading out loud. Great books!』
(Day of the dragon kings) 『this book Its great because anyone liked cartoon this book would like him』 『Jack and Annie set off to find an original copy of an ancient Chinese myth.
Armed only with their magic library cards, they must take on a book-burning
emperor. But with the help of a scholar and a silk weaver, they triumph again.
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 months—out of the heart of China into the mountains of Central Asia, across northern Afghanistan and the plains of Iran into Kurdish Turkey—and explored an ancient world in modern ferment.
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