Every so often I’ve updated the list of films that I have already seen with brief reviews.  Call it the complete-ist in me, but when I’m done with reviewing each of the films in the book, I’d like to have reviewed every single film in the book.

Anyhow, here’s another batch for you to read.

Enjoy!

Shichinin No Samurai AKA Seven Samurai (1954)

The Seven Samurai is the first movie that I had the pleasure of seeing from the master director Akira Kurosawa, and it is also one of his most praised works. Without a wasted frame, the story takes place over the course of almost 3 hours. Kurosawa, as he does in each of his movies, explores more than just the action and injustice featured in the plot. He is a humanist first and foremost, training his lens on the interpersonal relationships of the characters, tracking growth across this epic. As good as this film is, I would have to say that Kurosawa has numerous films that are even better, check out Stray Dog, Rashomon, Yojimbo, Sanjuro, and my personal favorite High and Low.

The Ladykillers (1955)

Existing as a special combination of dark humor, and slapstick farce, The Ladykillers is exceptionally funny and unsettling. Alec Guinness stars as the leader of a group of criminals staying at the home of a hardy, vivacious older lady under the guise of being musicians. The plan is simple, rob a bank, and utilizing the trusting nature of the kindly old lady, and the remoteness of her home to their advantage, get away with it. Easily my favorite of Alec Guinness’ films (thanks in part to the Star Wars prequels that is), The Ladykillers features a solid cast of great actors, including a very young Peter Sellers.

Bob Le Flambeur AKA Bob the Gambler (1955)

My introduction to the fantastic Jean-Pierre Melville, I was captivated immediately by the cool as ice gangster come gambler Bob. This film is filled with signature Melville-isms. Glorious post war street scenes in Paris. Trench-coats. Honor among thieves. And who could forget the caper. To talk too much about this film is to give too much away, and to do that is to ruin it for those who haven’t seen it. Other classics by Melville: Le Cercle Rouge, Le Samourai, and the recently released in the U.S. Army of Shadows. All are fantastic, and deserve to be in this book! Incidentally, Bob le Flambeur was recently re-made into The Good Thief starring Nick Nolte and directed by Neil Jordan, and while I’m not generally a fan of re-makes, I really, really liked this film. Not quite as good as the original, but it was one of my favorite films of 2002.

Kiss Me Deadly (1955)

The ultimate in hardboiled private eye crime stories, Kiss Me Deadly is a full on assault on decency. Kiss Me Deadly proudly presents itself as a grimy PI story, littered with bodies and intrigue. If you even have a passing interest in film noir, this should be your first stop. Violent, misogynist, brutish, and glorious, Kiss Me Deadly begs to be watched and dares you to look away. I myself, loved it!

The Ten Commandments (1956)

Apparently based on a book, The Ten Commandments is an epic in every sense of the word. Colored in bright explosive candy hues, and featuring huge sets, as well as a cast that number in the thousands, The Ten Commandments is more spectacle than great movie. Certainly not a waste of time, but not my first choice when choosing something light to throw in.

Det Sjunde Inseglet AKA The Seventh Seal (1957)

A classic, and well-loved film by Swedish auteur Ingmar Bergman, The Seventh Seal stars an extremely young Max von Sydow as a knight who faces Death at a game of chess to decide his fate. This film is filled with themes that find their way into each of Bergman’s works, ranging from courage in the face of death, religion, and humanity. The Seventh Seal still holds up to this day, with luminous black and white photography that, thanks to Criterion’s Blu-ray edition, has never looked better.

Note: Don’t be fooled by the similarly themed, but much worse, “Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey”

Kumonosu Jo AKA Throne of Blood (1957)

Kurosawa’s retelling of Macbeth set in feudal Japan. Shakespeare has never looked better as it does in the stark black and white, twisting shadows and swirling mists as seen through Kurosawa’s camera. Toshiro Mifune doesn’t disappoint in the lead role, but the real stand out is Isuzu Yamada in the as Mifune’s opportunistic, poisonous wife. The plotting and scheming starts right from the get go, all the way up till the frenzied end of the film.

Touch of Evil (1958)

One of the many trouble spots on Orson Welles’ resume due to studio interference, and financing issues, still Touch of Evil remains as possibly the best B-Movie ever made. Iconic (and sometimes hilarious) performances by Janet Leigh, Charlton Heston (as a Mexican) and Welles himself as the crooked cop willing to do almost anything to ensure justice prevails (just so long as it’s his justice). The movie is almost as famous for its long tracking shot opening as it is for any of the performances, featuring a nearly 4 minute shot done in one take which travels around cars, actors, and buildings. The film The Player, payed homage to it by mentioning it a few times during a similarly complex shot in that film.

Vertigo (1958)

Flopping on its initial release, Vertigo didn’t gain the acclaim it deserved until much later after it was released on video. Vertigo visits themes present in each of Hitchcock’s other works, including the obsession with blondes, innocence tainted with corruption, and the schlub who get in over his head. Jimmy Stewart plays the schlub, Kim Novak plays the blonde, and gloriously technicolored San Francisco plays the innocence and the corruption. Vertigo has a twisty convoluted story with elements of surrealism, an interesting watch.

Mon Oncle AKA My Uncle (1958)

My favorite of Jacques Tati’s Monsieur Hulot films, Mon Oncle was also the first of them that I had seen. Tati, playing Hulot, is a master of visual comedy, and not in the same way as the Three Stooges, or even Buster Keaton. Tati is an artist whose work is appreciated the longer you watch. The plot of the movie is not so much important to the film as it is simply a guide to get our characters into interesting situations so we can watch them get out. If you liked this film, check out other films featuring the bumbling Mr. Hulot, including Trafic, Playtime, and Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot.

Les Quatre Cents Coups AKA The 400 Blows (1959)

My personal favorite of the French new wave movement was this small-scale film, personal piece from Francois Truffaut. Featuring the director’s alter ego, Antoine Doinel, The 400 Blows is the first in a series of movies, each about a different stage of life and the challenges that go along with them. The period from childhood to young adult is covered heart-breakingly here, following Antoine through the rough waters of his home life and his interaction with the outside world. Later chapters deal with finding love, getting married, having children, and growing old, but Les Quatres Cent Coups remains the directors most personal and his best.

North by Northwest (1959)

One of Hitchcock’s best, North by Northwest features Cary Grant, suave as ever, being mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies. Just like in Hitchcock’s most famous works (of which this is one), the witty one-liners, suspense, and drama are heaped on generously. I can’t help but feel sad that a similarly themed, but better film featuring Cary Grant was left off this 1001 list. Charade, also featuring Audrey Hepburn, James Coburn, and Walter Matthau, is one of my favorite movies ever! Check out both Charade AND North by Northwest as a double feature! You won’t be sorry.

Some Like it Hot (1959)

Now this is an example of a classic, well-loved film, with actors that I really love (Jack Lemmon I’m looking at you), a premise that is more than suitable, yet the finished product never really caught me. It’s sort of like Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief. I never really saw what all the hype was about. That being said, I didn’t hate it either. It never made fun of me when I had braces, or turned me down for a date, my affections and this film have just always been mutually exclusive. Perhaps it deserves another watch…then again maybe I should just watch The Last Boyscout again.

A Bout De Souffle AKA Breathless (1959)

Jean-Luc Godard is nothing if not a sacred cow of French cinema, and while I have loved some of his other films (Le Mepris, Bande A Part, and Masculin Femenine), Breathless or A Bout De Souffle never really did it for me. I can still rationalize why it was so revolutionary (use of jump cuts, editing, non-actors, and subscription to the aesthetic of the French new wave style), and see it’s importance, but I prefer other examples of New Wave cinema. If you are interested in seeing a Godard film, try Masculin Feminine, it is just as revolutionary and a bit more accessible.

Psycho (1960)

A prime example of Hitchcock in his prime. Psycho was so good, and so affecting that some of its actors were type cast just on the strength of this one film (Anthony Perkins, and Janet Leigh), so much so that without a little research it’s hard to think of what other films either of them has been in. Psycho may not be as visually shocking and gory as horror films of today, but it still manages to hold up over time and be just as unsettling as it was back in its day. Hitchcock has always excelled at making the comfortable un-comfortable (motels, birds, tea, dreams, the list goes on…), and the subtle touches in this film work perfectly. Consider for a moment that Perkin’s Bates is an amateur taxidermist of birds, and then that Janet Leigh’s name is Marion Crane a type of bird, or the fact before the crime Marion is wearing a white bra and a white purse, while after it she is wearing a black bra and purse. His attention to detail, and knack for foreshadowing is demonstrated in full force in Psycho and remains one of his best films. Despite all the uproar over the Gus Van Sant remake, I thought it actually did some justice to the original film and if nothing else brought it a little more deserved attention.

Note: This film also has the distinction of being the first American film to ever show a toilet flushing on-screen.

Peeping Tom (1960)

Released the same year as Psycho, and dealing with similar subject matter, Peeping Tom wasn’t received with the same acclaim and attention that the former was. On the contrary, Peeping Tom was seen as subversive, perverted, and generally too shocking. The story revolves more around the killer than the victim in this one, whereas Psycho is presented more from the victim’s point of view. Either way, Peeping Tom is a fine film, one worth watching, however it is so similar to Psycho that I’m not sure it needs to be on the list of 1001 films.

The Apartment (1960)

As far as light-hearted, touching movies about someone recovering from a bout of depression, this one is my favorite. Billy Wilder directs Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon in a sweet touching comedy without losing any of his trademark cynicism or the pointedness of his dialogue. The Apartment is another chance for me to champion the somewhat maligned talents of Mr. Fred MacMurray as Lemmon’s boss. MacMurray plays a fantastic creep who really defines the term “heel”.

Spartacus (1960)

Containing almost none of the trademark elements that make up a Stanley Kubrick movie as we know it (Kubrick apparently dis-owned the film before it’s release), Spartacus remains an interesting movie that isn’t great. It is, however, another example of a film that enabled an up and coming filmmaker to gain his voice, and define himself later on in his career. If only for that reason, Spartacus is a great film, but luckily for the studio, it has some other things going for it. Kirk Douglas plays the title role of Spartacus, and despite all the lavish set production, and concentration on spectacle, brings some heart to the slave who defied Rome.

Jules Et Jim AKA Jules and Jim (1962)

One of director, Francois Truffaut’s most well thought of films, Jules and Jim may be the Lost In Translation, or Juno of its time. Viewed from a certain angle, the plot is a completely moving and emotional story that you believe, so much so, that you can see yourself and those around you in the roles that these characters embody. Viewed from another perspective, it can seem a little precious or purposefully manipulative. Depending on what is happening in your life (I’m mostly thinking about whether or not you are in a relationship, and if you are happy), this movie can preach the glory of love and the pain of rejection. On the flipside, if you have shaken free the angsty, teenager-esque feelings everyone has had in their youth, you may feel like you’re being talked down to.

Cleo De 5 A 7 AKA Cleo from 5 to 7

Taking place, as the title suggests, from 5 to 7, we get a slice of the life of Cleo played out before us. Sometimes we, along with Cleo herself, are a voyeurs into the lives of people around her, and other times we are focused on her as she roams around Paris. By and large Cleo lives a carefree, spoiled life, yet we still sympathize with her when times are hard, and cheer for her when they are good. This is a small film in a lot of ways, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t impacting and beautiful.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

I have to admit.  I didn’t like Lawrence of Arabia that much.  Perhaps I was too young to appreciate the aesthetic beauty of Lean’s desert panorama camerawork, or just maybe it was the epic length that decided it for me.  One way or another, I didn’t appreciate it as much as everyone else seems to think I should. 

The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

Overly reliant on gimmicks and quick editing techniques, The Manchurian Candidate doesn’t flesh out the story nearly…wait, no that was the terrible re-make that came out in 2004.  The original 1962 version, is just as taught, and well executed today as it was at its release.  While the story between the two versions remained virtually the same, the consistent building of tension and anxiety, combined with the pitch perfect acting of Lawrence Harvey, Frank Sinatra (yes…Frank Sinatra), and the devilish turn of Angela Lansbury as the Queen of Hearts, makes for a fantastic film.

Lolita (1962)

It took me forever to finally see Lolita.  I have known the basic story (older man, younger girl) but had just never gotten around to seeing it.  And while I’ve been told that the book is much better, I thought the film was pretty good.  Not great, mind you, but definitely solid.  The shocking and controversial nature of the relationship was toned down a bit for the screen, and maybe as a result doesn’t seem all that shocking in today’s day and age.  Memorable turns by Peter Sellers, and Shelley Winters, not to mention it’s an early film of Stanley Kubrick.

The Birds (1963)

Despite being one of Hitchcock’s most popular, I actually think that The Birds is one of his most over-rated.  I think I owe it to myself to give this one another look someday, but right now I feel that it was too heavily based on the gimmick that had to rely on special effects.  Though it is not necessarily the fault of the movie, but the special effects seemed particularly dated and old fashioned.  Worth a watch, but not my favorite by a long shot.

8 1/2 (1963)

Federico Fellini is, by most accounts, a master of cinema.  One, that I have always had a little trouble getting fired up over.  It’s not that I don’t like his films once I’ve seen them, the problem comes in when it comes to motivating myself to see them.  I couldn’t tell you why, but his films consistently get pushed off when they come up on my Netflix Queue or when I see the one or two I have on my shelf.  I shouldn’t feel this way, considering I really loved the moving poetry, and soul baring passion in 8 1/2, yet it still happens.  One very definite reason to watch this film is the man-crushable Marcello Mastroianni, swaggering through as the alter-ego of Fellini himself.  Dealing with all the reservations with women, making movies, childhood, and the future that the director very famously dealt with himself, Mastroianni embodies a certain cool, yet believable character that begs to be watched.  Combined with imagery that leaves the audience wanting more, 8 1/2 is a fantastic film.

Well, that’s it for this time.  Thanks for reading!

Podría ser un chiste cruel o un poco atrevido; es más, podría estar exagerado… o quizás no, pero sí estoy seguro que es gracioso

Siempre se ha escuchado que los terroristas árabes son los más avezados del mundo. Ellos están siempre dispuestos a suicidarse por sus convicciones, sin importar las consecuencias.

Ahora analizaremos lo siguiente, tratando de descubrir el porqué del comportamiento de estas personas:

* Donde viven no existen las putas.
* Tienen prohibido tomar bebidas alcohólicas.
* Están prohibidos los bares.
* Prohibida la televisión.
* Prohibido el Internet.

* Prohibidos los deportes, estadios, fiestas y otros.
* Prohibido tocar bocina.
* Prohibido comer carne de cerdo.
* Hay arena por todos lados y ni siquiera un buggy para divertirse.
* Pueden pescar sólo en un oasis.
* Sábanas en vez de ropa.
* Pueden comer solamente con la mano derecha, porque con la izquierda se limpian el culo (como si la vida no fuera suficientemente complicada).
* Hay gritos de agonía de tu vecino que está enfermo y ningún médico para atenderlo.
* No pueden afeitarse.
* Tienen prohibida la música extranjera.
* Tienen prohibida la radio.
* Las parrilladas son de carne de burro cocinada sobre bosta de camello.
* Las mujeres tienen que usar vestidos que parecen bolsas, y velos todo el tiempo.
* No ven una teta ni por casualidad!!
* A tu esposa te la elige otro.
* Tu esposa se mantiene tapada todo el tiempo, que luego de seis meses te das cuenta que tiene barba

Ante todo esto alguien te dice, en forma por demás convincente, que cuando te mueras irás al paraíso y tendrás todo lo que soñaste y no tuviste en la tierra

Ahora dime… ¿¿Con todas estas restricciones no te colgarías una bomba en los huevos???

Andrea en Dogguie

The H1N1 Swine Flu virus knows no borders,has no boundaries, and has absolutely no respect for religious or cultural traditions.

This year at the annual Hajj to Mecca,  Four foreign pilgrims have died of swine flu, the Saudi Health Ministry announced on Saturday.

The Saudi Arabia Health Ministry  said none of the four foreign victims had been vaccinated against the H1N1 virus, as has been recommended by The Health Ministry.

An official statement released by the ministry said all had underlying health problems, including cancer and respiratory illness, AFP news agency reported.

Three of the victims died in Medina and one in Mecca.

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=128688&d=22&m=11&y=200Over

The BBC is reporting that….up to three million Muslims from around the world take part in the holy pilgrimage every year, but health officials have expressed fears that it could provide a breeding ground for the virus.

Authorities had tried to prepare for any outbreaks by installing thermal cameras at airports and sea terminals, deploying 15,000 additional health workers and ensuring hundreds of extra beds were available.

The Hajj (Arabic: حج‎ Ḥaǧǧ) is a pilgrimage to Mecca. It is currently the largest annual pilgrimage in the world,^[1] and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a moral obligation that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so. The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to Allah (God).^[2] The pilgrimage occurs from the 7th to 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hajj)

The Health Minister has reported that there are 16 other people that have been diagnosed with swine flu and four remain in hospital in “critical condition”.

He added 12 others had recovered following treatment.

The Saudi government has recommended the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases and children skip the Hajj this year.

The Saudi government has said all pilgrims need a certificate of vaccination before they can apply for a visa.

This is real people, and this disease is spreading worldwide,at a rapid pace.

I encourage everyone to get a H1N1 swine flu shot as soon as you can.The reports of any side effects are exaggerated, and will cause millions of people to perish from the lack of the vaccine.

Any paranoia surrounding any alledged complications from the shot are totally unsubstantiated, and if those people out there insist on not receiving the vaccine, then we as a society should only expect more mounting mass casualties from the swine flu, as exhibited this weekend, unfortunately in Mecca.

If it can happen in Mecca, it can happen anywhere.

Please everyone, wash your hands, and go get the shot.

To follow the full story, click on the links for my sources below…

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iDApMAhUln5jw-ffhzIZCh0I_-bgD9C41MJ00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8372378.stm

http://www.saudiembassy.net/latest_news/news11210903.aspx

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Se prendessi un ipotetico Sig. Mario Rossi, di Roma, e dicessi che è stato – nell’ordine – pigliato nel suo letto mentre dormiva e malmenato, arrestato davanti alla sua famiglia, imprigionato nel carcere di Rebibbia, tenuto in isolamento per tre mesi a pane-acqua-calci-pugni-schiaffi, sistematicamente torturato, infine giustiziato senza far sapere nulla a nessuno e senza un processo regolare, direste che sto parlando di fantascienza e potrebbe essere la trama dell’ultimo film di Robert Zemeckis. Bene, trattandosi di Italia, forse sì, sarebbe fantascienza, per fortuna, e starei scrivendo cose insensate che non stanno né in cielo e neppure in terra. Ma se parlassi di Arabia Saudita, tutto prenderebbe una forma particolare, molto più reale e non sarebbe di certo un film.

Il governo del paese, infatti, nascondendosi dietro il pretesto della necessità di controllare la sicurezza nazionale contro il terrorismo e, soprattutto dopo gli attentati dell’11 settembre a New York, ha aumentato in modo impressionante gli abusi e le violazioni dei diritti umani. Questo comportamento incivile ha preso le sembianze di una vera e propria repressione dei dissidenti. Si ipotizza, senza la benché minima prova, l’esistenza di gruppi terroristici interni solo per colpire persone non allineate con il “pensiero governativo”. Sarebbe necessario, dunque, aumentare le pressioni sullo stato arabo da parte della Comunità Internazionale affinché la lega degli Stati Arabi riveda in fretta la Convenzione e modifichi i modi di repressione del terrorismo allineandosi alle norme internazionali che, anche se non in tutti i casi, cercano di seguire e rispettare la carta internazionale dei diritti dell’uomo.

Ma la cosa che fa più spavento è che la Comunità Internazionale poco o nulla può fare e questo a causa dell’enorme potere che l’Arabia Saudita ha nelle sue mani grazie al fatto di essere il maggior produttore di petrolio. La Comunità Internazionale non riesce nemmeno a conoscerli, figuriamoci ad opporsi agli abusi del governo arabo che risulta tutt’ora “intoccabile”, oltre che per motivi petroliferi anche perché, dato il suo enorme patrimonio economico, ricopre un ruolo strategico di partenariato commerciale a livello globale e questo succede soprattutto con i paesi occidentali e nello specifico con gli Stati Uniti. “Mani legate” della Comunità Internazionale, dunque, per necessità economiche. Risultato: Petrolio 3 – Diritti umani 0.

D- Ma il muro è caduto addosso a molta gente?

R- No, amore mio!

D- Ma come è stato? Sicuramente era stato fatto abusivamente. Ora dobbiamo andare ad aiutare gli abitanti di Berlino, dobbiamo fare come in Abruzzo e a Messina?

R- No, amore mio, non dobbiamo, è stato nel 1989.

D- Ma cos’è stato, un terremoto?

R- No.

D- Una frana?

R- Nemmeno.

D- Un cedimento?

R- No no, sono state le persone.

D- Delinquenti, vandali. Pensavo che i bulli ci fossero solo qui. E li hanno arrestati?

R- No, non sono stati vandali era gente comune che veniva dalla parte ovest e dalla parte est.

D- Un’imboscata?

R- No, una liberazione.

D- Ah, ora ho capito! Allora era il muro di una prigione?

R- Beh! In un certo senso si.

D- Quindi sono stati liberati?

R- Si, amore mio.

D- Ma allora ci sono più cattivi in giro?

R- No, non erano cattivi.

D- E perché stavano in carcere allora?

R- Non era un carcere, sono stati liberati da un sistema.

D- Un sistema?

R- Si, un sistema sbagliato.

D- Cioè?

R- Una società organizzata male.

D- Ah! Ma chi è stato liberato?

R- Gli abitanti di Berlino.

D- Quelli dell’est o quelli dell’ovest?

R- Eh… Entrambe, credo.

D- Ah, allora il muro chiudeva tutta la città, come una fortezza?

R- Nooo!, il muro divideva la città in due parti.

D- Si, ma la chiudeva anche come una fortezza?

R- No.

D- Ma, allora, in che senso sono stati liberati. Se potevano comunque uscire dalla città, non erano già liberi?

R- No, perché non potevano passare Berlino da una parte all’altra.

D- Ah, ma era perché il pedaggio era molto caro?

R- Eh! Diciamo che non c’era. Le persone hanno comunque provato ad attraversare il muro.

D- Come? Scavalcandolo?

R-  Si, ma, anche, facendo delle gallerie per terra. Passando di nascosto.

D- Ah! Come fanno gli extracomunitari per venire qui?

R- Non proprio la stessa cosa, ma simile.

D- Come fanno i Messicani per andare in America?

R- Si. La dinamica è la stessa. Col muro, con la gente che prova ad andare oltre di nascosto.

D- Ma, il muro di Berlino era stato costruito per difendere chi da chi?

R- Mah! Nessuno da nessuno.

D- E allora perché l’hanno fatto?

R- Stupidità.

D- Allora perché l’hanno costruito anche in America?

R- Non per difesa, sicuramente.

D- Ma perché gli americani del nord e quelli del sud non fanno come i tedeschi dell’est e dell’ovest?

R- Cioè?

D- Perché non lo buttano giù?

R- E chi lo sa! Amore mio, e chi lo sa!

D- Ma ci sono altri muri simili?

R- Eh! Si! Qualcuno.

D- Dove?

R- Fra l’Israele e la Palestina; tra Ceuta e Mellila, che sono due città spagnole che si trovano in Africa, e il Marocco, che a sua volta ne ha un altro che la separa dalla zona del Sahara Occidentale; c’è quello tra la parte turco-ciprota e quella greco-cipriota; ancora, fra la Corea del Nord e la Corea del Sud; poi, anche se in parte, c’è ne uno tra l’Arabia Saudita e lo Yemen; e ancora, quello fra il Kuwait e l’Iraq; anche tra lo Zimbabwe e il Botswana; e ancora fra la Tahilandia e la Malesia; poi c’è quello tra il Pakistan e l’Afghanistan, e fra l’India e il Pakistan, e, ancora, tra l’India e il Bangladesh. Ma c’è ne sono tanti altri che qualcuno vorrebbero tirar su.

D- E perché li hanno costruiti?

R- Sempre per stupidità.

D- E perché non li buttano giù?

R- Perché l’uomo è perseverante, molto perseverante. Amore mio!

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“As one of the leading tour companies in the U.S., we’re proud to become affiliated with this premier organization,” notes Cox & Kings Director of Sales, Dianna Upton. “Signature Travel Network’s excellent reputation and strong relationships with top travel agencies makes it a great partner for Cox & Kings. We look forward to working closely with Signature to deliver the highest level of service and value for our clients.”

About Cox & Kings USA
Founded by Richard Cox in London, 1758, Cox & Kings is the longest running travel company in the world. Specialists in both small group and private, customized tours, their Exquisite Cultural & Wildlife Adventures cover Africa, Indian Ocean, Asia & Pacific, India & Beyond, Latin America, and Arabia & Northern Africa.

CONTACT
Dianna Upton
Director of Sales
Cox & Kings
(480) 361-4471
dupton@coxandkingsusa.com

In the interests of a totally transparent review, I’m stating up-front that Trilby is a fellow Bookfox.  I’m also going to admit that I read a very early draft of Medina Hill a long while ago, although as in all early drafts the book is much changed now.

Whew… now that’s done, I can get on with sharing my love of Medina Hill.

This is a very different book to the ones I’ve been reviewing recently.  It’s been all werewolves and vampires and teen angsty stuff and I’m not really sure how that’s happened.  It certainly hasn’t been deliberate.  At the moment the marketplace is flooded with all these black and red covered teen romance novels, some of which I love, some I… well… don’t! So,when the opportunity arose to read something completely different, I jumped at the chance and was enchanted.

Medina Hill is set in 1935. Eleven year-old Dominic Walker has lost the power of speech, his mother is ill and his father has no job. Lively, oddball Uncle Roo arrives in the midst of this downtrodden family and whisks Dominic and his young sister, Marlo to Cornwall. There, Uncle Roo and his wife run a boarding house full of lovable, eccentric residents. Dominic, discovers a book called Incredible Adventures for Boys: Colonel Lawrence and the Revolt in the Desert, and his sister, Marlo, discovers a love of cooking. During the summer months the pair find a way of life completely removed from the hardships and stresses they faced in London. Dominic becomes obsessed with Lawrence of Arabia and he gets caught up in a village war against a band of travellers after silently befriending Sancha, a one legged gypsy girl.  When Dominic eventually finds his voice he discovers that it not only sets him free but it has far reaching repercussions.

Medina Hill is a superbly written historical novel for middle grade readers.  It’s marketed for teens, however I think it would appeal to readers 10 years and older. Think Michael Morpurgo or Enid Blyton-esque adventures. It’s an old fashioned tale but the concepts and ideas resonate well with children of today.  It’s about friendship, loyalty and sticking up for what you believe in.  All relevant lessons for our youngsters.  The characters in Medina Hill are absolutely wonderful, they leap off the page and I was just slightly disappointed the book wasn’t longer so we could get to know them all a bit better.  But then, I am a nosy grown-up and I do think the length was probably perfect for children.  One of the things that especially stood out for me reading Medina Hill was that it’s a book that involves every sense.  I could smell the Cornish countryside, hear the wildlife and when Marlo is on a cooking frenzy and bakes every single recipe in her book, I could taste her delicious creations…

Everything was coated with flour – even my sister. Pots, pans, and mixing bowls were piled up in the sink; breadboards, whisks, rolling pins, and labels were strewn across the counters: and on the refectory table, dozens of plates displayed a multitude of treats the likes of which I had never seen before.

“Those are blackberry tarts, next to the fairy cakes… and those are coffee biscuits, with rosebud madelines. Those are just boring old blueberry muffins,” explained Marlo, with surprising authority.

“And that?”

“What, the apricot flan? Or the butterscotch cake?”

“That one,” I pointed.

“Chestnut galette.  And chocolate loaf, lemon gateau, rubarb crumble, spice cakes… treacle duff, tipsy cake… plum pudding, cinnamon buns…” Marlo raised a finger thoughtfully to her lips, frowning. “The gooseberry clafoutis doesn’t quite look like the picture.  Or the Maderia cake.”

“Is that a Victoria sponge?”

“Mm.”

“What about that one with the cream?”

“Peach cream pie. Or these? They’re called profiteroles. That’s rosemary shortbread.”

“And trifle?”

“Raspberry,” nodded Marlo.

It was truly a majestic medley, each and every item turned out in its Sunday best.

… okay, who’s hungry now??

Medina Hill is a glorious read, full of warmth and extraordinary, vibrant characters. After picking it up, I didn’t put it down until it was finished.  If you’re looking for a book with a compelling story to give your children or grandchildren this Christmas, then look no further.  It’s all here… and it makes a refreshing change from books with black covers.

Medina Hill by Trilby Kent. Published by Tundra Books.  ISBN: 9780887768880.

las mamadas, la neta, esa cultura de weva :s , osea tanto como para llegar a esos extremo :s

Is this good news for Africa?:

‘Africa is getting a new ocean—in a million years, give or take.It’s starting with a 35-mile rift in the Ethiopian desert caused by the eruption of a volcano in 2005. The rift will eventually meet with the Red Sea, allowing the waters to spill in, say scientists.
‘The process is a small part of the separation of the African and Arabian tectonic plates, which have been moving away from one another at a rate of 1 inch per year for 30 million years, LiveScience reports.’

forrás: Weiss, Bernard G. – Green, Arnold H.: Az arabok rövid története; Kőrösi Csoma Társaság, Budapest, 2oo9;

1. Arabok az iszlám előtt (p. 21-22)

-          kezdetei a BCE. 1ooo körüli időkbe nyúlnak vissza

-          az arab (عربي) szó tevetenyésztő pásztorokra utal, akik az Arab-félsziget nyugati, északi és középső részein éltek, a beduin (بَدَوِيّ) szó szinonímája

-          a nomád arabok megélhetése teljes egészében a legeltetéstől függött

-          dél-arábiaiak: arabok csak az iszlám elterjedése előtti arabizálástól számítva

-          Arábia lakossága két nemzetségból áll a hagyomány szerint:

-          qaḥṭān –قحطان  - al-^cāriba – العاربة – akik délről vándoroltak be

-          ^cadnān -عدنان  - al-musta^criba – المستعربة – akik a félszigeten laktak

-          dél-arábiai nyelv: szábeus

-          Arábia határai: délről Dél-Arábia, északról a termékeny félhold (Róma, Bizánc 395-1453), keleten a szászánida Perzsia – 227-642, nyugaton a szeleukida Mezopotámia és Szíria, a ptolemaida Egyiptom

1. A régi arabok értékei és intézményei (p.23-26)

-          legfontosabb társadali intézmény a törzs – qabīla – قبيلة

-          ez klánokra – qawm – قوم – oszlott, amely pedig családokra, mindegyik család külön sátorban élt

-          az egyén önazonosságát a törzshöz tartozás adta, az individualizmus elképzelhetetlen volt

-          törzsi szolidaritás – ^caṣabiyya – عصبية-

-          egyén beduin eszmék: nagylelkűség – karam –  كرم -, vendégszeretet – ḍayf -ديف  -, becsület – ^cird – عرد -, ezek arra kötelezték a törzset, hogy felelősséggel viseltessen a szegények és gyengék irányában

-          egy törzs ideális létszáma kb. 6oo fő

-          genealógia – nasab – نسب  -, minden törzs számon tartotta a testvértörzseit; endogámia a leszármazás tisztán tartása érdekében

-          egy másik törzsebelinek vendégjog és védelem; kliens – mawāli – موالي  -

-          állatok: birka, kecske, teve, szamár, ló

-          minden év májusa és júniusa: nyári szálláshely kút vagy forrás közelében

-          egypupú teve: camelus dromedarius; háziasítása kb. BCE. 1oo körül

-          a vagyon mércéje: az állatok száma, a nyári szálláshely és víznyerők birtoklása, téli legelőkhöz való hozzáférés

-          portyázás – ġazwa – غظوة -

-          heti piac – sūq –  سوق-; a piaci nap vagy időszak fegyverszünet

-          a karavánutak melletti állomások piacként is működnek

-          a karavánutak mentén kialakul egy kiskereskedő réteg

Every christmas Arabia bring to the stores a new christmas Moomin Mug. This year it’s called christmas surprise. The price in Finland varies between 14-19€.

Christmas Mugs can be found from 1997-2002 Christmas greetings, 1999-2000 Milennium, 2004-2005 Christmas Mug, 2006 Winternight, 2007 Snowlantern, 2008 Winter bonfire, 2009 Christmas surprise.

2006 Winternight

2008 winter bonfire

My own comment:  I like the mugs from 2006 fwd because you can see they belong togehter, the same colours are used in all of them. I’ve all of these and I use them around christmas.

GRAN PREMIO DE ABU DHABI 2009, DOMINGO 1 DE NOVIEMBRE

PREVIA A LAS 6:00 AM,

FOX SPORTS, SKY 525, CABLEVISION 506

LA CARRERA A LAS 7:00 AM,

FOX SPORTS, SKY525, CABLEVISION 506

Abu Dhabi, EAU, Yas Marina, Formula 1 management LTD

Hemos llegado al final de la temporada. Este 1ero de noviembre marca la última carrera del año 2009, una temporada en la que nos encontramos con varias sorpresas como la de Brawn GP y Red Bull F1, quienes tuvieron autos muy superiores a los demás equipos durante todo el año, por el tercer lugar tuvieron que luchar equipos comoRenault, Ferrari, McLaren, Toyota, Williams y BMW.  Ya más abajo, Force India y Toro Rosso, a pesar de tener algunas carrera importantes, no figuraron mucho en la temporada.

Al llegar a Yas Marina, nos encontramos con un cierre de lujo. A pesar de que ya sabemos que el campeonato es de Jenson Button como campeón de pilotos y que Brawn GP es campeón de constructores; todavía nos quedan muchas emociones para saber quien se queda con el segundo lugar y quien es el primer ganador en esta nueva carrera en Abu Dhabi, ciudad impresionante en los Emiratos Arabes Unidos. Otro punto interesante es que esta carrera iniciará en la tarde y acabará en la noche (Hora local Abu Dhabi).

Seguramente todos los pilotos querrán ganar esta carrera inaugural en el circuito de Yas Marina rodeado de lujosos yates, con la pista que pasa por debajo de un hotel, con la salida a pits desde un tunel y con una de las rectas más largas de todo el calendario. No podríamos pedir un mejor cierre para esta loca temporada en la que por momento parecía el mundo al revés, con los poderosos McLaren y Ferrari en los puestos más bajos y con equipos pequeños en las alturas.

La temporada 2010 viene cargada de muchas más emociones así que disfrutemos este lujoso cierre de temporada y a esperar el 2010, que ya está muy cerca.

Skånes Auktionsverk, fd Anders Antik, har stadsauktion den 31 oktober. Då ropas bland annat denna fina oscarianska kristallkrona ut. Jag tycker formen är tilltalande och den är högre än vad den ser ut på bilden, 86 cm. Utropet är 2500 kr. Brevid är en lite ovanligare plåtburk från tidigt 1900-tal med höjden 30 cm. Plåtburkar är alltid roliga och denna pryder verkligen sin plats. Utropet är 200 kr.

Nedan är två ljusstakar i senempire. De är i mässing och har höjden 29 cm. Inte alls dumma men så är utropet också 2500 kr. Brevid är en vas från Upsala-Ekeby formgiven av Ingrid Atterberg. Jag vet inte när den tillverkades eller vad modellen kallas, men snygg är den! Höjden är 24 cm och utropet 500 kr.

Sista bilden kom med bara för att jag för länge sedan fått en sådan här porslinskvinna av min mamma. Skålen har jag inte. Men enligt katalogen är den från Arabia från 1930-talet. Och det var ju kul att veta. Utropet för setet är 300 kr.

Bling’s just not my thing.

President Barack Obama receives a gift from Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah during a meeting at the king’s farm outside Riyadh June 3, 2009.