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Thursday, February 11, 2010
Sahastrabahu Temple, Gwalior
Similar in style but different in sizes adjoining each other are dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Sahastrabahu.
The bigger temple was built by Mahipala, a Kachhwaha Rajput Prince of Gwalior in 1093 A.D. Unique feature of this temple is that even though it is several stories high, it is balanced solely with the help of beams and pillars without arches.
In the above shot, the beams inside the temple can be seen through the main entrance sculptured doorway. The doorways, ceilings and four huge pillars are sculpted with graceful figures and intricate patterns. The temple has an ornately carved base and the ceiling is an impressively carved dome.
The smaller temple is more elegant in appearance than the bigger temple and consists of an open-sided porch with a pyramidal roof. This temple is built on a platform, where as the bigger temple is not. This temple has a single level unlike the bigger temple.
59 comments:
- Kirigalpoththa said...
Grand looking temple!
- 14:01
- Aaarti said...
Wow, beautiful architecture.. looks like u travel quite a bit... Nice
- 18:10
- Vaggelis said...
your country is full of amazing architecture and great structures. and you show as through your great captures. i woyld like to visit those places someday
- 18:12
- Indrani said...
Very interesting!
Nice pictures too. - 18:39
- jabblog said...
There is so much intricate work in these buildings. The stonemasons were so very skilled.
- 18:41
- BLOGitse said...
Indian temples are incredible, amazing!
I like all the details and patterns.
Thanks for sharing!
BLOGitsePHOTOS - 18:46
- Rekhaa Prahalad said...
I am in awe! what rich heritage we have. wish was born in those times.
- 18:49
- Phivos Nicolaides said...
Adorable design and impressive architecture!
- 19:34
- Protege said...
I think what I find so intriguing about this architecture is the intricate details in the structures. Together with the sandy colour of the stone used they almost look as if built out of sand.
Zuzana - 21:14
- amatamari© said...
Absolutely fantastic: thanks for the wonderful shots!!!
:-) - 00:02
- eileeninmd said...
Amazing temples and photos. Thanks for sharing. Happy Skywatching!
- 01:04
- Xavi said...
Very beautiful temples, Rahesh.
Have a nice day. - 01:07
- Lene said...
Wow! That is really an amazing building! I sure would have liked to be there!
- 01:26
- Manang Kim said...
Oh wow this building is intricately made. Thanks for sharing!
Romantic Sunset - 01:27
- Gwendolyn L said...
Thank you for sharing your special place in the world. It is lovely. Thanks.
- 01:31
- Sylvia K said...
Magnificent captures as always, Rajesh! I would so love to visit the places you show us! Have a great weekend!
Sylvia - 01:42
- Steffi said...
Great pictures!Thank you for sharing and have a nice weekend!
- 01:51
- Brit Gal Sarah said...
Such beautiful and dramatic pictures.
- 01:54
- Postcards from Wildwood said...
They are indeed impressive structures, Rajesh. beautiful to look at, and especially to visit, I'm sure.
Janice. - 02:20
- indicaspecies said...
I've visited this place, and the Saas-bahu temple as it is popularly called is fabulous. You've got lovely pictures, thanks for sharing.
- 02:43
- eden said...
Such beautiful architecture. Great shots. And thanks for the history.
- 02:51
- ewok1993 said...
that is a perfect place to sky watch.
- 03:02
- joo said...
They are so beautiful!
- 03:41
- Eaglesbrother said...
Fantastic buildings there...such detail.
- 03:52
- Mark Kreider said...
The architecture of fantasy, so different and beautiful!
- 04:30
- LV said...
I have never seen a temple of this nature. It is so nice to see such interesting things in your part of the world.
- 06:39
- Diane AZ said...
Amazing architecture and carvings, very unique and beautiful!
- 06:45
- Pearl Maple said...
Amazing amount of details in the decorations on these buildings, thanks for sharing with us in Sky Watch Friday.
- 06:53
- Carver said...
Both of the temples are so beautiful and I love the way your photographs show off the intricate artistry.
- 08:47
- Lakshmi said...
Some day I must visit Gwalior..how far is it from del ?
- 08:58
- luna miranda said...
what an amazing temple...incredible India, indeed!
- 08:59
- SandyCarlson said...
Beautifully shot.
- 09:18
- Pooch Morning Glory said...
very nice rajesh. i am such a long way from india, but i hope one day to visit.
~laura - 09:36
- This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...
Rajesh: That is a beautiful structure in your light blue sky.
- 09:52
- Pietro said...
Fantastic temples! So beautiful detailed architecture! Great images!
- 10:30
- LadyFi said...
Amazing that something so huge can be so graceful!
- 11:11
- Japa said...
So grand and beautiful.
- 12:07
- Vicky said...
Great temple!!! Thanks for sharing!!! Have a nice SWF!!
- 13:21
- Lianne said...
such interesting architecture! i'm sure the details are amazing.
leethroughthelens.blogspot.com - 14:15
- magiceye said...
- 16:14
- Tarun Mitra said...
Your description accompanied with the photography is what brings me up every time to your site.. :)
Yearn to visit such places - 19:02
- Jacob said...
These are quite incredible. And very well built even if a bit untraditional by western standards...I mean they've been standing for about a thousand years.
I'm very impressed with the architecture and all the beautiful details! - 20:13
- ShySongbird said...
Hi Rajesh, It never ceases to amaze me how beautifully intricate the architecture is there, quite breathtaking!
- 20:17
- Dewdrop said...
Amazing. Truly stunning!
- 20:25
- Serendipity said...
Fabulous. I really enjoy pictures of India :)
- 02:29
- Andor Marton said...
Interesting and somehow strange architecture. Quite impressive.
- 03:31
- Jacqui said...
Wow - what can i say - a truly awesome building. Thank you for sharing this with us.
- 04:23
- Yogi♪♪♪ said...
Great shots of incredible buildings. Very unique.
- 04:36
- Pam said...
The temple is beautiful, Rajesh. Thank you for the wonderful journey.
- 06:27
- V Rakesh said...
Rajesh - thanks so much for this visual treat and an awesome tour! I'm very sure that I can visit some fine places by the grace of your blog!
- 07:55
- Regina said...
Another intricate architecture!
Thank you for sharing. - 09:48
- Louise said...
What absolutely amazing structures. The sky doesn't even matter to me when these are in the foreground. Excellent post!
- 09:57
- Onkar said...
Beautiful pictures and informative narration.
- 17:57
- fufu said...
wow stunning architecture!!
- 20:37
- Rajesh said...
Vaggelis, Lene, Sylvia, Laksmi, Laura: Thanks, I am sure you will definitely enjoy the visit.
Kirigalpoththa, Aaarti, Indrani, Rekhaa, Phivos, amatamari, eileeninmd, Xavi, Kim, Brit, Steffi, Janice, Gwenolyn: Thanks for the appreciation.
jabblog, BLOGitse, Protege: Thanks, even in those days they showed great skill.
Celine, Eden, ewok1993, Joo, Eaglesbrother, Mark, LV, Diane, Pearl, Carver, Luna, Sandy, Fishing Guy, Pietro, LadyFi: Thanks for the appreciation.
Japa, Vicky, Lianne, magiceye, Tarun, Jacob, Songbird, Dewdrop, Serendipty, Andon, Jacqui, Yogi, Pam, Rakesh, Regina, Lousie, Onkar, fufu: Thanks for the appreciation. - 10:51
- Deepak Acharya said...
very royal structure
- 11:12
- Melusine said...
Awesome shots of an old temple!
- 04:20
- Kcalpesh said...
Beauty of the ancient architecture really leaves me amazed....
Pixellicious Photos - 10:03
- Rajesh said...
Deepak, Melusine, Kcalpesh: Thanks for the appreciation.
- 10:49


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As part of the continuing celebration of our upcoming October 20th releases, R.G. and I have talked to bunch of our fellow authors about what makes vampires so alluring. The sensual appeal of vampires seems to be wide-spread, whether these authors love to write them, read about them, or watch them on film. I thought you'd all like to know what some of your favorite authors are thinking…
Incredibly prolific author Michelle M. Pillow is a favorite of readers everywhere, and I'm sure many of you have read her work! Be sure to catch her latest release, LAST MAN ON EARTH, from Ellora's Cave! Michelle says about vampires:
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'I'm drawn to the psychological aspects of the vampire story. All human beings 'feed' off each other as well as offer nourishment in the symbolic sense, meaning we draw off others' energies and give our own to sustain others. Doing this in a healthy way is the eternal battle of human beings. In it's darker aspects, it becomes the quandary of the vampire: how to live with an eternal thirst, how to tame the desire to take without harming…how to live with the gnawing fear that one can never give in return. '
The ever-fabulous Tawny Taylor's latest release is TORRID HUNGER from Ellora's Cave, Book 4 in her Twilight's Possession series. Tawny loves her vampires—and you will, too!
'To me, the vampire is the ultimate bad boy. He's dark, powerful, eternally young and his sensual appeal is irrevocably tied to the danger of falling under his seduction. Under the veneer of a polite, civilized exterior lies a feral beast with dark urges we long to explore and understand.'
Jennifer Colgan does love a hero with some bite-the first book I ever read of hers was her erotic werewolf tale, WOLFSBANE, still available from Amber Quill Press. Keep your eyes open for her next book, LA VIDA MUERTA, coming from Amber Quill in November!
Jennifer is a long-time lover of vampires (ooh-that didn't come out quite right-lol!).
'I've been a vampire fan since Joss Whedon introduced Angel…yum. I guess I've become addicted to heroes who bite. '
James Buchanan's erotic fiction is hot and sensual—and all male. He hasn't written any vampire stories (never say never, James!), but understands their irresistible appeal.
'Vampires are just hot. I don't write them, but I love to read them. The dark eroticism of blood play, the forbidden lure of ancient knowledge, vast power shackled to unbearable need, being immortal in a world that fades before your eyes: the rich tapestry of loss woven into a vampire is a sensual feast. Jean Claude, Armand, even Dracula all have tragic hero written throughout their characters and I just eat it up.'
Jina Bacarr is one of my fellow Spice authors. She often incorporates her own world travels into her exotic tales. Her current release, CLEOPATRA'S PERFUME, is available now, and she has more in store for us in February with THE BLONDE SAMURAI!
Jina had this to say about our favorite immortals:
'Imagine a tall, sexy vampire holding you close in a passionate embrace and inhaling the scent of your fragrant perfume. How can he ever forget you? He won't. Because he's a vampire, the memory of you will stay with him for eternity…'
Our friend, the gorgeous and talented Samantha Kane, has a new release tomorrow! PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM is the first book in the Cougar Challenge series from Ellora's Cave-and you know I love the sound of that, being an official cougar myself-meow! Here's what Samantha had to say:
'The reason I love vampires has nothing to do with the whole mystical blood-sucking thing. For me it's all about the dark, tormented soul of the ultimate bad boy. Evil? I think not. Just really, really misunderstood. ;-) Nothing the love of a good man or woman can't cure.'
Stephanie Draven writes hot, myth-based speculative fiction for Nocturne, so the idea of monsters roaming the earth and interacting with humans is something she's thought a lot about. Her latest is MIDNIGHT MEDUSA! Here are some of her thoughts:
I love taking ancient Greek stories, uncovering the primal associations and eternal truths behind them, and turning them into modern mythology. That's what I've done for gorgons, dryads and chimeras in the pieces I've written for Silhouette's Nocturne line. One thing I have yet to tackle is the vampire.
The modern idea of what a vampire is stems almost entirely from 18th Century Western European lore, but of course various legends of vampirism can be found in cultures all over the world and the vampires of Greek Mythology weren't even undead (which from my standpoint, makes them hotter because I like a lover with a heartbeat). What really fascinates me about Greek vampirism though, is how female-centric it is. Let's face it, not many of the ancient Greek city states held women in high regard, but it's plain that they feared women's sexual power. Their legends of vampires were about irresistible women who seduced young men to feed upon their blood–a cautionary tale about sex outside of marriage if ever there was one.
But when I think about the sexiness of vampirism, it isn't about the blood or the feeding. For me, it's the idea of an exchange of power. We all know people who we teasingly say "suck the life out of us." But we've probably also all felt the attraction to someone who needed us. Someone whose emotional (or maybe even physical) well-being relied upon something only we could give them. All these tortured alpha heroes in romance novels have this in common–they need nurturing that only the heroine can provide. And that taps something very deep in women because we feed people.
Whether it's nursing a baby or cooking a meal, women have always had this role which has deep biological and sexual roots. I think the sensuality of a vampire isn't only in that he's a predator, but that he is so needy. So in need of sustenance that he wants to take it from our body, and that's a hard thing to resist.
Kate Pearce writes hot, hot, hot and sensual stories-which anyone who's read her House of Pleasure series will know! Next up for her is SOME LIKE IT ROUGH, an anthology from the Kensington Aphrodisia line. We can't wait! Kate loves a good vampire story.
'I've always loved reading books about Vampires, from the classic Anne Rice, to L K Hamilton's Anita Blake series and most recently, the J R Ward Black Dagger Brotherhood. For me one of the big thrills is the immortality aspect, that Vampires have lived through the ages and survived to tell the tale, (although some of them still seem pretty dumb despite all that experience. :) ) When I got the opportunity to create my own Vampire Tudor world, complete with its own set of rules, I jumped at the chance!'
R.G. and I agree that there is just something incredibly sexy about a creature who is acutely aware of every nuance of human existence: the sound of a beating heart, the scent of blood, the irresistible fragrance of human skin. They are creatures of the night, of the dark, where anything can happen. Maybe that's why vampire stories are always so popular, why we love them, as writers and as readers.
We want to know what you think: what is it about these blood-sucking devils that we just cannot resist?
Everyone who posts today will be eligible to win! Those who are residents of the continental US can win a signed copy of my debut novel, THE DARK GARDEN. Those who live outside the US are eligible to win a copy of my e-book, BREAKING SKYE. (Just be sure to put into your post whether or not you are a US resident. Sorry folks, but shipping out of the country is expensive!).
And everyone who posts through our release date, October 20th, is eligible to win our October Grand Prize! We're not telling what it is just yet, but I promise it'll be grand-LOL! The Grand Prize will go to one of our most prolific posters, so don't be shy! You'll have to check back for the Grand Prize announcement, as well as excerpts from our books, R.G.'s MIDNIGHT FALLS, and my novella, THE SEEKING KISS!
Oh-and today's winner will be announced on Friday in the comments here, so you must check back to see if you've won!


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Jennifer Love Hewitt's mother has passed away.
Patricia, 67, had been battling cancer and passed away on Tuesday.
The news was confirmed by the Ghost Whisperer star's rep in a statement on Wednesday.
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Photo: Getty Images / Getty Images Entertainment / Alberto E. Rodriguez


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Ibanez SA160FM - Transparent Gray Burst - Good value for money
by Maytouk on 05-17-2013 06:39 PM
Strat modernized form. The one I tried was black. Asian manufacturing. 22 frets, HSS configuration, one volume, one tone. 5-way switch. Vibrato. Lightweight and well finished. Maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. Mahogany body and maple. Link for more info:
Stetsbar Pro II - Really good!
by charlou la fouine on 05-17-2013 06:11 PM
Vibrato Bigsby style but fits without modifying the guitar. So it's already a good start! It'll be 2 years that I use on a Flying V 98, as it is a limited edition I did not want to distort the guitar. I tried some vibrato (Bigsby, Fender, floyd), and this one is really surprising: ultra soft, light and perfect agreement provided to lubricate the nut a little or have mechanical locking ^ ^ What I like: the mouth of the machine, holding agreement, flexibility, ease of installation The "-" Maybe a little pricey I would do this choice on several of my guitars, if I had the money ^ ^
Arturia Analog Experience The Laboratory - What do I do?
by doublebass57 on 05-17-2013 05:12 PM
The product was recommended to me by a fellow musician. I bought it at Rennes in Level Crossing where I was assured that it was a Plug In Plug n Play reliable and efficient. It has never worked despite numerous correspondence with Arturia and the dealer. He always crash Cubase 5 full version, then Cubase 6 on a very powerful station. Steinberg refers to Arturia gives me some indication of configuration settings in Cubase and Arturia, but the product is unusable. I asked after a little over a year that my refund. I obviously recommend.
M-Audio Fast Track - super effective
by bounougounoufou on 05-17-2013 04:33 PM
I began by computer music I needed to register on my pc my voice and some guitars. it seemed to me a great deal. this is. the version I have is the fastTrack before, not the one in the photo. is the design that changes the characteristics do not change. comes with a simplified version of Ableton Live 6 at the time, once connected, it worked directly.
Gibson SG Standard - Ebony
by doodb on 05-17-2013 04:12 PM
Everything has already been said, but we will start: Body and mahogany / nitro lacquer Rosewood key 22 frets 2 Gibson humbuckers (490R / 498T) 2 volume / 2 tone (a couple micro) 3-position toggle switch Made in USA Difficult to give a note about this kind of topic for a guitar. We will put 10 because if you want a guitar to meet the spec: everything is
Maxon RTD800 Real Tube Overdrive/Distortion - best OD / DISTO
by florent83330 on 05-17-2013 02:16 PM
pedal switches 2, one for the trigger and the other end to the boost. This is a pedal with two channels: an overdrive, a distortion, via a small switch. boost foot switchable and adjustable intensity. noise reduction through small snap switch, with adjustable via a small screw in the pedal. all analog and especially lamp! true bypass. power is supplied.
PropellerHead Reason 6 - Complete!
by Nico76210 on 05-17-2013 06:04 AM
Simple installation cd with a USB as a serial number and authorization. J have an old PC but still acceptable but the software application of power ... J buy a Mac later! ;)
Line 6 Flextone II - My first real amp
by Nico76210 on 05-17-2013 05:51 AM
Transistor amp simulator amps clean a metal ... He was a 50w memory! J had hesitated with spider 1 ... (Yes this time!) But seeing your head spin with groups like korn, fear factory ... I wanted to approach these sounds m ... I have found the not bad ... The only problem was a vibration in hp distortion or high volume ... C was the beginning of a long way and line6 and progress has been made! The connection consisted of midday, an external speaker (from memory) the footswitch and the effects of different reverb / echo / flanger / phrasing / auto swell settings ... A good amp for beginners!
Yamaha P-105B - Unbeatable value for money!
by musiclol on 05-17-2013 04:57 AM
No MIDI!! Incredible! Few sounds, but an excellent piano sound (it's a bit on the main type of model) I am not using other sounds, whatever sometimes a little Rhodes is correct. Keyboard 88 keys feel very nice and easy to play (for only 11Kg)
Tung Sol 12AX7 - disappointed
by firemoon on 05-17-2013 04:45 AM
I just bought a tung ground I had a lot of opinions on the subject, I tried in my preamp and there misery, its metallic clack clack limit cold compared to my old JJ nothing to do, in fact I think people who leave opinions as Super, fabulous etc ... should indicate the style of music they make, and I think this type of lamp is used for metal screaming crying screaming bloody bloody death trash etc ... so not too much planned for his ZZtop rock type, at least save your euros and if you want a warm sound prefer JJ electro harmonix.
Elypse Guitars Pearl Bass - Black - Good for beginners.
by Mafiouu on 05-17-2013 03:58 AM
Manufacture: Asia Type: Electric Bass Form: Type P-Bass Body: Basswood Handle Type: Screw Neck: Maple Rosewood Number of Strings: 4 Number of Frets: 20 Bridge: Vintage Pickups: 1 P-Bass Electronics: Passive Volume Control: 1 Tone control: 1 Mechanical: Standard Hardware: Chrome Finish: Vernie Colour: Black (Source: Milonga)
American DJ MyDMX - Let there be light
by HStuder on 05-17-2013 03:51 AM
Initially I approached the DMX lighting console with Showtec 2412 as a facility for comfortable but the possibilities I quickly found limited by the number of DMX channels used, there are projectors that mobilize 10 channels of 12 is here short. So I went on a DMX interface on PC. My choice was oriented ADJ MyDMX because the side of price and features, this material seemed interesting. First, ergonomics may appear confusing, but with time to adapt handling becomes quite intuitive. With DMX must apply the image of the train and these wagons, each wagon is a projector that is added to the train, each car has compartments corresponding to the number of DMX channels. The big problem with this protocol is that once in place in the train it is possible to change a projector without shifting the following address and not disrupt programs. Aside from this dmx computer offers many possibilities. Mydmx1 this software is for small programming ranges because at above 200 or 300 is not that complex. The stability of the driver is problematic and can cause crashes, the latest in June 2012 seems a little more stable, but in XP you must disconnect and reconnect the USB for the interface is active, not very reassuring. Conclusion product allows learning dmx computer, but for intensive use, it is best to turn to professional products but the price is not the same.
Suzuki Overdrive - A UFO!
by dyjytal on 05-17-2013 02:12 AM
Hello everyone! I play the harmonica for a lil while, my little darling is the marine band crossover, for its power, because it ets a marine band, and especially the best set of plants for overbends I've ever met. So much for the presentations. I just got the overdrive, and ... Wow! It's just awesome. First, a few weak points: - The grip is a bit confusing, but with a little practice, chaqun should find a position that suits him. - It is not put in the hands of novice (this is a personal opinion), I think it is better to learn first "old". And if not, I feel I have a new tool in the hands. Apart calssiques alterations, if you mouth the right holes with your fingers, you can access: - The "normal" overbends, - Alteration to zm (but less attractive it is true) of valved harps (which I had just bought a pro master valved to try, pfff ... it's smart!) - And even at zm overbends (when sucked into the holes 1-6 and blow holes in 7 to 10) Is all a range of new sounds to explore, lots of notes redundant for more expressiveness in short, happiness! It is also worth pointing out that any "normal" notes (including impairment) sound like a good blues harmonica (which is not the case of many harps unconventional) In short, it is my pleasure to be able to play a good old color 10 holes. Oh and the look is nice. For cons, I am very disappointed by the fragility of the box that serves as case: broken when the package arrives ... One of the pages that gave me want to buy (in English text): http://www.patmissin.com/ffaq/q25.html
Thorens TD166 MKII - Reliable quality
by berl on 05-17-2013 02:01 AM
Purchased in 1979, still in operation: the reliability and quality are waiting for you. It is in good range of equipment, musical characteristics were excellent and always face the correct CD ;-) I changed the belt twice, only wearing part. I changed the cell for Shure M95EDM that suits me well. Anyway the original cell was not terrible in my memory (distant). I had other decks before it, and once I got my Thorens I have changed more. I must say that I reduced listening to vinyl with the arrival of CD, but I still have a collection of hard trad. who have never been emerged on CD and I always enjoy ... and "CLOCS and scratches" black discs. Pros: reliability, musicality, look (deliciously 80ies), parts always available ... the -: very sensitive to movements despite his heavy plate on suspension.
Dune Lights PL-001/30W - LED effect, nice but quite expensive.
by berl on 05-17-2013 01:53 AM
Bought in 2012 on a whim (a promo ...) to illuminate a small stage. It's nice and RGB LEDs are powerful enough but it's still a small effect 6 x 5 watts ... therefore not intended to illuminate a scene, but to add to a traditional lighting (or LED) or to host a party "at home". So the record is nice, but it's still expensive for its price (about 300 euros). I love the ease of implementation and simple, automatic programs. The link 230 is also significant. Quite powerful LED. I do not like: as mentioned above, it is an effect. As such I find it expensive, or not powerful enough for its price.
Biggest Ever Audio Mixing Contest is ON!


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text: I think it would naive to consider that no one in usa weightlifting has used to get themselves near the top. They may stop once there when all the drug tests start, but I don't believe for a second EVERY lifter that attended the olympic trials this year has never touched a banned substance. My opinion of course which probably doesn't mean much. Doping is unfair for everyone, EVEN THE ATHLETES THAT DOPE IN MANY INSTANCES. Systemic doping in impoverished countries such as china and bulgaria is downright wrong. The athletes may not want to take drugs but when it comes down to it they need to in order to put food on their tables or go work at a dry cleaners. Which would you choose?This is what sports have become, not just weightlifting. I've said it before and I'll say it again. A crossroads will soon come in our culture where people will have to decide how far they are willing to go to stop drug use in sports or if they will just let it go on and accept it. Part of me thinks that anti doping will just change to anti gene doping and sports will just become freakshows allowed people to juice as long as they dont gene dope. Look at the recent success of strongman, its a freakshow and considerably more popular than any strength sport around right now. Who knows though, new generations, new ideas. We will see in 20 years or maybe less because the anti doping campaign will change a lot by then whether it be for good or for bad.If Paul didn't have such influence on young kids I would treat it like I would any other lifter. USADA did their job and busted him. Who cares, he won't be the first or the last to use or get busted for it. Don't try to ruin his life over it, people do a lot worse things. The fact that he influences kids is where it gets to me a bit. You should be more responsible in that case. You may argue that well Dmitry Berestov influences kids too! Well go read the russian boards. Dmitry berestov or not these kids are raised to understand that doping is how the best athletes get there while in the usa it is covered up. Completely different cultures.


text:
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Just when we thought some of the most embarrassing trends from fashion's past were long gone, they make an appearance once again in magazines, department store windows, and probably even on the girl standing in front of you in the grocery store line. Whether we like it or not, fashion does in fact, repeat itself in cycles. Yes, these trends are happening and there is no stopping them.
First up: Clog Heels
I'm not sure that I even liked this trend the first time around, but they are back and very popular it seems. The chunky, wooden heels are available in open and closed toed styles and are now more accessorized than previously with anything from bronze studs to straps and buckles. I have to admit, some of the shoes I have seen are pretty darn cute especially when paired with the right outfit, but I cannot get over the fear of the pain my feet will feel after 15 minutes of being pressed against solid wood. Then again, beauty is pain..right?
Next: Denim Jackets
Personally, I don't know why this trend ever stopped being a trend and am glad that it is back. It used to be that if you saw one denim jacket, you'd seen them all, but that simply is not the case anymore. Now there are hundreds of patterns, colors, washes, and lengths that are available which makes it a must have staple piece in every woman's closet.
The wide variety is what makes wearing this trend fun and easy. Denim on top can be fun, but beware of the "too much denim" felony. If you wear denim on top, you should be very careful not to match your bottoms with the exact same shade of denim; I loved Saved By The Bell's Zach Morris with a passion, but let's be honest, his denim on denim look is a definite deal breaker.
Continuing on: Printed Leggings
Leggings have sustained their popularity for awhile now beginning with plain black, followed by other solid colors. Now, leggings have fully reappeared with wacky prints and patterns. If you have the guts to wear these skin tight pieces of art, more power to you, but I cannot go any further than a solid color no more than half way up the color wheel. The great thing about this trend is that they can be worn with just about anything like dresses and long tunics while still being unbelievably comfortable. I love to pair mine with ankle boots and an oversized button up with a belt around the waist.
Next: Crop Tops
Just saying the words "Crop Tops" takes me back to the plaid skirts and "as-ifs" of the ever so popular Clueless. Crop tops used to be really fitted and tight to the body, but now they are a bit more loosely fitted and even drape off of one shoulder for some. I think a big reason these tops are back on trend is because they allow a woman to look effortlessly chic.
Whether worn with a little tied bow in the front, as more of a bodice, or off the shoulder like I mentioned earlier, you can look trendy and put together without spending a lot of money or risking comfort for style. A major plus about this trend is that if you are uncomfortable with showing your midsection like so many women are, it is completely fine to wear an oversized crop top and still rock it.
Last but not least: Bodycon Dresses
Can anyone say, "90210″? I swear if it were not for the lack of teased hair and dark lipstick, I would think I was in a bad 90′s movie when I see girls strutting their stuff in a short, tight bodycon dress. While these dresses are fun and very cute, they are not for every body type nor are they very versatile. Aside from nights out at the club, this trend will not remain popular for too much longer. On the flip side, I love the details on some of these dresses like exposed zippers and multi back straps. These details give the dress a personality and spunk just like the brave girls wearing them.
Lovelies, which "Blast from the Past" trends are you excited about and which ones do you wish would have just stayed in the past?
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Australian Journal of Rural Health
© National Rural Health Alliance Inc.
Edited By: David Perkins
Impact Factor: 1.0
ISI Journal Citation Reports © Ranking: 2011: 38/97 (Nursing (Social Science)); 42/99 (Nursing (Science)); 111/158 (Public Environmental & Occupational Health)
Online ISSN: 1440-1584
Recently Published Issues
Current Issue:June 2013
Volume 21, Issue 3
Volume 21, Issue 2
Volume 21, Issue 1
Volume 20, Issue 6
Volume 20, Issue 5
Rural Workforce Research, March 2011
Australian Journal of Rural Health - Calls for Papers
Australian Journal of Rural Health - Top Cited papers since 2010
Improving the mental health of rural New South Wales communities facing drought and other adversities
Craig Richard Hart, Helen Louise Berry, Anne Maree Tonna
Mental health and well-being within rural communities: The Australian Rural Mental Health Study
Brian J. Kelly, Helen J. Stain, Clare Coleman, David Perkins, Lyn Fragar, et al
Mental health impact for adolescents living with prolonged drought
John G. Dean, Helen J. Stain
Systematic review of effective retention incentives for health workers in rural and remote areas: Towards evidence-based policy
Penny Buykx, John Humphreys, John Wakerman, Dennis Pashen
Distress among rural residents: Does employment and occupation make a difference?
Lyn Fragar, Helen J. Stain, David Perkins, Brian Kelly
Australian Journal of Rural Health - Top 2011 Downloaded Papers
Nursing workforce in very remote Australia, characteristics and key issues
Sue Lenthall, John Wakerman, Tess Opie, Sandra Dunn
Rural men's subjective well-being and the role of social support and sense of community: Evidence for the potential benefit of enhancing informal networks
Stephanie M. Kutek, Deborah Turnbull, A. Kate Fairweather-Schmidt
Measuring rural allied health workforce turnover and retention: What are the patterns, determinants and costs?
Marita Chisholm, Deborah Russell, John Humphreys
Survey of the rural allied health workforce in New South Wales to inform recruitment and retention
Sheila Keane, Tony Smith, Michelle Lincoln, Karin Fisher
Stress and anxiety associated with lack of access to maternity services for rural parturient women
Jude Kornelsen, Kathrin Stoll, Stefan Grzybowski
It's not just about the HbA1c, Doc! Understanding the psychosocial is also important in managing diabetes?
Charlie Greenfield, Marisa Gilles, Cynthia Porter, Peter Shaw, Kathy Willis


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"One of the finest audiobooks I have heard"
I had already read and enjoyed Wolf Hall, but wanted to experience it through a narrator as well. I am so glad that I did! This is hands down, one of the best audiobooks in my library. Simon Slater is a marvelous narrator. Although it took me a little while to get used to his 'Cromwell' voice, it made me feel as if I actually was getting to know the man. For those unfamiliar with the story, Cromwell is the protagonist and it shows him as a man who is caught between beliefs and the king and with a huge desire to protect his family, pay back the nobles who brought down his beloved master Cardinal Woolsey and to advance and safeguard his country. In most histories, Cromwell is shown as a scheming, grasping man and Thomas Moore, despite the atrocities he committed in the name of his religious beliefs is almost always shown as a saintly character.
Not so here- Moore is a sanctimonious academic snob who bullies his household. Cardinal Woolsey is a wealthy and satisfied prince of the church before his downfall, but also kind and wise. Simon Slater's voices for ALL of his characters are wonderful, but he outdoes himself with Moore and Woolsey.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough if you are interested in history, religion and politics and learning the many different viewpoints of this time period, as well as a wonderful slice of how life was lived in the 1500s in England. Simon Slater is such an excellent narrator- I will be seeking out his work on other books. His voice, coupled with the excellent writing made me fall just a little in love with ugly Thomas Cromwell!
"A fascinating viewpoint of the 1920s"
The narrator seemed to get Zelda Fitzgerald's 'voice' spot-on. I am very familiar with many writers and artists from this time period, and Zelda Fitzgerald is often dismissed as a sort of appendage to her husband, or as someone who held him back. While both of these things are at least partially true, this book helps to give a much more nuanced portrait, not only of Zelda herself, but also of her husband and the world they lived in. It made Zelda not just sympathetic and likable, but also really gave me some insight into the qualities that made her so irresistible to her husband and the generation she came to help represent.
Zelda! Scott doesn't come off at his best here, I've always thought Hemmingway sounded like a jerk, and although all of these Jazz Age people are very well-drawn, it is a book about Zelda, after all, and her perspective is really interesting. There was a lot more to her than I had realized.
If you enjoy reading authors of the 1920s or that period in history, you may already be familiar with many of the characters here and I think you will find a fascinating interpretation here of their personalities. If you have only heard a little about Zelda Fitzgerald, as the famous flapper married to the brilliant and troubled Scott, you will find a much deeper portrait of her as a person. Either way, it is a charming and engrossing listen.
"Excellent non-biased military history"
I felt that the author managed to convey a lot of information about how our military and our attitude to it as a nation and a government has changed- and that those changes have not been accidental. I felt that the book was mostly very non-partisan and feel that a person of any political opinion could read it and find the factual information fascinating. Also, it was pretty funny in some parts- definitely not a dry, dully recited history.
I have seen her show on tv a few times, but have not heard her read before. She reads very clearly and with great humor and character. She is able to deliver facts and history in a lively way that really shows how they relate to current real world situations.
I believe that anyone, of any political persuasion, could not fail to be moved by her final chapter of how the lives of our soldiers have changed and the negative effects on they and their families. Her points about how much easier it is for us to go to war and how so many of the 'improvements' of the military complex have not really made things better for our serving military personal and their families was deeply touching and disturbing to me.
I think a lot of people might automatically not want to hear or read this book because of the author and pre-conceptions about her positions and political views. All I can say, is I encourage you to listen to this book, no matter what end of the political spectrum you sit on. I believe there is information here that is important for Americans especially to know, if you are interested in how your country is run and goes about the business of going to war. It is much more than black and white ideology and Maddow does a very good job of showing that with both humor and seriousness. I believe there is a lot to absorb and discuss here, and that people of all political beliefs will find a great deal of information that may be new to them and give them a broader perspective.
"A classic"
Not better, but the closest thing to reading it that I have found.
I think in many ways, you cannot compare Tolkien to other fantasy series, because so much of what has been written later is based, however loosely, upon his ideas, which have become fantasy 'standards. Listening to this book is almost more like hearing a work of history- Tolkien seems as concerned with the history and reality of his world as with the story.
I have not listened to him before, but his rich voice give this performance a gravitas that works very well with the material. You are at once both hearing a story and feel as though you are listening to something of great importance. His character voices are good and his descriptive reading is a pleasure to listen to.
No, I have been listening to it in stages while driving, which has been perfect for me.
This brings back to me the importance of these books, both as literature and to me personally. It is a pleasure to hear someone else read a book that I am so familiar with. Not only because it is so well read, but also because of the little differences in how things are read, and to hear remembered phrases or sentences that come back to me. Overall, no Tolkien fans should deny themselves the pleasure of listening to this edition.
"The best book- and audiobook- for 2012"
Incredibly moving without ever being maudlin or fake. Funny and tragic and wonderfully written.
The realism of the characters. I know a kid who fought cancer and is still with us, so I could appreciate the gallows humor of the Cancer Perks, the ruthless practicality of parents and doctors, the support of friends- and the ultimate futility of all of it. To term this as just a YA book is an insult. It is a fine, fine novel for anyone who wants to be moved and provoked to think about the world in a different way.
Her voice was spot-on as Hazel Grace and as the other characters. Her inflections, which changed with characters' health or personal situations, her accents, everything was perfect. I can honestly say that I cannot imagine a better narration of this book.
"You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world...but you do have some say in who hurts you. I like my choices."
This is a quote from the book. Hazel, who has terminal cancer has pushed away Agustus, because she sees herself as an emotional grenade- a time bomb that can only, in the end, bring pain to her parents and anyone who cares for her. The quote above is Gus's reply.
I read a lot of books and many of them are very good. But I continue to be moved and provoked to think about one that I finally feel I have to designate as the best book I read in 2012. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green is not only as good as all the reviews have said, but better. If you've ever known someone who is terminally ill, read it. If you have a teenager, read it. If you've loved someone and lost it, read it. And- if you've already read it, listen to the audio version, read by Kate Rudd. It has just wrecked me all over again, in the best possible way that a book can suck you in and spit you back out. There is so much painful and beautiful truth, as well as teenage characters written with honesty and great warmth and humor. Don't deny yourself the experience- read and listen to The Fault In Our Stars today.
"Splendid :) A real treat!"
I've loved this book for years for its elegant prose and detailed and interesting world and sense of honor, danger and romance. It is a great example of the 'show don't tell' theory of storytelling and really sets the standard for classic modern fantasy.
I've never been a huge fan of full cast recordings of audiobooks. I find many of them to be sort of overdone- all the background noise, various voice actors, etc. can just turn the story into a mish mash that can ruin the prose you enjoyed in the book in the first place.
So when I read that Swordspoint was being produced with a full cast, I was not enthused. Until I saw that it was being produced by Neil Gaiman and read by Ellen Kushner herself. I knew that if anyone could do it up right, it would be these two and my trust in them more than paid off.
This is simply lovely- deliriously fun and witty and clever to listen to. The background noise and actors are unobtrusive and a perfect counterpoint to Ms. Kushner's reading as well as the other actors who also portray the main characters. If you love fantasy, just get it and let yourself fall into Riverside. You'll be glad you went.
"This is abridged!!!! Too Bad!"
This book has been a favorite of mine for years. My son is almost 13 and I thought it would be perfect to listen to during a car trip. Well, it was- sort of.
The story is eerie and wonderful and takes you back in time to the US of the 1960s in a way that reminds me a little of To Kill A Mockingbird. The narrator, Richard Thomas is wonderful, his voice, accents and characters all completely believable and compelling.
So why does it only get 3 stars? It is ABRIDGED. I should have noticed before I bought it how short the audible book was, but I was so happy to see it that I didn't. This version cuts out much of the richness and texture and magical realism of the original novel, leaving you with a sort of cockeyed murder mystery story- still enjoyable, but so so disappointing to anyone who has read the book.
Buy this if you want a great introduction to Robert McCammon- and then join me, as I am sure you will want to, in asking Audible to give us the REAL book, and not this poor cut up imitation.
"A perfect book to listen to!"
The Chaperone is just wonderful! I try to be an unbiased reviewer and I can honestly say that this has been a marvelous listening experience. The book itself is touching, charming and a fascinating view of an interesting time in our history. It a story about people coming into themselves- stretching out and finding out what they can do and be. It is moving and funny by turns and the writing just flows along so beautifully that you find yourself floating on a river of words and suddenly you are near the end and don't want it to be over!
The writing is excellent, but a lot of the credit must go to Elizabeth McGovern's inspired performances. Her voice is so perfect- not only for Cora, the main character, but for all of the people and accents and situations she conveys to us. McGovern's voice has both charm and gravity- she compels you to listen. I cannot praise her performance here too highly- she really conveys the essence of the novel's emotions with every word.
The Chaperone goes right up at the top of my vocal performance list- I will be looking for future novels from this author and for other books narrated by Elizabeth McGovern.
"Wow on every level"
There are few books that remain as interesting or as good to read or listen to years after they were published. The Stand is one of those books. Any references to the time in which the book is set only serve to add to a nostalgia for all that the world has lost or how things have changed.
Just as many books can disappoint if one goes back to them years after a first reading, not many narrators could hold up to the marathon of characters, situations, accents and subplots that are encompassed by The Stand. But Grover Gardiner is more than up for the challenge- he is simply brilliant. I was familiar with his excellent work on Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan series, and therefore had very high expectations of his narration here. He surpassed my expectations in every way. His accents are dead on, whether twanging or subtle and he continues to be one of the most believable male narrators when voicing women (in my opinion). He can convey menace, fear, joy or reverence with just a word and I cannot recommend his skills enough- this book just gives him so much to work with and shows off his talents so very well.
But the book itself... well, Mr. King has written some very good things over the years and some not-so-great things, but I do believe this is one of his stand-out works. This is a book I remember reading in high school and feeling that it really taught to to THINK for the first time about the larger implications of what I was reading, even as I was both scared and entertained by it. A lot to live up to in later years, but I am finding the listening experience now to be just as rich, both as entertainment and as thought- provoking material. The language veers from armchair philosophy to the possible supernatural, to the horrors that man perpetrates upon other men with no prompting needed from any outside force, to mundane, everyday concerns like where do you find a washboard to hand wash clothes with, or how do you get power generators running again?
In a post-Katrina world, I found the parts of the book detailing the Burial Committee of the Boulder Free State and their marking of the houses and descriptions particularly eerie- they were very similar to what had to be done in the 9th Ward after the hurricane and considering when this book was written seemed almost prescient.But that is just one detail of what is a rich and detailed picture of a great battle for humanity, in all the large and small ways possible.
This is a long listen, and not unlike The Shining, can be so intense at times that I have broken away from it for a lighter book on occasion. But the material is so dense and fascinating, I cannot stay away for long. This is an audio masterpiece on every level.
"Two issues to address: narration and story"
I have never read any of the Honor Harrington series, so I did not have any fan axes to grind about pronunciation, etc. I was a little put off by other reviews complaining about the pronunciation of 'Manticorian' even when the author himself had posted a note explaining that any mistakes were ENTIRELY his fault and not the narrator's.
However, I must say that the narration IS something of an issue in the beginning of the book and during any non-dialog, exposition type scenes. The descriptions 'robotic' or 'newscaster-ish' are both completely true, IMO, for at least the first few chapters.
BUT- I do feel that the narrator really nailed the main character's voice and I found her voices for other characters to be easy to differentiate from one another and I had no issues with her accents. So for voices, I say she is fine, just rather bland in non-dialog scenes.
Somewhere around the fifth or sixth chapter, the narrator seems to get much more comfortable with the material and sounds less wooden. When the story improves and gives her more of interest to narrate, her voice warms up considerably.My instinct feels that her narration for the series will only improve as she continues on with these characters in later books.
I would have regretted putting this audiobook down early because of my frustration with it in the beginning chapters.
And not all of the things I didn't like can be laid at the narrator's feet either. I know this is a beloved series, and being a huge Vorkosigan fan, having been told this was similar space opera, I thought I would try it.
Although the character of Honor is likable enough, she is sort of a huge sci-fi chick cliche in some ways. She is about 40 standard- but looks 20 something. She is not classically beautiful, but the 'planes of her face' and 'deep chocolately brown eyes' and 'light soprano' all make her much more attractive than she seems to realize. She doesn't wear makeup or bother with doing her hair, but always looks crisp and attractive- you know the type of female we're talking about.
In fact, one of the things I found most irritating to listen to in the first several chapters is the ENDLESS way that her light soprano, ivory planes of her features and especially her deep chocolate brown eyes get inserted needlessly into paragraphs over and over again.
I get it that the author likes Honor and wants us to like her- but I also got what color her eyes were, how her voice sounded and the basic description the first five times you told us. It gets almost romance novel-ish the way it goes on- and not in a good romance-novel way.
Also, she has a magical (read sci-fi telepathic) six legged kitty cat! Which, ok, cool, I would love one, but it does seem a bit twee for a science fiction series. But I'm willing to suspend judgement here, because it seems like the tree cat might be more important to the series later on and it sort of reminded me of Pip and Flinx, which I loved as a kid.
But again- I kept listening and ignored these annoying little tendencies, and hurrah! I have been rewarded with a very entertaining sci-fi yarn with an engaging heroine, a relatively complex plot and well-written space battle and political scenarios.
The basic plot of new commander having to win over the ship's crew to her and fighting against the odds is nothing new, but Weber gives it an interesting enough spin and things liven up considerably once the Fearless is assigned to Basilisk Station.
Since this is the first in the series, I am willing to forgive it a few snags in the startup, and will be getting the next book. I can't say for sure that Honor and her kittycat and crew will become my new favorite space series, but this book turned out well enough that I am willing to ship out with them for another voyage.
"Where is the rest of Dorothy Dunnett's work???"
I believe Dorothy Dunnett to be one the greatest writers of historical fiction who ever lived. This audio production of the Disorderly Knights more than lived up to the material of the original book. It was beautifully read and paced and completely engrossing.
For those not familiar with the series, this is the 3rd book in the famous Lymond Chronicles- a series that follows the sometimes erratic but always brilliant career of Francis Lymond, the younger son of a Scottish family during the years of constant border skirmishes and plots with the English, French and Irish as young Mary, Queen of Scots is raised in France, while her mother desperately tries to hold Scotland's throne for her and keep her restless nobles in line.
Into this mess of history comes Francis Lymond- who is witty, cultured, deadly and terribly troubled about the history of his family. All the characters in this book, whether made up or historical, are so finely drawn, and so believable, you will feel that you are PART of the time you are reading about.
This is not a light read or listen, but detailed, well crafted historical fiction that demands that you give it your attention. But you will be so enthralled with Lymond and his contemporaries that should not be a problem.
The biggest complaint- Audible! This is the THIRD book in a series of six! It makes me sad to think some listeners might be turned off because they have to jump in at the middle of the main character's story! I still think it will hold listeners' interest, but there are a lot of things that happened in the first two books that are referenced.
Why isn't this entire excellent series available??? It should be- if you listen to the Disorderly Knights and agree with me, please message Audible to try and get the rest of the books!


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National issues: Massachusetts defeats assisted suicide
Friday, 16 November 2012 00:00
Massachusetts voters narrowly defeated a "death with dignity" measure, rejecting attempts to legalize assisted suicide.
Pew Study: Obama has qualified edge in religious groups
Friday, 16 November 2012 00:00
President Barack Obama's reelection saw him earn support among Catholics, Protestants, Jews and those of other faiths — but not as strongly as in 2008 when he defeated John McCain.
Curriculum aims to help students understand range of life issues
Friday, 09 November 2012 15:18
The pro-life issue "is one of most important issues our culture faces" and "we thought the time had come for someone to take it as serious as math or science or English," said one of the developers of a new curriculum with that aim.
Survey: Catholics urge more focus on social justice
Friday, 09 November 2012 00:00
A large national study on faith and political views released Oct. 23 highlighted Catholics' interest in having social justice take a bigger role in the church's policy priorities.
Catholic-owned Michigan firm wins injunction against mandate
Friday, 09 November 2012 00:00
A federal district court judge in Ann Arbor granted a Michigan business, Weingartz Supply Co., a temporary injunction from the Health and Human Services' contraceptive mandate.
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The original 1973 TV movie is not all that scary but it is a little weird
It's standard practice on home video to cash in on whatever chips the studio has in the vault whenever the opportunity comes, especially when it comes to sequels and remakes. But with the drop in DVD sales (and the subsequent loss of shelf space in the major retailers) over the past couple of years, more of the vault titles are being sidelined into the less costly (for the studios) manufacture-on-demand release streams.
So, with Guillermo del Toro's "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" hitting theaters this weekend, the original 1973 TV movie is back on DVD (well, DVD-R) through the Warner Archive in a new "Special Edition" (at lead by MOD standards).
No, it's not a lost masterpiece, but it is fun. Young marrieds Kim Darby and Jim Hutton move into an old house with a secret locked away in a boarded-up room. William Demarest is the amiably crusty old carpenter who warns them that "Some things are better left as they are," advice they predictably ignore. Their renovations unleash a small swarm of mumbling demons in furry jumpsuits and rubber masks (they look like cousins to the gremlin from the "Twilight Zone" episode "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet," but with creepy shriveled heads). Hutton comes off as the worst kind of paternalistic husband, patronizing in one scene, scolding her like a fed-up parent in the next as the creepy little demons (who carefully hide themselves from all other eyes) hound her to distraction and terror.
Plus 'Bambi II,' 'Rounders' and 'Hostage'
The DVD editions came out in June. Now "The Women in Cages Collection" (Shout! Factory), a collection of three Roger Corman-produced exploitation films of the seventies, debuts on Blu-ray. Cult filmmaker Jack Hill directs "The Big Doll House" and "The Big Bird Cage" and Pam Grier is featured in all both films plus "Women in Cages." Videodrone's review is here.
When out-of-work actor Jon Favreau tired of waiting for his big break, he decided to go the Sylvester Stallone route and write his own. The result was "Swingers" (Lionsgate), the 1996 indie hit that launched the careers of Favreau, Vince Vaughn and director Doug Liman. Favreau plays the sad sack of the bunch of aspiring LA actors still hung up on the girl back home who broke it off. His happy-to-help buddies (led by the would-be smoothie of a ladies man Vaughn) drag him from one nightspot to another, plying him with cocktails while coaching him in the ways of the swinger. Full of wry humor, knowing references and dead-on guy talk, "Swingers" is a snapshot of a time in the American indie culture where they made the kinds of films that the studios had given up on: small character pieces with genuine characters, and now it makes its high-def debut. That is so money, baby.
Features all the supplements from the previous DVD special edition: two commentary tracks (one with director Doug Liman and editor Stephen Mirrione, the other with writer/star Jon Favreau and co-star Vince Vaughn), the four-part documentary "Making It in Hollywood," five deleted scenes and the short film parody "Swingblade," a mock trailer which drops the mumbling dimwit Karl (of "Slingblade") into the hip LA scene, complete with button-up short, hiked-up pants and guttural communication: "You are so money, baby!" "Mm hmmmm."
Did you know there's a sequel to "Bambi"? Sixty years after the debut of Disney's masterful animation classic came the 2006 "Bambi II" (Disney), a direct-to-DVD sequel that fills in the time after Bambi's mother is shot by hunters and his father, The Great Prince, teaches him the ways of the forest. Bambi's beloved friends Thumper, Flower, Owl and others return for the adventure. It arrives in a Blu-ray+DVD Special Edition this week, along with featurette "The Legacy Continues," a deleted song, an optional subtitle Trivia Track and set-top games and activities for young viewers among the supplements.
"Rounders" (Lionsgate) stars Matt Damon as a former poker hustler trying to lead a straight life as a law student and Edward Norton as a sleazy, scamming buddy (appropriately named Worm) who pulls him back into the gambling world. Director John Dahl makes the most of the masks, moves, and double dealing by the characters. He understands the gambler's motto -- you don't study the cards, you study the person -- far better than the hackneyed script does. Dahl, Damon and the cast carry the film through the narrative hoops. John Turturro and Famke Janssen cut fine performances from their roles, John Malkovich hams it up shamelessly with a flamboyant Russian accent, Gretchen Mol is lovely window dressing, and Martin Landau brings dignity to a plot device. Features two commentary tracks and featurettes on the film and on the world of professional poker.
In "Hostage" (Lionsgate), Bruce Willis is an aging, burned-out L.A. hostage negotiator who has retreated to a job at a sleepy county sheriff's department but pulled back in when a pair of joy-riding teens (led by Ben Foster) turn a home invasion into a hostage situation with Willis' family in the middle. There's an air of terrifying plausibility for much of its running time, especially when Willis sweet talks a spunky adolescent boy into harm's way (his voice almost cracks as he puts this boy's life on the line to save his own family), but it loses its credibility when Foster goes on the hunt like a blood-simple psycho with the moves of a movie spymaster. Director Florent Siri has a tough style and an unforgiving attitude, but it gets drowned in the queasy blood lust. Features director commentary, deleted and extended scenes with optional commentary by Siri and a featurette.
And don't forget Koreyoshi Kurahara
"The Warped World Of Koreyoshi Kurahara (Eclipse Series 28)" (Criterion) is an introduction to another of the lively directors who flourished making crime thrillers, youth dramas and other genre films as the new blood hit the studios starting in the late 1950s. This set, from Criterion's budget-minded line, presents five jumped-up genre pictures made for Nikkatsu through the 1960s by Koreyoshi Kurahara. Videodrone's review is here.
"Sword and Sorcery Collection" (Shout! Factory) boxes up four films from the Roger Corman version of the sword and sandal genre, which includes heaping scoops of nudity. "Deathstalker" (1984) stars Richard Hill as a warrior bent on revenge, but only after he wins the hand (or is it body?) of princess Barbi Benton in a grand tournament. Features commentary by producer/director John Sbardellati, special makeup effects artist John Carl Buechler and co-star Richard Brooker. Jim Wynorski directs "Deathstalker 2" (1987), with John Terlesky taking over the role of the barbarian warrior and B-movie queen Monique Gabriel as a princess and her evil twin who, controlled by sorcerer John Lazar, usurped her throne. Both films have been on DVD before but this set features their respective debuts in anamorphic widescreen.
The second disc features a pair of films released by Shout! Factory as a website exclusive earlier this year: "The Warrior And The Sorceress" (1984) is a crude post-"Conan" sword, sandal and sex fantasy starring David Carradine, deep in his B-movie slide into the eighties, while "Barbarian Queen" (1985) is a shamelessly exploitative femme-force revenge flick with Lana Clarkson, Katt Shea and Dawn Dunlap, all required to perform in various stages of undress. This latter film, shot in South America, was directed by Hector Olivera, and Argentine filmmaker whose career features some ambitious and intelligent films, which he put on hold to try and break into the American industry by churning out cheap genre films. This one may be his worst. I delve into the film in far more detail (don't ask me why, I was simply flabbergasted that the director of "Funny Dirty Little War" could create a film with so little redeeming value) at my blog here.
Getting Animated
"Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension" (Disney) launches the hit Disney Channel cartoon about the harmless antics of imaginative step-brothers and best friends Phineas and Ferb into their own feature, complete with an epic tale involving their pet Platypus (who is secretly an undercover agent), a "platy-pult," an alternate universe and the evil Dr. Doof. Comes in a two-disc edition with a bonus digital copy, deleted scenes, a bonus episode of the series and eight bonus songs from the movie, among the supplements.
It's just one of two family-friendly animated originals debuting this week, the other being "Tom and Jerry & the Wizard of Oz" (Warner), which sends the legendary cat and mouse team along the yellow brick road with Dorothy and friends. Available on DVD and Blu-ray+DVD combo pack. Includes an alternate version with a sepiatone opening scene and "Tom and Jerry and the Science of Oz."
"Dear Uncle Adolf: The Germans And Their Führer" (First Run) reveals the heart of the German people during Hitler's Third Reich through a trove of recently discovered personal letters sent by citizens to their Führer, charting the public mood from 1932 through 1945. In English and German with English subtitles.
"Wrong Side Of The Bus" (First Run) documents the quest of Dr. Sidney Bloch, a South African-born Jew who moved from his homeland after graduating medical school, to return to South Africa for his school reunion and confront his collusion with apartheid, which he disagreed with but never confronted. Features a bonus interview with director Rod Freedman.
And the rest:
Valie Export's avant-garde drama "Invisible Adversaries" (Facets) is available as a Facets Limited Edition. In German with English subtitles.
"Peeping Blog" (MVD) is the latest zero-budget horror from Creep Creepersin.
Two celebrated films from the South Korean director debut this week
The films of South Korean director Lee Chang-dong have won acclaim and awards all over the world for their intelligence, compassion and emotional power. This week his two most celebrated films arrive on DVD and Blu-ray: "Secret Sunshine" (Criterion), a devastating drama of anger and grace that won the Best Actress award at Cannes 2007, and the sublime "Poetry" (Kino), which earned Lee the Best Screenplay award at Cannes 2010.
So why isn't Lee considered in the same company as Hong Sang-soo or Bong Joon-ho or Park Chan-wook? Perhaps because he came to film from prose (he was a respected novelist before making his first film) and is more attuned to words than images. Fair enough. Lee's unadorned images are rarely more than functional (though they are often graceful and evocative) and he's a more judicious writer than an editor, but he is a superb screenwriter and a magnificent director of actors and he brings an insight to the complexities of emotional lives and anxieties and frustrated ideals of ordinary humans in his films. You can see it back in his 2002 "Oasis," which took home a shelf-full of awards from the the Venice Film Festival.
"Secret Sunshine" (2007), which received only a limited release in the U.S. years after its debut, confronts a potentially controversial issue – one woman's feelings of betrayal when the Christian faith that consoled her in a time of terrible tragedy now fails her – with both intelligence and an understanding of the furious emotional storm of the fragile woman's response. While the film can be seen as critical of religion (the evangelical brand of Christianity is quite popular in South Korea), it is more about the personal than the scriptural and Jeon Do-yeon's portrait of rage and betrayal, one of the great performances of the past decade, fuels the devastating journey. "Lee makes lengthy, expansive, unpredictable movies always gripped by emotional tribulation, and the red-eyed Jeon… goes to hell and back," writes Michael Atkinson in The Village Voice.
"Poetry" (2010), an enthralling drama of an aging woman whose compassion is tested when she learns that her teenage grandson is guilty of a terrible act, is just as intimate and resonant. Yoon Jeong-hee, the respected Korean actress he coaxed out of retirement to play his lead, creates a human portrait in unquestioning self-sacrifice who only starts to question it when she's faced with her grandson's crime at the same time she's diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer's. In many ways it is also a portrait of a woman betrayed, this time by the family she has covered for all her life and the culture that made her what she is, and she's determined to express herself while she's still lucid. She is the only fully realized character in the film (a trait it shares with "Secret Sunshine") but Yoon's performance is so delicate and evocative that it suggests an entire life hidden behind her impassive face (she learned long ago to guard herself). It only makes the conflicts roiling behind her sad eyes, and her compassionate resolve, all the more evocative. For more, read my in-depth review at Parallax View here.
Both films arrive on DVD and Blu-ray. Criterion's "Secret Sunshine" features a new interview with director Lee Chang-dong and the featurette "On the Set of Secret Sunshine," plus a booklet with an essay by Dennis Lim (you can read it on the Criterion website here). Kino's "Poetry" featuring an interview with actor Ahn Nae-sang and a making-of documentary.
"Poetry" is also available through Fandor as a streaming video, and for a limited time you can stream it for free when you log in through Facebook.
Fandor also presents a visual essay (co-presented by the Press Play blog at indieWIRE) on the film based on Manohla Dargis' review in The New York Times.
Feverish snapshots of an unraveling culture
"The Warped World Of Koreyoshi Kurahara (Eclipse Series 28)" (Criterion) is an introduction to another of the lively directors who flourished making crime thrillers, youth dramas and other genre films as new generation of young, ambitious filmmakers hit the studios in the late 1950s. This set, from Criterion's budget-minded line Eclipse, presents five jumped-up pictures made for Nikkatsu through the 1960s by Koreyoshi Kurahara.
"Intimidation" (1959), a tightly-wound crime thriller about a predatory bank manager, a meek, submissive assistant and a blackmail scheme, serves as kind of a prologue to the films to come. It opens on a train barreling through the screen to deposit a flamboyant urban gangster in a sleepy rural town but the rest of the film slows to a more classically controlled piece of filmmaking, a quietly oppressive psychological drama with the obsessive dementia of a Patricia Highsmith novel. It's a well-tempered piece of genre filmmaking -- the corruption and mind-games all play out behind the façade of social decorum -- and Kurahara shows he has the chops, but it's with the subsequent films that he breaks out of conventions and into unpredictable territory.
With "The Warped Ones" (1960), his world has become completely unstable. His contribution to the juvenile delinquent genre (called the "Sun Tribe" films in Japan) is more like a piece of jazz than a traditional story, like a Japanese "Breathless" with a sociopath at the center. Tamio Kawaji's jazz-loving Akira is an angry and reckless petty thief who walks out of juvenile detention with a new partner in crime (Eiji Gô) and a contempt and arrogance that has built up during his incarceration. He's not a rebel without a cause, he's id unleashed, bouncing from one brutal antic to another without a glimmer of self-awareness or moral twinge. Kurahara directs it like a series of riffs and meandering solos, as when he follows the characters on drive to the beach as if it were an extended improvisation, and rides Akira's feral drive right to the end, where a twisted bit a dark humor leaves us with characters more self-absorbed and undisciplined than ever. Call this Kurahara's story of cruel youth.
Pure exploitation from Jack Hill and friends in the Philippines
The DVD editions came out in June. Now it's on Blu-ray: Pam Grier made her first bid for B-movie stardom in the exploitation films for Roger Corman. "The Women in Cages Collection: The Big Bird Cage / The Big Doll House / Women in Cages" (Shout! Factory) is a trio of women in prison films, all of them featuring Grier, all of them knocked out in the Philippines. Videodrone's review is here.
Grier takes her first lead in the Jack Hill-directed "The Big Doll House" (1971), a minor classic in the genre that established the new rules of the game: abusive guards, lots of showers, late night groping, and the payback prison break. It's pure exploitation and bit mean spirited, but it was a smash hit and started Corman's New World Pictures in the WIP exploitation biz. Hill's superior semi-sequel "The Big Bird Cage" (1972) elevates Grier to top billing as a mercenary/revolutionary in an unnamed South American country who (with partner Sig Haid) engineers a women's prison break from the outside. Why? Because their rag tag soldiers are looking for revolutionary sisters to join their cause… and their beds. This is pure B exploitation powered with oddball humor—Grier and Haig's first heist is a corker—and energetic action. The 1971 "Women in Cages," made between the two Hill pictures by veteran Filipino director Gerry (Gerardo) de Leon and featuring Grier as the sadistic head matron in a women's penitentiary, fills out the triple feature.
The two-disc set features entertaining commentary by director Jack Hill (originally recorded for an earlier DVD release) on his two films. (My favorite tidbit: the location for the prison in "Bird Cage" was later used by Francis Coppola for Kurtz's compound in "Apocalypse Now," where it looked much darker and more menacing.) New to the set is the 48-minute documentary "From Manila With Love," a detailed look at the making of "The Big Doll House" and "The Big Bird Cage," the films that reworked the WIP film as tawdry drive-in exploitation genre and launched Corman's New World Pictures.
The director talks about his first film in 21 years
"Road to Nowhere" (Monterey, reviewed on Videodrone here) is Monte Hellman's first feature in 21 years. The director of "The Shooting" and "Two-Lane Blacktop," a resolutely personal director who turned out drive-in pictures for Roger Corman and spent his career largely transforming work-for-hire productions into distinctive and mysterious films, spent years taking jobs as editor and second-unit director while one project after another failed to come together.
Among his projects during that time was working with the Sundance institute, where he helped a young filmmaker named Quentin Tarantino workshop a film called "Reservoir Dogs." Hellman signed on as executive producer and helped Tarantino get his film made. The role of educator and mentor eventually took him to CalArts, the private arts college where he has been teaching for the past six years.
"Road to Nowhere" is a welcome return by a master filmmaker, a film aware of its existence as a film, and his first digital production. Which he shot with a still camera, mind you, that he adapted to shoot a feature film. The result is imagery as rich as paintings. The 79-year-old rebel brings a whole new beauty to digital photography.
That's one of the things we talked about in my brief but lively phone interview with the director, along with the creative process and, of course…
What's in your DVD player?
I've been away for a month so I haven't actually haven't had a DVD in my DVD player over that time. One of the last was "The Secret of the Grain." I was watching the Criterion disc. And there was something after that which I liked a lot, another Criterion disc, a Blu-ray of "Sweet Smell of Success."
You were very involved in the Criterion edition of your film, "Two-Lane Blacktop." In fact, you conducted and produced the interviews with Kris Kristofferson and James Taylor for the "Two-Lane Blacktop" disc.
I did about four pieces for the DVD and that was a lot of fun. In fact, I'm going to be doing similar things for Criterion releases of my two Jack Nicholson westerns, "The Shooting" and "Ride in the Whirlwind."
That's a scoop! Criterion hasn't even announced these discs.
They're a ways off. We haven't even closed the deal yet but we've talked about it and basically agreed. They're not going to be doing it until sometime in 2012.
Tags: | Interviews |
Plus more "Gossip Girl," "the end of "Brothers and Sister" and the short-lived "Off the Map"
"The Event: The Complete Series" (Universal), the latest attempt to replicate the cosmic mystery and labyrinthine plotting of "Lost," did not quite turn out to be the event that NBC had hoped, and even after a mid-season adjustment, the epic alien invasion conspiracy thriller with the breakneck plotting momentum was cancelled after a single season (thus the subtitle: "The Complete Series"). Videodrone's review is here.
"NCIS: The Eighth Season" (Paramount), which long ago spun off the sturdy but stodgy "JAG" and became one of the most successful scripted shows on TV, keeps on delivering the mix of joshing camaraderie, crack teamwork and clubhouse humor that made it a hit. Mark Harmon is flinty team leader Gibbs, Michael Weatherly the class clown heartthrob and movie buff Tony DiNozzo and Cote de Pablo the Israeli Intelligence veteran turned NCIS field agent Ziva David, but I tend to watch it for Pauley Perrette's goofy goth scientist Abby and David McCallum's forensic doctor "Ducky" Mallard. And I definitely prefer this to the self-serious "CSI" procedurals.
This season opens with Gibbs taking on the drug cartel that puts him and his father in the gunsights of a vindictive Mexican drug lord and features a two-part story that puts Director Vance (Rocky Carroll) and his history with the agency front and center and includes return visits from Ziva's father (Michael Nouri) and Tony's father (Robert Wagner). There is also a nice tribute to former co-star Sasha Alexander and her character, Caitlin, in an otherwise familiar episode gambit of a psychiatric evaluation for the team, and the season ends with a new squad, led by Sarah Jane Morris as Special Agent E.J. Barrett, taking over a difficult case.
24 episodes on six discs in a box set of three thinpak cases, with cast and creator commentary on numerous episodes and seven featurettes, from "Lights! Camera! Weatherly! Michael Weatherly Directs an Episode" to production interviews and a Q&A answering questions from the fans.
"NCIS Los Angeles: The Second Season" (Paramount) is the younger, prettier spin-off, with Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J chasing bad guys in the California sun. This is a slicker, sexier show with sun-baked outdoor action, a younger set of players than "NCIS" original recipe and cooler technology, all of which helped make this even more popular. What it doesn't yet have is the chemistry, though Linda Hunt provides a dash of spice as the unit boss who reveals peaks into her colorful past life through the season. Also features a guest appearance by NCIS Director Vance (Rocky Carroll), another bit with the parent show looking in on the offspring.
24 episodes on six discs in a standard case with hinged trays, plus commentary on one episode and five snappy featurettes (including clips from a table read of one of the scripts).
"Off the Map: The Complete Series" (Disney), the romantic medical drama from the creators of "Grey's Anatomy" about doctors who run from their demons and land in a remote clinic in the South American jungle, never even made it a full season, despite a cast of gorgeous young doctors (Caroline Dhavernas, Zach Gilford, Mamie Gummer, Martin Henderson, Rachelle Lefevre and Valerie Cruz) in a jungle paradise. All 13 episodes on three discs, plus two featurettes.
"Angry Beavers: Seasons 1 & 2" (Shout! Factory) features 26 episodes from the Nickelodeon animated series of the nineties. Four discs in a standard case.
Another season:
"Gossip Girl: The Complete Fourth Season" (Warner) opens with a Paris fling before returning best friends Blair and Serena (Blake Lively and Leighton Meester) back into the heart of the rumor mill and gossip network that is the culture of the young and privileged of New York City. Gosh, it's tough to be rich, trendy and beautiful. 22 episodes on five discs, plus two featurettes.
"Brothers and Sisters: The Complete Fifth and Final Season" (Disney) ends the family drama starring Calista Flockhart, Rachel Griffiths, Balthazar Getty, Dave Annable and Matthew Rhys as grown siblings and Sally Field as their mother. 22 episodes on five discs, plus commentary on one episode and two featurettes.
about the blogger
Sean Axmaker is MSN's DVD columnist and the editor of Parallax View. He writes for Turner Classic Movies Online and his work has appeared in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, The Seattle Weekly, The Stranger, Senses of Cinema, Asian Cult Cinema, Psychotronic Video and "The Scarecrow Video Guide."
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- Elisabeth Moss calls Jeremy Piven 'unprofessional' for quitting play
- Zach Braff's Kickstarter project closes at $3.1 million
- Bradley Cooper glad to have found success in later life
- Elizabeth Taylor's first wedding gown up for auction
- Palme d'Or race wide open at Cannes Film Festival
- Tom Cruise no longer the 'Man from U.N.C.L.E.'
- Rare Superman comic found in house insulation
- 'Great Gatsby' becomes first Baz Luhrmann film to cross $100M in domestic box office