Planes,Trains and Automobiles

This is a museum quality, reproduction print on premium paper with archival/UV resistant inks. Date: [no date recorded on caption card]Subject: Caption card tracings: Nazism--Architecture; BI--WORKS; [?]eer--Misc.--1937; Exhibitions--1937; Germany--Hist.--1937; Architecture; Shelf.Notes: Format: SOURCE: Library of Congress

This detailed stoneware beer stein was handcrafted in Germany by King-Werks, also known as Wuerfel & Mueller. This stein has a pewter lid with an eagle on top. The handpainted relief features Baron Friedrich W. von Steuben. On the front of the stein, is the General's name along with a large image. The stein also features large pictures of the Liberty Bell and the White House. The bottom reads "Sept, 17. 1730 Magdeburg" and "Nov, 28. 1794 New York" (this is the day and location of his birth and death). Beer Stein Specifications King-Werks, also known as Wuerfel & Mueller, is one of only a few remaining German stein companies that still produce 100% of their steins in Germany with 100% German materials and labor. Handling Time Information

It's hard to find a DVD version of Mozart's Die Zauberflöte that's as well sung as this 2003 Covent Garden production. Led by the eminent Mozartian, Sir Colin Davis, orchestra and singers present a warm, often intense vision of the opera, not as the fairy tale it's often taken for, but as a human drama of the passage from misguided beliefs to mature knowledge of self. Diana Damrau is the Queen of the Night for our time, with show-stopping bravura singing that tosses off the score's terrifying high notes with almost casual abandon. Her acting and her fright outfit never leave you in doubt that she's the evil presence here, even when she's pretending to be a good mom concerned about her daughter, Pamina. Dorothea Röschmann is superb, floating pianissimo notes to die for and singing with a beautifully rounded soprano allied to a dramatic sense that make her Ach, ich fuhl's so moving. Will Hartman is a virile Tamino, a bit heavier of voice than most of the lyric tenors who take the role, but singing well. Like most Tamino's, he's upstaged by Papageno, the bird-catcher who's his sidekick. Baritone Simon Keenlyside offers the best-sung Papageno one could hope to hear, and while he's funny in many of his more physical scenes, he replaces the usual clownish buffoon with an earth-bound Everyman. The noble Sarastro, the lovers' guide to self-realization, is well sung by Franz-Josef Selig, whose ample bass easily encompasses the low Fs that make most basses sound strained. The smaller roles are done well, too. Ailish Tynan has a romp as Papagena; the evil Monostatos is done to vocal and acting perfection by Adrian Thompson, the Queen's Three Ladies are well-matched and appropriately edgy, and the Temple Priests are convincingly sung and acted. This production of Die Zauberflöte is a dark one. Producer David McVicar and conductor Davis reject the relatively recent transformation of the opera into a Disney-like romp for kids. The comic element in the opera is there, but its philosophical underpinnings--humanity's fitful progress to a higher plane - are paramount. There are still plenty of laughs with the fake dragon that pursues Tamino at the opera's opening and Papageno's funny business with a bird, among other chuckle-inducing scenes. But the production's Stygian backgrounds make for an oppressive setting. When light enters, as in the pomp of Sarastro's entry or the blazing yellow disc of the sun that conquers darkness, the opera's meanings are crystal-clear. Most of the characters wear 18th Century outfits, to comic effect as Monostatos' heavy makeup, lipsticked mouth, and elaborate wig. But there are occasional incongruities: Tamino's smock, the Three Boys' knit sweaters and short pants, and Papagana's mangy fur coat, among others. They're well intregrated into the staging so they don't jar. Nor, aside from the occasional too-tight closeups, does the video direction. In the special features, Davis speaks of the opera's tension between "lighthearted music and the seriousness of the story," and all elements of this production fuse those key aspects in a way that makes this DVD a joy to hear and watch. Dan Davis Die Zauberflöte is an all-regions 2-disc set in 16:9 ratio. Sound options include Dolby Stereo and 5.1 Surround. Sung in German with subtitles in English and Spanish. Extras include an illustrated synopsis, a behind the scenes feature of the production, and Sir Colin Davis talking about Die Zauberflöte

MOZART:DIE ZAUBERFLOTE - DVD Movie

This extraordinarily powerful 1983 production may be the best-sung performance by Luciano Pavarotti on DVD, but when acting values are counted in, Ingvar Wixell manages to outshine the tenor star. Verdi gave the Duke two of Italian opera's most brilliant arias ("Questa o quella" and "La donna e mobile"), but he gave the deformed jester Rigoletto a depth and complexity of character that is reflected in music of great variety and enormous emotional impact: the cruel mockery of the opening scene, the self-doubts inspired by his dialogue with Sparafucile, the paternal anxieties and final despair at his daughter's sad fate, and the burning, self-destructive thirst for revenge. All these motives work their way into music of great dramatic richness, variety, and intensity. Wixell rises to its challenges, not only in the title role but in a cameo appearance as Rigoletto's nemesis Monterone. Location filming provides an atmosphere unavailable in staged productions. --Joe McLellan

The film version of Verdi's opera in which the Duke of Mantua seduces Gilda, the deformed court jester's beautiful daughter and the court jester (Rigo

The Illuminated Chakras is a breathtaking 28 minute open-eyed journey through the seven chakras, offering a visual and musical experience of each level of consciousness. Innovative animation of great beauty by 3D artist Alex Wayne works synergistically with a magnificent original soundtrack by Robin Silver to bring the viewer directly to a subjective experience of each of these important power centers.The Illuminated Chakras is a breakthrough in meditation enhancement and spiritual technology that brings the essence of this ancient system to homes and studios everywhere. It is especially valuable for yoga practitioners, meditators, students of world religion, and anyone wishing to experience the transcendent power of their own chakras.

Along with Fantasia and Fantasia 2000, the anthology set contains a third disc that examines a segment of both movies in detail. Each segment has an introduction that has experts (including Leonard Maltin), producer Roy E. Disney, or the animators setting up the piece's history. Notes on the music and dozens of design photos are included on all the segments, although others offer more intriguing features. Abandoned animation is shown on many segments, as are a few behind-the-scenes shorts; the most intriguing are experts from Walt Disney's hosted documentaries on how his company made movies. As for the photos, they are awkwardly catalogued and only the most patient of viewers would want to look at all of them. In some segments, though, these images are entertainingly produced as a "story reel," presenting these images--rough animation, sketches, pastel paintings--with the musical accompaniment. For those looking for a more well-rounded view of the films, the two one-hour documentaries on each film's disc lay the groundwork, but none of the anthology looks at how the first film was seen through the years or gives time to anyone who wasn't gung-ho about every element of the films. There is hardly a mention of embarrassing stereotypes that were matted (and still are) out of the "Pastoral" segment, or the intriguing aspect of the film as a '60s icon for the ultimate head-trip. Disney does let their guard down to show sequences that were being readied in 1940 for future editions (including a recently restored short scored to "Clair de Lune"). Most tantalizing is a look at how the special effects were done in the original film. The guide is a scrapbook that one of the technicians kept and was discovered only in 1990. Fans can only hope a reproduction will be made available someday. --Doug Thomas

WALT DISNEY'S MASTERPIECE

There's something about this film that's so irresistible, despite its grandiose manipulation. Maybe because it recounts the greatest air battle in history, achieving the greatest aerial battle in film history. Maybe because it has such a terrific cast (Harry Andrews, Michael Caine, Trevor Howard, Curt Jurgens, Laurence Olivier, Nigel Patrick, Christopher Plummer, Michael Redgrave, Ralph Richardson, Robert Shaw, Patrick Wymark, and Edward Fox). Maybe because it's so technically well-made, thanks to the Bond team of producer Harry Saltzman and director Guy Hamilton and the great cinematographer Freddie Young. Or maybe because there is something truly riveting about watching the British kick the Nazis back to Germany. --Bill Desowitz

Having proven itself as a favorite film of children around the world, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is every bit as entertaining now as it was when originally released in 1971. There's a timeless appeal to Roald Dahl's classic children's novel, which was playfully preserved in this charming musical, from the colorful carnival-like splendor of its production design to the infectious melody of the "Oompah-Loompah" songs that punctuate the story. Who can forget those diminutive Oompah-Loompah workers who recite rhyming parental warnings ("Oompah-Loompah, doopity do...") whenever some mischievous child has disobeyed Willy Wonka's orders to remain orderly? Oh, but we're getting ahead of ourselves ... it's really the story of the impoverished Charlie Bucket, who, along with four other kids and their parental guests, wins a coveted golden ticket to enter the fantastic realm of Wonka's mysterious confectionery. After the other kids have proven themselves to be irresponsible brats, it's Charlie who impresses Wonka and wins a reward beyond his wildest dreams. But before that, the tour of Wonka's factory provides a dazzling parade of delights, and with Gene Wilder giving a brilliant performance as the eccentric candyman, Wonka gains an edge of menace and madness that nicely counterbalances the movie's sentimental sweetness. It's that willingness to risk a darker tone--to show that even a wonderland like Wonka's can be a weird and dangerous place if you're a bad kid--that makes this an enduring family classic. --Jeff Shannon

A poor young boy, Charlie Bucket, is rewarded by eccentric candy-maker named Willy Wonke for having a kind heart.

Having proven itself as a favorite film of children around the world, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is every bit as entertaining now as it was when originally released in 1971. There's a timeless appeal to Roald Dahl's classic children's novel, which was playfully preserved in this charming musical, from the colorful carnival-like splendor of its production design to the infectious melody of the "Oompah-Loompah" songs that punctuate the story. Who can forget those diminutive Oompah-Loompah workers who recite rhyming parental warnings ("Oompah-Loompah, doopity do...") whenever some mischievous child has disobeyed Willy Wonka's orders to remain orderly? Oh, but we're getting ahead of ourselves ... it's really the story of the impoverished Charlie Bucket, who, along with four other kids and their parental guests, wins a coveted golden ticket to enter the fantastic realm of Wonka's mysterious confectionery. After the other kids have proven themselves to be irresponsible brats, it's Charlie who impresses Wonka and wins a reward beyond his wildest dreams. But before that, the tour of Wonka's factory provides a dazzling parade of delights, and with Gene Wilder giving a brilliant performance as the eccentric candyman, Wonka gains an edge of menace and madness that nicely counterbalances the movie's sentimental sweetness. It's that willingness to risk a darker tone--to show that even a wonderland like Wonka's can be a weird and dangerous place if you're a bad kid--that makes this an enduring family classic. --Jeff Shannon

The Longest Day is Hollywood's definitive D-day movie. More modern accounts such as Saving Private Ryan are more vividly realistic, but producer Darryl F. Zanuck's epic 1962 account is the only one to attempt the daunting task of covering that fateful day from all perspectives. From the German high command and front-line officers to the French Resistance and all the key Allied participants, the screenplay by Cornelius Ryan, based on his own authoritative book, is as factually accurate as possible. The endless parade of stars (John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Robert Mitchum, Sean Connery, and Richard Burton, to name a few) makes for an uneasy mix of verisimilitude and Hollywood star-power, however, and the film falls a little flat for too much of its three-hour running time. But the set-piece battles are still spectacular, and if the landings on Omaha Beach lack the graphic gore of Private Ryan they nonetheless show the sheer scale and audacity of the invasion. --Mark Walker

Movie DVD

A story line that truly deserves the A-list treatment, The Last Unicorn is memorable for its attempts to stay faithful to its origins, the Peter Beagle novel of the same name. The animation is vintage Rankin/Bass, and that's too bad; but there's an undeniable strength in this tale and telling. A unicorn (Mia Farrow)--she believes herself the last--searches for any others of her kind, while avoiding the malevolent Red Bull, the agent believed to have destroyed the rest of the herd. Along the way, she is mistaken, ignored, attacked, and obsessed about, finally finding help from a magician named Schmendrick (Alan Arkin) and a knight named Prince Lir (Jeff Bridges). A haunting film that pays homage to mythology and the people who love it. --Keith Simanton

Brought to life by the luminary voice talents of Jeff Bridges Mia Farrow Angela Lansbury and Rene Auberjonois (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Boston Legal) this animated treasure is the story of a lonely unicorn who sets out on an extraordinary quest to find her lost brothers and sisters. Along the way she meets a colorful cast of characters including a bumbling wizard who magically transforms her into a beautiful damsel. When a handsome prince falls in love with her he challenges the evil foe who holds her captive. But the task proves harder than imagined and the unicorn soon discovers that real magic comes from believing in the impossible. Featuring songs performed by America.System Requirements:Run Time: 93 minsFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: G UPC: 012236204237 Manufacturer No: 20423

For more than a decade, Steve McConnell, one of the premier authors and voices in the software community, has helped change the way developers write code - and produce better software. Now his classic book, CODE COMPLETE, has been fully updated and revised with best practices in the art and science of constructing software. Whether youre a new developer seeking a sound introduction to the practice of software development or a veteran exploring strategic new approaches to problem solving, youll find a wealth of practical suggestions and methods for strengthening your skills. Topics include design, applying good techniques to construction, eliminating errors, planning, managing construction activities, and relating personal character to superior software. This new edition features fully updated information on programming techniques, including the emergence of Web-style programming, and integrated coverage of object-oriented design. Youll also find new code examples - both good and bad - in C++, Microsoft Visual Basic, C#, and Java, though the focus is squarely on techniques and practices.

The best fully integrated study system availableWith hundreds of practice questions and hands-on exercises, CompTIA Network+ Certification Study Guide, Fourth Edition covers what you need to know-and shows you how to prepare-for this challenging exam. 100% complete coverage of all official objectives for the CompTIA Network+ examCertCam video training by the author guides you through difficult topics and exercisesInside the Exam sections highlight key exam topics coveredTwo-Minute Drills provide quick review at the end of every chapterSimulated exam questions match the format, tone, topics, and difficulty of the real examCovers all the exam topics, including:Basic Network Concepts * Network Protocols and Standards * Networking Components * Subnetting and Routing * TCP/IP Utilities * Wireless Networking * Remote Connectivity * Wide Area Network Technologies * Network Implementation * Network Maintenance and Support * Network Security * Network TroubleshootingCD-ROM includes:Complete MasterExam practice testing engine, featuring: One full practice exam; Detailed answers with explanations; Score Report performance assessment toolCertCam video trainingElectronic book for studying on the goWith free online registration: Bonus downloadable MasterExam practice test

Microsoft Windows Vista - Step by Step - reference book 9780735622692 The smart way to learn the latest version of Microsoft Windows - one step at a time! Work at your own pace through the easy numbered steps to master the fundamentals of working with Windows Vista including how to navigate the new user interface and how to use the new search features for finding anything on your desktop. You will learn how to manage files and folders to simplify your work easily add or remove programs hook up printers and other devices and set up your Internet connection email and instant messaging. You will also discover how to use security-enhanced features to help protect your PC as well as how to share your computer while still helping keep personal settings and files private. You'll even learn how to enjoy all your favorite entertainment - music pictures and more - all in one place. With Step By Step you can take just the lessons you need or work from cover to cover. Either way you drive the instruction - building and practicing the skills you need just when you need them! Main Specifications Product Description Microsoft Windows Vista - Step by Step - reference book Title Microsoft Windows Vista Series Step by Step Type Reference book Author Cox Joyce Preppernau Joan Release Year 2006 - December Localization English General Type Reference book Category Operating system User Level Beginner intermediate Localization English Reference Resource Title Microsoft Windows Vista Series Step by Step Author Cox Joyce Preppernau Joan Release Year 2006 - December Total Number of Pages 464 Media Type 1 x CD-ROM