Advantages: Mythology and Mysticism, Storyline and Exophoric Cultural Reference
Disadvantages: Confusing and Incoherent, Dull and Dubious, Culture Shock, Focuses on the Trivial

...less confusing and irritating book. So just to bring us all up to speed then, The Eagle's Gift is the sixth book of a series of nine by the Anthropologist Castaneda" describing his life's work; learning the way of the warrior. Castaneda began his work as an anthropologist studying the Native American tribes. His field of speciality was the Tolteca tribe who inhabited Mexico from the 10th to the 12th Centuries (just before the Aztecs.) It was perhaps while he was a student that he found a teacher "Don Juan" who had apparently learned all about The art of Sorcery, from an oral account passed on through the generations since the fall of Tolteca. Don Juan initiated him into Toltec lore and this is what is told in this series of books. Castaneda is often criticised for the nature of his studies which are considered by some too subjective... Read review

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Advantages: Well written. Impressive background-research. Good external-reference. Compelling fantasy legendscape.
Disadvantages: Author's early work. Repetitive and careless French Phrases. Slow? Unrealistic legendscape.

...up of a series of bone discs which are used like tarot cards. These were made up by the author, but in an interview De Lint said that he has had a set of these made, and even used them to help him decide the ending of the book. That's probably a fair indication of the level of experience the author has with his subject. We get books like Carlos Castaneda's "The Eagle" series cropping up and we also have an impressively researched Taliesin himself as a semi-main character. Further there are references to Myrddin, Gwydion, and quotes from True Thomas, made up characters like Ur'wen'ta, as well as characters who I can't work out the authenticity of like "Pukwudji" (anyone know?). Clearly as a Celtic folklorist and musician, de Lint knows his stuff (giving good publicity to bands like "an Triskell") which is great to read, but brings me... Read review

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Advantages: Interesting and entertaining
Disadvantages: May not be to your liking

.... The Active Side of Infinity by Carlos Castaneda. This is the last book carlos castaneda wrote about his adventures with his shaman teacher Don Juan. Whether these are real life experiences is not known, his other books will tell you of out of the world things, magic, hallucinations, witches, other dimentions and realities as well as the way of spiritual enlightenment. This book is an overall summery of the experiences of his life with Don Juan another journey with the shaman to discover the path of life and death. If you're an alternative thinker with the tendancy to yearn for knowledge of spiritual guidence and open mindedness, then any one of Carlos castaneda's books will set you off on that path. They could even alter the way you behave towards your fellow man, giving you wisdom and a self assured knowledge of how to tune into the universe... Read review

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Advantages: Means well
Disadvantages: but to no avail

...on recommendation of the tourist board) for promoting the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. All in all a much respected and decorated author and philosopher whose books have been translated into 25 languages and sell like hot buns. My verdict: Ok, he does mean well, Mr. Coelho does, and if I’d come across ‘The Alchemist’ when I was about 15 (which I couldn’t because it wasn’t written, then) I would probably have loved it. Mysticism and secret knowledge was high on my agenda then. As it was, I read Carlos Castaneda, whom I find pretty dull too, these days. But so it goes. As such, the advice to try and find your own way and not be discouraged by minor set-backs or detours is not bad at all. But it could be said in one sentence or a really good story. Actually, a lot of people have already done that. Unfortunately, ‘The Alchemist’ is quite... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful beaches
Disadvantages: Nothing to do

...My boyfriend and I went to the South of France in the summer, we stayed in Nice after looking at the horrendous prices of the hotels in Monte Carlo! Then we planned for our first day to get a bus to Monte Carlo. The bus ride was great, they were more like coaches; comfy seats, seat belts, tv, AC, a toilet, everything! We knew that Monte Carlo was a very luxurious city, so thought that we would be living the high life for the day, unfortunately not! When we got off the bus, we went into the local shopping precinct. We entered on royal red carpets (which are all over monte carlo!) We were with our backpacks and wearing relatively scruffy clothes, and the whole time we were there, we were looked down on. We knew that there were going to be people alot better off than us, but we didn't expect to be treated like this. We went to look... Read review

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Advantages:
Disadvantages:

...Just got back from Vegas and what a fantastic time. Stayed at the Monte Carlo, and had non-stop entertainment. The hotels are amazing, takes a full day to walk the strip and check out each hotel. My favorite was Paris. Went up the Eiffel tower on a hot, windy night and the lights are amazing from up there. Actually did well on the gambling end too. Went to Vegas with $1000, and came back with $1040 (after paying outrageous prices for food, drinks, entertainment, etc) so it worked out well. Saw an incrdible show, Lance Burton master magician in the Monte Carlo. Tickets are $100/person and WELL worth it. Had lots of fun there and recommend it to anyone. DO NOT go to Vegas to relax.... Read review

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Advantages: Rustic, Powerful, Emotive
Disadvantages: None, unless you have a problem with late 70's sound quality

...A Flamenco tour de force. To Flamenco-lovers, Carlos Montoya is a legend. He educated the rest of the world about various Flamenco styles, leaving his native Spain in the 1930's. Settling in the U.S.A, he would then shape a very specific style with the influence of Jazz. I think that most of the Jazz influence can be distinguished through Carlos Montoya's playfulness. He enjoys discharging lightning-fast tempo in various parts of his pieces and has the ability to then pick up where he left off with ecstatic simplicity. This album was released in 2004 under Pazzazz Records. Originally, the tracks were recorded in 1979 (all of them). 13 of the 15 tracks are by Carlos himself. The remaining 2 are both traditional; or at least traditional-based. Another great factor is that these tracks maintain the slightly coarse recording sound... Read review

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Advantages: The history
Disadvantages: Limited overtaking

...I am not a great fan of Formula 1 motor racing, but will always turn on to watch the weekend at Monte Carlo. I don't know if it is the sharp corners or the history of the circuit but there is always a buzz when F1 goes there. I have not had the pleasure of seeing F1 cars race the circuit live, but have been there in the days after a Grand Prix. The tunnel, the pits, the grid on the main street, the casino. How can anyone fail to see the appeal of this magnificent circuit? The fact that there is no overtaking is made up for by the dramatic backdrops and sharp bends. Lets hope that they keep this magnificent annual race and heres to more future dramatics at Monaco.... Read review

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Advantages: Everything you would expect from a luxury hotel.
Disadvantages: Distance from the clubbing scene

...The Columbus Hotel is an amazing, modern choice amongst the older options for accomodation in the world's trendiest principality. The first point to be noted is the exceptional location of the hotel: it is nested near the Monte Carlo port and within walking distance of charming waterfront restaurants. There is easy access to any point of the city from this luxurious hotel and at the same time, it is located in an area which escapes the rush of tourists which usually occupate the Place de Casino or the Monte Carlo Beach. The ocean front rooms provide a wonderful view of the radiant waters of the Med ! The service in the hotel is destinguishable. It is definately worth every one of the four luxury stars (max. available to French resorts) ! The staff was completely polylingual and demonstrated an enviable competence in English, French... Read review

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Advantages: A romantic teen film with no stupid comedy
Disadvantages: No really memorable scenes. strange mix of latino and love ballads on soundtrack. Acting is only average.

...Crazy Beautiful stars Kirsten Dunst and Jay Hernandez as two high school students who fall in love,despite their parents wishes. Before anyone screams "Romeo and Juliet", this is quite different. Nicole is introduced as a grungey brat who drinks too much. Carlos is an under-priviliged mexican kid; an A-grade student wanting to go to a naval Academy to become a pilot, and is a star of the football team. The two meet when Carlos spots Nicole doing community service for "Driving under the influence" by cleaning litter from the beach. After a short while, the two get together. This bonding period seem s to take an eternity, and the film seems to lose itself for a while. All this bonding leads to the rather randy Nicole bedding Carlos. After this, the film seems to gather some despearately needed momentum. We are now introduced to Nicoles... Read review

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