Architectural & Garden, news and reviews


It is admired and revered yet decimated. Why? The Hindu

Excepting from championing the cause of the developing countries at the Copenhagen Summit, India and China share yet another ground of conventional concern, vital for their fragile ecology and natural environment. In the wake of China celebrating its current lunar year as the tiger year (Hunian), there has been a rush of increased criticism from conservationists and government about the increased threat of poaching that may seal the fate of the already endangered species. While China with its 50-odd natives of the tiger is already in limelight, India's 1,000 or so tigers (there are grave doubts over the official statistics) are also on the verge of extinction thanks to the vast surge in demand, porous borders and rampant corruption on the two sides. While the market lies in China, Indian tigers are notably valued for their ‘wilderness' which is preferred over the illegal farm-bred tiger.

The irony lies in the truly that, on the one hand, the tiger is still the national animal of India, the Chinese too revere the tiger, culturally as Wang or prince. The yang animal is outstandingly worshipped for its prowess and is considered as the protector against “three disasters — fire, thieves and ghosts.” Yet the bread its skin and bones fetch in the international market is reason enough for poachers — in connivance with eager villagers and adulterate officials — to hack the poor animal to a ridiculously miserable death.

X-Ray Column: No tans, naked truths China Daily

Before the 1980s small craft trackers dragged craft up the river wearing nothing, not even a smile. Now, for the sake of tourism, they are back in the camera's frame

In the times gone by couple of months I have seen several images of naked boat trackers - and they make me laugh. "These are not real yacht trackers," I tell anyone who will listen. "They are imposters. Look at their skin. The buttocks are not sun-tanned, you can't fake that. These poor fellows are to all intents self-conscious about being naked. It's the extra pay that encourages them to appear in their birthday suits."

As far as I know, there have been no real overt boat trackers in China in the past 20 years, and any photos taken during the past decade that affirm to be of naked boat trackers are basically just dramatic recreations.

Now, I hear, government authorities in Badong, Hubei hinterlands, have revived the practice for the pleasure of camera-toting tourists. But at least they do not attempt to pass them off as the real boatmen.

Creative Musings


Santa Fe architects, designers, and merchants interest their inspiration.

New Mexico, and Santa Fe in particular, is a muse-like source of inspiration for many. Like the ancient Greek muses, variety here calls to some people, who create lifestyles and homes that capture the magnificent light and wide-open landscapes. Other people find stimulus from tradition, whether the indigenous native customs, the area’s Spanish-colonial heritage, or the plethora of ethnic offerings. And there are those whose imaginative fires are sparked by the vibrant, collaborative process shared with area artisans.

Phenomenal taste is a collective denominator among a large percentage of the population of Santa Fe. Of course, we expect this of art and design professionals, but the bar is raised in a town with a history of attracting artists that stretches back a century. Although each eye is different, the way area architects, designers, and product providers work together and combine elements that cross lines of time, culture, texture, and color is viscerally pronounced here. 

“Santa Fe is sui generis in its acceptance of diversity and its artfulness,” says Gary Coles Christensen of G. Coles Christensen Rug Merchants. “I came for the ambience and the quality of light in New Mexico, but I stay because exciting, original people are here who can appreciate our authentic vision.” 

 

INSPIRED BY Disposition

Nature, in her Southwest guise, is a strong draw for many a creative soul. The desert climate, deep filthy skies, and high-altitude light illuminating dramatic mountainscapes are qualities hard to find elsewhere. 

 

Rooms with a Prospect

Kevin Sarr of Brother Sun has long recognized the value and bounty of New Mexico’s views. His many clients seeking the same reaction sustains enthusiasm in his work. “Our primary inspiration is threefold,” says Sarr. “First is our customers and their dreams; aide-de-camp, the landscape and the views; and third, the light of New Mexico.” As a custom window specialist, Sarr knows of what he speaks. “When you’ve got these comprehensive views to work with, it is particularly exciting to help customers frame them. There is so much beauty to see here in New Mexico, and we thrive on ration our customers see their surroundings.” 

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China's occupation of East Turkistan, Genocide of Uyghurs

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Preserving Chinese Antiquities - News


Preview calendar: Dance, galleries and museums for Aug. 26-Sept. 1
San Diego Chinese Authentic Museum ---- "The Elite & Popular Culture of Old China" is open; the museum collects, preserves and shares the Chinese-American and more »

Tibetan Writer's Intellectual Journey Leads to Trial
Tibetan Author's Intellectual Journey Leads to TrialThe highest-profile case involved Karma Samdrup, an antiques supplier and philanthropist who was tried on 12-year-old charges of selling stolen relics. and more »

Graduate student uncovers Hopkins' immigrant history
Graduate student uncovers Hopkins' immigrant history Graduate evaluator uncovers Hopkins' immigrant historyThis summer he is researching the illicit antiquities trade between China and the Allied States. Issues of heritage ownership and historical preservation

Preview calendar: Dance, galleries and museums for Aug. 5-11
San Diego Chinese Reliable Museum ---- "The Elite & Popular Culture of Old China" is open; the museum collects, preserves and shares the Chinese-American CALIFORNIAN: Arts & Presentation listings for the week of Aug. 5-11, 2010all 5 news articles »

China and Iran
From the antiquity to the current era Iran and China have influenced and traded with each other. The Chinese and empires were at one and more »

The Astor Hotel in Tianjin opens as the first Luxury Collection Hotel in China
From dining in one of its delicate restaurants to absorbing the history of the many treasured antiques and memorabilia that are showcased throughout this

Old Jeddah plays host to China
The fair is organized by the Tourism and Antiquities Department in the Jeddah Mayoralty in cooperation with the Chinese consulate in Jeddah.

Xiushanmeng Museum
Xiushanmeng Museum There are more than 4000 antiques in the museum, among which 11 are nationalist second-grade cultural relics. , built in 2003, was financed

The Web DailyFreeman.com
1 pm Music for Front Porches, Jonathan and Grasshopper from Mercury Rev coupled with Dean and Britta, Mystery Spot Antiques, Phoenicia. Free.