Joe Hisaishi & New Japan Philharmonic World Dream Orchestra

I have always been a bit cautious when it comes to buying stuff online through ebay. There are just too many stories of transactions that turned horribly wrong. A friend of mine was trying to purchase a camcorder through ebay and he lost almost a thousand dollars since the seller never really attempt to deliver the product. After hearing that story, I usually limit my ebay purchase to things that are relatively cheap. This time, I tried to purchase a Japanese DVD that is relatively difficult to get in North America. It was reasonably priced and the cost of shipping is pretty decent too. The product was delivered really quickly but when I opened the parcel, I knew immediately that it is a bootleg version. Moreover, the seller is from Richmond Hill, Ontario yet he listed himself as from California. The shipping is definitely way over priced. Fortunately, when I demanded a refund, the seller refunded immediately.

Anyways, I don’t really want to talk about my unfortunately ebay transaction. The reason that I wanted the DVD is that I saw the following YouTube video:

It is part of a concert that commemorates 25 years of cooperation between Miyazaki and Hisaishi. The concert is accompanied by a 200-piece orchestra and 400 chorus singers. It has some of the great soundtracks that are from some of my favourite Japanese animation. I especially enjoy Laputa and Princess Mononoke. The videos on YouTube are great but the quality is only alright. I would love to have a DVD of that concert. Unfortunately, after much research online, I still couldn’t find a DVD that I can purchase. The only thing close to it is the W.D.O. Joe Hisaishi DVD. So, I tried to bid on one the I found on ebay. It’s too bad that it is not a legit copy. I will just watch the ones online for a few more times until I can get my hand on one.

You can also enjoy the concert using these links:

Part 1 - Nausicaa of the Valley Wind
Part 2 - Princess Mononoke
Part 3 - Kiki’s Delivery Service
Part 4 - Ponya on the Cliff by the Sea
Part 5 - Laputa - Castle in the Sky
Part 6 - Porco Ross
Part 7 - Howl’s Moving Castle
Part 8 - Spirited Away
Part 9 - My Neighbour Totoro

Enjoy!

Win Some Sticks From Coldplay!

A few months ago, I saw Coldplay live at the Air Canada Centre.  I have got to say, I am very impressed by the drummer, Will.  There is something about how he hits the drums and the church bell that I never get tired of watching.  And mind you, I am not exactly a patient person.  You can watch him play in this video taken in a live concert at BBC:

If you are impressed by this brilliant drummer as well, this is your lucky day. They are giving away a pair of Will’s drumsticks, signed by the entire band. To be in with a chance of winning, simply email your name and address to competitions@coldplay.com before Wednesday October 8th. Why would you want his drum sticks? It might help you to play Rock Band better. You never know.