Word: fiefdom
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Schizopolis is the name of a metaweird movie that Steven Soderbergh once wrote, directed, photographed and starred in (playing two roles, of course). It might also be the name of the artistic fiefdom he has created. Few Hollywood directors have such a distinct signature--or, rather, two of them. One part of Soderbergh's brain makes can't-miss caper films and weepie dramas (Ocean's Eleven, Erin Brockovich) with the town's priciest talent. Another part is indelibly indie: he will shoot an ad-lib HBO series about lobbyists (K Street), or remake a mystical Russian...
...otherwise Latin coastline. But if you fancy a day trip, hit the road for some truly special scenery. Just 14 km inland from Trapani is the medieval town of Erice. Perched more than 700 m atop a steep incline, the town is seemingly suspended like a fairy-tale fiefdom above the endless flatlands below. The winding cobblestone streets make for a nice place to get lost (and easily found), and the well-preserved 12th century Norman castle, above, is a must-see. But it's the downward views that truly give the hillside hamlet an otherworldly aura. Look south...
...disclosures in Mao that Chang and Halliday have little room for the emotive prose and lyrical description that animated Wild Swans. Neither, to their disadvantage, do they balance their relentless criticisms with any of Mao's accomplishments, like fending off Stalin's attempt to run China as a Soviet fiefdom, reimposing central authority in a fractious country, giving Chinese a new sense of pride and nationhood, or marketing his own image at home and abroad with dazzling aplomb...
...this year of UN Security Council resolution 1559, which demands the withdrawal of the 15,000 Syrian troops that remain in Lebanon - Syrian forces first arrived in 1976, eventually enforcing a fragile peace between rival Lebanese factions and armed Palestinian refugees, and running the country as Syria's own fiefdom ever since. New Lebanese elections are scheduled for May, and Hariri had been under mounting pressure to take the lead in an opposition campaign to rally a vote for ousting Syria...
...also supposed to be supported." Despite baiting and spotlighting attempts by rangers at Twin Falls, critics say Parks Australia, which last week was unwilling to comment, is not doing enough to keep the area safe. Kakadu, said N.T. Country Liberal Party Senator Nigel Scullion, "is not their personal fiefdom." It's unclear whether the Twin Falls saltie's capture would prompt a reconsideration of the ban. Nets were already in place, says Alderson, "and this croc still...