Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Art Institutes Students Band Together to Create Web Sites Across North America Web

Reminiscent of an old-fashioned “barnraising,” students from Art Institutes schools across the country are reserving Saturday, April 19, for a special “Web Raising” of the online presence they have created for non-profit organizations in their communities.

Now in its ninth year, this annual event travels across time zones as students, under the direction of faculty members at Art Institutes schools located in major cities across the U.S., put the finishing touches on web sites for clients. Participating Art Institutes school locations include: The Art Institute of Atlanta, The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, The Art Institute of Las Vegas, The Art Institutes International Minnesota, The Art Institute of Portland, Miami International University of Art & Design and The New England Institute of Art.

“This event is the culmination of months of hard work by our talented students,” says Hal Griffith, Vice President of Academic Affairs for The Art Institutes. “Each year we adopt organizations who want and need web sites. Our students meet with the organizations and take them on as pro bono clients, creating the design and navigation for their web sites.” Then, on one day, “the participating Art Institutes schools invite the organizations in to share the excitement, as the work becomes a reality and the sites are ‘raised’ and made functional.”


“This is a wonderful way for The Art Institutes to give back to the community and at the same time create a real-world experience for our students,” says John Mazzoni, President, The Art Institutes. ”It’s a win-win.”

To learn more about The Art Institutes, visit http://www.artinstitutes.edu/pr.aspx?ID=wr001.

The Art Institutes (http://www.artinstitutes.edu) is a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, that provide an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Swing Into A Good Time With this Dance Theme Party

If you want to throw a dance theme party but you are not sure what type, consider throwing a swing dance party. Swing dancing is gaining a resurgence of popularity from coast to coast. Of course, there are lots of different styles of swing and lots of different styles of swing music so you may want to look into what is available in your area before determining exactly what type of swing party you will be hosting.

After you determine the guest list, you will want to spend a lot of consideration in selecting where you will hold the swing party and who will provide the music for it. You will want to be certain that your DJ has enough 40s-style swing music to make it worth your time to hire him. Also, consider hiring a dance instructor to give a simple dance lesson to the guests, especially if you are hosting pre-teen or teen age guests. Your guests will have seen swing dancing on television and in movies, but will really not have a full appreciation for the concept until they understand what swing dancing really is.

Decorations can be based upon the styles that were prevalent in the 40s and particularly around WWI styles. Consider having some dress up clothes that guests can put on and a painting backdrop with a flying ace or something there to take digital pictures of couples throughout the night to provide them with a great souvenir. Any time guests have a chance to dress up it is a time to let their hair down and have a lot of fun. Consider refreshments that are also time period appropriate. Things like burger bars, fries, and malts, shakes, or rootbeer floats will be the perfect compliments to your 40s Swing Dance Theme Party. Select colors and decorations that reflect the time period and watch everyone have a great time as they swing to their heart’s content. Dance on!

Touring California's Theme Parks On A Hire Car Holiday

Top Californian theme parks include the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia and Universal Studios in Los Angeles. If you are not sure which theme parks to visit during your California holiday, here is the lowdown on what each of these attractions has to offer:

The Disneyland Resort, Anaheim. This Disneyland Resort is probably the most famous theme park in California, and it consists of two theme parks (Disneyland Park/Disney's California Adventure), and the Downtown Disney® District.

DisneylandPark has rides to suit all ages. You can see the famous Sleeping Beauty's Castle at the end of Main Street, and then visit the different lands.

At Disney's California Adventure Park, you will get drenched on the Grizzly River Run, frighten yourself on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and take a remarkable flight in Soarin Over California. There are many rollercoasters and you can also play games on the boardwalk, shop, enjoy shows and parades, or stop for a bite to eat at one of the many food outlets.

If you are not exhausted after all of that, you can shop for souvenirs, watch a movie, enjoy a meal or listen to live music in the Downtown Disney® District.

Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia. A trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia makes for a great day out for the whole family. If you want to try hiring a car in California, you can park in the parking lot and head into the theme park for high-speed adventure and excitement. There are 15 rollercoasters to choose from including white-knuckle rides like Viper and Tatsu. There are lots of great rides for younger family members, including Yosemite Sam's FlightSchool, and Daffy's Adventure Tours.

Vacation Ideas - Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City, California, USA

Universal Studios Hollywood is located at 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California 91608. Attractions include:

• Movie-based theme park
• Studio tour
• City Walk entertainment
• Shopping and dining complex
• Universal City Walk Cinemas
• The Gibson Amphitheatre concert
• Special event venue

Universal Studios is open every day, however, the exact hours are always subject to change.

The theme park features:

• Revenge of the MummySM - The Ride
• Shrek 4-D
• Jurassic Park - The Ride
• World-renowned Studio Tour that takes guests behind-the-scenes of landmark TV and movie locations and sets as Steven Spielberg's "War of the Worlds."

Universal CityWalk has 65 entertainment-themed restaurants, nightclubs, shops and entertainment options.

Universal CityWalk Cinemas offers the best movie-going experience in Los Angeles with 19 screens that includes one of Southern California's largest IMAX venues and newly renovated stadium-style seating.

NBC Universal was formed in May of 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vinvendi Universal Entertainment. It is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. In addition, NBC Universal owns and operates:

• A valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks
• A premier motion picture company
• Significant television production operations
• A leading television stations group
• World-renowned theme parks

The Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood sees over 125 million visitors each year, taking them behind the scenes of the movie and television industry's biggest hits.

Popular Rides include:

• Revenge of the Mummy: This is Universal Studios Hollywood's famous psychological thrill coaster that features an all-new 'More Shocking' experience that is said to leave a person breathless. Not my cup of tea, however, I am certain there are many people who do enjoy such a ride. At any rate, if you are a person who would like to be left "breathless," this is probably a ride you won't want to miss while visiting Universal Studios Hollywood. Incidentally, it is also said this particular ride will change you....forever. So, if you like who are right now and don't want to be changed forever, then maybe you should try some of their rides and pass this one up. There are face heart-pounding special effects and unexpected twists at every turn as you escape the Mummy's revenge in life-like horror. Ride it only if you dare is a heart-felt warning.

• Shrek 4-D: This is said to be taking adventure to the next dimension, an attraction that puts you in the action with hair-raising, eye-popping, and butt-busting effects so real, all your senses will be on ogre-time.

I am not sure which of these rides would be the scariest. I am certain that I would be most content with both feet on the ground watching out for the movie stars I might see and whatever else this place might have to offer me. I will definitely have to pass on the Revenge of the Mummy and the Shrek 4-D rides! But for those who dare, this could be a very shocking type of an experience while visiting Universal Studios Hollywood.

Source: Universal Studios Hollywood Online

Important Disclaimer: The URL address in the resource box of this article is not associated with any of the attractions mentioned in this article. This article and web site are offered as resources to help you formulate vacation ideas.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Chinese Room Dividers In A Studio

Chinese room dividers have been around for centuries. Thanks to advances in technology, this can now be made using different types of materials but despite that, its purpose has been the same and that is to enclose a space so you can have some privacy.

One distinguishing aspect about the dividers is that they have artwork on each fabric panel that is then held within a heavy wooden frame. A hinge connects either 2 or 8 of these panels together so this can be used for different purposes.

A good example where this will fit in nicely is in a studio setting because space is very limited. By having one around, you can use it to create a more intimate family room by arranging the existing furniture and décor into small clusters. This gives you a place to watch television while the kids are reading or playing by themselves.

For those working at home, you can use the divider to create the ideal environment which will help you focus on what you have to do. It is like having your own office partition that can be changed at a moment's notice.

Aside from the living room and the study, the divider can also be used to create a dressing area so you don't have to run into the bathroom. If you have children and only one bedroom, the divider could give them their own space to let them know which part is beyond their limits.

In the kitchen, you can use the divider to separate the dining area from where the food is being prepared. After all, the place will look cluttered after cooking and eating which can be concealed until such time that the area can be cleaned.

When you do decide to buy a Chinese room divider, consider the appearance and the size of the area you need to decorate. The one for the living room will most likely be different from the bedroom and kitchen so take your time to match the theme of the room and the existing décor. Don't forget to also consider how you intend to use it.

Chinese Room Dividers In A Studio

Chinese room dividers have been around for centuries. Thanks to advances in technology, this can now be made using different types of materials but despite that, its purpose has been the same and that is to enclose a space so you can have some privacy.

One distinguishing aspect about the dividers is that they have artwork on each fabric panel that is then held within a heavy wooden frame. A hinge connects either 2 or 8 of these panels together so this can be used for different purposes.

A good example where this will fit in nicely is in a studio setting because space is very limited. By having one around, you can use it to create a more intimate family room by arranging the existing furniture and décor into small clusters. This gives you a place to watch television while the kids are reading or playing by themselves.

For those working at home, you can use the divider to create the ideal environment which will help you focus on what you have to do. It is like having your own office partition that can be changed at a moment's notice.

Aside from the living room and the study, the divider can also be used to create a dressing area so you don't have to run into the bathroom. If you have children and only one bedroom, the divider could give them their own space to let them know which part is beyond their limits.

In the kitchen, you can use the divider to separate the dining area from where the food is being prepared. After all, the place will look cluttered after cooking and eating which can be concealed until such time that the area can be cleaned.

When you do decide to buy a Chinese room divider, consider the appearance and the size of the area you need to decorate. The one for the living room will most likely be different from the bedroom and kitchen so take your time to match the theme of the room and the existing décor. Don't forget to also consider how you intend to use it.

Kid Movie Party Theme

Lights! Camera! Action!

Now with our exclusive movie party theme, your birthday child can star in their own movie!

That's right, with fun kid birthday parties one-of-a-kind movie making adventure, you can turn your child's birthday party into a movie making party they'll never forget.

Imagine how excited your birthday child will be when they get to tell all their party guests that everyone is going to be in a movie... Wow! This is going to be super fun.

"The Great Birthday Treasure Hunt" is an original 3 minute mini-movie script exclusively from Fun Kid Birthday Parties and it's yours absolutely FREE.

And when you order your free movie script we'll even send you our easy to follow tips on how to put together this super fun one-of-a-kind movie party theme that everyone will love... And you'll have a great time too!

Movie Party Theme

Everyone has dreamed of starring in a movie... And now your birthday child can star in "The Great Birthday Treasure Hunt" a fun 3 minute movie production.

Movie Party Invitations

Make your invitations into a "Movie Star Contract." You might write something like this:

Movie Star Contract

"You're so talented and glamorous that (your family name) Productions would like for you to sign this fun contract to appear in our latest blockbuster movie production titled "The Great Birthday Treasure Hunt."

We're celebrating (first and last name of birthday child)'s birthday on (day and date of the party) at our (your family name) Productions movie studios from (start time and end time of your party).

(First and last name of birthday child) will be starring in our movie adventure and wants you to be one of the movie's co-stars.

"The Great Birthday Treasure Hunt" will be filmed on location in and around our movie studio.

Our movie party theme will include time for autographs, movie games and activities, movie screenings and our studio commissary will be providing delicious movie production treats for our entire cast.

Please sign this Movie Star Contract and call your agent (name of agent to ask for) at (telephone number) to RSVP for your movie star roll in our original movie production."

The (family name) Productions movie studio is located at (address).

Come dressed as your favorite movie character. (or you can have everyone show up in whatever costume you'd like, western, The Incredibles, Princess, fashion, or whatever theme you want).

Movie Party Theme Decorations

Your decorations can include a director's chair, a megaphone, scene slate, light cut outs, camera cut outs, studio signs like "Hot Set". "Birthday Movie Set", "Hollywood Studio". .

Movie Party Theme Games And Activities

You can make your movie production your entire party or you can set up some movie related activities and games.

Movie Party Theme, Screen Your Dailies

After you shoot the scenes for your movie, "The Great Birthday Treasure Hunt", you can screen the raw unedited footage. Your guest will love seeing everything, including all the fun out-takes and bloopers.

Movie Party Theme, Snacks And Refreshments

Movie sets always have lots of snack food nearby for all the actors and crew... Favorites include M & M candies, Gummy Bears, nuts, fruit slices, veggie slices, chips and dips and any other finger snacks your birthday child might like. Have fun and put a sign on your table that reads "Studio Commissary".

Kid Movie Party World Premiere

One of the fun things about shooting a movie as a special birthday party is that you can have a second party as well. We've done this and everyone loved it!

Once your movie is edited, you'll want to have your movies "World Premiere."

Print out some movie ticket invitations, roll out a red carpet, invite the "paparazzi" (photographers) to snap pictures and video as your stars arrive.

Have some popcorn, screen your movie!

Follow your movie's world premiere with an Academy Awards style party. Hand out awards (special best actor certificates) to all your actors! And let everyone make an acceptance speech. This is a lot of fun. This will be a movie premiere that everyone will remember!