AUGUST 26 & 27, 2011 The Center for the Arts Proudly presents ENCORE!

 

Murfreesboro, TN-The Center for the Arts proudly announces ENCORE!, a night of dinner and music in downtown Murfreesboro. This fundraising red carpet event will take place August 26th-27th. These two evenings will begin at 6:30pm with dinner at B. McNeel's Restaurant, and following at 8:00pm, the evening will end with a concert review of songs from past musicals at the Center for the Arts.

Bring your date for an evening to remember to ENCORE! A formal evening, complete with a red carpet and the lights of downtown Murfreesboro, makes for the perfect way to celebrate past performances at the Center. The songs that will be highlighted during ENCORE! have inspired and uplifted the spirits of our beloved audiences, and we are ecstatic to bring them back to the Center of the Arts stage.

The purpose for this night of music also involves a great need for improvements toward our beautiful historic building. All of the ticket sales for ENCORE! will go towards a new air-conditioning unit for the Center for the Arts. The Center for the Arts, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, aims to keep the arts thriving in Murfreesboro, and it is with the public's assistance that this is made possible. The Center for the Arts advances art awareness through quality theatrical productions, musical performances, art exhibits, educational programs, life-long learning and community activities; thus, improving overall quality of life in our community.

Tickets for ENCORE! are $60 a person. This price includes dinner at B.McNeel's Restaurant, a concert at the Center for the Arts, and dessert served at intermission.

Tickets for this fundraiser may be purchased online at www.boroarts.org, by phone at 615-904-2787, or in person at the Center for the Arts, 110 W. College Street, one block off the historic Murfreesboro square.

MAGICIANS OF BASKETBALL®

Nashville Municipal Auditorium

Apr 14, 2011 7:00 pm | Thursday

Buy tickets fron StubHub here.

(ARA) - Not everyone with a strong set of pipes sets out to be the next American Idol, nor does every young dancer end up with a career on Broadway. A strong educational foundation in the fine arts, however, can lead to an equally rewarding career teaching others how to take center stage.

Go to Carmike Cinemas Thoroughbred 20 in Franklin for the Independent Film Festival March 2 through April 11. One film will be featured each of the 6 weeks of the film festival and all movies are only $5. Independent Film Festival will be featuring the following movies:

Remarkable Power

March 2-5 at 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.; March 7 at 12:00 p.m.

With the plug about to be pulled on his late night talk show after a 15-year run, and his wife engaged in a steamy affair with a pro baseball star, host Jack West is desperate - to keep aflame his fading celebrity, and avenge the misdeeds of his adulterous spouse. With the clock ticking, Jack concocts the mother of all media stunts, killing 2 birds with one unforgettable stone on the road to redemption. The scheme entangles an eclectic collection of colorful locals navigating their way through unpredictable twists and turns. A plump private eye teams with a macabre webmistress to investigate the strange disappearance of a dead body. A glassy-eyed cheddar head falls prey to a phony get-rich-quick guru. Imperiled actors embark on a quest for a fresh corpse. Cops in costume, a peculiar special effects make-up team, porn stars with dreams of stardom, a Jewish drug lord with very large brothers. Russian mobsters and others converge in this unique roller-coaster ride of comedy. Mystery, murder and mayhem viewed through the underbelly of modern day Sodom and Gomorrah.

All Along

March 9-12 at 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.; March 14 at 12:00 p.m.

Richard Harrison has a loving wife, a reliable job and two typically rambunctious teenagers. He is currently experiencing a crisis -- a midlife crisis. He's hit the big 4-0 and his life has drastically changed. While every midlife working stiff descends into daydreams in order to escape their mundane reality, Richard doesn't merely scratch the surface of his fantasies. He physically enters them, for moments at a time, until he's forced to snap back into reality with hilarious results. Whether living a dream as a professional wrestler, or, performing with the endorsed Aerosmith tribute band, Draw the Line, to a crowd of thousands, he often finds that he's made a fool of himself in reality. It's clearly evident that Richard has a problem; a problem that needs to be solved in order to regain the trust of his loving family. Sara, a psychologist, helps Richard trace the source of his problems, which began on a family trip to an amusement park on his 40th birthday. It was here that he revisited memories of a lover from his younger and more formative years possibly sparking his need for escape. One commonality that exists within all of his fantasies is the appearance of a mysterious blonde-haired beauty who may hold the key that unlocks the mysteries of midlife.

 

">Bad For Business

March 16-19 at 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.; March 21 at 12:00 p.m.

Jerry owns the dream business; a big office, flexible hours and a beautiful secretary, but it ain't no 9 to 5. Jerry specializes in helping women regain their self esteem after being dumped by their boyfriends by employing the art of the obsessive stalking hopeless romantic. One week of being showered with Jerry's restraining order inducing love and you'll forget about your ex faster than you can buy over-the-counter pepper spray. But when Ted, a former business partner, asks Jerry to help rid him of his ex-girlfriend's constant pestering, the tables get turned. Ted's ex, Tina, is a fiery redhead that proves to be more than Jerry can handle when she falls in love with him and does some stalking of her own.

 

Altered Courses

March 23-26 at 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.; March 28 at 12:00 p.m.

No synopsis available at this time.

The One Lamb

March 30-April 2 at 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.; April 4 at 12:00 p.m.

In the dead of night, lying across the steps of an altar in an abandoned church, a man lies broken and confused. How could he have fallen so far? Just days before, he was a power broker, a young, hot campaign manager for a candidate for the U.S. Senate. His picture graced the covers of national magazines touting him as the new "Golden Boy" of American politics. And his future was shining bright. Now, alone in this unfamiliar place, everything he once had is lost. Crying out into the darkness for help, the voice of a stranger answers "I'm going to help you my son" ... Jackson Price awakens to find himself in a hospital bed. Here, at the bottom of his fall from grace is where he will learn he has cancer. And he is going to have to fight to save his life. Alone and facing an uncertain future, Price seeks out the stranger who answered his cry in the darkness. In a small town deep in the country, far away from the fast paced life he once lived in the big city. Price will find Earl. Earl enjoys the simple life of the country. He delights in taking long afternoon naps. He enjoys sitting in his rocking chair on the front porch sipping cold glasses of sweetened iced tea and this stubborn, retired black preacher and the young city boy will become fast friends. Earl cares for Jack as he battles the cancer trying to take his life. And, he helps Jackson to realize he is going to have to abandon everything he understands and learn to trust in something much bigger than himself. Ultimately, for Jackson to save his life, he is going to have to surrender it. Jackson learns that he is losing his fight with cancer. In a race against time, Earl will lead him to the One who has the power to give him new life. Turning from his selfish ways of the past, Jackson forgoes any further treatment and attempts to run a marathon to inspire thousands of others to have hope and to never give up. Audiences will stand up and cheer at this inspirational story of courage and faith. Come along on this incredible journey as Price races against time and his past to reach the finish line where he will find the One who will set him free ... the One who will give him new life.

 

The Lone Stag

April 6-9 at 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.; April 11 at 12:00 p.m.

Ten men come together inside a big, empty house for a bachelor party. Party favors include drugs, liquor, two strippers, and their handler. After an accident kills one of the girls, the men desperately try to escape the consequences, creating a situation that's irredeemably worse. This is a group of very good actors, led by Mario Van Peebles. The lone character with moral courage is well played by Kevin Dillon. Also noteworthy: Andrew McCarthy playing an uncharacteristically evil role, and the great Jerry Stiller as the vulnerable

(ARA) - As your children grow older, it can be difficult finding fun family vacations for everyone to enjoy together. Here are some tips to get out and have a pleasurable family vacation:

1. Go camping. Find a campground near scenic hiking trails, cool and refreshing lakes, or even extended ATV trails. This is a fantastic trip idea for the entire family, especially if each of you has different ideas about what you want to do on your vacation. For example, you can do some bird watching while your son attempts to cast for dinner. And your spouse might enjoy reading a book in a hammock strung between two trees while your daughter chases fish through the lake using her snorkel and fins.

2. Travel back in time. Turn the vacation into a history learning experience by exploring the Old West, walking the streets of America's founding cities or designing a road trip along the Mississippi River and popping into the small river towns teeming with river history. Educational vacations don't have to be boring - many communities in historical settings offer live recreations of the event or events, and if your children happen to be studying that era in school, it's an even better experience.

3. Take an off-road trip in the wide-open spaces with the Polaris RANGER RZR 4, a sporty, multi-passenger side-by-side vehicle that can handle dunes, desert sands and wide-open spaces with ease. The bonus is this vehicle seats four, which means your family saves money on renting or purchasing multiple off-road vehicles. ATV and side-by-side trails allow your family to travel great distances off the main roads, giving you the opportunity to see new geography and potentially different wildlife which you wouldn't be able to see from your car on the highway.

4. Visit one or several of the national parks stretching from coast to coast. You can take in the Atlantic Ocean from the cliffs of Maine in Acadia National Park, rare and endangered species in the waters of Everglades National Park, pretend you're part of the explorers following the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail that stretches through 11 states over mountains, through rivers, across prairies and all the way to the Pacific coast, or admire the architecture of more than 600 cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans in Mesa Verde National Park. That's just to name a few of the hundreds of parks you can explore.

5. Organize an extended scenic drive. Plan a trip around one of the great lakes, or through a mountain range or even across the expanse of a desert. Research some of the small towns along the route for new and interesting things to see. Try out new restaurants and ask the locals what some of the more popular dishes are. If you are on your trip during the harvest time, stop by a roadside stand and make a picnic or a tailgate party out of the fresh produce that's available.

When planning your next family vacation, make sure you pack plenty of food and beverages, as well as your camera. Encourage the kids to take along journals so they can document the sights they see and the new places they are experiencing. But most of all, enjoy the time spent together on vacation.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Valentine's Day is no longer just a romantic day that is reserved only for lovers - it has grown to include friends and family with widespread celebrations. Try a role reversal with either friends or family members and give the usual cook a well-deserved break. Small and thoughtful acts can have a large impact this holiday.

People's lives are crazier than ever with having to juggle work, children and personal relationships. "I feel that the most valuable thing we can do for those we love is to do something a little out of the ordinary such as a Valentine's Day family dinner," says Andrea Alexander, academic director for The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Austin. "It does not have to be an expensive or time-consuming event but rather, a moment to share thoughts, feelings, smiles and laughter."

According to Alexander, the Valentine's Day dinner does not have to be any more difficult than any other meal; just add creativity and a lively atmosphere. A fun menu idea is to purchase individual pizza crusts and an array of fresh toppings such as red, yellow or green bell peppers; halved cherry tomatoes and olives; diced sweet onions, pepperoni or shredded chicken breast; and don't forget the pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese. "Let each friend or family member assemble their own pizza and then have a tasting party to experience each of the pizzas," says Alexander.

If you are looking to "wow" the crowd and prepare a more formal dinner, then you might want to incorporate beef. Filets are always a palate pleaser, but if you are looking for more cost-effective and just as tasty cuts, then rib-eyes or New York strips can be your staples. Instead of beef, pork tenderloins are also a healthy and tasty cut of meat and easy to prepare. Simply cook in the oven on a roasting rack or sheet pan for 15 minutes at 500 degrees and then let rest for 15 minutes. The tenderloin will come out perfect every time. As a side dish, halve a few pounds of red new potatoes, boil until fork tender and coat them in a mixture of horseradish and basil pesto for a zesty taste.

Chocolate is a nice finish to any meal and is always a welcome Valentine's Day treat. "Interactive desserts are great because they are always fun and can bring a smile to the faces of everyone involved," says Alexander. "Try an ice cream sundae bar with lots of fun Valentine's Day-inspired toppings such as heart-shaped chocolates, Red Hots candy and red and pink sprinkles, all on top of scoops of red raspberry ice cream." For a more romantic touch, try the iconic strawberries dipped in dark chocolate.

Whatever you choose to do this Valentine's Day, keep your plans simple and heartfelt with a special dinner for friends and family as a terrific option to celebrate this day of love.

To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Finding the perfect Valentine's Day gift doesn't have to be hard, and if you know where to look, you can take advantage of some fabulous deals.

Chocolate, flowers and even books all make excellent gift choices for those who have everything. Another great idea that you may not have thought of is a gift certificate for iTunes.

The best part is that these options are all available online, so you don't have to leave your house to deal with traffic or endless lines.

Retail Web sites will give you information about timelines for ground shipping, or the charges for next-day delivery. Make sure you look for discount codes for free shipping or quick delivery. Many companies offer shipping directly on the holiday, giving your gift a "10" for perfect timing.

Shopping online allows you to use coupons or even get cash back when shopping on sites like Ebates.com. You can receive about 12 percent cash back plus coupons for flowers ordered from FTD through Ebates for that special woman. Or if you decide to purchase a box of chocolates from Godiva through Ebates, you can receive a check at the end of the quarter for 8 percent of your purchase. That's in addition to coupons for discounts and free shipping.

Need a less traditional gift? Check out Barnes and Noble coupons, Magazines.com or Borders online for excellent deals on your loved one's favorite authors. You can have your gift shipped to you at work in plenty of time for Valentine's Day so your loved one will never know how effortless it was for you to shop.

This Valentine's Day, plan ahead if you can, but remember online shopping allows you to get just about anything you need overnight, and you'll have plenty of options for great deals on gifts for that certain someone. And stay within your budget by being smart about your shopping. Make sure you get the best deals through coupons and discount codes or through cash-back options.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - If you haven't yet joined the "grow your own vegetables" craze, it's not too late to join in. You can produce a bounty of vitamin-rich veggies from plot (or pot) to plate this fall, plus you'll save a bundle by growing them yourself.

You may be surprised to find that with just a little attention and effort, growing fall vegetables in the backyard garden and in planters is even more enjoyable than planting a vegetable garden during the spring and summer seasons. Why? Cooler autumn temperatures make it a delight to spend time outside in the garden and also provide an advantage when it's time to harvest your crops.

You'll spend less time caring for your fall crops because of the favorable cool weather growing conditions. Plants will grow rapidly at first and gradually slow as the days become shorter and colder. Destructive insects won't be as numerous in autumn as they are in summer months. Weeds germinate less frequently and grow slower than they do during the warmer seasons. Compared to hot and dry summers, fall usually brings an increase in the amount of precipitation, eliminating another time-consuming chore - watering.

What you need to know:

1. Let the sunshine in.  Most vegetables need full sun - at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They also require a steady supply of moisture and nutrients from the soil. You can help ensure your plants get both by mixing a 2-inch layer of compost into the soil (bagged compost is available at garden centers). Or spread a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, according to labeled instructions. Plants will need an inch of moisture per week, either through rain or supplemental watering.

2. Start with transplants. Transplants buy you lots of time. Plants are six weeks or older when you put them into the ground, so you will begin harvesting much sooner than if you start from seed. Bonnie Plants transplants in biodegradable, environmentally friendly pots make planting easy and spare the use of much plastic. Just cut off the bottom of the pot, water and plant ... pot and all. Garden centers typically supply optimum fall varieties for your geographic region.

3. Don't fear frost. When frost threatens, cover plants with a floating row cover, cold frame or a cloche. Or, you can grow fall veggies in a container and move the pot to a protected location on frosty nights.

Essential, preliminary planning tips for fall vegetable gardens include:

* Before planting any new plant make sure that you clear the area of summer and spring crops planted previously, as they may decay and encourage bacterial infection.

* Spread a few inches of mulch or compost over the area. Make sure that you turn up the soil's top layer and water well. Allow the soil to rest for a day before planting new fall plants.

* During the fall season most areas experience rain and even frost, so make sure that your soil is well drained and doesn't get soggy.

Vegetables best suited for fall gardens:

After following the essential preliminary steps for fall vegetable gardening, it's time to select vegetables for planting. Here's a list of fast-growing, cold-hardy crops that are ideal for fall vegetable gardening:

Winterbor Kale - This nutritious leafy green is a vigorous producer that endures winter easily, even in very cold climates. Cut the outer leaves so that the center can continue growing. Space transplants about 12 inches apart

Georgia Collards - Another leafy green similar to kale, collards offer a larger, stronger, sweet cabbage-like flavor. Leaves taste best when young.  Space transplants 36 inches apart.

Romaine Lettuce - Romaine packs more vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients than other popular types of lettuce. Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, romaine is an especially good vegetable for heart health. Space transplants 18 inches apart.

Early Dividend Broccoli - Popular, productive and easy to grow, this broccoli is high in fiber and calcium. Set transplants 18 inches apart

Mustard Greens - Offering spicy hot leaves, this is a very fast-growing, nutritious vegetable. Mustard greens always taste sweeter when nipped by frost. Space plants 12 inches apart

Bonnie Hybrid Cabbage - Bonnie's best cabbage. Grows large, round, blue-green heads. Cabbage is especially high in beta-carotene, vitamin C, K and fiber.

Arugula - These fast-growing leafy greens are great for salads or gourmet recipes. This peppery-tasting green is a super food for your bones. The leaves are "nutrient dense" and low in calories. They are especially high in vitamins A, C, and K.

If you put these practices into place this fall, you'll get your garden off to the right start and set it up for a fruitful season. Preparation is key, but the reward is a healthier, more productive garden - and fresh food that tastes better than anything you can buy at the store.

To learn more about vegetable and herb varieties as well as gardening tips, visit www.bonnieplants.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Smaller homes are making a comeback. More families are hanging onto their existing homes and improving these smaller properties, instead of trading up.

Maximizing livable space is how the American Institute of Architects (AIA) describes this new trend, a by-product of a down new-housing and real estate market. Smaller remodel projects - finishing attics and basements - readily achieve that goal, making the home more enjoyable today while increasing its resale value tomorrow.

Nearly 130 million homes are currently in need of work, including adjustments to meet "changing preferences and lifestyles," such as family members returning home to live, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.

As the owner of a smaller home, you should know that adding even a small bathroom is among the best investments you can make, typically returning 65 percent or more of the cost on resale. In the attic or the basement, you can save money on a bath addition by using macerating plumbing, which requires no digging for under-floor drainage piping.

For this same reason, you can also convert an existing room or even a closet into a new small bathroom to better accommodate guests or even family members moving into your home. No digging for drainage means a quicker, less messy and cheaper installation experience. Macerating plumbing systems can handle the waste from a toilet as well as a sink and a tub/shower. As a result, you can create not just a powder room, but a full bath with all the decorative accessories.

Install an up toilet
Known as an up toilet or above-floor plumbing, macerating technology is the way to go, says East Taunton, Mass., plumber Mike Sikorski, who installs Saniflo brand products. Plumbing waste and water are pumped through small-diameter piping, which can be located inside the wall, right into the sewer or septic tank. Sikorski estimates that this type of system saves his customers $1,000 on average, "and that's on the low side," he says.

Mike Vines of Lake Orion, Mich., recently improved his home with a basement upgrade using an up-toilet system. "I couldn't be happier," he says of the half bath he added to the family home. "In these tough times, anything you can do to increase the value of your house, the better off you're going to be."

Saving money is key
Cost-saving projects like these are among the ways homeowners will most likely focus their future remodeling dollars, according to the 2009 Remodeling Market in Transition report prepared by the Joint Center.

"I believe that the struggling economy has actually helped the smaller profile repair/remodel market," says Steve Norton, president of M & N Plumbing Supply in Denver. "People are staying the course, and macerating plumbing offers a lower-cost option to breaking up cement."

If you're staying put in your smaller home, but want to improve its livability and long-term value, consider adding a bathroom with macerating plumbing.

Tips for a better bath
Here are some tips to make the most of your bathroom addition, even if it's a small one:

* Maximize space by placing a pedestal sink in the corner along with a mirrored medicine cabinet designed for in-corner installation.  
* Plan your new bath so the door won't bump into anything when it is opened. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (www.nkba.org) is a good resource for planning dimensions. 
* Must you have a tub, or will a shower suffice? Putting in an enclosed stall shower saves a lot of space.
* Install grab bars to prevent falls. They're not just for the elderly. The Home Safety Council (www.homesafetycouncil.org) recommends grab bars in every bath.
* No window? Good lighting can make a room look and feel larger. Recessed lighting is a smart choice for small spaces. Task lighting over the sink is a welcome feature.
* Don't forget the fan. Installing a fan can help prevent moisture problems, such as mold and mildew.

Learn more about low-cost, above-floor bathroom and grey water pumping systems by visiting www.saniflo.com or calling (800) 571-8191.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - When temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, you know that comfort food season has arrived. And nothing is more heartwarming than bringing family and friends together for a traditional winter meal, evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia.

Look no further than your cupboard for simple meal solutions to create hearty and budget-friendly meals for your family any day of the week. On one of those chilly winter days, nothing hits the spot more than the taste of a savory casserole or a piping hot bowl of soup.

Here are a few easy tips for making meals matter for your loved ones:

Give your leftovers a makeover

This season, chances are your fridge will be stocked with food and your home filled with family and friends. Instead of tossing them away, give your leftovers a makeover - your family will never know chicken they had for dinner yesterday is on the menu tonight.

* Add ready-made broth or stock to leftovers: Poultry that has been left in the fridge can sometimes become dry and bland. Enhance your dishes with rich flavors by adding a ready-made broth or stock to add moisture that may have been lost. For example, chicken broth such as College Inn adds a delicious farm-fresh flavor of vegetables like onions and carrots, and a perfect blend of garlic and other spices like thyme, coriander, and rosemary to your meals. Incorporate your leftovers into delicious, creative dishes such as Chicken Tortilla Soup, Santa Fe Chipotle Beef Stew or Southwest Chicken Chili. These recipes and more can be found online at www.collegeinn.com/recipes.aspx.

* Freeze it. Prolong the shelf life of your leftovers by freezing them. Most meals that have been frozen will last for a few months. Plus, it's already prepared and ready to eat - just thaw and reheat. Freezing meals saves you time and money, and is always a great solution to feed your kids healthy meals when you can't make it home in time for dinner.

Making family meals matter

Busy families don't always have the time to stop and think about what's for dinner, and are often eating on-the-go. However, the importance of bringing everyone to the dinner table to laugh, listen and share stories has a significant impact on families and their kids.

According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA), kids who eat dinner with their family regularly tend to:

* Eat healthier foods, and less junk.
* Get better grades.
* Engage in fewer risky behaviors, including taking drugs, drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes.
* Develop stronger connections with their parents.
* Be less depressed.
* Build larger vocabularies.
* Have fewer eating disorders.
* Feel that their parents are proud of them.

Easy tips to make meals matter

* Schedule regular meal times: Regular meal times provide stability to families with hectic schedules; stay consistent and schedule meal time at the same time every day.

* Create family theme nights: Create a family fun jar. Write all your ideas for themes for family night on strips of paper and put them in a large mason jar. Take turns randomly selecting a theme for the evening.

* Keep dinner time light and fun: Avoid any conversations bound to cause an argument as well as questions that can be answered, "Yes" or "No." For example: "Did you learn anything at school today?" "Did you go to soccer practice?" Instead focus on open ended statements and questions such as "Teach us something you learned today that you don't think we know," or "What would you like to invent?"

* Unplug: By unplugging your family from the digital world, you are opening up the lines of healthy communication again. Eating dinner together is the best way to reconnect with the family and show your kids that they are your No. 1 priority. So turn it all off - televisions, cell phones, video games and computers.

* Involve your kids in meal planning and cooking: Spend time with your kids on the weekend planning and preparing next week's meals. This makes them feel involved and an important member of the family. Along with the joy of spending quality time with your kids, you are also teaching them valuable life skills through cooking such as math, vocabulary and reading, learning how to make healthy choices, as well as how to listen and follow directions. For more helpful family meal ideas and recipes this season, visit  www.collegeinn.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent