(ARA) – Like mistletoe and eggnog, overnight house guests go hand-in-hand with the holidays. Whether visitors are spending just one night or an entire week in your home, the situation can be stressful for everyone involved. Never fear. You can do a few simple things long before your company arrives to ensure their stay is a comfortable one. In fact, they might even mistake your guest bedroom for a luxury hotel room.

First, remember that less is definitely more when it comes to guest bedroom clutter. While you might enjoy your vintage doll collection that sits on top of the dresser, visitors might not share that sentiment. Remove all unnecessary items in the room, other than some stylish accent pieces, to give your guests a restful, clutter-free home away from home.

Of course, it goes without saying no one wants to stay in a room that isn’t fresh and clean. Make sure your guests stay in a tidy bedroom. Clean the room thoroughly from top to bottom, starting with the ceilings, and systematically work your way down to the floors until everything is spotless.

There’s also nothing worse than having no place to put your clothes and personal items while visiting friends or relatives. You feel as if you’re living out of a suitcase, and you are. While the guest bedroom closet might be a convenient place to store your family’s off-season wardrobe, the holiday is the time to find a new place to store it, at least until your company leaves. Once you remove the clothes, be certain there are enough hangers in the closet for your guests to use. Don’t forget about clearing out dresser drawers, too.

Once cleaning and storage are addressed, it’s time to focus on the room’s decor. Create a comfortable, calming environment for your guests, starting with the color of the room. The use of paint color is one of the quickest, easiest and most cost-effective ways to dramatically change the look and feel of any space. One option is to begin with hues that tend to relax and soothe such as neutrals, light greens, pale blues or even creamy yellow, then give it your personal style with coordinating paint accents in fresh, vibrant colors.

If you’re having trouble deciding on a color, check out the new Better Homes and Gardens Editors’ Choice Paint Colors at Walmart. Tinted in Dutch Boy paint, the palette offers 160 colors handpicked by the magazine’s editors. Plus, the paint also coordinates with a variety of other Better Homes and Gardens products available at Walmart, including window treatments, bath products and bedding.

Speaking of bedding, carry that feeling of tranquility through to one of the most important parts of a guest bedroom – the bed. Don’t scrimp on a cheaper mattress; choose a high-quality one that will last for several years. Your guests will definitely thank you for it.

Beyond the mattress, offer plush, inviting bedding that further enhances that feeling of a quiet, hotel-like retreat. A high-thread count sheet set, featherbed mattress topper, oversized pillows and a down comforter can help create a feeling of serenity. Don’t forget to top things off with an equally luxurious bedcover and matching throw pillows.

While creating a beautiful and cozy bed is important, if your guest bedroom has ample space, you might want to also consider creating a small sitting area. Placing a comfortable chair, an ottoman and a side table in your guests’ room will allow them to relax and unwind without having to sit on the bed. Make sure there’s lighting in case they decide to read. Go one step further and place some magazines or books you think might interest them in the room. Or, if they’ll be sightseeing, provide them with books about the region and tourist information.

Also offer special extras that show you’ve taken the time to personalize their stay with you. Lay out two plush robes and matching slippers for them. Guests can also get the munchies long after you’ve retired to bed, so have water, drinks and their favorite snacks on the nightstand when they arrive. Find out what types of movies and music they enjoy and stock the room with a variety of DVDs and CDs they might like. If you don’t have wireless in your home, make sure they have access to a computer so they can check their e-mail.

Finally, don’t forget the most important part of your guest’s visit will be spending quality time with you. The season can be a blur of activity, so kick back, relax and enjoy each other’s company while it lasts. You might not have the chance to do so again until next year.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Amelia

“Amelia” (my 0-10 rating: 8 )
Genre: Biography, Drama.
Director: Mira Nair.
Screenplay: Ronald Bass, Anna Hamilton Phelan, based on the books “East to the Dawn” by Susan Butler and “The Sound of Wings” by Mary S. Lovell.
Cast: Hilary Swank, Richard Gere, Ewan McGregor, Christopher Eccleston
Time: 1 hr., 51 min.
Rating: PG (some sexuality, vulgarity)

A fine and continuously entertaining, if not inspirational, life story, depicted with superb and measured visual design. “Amelia,” about the incomparably courageous “lady of the air” Amelia Earhart (July 24, 1897 – missing July 2, 1937) is a film which, from a historical biography viewpoint, is illuminating enough, but from an involving director’s grip on the most absorbing methods of film audience engagement, it’s outstanding.

For sure, it doesn’t allow itself the time to go in-depth with Amelia. But events in themselves are so impressive in the woman’s life that her magnificent human drive toward destiny is fuel for most of the film’s life force. It moves at a lively, flawlessly paced clip with a superb sense of its own rhythm, with director Mira Nair exerting a precisely timed gait into a carefully crafted finale.

It was the most daring mission ever for the great lady of the air on that summer day in 1937. Creating an inspiration for women everywhere in the world, she had already done what were considered unimaginable flight feats for women. Amelia Earhart (July 24, 1897 – missing July 2, 1937), the outspoken, legendary “goddess of light” had thrilled the hearts of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt as well as the men who had held faith in her; her husband, promoter and publishing magnate George P. Putnam and her long time friend and lover, pilot and West Point instructor Gene Vidal (Ewan McGregor).

In 1928, having made her amazing flight as the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, she was now America’s sweetheart, her personal charisma and driving boldness in courting danger fascinating the public. Her promoter will soon be George Putnam (Richard Gere), the New York publisher who vaulted Charles Lindbergh into bestselling status and now angles to make a mint on this very media-attractive female flyer.

Even as George admonishes Amelia not to court frustration by this male-cynical public, her indomitable resolve will lead her to become the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, although it was as a passenger assistant-pilot, propelling her to star status as “Lady Lindy.”

She hits the lecture circuit before adoring young women and teenagers, and then in advertising, all of which fund her next adventures. George will be her love, but his marriage proposal is accepted with deep doubts arising over the fear that marriage will interfere with her flying career (she insists that the preacher’s line “… love, honor and obey…” be spoken without the “obey”).

Not helping along the way is her romantic interest in aeronautics professor Gene Vidal (Ewan McGregor), the father of a 5-year-old Gore Vidal. The film sadly avoids any real depth to this relationship. Invigorating electricity in this love triangle never really surfaces.

Hilary Swank does a reasonably serviceable performance with a Kansas-affected accent, with acceptably inspiring words (about the broad expanses of ocean: “A beautiful place where everything is comprehensible”) and many assertions of the primacy of freedom in a woman’s life. The film’s spectacular panoramas of the great skies, seas and mountains let it pulsate with Amelia’s feeling of unity with them.

Boozy Fred Noonan (Christopher Eccleston), the otherwise skillful navigator who, on that final solo flight in Amelia’s flight around the world, was fated to disappear forever along with her, is played with a canny subtlety in which there is chemistry but no sizzle.

In that Lockheed L-10 Electra, Earhart disappeared over the central Pacific Ocean near Howland Island when radio contact from the base proved faulty, depriving her of critical location data. The final tense moments offer ample portrayal of Amelia Earhart’s mighty claim to immortality. Come and enjoy this, then later you can nit-pick.

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(ARA) – The holiday season is filled with endless celebrating, shopping and decorating. But during all the hustle and bustle, people often overlook simple safety precautions. Whether decorating a home inside and out with colorful lights, setting up holiday items in your office or stringing decorations in a dorm room, it is important to remember some important holiday safety tips.

CSA International, a global certification and testing organization, recommends that you follow these indoor and outdoor decorating and smart shopping tips to help ensure everyone has a safe holiday season:

Have yourself a very merry home: indoor safety tips

* Inspect holiday light strings each year and discard any with frayed cords, cracked lamp holders or loose connections.
* Never tack or staple lighting strings or extension cords to any surface.
* Never run electrical cords through doorways or under carpets and rugs.
* Always turn off holiday lights when you leave the house unattended or when going to bed.
* Do not use open flames or candles on or near flammable materials such as wreaths, trees or paper decorations.
* Avoid hanging decorations on or near objects like fire sprinklers, fire extinguishers, exit corridors or exit signs which can hinder one’s vision or safety.

Let your home glisten at night: outdoor lighting tips

* Before working with outdoor wiring, turn off the electricity to the supply outlet and unplug
the connection.
* Ensure that light strings, cords, spotlights and floodlights are certified and marked for outdoor use.
* When hanging lights outdoors, keep electrical connectors above ground, out of puddles or snow and away from metal gutters.
* Use insulated fasteners such as tape or plastic clips rather than nails or tacks to hold lights in place.
* Remove lights promptly after the holidays to avoid damage caused by extended exposure to harsh weather conditions.
* Use a certified timer to switch lights on and off.

Shop safe: avoid counterfeit products

Braving malls and department stores to find the perfect gift can be frustrating, time-consuming and expensive. This can lead people to shop online or at discount stores. While shopping online or searching for a “bargain” gift might make the holiday gift-giving season seem easier, it could also unintentionally put your family and friends at risk for a serious or fatal injury if that gift turns out to be a counterfeit.

Consumers should be wary when purchasing electric toys, household appliances, power tools, consumer electronics or other gifts with a price that seems too good to be true. Counterfeit electrical products have not been tested to the applicable standards and may present an electrical, fire or toxic danger. When purchasing products this holiday season, avoid products with poor packaging graphics, misspellings, missing contact information or flimsy construction. Always look for electrical products that have a certification mark on the package and the product itself and only buy from a trusted retailer.

For a fun and interactive Web site on holiday safety that the whole family can enjoy, visit CSAHoliday.com. For more general safety tips, visit www.CSASafetyTips.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) – There has rarely been a year when so much has been asked of so many. Families and friends across the miles have clung tight to each other and most have come out more connected than ever. When it’s time to sit down to make your holiday gift list, it’s going to be tougher than ever to find that perfect “something” that says, “I’m thinking about you,” or “Thank you for everything.”

This year when you sit down to make your list, take a moment and savor the memories of times spent together. Jot them down. There are many ways to show you care without spending a lot of money. And a trip down memory lane may lead you to wonderful gifting ideas that will be appreciated for years to come.

Here are just a few ideas to get you started.

* Think about the special memories and try to re-create those moments. Remember the time Aunt Mary laughed so hard at the Christmas breakfast table that her belly hurt? How about the time Cousin Sarah surprised you with homemade cookies when you aced that college exam? How about when Grandpa Joe kept a secret stash of chocolates just for you?

Turn those memories into a memorable gift. How about giving Aunt Mary a breakfast basket full of goodies and a special card that reminds her of that memory? A tin of special cookies for Cousin Sarah and some of Grandpa Joe’s favorite chocolate treats will sure to be big hits – especially when they come with a hand-written reminder of how much they mean to you.

With buy now, pay later options that many companies like Swiss Colony offer, you can also make sure your gift arrives at the perfect time. That way the holiday doesn’t get delayed, and your gifts are fully appreciated.

* Give the gift of time. For some family members and special friends, the gift that means the most is time spent together. For those who have everything, here are a few things that might bring a smile and special thanks.

- Coupons for washing windows, cleaning out closets or garages, mowing the lawn, raking leaves, etc. These are especially nice for those who might be getting on in years. Each coupon redemption also means even more opportunities to have a cup of coffee and a piece of cake with that special person at the kitchen table.

- Moms and dads with young children sometimes appreciate a night out or a night alone. Offer to baby-sit – consider creating a special redeemable “You” night, giving them a chance to re-charge the batteries. Be sure to bring along some special goodies for the kids.

* What would you love? Think about what you would like to receive and the look on your face if you opened a package filled with tasty sweets, cheeses, nuts or baked goods. Bet your face has a big smile. Most people don’t purchase something like that for themselves, but chances are they’ll be thrilled to receive some of the edible delights of the season.

Hand-decorated sweets. Luscious baked goods. Yummy cheeses and meats. Even reduced-fat treats that make you forget they’re good for you. And one of the best places to find them is from the place special holiday moments have been made for more than 80 years, Swiss Colony.

Ready to turn those memorable moments into great gifts? Dust off those old photo albums and browse through the memory banks, remembering the people who make your life incredibly rich. And the best part? You get to re-live some of the best moments, too.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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THE GOOD: There is much to praise in this film by young upcoming director Neil Blomkamp. With oscar-winner Peter Jackson in his producing corner, Blomkamp has been able to turn a $30 million film in to one that rivals films with three times that budget. He has also been given free reign to execute the film in whatever manner he saw fit, which is again, quite rare in Hollywood filmmaking unless you are one of the top directors, least of all on one of your first features. “District 9″ tells its story through a combination of documentary and hand-held action techniques, and coupled with the film’s risky story which sees alien refugees trying to co-exist with humans in a very apartheid-like society in South Africa, you have in effect an arthouse film pitched for the mainstream market. The film is not afraid to use its science-fiction context to discuss racial issues, delving in to the darker aspects of human behaviour. The apartheid motif is about as subtle as a sledge-hammer, with the aliens taking the place of blacks (the aliens are referred to as “prawns” by the human characters), although it does allow many moments of social and political commentary that give food for thought. This is borne out in the character of Wikus (Sharlto Copley) who is in charge of moving the aliens out of District 9 and away from the human population who have grown fed up with their presence. When he is exposed to a piece of alien biotechnology, he suddenly finds himself transforming in to one of the aliens and is forced to seek refuge in District 9; he tries to find a way to transform himself back in to a human while the agency he used to be in charge of hunts him down in order to conduct their own experiments on him. The cast is filled with unknowns who do a particularly good job with their performances, particularly Sharlto Copley who not only sees his character transform from human to alien, but also from a coward to a reluctant hero. Although this is a film with aliens and is set within the realm of science-fiction, “District 9″ is really a commentary about how ugly humans can be. The filmmakers deserve their kudos for making such a risky story within the realms of mainstream filmmaking. Neil Blomkamp in particular has shown a remarkable amount of skill as director in bringing to life this rather unusual story.

THE BAD: Despite its unique approach, “District 9″ does manage to stumble in to typical conventions, particularly in its second hour. By this point, there is so much noise, explosions, bullets and people being blasted by alien weapons that it all becomes tedious and over the top. The conventions are a plenty, including the smart and cute alien kid, the object of pursuit (ie The MacGuffin) which is the alien biotechnology, the fish out of water story where an oppressor comes to sympathise with those he oppressed, and a flimsy fugitive-esque chase story. All of these elements are not new and stand out as a little disappointing in an otherwise unique genre film that manages to all but exceed its origins. The character of Wikus is difficult to follow; he is such a coward in the first hour that you do not feel that much sympathy for him. Even in the second hour when he has that moment where he does not think of himself but he puts the fate of his new alien friend ahead of his own, there is still not much to sympathise with, even when we get to the last shot of Wikus, now fully transformed in to alien, constructing a flower which he sends to his wife. In the end, “District 9″ manages to overstay its welcome by about twenty minutes, and largely that is due to too many action sequences in the climax which make the whole endeavour tedious rather than engaging and thrilling.

For the original review, follow this link: http://www.allaboutmovies.net/filmreviewdistrict9.htm

Todd Murphy is a staff reviewer at the film/DVD review web site, http://www.allaboutmovies.net- for all the latest reviews on the newest releases.

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Now, I have always been quite interested in anything secretive and exclusive (let’s face it although Dan Brown does discuss a female branch) the Masons are traditionally well known as an exclusive brotherhood. I do remember trying to persuade my most gifted brother many years ago to join a Masonic Lodge in Cambridge during his university days, to infiltrate the Masons just to let me know all the secret rituals and philosophies involved. Sadly, he refused. Until quite recently, the two most common notions that the word ‘Mason’ used to conjure up for the non-initiated masses, including myself, tended to be the ’secret handshake’- nobody knows quite what this entails but there are more theories than actual possible handshakes and the rolled up trouser leg, again nobody was quite sure which trouser leg but the mention of ‘The Masons’ at most dinner tables would have somebody leaping up to roll up a trouser leg and hop about.

Dan Brown, at the very beginning of his book has included a page entitled ‘Fact’ and states that, “All rituals, science, artwork, and monuments in this novel (The Lost Symbol) are real“. Brown goes on to describe, in some detail, secret Masonic initiation rituals. An important part of most of these rituals appears to be an acting out of exactly what would happen to a Mason if the secrets of the brotherhood were to be revealed. One initiation ceremony involves a ceremonial dagger pressed to the initiate’s bare chest whilst he wears a ceremonial velvet hood in front of an elaborate altar. Punishments outlined should the ‘Mysteries of the Freemasons’ be revealed at this level include, “having one’s throat cut across, one’s tongue torn out by its roots, and one’s body buried in the rough sands of the sea….” Acceptance into the third degree of the Masons involves acting out the initiate’s murder with simulated blows to the victim’s head including one with a Mason’s stone maul. The story behind this ritual goes back to the master Architect of old who chose to die rather than reveal the Masonic Secrets that he possessed. Entrance into the highest level of the Mason’s, the elite thirty third degree involves the famed ‘caput mortuum’, red wind drank out of a human skull in front of a black marble altar. The Mason takes the wine and announces, “May this wine I now drink become a deadly poison to me … should I ever knowingly or willingly violate my oath” (of secrecy to the Masons).

As we can see from the above excerpts from the novel, a central and important part of all of the initiation rituals within the Masons involve fiercely guarding the secrets within, on pain of death. Nowadays, The Masons claim to be neither a religion, a cult nor a secret society. However, it is quite obvious from reading the fascinating snippets from Dan Brown’s latest little gem that there is a lot more to the Freemasons then a group of powerful men rolling up their trouser legs and doing an odd little handshake. One thing is for sure, and that is Masonic history, ritual, belief and practices will continue to hold a fascination for the uninitiated for many years to come.

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If Dan Browns’ latest Bestseller has aroused your curiosity about the Masons do not miss out on a more in-depth look into these new, never-before disclosed secrets behind the Freemasons.

The Freemasons

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(ARA) – The backyard is an entertainment hot spot as Americans seek affordable ways to spend time with family and friends. But your outdoor party can be spoiled quickly if unwelcome insects show up.

More than half of backyard revelers have moved a party indoors due to mosquitoes, and 46 percent have left a party to escape the pests, according to a new survey from the makers of OFF! PowerPad Lamp and Lantern.

Create an unforgettable party within a tight budget with these five tips from Natalie Ermann Russell, author of “The Outdoor Entertaining Idea Book:”

1. Keep decor simple: Save money on decorations by making the most of the greenery and foliage that surround you. Simple potted plants as center pieces create an elegant setting at little cost, and they’ll last much longer than cut flowers.

2. Set a realistic menu: Give yourself a break by creating a menu that is realistic for your budget and your schedule. To get the best prices, focus on foods that are in season and check out your local farmers’ market for deals. Using produce from the farmers’ market also makes for less work — the flavors of these foods are so intense and beautiful, they’re at their best when prepared simply. For example, a pasta primavera with blanched farmers’ market veggies can be assembled quickly, and is super colorful and so delicious.

3. Invite guests to pitch in: The beloved potluck is making a comeback. Your friends and family will enjoy contributing to the event, but be sure to be specific about what you need so that you end up with a good variety of foods. And establishing a theme can make it even more fun. For instance, call it the Fresh from the Farmers’ Market Potluck, where each person brings a dish to highlight a different fruit or vegetable that’s in season.

4. Keep away mosquitoes for less: OFF! PowerPad Lamp can repel mosquitoes from an area of up to 15 by 15 feet — the size of an entire patio — for less than $10. It would take 15 citronella candles at a cost of up to $60 to protect this same area.

5. Plan right: The fear of running out of food often drives hosts to prepare twice as much food as they need — at twice the cost. Know your head count beforehand and shop accordingly. A general rule of thumb is to plan for six to eight ounces per person of the main protein (e.g., steak, fish, chicken) and one to two ounces of a side dish like rice or pasta.

Use these simple and affordable tips to entice your guests to linger at your next outdoor party. For more information about how to combat mosquitoes, visit www.offprotects.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Here are several ideas on how you and your family can show your pride for the military, both locally and directly to our heroes in uniform overseas:

* Organize a letter campaign:
If you have children in school, ask the classroom to create homemade cards and letters for the military. Creativity is appreciated, as are the messages and stories children can share about their school, what they’re studying and the activities they enjoy. If you don’t have children, ask some of your family members, friends and coworkers to join you in creating cards. Even if you don’t personally know anyone who is currently serving, you can contact your local Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion or Red Cross chapters, or the person leading a Family Readiness Group in your community to find out where to mail the letters.

* Show your pride:
Demonstrate your loyalty to our men and women in uniform and their families. Tie yellow ribbons on the trees in your yard, hang the American flag in front of your house and use products displaying military emblems and logos to remind people of those serving overseas. For example, Bank of America offers military-themed banking products such as check cards, credit cards and checks so customers can show their pride for the military and demonstrate their appreciation of the sacrifices veterans and active duty military personnel have made. Find out more at www.BankofAmerica.com/MilitaryBanking.

For over 85 years, Bank of America has supported the military community, most recently with the Intrepid Foundation. The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund assists wounded warriors with traumatic brain injury, and the Fisher House Foundation provides family members with homes on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. Bank of America provides specialized financial services to military personnel as well, including special rates, products and services for all active duty, retired or former military members and their dependents. Through a contract with the Department of Defense, Bank of America manages about 100 banking centers in 11 foreign countries to help provide members of the military and their families with banking services while they’re serving abroad.

* Plan a package packing party:
Men and women serving overseas really appreciate care packages containing everything from food to games to items that remind them of home. Invite all your friends over for a care package packing party. Ask each person to contribute an item for 20 packages. Some suggested items to include are magazines and books; toiletries like deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, unscented baby wipes, hair brushes and packaged food items that are not pressurized and not susceptible to heat or cold.

* Care for those at home:
If a local unit has been deployed from your area, find out if any of the families need meals delivered or if you can meet with them for a social visit. You can invite families over for dinner at your house, take them out for a social activity, or simply prepare a meal and drop it off.

These are just a few of the ways you can show your pride and appreciation here at home for our men and women in uniform.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Inglourious Basterds

This weekend I was one of the many who went to see Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds.”

The movie begins in the idyllic French countryside at the home of a dairy farmer and his three daughters. Down the country road rumble the Nazi soldiers led by the much dreaded Col. Hans ‘Jew Hunter’ Landa (a terrific Christoph Waltz). Landa believes the farmer is illegally harboring the Jewish Dreyfus family.

After a most menacing interview, the poor farmer tearfully points to the floor where the family is hiding. The Nazi soldiers riddle the floor with bullets, but the young daughter, Shosanna Dreyfus, crawls out from under the house and begins to run. The startled girl is shaken and covered in blood, but she runs for her life across the countryside. Landa runs out of the house and looks like he has a shot at her, but lets her go with a smirk and a smile.

The antithesis to the Nazis, are the “Basterds,” a group of Nazi-scalping soldiers led by the charismatic Lt. Aldo Raine (a very funny Brad Pitt). The “Basterds” were assembled to create an atmosphere of terror throughout the Third Reich. They scalp all of their kills and carve a swastika in the head of the few they let free. Basically, a violent group of warriors that take tremendous pride in, and receive tremendous pleasure from, their work.

Through a magical twist of fate the “Basterds,” a now adult Shosanna Dreyfus, and every major Nazi officer-including Hitler and the dreaded ‘Jew Hunter’-cross paths at an illustrious movie premiere. The events that unfold are truly explosive and surprising.

This movie is typical Tarantino with a lot of humor, bloodshed and jaw-dropping shockers. To me, it isn’t as brilliant as “Pulp Fiction,” but it’s pretty damn close.

There are many parts that are astonishingly wonderful and they all contain either Brad Pitt or Christoph Waltz. These two actors carry this movie and the excellent part is they have very little screen time together. When they finally do, the payoff is a feast for the eyes. I’m not usually a fan of Brad Pitt, but I honestly believe this to be some of his best work. He really embodies the role, which makes it a joy to watch.

Unfortunately, along with the positives of typical Tarantino, there are also the negatives. Many scenes drag on far too long, which wreaked havoc on my two-second attention span. If Mr. Tarantino could’ve cut down on the grandiose prose just a tiny bit, the movie would have been that much tighter and that much more pleasurable to watch. In addition, the majority of the movie is spoken in French or German, which means you have to read over 50% of the film. My eyes were exhausted by the ending credits.

Bottom line: Not as great as “Pulp Fiction,” but pretty damn close. Excellent performances by Christoph Waltz and Brad Pitt.

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(ARA) – With back-to-school season right around the corner, there’s no better way to spend time with your kids and encourage them to use their imagination than to create something with them in the kitchen.

Over the past seven years, thousands of kid chefs from across the country have taken on the challenge of making the most creative peanut butter sandwich, coming up with peanut butter kabobs, peanut butter fruit pockets and even “Happy Hedgehogs” using Jif (R) peanut butter and their imaginations.

From Aug. 7 through Nov. 13, 2009, the makers of Jif peanut butter are accepting entries for the 8th Annual Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest(TM). Five finalists will win a trip to New York City for the live judging event and a chance to win the grand prize of a $25,000 scholarship fund. Four runners-up will be awarded a $2,500 scholarship fund. The contest is open to children ages 6 to 12.

Last year’s most creative peanut butter sandwich was inspired by a Louisiana po’boy sandwich and a Philly cheesesteak. Ten-year-old Jordyn Boyer of Lebanon, Pa. wowed the judges with her Po’Boy Peanut Butter Chicken Cheesesteak, made with Jif Creamy Peanut Butter, chicken, peppers, onions, apples and mozzarella cheese. To compliment the fresh peanutty taste of her sandwich, Jordyn created a sauce of Jif creamy peanut butter, Worcestershire sauce, honey and honey mustard, perfect for dipping her savory sandwich.

For decades, choosy moms have made Jif their No. 1 choice of peanut butter and the makers of Jif would like to give choosy moms the recognition they deserve. The Jif Moms Voice Their Choice Contest (TM) is asking moms (or those inspired by one) to submit their stories – in 250 words or less – of how they make the best choices for their families. One grand prize winner will win a trip to New York City to serve as a judge at the 8th Annual Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest final live judging event in March 2010.

Last year’s winner, Judy Detter, from Clark Summit, Pa. talked about wearing many different hats in her family, one of them being the family chef. “As a choosy mom of two kids, peanut butter is something we pack in their lunches daily,” she says. “As my family’s cook, I choose to prepare healthy snacks and creative meals and look forward to recreating these recipes with my daughters.”

For official rules, entry form, recipes or to learn more about the contests, visit www.jif.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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