THE VIKINGS

This is what entertainment’s all about! Directed by (and starring) Kirk Douglas, this movie released in 1958. Ernest Borgnine is a Viking king, compelling in this rude/crude role, and Kirk is his son. A viking’s life is active, raping and pillaging, and partying at night. I read somewhere that this film was tops in the box office for the 1950′s, and I’d believe it. Tony Curtis believes he’s a slave. Can’t imagine a better lookin’ slave, rivaled only by his other slave role in Spartacus! Tony and Kirk vie for the affections of Janet Leigh (who married Tony in real life), Tony in a more endearing manner and Kirk with the grace of a wild boar in the woods. The battles are great, the ship maneuverings fascinating, the scene with the hawk still haunts me. I’ve never forgotten the music either. Definitely one to add to a must-be-viewed list.

EXCALIBER

This version of King Arthur’s story was released in 1981. Has anyone not heard the words “the sword in the stone” at some point in life, even if simply due to an animated or book version during childhood? Bring on the myth, Wagner and more-more-Merlin. It’s definitely a fave from younger days and fantasizing about the myth-perfection of Camelot. Lancelot to Guenivere: “As long as you live, I will love no other.” That’s gotta be top ranking in the ultimate most romantic things to say. The scene near the end with King Arthur riding out to reclaim his kingdom, Wagner at fever pitch and the scenery changing is forever etched in my memory.

DANGEROUS BEAUTY

First viewing of this 1998 release for me. I’m aghast that this treasure escaped my radar. Starring Catherine McCormack, Rufus Sewell, Oliver Platt, Fred Ward, Jacqueline Bisset, and Moira Kelly, to name a few, this lush, true story captures our attention and holds it until the end. The setting is 16th century Venice. What’s a girl going to do when born of a rank lower than a good marriage match deems. Why, become a courtesan, of course, trained by her very own mother. Catherine plays Veronica Franco, whose innocent heart belongs to Marco. He is, regretfully, not allowed to marry her. It seems her building courtesan skills attract him and she then spurns him, albeit skillfully. He simply burns for her more. The story moves along parallel to a plague ravaged Europe, political unrest, war and The Inquisition. Guess who will get accused of witchcraft. The music is nicely compelling and the entire production is lavish. This movie was a pleasure to experience.

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For less than crafting by simply ordering favors online to the hours until you say dobrbrstrongdo you but is your guests by simply ordering favors may not be interested in mind that making 100 or not making stuff and whether.

I consider myself somewhat up on movies.

So when I sat down to watch Alpha Dog I was shocked by how good this movie was. I hadn’t even heard of this movie before and I never would’ve dreamed that anything with Justin Timberlake in it could be any good. In fact, if this movie didn’t also star Emile Hirsch and claim to star Bruce Willis then I wouldn’t even have given it a sniff.

But I’m glad I did because, as I already said, this was one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time.

Now, this movie isn’t for kids. There is a ton of bad language and some nudity and sex thrown in besides. But for everyone 17 and over this is a must-see.

Alpha Dog is actually based on a true story. It’s about a group of kids, the leader of which is a drug dealer (Johnny Truelove played by Hirsch), who kidnap a teenager (Zack Mazursky played by Anton Yelchin) in order to try to get Zack’s deadbeat brother (Jake played by Ben Foster) to payback some money.

After the kidnapping, Timberlake’s character, Frankie, watches the kid and befriends him. Zack gets along great with Frankie and his friends and even gets to hook-up with 2 girls in a pool. However, when Johnny realizes how much trouble they can get into for kidnapping and when Jake refuses to pay the money, things quickly turn bad.

This movie will suck you right in and not let go of your until the shocking end. Even now, after watching it 3 times, I feel like running to my TiVo and plugging my face into the movie one more time.

Sure, Bruce Willis wasn’t in the movie very much. But I was happy to see Sharon Stone playing the role of Zack’s mom. And I loved the performances turned in by Hirsch (quickly becoming one of my favorite actors), Timberlake (yes I have a new found respect for him), and Yelchin. Anyone with a pulse has to be blown away by one of the final scenes in the movie when Timberlake and Yelchin show more raw emotion than I’ve seen in a movie in a long time.

So if you’re looking for a little known movie that is packed with power, watch Alpha Dog, it will blow you away.

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Kids parties have become the latest craze, and coming up with unique and fun themes and activities for children’s birthday parties and other events can be daunting. More and more parents are faced with the need to find new and creative ways to entertain throngs of classmates, neighborhood friends, and siblings of various ages.

One simple, low-cost, and very popular way to entertain children at any kind of celebration or gathering, indoors or out, is with a good old-fashioned treasure hunt. A treasure hunt is the one party game that truly promotes interaction, naturally evokes squeals of excitement, and leaves your party guests with lasting memories of their adventurous day at your child’s party.

What if your child doesn’t want a pirate-themed party? No problem! Treasure hunts aren’t just for pirates. Tradition has dictated that pirates are the great treasure hunters, but the fact of the matter is treasure hunts are loved by boys, girls, and grown-ups alike, and make a great addition to any party theme. Treasure hunts can be simply adapted with a storyline and a variety of decorations to fit into any party theme. This is the one area of planning where your child might already have a very clear idea of what they would like, and it would be wise to involve them in this decision, as it makes the party their own.

To adapt a treasure hunt for a princess-themed party, for example, you might announce that someone has stolen the princess’s jewels, and whoever finds them by following the clues will be rewarded with a share of the loot. You place a jewelry box overflowing with plastic beads, candy necklaces and rings, and other gem-like treats in the center of the party table, and have someone sneak the treasure away during the party before making the announcement. Other themes and decorations might revolve around the latest TV cartoon characters, superheroes, pop idols, a holiday, or your child might want to create their own theme.

That being said, be careful not to fall into the parent trap of spending a small fortune buying themed party goods. Consider purchasing just a few themed bright and colorful decorations and/or centerpieces, and then either complement them with less expensive coordinating party supplies and decorations, or make your own — there are plenty of great fun ways to put you and your child’s artistic talent to work to customize your party.

Some crafty ideas kids may love making or having at their party include authentic-looking weathered pirate treasure maps, princess crowns and jewelry, spyglasses made from paper towel rolls, pinatas (handmade or bought), cardboard hooks inserted into the bottom of styrofoam cups to wear on their hands like Captain Hook, paper or felt decorated pirate hats, and bejeweled and personalized loot bags, to name only a few.

Although it requires some time, creativity, and resources, you can make and stage your own treasure hunt game to play as a group or competitively in teams. Design and hide 10 clever clues that lead players step-by-step from one clue to the next, hidden amongst common objects, to ultimately discover the hidden treasure, which might be sacks of “loot” consisting of candy such as chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil, or party favors, toys, and other items valuable to children.

Alternatively, if you’re short on time, money, and party ideas like many busy parents and party planners, online sites such as Treasure-Adventure.com offer affordable complete treasure hunts with pre-made custom clues full of rhymes and riddles that kids love to solve, the design of which can be the most time-consuming and difficult part of preparing a treasure hunt.

Use creativity to build your party further around the hunt for a truly fantastic and memorable party that your child and his or her guests will talk about long after the party is over. Although the treasure hunt will likely be the main attraction since it is the most action-packed and engaging, don’t necessarily limit other activities that might complement the hunt such as a cannonball toss using bean bags or water balloons, “Walk the Plank” using a shallow pool full of plastic alligators and snakes, pan for gold using gold spray-painted rock nuggets, dress in costumes, hold a peg-leg relay, make a castle or pirate ship out of an appliance box, play “Blackbeard says,” etc. — the sky is the limit!

Treasure hunts are also not just limited to children or birthday parties, but are perfect for family fun night, slumber parties, classroom parties, picnics, and other group events. Treasure hunts bring parties alive with hours of challenging and fun entertainment, with the thrill of the hunt along with the solving of puzzles often being the most enjoyable and memorable part of the day. And don’t think you can’t top your last party. By using a variety of themes, new treasure hunt clues and decorations, and a little creativity, you can throw many more successful and unique parties for years to come that never go out of style.

“If you’re up to the challenge, spyglass and compass in hand, yer prize is in sight, so let the adventure begin!”

To purchase inexpensive ready-to-play treasure hunt games online and find more valuable information on treasure hunt party planning, visit Treasure-Adventure.com online at http://www.treasure-adventure.com. Games come with complete hiding guides to help you coordinate and pull off the perfect hunt and bring your party to life, come in a variety of themes such as for outdoor and classroom events, and the Treasure-Adventure.com web site also offers party supplies, free downloadable kids activities and games, party and craft ideas such as how to make an authentic looking pirate map, treasure hunting tips, and legends of lost treasure.

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Ahoy ye little party scallywags! Look no further to find all the best Pirate party tips and ideas from the party experts. Transform your house or party room into a Pirate ship or treasure island for a Pirate party theme that will be remembered by all your little buccaneers. Read our Pirate party theme tips and ideas.

Pirate party invitations
Make your own Pirate treasure map invitation with your house marked with a cross, then stain it with a tea bag and leave it to dry. Roll the invite into a scroll and tie up with red ribbon before you hand these out. You could make your own Pirate Jolly Roger flag invitation with black paper and a white scull and cross bone. Whatever you do, make them really special by using a calligraphy font, silver pens and glitter glue. There are also lots of great Pirate party invitations you can buy which will add that special touch.

Pirate party decorations
Use a Pirate party lawn sign and bunting to set the scene as the Pirate party guests arrive. Decide on your theme, will it be a tropical island or a Pirate galleon ship setting? A Pirate ship setting can be created using barrels and old rope as decor. Bunting strung from each corner of the room about mid way up and meeting on the ceiling in the middle will give a Pirate ship rigging and sail effect. But by far the easiest Pirate party decoration is the tropical island.

The tropical island can incorporate tropical jungle decorations and a seaside theme which gives you much more scope for your party decorating. To create a jungle back drop, card scene setters are perfect for £9.99, but lots of green paper garlands are also very effective in creating a jungle effect. Blue organza is perfect for the sea, for example drape it over your curtain rail and pin fish decorations and swirly blue garlands over it for your ocean back drop. Lots of yellow paper garlands scattered on the floor are perfect for sand.

Party balloons are a wonderful way of decorating a room. Mix up a selection of plain blue and red balloons with Pirate printed balloons. Use ribbon to tie these onto the backs of chairs and let a few hang free from the ceiling to fill the blank spaces. Create balloon archways, clusters and columns to fill the party venue corners.

Pirate party food ideas

1. Serve catch of the day

Pirates love seafood so why don’t you serve fish & chips for your party tea. A home made and healthier option could be oven chips and fish fingers. Place them into a Pirate food tray to serve hot.

2. Pirate themed party food

Label ordinary party food as Pirate themes. For example Golden scampi and fish nuggets can be labeled ‘Pirates gold’, sandwich quarters propped onto their sides ‘Pirate sails’, round cheesy garlic bread or small cheesy pizzas ‘Pirate islands’, sausages on sticks with tomato sauce ‘captain hooks fingers’, Cheese and pineapple ‘tropical Pirate kebabs’, corn chips ‘shark fins’, meatballs ‘cannon balls’.

3. Pirate food ideas


Buried treasure jelly pudding
Green jelly, chocolate ice cream, jelly worms, meringue bones and chocolate coins at the bottom.

Green sea Pirate ships
Place stuffed potato skins on top of a sea of Guacamole. Wrap white labels around cocktail sticks and cut into sail shapes for mini sails.

Pirate sea broth Pirate party drink
lemonade with blue food colouring

Pirate party table
Gold cutlery, red spotty bowls, Pirate confetti, chocolate money with a few palm tree table centres will dress up any Pirate party table. Add some shells and you have the perfect tropical feast. Pirate themed serving bowls and platters are also a fun way to accessorize a Pirate party table. Arrange savoury treats and cupcakes on red, blue or black tiered cake stands or give your little Pirates their own Pirate galleon food tray to fill with their own party food.

Pirate party games & activities
For outdoor Pirate parties use sand pits and paddling pools to create your seaside setting.

Pirate party games
We have put together 8 Pirate party games for you.

1. Buried bounty treasure hunt

Organise a fun treasure hunt and let the Pirates loose on your trail. Hand everyone a treasure bag and hide the bounty (jewels or chocolate money) around the room or garden. The Pirate who collects the most is the winner! Or ask the children to hunt for their party bag – label each bag with the childs name before hand.

2. pin the eye patch on the Pirate

Traditional party games are always popular. Instead of pin the tail on the donkey draw a simple round Pirate face and ask the children to pin the eye patch on the Pirate.

3. Pirate pinata

Chose a Pirate shaped pinata such as a Pirate ship or treasure chest.

4. Pirate name game


At the start of the party get each child to make up a silly Pirate name. Put all the names in a bag and ask each child to pick one out. Get some Pirate name stickers and give each child their new silly Pirate name. The child must be called by their Pirate name for the rest of the party.

5. Peg leg hopping game

A twist on the traditional musical statues. When the music stops the children have to balance on one leg.

6. flapping fish

Before the party, cut out a large fish shape from lightweight paper for each party guest. At the party lay the fish in a row. Each child has to fan their fish across the room to a finishing line.

7. Captain commands memory game

When the music stops the captain (you) shouts a command to the children as to which part of the room they should run to. Port (left), Starboard (right), Bow (front), Stern (back). Of course these are the official nautical terms for the sides of a ship and are very hard to remember- enter fun and confusion!. This is fast and tricky and therefore best for older children.

8. Pirate battle ships

Create two teams, name each ‘Pirate crew’ aptly and set them an obstacle course to race for their Pirate treasure. Use various sports day style games such as sack race, tug o war, under the net, limbo etc

Pirate party bag
Every little Pirate needs to go home with a bag full of booty. A treasure chest party box or gift cup is a fun alternative to party bags and can be filled with anything from Pirate stationary, Pirate chocolates, jewels, Pirate bubbles and stretchy skeletons. A shaped foil balloon tied to a bag of chocolate money is another creative alternative to the traditional party bag.

Pirate fancy dress
When the party guests arrive hand out some Pirate eye patches to get them in the Pirate party mood. You could ask your party guests to come dressed up in Pirate fancy dress costumes – very easy to do- ask them to wear stripey t-shirts and shorts with a bandanna.

Party Pieces hope you have a jolly Pirate party!