3 Of The Best Media Room Ideas

If you are a media room enthusiast, here are some great ideas that you can go with:

Having a sports themed room

If you love sports, you can design your room to have a sports theme. Here you should ensure that the television is the focal point of your room.

Instead of using small pieces of sports décor, you should consider using carpet tiles. For ideal results you should place the tiles around your electronics. The tiles create a big design impact around the television thus make the room look very elegant.

In addition to giving your room an elegant look, the carpet tiles also provide additional insulation from the adjoining rooms.

Creating a relaxed media room

When it comes to a relaxed media room, the television does not have to be the center of attention. The best way of going about it is using creative installation techniques that easily blend your electronics into the room.

For example, you can install a flat screen television above a fireplace mantle and install a custom frame around the perimeter of the television. When you do this you create an attractive and less obtrusive look.

If you are not using the television, you should consider hiding it. The best way of hiding it is using a wood armoire.

For a more rustic and artistic statement, you should consider mounting your flat screen on a large art easel. You can also place your TV inside a hutch.

A high tech family room

If you want your room to look elegant and modern you should install multiple televisions in the room. For ideal results you should place one large flat screen TV at the center of the wall and then line three small TVs on one or both sides of the TV.

You can also install wood panels behind the TV and you will be able to create a contrast and styled finish.

To hide unsightly wiring that can give your room an unpleasant look, you should use a nice wall covering.

These are some of the best media room ideas that you can go with. If you are unsure of how to create your ideal theme, you should consider hiring the services of professionals.

The good side is that there are many professionals who can help you in creating a perfect look. To find the best company you only need to visit online review sites. You can also ask your friends to refer you to some of the best companies that they know of.

By Raeesha Bisht

Do Magic Tricks Make You Smarter?

From the simple coin sorcery to the modern day mentalism, magic has transformed nemerous times. WHile it is great for entertainment, there are some added benefits as well. Does magic in any way contribute to our IQ or in simple terms do magic tricks make us any smarter? Well, let us have a closer look that whether this argument holds a grain of truth or not.

There is an adage that "Practice makes perfect." However, does the cliché fit every category? Magic or sorcery, whatever one calls it is hugely dependent on practice. A magician is nothing without practice. Be it the age-old technique of sleight hand or modern mentalism, nothing can be attained without practice. Let us see how this practice makes us smarter.

While doing magic tricks, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes and the audiences are not able to view it. The magician takes away the attention of the audiences to a different thing or spectacle and in the meanwhile performs a secret trick.

However, this is not sudden improvisation. It takes hours of practice on the part of the magician to execute most magic tricks successfully. This practice creates a great hand eye coordination for the magician and the magician's brain becomes more active. The magician as a human being becomes smarter as his/her brain works faster.

If our brain does not practice, it becomes lazy. So a magician's mind through sheer practice and hard work becomes like that of a mathematician, a mind that is always thinking of new ways and is always devising and scheming new strategies to rattle the audiences.

Apart from the aforementioned, it is important to know that a magician or a mentalist is incomplete without a repertoire of acting skills. A magician needs to act well in order to convince his/her audiences to believe in him/her. A magician also needs to adjust his acting skills according to the facial expression of the audiences. If he/she feels that the audiences are not looking convinced, then at the spur of the moment he/she needs to be able to changes the strategy and act more clandestinely in order to make things work. A magician hence becomes smarter by second-guessing the thoughts of the audiences. He/she as a human being starts to understand the nonverbal cues of other human beings in a better way.

Apart from these aspects, there are some regular aspects too like improvement in mathematical skills while practicing magic with cards. Magicians will always become smarter as they have a better hand eye coordination and an uncanny ability of reading other people's mind.

By James J Anthony

How Optical Illusions Work

Man is a social animal and is considered superior to any other species on this planet. Why is this so? What is that X factor that separates man from other species? The answer is our minds and our ability to create.

The human brain has invented aeroplanes, mobile phones and laptops. A human brain has the ability to perceive things and react in a way that allows us to improve on the design. Our brain recognizes any pattern as soon as it sees one and this ability makes our brain supremely powerful. Apart from pattern recognition, the brain also provides us with an understanding of continuity, proximity and closure. With something that powerful, is it really possible this all-conquering supremely powerful human brain be tricked? Sometimes the answer is an astonishing YES!

Optical illusions use the strong points of a human brain to nullify its strengths. This illusion is a by-product of flawed judgement/perception coupled with anticipatory vision. Sometimes the human mind mistakenly calculates an incorrect distance from the object and this forms a false image in the mind. A human mind looks for pattern in everything it sees. For example, if we see a car full of designer triangles on it, we will always try to count the number of triangles on the car. This is because from the very beginning, our mind is trained in such a way that it tries to match patterns. A human mind can never resist the temptation to match shapes and angles. This is what an optical illusion thrives on, the so-called pre meditated human mind.

The brain always tries to find some kind of continuity or link in whatsoever the eyes see. An optical illusion tries to show some kind of connectivity at the superficial level. These illusions take advantage of the fact that human beings have pre formed illusions and perceptions. As soon as our minds see something familiar, they roll back into the past and associate that familiarity with a particular shape or a design. Hence, the visual perception, which is the very base of so many of discoveries and inventions. Different receptors in the eyes sometimes form different minor images and when all these different incoherent images are joined in the mind to form a coherent image, a false image or a duplicate image is formed.

The optical illusions outfox us in this way. They make us anticipate something, rather than see it for what it is. That is why optical illusions are so useful in magic tricks.

By James J Anthony

Getting Started As a Magician

It is very difficult to be a magician, as it is probably one of the most difficult arts to practice and master. However, once you reach the point where you believe you've mastered some amazing stunts, you might want to gain notoriety as a magician. Let us have a brief guideline on how to get started as an up and coming magician.

We have presumed that the person in question already has some skills outside of coin and card tricks in order to get started.

Every magician has his/her own special abilities and qualities. It is a humble request to every magician not to try to copy other famous magicians because in this process you may lose your originality. It is important to learn from some of these famous magicians but one should not try to copy them, as each one of them is different in his/her own ways.

Take for example Harry Houdini and Dynamo. Both these magicians are extremely skilful and yet both have diametrically opposite styles. Houdini was more of an over the top magician who loved being flashy and extravagant. Dynamo on the other hand is like a silent killer, who lets his actions speak more than words. It is important for a budding magician to retain his/her persona and act accordingly.

The budding magician must take up small shows at birthdays and other functions in order to garner some kind of confidence. The budding magician should never shy away from these shows, as some magicians confront their egos while doing such shows. It is important to remember that a sequential manner would benefit in the longer term. Hence, these small shows should be used as a confidence building measure. In addition, if one feels that he/she has performed a mistake, try to laugh it out and show that it was meant to be one.

Last but not the least; the magician should upload his/her magic videos on various media sites like YouTube. The magician should then do a proper marketing of this video and follow it up with other videos too. These videos, when will performed and unique, will make you popular among. If you are popular on internet then it will not take a long time for you to be popular as a magician too.

Social media and practice in front of an audience has helped many a magician get started in there careers. If you're really hard up for gigs, you can even promise to do a free one to start, and then film that show for YouTube to show how you are in front of an audience.




By James J Anthony

Make Your Own Green Household Cleaners

I hate household cleaners with the warning "use in well ventilated area". I started looking for alternatives and remembered my grandmother showing me how to use ordinary household items, without any chemicals, to clean in and around the house.

You need the following:

Spray Bottles
Vinegar
Epsom Salt
Bicarbonate of Soda
Liquid Dishwashing soap - with Lemon juice
Scrubbing Sponges
Good Scrubbing Brushes

DISCOURAGE YOUR DOG FROM LIFTING HIS LEG IN YOUR HOUSE AND MARKING HIS AREA, USING THE FOLLOWING MIXTURE

Mix the tile cleaner as follows:

2 - 3 tablespoons of Dishwashing liquid in 4 litres of hot water
1 tablespoon epsom salts
¼ cup Vinegar

The dishwashing liquid gets rid of all the dirt.

The epsom salts works like a scrubbing agent.

The vinegar leaves a natural shine and the dog hates the smell.

Use your regular mob. The vinegar will also help to keep your mob fresh.

Use Regularly

Tip: When you clean your bathroom, you can add the epsom salt to your cleaning liquid. It'll work as a scrubbing agent, causing the surfaces to shine.

The next mixture is for use of lime deposits around taps.

Dirty tile grout.

Lime and soil stains on tile floors.

Remove lime from electrical kettle.

Burnt food stuck in pots.

How to use to remove lime deposits around taps, dirty tile grout and stains on tile floors.

Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and heat in microwave, remember to only close the bottle once the vinegar is hot.

Fill a salt shaker with bicarbonate of soda.

Spray the area with the vinegar and sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda.

The mixture will start to fizz and bubble. Leave it for a while.

Depending on the type stains, you can wipe it down, scrub it or use a knife to get rid of the hard deposits of your stain.

Repeat until you're satisfied with the results. Rinse with clean water and use a soft cloth to dry and shine the area treated.

Tip: You can use the same,mixture to clean the brass handles of your home windows.

Remove lime from kettle.

Submerge the kettle element completely with vinegar.

Allow the kettle to boil the vinegar.

Take kettle to the basin, add a half teaspoon of Bicarbonate of soda.

The mixture will start fizzing and fill the kettle.

Repeat if necessary.

Rinse with clean water. Fill the kettle with clean water. Bring to boil and rinse again.

Your kettle is now ready for use.

Burnt food stuck in a pot.

Add enough vinegar in the pot to cover the burned matter. Once covered, add another ½ a cup of vinegar. Bring to boil.

Remove from stove and put into the basin. Add a teaspoon bicarbonate of soda.

Depending on how heavily the pot is burned, either leave it for two hours to bubble and fizz or leave it overnight.

The burnt food will no longer cling to the bottom of the pot. Remove it from the pot and if there are still spots left, scrub it and rinse well. If you damaged the pot because of the burnt food, rather replace it.

To remove smells from dog blankets

You will need the following:

Spray Bottle.
Water.
Citronella Oil - from the Chemist.

Pour +- 250 mlhot water water in the spray bottle and add 2-3 teaspoons of citronella oil.

Shake bottle vigorously to mix the ingredients.

Spray the mixture over the dog blankets and baskets.

Add Citronella oil, mixed with hot water to the rinse cycle of your washing machine when washing the blankets. It will smell fresh and keep bugs away for a while.

By Magda Du Plessis

The Createry for Children and Adult's Imagination

I came across this great little specialist shop in the local Redcliffe Jetty Arcade about a week ago, called The Createry. I was fascinated, as I love anything handmade and it is thrilling to see so many truly talented creative people taking up a shop residence in the Jetty Arcade.
The Jetty Arcade is really coming to life now that Sarah and The Createry have opened up and adding something truly special to people who enjoy making things themselves.

While chatting with Sarah, she told me, "creative hubs like her shop are very popular in Europe and they are only just starting to pop up here in Australia."

I admit, that I was and still am quite chuffed that I found this wonderful niche shop. A part of me wants to keep this discovery a secret and learn all I can for myself. But I can't. I want to share the excitement and love that I have for all things creative with you.

Just between me and you, I think that Sarah's creative classes for adults and children are going to fill up really fast. It's just a hunch I have when I see this type of unique niche spring up.

So, in the spirit of sharing my secret discovery with you, here's what is on for us Adults who like to create and learn

Sewing for Beginners
Stitch n' Bitch Social Sessions (sounds like fun)
Jewellery Creations
Knitting and Crochet for Beginners
Embroidery and Applique
Plus more
But it's not just for adults, there are kids classes too.

Learning to Sew for Kids
Having 'Good Crafternoon' for Kids
Yarn Fun for Kids, and
Market Craft Morning on Sundays for Kids
I am sure there's more than I have noted here too
I like the idea of the Market Craft Sunday morning for kids (and parents). Imagine dropping your little one's off for an hour and half of interactive creative fun time whil you have a coffee, go for a wander or check out the local markets. Sounds like a nice 'parent date' to me.

I can see a lot of children building up strong self-esteem from having a positive creative experience with Sarah. I think that a lot of children will be very proud of what they are able to accomplish at these classes. I know my I would have been.

I also learned that Sarah Anderson has had two women's fashion labels of her own (Hubsch Copenhagen) and accessories (Minutiae Melbourne). I think that's very cool.

As we chatted about her new classes, I found out that Sarah she has also worked in the Fashion industry and theatre too. I think that her extensive experience in fashion will be gold for people, like me, who want to learn from a true Artisan in the community.

So, if you are like me and you love fashion, accessories and being creative, you might want to go check out The Createry and meet Sarah too. She has a Bachelor of Textile Design and Garment Construction (Haandarbejdets Fremme in Copenhagen).

Very exciting for us, is the fact that Sarah's area of speciality is Garment Construction including design, pattern making, sewing textile printing and embroidery.

On Friday evenings from 6pm to 9pm, Sarah will run the Stitch n' Bitch social class where people can come along and socialise while making something creative at the same time. I will be making sure that I get along to one (or more) of these classes.

I do not want to miss out on learning all I can from Sarah and her talented team of instructors.

I am so grateful to see so many creative people emerging on the Redcliffe Peninsula who cater to people who work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. That means, I can attend some classes to.

In the past, I have been disappointed by numerous art and craft classes on the Peninsula as they have only catered to people who do not work full-time. I do not know if this is an issue for other people out there, but I have found it incredibly frustrating.

But now, this is starting to change and it is a good change.





By Selina M Shapland

The Gilbert Island Campaign

With the Japanese navy decimated at Midway and Guadalcanal occupied by Allied troops, the Allies had won decisive victories in the Pacific before the end of 1942. But the Japanese Empire still retained many territories such as the Marianas, Philippines, Gilbert and Marshall Islands. Just a few days after Pearl Harbor, their armies had occupied the Gilberts; and it was there that another notable campaign emerged in 1943.

After their victories, the Allies drafted plans for further advances in the Pacific. To reach additional territories and islands of the Japanese Empire, they first had to take more eastern positions that were closer to U.S. held positions such as Midway and Pearl Harbor. Then when one island chain had fallen, they could proceed to occupy another further westward from Pearl Harbor. This was Allied island hopping in the Pacific which would eventually take them to the Japanese home islands.

However, first they had to occupy the Gilbert Islands. The Gilbert Islands were the first targeted by the Allies, as from there they could then advance toward the Marshalls and later the Mariana Islands. In the Gilberts the primary island was that of Tarawa, which also included surrounding atolls such as Makin.

It was at the Makin atoll that the Gilbert Island Campaign first begun. U.S. B-24 and SBD aircraft first bombed the Makin atoll. Makin had only a small Japanese garrison amounting to 798 men to hold it, most of whom were stationed further inland. When the Marines landed, it took two days before they could fully defeat the Japanese troops stationed there and occupy Makin.

However, the Battle of Makin was only a subsidiary battle of the campaign. The primary battle in the Gilbert Islands was in Tarawa where the Japanese army had stationed the vast majority of their troops for the campaign. The Japanese army stationed about 4,836 troops in Beito. They fortified Tarawa with a variety of artillery pieces, hundreds of machine gun nests and pillboxes.

Before the Marines landed at Tarawa, a naval bombardment decimated Tarawa's landscape. A brief aerial blitz over Tarawa was also provided. However, they could not wipe out the pillbox positions that the Japanese had established at Tarawa. Japanese troops constructed their pillboxes with large coconut logs, and entrenched them within feet of sand.

As such, when the Marines landed on 20 November they slowly advanced up the beaches. As there were low tides the Marines abandoned their landing crafts before reaching the beaches. Japanese troops pinned the Marines down at the beaches for about three days, and they had heavy losses before securing a beachhead. The Marines took the airfield at Beito, and moved up the remaining islands of the atoll to clean up remaining Japanese pockets.

The Gilbert Island Campaign was effectively over after the fall of Beito. The Gilberts were among the first Japanese held positions to fall in the Pacific. The Allies occupied the Marshalls soon after, and then the Mariana Islands with more effective amphibious landings.




By Matthew A

Things You Should Think About Before You Plan Your Party Event

If you want to book a party for you and some friends, then you want to make sure that you book the right venue. Booking the right venue is crucial if you want your party to become a success, not to mention that it can also go a long way when it comes to your guest's enjoyment. For example, if you're booking a party for you and your friends to celebrate your graduation, you may want to have a few late night drinks and somewhere to relax. If you're celebrating your wedding, then you may want to invest in some flowers and some late night fireworks. Whatever you're celebrating, you can be sure to find it all and more when you hire the services of a luxury hotel. Hotels often have a world of entertainment options to offer, not to mention that you can also provide your guests with somewhere to sleep after the event.

Choosing the Right Hotel Venue

Choosing the right hotel can be tough, especially when you don't fully know what you're looking for. If you want to choose the right hotel for the job, then you should first take a look at what they have to offer. Fr example, one hotel may offer a free flower arrangement service to every guest who books a meal with them. Other hotels may have access to some of the latest gaming equipment, which is great if you want a late night party with friends. Many hotels will even work with you to try and develop a package which suits your every need, and this is very beneficial if you have a range of guests to cater for.

Summer Entertainment

If you want to host your event in summer, then you want to make sure that your hotel has an outdoor entertainment area. No guest wants to be cooped up inside on a hot summers day, and this is something you need to think about when choosing your venue. Some hotels even offer outdoor buffets, so you can drink and relax outside throughout the day. This is great if you're having a summer wedding, because it provides a casual and relaxing experience for you and your guests. Many hotels even offer outdoor gaming options, such as limbo and golf, so the possibilities are truly endless. Contact your luxury hotel to find out more.





By Siobhan K Snaith