Sample “A Taste of Languages”

News Release
Contact: Alison Nishi
Academic Director, Modern Languages
303-871-6471

Sample “A Taste of Languages” at University College’s One-Night Event
Free sample language lessons accompanied by traditional foods

DENVER, July 25, 2011 ~ Yes, you can have your torte and eat it too. But, it helps if you ask in the right language with the proper inflection. And again this year you will be eligible to win a $200 scholarship to help you with that language class!

University of Denver’s college of professional and continuing studies, University College, is offering the ninth annual “sampler” event for individuals interested in learning or refining a language for professional or personal reasons. The Taste of Languages program will be held August 30, 2011, from 6–8 pm, in Sturm Hall, 2000 East Asbury (on the DU campus).

Modern Language faculty from University College will present 30-minute lessons in select languages accompanied by dishes from their traditional cuisines. Languages included in the program are, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

“Learning a new language and its culture can often be intimidating, but we believe when you mix the study of foreign language through the media of literature, culture, film, the arts and society, learning becomes more contextual and fun,” says Alison Nishi, Academic Director for Modern Languages.

University College’s Modern Language faculty members all hold advanced degrees, and are native or near-native speakers of the languages they teach. They will advise students to determine the course level that best meets their needs. There are no admission requirements for language courses. Students also will have an opportunity to learn about the curriculum, teaching methods and materials used in the courses – not to mention sampling an eclectic assortment of foods.

Nishi says, “Our Modern Languages program can help students increase their business opportunities, become more knowledgeable travelers, gain teacher re-certification or in-service credit, and improve conversational skills in a relaxed setting with other adults.”

Guests attending the Taste of Languages event must RSVP by August 26. Please call 303-871-2291, or sign up at universitycollege.du.edu. Click on “Taste of Languages” under “Updates” to receive a free parking pass. At the end of the evening, a drawing for two $200 scholarships for Modern Language courses taken in fall 2011 will be held. Anyone who registers for a fall language course is eligible. Complete biographies of instructors can be viewed at www.universitycollege.du.edu

For more information about Taste of Languages, as well as certificate and degree programs at University College, please call 303-871-3155, or visit universitycollege.du.edu.

Ma’a ElSalama, Au revoir, Auf Wiedersehen, Arrivederci, Sayounara, Ka-ship-sio, Do Widzenia, Adeus, Do svidanyia, Adiós, Adjo and Good-bye until August 3oth.

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Editor’s Note: University College is the award-winning provider of adult education at the University of Denver. University College offers master’s degrees in nine different areas, over 30 certificates, and various lifelong learning courses in the following areas:

• Master of Applied Science in Environmental Policy and Management
• Master of Applied Science in Information and Communications Technology
• Master of Applied Science in Security Management
• Master of Professional Studies in Healthcare Leadership
• Master of Professional Studies in Leadership and Organizations
• Master of Professional Studies in Organizational and Professional Communication
• Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Human Resources Management
• Master of Liberal Studies in Arts and Culture
• Master of Liberal Studies in Global Affairs
• Master of Science in Geographic Information Sciences

Fashion Illustrator Jim Howard Exhibit Comes to The Art Institute of Colorado

Next Thursday, The Art Institute of Colorado will be hosting a reception and exhibition of the works of Jim Howard. An established fashion illustrator, Howard’s fashion illustration show is slated to exhibit pieces from his award-winning campaigns that took place in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Appropriately dubbed Fashion Illustration Then & Now: A Retrospective of Fashion from the ‘70s/’80s and Today, the show will include advertisement campaigns from a number of different top cosmetic companies, retail stores and advertising agencies from around the country. It will also include some of his new work from the “Fashionista Series,” which consists of mixed medium collages featuring an interesting fusion of real drawings, photography and found items.

This fashion-inspired exhibit will also feature art from Howard’s paper doll illustrations. Earlier this month, Howard’s paper doll book was featured in The New York Times. Entitled Four Famous Dandies, the book was praised by The New York Times as being “…a sartorial explosion of color, prints and swish.” Released in August 1, 2010 by Paper Studio Press, the book serves as a historical illustration Patrick McDonald, Beau Brummell, Oscar Wilde and The Duke of Windsor, all four of which are considered to be dandy fashion icons.

“It was so much fun to do the research!” said Howard in a KDVR article.

This exhibit won’t represent the first time Howard’s work has been on display. In fact, Howard’s work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums throughout the country, including Texas, New York and Chicago. It has also been exhibited in Tao and, most recently, Howard was asked to donate 39 of his pieces to be included in a permanent display at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

The Thursday reception, which will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 in the John Jellico Gallery at The Art Institute of Colorado, will be open to the public at no charge. Those who attend the reception are invited to browse through the artwork while also enjoying light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.  Some of the exhibit pieces will also be available for purchase during the reception. Those who can’t make it to the reception will still have plenty of opportunity to view Howard’s work as it will be on display at the gallery from August 20, 2010 through September 17, 2010.

The John Jellico Gallery at The Art Institute of Colorado can be found at 1200 Lincoln Street in Denver, Colorado.

King Tut Comes to the Denver Art Museum

“Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs” has opened at the Denver Art Museum’s Frederic C. Hamilton Building. The traveling exhibition contains more than 100 impressive objects that span 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history.  Some 50 items come from King’s Tut tomb, including the golden sandals that adorned the mummy’s feet.

The exhibition also features 80 ancient artifacts that highlight many of ancient Egypt’s most significant rulers, such as Khafre, builder of the Great Sphinx and one of the pyramids at Giza. Artifacts include stone sculptures, clothing and burial items that rarely leave Egypt.

To enrich the visitor experience, the museum offers an informative audio tour narrated by Harrison Ford and a screening of the vivid film, Egypt 3D: Secrets of the Mummies. Both the audio tour and 3-D film can be added at the time of ticket purchase.

Museum officials say this new exhibition could be the Denver Art Museum’s biggest attraction ever. It made its North American debut in Atlanta in 2009 and drew record crowds in Toronto.

The touring exhibition is organized by the National Geographic Society, Arts and Exhibitions International Inc. and AEG Exhibitions. The exhibition runs in Denver until Jan. 9, 2011.

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets online.

Join Denver’s Celebrated Cherry Creek Arts Festival on July 4th Weekend

The 2010 Cherry Creek Arts Festival celebrates the visual, culinary and performing arts this 4th of July weekend in North Cherry Creek, starting Friday evening with the Artist Preview Event. The free, three-day event features a wealth of activities, from talking with the juried artists at their booths to chef demos and live musical performances.

Event Highlights

Artists –The 230 juried visual artists exhibit their original, handcrafted work throughout the weekend. Eleven of them are artistic award winners from the 2009 show. Nearly half of the visual artists are exhibiting at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival for the first time.

Artist Preview Event – The free, public event offers a sneak peek at the art of 29 visual artist exhibitors accompanied by folk rock and jazz performed by Barry Shapiro and The Fazz Band.

Artivity Avenue

– This full block of interactive activities for the entire family includes the Kulinary Kidz food court, interactive chalk art, and the opportunity to participate in the creation of the Mosaic Mural. At Creation Station, kids can make paper flowers, seed art, paper plate maracas, Chinese Lanterns and lots more.

Culinary Demonstrations – Chefs give entertaining and informative demonstrations several times a day.

Cultural Pavilion – The pavilion showcases Hispanic and African dance, art education and Japanese music, theater and traditions

Festival Mornings – Demonstrations related to the art of fitness include Tai chi, Chinese yoga and Zumba. On July 4, the festival will try for the American record for the largest Tai chi demonstration.

Live Music – From soul music to rock, bands will be performing every day at two stages. Opie Gone Bad plays their funk rock Saturday night on Fillmore Plaza.

Be a VIP

VIP status adds to the enjoyment and ease of participating in a cultural event attended by 350,000 people. The $175 Opening Gala VIP package includes the exclusive Opening Gala reception, art preview and purchase opportunity on July 2, “The Art of Gourmet Dining” plated and seated dinner program at the JW Marriott, and free parking.

The package also includes these VIP amenities throughout the festival weekend: VIP hospitality center credential access including lunch and beverages, complimentary tickets to the Artist Awards Reception on July 3, complimentary valet parking at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, and a complimentary framed, signed and numbered limited number of the 2010 Cherry Creek Arts Festival Commemorative Poster.

Just the Facts

Location: Cherry Creek North Shopping District, from 2nd to 3rd Avenues, on the six streets between Clayton and Steele Streets.

Festival Hours:

Friday, July 2  – 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Free Artist Preview Event on Clayton Street only

Saturday, July 3 – 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Festival Nights on Fillmore Plaza, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 4 – 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Monday, July 5 – 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Accessibility Hour from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

More information: Visit http://www.cherryarts.org

Denver’s Summer Traditions

The folks in the Mile High City know how to enjoy the summer. Once they emerge from the cold and icy darkness of winter, they just pack activity after activity into this amazing city. Hardly a weekend goes by between May and September when you can’t find some sort of activity. From the arts to dining to sports to entertainment, Denver’s summer traditions offer something for everyone and they do it with a truly unique Denver flair.

Here are some of Denver’s favorite summertime traditions:

Capitol Hill People’s Fair

This is one of Denver’s most famous summer festivals. What started out decades ago as a gathering of hippies today features corporate sponsorship and an amazing depth of art and exhibits. The Capitol Hill People’s Fair takes place in June

A Taste of Colorado

Each September, more than half a million people enjoy this four-day Labor Day Weekend festival. More than 50 restaurants, as well as over 250 artisans and vendors, participate in A Taste of Colorado. There are also seven stages for speakers and concerts, and even a few educational programs thrown in here and there for good measure.

Colorado Renaissance Festival

All through the month of July, Denverites can travel just 30 minutes south to Larkspur. There, they take a trip back in time for the Colorado Renaissance Festival. Jousts, Jesters and Honey Mead are just some of the characteristic attractions.

Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival

Chatfield State Park is the host to this festival, which takes place around the end of August. Literally hundreds of hot air balloons will launch. You’ll also find plenty of exhibits, activities and live music. The coolest thing about the festival has to be the Lites in the Nite Balloon Illumination.

Cherry Creek North Food & Wine

This is one of Denver’s newest summer traditions. The Cherry Creek North shopping district is home to more than 40 restaurants, which makes it ideal for this kind of event. During this event, you’ll find culinary classes, VIP parties, wine and food tastings, and plenty of culinary opportunities.

Downtown Denver Arts Festival

One of the earliest festivals in the summer season, you can enjoy the Downtown Denver Arts Festival over Memorial Day weekend. It takes place at the Denver Pavilions Mall, and showcases the best of Denver’s vibrant arts community.

KOOZA – Cirque du Soleil

KOOZA from Cirque du Soleil is coming to the Pepsi Center grounds from August 20 to October 6.

Please celebrate Cirque du Soleil’s 25th Anniversary with 25% off tickets to see KOOZA.

For information on KOOZA and to enjoy the 25th Anniversary, 25% off discount, please click here or click here.

Offer expires August 27!!

31st Celebration of the Glendale Fireworks Show

Glendale’s 31st fireworks show over Cherry Creek Valley basin Friday, July 3rd, at dusk.

This Independence Day tradition is one of the largest and oldest firework shows in Denver. This aerial pyrotechnics display is considered the show to see from restaurants, bars, patios and parks in the Glendale, Cherry Creek areas and beyond.

Sponsored by the City of Glendale the fireworks will be launched from Creekside Park at Cherry Creek and Cherry Creek Drive South. Get there early for the best viewing from nearby vantage points. Fore more information contact 303-759-1513 or visit www.glendale.co.us.

19th Annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival

Don’t miss the 19th Annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival, July 3-5, 2009.

You’ll want to be there with 350,000 visitors annually enjoying the visual, culinary and performing arts and interactive activities. The whole family is welcome to enjoy Colorado’s signature and award-winning cultural event!

Cherry Creek Arts Festival allows attending patrons the rare and special opportunity to visit with international visual artists, sample fine cuisine, see special exhibits and observe artist demonstrations. You are invited to come and enjoy interactive ‘Artivities’ and exciting performing arts.

For more information about the Cherry Creek Arts Festival please visit their website.

Blogus Protectus

I have a bad habit, I guess, of leaving toast crumbs in the butter dish. For me, it was kind of a cathartic ashes to ashes thing. My wife didn’t see it that way. But with a simple agreement that I would be more mindful of my technique for making toast, I was deftly able to avoid the inherent pitfalls of his-and-hers butter.

So now tell me, do I have here the makings of an interesting blog , or is it little more than the fluid ramblings of a wannabe columnist ? Blogs. Blogging. What is that? What does that mean, “blogging?” And who thinks this stuff up ? And why ?

If you ask me, it’s a revolt of the Internet plebe, against those royalty who spend their lives seeing code as poetry. The real men and women of the Internet who understand “real” HTML pages, and the on-the-fly translation between email protocols and web formats. A few years ago, “bloggers” turned to an ever increasing number of servers offering free Blog space and software. Now they could put up their pages within minutes and begin to write, edit, compose and generally take on the world, in the same amount of time it took to create the bare shell of one “real” web page. Of course nothing with the sophistication of a full blown 500 page website, but nevertheless something that could be looked upon as a platform to disseminate information. And disseminate they have.

There is no end to the amount of useless information on the Internet today, it’s just easier to find a lot more of it. Millions upon millions of web pages, precious gigabytes of golden bandwidth wasted on creative nonsense.

I say no matter how sophisticated the delivery platform, there will never be a substitute for professional journalism, which comes with training, with experience, with credibility, with developing trust based on the accuracy of a record in the field. People need an accurate and objective reference point for their information. I mean really, how can any discerning viewer not be appalled, when CNN and other news organizations try to look hip by including opinions from the “blogosphere” in their news reports — “Now let’s see what the “bloggers” have to say about this” — as if “bloggers” constituted some separate sphere of intelligence. Insane.

Frankly, I’m suspicious of this whole blogs, and blogger thing, and I dismiss the idea of Web 2.0 out of hand, except with respect to relevant software, of which there is little. Mini-resumes, and “comments” as sources of referral traffic and revenue, remind me of the Internet boom back in the late ’90s when for a time, stock price was based not on company profits, but the number of website hits. And now we come to face the inevitable demise of the avatar and the emergence of the video comment, where individuals will simply shout their annoyances at you, instead of typing in ALL CAPS.

Oh, the humanity.

Technorati Profile

Birth of the Computer

There is a whole world of Technology, Entertainment and Design where ideas worth spreading inspire talks  by some of the world’s greatest thinkers, and doers. Watch and listen to this video of historian and philosopher of science, George Dyson, as he takes a clear and highly researched view of our recent scientific past — while showing where it may lead us.

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