Because technology is moving so quickly, it's easy to miss out on gadgets that may impact one's life.

"Anyone with a cell phone knows how accessible taking pictures and shooting footage is nowadays, but with a minimum of investment, movie fans can tell their own stories with the same professional hardware that legends are using today," says seasoned filmmaker Kerstin Karlhuber.

She completed her latest project, "Tides of the Heart" (www.silentgiantproductions.com), in collaboration with partner and renowned songwriter Daniel Jay Paul.

"It's a feature-length music video - there's no dialogue. The story is told completely through the music and Kerstin's direction," says Paul, whose latest album, "Clean Getaway" (www.danieljaypaul.com), not only makes up much of the score for the film, but also structures the plot.

"With the technology available today, you can really afford to experiment and innovate. That's what keeps pushing the artistry to the next level," he says.

Karlhuber and Paul offer suggestions for creative-minded individuals who have been kicking around ideas, but haven't yet pulled the trigger on a project:

• The Canon EOS 5D Mark III: Canon v. Nikon ... who cares? The point is that the big dogs in the film business, from James Cameron to Neill Blomkamp of indie-film success story, "District 9," are using digital gear that can be purchased by the average movie fan. The sharpest, crispest picture in the history of images can tell your story for a few thousand dollars.

• Adobe, CyberLink, Final Cut Pro, etc.: Film editing software, more than ever, is cheap, user-friendly and easy to acquire. There are several tutorial demonstrations available online, and if you need to come up with ideas for a project brainstorm with friends or family. That's half the fun.

• Getting started: Sadly, most of the failure of creative projects - whether film, music, art or writing - involves work-ethic issues, or lack of confidence. Ask the following questions: How long have I been thinking about my idea? Is my vision doable? What's keeping me from pursuing it? ... And, perhaps the most insightful question - Why not?

• A little help from your friends: Chances are that if you're a creative person, you have a few creative buddies who can help you troubleshoot concepts and technical issues. Lean on your artistic friends for moral support - they understand the struggle of the creative process. The same people may be a good source for constructive criticism, too, when the project is nearing completion.

• Consider trends: Karlhuber's film has no dialogue and relies solely on Paul's songs for sound. The most recent Oscar winner for best picture, "The Artist," also features no dialogue, relying on old-school Hollywood visual drama. While this is a coincidence, Karlhuber says it has helped her film gain attention. "If your creative ideas happen to line up with a trending topic, there's no reason why you shouldn't take advantage of the public's zeitgeist," she says.

About Kerstin Karlhuber & Daniel Jay Paul

Kerstin Karlhuber is an award-winning filmmaker and director. Her work in the arts has been seen around the world, from off-Broadway to Cannes, the Arclight Theater in Los Angeles to a segment on "Good Morning America." She is the founder and director of the film production company Silent Giant Productions based in New York City.

Daniel Jay Paul is a songwriter who recently released "Clean Getaway" on the Sunlight Communication Arts label. His songs have been described by Music Express' Marcus Wright as "music you hear with your heart ...." Paul is the author of the novel "The Last Sunset."

For the eighth straight year, the University of Iowa has been designated a "Best Buy" in the Fiske Guide to Colleges.

The UI is one of only 20 public universities from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada on the list and one of three Big Ten schools included along with Indiana University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The creation of a former New York Times education editor, the Fiske Guide has been a respected college search tool used by parents, college-bound students, and their guidance counselors for more than 25 years.

DID YOU KNOW?

To receive a "Best Buy" designation, schools had to have high academic rankings, an inexpensive or moderate price, and a high quality of student life on campus. In all, 41 schools received the "Best Buy" designation, including 21 private institutions.

FYI
For more information about applying to the UI, visit admissions.uiowa.edu.

Al Kinrade's The Art of Worship examines accepted worship methods of today in the light of Scripture and urges a renewed humble approach to God's worship

NEWTON, Iowa - In his new book The Art of Worship (published by AuthorHouse), author and pastor Al Kinrade has noted the divisions being created within churches today because people want worship to be conducted in a way that pleases them instead of what is pleasing and acceptable to God. The author does not accept the notion that this is an age-related phenomenon, but is a result of a lack of understanding of the Holiness of God, along with misinterpretations of Scripture.

The author describes his impetus to write thus:

I am very concerned about the future of the Church! I have seen too many attempts, by well meaning churches, to make worship more palatable for the younger generation, as well as at every age level. Many churches have been split over the matter of contemporary or traditional worship. This has resulted into two different congregations: one for the younger generation and the other for the older. I hear people complaining they no longer see their friends because they have chosen one or the other of offered worship formats. Is there not, even a hint of direction, given in Scripture as to how congregations should worship? I believe there is, and I like to call it Biblical Worship.

The Art of Worship does not defend either traditional or contemporary worship. Kinrade hopes that a unified Biblical Worship will begin to take shape and bring churches back together in a worshipful experience that is acceptable to God, while being an inspiration and a Spirit filled joy for all ages.

About the Author

Al Kinrade served the Lord through two denominations: the American Baptist denomination for 20 years and United Methodist Church for 22 years. In 1953 he received his Master of Theology degree from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Chicago. He was pastor of eight churches in Iowa and one in California. While serving in these churches, Kinrade has seen many changes in all denominations to make worship more meaningful, inspirational, and appealing to everyone.

When computers came into being, Kinrade saw the need to develop a computer program that would help students in his confirmation classes enjoy learning the Bible, along with Methodist heritage and polity. He called his computer program "Fun Learning the Bible," which covered the basics of Biblical truths for all ages.

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