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Inspiration can come from many sources as far as party ideas are concerned. Many publications supply an endless stream of party ideas. Entire television series on cable are devoted to little other than decorating and party ideas.

Often party ideas can be focused to highlighting some aspect of individual character of the guest of honor or the group identity of an organization. Party ideas for High School proms or other dances can relate to popular culture elements that coalesced the group. Then after the theme is chosen party goods in colors that coordinate with aspects of the central party ideas can be chosen.

The same can be done for children’s party ideas. Young children identify very closely with certain cartoon characters and enjoy using themed party goods and decorations. To the young child using these party ideas is tantamount to inviting these entities to their party. Party ideas that can incorporate these characters further help to add to this sense of inclusion of favorite fictional personages.

Games or DVD rentals can further the chosen party ideas. Other ways to incorporate these central party ideas would be to order a cake with the party theme used for its decoration. This works in all kinds of parties for adults as well as children. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Independence Day and Hanukah are all easy to match with appropriate party ideas and coordinating cake decorations.

Party ideas may be simple and budget conscious or complicated and high end but the outcome should always be the same. People should come together and enjoy the pleasure of one another’s company. Good party ideas are the ones that make this a memorable occasion for all the right reasons and none of the wrong ones. Party ideas which simplify the process of throwing a good party are the best.

Mrs. Party… Gail Leino is the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies (http://partysupplieshut.com), using proper etiquette, and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free coloring sheets, printable games, and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Party Themes (PartyThemeShop.com) to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or “just because” parties is at the Party Theme Shop. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.

It was just over a year ago, after the Colts lost to the Pats in their post-season contest, that Boomer Esiason said on national television, “I think maybe Peyton (Manning) is this generation’s Dan Marino.” Esiason went on to state that Manning “is a great football player, but he’s not going to get to the Super Bowl, I’m telling you, not with that defense.”

Marino, who was on the set, took umbrage at the reference and shot back, “Oh, wait a minute. I got to a Super Bowl.” Marino made a good point, but still, Esiason seemed to be on target by not blaming either quarterback for their failings but, rather, the guys on the other side of the ball-their weak defenses.

Fast forward to January 15, 2006, almost exactly a year to the date that Esiason made his comments. What was different this time for Peyton Manning and the Colts? The Colts seemed to have the full package-a great running and passing attack, a solid offensive line, and a fine defense. Everything was aligned for Manning-Mania to take full effect, especially after such a spectacular regular season.

But once again, under the glare of the national spotlight, in a huge playoff game, and under the kind of pressure he had rarely seen all season, Peyton Manning crumbled. This latest derailment of the Colt’s Super Bowl Express drew a barrage of disparaging comments from many writers and commentators, including the NY Times’ William C. Rhoden. Two days after the loss, Rhoden dubbed Manning “the king of statistics but the prince of NFL quarterbacks” in that although he can generate statistics, he may be incapable of closing the deal and ever bringing a championship to Indianapolis.

No matter how much you respect Peyton Manning and his amazing regular season performances, it’s difficult to argue with the facts. In eight seasons the Colt QB has led his team to the playoffs six times where he is 3-6. In those nine games he’s hit for 15 TDs, while throwing 8 INTs and being sacked 13 times. There are quarterbacks, most recently Tom Brady, who usually manage to rise to the occasion in the big game, ably dealing with a panoply of adversity. And then there are those like Manning, usually able to run like finely tuned, precision machines, which means when everything is copacetic they hum along but let something like a blitz throw off their rhythm and they breakdown.

Some people point out that maybe he has too much control over the offense, constantly changing and adjusting plays at the line of scrimmage, and when things go awry it’s almost impossible for Manning to adapt. Others claim that he simply can’t handle the pressure of a big game situation. Some blame others on the team. After losing to the Steelers this post-season, Peyton Manning did something he’s never done before; point the finger at his teammates.

Then there’s Peyton’s younger brother Eli, who just finished his second NFL season and his first professional post-season. Against the Carolina Panthers Eli Manning completed 10 of 18 passes, threw three interceptions, was sacked four times and lost one fumble as the Giants were humbled by their opponents 23 to zip. At one point in the game it seemed as if Eli Manning thought his job was to get the ball to the Panthers as boos echoed throughout Giants Stadium and fans hustled for the exits.

Coolness under pressure-is this a Manning characteristic? Or do Peyton and Eli share some sort of panic gene? For Eli it’s simply too early to tell and with Peyton, there’s still time left to turn the tide.

Perhaps one should ask, “What would dad and former NFL QB Archie Manning do?” There’s no answer to that question-in 15 NFL seasons Archie never came close to making it to the playoffs.

Time will tell what the true legacy of the Manning brothers will be. Dan Marino-Move over?

This article was written by Paul Mrocza sponsored by http://www.stubhub.com. If you’re looking for tickets for the next football game, look no further than Stubhub.com where fans buy and sell the hottest sports tickets. Reproductions of this article are encouraged but must include a link back to http://www.stubhub.com.

OK – so I am biased. I’ve spent hours and hours practicing my instruments and I’ve spent thousands of dollars on my education. I could come up with 20 Reasons. But I’ll start with 5.

1. CLASSIER: The right band adds a certain amount of class to any event. A pianist playing a Grand Piano in a tuxedo of any event adds romance and dignity. A DJ behind a record player never will be able to produce that effect.

When you hire a live band or musician, you are telling your customers and friends, “I am a class act.”

2. VERSATILITY: DJS are limited by their recorded product and tempos on the recordings.

Musicians will adjust to their surroundings. If the dance floor is packed, a band can keep the song going and will not be limited to the length of the original recording.

A musician can also change his tempo to the activities in a room. When I see a romantic couple dancing to Frank Sinatra tune, I will frequently add that spark that I feel for my wife.

Granted, a DJ may have a repertoire that is only limited by the amount of CDs they buy. But a good musician knows thousands of songs.

I know I have probably forgotten more songs than I learned over the years. You will love watching the band ‘fake’ their way through a tune they haven’t played in years.

That kind of spontaneity is only possible when you use live music instead of a DJ. Which brings us to Reason #3.

3. PEOPLE LOVE TO SEE OTHER PEOPLE SCREW UP: Let’s face it. Musicians are human beings. We make mistakes like everybody else. Why is American Idol so popular? Because we all want to see someone fail. And succeed!

Your friends and customers will love to try and “stump the band” when we’re playing at your Sales Event or Product Rollout. (Watch their amazement when we succeed.)

“Music is a Manifestation of Emotion.
The feeling must always override the Technique”
– Jan Hammer (Keyboards for Mahavishnu Orchestra and Jeff Beck)

4. INTIMACY: There is something very intimate about seeing someone play an instrument and create music on the spot. Music is magical. It is almost surreal. Can a DJ play with emotion? Intimacy?

People love to watch my hands as I play the piano. It is as if the music appears out of nowhere. When a musician performs for you, it feels like they are creating just for you — right on the spot. Magical!

5. INTERACTION: Not only will a great entertainer adjust his performance to a live audience. A live band will interact with each other onstage. A DJ is only one person. Surely a DJ can and will interact with his audience. But a good musician will interact so much better.

Also, just imagine the added dimension a live band will bring to your next Corporate Event. A live band will interact with your audience AND the musicians in the band. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to a group of musicians ‘hang out’ after the gig, you know what I am saying is true. A DJ has only an audience for interaction.

Music is truly the universal language. It transcends any barrier — geographic, cultural or economic. Hiring the right Musical Act will enhance your ability to reach your customers and clients.