Christmas — How To Create A Fun & Cherished Christmas!

September 28th, 2009

A great way to ensure your Christmas will be remembered with warm and cherished memories is to incorporate some rituals. Adding rituals to the festivities will create fun and magic moments that will not only live in your families memories forever but will be excitedly looked forward to each year. Rituals will bring your family closer together creating joy and happiness for all!

Here is a fun ritual you could incorporate into this coming Christmas. Add some Christmas bells to the dinner table and ring them just before the festive meal is ready, calling all to attend the dinner table. Long before Christmas in the old days, bells were once rung with the assumption that the noise would chase away evil spirits. Santa Claus has jingling bells that he uses accompanying his sleigh ride around the world each year. His bells are symbols; they are jingled to remind us of the birth of new beginnings and the death of ignorance (once referred to as the devil).

Ringing bells before the meal is eaten is a wonderful reminder to push away judgments, speak no ills, and come together with a sense of joy, positivity and acceptance for one another. Make the festive meal a time where you all come together and share a positively good time. A time where only supportive words are spoken, encouragement and acknowledgement of each other is heard. Ringing the bells will remind all to keep positive, bright and joyous!

So have some fun, get yourself some jingling Christmas bells and chase away any menacing spirits or thoughts before the festive meal. You can be creative with your jingling and get your children to enjoy a brisk stroll through the house or around the dinner table as they jingle the bells joyously to ensure no menacing mischief makers will be heard on the day! The children will love this fun activity and all will enjoy the friendly reminder of the bells if anyone starts to slip up on their good attitude throughout the day!

Another ritual you could incorporate is the ‘Mistletoe Game’. This is a very old Christmas game where it was once common place to have suspended Mistletoe hung in the main room. For this game everyone would assemble in a circle around the Mistletoe. The first player (a male) has to slide a slipper and aim so it will land under the Mistletoe. If he fails another takes their turn. If he succeeds, even more fun begins as there is a scramble in the direction of the lady towards which the slipper points. She must seize the slipper and get away before being caught!

Rituals offer the opportunity for family and friends to interact in a joyous and fun manner. So why not add a few rituals to your festive day to add some fun and create great memories of a truly joyous and happy day.

Visit http://www.HoHoHoChristmas.com & sign up for our FREE Newsletter full of tips, tools & resources for reviving the fun, joy, magic and real meanings of Christmas PLUS receive our bonus f*r*e*e 10 day e-course with audio on how to enrich your Christmas experience from The HoHoHo Expert, Bernadette Dimitrov, author of the world’s best Christmas ebooks and audio books. The HoHoHo Factor!’ everything you’ll love to know & share about Christmas & the new fun adventure series ‘Bluey, Santa’s New Recruit!’ Creating fun and cherished memories for families!

What is Close-up Magic

September 15th, 2009

Close-up magic is magical entertainment that happens right in front of you, magic you can not only see but feel and touch. This intimacy is what makes it so different from other types of magic. An expert close-up magician will involve and interact with the audience far more than a stage magician (or any other form of entertainer for that matter).

Most close-up magicians use common props such as playing cards, coins, sponge balls and rope. And all magicians perform the same basic magical effects with these props, making them appear, disappear, change, levitate, break and restore, and penetrate other objects. What is amazing about close-up magic is that it happens so close to you, sometimes while you are holding the props!

There are many standard close-up magic effects and standard routines used to present them. For example, the ‘Ambitious Card’ where a chosen card repeatedly rises to the top position in a deck of cards without any shuffling or cutting, or the ‘Sponge Balls’ where the balls move invisibly between the magician’s hands and those of the spectator’s. In fact, these routines are freely available if you care to look. Anyone can search the internet and buy books and DVDs on close-up magic, or even the props and standard routines.

What really sets one close-up magician apart from another is how they present their magic. In fact, presentation is the key – it is what makes close-up magic entertaining. A really good, professional magician will be creative and present their magic in an original and entertaining way. Sometimes humorous, sometimes mysterious, sometimes just plain weird and freaky. The magic becomes a vehicle for the personality and ideas of the performer.

This is what makes close-up magic great entertainment. An interesting, strange and funny person demonstrates the impossible, weird and wonderful, right under your nose!

Dan Gifford is a professional magician and entertainer from Leicester, England. Dan performs close-up magic throughout the UK at parties, weddings, corporate events and trade shows. Visit his website at http://www.dangifford.com

What Goes Into Wedding Preparation From Your DJ

September 14th, 2009

Exactly what should your disc jockey be doing in the weeks/months prior to your wedding? If you think that they just show up at your reception and are ready to go – you’ve missed out on what they’ve been doing to prepare.

Typically, your DJ will meet you during the sales stage of things – you get to know him, they get to know what you are looking for. Once you’ve decided that they are the right DJ for you, then the work starts. Your DJ would lock in your date and start working on preparation. About 2 months prior to your wedding, they would meet you again and start going over details with you. If your DJ wants to meet only a week or so ahead of your wedding – just say no. You should expect more from them.

This is what a professional DJ does in the months prior to your event:

1. They have your itinerary / wedding party names to review and make sure there are no issues and that transitions from one thing to a next have a natural flow to them.

2. They would be communicating with you regarding any last minute changes you might have, sometimes talking to the banquet facility or your photographer if questions arise or to discuss setup requirements.

3. They would review your music requests and make sure they have all your key songs. Many DJs will prepare a working CD with all your selected songs on it to even further make sure there are no issues on the day of your wedding.

4. Many DJs now will work on music programming on their laptop – they will prepare just the right mix of music for social hour and dinner ahead of time. For your dance selections, they may prepare a play list so all the songs you want are easily accessible and for quick reference.

5. They will prepare their equipment and load up just the right pieces for your event and bring sufficient backup in case of emergency.

A typical wedding might require about 5-10 hours of preparation event BEFORE the day of your wedding. Ask your potential DJ how much time they invest in preparation for your event – you might be amazed at the differences between lesser DJs and true professionals.

Rob Alberti
After Hours Disc Jockey Service – MA/CT/RI

http://www.afterhoursdj.net

Who is Mac Dre

September 2nd, 2009

Mac Dre was born on the fifth of July 1970 in Oakland, he grew up in Vallejo, California and lived there most of his life.

In 1989 Mac Dre released his first album, an EP titled ‘Young Black Brotha’ it had 4 tracks on it and one track ironicly titled ‘Too Hard for the Fuckin Radio’ started getting air play in North Californian radio stations. In 1991 Mac Dre returned with ‘California Livin” and by the time he released his third album ‘Whats really goin on’(1992) his music was being played all over Vallejo and North California for that matter. In clubs and peoples cars, it looked like Mac Dre was going to reach the big time. But his hopes and dreams were snatched away from him as he was put into prison as the police believed he was behind a few bank robberys.

Mac Dre was followed 300 miles by police from the ‘Bay Area’ to Fresno, his friend was wired and recorded a conversation which he started asking Mac Dre about the bank robberys. He was sentenced to five years inprisonment in 1992 for this but he wasn’t done making albums yet. ‘Back N Da Hood’ was what his fourth album was called, it was an EP which was recorded from Fresno county Jail by phone. The album shows that Mac Dre doesn’t need lots of takes to have a song the way he wants it. In the same year he recorded some more songs over the phone and his record company made an album from them and some of his previously released songs, the album was called ‘Young Black Brotha: The Album’.

Mac Dre was released in 1995. He got on his compilation ‘The Rompilation’ which was released under his new record company ‘Romp Records’ and sold over 60,000 copies, in the Rompalation Mac Dre appears on eight tracks alongside some of his ‘homies’ such as Mac Mall, Da Unda dog and JT the Bigga Figga. After his release he started working like crazy on his albums averaging on two albums a year. His first solo release after his release from jail was called ‘Stupid Doo Doo Dumb’, the very same year he released ‘Don’t hate the Player, Hate the Game’. In the next three years that followed he released 11 albums the latest of them ‘Thizzelle Washington’ got him the most fans and respect. In 2003 he made ‘al boo boo’ which was a cd with a free dvd and he released a dvd called Treal TV. His fans loved the dvd as it opened a window into how he lived his life.

If you ask a fan of Mac Dre whats Mac Dres best album they are likly to say all of them, this shows the consistincy of his work it was all fantastic. His career in rap was not a fair one though, he never got the commercial praise he definatly deserved. In 2004 Mac Dre released three albums ‘Genie of the Lamp’, ‘Ronald Dregan: Dreganomics’ and ‘The Game is thick, Vol 2′. These albums had North California buzzing with excitment they thought this would be the man to put the spotlight back on westcoast rap.But this as of now has not happened. On November 1st 2004 Mac Dre was victim of a drive-by on Highway 71, Kansas City. The incident happened just after a concert he was doing in Kansas, the shooting was a shock, fans in Kansas enjoyed the show, noone from Kansas had any right to shoot a North Californian rapper as the Kansas City rap scene was getting respect and money from that area. When Mac Dres mother Wanda Salvatto heard about the shooting she did not believe it. This was because she was told previously her son was dead from an overdose of drugs but yet he was fine, other Vallejo residents did not believe this either and were shocked and sad when they heard that it was true. Mac Dre was buried at Moutain View Cemetary, Oakland, CA.

Now in 2005 Mac Dre has many die-hard fans and new ones too, he is still releasing albums too! ‘Da US Open’ was released on the 22nd of March it is a collaberation between Mac Dre and Mac Mall in which they pick up the alter egos ‘Andre Macassi’ and ‘Mall Macenroe’. Later ‘Money iz Motive’ was released, it wasn’t a Mac Dre solo it was an album made by the ‘Cutthoat Committee’ which Mac Dre was a part of. ‘Treal TV 2′ is currently in its final stages before its released, on top of that Mac Dres record label ‘Thizz Entertainment’ has some unreleased Mac Dre material that they will be selling in the near future. To Mac Dres fans he will always be the best rapper from the ‘Bay Area’.

RIP Andre ‘Mac Dre’ Hicks

Wrote by Jake McMullan
Fan of Mac Dre
Owner of the Mac Dre fansite: http://www.macdreezy.com

Focus On What Is Important – Your Wedding Disc Jockey Choice

August 28th, 2009

Your true love got down on his knees and asked you to marry him. Barely able to get the words out, you say “I Will”. That is but the first of many choices you must make when planning a wedding. So many people get caught up in the buying frenzy of wedding planning, that they lose sight of the thing that really matters.

Choosing your Wedding disc jockey should not be one of the final details. In a recent survey of brides-to-be, they ranked choosing their wedding photographer more than twice as important as their Wedding disc jockey. Let’s think about this – sure, wedding photography is important when it comes to capturing the moment. If your photographer didn’t show up – the wedding and reception would go on just as planned. Without your Wedding disc jockey – things come to a screeching halt. People would leave soon after dinner without the musical entertainment of your Wedding disc jockey. So why is it that people pay $2,000-$4,000 on average for a wedding photographer and they look to pay only $750 for a bargain disc jockey?

Here is some food for thought. The average Connecticut banquet facility charges around $75/pp for the meal. With an average wedding comprised of about 150 guests, that’s over $11,000 in meal cost. The 18% gratuity on that alone is over $2,000. A top-quality Wedding disc jockey would cost you between $1,000-$2,000. That’s less than the gratuity on the meal!

Remember that $75/pp meal will only occupy guests for 2 hours out of the average 5 hour reception. Your Wedding disc jockey is responsible for everything after the meal. Your banquet staff will disappear into the background. Their job is done. It is time for your Wedding disc jockey to bring the event to a party atmosphere.

Let’s look at your wedding budget for a minute. The difference between a low-end disc jockey and a true top-notch professional Wedding disc jockey is less than $1,000. What other items in your wedding budget can be eliminated to facilitate obtaining a better wedding reception entertainer?

Printed napkins – $150
Cake knife set – $50
Toast glasses – $50
Ice sculpture – $200
Floral centerpieces – $20/table = $200 (can be replaced with inexpensive votive candles)
Wedding favors – $250

Not one of these items would be missed if they were not present at your Wedding reception. Without the best available Wedding disc jockey, your party could be a flop from the moment people walk in. We’ve all been to events where the Wedding disc jockey plays “Kenny G” music throughout cocktail and dinner as if guests are not supposed to notice that they are just playing the same cd. We’ve gone to events where the Wedding disc jockey plays the same music in the same order as the last person without any regard to the crowd or what they are reacting to or not reacting to. Choose wisely and make sure your Wedding budget keeps emphasis on the important things that will guarantee you a successful Wedding reception and not one where guests stare at their wrist watches looking for an opportunity to sneak out early due to lack of quality Wedding disc jockey entertainment.

Rob Alberti
Professional Wedding Disc Jockey since 1983
After Hours Disc Jockey Service – MA/CT/RI Regions

http://www.afterhoursdj.net

Unique Wedding Reception Entertainment

August 11th, 2009

The typical wedding reception entertainment scheme of pretty flowers and background music is fine for some people, but all kinds of options exist to spice it up a bit and provide a celebration that everyone is sure to remember for years to come.

Before planning any of the following wedding reception entertainment ideas, please take this short bit of advice: discuss it first. These inventive ideas will hopefully bring amusement and vibrancy to your wedding reception entertainment, but it could spell tragedy if you surprise everyone (particularly your spouse) with something completely outlandish.

Build your wedding reception entertainment around a theme that suits your personalities and interests. Some specific examples could be:

  • For the country bumpkin in you, try a theme centered around the old west. The ol’ watering hole should be a big hit. Plant some (fake) muskets and six-shooters around the area and see what kind of drama erupts.

  • The renaissance era gives many options for a wedding reception entertainment theme. If you have ever been to a renaissance festival, you know what fun it can be. Hazah!

  • In this 21st century, much of the science fiction of the past has already come to reality. This is very fortunate for the tech-savvy couple looking to design a high-tech reception centered around a sci fi theme. Laser beams and shiny, metallic things always look futuristic.

  • Arrrh matey! Not all pirates are from the Carribean, but they can all throw a wild party! A big treasure chest filled with styrofoam peanuts can hide treasures for the kids to discover.

  • Ancient Egypt is always an intriguing theme for any party. Design a secret heiroglyphic message for your guests to decode and win a prize. The favorite and most important symbol for your ancient Egyptian wedding reception entertainment: the Ankh.

    If you really want to get the guests roaring, try this: Hire absolutely the worst band you can find in the city. Allow them to play a couple of songs before you encourage the guests to boo them from the stage. Your real band can then emerge from the crowd and “save the day” with beautiful, professional tunes. (You will still pay the sucker band for their full set, of course. They did their part.)

    Instead of subdued background music between sets, hire a comedian to perform during the band’s intermission. An hilarious and upbeat act will keep your guests attentive and help them catch a second wind for another round of celebration.

    There is no rule book that says wedding reception entertainment must be confined to the stage. Magicians, mimes, and jugglers are a few examples of entertainers who could meander through the crowd and keep everyone on their toes. They can scope out the folks who might look bored or ignored, hopefully prying open a few smiles. Remember to ask the juggler to please forego the flaming torches – just this once!

    These are just a few wedding reception entertainment ideas to get you started. What you eventually decide to do should reflect your own tastes. But whatever you do, the key ingredient that must never be forgotten is: fun!

    © Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

    Randy has more articles on wedding information such as Bridal Shower Games,Australian Honeymoons and Cashman Professional Photographer

  • Party Ideas Help Make for a Memorable Event

    July 25th, 2009

    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.

    Manning and Manning-Can Either Brother Win the Big One

    July 25th, 2009

    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.

    Top 5 Reasons Why Live Music Is Always Better Than A Dj

    July 8th, 2009

    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.

    Balance – Wedding Budget Blues

    June 29th, 2009

    Let’s think about what goes into your wedding budget. Your caterer/banquet facility will get the lion’s share of it. If you are having 150 guests (an average number) and the banquet facility charges $100 pp. (typical high-end facility in New England area – including gratuity, tax, hidden fees) – that works out to $15,000 right off the top. If you have it and want to spend it – great. If you are trying to stretch your wedding dollars, then you really need to step back. Many couples get so caught up in the facility that they spend all their budget on it and don’t have enough left over for quality entertainment or wedding photos.

    If you took that same 150 guests and found a facility that only cost $75 pp, you now have an additional $4,000 that you can spend on your photographer and disc jockey. Why? When you walk away from your reception – if the music was a disaster – the entire event is a disaster. If you don’t have quality wedding photos to cherish for years to come, it will just fade in your memory. The reality is – if the view wasn’t so great at the facility and the food was just ok – people will not care as long as they had a great time. Think about that before you spend your entire wedding budget on the facility and run out of money for everything else. There needs to be a balance in your wedding budget.

    In the New England Area average pricing for a quality disc jockey ranges between $1000-$1500. For a quality professional photographer, you should expect to spend at least $2,500-$4,000. Believe me, you will know the difference if you hire below this range.

    Rob Alberti
    After Hours DJ Service

    http://www.afterhoursdj.net