Archive for May, 2009
May
15
Tosca At The Garden – A True London Summer Experience
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London is well known for its vibrant arts scene and its year-round packed musical programme. From Camden's Roundhouse to the world famous Royal Albert Hall, the UK's capital is overflowing with eclectic musical venues that attract concert-goers from all corners of the globe. But amongst the giants of London's summer musical fixtures looms one well-known regular: the world-famous Puccini opera, Tosca.
Tosca has been played at the Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden every year since 1964, when Italian director Franco Zeffirelli famously adapted the opera for Maria Callas, a Greek-American soprano who is often referred to as the best-known opera singer of the post World War II period. In 2006, however, Tosca at the Garden (as it is now popularly known) received a revamp from the Almeida Theatre's Jonathan Kent - a bold move, given that Zeffirelli's version had been used for forty-two years.
The story of Tosca is set amidst the backdrop of revolutionary Rome in 1800, and sees Scarpia, a police chief, seeking an escaped prisoner called Angelotti. Scarpia arrests the artist Cavaradossi, whom he is certain has helped Angelotti escape, but also brings into the mix Cavaradossi's girlfriend - Tosca - who he thinks may have been an accomplice.
Scandalously, Scarpia agrees to save Cavaradossi's life if Tosca allows him to have his way with her. However, the tragic ending comes when Tosca, convinced that Scarpia has let Cavaradossi go, stabs the police chief before finding out that her lover has in fact been shot, and ultimately flings herself from the Castello d'Angelo's ramparts as Rome's police pursue her.
Puccini based Tosca upon a drama by French playwright Victorien Sardou and since its premier in Rome in 1900, it has become one of the world's most performed operas. Maria Callas, the original Tosca of Tosca at the Garden, is seen by many opera fans to have made the role her own and it's possible to find footage of her powerful performance as the tragic heroine on YouTube today.
Jonathan Kent's new production of Tosca sees Puccini's "shabby little shocker" with a whole new cast, including Finnish National Opera director Mikko Franck making his conducting debut. With a mix of established operatic talent and new voices taking part, this year's Tosca at the Garden is sure to be a success.
Moreover, with flights to London leaving most international airports daily, taking a trip to Britain's capital to see this momentous production of Tosca won't be hard if you're not a British resident. And with the Garden's 2007 season continuing with revivals of Rigoletto, Cosi fan tutte and all three of Wagner's Ring cycles, there's much more to come from London's centre of operatic art.
Adam Singleton is an online, freelance journalist and keen amateur photographer. His portfolio, called Capquest Photography is available to view online.
Traffic Light Changer for Motorcycles
May
14
Deciding to Sell Your Annuity
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The present economic condition of most Americans is tenuous at best. Many people are struggling to maintain a family budget and live week-to-week, month-to-month and year-to-year. Investments made by families into 401 K programs are depreciating by the day.
Finding a way to make ends meet can get overwhelming and many are choosing to cash in on some retirement investments now rather than later. Selling annuity payments is one option.
At the time you invested in annuities you probably told yourself and your family you were in this particular investment for the long term. However sometimes life get in the way of the best of intentions. Sometimes you may be forced into selling your annuity.
Reasons for selling your annuity may include unexpected medical bills, unforeseen major repair expenses or catastrophic circumstances beyond your control. It is important that you don't beat yourself into guilt because you are not waiting for the maturity date to start your payments. Life gets in the way and you should consider yourself fortunate that you have money set aside for circumstances like these.
Among the many factors in deciding to sell your annuity is the tax ramifications. Annuities are a tax deferred investment vehicle and selling the payments before it maturity date you will absorb a tax bill as a consequence, plus applicable penalties.
The next step is finding a buyer. Take the time to find a reputable buyer. As in any sector of the investment business you will find many buyers suggesting or giving you incorrect information. Begin by asking for a quote and a review. Most reputable companies will provide this service at no obligation. And if the company wants to charge for an evaluation of your annuities, find another company.
When you decided to purchase you annuity, you had to learn a fair amount about annuities, which is reasonable. Selling your annuity should be given the same consideration. , Make sure you are doing what is best for your situation. You gave it a lot of thought when you bought the annuity, so should be the process when you sell the annuity,
DJ Raymond is an accomplished developer and author. To learn more about selling your annuity visit Investing In Annuities for more articles and information.
Disc Jockey Equipment
May
14
Party Planning For the Holidays – Start Early For Success!
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As fast as the summer seems to have passed you by, the Holiday Season will be here, making it time for holiday parties! Despite signs of a lack luster economy, most employers recognize holiday parties are a great way to show appreciation to employees and clients; to entertain guests, and impress prospects. Even, as early as the beginning of September we have seen the number of Holiday party inquiries in our offices double from this time last year. Companies realize the importance of keeping morale high and the Company Holiday party may be just the thing to do it.
Whether it's a corporate holiday party or purely a private social event for family & friends; planning ahead will save you money, stress, and ensure success. Caterers have a wealth of experience seeing the do's & don't of corporate holiday party planning. We've compiled a list of our most noteworthy insights.
Plan Early
Now is the time to talk to caterers, before they get very busy, to secure the best service and pricing. And keep in mind that there are only a few weeks and weekends leading up to Christmas and Hanukah when most holiday parties take place. The best caterers, with the best reputations are sought out and booked early. Any delay on your part could mean not being able to book the caterer of your choice, and unfortunately that can mean a "roll of the dice" in the success of your party and the memory that will stay with your guests. So early planning is vital to hosting a successful holiday party.
Decide on the venue and date. Having the party in the office is most convenient for employees and promotes business familiarity with your clients. Consider the feasibility of the office space and parking; cocktail parties don't require formal sit down seating and encourage sociability. Choose a date in the earlier part of December rather than later to avoid scheduling conflicts with guests. Alternative locations that are not your typical hotel banquet room foster interest in attending that gives you an advantage when guests are faced with many holiday obligations. The company president's home, museums, historical landmarks, building rooftops or atriums, airports, retail outlets, and entertainment centers offer a certain novelty that can add excitement to the party.
Define Party Purpose
Is the goal to thank key stakeholders, clients and/or employees for their help and support throughout the year? Are you hoping to promote team building, motivation, and strengthen relationships amongst employees? Including families in the invitation enables a small group to become more intimate and requires a large group to have specific considerations. Perhaps the goal is to impress clients with the diversity and depth of your services or products outside the traditional sales environment. The company may simply want to celebrate the holidays or their successes for the year. What had been done in the previous years and how well were the efforts received? Identifying these factors will determine your guest list and party format.
Budget
If you're the one in charge of planning the event, and you've been tasked with submitting a budget request to your company, be sure to make plenty of preliminary calls and do your homework to research pricing before you request a budget. If you're going to make an investment in a party; you don't want it to fall short, so prior due diligence is a must. Include décor, & entertainment aspects in your bottom line.
Once you've established a budget your firm is comfortable with, you can evaluate your options. Generally speaking, Friday & Saturday parties are the most expensive options followed by Sunday, then Thursday. Monday through Wednesday party alternatives truly help stretch the value for your dollar. Weekday luncheons or cocktail receptions are also economical alternatives to formal dinners
Select the Right Caterer
As with any business, referrals are always the best source. Other good sources would be to check with some of the more popular venues in your area that rent their facility to host social and corporate events and ask them for a list of preferred caterers. A sure fire way to narrow your list down is if you repeatedly see the same caterer listed on several venues list of preferred caterers.
Now that you have your list narrowed down to no more than a few caterers, note the responsiveness of each caterer. Did they answer the phone professionally, or if did they return your call promptly? Did they listen to you and your needs or did it seem as if they did all the talking? Did they say they would get back to you with suggestions or a proposal and did they indeed do as they promised? If they aren't timely and thorough and do as they promise early on in the process when they're trying to win your business, it's indicative of the level of service they provide if you hire them.
Invitations
Invitations should be sent at least one month in advance. In addition to clearly listing the party date, time, and place it's helpful to specify the type of dress appropriate, directions and parking options. Caterers will require a final guest count one week prior to the event; therefore an RSVP deadline of 10 days before the event should clearly include a contact name, phone number, and email for responses. Listing "Regrets Only" on an invitation is a sure way to waste effort and money on an unreliable final count. It's become popular to email invitations saving postage and paper costs, however attendance may be lower if guests don't get that tangible reminder.
Menu & Décor
Pick a theme---traditional Holiday Party, Seasonal like Winter Wonderland or a cultural or regional influence will give the party parameters that add interest. Don't be afraid to be creative while personalizing the event through the use of corporate colors, company logo, or slogan to highlight branding efforts and encourage corporate identification and pride. The trend is toward informality allowing guests to socialize and mingle to enhance relationship building.
Call party vendors regularly to stay in touch & confirm details. Especially when planning an event over the course of several months, you want to make sure decisions are communicated and details documented. Don't pick a menu based on personal taste when you're trying to accommodate a diverse group. Rely on the catering expert to choose a balanced menu with versatility, and their most delicious items within your specified budget.
Beverages
Most corporate events include alcoholic beverages. Limiting the options to wine, beer, and a specialty drink has become an acceptable alternative to offering a full bar. Limiting open bar to an hour or two and then transforming to cash bar helps curb over indulgers. Ensuring a substantial menu is also an important factor in avoiding embarrassing behavior.
Entertainment & Gifts
Will there be dancing? The budget may dictate whether you choose a DJ, live music, or simply have background music being "piped in". Some kind of music is critical to warm up the atmosphere and make the event more socially conducive and festive. Favors, awards, & prizes are significant components in making an impression with your guests and recognizing their value to the company.
If the budget does not allow for a photographer, appoint a designated photographer (or two depending on the size of the group) to record the event for the company history and perpetuate the goodwill recorded in pictures. The Company President, CEO, Owner or Manager should take the opportunity to welcome & thank guests, as well as mention some highlights of the past year and goals for the future.
Remember the Goals
Once you've made you're decisions, stick with them. If you change the plans for one person, you'll have unlimited individual requests which are impossible to unravel. The event should be memorable, enjoyable, and make guests feel appreciated. Any event you do is going to make a very lasting impression on the people who attend.
Marta Messana is co-owner of C.A. & Company Catering in Hollywood Florida. With a vision staked in providing the finest food matched with impeccable service, C.A. & Company Catering established itself as a premier, full service, off-premise caterer Catering South Florida elegant corporate and social events, and spectacular weddings for nearly 20 years.
Disc Jockey Equipment
May
12
Party Event
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An event or party is something that celebrates a particular moment in someone's or something's life as an occasion. An event or party is a very general term that is simply a gathering of a group of friends and colleagues, depending on the event, it could be a social gala or corporate event, thus the need to include your colleagues, or if you are planning a party, be it a family gathering to celebrate a birthday, a baptism or bar mitzvah, it could also be a wedding, where you would be planning for the reception, following the church.
A party or an event is also a time to have a DJ come and make your celebration more exciting and enjoyable. A DJ can enhance a party or an event by playing great music and also by playing the latest and most relaxing music, depending on what the party or event is for. Another great add-on by a DJ for your party or event is a DJ that has the props to make your celebration that much more enjoyable. With such props as dry ice, disco balls, large party dice and megaphones, props are a great way to make a party or an event truly memorable.
So with all the dancing, drinking, laughing and talking, your party or event, depending if it a personal event to celebrate a special occasion, a birthday party, or if it is a corporate event that requires a more formal approach to setting up, booking a DJ with great music, latest equipment and fun props only adds to the vibe of your party or event. So while it is only a weekend getaway, or a huge gala, it is important to keep in mind that a party or event follows the same principles to making it a truly remarkable time not only for you but for your guests. It has to include some great food, fantastic company willing to have a good time, lots of drinking, and great music and entertainment. The last point can be created by a DJ equipped with all things to make a party or event absolutely awesome.
http://www.surroundsounddj.com/party_event.html
FREE, No Obligation Insurance Quotes
May
10
Simple Lighting Ideas For Your Wedding Reception
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Music will get your guests to dance but good lighting will create the right atmosphere and mood. Many a time the issue of lighting at wedding receptions has not been taken seriously resulting in making the place look like some any other room without ambience and the glamour it ought to have. The lighting will be part of the DJs or the bandsmen equipment and in the search for entertainment, you would take the utmost care to obtain the service that has both modern and impressive lighting to make your guests get into the right mood at your reception.
Of great importance is the strobe light. It has a large beam and it is used to accentuate an appearance. For example, it can be used to make the couple the spotlight of the event as they do the first dance. They can also be used to create a romantic or classy look as different people take to the floor to dance.
The light must be both reliable and attractive. Though the use of disco balls may not be appropriate for such a grand occasion, you can have UV black lights or moving mirror. They both create a fantastic atmosphere.
Aside the dance, the lighting also provides the feeling with which people could associate the music with. As the music rolls, the DJ or lighting man selects the best colors and intensity to match it. It helps the guests to associate themselves with the event.
In the event that you bandsmen or your DJ does not have the ability to manage the lighting well, you can hire a special lighting man to undertake the task. The lighting man has the experience and technical competence to manage the lighting at the reception. He knows which light is best for each mood, for video coverage and for what activity.
Lighting is one important part of your reception. You cannot afford to lose sight of the role it plays in both your reception hall ambiance and in the mood of your guests.
Information on wedding planning and wedding vows is readily available. You can also easily get advice about wedding favors.
Traffic Light Changer for Motorcycles
May
03
Marketing Your MLM Business Offline In 6 Easy Steps
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Do You think you could promote you network opportunity easier if you just knew how? Using the tips in below we will give ideas on how you can promote your business offline.
As a network marketer, you know how important getting traffic to your website is. It is the number one reason for failure in this business.
There is an often over-looked area of marketing that is ignored by many in network marketing. This area is offline marketing. While the Internet is a source used by many, there are also thousands of prospects that can be presented with your MLM business opportunity through offline sources. Here are eight offline strategies that you can use to expand your network marketing prospect, and, in turn, explode your business.
Often when it comes to marketing your mlm network business we tend to forget about offline marketing. This is somethine anyone can do fairly easily. The Internet is good for attracting prospects online, but there are people who would be interested in your network marketing business offline if they knew about it.
Here are 7 forms of offline marketing you do to grow your prospect list.
1. Get a small baggie and put these items in it.
a current special
a business opportunity flyer
a business card
a discount coupon
Give out the baggies wherever you go. At your kids sport events, cashiers at the store, to tellers at the bank, at a restaurant etc. etc. Get in the habit of promoting your business anywhere and everywhere!
2. Do you have a college in your town? College students are always looking for ways to make money. Give them a business card or flyer as well.
3. Print flyers with your contact information, your email address, and website address. Include any monthly specials you are offering. Then hand them out at apartment complexes, mobile home parks, housing developments, and rental offices. Be sure and ask for permission to leave flyers at the front office before you start.
4. Daycare centers are a great place to find prospects for your business! Leave a business cards or flyer with them. Not all moms and dads who have to drop off their kids and go to work want to do that everyday.
5. Contact local bridal gown stores, bridal supply stores, tux rental centers, caterers, and wedding DJ's. Ask if you can leave a business card with them as well as a flyer for their customers to have.
6. Connect with your local Chamber of Commerce. Many times they have local business events that you could involve your business in.
7. Contact your local churches. A lot of churches hold spring and fall festivals, plan special events around Thanksgiving, and Christmas events. Contact them about getting a table or booth. This is a very inexpensive way to promote your mlm business.
As you can see, this is just a small list of endless ways that you can use to market your business offline as well as build a great MLM prospect list. Try one or more of these strategies to start off with, and watch your network marketing business explode!
Jeff Schuman invites you to visit his network marketing website for the best network marketing tips, training, mlm blog and our top pick for best mlm opportunity.
http://network-marketing.team-schuman.com
Motorcycles, Accessories and Riding Gear
May
02
Sennheiser Headphones – Are These The Best Of Them All?
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Absolute shock! That’s kind of reaction I expect to see when anybody sets sights on my good ol’ headphones. To say they are in a deplorable condition is quite an understatement. But I’m not the music lover you find in this era of digital players, iPods and portable MP3 devices. If you’re one of them, then chances are that your headphones are worth their weight in gold and you would’ve definitely come across Sennheiser headphones.
In the crowd of headphones, Sennheiser stands tall. Why? What is its USP (unique selling proposition), you may ask? Well, it’s called Noise Grad – a path breaking noise canceling technique that cuts down outside noise by almost 70%. So, you can listen to Shakira (even though watching her would be a more appropriate option!) crystal clear even in a noisy neighborhood or in a crowded bus. These portables fit snugly into your ear and are collapsible.
For those of you who find the portables a little evasive, there’s the full – size headphones that fit over the ear. An added attraction is the Talk-Thru function to speak to others with out compromising on the noise canceling.
Sennheiser professional headphones are quite popular with DJ’s and cameramen since they are comfortable, light weight have innovative designs and are wearable for long hours.
What about the real thing
All these fancy noise canceling and white noise conversion techniques will come to a naught if the sound quality isn’t great. Well, with Sennheiser you won’t be disappointed. It offers exquisite, digital quality sound almost like a live performance. They are versatile too, can be used both for music and for home- theatres
Now to the brass-tacks: how much will the damage be? Well, you could choose from a range starting from $50 to $450 for the high- end versions. Take your pick depending up on the usage, purpose and of course, budget.
So, made up your mind to get yourself Sennheiser headphones? You should, in fact, because trust me, it’ll only be music to the ears.
Are These The Best Headphones Ever Made?
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