Big Eye Entertainment

BRAD RICHARDS TO THE LEAFS!!!

2010-11-23T08:01:00.000-08:00

It seems fitting that with Pat Burns passing, the rumour mill is churning about another possible trade for an underrated NHL centre: Brad Richards. The similarities between Doug Gilmour and Richards career to date are eerily similiar. Each a Cup winner, with Richards being a Conn Smythe trophy selection as playoff MVP also. In the final series against Calgary, he led all forwards in ice time and played almost 27 minutes in one! Many of the Flames Cup winners from '89 say that Douggie was the catalyst for that team, just as TB players say Richards was the true hero for the Lightning. Politics and a huge Lecavalier contract played into his trade to the Stars.

Anyway, Cliff Fletcher pulled off the deal of the century with Calgary in 92 and is still an advisor to Brian Burke. Based on the Kessel deal, Burke is old school. He thinks, as I do, that if you have chance to add a top 10 NHL centre for a shutdown defenceman (who is still a prospect at 21 although looks like a long-term stud), you do it. I like Schenn, but to be successful, you have to have a number one and Richards is a good one. Faceoffs, PK, PP, rises to the occasion (Conn Smythe) and a consistently better player (when healthy) than Lecavalier, Spezza and others. His teammates love him, he's an earthy PEI boy and reminds me of where Gilmour was in his career when he joined the Leafs, without the sex assault on the babysitter in St. Louis rumours. Some players will rise to playing for the Leafs, some will crumble but I think Richards is one of the former.

Kessel and Kadri would thrive with Richards in the one hole. For one thing, how about a centre that wins more faceoffs than he loses? The Leafs rarely have the puck to start with and probably lose out on 2-3 good scoring chances a game because of it. Bozak is just too weak to fight through DMen in the NHL right now. He should be in the minors, getting stronger or send him in the Schenn deal. Throw in Komisarek or Beauchemin (take your pick). They are dependable top 4 DMen (at least Komisarek is being paid like one....but that's another debate) and Dallas has holes on defence. Stephan Robidas is their top D man. 'Nuff said.

On to the Vancouver Island weather......which more closely resembles the frozen frickin' tundra of Green Bay's superbowl era. Believe it or not, driving a golf cart at work loses its lustre when the windchill is -14! Forecast is calling for normal, high single digit temps by Saturday but the ground here by Schwartz Bay is mostly white and shiny with ice. Definitely not in any brochure pictures I've ever seen!

'til next time....

WHERE THE HELL ARE THE SPICE GIRLS?

2010-11-21T19:57:00.001-08:00

Watching Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block live on the American Music Awards right now. There is something wrong about 30 something white guys lip synching to each other while gyrating around an elevated stage. Whenever I play them in the future...I'll have that horrible image in my mind.

Something even more wrong....Justin Bieber! I can just imagine the angst among Katy Perry and Lady Gaga who had 8 number one hits among them. This is kind of funny considering I've played music live in front of a couple thousand people this year and haven't played one Justin Bieber song. How can he be the artist of the year? I guess I just don't play tunes for enough 14 year old girls.

We start our busy Christmas season next Saturday at the CFB Esquimalt Wardroom and roll from there. 6 shows and then New Years Eve at the Air Force Base in Comox. I guess this is as close as we will ever get to 'going on the road with the band....'

'til next time.....

SACRE BLEU!!!

2010-11-20T18:24:00.001-08:00

This might be premature....but the Habs fans are already singing the Ole song. We're gonna score 3 unanswered......hopefully:)

I MISS PAT BURNS

2010-11-20T16:40:00.000-08:00

Best memories for me in my drab life as a Leafs fan.....93, Doug Gilmour, Pat Burns, Gretzky, Borechevsky, Kerry Fraser and the drama that was. It seemed that was when Leafs Nation galvanized itself behind a steely ex-cop, ex-Habs coach who brought out the best in players who had not up that point, and didn't afterwards play at the level of those Leafs. Manderville, Zezel, Osbourne....plummers all. Wendel, Douggie and Andreychuk dominating.

It seems sad that Mr. Burns passed yesterday. He was a smoker all his life...but battled four separate forms of cancer for 9 years, winning a Stanley Cup along the way. An amazing and courageous battle.

I hope the Leafs win tonight, and I hope Pat is looking at it all with that smirk of his. He coached the two greatest franchises in the world, yet won his Stanley Cup in Jersey and nobody cares.

Thank you Pat for fantastic memories. I hope there are more to come.

EXHAUSTED.....AND LOVING IT!

2010-11-15T16:31:00.000-08:00

New job is fast, strenuous, tiring, all-encompassing and a great classroom to learn all kinds of new stuff. Coming from a guy who thinks he knows everything, that's an achievement!!!

Do ya like my new picture? Reflects the way I probably looked this morning standing in the middle of the lot with vehicles, trailers and air hoses flying all around me. Discombobulated! I'm a beancounter for gods sake!

Getting better as I become more familiar with the equipment, staff and whereabouts of everything. I think Karen and I are going to love it there.

Leafs are still not winning BUT, they did look semi-competitive for at least 1/3rd of the game against the 'Nucks. That's a whole lot better than the Florida debacle.

'Til next time when I have more energy to rant about other things.

NEW BEGINNINGS

2010-11-13T16:02:00.000-08:00

Started a new job today. Karen and I are the new management team at a service outlet here in Victoria, involved in storage and hauling equipment. I'll provide more details once I know what the heck is happening. It all happened really quickly and was totally fate that we even found about it. The newspaper, which we NEVER read, was falling out of the mailbox. I brought it in and it fell open on the add for a "Management Team" Wanted.....that was Thursday before Remembrance Day ceremonies. Karen impressed the hiring team so much that we are already on the payroll!

It's kind of exciting as I haven't actually worked since June of 2008. That's not totally true since I've certainly 'worked' hard on upgrading my education and skills, completing:

the Canadian Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) certification
the Canadian Investment Funds Course (I was working with Investors Group post-military)
the Life License Qualification Program (Life Insurance)
and finally an undergraduate degree in Commerce at Royal Roads University, where I and my classmates were subjected to 2 years of curriculum jammed into 44 weeks of full-time school with one week breaks between semesters. I haven't really had a chance to breathe until now.

All this to say, now that I've got these 'skills' it's time to put them to work. I'll keep you posted about our progress and daily follies as we complete our training, get to know our staff and kill rodents, which, unbeknownst to me are quite rampant in storage facilities because people actually store FOOD in their units! Apparently, all part of the job description.

Gonna be a blast! I know Karen is excited for the opportunity to manage and be creative. She's already picked up some really sexy steel-toe shoes for work:) Me, I'm just excited to have a bit of focus, a chance to try and learn new things and most of all, get to do it with Karen by my side. I also have picked up some pretty smokin' steel toes shoes! Gotta look good.....

All that and power tools, a golf cart to get around the compound in! It's almost heaven for a jobsite!

'Til next time. The Leafs are just about to destroy those hated Vancouver Canucks!

REMEMBERING HAS NEVER BEEN SO IMPORTANT

2010-11-11T09:59:00.000-08:00

Poppies are on, we're off to the cenotaph in Sidney for ceremonies.

A good day to reflect....not only about lost and injured Canadians in the past conflicts, but also the state of our world now, how we got here and where we are going.

My friends in Tanzania right now are having eyes opened I'm sure. I wish more Canadians could see the abstract poverty in Africa, and other parts of the world....mostly caused by conflict between powerful, greedy men sponsored by nations or corporations intent on raping the land of whatever scarce resource offered for sale or bribe.

When I hear the annual refrain about how Canadians should be thankful for everything our veterans have done for us, maybe a higher power (by no means the ineffectual UN) should ask the question:

"What are YOU doing to make sure their sacrifice was not in vain?"

The world has never seen as much conflict or turmoil as we are seeing now and thank goodness for the USA and their ability to be in so many places at once, patching so many holes in the infrastructure of our planet. Politics and historical events aside, we must all thank the US for doing what it does.....especially given the abysmal state of their own economy. Believe me, in many of these places they are the ONLY thing between semi-peace and total anarchy. The Tea Party or whatever they purport themselves to be....would put a stop to these policies and 'close the barn door' to the developing world. Heaven help the rest of us if that should happen.

Any UN that has terrorist sponsoring nations on it's security council is a joke and I'm ashamed of Canadians for blaming our inability to 'win' a seat on the Council as a Harper mistake. Who wants to be part of a totally ineffective and inefficient, notwithstanding hypocritical, UN sponsored council? Libya, Algeria and Syria have been members of this council in the past.... It will probably save taxpayers 10 million a year or so by not having to augment staff etc with additional responsibilities.

Put the 10 million towards entrepreneurial ventures in Africa, and in Canada, that can "show a man how to fish, and not just give away a fish..." which has not only been our foreign aid policy to date but our domestic one too....thank god for oil, eh Maritimers? Building a sustainable replacement industry for fisheries was never in the offing....more handouts. I say now, that you possess valuable resources other than menu items...you hold the Feds for ransom....oh wait, that's what Danny Williams is doing now! Good on him!

If history has shown anything it is this: What goes around, generally comes around...

Remember our fallen, their efforts and not let it all be in vain....

'Til next time

THEY SCORED A GOAL!

2010-11-10T19:36:00.000-08:00

After almost 2 1/2 games, the Leafs scored! Hell has frozen over.

I'm back on the Argos bandwagon as I drink myself into a stupor...

bye....

MY HOCKEY TEAM IS BAAADDDDD!

2010-11-10T13:59:00.000-08:00

They are bad, sad and live.

I waited all day to say something but I just couldn't. My mom always told me that "if you've got nothing nice to say, don't say it at all...." So I didn't.

If anything, they are even more horrible tonight than they were last night. Lacklustre, lazy, no fight, a team that is not listening to the coach and his staff anymore. While I agree with Burke that the players are underperforming, does ever think that young players today don't necessarily relate to Wilson and his staff. I look at Tampa, Florida and Columbus who are having success with young, energetic coaches with an ability to communicate as well as draw up x's and o's.

Granted, it's only the 2nd intermission and there is 20 minutes of hockey left...or something remotely resembling it. There are skaters, a puck and nets...but if a Panthers/Leafs match up in an empty arena is demotivating for me, I wonder how bad it is for the players.

On a good note, my Christmas Party DJ schedule is filling up am looking forward to a holiday season of celebrations from Victoria to Comox on New Years Eve.

In the meantime, I do beLEAF but my positive energy is not transferring to the players. They've got nothing so far, maybe they'll find whatever it is they need to start scoring.

'Til next time......

WINTER IS HERE!

2010-11-07T08:05:00.001-08:00

Almost had frost this morning, which for Victoria, means winter is here! I'm going to break out my new mitts and touque!

Discovered freebie fun Texas Hold'em Poker on FB. Heaven help me now!

Recovery from surgery continues.....

Karen's birthday tomorrow...will be quiet though as she's in the dentist chair for a couple of hours in the afternoon:) Been there, done that! I'll make something soft from the Joy of Cooking!

The gang and I will celebrate with her next Saturday at the Upper Deck. Hockey, beer and oh yeah, a birthday!

Now, a lazy Sunday watching NFL and NASCAR!

VALUE VS. LOW COST

2010-11-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

I've said many times before, you get what you pay for when it comes to live entertainment. At Big Eye, our prices include everything with no hidden charges for cordless microphones, DJ in a tuxedo, or full dance lighting. Taxes are also included. That's just the beginning though.

Real value is found when your guests leave the party thanking you for giving them a good time and with sore feet from dancing! The best feedback I ever get is when people say to me "I haven't danced like that in years!" or "I haven't heard that song since high school!". You have to ask yourself when looking for a DJ, what is important and what are you really getting for value?

Do you want a bigger company that hires and fires DJs regularly and pays them minimum wage? Personally, I've always felt more comfortable dealing with the owner when it comes to service providers. As the owner, I have a vested interest in your delight with my show. It is my reputation on the line and all of the people in attendance are potential future customers. I ALWAYS bring my best for you and your guests because my business depends on it!

There is just no way an inexperienced DJ can instinctively know what to play for diverse crowds. I grew up in the 70s during the hey day of AM radio, boogied the nights away in the 80s, was forced to listen to BackStreet Boys and Spice Girls in the 90s, and modern Top 40 and Hip Hop now.

It is that flexibility and experience that cannot be replaced by playlists or IPODs.

Lesson for today: make sure you ask the DJ about his/her musical experience and knowledge so that you are comfortable about their ability to adapt to you and your guests.

Til next time....

THINKING OF HIRING A BAND?

2010-11-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

There are pros and cons to hiring a band for mixed events such as receptions or parties of any kind. Remember, the party is what your guests generally remember the most. I always advise my clients to plan the event around the guests and their diversity to make it truly memorable for the vast majority. Here is what I think about bands and personal events.....

Pros: As a guy who loves to sing and perform live outside of my disc jockey business, I love the energy and vibe in a room when the crowd and band feed off of each other and everyone is into the music. You can't replace that.

Cons:
1) Lack of flexibility. What happens when you have guests with diverse backgrounds and age groups such as a wedding reception or 50th birthday party? A band can't really change their playlists or the genre they play. They usually don't take requests either
2) Higher Cost. A GOOD 4 or 5 piece professional band is not cheap, nor should they be. You definitely GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR in the entertainment business.
3) Bands play sets. You are going to have to entertain your guests throughout the night between sets. If not, your guests will lose interest.

So, if your guests are all into the same music, around the same age and do the same thing in the same place....a band might be the way to go if you can afford it. Most events need a variety of music, and the flexibility to entertain based on the guests' individual and group preferences. For if it is not for the guests, then why do it at all? Just a thought.....

Til next time...

WHACKY STUFF IN NHL

2010-11-05T08:51:00.001-07:00

Just a few questions after the first few weeks of the season:
1. Who are the Columbus Blue Jackets and why are they suddenly winning?
2. Why do the Leafs torment me so?
3. Why does Phil Kessel look unstopable for a few games....and then invisible for a few?
4. Is there a better organization out there than the Red Wings? They continue to impress.
5. Why wasn't Steven Stamkos on the Olympic team? Can you imagine him and Crosby together?

Recovery from surgery continues, and I'm about to open the Joy of Cooking. Heaven help me.....

A NEW ERA FOR BIG EYE ENTERTAINMENT

2010-11-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

What is this 'new era'? Well, one thing is I've decided I will update my blog, for real this time! I've had some time to think about things since having inguinal hernia surgery on Monday. I needed to have it over with prior to a busy Christmas disc jockey season. Somebody has to lift those monstrous JBLs! What's happened since my last post? Hmmmmm......

1. Graduated from Royal Roads University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management degree. This was an insane undergrad programme where years 3 and 4 are jammed into 44 weeks, split into four quarters with only one week of stress relief (break) between. OMG, I consider this a huge accomplishment!

2. It was a huge accomplishment mainly because there were so many other things going on in my life, most of which I initiated. My personal life has changed dramatically and my happiness is reflected in my smile:)

3. I managed to complete the program despite a busy wedding season performing all over Vancouver Island....from Comox to Esquimalt and all points in between!

4. After watching Julia Julie recently, I've decided to cook every recipe in the Joy of Cooking! Just kidding:).....or am I?

5. Big Eye will expand his repertoire to include Karaoke hosting, and rebrand the company as Music Man Entertainment as of January 1, 2011.

OK, now that we've caught up, look for me to update this thing at least weekly and hopefully get a few followers. Ciao.

2010-01-07T13:31:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a long time since my last input and there's so much to talk about. Another very busy wedding season is long over and I've begun to take bookings for this coming summer. Christmas season saw me travelling from Victoria to Comox and all points in between to bring my brand of Christmas cheer.

I am in the process of updating my website with new pricing, services and playlist examples. Feel free to contact me through the site or by phone if you have any suggestions.

See you later!

GREAT SHOW LAST NIGHT IN COMOX

2009-03-15T19:07:00.001-07:00

Played at 19 Wing Comox last night. Great party and a beautiful venue. Was a nice roadtrip, at least until it started SNOWING on the way back. That isn't in the Vancouver Island brochure! Hopefully, the weather will improve dramatically before the summer wedding season. I was really lucky last year and didn't have one rain out. I'm keeping my fingers crossed this year.

2009-01-13T09:25:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile. After a very busy Christmas party season, the time is now to focus on the upcoming summer wedding season. A few tips for people searching for the right DJ for their wedding.
A. Make sure the DJ is a professional who is holding a valid AVLA license to play music. There are disc jockeys on Vancouver Island who are not licensed with the Audio-Visual Licensing Agency of Canada.
B. Make sure that the DJ meets with you at the earliest opportunity and presents a proper contract for the event. While it won't do you any good if he skips town, a proper contract and event planning sheet usually means that the DJ knows what he/she is doing and is prepared to put their reputation as a professional on the line. I received at least 3 inquiries last summer at last minute because their DJ was nowhere to be found.
C. A professional DJ will normally insist on a monetary deposit to 'reserve' your date for you, along with the contract. This is a first come first serve business and most professional DJ's are busy enough that a reservation is required. Beware of fly-by-night operations. Get a receipt for any money you give a DJ.
D. Don't be afraid to ask questions regarding playlists, what the DJ will wear, knowledge of the venue etc. Also, a good experienced DJ will be able to offer advice regarding music selection for first and second dances, garter and bouquet protocol and the need to keep on schedule. You don't want to 'lose' your audience, especially older/younger guests who may have to leave early. You don't want your guests to miss out on all the fun involved in the bouquet/garter toss or any other things you have planned.

TTYL

DJ Big Eye

EVERYBODY READY FOR CHRISTMAS

2008-12-04T16:17:00.000-08:00

Well, tomorrow is my official retirement from my old government job with the Navy. I'm ready for new things. Most exciting though is running my own disc jockey company while getting ready to start another business as a consultant with Investors Group here in Duncan. Busy, busy, busy!
Christmas is only a few weeks away. Our house looks like Santa's playground.

Wedding season is coming faster than you think. I still have a few dates left. Book soon or you'll miss out on Vancouver Island's best!

CALENDAR IS FILLING UP FOR 2009

2008-11-19T19:43:00.000-08:00

A professional disc jockey is one who has a written contract, meets with the client to answer questions in person, and gives the client a sense of comfort knowing that their event will be in good hands. Once the big day arrives, the DJ will be set-up and ready to go at least an hour before the show (in case something is wrong and needs to swap equipment), and is dressed appropriately for the type of party.

Big Eye wears a tuxedo for wedding receptions....a jacket and tie for any other occasions. I believe it shows respect for the clients and their guests who have usually taken the trouble to look sharp for the occasion.

Look for future tips on how to make sure your event is done right!

Leafs Lost ..... Again! Book your DJ for Summer 2009

2008-11-18T17:30:00.000-08:00

Leafs are starting to stink consistently. Should have seen this coming I guess. Hard work only gets you so far. If you can't score on the PP in the NHL, it's a lost cause.

Oh well, Big Eye Entertainment is gearing up for a nice christmas season. It'll be good to see a bunch of old friends at the military events while meeting new ones here in Duncan. Remember to book me early for your wedding, birthday party or any occasion for Summer 2009. Dates are filling up fast! I noticed last year that I was getting inquiries a few weeks before weddings. Don't put it off because it might be you, your guests and an IPOD plugged into a home stereo. Bummer! A professional, experienced DJ can make or break your day. Your guests may not remember the food but they will remember if their feet are sore the next day from dancing all night. Remember to check out the website www.bigeye.ca

Give me a call if you've got any questions or use the contact form.

Sunday 17 Nov 08

2008-11-16T20:54:00.000-08:00

Leafs lost again last night. I'm used to it having been a fan forever. Someday, before I die or am too old to see, they will win the coveted Stanley Cup. In the meantime, I don't have to spend sunny days in June watching my team!

Off to Nanaimo tomorrow to do some Investors Group admin stuff. Working on my DJ website with Sharon Jackson (webmaster). I'll let you know how it turns out.

My first blog.....13 Nov 08

2008-11-13T17:55:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I'm updating my site and thought a play-by-play might be interesting. I've been DJ'ing for about 17 years off and on as I couldn't decide what I really wanted to do when I grew up. Now I know....so I re-purchased some brand spanking new sound and lighting equipment last spring, and voila! Here I am...ready to rock your world and make your party the talk of the town. Hiring a licensed DJ for any event makes sense when it comes to value for money. It allows you to forget about the entertainment while you and your guests can focus on having a great time, toe tapping and twistin' the night away.

It was a very busy summer performing for weddings from Victoria to Gold River to Youbou. I even managed to get nine holes in before the show in Gold River. A great time with some great people. I enjoy the variety that comes with meeting and performing for different crowds in different places. Hotels are great but nothing beats a backyard reception for memory making. I am in the process of semi-retiring from the Navy and am looking forward to meeting lots of great people while doing something I love.

PS: I'm also a Toronto Maple Leaf fan but don't hold that against me. At least it shows that I'm consistent!