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....
Showing posts with label Victoria. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Victoria. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
MY HOCKEY TEAM IS BAAADDDDD!
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......
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......
Saturday, November 6, 2010
VALUE VS. LOW COST
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....
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....
Friday, November 5, 2010
THINKING OF HIRING A BAND?
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...
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...
Thursday, January 7, 2010
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!
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!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
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
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
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