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There’s no need to enroll in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn how to hire the right party magician for your child’s birthday. All it takes is a little research and a phone call or two to produce the perfect conjurer to amaze a roomful of children.

Call up your favorite online search engine and type in “party magicians in [your city or area]. If you don’t find one in your immediate town, don’t fret; professional magicians are usually willing to travel reasonable distances. Depending on the kind of party you’re having, or the age of the guests, you might want to modify your search to “birthday party magicians” or “kids’ party magicians” to be more specific.

Next, contact the candidates that look best to you. The first question you should always ask a professional party magician is whether he or she is available on the date you’ve chosen for your party. If the magician is already booked, there’s no point in continuing the conversation any further. However, if the magician would be available to perform at your event, you can start talking about the details. Treat this part of the conversation as professionally as if you were hiring the magician to work for your business. Among good questions to ask are:

* What are your professional affiliations [such as the Society of American Magicians, International Brotherhood of Magicians or Kidabra, especially for children's magicians.]

Watching an online video, you’ll be able to hear the magician recite the “patter” that accompanies the program so you can decide if it’s appropriate for your child’s age group. Some magicians use onstage characters that have accents difficult for children to understand, so it’s important to make sure the little ones will know what’s going on.

Check several magicians’ websites and then pick two or three finalists to contact in person. The first question to ask a magician is whether he or she is available on the date of your party. There’s no point in discussing any details if the magician is already booked on your chosen date.

* What is the total cost for your magic show, including any extra charges for time or props?

Ask how much space the magician needs for his act, and if he needs to survey the party space ahead of time. Then ask for the total cost of the show, and whether there are any additional charges for things like overtime or special props.

Another aspect to consider asking is whether the magician is adaptable to performing for different age groups expected at your party. For instance, the magician may be a whiz at a magic show for kids, but can he or she perform “close-up” magic for the grown-ups who’ll be chaperoning? A magician who can amaze both kids and their parents is definitely worth the expense of a magic show.

Be sure to ask the magician for references and then call the references. Don’t be afraid to ask the references any question that concerns you. Both a professional magician and his or her business references want you to be entirely confident about the engagement. Once you’ve chosen a magician, call back and confirm the engagement. Find out of if you need to pay a deposit or fill out a contract. Pay a deposit as quickly as you can, because this will hold your party date. Get the contract as soon as possible, review it carefully, then sign it and mail or fax it back, keeping a copy for yourself.

Prepare for your party like every good london party magician prepares a show: Do the research, and then practice until you have it perfectly, and voila! Your partygoers are entertained just like magic.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Andrew Edmonds
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An intrinsic part of the Cambodian music scene, Khmer music dates back to the era of the Khmer Empire. Although, Cambodia is home to other music, Khmer music has always been an essential component of the Khmer culture.

It was the Angkorskaya period that saw Khmer music flourish and it spread its wings to envelope all religious ceremonies and temple celebrations among others. The beauty of Khmer music and dance reveals itself in the numerous sculptures on the Angkor temple walls. All the musical instruments used are depicted in the most glorious way.

Originally Khmer music was not meant for entertaining, but the combined sound that emanates from the instruments was used as a means of communication with God and the spirits.

It is pentatonic music that consisted of several drums and gongs. To a foreigner, it seemed to lack any harmony, as each musician brought out a unique sound that may not seem to be in unison with those of the other musicians. These different tunes emanating from the different musical instruments combine to form the essence of Khmer music.

Classical Khmer music is divided into three categories: Pinpeat, Phleng kar and Mahori. Pinpeat, which consists of both stringed and percussion instruments, is associated to all classical performances, prayers and other ceremonies. This ensemble dates back to more than a thousand years ago, to the Angkor era. The beginnings of this ensemble are traced back to the courts during that era. It holds the pride of place in Khmer music and is the strongest ensemble of all. There are said to be more than 250 theme melodies in this ensemble. Each and every piece is associated with relevant actions performed on the stage. The sound from these instruments is one of the most enchanting, with the capacity to make people happy.

Several other ensembles owe their birth to the Pinpeat; such as the phlaeng mahaori, khlang chnak and phlaeng. Most music ensembles found today in the villages are derivatives and similar to the ensembles from the past. In these villages, actors perform plays wearing masks and Cambodian women dance to the Pinpeat percussive ensemble even today.

In the absence of any notation for Khmer music, it has always been passed down from the master to the disciple. This led to improvisation and slowly American influences began to be noticed. Western musical instruments such as the flute, guitar and organ are used in the modern version of Mahori/Mahori Samai.

Khmer musicians believe in achieving perfection in playing one instrument, while at the same time gaining basic knowledge in all other instruments. This helps in several ways – in making them perfect as musicians and every musician understands all the instruments.

Cambodia’s cultural heritage took a beating during the Khmer Rouge. Although, that period in history is unforgettable and the wounds of the hurt remain, Khmer music helps to a large extent in keeping alive the centuries old rich Khmer culture and enchants people with its sweet melody, as thought it is helping them communicate with God.

Tags: Music by Michael Em
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For those people that know quite a lot about software development, they are most likely to know that there is almost a constant battle between open source and proprietary software development. It is interesting therefore to note that there is now talk about a Linux PS3.

It is a well known fact that the Sony PS3 is seen as one of the best gaming devices that is currently available on the market. You will be sure that you are getting a great product if you buy one. If you do decide to get a Linux one then all you have to do is load the operating system on the hard drive of the gaming device. This means that you could get a whole new array of games.

The ability to have Linux on your PS3 is not difficult to do. In order to ensure that it’s possible you will have to install it on the hard drive of the console. This will then enable you to opt for open source games if you would like to.

If you are worried about the nature of open source games then this is not something that should concern you. Because you will find that there are a lot of standards and that there is a high level of quality when it comes to the development of these games. So this means that you will be getting a great quality game.

What you will have to make sure of though, is that you have a professional available when it comes to the installation of the operating system on the hard drive. This means that you will ensure that you get the best service and of course the most favourable gaming experience.

If you are looking forward to great hours of fun then it is a good idea to get the Linux PS3 and make sure that you are at the top of your game.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Dana Goldberg
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Taylor Swift will make a concert stop in Philadelphia as her ‘Fearless’ concert tour kicks off another leg in 2010. Teaming up in Philly with Swift will be fellow country star Kellie Pickler as the two light up the Wachovia Center.

Taylor’s second album, named “Fearless”, was released in 2008 and garnered her the highest country music debut of any album that year. But the album wasn’t just an initial success; after several top singles, including “Love Story” and “White Horse”, Swift established several things, including her staying power and crossover ability. The Academy for Country Music recognized Swift’s ability to attract younger fans, a fact emphasized by her digital sales, which have been record breakers.

The Wachovia Center, where the concert will take place, is most famously known as the home of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76′ers. It also serves as a major concert and community event venue, and it’s within a couple of miles of Citizen Bank Ballpark and Lincoln Financial Field. It’s also not far from Society Hall and the Philadelphia Art Museum.

Philadelphia has much to offer visiting concert goers, especially if you are coming in early or staying over, including the century-old streets, the Liberty Bell and it’s infamous cracked shell, and great food.

It’s easy to find the Wachovia Center; when traveling in from I-95, just take the Broad Street exit once you’re in the city of Philadelphia. There are eight parking lots (all brightly lit) at the Wachovia Center, and all of the parking lots are monitored by security.

The box office for the Wachovia Center is only open between 12 and 6pm, Monday through Friday, but even if you can make it, Taylor’s concerts almost always sell out in mere minutes. You can see more information on how to get tickets at the end of this article.

Philadelphia is a great city, with a large populate and the Wachovia Center is right in the center of the action. Taylor’s return to her home state is sure to be a spectacular event, and one of the top concerts of the year.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Susan Norris
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When you want to have your films at your fingertips everywhere you travel you will wish to invest in an MP3 player. This gadget can store loads of movies and all you need to do to have one is to discover how to download films to MP3. This is easy to do, however you should be set to do a little study and learning to discover the exact steps to downloading movies to your MP3 player. After you learn how to download movies pick one from the list below.

Lunatics and Lovers – Aristocrat Mastroianni has a fictional spouse; an organ grinder persuades hooker Mori to “impersonate” her. While it’s not unintelligent, it’s monotonous. Cast includes Marcello Mastroianni, Claudia Mori, Lino Morelli, Flora Carabella, and Adriano Celentano. (93 minutes, 1976)

Addicted to Love – This movie is a gloomy comedy where we find an ex-boyfriend, and an ex-girlfriend spying on their past partners. They find themselves teamed together, with the young lady planning acts of vengeance for her ex- partner. Meg Ryan, Matthew Broderick, Kelly Preston, and Tcheky Karyo star. (1997 dark comedy directed by Griffin Dunne)

Adam’s Apples – This flick is a odd mysterious comedy about two very dissimilar men who have a battle of wills. It is a newly developed religious fanatic versus a hard core neo-Nazi villain. The battle of good against evil is on. The main stars are Ulrich Thomsen, Mads Mikkelsen, Nicolas Brom, and Paprika Steen. (German-Danish-comedy directed by Anders Thomas Jensen)

Only You – Likable confection in reference to a youthful female who invests her entire life looking for her perfect mate whose name was summoned up on a Ouija board. Cast includes Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey, Jr., Bonnie Seek, Joaquim De Almeida, Fisher Stevens, and Phyllis Newman. (108 minutes, 1994)

The Search – Heartrending drama of American cadet Clift regarding for concentration camp survivor Jandl in postwar Berlin, when the boy’s mother dejectedly looks all over the camps for him. Beautifully performed and directed. Cast includes Montgomery Clift, Ivan Jandl, Aline MacMahon, Jarmila Novotna, and Wendell Corey. (105 minutes, 1948)

Lost Horizon – First half hour copies 1937 movie scene for scene, and everything’s going well. Then we get to Shangri-La and everything goes bad. Cast includes Peter Finch, Liv Ullmann, Sally Kellerman, George Kennedy, Michael Yolk, Olivia Hussey, Bobby Van, James Shigeta, Charles Boyer, and John Gielgud. (143 minutes, 1973)

Say It Isn’t So – Congenially un-ambitious Klein falls for the new hairdresser in town Graham. They have consensual sex and then Klein finds out that Graham is his sister. It is a total flop. Cast includes Heather Graham, Chris Klein, Orlando Jones, Sally Field, Richard Jenkins, John Rothman, Brent Briscoe, and Sarah Silverman.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Brad Holmes
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Not too long ago, the only way to in fact see a movie was to go to the theater. It was only in the 1980′s that the technology of videos and VCR’s came out. Many of the first video stores really rented out VCR’s along with the films because so few individuals owned them at the beginning.

It didn’t take long before almost everyone owned a Videocassette recorder and since then the technology has just gotten better and better. Next up were DVD’s and now we have Blu-ray and more. But one of the unsurpassed breakthroughs is being able to download the motion picture directly to your own computer.

Select from the list below and download a great motion picture to watch tonight.

Lantana – Moving, mature story of relationships obstructed by monotony, routine, and absence of articulation. LaPaglia plays a cop, whose marriage has stagnated, leading him to have an affair. In the mean time, he investigates the disappearance of a lady whose own marriage is in danger. The film is beautifully nuanced at every turn. Cast includes Anthony LaLaglia, Geoffrey Hurry, Barbara Hershey, Kerry Armstrong, Rachael Blake, Vince Colosimo, Daniela Farinacci, and Peter Phelps.

The Bourne Ultimatum – In the third movie of the series, Jason Bourne is still being hunted by those who had trained him into the greatest assassin that he is. Having lost his memory when almost being killed, Bourne is retracing his past to try to recognize who he was, and why everybody wants him dead. All his skills are put to the test, as the C.I.A. is unyielding in its effort to have him eliminated. Starring Matt Damon and Julia Stiles.

Lara Croft Tomb Raider, The Cradle of Life – Pouting and pillaging in a collection of revealing outfits, Jolie returns as the video-game adventuress who teams up with her miserable ex in a race to find Pandora’s Box before it falls into the hands of a wicked scientist who wants to harness its current to develop biological weapons. Surprisingly inept and incessant continuation gives new implication to the word “uninteresting.” Cast includes Angelina Jolie, Gerard Butler, Noah Taylor, Christopher Barrie, and Simon Ya.

Slavers – A 1978-German film, C-I02 Slavers is about the slave trade industry that went on in Africa right through the 19th century. An first-rate cast is saddled with second-rate script. Cast includes Trevor Howard, Ron Ely, Britt Ekland, Jurgen Goslar, Ray Milland, Ken Gampu, and Cameron Mitchell.

Red Sun – East meets West in this extraordinary account of a samurai fighter chasing a precious Japanese sword stolen from a train crossing the American West. Cast includes Charles Bronson, Ursula Andress, Toshiro Mifune, Alain Delon, and Capucine.

Michael – A set of unconvinced reporters and a counterfeit “angel” find that a dotty old female’s assertion that the archangel Michael is living with her is real. Michael, nevertheless, turns out not to be your ordinary angel. Friendly, cynical motion picture by no means goes where you foresee and takes its time getting there, however the journey is interesting, and Travolta, as the sleazy, randy Michael, is perfectly cast. Cast includes John Travolta, Andie MacDowell, William Hurt, Robert Pastorelli, Bob Hoskins, Jean Stapleton, Teri Garr, Wally Ward, Joey Lauren Adams, Carla Gugino, Tom Hodges, and Wallace Langham.

Fade-In – Strange little movie made concurrently with Blue, in reference to love event between film editor Loden and guy she meets when performing on location. Not extremely excellent, however a total curiosity on no account discharged theatrically. Cast includes Burt Reynolds, Barbara Loden, Noam Pitlik, Patricia Casey, James Hampton, and Joseph Perry.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Wayne Roberts
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Here’s the deal: boys like trucks and fast cars; girls love anything pretty and pink; and men – you know it’s true – simply cannot find the will within themselves to put away the over-sized map and stop to ask for driving directions. This is just the truth. There, I said it.

There’s definitely a comedian continuum. On the far left of the spectrum, you’ve got your comedians who can dish out some of the hottest language and foulest jokes you could ever conceive. On the far right, there are those comics whose brand of comedy evokes a Sunday school musical –funny in its own right, but not for everybody. When you’re considering hiring a clean comedian, you’ve got to think to yourself, “What kind of entertainment will my guests be able to stomach?” Perhaps start from the centre and move closer to the right and you’ll be sure to find someone who fits the clean comic description.

In lieu of insisting that you MUST get in the driver’s seat, there’s one extremely easy method that, in it’s preliminary stages, appears to work magnificently. Be warned however, that there might be unpredictable reactions from your guy – like disorientation and selective absentmindedness (yes, he’ll claim that he doesn’t know what you’re talking about if you bring it up). Here’s the plan: Okay, so it’s undeniably clear that you’re lost (that is, is clear to you). Start behaving as if you’re in the car by yourself – scoot toward the window like you’re taking a nap; do a puzzle, sing along softly to some music – anything that makes a show of your being completely oblivious that anything is wrong. No matter what – do not even glance in your guys direction. If he happens to ask you to look at a map, say “Okay!” in a very cheerful voice and as soon as you pick up the map and begin to unfold it, quickly tell him “Oh, I really have to go to the bathroom badly – I’ve got a cramp, can you please find somewhere to stop?!”

You can also just ask the comedian if they’re brand of comedy is family friendly. Though it may seem a stretch, when you hire a clean comedian, you’re not only paying for clean cut comedy, you’re paying for honesty –quite frankly, that’s something you should expect from anybody to whom you’re giving cash. If you hire a clean comedian, you can be sure that they’ll let you know that they’re a clean comic.

In a matter of minutes my friend was as bare as a newborn in “THAT AREA.” That part over, he was relieved. “It probably won’t get any worse than that,” he thought, reassuring himself. Then the doctor came into the room. He picked up a scalpel and a hypodermic needle. The scene shifted into slow motion. He moved toward my friend. “Would it be possible to just sacrifice a few limbs to a fertility god, and get the same results?” my friend stammered. The doctor smiled ghoulishly. “In a manner of speaking that’s what we’re going to be doing.” He laughed. Lightning flashed through the window. “AHHHHHHHHHHHH!” my friend remarked. The doctor continued with his labors. “This might hurt a little bit,” he said as he drew his needle, making the understatement of the century, in that puckish manner all doctors seem to have.

For the duration of the operation, “AHHHHHHHHHHH” became the operative phrase, so to speak. Much to the astonishment of my friend, as the love life threatening work continued, the doctor and nurse carried on a conversation about every banal subject known to man. (I might mention, though, that the nurse did happen to bring up the subject of a logging company. Personally, I think it was Freudian. No brag intended, for my friend, that is, of course.) For several days after the operation any quick movement brought excruciating pain to the precise area that a man instinctively feels the strongest aversion to avoid pain. For the first time in his life my friend went out of his way to avoid stimulation in “THAT AREA.” As agonizing as the whole event was (and women think childbirth is tough – HA!) it was definitely worth it. At least that’s what my friend says. Now with his newly vasectomized parts, when he makes love to his wife he feels like a movie star in an action-adventure movie – he can shoot his gun all he wants, but no one ever gets hit.

Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Veronica Carrillo
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Body language which has the potential to reveal information concerning the opponent’s hand is called “a tell” or “tells” – and you had better learn to keep a good eye open for it: it’s a fun challenge; it keeps you from fidgeting, and it may decide the outcome of the game in your favor like nothing else. In a live game, when your opponent vigorously tosses their chips into the bank, fidgets with their chips, licks their dry lips, glances aside or scratches behind the ear systematic observation may yield invaluable insight and earn you cash. To the uninitiated such technique may seem like black magic, but in fact many professionals rely heavily on it.

Things look differently online however. At first glance all that represents a player may be a blank, a photograph (not necessarily of the player) or an image of anything else. So is “reading” even possible online?

The first thing to realize is that your own hand is likewise readable online, even if it’s Homer Simpson with a hand of pink glazed doughnuts that you have uploaded as the online image of yourself. Online tells are primarily the speed with which a player makes his bets. The most basic available way to bet, raise, call, or pass in an online game is by clicking the appropriate button when it is the player’s turn. The other possibility is to mark the box of the action beforehand (bet/raise, etc), so that when it is your turn, the move is made instantly and automatically.

Online when a player takes a long time to “think” and then says check they are probably trying to convince you that they have good cards. A weak hand may be suspected by “pondering”. It’s as if investing a significant sum was considered. So they can have the next card for free they are actually in hopes that you will check as well. Normally a person will say check after a natural pause if he really intends to “check/raise”, and then make a raise equal to the last bet. Strength may be implied after prolonged pondering of a bet. A player suggests weakness by “wavering” while making an aggressive bet, enticing you to call.

Players are likely to have a strong hand when they make immediate bets or raises. Weakness can be detected by deliberate aggressiveness, but in many cases the situation is the reverse. A player may raise “rashly” in hopes that you will be bullied into thinking he really has worthwhile cards. It’ a show usually meant to intimidate you into an unnecessary call, a trick called “reverse psychology”.

Some players use the “check/raise” button to play what is probably a very strong hand with deceptive gradualness. When what seems like a hurried check, enticing you to make an aggressive move, is followed by a raise, beware: the check was likely a trap and the opponent’s hand is probably much stronger than you thought it was!

To give you an idea of how to observe the mannerism and habits of invisible online opponents, these are mere tips. Observe players carefully, especially those you have been playing with long-term as they probably display more individual tells. Responding at a persistently equal time with timed responses may be done deliberately by some players to make it impossible to guess their hands. Learning to do the same may be a good idea for you.

Tags: Games by Thomas Kearns
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The world is full of video game enthusiasts. And if you’re one yourself, you may have thought about whether or not it’s possible to get paid to play. In fact, it is! There are many lucrative opportunities in the field including those that involve playing video games all day. But do not think for a second that just anyone can get these jobs.

When you become a paid gamer, your hobby becomes your job. A first step to getting your foot in the door in this industry is to become a beta tester. As a beta tester, you will get to play unreleased games so that you can find any glitches, errors or bugs in the game. The creators of the game will take your findings and tweak the game so that it is ready for launch. As a beta tester, you will gain valuable experience, you may get to keep the game and you may even get paid for your time, but not always.

If you want to earn money playing video games, you should consider attending a technical college such as ITT or Devry then get your resume in the hands of the big video game production companies. You can also look for other way to get paid to play.

You can enter a tournament and play for money. Video game tournaments are hugely popular world-wide and many have cash prizes. Some of the downsides to this are the travel expenses involved, the possible entry fees and the fact that you walk away with nothing if you do not win. The gamers who win tournaments spend hours practicing to ensure that they are virtually unbeatable.

Becoming a video game reviewer is another way you can get paid to play. Magazines, websites and other venues need video game reviews. Video game reviewers test new games upon release (or occasionally prior to release depending on the employer) and provide detailed reviews.

Details such as the storyline, the characters, the graphics, controls or other important information should be included in your review. In order to be a video game reviewer, you must have a true passion for playing video games, the desire to play for long hours and the ability to write an accurate review. Although not always easy, it is definitely possible to get paid to play video games!

Tags: Games by Josh Whitten
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The concept of Article Marketing is not that difficult to understand. In fact it is one of the easiest ways to get started making money online. But you must be sure to read through the instructions carefully, to ensure that you get it right. It is important that you do it correctly and you can virtually start making money from your very first article. The best thing about article marketing is it’s basically free and has proven to be very effective. The idea pretty simple really, and I guess that is why it appeals to so many. Really all you have to do is write articles or have them written for you. You write articles relating to keywords relevant to the website or product you are promoting.

You then need to submit your articles to article directories on the web. For example let’s say you have a site on weightloss products and your keywords are:

Diet programs Weight Loss Food Lose Weight Weight Loss Programs Lose 20 pounds in one month

You should write articles based around these keywords and phrases mentioning these keywords usually in every other paragraph, try not to cover too many keywords or phrases with the one article as it is unlikely that they can rate well with more than 1 or 2. Don’t make the mistake of submitting junk articles unrelated to your website or product. Your articles need to be relevant and compelling enough that readers get to the end and follow the links at the end. They also need to solve a problem the reader has and give relevant advice and tips. This allows you to connect with the reader and take in what you are saying and subsequently make them more likely to take up your recommendations.

Ideally your articles need to be somewhere between 300 to 600 words. Some directories have a minimum of 250 words. Be sure to read the guidelines for each directory you submit to as they may not accept your article which can be a problem when you spend considerable time and effort putting them together. Most directories allow you to add a resource box to your article that gives you the opportunity to promote yourself, your website and your products. If a reader likes your article and wishes to find more information on the subject they will invariably be motivated to click on the link to your website and you generate targeted, motivated traffic. In order for your article marketing campaign to be truly effective you need to repeat the process and get into a routine of send 5 to 10 articles a week to the various article directories.

Aim to write compelling and informative articles that grab your readers attention. Invariably these types of articles will help you to grow your traffic to your website. Although it is unlikely that your first article will deliver you instant riches, as part of a consistent and regular article campaign it will deliver you traffic over time. The bonus with article marketing is that with the increase in backlinks and page rank, which will no doubt take some time, you will also see an increase in so called “organic” search engine traffic. This is one of the positive side effects that happens with article marketing.

Below is a list of the top ranking article directories:

http://www.ezinearticles.com http://www.articlesfactory.com http://www.goarticles.com http://www.articledashboard.com http://www.articlebase.com http://www.buzzle.com http://www.articlewheel.com http://www.articlecity.com http://www.planetarticle.com http://www.helium.com

It is probably best to concentrate on submitting your articles regularly to these top directories. With good quality articles on sites such as EzineArticles. Search engines such as Google also like to index relevant articles. If you look through the listings when you search on Google, you’ll quite often see articles listed alongside other websites. That’s because Google will search the top ranking article directories and list relevant articles in the results. You’ll mostly see articles appearing for so called longer tail and less competitive keyword searches.

Tags: Writing & Speaking by Brendan Wilson
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