What wedding djs wish you knew about choosing one

Wedding couples are frustrated. DJs are frustrated. There's a disconnect here. But what exactly is the problem? It depends on who you ask. DJs continually wonder why brides and grooms treat the mobile DJ -- the type who lugs around his equipment to show up at big events and weddings -- as a commodity. In other words, couples price-shop ruthlessly, as if any given DJ were interchangeable with the rest. Paul Arnett ( mybigdaydj. co. uk), a Yorkshire DJ and NADJ (National Association of Disc Jockeys) member who organizes the UK's Mobile DJ Show North event ( djshownorth. co. uk), puts the problem like this: "Well, your average couple spends hours deliberating over the dress. You hand-pick the caterers. You pore over flowers and sweat over the florist. You spend hours choosing just the right venue and church -- not to mention the time spent on favors.' "But then, you go out and hire a DJ because he's ten dollars cheaper than the next one. Or he's a friend of your brother's, or he does Tuesdays at the local bar. You might never even see him work, check out his equipment, or meet with him personally to make sure he's suitable." Most couples handle every other major item in their budget differently. You don't choose one venue over another because it costs a hundred dollars less. Few brides with a budget to work with buy their cakes from the discount grocery store, even though that cake (slathered in tubs of "BetterCream" frosting) would be much cheaper than one from the designer bakery downtown. Instead, they investigate. They take pictures. They taste-test amaretto fillings and hors d'oeuvres. And eventually, they settle on the vendor who seems poised to deliver the best experience to their guests. -- Why Is It So Different With DJs? Part of the answer is an image problem, says Paul. "People perceive that most mobile DJs will turn up fifteen minutes ahead of time, with a couple of speakers and some cheesy circa-1970's light screens, and play 'Agadoo' all night." (For we lucky few who haven't heard it, the 1984 song Agadoo frequently charts as "the worst song of all time.") We all feel confident identifying an excellent meal or a sublime dessert. But few of us feel comfortable evaluating DJs in the same way. We know that a good one can "get the party started," but we're not sure how to tell a good one from a bad one. Some people think so poorly of DJs, they prefer to eliminate them entirely, soundtracking the dance portion of the night with iPods or laptops. This isn't easy -- it requires you to rent expensive sound equipment, find someone to mind the iPod, possibly buy insurance, and somehow get around or ignore the technical issues, like the inevitable three second delay between songs you get on an iPod. And yet some people find that preferable to risking the "Agadoo" or "Chicken Dance" scenario on their Big Day. An iPod might well be better than a bad DJ. But the DJ is a key part of your five-hour reception, and some of them are very good indeed. -- When She Was Good, She Was Very Very Good Perhaps it's hard for the average bride and groom to grasp the difference between a green DJ with low-end equipment, and a seasoned one who knows how to transform shy and retiring Clark Kents into dance floor superheros. The first may be nothing more than a glorified CD changer. He may or may not have a firm grasp of the different musical needs that accompany standard reception rituals, like the cake cutting or the father/daughter dance. He may lug in his entry-level Peavy subwoofers and arrange his sound system in ways that ignore your venue's peculiarities. The second may have emceed hundreds of weddings. Along the way, he's developed something subtle but important known as voice and personality -- not an imitation of some radio host's, but his own. He doesn't practice on your wedding; he brings his skills to it, along with a top-of-the-line sound system, which he'll arrange differently depending on factors like whether or not your venue is broken up into several chambers (the cocktail lounge and the banquet area, for example). If he's a gearhead, he might even offer specialty lighting abilities you might not think of, such as the ability to shine gobos on the dance floor -- gobos being customized templates that display things like your wedding monogram. Some DJs even offer giant video screens and live replays of key points in the reception. But the most important skills a good DJ will bring to your wedding is a honed personality, a formal-friendly image, and an absolute mastery of what gets crowds on their feet. Okay, so you get it. You understand that not all DJs are alike, and that a good one brings as much your wedding as any premium florist or baker. So how do you find him? -- Choose DJs that Take Their Job Seriously Skip the part-timers -- they're still learning the ropes, and they'll be practicing on your wedding. Instead, look for full-timers who show their commitment to the profession by belonging to professional DJ associations such as CPDJA, ADJA, & NAME, or NADJ in the UK. Paul adds, "Ask if they have public liability insurance (in case Grandma trips over a speaker wire) and PAT electrical test certificates (to insure their equipment is safe). This also shows they're professionals and not cutting corners." Meet with them in person, and take a gander at their sound systems. You might not know your Geminis or Peaveys from your Mackies or QSCs, but even a casual glance should tell you whether the DJ or company invests in good equipment. In fact, most will be delighted to run you through their top-of-the-line systems if you give them the slightest excuse. While you're there, take a look at their promotional photos and videos. Are they wearing tuxes? Do they look sharp? Does their sound stage sport garish self-promoting signs, or do they keep things discreet? -- Turn on Your X-Ray Vision Everyone has what it takes to pick a great DJ. You simply have to meet with them in person, and absorb what they have to offer. Paul says, "Talk to them -- their personality should shine through. While you're there, ask them what special qualities they can bring to their wedding. Ask how they're prepared to work with you to make your day extraordinary." The DJ should be happy to meet you, seem interested in the specifics of your venue, and ask questions. "Any DJ who seems phased or reluctant by any of this -- they're not the one. If your DJ seems bored, or gives you the sense you'll be just another date on their calendar, they're also not the one." -- A Coda for the Couple It's true with the cake, it's true with the steak tartar, and it's true for your DJ -- the final word is quality, not price. As Paul puts it, "When you look back on your wedding reception in years to come, do you want to remember what a fantastic time everyone had? Or do you want to say, 'Well, at least we saved some money on the DJ?'" Good DJs see themselves as part of the larger picture. They expect to work closely with your coordinator, photographer and videographer, and to custom-fit their setup to your venue. So hire a good DJ -- one who can help you tailor the night's entertainment to your individual wedding. "And see what they can offer to make your wedding function unique," adds Paul.

Cherokee shoes more than meets the eye

Cherokee medical apparel has built a reputation of providing high-quality and reliable medical apparel to the medical or healthcare professional. Cherokee shoes are no exception. In fact, Cherokee shoes far exceed the standards necessary to qualify for professional medical footwear. Cherokee brand shoes offer comfort and reliability in one package. In addition, Cherokee nursing shoes are an affordable solution to those medical or healthcare professionals on a budget. When it comes to medical shoes, Cherokee brand shoes offer more than most in terms of quality, style, and sizes. There are Cherokee shoes for the medical or healthcare professional regardless of shoes size. Cherokee nurse shoes have been paving the path for other medical shoe companies. There are a multitude of various options available when you choose Cherokee brand shoes for your career. Cherokee shoes come in traditional athletic styles, lightweight clogs, and unisex clogs making Cherokee shoes perfect for both genders regardless of style preference. In addition, Cherokee nurse shoes understands what it takes to be considered a leader in the industry. With this understanding, Cherokee shoes are an innovative and popular choice for medical and healthcare professionals around the globe. What do you look for when you want to purchase medical shoes? If you are looking for high-quality, Cherokee shoes are made of the highest quality material guaranteeing a longer life for the Cherokee shoes you purchase. In addition, when you purchase high-quality Cherokee brand shoes, you will find that your safety insecurity are greatly increase within your workplace environment. If you are looking for affordability, Cherokee brand shoes offer affordable solutions when you need affordable medical shoes. Cherokee brand shoes are affordable without being on a specific discount rack or sales rack. This means that when you purchase Cherokee nurse shoes, you will be saving money any time of the year. If you are looking for comfort, Cherokee nurse shoes offer 100% comfort from day one. In fact, you will find that when you purchase Cherokee brand shoes, you will not be worried about breaking in those new medical shoes. Cherokee shoes are ready to go from day one, and those same Cherokee shoes are comfortable from the first moment you wear them. If you are looking for trendy styles, Cherokee brand shoes offers more in terms of style, class, and options. There are a multitude of popular colors and designs available when you purchase athletic Cherokee shoes or clogs Cherokee shoes. Cherokee nursing shoes offer something special to the nurse on the nursing staff. Whether you choose to wear medical scrubs, medical uniforms, medical skirts, or medical dresses, you will find Cherokee nursing shoes look and feel good regardless of your choice of medical apparel. Yes, Cherokee nursing shoes are the perfect accompaniment to your favorite medical ensemble. With the options available when it comes to colors and styles, you may find it a fashion necessity to purchase various types of Cherokee nursing shoes to accompany your favorite medical ensembles. No matter what your particular duties are in the medical or healthcare industry, you will find that there are Cherokee shoes capable of providing you with high quality, comfort, affordability, and trendy styles.

Landau collegiate scrubs for the sports fan in us all

Are you a fan of Dennis Dixon? How about the Ducks? Perhaps your tastes run towards LSU Tigers or Miami Hurricanes? No matter which team you are rooting for, you will find there are Landau collegiate scrubs perfect for you if you happen to have a career within the medical or healthcare industry. Sports are a popular pastime in this country, and in various other parts of the world. Team spirit is huge! Root for your favorite team, boo the opposing teams. People takes their sports extremely seriously going to such extremes as running through the field nude except for a team logo on some part of their body getting untold media attention and cheers or jeers from bystanders. Ah, the beauty of sports, too much liquor, and extreme fans! Well, while the medical or healthcare facility you work at may not appreciate you running through the halls naked as the day you were born, that does not mean you cannot show your team spirit. With Landau collegiate scrubs, you can cheer on and support your favorite team while adding untold benefits to your workplace environment. Michigan State Spartans, Illinois Fighting Illini, Kansas Jayhawks, or the Florida Gators: who is your favorite? Maybe you have a favorite that is not mentioned, and that is ok! With Landau collegiate scrubs, you get the opportunity to choose your favorite team and show some team spirit in the workplace. This, of course, has a multitude of popular benefits. Team spirit is the obvious benefit. You get to dress in your favorite Landau collegiate scrubs and support your team from the workplace environment. Another benefit is that you can coordinate theme sports days with your co-workers for team spirit in and around the healthcare or medical facility. This can be fun and raise your team’s moral. The number one benefit, at least to me, is that when you wear Landau collegiate scrubs, you are going to be breaking the ice with your patient. When you break the ice, you are giving your patient the ability to talk with you comfortably because of common ground – even if the teams you support are rivals! There are a multitude of choices available to you when you decide to purchase Landau collegiate scrubs. There are ladies Landau collegiate scrubs, and unisex pants and unisex tops Landau collegiate scrubs. Yes, there is something for everyone in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and styles to meet your exacting standards. Choose your favorite Landau collegiate scrubs, and reap the rewards! Landau collegiate scrubs are a lot of fun to wear, and even more fun to discuss. When you are wearing those team scrubs, you better know about the team because your patients will ask. Have fun while defending or discussing the latest homerun, touchdown, or defeat of your favorite team. Team scrubs are so very colorful and positive. There are a number of people who do not like or appreciate sports, and that is ok! You can get an earful from your patients and coworkers by simply putting on any of the team scrubs popular today.

The traditions of a western wedding

For people of Eastern descent, the customs and traditions of a Western wedding may seem odd. In fact, it may appear that there are no distinct characteristics. In truth, part of the Western wedding customs includes freedom and independence to celebrate in whatever manner the bride and groom wish. However, there are a few standard customs that, although they may not be practiced at every wedding, are acknowledged as being traditional. The traditional clothing worn by the bride is a white gown, usually floor length. The white symbolizes purity, but can be adorned with beading or sequence. This is a custom that is still very popular in Western weddings. However, many brides choose variations of the traditional style, such as short dresses or an off-white version. The groom and his party will most often wear black tuxedoes. Traditionally, these are worn with ties; however, many popular styles also have no collar with a button clasp at the neck. Most often, the bride is walked down the aisle and “given away” by her father. This is a very old custom which is still practiced. However, as families mix and marriages sometimes happen later in life, some brides choose their sons, brothers, or step-fathers to walk them down the aisle. Other customs of a Western wedding include the bride wearing a garter on one leg, which is removed and thrown to the guests at the end of the wedding. The bride will also throw her bouquet at the end of the wedding; the lucky girl to catch it is said to be the next married. It is also common for the wedding vehicle to be covered with shaving cream, balloons, or cans and messages to be written on the glass to show others they were just married. While the origins of these traditions are unclear, they are stringently adhered to by many in Western weddings. There is also a rhyme which speaks of a Western wedding custom, “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”, which are all of the things the bride is supposed to wear to her wedding to guarantee good luck. They can be any items that fit in those categories, but all four must be worn at the time of the ceremony. Traditionally, the bride’s parents pay for the wedding. This is probably based on the dowry customs which are no longer practiced in the West. Much like the old customs, this is steadily fading in Western weddings also.

Chicago bears medical scrubs show more than team spirit

With the recent appearance at the Superbowl by the Chicago Bears, team spirit has risen drastically. More and more people are choosing to display that team spirit with casual and career apparel sporting the team logo. Chicago Bear medical scrubs were, of course, a natural choice for those in the medical field. Chicago Bears medical scrubs are a popular method of showing team spirit, but there are many reasons why wearing Chicago Bears medical scrubs is a popular choice. You can also get any NFL team Medical Scrubs. Chief among those companies that make Team scrubs is Cherokee. As a medical professional putting a patient at ease is a vital task. Often, the patient will enter the medical facility filled with apprehension, and any medical professional will relay the importance of putting the patient at ease. With the help of Chicago Bears medical scrubs, patients will find common ground with the medical professional. Whether the patient is a Chicago Bears supporter or find Chicago Bears to be a worthy adversary, the patient will find a commonality with the medical staff sporting attractive and decorative Chicago Bears medical scrubs. Of course, putting the patient at ease is just the beginning. Wearing Chicago Bears medical scrubs can be a great theme for the medical office wanting to have a little bit of fun while in the workplace. This makes the workplace a little more relaxed and entertaining while keeping the professional atmosphere necessary for the medical community. When you wear Chicago Bears medical scrubs, you will find that the rewards go further than expected. For instance, wearing Chicago Bears medical scrubs gives the medical staff a personality. While professionalism is always a necessity, you will be a person to the patient and the patient’s family. Finding Chicago Bears medical scrubs is nice, but you have to insure the seller is an authorized dealer of the logo for legality purposes. Finding that reliable, trustworthy dealer is not only helpful, but when you use an authorized dealer, you are staying legal and supporting that particular team. Do you enjoy watching the Chicago Bears? Maybe you enjoy watching your favorite team squash their team. No matter what form of fan you are when it comes to the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bears medical scrubs gives you many benefits both for you and your patient. Why purchase from an authorized dealer? Purchasing from an authorized dealer does keep you legal, but there are other reasons to insure the Chicago Bears medical scrubs you purchase are indeed the genuine article. For instance, authentic Chicago Bears medical scrubs will be of high quality material and have a design specifically made to withstand the trials of the workplace environment. When you purchase the “real deal”, you are insuring you get the most for your money, and you are supporting your favorite, or not-so-favorite, team. The Chicago Bears is just one favorite team in the NFL, and this year has promised an interesting compilation of favorite teams of the past mingled with favorites of the future. With a simple display of team spirit, you are showing your individuality while putting your patient and the patient’s family more at ease. Nothing could be easier or more fun.