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Home » party

3 Epic Historical Parties

December 29, 2015 By Anne Burwell Leave a Comment

With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, our brains are already bracing for the massive abuse they will endure at the New Year’s Party. And the After-Party. And the Second Day After New Year’s Party.

Yet, despite the initial reflex of impending biological doom, there’s also the after-taste of excitement. Because let’s face it, New Year is the time when the best parties are thrown. Everybody’s free from work and expecting to get loose and wild before the coming year plunges everyone back into routine and new work.

So, if a New Year party’s done right, it will be memorable. For good or for worse.

In order to put things into perspective, in the lines below you’ll get to read about 3 epic historical parties that left such a lasting impression they are still known today.

Feel free to gawk at the level of craziness their protagonists took it back in the day, just don’t get inspired to organize something like this or emulate it yourself. Remember that most of these events were given their momentum by out-of-this-world personalities, huge celebrities or leaders of the time. With the resources to match. And in all cases there were dark sides and negative aspects to the wild partying too.

And I’m not just talking about the next day embarrassment for your deeds immortalized on social media, because they didn’t have the technology then. But we do nowadays! So you have that added worry to take into account!

1. The Saving Punch

3 epic historical parties - Andrew Jackson's Inauguration Party depicted in this drawing.

When Andrew Jackson got elected President for the first time in 1829, crowds went wild.

He was a war hero and his political platform relied a lot on populism. That is, the political ideology that in theory means the adopter believes in the rights of the common people and is “on their side”. Frequently though, history has proven that some politicians blur the line between populism and demagogy (read keep ’em happy with the measures you take, regardless of consequences, or keep ’em happy with false promises altogether).

No matter the category in which Andrew Jackson fits, the point is that the people adored him. And he knew how to keep on being liked too. As evidenced, among many other things, by the fact that he was the first President to invite the American public at large to attend his inauguration at the White House.

So when he got to there to be invested, 21,000 supporters were waiting as well. On the lawn. Because they had by-passed the measly measures designed to hold them out.

He threw a party which got so out of control that eventually, when the White House was full of out of control commoners smashing things, he had to climb out of a window to get free and distract the attention of the crowds with big tubs of punch placed on the lawn for their consideration.

2. Hippie Get-Together

One of the 3 epic historical parties is Woodstock 1969, photographed here.

Woodstock 1969. The coolest concert in recent history. Everybody has heard about it. Even those who have nothing to do with the hippie culture or rock in general.

Probably because of the 500,000 people that gathered there and partied for three days. The kicker? All that make love not war, peace and hippie tolerance really worked, apparently, because there were no violent incidents, no riots, no intervention by police or riot troops.

Which is impressive for 500,000 people compacted in a ~1 square mile area (Max Yasgur’s dairy farm, where the concert was held, near White Lake, Bethel, NY).

Of course, there was rampant drug use, unprotected sex (read venereal diseases roulette fiesta), babies conceived without a clear indication of the father, starvation and dehydration as well as appalling hygiene. The latter three because it was practically impossible to move through the throngs to get water food or go to the toilet.

3. Game Time

The list of 3 epic historical parties includes the Inauguration of the Colosseum, depicted here.

When most people hear “Game Time!” they imagine entertainment based on some form of competitive sports.

This definition holds true for the ancient Romans too.

If “entertainment based on some form of competitive sports” also includes people hacking at each other to death with various implements of destruction at the mercy of the ruler and for the amusement of the crowds.

Yup, gladiators. The pro-athletes that quite possibly had the shortest career span in history and that make any modern extreme sports athlete look like a Frisbee player by comparison.

But if gladiator games in general are thought of as extreme, the Roman Emperor Titus took it to a whole ‘nother level.

He completed the building of the Colosseum (the biggest gladiatorial stadium ever) and inaugurated it in the year 80 AD. He had the good sense to throw an appropriate party for the occasion too, which is, by far, the biggest party that took place so far.

It lasted for three months (100 days) during which the whole of Rome celebrated. It featured orgies, drinking, more drinking, 9,000 animals slaughtered in combat with gladiators, some more drinking, human to human gladiatorial fights between 2 competitors or groups, and two mock naval battles (called “naumachia”) to top it off.

One of these battles might have been staged within the Colosseum, which was flooded with water for the purpose and real ships were brought in for the fighters.

How many people, you ask? Well, at least 55,000 which was the capacity of the Colosseum. To make a comparison, the biggest stadium in the world at the time of this writing is the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea, which can hold 150,000 spectators, followed on a distant second place by the Michigan Stadium with 107,600.

55,000 in 80 AD would be at least the equivalent of Woodstock in modern times. Especially since there were far less people in the world at the time, so proportionately it is beyond impressive.

So yeah, a bloody, violent Woodstock is the most memorable party ever. Who’d have thought?

Image source: 1, 2, 3.

Filed Under: fun Tagged With: epic historical parties, epic historical party, epic party, historical party, parties, party

5 Summer Staycation Quick Ideas

July 22, 2015 By Anne Burwell Leave a Comment

We’re living in a fast rhythm, running from one place to another, in over our heads in to-do lists, stressed by deadlines and setting up alarm clocks ever earlier in the morning. Under these circumstance, planning for a vacation can turn out to be a pain. Fortunately for you, we have 5 Summer staycation quick ideas that will help you unwind. None of these require plane tickets or booking expensive hotel rooms and you can try them out even today, on your way home from work, or the next time you’re home alone and have some spare time on your hands.

1. Head over to the green areas

Summer Staycation Quick Ideas

You might have noticed some green areas on Google Maps, but if you’re like the rest of us, stuck in your routine, with no holiday in sight for the next year, our suggestion is to find the closest park to your home or office and visit it as often as possible. You’ll be amazed at what you can find just around the corner from your block: a serene pond, old trees or even freshly mown grass can be amazing stress relievers. And if you’re feeling even more adventurous, go ahead and pop your roller blades on your feet and just let the wind brush through your hair.

2. Log off

Summer Staycation Quick Ideas

It’s become an unhealthy reflex to continuously check our phones. We turn to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram almost compulsively to like, re-twit and comment on pictures. With this in mind, we have an experiment for you on the weekends: switch your phone on airplane mode and go about your day without logging in any social media platform. Just take time off to pamper yourself and don’t even think about adding a check-in on Facebook or tagging the friends you’re hanging out with. You’ll reset your reflexes and discover you can go even longer periods of time without gliding your fingers on shiny screens.

3. Homemade remedies

Summer Staycation Quick Ideas

Like we’ve said, you don’t have to look too far for simple ways to make yourself feel better and more relaxed. How about turning your bathroom into a SPA room? You can do this for yourself or your spouse in a matter of minutes, using things you already have laying around your house. Simply quickly light some scented candles, draw a bubble bath, take out that foot massage device you almost never use, spend time on your manicure and pedicure and google a few DIY face masks you can make with stuff you already have in your fridge. This is what we call considerate splurging.

4. Cha cha cha!

Summer Staycation Quick Ideas

If you’re already applying the tips and tricks we suggested above, here’s something new for you to try. Throw a thematic party for you and your friends, coworkers or family members. What does this imply? Hand crafting some decorations, if that’s your cup of tea, or playing it safer and buying everything ahead of time. Make everything more interesting by asking your friends to wear costumes or to come up with game ideas. And if you’re a fan of Japanese movies, host a Saturday night Japanese thrillers marathon. Good at dancing? Bust out your sequin dress and dancing shoes for an authentic cha-cha performance.

5. Step out of your comfort zone

Summer Staycation Quick Ideas

Oh, the dreaded routine of going to work and coming back home, with the slight variation of swinging by the grocery shop! We’ve all been there at some point. One way to overcome it quicker is to start experimenting new stuff. Remember that brochure you received about dance classes, cooking lessons or painting courses? Or maybe you’d like to give acting a try and pick up some tricks about public speaking to boost your confidence? Don’t sacrifice your leisure time in favor of your job and don’t let routine pin you down forever.

Image sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Filed Under: creative Tagged With: bubble bath, gadgets, parks, party

5 Balkan Music Samples You Should Try Out

May 3, 2014 By Fred Mitchell Leave a Comment

Word music is a great thing, especially since all the music most of us are accustomed to tends to come from Western countries and is highly standardized and industrialized. At least for the sake of sampling as many opportunities as possible, it would be nice to get a bit of a taste of exotic music as often as you can. Of course, we shouldn’t be naïve and suppose that these songs and artists which are promoted under the label of “world music” don’t get their fair share of processing and commercial pimping. Just as in the case of traveling to areas advertised as exotic, each of these venues and product are only partly authentic and partly constructed as a typical tourist trap. But even with this processing and the inherent regular degree of falsehood (or exaggerated traits) inserted into it, world music is still different enough to what you’re used to that it’s worth giving it a shot.

2

Balkan music is one of the types of music which is a bit less mainstream than regular Western music most of us are probably used to hear (or at least the kind of music played in the majority of clubs or discos or pubs in the U.S or Western European countries), but still counts as “world music” even if it’s a tad mainstream itself. Therefore, I feel that it is the perfect starting point for a journey that taps a bit into the somewhat uncharted waters of mysterious world music. Not to mention that the Balkans are a land with hard partying people and their traditions, and there music tends to be more “carpe diem” like than music from other parts of the world. Not to drag this any further, after presenting a list of 5 cover songs that are better than the original, today we want to share with you this list of 5 Balkan songs that you should listen to.

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1. Goran Bregovic – Jeremija

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSiVIKR2eM0

The Serbian artist and composer Goran bregovic is the most prominent figure in Balkan music, so the fact that this list starts with him is either a bad thing (because for those of you familiar with him he might be too well-known, thus making a boring start), or a good thing (precisely because he’s so visible in this musical area). Anyway, this song is less known compared to his other works, but it is a little treasure, because it manages to capture the Balkan spirit perfectly with its parting atmosphere. Nothing says “carpe diem” quite like a Serbian musical debauchery that starts with a shout for alcohol. The lyrics are also pretty funny if you make the effort to search for them and their translation, but that’s just about enough hinting on this matter.

2. Kayah and Goran Bregovic – Nie ma ciebe (Erdelezi)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CseVxo4fcBE

Yes, it’s another Goran Bregovic song, but it will also be the last, although his music is so iconic and varied it would probably deserve a whole article dedicated solely to it. Anyway, the song Erdelezi is a very well-known song of his, actually being a rendition of a traditional Roma song from all over the Balkan countries. You can check out the original version too (only of Goran, without Kayah) if you want to have good grounds for a valid comparison, but the cover featuring the lovely Kayah is much more sensual-sounding (even though the theme of a song is a bit religious) and can fill you with warmth.

3. Phoenix – Iovano Iovanke

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHvcxrZiBY8

This song is a traditional song from Macedonia, which tells the story of teenagers that love each other but are not approved of by their parents, so they plan to run away together. It’s not so much of a party song, but more of a ballad. This take on it is sung by a really cool Romanian rock band called Phoenix.

4. Palya Bea – Tchiki Tchiki

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5eqDERlaLk

This passionate song is about an intense infatuation with a girl, an infatuation that can make you set the world on fire just for her whim. The charismatic Hungarian singer who performs this is a highly educated and recognized music expert who specializes in various styles of world music from all over Eastern Europe.

5.  Mahala rai banda – Mahalageasca

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuAxDGTtsw8

Finally, to return to a tune more typical of party-destined Balkan music, the Romanian-based band Mahala rai banda performs this mini-orchestra backed song. There are no lyrics, only a vibe that makes people dance. So let go, drink some Balkan spirit drinks and have at it!

Filed Under: music, top list Tagged With: balkan music, eastern europe, goran bregovic, gypsy, party, traditional, world music

10 Awesome Ideas for an Unforgettable Party

October 26, 2013 By Fred Mitchell Leave a Comment

Parties are excellent ways of strengthening your relationships with colleagues at work, meeting up with old acquaintances or simply having fun with your friends. At some point in your life, you will probably have to host a party of your own, may it be a birthday party, a bridal shower or a simple Sunday barbecue.

Being the host of a party can be quite stressful because nobody wants their guests to be bored, upset, or not having a good time. In most cases, it is not the food and drinks that matter that much, it is the entertainment. Here are ten excellent game and entertainment ideas for your next party.

1. Add a Bowl of Temporary Tattoos at the Entrance

Tattoos are cool, especially if they are done by professionals. However, not everybody is willing to mark their skin for their entire life. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun with a temporary tattoo. The same way you mark cups in order to not have them mixed, you can simply add a bowl of temporary tattoos at the entrance. Also place a mirror in which guests can check them out. This will definitely break the ice, and get conversations started.

butterfly and flower temporary tattoos

2. Choose a Theme for Your Party

Planning a party sometime near Halloween? It can be a great idea to choose a macabre theme for your party. Also, you can think of interesting themes for every party you host. For example, you can host the “Prom from Hell” night, or anything else that might entice your guests.

Other popular themes include the 1920s, western, fairytale, and Mardi Gras. Your options are endless, just pick something you and your guests will love dressing up in! The whole idea is to have fun with your friends. Playing dress-up is always interesting, and it will definitely make for an unforgettable party.

Halloween themed party

3. Hide Prizes in the Food

There is no party without food. But have you ever thought of hiding prizes in it? You can announce at the beginning of the night that a secret treasure lies in one of the tasty cakes that you have prepared. This will increase the level of excitement, and the likely-hood for people to bond over food. One piece of advice though: don’t hide things that might break your guest’s teeth.

luxury finger food

4. Let Your Guests Play with AIR Grafitti

If you truly want to have a unique and exciting party attraction, you should definitely consider a product that allows creation of digital graffiti on designated wall. FotomasterLtd – Virtual Grafitti has come up with a great idea that will definitely attract your guests: a digital wall on which they can use infrared spray in order to draw. Not only will people have fun drawing, but you won’t have your precious walls destroyed. Furthermore, if you are a serious party planner, this tool will come in handy for every event.

Digital Graffiti Wall:

5. Rent a Karaoke Machine

Have you ever noticed how much people love karaoke? There are certain pubs in which they host special karaoke nights, and they are the most popular days of the week. Improvise a stage, prepare a track list and let your guests have fun. You can even offer a special prize at the end, to entice enthusiasts even more.

blonde girl singing

6. Get Creative with Games

We don’t know about you, but many adults love board games, arcade games and outdoor games. As a matter of fact, there are so many role playing board games available right now, that it is hard to resist them.

Do you remember the old days, when you used to have fun with soda bottle bowling or horseshoe throwing? If your really want to kick it up a notch, you can add a few interesting games like the ones mentioned above. Play truth or dare, create a shooting gallery with empty bottles, or have people go on a treasure hunt through the house.

closeup on people playing board games

7. Music Guessing Game

If you thought that the most difficult part about planning a party was food, you are dreadfully mistaken. The most complicated thing to decide upon is music, because people have different tastes. Considering that you will have access to Internet during the event, you can ask your guests to write down a track that they really like at the beginning of the party.

From time to time, play these songs and ask your guests to guess who might have chosen it. You can give a small prize for the person who guesses correctly. Not only will you show your guests that you are thoughtful, but you will also have fun with this.

music guessing

 

8. Hire a Dance Instructor

I have always considered that there is no party without dancing, and because many people are shy, there might be no dancing if there wasn’t enough booze involved. Have you ever thought of hiring a dance instructor to help your guests learn the dances of Macarena, or the Electric slide? It could be really fun, especially because there is somebody there to encourage and help them.

9. Have Fun with Bobble Heads

Bobble Heads will definitely surprise the people that come to your events. Bobble Heads is basically a software that automatically extracts the image of the person being photographed, and places it on a pre-made body doll. The next step is for the photo to be printed, cut and put into place. The head and body of the Bobble head will definitely make your guests laugh with tears.

bobble head software

10. Fun Under an UV Light

This may be a little extreme, but it is definitely worth a try. You can set up some UV lights in your house, and ask your friends to come dressed up in white. At the entrance, place special substances that change color under the UV light, and ask them to paint one another. The white attires will change color under the special light, and the party will turn into a night to remember for everyone.

kids under UV lights

Do you have any other party ideas that you’d like to share with us? Feel free to write them in the comment box bellow.

Image Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Filed Under: fun Tagged With: air graffiti, entertainment, fun, guest, ideas, party, party ideas

Norwegian graduation students use expensive buses to party

October 16, 2009 By ThisBlogRules Leave a Comment

legobus Being russ and celebrating the russ period called “russetiden” is a Norwegian culture phenomenon that started in 1905. It can be seen in Norway every year from between the 21st of April and 17th of May.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: fun, strange news Tagged With: bus, norway, party

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