More Event Planning Tips and Such

One of my favorite seasons, cookouts, BBQs, graduation parties, weddings and even book signings and launches are here. Many of us watch television weddings, Inauguraral balls, and parties on reality shows and try and make our events into that. This isn't always necessary. 

Read these new guidelines and you'll see some suggestions upon improving this. 

1. Know your crowd and cater to it.

Many of you are trying to serve Merlot to people that drinks Hennessy and Bud Light.  In other words (this ties into #2), don't go all out unless your crowd wants it or appreciates it. You can leave out the music, extra crafts, frills.

2. Less is more and KISS

Do the basics and then some. But no need to go overboard because you watched a RHOA marathon or spent all evening on Pinterest. Stay within budget and don't make more of something than it is. This could be the man in me speaking, but you have to be resourceful. Know when to utilize certain techniques and tricks.

3. Clearly state the name of the venue and mark it.

In the era of social media, it is easy to omit the name of a venue on the invite and Google Maps and Waze can both be flaky. What I like to do is provide old school directions, pin drops, and clear markers on my location. One little marker, sign or balloon won't get it done. This is where you may want to go all out. You know the crazy car statues? Ok now you get it.

4. Have more than enough refreshments, if applicable, and don't be greedy. 

If you're worried about overconsumption or moochers, have a couple of older people serve the food, and then allow for seconds at an adequate time.

5. Let folks handle their business and don't be rigid on them.

Things and emergencies come up. Let folks handle theirs if they aren't disrespecting you or the event. This isn't church. Again know your event. Many do not require a strict, rigid agenda.

6. Have plenty of parking and be considerate of your neighbors.

I speak of venue often and this includes parking.  You don't want to inconvenience your neighbors so speak with then in the days and weeks leading up to event and work out arrangements. Also, be clear on where your people can and cannot park.

Ok and remember to have fun and that less is really more. Ruby Tuesday's salad bar used to be twice as big as what it is now. Guess what, it's still a key attraction.

Food Trucks: Part I, Aunt B's Hog Wild BBQ

Food trucks have grown in popularity over the years. It's not uncommon to see one near your local Farmer's Market or even random ATM.

Enter Aunt B's Hog Wild BBQ in Blacksburg, SC.

The owner, Bryna Sansing, gets it honest and from a great business man and cook in her father, Tom Sansing. He operated Papa G's off and on for over 20 years, with the help of Bryna and her other two siblings. 

It has had a slow start but since changing locations and weather, business is picking up. They have mostly pulled pork, but they have philly cheesesteaks, chicken cheesesteaks, and their awesome burgers and hot dogs. They have recently added slushies to the menu and have a daily special except on Saturdays.

They are open Monday-Friday 11am-5pm and on Saturdays 11am-2pm, weather permitting next to the ice machine on Hwy 29 in Blacksburg.

If you want good food around lunchtime and after the kids are out of school, stop on by. You will not be disappointed.

Cardi B is hotter than fish grease but

New artist Cardi B has her 2nd album out and it has been doing gangbusters. She is starting the summer music season early.

Like it or not, she is the hot new artist out there, not necessarily the hot artist. People love her, especially black women. In the tradition of hip hop and female musicians. she has her woman power anthems and lyrics that many women have been playing on repeat. She is that gal!

I don't club anymore but I could already pick out at least 3 club bangers off the albums. You will hear them at clubs and cookouts for months. If you're doing FB Live, just be sure to include the statement "I do not own the rights to this music."

People will hate on Cardi and say she's the latest in a line with Nicki, Lil Kim and Foxy. Either way, she has a nice style and flow and is easy on the eyes. Yes there are other talented rappers out there that need attention also. She just happens to have the X factor.

Now Beyonce' does not ever want to be outdone, not even by her own husband. She along with Destiny's Child, opened for Cochella last night. Bey of course destroyed the scene. She has a tour upcoming but she has the world on notice that she runs this stuff. Cardi is still new but Bey has been around for a while and doesn't plan on standing still in her late 30s.

Okay let's simply enjoy good music and stop with all of the nonsense on who deserves this and who is the best. Can we all just perform in harmony?

Crime and Dirty Water

Crime is everywhere, in every city.  Some, big and small, definitely have it worse.

Now throw in the element of dirty water, or no water (think Flint, MI) and you have something very interesting. 

I made a joke recently that this would be a good special: Crime and Dirty Water. It seems many cities seem to struggle here.

Besides Flint, some with such problems are Gaffney, SC, New Orleans, Chicago, New York, Myrtle Beach, SC, East St Louis, Oakland, and many others. 

It honestly doesn't seem to be a big enough problem like gun control, school shootings, or police brutality.  Have you ever thought its because of two other simple problems?

People don't usually get to the story behind the story, or to the underbelly of a crime or such.

Perhaps now I can make something happen on a smaller scale since HBO and Netflix have danced around this but haven't gotten to the beef of it all.

Stay tuned,..

Who doesn't love a great story?

I know people that hate reading and writing, wouldn't come on any of my blogs or even bother to read my book.  But give them a good story, they are all ears.

Why is that now?

It could stem back to childhood story time, or tug at some heartstrings. If you like what you hear or how it sounds, you will tune in.

Many of us could spend our time doing a variety of different things.  But if we see a good story going on in a world of hate and negativity, that's hard to ignore. 

Speaking of hate, you may hate the characters but love the content and theme. That's possible. 

A good story can actually bring folks together, reunite families, kill rivalries, and ensue peace.

The NCAA tourney each year is always filled with these feel good stories. Plenty of books are also. I try to include some as well, and plan on more for book #2.

People loved Black Panther not just because it highlighted more African Americans, it told a great and powerful story and script. You draw people into that, they will come back over and over again. 

So what is your feel good story, even one to share?