Arts & Entertainment

Photobooth Company Pivots to Virtual Events Though COVID 19 Crisis

As this year’s COVID-19 emergency has led to countless live events being canceled, businesses that depend on live events for their livelihood have been challenged to rethink and retool in order to survive. “The event industry was the first to be hit and it will be among the last to come back,” says Josh Daniels. Daniels and his partner Caroline Winata own and operate Sacramento-based Giggle and Riot Funbooths.

Sacramento, California, United States., October 12, 2020 -- As this year’s COVID-19 emergency has led to countless live events being canceled, businesses that depend on live events for their livelihood have been challenged to rethink and retool in order to survive. “The event industry was the first to be hit and it will be among the last to come back,” says Josh Daniels. Daniels and his partner Caroline Winata own and operate Sacramento-based Giggle and Riot Funbooths. “A lot of companies in the event industry are closing,” Winata says.“So we’re doing all we can to adjust to that.”Winata and Daniels have taken this challenge as an opportunity. The partners have expanded their business deeper into the virtual realm, creating virtual photo booths to go with the virtual events now being held by families, universities, corporations and non-profits. “We’re still doing weddings, and people still want to remember their weddings,” says Winata.

“We had a wedding recently that was held simultaneously in California and India, so we set up several cameras and a web gallery so that all the guests and family members could participate in the festivities.”

Other events Giggle and Riot Funbooths are working with include “back to school” events, online conferences, fundraisers, even a formal gala, complete with a virtual red carpet.

“Organizations are getting creative, and we’re a part of that,” says Daniels. “We worked the San Francisco AIDS Foundation when they held their gala. They even had meals that people could order and have delivered. This time is challenging, but it is an excellent time to be creative.”

These virtual events may not be the same as an in-person gathering, but they have certain advantages, and Giggle and Riot Funbooths are aiming to make the most of these unexpected advantages.

“For instance, these are not always synchronous events, so they are not so limited to one moment in time,” says Daniels. “We’re offering more go-at-your-own-pace options now. These ‘events’ can live longer online than they would in person.”

Giggle and Riot Funbooths is well-positioned to deal with the current situation; they have long combined high technology with their warehouse of creative props and outlandish costumes to enliven their photo booths. But with props and costumes not possible at this time, they have delved deeper into virtual possibilities, aiming to make their fun booths as much fun as they were before - but virtually. Virtual props are just part of their custom offerings.

“Each event we do in all these cases has been custom-designed to meet the event design and brand design,” says Daniels.

“We’re also looking at backgrounds, so that people who are getting married, say, and wanted to go to Asia for their honeymoon, can play with that.”

Part of Giggle and Riot’s way of adjusting to this “new normal” is in showing their clients how to use the photos and videos that are created to maximum effect beyond the momentary event.

“A big part of what we’re working on is making sure it’s an effective tool for our clients, so it’s engaging with them and showing them how they can promote it on their social media,” says Daniels. “It’s a way of getting people engaged, and capturing people’s moments, and giving them something from the event to remember.

“In some ways, it’s exactly the same as it’s always been,” adds Winata. “It’s about fun and engagement and participation.”

Winata and Daniels have also continued to expand their adjacent business of teaching other photo booth owners around the United States how to adjust their businesses in this difficult time. Ever-creative, the duo says that they have long aimed to help other business owners to up their game: “We all operate in different areas, with different clients,” says Daniels. “We aren’t competitors, we are all part of the same community. We want to keep our industry healthy.”

But one thing is for sure, says Daniels: “Things aren’t going to be the same even after they go back to normal. Even once we can do weddings live again, there will still be a virtual element. The virtual tools we’re creating are going to be great for events forever because organizations are always looking to get people more involved.”

“The goal is always to connect people,” adds Winata. “Whether it’s in-person or virtual, the goal is to help create and capture good memories of the event, whether it’s a wedding or a graduation or a gathering of like-minded people.

“The ways we do that are changing, by necessity,” she adds. “But the goals remain the same: to connect, to engage, to allow people to be together, however possible. And we’re going to keep doing that, by whatever means we can.”

About Giggle and Riot Funbooth:
Giggle and Riot Funbooths was created by the top notch wedding photographers at Milou and Olin Photography so that guests can have a non-lame photo booth experience at events. We believe the world needs a little more woohoo and a little less snoresville. Amazing fun for drunk people (and their designated drivers), birthday parties, corporate events, weddings, engagements, and just about anything else you can think of! We arrive early to roll out the red carpet as you shimmy, shake and mug for the camera in our innovative, open air photo booth. Giggle and Riot Funbooths specializes in custom photo activations.

Contact:
Caroline Winata
Giggle and Riot Funbooth
1515 N C Street,
Sacramento, CA 95811
9167608414
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
http://www.giggleandriot.com

Miller and Millers Canadiana and Historic Objects Auction Online Oct 24th has Two Superb Collections

New Hamburg, ON, Canada, October 9, 2020 -- An online-only Canadiana & Historic Objects auction highlighted by the outstanding lifetime collections of Dick Withington and Brian Stead will be held on Saturday, October 24th, by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd., based in New Hamburg. The 699-lot auction will begin at 9 am Eastern time. Phone and absentee bids will also be accepted.

The auction is packed with Canadiana, clocks, art, pottery and stoneware, art pottery, furniture, folk art, decoys, historical objects, lamps, lighting, rugs and textiles. “This sale is the perfect storm,” said Ethan Miller of Miller & Miller Auctions. “We’re unleashing the rare clocks of a renaissance man, Dick Withington, juxtaposed Brian Stead’s Canadiana furniture and pottery.”

Regarding the Withington collection of scarce American and Canadian clocks, Miller said, “Dick Withington died in 1992, but the family retained his collection until now. In a pre-Internet world, collectors were astonished by what Dick found ‘the old way’. Today they’ll find no duplication.”

American clocks from the Withington collection include a rare, circa 1825 H. Clark shelf clock featuring ivory escutcheons, upper and lower doors and dial marked “H. Clark, Plymouth, Ct.” (est. $2,500-$3,000); and a 20th century Trippensee Mfg. Co. planetarium, manually operated with a wooden pulley driven by a cord, 30 inches long by 19 inches tall (est. $2,500-$3,000).

All prices quoted are in Canadian dollars. Internet bidding will be via LiveAuctioneers.com, Invaluable.com and the Miller & Miller website (www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com).

Also from the Withington collection is a Canadian 1920s Pequegnat Clock Company wall regulator No. 1 in a dark oak case, having a metal dial with Roman numerals, original hands and 8-day time only regulator (est. $2,000-$2,500); and a Seth Thomas double-door ‘peanut’ style clock in rosewood veneer, made in America in the 1870s, having a metal upper dial with Roman numerals and 8-day time and strike round brass spring-driven movement (est. $2,000-$2,500).

Mr. Miller described Brian Stead as “a quiet collector of Canadiana. Authenticity and originality were his foremost criteria. ‘Would be, could be and should be’ would never cut it with Brian.”

Furniture pieces in the Stead collection include a painted pine armoire made in Quebec, Canada in circa the 1850s, having raised panel ends, 72 ½ inches tall (est. $2,000-$3,000); and an 1870s Waterloo County (Canada) painted pine corner cupboard with mahoganized grain painted finish, dry scraped interior and two-piece stacked construction, 82 inches in height (est. $1,500-$2,000).

There are four oil on board paintings in the auction by the noted Canadian artist Homer Ransford Watson (1855-1936), all from the collection of the late Jack Wilfong, Watson’s paper boy. All are framed and signed. Watson has been characterized as a painter who first painted Canada as Canada, rather than as a pastiche of European painting. Works in the sale include the following:

- A 1926 painting titled verso, Spring on a Country Road (but listed as On a Country Road by Muriel Miller in her book, Homer Watson – The Man of Doon). The image area is 12 ½ inches by 16 ½ inches. It’s housed in a nice painted wood frame (est. $2,500-$3,000).

- A work from the 1930s titled Winter Afterglow, contained in a gilt wood frame. Watson incorporated outdoor elements in many of his paintings. Winter was no exception, as this scene gives the viewer a valley vista through an opening in the trees (est. $2,500-$3,000).

- An untitled 1930s painting, framed behind glass, with many key Watson trademarks and drama: the sky giving a premonition of inclement weather, the wind-swept oak tree with cattle fording, a bend in the Grand River in the direction of home (est. $2,500-$3,000).

- An untitled 1930s painting, framed behind glass, 13 inches by 17 inches (sight). Watson liked capturing atmospheric situations; the drama created here, with the partially-blocked sun, pending storm and light reflection on the river, is very effective (est. $2,000-$2,500).

Another noteworthy painting in the auction (and a candidate for top lot of the auction, with an estimate of $4,000-$6,000) is an oil on panel of a horse attributed to Canadian artist John J. Kenyon (1862-1937) titled Craigie from the 1890s. The 13 inch by 10 inch work, in a gilt plaster frame, is expected to spark a bidding war, as paintings by Kenyon are rarely offered at auction.

Two other lots carrying estimates of $4,000-$6,000 are a rare copy of Volume 1 of Philip Miller’s Descriptions of the Figures of Plants (English, 1760), boasting 300 color copper plates (lithographs) and numerous pressed folia between the pages; and an early 19th century example of Newton’s Celestial Library Globe (English), on a Victorian-era cast iron base, with 12 applied engraved gores, a brass meridian and ornate cast tripod base; the globe is 17 inches in diameter.

Also up for bid October 24th will be a Canadian-made Wettlaufer decorated child’s wagon (Oxford County, circa 1890), one of only five masterpiece wagons made for Adam Wettlaufer’s grandchildren, this one built for Clara (est. $3,000-$5,000); and an English cased dueling pistol set made by William Chance & Son (London), in a mahogany case with brass inlay and complete with six tools, percussion caps tin and powder flask, in a velvet-lined case (est. $3,500-$5,500).

Miller & Miller Auctions has a Watches, Jewelry and Decorative Arts auction scheduled for Saturday, November 21st, at 9am Eastern. It will be webcast from the New Hamburg gallery.

To learn more about Miller & Miller Auctions and the firm’s upcoming auctions, visit www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com. Updates posted often.

About Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.:
Miller & Miller Auctions has introduced new updates to its online auction platform. “We’re committed to delivering a simple, dependable online bidding experience,” company president Ethan Miller said. “We’re continually investing in our digital platform to provide quality service and capability.” Mr. Miller said the most recent update involves an exciting ‘refresh’ to the online platform. “There’s no learning curve or major changes to our operations,” he pointed out. “This update will simply present users with an improved experience as they navigate our online auctions.” Miller & Miller Auctions has also launched a new mobile app for iOS and Android. Bidders can now choose to participate virtually in auctions using a phone or tablet for a convenient, portable experience. They can place bids and receive instant updates and notifications with a few taps. Miller & Miller Auctions is Canada’s trusted seller of high-value collections and is always accepting quality consignments. The firm specializes in watches and jewelry, art, antiques and high-value collectibles. Its mission is to provide collectors with a trusted place to buy and sell. To consign a single piece, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (519) 573-3710; or, e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To learn more, visit www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com. Updates are posted often.

Media Contact:
Ethan Miller
Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.
59 Webster Street
New Hamburg, Ontario, CD NeA 1W8
(519) 573-3710
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
https://www.millerandmillerauctions.com

Martial Arts Expert Entrepreneur and Author George Boley Jr Releases his New Book on Strength Training

New Jersey, Oct 9, 2020 -- George Boley Jr, martial arts Head Instructor, and owner at his school Martial Arts Jungshsin have released his new book in the area of his expertise, titled ‘Resistance Training: For Martial Artist, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Boxing and All Combat Fighters: A Starter Guide to Strength Training for Action, Reaction, Fitness, and Health’. He is a lifelong martial artist with multiple black belts in Taekwon-Do and Hapkido, and also the 2007 USITF/ITF TaeKwon-Do National Sparring Champion – as a martial arts specialist, he has trained various individuals in learning the techniques of this widely recognized form of art. Now, Boley wants to reach out to a greater number of individuals and help those who are interested in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and boxing. His book consists of all the information and advice that are required to build the foundation for strength training.

He is a devoted full-time father, husband, and a complete family man who has always placed Jesus above everything else – his new book on weight training and conditioning for combat sports athletes is now placed as the #1 release in Amazon. George Boley Jr was a member of the 2007 USA Team and has been imparting his knowledge and skills of defensive tactical training to his students for so many years now. His expertise in hand to hand combat, freestyle grappling, and stick and knife fighting, has earned him credibility in this area locally and nationally. Boley also is an International Instructor through the International TaeKwon-Do Federation (ITF) and this new book is just the reflection of the knowledge and proficiency that he possesses. Being a certified sports nutritionist and a health and fitness instructor trainer, he is well-aware of what can be good for the beginners and how they should approach weight training and strength conditioning. Starting strength training at the age of 14 years old Boley knows what works through 30+ years of training, learning, and personal results.

George Boley Jr is also a business entrepreneur, real estate investor, property manager, business consultant, and coach – his book ‘Property Management Basic for the Part-Time Landlord’, also a #1 release in Amazon shows Boley's love for real estate investing its potential to provide debt freedom and personal financial stability. Through this book, he had channelized his 15 years of knowledge and experience in property management, so that the readers could take advantage and stay ahead of the rental market curve. Apart from this, he has also written the books ‘How to Use Your Credit Rating to Put You on the Path to Debt Freedom’, ‘The Only Supplements Needed to Truly Help You Obtain Your Fitness & Health Goals’, and ‘Resistance Training for the Martial Artist, Mixed Martial Artist (MMA), Boxing & All Combat Fighters’.

Apart from the training certifications, George Boley Jr has also acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and an MBA in Business – this showcases his all-round proficiency in imparting knowledge on various subject matters. He has the zeal of learning and also helping those who are in need -his new book ‘Resistance Training: For Martial Artist, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Boxing and All Combat Fighters: A Starter Guide to Strength Training for Action, Reaction, Fitness, and Health’ with glowing reviews "...Being over 60 years old and not being able to do many of the exercises I used to do when I was younger due to several injuries, I especially found this book beneficial for my own training regimen. I have been teaching martial arts for over 40 years and undergraduate college courses for 15 years. I found this book to be very well written, the topics were covered in great detail, and Boley shared his personal insights into healthy living...." is as good and informative as the previous ones. If you are also interested in weight training, then you must place your order now.

Media Contact:
RBN Publishing LLC
Jackson Township, NJ 08527
7325952311
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
http://www.georgeboleyjr.com

PARADE Magazine Surprises Readers With A Crash Course on Narcissism

Los Angeles, CA, Oct 7, 2020 -- Parade Magazine, beloved by its readers for heart-warming stories, simple recipes and bits of juicy celebrity gossip, surprised its readers last week with a potent piece on the destructive potential of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). It must be a sign of the times. Drawing on the expertise of many authors, including Julia Sokol, Steven Carter, Eleanor Payson, and Denna Babul, Parade did a no-holds-barred presentation of NPD, leaving little to the imagination. Both helpful and clear, the magazine gives a kind warning to those in the grips of a narcissist’s seduction: Don’t expect miracles, don’t expect magic, don’t expect kindness, and don’t expect anything to change. You can read the full article here: https://parade.com/1085357/marynliles/how-to-deal-with-narcissist-in-relationships/

The piece from Parade makes so much plain: the traits of a narcissist, the patterns of a narcissist, the emotional tools of a narcissist, and how to protect yourself from the overwhelming seduction and hurt. It also spells out something crucial: How do you know when it’s time to walk away from a narcissistic partner for good. Wow. All of this insight from Parade Magazine? Right now they are sounding as profound and insightful as Psychology Today!

Do you think you’re involved with a narcissist? Your partner…your friend…or your boss? If this piece from Parade Magazine has started your wheels spinning and ignited your desire for help, they recommend the following books to learn even more: Help! I’m in Love With a Narcissist (Carter/Sokol), Love Strong (Babul), and The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists (Payson). Talking to a therapist would also be a great plan!

Of course, not every difficult person is a narcissist, and many bad relationships are driven by factors other than narcissism. Being informed and aware is crucial. But if you are suffering in a relationship right now, or still trying to understand why a past love failed, the more you know about NPD the more empowered you will be.

Media Contact:
Richard Fried
C.A.S. Publishing
15915 Ventura Boulevard
Encino, CA, 91436
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Rare Unusual Mosaic Tabletop Tile by Roy LichtensteinBrings 36900 USD at Neue Auctions

Beachwood, Ohio, USA, October 6, 2020 -- A rare and unusual mosaic tabletop tile by Roy Lichtenstein climbed to $36,900, a circa 1910 Roycroft Ali Baba bench knocked down for $17,220 and a stunning 17th century English, Netherlands or Spanish School oil portrait of a Royal or Court Lady garnered $14,760 in an online-only Fine Art & Antiques auction held September 26th by Neue Auctions.

The auction featured traditional art and antiques, silver, jewelry, decorations and furnishings, pulled from prominent local estates and collections. Downsizing households presented some great opportunities for both new and established collectors. Internet bidding was provided by Liveauctioneers.com, Invaluable.com and Bidsquare.com. Phone and absentee bids were taken.

The mosaic tile by Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923-1997) was executed by the artist in 1950 and was the sale’s top lot. Hand-set, unsigned and framed in walnut, the 14 ½ inch by 16 ¼ inch tile was not attached to a table base. It’s listed in Lichtenstein’s catalog raisonne and came out of a private collection in Cleveland, having been acquired by the consignor directly from the artist.

The early 20th century Roycroft Ali Baba bench featured a plank seat retaining bark to the underside and was presented on a trestle-style base joined by a mortise and tenon jointed stretcher. It had the Roycroft orb and cross on the leg. Roycroft was a reformist community of craft workers and artists that formed part of the Arts and Crafts movement in the United States.

The 17th century oil canvas laid on panel portrait of a Royal or Court Lady was unsigned and unframed, with a panel size of 27 inches by 22 inches. The painting had some in-painting to the face and lace ruff, plus some minor filling to craquelure, but that didn’t deter eager bidders who were dazzled by the sitter’s visage and the chance to own an antique artwork from the 1600s.

Following are additional highlights from the auction. Prices include a 23 percent buyer’s premium.

Paintings by noted, listed artists dominated the list of top lots. An oil on canvas signed and dated (1858) by the British artist James Webb (1825-1895), titled Thunder Clouds and impressive at 33 inches by 58 inches, brought $9,225; while an oil on artist’s board by Sergei Missan (Russian, 1926-1973), titled Still Life of Flowers, inscribed verso and framed, changed hands for $3,998.

An oil on canvas Still Life with Crystal Globe and Flowers, rendered in 1925 by the Cleveland School artist Clara Deike (1881-1964), one of three works by the artist in the auction, finished at $2,460. Also, a lithograph by Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975) titled Morning Train, a heart-wrenching image of a soldier heading off to war, artist signed, fetched $2,337.

Three works by the French painter Jules Cavailles (1901-1997) made up a colorful section of the sale in the form of happy still lifes. One, titled Still Life with Vase of Flowers and Mask on Table (1935), realized $2,214. Also, an oil on canvas depiction of Venice Canal with Gondola by the French artist Joseph Antoine Bouvard (1840-1920), signed lower right and framed, hit $3,198.

A circa 1880 Regina upright automatic disc box, 5 feet 7 inches tall, with 20 15 ½ inch discs, in fine playing condition and housed in a cabinet that had been beautifully restored and refinished, rose to $9,225. Also, a fine Tabriz carpet, 13 feet 2 inches by 10 feet, made from blended silk and wool on cotton weft in the Sheikh Safi design with a floral medallion, gaveled for $2,829.

An assembled Art Nouveau bedroom suite attributed to Eugene Vallin, including a bed frame, large armoire, side table and chair, carved with leaves, buds and tendrils, last sold at Sotheby’s in London in 1996, went for $9,225; while a circa 1880 English George III inlaid mahogany linen press, 81 ½ inches tall and raised on bracket feet, rectangular form in two parts, made $2,829.

A Tuttle sterling silver flatware service in the Onslow pattern, with marks for four presidents (Ford, Carter, Nixon and Johnson), weighing a total 157.37 troy ounces, sold for $2,583. Also, a Bisbee Mountain turquoise squash blossom necklace, unsigned, about 15 inches long, boasting shaped and polished natural turquoise stones, bezel set into silver flower blossoms, hit $2,337.

Neue Auctions has three more auctions planned for the balance of 2020. The first will be a single-owner collection of lovely Art Deco pieces, titled Erte and Icart. After that is an auction titled Coach Me If You Can, a timed sale of over 100 lots of “new with tags” Coach bags and accessories. And finally, A Brave Neue World sale will be held in December (or in early 2021).

Neue Auctions invites everyone to be added to its email list to receive notifications and information regarding all current and future sales. For info, visit www.neueauctions.com.

About Neue Auctions:
Neue Auctions provides a bespoke experience for sellers and buyers, with items presented fully guaranteed and vetted, and combines regular online auctions with selected art exhibitions and educational opportunities. Offering consignment services for single items, estates and corporate collections, the firm assists clients in the complicated process of settling estates and general downsizing, working with private individuals, trusts, estates, museums, banks and attorneys. Neue Auctions continues the long-standing history and tradition of art collecting in Cleveland by bringing fine works of art to the market for sale, encouraging the current and next generation of collectors. Neue Auctions is accepting consignments for future sales. For purchases or inquiries about consigning, please call 216-245-6707; or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To learn more about Neue Auctions and the firm’s calendar of upcoming events, please visit www.neueauctions.com. Updates are posted frequently.

Media Contact:
Cynthia Maciejewski
Neue Auctions
23533 Mercantile Rd. #119
Beachwood, OH 44122 (USA)
216-245-6707
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
http://www.neueauctions.com

More Articles ...