Monday, March 30, 2009

Tips For Successful Pranks

It takes wit, humor, skills, understanding of human reactions and practice to be a master prankster and a practical joker. Here are some tips that will help you to fool and hoax people successfully on April Fool's Day and see their flushed faces as their reactions change from being shocked or stunned to being embarrassed and then to a roaring laughter or a funny smile.
* Improvisations help enhance a prank by various degrees. Using ketchup or tomato sauce as blood can even be enhanced a little more if you use thick tomato gravy to make blood clots at a place or two. Give life to a plastic lizard by tying it with an invisible string and make it jump on the victim suddenly. You can also place a plastic bug inside some dish and if the restaurant manager is the victim, you can brawl and complain as much as you like. Improvise on the gluing the penny to the floor by cutting the penny in half using cutco scissors and keep the other half. Just see how many people try to pick even this half penny up.
* Distractions of the victim help a lot while you are working on your pranks. While the person is busy with something, make someone who is masked ring the bell and attack the victim with the artificial knife whose blade pushes inside as soon as it touches something. Don't try this on a person with a weak heart. Ask a friend to give a ring to the victim's telephone and engage him an exciting and interesting conversation. * Arrange a plastic skeleton at his side facing him and watch him being shocked from the sudden appearance of the ghost.
* Be accompanied by your friends and disciples to assist you. Not only they are of great help as the one to distract, they can also be of help and at least call the police, if something goes awry and you need to escape of even face the butt ends of your pranks.
* A master is always known by its resourcefulness and readiness. Be always ready to play a prank and catch your friends. The pen that gives you a slight shock as soon as one removes the cap can always be kept in your breast pocket. Fake rubber or funny-tasting candies can be casually distributed to any number of people you like while the onion juice in a fancy small perfume bottle can easily fit into your pocket. A small ketchup pouch can help you produce the effect of the spilled blood wherever and whenever you like and pushback artificial knife can shock anyone at anytime.
* The right prank for the right person is the trick of the trade. A fake car scratch or broken glass tattoo is good for people who love their cars. Place a transparent plastic sheet on one's favorite carpet or book and drop gravy or ink on it. Foods that look delicious and taste funny are meant for those who can't themselves from tasting just a bit of everything that looks good and edible.
* No one can become a master without a real interest at perfection. So, if you really want to become a master prankster, leave no way of escape for your victim. You may even want to watch Home Alone Part 1 for the idea of what I am talking about. Place a number of pranks at a number of places for the victim, so that once targeted by you, they cannot escape. Placing the tube of shaving cream with the toothbrush of the sleepy friend can be put in combo with a face soap that makes you dirty in the soap box the towel that is clean outside but has powdered color inside.
* Good planning and careful study of the victim's schedule and mode of behavior always help in deploying successful pranks. You may need to lay a trap for the victim days in advance so that he/she won't suspect a thing on the intended day. One good prank is to carefully note the time when the victim normally uses his bathroom first time in the morning. Then place a transparent plastic sheet over his/her toilet tile a little before that or after the victim finally falls asleep in the night. Let down the toilet seat. Don't forget to capture a photograph of their expression when they come out.
* Learn to control the excitement to get a hand at your victim to avoid blowing the cover of your state-of-the-art prank that you have placed for them. Try not to rush them or force them to do a thing or try something just because you are eager to see the result for if they smell the rat, all your efforts will get wasted.
* Two or more jokes combined together heighten the effect. Much-awaited letter delivered to the victim's home early in the morning by their beloved fetching an appointment, fake snakes and plastic spiders in their cereal box and wallet/purse, credit and debit cards replaced by thick plastic sheet board of the same size, keys replaced with another set that looks same but cannot open the locks, onion juice in the perfume bottle and soap water in the milk bottle early in the morning are just the perfect ways to start pranking on the April Fool's Day.
* Use your skills of acting and learn to keep a straight face while you pull off pranks. You have to make people believe in you to be a master. If you are entering the classroom with a fake black eye wound and a cast on, be sure to limp a little and groan from time to time.

Source : www.thefoolsday.com

Saturday, March 28, 2009

How to Prank Your Kids on April Fool's Day

By Bob Strauss, eHow.com

As you may have learned from watching that new Nickelodeon show, “Hi-Jinks,” it’s all the rage these days for parents to prank their own kids—and what better occasion than April Fool’s Day to display your own practical joking skills? Here are some ways to “gotcha!” your little devils before they have a chance to do the same to you.

Step 1 Wake ‘em up early. For years, your kids have been creeping into your room at 6 a.m. and screaming you out of bed with a loud “Mommmm! Daaaaaad!” Set your alarm for 5:30, sneak into your son’s room, and get some payback with a loud “Timmmmy!” After you scrape your kid off the ceiling, the three of you can have a good, hearty laugh.
Step 2 Serve something really gross for breakfast. If your kids are accustomed to corn flakes and buttered toast in the AM, throw ‘em a curve and prepare some fried octopus tentacles or escargots a flambe (that’s French for “flaming snails” for those of you who don’t have a continental bent). Don’t give up on this prank quickly—extra points if you can get your son or daughter to actually choke down what you've made.
Step 3 Hide all their stuff. While your kids are sleeping, sneak into their rooms, remove all their toys and stuff the booty into a hall closet. When they come downstairs for breakfast, calmly tell them that you've decided to teach them a lesson about charity and globalization by donating all their belongings to a third-world aid organization. Won’t it be fun to watch their heads explode!
Step 4 Declare “opera and ballet” day. For as long as you can keep it up, communicate with your kids only via song and interpretive dance and insist that they do the same. At first, they’ll stare at you like you’re nuts, but remember that kids are naturally mimics and will quickly follow your lead. Later that afternoon, when your son sings “Dad, can I watch 15 minutes of Pokemon before I do my homework?” stare at him like he’s nuts.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Traditions and Customs on April Fool's Day

On 'All Fools' Day' or 'April Fools' Day', people play practical jokes and pranks on each other, crack jokes on the expense of victims and gift each other gag gifts and then when the victims are taken in by surprise, all the witnesses shout 'April Fool' at once. The innocent pranks such as prompting somebody that their shoelaces are undone or that they have something on their faces are quite common. Children love to use the opportunity to prank their classmates and even their schoolteachers.

At some places, one is only allowed to play jokes until 12 noon for the jokes played after that time are supposed to bring bad luck to the perpetrator. Similarly, the victim is advised to endure the tricks with a smile on their face, exhibiting tolerance or amusement or they may suffer bad luck, It is said that those fooled by a pretty girl can expect marriage or at least friendship with her. Men are advised not to marry on this day or their wives will rule them forever. Children born on 1st of April are considered lucky generally, except in gambling where they will fare badly.

At some places, afternoon on 1st of April is called as 'Leggin'-down-day' and the people try to trip up any unsuspecting victim. Brish media, normally considered serious and sober, give in to the excitement and tomfoolery of the day and consider hoaxes on this day as a fair game. Read BBC hoaxes to know more about them. With Internet to assist them, playing pranks had become a lot easier, fun and far reaching. April Fool's Day is one of the funniest and most popular pastimes of the day.

source : www.thefoolsday.com

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

How to Organize a Housewarming Party

By : mommierose of ehow.com

Step 1 Start by unpacking your belongings. Don't even think of hosting a housewarming party until you are settled into your house or apartment.
Step 2 Make a list of people you would like to invite to your party and send out invitations. Mailing invitations will increase the chances of guests coming to your party, as opposed to calling or emailing them. Make out invitations and mail them 4 to 6 weeks before your party. Include your phone number to RSVP.
Step 3 Either on the invitation itself or when guests call to RSVP, explain that in lieu of gifts you would prefer they bring a dish to pass, snacks, or alcohol, depending on what kind of party you are planning on hosting. Saving yourself the time it would take to get the food ready, for example, will be worth a lot more to you than another nick-knack.
Step 4 Be sure to keep a list of who is coming and what they are bringing. If you would prefer your guests bring alcohol, be sure to have snacks available. If guests are bringing food, be sure to have drinks available.
Step 5 Two weeks before the party, make sure you have all the supplies you will need on hand to make the party a success. Make sure your guests are as comfortable as possible in your new place.
Step 6 Try to keep your house as clean as possible from the time you mail out the invitations until the day of the party. This will save you the stress of cleaning at the last minute. Then you have time on the day of the party to be sure all the details are in place- light some candles for ambiance and clean up any random clutter that has accumulated.
Step 7 Greet each guest as he or she arrives. Then sit back and enjoy your party!

Friday, March 20, 2009

Planning Tips For An Amazing Trip

Heading off on a big adventure, but not sure what's involved. These trip planning tips will help you get a handle on the things you need to consider.

1. Organise your documents
Make sure you have an up to date passport, that will be up to date for the duration of your trip. Check visa requirements for the country you are travelling to. Some countries require that you arrange a visa before you leave home, while others will grant a tourist visa when you land! Make sure you have a suitable travel insurance organised.

2. Book flights and accomodation
One of the fun parts about travelling is the booking of your flights and/or accomodation. Make sure you shop around at different travel agents, because prices can vary widely. Check that the prices quoted include all taxes and surcharges.

3. Get any vaccinations you might need
Make an appointment with your doctor to check what vaccinations you need or any medicine you should take with you. Common ones to look out for are Typhoid, Malaria and Hepatitis.. not the kind of things you want as souvenirs!

4. Look after the home front
Unfortunately, while you're away, there are often still things that need to be looked after back home. Make sure you have arrangements in place for someone to look after your bills, plants and mail. If you are going to be leaving a house empty, consider finding someone to house-sit for you while you're away.

5. Organise things to do
Make a list of things that you plan to do while away. Do some research on the internet about your holiday destination. There may be special events on that you can only attend if you book in advance. Planning what you're going to see will make it a lot easier to relax when you're on holidays!

6. Make a packing list
Start making a packing list a few weeks in advance. As the weeks go by, you will undoubtedly think of many more things to add. Write them down as you go, then pack everything on your list in the last day or two.

7. Look after your finances
Find out what currency you will need and figure out the best way for you to deal with it. Credit cards can be convenient, but also unsafe in a lot of areas. Travellers cheques are a good safe alternative.

8. Stay in touch
Take an address book with you, with all the important contacts in it. Check on any foreign phone codes and write them in your address book. Before you start your trip, make sure you let people know that you will be away and how they can contact you while you're away.

Source : http://www.travellerspoint.com

Monday, March 16, 2009

Tips to Help You Pack for a Trip


1. Security and Keeping Details Safe - Scan your passport, passport photos and paper tickets (if not the e type) in. Store this (in an email for e.g.) in your web based email account. You can also store the details of your emergency 'lost card' telephone numbers in your web based email account so you know who to contact if your credit card or ATM card is lost or stolen. This way, even if you lose everything, you have immediate access your all important information. You can even email the details page of your passport to the embassy or consulate when applying for a new one.

2. Split up your valuables - Split up your bank cards, cash, travellers' cheques and credit cards as much as possible in different pockets, your bags and wallet when packing. In case you do get robbed, at least you won't be strapped for cash (unless you have all your bags AND your wallet stolen of course!).

3. Nalgene/Small Bottles - Use nalgene/small bottles to pack toiletries and other small items. There are several sturdy and (very nearly) waterproof ones, with clear/see through ones being preferable. You can also use small bottles to repack shampoo or lotions so that you don't have to always carry a big bottle with you. This is especially useful if you normally take these items in your carry-on luggage.

4. Backpack Tips - When you are packing things into a backpack, place the lighter items at the bottom and the heavier ones on top. Your bag will feel lighter this way as the pack rests on your lower back. It is also smart to place the things you use the most on top. Dirty clothes are perfect to pack at the bottom of a backpack.

5. Plastic Bags - It is always handy to have a few plastic bags around certain items, especially toiletries. Not only does it counter any leaking, the bags can also come in useful to keep dirty clothes in, as garbage bags or even as a makeshift umbrella. Ziplock or other airtight plastic bags are the best.

6. Pack in Plastic - Pack everything in clear plastic bags (preferably zip lock), divided into items e.g. underwear, t-shirts, shorts etc. before packing in your suitcase or backpack. One plastic bag for each type of clothing. This is extremely useful in various ways. When you unpack your bag you just take out a series of bags and you can see immediately what you want. So an overnight stay somewhere just means taking 1 item out of a bag - no rummaging!! In addition, if you have to unpack at customs etc, instead of having to disgorge all your clothing etc out in front of everybody, you can calmly take maybe 5/6 bags out, the contents of which can be clearly seen by the officials. To repack then is also dead easy. Just be sure not to leave your plastic bags lying around if you are travelling in nature!

7. Clothes - Pack only what you know you will use and if you are travelling for more than three weeks, plan to wash on the road.

8. Split up clothes when travelling with others - When you are flying somewhere and especially if you have a few stopovers, divide the clothes between different suitcases/backpacks/bags etc. If one persons luggage doesn't arrive at the destination, they'll still have clean clothes available. Airlines generally don't compensate lost luggage for the first 24-48 hours so this will save you money if it happens to you.

9. Separate Beach Bag - When packing to head to the beach consider pre-packing whatever you might need at the beach into a beachbag inside your backpack or suitcase. Especially if travelling with kids, this will prove a timesaver!

10. Suitcase lovers - For those using suitcases without a divider. A piece of cardboard makes an excellent divider and helps keep your clothes organized and neat as you are able to lay them out flat on the cardboard. It also makes airport inspections a lot less of a hassle as you can lift out your divider with clothes on top easily.

11. Gifts - While it is a good idea to take some small gifts with you while travelling, pre-wrapping them can be a waste of time if you are flying and your bags are opened.

12. Flashlights or Torches - When packing a flashlight or torch (or any other item with batteries for that matter), turn the batteries around so that if the item is accidentally turned on, you won't empty the batteries. Don't forget to turn the batteries back around when using the flashlight.

13. Diaper Bag - If you are travelling with babies, then the diaper bag is an excellent place to hide your valuables. This most likely will not be the first thing to be stolen. It's also a great to use as a waste bag (even when not travelling with a child!), especially at places that do not allow you to flush toilet paper.

14. Shoes - If you want to make sure everything else in your bags stays clean and odor free, place the shoes inside old socks and then inside airtight plastic bags (ziplock).

15. Carry-On - Keep any medication and important papers in your carry-on bag. On long flights with multiple stopovers , packing a fresh change of clothes is a good idea as bags tend to get delayed or lost on long haul, multiple stop flights. You don't want to end up stuck without medication, clothes or your important papers even if it is just for a few days.

16. Roll Technique - Somehow it seems that bags will hold more if the clothes are rolled rather than folded. If you roll in tissue paper, the clothes will also get less wrinkled.

17. Travelling to warm destinations? - If you appreciate cold drinks think of using a six-pack cooler as a toiletry bag. Once you arrive at your destination and unload your toiletries your 'toiletry bag' guarantees cheap cold drinks on the beach, no matter how remote.

18. Local Tourism Offices -The best source of information is usually local. Check out Tourism Offices to find unbiased feedback on the best accommodation to suit your needs. Excercise caution in countries where you feel the information might not be so unbiased!

19. Minimize on toiletries - Take only half a tube of toothpaste rolled up tight, store shampoo in small containers, only take half a roll of toilet paper (for emergencies only) and crush it so the middle is folded.

Source : http://www.travellerspoint.com

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Tips on Saving on Airfare When Traveling


If you have a trip planned, airfare can take up a large part of your budget. With airlines increasing their rates on flights, it’s even more important to look for ways to save when you’re traveling.

1. Shop Around for Cheap Flights - One of the first things you can do is shop around for your airline ticket, especially if you’re used to flying with one airline. Check out the prices of each air line to get the best rates. The more you shop around for a flight price, the better your chances at getting a good rate.

2. Be Flexible On Trip Dates - When you’re looking online, many websites now let you search within one or two days before and after your desired departure and return dates. You may be able to get a cheaper flight that arrives one day sooner and returns one day later than you originally planned. Look at flights that depart and return on Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Saturdays since these are the least traveled dates. If you find a lower airfare by adjusting your departure dates, make sure the discount won’t be negated by the cost of staying in a hotel an extra night or two.

3. Fly Into a Nearby Airport - You can also save money by flying into a nearby airport. Many airlines and online travel agencies now allow you to search for flights at airports within a certain range of your destination. For example, if you were planning to visit Cincinnati you could fly into the Dayton, OH airport which is only 60 miles away.

4. Book Your Flight Early - Make your flight reservations early, especially for major events, like the holidays. The closer you get to the event or holiday, the higher your airplane ticket will be.

5. Make Online Reservations - Buy your ticket online. Many airlines and travel agents charge you a booking fee for booking your flight over the phone. Not only that, many flight specials are only available if you purchase them online. Be careful and only purchase flights from trusted website to avoid a scam.

6. Fly First Class - If you look hard enough, you may be able to find a first class or business fare that’s cheaper than coach. As the flight’s departure date nears, airlines sometimes mark down un-purchased first and business class seats to attract buyers. From the airline’s perspective, selling a cheaper first class seat is better than letting the seat go empty or “giving” it away to someone using frequent flier miles. When you search for flights, include first class seats in your search and compare the two. If you’re flying on business and your company’s policy disallows first class bookings, ask your manager or travel department if an exception can be made when the first class fare is cheaper.

7. Book at the Last Minute - Though it’s often wiser to book your flight in advance to get the lower rate, sometimes those last minute flights give you the best deal. As departure dates approach and seats are still available on a flight, the airline marks down rates dramatically to sell more tickets. You often get a good deal on certain flights if you book them on the Tuesday – Friday before they depart.

You can get a good rate on airfare by looking around and being flexible about your flight location and dates.

Source : http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Prom Checklist

To be more in control of your prom preparation, Have this checklist on hand.

* Dress - Order early. The dress may take up to 8 weeks to arrive.

* Alteration - Dress fits are rarely perfect. Take it to an alterationist if necessary.

* Accessories - The following are your basic accessories. Shoes make them comfortable, Hose Obviously, Bra For the open back/strapless dress, Gloves Not really necessary, Purse For your purse kit, Jewelry According to taste

* Purse Kit - Do not go without a purse, build your purse kit.

* Appointments - Did you make them all? Here's the typical ones. Hair Do it professionally / Manicure It helps / Pedicure Open-toe shoes? / Waxing I would, you should / Tanning Totally optional / Facial Also optional

* Your Date - Make sure he's got all the following together. Tux Order it at leat 4 weeks ahead / Corsage Order at least 2 weeks ahead / Plans All thing's he's taking care of

* Transportation - Limo or whatever.

* Tickets - You've got them, right?

* Pre-Prom - All your plans are finalized?

* Post-Prom - All these plans also finalized?

* Parents - Talk to parents, relax them.

* Friends - talk over all plans, including partying & driving, with friends.

* Date - Talk to him so knows what to expect from you and/or your parents.

Source : http://www.promdress.net

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Summer Vacation Plans

Now is the ideal time to start thinking about your summer vacation.

1. Compare Prices - Check out the best price offer by the different travel agencies for there vacation packages

2. Getting there - The good news is that discount airlines are expanding their destinations and routes.

3. Get a discount on vacation rentals - You may want to consider a vacation rental if you're staying more than two or three days. In a vacation rental, you can get an entire house. And the discounts may even be better.
You may be able to barter your talents for a discount too. For example, if you're a photographer or a writer, you might offer to take photos or write a description of the vacation rental. If you tell the rental owner that you'll provide referrals to your friends, he/she may also give you a discount.

4. Do your hotel homework - This summer, you'll want to make sure you do your homework. Check out different hotel promo offers. You'll be able to find special deals, read about other people's experiences and check out what the hotel has to offer, like its proximity to shopping or transportation.
You can also go to www.travel.yahoo.com and click on your destination city and read reviews from other customers. Another good web site here is www.travelpost.com. And if you just want to read up on the best and worst hotels, referred to as "hotel heaven" and "hotel hell," check out www.hotelchatter.com.

5. Take to the seas - Today cruise discounters, cruise-only booking sites, booking sites and last-minute web sites are all fighting for your cruising budget. And since cruise lines are all about loyalty and customer service, you'll probably have more leverage if you're dissatisfied.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Affordable Vacation Trips

Traveling to any vacation spot can be very expensive, but here are some ways to help you save some cash when going.

* Don't go during peak season. - Try to plan your trip where your days do not fall on peak season. An example of peak season would be around Christmas time.
* Stay at a value resort. - There are resort that offer a value rates for an off peak season.
* Restaurants. - Check out some of the restaurant's menus before you leave to go on vacation. That way you will know what is going to be in your price range.
* Bring snacks with you. - Buy some waters and snacks that you can bring with you instead of buying them in the parks/ resort.
* Use the bus systems. - For local transfor use the local bus system so it will be easier for you to go around.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

How to Select a Graduation Gift

By: eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

Research has proven that most graduates have big-ticket gifts in mind, but it's best to stick with what you can afford while providing a thoughtful or practical gift the graduate can use and enjoy.

Step1 Choose one of the top five gifts requested by graduates, if you can afford it: a car, money, a vacation (preferably to Europe), a computer or new clothes (especially professional wardrobe items for graduates entering the business world or starting the job-hunting process).
Step2 Buy a book. Choose something pertaining to the graduate's field of study, or something fun to read now that school is over.
Step3 Consider a gift basket filled with gourmet food items. For a college-bound high school graduate, fill a basket with college necessities such as notebooks, textbook highlighters, stationery, stamps, a prepaid phone card, etc.
Step4 Make a photo album filled with the graduate's memories. Include photos, his or her graduation announcement and program, and clippings and memorabilia from high school or college years.
Step5 Give jewelry. An elegant pair of earrings for a young woman, or a watch or gold tie tack for a young man, make lovely gifts.
Step6 Give a gift certificate to a music, clothing or book store if you're not sure what to buy. Gift certificates are always welcome gifts and ensure that the graduate can pick something he or she really wants.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Paying Tribute to Your Graduate

Honoring your graduate is the most important component of the graduation party.
If you have been very organized over the years, you probably have all of your photo albums up to date. But if you’re like us, family photos are in boxes and piles all over the house. Now is the time to start organizing your pictures.
Our personal opinion, don’t over do it. Pick and choose what really represents your graduate. Whether it’s academic achievements, sports or music, display their photos, trophies, awards and clippings from the paper in an exciting way.
Some people do one big “shrine” while others spread things around. Either way, it’s nice for people to see all of the things that your graduate has accomplished.
Don’t limit the pictures to just your son or daughter. Include photos of the graduate with their friends, extended family and “teams”. Your guests will get a kick out of seeing themselves throughout the years.

Scrapbooks
People love looking at photo albums, especially the new custom creative scrapbook type. It’s worth the effort to pull together photos of your graduate and their friends, teams and special memorabilia. Assemble a few select photos per event and design a page that identifies who is in the photos, the occasion and any other special information. An album makes a great gift for your graduate after the party. Or, have your son or daughter put together the book they want.
Don’t forget to leave room in your album for your graduation pictures.

Poster Boards
Some people put photos and news clippings on poster boards. Dress it up with their name, stars, stickers and cut out decorations. Your guests will love to see themselves and their names on the board with your graduate.

Posters
Hang up some poster-size pictures of your graduate and his or her friends and classmates.
These are especially fun if you're having a joint graduation party with 2 or 3 graduates.

Photo Books and Memory Books

Photo Books: Can't scrapbook or don't have the time? Consider making a Photo Book instead.
Memory Books: Use these to record special school events and activities. Some also have pages for certificates and photos.

Movie or Photo DVD
You may want to create a movie or photo DVD. A continuously playing “video biography” of your son or daughter from birth through high school set to music is an excellent way to share the memories at a graduation party. Most people have these playing in the background. They're fun to watch and are often a great source of conversation.
You and your graduate can create one together, using your own VCR or DVD burner; or, if you choose, professional services are available. Enlist your graduate’s help in selecting photos and music. Movies make a great keepsake and special gift for your child.


Source : http://www.graduationparty.com