Client Poker "Texas Hold'Em" Tournament

There has been a slight positive turn in the Events markets. Not seeing the monster parties from our beloved finance guys but they're still stoking the fire with concierge requests. But within Financial PR there are still some beautiful clients whom need our extensive lifestyle enhancement services. On such Client booked us to put together a 40 strong Poker Tournament ( For funny money only) at their magnificient office near to Pall Mall. Drinks reception with an Indian slanted conveyor belt of sumptuous finger food was most appreciated. But as this was the 2nd year of their Annual gathering: players were itching to start. 3 hours later after some tense poker and blackjack games there emereged a final 9 player table from whence emereged a fly ex UFC fighting South African Winner. Always enjoy seeing these guys..... real treasured group of progressive, prudent and successful individuals. More grease to your elbow Tim and the gang x
Here are some topline "Texas Hold-Em" Rules:

Texas Hold'em General Rules
In hold’em, players receive two downcards as their personal hand (holecards), after which there is a round of betting. Three boardcards are turned simultaneously (called the ‘flop’) and another round of betting occurs. The next two boardcards are turned one at a time, with a round of betting after each card. The boardcards are community cards, and a player may use any five-card combination from among the board and personal cards. A player may even use all of the boardcards and no personal cards to form a hand (play the board). A dealer button is used. The usual structure is to use two blinds, but it is possible to play the game with one blind, multiple blinds, an ante, or combination of blinds plus an ante.
Object: The best possible five card poker hand, using any combination of hole cards and community cards, wins the pot.

Betting Rounds

1.The dealer deals each player their own two cards face-down (pocket cards)
2.1st betting round
3.The dealer burns a card then turns over three community cards face-up
(the flop)
4.2nd betting round
5.The dealer burns another card then turns over 1 more community card (the turn,4th street)
6.3rd betting round
7.The dealer burns another card then turns over 1 final community card (the river,5th street )
8.Last betting round
9.Showdown (Every remaining player shows hand with bettor showing first)

All remaining players must use one of the following choices at the showdown:

1. Two pocket cards & three boardcards
2. One pocket card & four boardcards
3. No pocket cards & five boardcards (called playing the board)
Texas Hold'em Rules
1. If the first holecard dealt is exposed, a misdeal results. The dealer will retrieve the card, reshuffle, and recut the cards. If any other holecard is exposed due to a dealer error, the deal continues. The exposed card may not be kept. After completing the hand, the dealer replaces the card with the top card on the deck, and the exposed card is then used for the burncard. If more than one holecard is exposed, this is a misdeal and there must be a redeal.
2. If the flop contains too many cards, it must be redealt. (This applies even if it were possible to know which card was the extra one.)
3. If the flop needs to be redealt because the cards were prematurely flopped before the betting was complete, or the flop contained too many cards, the boardcards are mixed with the remainder of the deck. The burncard remains on the table. After shuffling, the dealer cuts the deck and deals a new flop without burning a card. [See ? Explanations, discussion #2, for more information on this rule.]
4. If the dealer turns the fourth card on the board before the betting round is complete, the card is taken out of play for that round, even if subsequent players elect to fold. The betting is then completed. The dealer burns and turns what would have been the fifth card in the fourth card’s place. After this round of betting, the dealer reshuffles the deck, including the card that was taken out of play, but not including the burncards or discards. The dealer then cuts the deck and turns the final card without burning a card. If the fifth card is turned up prematurely, the deck is reshuffled and dealt in the same manner. [See ? Explanations, discussion #2, for more information on this rule.]
5. If the dealer mistakenly deals the first player an extra card (after all players have received their starting hands), the card will be returned to the deck and used for the burncard. If the dealer mistakenly deals more than one extra card, it is a misdeal.
6. You must declare that you are playing the board before you throw your cards away; otherwise you relinquish all claim to the pot.

VITALI V FASHION SHOW ON FASHION TV http://www.ftv.com/online/page.php?P=3391&id=104815

Somethings you do for money but some things you do for love x

See URL for the Vitali V Fashion Show I MCed at

Backstage At The Ludacris Concert,Indigo O2

About 10 months ago I met a really kool gentlemen at a Client's Charity do in the city. Little did I know that our futures would become entwined producing Fashion Shows ( Vitali V http://www.vitaliv.co.uk/ ) and marketing campaigns . A few months later he made a passing comment that his nephew was a rapstar and he'd be coming to London soon. After some coaxing he divilged it was none other than the Superfly & Creative Christopher Bridges aka LUDACRIS . It is said if you get through the monsters to the top of any food chain you invariably find a really nice person. Well that's not always true. The whole team that backed Ludacris from DJ JC, Faith, Chaka to the 6'7" Bouncer called Viktor were genteel and inspirational. People can be kind and still professional when they want to be. It did help that thanks to Roberto we were hanging with the Superstars cousins so "Access All Areas" was a given. The Concert itself at Indigo,O2 was a treat. Old favourites like "Stand Up" and "Just Like That" got me jumping in my suit. He was so sweet....backstage all he wanted to do was speak to his Lady on the other side of the pond. We practically had to drag him to his own After Party at the Celeb haunt "Baroque" as all he wanted to do was go back to the hotel and have dinner. Glad we did manage to drag him out as it was a slamming night....luckily we didn't stay out too long either. All hail LUDACRIS for the pleasure he, Faith & DJ JC brought us all last night......Business link up worked out real good as well. Big thank you goes to Alvin and Boris at Baroque for another stomping nite x

A Day At Brands Hatch With Ulric Browne

It is aptly said " There's no rest for the wicked" . Wedll not so wicked but what a fast moving week-end. Literally...... we ( The Mrs, my Sister Publicist Jay Jay of http://www.epegamedia.com/ and my Niece) were invited to Brands Hatch by Eastenders Ulric "Winston" Browne ( www.ulricbrowne.com ) to watch his Friend Greg Thornton race in the Historical Grand Prix races http://www.hscc.org.uk/ . Wow how beautiful are vintage cars? The smells, the noise and the heartfelt rumble were an awesome sensation. Cars from the F1 Circuits of yesteryear. Very expensive hobby indeed. During the trails day Greg's main car's chassis cracked- to repair this was to cost £20,000. Although he had a great Sponsor M&G Group: he would still have to foot at least 50% of the bill himself. One day I shall join you Greg :-) Thanks again Ulric and Debs the good vibes........

Wimbledon Party At The Valmont Club

Wow..... when we 1st produced our Amplification Events I didn't think 8 years later they would still be growing stronger and stronger. Valmont Club was bouyant with friendly people, cocktails, strawberries, canapes and burlesque dancers. An Ode to MJ went down a treat. So many dancing feet, with rhythm I may add. Black, white, brown, yellow and green: if you like to party you'll be in our scene. Great to see Lissa Davies back on top form and thanks to Jay Jay, Ulric and Debs for popping down. Also thank you Dipak,Manoj, Thierry, Carlos and The Valmont Crew. All we need now is to see Murray at least in the final. Come on you beauty.....

Hard Rock Calling Presents Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen

After a torrentially rainy but fun night spent at the Grand Union Pub on Saturday- the affable and enlightening Pat Bird's 40th Birthday Party celebrations- we wre invited to a Hyde Park Rock concert by Jay Jay Epega of Epegamedia ( my Sis x). What a merry bunch we were - Jay & Dylan ( my niece), the Mrs & I , Ulric ( Off TV Series Eastenders) & Debs, Adam ( Off TV Series Eastenders) & Ruth , Cheryl ( Off TV Series Eastenders), Olli and son & I can t forget Thomas McGill. What larks we had ...... going to be a great summer !!!!!

I'm not one that has listened to rock for a while or really invested any emotions in this genre of music but was I wrong to miss out for so long. I WAS BLOWN AWAY. Hard Rock Calling Festival http://www.hardrockcalling.co.uk/home/ in Hyde Park was full of kind people, slick and acoustically tunned music. James Morrison's dulcet tones made his songs memerising. The Dave Matthews Band were loud and proud. But the best music came from "The Boss" himself ...... at 60 years young his voice was the best I have heard live for a long long time. The guitar licks were stroming and the E-Street Band were masters of their art. I love Rock ..... especially when played by super pros. Long live Rock & Roll ( It did come from Rhythm and Blues so what do you expect ) !

R.I.P MJ & Black Eyed Peas Party

What a fantastic week-end in London we had. On Friday the Guys & I went for our customary cheap dinner ( this time at Busaba Ethai in Bird St) for a catch up and reflection on Nigeria this week. After a cost effective but most substantial meal we caught up with our Ladies to head to the club of the summer ....... baroque ( Previously Burlington's) where my good friend Alvin Haywood of Alvin Haywood PR threw a magnificent ode to Michael Jackson Party. No one was on their seat: everyone dance. Even special guest stars the Black Eyed Peas ( save Fergie) where enjoying and reminiscing their childhoods through a kaleidescope of songs.

" Although you breath no more; MJ, in your songs you always took our breath away. That will never change!"

Great party, beautiful company, awesome music...... we thank God for the blessings bestowed x

Pop Up Bars - Opera Quarter Bar

After Double Club's 

www.thedoubleclub.co.uk great success some Friends of mine ( Bar Gurus Lincoln Hall & Douglas Ankrah) decided to set up the latest fly bar concept to hit London: 

Opera Quarter Bar™ 

The World’s Most Exciting Pop Up Bar 

A blend of art, design, music & mixology

13 – 15 Tavistock Street, Opera Quarter, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7PA

www.operaquarterbar.com

Concept

Open for a short period only, the Opera Quarter Bar will be the best bar in the world.

A stunning Grade II listed Georgian Townhouse in the Opera Quarter, Covent Garden’s historic food quarter, the Opera Quarter Bar will showcase the world’s leading bartenders, designers, artists and bands. 

The brainchild of Douglas Ankrah (multi award winning co founder of Lab, Townhouse and author of ‘Shaken & Stirred: Douglas Ankrah’s Cocktails’) it is a collaboration of the best people in their various fields and the aim is to create an inclusive bar open to everyone.

“We don’t have any big backers on this project it’s literally a bar by people who love bars for people who love great bars. A lot of what is in the bar such as the antique furniture has been generously lent to us by friends who have joined our little Opera Quarter collective” Douglas Ankrah, Founder 

“Our aim is to create somewhere exciting in which to enjoy summer 09 in London, especially as many of us aren’t going to be jetting off anywhere exciting this year.” Lincoln Hall, Guest Relations 

In keeping with this community spirit prices are going to be kept affordable and there will be music, art and all sorts of happenings throughout the summer for the public, starting with a pre Glastonbury warm up with White Lies band members DJing on Wednesday 24 June. 

Art

Art Curators Lee Johnson and Bakul Patki aka 'Watch This Space (www.watch-this-space.org) will be using the space to exhibit work from a selection of exciting contemporary Artists. 

This will be the inaugural show for Watch This Space, whose mission is to encourage creativity in these challenging times. Artists confirmed so far are Nick Cunard (above left), Sky Sharrock, Ilaria Conte, Monkey Punch III (above centre), Sarah Kate Wilson (above right), Sohrab, Izzie Klingels, Suzie Q and the owls and Hazel Atashroo.

Watch This Space for updates. 

Design

The building is a beautiful Grade II Listed four storey Georgian townhouse. 

Dave Knight and Dom Taylor from dtwo (designers of Callooh Callay amongst others) are responsible for creating an exciting and comfortable lounge bar using the Georgian features such as wooden panelling and open fire places but giving them a twist, introducing contemporary art and design to create stunning juxtapositions. 

As it’s a pop-up and only here for the summer they are able to create some spaces that just wouldn’t be practical in a long running bar such as featuring antiques borrowed from a leading antiques dealer. 

Ground Floor/Main Bar Design:

“Think reclaimed cottage kitsch tables giving a bit of character to the new wave for Covent Garden – were planning to lift the tops off and insert clear polycarbonate tops so punters can look through and into the draws and compartments containing weird and wonderful items and neon up lighters making the drinks look sublime….The tables in the ‘Snug’ will reflect the cabin/open fireplace feel by using cut logs cellulose sprayed in a one tone lairy colors and held together with ratchet straps more commonly used by truckers….

Expect OSB (oriented strand board) usually found on building sites to adorn the wall and floors – ripped into parquet batons, stained and screwed to the floors and curving up and around the walls with decorative ‘snake eye screws’ paving the way. The only thing to break this pattern up will be the clever use of dtwo’s warped wallpaper and the pressed tin ceilings bouncing light around the space and mimicking and distorting around any architraving, light switches, mirrors or artworks.

Lighting - Think old school candelabra only we’ll be replacing the candles with edgy T6 tubes and floods of warm neon glow & opulent amber chandeliers towards the back.

Intertwining the old and the new dtwo will be dipping antiques in rubber, allowing them to ‘drip dry’ in another exciting twist.

Reflecting the hygienic aspect of the bar are we are proposing to tile the whole area after raising the floor level. Walls floor Bar carcass and back bar.” 

The brand identity, website and menus have been designed by Hijack Studios. 

Music Mark Beaumont is an NME columnist, DJ, promoter and author and will be bringing his canny musical ear to the sounds of Opera Quarter Bar. He'll oversee celebrity DJ sets every Wednesday providing a VIP atmosphere to a free-for-all bar, and curate acoustic sets from the best up-and-coming acts in the country every Sunday.

Wednesdays will be the Moonlighting Sessions with well known band members moonlighting as DJs. 7pm – 12.30am, entrance free. Confirmed acts so far: 

24 June 2009: Akvinta Pre Glastonbury Warm Up with the White Lies 

As one of 2009’s biggest rock success stories, Ealing’s White Lies have enjoyed numerous hits and a Number One album in their January debut ‘To Lose My Life’. Their impeccably tuneful take on the dark pop sounds of Joy Division, Editors and Interpol has seen them straddle rock boundaries, playing sold out shows across the country. They are currently preparing for their biggest UK tour to date, taking in a show at London’s Brixton Academy.

15 July 2009: The Holloways DJ

Currently putting the finishing touches to their eagerly-awaited second album, The Holloways take a well-earned studio break to show the Opera Quarter Bar the impeccable musical taste behind such jaunty hits as 'Generator', 'Two Left Feet' and 'Happiness And Penniless'.

5 August 2009 – Dave Gedge (the Wedding Present) DJs 

As singer and fulcrum of legendary indie outfit The Wedding Present, David Gedge has been a major influence on alternative music for over twenty years. His classic tracks such as ‘Brassneck’, ‘Kennedy’ and ‘My Favourite Dress’ have often been imitated but never bettered and The Wedding Present are still going strong eight albums later, releasing the fantastic ‘El Ray in May last year. The Wedding Present also hold the record for the most number of Top Thirty singles in one year, equalling Elvis Presley’s record by releasing a single a month throughout 1992.

Check out www.operaquarterbar.com for the latest guest star DJs, dates and times. 

Mixology

The Opera Quarter Bar is Douglas’s biggest project since he cofounded Lab & Townhouse. He will run it himself with assistance from some of London’s top bartenders including Bar Manager Roberto Valle (ex Whiskey Mist & Trader Vics).

The drinks will be second to none. Drink menus will cover different themes i.e. Prohibition, Tiki, Disco, Hollywood Glam etc plus Douglas’s top ten best creations including his world famous Porn Star Martini. 

World famous mixologists will be making special Guest Star Appearances including Salvatore Calabrese and internationally acclaimed molecular mixologist Eben Freeman from NYC and the UK’s own Heston Blumenthal of cocktails Tony Conigliaro. 

For details of the Guest Bar Star events please check out www.operaquarterbar.com 

Cocktail Master Class 

Every Saturday 12pm – 3pm the public can join Douglas and his team of leading mixologists for a cocktail master class where they will learn to blend, muddle, shake and stir with the very best in the business.

The Master Class will include lunch and students will be given a cocktail kit to take home with them. 

Perfect for groups and a sophisticated way to start a stag or hen party. The Master Class costs £150 person with a 10% discount on bookings of ten or more.

Food

The Opera Quarter Bar will serve delicious Japanese tapas style dishes daily from Midday.

The menu has been designed to encourage diners to select a variety of dishes in almost random fashion to be shared amongst the table so that a combination of taste and flavours can be enjoyed. 

Perfect for light, healthy summer dining the menu has been created by a top chef to satisfy the most discerning palates and sit perfectly with Ankrahs 'to die for drinks'.

Private Parties & Events 

The ground floor bar will be open every day from Midday to 1am, serving teas, coffees, food and of course cocktails. There is also outside seating – perfect for a sunny afternoon’s drinking or al fresco lunch. 

Floors 1 and 2 each feature two rooms and can be reached by a separate entrance, making them perfect for private parties, events and meetings. When not being used for private functions they will be open to the public. 

This will be THE place to have a party or event in July/August 2009, but book early to avoid disappointment. 

People

The following people are part of the collaboration that is the Opera Quarter Bar and are available to interview. 

Douglas Ankrah – Founder & Head of Operations

Roberto Valle – Bar Manager / Head Bartender 

Lincoln Hall – Guest Relations 

Art – Watch-This-Space 

dtwo design – Interiors

Hijack Studio – Website & Branding 

Mark Beaumont – Music Director 

Schedule of Events & More Information 

Check out who and what is happening at the Opera Quarter Bar at www.operaquarterbar.com 

More information on the Opera Quarter, London www.operaquarter.co.uk

For Events - come through us for a better price Baba@emc3.eu !

HAC

This week we organised a very enthralling and captivating event at the hidden gem in the city called the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) www.hac.org.uk/html/corporate-private-events/venues-at-the-hac/?PHPSESSID=9ed42c54191317cd20 . For a most favourite Client it was an Edutainment Experience Event called " Serve Your Country" about the seemingly never ending war in Afghanistan. Opium wars I call them. Enough respect to the Army and Special Forces Guys fighting to eradicate the Taliban and Drugs in this country of over 6 languages , 14 different tribes and the size of France and half of Germany put together. It is not an easy task serving your country. To put your life at risk for a country and more importantly politicians who use you as pawns in a mad game of chess is most worthy. Really puts your problems in perspective as meaningless most of the time. A big thank you has to go to Major General Richard L Barrons CBE , Lieutenant Colonel Gary Wilkinson and the Soldiers involved. We salute you Gentlemen - for your tenacity, discipline, allegiance and love for this fine country !!!! BIG UP !!!