Hi everyone, tis Pirate Matty here!

Don’t forget Pirate Matty is still taking bookigs at just $150 for an hour long appearance at your next pirate birthday or pirate party so if you need to hire a pirate - give captain Matty a call on -

027 684 8250!

I haven’t posted on my blog for awhile but I thought it was time for some fun talk about what me might be doing here at the Pirates of Auckland website.

I’m really keen to get my second pirates of auckland video out on youtube with some exciting pirate stuff going on for all the people who would love a visit from pirate Matty at their next pirate birthday or other such pirate themed entertainment!

But what am I going to have in my video?

Well I would say some pirates and some crazy pirate stories - wouldn’t you?

Alright this might seem a bit funny but what I’m doing right here is outlining some ideas for developing a children’s entertainment business such as the one I’ve developed here.

How do you go from a children’s entertainer perhaps using the internet to market your services as a performer for one off personal bookings to actually building an online brand and business targeted towards children’s entertainment?

So you’re a kids entertainer. You don’t have to be a pirate like me, I’m talking about clowns, magicians, fairy princesses and all varieties of performers for children’s entertainment, perhaps entertaining at children’s birthday parties or performing live for children.

Where do you take it from there? A Great website will already be useful in estalishing your brand as a performer, but there are many ways that a website can earn money in additional ways.

The first step is to really make your website do more for people who visit it. In my case, people will visit the site for pirate stuff. Kids who love pirates are going to be looking for stories, pictures, games, ideas for fun so basically anything you can do to make your site more expansive and entertaining means kids and parents will come back, especially if you can establish something regular, such as a “weekly” episode which provides high value, and being mindful that over time if you aim to become a destination for all things piratical then you may have to really think laterally about the kinds of pirate related problems you exist to solve, as well as provide inspiration and new ideas for pirate loving fans.

1: Advertising on your website

Start with online advertising, placing ads on your website. This means for every 100 visitors to your site it’s not difficult with proper ad placement to start making $1. But it will have implications for how your site is perceived by some visitors, if you’re really trying to develop an online brand.

2: Sell affiliate marketing products for commission.

Move to affiliate marketing links and offers. These only pay if you actually manage to sell the item you’re promoting, so unlike usual ad placements you’re going to have to make an effort to get paid but the range of products is varied and the commissions are very generous – 50-75% commissions are not uncommon, and of course parents are always wiling to part with their money when kids are happy, that’s what makes it such a strong market. Of course if you also build an email list and develop a good relationship with parents and kids it shouldn’t be hard if you continue to offer them very good products and services. Remember you’re trying to generate large amounts of visitors based on the interest in a popular subject so there all manner of products you could sell on commission through your site when you know people will specifically be looking for pirate themed items.

3: Expand your services.

If you have a personal or entertainment brand then there are certainly services you can promote which will be more valuable and could establish new avenues of income. As an entertainer you probably already book performances but what different performances can you provide and how can you offer expanded versions of your current performance or service to cater to different audiences.

Always provide a service for the wealthy that may have very specialized requirements, and charge accordingly. If you don’t offer it, how will they know you are willing to provide such a service?

This is not only appearing personally and performing, but also providing customized items, or video or audio recordings made to certain specifications. Remember when services have this digital element, you can easily access clients around the world.

4 Create Your own product.

The nature of your own product can vary immensely and offer varying levels of specification and customisation for those who are willing to pay for it.

You just still must consider that the product represents true value.

There are two types of product, a digital product and a physical product.

Much like the email list, selling a digital product can be a gateway to selling more to established customers

A physical item has to be shipped to the purchaser so when the fulfillment isn’t provided by affiliate marketign, you have to provide shipment yourself. This is why such a product should be very high value if considered.

5 Endorsement/Sponsorship

This is the big end goal for many childrens entertainers, to establish a profitable entertainment brand through television or other broadcast media

This may start small but if you are able to demonstrate value to sponsors and partners who you could work with to specifically promote certain products, services or brands, then you will have the opportunity to charge more, lift your production values and appeal to larger audiences, expand your brand and therefore improve sales and exposure that leads to profit in other ways.

If you’re planning to have a birthday party for your kids and you want them to enjoy the party from beginning to end by having exciting activities and games then pirate themed party should be on the top of the list.

Pirate Themed Party is the most expected birthday party for all kinds of age groups, it involves games that will make your kids and their friends feel like they are real pirates searching for the treasure chest somewhere in the islands. The excitement plus the interactivity with others will make your kids feel special on their birthday.

The most interesting game which all the people play is the treasure hunt. This can be a story type game where your child and their friends costumed as pirates will voyage the seas and search for clues using the map. A clue will gave way to another clue until the “pirates” find the treasure buried in an island or on a jungle. Then the surprise begins and the winner gets all kinds of jewels and precious stones which are hidden inside the treasure chest.

Pirate themed party can throw the excitement e at the invitation card. The paper should be burned on the edges with text like; “Aye Mate!…ye be invited er some birthday spirits at Captn Tyler’s Buccaneer BashChart er course fer the “location” ? Day of month We be a meetin at “time” fer some swashbuckling fun, grub and kiddie spirits.
Wave yer flag if ye be attendin or hav yer mum send message by yer phone to “number” or Pirate type graphic on front with “Ahoy There Matey”. Inside: xxxBEWARExxx
Captain “child’s name” is having a Pirate Party Come on “date” If ye dare! Pier “address” “time” RSVP to the Cap’t Pirate Garb Optional (leave yer weapons on yer ship). This will make the invitation more inviting with the pirate ambience right on the paper.

Another is the pirates’ costumes. The children can wear pirate hats, pirate hooks and a stuff parrot can add to the pirate ambience. A pirate flag can also add to the excitement, the children can carry the flag while voyaging the sea and hopping to every island where the clues and the treasure are hidden.

The decorations are also important in throwing a pirate themed party. You can make a pirate ship where the children can ride out of a refrigerator box. The floor can be laid with blue rag to represent the sea. And balloons should also be there with black or gold streamers. The music should also be put in consideration, music with a “voyaging aura” is perfect.

So there you have it, birthday is a special day in one’s life. Reliving the childhood fantasies is a perfect birthday theme and a pirate themed party will create fun and and makes the memories of childhood worth remembering.

Call Pirate Matty for Pirate theme parties in Auckland: 027 684 8250

If your young one wants a pirate theme then get ready for a fun
filled celebration. Turning your home into a pirate paradise is easy
with a little work and some imagination. Best of all, this theme
appeals to boys and girls alike. The most commonly used theme is
pirate themed birthday. What are the things which is needed to be done
they are as follows Make parchment invitations by soaking white paper
in coffee until it turns brown and set on the counter to dry. Gently
burn the outer edges of each sheet so that it resembles a worn piece
of parchment. Write in the party details and work in phrases.

Fill a treasure chest and set by the front door with a sign that says
“Beware, Pirates Ahead.” Place the chest on top of a tan table cover
to resemble the beach, or if you do it outside you can use real sand.
If it’s a really large chest, put a box inside of it to help fill
space and cut down on the amount of treasure you need. For the pirate
booty, use plastic jewel beads, gold foil covered chocolate coins and
plastic bowls or cups spray painted gold.

Serve dry snacks like chips and pretzels in miniature treasure chests
or upside down black tri-corner hats. Give your other snacks and
drinks pirate names to add to the fun. Serve punch but refer to it as
call peanut butter stuffed celery sticks Pirate Planks. Make Hidden
Treasure Cupcakes by inserting a jellybean inside the cupcake after it
has cooled and then frost as usual.

Have the party guests sit in a circle and place two chairs in the
middle. Let the guest of honor sit in one seat and choose a birthday
present to open. Have the gift giver join them in the center of the
circle while they’re opening the present. When they’re done, give the
guest a bag full of pirate themed goodies like an eye patch, gold foil
covered chocolates, tattoos and beads.

These are the ways were you can make your young one feel happy
and we have a brilliant pirate themed party.

Having a pirate party - need to hire a pirate performer or children’s entertainer for your next pirate birthday party or themed party in Auckland New Zealand?

Call on Pirate Matty for a ripping children’s pirate party adventure - games, sttories, songs, fun, adventure, imagination and of course the treasure hunt!!!  Birthday special now on: 1 hour from $150

Contact Pirate Matty in Auckland: 027 684 8250 // kurbpromo@gmail.com

Tradewinds 2 is an adventure game wherein you get to sail to different ports and trade different commodities for money. Along the way you are bound to meet pirates who are out to get you. There are also ports which are inherently unfriendly so you need to capture them before you can dock. Your default ship can be loaded with a maximum number of canons and a variety of special ammunition. As the game progresses and you save up more money, you can opt to trade in your old ship for a newer, better one. There are several different ships available at different times. Each one has its own special abilities and it is up to you to decide if the trade is worth it.

Buying and selling goods is quite simple at first glance but as you go along, you will realize that you can get more out of the game. For business-minded people, you probably will like the virtual experience of living the swashbuckling life of a pirate while making a whole lot of money. Hard core players have been known to keep a notepad beside them to note when and where to go to sell a certain product for the greatest amount!

Well into the storyline, a trading complication is introduced into the game: contraband. Certain products will be considered illegal in certain ports and if you do not pay attention to such details, it might be your doing. You can also earn more money by doing special tasks for the governors. These tasks add to the flavor and complexity of the game.

The graphics are not really spectacular although they are enough to give you a very enjoyable game experience. The game play requires a lot of reading as exchanges between characters are written down on scrolls. You don’t really get to hear them speak. If it were not for the background music and the awesome canon explosions, I would have to say that the sound effects are a bit on the lame side.

The game’s system requirements are: 400 MHz processor; Windows 98, ME, 2000, or XP; 64 MB of RAM, and DirectX 7.

All in all, I would say that how much you will enjoy the game depends on you. You can choose to play it shallowly, without paying attention to the details. Or, you can be meticulous and enjoy a much better overall experience. I suggest you try the second one.

Having a pirate party - need to hire a pirate performer or children’s entertainer for your next pirate birthday party or themed party in Auckland New Zealand?

Call on Pirate Matty for a ripping children’s pirate party adventure - games, sttories, songs, fun, adventure, imagination and of course the treasure hunt!!!  Birthday special now on: 1 hour from $150

Contact Pirate Matty in Auckland: 027 684 8250 // kurbpromo@gmail.com

If there’s one thing that a child can fascinate you with, it’s what he can do with his imagination. A child’s mind is like that of a creative writer, it can bring him to all the places he wants to be in, whether it’s in Neverland or in outer space; it allows him to become whoever he wants to be—a superhero, pirate or scientist; and it enables him to do whatever things he likes to do: fly, stop time, or turn objects into gold.

But your kid’s imagination is not wild all the time. As a parent, it is up to you to always encourage him to let his imagination soar. Here are some exciting ways that will help you promote active imagination in your kid.

1. Incite your kid’s imagination through play. A child’s life typically revolves around play because it is from this that he acquires the basic skills he needs to flourish as an individual—including the use of imagination. Spark his imagination by engaging him in imaginative pretend plays. Help him become the superhero he wants to be by helping him put together his superhero costume. Or support his desire to become an astronaut by helping him decorate his bedroom with outer space decors.

2. Give him art projects that will encourage him to create using his imagination. While drawing and painting are excellent ways to incite his creative imagination, it is also a very good idea to provide him with art activities in which he will have to create artworks using recycled materials or those that found in the house but are no longer needed. For example, invite him to mold paper maché sculptures from old newspapers. Just be sure that you assist him in during these activities because it is not safe to leave your kid to use scissors and other art supplies on his own.

3. Provide him with toys and play things that will enable his imagination to fly high. Modern electronic toys that sing, dance or talk may be fun and entertaining for your kid but they are hardly instrumental in inciting your kid’s creativity. It is better to opt for building and constructible toys like wooden train sets which your kid can use to build and create trains, houses and communities using his imagination. He can also use these creations as props for imaginative pretend plays. The Maxim Wooden 145 Piece Train Set for example will provide endless possibilities for imagination enriching activities.

4. Parental support and guidance are also key ingredients in stirring your kid’s lively imagination. If your kid talks to you about his pirate adventures and the treasures he has captured, don’t frown on him or tell him that these make-believe stories are nonsense. If you do that, you’re inhibiting his active imagination. Instead, listen to him and be interested in the stories that are products of his imagination.

5. Related to the fourth tip in sparking your kid’s imagination is this is fifth and final tip which asks you to join your kid in playtime. Be the princess in the tower that he will save from the dragon or be his crime busting police partner. Playtimes are nice and fun time to spend with your kid. It is a good bonding activity that will not only allow you to get closer to your kid but will also bring out the child in you.

Living in a fantasy world where his imagination soars is an important aspect of being a child. Be supportive as a parent and join your kid in the adventures and see where your imaginations will take you.

Need a Childrens Entertainer or Kids party for your next pirate birthday party or themed party in Auckland New Zealand?

Call on Pirate Matty for a ripping children’s pirate party adventure - games, sttories, songs, fun, adventure, imagination and of course the treasure hunt!!!  Birthday special now on: 1 hour from $150

Contact Pirate Matty in Auckland: 027 684 8250 // kurbpromo@gmail.com

When children hear about parrots, the first thing that comes to mind is that this bird is usually on the shoulder of a pirate and it can talk.

Though this creature has a habit of wanting and eating a cracker, studies have shown that this magnificent and colorful animal needs more than that in order to maintain a healthy diet.

By following these simple tips, the person can find other things, which are also essential to the parrot’s diet.

1. Parrots should have also have some vegetables, cooked meats and grains just like humans. This is because these creatures need the same nutrients that people get from eating such produce.

2. A healthy diet also means giving the parrot the right portions in each meal. If the owner gives too much, this should be reduced. This will take some time to get it right so the individual should just monitor the volume each time this is given to the animal.

3. Parrots get sick very easily. If there is excess food in the plate, this should be removed because this becomes the breeding ground for bacteria and molds.

4. Aside from food, the parrot must also be given a fresh supply of water daily. This will avoid making the bird dehydrated, which can also cause it to get sick.

5. Many people see pet owners giving seeds and nuts frequently to the parrot. Studies have shown this should be done sparingly because it does not provide that much nutrients, which are needed for the bird’s diet.

6. Though parrots may eat almost anything that humans eat, these following should never be given. These are chocolates, avocados, caffeine, alcohol, kidney and lima beans.

7. Parrots should be fed twice day and enjoy it if the food is mixed in water in the bowl. It is advisable for the pet owner to wash the dish first before and after each meal to make sure it is free from bacteria and other germs that could endanger the life of the bird.

These are just a few tips in feeding the parrot. The owner can read up more by buying a book or doing some research on the Internet.

Before buying any food for the parrot, it will also be a good idea to seek the advice of a veterinarian. This specialist can check on the bird and recommend the proper items to be bought from the pet store.

Need a Childrens Entertainer or Kids party for your next pirate birthday party or themed party in Auckland New Zealand?

Call on Pirate Matty for a ripping children’s pirate party adventure - games, sttories, songs, fun, adventure, imagination and of course the treasure hunt!!!  Birthday special now on: 1 hour from $150

Contact Pirate Matty in Auckland: 027 684 8250 // kurbpromo@gmail.com

If a 50-year-old wooden toy chest could talk to a 5-year-old toy chest, what would it say? Would it reveal a lot about the children who stashed their toys inside it and who later abandoned it on the attic? A toy chest’s resurrection as a companion for those once-children’s children will unleash memories of toys long ago.

Remember the Old Toy Chest?

It was the era of black and white TV. Will Rogers, Hopalong, Dale Evans, and the Lone Ranger hugged the limelight. Manufacturers of wooden chests saw an opportunity and designed chests from pine with pine knots and called them toy chests. Brave exploits of cowboys that a little boy adored were painted on the outer sides and tops of the wooden toy chest.

The artwork depicted indians and cowboys astride galloping horses. Inside the toy chest were the wooden choo-choo train, wooden wagon, little wooden boats, puppets, a peg board, a milk truck, rockers, and colorful tops.

There’s an old well-worn, kiddie-sized baseball mitt carefully wrapped in moth-eaten linen and an old wooden bat. A pair of toy soldiers, the remnants of a set of 12 continues, to keep watch. These are the toys of yesteryears. The old wooden toy chest remembers that the little boy who used to own the treasures often hurt his finger when the lid dropped without warning.

For the little girls, the simple wooden toy chest housed wooden dolls, and dollhouses, an enamel tea set with one cup chipped at the brim, and a porcelain doll. There’s a picture book and frayed ribbons. All those little adorable girlie things have had their time.

The ancient toy chest can’t keep its eyes off the new toys the kids are having fun with. Amazing replicas of real cars and airplanes that was unheard of in his time. But it’ll brag that in those times, children had more play than TV and computers. These old chests have been retired, but if any baby boomer catches sight of one circa 50’s toy chest, he’ll have a flood of memories.

The New Wooden Toy Chest

There were numerous lessons learned from the past. The modern version has a safety catch to prevent the lid from hurting little fingers. These are made from cherry oak, and if you want a sweet smelling toy chest, you can request for a cedar base. You have to pay extra, of course.

A personalized wooden toy chest? Yes, the suppliers can provide laser engraving of your child’s name on the front of the box. Just imagine how your child will remember all these when she or he grows up. The same chest can be passed on to your grandchildren in the future. Who knows? You might have a valuable heirloom. Just make sure you don’t forget where you hid it when the kids have flown the coop.

You can also have that pirate chest for your little boy who is always running around in his pirate cape and eye patch covering one eye, pretending to be Captain Hook.

Perfect for a Children’s Pirate Birthday Party.
It’s a sure thing he will adore this pirate-inspired wooden toy chest. Or if you have a little princess, you can give her a chest with dainty artwork over a pink or white painted toy chest.

Ask your parents about their wooden toy chests. They’ll tell you that their parents bought them those chests to keep their toys out of sight after they had their fun. So the old toy chest will wink and say “that’s our reason for existence”, but you know it’s more than that. A child can be taught good habits early, like putting their toys and other things in the proper places - toys in the wooden toy chest and books on the bookshelf.

Need a Childrens Entertainer or Kids party for your next pirate birthday party or themed party in Auckland New Zealand?

Call on Pirate Matty for a ripping children’s pirate party adventure - games, sttories, songs, fun, adventure, imagination and of course the treasure hunt!!!  Birthday special now on: 1 hour from $150

Contact Pirate Matty in Auckland: 027 684 8250 // kurbpromo@gmail.com

Commercial ports at various locations on the upper Chesapeake Bay were founded during the 17th century and called “Baltimore.” In 1706, the Maryland colonial General Assembly created the port at Locust Point as a tobacco port of entry. The present city of Baltimore dates from July 30, 1729 and is named after Lord Baltimore. Lord Baltimore was the first Proprietary governor of the Province of Maryland.

Baltimore’s growth seem to be boundless in the mid- to late 18th century as a granary for sugar-producing colonies in the Caribbean. This growth was partly due to the fact that Baltimore was shorter in distance from the Caribbean as compared to other large port cities such as New York City and Boston, which reduced transportation time and minimized the spoilage of flour. The profit gained from Baltimore’s sugar-producing abilities encouraged the cultivation of cane and the importation of food.

Baltimore and other cities joined together in protesting Boston’s punishment by the British and signed agreements to not import from or export to Britain due to the British taxation. Prominent city leaders such as Jonathan Plowman Jr. encouraged the city to join the resistance to British taxation. These agreements enabled Baltimore to play a key part in the events leading to and including the American Revolution.

The British declared Baltimore a “nest of Pirates” during the War of 1812. The British burned Washington, D.C., however, the American forces won by repulsing joint land and naval attacks.

The British landed at Sparrows Point and when the local residents run out of ammunition, they threw pots, pans and anything else they could get hold of at the British. At the Battle of North Point, local residents killed the British commander, General Ross. General Ross thought he would the battle and made the strong statement of: “We will win this battle or I eat dinner in hell tonight.” The British lost this battle. British reinforcements were not possible and their forces just withdrew. This naval engagement inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which became the lyrics to the United States’ national anthem. The battled was memorialized in the Battle Monument on the city seal.

Following the Battle of North Point, Baltimore’s population grew significantly. This growth was attributed mainly to the increased commerce abroad and more importantly with points west in the interior of the United States. Two major transportation accomplishments of the federally funded National Road and the privately funded Baltimore & Ohio Railroad made Baltimore a major shipping and manufacturing center. Fortunes were made and the city’s distinctive local culture started taking shape. Baltimore started to develop a unique skyline peppered with churches and monuments. John Quincy Adams visited the city in 1827 and nicknamed it “Monument City,” a nickname that remained popular for well over a century.

Baltimore was separated from Baltimore County in 1851 and became an independent city at that time.