10. Yule Log
Okay, I can hear you all groaning from here.  But really how great is it to turn on the TV and wrap presents to some great Christmas music while sitting near the fire. (Without any safety concerns…just saying.)

9. Scrooged
Bill Murray as a modern day (well, 1988 modern day) Scrooge. This one might be attributed to my love of the 1980′s but it’s my list so you’ll just have to deal with it.  (I suspect I’ll be saying that quite a bit.)

8. Muppet Christmas Carol
While not a fan of Michael Caine (unless he’s playing Alfred or a Dirty, Rotten Scoundrel.) I do enjoy Jim Henson’s take on this classic tale.  If you haven’t already figured it out yet my personal heroes are my Dad, Douglas Adams and Jim Henson.  The Muppets haven’t been the same since his passing. I’m sure this is why I love this dated version so much.

7. Lethal Weapon
Most people forget Christmas is a pretty big character in the first (and in my opinion best) of the Lethal Weapon movies.  Our hero suicidal cop Riggs is trying to deal with the holidays without the love of his life.  His new partner Murtaugh celebrates his 50th birthday and is dealing with his own mortality.  In the end these guys become friends and the movie ends with our heroes sharing Christmas dinner with Murtaugh’s family and Rigg’s dog.

6. Christmas Story
This one appears on almost everyone’s lists.  My Dad says it was ripped from his childhood.  I just tell him to be careful or he’ll shoot his eye out.

5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
No, not the movie version I’m talking about the 1966 cartoon directed by Chuck Jones and featuring the baritone voice of Boris Karloff. “Well, in Whoville they say that the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes that day.” My take home from this was always to not forget about others during the holidays. (And maybe not to steal everyone’s stuff.)

4. Charlie Brown Christmas
I think on some level we all identify with Charlie Brown.  I know I often find myself saying “I got a rock.” (Sorry, wrong holiday.) Sometime we need to take what life has handed us and see the miracles in what we have. Especially if we have a dog as cool as Snoopy.

3. Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas
Another hold over from my childhood in the days before CGI I remember watching spell bound as Kermit the Frog (while riding a bicycle) introduced me to the world of Frogtown Hollow.  Sure, it’s a Muppet version of Gift of the Magi.  But my 7 year old self didn’t know that.  Directed by Jim Henson it’s full of great lines that make no sense unless you’ve seen the show.  You’ll often find me quoting this program all year long. I suppose it reminds me of a simpler time.

2. Miracle on 34th Street
Lots of people love this classic but I claim a special connection with this flick.  I love retail, all the way down in my 40-something bones.  Long before we had product placement in movies Macy’s and Gimbels were huge characters in this movie.  We actually see Mr. Macy and Mr Gimbels (actors of course) in the movie. Makes me miss the days when retail stood for the ideals and values of individuals (like we try to run All Things Fun!)  Unless of course I sell-out to Federated Department stores for some ungodly sum of cash.  Then forget I said anything.

1. It’s a Wonderful Life
Okay, not a surprise, so sue me. But who doesn’t spend tine around the holidays wondering if the world is actually better for their contribution to it.  I’d be less than truthful if I didn’t admit that I’ve wondered would the world be any different without me in it. But then I remember that time I single-handedly saved the world from total destruction and I figure I’m good.

So not to be outdone I asked Dina for her list too!

Dina’s Top 4 Holiday Movies (In no particular order)

4.  It’s a Wonderful Life
As you can see we didn’t compare notes.  But I often wonder if Dina doesn’t identify with the frustrated world traveller that is George Bailey.

3. Miracle of 34th Street
I know Dina’s not a fan of retail like myself.  I can only assume she loves this movie because I know she still believes.

2. Die Hard
In addition to arguably being one of the best action movies of all time.  (I said it, so it must be true.) All of the action takes place during Christmas. And who wouldn’t fight a skyscraper full of terrorists to be with the ones we love during Christmas.

1. Year Without A Santa Claus
Now I said this list was in no order of preference but that may not be completely true.  This one is Dina’s favorite Christmas production.  It’s hard to believe this classic from 1974 is still so popular.  Santa starts to feel a bit taken for granted and Mrs. Claus works with Mother’s Nature’s children, Heat Miser and Cold Miser to bring a snowy Christmas to Southtown. “Friends call me Heat Miser, Whatever I touch, starts to melt in my clutch. I’m too much!” Dina & I know all the words to this classic song and often will belt it out in the car on the way home! Maybe Dina identifies with Santa.  She’s got a big job and maybe I should make it snow in Southtown for her more often!

There you go.  A list of our favorite Holiday Classics.  Feel free to send me a note if you feel I missed any holiday greats!

More next week!

-Ed

Always a lot to keep me busy here at Casa All Things Fun!  This week we managed to post our Holiday Gift Guide.  Which I am especially proud of this year.  It’s got lots of great stuff and it’s pretty too!  You can check it out here if you haven’t had a chance yet.

This year I hope to carve out a little bit of time to enjoy the season.  I’m even planning on attending our township Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony later this week.  Although I have to question my local leaders as they have  called it a “Holiday” Tree lighting.  What other Holiday gets a tree lighting, I ask you?  ”Hey Kids! Gather around the July 4th tree.”  I don’t think so.  Regardless I’ll find myself embracing the Christmas Spirit at our town’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony later this week. Even if I’m the only person there using the word Christmas.

Now don’t get me wrong.  I’m not a Christmas Nut.  I just think you need to call things by their proper names as long as they aren’t offensive.  I’d think it’d be just as silly if you were to going to play with your non-denominational Holiday Dreidel.  Let’s all embrace and recognize what various cultures bring to the table and celebrate those traditions.  (Just saying…)

It’s time for some Ed Holiday Trivia.  This year the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City was from my hometown of Mount Olive, NJ.  (Well, technically Flanders, NJ but it’s not like you guys know the difference!) My hometown is a pretty small place so the odds are pretty good that I’ve had some kind of interaction with that tree! (That’s all I’ll say about that.)

As I write this I just finished arranging some of the more cool blind box products in the store.  ”Blind Box Product” is a cool way of saying that you don’t know exactly what you are getting.  So we have all of these cool little mini-figures ranging from Unicorns & My Little Pony to Cactus People & Marvel Superheroes. I know I wouldn’t mind a few of these in my own stocking.  (Hint, Hint.)  It’s kind of like those packs of trading cards you would get when you were a kid.  You didn’t know exactly what you were going to get.  But you knew you wanted it!

Well, that’s it for me this week.  Lots of big news next week so watch this space for more information!

Until then remember to shop small and local!

Your Friend in Fun,
-Ed

One of the neat things about ATF is that while we are a local and a small business we really enjoy the holidays.  I’m playing Christmas music in the back office right now so I can set the right mood!

Here’s your look behind the scenes.

All Things Fun! will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.  (All of Thanks giving Day.)  Dina & I make a turkey and take one last day off before the holiday season.  (And yes, I make the turkey.) Unlike the folks that work at Target and Kohls we have the whole day off.

But then Black Friday, November 23 starting at 6am the fun begins.  I encourage everyone to shake off that turkey coma, ditch the family and come on down to All Things Fun! We really do love the mayhem and fun.  The first 10 people in line will get a free random graphic novel (from a special selection.) And then we’ve got some special advertised & unadvertised DoorBuster specials from 6am -10am.  And just to add some spice to things EVERYTHING IN THE STORE IS ON SALE.  Be sure to visit the website and facebook page for details.

We’ll be rolling out a daily preview of the discounts & doorbusters every day next week on our website.  Click here to check it out.

It’s our biggest event of the year and it runs from 6am to 10pm. (That’s 16 hours of mayhem.) Okay, that part might hurt a little.

But it’s a great way to kick-off the holiday season.  You’ll find all kinds of great games, toys, comics, graphic novels and more that the big box stores won’t bother stocking.  And the internet certainly won’t suggest a great game or graphic novel for your aunt Gertrude.

Another thing to note.  When you shop local over 70% more of the money you spend stays in the community.  You are supporting a local business that supports the community.  Not some massive corporation (or blind internet machine) racing to suck money out of your wallet as efficiently as possible. (Although I’ve been told I’m pretty efficient too!)

If you haven’t tried an All Things Fun! Black Friday Event you owe it to yourself.  We have a huge crowd of happy people shopping laughing and generally enjoying the holiday spirit.  It’s what retail was once about before things became so commercial.  Sure we still sell gifts but you are getting gifts you know are fun, sold by friends and helping your community.

And if all that wasn’t enough. We’ve just introduced Wish Lists here at All Things Fun!  Come on down to the store and select items you really want for the holidays.  We’ll hand you a bunch of slips that explain to your loved ones that you have a wishlist at All Things Fun!  Put these slips on the fridge, on your wife/husband’s pillow or place them in your holiday cards. You get the idea.  When your loved ones come down to ATF we can pull your wish list out of the computer and help them find you the perfect gift.  We then update your wish list with their purchase so we are ready for your next caring relative! (This is an easy way to get all kinds of cool stuff you actually want for the holidays!)

So let’s get ready for the holidays together!  Anybody know when The Year Without A Santa Clause or Emmet Otters Jug Band Christmas come on tv?

-Ed

We are slowly returning back to normal here at the store.  (Although I hope this week’s comic shipment surfaces sometime soon.)  Wholesalers are re-opening, UPS is shipping and people are venturing out of the house.  (Even if it’s just to get out of their darkened homes.) But enough about Sandy.  Let’s talk about me! I’ve gotten some feedback suggesting that I make the blog more personal.  More about what I’m working on, reading, enjoying etc.  Sounds like fun…

This week I’m reading 2 books in my spare time.  The first is the new Walking Dead Book, Return to Woodbury by Robert Kirkman.  Sometimes Kirkman gets a little dark for my taste (I know, that’s why lots of people like him.)  I have to admit I’m enjoying this new book more than his first Return of the Governor.  (Which was a pretty good book on it’s own.)  Woodbury had a few sequences that made me laugh out loud.  (And plenty that made me ill, have no fear.)  Ultimately a great book and a must read for ANY Walking Dead fan.

I’m also reading a book first published in the early 1980′s The Book of Swords Vol. 2 by Fred Saberhagen.  Coming out of a retail publishing background I’ve sold literally hundreds of copies of this fantasy series in the last 30 years.  On a recent visit to a used book store I found all 3 volumes on a shelf and picked them up.  (Supporting local business, you should too!)  It’s been a lot of fun.  Each of the 12 swords created by the gods has a special ability (and a name.)  We follow along as forces battle to identify and control the swords. I’m 2 books into the 3 book series and it’s been a fun read so far.  (Of course losing power slowed my night reading a bit.)

At the store both Dina & I have been busy working on event scheduling, FoodMachine and the All Things Fun! Holiday Catalog.  (More on that soon.)

Getting back to normal,

-Ed

It’s sad most of my retail peers have skipped Halloween for the greener (and more profitable) pastures of the Christmas Holidays.  Not here at All Things Fun!  How could we skip Halloween?  It’s the best time for vampires, ghouls and zombies!  And of course we love our horror stuff here at ATF!

We’ve partnered with various publishers to get our hands on some exclusive Halloween Comics just to be given out on Halloween.  We’ve got a neat mix of large & small books featuring both popular characters and some new stuff. Check out the picture on the right previewing some of the free comics available on Halloween.

We are also part of a much larger National Halloween Costume Contest.  Stop by the store.  We’ll take a picture and post it on the Costume Contest Website.  And then we’ll start getting votes for the best costume. (Nationally we’ll be awarding 500 prizes!)

Here at All Things Fun! the first 10 people (over the age of 18) that come in costume will each get a copy of the Ultimate Fantastic Four Vol. 1 Graphic Novel!  (While Supplies Last.)

And of course we’ll have candy for our trick-or-treaters. But that’s not all!  We’ll also be running demos of the super hot, just released new board game from Asmodee, City of Horror. In City of Horror, you’re playing a group of humans faced with a zombie invasion. The struggle against the dead is important, but your own survival is vital! To win, you’ll have to make alliances but also betray your companions. (So cool!)  Be among the first to learn how to play this new game!

Play City of Horrors from Asmodee at the ATF ComicFest

Lots of great reasons to celebrate Halloween here at All Things Fun!  Make sure you come out and take part in our first ever Halloween ComicFest Halloween Night, Wednesday, 10/31.  All The Action begins at 6pm!

As I type these words we’ve just past the middle of October.  Most folks are busy preparing for Halloween. (And we are certainly getting ready for our Halloween ComFest this October 31.) But the majority of my time is starting to fall into our largest annual ATF Charity Event FoodMachine 2012.

Now for those of you not familiar (or just curious) FoodMachine at All Things Fun! is an annual food drive and tournament where all of the proceeds go directly to the South Jersey Food Bank.  This is a special event for a number of reasons.  Let’s go down the list…

This is no ordinary Food Bank.

The South Jersey Food Bank (SJFB) provides over 8.2 million pounds of food and essentials to more than 200 emergency food pantries, soup kitchens  and shelters.  In many cases the SJFB provides over 75% of the food distributed or served at the various area distribution centers.  The SJFB is the backbone that provides help not just to the hungry but to those organizations that serve the hungry.  In this past year over 91,000 our of neighbors utilized emergency feeding programs administered by the SJFB.  All of these people live right here in Southern New Jersey.  The food we raise stays in our region and helps those that are having trouble making ends meet right here in our community.

This is not your typical food drive.

We will gratefully accept your donations of canned or other non-perishable foods.  But that’s not really what this is all about.  We take one of our most popular games at the store (Warmachine & Hordes.) And we create a special tournament.  You pay to enter the event in cans of food.  Then we create a list of several “cheats.” For example if you don’t like the roll you just made you can spend 2 cans to roll again. Don’t like that roll?  It will cost you 4 cans, then 8, cans, then 16 cans to re-roll your dice.  Before you know it you are spending cans like a mad-man!

This is not your typical game tournament.

We have people that don’t play games dropping off cans in the lead up to the event.  And we have generous local business partners that help us pull this event together and that donate prizes, time and effort.  Just a few of our generous partners this year include; Tunes, Vision Center II, Bottino’s Shop-Rite, Screen Gems and AKA Recording Studios.  Players come out and play in huge, super-fun event, win prizes from local businesses and get to help the community.

The idea has worked so well that All Things Fun! hosts one of the largest FoodMachine events on the planet.  (I can say that because game stores all over the world host these events!)  In the last 2 years with the help of our players, our community and our sponsors we raised over 7 tons of food for the SJFB.

And the best part is every last can we collect makes it to families in need in time for Thanksgiving.

This year we will be hosting our Annual FoodMachine Event on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at Noon.  I encourage everyone to get involved.  We’ve proven that a single person can make a difference.  Maybe this year it will be you.

Join us for FoodMachine 2012 at All Things Fun!
Sunday, 11/11/12 at Noon

Just saying.

Thank you to the over 200 people that came out last weekend to help us celebrate the Pre-Release of the latest Magic set, Return to Ravnica.  I also want to thank all those people that came out to play other games like HeroClix, Warmachine and Board Games.  I should also thank everyone that came out to shop at all hours.  I think you get the idea.  We have a lot of people to thank!  It was a crazy weekend pretty much from Friday Morning to Sunday Night.  And yes, we had to kick people out at 9pm Sunday Night. (So technically it was 59 hours but that doesn’t sound nearly as cool as 48 Hours of Magic.)

Admitted the main reason for this crazy schedule if to host 6 massive Magic The Gathering: Return to Ravnica Pre-Release Events.  If you aren’t a Magic person this is special for a couple of reasons:

• The return to one of the most popular game settings (Ravnica)
• The return of the Guilds (Think, factions)
• Pre-Release will be run by Guild and players will get special boxes that will never be available again
• And of course all of this happens a week before the public can buy the regular packs

So the gang at All Things Fun! had to up the ante and host 6 Pre-Release events all weekend long.  Including our first every Midnight Pre-Release.  (Actually we’ll be running 2 Midnight Events that weekend.)

If this stuff sounds interesting to you then just click here for all the event details and how to pre-register.

Since we are going to be open ALL WEEKEND LONG it also seemed appropriate to invite some other folks to join us.  We’ve already added a HeroClix Tournament at 3AM on Saturday, 9/29 (that’s Friday Night into Saturday morning.) We’re also hosting a Warmachine & Hordes Tournament at 3AM on Sunday, 9/30 (that’s Saturday Night into Sunday morning.)

But let me stress the doors are open, the register is open.  All Things Fun! is open.  Fighting insomnia?  No need.  Put on some pants and come get some comics or a nice soothing graphic novel.  We’ll be up & open all weekend long.

We’ll be like a pop-culture 7-11.  Want to run a game?  Give us a call and we’ll fit you into the schedule!

So come out and help us celebrate 48 Hours of Magic.  Even if you don’t play Magic.

All Things Fun! 48 Hours of Magic Store Hours
Friday, 9/28 Open at Noon
Saturday, 9/29 Open all day & night!
Sunday, 9/30 Close when last Pre-Release Event Ends (8pm-ish) 

Recently I attended a conference on Social Media & Small Business.  And after an interesting afternoon the experts told us we were doing things all wrong.  (They we very nice about it but still…)

Managing all the aspects of a social media program for a small business like All Things Fun! is a daunting task.  Where to we spend our limited resources?  ATF already has a very solid E-Mail newsletter list that we send weekly  updates on store activities.  We have a great website that can deliver all kinds of data (live calendar, event registration, etc.) We are active on Facebook, Twitter & Foursquare.  We have a channel on YouTube (with a new show every week.) We just started pages on Tumblr. And we are investigating Pinterest.  This stuff could be a full time job but we have to also squeeze in running a store & planning our huge schedule of events.

So let’s start small. Last week we made some of the changes to our newsletter that were suggested by the Social Media Experts.  To be honest they seemed largely cosmetic.  With the exception of my introduction all of the content stayed the same.

Much to my surprise it was a resounding success!  The majority of the feedback suggested that the new format made information easier to access.  You could investigate what interested you and ignore what didn’t.  But I did also get some feedback from folks that missed the introduction.  Most said the new e-mail was missing that personal connection.

I have to agree with that sentiment.  So how do I deliver laser sharp content, the ability to pick and choose to read the stories you want AND still get my personal message in there? What’s the answer??

You are reading it!  Each week our All Things Fun! Weekly E-Mail Newsletter will start with a small preview of that week’s new blog post.  While blogs aren’t exactly new it does allow us to create a space where we can be more personal, share experiences from the previous week and not be limited by space or have to worry about having to sell things.

So if you are a fan of our weekly introductions from the old newsletter you’ll be getting even more content!  But it will be just like the rest of the new e-mail newsletter.  You’ll get a preview and if you are interested you can click on the link to read the whole story!

Until next time.
-Ed