Midsummer 2023 pagan holiday Midsummer, also known as Litha, is a pagan holiday that celebrates the longest day of the year. It marks the peak of the summer season and the beginning of the harvest period. In 2023, Midsummer will be celebrated on June 21st. This ancient holiday has roots in various European traditions and represents a time of abundance, growth, and fertility. It is a time to honor the sun and its life-giving energy. Pagan communities come together to hold rituals, bonfires, and feasts to celebrate the power of the sun and the bountiful gifts of nature.

Mascots, Mythical Beasts & Media Convergence

D ragons, Yetis, Unicorns, Centaurs, Winged Horses. Mythical beasts exist in virtually every civilization on Earth.

The ancient — and constantly retold — stories of these creatures are much more than just folklore however. They are the “connective tissue” that explains, educates, engages and entertains countless generations of people. In many ways, the stories of mythical beasts constitute the earliest and purest examples of what we call “popular culture” today.

Team mascots are the mythical beasts of our modern world.

Amar Shah, Creative Strategist at Orlando Magic

Team mascots are the mythical beasts of our modern world. Here at the Orlando Magic, we believe our mascot, STUFF, can be used in much the same way to build and expand our fan base, create robust fan engagement and enhance the value of our brand among our fans around the world and in our community.

That’s why we’re proud to announce that our creative team at the Orlando Magic is launching STUFF Studios — an original in-house creative content “agency” whose mission is to integrate STUFF into popular culture by telling scripted, character-driven stories.

But before I tell you where we’re going, I think it’s important that I tell you where I’ve been so that you have a full grasp of this project’s genesis.

My specialty is tapping into the intersection of sports and popular culture. I was Neil Everett’s go-to guy at ESPN, and spent a few years on SportsCenter making magic by mixing mythical creatures from Harry Potter with jersey-wearing Wizards and turning Neil himself into a Jedi Knight.

In 2006, I headed for the West Coast where I worked as a producer on The Best Damn Sports Show Period and then in 2012 NFL Media came calling. In that role I was able to turn Russell Wilson into a Hobbit, create a DC Comics Mock Draft, tell the Oral History of Varsity Blues and finally serve as creator and Lead Producer on a Rod Tidwell ‘documentary’ celebrating the 20th anniversary of Cameron Crowe’s Jerry Maguire.

For that project we teamed up with Sony Pictures and it was my first true test of how to integrate sponsors organically into entertainment-driven sports content in the digital era.

Learning how to Californicate content taught me a ton, but I was ready to do something new and disruptive. So when the opportunity arose, I decided to go back home to Orlando.

I’m kind of like LeBron in that sense — and maybe this is my Coming Home essay.

STUFF Studios is the byproduct of stuff (no pun intended) that both the Magic and I have been doing for a while.

STUFF is what we call “evergreen awesome.” As one of the stars of the 2016 NBA Dunk Contest, he appeals across genders, demos and generations. This allows us to tell team and brand stories to the broadest possible audience without requiring player involvement.

When we do get players — such as Terrence Ross who appears in our first release, The Fast and the Furriest — it’s gravy, and it makes our content that much more compelling.

We have a talented team of broadcast and digital producers, and our immediate goal is to tell between four and six stories about STUFF during the coming year. We’re drawing inspiration from the never-ending pipeline of influences including (but certainly not limited to) summer movie releases, television (think Game of Thrones and its dragons), the NBA Draft and training camp, music, fashion and whatever else catches our attention and permeates the cultural conversation.

We want to be timely, original and fun in all of the stories we tell. We also want to do it in ways that are attractive to brands and make sponsor integration organic and easy without stamping logos across the narrative.

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We know that it’s not enough to make great content…you have to promote it, and that’s really what the “studio” part is all about.

Our game plan is to promote upcoming features with teasers, GIFs, trailers and “posters” across multiple social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, in addition to our web and mobile-based owned media channels. Features will premiere on Facebook and then platform out to all the other channels after a few days.

Of course, we are not alone in an endeavor of this type. Our friends at the Chicago Bulls and Bleacher Report deserve all the credit in the world for helping set the tone as we begin what we believe is a “renaissance” of digital storytelling.

One of my favorite quotations is from Gary Vaynerchuk — a highly successful entrepreneur and social media influencer (as well as a personal hero of mine). He once said: “Storytelling is the game. It’s what we all do.”

I couldn’t have said it better.

Athletes are rivaling HBO and Netflix for eyeballs, but fans and brands need the content to be equal quality.

Amar Shah is an Emmy-winning producer who got a Cameron Crowe-esque start when he covered the NBA for Slam Magazine and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated for Kids with Shaquille O’Neal at the age of 15.

He has worked as a producer at ESPN and Fox Sports, and later led the Digital Features and Sponsored Content editorial team at NFL Media. Amar recently joined the Orlando Magic as its Creative Strategist.

Much like Game of Thrones and its Winter, Hashtag Sports 2019 is coming. Hear the stories of other digital experts and innovators June 24–26.

Small Business Saturday: Magic Funny Mascots

Today we want to introduce you to a mama owned business that truly makes everyone’s day a little brighter! Heidi Brown started Magic Funny Mascots in 2017after having a mascot at her son’s party and having the realization that it could be done so much better. Magic Funny Mascots now has 25 mascots to choose from and is putting smiles on kids’ faces at events all over town!

Heidi and 3 of her mascots will be out at our Crafts & Crawfish family event TODAY at Cane Island! So, if you are reading this and still at home, gather up the kiddos and come enjoy the sunshine! Plus, Heidi is now booking for the Easter Bunny!

Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the Katy area?

I am from Mexico and I’ve lived in the Katy area for about 10 years

You are a mama as well, how old are your kids?

I have a 22-year old daughter, a 17-year old son, and a 7-year old son.

What did you do before becoming a business owner?

I was a housewife immediately before.

When did you start Magic Fun Mascots?

You have such a unique business, what was the inspiration behind it?

My inspiration was a ‘bad’ mascot at my youngest son’s friend’s birthday party; I wanted to try to it out for myself, but only better.

How many mascots do you have now and what are some examples?

We currently own 25 mascots: like the baby shark and LOL characters

You get to bring so much joy to kids, is that your favorite part of your business?

Yes, that and the ability to meet friendly parents and event-planners.

What events around town can we see your mascots at?

I do holiday events and small-business events.

What’s one thing you’d like to go back and tell the you before you were a business owner?

“Don’t buy any costumes that are for unpopular shows and movies, etc.”

Best advice for someone wanting to take the leap of faith into entrepreneurship or wanting to open their own business?

You should always remember to persevere and believe in yourself.

Who inspires you most in business and who inspires you most in motherhood?

In the business sense, I’m most inspired by Oprah Winfrey, and in motherhood, I’m most inspired by my own mother.

When things get hard, what’s one thing you tell yourself to keep going when running this business?

Don’t give up, there’s always tomorrow.

How do you balance being a business owner, wife, and mama?

It’s hard, but I do my best to organize it so that the parties do not interfere with my children’s school life.

Do you experience the dreaded ‘mom guilt’ and if so, how do you deal?

Yes, I think plenty of us moms do, but I just ‘take days off’ (weekends and the sort) to unwind and ensure that I continue being the best mom that I can be.

Future plans for your business?

The future of this business may change a lot in services that can be provided, and I especially hope that I will be able to make more people’s days.

Any special, sales, or deals our Katy Moms can look out for?

Presently, we’re going to be running an Easter Day Special in which the Easter Bunny visits and gifts every child (or whomever the service was intended for) an egg; this gives families great photo opportunities. On top of that, we provide 10-minute-visits by our characters – parents and children love this even more when we are requested to give a gift to, say, a birthday boy.

To learn more about Magic Funny Mascots or to book mascots:

Survey: Orlando displays right 'Stuff' in most obnoxious NBA mascot ranking

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 23: Orlando Magic mascot Stuff the Magic Dragon entertains the crowd during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Amway Center on December 23, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees

LAKE MARY, Fla. - When it comes to "most obnoxious" NBA team mascots, one survey shows Orlando has the right "Stuff."

"Stuff the Magic Dragon" of the Orlando Magic ranked fourth according to research conducted by the sports betting site PlayAZ.com.

"With his lime green fur, yellow blowers protruding from his nose and springy antennae, there's no doubt that ‘Stuff’ is a little over the top for some people," surveyors said.

"Stuff" was bested by "Lucky the Leprechaun" of the Boston Celtics (No. 1), "Mavs Man" of the Dallas Mavericks (No. 2), and "G-wiz" of the Washington Wizards (No. 3). Trailing the pack was "Go the Gorilla" of the Phoenix Suns (No. 5).

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Orlando Magic mascot Stuff the Magic Dragon interacts with spectators during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Amway Center on November 19, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agre

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 14: Orlando Magic mascot Stuff the Magic Dragon interacts with a police officer during the game against the LA Clippers at Amway Center on December 14, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agr

According to basketball fans, the mascot at the top of the mountain is the Denver Nuggets’ "Rocky the Mountain Lion." Fans gave Rocky a nearly 4-star rating out of 5. Coming in at a very close second place is one of the oldest NBA mascots, "Benny the Bull" of the Chicago Bulls with a 3.86 rating.

According to basketball fans, the worst mascot in the NBA is the "Mavs Man" of the Dallas Mavericks. Fans gave the "Mavs Man" a paltry 1.69 star rating out of 5.

"Stuff" placed 20th out of 27 mascots, with fans giving the Magic's mascot a 2.65 rating.

"Stuff" had a much better showing in a similar survey conducted by BetMGM, placing 5th in best NBA team mascot.

"'Stuff the Magic Dragon' should be at the ‘worst’ end of this list, but what could the Magic do with a name like theirs?" BetMGM surveyors wrote. "Not much, so they did the only thing they could do."

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 25: Orlando Magic mascot Stuff the Magic Dragon kisses a spectator during the game against the Washington Wizards at Amway Center on November 25, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees th

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - APRIL 19: Stuff the Magic Dragon cheers during the Orlando Magic vs Toronto Raptors game at Amway Center on April 19, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Cassy Athena/Getty Images)

"Stuff" is still a fan favorite in Orlando and even the team members have special place in their hearts for the green beast. However, as FOX 35 Sports Anchor Adam Shadoff has reported, Magic center Robin Lopez has had a beef with "Stuff" and a few other mascots in the league.

Robin Lopez, Orlando Magic's interesting big man

FOX 35 Sports Anchor Adam Shadoff spoke with Robin Lopez of the Orlando Magic.

PlayAZ.com surveyed more than 1,500 NBA fans across the country to ask them to rate every official NBA mascot on a scale of 1-5. Ratings were then averaged for each mascot. Among respondents, 50% were male and 50% were female with an average age of 30.

The Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks do not have official mascots, so they were not included in this list.

Watch FOX 35 Orlando for the latest Central Florida news.

Pagan communities come together to hold rituals, bonfires, and feasts to celebrate the power of the sun and the bountiful gifts of nature. One of the central themes of Midsummer is creating a balance between light and dark. As the days grow shorter after this holiday, it is a time to reflect on the cyclical nature of life and to embrace the beauty of both light and darkness.

Midsummer is associated with many customs and symbols. One popular tradition is the lighting of bonfires, representing purification and protection from evil spirits. People gather around these fires, singing, dancing, and jumping over the flames for good luck. Another common practice during this holiday is the gathering of herbs and flowers, believed to hold powerful energies at this time of year. These plants are used for medicinal purposes, making charms, or decorating altars and homes. In many pagan communities, Midsummer is a time for performing rituals and spells to manifest desires, promote personal growth, and connect with the natural world. It is believed that the energy of this day is especially potent for setting intentions and working with nature's abundance. As with any pagan holiday, Midsummer has personal and cultural variations. Each community may have specific traditions and rituals they follow, adding their unique touch to the celebration. In conclusion, Midsummer 2023, a pagan holiday, is a time to celebrate the longest day of the year and embrace the power of the sun and the gifts of nature. It is a time of balance, reflection, and growth, as well as a time for rituals, bonfires, and feasts. Whether through lighting bonfires, gathering herbs and flowers, or performing rituals, Midsummer allows pagan communities to come together and honor the cyclical nature of life..

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