Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving


President Bush pardoned a turkey today from serving as the centerpiece of someone's Thanksgiving table. An annual tradition since the Truman administration, the turkey's gain has also become a timely distraction for flagging Presidential polls. While President Bush's ratings have been dropping like the proverbial ton of bricks, the turkey story, and his announcement today of the eminent withdrawal of 50,000 U.S. troops from Iraq, should help move that number back up in the coming days. What is good for the turkey is apparently good for the President, and in turn, good for the country. Whatever the political reasoning, we have much to be thankful for in being able to welcome our troops home soon, and we can begin to hope that the war in Iraq will also be over as well.
President Lincoln, when he declared Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863, faced a very different war. There were no opportunities for troop withdrawals, and this war was not a field trip to another part of the world, but one being fought, quite literally, in the backyards of the country's citizens. What was Lincoln asking our ancestors to do on that first Thanksgiving? What are we asking of ourselves this Thursday as we gather together as a nation to celebrate Thanksgiving once again?
President Lincoln gave the United states of 1863 a great gift when it was needed most. As most wars do, the Civil War had already lasted much longer than anticipated, had ravaged the country's human and material resources, and had almost destroyed all hope of a national future, let alone any normalcy or peace. In offering this first annual day of giving thanks, President Lincoln gave the country back a hope and a future. The country would come through the conflict, be whole once more, and celebrate Thanksgiving together in years to come. What Lincoln was teaching the United States, and asking it to do, was to believe in its collective destiny in order to be able to have the strength to create it when that time came. Lincoln, like Abraham before him, and Martin Luther King, Jr. after him, did not make it to the Promised Land of a reunited country, but he did prepare the country to move forward into a post-Civil War world, to realize hope at a time when hope had walked away, leaving the United States empty handed.
That collective destiny has emerged as a present-day hope we can see in the ongoing creation of a country that is still committed to being a society that cares about and invests in the greater good. Intentionally focusing our attentions on gratitude for even this one day a year directs us toward our own destiny as a country in a much more positive way. A full table, surrounded by people we love and with whom we choose to spend time, is part of the manifestation of what Lincoln's intention was for the United States' families of 1863. Their legacy is now in our hands. Considering our nation's domestic policies and international relations, how can we move this part of the legacy forward, and what legacy are we creating as our contribution for our descendants? How do we make this day about them, and not only about ourselves?
Although a national holiday, Thanksgiving also has faithful roots in our gratitude to God for the abundance in our lives. God, as our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, has blessed us richly, and continues to do so. Jesus' words, "Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours (Mark 11:24)," link faith and gratitude firmly together. Each is necessary in all circumstances to carry us through to that next step, and the one after that, and the one after that, until we are back on solid ground. A deeply spiritual man, I suspect President Lincoln was familiar with this text, and imparted its wisdom to a nation sorely in need of faith in itself to see a future, and create the path to its unfolding. We do well to pay attention to that wisdom again today.
That first Thanksgiving legacy lives on in us. Our country has choices to make about our present and how that will impact our future. Our view of the world, how we fit into the process of healing our planet of old wounds and wars, will be our guiding force. Remembering that our present thoughts, beliefs and prayers are already heard and being manifested, makes that impact immediate and profound. Thank you, God, for the grace to continue.

Forgiving Clyde Corbin

Forgiving Clyde Corbin


I was two years old when my mother abruptly died from a hemorrhaging brain aneurysm. Less than a year after her death, my dad married a woman named Judy. Judy had an uncle whose name was Clyde Corbin. I don't remember all of the details, but for some reason, my dad and new stepmother used to drop me off at Clyde's house to spend the night.
While staying at his house, he frequently took me to carnivals and parks. He also took me shopping for toys, and ice cream. The days I spent at "Uncle Clyde's" house were fun. The nights were completely different. This is when the demons emerged, and his house turned in to a living hell, leaving me paralyzed with fear.
Clyde would wait until his wife (Ann) would go to sleep. He would then come into my bedroom, lead me into a front room, and make me perform sexual acts on him. (I'll refrain from giving full details.) When this started, I was about three years old; the frequency of nights spent there, was at least twice a month.
Clyde was successful making me submit to what he wanted because he quietly mumbled threats under his breath.
The most frequent threats were "If you tell your dad what's happening, he'll hate you" or "If you scream, make any noises, tell Ann, or anyone else, you're gonna be in a LOT of trouble."
His mind control gripped me with anxiety every night I stayed in his home. When daylight arrived, Ann would awake and my fears would ease.
Soon after waking, my dad would arrive to pick me up, but I was too afraid to tell him what happened. At age ten, my dad and Judy divorced. The pain of their divorce was almost unbearable (Judy was the only mother I had ever known).
It did become a turning point in my life though, because I realized my dad wouldn't be taking me back to Clyde's house. This realization liberated me from the fear and I was finally able to confess to my dad.
My dad was hurt to find out what had happened, but he never took it any further. He assured me this type of thing would never happen again, I was safe now and that was good enough for me.
>From age 10 to 19, I had no recollection of any of the events that occurred during those years of staying with Clyde. I suppose the Lord had intervened and had blocked all memories of those traumatic events. He did this to preserve my sanity.
At age 19 while watching a t.v. show, something I saw on t.v. triggered some of the memories from when I was a child. Within a few days, I had remembered everything Clyde Corbin "got away with." Angered by the memories, I decided to track him down and give him a "piece of my mind." I really wanted him to suffer for what he had put me through as an innocent child.
I wanted to tell his wife Ann that her husband was a child molester and I wanted him to suffer through a divorce. Vengence was on my mind and I was determined to "get him back."
As far as I know, the statute of limitations had run out for me to try having him convicted, so confronting him as an adult to find out why he did those things was the only recourse I had. I located Clyde's phone number through my ex-step-brother, who had no idea why I wanted to reach him but gave me the number anyway.
When I was finally able to reach Clyde by phone, he sounded shocked that I would be calling him. His first reaction was to ask if I had told his wife Ann. The next thing he did was deny, deny, deny. He said he didn't know what I was talking about and that I needed to leave him alone.
I continued asking him why, but he refused to acknowledge his guilt. He said he was an old man, and that he was sick and about to die. I told him I didn't care if he died and demanded an answer to my "why" questions. He finally hung up on me.
By this time, I could literally feel steam coming from my head and eyes. Infuriated, I decided to call him back to give him a piece of my mind, but he never answered the phone. Two days later, he had the phone number changed. When I was twenty- three years old, I gave my heart to Jesus and he instructed me to forgive Clyde. This was a grand task I thought, and wasn't sure I could do it. Jesus asked one question which changed my entire point of view.
Jesus asked, "Is it possible Clyde Corbin was also molested when he was a child?"
I pondered the question and actually started feeling sorry for Clyde. For the first time in my life, I felt compassion for him. I found myself kneeling in prayer asking God to forgive Clyde for his mistakes. I also asked God to forgive me for becoming so bitter and angry.
Once I finally forgave Clyde in my heart, I experienced a new freedom and peace of mind I hadn't felt for years.

Forgiving Clyde Corbin


I was two years old when my mother abruptly died from a hemorrhaging brain aneurysm. Less than a year after her death, my dad married a woman named Judy. Judy had an uncle whose name was Clyde Corbin. I don't remember all of the details, but for some reason, my dad and new stepmother used to drop me off at Clyde's house to spend the night.

While staying at his house, he frequently took me to carnivals and parks. He also took me shopping for toys, and ice cream. The days I spent at "Uncle Clyde's" house were fun. The nights were completely different. This is when the demons emerged, and his house turned in to a living hell, leaving me paralyzed with fear.

Clyde would wait until his wife (Ann) would go to sleep. He would then come into my bedroom, lead me into a front room, and make me perform sexual acts on him. (I'll refrain from giving full details.) When this started, I was about three years old; the frequency of nights spent there, was at least twice a month.

Clyde was successful making me submit to what he wanted because he quietly mumbled threats under his breath.

The most frequent threats were "If you tell your dad what's happening, he'll hate you" or "If you scream, make any noises, tell Ann, or anyone else, you're gonna be in a LOT of trouble."

His mind control gripped me with anxiety every night I stayed in his home. When daylight arrived, Ann would awake and my fears would ease.

Soon after waking, my dad would arrive to pick me up, but I was too afraid to tell him what happened. At age ten, my dad and Judy divorced. The pain of their divorce was almost unbearable (Judy was the only mother I had ever known).

It did become a turning point in my life though, because I realized my dad wouldn't be taking me back to Clyde's house. This realization liberated me from the fear and I was finally able to confess to my dad.

My dad was hurt to find out what had happened, but he never took it any further. He assured me this type of thing would never happen again, I was safe now and that was good enough for me.

>From age 10 to 19, I had no recollection of any of the events that occurred during those years of staying with Clyde. I suppose the Lord had intervened and had blocked all memories of those traumatic events. He did this to preserve my sanity.

At age 19 while watching a t.v. show, something I saw on t.v. triggered some of the memories from when I was a child. Within a few days, I had remembered everything Clyde Corbin "got away with." Angered by the memories, I decided to track him down and give him a "piece of my mind." I really wanted him to suffer for what he had put me through as an innocent child.

I wanted to tell his wife Ann that her husband was a child molester and I wanted him to suffer through a divorce. Vengence was on my mind and I was determined to "get him back."

As far as I know, the statute of limitations had run out for me to try having him convicted, so confronting him as an adult to find out why he did those things was the only recourse I had. I located Clyde's phone number through my ex-step-brother, who had no idea why I wanted to reach him but gave me the number anyway.

When I was finally able to reach Clyde by phone, he sounded shocked that I would be calling him. His first reaction was to ask if I had told his wife Ann. The next thing he did was deny, deny, deny. He said he didn't know what I was talking about and that I needed to leave him alone.

I continued asking him why, but he refused to acknowledge his guilt. He said he was an old man, and that he was sick and about to die. I told him I didn't care if he died and demanded an answer to my "why" questions. He finally hung up on me.

By this time, I could literally feel steam coming from my head and eyes. Infuriated, I decided to call him back to give him a piece of my mind, but he never answered the phone. Two days later, he had the phone number changed. When I was twenty- three years old, I gave my heart to Jesus and he instructed me to forgive Clyde. This was a grand task I thought, and wasn't sure I could do it. Jesus asked one question which changed my entire point of view.

Jesus asked, "Is it possible Clyde Corbin was also molested when he was a child?"

I pondered the question and actually started feeling sorry for Clyde. For the first time in my life, I felt compassion for him. I found myself kneeling in prayer asking God to forgive Clyde for his mistakes. I also asked God to forgive me for becoming so bitter and angry.

Once I finally forgave Clyde in my heart, I experienced a new freedom and peace of mind I hadn't felt for years.

How To Renew Your Mind For Healing

How To Renew Your Mind For Healing


A renewed mind, in the Biblical sense, is a mind that is so saturated with Scripture that it thinks Scripture when a crisis hits, rather than relying on wits for a solution to the crisis.
In other words, our minds are renewed when it is so saturated with the word of God that we think Scripture when decision time arrives, rather than trying to “figure things out for ourselves” by using our wits. At that point in time, we know we have renewed our minds in the Biblical sense. This is what Paul meant in his letter to the Romans.
Rom 12:2
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)
Now let us go a step further. Let’s pay close attention to those Scriptures in the Old Testament that were obviously addressed to The Abrahamic Seed Group. Concentrate on these because, unless they are specifically done away with, they are still in force now and we Gentile Christians are grafted into the same promises. We get the same benefits from them that the Old Testament members of The Abrahamic Seed Group received from them. Now we shall apply the above in the articles below.
Healing with these Abrahamic blessing Scriptures
God’s provision for healing the members of The Abrahamic Seed Group is his Word. The Bible is VERY plain about this. Here is just one instance.
Ps 107:20-21
20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
21 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (KJV)
Notice very clearly the verses above. God sent his word…His Word! We members of The Abrahamic Seed Group have God’s instrument and cure for sickness here. This is it. But it seems too simplistic. It seems too good to be true. But it is true. Here’s another one.
Prov 4:20-22
20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. (KJV)
Again, His words and His sayings are health to the flesh of the members of The Abrahamic Seed Group. Consequently, we must renew our minds with the above Scriptures. We must concentrate and meditate on them so thoroughly that we don’t even hesitate to depend on them to put us over when we become ill.
The basis for your healing
Of course, healing for us Christians comes by “faith.” But what is faith? “Faith” is information we get from God for us to act upon. “Believe,” in the Bible, is simply acting upon this information we received from God.
The above Scriptures are our “information”. Obviously, God’s words are his answer for our healing. Both verses above could not be plainer. God’s words are, indeed, his answer for our healing.
Now we must act upon them. How? Here’s how! Notice some practical instructions we are to walk out.
1. Psalms 107:21 above tells us to praise him for sending his word to heal us.
2. Proverbs 20:22 tells us to attend to His words.
3. Proverbs 20:20-22 also tells us to incline our ear to His sayings or words.
4. It also says to not let them depart from our eyes.
5. In addition it says we must keep them in the midst of our heart.
Start here. Do these simple things and your healing is on its way. There is much, much more in Proverbs 20 that pertains to your healing. These, however, will get you started.

Golf Strength Exercises…Can You Benefit From Them

Golf strength exercises are a must for any golfer wanting to improve power output; decrease injury; improve accuracy and consistency, and slow the effects of the aging process for senior golfers.
There is more and more information coming out about golf strength exercises, but some of it is a bit misleading. What constitutes golf strength exercises? And what are the benefits of doing them once you recognize the difference between golf strength exercises and ‘general’ fitness exercises?
First off…a sport specific approach is needed. In analyzing the physical requirements of the golf swing, we know several things right up front.
It takes place on your feet. You are in a very dynamic and athletic body position (golf posture). You maintain this position while you swing a 3 foot long lever at up to 100 mph. There is a definite sequence of motion required. Maintaining balance, stability and coordination are a must.
Okay…now that we’ve ‘briefly’ recognized just some of the physical requirements for an optimal golf swing, what would be the approach to your golf improvement program?
Since the golf swing takes place on your feet, you would definitely want to do many of your exercises on your feet. Doesn’t that make sense? Since you are in a dynamic (golf posture) position, you would want to strengthen the muscles that help maintain this position.
Because golf is a turn back (rotation) and a turn through (rotation), you must focus on both core strength and flexibility from a rotational standpoint. Not doing so, will slow your golf improvement and not give you the results you were hoping for.
Balance is critical to maintain a consistent swing with optimal mechanics, therefore you would want to challenge and improve your body awareness. This entails doing exercises on unstable surfaces; isolating just one side of the body, then the other to balance it out; and using many different modes of resistance (for example bands, handweights, stability balls, medicine balls, and even body weight).
Along with balance is stability. They go hand-in-hand, and in order to improve stability, you need to work on strengthening your lower body, specific to the dynamic movement of the golf swing. This would be from a lateral (side-to-side) motion, to a definite rotational (turning) motion. Training your lower body to improve stability is a must to produce repeatable shots.
We cannot ignore golf-specific flexibility in regards to utilizing golf strength exercises. But the type of flexibility needed is once again, dynamic. I hate to keep using that word, but the golf swing, is not like other athletic movements. Being in golf posture and moving that club at up to 100 mph takes a tremendous amount of flexibility in the major joints of the body.
Stretches that are most effective are movement oriented stretches, not static (holding) stretches. Improving your range of motion, with motion stretches is the only way to go. Taking a look at body positions throughout the swing will give you a better idea of the types of movement stretches you need to do to maximize your body’s ability to produce consistent power.
None of the above can be attained sitting in a stationary machine in a gym. I hate to burst your bubble. Don’t get me wrong. Any exercise is better than no exercise; but if you want to make better use of your time, you’ve got to participate in more golf strength exercises, than machine (general) exercise.

Navigating on the Mountain, in Water, or in Woods there is a Garmin eTrex Unit For You.

Truly a small wonder, the eTrex takes the best features of a 12 parallel channel GPS receiver and put them into a six ounce package that is only four inches high and two inches wide. The result is a unit that will literally fit in the palm of your hand.
Besides its small size, mariners and outdoorsmen will likely notice the sleek design of the eTrex.
All buttons are located on either side of the unit, allowing for simple, one-handed operation that won't obstruct your view of the display. In fact, the eTrex features only five operator buttons for the ultimate in user-friendly design.
Inside the eTrex, you will find the proven performance of a 12 parallel channel GPS receiver that will run for 18 hours on just two AA batteries.
No need to worry about dense tree canopy with this unit, the eTrex will continue to maintain a tight satellite lock even while operating in forest-like conditions. The eTrex will store up to 500 user waypoints with graphic icons and boasts Garmin's exclusive TracBack® feature that will reverse your track log and help you navigate your way back home. In addition, the eTrex uses animated graphics that will help you identify your marked waypoints quickly and easily.
The Garmin eTrex family consists of six members - the eTrex, eTrex Camo, eTrex Summit, eTrex Legend, eTrex Venture and eTrex Vista.
The family retain the same basic features one of the best-selling handheld GPS systems on the market, and has adapted them to add some unique features to make each of them the perfect tool for their intended users.

Waiver Requirements

Waiver Requirements
Most Participant Liability Insurance Policies now require that participants sign waivers. These waivers vary from policy to policy, and their legal implications vary jurisdiction to jurisdiction and case by case. If the participant is a minor, a parent or legal guardian must sign the waiver.
Generally, waivers are used when there is a risk of being held responsible for something that should not be your responsibility. In the case of sports, it is a known that accidents do happen.
All participants, parents and legal guardians know this prior to registering. The waiver is primarily a proof that the participant acknowledges, understands and accepts this risk, and as a consequence has waived the right to hold the sports organization responsible should an accident occur.
Are you really waiving anything?
The legal implications of waivers can be somewhat different. As liability suits generally take place in state or provincial courts much variance exists between the jurisdictions. However, most do adhere to the rule that you cannot sign away your rights. So if the accident is due to negligence, the participant may, in some cases, be able to hold the organization liable regardless of the waiver.
Further, many waivers are incorrectly worded and in some jurisdictions, these wordings may even be illegal. This is the case for all jurisdictions that forbid a parent or legal guardian from waiving a minor's right or in the case the law holds one party strictly liable for certain acts regardless of any waiver.
Other elements that will affect the legality of waivers include when a hardship is placed on those who will not sign the waiver, where the organization is for profit, the age of the participant, cause of the injury, and where the person signing the waiver adds terms such as "under duress".
How do you proceed?
If you are a participant, read the waiver and if you are in agreement sign it. Behave in a responsible manner, and assume that the waiver has waived your rights and therefore it is up to you to behave in a prudent manner.
If you are the coach or part of the organization, read the waiver and if you are in agreement have your players sign it, then, behave as if no waiver or insurance is in place. Personally check the field and facilities for things that may cause accidents, and do not hesitate to call the game if you believe people are going to be injured.
Form and Content
There is no guarantee of a summary judgement, but improperly worded waivers are almost guaranteed rejection. Insureds should rely on their own insurance and legal counsels when preparing the waiver and process for actual use.
Guidelines for preparing waivers
Keep wording as clear as possible. Keep form to one sheet and to a single purpose. It can be confusing if it is part of a ticket or registration form. Make the form a serious legal document with red ink, use of legal seals, bold print and headings. The title should be bold, large, and obvious that this is a waiver of important rights. Make it clear that the signing participant understand and accepts that the risk of serious injury exists, whether from a known risk or unknown risk. Put all phrasings in first person ("I acknowledge…I accept"). Specify that the waiver also applies to negligence (liability through breach of a duty of care). Include specific risks only if they are unusual and relevant. The release of the insured (and all who act for the insured) should be on behalf of his/her heirs, assigns, and next of kin. To document their assumption of risk, have minor participants sign prior to their parent or guardian. Have the parent/guardian release and indemnify the insured, as well as agree to the participation of their minor child. Have your waiver and related procedures reviewed by your insurance broker and lawyer. Finally, even summary judgements entail legal expenses. Be properly insured.

Little White Wonders

Little White Wonders
The most common sight on a golf course is of course, the golf ball and with the popularity of golf, it’s no wonder there are dozens of types of golf balls at your disposal. They range from soft core to liquid core, hard cover to no cover. Prices also range from $10 a dozen to $10 a ball. With these extremes and variations, its no wonder people are having trouble deciding what kind of ball to play with. If you are one of these people, who don’t know Surlyn from Srixon, continue to read on and explore the adventures of the world of Golf Balls.The most common golf ball on the course is the two-piece golf ball. This ball is used by 49% of players. This is a tough, durable ball usually with a solid inner core and a hard Surlyn cover. The most common form of the ball is the ever popular Top Flite XL. These balls have little spin and little feel. They do offer more bang for your buck. For about $15 you can buy a dozen Top Flite XL. The advance two-piece balls do offer more feel. They often have cores made form a soft material, sometimes even liquid. These golf balls offer more feel and cost only a little more, about $20 for a dozen Top Flite XL 2000s. These two piece golf balls are what every beginner should play. With little spin, you are less likely to hook or slice this ball. Also, these balls go farther than balata balls. And at the low price, it won’t take a bite out of your budget. The second ball is gaining more and more popularity very day. The Multi-layer ball, either three, or four piece golf ball is most commonly used on the PGA tour. These balls usually have a core, one or two layer(s) surrounding that, and then a core. (Similar to earth) The popularity of these balls is quickly surpassing that of balata balls. These balls are slightly more expensive ranging from $30-$40, some even reaching $50. These balls are a bit more expensive but for the more advanced player, averaging low 80’s, upper 70’s on 18 will benefit from them. However, if you are a beginner, I would recommend spending your money on a lesson, rather than on multilayer balls. The final ball is the balata ball. This ball has a rubber band wound core, surrounded by a balata cover. Balata is a rubber-like material, which was once collected from South America, but is now manufactured synthetically. These balls are very flimsy and often will not hold up to the average players round. However, they do offer extraordinary feel and have great spin. They do lack in distance, though, compared to a two-piece or even multilayer ball. Professionals prefer these balls as they do offer more spin, and stop faster on the green. More spin however, emphasizes side-spin, resulting in more slices and hooks. This creates problems for most people so I wouldn’t recommend this to the average Joe, though 24% of them play it. The balata ball should be used by the best of the very best, and I think that it will be gradually replaced by the multi-layer ball in the near future. Golf balls are an essential part of the golf game today. With today’s modern advances, it’s no wonder why we have so many different types of golf balls. However, we must sort through these golf balls to find the golf ball that is right for you. With four-layer golf balls that have liquid cores, it’s amazing to think that 150 years ago golf balls were made with feathers and leather.

That's Entertainment!

That's Entertainment!

Welcome to That's Entertainment! In this issue, we'll explore part one of a three-part serial - Audition Tips - Straight From the Source.
We spoke with Judy Thomas, production coordinator and artistic talent director with Walt Disney's World on Ice, to learn more about the auditioning process. With seven shows currently rotating the world, Walt Disney's World On Ice (WWOI) employs about 400 skaters, both men and women. If you're interested in becoming one of the next recruits, read on. We'll uncover the facts about what it takes to become a professional Disney performer.
6.0 Skate: What should interested skaters do to arrange an audition?
Judy Thomas: We ask that they send a videotape, resume and current photo [see below for address]. Some skaters will just phone, they know that the show's coming into, say Boston area at Christmas, and they'll call and enquire about the audition time and date. Throughout the year, we take names and phone numbers and then contact them when we have an established time and date, and call and let them know.
6.0: Who conducts the onsite auditions?
Judy: Performance directors with the line captains demonstrating.
6.0: What do you want to see on a video audition?
Judy: Well, what I ask first is that they introduce themselves, and just tell us a bit about themselves. It gives a little more in-person view to the video, and also maybe with regards to why they want to perform professionally with Disney on Ice. We request that they perform all elements within a practice session and perform those as though they're performing in front of a house of 18,000 people. Then we ask that they include any competitive programs of their choice as well as any exhibition-type programs. Any time they're able to include a program that's entertaining and shows performing skills, it's really appreciated.
6.0: What don't you want to see?
Judy: I'd say it's best to send a tape of your most current work as opposed to a competition four years ago. It's interesting ... you may receive a tape where someone's falling, and some people think they should edit that out, but it's the way they respond to that fall sometimes shows me exactly what I want to see. If they have the ability to get up and perform as if it never happened, that's wonderful!
6.0: How many skaters do you hire each year?
Judy: It really depends on our turnover. The amount of auditions vary and it's interesting because you can almost see the cycle ....In Toronto four years ago we may have had 45 auditions, where everyone was graduating that year ... and that's usually all the seniors in the club, and so you almost have to wait until the next generation of seniors grow up. So we audition in every city, I'd say we have several hundred auditions a year around the world. [It also depends on] how many shows we're building.
6.0: How many shows are currently on the road?
Judy: We have seven shows -- five domestic and two foreign tours. The one tour does Japan, Asia, Australia, and then we have a Europe tour, and then one of our domestic shows does part USA and part South America.
6.0: In your opinion, is 17 years of age old enough to travel with a show?
Judy: I think it really depends on the person and not everyone is old enough. During the audition process we try to determine a maturity level and a level of professionalism. We have a lot of skaters now that come to work with us after they've completed college, and they have that experience behind them, which really helps. I would say our average age is probably higher than 17 or 18, probably more like 21 or 22.
6.0: What should skaters wear during an audition?
Judy: Skating attire, both males and females, that allows movement, but not baggy or loose clothing. [We want to see] their body lines when their moving and artistically to see how they move. It is a job interview.
6.0: What "spots" are available?
Judy: Principal positions requiring strong dramatic skills along with the technical abilities for either solo work, or pair work, or ice dance. [Also] ensemble positions, understudy positions, step outs, acrobatic skills, precision skills.
6.0: Do most chorus skaters have to jump?
Judy: [Yes.] That's changed quite a bit. The wonderful thing is that for talented skaters that really want that opportunity to skate, it's there. Those requirements have elevated, each year they get more and more along with even more acting skills.
6.0: Do skaters need to obtain work permits?
Judy: No. Our company applies for, processes and takes care of all permits for all countries. [When providing information to legal representatives] it's a lengthy process, probably even lengthier in the past year.
6.0: What type of compensation is offered?
Judy: It's really based on so many factors. It includes benefits. We pay in U.S. dollars everywhere.
6.0: How do you decide what show to assign skaters to?
Judy: We would cast someone appropriately where their strengths would contribute to the most. You look for someone who genuinely has a passion for performing.
6.0: Why might you turn someone down?
Judy: I don't know that we've ever done that. We encourage people to audition again. We respond to all auditions, first by letter acknowledging the audition and giving them all our contact information and then if there is anything indicating on their audition form that we'd like to see worked on, then we'll give them specifics on that.
6.0: How long should skaters wait before auditioning again?
Judy: I would say if a show comes into your area again, and if we have not had an opening for you, if you're still interested, please come in. Number one, it reinforces their enthusiasm for the job and also it gives another performance director a chance to see them.
6.0: Are they minimum height requirements?
Judy: No. Now with the creative parts of the show, the height is not [important]. We have a girl who is 5' 10" and a girl who is 4' 9.5.
6.0: Is the six-pound weight range still in effect for skaters, and are Saturday morning weigh-ins still conducted?
Judy: Actually, we do an eight-pound. That probably has evolved really stressing healthy minds and healthy bodies. We have all looks. We no longer do weekly weigh-ins.
6.0: What do skaters pay in terms of "rent?"
Judy: Again, it's all part of the benefit package.
6.0: Do you have anything to tell future Disney skaters?
Judy: The one thing that we offer is really the travel opportunity combined with the skating experience. We have people who have literally seen the world, so in that respect it's been an education in itself.

Little White Wonders

Little White Wonders

Little White WondersThe most common sight on a golf course is of course, the golf ball and with the popularity of golf, it’s no wonder there are dozens of types of golf balls at your disposal. They range from soft core to liquid core, hard cover to no cover. Prices also range from $10 a dozen to $10 a ball. With these extremes and variations, its no wonder people are having trouble deciding what kind of ball to play with. If you are one of these people, who don’t know Surlyn from Srixon, continue to read on and explore the adventures of the world of Golf Balls.The most common golf ball on the course is the two-piece golf ball. This ball is used by 49% of players. This is a tough, durable ball usually with a solid inner core and a hard Surlyn cover. The most common form of the ball is the ever popular Top Flite XL. These balls have little spin and little feel. They do offer more bang for your buck. For about $15 you can buy a dozen Top Flite XL. The advance two-piece balls do offer more feel. They often have cores made form a soft material, sometimes even liquid. These golf balls offer more feel and cost only a little more, about $20 for a dozen Top Flite XL 2000s. These two piece golf balls are what every beginner should play. With little spin, you are less likely to hook or slice this ball. Also, these balls go farther than balata balls. And at the low price, it won’t take a bite out of your budget. The second ball is gaining more and more popularity very day. The Multi-layer ball, either three, or four piece golf ball is most commonly used on the PGA tour. These balls usually have a core, one or two layer(s) surrounding that, and then a core. (Similar to earth) The popularity of these balls is quickly surpassing that of balata balls. These balls are slightly more expensive ranging from $30-$40, some even reaching $50. These balls are a bit more expensive but for the more advanced player, averaging low 80’s, upper 70’s on 18 will benefit from them. However, if you are a beginner, I would recommend spending your money on a lesson, rather than on multilayer balls. The final ball is the balata ball. This ball has a rubber band wound core, surrounded by a balata cover. Balata is a rubber-like material, which was once collected from South America, but is now manufactured synthetically. These balls are very flimsy and often will not hold up to the average players round. However, they do offer extraordinary feel and have great spin. They do lack in distance, though, compared to a two-piece or even multilayer ball. Professionals prefer these balls as they do offer more spin, and stop faster on the green. More spin however, emphasizes side-spin, resulting in more slices and hooks. This creates problems for most people so I wouldn’t recommend this to the average Joe, though 24% of them play it. The balata ball should be used by the best of the very best, and I think that it will be gradually replaced by the multi-layer ball in the near future. Golf balls are an essential part of the golf game today. With today’s modern advances, it’s no wonder why we have so many different types of golf balls. However, we must sort through these golf balls to find the golf ball that is right for you. With four-layer golf balls that have liquid cores, it’s amazing to think that 150 years ago golf balls were made with feathers and leather.