RickMcCharles.com

My long time friend Dana Brass got married. Had a puppy. And a baby. Went on American Maternity (3 months). Then decided to leave her full-time job as a senior Cirque du Soleil casting scout to be a MOM.

Next decision in this long chain of life events?

She went home to Saskatchewan to coach at her old gymnastics club for a few months.

Coaching is a holiday, after all.

Welcome back Dana!

Professional sports are FIXED, as you know.

The Flames are scripted to win this year, my online hacker friends tell me. They only need to beat Vancouver tonight to make that happen.

Dan will join the team for the playoff run

Tom's play-off beard

The Stanley Cup visited Cirque du Soleil in Vegas recently.

ONE DROP will mobilize online communities across the Web to give the Global Water Crisis maximum exposure on World Water Day, March 22nd.

One Drop – Ripple

This is the personal charity of Cirque du Soleil’s Guy Laliberté.

From my Gymnastics blog:

Aditya ‘Romeo’ Dev’s 2 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs less than 20 pounds. …

Born in India, Romeo’s now wearing bling and checking out the celebrity life in America. He was signed by a US talent agent.

In this (foreign language) BBC documentary clip he auditions for Cirque du Soleil’s Krista Monson at the set of Mystère in Vegas starting at 2min 12sec.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

In summer of 2008, Aditya was diagnosed with aneurysms which, if left untreated, are a serious threat to his life. Aneurysms and Moyamoya are common symptoms of the syndrome MOPD II, which is the cause of Aditya’s small stature.

I was the first to send Cirque information about Romeo.

Looks like he may end up in Hollywood rather than the Circus.

Dubai buys 20% of Cirque du Soleil …

… The street-performer-turned-billionaire, born in Quebec City, insists he is having too much fun to give it up, as he tries to douse speculation that the Dubai government’s purchase of a 20-per-cent stake in his Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil is the precursor to a takeover.

Mr. Laliberté, 48, says the investment by two Dubai entities — a private equity division and the real estate arm of the emirate’s sovereign wealth fund — will fortify his company’s independence in the years to come.

“Not only is Cirque not for sale, but thanks to this strategic partnership, the organization is stronger than ever,” he said from Japan yesterday on a conference call with reporters following the announcement of the deal.

“Cirque is not sold, and I’m still the captain of the boat,” he said. …

From Quebec’s streets to Dubai – Report on Business

Cirque is opening 3 shows in the next 5wks.

I believe my friend Christof Baraniuk is in Mexico with his Circus. He’s Head Coach.

Is this it, Chris?

From the show LOVE in Vegas. With an excellent new gospel treatment of “Let it Be”.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

My buddy Dan Niehaus is head coach of that show, my favourite.

They’ve added another week.

Runs July 31st through Aug. 17th now.

Corteo

Too bad I cannot predict my own schedule that far ahead.

Tom Otjes posted a photo of a snowman in Vegas.

Facebook | Tom Otjes’s Photos – Still playing Santa and Snow in Vegas

Dana and I put together a new website for her husband Fred.

Fred competed the 1996 Olympics for France in Gymnastics and then went on to expand his repertoire. He’s done stunt work, dance, and coaching. He has a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.

You can find Fred listed in the Guiness World Records under Rope Climb

Currently Fred is performing in Le Reve, at Wynn Las Vegas. He’s has a tremendously physical role.

Check out the new site:

FrederickNicolas.com
(Adjusting the wide of your window changes the layout.)

It’s my first website not primarily white.

Just today I met with Garth. We’re contemplating a NEW LOOK for his website.