Rick is history at Altadore

On May 30, 2009May 29, 2009 By Rick McIn gymnastics, hiking, travel1 Comment

Last August I went back to my old gymnastics club as interim Technical Director … for 4-8 weeks.

May 30th, 9 months later, I’m finally returning to semi-retirement.

Rick-museum

My 22nd season at Altadore Gymnastics is history.

It was a good year, overall. But my personal philosophy and life goals are incompatible with a 50hr, 6-day-a-week intense job.

I had not enough time and/or energy to do much aside from WORK all Winter. Life is too short for that.

I’m en route to Death Valley, California for hiking as this is posted. (I scheduled it to publish in the future.)

No doubt I’ll be back at Altadore in future. More history.

I’m staying on as volunteer consultant to the Board and Staff.

Olympic Gymnast Kyle Shewfelt retires

On May 21, 2009 By Rick McIn gymnastics1 Comment

I’m attending his retirement party tonight. Bittersweet.

Kyle-Shewfelt

details on Gymnastics Coaching

loving the Calgary Airport

On April 15, 2009 By Rick McIn Cirque du Soleil, gymnastics, product endorsements, travelLeave a comment

For a city of 1 million, Calgary truly has one of the best airports in the world.

Flying on a Wednesday I had no long line-ups at any of the usual bottlenecks.

The self-service check-in kiosk for United Airlines worked. (You need a zip code and hotel name destination to do it on your own.)

The U.S. border was friendly and efficient.

Security check brisk.

Two Tim Hortons greet you in the departure concourse.

It’s easy to find an electrical outlet for your laptop. And — best of all — there’s 2hrs free WiFi.

You still much flip through some log-in pages. But it’s easy to use your Facebook credentials to speed that process.

calgary-airport

I’m flying to Lincoln, Nebraska for the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships.

Dana back in Gymnastics

On April 9, 2009August 3, 2009 By Rick McIn Cirque du Soleil, friends, gymnastics, photos1 Comment

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.

Altadore Gymnastics Club

On January 30, 2009January 30, 2009 By Rick McIn gymnastics2 Comments

Yup. I’m still the Technical Director / Head Coach at my old gym club. Interim.

We are accepting applicants for the job — replacing me — to start June 1st, 2009.

More information on the job.

know any paid bloggers?

On January 12, 2009 By Rick McIn blogs, gymnasticsLeave a comment

Yer more likely to get dooced than make any money scribbling blog posts like this.

But last year I signed a contract with a major American internet publishing company, joining them as a paid part-time blogger.

It looked GREAT … at the time.

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Unfortunately the site had problems from the start.

And — in December — shut down with little explanation.

Ah well …

converting cassettes to MP3 format

On November 26, 2008 By Rick McIn gymnastics, music, product endorsements2 Comments

I am looking for a way to convert analog tapes to digital.

One device:

Ion

Ion Dual Cassette Tape Archiver

Seems you can buy them in Canada at The Source by Circuit City.

Leave a comment if you know of other options.

going to Nova Scotia

On September 30, 2008 By Rick McIn gymnasticsLeave a comment

by site editor Rick McCharles

This coming weekend I’ll be presenting at the annual conference in gorgeous Nova Scotia.

Hosted by Gymnastics Nova Scotia.

Rick rejoins the working world

On August 31, 2008 By Rick McIn gymnastics1 Comment

You will be pleased I’m back paying taxes.

Last week I started as “interim” Technical Director at Altadore Gymnastics, the club where I started. And where I’ve spent 21 years of my life.

I’m interim until we hire a new Technical Director:

We are currently seeking a Technical Director who will develop comprehensive gymnastics programs by setting level-specific standards and criteria for the technical development of the athletes and staff. The Technical Director, through leadership, expertise, and extensive knowledge in the sport of gymnastics, will provide expert advice and direction to all programs.

Pay will be commensurate with level and experience.

Resumes can be sent to the Altadore Gymnastic Club via email or mail:

Email: agcexecutivedirector@shaw.ca

or, by mail: Altadore Gymnastic Club Attention: Executive Director Bay 101, 6303 30th Street SE Calgary, AB T2R 1R4

I’m helping with the job search. The ideal candidate would have good people skills, administrative skills and a strong background coaching Women’s Artistic Gymnastics.

Altadore