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My Best Skate to Date

My competition 2009 - 2010 season began with the West Coast Competition hosted by the Tri Valley Figure Skating Club in Valencia, CA.  Competition is supposed to be fun and exciting for adult figure skaters.  It is a necessary evil in my opinion.  I live to learn and grow in knowledge and techniques on the ice.  However, the thought of my joy extensively scrutinized and measured against someone else's performance fills me with fright.  I was so nervous that I wanted to cry before I stepped onto the ice.  My coach is an excellent motivator, emphasizing my passion for the sport, many hours of preparation and readiness for the performance.

The announcer called my name and I skated into place.  My music began and with my heart pounding through my chest, I skated as if my life depended on it.  I had planned a scratch spin in the beginning of the program but I didn't feel secure enough to pull in and remained in the upright position.  I fell behind the music.  My second spin happened after the music stopped and didn't count.  I supposed I could have increased my speed on my crossovers or on my cross rolls but I was not sure how far behind the music I was... Now I know how to make the adjustment.

YouTube Video West Coast (Figure Skating) Open 2009

I skated my best ever in the high stress, anxiety filled competition environment.  Considering that I am too old to go to the Olympics, I do not worry too much about my scores or ranking.  I am happy to skate a clean program without falling.   I was extremely excited to see that one judge placed me first yet I earned a solid second place.   I will work diligently to improve my timing for the next performance.

Oct 1-4	West Coast Open	Valencia, CA
Oct 23-27	Southwest Pacific Regional Championships	Scottsdale, AZ
Nov 1	Arrowhead Open	Ontario, CA
Nov 6-8	Skate San Francisco	San Francisco, CA
Nov 17-22	Pacific Coast Sectional Championships	Jackson Hole, WY
2010
Jan 14-24	2010 US Figure Skating Championships	Spokane, WA
Mar 3-6	2010 US Synchronized Skating Championships	St. Paul, MN
Apr 13-17	2010 US Adult Figure Skating Championships	Bloomington, MN

Darrick Collins, Sr: Gone Too Soon

Town Hall Meeting September 17, 2009 St. Francis Cabrini Church, Los Angeles, CA

Darrick Collins, Sr: Gone Too Soon

On September 14, 2009 Darrick Collins, Sr. was fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy through the wooden fence in his backyard. He was unarmed. He is not the first and others have since perished at the hands of deputies. Get involved and stay active. Its time to change the laws and police the police.

http://www.latimes.com/videobeta/watch/?watch=96105366-9035-4cf1-b5e2-9b1d3a8563f2&src=front

On September 17, 2009 members of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and the community met at St. Francis Cabrini Church for a Town Hall Meeting to address police brutality and the rising number of fatalities at the hands of deputies.

Speakers:

PAUL K. TANAKA, ASSISTANT SHERIFF
Cecil W. Rhambo, Jr, CHIEF - Field Operations Region II
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

Michael Gennaco, Chief Attorney – Office Of Independent Review

Lt. Paul Benter – Homicide Bureau
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PAUL K. TANAKA, ASSISTANT SHERIFF - addressed the family members and thanked them for their attendance and on behalf of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department offered his sincere condolences, before giving his presentation:

“Upon arrival a couple of our units, as normal practice, checked the area where they were looking for robbery suspects. When they were in the vicinity of Van Buren and Poindexter the unit observed two African American males standing in front of a dark colored vehicle in front of the driveway at 1234 Poindexter Street. The Deputies in the car attempted to identify the suspects. At they approached the car Mr. Collins started to move away from the driver deputy southbound down the driveway toward gate that leads to yard area of the residence. The deputy noted that he observed Mr. Collins grasping something on his waistband area. When Mr. Collins got to the gate are and tried to open the gate with his hands at it was at that point that the deputy saw Mr. Collins turn towards him and still clutching something in his right hand resembling the but of a hand handgun fearing for his safety and the safety of his partner he fired.”

---Mr. Collins was unarmed. He had his cell phone. ---

Cecil W. Rhambo, Jr, CHIEF - Field Operations Region II:
“First and foremost I want to let you know that I am not foreign to the community. I grew up here. I went to Washington High and Henry Clay so this is not foreign territory to me. I certainly have sympathy and understanding and heartfelt condolences to the family. I spoke to the Deputy earlier today and he is quite disturbed because this is something that is a mistake. We understand that. So as the Captain, there are several entities that come out. We are not investigating ourselves. The Office of Independent Review and quite frankly their job is to prosecute cops, are hired by the county of Los Angeles and the district attorneys office also takes a look at this. The Sheriff is committed to completing this investigation within ninety days. If you know anything about these kinds of investigations you know they can take up to a year to complete, particularly when the District Attorneys office is involved. The sheriff really wants to make sure that you guys get some answers. The investigation is still ongoing we don’t know all the facts yet. There are a number if steps in this process and there are mediators and many eyes are reviewing this.

One of the things that I noticed that came out of this and other incidents in the past is that the family was not treated as we would like to see them treated. Part of that is because of our reluctance, when we know that we have taken someone’s life its hard for us to come to the family. One of the things that the Sheriff [Baca] and I spoke about and Mr. Tanaka was in the meeting also, is establishing a protocol in which the family gets information sooner than later. What happens is intervention workers hear information, then there are rumors and deputies tend to say, “we can’t tell you anything” so no one knows what going on. We are working on protocol to make sure that the parents, the family gets information sooner. Transportation to the hospital is arranges and intervention workers and clergy, There are some things that we are working on that we realize we can do better on out there. Meetings like this are an improvement. Normally we wait until someone in the community calls a meeting.  We decided to share the information as soon as we can. We decided to invite everyone in and tell what we know up to this point.

Many of the questions you have ‘Why did this happen and how did the deputy mistake this,’ are for your attorneys to address in the civil arena. It’s hard to debate those issues here. Although it happens more often than we’d like, deputies encounter hundreds of people a day, thousands of people per month and when these incidents happen it’s not like it happens on a regular basis. Giving the kind context of how many people we actually contact with guns that have actually committed crimes. Yes we realize that being in possession of narcotics is not a capital offense. Yes, we realize that. We want more training issues. And things like this cause us to take pause, should we do some different type of training. We just had a meeting established a commission today of training experts together rethinking is the foot pursuit policy something we should be doing. Should we be chasing people and if we chase people what is the value in that. Because we realize that yes a person could give up and they would still be alive. However we don’t know why a person runs. We cannot control that behavior but we can try to control ours.

That is part of the training process. We are analyzing where we need to go in the future to minimize these kinds of incidents. We always strive for perfection but we realize we are imperfect and we are extremely sorry when things like this happen.”

Michael Gennaco, Office Of Independent Review:
“Sorry that it’s taken an event like this to get me to the community, I’ve spent my life as a civil rights attorney working in the civil rights division for a number of years, investigated and prosecuted police officers throughout the country, had grand jury investigations in twenty-three states and ended up prosecuting LAPD officers, Sheriff’s officers and other officers in Southern California for Excessive Force. Since we started the OIR, which is now eight years, we have unfortunately had the responsibly of reviewing over four hundred officer involved shootings. We have a lot of experience in review and prosecuting these matters. I say that to give you an understanding of my experience and what our role is at the office of independent review. While we work closely with the sheriff’s department and they provide us the access we need to do our job, we do not work with the sheriff’s department or the sheriff. We don’t we even work with the county. Its important in our review an when we give you answers that we are independent. We work independent and provide an independent assessment of the situation. Fortunately, Sheriff Baca has agreed to cooperate with our organization and as a result when the notice of that officer involved shooting came down, when homicide was called at about eleven o’clock saying that there was an office involved shooting in Lennox area about a minute after that we got a call. My colleague here with me tonight was there within minutes to learn about that shooting, to get inside that crime scene tape, to view the evidence, to understand and recognize if the protocols had applied here and start learning immediately the evidence as it starts coming in.

The evidence doesn’t come in like you see on television. First there is the on scene investigation, a lot of that results in photographs and processing of information, forensic evidence that needs to be assessed, the deputies need to be interviewed and they are interviewed that night, the autopsy need to be performed and the results of that autopsy need to come back. So the investigation starts coming back but in real time, because of our accessibility because Sheriff Baca has given us access, we are learning the results of the investigation at the same time as the department. This is critical for us to do our job. One of our responsibilities it to make sure that there is a fair and thorough investigation and that when it is time for the department to review this investigation that they do it based on evidence and that they review based on a fair assessment of the information that is available, that all the witnesses, all the forensic evidence is carefully compiled and fairly assessed.

One thing that has happened as a result of this incident and I think it’s a very good sign, I have been frustrated for eight years because the system that the Sheriff’s Department had used to investigate office involved shootings went like this: Lets say that there was a shooting on Monday night. Homicide would do an investigation. The coroner’s would bring the autopsy result to homicide, homicide would package their investigation together and within three to six months homicide would sent that on to the District Attorney. The DA would then review the case and that could take anywhere from three months to a year before the district attorney came back with his decision. Then and only then was the administrative investigation was looked at to see whether or not the department should take some action the deputies. So what does all that mean on a time line? It means that we were not able to provide answers on the outcome of the administrative investigation for something that happened in September of 2009 until 2011 maybe 2012 and by then maybe the community had moved on and were worried about the shooting happening in 2011 and 2012. So you can see how that presents a problem and a disconnect. I have been working with the sheriff and he announced that this case, another case and every case in which it turns out that the individual who is shot was unarmed, a mistake, every one of those cases will be done in ninety days now. No more of this waiting around a year or two before you guys get answers. That’s only a start but I think it’s a good start and you keep track of the clock. You call me at 323-890-5360 if three months have gone by and you haven’t had the answers you want. I promise you you’ll get them. That’s where we are now. We cannot discuss the pending investigation because it hasn’t been completed yet but I can talk about the process. I can assure that we will do our best to make sure the department gets to the bottom of this. Thank you. If you have questions that go beyond this incident involving Lennox Deputies Cindy Hernandez is your contact person.”

Lt. Paul Benter – Homicide Bureau:
“Good Afternoon. There is not a lot that I am going to be able to add at this juncture. I would like to talk about what my investigators do when they have and deputy involved shooting roll out. We had four investigators that came out that evening. A deputy involved shooting on the sheriff’s department id given the highest priority and we do respond generally with four investigators as well as a team lieutenant. Generally what we do is we have a couple on investigators that are in charge of the scene, two will document the scene, evidence at the scene, everything that has to do with the physical location. The other two investigators are the lead investigators on the case, Det. Martinez and Det. Langford is still in to process of conducting interviews. The scene investigation is complete. It’s important that I tell you that we conduct a fair and impartial investigation. This investigation once documented will be send to the DA’s office. The DA will render a decision as to the legality of the shooting. As much as everybody always wants answers as early on as possible, as I would were it my loved one, we have to hold the integrity of this investigation so that we do it right. We simply do not put out information in great detail until the investigation is complete. At this point we are at the fact-finding stages of the investigation. We are receiving all the information that we can in relation to this case, documenting it, talking to people and getting all the information that we need to put together a comprehensive, thorough investigation. Thank you.”

Q&A followed:


Where to address your concerns:

Leroy D. Baca, Sheriff
PAUL K. TANAKA, ASSISTANT SHERIFF
Cecil W. Rhambo, Jr, CHIEF - Field Operations Region II
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
4700 Ramona Blvd.
Monterey Park, CA 91754

Michael Gennaco, Chief Attorney – Office Of Independent Review
4900 South Eastern Avenue, Suite 204
Commerce, CA 90040 323-890-5425
Phone: (323) 890-5360 Fax (323) 415-7549
Email: mjgennac@laoir.com

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-558-3160

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500
Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414
FAX: 202-456-2461

Blessings, Peace and Prosperity,
Sardonyx Jade Publishing
716 North La Brea Avenue, Suite 137
Inglewood, California 90302
Phone: (323) 898-7339 Fax: (847) 890-7339
Order our books on line: 
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Sardonyx Jade Publishing provides business consulting, editing, motivational speaking and publishing services. We oversee the writing, editing, design, production, printing and marketing of books and other printed materials for public distribution and sale in the marketplace.

Copyright © 2009 Sardonyx Jade Publishing. All Rights Reserved.

Free Speech, High Hollywood, Illegal Immigration ...

Sardonyx Says… © Volume 2, Issue 7, July 2009

In This Issue
The First Amendment
Hollywood High
Sharp Edges & Blunt Trauma
Eat Well
The Cost of Illegal Immigration
Writing positions
Literary Events 2009
New Releases, books in print

Favorite Links
www.pw.org/
www.bbon.biz/
www.usfsa.org
www.theroot.com
www.edsguide.org
www.sk8stuff.com
www.speakchild.org
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www.goodreads.com
www.blackrepublic.net
www.bookmarket.com
www.apooobooks.com
www.writecontent.com
www.writing-world.com
www.barackobama.com
www.huffingtonpost.com
www.booksjustbooks.com
www.culvericearena.com
www.betterworldbooks.com
www.publishersweekly.com
www.advancedfictionwriting.com
www.urban-reviews.com/newindex1.html

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info@sardonyx-jade.com

716 North La Brea Avenue, #137
Inglewood, California 90302
Phone: (323) 898-7339
Fax: (847) 890-7339
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Yes, I said it: Complain to the Editor


The First Amendment to the United States Constitution declares, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

One must remember the protection of the First Amendment is impenetrable and the subject matter is untouchable. I come across tons of objectionable material, like the violent cartoon in the NY Post, with the monkey murdered in the street by the police, that I disapprove. The proper method of protest is to write a letter and complain to the editor, rather than wasting tax dollars filing law suits that don’t have a leg to stand on in court. Editorial opinion is sacrosanct.

Do not misunderstand the First Amendment to mean that anyone can say anything at anytime. There are a few limitations. You cannot create clear and present danger, as in selling military secrets to adversarial countries. You do not have the right to incite violence through profanity, obscenity and threats. Also, you do not have a constitutional right to tell lies that damage or defame. Your thoughts and opinions, however inappropriate or in poor taste, are protected.

The First Amendment protects unpopular speech to ensure the people will always have a voice to challenge the government. This freedom is nonexistent in most other areas in the world. The concept of free speech is foreign and fascinating to other countries. Understand, China censors internet access. Mexico pays newspapers to publish only the stories that the officials write. Iran, Cuba and North Korea incarcerates and murders journalists. Value the right and privilege afforded to you as an American and stop being offended. This is my truth. I am Sardonyx Jade.
U.N. Anti-Blasphemy Resolution- Video
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Hollywood High
By Cece Ladon (Guest Blogger)


In the wake of Michael Jackson’s death, we must take a stand against prescription drug abuse. Back when studios controlled their investments i.e. the star; in the hay day of Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland, when studio contracts existed and you were contracted to do “X” amount of movies in “X” amount of time, the studios handled all affairs from housing, transportation and medication. Before labor laws were mandated, some studios demanded countless hours of filming which took its toll on actors. Something had to be done, there needed to be a happy medium. That’s when perceptions drugs were introduced; in the words of Judy Garland “they provided drugs to pep you up and drugs to tranquilize when needed.” Of course this led to addiction. They were treated like robots work on demand.



We were introduced to the psychedelic drugs; the street drugs. These led to the demise of Frankie Lymon, Janis Joplin, and John Belushi. There were the drugs that the “King of Rock and Roll” was said to believe “that by getting pills from the Dr. he wasn’t the common everyday junkie getting something off the street.” River Phoenix so eloquently put it “drugs aren’t just done by bad guys and sleaze bags; it’s a universal disease.” His life was cut short at the age of 23 at the prime of his career.

One thing I have noticed in all accounts of overdose as of late, regarding celebrities, is the lack of protection of human life. Opposed to doing all we can to preserve and attempt to save the individual we are more worried about how their image is perceived. All the while, that person is dying while you’re trying to decide on how to handle the situation, when we know we should call for medical assistance. I would like to know how a publicist handles the death of a client due to doing what’s in their best interest of their career rather than saving their life and facing embarrassment.



Heath Ledger might have been saved but the first call was made to Mary-Kate Olsen instead of 911. It was almost an hour after the time of discovery before paramedics had arrived. In the case of Michael Jackson there was a twenty-minute time lapse from the time of unresponsiveness until paramedics were called. When called, they were told, “There is a gentleman here that is non-responsive and not breathing.” I believe our beloved had already crossed over. Who will take responsibility for the preventable losses we have suffered? Health care professional are supposed to prescribe and administer medication according to the patients needs. The time is now to hold doctors to the Hippocratic oath taken.
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Sharpe Edges & Blunt Trauma: Off Ice Training
By Sardonyx Jade


I am not a fitness guru or a health care professional. I am simply a well read, active athlete obsessed with figure skating. Training off ice in conjunction with skating exponentially advances progress. Off ice training also increases anaerobic endurance, which is required to power through a program.

I usually alternate between swimming and jogging in addition to yoga. I finally braved an off ice class at the arena. I could feel my body changing before the lesson concluded. The time was spent vacillating from stretching and plyometric cardio, also known as jump training, which strengthens muscles, increases vertical jump and decreases impact forces on the joints. Consciously practicing in a controlled environment helps your muscles memorize movements, which is useful when focus fails in the midst of a technique.

The most noticeable benefits of working off ice: improved balance, coordination, flexibility, endurance, speed, strength and increased control and stability from invigorating the abdominal and back muscles.

A few things my coach said that stay with me are “Always land on two feet then check out when landing jumps off ice to minimize the risk of injury. Practice with socks on [on hardwood or linoleum] to improve proper spin posture, on the ball of your foot, rather than flat footed on spinners. Always stretch after your work out.”

You will undoubtedly become a better skater by adding off ice training to your workout routine. Remember to drink plenty of water. Listen to your body. Have fun and be safe.

Off Ice Training - Link

Recommended Stretches for Figure Skaters - Link

Skating Events Calendar

http://www.socalinterclub.org/events.php

August 7-9, 2009 Glacier Falls Open Anaheim, CA
August 13-16, 2009 Silver State Open Las Vegas, NV
August 21-24, 2009 Orange County Open Aliso Viejo, CA
September 3-6, 2009 Golden West Championships Culver City, CA
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Public Service Announcement: Heroes Eating Healthy


I simply could not pass the chance to capture Firemen eating healthy on film. The truck in front of subway led me to believe that they were “eating fresh.” Upon closer examination I noticed they were at the newly opened Salad Farm. Knowing that when 911 is dialed for a medical emergency the fire department comes to the rescue, I felt an overwhelming sense of safety and security seeing our heroes eating healthy. It was a wonderful reminder to consume a balanced diet to maintain stamina and energy for the rigorous tasks that fill our days.



Dietary Tips Link - Always eat within an hour of waking.

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The Co$t of Illegal Immigration
By Serene Breeze (Guest Blogger)


During this crushing recession, one may wonder what role Illegal Immigration plays in state deficits and unemployment rates across the country. Illegal immigration weighs heavily on my mind as I listen to cable news channels detail California's 27 billion dollar deficit. I cannot ignore the proverbial "Elephant in the room.” I often get updates from NumbersUSA and FAIR (Federation for Immigration Reform); websites whose members speak before congressional hearings and frequently updated information of just how Illegal Immigration affects American citizens. These websites also tell how elected officials vote against making this country a healthy flourishing economic power.

The total cost of supporting Illegal Immigration in 2008 cost the taxpayers over 1 billion dollars which paid for health services, food and cash assistance and keeping us safe in the form of public safety. In California, 38.6% of immigrant households as opposed to 18% of native households use a major welfare program. 21.2% immigrant vs. 6.5% native households use food assistance and 31.2% immigrant vs. 15.4% native use Medicaid. Taxpayers are footing the bill for immigrants who have entered our country illegally, weighing heavily on an economy that is quoted as being the 8th largest in the world, but is reduced near bankruptcy. I am not saying that supporting Illegal immigration is part of the reason why California can't pay its bills.

Everyone knows how hard it is in California to find a job in a healthy economic environment but the challenge is exponential in a deep recession. Millions are unemployed. People cannot find jobs because companies are either downsizing or they hire someone who will work for half of what the position is worth. Companies take advantage of the immigrant workers because they know they won't blow the whistle on these bad businesses. Immigrants keep quiet because they want to remain in the country. They need employment to make money for their families back to their native countries. This is a kind and noble gesture that fiscally benefits their home lands more than it helps America.

Californian Senators Feinstein and Boxer continuously vote against the E-Verify bill, protecting jobs for undocumented immigrants. American citizens need employment too. E-verify is currently voluntary throughout the country but some states have passed legislation making its use mandatory. E-Verify is an Internet-based system operated by Immigration Services with the Social Security Administration. It provides an automated link to federal databases to help employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers. E-Verify is free to employers and is available in all 50 states. a program that will help the American Citizen get jobs that people who have come here illegally have. This program has a 94% accuracy rate. That's way better than just relying on information from employees’ I-9 Forms. Legal citizens should not have to compete with undocumented workers. If we eliminate the abundance of opportunities for them, especially in a worsening economy, Americans can get back to working jobs that are rightfully ours and stimulate California’s economy, and possibly balance the budget.

If I were to commit a crime, I'd have a trial and if found guilty, go to jail. Why is it that the crime of entering this country undocumented earns illegal immigrants the votes of our legislators, our jobs and welfare assistance instead of punishment? It just doesn't make sense. These few illustrations of the cost illegal immigration should serve as a catalyst to fix our broken system. Evaluate your legislators and check their records and hold them accountable.
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Writing Job Sites

http://www.mediabistro.com/joblistings

http://www.writingcareer.com/writingjobs/index.php

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PayingWriterJobs

http://www.sunoasis.com

http://www.writerfind.com/freelancejobs

http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com

http://www.tjobs.com/new/writers.shtml

http://www.writejobs.com

http://journalism.berkeley.edu/jobs/listings.php?view=job

http://www.creativehotlist.com/index.asp

http://www.gofreelance.com/?AID=10414556&PID=2398750

http://www.guru.com/index.aspx

http://www.journalismjobs.com

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Literary Events

http://www.pw.org/calendar

http://www.californiaauthors.com/resources/event-links/
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New Releases


Pre-Order Online: WWW.SARDONYX-JADE.COM
Last Chance Café by Sardonyx Jade © 2009 ISBN 978-0-9714594-5-8: A struggling artist marries her soul mate only to learn that the most important love she will ever have is her own.
The novel is a wonderful journey of self discovery and mastery, to come to the ultimate realization that there are no last chances in life. If you have the desire to do anything then it is your choice to make it happen. ***COMING SOON***


WWW.SARDONYX-JADE.COM
Discover love in our first book published, Provocative Poetry and Prose: Portraits of Black Love © 2003 ISBN 0-9714594-3-6. This book features sensual and romantic poetry, black love stories, a commentary about relationships in the black community and beautiful photography of a couple embracing.

Sardonyx Jade Publishing provides business consulting, editing, motivational speaking, writing and publishing services. We oversee the writing, editing, design, production, printing and marketing of books and other printed materials for public distribution and sale in the marketplace.

Copyright © 2009 Sardonyx Jade Publishing. All Rights Reserved

Sharpe Edges & Blunt Trauma: Buying New Skates

By Sardonyx Jade


My coach looked at my feet and told me to bend my knees. His raised eyebrow declared, “It is time for new skates.” “I know, I know. We’re going tomorrow.” I said before he could verbalize the thoughts clearly displayed on his face.

Early the following morning with my mother in tow, I ventured to Anaheim at the suggestion of skating friends. When I entered the address provided to get directions the name of the skate shop given was different from the one on the GPS. Only in my world would two skate shops exist within a block distance of each other. Fearless and determined we traveled on.

After a swift ride on the highway we parked and asked a pedestrian where to find USA Skates. The man must have been a heavenly angel walking with earthly feet. He directed us across the street to Ultimate Skate and Hockey, the very place where my friends recently purchased their skates.

We walked in awed by the vast selection of apparel and skating equipment. A young man stepped from behind the counter, introduced himself and asked how he could help us. I told him that I needed new skates that I wanted Klingbeil but that my coach suggested I also ask about Risport. James asked if I was consistently landing axels. I answered with laughter. He then stated, “You don’t need that level of boot. Ninety percent of people in custom boots don’t need them” and they spend a painful eternity trying to break them in.

He asked how often I skated and what maneuvers I practiced. He then took my current skates, removed and measured the insoles. He then measured my feet. He had me roll up my pants to take a look at my ankles and heels. James looked at me and said, “You have very slender, narrow feet with no volume.” Curious and confused, I asked what that meant exactly. He told me that the size and shape of my feet tells him what brand and style of boot is best and that my feet hadn’t been “beat up from skating, yet.”

James suggested a new heat moldable model of Riedell boots. I tried the boots and they felt wonderful compared to my old ones. He laced them up and molded them to my feet. Once the boots cooled he had me stand on a plastic sheet to observe my posture. He adjusted my blades to accommodate my pronation then took me inside the arena to try them on the ice. Surprisingly, the boots felt comfortable yet firm. I was instructed to execute one-foot glides on each foot. We then returned to the shop where he punched out the ankles and adjusted the blades a bit more. We went back to the ice where he instructed me to skate faster and perform the glides again. He reminded me of my coach for a second, pushing me to move beyond my comfort level.

Once satisfied, the boots were weather proofed the blades were temporarily mounted and sharpened and I was advised to return for the permanent mount upon approval from my coach. I spent far less money than originally intended. I had by far the best, most attentive consumer experience. I was so pleased that before leaving, I asked the crew to pose for a picture.
My mother, who loves trouble just a bit more that me, asked if they were affiliated with USA Skates. They asserted that there were separate establishments in close proximity. Of course, upon leaving my mother wanted to know how the customer service compared. We loaded the newly purchased skates in the car then ventured to the skate shop, which happened to be located not two doors away from where we asked the stranger for directions.

We went inside and the owner was fitting a customer wearing Klingbeil's. I pointed them out to my mother. I then looked through the small selection of clothing and accessories. There wasn’t anything on the racks to fit my petite yet curvy frame. The owner acknowledged our presence and came to our assistance. I told him that I was interested in Klingbeil Stock Boots. He told me that if I were going to spend the money that I should go for the custom. He told me to hop up on the platform and let him look at my feet. He told me that I had flat slender feet that would benefit from a custom boot. I let him know that I wasn’t quite ready to make the purchase but took his contact information for future reference. Had we gone to his store first, we would have spent well over fourteen hundred dollars, nearly five times more than at Ultimate. I suppose when I can successfully and consistently land axels I will buy custom boots but then again maybe I’ll take my coach’s advice and invest in the Italian brand.

Buying new skates is a relatively regular occurrence in the life of a skater. Skates are rarely kept forever. When making your purchase, be careful about allowing a seller to push you into a particular brand. Buy boots and blades for your level and type of skating. You can hurt or create problems with your feet if you are not fit and matched properly. Generally, Jackson is made for wide toe box shaped feet; Riedell is made for narrow to regular width. Sp-Teri, Harlick, and Klingbeil are known for their custom fits and stock boots. If you live in the greater Los Angeles area then go see the team at Ultimate. You will not be disappointed. Happy Shopping.

FIGURE SKATES
GAM
http://www.gamskates.com/en/

GRAF Figure Skates
http://www.grafcanada.com/

Harlick
http://www.harlick.com/

Jackson
http://www.jacksonskates.com/

Klingbeil
http://www.klingbeilskatingboots.com/

Riedell
http://www.riedellskates.com/

Risport
http://www.risport.it/

SP-Teri
http://www.spteri.com/

ICE BLADE CHARTS

MK Blades
http://www.theworldsbestblades.com/mk-recommendations.html

John Wilson
http://www.theworldsbestblades.com/jw-blades.html

Jackson Ultima Blades
http://www.jacksonskates.com

Paramount Blades
http://www.paramountskates.com/ourblades.php

Ultimate Skate & Hockey
300 West Lincoln Anaheim, CA 92805
714-518-3240 ultimateskate@cox.net
http://www.bestbuyfigureskating.com

The Team at Ultimate Skate & Hockey

SKATE ADVICE
http://www.ehow.com/how_4758063_figure-skates-fit-feet-budget.html

http://www.kinziescloset.com/Skating_Brands

Skating Events Calendar

http://www.socalinterclub.org/events.php

June 13-14 LA Showcase, Burbank, CA

June 26-28 So-Cal Inter-Club Championships Cancelled

July 9-12 Hidden Valley Open, Escondido, CA

July 17-19 Los Angeles Open, Burbank, CA

July 23-26 Cactus Classic, Scottsdale, AZ

July 9-12 Hidden Valley Open Escondido, CA

August 1-2 Arctic Blades Open Lake Arrowhead, CA