Rink

he Knife is giddy. Not giddy like a sixth-grade girl sitting next to her secret crush at lunch giddy, but a potent, combination giddy of "Vegas Baby!", Mardi Gras, and Christmas morning all rolled up into one. It's a big difference in the type of giddy per se, but the same level of excitement. It's that time year, and NARCE is here! If you're like me, and are returning to NARCE from previous years, you know it's time to see some old friends and make some new ones, all while "getting your learn on." If you're new to this dance, you're going to have fun. You will learn some- thing that you can take back to your facil- ity, share with your co-workers and employees, and make your facility that much more effective. You will meet a bunch of people who do what you do, who can sympathize, relate and rational- ize your triumphs and hardships. You will wonder why it took you so long to make this trip, and you will start strate- gizing on how to return in 2011. Now I get the fact that not everyone reading this is here at NARCE. Circumstances are different for all of us. Heck, I started hitchhiking last week from Detroit to get here on time. So for those of you that wish you were here, but couldn't make it, I'm going to fill you in on what you might have missed. Bold prediction #1 for NARCE: Jeff Theiler, STAR's new COO, just figured out what he got himself into. I bought him a drink when I saw him. He's earned it! Bold prediction #2 for NARCE: The Knife will start a rumor about his room- mate, Mr. Nameless. Mr. Nameless is homesick, so has resorted to sleeping in Mrs. Nameless' nightgown. Mr. Nameless has issues that he needs to address. Mr. Nameless has heard this rumor every year at NARCE, regardless of The Knife and Mr. Nameless actually rooming together. For a special treat this year, The Knife had photo-shopped pictures of Mr. Nameless to give the rumor more validity. Bold prediction #3 for NARCE: Class attendees are going to get great information from some talented and knowledgeable instructors. There's going to be some great prizes passed out and, although someone won something, it wasn't you (you're read- ing this at home, remember), but the guy that won the hat, and the lady that won the shirt, well now they're giddy too. Bold prediction #4 for NARCE: The tradeshow is going to be great, just like it is every year. Our vendors have shown great support like they always do, and our attendees are going to hit every booth to show their appreciation. I'm even willing to venture a guess that the adult beverage stations will be staffed by guys in vests. One guy is going to have a mustache. Whether these predictions turn out to be true or not, it's still NARCE time! For those of you here at this year's conference and expo, I hope you make the most out of your four days. Take the time to say hello and interact with your classmates, the vendors and the instructors. We are a unique group of dedicated professionals. There is no one else out there that takes the very little personal time they have, and uses it to enrich themselves personal- ly and professionally. ★ The Knife does not have a crystal ball, and cannot see into the future. Predictions are the ranting of a lunatic and are meant for entertainment value only (except for the roommate/nightgown thing — that's real, no matter what Mr. Nameless says to the contrary). the final cut 62 R INK MAGAZ INE may/june 2010 by Johnny "The Knife" Monteleone STARrinks.com Heck, I started hitchhiking last week from Detroit to get [to NARCE] on time. ■ Just livin' the rink life. NARCE or Bust! T STOCK.XCHNG

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