The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life

I had the pleasure of riding in the 2008 Relay for Life motorcycle event this past Sunday with Russ Kraft (our GM) and Steve Straka - Steve is real estate agent with Global Real Estate. Our trip, although short, was one of the best rides I have taken to date.

Two words: POLICE ESCORT !!!

When was the last time you ever went 35 miles in Kissimmee (including a stretch on Rt. 192) and didn’t stop for a single light? Let me tell you, it was a blast.

We had the honor of being escorted by motorcycle police from the Orange County and Kissimmee police departments. These are the same officers that escort the President and other dignitaries when they visit Orlando. At every intersection an officer would be there blocking traffic and letting our whole group of 60+ bikes pass.  They even rode into oncoming traffic and made approaching cars stop and move to the side of the road. The professionalism and skill displayed by the officers was impressive, to say the least.

Throughout 2008, Global staffers will continue to participate in charitable events throughout Florida and beyond — even if we won’t always have ‘the man’ looking out for us like this past Sunday.

I believe firmly in the philosophy of ‘Paying it Forward‘ and as I get more opportunities to help in my community I hope to assist Global in fulfilling its promise to give back to those who desperately need it. 

Ride Safe!

- Bill Downs

Cirque Du Soleil Lives up to the Hype

After cleaning up from spaghetti night, I raced to get dressed as I was running late for the 8pm Cirque Du Soleil show I had bought tickets for.  I hopped in my rental car and sped through Windsor Hills Resort, going much faster then the mandated 15 mph!

All my worrying turned out to be wasted energy as it took me no time at all to get to the venue (which is in the Disney’s West Side) and I ended up arriving 30 minutes early for the show.  I grabbed a Bud Light and some popcorn and took my seat, watching two mimes entertain the crowd as we all anxiously awaited the curtain rising.  The mimes were fairly amusing, however I have a small fear (okay, a large fear) of mimes so I was a little uncomfortable especially as they inched closer and closer to my row targeting unsuspecting audience members to poke fun at!  Luckily they did not choose me to prey on so I was able to relax a little and laugh at the people that became victims of the two mime’s shenanigans.

After what seemed like hours, when in actuality it was less then 30 minutes, the curtain finally rose.  I cannot even begin to explain how amazing the show was.  There was so much going on at all times and I saw some amazing stunts, tricks, and talents.  From tight rope walkers to BMX bikers to people flying around on curtains to trampoline gymnasts there was never a dull moment.  Cirque has so much visual stimuli at all times that there was not one second of the show that I was bored or not entertained by.  I wish I could better verbalize how great the show was, but unless you have seen Cirque it is hard to grasp what it’s all about and words simply just don’t do it justice when trying to describe the actual experience

The show lasted around an hour and a half and when the curtains went down I felt like it had only been watching for 20 minutes – it went by so fast and I didn’t want it to end, I wanted to see more!  I will be honest; I initially thought that the 80 dollars I spent on the ticket was a little steep, but now having seen Cirque I believe that it is worth every penny.  So, as so many people advised me before, I will now give the same advice to those reading this:  Do NOT leave Orlando without seeing Cirque Du Soleil!

Jordan

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