The Disney Auditions ?

It was a scam. And if I'd had time to think about it, I should have known. I am kicking myself big time, and have a sad little boy on my hands, too.

The commercial itself was a picture of the initial scene from Suite Life on Deck, gave the phone number a couple times and said something about becoming a big star. It left no doubt in your mind that you were going to be auditioning for Disney.

I called the number where a fast-speaking woman gave me a date, time and appointment, told me to bring two recent photos of my child, dress to impress, and would not answer any of my questions - would not even let me get a question out. I was immediately transferred to a recording with the address and directions, which was the Conference Center in Niagara Falls.

We went to the conference center, and I was given a fancy brochure to "read when I got home". Why wait until I got home? I read it right there, and got really ticked off. I asked three parents around me, "I thought this was for Disney?" And they assured me it was. I said it isn't, pointed to the place in the brochure where it talks about their fee, and a few other parents got ticked off, too. I guess I'm just a trouble maker at heart.

The whole circus is actually put on by for a company called "The" (pronounced "tay"). Their company name was not obvious in any of their television or radio commercials. Neither Ian nor I even heard it mentioned.

We were shown a video about how wonderful they are, and their spokesperson on the video is one of the actors from a Disney show. (The first of two places Disney actually enters into this.) The 'The' personnel were accompanied by a man who said he was a casting agent from Hollywood. He actually may have been, to give this farce some semblance of authenticity. We were "interviewed". Ian was asked why he wanted to do this, and he said because he wants to become an actor, make lots of money, and help people in Japan. (He's a good kid.) They asked me why I thought they should work with my son. I said because he's a good kid. The only reason I didn't say "because I'd be paying you to" was because Ian was right there and so excited about auditioning. It occurred to me later that they count on that; there are parents who will do absolutely anything for their children.

We were then directed to the camera area, where Ian was asked to read a short commercial on script. He had it memorized, got up in front of a horribly bright light, and froze. He ended up reading it off the paper. Poor kid. And then we left.

As we were walking out, Ian said he didn't think he would get a call back because he blew it in front of the camera. And I then had to explain to him that wasn't the real reason he wouldn't get a call back. The minimum amount I would have to pay is $3000, which would get Ian two workshops in their 'Event' which is held at Disney. (That's second of only two places Disney actually enters into this.)

They are actually selling packages of what amounts to workshops to teach kids how to act. They claim at the end of the week the kids will be seen by 50 casting agents and directors who will offer more callbacks, which is supposed to make this worth it. The package I am pretty sure they want every one to buy is $7950 for 10 workshops with an additional $895 if your child is a minor.

Ian is extremely disappointed. I'll know better next time. The biggest thing I told Ian is that if he was going to be 'hired' for a show, they would pay him, not the other way around.

Today, I searched for this company online. Try googling "The" and see where it gets you. I ended up googling "The Auditions" and got a link to Yahoo Answers. 'Kittysue' says:

"It's a scam. You are not auditioning for Disney. You are auditioning for some expensive school that has misrepresented themselves so you think you are auditioning for Disney. Everyone who auditions gets called the next day saying they were amazing and have been accepted into their training, which of course will cost you over $2000 for classes. And guess what, you pay for those classes then wonder where the Disney auditions are. All you learn from the classes is that if you want to audition for Disney, your parents are going to have to move to LA where all the auditions happen and you are going to have to find an agent."

'R K' also says:

"This is a scam. Disney doesn't charge for auditions, no one does. Disney auditions are in LA through an agent, they're not open calls you could find on your own. If this was a real audition you would know exactly what part you were trying for, not just for something in general."

What I found interesting is you don't find out until you get there that it (1) isn't for Disney, and (2) costs money. A very well-thought-out scam, as most of them are.


Michael said...

There was a long segment on TV here that summed up to the same point - if if's legit, it doesn't cost any money up front.

In another "sting" program recently done by (60 minutes? "What Would You Do?" Can't remember the show) parents 1. allowed their kids to be left alone with a complete stranger ("photographer"), 2. agreed to cosmetic surgery on their kids, 3. agreed to extreme diet regimens - all for the promise of a shot at fame & fortune. You're right - some people will do absolutely ANYTHING to get a foot in the door, even things that are shockingly dangerous.

The sickest part is that when you listen to the kids themselves talk about their "dreams" and "goals," you can hear the coaching. Let's face it - an 8 year old does NOT have any idea what is important in life, or what they want to do for the rest of it. But they certainly know that it pleases mommy when they parrot those ambitions.

Serena says:

You are so right. I've spent so much time over the past few days trying to convince Ian he really doesn't want to be an actor..."Honey, there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of actors that never make it to TV. Find an ambition that will support you. You will need to eat. There is a reason they are called 'starving artists'."

Right now he wants to be an actor just because he thinks it's glamorous and fun. I'm trying to lean him in other directions. But you should have heard some of the other parents there! I was shocked. It made me wonder...who really wants to be the actor? Mom or daughter?

I filed a complaint with the Children's Advertising Review Unit of the Better Business Bureau. Nothing will probably come of it, but it made me feel marginally better.

The Haircut

Before:
Miss Amy with the clippers:

My punk rocker...half way there!

Tada!

Such a beautiful face.

Jeff said...

Alright looks GREAT!!!! "every girl's crazy bout a sharp dressed man" ;)

Michael said...

Excellent! Good to see you stop hiding!

DFoos said...

Let Ian know that I like seeing more of his face. He has a great smile! :)

Ankle Watch

I'm not sure if it's that his ankle is so small, or the watch is so big...

Gelber & O'Connell, LLC

Tim and Hersch did a public service announcement for Channel 4. One of the sponsors is giving out thumb bands for Don't Text and Drive!

Don't Text and Drive!

The production process

My favorite tweet so far today...

"There was a piece of cake in my fridge with a 'Don't eat me' note on it. Now there's an empty plate with an 'I don't take orders from cake' note."

- @thesecretcaller

Rango

I took Ian to see Rango. He loved it! See the trailer here: http://www.rangomovie.com/

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Luck o' the Irish to ye!

Happy Pi Day!

Chimes of Freedom

Social Networking

Facebook is a constant source of amazement to me. I 'friended' the daughter of an old boyfriend tonight and was able to catch up a wee bit. She has two beautiful boys, and it looks like she grew up good. Made me think back...I don't remember when I realized it exactly, but I loved his three children more than I loved the man. A relationship doomed. Ah, well. Life doesn't always turn out like you think it will.

Twitter has come up with some surprising moments, too. Like when I got the email that my ex-husband is following me on Twitter. Which was after someone told me he was dead. Surprise!

I remember sitting at the dinner table with my family oh, about 30+ years ago, telling my father that my science teacher said that someday, computers would be so small we could hold them in our hands. My father laughed.

Facebook and Twitter could not have been farther from our imaginations.

Out of the Blue

Mom, if I think too much of myself, you can tell me. You don't have to hold it in.

Tristan

My great-nephew. I can't wait to see him in person in August! :)

Trivia.

Ironically, watermelons, which are 92% water, originated from the Kalahari Desert in Africa.

Asleep...

How can he sleep like this?!?!?

Half done

Chandelier Necklace/Earrings

Collar-length Necklace

This is the first time I tried working with a beading needle and string. And it worked! I have to work on attaching the necklace catches, though. All in all, I'm very happy with it!

Baseball Humor

"I'm going to get myself a corked bat and blast one out of here. What's the suspension for Old Timers games, ten years?"

- Vada Pinson quoted from my Baseball 2010 calendar.

What Do You Want - Jerrod Niemann

I love this song. Which means there are at least two songs on this CD that I will play repeatedly. Looks like I'm buying it!

Culture Clash

I have been conversing at length with an American man born in Lebanon. He has been in this country for over 30 years. His divorce was final in June, and he has since often said he doesn't know what he wants to do now. After 29 years spent in two committed relationships, he would like to explore his own interests, take time to heal, and get back on his feet physically, emotionally, and financially. Who can blame him?

Unfortunately, his family 'back home' does not agree. His mother, now the matriarch of the family since his father has passed, firmly believes that he needs a woman to take care of him. He's been divorced since June, why is he not remarried yet? So, as their traditions dictate, she is taking steps to arrange his next marriage. Never mind that he is 53 and quite capable of making his own decisions, or that he has been married twice (the second of which lasted for over 20 years) and doesn't want to do it again, or that he has five American children who will not be so accepting of the sudden appearance of a perfect stranger in the form of step-mom.

As I understand it, his mother and her brother (his uncle) can enter into a contract with the bride and her family, and my friend doesn't even have to be in attendance for it to be valid. The government will give her the appropriate papers to prove she is his wife, and when she arrives here, she can lay claim to all that is his.

My friend is very upset by this. One of his daughters and one of his sons absolutely refuse to speak with him about it; his other daughter refuses to speak with him period. His youngest son, who is 9, doesn't understand it at all. He will lose the respect of his children and friends. He will lose me, that's a given, because there isn't a wife in the world who is going to put up with her husband being on the phone every night for an hour or two with another woman. And he will lose his poker night, football Sundays, and all the freedoms he has taken for granted the past few months. He is not happy about this.

Add the fact that he's never met this woman. She may not speak English, which will make her completely dependent on him and cause further communication problems in his family. She may not be educated, which will make her completely dependent on him for food, shelter and clothing. Who knows? She may be a 3 foot tall, 900 pound lunatic. Oh, he is not happy about this at all.

Personally, I thought arranged marriages went out with the dark ages, but apparently not. A little research on the topic produced the following link: http://www.ghazi.de/society.html.

So now every time I talk to him, I first ask, "Are you married yet?" Yeah. In any other context, it'd be funny. But we both know, in less than a year, his mom-order bride could show up on his doorstep.

Crustless Cheese and Spinach Quiche

1T Olive Oil
1 onion, diced
8 - 10 oz spinach, washed
3 -4 eggs
6 - 8 oz. Gouda cheese, shredded
1/8 t salt
Dash of pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large frying pan, saute the diced onion in the olive oil until the onion is tender. Add the spinach and cook until it wilts. Remove from heat. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add the shredded cheese, salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Add the spinach and onions to the eggs and cheese, and stir to combine. Pour into a greased pie plate. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top starts to brown. Serve alone or with a tossed salad.

Prep: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min

Merry Christmas!

A watch

This one didn't turn out like I planned. It would have to be worn by someone with a small wrist, but on a small wrist, it looks bulky. Ah, well. Win some, lose some. :)

Tiramisu

We had our firm Holiday Party today at Siena’s Restaurant . It was wonderful. I had the Spinach, Scallops and Filet Mignon salad with a horseradish Dijon dressing. Very, very tasty. And then, we had dessert.

Dessert.

Just the sound of the word makes me happy. And let me tell you, it was heaven in a dish.

I know that if I die tomorrow and am reincarnated as a dandelion on a putting green, somewhere in the deep recesses of my ancient memories I will know I experienced Tiramisu.

It just doesn't get any better than this.

Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet

One of my latest projects...

My Little Cello Player

As much as he hates to practice, he's actually pretty good at it. These were taken at the winter concert at his school.

What Stupid Looks Like

Sooooooo...... how does he use his rearview mirror? And, do you think he bothered to clean off his headlights? Nah.

Shoulder Surgery Update

Anesthesia and I get along quite well, apparently. My poor friend, Mo...

The nurse, Bill, took me in, gave me privacy to get into a gown, and began going over the forms with me. The privacy forms, the permission forms, the release forms, yada, yada, yada, and the form giving them permission to discuss me and my care with my friend, Mo. My poor friend, Mo. About 15 minutes, in, I started to cry and was trying desperately not to panic, and Bill said, "Let's get your friend Mo in here." Poor Mo. I have to hand it to him, he stayed with me the entire time I was awake. I kept getting cold, just laying there doing nothing, and the nurses kept taking blankets out of the oven and covering me up. At one point, I had six blankets on me and Mo started kidding me about using their entire blanket supply.

Sometime shortly after 8 a.m., the doctor came in and began discussing with me what he was going to do, and I began to cry again, so he talked to Mo, looked at the anesthesia nurse and said something like, we can put her under now. The nurse told Mo to kiss me goodnight, he did, and that is the last thing I remember until I woke up at 3:05 in the afternoon, all tucked in on my living room couch.

I have no memory of waking after the surgery, getting dressed, or getting home. Mo, however, has memories to last a lifetime. He says if I ever have to have anesthesia again, he is going to make sure he has his camcorder with him so I can make him a rich man.

Apparently, while under the effects of all the drugs, I just looooooove everybody and everything. The nurses, the doctors, my friends, the ceiling, the blankets, my job, my boss, my car, you name it. At one point, I was reportedly proclaiming my love for something, and Mo and the nurse could not figure out who or what I was talking to. On the way home, I didn't want Mo to get out of the truck, but he needed to get gas or we wouldn't have made it home. He picked up my prescriptions and bags of peas so I could ice my shoulder, and I have no idea when he did that. I also was complaining I was hot and at one point, removed my coat and began to remove my shirt. Poor Mo. It's a wonder he's still speaking to me.

Anyway, tomorrow I have my first PT session, which I expect to hurt like crazy. I'm taking Lortabs and Motrin, so hopefully I won't feel much pain.

And I've arranged for a friend to drive me to and from work for a few days. I don't want to be driving 'under the influence'.

Cream of Asparagus Soup (Creme D'Asperges)

This soup is wonderful - Even Ian liked it!!! We substituted half and half for the heavy cream and completely forgot about the lemon juice, and it was perfect. Enjoy!

2 pounds green asparagus
1 large onion, chopped
3 T unsalted butter
6 c. chicken broth
1/2 c. creme fraiche or heavy cream
1/4 c. fresh lemon juice, or to taste

1. Cut tips from 12 asparagus 1 1/2" from top and halve tips lengthwise if thick. Reserve for garnish.
2. Cut stalks and all remaining asparagus into 1/2" pieces.
3. Cook onion in 2T butter in a 4-qt heavy pot over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened. Add asparagus pieces and salt and pepper to taste, then cook, stirring, 5 minutes. Add 5 cups broth and simmer, covered, until asparagus is very tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
4. While soup simmers, cook reserved asparagus tips in boiling salted water until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes, then drain.
5. Puree soup in batches in a blender until smooth, transferring to a bowl (use caution when blending hot liquids), and return to pan. Stir in creme fraiche, then add more broth to thin soup to desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Bring soup to a boil and whisk in remaining tablespoon butter.
6. Add lemon juice and garnish with asparagus tips.

Yield: 4 servings

Nutrition Info per serving:
Calories 294/Carbs 17g/Fibr 5g/Fat 23g/Protein 9g/Sugars 8g

The Fambly

Standing in back are my cousin Bill, Easton held by Amanda (who is Marlene's daughter), Amanda's husband Jeff, my son Ian, my cousin Burnet, my cousin Jodi, Jodi's son Joshua, my cousin Dan, my cousin Laureen, and me. I have no idea what I was looking at. Seated from left to right are my cousin Dorinda (married to Bill), Marlene (married to Burnet) holding Nolan (son of Amanda and Jeff), Elianna (daughter of Amanda and Jeff), Mike (Aunt Mary's boyfriend), Natalie (Dan and Laura's baby) being held by Aunt Mary, Laura (Dan's wife) holding Mckenna (their oldest daughter), and my cousin Karen.

Thanksgiving Saturday Dinner

Josh-full and sleepy. I think we all felt like this after we ate. Dorinda and Bill are GREAT cooks!

Bill and Ian

My cousin, Dan

My aunt Mary. I swear, when I took this picture, her eyes were open.

My cousin, Burnet.

I took a ton of pictures, but only a few came out. I just do NOT have my brother's talent for it.

Max

Pony Dog.

Woof!

This is Jasmine. Her head is almost as big as a dinner plate.

Over the Hills and thru the Woods to Dorinda's House We Go...

I hate driving in stuff like this. The food is totally worth it, though. :D

Happy Birthday to Me

One of my former employers used to always buy me flowers on my birthday. I loved them, especially carnations. And even though I've always wanted flowers on my birthday, since I left his employ, I haven't gotten any since! It makes me laugh. Serves me right for leaving a good boss.

So today, Happy Birthday to Me. I'm gonna buy my own flowers. :D

And then curl up with a blanket, a glass of White Zin, and a good murder mystery. Life is good!

Email to my Friends

Hello all!

Just a quick note to let all of you know I have a 'surgical procedure' scheduled for my shoulder on November 29th. The doctor is going to perform a "manipulation" under anesthesia to force my shoulder to move again. (Click here for a bit more info.) Sounds like fun! I am SO glad I will be unconscious. The hope is that I regain my range of motion, can work on regaining my strength, and ultimately avoid rotator cuff surgery and the shaving down of my shoulder bones. (Just thinking about it makes me nauseous.)

I will be out of work on November 29th and 30th at the very least. A friend of mine is taking me to the surgery center and bringing me home, and I may be keeping Ian out of school on the 30th to keep an eye on me if necessary. I've never had a problem with anesthesia before, but in case of emergency, Ian's phone is programmed with all his grandparents' telephone numbers as well as my neighbor's phone number so they can give him guidance if necessary.

I am positive we will be just fine. My doctor has performed hundreds of these procedures with great success, and I am absolutely sure it will work for me, too.

I thank all of you for you kind thoughts and well wishes. :) Have a great day!

Love and laughter,
Serena / Kelly

Dream on, dream on, dream on, ....

Mom, I need $12 million.

I'm laughing too hard to reply.

It's Strep

Poor baby. He's got strep again. I wish it was one of those one-time things kids get, but the pediatrician says that children who get it once are more susceptible to getting it again.

Ian is sick today...

Poor kid...sore throat, tender neck, severe headache to the point that lights and sounds are bothering him and he doesn't want to eat... which saves on the grocery bill, but I hate seeing him like this. I hope it's not strep again. {heavy sigh}

Anyway, for those of you who check up on me (which I truly appreciate, because it is so nice to know people care about us), I will not be at work today. Further bulletins as events warrant!

Another Shoulder Update

I can't believe how fast time goes by sometimes.

I have a surgical procedure scheduled for my shoulder on November 29th. I'm supposed to have a responsible adult stay with me for 24 hours following the surgery. HA! Ian will have to do.

They are going to knock me out, inject my shoulder with three times (or so) the normal amount of cortisone, and forcefully manipulate my shoulder so it moves.

Oh joy, oh rapture, oh melody divine.

Zach and Ian

...crowded in front of the computer, completely ignoring the Bills game. :D

Homemade Pizza

It doesn't look like much, but it really was very good. I used basil pesto instead of tomato sauce, and layered on Mozzarella, Asiago, Parmesan, Cheddar and Feta cheeses. I'll never get the hang of getting a crust to be actually round, but hey, as long as it tastes good, who cares? :D

The Lucky One

He's Been Thinking Again

We were traveling down Main Street in Williamsville, where pink ribbons are displayed on each light pole in the center of down.

There sure are a lot of breast cancer ribbons and stuff around nowadays.

Yes. It's National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

So THAT's why my birthstone is pink! That's Awesome!

A Really Bad Joke from Ali!

What has a sword,

Rides on horseback,

And feels really bad about what he has done?

Zorry!

Ugh.

Got a guy hitting on me that doesn't want to take no for an answer. He is making me so uncomfortable. It's not hard to understand.

1. I am not interested. The answer is NO.

2. I don't date clients, either Tim's or anyone else who needs lawyers. Especially those that need criminal lawyers. And since you need a criminal lawyer, am I interested? NO. Refer to #1.

3. I am a single MOM who Works FULL-TIME and is attending a University FULL-TIME. Do I have time to date? NO. Refer to #1.

4. If I DID have time to date, would I date YOU? NO. Refer to #1.

5. I

AM

NOT

INTERESTED.

How hard can that possibly be to understand?

{heavy sigh} Are there any men left with BRAINS?

Ian's Brownies

Fundraiser!

Ian is selling Entertainment 2011 books for his school fundraiser. They are $30 each for the Buffalo Area edition. Out-of-Town editions are also available (like for Seattle $30, Albuquerque/Santa Fe $40, Cincinnati $30, San Diego $45, and Dallas $30, to name a few) and can be sent to you directly if you are interested.

Checks should be made payable to Herbert Hoover HSA. Sale dates are October 11-25. All money and orders are due back to the school on October 25.

The home school association helps pay for the kids' field trips, picnics, and other extracurricular activities Ian loves to participate in. If you would like a book, please email me at srtabor@gmail.com for my home address to send the check to.

We are grateful for your support!

Updates

I posted updates here and there back to September 10th. I had to download my photos for the posts, and I had difficulty finding the time.

Enjoy!

Shoulder Update 5

As it turns out, there is a "small slap tear" in my right rotator cuff. Lovely. I'm still in PT, but that is coming to an end as Independent Health only pays for a limited number of visits (20). In addition to exercises, I am also being treated with IontoPatchs with anti-inflammatory medication.

I can finally lift my arm almost all the way if I am going straight up from the front, but I still cannot lift my arm to the side, nor can I lift it behind my back.

PT is supposed to keep my shoulder from freezing. The goal is for me to regain full range of motion and, if I still have pain, then I would be a good surgical candidate.

The problem I have, of course, is that after any potential surgery, I will need PT. And my PT visits will be expired until my next plan year, which doesn't begin until August 1, 2011.

I just love the health care we get in this country.

Little Falls Historical Society

I let Ian run around with my camera to take some pictures at the Historical Society in Little Falls, New York. What was the first picture he took?

What is it with boys and the curiosity about blowing things up? Anyway, here are a few more pictures he took. This was a display of old pictures, some of which were of the O'Brien family:


A sword:


A uniform:

And guns:

A yearly membership to the historical society is $10. A true bargain!

Catholic Church in Little Falls, New York

My cousin, Mike O'Brien, was able to find a lot of information about his ancestors here. Depending on the priest at the time, some very good records were kept concerning baptisms, marriages, and deaths.

Little Falls, New York

My cousins Mary and Mike flew in to New York City from Santa Fe, New Mexico for a visit. We both drove half-way across New York and met in Little Falls, New York for a visit. Little Falls is in the Adirondacks. It was beautiful there. This is the view from our bed and breakfast:

And this, of course, is Mr. I'm-Not-Tired:


We had a wonderful visit. Mike was researching his family history, so we went to this beautiful cemetery and a huge, ornate Catholic Church where his ancestors were baptized, married, and laid to rest.

Photos follow in my next post.

Breast Cancer Fundraiser

Ian and I did the walk for breast cancer. There were mostly women walking, and quite a few had breast cancer t-shirts. "Save the Boobies!" "Save Second Base!" "Save a life - grope your wife!"

He raised $30 for the walk. I figured he knew what he was doing.

The entire walk, he asked questions. How do you get breast cancer? Can men get breast cancer? Can you get rid of breast cancer? How do you know if you have breast cancer? He would ask a bunch of questions, be silent for a while, then ask more questions.

We are nearing the finish, we have walked for 5 kilometers, the finish line is in sight, he asks one final question.

Mommy, what ARE breasts?

I had no idea he had no idea!

Christmas Presents: For Jeanette

She can be so...prickly. I hope she likes charm bracelets.