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Archive through January 29, 2006

The TVClubHouse: General Discussion ARCHIVES: 2006 Mar. ~ 2006 May: Winter Olympics: 2006 Winter Olympics: Archive through January 29, 2006 users admin

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Goddessatlaw
Member

07-19-2002

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 8:47 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Goddessatlaw a private message Print Post    
OK, well I hit the American flag for this without thinking that the Canadian flag should be on here, too, then I tried to put up both and that didn't work, so no pretty giffy for this thread.

Anyway, Colossus actually enjoyed watching the US Figure Skating Championships with me (it had more to do with the outfits than anything else I suspect, but he's still convinced Johnny Weir is a 15-year-old girl, not a 21-year-old male). Who was the dude who landed all of his jumps and then fell on his twizzle? How bad a day is that?

Anyway, Sasha Cohen is the new US champion (in the absence of Michelle Kwan, who has now been appointed by US officials as the 3rd member of the US team along with Kimmi Meissner). I don't think there was any doubt by the end of the championships that Kwan was going to go. Personally, I simply didn't see the polish in the other skaters (including Meissner) that indicates the leap from competitive amateur to world-class skater. Nevermind the fact that 95% of them wound up on their cans somewhere during their programs.

I love the Olympics. Can't wait to get started.

Jimmer
Member

08-30-2000

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 9:25 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jimmer a private message Print Post    
You think the American women had problems - you should have seen the
Canadians!

I don't know why it is that in Canada, we are great in Men's singles, Pairs and Dance, but we are awful in the Women's singles???

Marysafan
Member

08-07-2000

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 9:40 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Marysafan a private message Print Post    
I wasn't sure that I was in favor of the Kwan appointment, but after seeing last night's performances, I was glad we had her in the wings.

I think Sasha Cohen has the stuff to take the gold if she can perform without any major mistakes. I loved her music...from one of my all time favorite movie scores.

Also, I can't wait for the hockey. The USA and Canadian women's teams are always good, and I can't wait to see them head to head with all the chips on the line if things go as expected.

The men's teams are a different story. All the hype has Canada as the clear cut favorite to repeat, but I have my doubts. I know they have a lot of talent, but you have to have a team...not just a group of all stars. So far, I think they've made a big mistake leaving Brendan Shanahan off the team. Canda's biggest problem...too much cronyism in the Gretsky camp.

The Swede's are looking fantastic and have an OUTSTANDING goaltender in Henrik Lundquist. Henrik Zetterberg, who was but a young prospect last time, has come into his own and has turned out to be a magical wizard with a hockey stick, add a healty Peter Forsberg...and I think they could be golden. There will be no Belarus debacle this time. Their biggest booboo...leaving Tomas Holmstrom off the team. I bet Martin Brodeur heaved a huge sigh of relief when he heard that...no one gets in a goalie's face better than Tomas.

No one's talking about them...but beware of the Cheks. Jaomir Jagr is back in rare form leading the NHL in scoring (I know this personally as he is on hubby's fantasy team...so I have been subject to the jubliation of each and every point). A group of them have been playing together on the NY Rangers all year, and the Rangers are doing really well. There is something to be said for that kind of unity. Their goalie tandum of Hasek, and Voukun is as tough as they come.

Notice the lack of mention for the USA...truthfully...we don't have a capable goaltender! Mike Richter has retired...I had to boot Rick DiPietro off my fantasy team for poor performance so I know personally how awful he has been this season. Ryan Miller doesn't have the experience, and Esche is injured. Such is life.

Lumbele
Member

07-12-2002

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 9:40 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Lumbele a private message Print Post    
GAL, your U.S. skaters weren't the only ones with plenty of gravity issues. The Canadian championship was peppered with plenty of falls as well.
Better now than during the Olympics and Worlds, I guess.

The Winter Olympics are my faves, too. I enjoy watching some of the Summer Olympics, but the winter ones keep me glued to the TV.

Konamouse
Member

07-16-2001

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 10:28 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Konamouse a private message Print Post    
I only plan to really pay attention to the only American team that matters: my cousin Ben & his partner Tanith (finally granted her American citizenship on Dec 30th after living, training, competing for the US since 1998)

B&T

Beautiful, graceful, artistic, fun, flair, sometimes almost flawless....the only thing that can keep them from the gold will be the skating politics that persists in ice dancing.

I'll admit, maybe my distant relationship to Ben makes me a little biased. But if I didn't think they really had the chops, I would not be such a supporter. I have been watching for years (and though he will deny it around his work buddies, konashark enjoys the show as well).

"squeek"

Goddessatlaw
Member

07-19-2002

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 11:19 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Goddessatlaw a private message Print Post    
Kona, how exciting for your family!! I didn't see any of the ice dancing competition, but I saw some highlights particularly of your cousin and his partner, and I'll certainly be rooting for them. Unfortunately, the corruption in this aspect of ice sports is so deep and widespread that I can't even really watch it anymore. Torville and Dean's bronze medal on a program that was light years beyond the other performances (was it '94?) and a couple of subsequent and clearly bought-and-paid-for results have pretty much spoiled ice dancing for me.

I was grateful at the last winter Olympics that they actually caught the cheaters red-handed in the pairs skating. How awful to spend your lives dedicated to this one chance and have it stolen from underneath you by international thieves. Unfortunately, the skaters themselves seem to have to resign themselves to the corruption in their sport in order to ever have a chance to succeed.

Jimmer
Member

08-30-2000

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 11:45 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jimmer a private message Print Post    
The problem that especially differentiates Ice Dancing from the other figure skating categories is that it is unlikely that the dancers will make an obvious mistake. Mistakes are more evident in all of the other categories (falls, slips, etc.).

So Ice Dancing is judged solely on preference.

Chaplin
Member

01-08-2006

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 11:56 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Chaplin a private message Print Post    
The new way of judging still stinks and it will be likely it will still favour the European's!!!!!!!! There have still been quite a few judging mistakes over there recently. This coming week is the European skating Championships. Watch out for Slutskaya who is still on her path to win more medals!!!!!!! I agree on the Canadian skaters also having their share of falls. I have been watching both the US and Canadian Championships.

Lumbele
Member

07-12-2002

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 12:22 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Lumbele a private message Print Post    
With the new way of judging they can now hide behind those 'anonymous' marks. Skating in general has never been clean in that department. During the cold war, the Soviet block voted against the Western block.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of now independent states, all sides have to make their deals wherever, whenever they can. Political 'enforcement' has turned into 'for profit' corruption.

If notable, respected figure skating personalities don't get together and scream bloody murder until serious clean-ups happen, this will continue to be the norm.
Look what happened to the cheaters of Salt Lake. No lifetime bans, no! They were only suspended for 3 years, so they are eligible to "work the paddles" (or should I say tootsies?) again in Torino, while those who exposed them have been edged out. And if the Olympic Association hadn't bullied the Figure Skating Association into taking action those culprits would probably have never been sanctioned at all.
No wonder the sport is losing more and more fans.

Whoami
Member

08-03-2001

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 5:31 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Whoami a private message Print Post    
Kona, ever since you revealed (a couple of seasons ago IIRC) that you are Ben's cousin, I think of you every time I see them! I was especially thrilled when Tanith's citizenship came through so they could go to Torino. IMHO, they are the USA's strongest hope for a figure skating medal at the Olympics.

In fact, I think the USA's deepest and strongest discipline this year is in Ice Dance (Who would have thought that possible a few years ago?). I don't think we can totally depend on Sasha to not melt down, and Michelle hasn't had enough exposure this year to totally count on her (and she didn't fare well in her only exposure to the new judging system last year at Worlds). And Kimmie is so young, I think this trip will be more of a "get your feet wet for 2010." If any of the Ladies falter, there are just too many strong women out there (particularly the Japanese) to fill up the podium.

Here are some of the other musings I had while watching the USA Nationals this weekend:

Congrats to Sasha for winning her first National title. I've never been a huge fan of hers. But I do admire her tenacity.

I heard Malaguena a few times this weekend. And that was just from the TV coverage! Must be a popular song in the figure skating world too (I posted these musings on a drum corps board, where Malaguena is often considered a song so over-used it should be shelved, but I do love the song and never tire of it)!

I think it was Ryan Bradly who skated to Saturday Night Fever medley? I loved how he struck a pose and got right into character. But I hated his musical transitions. Especially the one from "How Deep Is Your Love" to the next song. He needs to fire the person who edited his music!

I'm really getting sick of seeing Beilman spins.

Was sad for Rohene Ward and his meltdown performance. But a nice touching moment for him to find out his Mom was there. ABC did sort of get in their face and intrude on their moment though.

Secretly glad Michael Weiss didn't make the team. I can't say I've ever been very enamored with his ego.

The evil genius in me had a slight glimmer of a secret wish that Sasha would have a splat fest in her Free and end up third. The talk around the town of course was that she would win and get the automatic berth to the Olys, with the silver medalist also going. And the bronze medalist likely getting bumped for Michelle. I would have gotten a slightly secret giggle out of the USFSA and the quandary they'd have been in if it was Sasha in third. But then, that's only cause I have a tendency to know you never assume "the obvious." So it would have been interesting to see what they'd have done if Sasha had melted down in her free.

Colordeagua
Member

10-25-2003

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 5:49 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Colordeagua a private message Print Post    

quote:

Was sad for Rohene Ward and his meltdown performance. But a nice touching moment for him to find out his Mom was there. ABC did sort of get in their face and intrude on their moment though.


The sponsor of the competition (Allstate?) paid for her trip from Minneapolis to St. Louis. I'd bet there was a condition that the meeting between mother and son would be televised.


quote:

Secretly glad Michael Weiss didn't make the team. I can't say I've ever been very enamored with his ego.


I so agree. I'm yelling at the screen, "Fall, fall, fall." Didn't matter that he didn't -- he didn't make it. Michael, you're too old. Give it up.


quote:

So it would have been interesting to see what they'd have done if Sasha had melted down in her free.


I thought of that too. What would the USFSA have done if Sasha came in third?

Who, we're on the same ice.

Jedisan
Member

01-11-2002

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 6:06 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jedisan a private message Print Post    
I am looking forward to Shani Davis and Apollo Ohno in the speed-skating competitions. As well as Hyo-Jung Kim on the Womens side of the same sport. We have a great chance with these kids.
I love Winter Olympics - the skiing, the skating, the luging, the skeleton, the curling - all of it.
Can't wait - I am such a dork.
Kona, like I need even more reason to root for team "Benith" (I mean no disrespect - I just appreciate short cuts for time management purposes!)


Teachmichigan
Member

07-22-2001

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 6:50 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Teachmichigan a private message Print Post    
I'm already trying to figure out what I can do in all of my classes for two weeks that requires NO paperwork from me!! I could spend all day and all night in front of the TV during winter Olympics! I don't think there's one sport I don't enjoy watching!

The skating this weekend was rather sad -- but fun to see some of the younger girls who are going to be ready for the next Olympics!

Mags
Member

06-26-2001

Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 10:28 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mags a private message Print Post    
Hi everyone! I was lucky enough to go to the US National Figure Skating competition in STL this week. My sister and I bought tickets 3 years ago!!!

We had a great time!!! It was different than I expected...lots of sitting around waiting for results. I guess I'm just used to the immediacy of TV :-) We got to see a lot of former skaters: Kristy Yamaguchi, Kurt Browning (yum!), Brian Boitano, Scott Hamilton, Katerina Witt.

The competition was great! Especially Kimmie, Scott Savoie, Erik Lysacek, Belbin and Agosto, Inoue and Baldwin! But I also loved Stephanie Rosenthal, Scott Smith, Ryan Bradley.

Who..I couldn't agree with you more about wanting Sasha to fail!!!! When she fell out of her two jumps, I almost screamed in joy...sadly, it wasn't enough...but it showed her nerves. I can't wait till the Olympics when she has real pressure on her. I just really don't like her..she thinks she's the greatest thing since sliced bread...but she's SO not! In my mind, her "victory" this week will always have an asterisk next to it. She won because Michelle couldn't compete. Her exhibition performance didn't have a single jump in it...was very boring! I think Belbin and Agosto's performance took down the house...all about America ! Also, Michael Weiss' goodbye to skating was nice. I don't think he had the "stuff" for the Olympics, but he will be a great performer for Stars on Ice or Campbells!

Overall, it was a great experience being there for the competition...but I don't think I'd ever pay to be there all week again. :-)

Loyolamom
Member

05-10-2005

Monday, January 16, 2006 - 12:32 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Loyolamom a private message Print Post    
I can't wait for the Olympics to start! Count me in as someone who was hoping Sasha Cohen would hit the ice! For some reason I have never liked her, no matter how hard I try. I have always adored Michelle Kwan and felt that she really got a raw deal when the Nancy Kerrigan/Tanya Harding fiasco took place and she didn't get to go to the Olympics. Who knows...it could have been her time to win the gold.

Was anyone else skeeved out by the kiss that John Baldwin laid on Rina Inoue?

Loyolamom
Member

05-10-2005

Monday, January 16, 2006 - 12:34 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Loyolamom a private message Print Post    
I forgot to add that I have my fingers crossed Tanith and Ben bring home a medal! What a special time for you and your family Kona!

Whoami
Member

08-03-2001

Monday, January 16, 2006 - 12:59 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Whoami a private message Print Post    
Loyola...

I'll admit I was a little when John planted that kiss on Rena. But during the replay a few moments later, the commentator did mention that they are a couple off the ice. So I suppose it was ok.

I try very very hard not to have mean thoughts regarding Sasha. I actually really liked her when she first came out on the senior scene. I remember her ballet influence made her very elegant. But then she took on the diva attitude. I got the vibe from her that she thought Michelle should hang it up and get out of the way for her. She's been a lot of hype, with not a whole lot of delivering the goods, IMHO. Really, for all that hype....she's been on the senior scene what, five or six years now? And she's only stood on the Worlds podium twice.

I felt bad for Orscher/Lucash just missing the Olympic berth, especially after leading in the short program. That death ray look she flashed him before stomping out of the Kiss and Cry is the subject of its own thread over on one of the figure skating boards.

Loved Inoue/Baldwin, and am thrilled for their history making throw triple axel! That has to give them a lot of confidence going into the Olympics.

I also am optimistic for the future of Naomi Nari Nam/Themistocles Leftheris. Fifth is not bad at all at their first Nationals, especially after only being together. I remember her when she won the Silver in Ladies in 1999. She was dynamic then. After a hip injury that nearly ended her career, its so good to see her back. I'd love to see NNN/L (as they are referred to on the figure skating board) be the future of Pairs skating in the USA.

Loyolamom
Member

05-10-2005

Monday, January 16, 2006 - 1:40 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Loyolamom a private message Print Post    
Whoami, I guess it's just me about Inoue/Baldwin. When they first started skating together I was struck by their age difference. She always struck me as being kind of naive (?)and I don't know why. Just a vibe I get from her. That's why the kiss just kind of felt so odd to me. I guess I can't really explain it very well! I hope they're happy together though:-)

I was happy too for NNN/L! I hope that she stays healthy and I look forward to seeing them in the future.

Could you tell me where the figure skating board is that you mentioned? I'd love to check it out. Thanks!

At the U.S. Figure Skating web site I read an article about Michelle Kwan and Sasha Cohen had stated she hoped the girls that "earned" their spots got to go to the Olympics. I thought that was rather snotty of her.

Whoami
Member

08-03-2001

Monday, January 16, 2006 - 1:54 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Whoami a private message Print Post    
There's two figure skating boards I frequent.

Figure Skating Universe is the more active of the two. They just recently restricted access to the Olympic forums to "supporters" only. During major events, the board really gets bogged down, considering the membership is from all over the world. But, you cay pay something like 3$ for access to those forums. And a year's membership is fairly minimal too (for access to the private forums). I went ahead and paid, cause I wanted access to the Olympic forums.

The other one I frequent is Skating Forums. They are good too, but also get bogged down during major events. I don't think they plan on restricting access during the Olympics.

Whoami
Member

08-03-2001

Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 6:51 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Whoami a private message Print Post    
Just thought I'd provide the link to the offical site for the Winter Olympics while I was thinking about it....

Torino 2006 Winter Olympics

Chaplin
Member

01-08-2006

Friday, January 27, 2006 - 10:04 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Chaplin a private message Print Post    
I just read today that it is not 100 percent that Kwan will represent the USA in the Olympics in February. She still has to present her entire short and long programs live to a panel of judges to prove she is fit to compete. If they find she is fit and can do her entire programs they will vote her onto the team. If she does not do well then the top 3 at the US Figure Skating Championships will go to Torino. I believe she has to do this by Saturday night as the deadline for presenting the final roster for the US team to the IOC is Jan. 28th at Midnight. After that there can be no new additions.

Wink
Member

10-06-2000

Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 8:14 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wink a private message Print Post    
According to this morning's paper Michelle has been awarded a spot on the team.

Chaplin
Member

01-08-2006

Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 6:42 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Chaplin a private message Print Post    
Then she must have presented her program as tonight is the deadline.

Wink
Member

10-06-2000

Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 10:11 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wink a private message Print Post    
Chaplin yes apparently she did and seems to have recovered from her "groin" injury that kept her out of her US Nationals.

Ketchuplover
Member

08-30-2000

Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 8:16 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ketchuplover a private message Print Post    
Ketchup is the official condiment of the olympics. :-) ...and if it's not keep your trap shut.