tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post5718388221672370394..comments2024-03-27T00:19:55.641-07:00Comments on Aunt Joyce's Ice Cream Stand: US Nationals: The Ladies Free SkateOlympicEffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708554152461551887noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-8694644570054199312011-02-06T04:46:27.632-08:002011-02-06T04:46:27.632-08:00Just visited the stats over at usfsa and noticed 7...Just visited the stats over at usfsa and noticed 7, arguably 8 (if you consider yasmin's family origin of iran, a nation technically a part of near asia or central asia of the middle east, an extention of the far east of asia) of the top 12 ladies were of asian extraction. there really is an asian invasion occurring, although Asian Americans are about as rare as a Unicorn in the Western Wilderness:<br /><br />"The appearance of Lions and Dragons expel negative energy, evil and bad spirits."<br /><br />Pro-Active Chinese Lunar New Year, regardless: "Overall, the Census Bureau also estimates that as of 2008, the Asian American population stood at 15,480,349 (13,549,064 of whom are monoracial Asian) and Asian Americans comprise 5.1% of the total U.S. population of 304,059,724."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-8785946052008180002011-02-03T10:02:43.171-08:002011-02-03T10:02:43.171-08:00In regard to the above post, what do you mean that...In regard to the above post, what do you mean that Alissa made Latina/Latino look good? She isn't of that nationality, as far as I know.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-34972057925750956262011-02-02T18:33:55.930-08:002011-02-02T18:33:55.930-08:00Alissa made Latina/Latino look good by skating so ...Alissa made Latina/Latino look good by skating so well this season. Look forward to Worlds for another heartfelt performance from her.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-48131305605906683872011-02-02T14:03:15.448-08:002011-02-02T14:03:15.448-08:00Do you think if she start to believe that she'...Do you think if she start to believe that she's the best she's gonna skate better? NOOOO. You don't become the best by believing it, you become the best by working and training hard. BTW, with shaky edges for flip/lutz (she got "e" for both jumps this season) and URs, she does not deserve to think she's the best. Unfortunately, compared to other skaters in US, she's a bit better altho i think she'll never have drama of Yuna Kim or beauty of Alissa... She's just very limited in terms of interpretation because of how she looks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-26228143001709312432011-02-02T11:02:04.103-08:002011-02-02T11:02:04.103-08:00I feel offended by Rachel Flatt's skatings.......I feel offended by Rachel Flatt's skatings....and would like to see her as little as possible.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-66841141509887953032011-02-02T10:08:58.383-08:002011-02-02T10:08:58.383-08:00I agree with Olympic Effect. People seemed to be s...I agree with Olympic Effect. People seemed to be shocked that Frank was being shitty to Mirai in the K&C but I say more power to him. Mirai needs tough love, someone to get in her face and tell her that 90% of the time she doesn't win it's not b/c someone was better than her; it's b/c she gave it away and she needs to understand that.<br /><br />Mirai did look like she'd given up before she even skated. She looked terrified before she started and Frank should point that out. Hopefully calling attention to her defeatist attitude will make her realize what she's doing and she'll straighten up.<br /><br />She's still the best skater the US has across the board in terms of content, packaging and potential. And though Mirai says she's the best, you can tell by her actions that she doesn't believe it. When is she gonna start to believe it?menoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-75621465379600306272011-02-02T06:40:35.786-08:002011-02-02T06:40:35.786-08:00Mirai's costumes this season are like art piec...Mirai's costumes this season are like art pieces. Her LP costume looks so lovely on HDTV.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-40725933422530463262011-02-01T19:06:51.841-08:002011-02-01T19:06:51.841-08:00Rachael's footwork was like out of the Twiligh...Rachael's footwork was like out of the Twilight Zone!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-28389891685953384202011-02-01T17:54:48.637-08:002011-02-01T17:54:48.637-08:00Believe me, I have a plethora of critiques about R...Believe me, I have a plethora of critiques about Rachael Flatt, but sometimes I do stop and think that wow, she's only an innocent 17-year-old girl, and we sure are really attacking her on a lot of petty things, like her thighs, her haircut, her dresses, her ability to shape-shift into a 1960s soccer mom at the snap of the fingers, etc. <br /><br />That said, even if it's mean, I do have to say that I agree with everyone who said that the only reason that Rachael got a shit-ton of applause during the short program was because East of Eden is a divine, poignant, swelling piece of music that makes me feel like running full speed in a field of daisies with sunburts and butterflies. In other words, the music kicks ass, Rachael's skating does not. During her footwork sequence, while I appreciated that she actually showed genuine connection to the music and the audience (passion?), her movements were unbelievably bizarre. That wasn't footwork, that was...something else entirely. Whoever said that Evan Lysacek looked like a windmill didn't see Rachael's footwork sequence. She takes the cake on psychotic, windmil-esque, awkward, deranged footwork. <br /><br />(And seriously, why on earth would she give people any reason to compare her to Michelle Kwan by using that music??)<br /><br />Also, someone who was watching the skating with me pointed out that two of the reasons that Rachael's footwork sequence, and maybe choreography in general, doesn't look pretty is because a.) her hair is flailing around and it is honestly quite unruly and very distracting, and b.) her mouth is always open! She was agape the whole footwork sequence, and that was another distracting thing. It was like she was trying to eat the music or something.<br /><br />I feel a little bad for harping on her, but if she is as smart as the TV Commentators keep shoving down our throats that she is, then she will realize that she is never going to be a slim, pretty, balletic ice princess, and she needs to embrace who she is as a person, an athlete and a performer in order to find herself as a skater. She's spent many years trying to fit an image, to please other people, to impress the judges with her cutesy choreography and faux-artistic programs, and while that's gotten her some moderate success, I can't see her going further if she maintains this status quo. <br /><br />Rachael would be very well-suited to skating in a more simple, streamlined, athletic costume and embracing her power and athleticism. Maybe that would inspire her to pick up some speed, too. Drop the Betty-Boop bullshit, and man up, Rachael!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-86291492028058613052011-02-01T15:29:00.438-08:002011-02-01T15:29:00.438-08:00Alissa Czisny has a huge smile as broad as Rachel ...Alissa Czisny has a huge smile as broad as Rachel Ray's. Rachael Flatt looks pissed most of the time, especially at warmups and she seems to act bossy....Definitely not America's sweetheart.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-86644122911724880642011-02-01T10:51:49.102-08:002011-02-01T10:51:49.102-08:00I think Frank should have Mirai watch the tape of ...I think Frank should have Mirai watch the tape of Michelle at 2004 Worlds after her skate-around was interrupted by the streaker. It was the definition of sangfroid. That is what Mirai should aspire to. (And I know that Michelle only got the bronze at that competition--but that was because she was blindsided by the time deduction in the short. Some of the judges actually put her first in the long over Shizuka.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-92050897361999159442011-02-01T10:05:41.144-08:002011-02-01T10:05:41.144-08:00Don't pick on Rachel so much, pick on her pack...Don't pick on Rachel so much, pick on her packaging which is likely decided by someone else. There's a packaging for Rachel that would frame her athletics and hard work better, but instead, the powers that be are trying to hard to present her as 'all american'. Actually, a long program that was more modern and athletic (kinda like Armin's) would suit her better and cover up the fact that her positions aren't classic. Her consistancy might yet help us keep our spots and maybe even gain one back. A year or so ago she beat Yu-Na in the freeskate at Skate America and was the only woman to beat her in a long time....forward outside loopnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-1797752802526498072011-02-01T08:24:07.635-08:002011-02-01T08:24:07.635-08:00Well said AJ. I'm a Mirai fan, but after a whi...Well said AJ. I'm a Mirai fan, but after a while watching a favorite miss her chances isn't cute or fun anymore.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-6235287493661405342011-02-01T07:36:07.875-08:002011-02-01T07:36:07.875-08:00I would like figure skating a little more if/when ...I would like figure skating a little more if/when Rachael Flatt is gone.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-73083354969066845842011-02-01T07:15:21.374-08:002011-02-01T07:15:21.374-08:00I think Frank and Co. are trying to get through to...I think Frank and Co. are trying to get through to a very talented girl who has rested on talent for her entire life and not pushed through. There is a lack of self-awareness, commitment and discipline there (perhaps intelligence) Mirai has improved in her year and a half with Frank, but she has so much more to do. The technique still crumbles when she is distracted. The bottom line is that Mirai has the talent of an Olympic Champion and the discipline and work-ethic of a novice lady. Mirai gets a free pass from fans because we all love her for being fun, honest and engaging. Part of that shows up in her performances, which lack restraint and refinement. It is that aspect that also keeps her from competing with the best in the world. Part of the issue is that Mirai has only had a coach who is an 'A Lister' for a relatively short time. She never had to work like that before. Before Charlene, Mirai was a disastrous hot mess of talent who couldn't hit. <br /><br />Frank has every right to get through to Mirai this way. Mirai is about to be an adult and she definitely needs a swift kick in the ass. Phil Hersh wound up just printing a quote from Frank stating that same very thing. Nothing has seemed to get through and ''click'' with her yet. One can argue that "oh, she is young," but she really isn't. Champions who have won had that discipline in their teenage years. Michelle, Evan, Lipinski, Fratianne, etc all trained with purpose, intensity and discipline. It has to come from within. <br /><br />I tend to wonder if Mirai is an ADD case, who would be amazing on adderall. <br /><br />Bottom line, she needs that focus throughout life. When she was off the ice, she needed to be swimming everyday, doing pilates and yoga and not just taking time off as it sounds like she did. There certainly wasn't a huge commitment to off ice training and avoiding the vacay mentality.OlympicEffecthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11708554152461551887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-30015345723677579082011-02-01T07:04:38.469-08:002011-02-01T07:04:38.469-08:00@6:17--It's the anti-Flatt narrative. j/k
Act...@6:17--It's the anti-Flatt narrative. j/k<br /><br />Actually, I don't think they are crafting an image at all with that. I think Mirai just happens to be real with the media (whether her team likes it or not) and they are calling it like it is. Not like Flatt whose entire image has been planned, vetted ridiculous. I'll be shocked if Flatt actually does a chemical engineering major; that's likely just a continuation of the "look how smart she is" PR meme. Wasn't Hughes going to be a doctor, after all? That isn't going to happen.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-83240266169464737522011-02-01T06:17:57.265-08:002011-02-01T06:17:57.265-08:00I'm kind of concerned about the message Frank ...I'm kind of concerned about the message Frank & co are sending about Mirai. Why do they want to paint her as this aloof, headcase-y artist who doesn't know how to work hard? Even if it's true, you don't think the judges consider that? And USFSA officials?<br /><br />I understand that Frank is a genius and I'm sure he has something planned, but I just can't figure out what it is. I've been wondering all year about this narrative they're putting forth for Mirai.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-79009917115546704382011-02-01T03:05:09.835-08:002011-02-01T03:05:09.835-08:00Mirai needs to suck it up and work HARDER. Stop go...Mirai needs to suck it up and work HARDER. Stop goofing off in practice and listen to your coach. As if she only started to work hard 3 weeks before Nationals???? Who does that? Either get yoru act together or get out of the sport and stop wasting your parents hard earned $$$$Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-54973806378193956872011-02-01T00:47:32.266-08:002011-02-01T00:47:32.266-08:0010:04 PM, huh? Mirai isn't worried about figh...10:04 PM, huh? Mirai isn't worried about fighting her "other nationality". It's a skating competition-- she's fighting other skaters. Just like Mirai wants to beat everyone at US Nationals, she'll want to beat the Japanese skaters at Four Continents. I don't see how her having dual-nationalities impacts her skating negatively.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-6316651842397764592011-02-01T00:34:45.839-08:002011-02-01T00:34:45.839-08:00I laugh at the person who called Mirai a "los...I laugh at the person who called Mirai a "lost cause". She's third in the entire country, you dolt. She's only 17, coming off of a long season and a pesky injury. CHILL.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-50257067362520285682011-02-01T00:28:41.921-08:002011-02-01T00:28:41.921-08:00Leave Mirai ALONE. Maybe she just had a bad skate....Leave Mirai ALONE. Maybe she just had a bad skate. She is coming off of a stress fracture, for goodness sake. It's not like she sucked... She just wasn't as great as she could be. I still would be sending her to Worlds because her scoring potential is better than Rachael, but the USFSA is too damn cocky to care about such things. They have a "We're winning so many medals, so we much be doing everything right!" attitude and it sucks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-20973868007602446112011-02-01T00:12:41.424-08:002011-02-01T00:12:41.424-08:00What like something of a Yamaguchi/Ito? Well Yamag...What like something of a Yamaguchi/Ito? Well Yamaguchi beat Ito!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-66243683774101164002011-01-31T22:04:36.940-08:002011-01-31T22:04:36.940-08:00No one brought up this so far I guess...if having ...No one brought up this so far I guess...if having 2 nationalities keeps on making conflict in the kid's mind, then it'd make difference if she drops one of the nationalities as soon as possible. It's not her fault at all to have 2 nationalities but it probably is the cause of her anxiety attack whenever she's almost there to win.......Just the thought of winning and the winning means she will have to fight against her other nationality must be extremely difficult for a top athlete, not to mention the athlete is very young.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-14483063610907098722011-01-31T16:59:48.147-08:002011-01-31T16:59:48.147-08:00I liked this recap. Czisny is great. I mean Flatt ...I liked this recap. Czisny is great. I mean Flatt may be bland at her core but she tries so hard to be something on the ice and Nagasu just didn't do that great.caseyedwardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11427533465291202121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-88133663102304416682011-01-31T16:26:17.396-08:002011-01-31T16:26:17.396-08:00Mirai probably would not have won even if she was ...Mirai probably would not have won even if she was clean, but if she did the 2axel/ 3 toe clean it would have been REALLY close. she would certainly have made the team over sub-par Flatt. Mirai blew it for herself again. she is not a little girl anymore. if having Evan around was the only thing keeping her in line Frank should have hired an assistant months ago. not like Evan is doing that much else nowadays.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com