August 19

She's so happy in this video! I want Mao to have performances this season where she can truly be happy and the end of her program.  This is probably her best performance of the 04-05 season but is less known because it is from Japanese Jr Nationals.  Everything looks effortless and she carries good speed throughout the program.  She needs to bring these 2 qualities back to her skating this season so the judges will once again recognize and appreciate Mao for what she still is - a great skater with a newfound maturity on the ice.  I wish her well this season not only as a fan of Mao, but also as a fan of the sport.

August 15

I've come to appreciate this program more and more every time I watch it.  The transitions are what they should be - difficult but not flashy like some skaters "look at my footwork that has nothing to do with the music before this jump".  Everything is choreographed on the music and I agree with the commentators - he does a great job presenting her.

Damned youtube won't let me put the video on this...but you can watch it here.

August 10

I wish more of the current US ladies could bring me in and force me to focus on them for an entire program.  Actually, now that I think about it, none of them can (with the exception of Alissa because you never know if/when she is going to splat).

The need to share

I was browsing the internet and found this interesting article about a fellow blogger's book and her take on TV coverage.  I think she does a great job explaining the situation and makes good points about the nature of the sport.  Here is the article - I would recommend reading it!  I don't know the blogger myself, but I would also recommend reading her blog if you like what she had to say in the article!



This is a completely unrelated point... but I can't wait for the new season to start! With all the Black Swans there seem to be, we should be treated to at least one in each event this year...yay! (sarcasm)