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Subj:  Skating Novel
Date:  93-06-24 15:57:15 EST
From:  TeresaM106
Posted on: America Online

Greetings all.  I'm new on AOL.  Since the rate hike on *P, I've
been
spending a lot of time on GEnie.  Unfortunately, the figure skating
boards
there are pretty quiet, now.  I'm glad to have found you all.

Remember that skating novel I mentioned briefly on *P?  It's
working.  Yes,
finally working.  After planning and plotting and writing for
years, I'm
within two chapters of writing 'THE END".  At least for the first
full draft.


I'm glad to see some familiar "faces".

Teresa

Subj:  welcome theresa
Date:  93-06-24 18:04:22 EST
From:  TR1VIOLA
Posted on: America Online

You will see many of your prod friends here under some new and old
names--Join us and tell us all about your novel--Does she go to the
olympics??
will she marry her partner??--humm that plot sounds a bit
familiar--
Skating Mom--

Subj:  FORUM VACATION
Date:  93-06-25 21:35:20 EST
From:  TR1VIOLA
Posted on: America Online

There will be no officially scheduled forum for the next two weeks.
No
problema if anyone wants to pop in on thurs 7pm est since the room
will be
available, but there will be no regularly scheduled trivia,
guests(still
working on that one!!!)--so if you want to drop in informally--come
on
in!!

Subj:  US Men
Date:  93-06-30 15:17:33 EST
From:  TeresaM106
Posted on: America Online

Who do you all look to in the men's division to be a contender for
those two
spots on the Olympic and World team this year?  What do you think
are
Boitano's chances against someone like Scott Davis.  True, Davis
doesn't have
Boitano's maturity, but he has something Boitano doesn't: healthy
knees.
It'll probably seem really strange for Brian not to be favored in
the
technical aspects of competition.  How do you all think Mark
Mitchell stacks
up?  Do you think his move to Carlo Fassi will help?  Seems to me
if he was
looking for more consistency in the jumps, he would have gone to
someone
else.  Fassi skaters--as great as they have been--seem to be a
little weak,
technically.  Does Mark have a triple axel combination?  I don't
recall, for
sure.  Comments?

Subj:  New to AOL from Prodigy
Date:  93-07-01 21:54:53 EST
From:  MelissaIS1
Posted on: America Online

Hi everyone!
    This is Melissa Scharoun from the prodigy fig.sk8 bb, and I'd
just like
to say hello to everyone!  I recognize many names from prodigy and
I feel
right at home.  This is my first day here on AOL, and although it
is very
different, I think I like it, and look forward to writing to you
all.  I'm
looking forward to a figure skating forum, but I heard on prodigy
that there
wont be one this week.  Even so, when are they usually?  Well, I'm
off to go
exploring, so I'll see you later.               -Melissa Scharoun

Subj:
Forums
Date:  93-07-03 06:11:40 EST
From:  MargeR1
Posted on: America Online

Hi Melissa and welcome to AOL!
The forum is  every Thursday at 10 pm ET, 9pm CT, 7pm PT. Use that
Keyword
"Grandstand" that got you here. Choose the button "Sports Club and
Conferences" Then Choose "Press Box"  Louise cancelled the official
forums
for July 1 and 8 but many of us met informally on July 1 and had a
great
time.  So stop in on the 8th; it's likely there will be a group
chat then.
Let me know if you have any AOL questions; I'll try to help.
Marge

Subj:  Forums
Date:  93-07-04 20:48:31 EST
From:  MelissaIS1
Posted on: America Online

Thanks for the welcome, Marge!  I'll be sure to stop in on the 8th
- I've
already tried live chat and find it exciting!  Thanks for your
offer of help,
and I'll be sure to use it.  I must go now, since these 10 hourse
are sure
flying by fast.            -Melissa

Subj:  Hello and many skating thoughts
Date:  93-07-04 21:20:31 EST
From:  Boise
Posted on: America Online

Hello everyone my name is Boise, I am 25 and a great skating
enthusiast.

I am from Southern California and started in the Costa Mesa CA Ice
Capades
(John Nicks Rink) when I was 9.  I also skated a lot at the Artic
Blades FSC
in Paramount CA.

Although I was and am a serious skater, I never became very
competitive
because I could never master the figures, though freeskating came
easily to
me.  So now I skate for fun.

Currently I am in Cambridge, MA skating at the SC of Boston and
studying for
the NY bar.  I went to Brown and Harvard for college and law school
respectively and am planning to start work in the fall as an
attorney in
Manhattan.  There I plan to make good use of Sky Rink.

I have some pretty strong opinions about different things in
skating.  But
opinions raise good discussion, so here they are.

SKATING COMMENTATORS: I think Dick Button is by far the greatest
commentator
I have ever heard in any sport.  True, he can be cruel.  But his
analysis I
think is right on the money.  Examples: He is one of the few
commentators who
gives credit to straight backs on sit spins, pays attention to flow
and
edges, recognizes the distinction between superficial flailing of
the arms
and real artistry (Bowman v. Wylie), notes proper lay back leg
positions
(with proper turnout), and finally knows the music which skaters
skate to and
is able to talk about it intelligently.

The other commentators I believe leave much to be desired.

Peggy Fleming: I feel has has nothing very substantive to say in my
opinion
(never more profound than her choreography isn't interesting, this
isn't an
inspired performance, nice extensions on their legs) and her
grammar I
bothersome ("she has charisma with the audience").

Sandra Bezic: She isn't bad, but most bothersome is her strong
partisanship
toward Canadians.  Sure Boitano and Browning have jumps, sure
Eisler and
Brasseur have good lifts, but their positions (especially in spins)
in my
mind need a lot of work (sit spins which aren't very low, fairly
droopy
camels and spirals).  And Brasseur has a bad dropped back on all of
her
landings.  Of course Sandra would never mention these things.

Scott Hamilton: I like him a lot as a person.  But I think he tends
to be too
much of a cheerleader, his comments I find a bit simplistic as
well.  He
knows his jumps and technique pretty well, but he isn't able to
discuss
style, choreography or music with much sophistication.

FAVORITE SKATERS: John Curry, Robin Cousins, Victor Petrenko, Caryn
Cadavy.
If you haven't noticed it yet, I really like classical skaters who
have the
whole package, and in my mind these skaters had it.  Incredible
style,
positions, choreography, and very good jumps.

KATERINA WITT: a great competitor, obviously attractive,
musical--but her
numbers lately have been rather one dimensional--seductive.  Only
Dick Button
however even dares to take note of her less than first rate
positions (stiff
arms, sticks her but out on her spread eagle, crowched back on her
sit spins,
etc).  However, I admire her a lot.

MARK MITCHELL: I like Mark's skating, however his personality gets
on my
nerve.  He seems to wine a lot on TV about reinstatement of pros.
He also in
my opinion is just not a good enough athlete to land a good triple
axel (not
very much height).  I wasn't aware that he was moving to Carlo
Fassi (Is he
back in the States again, or is he still in Milan?).

NANCY KERRIGAN: Mary Scotvold's choreography has done wonders for
Nancy's
skating.  Both her Born on the 4th of July program (Olympics) and
Beauty and
the Beast programs in my opinion were masterpieces.  A beautiful
skater.
Hope she pulls it together next year.

KRISTI YAMAGUCHI: Her consistency is amazing (except the triple
salchow of
course), but her skating never excited me because she never had
very good
height on her jumps.  Plus I never felt she communicated with the
audience
that well.  I noticed that in the Discover Cards Stars on Ice show,
her
numbers drew the least applause of any one.

Subj:  More skating thoughts
Date:  93-07-04 21:44:07 EST
From:  Boise
Posted on: America Online

(continued from previous message)

Kristy's En Vogue number I thought was very juvenile and was a type
of number
that really wasn't suited to her style (she is in my opinion
basically a
classical skater).  The number was more appropriate for Katerina.

One other thing which I don't think is great about Kristy's skating
is her
freeleg position on her legback (hip should be turned out more,
knee should
be higher skate) (compare her position with a Cadavy Chin,(late)
Zayak, or
Fleming's position: the best laybacks in my opinion in the sport.
Though the
best layback I have ever seen is Katherine Healy's (of course she
has an
unfair advantage being a prima ballerina).

TONYA HARDING: I agree with Dick Button that Tonya has a good sense
of style
and is a great athlete.  Personally, I am peeved that she wasn't
sent to
Worlds this past year.  She definitely would have done better than
Kwiatkowsky and Ervin.  Ervin has no triples, only her triple toe
is
consistent.  I definitely thought Harding's program at Nationals
was better
than Kwiatkowsky's.

PAUL WYLIE: He's my hero.  Such a nice guy, a great skater
(artistically and
athletically);I found his Henry the Fifth program extremely moving.
Also I
am glad to see he like Debbie Thomas are succeeding academically as
well.  I
saddened that I won't see him at Harvard Law this fall.

Most UNDERRATED skater: YUKA SATO--I love Yuka's speed and power
and simple
and elegant choreography.  She is the only skater currently who has
great
flow over the ice.  I wish Nancy would skate faster.  If Yuka can
only put
the triple lutz in her short and add a triple flip to her long, I
think she
will do extremely well.

KURT BROWNING: A phenomenal jumper, good stage presence and a good
communicator.  The one thing I will remember him most for is his
triple
salchow/triple loop combination.  The only skater to my knowledge
who has
done a triple/triple combination with the loop second of the
triples.
(Midori Ito has done a triple loop as the second jump of a
double/triple
combination in her 1988 short.

STEPHANIE ANDERSON: (a personal message) I remember you in your
1981
nationals, that was the first time I was a spectator.  You had a
nice double
axel.

Well, I think I have given way more than my two cents worth on
different
topics.  I hope I havn't offended anyone, opinions are very
personal and
subjective, but these are mine.  I am interested in hearing other
people's
views.

Sincerely,
Boise

Subj:  One last thing.
Date:  93-07-04 21:55:10 EST
From:  Boise
Posted on: America Online

(continued from above)
I just want to reiterate again that I hope I havn't offended anyone
with my
strong opinions.  I do hope however that they raise some strong
discussion.

Also I'm sorry about all the typos and mistakes in my messages, I
guess I
shouldn't be so hard on Peggy!



Subj:  Biased Opinions
Date:  93-07-05 19:08:57 EST
From:  TeresaM106
Posted on: America Online

Greetings Boise, and welcome from another newcomer.  I'm
thirty-something and
also a great
skating enthusiast.  I've been a skating fan since I was a little
kid and
Peggy Flemming won her
gold medal at Genroble.  Unfortunately my family has never lived
with 70
miles of an ice skating
rink.  Actually, the little town in SC I live in can't even support
a roller
skating rink.  I'm
compensating for this glaring deficiency in my life by writing a
novel set in
figure skating!  Two
more chapters and I'll have one complete draft!   Have you heard
about the
Forum's scheduled
every Thursday night?

I have to agree with a lot of what you said.  BTW, you certainly
haven't
offended me.  A calm
expression of opinion on a public bulletin board shouldn't do that,
unless
one has a closed mind.

I agree with you about Dick Button.  He's one of the most
knowledgeable
commentators, and it
shows.  I do like Scott Hamilton.  I think part of his problem when
he first
started commentating
was that he knew so many of the competitors that they were his
friends and
he'd get so excited
when they landed that triple Lutz (or whatever they were having
trouble with)
that he'd forget to
"critique" the performance.  I wholeheartedly agree with you about
Peggy
Flemming.  She
doesn't say much and still manages to say too much.  Sandra Bezic,
too.

Perhaps this may cause controversy, but I don't care for Katarina
Witt's
skating at all.  I don't like
her seductive manipulation at all and technically, she's not up to
par with
other skaters.
Consider Dorothy Hamil.  She doesn't do triple jumps.  Neither does
Roz
Sumners, anymore.
But both of those ladies are ARTISTS.  Katarina has one routine:
seducer.  I
can't even say I
admire her "alot".  I will give her one thing, thought, she has
nerves of
steel and she's a real
competitor!  She'd probably be a great teacher.

Like you, I think Mark Mitchell complains too much.  He whines too
much,
period.  About being
left off the world team, about the ice, you name it.  Hey, life
isn't fair!
Certainly figure skating is
less fair!.  Perhaps Mark Mitchell spent too much time trying to
compete,
artistically, with Paul
Wylie, and now finds that the "game" has changed and now he has to
compete
against people
like Scott Davis and Brian Boitano.  BTW, I understand Carlo Fassi
is now
coaching out of
California.  I think Mark Mitchell is a good, smooth skater, but in
my
opinion, all his routines look
alot.  He doesn't have much pizzaz or fire.

The first few times I saw Kristi Yamaguchi's En Vogue number I
didn't care
for it, either.  I think
the premise behind that is to present Kristi as a "grown-up" adult
woman.
She's been looked
upon as a little girl and Sandra Bezic (didn't she choreograph that
number?)
seems to be big on
sex and sultriness.

You haven't offended me.  I just hope I haven't offended anyone
else.  Hope
others will join in the
conversation and express an opinion, pro or con.

Teresa in SC


Subj:  WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Date:  93-07-06 14:06:25 EST
From:  TR1VIOLA
Posted on: America Online

Hey see what I picked up in a public room--looks like you will be
a very
active participant in our forums Boise!!--welcome--theresa--your
comments
were great to hear--keep it up and keep posting--hopefully when the
run of my
show(i am playing in fiddler on the roof as a viola player!!) for
the next
month we can all talk together--by the way--keep the forum fires
burning
folks even if I can't join you the room is assigned to us every
Thursday--SKATINGMOM--

Subj:  SPORTSFAN-we need topic
Date:  93-07-08 11:06:05 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

Everyone write e mail to sportsfan--our fearless leader and remind
him that
he promised us our own topic.  It would be nice to get out of other
sports
before the skating season starts in reality--that way we can find
lots of
newbies to join us--keep that e mail coming--and check this board
for new
people to add to the list--
see ya soon--Louise

Subj:  HERE FROM *P*
Date:  93-07-08 13:47:53 EST
From:  CarynS
Posted on: America Online

Hello everyone,
    I'm a refugee from *P* also....I think I know most of you. I
look forward
to being on here too...although kep me away from those chat rooms!
(:  Talk
to you all later.  -Caryn

Subj:  MARK MITCHELL
Date:  93-07-08 13:54:12 EST
From:  CarynS
Posted on: America Online

I still haven't caught onto this too much but I thought I would say
something
about Mark. I can't remember who said it seems like he whines too
much on tv,
but I don't feel he is whining. He is voicing his opinion and I
think that
the media is blowing everything entirely out of proportion and
putting Mark
in a less flattering light. He is not the only skater to oppose
reinstatement
and I commend him for speaking his mind in a sport so full of
politics. I
have seen him land many good triple axels, although I agree that he
does need
to work on height. Let's hope his move to Carlo Fassi will improve
his
skating even more.
I hope I am doing this write. It's a bit of a change from *P*!
-CAryn

Subj:
Here from Prodigy
Date:  93-07-10 23:55:01 EST
From:  MDAROS
Posted on: America Online

  Hi everyone.  I finally got my mom to show me this AOL.  It seems
to be
pretty user friendly so far.  I've seen some familiar names as I
scanned
through the messages.  I think I saw Louise, Brenda, Janet, Ellen,
and Caryn.
Are there any others I've missed?
  I'm sure you've all heard about the great Flood of '93 going on
here in
Iowa.  A lot of West Des Moines and Ames is under water, as is Iowa
City
(where I go to school), but so far Ankeny is high and dry.

   Let me know when you'll all be talking "live" again, OK?

Subj:  Reply to
Caryn
Date:  93-07-11 01:19:32 EST
From:  Jean in IA
Posted on: America Online

 I agree with you that Mark isn't so much as whining as he is
voicing his own
opinions.  He has a right to be upset about being
left off of World teams that he deserved to be on.  I for one think
that he
could have done a lot better than Todd in Albertville.  As for
reinstatement,
I don't think he disagrees with it out of selfishness and a fear
that he'll
be "left out again" as others seem to see it.  I believe that even
if he
wasn't a factor, he would  still be against it.
Jeannie

Subj:  To Jeannie
Date:  93-07-11 09:24:04 EST
From:  CarynS
Posted on: America Online

Jeannie,
    There are a lot of us here and some others who are AOL
"originals." (: I
just got here a few dyas ago myself, but Ellen, Janet, Louise,
Laura, Lynne,
Julie, Branda, Marion Wood, Connie, Melissa and a few others are
here as
well. I have heard about the Great Flood--we're living in it too
although my
side of IL is not nearly as bad as IA. My grandma lives in Moline
right
across the river from Davenport and they are under water...and the
rain keeps
coming! Talk to you later--a word to the wise--watch your time. My
ree hours
are almost used up after six days.

Caryn

Subj:  Oksana Article Part 1
Date:  93-07-11 19:43:15 EST
From:  MargeR1
Posted on: America Online

I found this article on AOL using jumpword "Mercury" ; it's from a
California
newspaper (San Jose area I think) :

SKATING CHAMPION STAND OUTS, BLENDS IN
By STEVE WOODWARD           USA Today
CHICAGO -- Considering how thoroughly world champion Oksana Baiul
transfixes
audiences when wearing ice skates, her ability to vanish in a crowd
is even
more remarkable.
Such was the scene after her recent performance at Chicago Stadium,
where the
Campbell's Soups Tour of World Figure Skating Champions made one of
its 44
springtime U.S. stops.
The tiny, pony-tailed Baiul, 15, ventured out of the arena into a
maze of
youngsters, all the while clinging to a teddy bear nestled inside
a paper
bag. The Ukraine-born youngster almost made it to the bus
unnoticed. Almost.
Suddenly, a cluster of children with autograph radar surround her,
pens and
paper eagerly thrust from every direction.
At this moment, it is nearly impossible to believe how rapidly
skating's
latest child star has transported herself from a life ravaged by
despair to
one graced by medal podiums, posh hotel lobbies and MTV.
Until last January, when she placed second at the European
championships,
Baiul's story was the best-kept secret in skating. No longer.
``Many people recognize me and congratulate me,'' she said through
an
interpreter. ``But I am not very surprised. They watch TV, so why
wouldn't
they?''
In just nine months, the implausible journey is likely to find this
steel-willed wonder among title contenders at the Olympic Winter
Games in
Norway. Mention that to Baiul, and she scowls.
``I have another task first,'' she said. ``I have to win my
national
championship (in December). Then I will think about the Olympics.''
When Baiul became the youngest world champion since Norway's famed
Sonja
Henie (1927), many could not resist looking ahead, not after the
judging
panel at the championship in Prague was swept away by the sheer
force of a
skater's personality within  a 95-pound body.
How could she have finished 12th in the Soviet Union's national
championship
-- the last to be contested as the country broke apart -- and first
in the
world a year later?
``Of course, she is very talented,'' said Stanislav Koritek, her
former coach
in the Ukrainian city of Dneprpetrovsk, once a Cold War outpost
where
ballistic missiles were manufactured. ``But everyone was surprised
she did
this so fast.''
Koritek, 34, was not in Prague to witness Baiul's emergence as
world
champion. He moved to Canada in 1992 to take a coaching job at
Toronto's
Cricket Club, which has a well-established skating rink. He fled
his homeland
after state-supported coaching positions evaporated.
But it was not an easy choice.
Koritek had been a guiding force in Baiul's young life. She was
raised by her
mother, a French teacher named Marina, and two grandparents after
her father
abandoned the family during her infancy. The only constant was
skating, which
she was introduced to around the age of 4.
Between 1987 and '88, both grandparents died. Then, in 1991, Marina
Baiul,
36, died after a battle with ovarian cancer. Only Koritek remained.
 (To be
continued>)




Subj:  Oksana Article Part 2
Date:  93-07-11 19:47:03 EST
From:  MargeR1
Posted on: America Online

``I saw her father after (Marina) died,'' he said through an
interpreter.
``He came to the funeral. He was not a very pleasant fellow, and
Oksana
didn't want to talk to him, didn't want to see him.''
Asked about her family a few days before winning the title in
Prague, Baiul
dissolved into tears and refused to speak. Since then, she has
brushed aside
all questions about her past.
Until last year, the subject was unknown to Galina Zmievskaya,
coach and
mother-in-law of Ukrainian skater Viktor Petrenko, the 1992 Olympic
men's
champion. But both Zmievskaya and Petrenko now find themselves at
the center
of her new life. Before l
aving Ukraine, Koritek contacted Zmievskaya at her rink, 300 miles
away in
Odessa. Upon hearing Baiul was virtually orphaned, she agreed to
become the
youngster's coach.
 Petrenko, living in Las Vegas and enjoying the financial spoils of
his
Olympic title, has taken on a big brother role.
With Petrenko looking after her, Baiul is seeing the United States
for the
first time in whirlwind style, jetting from city to city and
staying in
first-class hotels. And as reigning world champion, she is being
well-paid by
tour promoter Tom Collins.At 15, she has six-figure earning power.
If it hasn't happened yet, the burden of expectation is about to
reveal
itself.
``I can imagine how difficult it is in her mind,'' the 23-year-old
Petrenko
said. ``Now, everyone wants to be where (she) is. Now we'll see.
It's true
test.''
Baiul, ever poised and uncommonly articulate, suggests she harbors
no fear
about the challenges she will face next year.
``One shouldn't be afraid to lose because this is sport,'' Baiul
said. ``One
day you win; another day you lose.
``Of course, everyone wants to be the best. This is normal. This is
what
sport is about. This is why I love it.''
MERCURY CENTER CODE: S000   ID: me08601s
Transmitted:  93-05-19 02:36:19 EDT

Any comments???????????????????????  Marge



Subj:
NATIONALS 1994
Date:  93-07-14 10:51:51 EST
From:  CarolSel
Posted on: America Online

HELLO EVERYONE,  I am just hoping someone can tell me where the
nationals are
going to be (Detroit, I think), what the dates are, and the price
range for
all event tickets (if they are still available).

Thanks for any help.
Carol

Subj:  SKATING MAGAZINE
Date:  93-07-14 15:42:41 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

I would like to know how many of you receive the USFSA official
magazine
--skating magazine--I am never sure who reads it and who may want
to know
some stuff from it!!--this months issue has lots of rules changes
and other
interesting things--

Subj:  forum
Date:  93-07-14 15:43:52 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

Is anyone logging the forums??  If so tell us how to unlog them--I
am still
in production with Fiddler on The Roof and will leave for Australia
aug
2-22--so keep the forum fires burning--hopefully I can join ya
soon--Louise

Subj:  Skating Forum Logs
Date:  93-07-14 20:18:50 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

MOM:  My logging seems to be working for now.  I uploaded last
week's
unofficial forum, it is in the Library now.  (Other Sports
Library).  I'll
keep doing it unless someone else wants to take over! :)

So, everyone - if you can't make it to a Forum, you can read about
it
later!!! -- Julie Z.

Subj:  Skating Magazine
Date:  93-07-16 10:40:34 EST
From:  MargeR1
Posted on: America Online

Please do post from it I did get it in the late 1980's but don't
any longer.
If you upload to the skating library you will get online credit for
time
posting it.
Marge


Subj:  Upload??--how done
Date:  93-07-16 18:31:59 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

I would be delighted to make a readers digest version of the
skating magazine
and upload it--only problem is I am such a puter idiot that I do
not have a
clue how to upload!!!--tell me how and I will select some goodies--

Subj:
Money for Medals
Date:  93-07-16 18:35:57 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

Under a recent U>S> olympic committee proposal monetary awards
would be given
with olympic medals no matter which sport--gold--$15,000
silver--$10,000
bronze--$5,000
fourth place--$5,000--
In non olympic years the plan would also award money in the sports
most
significant competition such as a world championship--Athletes
considered
professional by their international federations would have their
awards given
to theat sports national governing body for development of youth
sports
programs--My question is how is this money divided among team
sports such as
basketball, hockey etc...???
Any comments on this monetary reward system??---Louise---

Subj:  John Curry
Date:  93-07-17 10:16:23 EST
From:  BroadwayEd
Posted on: America Online

Does anyone know how John Curry is doing and how I can contact him
or his
family in England?
Thanks

Subj:  Lillehammer Schedule
Date:  93-07-18 01:09:01 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

XVIITH OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES, LILLEHAMMER NORWAY, FEBRUARY 12 - 27,
1994
Figure Skating Schedule:  Hamar Olympic Amphitheatre, Hamar, Norway

Sun, Feb 13,  8:00 PM         Pairs technical program
Mon, Feb 14,  1:35 PM -  9:20 PM   Training:  Pairs free/Men
free/Dance
original & comp.
Tue, Feb 15,  8:00 PM         Pairs free
Wed, Feb 16, 10:00 am -  5:00 PM   Training:  Ladies tech./Men
tech.
Thu, Feb 17,  7:00 PM         Men technical program
Fri, Feb 18,  9:00 am -  4:00 PM   Training: Dance compulsory/Men
free
Fri, Feb 18,  7:00 PM         Dance compulsory
Sat, Feb 19,  9:00 am - 12:20 PM   Training:  Men free/Dance
original
Sat, Feb 19,  7:00 PM         Men free
Sun, Feb 20,  9:00 am - 12:20 PM   Training: Dance original
Sun, Feb 20,  7:00 PM         Dance original
Mon, Feb 21,  9:00 am - 12:20 PM   Training: Dance free
Mon, Feb 21,  7:00 PM         Dance free
Wed, Feb 23,  8:30 am - 11:50 am   Training:  Ladies tech.
Wed, Feb 23,  7:00 PM         Ladies technical program
Fri, Feb 25,  8:30 am - 12:10 PM   Training:  Ladies free
Fri, Feb 25,  7:00 PM         Ladies free
Sat, Feb 26,  3:00 PM         Exhibition

Schedule taken from ticket brochure & information from U.S. Ticket
agency.
I will update if additional information arrives.  Norway time is
EST + 6 hrs.
 -- Julie Z.

Subj:  I'm here....!
Date:  93-07-19 08:30:06 EST
From:  SklarKToy
Posted on: America Online

Hello, all....yes, my AOL start up kit has finally arrived and you
can't
imagine how long it took before I was able to find you guys...Boy,
are we
buried deep into the system!
Having a caffeine attack right now, so will be posting later.  See
you on the
Forum....Now, about downloading....how?

Sklar

Subj:  ANOTHER *P REFUGEE!(-8
Date:  93-07-19 12:13:17 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

Hi All!
     It's really nice to see familiar "faces"! It took me ages to
find you
guys-this is kind of confusing.
Off I go to browse!
-Patti, who is beginning to regret making up such a stupid sign-on
name!

Subj:
Pro-Am mistake????
Date:  93-07-19 12:28:00 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

      As most of us are doing now, I have been watching old tapes
in earnest.
The other day, during Tonia's program at the Pro-Am, I noticed that
either
Julie or Peggy made a rather bad mistake. She said that Tonia was
planning a
triple  toe, and then said she singled it, when she really executed
a double
Lutz.  Now, IMHO, if someone is going to be a skating commentator,
then they
should be able to tell the difference between a single toe loop and
a double
Lutz. Can anyone tell me which woman made this mistake? I hate to
think it
was Peggy....she seems so knowledgeable. -Patti

Subj:  Pro-Am mistake????
Date:  93-07-19 21:10:52 EST
From:  Pattis1072
Posted on: America Online

Peggy Fleming is a very good skater. Who is Julie?  I like Julie.
It's my
favorite name. Who are you? Do you skate?

Subj:  John Curry
Date:  93-07-19 23:25:03 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

Ed, if you do find a way to contact John Curry or his family,
please say that
many of us are keeping him in our thoughts and hearts.
-- Julie Z

Subj:  WELCOME-NEW MEMBERS
Date:  93-07-20 14:02:58 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

Welcome to more prodigy refugees--SKLAR AND PATTY--Please add them
to the
group mail thing--it is definitely easire to find than this little
cornor of
the world!!--I will post a road map on Prodigy--cute name Patty!!
if you have any questions please contact Marger1 or Skatingmom--
Louise(aka skate mom in calif)--

Subj:  Paul Wylie's new job...
Date:  93-07-23 10:47:46 EST
From:  MargeR1
Posted on: America Online

Paul Wylie News: (I also heard this at AOL FS Forum on AOL
on 7/22 but I thought I'd share the Chicago Tribune blurb
about it:
 From Steve Nidetz's column on TV/radio sports 7/23/93:

"Figure skater Paul Wylie, a silver medalist in the 1992
 Winter Olympics, was added Thursday to the CBS roster of
analysts for the '94 Winter Games--for short track speed-
skating. 'This represents a great opportunity for me,'
said Wylie, whose previous TV experience amounted to
hosting a PBS special.  He promised to brush up on short
track speedskating, which was handled by analyst Pat
Maxwell in Albertville. 'Because everything is new, it's
a big challenge.But I have learned not to be intimidated
by challenges.' Executive producer Rick Gentile said
Wylie was hired because of his personality.  'He's got
thing that allows him to be conversational, whether its
with a group of writers or with people in their living
rooms."

Perhaps it's just me but if they at CBS like Paul's
conversational skills, why not have him do color figure
skating interviews.  I know I'd rather see him instead
of Katerina!

Marge

Subj:  Olymic Fest News and Schedule
Date:  93-07-23 10:48:29 EST
From:  MargeR1
Posted on: America Online

Olympic Festival Chicago Tribune News:
Even though events start on Friday TV coverage doesn't
start until Saturday.  The opening ceremonies are Friday
night and KRISTI YAMAGUCHI will perform in the opening
ceremony.
Skating events will be held Sat. July 24-Sun. July 25
7/24
Pairs Technical program
Mens and Womens Technical program
7/25
Pairs and Womens Finals
Mens Finals

No mention of dance or exhibitions. (It looks like skating
willl be mixed in with swimming events)

I know Julie has published TV times before but since
they were requested again on *P:
July 24   TNT            3-5pm  CT
July 25   TNT            3-5pm  CT
July 26 Sports Channel          12-4pm  CT
July 27 Sports Channel         12-2am  CT
                       8-10pm CT
July28   TNT             7-9pm  CT
July 29 Sports Channel          8am-12  CT
                    8-10pm CT
July 30 Sports Channel        8-10pm CT
July31   TNT             3-5pm  CT
     Sports Channel         11-1am  CT
Aug.1   TNT              3-5pm  CT
        Sports Channel        8-10pm CT
Festival ends August 1
Marge



Subj:  Reply-Paul's New Job
Date:  93-07-23 13:09:06 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

Marge- Oh my.(-8 I think a lot of people what I'll be watching a
lot
of...This means he's going to talk, right? Kind of like a
commentatator? Or
is he doing something else? I think they should have made him do
something
w/figure skating, too. Anyway, thanks for the info-you know how
much I like
hearing news about him!(-8 -Patti

Subj:  Short Track?!
Date:  93-07-23 20:37:50 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

Darn, I tried to get tickets to one of the Short Track events, but
failed.
Well, anyway, I'll know where to hang out...
Thanks, Marge!
ñ%& : )
Julie Z

Subj:  Mark Mitchell
Date:  93-07-24 22:11:17 EST
From:  Igotori0
Posted on: America Online

Mark Mitchell is my favorite figure skater in the mens event
because he knows
that there is more to skating than just the jumps even though he
can jump.  I
really like watching him because he incorporates dance and figures
into his
programs which I don't see from the other skaters out there.  He's
right on
target about reinstatement too.

Subj:  Animals in Figure Skating
Date:  93-07-24 22:14:35 EST
From:  Igotori0
Posted on: America Online

Have you ever wondered what animals would look like if they skated?
I am not
being rude here; this is a REAL subject.  Remember the Disney flick
Bambi
where Thumper slid across the ice and was pretty good for a rabbit
I thought
and then Bambi tried to skate and kept falling because he couldn't
balance.
I think that's because he used four legs instead of two like
Thumper.  Please
comment.

Subj:  Olympic Festival -- Men
Date:  93-07-24 22:16:50 EST
From:  Igotori0
Posted on: America Online

How 'bout that Michael Chack?  Dont you think he dhad a great
skate?  I
didn't like the announcers.  Sure he did a triple lutz to triple
toe
combination compared to Rudy's triple axel to double toe and Rudys
was harder
but Rudy touched down.  Also with Aren, a triple lutz by itself is
harder
than a triple flip I think.  What do you think?

Subj:  Skating animals
Date:  93-07-25 12:31:16 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

Not real animals, but:  I think my favorite "animals on skates"
idea was from
a European ice show on TV many years ago, in which some of the
skaters were
ostriches.  They skated backwards(!) and were bent over at the
waist in the
body of the ostrich costume (looking through their legs to see
where they
were going, I assume).  So the ostrich heads stuck up from their
posteriors.
It looked great, and the legs bent the right way for ostriches.  I
didn't
envy the performers, though.  Obviously, they didn't do much in the
way of
fancy moves!
  ñ%& : )
  Julie Z

Subj:  Novelist With Skating Question
Date:  93-07-26 14:15:30 EST
From:  TeresaM106
Posted on: America Online

Hi, all.  The novel is going pretty well.  I'm working on the final
first
draft of the last chapter.  Anyway, I have a question.  Could a
skater with
one hand bandaged so that he couldn't move his thumb be able to
lace,
properly tighten and tie his skate laces?  Said skater is pretty
tough, but
he's been in an altercation with a man with a knife and has had
stitches in
the hand in the fleshy part of where the thumb and hand connect.
That muscle
right there.  He intends to skate, but I wonder if he'd have to
have help
lacing his skates.  Seems to me it'd be pretty difficult for one
person to
lace another's skates.  This character is a world class skater, and
I'd
expect that they are pretty fussy about how their skates are laced.

Many thanks in advance,

Teresa

Subj:  Mommy puts on skates
Date:  93-07-26 18:10:14 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

Come to our rink any day and watch all the mommies and coaches
lacing up the
skates--actually the skater only loosens then between each use, so
it would
be very easy for someone to assist your hero in putting on his
skates--it
would actually be almost impossible for him without a thumb--but I
must
realize, my  daughter put onher skates withher arm in a cast--but
her fingers
were available--you could use this as a set up for one of his
former
competitors or someone who has hated him in the past to come over
and offer
to help--it could add a tender feeling to the moment--
Louise

Subj:  Injured skater
Date:  93-07-26 21:11:02 EST
From:  BrendaW660
Posted on: America Online

Teresa:
I think iti would depend on which hand the skater has injured, as
to whether
he could lace up his own skates.  However, he could easily be
assisted by the
coach, which owuld eliminate the problem.  BTW, did you get my
e-mail ages
back?  I hadn't heard anything back, so I just wondered. Where in
SC do you
live?
Brenda, also in SC

Subj:  Rudy Galindo
Date:  93-07-27 01:19:41 EST
From:  SklarKToy
Posted on: America Online

Hi, all...

I guess it's about time I started getting involved in here as I
have back in
them good ol' *P days.

I never knew of this, but there was an article in the LA Times
regarding the
skating at the Festival yesterday, but they focused mainly on Rudy.
It says
that his father had passed away from a heart attack back in April.
Says his
father did not buy a new home for his family; rather, the money was
used for
Rudy's skating.  It also states that Rudy's sister gave up her
skating career
to coach in order to help pay for Rudy's skating costs.  The
article also
talked about Rudy's break up with Kristi, stating that pressure
from the
USFSA forced Kristi to choose between pairs and singles to compete
at the
Olympics.  Rudy said that many he considered friends abandoned him
after the
break up...as if he were a nobody.  Rudy says now he's skating now
not for
the Olympics, but to be the best he can for his father.
I'm glad he finished 2nd at the Festival and would really like to
see him
excel at the Nationals bettering his 5th placing this year.  So,
move over,
Brian Boitano...

Sklar

Subj:  Injured Skater
Date:  93-07-27 14:35:51 EST
From:  TeresaM106
Posted on: America Online

Thanks, all, for your responses.  I've talked to a source who knows
about
knife fighting, and said that the most common place to be cut would
be on the
hand--trying to knock the knife out of the assailant's hand.  To
minimize
permanent damage, I'd figured in the muscle at the place where the
thumb
joins the hand.  Wouldn't it be difficult for someone to lace a top
skater's
skates the way they liked them.  I'd think the tightness would
really affect
the jumping.

Also, has anyone been cut badly enough to need stitches in a
muscle?  I'd
guess it would really hurt and throb like crazy.

Brenda, I did get your E-mail.  I'm so embarrassed.  I thought i'd
answered
you.  Perhaps it just never got sent.  I'm so sorry.  I'll rewrite
my letter
soon.

Teresa

Subj:  Skating Novel
Date:  93-07-28 21:17:56 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Teresa - I don't know about a bandaged hand (sounds kinda
difficult), but
I've known several skaters with broken wrists (a relatively common
ice
dancing injury) and they've always managed okay. Actually, I've
known several
who have even tested and passed dances with casts. If only that
would make
the judges more sympathetic!

In any case, I definitely couldn't stand to have someone else tie
my skates.
Of course, when I was a kid, my mother tied them, but I wasn't all
that picky
about how they felt then.
-Ellen

Subj:  Rudy Galindo
Date:  93-07-29 11:53:06 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Dear Sklar and All,
I am not sure how you reply to a message so if someone knows,
please advise
me.  I wanted to add to what Sklar mentioned about Rudy in that I
think that
I hope that the USFSA is helping Rudy alot more than I think they
probably
are.  I just hope that there is more money forthcoming to these
skaters...it
is ridiculous that some better way of funding has not been found.

On the subject of his and Kristi's split up I have to say that I
guess we
will never know how far the two would have gone in pairs but
hopefully Rudy
will get his chance to shine soon.
I missed the men's skating at the Festival and was really looking
forward to
seeing Rudy skate.  Hopefully, he will be covered at Nationals .

BTW, does anyone know what network is covering the Olympics?

Lynne

Subj:  Olympics Network
Date:  93-07-29 22:46:00 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

I'm pretty sure CBS is covering the Olympics... again.

Subj:  CBS Coverage of
Olympics
Date:  93-07-30 15:24:50 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Dear Nebula and All...

I am really sorry to hear CBS is covering the Olympics again.  They
did a
lousy job last year.  The best coverage was in 1988 by ABC.
Bummer.

Lynne

Subj:  Tracings News - Aug/Sept
Date:  93-07-30 20:05:04 EST
From:  JulieD3964
Posted on: America Online

Isabelle Duchesnay & Christopher Dean are divorcing as most already
know -
she supposedly dropped the news at the beginning of the Campbell's
Tour and
relations were icy throughout the Tour (understandably).... reasons
for the
split are the varied schedules of the Duchesnays and Torvill & Dean
which
prevented Isabelle and Chris from spending much time together and
Chris'
devotion to skating in the Olympics again. Isabelle is said to
partially
blame Jayne Torvill for the problems saying that "The only time she
ever
smiled at me was when I announced I was divorcing
Chris."....Torvill & Dean
are not planning to publicly perform their new Olympic programs
until British
Nationals.  They have also arranged for a film director to produce
a video
following the progress of their programs from idea to execution at
the
Olympics.  Sort of like Path to Perfection.  Steven Cousins (GBR)
is now
training under Dough Leigh in Canada.  Louis Stong is now coaching
Charlene
von Saher (GBR), Josee Chouinard & Karen Preston as well as Kurt
Browning.
Petr & Janoschak (CAN) have married and have "temporarily given up
the
sport."  Robin Cousins has considered adopting a child - "Just
because I am
able to father a child does not mean that I should. There are many
children
in this world who need fathers."   More later - articles on
Brasseur &
Eisler, Sarah Kawahara (with news of Chris Bowman) and Juvenile
competitors
Caitlin Marino and Jaisa MacAdam & David Pelletier.

Subj:  more articles!!
Date:  93-07-30 20:49:42 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

You left us all wondering--please post more articles since so few
of us
subscribe to tracings and many  of us get the skating mag...
louise

Subj:  Katie Wood
Date:  93-07-30 22:44:12 EST
From:  JulieD3964
Posted on: America Online

Found this in the Mercury Center online and thought it was
interesting.

Transmitted:  93-07-23 02:19:57
KATIE WOOD: A COURAGEOUS FIGURE SKATER By Phil Hersh Chicago
Tribune

Katie Wood has found both the courage to keep going and the will to
stop.The
pairs figure skater from Winnetka, Ill., came back to the sport
after a 1990
skating accident cost her the hearing in one ear. She and partner
Joel
McKeever seemed to have a good shot at the 1994 Olympic team after
their
fourth-place finish at the 1993 national championships.That
potential reward
was no longer enough for Wood, 21, to continue. So, just three
weeks before
she was to compete in the U.S. Olympic Festival later this month,
Wood simply
quit and returned from her training base in Delaware to her
parents'
home.``We had both programs ready for the festival, but as I was
doing it, I
was coming home every night, curling up and crying,'' Wood said.
``I was just
miserable. I was lying to myself, my parents, everyone by saying I
still
enjoyed it. Something was missing from my heart.``It's hard to sum
up why in
one sentence. Most people on the outside thought I could have
lasted another
six months (until the Olympic trials). I had a lot of pain and
injuries, and
I felt so isolated in Delaware I couldn't stand it any longer.''
Wood, who
had been a competitive skater 14 years, told herself she was
quitting three
times in June before making what she says is an irrevocable
decision in early
July. Three days earlier, Wood had been close when another pairs
skater broke
her nose and lost teeth during a fall in practice.``That really
shook me,''
Wood said. ``I didn't want to risk it again.''In pairs skating, the
woman is
constantly exposed to dangers by the required throws and lifts in
the event.
Wood dropped eight feet to the ice when she fell from a lift in
1990. The
impact broke the inner ear bone housing, fractured her skull and
led one
doctor to predict she might not live very long, let alone skate
again.``I
don't regret coming back at all,'' Wood said. ``I wouldn't be able
to be
content with myself if I didn't do it.``I thought I would come home
(after
this decision) and say, `What a mistake, what a mistake.' I don't
regret
that, either. ``The specialness of being a skater is gone, but I
kind of
enjoy that. Now I'll be able to pursue something else. Skating is
in the
past, I guess.''Wood has applied to several colleges, including
Purdue. For
now, she is happy to spend time with her family. ``A lot of skating
people
think if you don't make the Olympics, you're nothing,'' Wood said.
``But the
Olympics aren't everything. I know I accomplished a lot.''

Subj:  Olympics
Date:  93-07-31 00:40:06 EST
From:  Mellifur
Posted on: America Online

Hmmmm...I read in the paper the other day that NBC had the contract
for the
Olympics again.  Unless that was for the Atlanta summer Olympics
and CBS has
the winter Olympics.

Subj:  Olympics Networks
Date:  93-07-31 08:05:15 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

Mellifur:  Yes,
NBC = Summer, Atlanta
CBS = Winter, Lillehammer

(I want my ABC!)
ñ%& : )
Julie Z

Subj:  More from Tracings
Date:  93-08-01 11:05:37 EST
From:  JulieD3964
Posted on: America Online

Found these comments by Brasseur & Eisler about some of their lifts
to be
VERY interesting.  Lloyd said "You have to have a lot of guts, but
you also
have to have to have a lot of smarts. You have to be smart to know
what
things you can do right away and what things you can't. Some things
you do
off the ice at first. You do it standing still; then you do it
slowly with
someone spotting you. Then you can do it on your own." The one lift
where
Isabelle is upside down in a vertical position with her head on his
shoulder
took them a year to get.  She is quoted "What scares me are the
young kids
who just go out and try it. They have no idea how much we work off
the ice
before we do it on the ice. We do hard things, but we always think
before
doing. I always make sure nothing will go wrong. But I see kids at
home who
just go out and try it and get hurt. I can't even watch them."
It's also
very interesting that as reigning World Champions they see
themselves as the
underdogs for the Olympics because of the reinstatement of Gordeeva
& Grinkov
and Mishkutenok & Dmitriev.  They are staying in through Worlds to
hopefully
give Canada three teams for 95 and then plan to turn professional.

Subj:  Hi
Everyone!
Date:  93-08-01 12:52:01 EST
From:  LarryF4984
Posted on: America Online

I'm so glad everyone's here!


Subj:  Brasseur and Eisler
Date:  93-08-01 18:02:39 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Thanks, Julie, for the info on this team.  They are one of my
favrorites.  I,
too, find it strange that they would consider themselves underdogs
going into
the Olympics.  I think it might just be that they have competed
before
against the other Russian teams who each did win the Olympic gold
and feel a
bit
(I don't think this is the word but I am sure you all will know
what I mean)
insecure.  B&E have certainly become just as good and as skillful
as the
other two teams...both of whom I love also.  It is just a matter of
pre-Olympic qualms maybe.

Lynne

Subj:  B&E
Date:  93-08-01 19:29:15 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

  I think Brasseur and Eisler are smart to think of themselves as
underdogs.
It puts lets pressure on them and probably makes them feel freer to
do moves
they might hesitate on. One thing that really stinks is seeing
skaters get
conservative, for fear they'll lose their standings. Too often it
ends up
CAUSING them to lose their standing. It also makes the moves they
do try even
more important and, too often, they end up messing those up.
  Yet another reason I love ice dancing. There's no room for
wimping out!
-Ellen

Subj:  Yet MORE Tracings!
Date:  93-08-01 22:48:31 EST
From:  JulieD3964
Posted on: America Online

Yet more from the latest Tracings  I hope all of this will spark
some
conversation!  There was an article on Sarah Kawahara and she had
some
observations about Scott Davis & Christopher Bowman.  She says that
Scott
Davis is an outstanding spinner but he doesn't really take
advantage of his
spinning technique.  "He throws it away. He doesn't finish
anything. They
don't engineer it; they don't use it musically. They're interested
in  his
triple axel...and he's a good jumper, but not an exceptional
jumper. He's as
good as any of them. But he is an exceptional spinner."  As far as
Chris
Bowman is concerned, since he has turned pro "He became
irresponsible and didn't show up for rehearsals...He's talented,
but he's
gone off the deep end. It's unfortunate. I don't know if he'll be
able to get
it back.... He could have been a big star. It's one thing to win a
major
championships (sic), but it's another thing to take that and parlay
it and
develop it and realize that it's just the beginning. It's not the
payoff,
though it sometimes seems as though it's the payoff. If yu have
that
mentality you're in trouble."

Subj:  Skating Costumes
Date:  93-08-05 23:12:03 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

Well, since my hobby is costumes, I have my opinions... But what do
you
think?  Who in skating has the best costumes?  And the worst?  And
why?
*%& : )
Julie Z

Subj:  Costumes
Date:  93-08-05 23:17:06 EST
From:  Peckster
Posted on: America Online

My favorite costume is the one that Dick Button wears...

He's so cute!

;)

Subj:  Brasseur & Eisler
Date:  93-08-06 09:46:15 EST
From:  JL Pooley
Posted on: America Online

I seem to remember that in '89 the U.S. "lost" the third Worlds
slot because
of Boitano retiring.  In other words, he won Worlds, giving the
U.S. three
slots for next year, but then left amateur skating, which somehow
"cancelled"
that third spot.  Instead, we only had two spots available.
Wouldn't this
happen now, with Brasseur and Eisler?  They'd medal at Chiba,
giving Canada 3
pairs spots for Birmingham, but then if they quit ISU skating,
Canada would
only have two spots (I'm assuming one of the other Canadian pairs
would make
top ten).  Or is it different for pairs?  Does anyone know for
sure?

JLP

Subj:  World Team Spots
Date:  93-08-07 03:55:23 EST
From:  SklarKToy
Posted on: America Online

Janet,

I don't know how it really works, because I read in the LA Times
that the
British FSA is hoping for Torvill and Dean to earn them 3 spots for
the
Worlds in 95!

Subj:  I'm Here
Date:  93-08-07 19:50:13 EST
From:  MarySdncer
Posted on: America Online

 Ican't believe I finally did it!! Hello everyone    MarySdncer

Subj:  Skating
Costumes
Date:  93-08-07 23:40:47 EST
From:  JulieD3964
Posted on: America Online

My votes for the worst costumes in skating go to Alexei Urmanov
(pink 'n
pearls and those awful tassells on the shoulders have GOT to go!)
and Surya
Bonaly's stuff from the last few years (this year was an
improvement but not
much better) - also don't care for anything of Nancy Kerrigans
(especially
that overused white dress).  As for best dressed, my vote goes to
Jill
Trenary - I've yet to see her in anything that does not go
perfectly with the
program being skated - she is always impeccably dressed.  I also
like Dick
Button's costumes but back then everyone wore the same thing so
that doesn't
count!  Julie

Subj:  Costumes
Date:  93-08-08 01:54:34 EST
From:  SklarKToy
Posted on: America Online

My favourite costume, and I can't believe I only have one, is
Kristi
Yamaguichi's Blue Danube outfit...it is so beautiful and classy...

However, I do have many least favourites...many have been from
Surya,
especially that awful thing
she wore back in 1991...the silver one..sure didn't match what she
skated to
-- Swan Lake.  I also found costumes worn by Larissa Selezneva and
Oleg
Makarov, pairs, to be tasteless, especially their 1984
outfits....for the
short program, he was in a black tuxedo suit with a yellow shirt
and red bow
tie...and she in a red and yellow dress (talk about overdoing the
nationalism
bit!).

Sklar

Subj:  Dick Button!
Date:  93-08-08 09:28:52 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

Actually, (seriously!) wasn't Dick the first one to start loosening
up what
the men wore on ice?  I don't mean looser fitting!  Just white
jackets
instead of black, and such.

But that's WAY before my time.  Peckster, do you know??? :)
 --  Julie Z.

Subj:  WHAT??
Date:  93-08-08 09:34:27 EST
From:  Peckster
Posted on: America Online

Are you accusing me of being old??

Besides, I was talking about Dick's CURRENT costumes...  Which are
probably
the same ones he wore on the ice...

;)

Subj:  Skating Costumes
Date:  93-08-08 14:05:23 EST
From:  MarySdncer
Posted on: America Online

Julie and Sklar,
                      I think Surya's costume in 91 look like she
was wearing
a breast plate. Kristy and Jill are my vote for best costumes.
Sklar I think
you may be a little bias Aren't you her #1 fan? Mary

Subj:  skating costumes
Date:  93-08-09 10:02:06 EST
From:  CarynS
Posted on: America Online

On the subject of costumes, I have always liked most of Nancy's
costumes,
because they are more simple and elegan. I do feel that her yellow
dress
would have been much more smashing in violet and this year's pink
costume
wasn't her best. (: But her '91, '92, and '93 long costumes are in
my humble
opinion beautiful. I don't care for Jill Trenary's costumes --fine
but a
little uninspired. I've dabble in costuming and I like to sketch
them out so
I tend to favor "different" stuff I suppose. Most skating costumes
are just
fine, but not too many stick out for me. I did not like anything
Surya has
ever worn--always been TOO different for me. (:  -Caryn

Subj:  Skating
Costumes
Date:  93-08-09 10:58:27 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

Caryn-
  Violet? I never thought of that...you're right, it would probably
be a good
color on her. IMHO, I think she looks wonderful in red. I really
don't like
the yellow costume, but I do like the "over-
used" white one. That and the one she wore for her Olympic
exhibition with
Paul. -Patti

Subj:  Losing World Spots
Date:  93-08-09 11:03:17 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

Janet,
   What you said makes sense, but then why did we still have 3
spots after
Kristi turned pro? It was the same situation....she won, we got
three
spots..she turned pro.
     Of course! We still had the 3 spots because NANCY got the
silver. Back
to the old drawing board! IMHO, it's a really stupid rule!
-Patti

Subj:  SkalrKToy
Date:  93-08-09 18:52:08 EST
From:  LeeAnn 1
Posted on: America Online

Maybe they mean that they think Torville and Dean will finish high
enough in
the 1994 Worlds to earn England 3 spots in 1995.

LeeAnn 1

Subj:  Those Darn Worlds Spots
Date:  93-08-09 21:04:08 EST
From:  JL Pooley
Posted on: America Online

LeeAnn -- what you said was my point.  If T & D medal at Worlds in
1994,
Britain would get three dance spots for 1995.  BUT, T & D are
currently
planning to "retire" (again) after the 1994 Worlds.  SO, wouldn't
that mean
that Britain would "lose" that third spot?  The same way the U.S.
"lost" a
third men's spot when Boitano retired after the 1988 Worlds?
That's my
question.  The U.S.  could only send 2 guys to the 1989 Worlds, and
it was my
understanding that it was because Boitano retired.  So wouldn't the
same
thing happen with T & D?

In fact, Britain would lose TWO spots, because T & D would be the
ONLY team
going to the 1994 Worlds, so there'd be nobody placing in the top
10 to earn
two spots (as Chris Bowman did in 1988).

It's frustratingly confusing, isn't it?

JLP

Subj:  Skating team spots
Date:  93-08-09 21:11:09 EST
From:  CarynS
Posted on: America Online

You lost me--I'm clueless. Maybe someone like Morry Stillwell will
know once
he gets here?

Caryn

Subj:  LisaSeven report, Tonya Harding
Date:  93-08-12 09:02:58 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online



Subj:  Re: Tonya Harding
Date:  93-08-12 01:01:08 EDT
From: LisaSeven

I will try to post this in the skating folder also later but don't
know how
to upload yet.
I have heard that Tonya is skating to music from Jurassic Park.
Also, she doesn't have enough money to get to Norway in Sept. for
the
Pre-Olympic Training Camp.  This is sure sad if this is true
because the
USFSA should help her.

Lynne

Subj:  Bios
Date:  93-08-12 21:57:56 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Hi all!
  Please post your bios, especially including your
interest/involvement in
skating, on this here board.
  I'm slightly falling asleep now, but will post mine tomorrow...
-Ellen

Subj:  Skating boots
Date:  93-08-12 22:01:26 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Hi all!
  I just had a friend visit from Australia. She's a podiatrist in
Melbourne
and works with the dancers from the Australian Ballet.
  Anyway, she had one patient who was a skater and had all sorts of
problems.
To make a long story short (I may add more about it tomorrow), she
looked at
my boots and thought they were the most archaic-looking footwear
she'd ever
seen. She said they weren't even shaped like feet and had all sorts
of weird
features. She thought the insides could be redesigned without
changing the
aesthetics of the outside. Good idea, really. I certainly wouldn't
mind more
comfortable skating boots. And that wouldn't even have to mean it
would be
harder to feel your edges or anything...
-Ellen

Subj:  Skating Boots
Date:  93-08-12 22:22:28 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

Somewhere in my stacks of stuff I have an article - from a  year or
so ago -
about how technology was working on redesigning skating boots.  I
think the
Scotvolds were participating in some of the research.  I'll try to
dig it
up.

Subj:  Costumes
Date:  93-08-13 14:12:06 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Nebula had asked who we thought had the best costumes.  I have got
to say
that Jill Trenary has the most gorgeous costumes going and after
her comes
Caryn Kadavy and Linda Fratianne,  Dorothy Hamill and Peggy
Flemming.
Of the men, I have to say I like Kurt's innovative costumes he
comes up with
(or his costumer) plus his sophistication in his choice of the tux
for
"Casablanca."  For casual...no one can wear jeans and a T-shirt
like Paul
Martini and make them fit the music and the mood.

Lynne

Subj:  Costumes-worst
Date:  93-08-13 14:19:18 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

I forgot to mention my choice for worst costumes.  It is painful to
have to
mention skaters that one likes in this area...SIGH.
Well, I have always liked Bestianomova and Bukin though since they
turned pro
I have not cared for their routines or choreography...they have
gone
overboard.  Their costumes are just beyond Mars.  I absolutely have
hated
most of what they have worn the past few years.  I really do like
them as
skaters, though... I wish they would do beautiful skating once in
awhile and
not the heavy theatrical and dramatic and far out things they have
done for
the most part.
Surya Bonaly's costumes in the women's category are the worst in my
opinion.
I don't know who decides on these and who decides on her makeup but
they are
not doing her a favor.  I have to say that though I don't care for
Surya's
skating overall, as a person she seems to be a very nice girl.  I
have
observed the way she treats her fans and showed kindness and
sweetness to all
of them.  I wish this girl luck in her future if only because I
think she is
a very nice girl who has had alot of bad direction.
In men's I wish Viktor would come up with a different shirt and
Alexi needs a
new costumer.

Lynne


Subj:  ATTABOY
Date:  93-08-13 15:56:25 EST
From:  Peckster
Posted on: America Online

Just wanted to give a public "attaboy" (or should that be
"attagirl") to
BrendaW660 for an excellent job as our first weekly Figure Skating
Forum
host.

Great job!!

Subj:  Attagirl
Date:  93-08-13 16:52:43 EST
From:  LeeAnn 1
Posted on: America Online

I just wanted to agree with Peckster that BrendaW660 did a
fantastic job as
forum host last night.  :)

Subj:  Triples
Date:  93-08-13 20:28:06 EST
From:  MWood
Posted on: America Online

Hi to all:
             Nothing good on television, so I loaded my "Ice
Castles" tape
into the VCR
the other evening.  I wonder if anyone else who has this film
chuckles as I
do when Lexi's coach "lights" into her for "making a fool of
herself" by
popping a  triple during a practice session.  I believe the
dialogue is as
follows;  "Triples may be big crowd pleasers, but to world class
judges, it's
just a piece of show-off acrobatics".
That was about twenty years ago, if my memory is still intact, I
first saw
the film around 1974-75.
It also occurred to me that the film's use of the Broadmoor will
now make it
somewhat of a remembrance of the arena for the future, since it is
now going
to be torn down.

Marion


Subj:  Triples
Date:  93-08-13 20:35:25 EST
From:  LeeAnn 1
Posted on: America Online

Marion - I saw that on TV a couple of months ago. If I remember
correctly,
the "triple" she did, wasn't even a triple. I think it was a double
axel
because it had a forward take off. I did laugh when I heard that
comment
about judges not liking triples. That certainly isn't true now.
LeeAnn

Subj:  Attagirl
Date:  93-08-13 22:11:51 EST
From:  CarynS
Posted on: America Online

I just want to say I'm sorry I couldn't show up at the forum! My
computer
died about a half an hour before the forum and I was so mad! I'm
sure Brenda
did a wonderful job and I am lucky my dad fixes computers!

Caryn

Subj:  Tonya Harding
Date:  93-08-14 02:38:11 EST
From:  SklarKToy
Posted on: America Online

Oh, where's Maggie Morris?
Maybe we should be her little sponsors and chip in for her tickets
to the
pre-Olympic Camp.  What about her fan club?  If word gets out now
and we
start a trust fund, can we make it work for Tonya?  I'd be willing
to drop in
some $$ from my next (possibly) last paycheck for her!

Sklar

Any Ideas??

Subj:  Bio - azell
Date:  93-08-14 14:07:25 EST
From:  AZELL
Posted on: America Online

I've been skating for a little over 30 years - started when I was
31.  My
wife & I had gone to Sun Valley for our honeymoon and 5th
annivesary.
Decided to bring our daughters 4 and 1 with a baby sitter the next
year.
Portland had just gotten ice after a long hiatus.  So oldest
daughter and I
started lessons.  And thereby hangs a tale!

I became active in the Portland ISC when I got home.  later became
Pres. and
later helped start 2 other clubs as the years passed and we got
more ice.  I
have also been on the board of theSun Valley Club.

When Portland was asked to go for hosting the 78 Nationals I and 2
or 3
others started the OregonSkating Council representing all three
clubs here to
make the bid. We were awarded the event - the first time the USFSA
had
awarded it to such a group.

I have also been active in the USFSA.  I was vice chair for the pr
committee
and chaired the trophy and medals committee years ago.

I have passed my pre-silvers; have not gone on because I don't have
the
figures to make it through the higher levels.  Until April this
years I have
skated every dance session available, usually 2 or three a week.
In April at
a free-style session, practicing dances, I had an accident and
ended up with
a skull fracture.  Will have to wait until late Oct to see if I
will be able
to skate again.  Doctors don't know yet how the fracture affected
my inner
ear and it's too early to tell.

I have been very active in helping skaters.  For one, I've been
their
"cheerleader".  I have handled money donated to skaters, one of
which was
Tonya Harding.  When she was 5 her coach, Diane Rawlison, whom I've
known for
many years called me to tell me she had a skater who would one day
be a
Worlds Champion.  She asked me if I would talk to some people who
would be
willing to sponsor her, etc.  When Tonya got up the ladder I was no
longer
needed as some of her expenses were being covered by the USFSA and
from some
other donors outside of the NW.

My oldest daughter, Lauren, has passed her gold dance tests shortly
after
graduating from Wesleyan Univ. in Conn.  She is active in her club,
Highland
FSC in Seattle.  She is a member of the Precision Team that won 3
at
Nationals last year.  She works for a pension planning and
admistration firm.
My other daughter did skate but gave it up for........

Until 1983 I worked in the family business, Zell Bros - a large
jewelry,
giftware, and tableware retailer here in Portland.  My area of
responsibility
was over "if it didn't tick and you couldn't put a stone in it."
In '83 I
left to start my own business, Attitudes For Selling, an advisory
service for
individuals, firms, and organizations that ask other people to
accept and
adopt their ideas, information, policies, procedures, services, and
products.
In short, I sell "Selling" to people who don't like to sell."

azell

Subj:  Bios
Date:  93-08-14 19:21:53 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

Here's mine, Ellen! Just make the screen black, and we could be
back on *P!
NAME: Patricia Sufficool
BIRTHDATE: September 3,1976(2 weeks and 6 days! I plan to be at the
movies
for the first showing of THE FIRM on that fateful day)
EDUCATION: I am a rising junior at MCLean High School. I want to go
on to a
college that's at least 50 miles from my home, and major in French
and
International Studies, and then minor in Spanish. Anybody know of
a good
college for a foreign language major?
RESIDENCE: I live in McLean, Va, which is a small suburban town
about 7 miles
outside of D.C.  I
FAVORITE SKATERS: Anyone who has talked with me for 5 minutes can
tell you
who my favorite skater is-Paul Wylie. I also like Mark Mitchell,
Nancy
Kerrigan, Caryn Kadavy, Kurt Browning, etc.
MY SKATING: I have my penguin patch, and I took Alpha, but to no
avail. So
I'm taking a brief hiatus from skating in order to save money for
private
lessons, which IMHO, I think will make me much happier.
Okay, I hope this is alright.(-8 If I think of anything else, then
I'll add
it!
-Patti

Subj:  bios
Date:  93-08-14 20:08:17 EST
From:  CarynS
Posted on: America Online

Well, I'm on-line right now so this will have to be brief. I live
in a suburb
of Chicago but I will be leaving fin two weeks to go to Boston
University to
major in Political Science and Journalism. I'm a *P* refugee. I
became
interested in figure skating about six years ago and have watched
religiously
since then. When I joined *P* my knowledge of figure skating was
just what I
knew from commentators and observation; but my knowledge grew in
leaps and
bounds during my stay on *P* with the many officials, coaches,
skate parents,
fans and coaches who comprised our bb. Also, the folks at *P* are
what
inspired me to make my involvement in skating more than just
spectating. I
bought myself a pair of SP Teris and took classes this summer.
Officially I
am a Beta since that was all we had time to test but my many years
of
observing have paid off and I find that I am willing to risk
embarrassing
myself to try more things--one day I decided to try a waltz jump
and I
actually did it. At Boston U  I will have skating lessons with the
University
two days a week and I am going to join their skating club, which
has ice time
every day.  Enough about me!

Subj:  Bios - Patti
Date:  93-08-14 22:19:22 EST
From:  LeeAnn 1
Posted on: America Online

Patti - My sister, Kathy, majored in Spanish at Mount Holyoke
College. In the
fall she is going to get her masters through NYU, but she'll be
studying at
the University of Madrid. She has lived in Seville, Spain for the
past two
years, but has come during the summers. If you want, I'll ask her
about
college that have strong foreign language departments. I'm sure
she'd be
happy to help you if you want.
LeeAnn  :)

Subj:  additional bio for azell
Date:  93-08-15 01:05:17 EST
From:  AZELL
Posted on: America Online

Forgot to say I was from Portland, Oregon.  There are about 7 or 8
Portlands
in the US.

Also, I served as Oregon Chairman for the USOlympic Comm. from 73
through 84.
Mostly fund raising and PR.  Also attended 9 or 10 US Olympic
Academies where
Olympic scholars, enthusiasts, athletes, students meet to discuss
Olympism
and the credo of quality sports.  Also represented US at the 1980
International Olympic Academy.  This annual event has about 100
people from
many countries to discuss Olympism.  I am also a member of Comite
International de Pierre de Coubertain, a group who studies and
discusses how
his original ideas fit into today's sports, social, and political
worlds.

Subj:  Bios
Date:  93-08-15 20:27:29 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Hi all!
  Sure, I say I'll come back with MY bio the next day and then I
don't!
Sorry....I was at the rink watching a test session and then
yesterday I just
didn't get to the ole computoire.
  Anyway, I'm Ellen Dunkel. I live in New Jersey, work in New York
City and
I'm secretary of the Skating Club of New York. I also skate with
the Essex
Skating Club of NJ, the South Mountain FSC (which is hosting
Easterns this
year) and, occasionally, the SC of Morris.
  I'm 27 and have been skating since forever (but not always dance
and took
off time to go to college and work at a newspaper in New Zealand
for a year).
Okay, not QUITE forever, but close. Anyway, I'm on my pre-gold
dances, which
are a lot of fun. I especially like the paso, although it's
extremely aerobic
and I have exercise-/ cold-induced asthma, which makes it even more
difficult.
  Anyway, that she is all for now...
-Ellen

Subj:  Colleges-Thanks!(-8
Date:  93-08-16 13:29:17 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

LeeAnn- Thanks a lot! Mount Holyoke seems like a really good
college, and
it's one of the ones I'm looking at, but it's something like $21,
000 a year,
and that's a lot of money! I'm in a tight spot-my family can't
afford to send
me to a really expensive college, and we have too much money to
qualify for
need-based aid. It sems that most academic scholarships require you
to be in
the top 25% of your class, and that's impossible where I live.
Anyway, you
don't want to hear all that, but I do thank you for the offer!
-Patti

Subj:  Bios
Date:  93-08-16 22:35:29 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Hi all!
  I'm still waiting for bios from Lynne, Caryn, Julie, Brenda,
Janet, Connie,
Marion (who said she'd upload it, so she's off the hook for now),
Mary,
Jeannie, Sklar and plenty o' other  pals. I know we did this dozens
of times,
but please, please, please...humor me this one more time!
  Thanks muchly!
-Ellen

Subj:  Peckster's Bio????????
Date:  93-08-16 22:36:29 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online



*********Hint, hint......***********

(-:
-Ellen

Subj:  My Bio (gasp!)
Date:  93-08-17 01:37:44 EST
From:  SklarKToy
Posted on: America Online

First:  Patti, UCLA has a good Spanish Major and a relatively good
French
Major/Dept.

Name:  Sklar Toy
Residence:  Los Angeles, California
Age:  26      Sex:  Male     Background:  Chinese
Education:  Senior at UCLA, Chinese Major
Work:  Secretary (at least until 9/24); Sales Clerk
Hobbies:  Skating (of Course); movies; laserdiscs; watching
gymnastics/Olympics/skating;  pin collecting; video taping;
dining/foods
Favourites:


Subj:  My Bio, Part 2
Date:  93-08-17 01:49:19 EST
From:  SklarKToy
Posted on: America Online

(sorry, accidentally posted the first part without finishing,
continuing:)
Favourite -
Movie (1993):  Wedding Banquet, (later) The Remains of the Day
TV Series (93):  The Simpsons; Seinfeld
Actor:  Harrison Ford
Actress:  Meryl Streep
Musicians:  Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, Everything But the Girl,
Enya, Julia
Fordham, Cocteau Twins, Linda Ronstadt, Dead Can Dance.
Skaters:  Kristi Yamaguchi, Paul Wylie, Robin Cousins, Tiffany
Chin,
Torvill/Dean.

Future Plans:  After earning my BA, I plan to either enter Law
School or
study to become a Paralegal, then go to law school part time while
working as
a paralegal full time (pressured to bring home some $$$ by my
family).  Would
love to go to law school in Boston or Boulder, CO....must get away
from Los
Angeles!

Background with Skating:  Fan since 1984.  First watched skating
during the
80 Olympics.  Friend from high school was a big fan and developed
my interest
in skating in 1983 as she kept talking about Scott Hamilton, Elaine
Zayak,
the Carruthers, Blumberg/Seibert, Rosalyn Sumners, and Elaine
Zayak.
Started recreational skating in 1986....beginning Alpha lessons
finally (and
no more excuses) this fall at the Pickwick.
Other sports I participate in are bowling, volleyball, golf,
softball/baseball, basketball.

If there's anything else you'd like to know about me, feel free to
E-mail me.

And Patti:  If you change your mind on French and/or Spanish, at
UCLA, you
can switch to Afrikaans, Quechua, Italian, German, Chinese, Korean,
Japanese,
Russian, Swahili, Czech, Polish, Romanian, Latin, Greek, Arabic,
Persian,
Portugese, Uzbek, Turkish, Hungarian, Bulgarian or Sanskrit!

Subj:  A
Linguists Heaven!(-8
Date:  93-08-17 09:53:04 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

Sklar,
 Oh, wow.(-8 Thanks, I need all the info I can get! Tell me, are
the Ca.
public colleges and universities more lenient to their own, or to
outsiders?
-Patti

Subj:  I wrote my bio already
Date:  93-08-17 11:04:44 EST
From:  CarynS
Posted on: America Online

Ellen, how soon we forget. I posted my bio several days ago.

Caryn

Subj:  Those Darn World Spots Continued
Date:  93-08-17 12:51:37 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Dear Janet, LeeAnn and all..

It would seem that the number of positions should be retained
regardless if a
medal winner retires.  Doesn't make much sense, does it?

Lynne

Subj:  Ice Castles and Cutting Edge
Date:  93-08-17 12:57:31 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Dear Marion,
Your watching "Ice Castles" reminds me of how last night I once
again had to
watch "The Cutting Edge."  I don't remember much about "Ice
Castles" location
wise so thanks for the info.  Wasn't "Cutting Edge" done at Lake
Arrowhead?
Does anyone know?
(the rink, that is).  I still don't think that it is possible to do
a bounce
spin in a competition (aren't they illegal?) and then throw
someone.  It
defies the laws of gravity and centrifugal force.  I would assume
that Moira
Kelly would have landed across the rink draped on the sideboard in
real life.
So, you all ..is this move possible if a skater tossed his partner
straight
up as much as possible?  Lynne

Subj:  Peckster's Bio
Date:  93-08-17 13:02:24 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Dear Ellen...

Peck has not published his bio because he is actually Dick Button
writing
under an alias on AOL.

Lynne

P.S. Just kiddin Peck.

Subj:  Lynne's Bio
Date:  93-08-17 13:14:44 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Dear Ellen and all..

Alright, Ellen you win...I bore myself so I am sure I will bore all
of you
again.  Nothing much is new.

I grew up in San Antonio, Texas, taught school for awhile and also
taught in
Hawaii and then moved to Kalamazoo, Mich. and now have lived in
Louisiana for
the last number of years.  As those of you from Prodigy know, I
would love to
move from here and there isn't a rink in the entire state...in fact
it is the
only state to my knowledge without a rink.  I taught school here,
owned a
children's boutique, worked for Special Olympics International, and
in the
past few years have freelanced in film and television production
and location
casting.
I have four children...one who is a junior in college and twin boys
who are
entering freshman in college...they all go to separate colleges!
I have a 13
year old who is starting high school this week.
I have always loved skating and began taking lessons when I was 22
in Houston
at the Ice Capades Chalet in the Galleria.  I did get to some rinks
in
Michigan but since I have moved here I don't get to ice skate
except when I
go to Houston.  So all of you and the television are my salvation
when it
comes to ice skating, knowledge, and sharing of info. and fun
involved in the
sport.
My dream place to live is somewhere in California...a state I have
always
loved.  I hope to write a script in the upcoming year
and have a few articles published.  I also hope to help a few
people get some
great acting and commercial jobs!

Lynne

Subj:  Bios
Date:  93-08-17 19:24:05 EST
From:  MarySdncer
Posted on: America Online

Yes I will humor you Ellen. I'm probably the senior member of this
board . I
have two children. Son and daughter who both live in Boulder
Colorado. Two
grandchildren and one great grand child. I was born on the east
coast where I
went to school and worked in  research lab until I married my
husband who had
just graduated from Engineering school in Troy N.Y R.P.I. We were
transferred
by his company to Denver in 67 . We actually live in Littleton
which is about
an hr. from Colorado  Springs. I've spent many hrs doing volunteer
work for
the local hospital and working with retarded children. I started
skating for
the first time when I was 52 . Twelve years later I am still
skating. I was
on the Board of the D.F.S.C. for 8 yrs and Vice Pres for 4yr. I
have worked
most competitions and worked on the Music committee at nationals
when they
were in Denver.My husband retired 2 years ago and we are building
a house in
Phoenix so we can spend the winter there and the summers here in
Colorado. I
will miss my skiing but I have been working on my tennis game . If
you didn't
down load this you,re  going to have a bill like Sklar.  (-8 Mary
(I skate 5
days a week)

Subj:  Languages
Date:  93-08-17 20:06:16 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Sklar-
  A person could major in Uzbek??? And I thought it was amazing
when my
friend said her bro-in-law had a masters (maybe it was even a PhD)
from
Oxford in tone!
  Where do they speak Quecha?
-Ellen

Subj:  Sorry, Caryn!
Date:  93-08-17 20:07:34 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Ooops, sorry! I was just getting into the heat of asking for bios
and I wrote
every name I could think of...anyway, sorry and thanks!
-Ellen

Subj:  California Universities
Date:  93-08-17 23:52:57 EST
From:  SklarKToy
Posted on: America Online

I don't know about others, many have a quota to meet to diversify
the student
body....the easiest way to get into UCLA is to apply as a transfer
student
(since UCLA tends to overenroll and there's too many students per
professor).
But it's always best to try!

Sklar

Subj:  Languages
Date:  93-08-17 23:56:05 EST
From:  SklarKToy
Posted on: America Online

Ellen,

Actually, you can't major in Uzbek, I should've been more specific.
But UCLA
does offer 4 quarters (trimesters) worth of Uzbek.  Quechua is one
many
indigenous languages of Peru.

Sklar

Subj:  Non-major Languages/UCLA
Date:  93-08-18 00:00:46 EST
From:  SklarKToy
Posted on: America Online

There are no majors at UCLA for these languages, but they are being
offered:
Tagalog, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Uzbek, Persian, Arabic, Hebrew,
Korean,
Bulgarian, Hungarian, Romanian, Quechua, Afrikaans, Swahili,
Gaelic, Czech,
Portugese, Ukrainian, Serbo-Croatian.

Majors:  Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian,
Latin, Greek, Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese.

Sklar

Subj:  Hawaii!?!
Date:  93-08-18 09:28:52 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

Lynne,
   You taught in Hawaii? Where? I lived there for two years-it's my
favorite
place in the world. I just adore it. When were you there? I(we)
lived there
from May '85 to March '87!
-Patti

Subj:  Hawaii??
Date:  93-08-18 20:41:24 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Hi Patti..
Yes, I taught on the island of Oahu.  I commuted from Honolulu and
taught on
the leeward side of the island in Maili...not far from Makaha.
(This is where
they have the HUGE waves and the big surfing championships for
those of you
who aren't familiar with the area.)  I taught at an elementary
school there
and had a combination 2nd/3rd grade.  I wanted to teach on the
windward side
in Kaneohi or around there but they said I had to teach two years
in the same
district before transferring.  I taught there in the
70's...probably before
you were born. <g>  I hope it hasn't changed much.  I loved the
place!!!
I always wanted to go back and take the kids to see all of my old
haunts that
I used to go to.

Lynne


Subj:  Languages
Date:  93-08-18 21:51:04 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

  Neato! My brother is fluent in Swahili (he lived/worked in
Tanzania for a
year), quite proficient in Portuguese (his wife is Brazilian) and
pretty good
in both French and Spanish. I'm lucky if I can speak English!
-Ellen

Subj:  Bios
Date:  93-08-19 00:21:31 EST
From:  JulieD3964
Posted on: America Online

My apologies, Ellen, for taking so long to post but I have a good
reason as
I've been skating every night!  Okay - here goes the bio again!
Name: Julie Doctor
Hails From: Alexandria, VA  - Also have lived in: Willingboro NJ,
Charlottesville VA, Louisville KY, Nashville TN, Mountaintop PA,
Marietta GA,
Decatur GA, San DIego CA, Lake Worth FL
How I pay the skating bills: Lots of busywork for an indepentdent
firm
specializing in government contracts - What qualifies me for the
job to pay
the skating bills: I hold a masters degree in American government
with a
concentration in intergovernmental relations, national institutions
and
constituional law from the University of Virginia which I just got
this May.
I also have a BA in political science (with a minor in history -
just 3
credits short of a double major) from the University of Louisville.
What I do besides skate: I play a mean clarinet and the french
horn.  I also
can "doodle" with the trumpet, flute, sax and viola.  I read a lot
- mostly
biographies and I used to watch a lot of old movies but don't have
the time
anymore. Faves are MGM musicals and anything with Cary Grant or
James Cagney.
In high school I was on the tennis team but don't really play
anymore - also
like volleyball and riding a bike for fun - not exercise! - and I
love
watching college basketball.  I write terrible poetry and do a bit
of cross
stitch on occasion. I also have a minaure schnauzer who lives with
my parents
but he likes me best because I picked him out.
Skating: Currently I'm ready to pass ISIA Freestyle 1 except for
the program
which is being worked on probably as you read this.  I'm working on
getting
my edges in better shape and cleaning up spin entrances. Jumps are
in good
shape and I'm working on a toe loop now.  I'd like to start dance
soon but my
edges still need some more work!  I do start private lessons in a
few weeks
and should see some fast improvement (I hope!).  I'm a charter
member of the
Vagabond Janet Skating Tours of the Universe Club but I only signed
up for
the mini-tour - finances don't permit anything else! :) Any
questions?  Oh
yes, I still have never eaten Chunky Soup with a fork! :)

Subj:  My Bio (Long)
Date:  93-08-19 01:04:13 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

I've delayed posting my bio, since I'm embarrassed that I actually
have an
official one (sorry):
                                       ======
                        Biography:  Julie A. Zetterberg
Julie Zetterberg has practiced the hobby of making and wearing
costumes since
1975, first as a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism,
then at
science fiction conventions
and other historical diversions.  Since her first convention
masquerade (as
Princess Leia at Norwescon I in 1978), she has appeared across the
country as
everything from Olive Oyl
to Venus (the planet).  Costuming has given her many odd pleasures
and
occasional rewards, including winning major awards at CostumeCons
and
Worldcons.  Some of her
costumes appear in the Hugo Award nominated book, "The Costume
Maker's Art,"
published by Lark Books in 1992.  She lives and works rather
mundanely in
Seattle, and is one of three co-chairs for CostumeCon 14 in
Seattle, May
23-27, 1996.
                                     ======
Now that that's over...  My interest in skating goes way back, to
when my dad
and I used to watch Jon Micha Petkevich on TV.  Now, I watch as
much skating
as possible, and go to shows when time and budget permit.  I can
skate around
the rink forward without falling down--that's all.  I am not
related to, nor
do I personally know (other than online), any skaters.  And no,
I've never
yet made any costumes for skaters.  Favorite skaters:  Paul Wylie,
Brian
Orser, Martini & Underhill, Toller Cranston, Rosalynn Sumners,
Siebert &
Blumberg.

Single, turning 41 darn soon, one cat.  Work: small computer
consulting firm
office manager. BA, History, University of Washington.   Going to
Lillehammer, Norway, in February 1994...

*%& : )
Julie Z

OK, who's next?!

Subj:  Quechua
Date:  93-08-19 18:35:31 EST
From:  JL Pooley
Posted on: America Online

Ellen -- Quechua is a South American Indian language.  There's a
novel called
Deep Rivers by Jose Maria Arguedas that has a lot about Quechua in
it.

All right, I'll do a bio!  Geeeezzzz!

JLP

Subj:  Music for Skating
Date:  93-08-19 23:55:32 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

Obliquely on the subject of music for skating:  I got a chance to
go to a
James Brown concert last week.  During "I Feel Good," I felt a
surprising
twinge of sadness for one skating routine we'll probably never see
again...
I _was_ hoping Rocky & Calla would come up with something equally
energetic
for a competition routine; ah well, guess not, but that's skating
life.

*%& : )
Julie Z

Subj:  Hawaii
Date:  93-08-20 09:01:21 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

Lynne,
   The names sound familiar, but I can't put a place to them. Were
you on the
North Shore? That's where we lived the first year. I went to Sunset
Beach
Elementary. I think I've losing my touch-I can't remember how to
spell the
name of the town we lived in. Haleiwa? Is that it? Great. 7 years,
and I'm
losing it. Next thing you know I'll be pronouncing the Like-Like
Highway the
wrong way! For those of you who are curious, it's pronounced
leek-ay
leek-ay., not like-like!(-8
-Patti, who is very happy to find a fellow Hawaii fan!

Subj:  Hawaii
Date:  93-08-21 12:53:03 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Hi Patti,
I know where Sunset Beach is.  It has the really big monster waves
that only
the daring and those who don't care if they die surf.  I used to go
there
alot with my roommates to sunbathe.
I remember that town too but can't remember the spelling.  Well,
some of the
Hawaiian words sound so much alike because they only have a few
alphabets.  I
didn't teach that far up.  I taught where you had to drive up the
leeward
side and it was past Nanakuli and before Makaha.  Makaha had a big
country
club by the way...I don't know if you ever went and I can't
remember its
name.  It seems to me that I couldn't get to Sunset Beach by
driving up the
Leeward side because the highway didn't go all around the island
but stopped
at left corner.  You had to drive through the center of the islands
which was
what was then the pineapple fields..Dole.  Then you could get to
Sunset
Beach.  I don't know if they ever completed the highway and made it
all
around the island or what.  Do you remember seeing James Michener's
house at
Sunset Beach?  It was set back some from the shore...  James
Michener is that
author who wrote alot of books set in exotic places.

Lynne

Subj:  Hawaii
Date:  93-08-23 08:35:44 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

Lynne,
   I know who he is, I just don't remember the house.  My memory is
fuzzy on
some things, since I was only 9/10 at the time. I know a country
club/resort/developement called Turtle Bay. Is that what you're
talking
about? Their Sunday brunch is to die for. Tables of just desserts,
cheese,
fruit, meat, seafood, etc.  We used to go there on special
occasions. And a
few times we just wanted to...(-8
      I remember the pineapple fields! They had such a neat smell
to
them-soil, and water, and pineapple.(-8 If I really concentrate,
sometimes I
can smell them. We always had to go that way to Wahiwa. I think
that's how
you spell it....
      Actually, Sunset Beach was only bad in the winter. During the
spring,
summer, and fall, we were able to swim most of the time. Sometimes
the water
was like glass.  And it was so clear! You could see all the way to
the
bottom.....
     Anyway, I think I'd better stop before I give in to the urge
to hijack
the next plane going to Honolulu!
-Patti

Subj:  Hello out there...
Date:  93-08-26 12:16:48 EST
From:  CarynS
Posted on: America Online

Anyone still around? There must be some sort of news to share....

Caryn

Subj:  I saw Kristi!!
Date:  93-08-26 12:21:37 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

Yesterday Kristi was at the rink.  She was just sitting on a gloomy
old bench
like one of the kids looking kinda lonely.  She is planning on
going to Reno
now to prepare for a big Xmas show at the university stadium.  She
said it
holds about 7,000 so get your tickets early--Michael Siebert was
there with
her and he is doing the choreography for it.  Other than that not
much else
doing--she said hi to all of you--I felt like a reporter asking her
questions
to feet to you guys--sorry i could not come up with more!!--Looks
like
theDanster may have some partner news this week--I'll let you all
know--Louise

Subj:  Hawaii
Date:  93-08-26 13:59:40 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Hi Patti...
I think you remember the places and spelling very well considering
how old
you were when you were there.  I can remember the smell of the
fields too.
Someone said that they aren't there anymore...sad, huh?
Now that I think about it we did used to go to Sunset Beach mostly
during the
fall and winter so the waves would have been higher then.  The
water WAS
gorgeous...really clear.  The undertow was horrible there.  My
roommate
almost got swept into the ocean when a wave came up and engulfed
her as she
lay sunbathing.  It was so strong it dragged her out and it took me
and two
guys to pull her out from it.

Lynne

Subj:  Kristi and Louise
Date:  93-08-26 14:02:33 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Hi Louise and all,

Well, Louise, at least you TRIED to come up with some news and it
was
something that maybe people around in that area could use if they
can go see
the show.  I didn't know Kristi knew about us.  I wish I had some
news but
down here I hear nothing...nada...zippo.
Thanks for the tidbit.

Lynne

Subj:  Thanks
Date:  93-08-26 18:38:39 EST
From:  CarynS
Posted on: America Online

Thanks, Louise, for the info. There are times when I really wish I
lived
somewhere else! (: But I will be in Boston soon so hopefully I will
hear and
see more...

Caryn

Subj:  Skating Forum
Date:  93-08-27 07:55:30 EST
From:  MargeR1
Posted on: America Online

Next week's topic is "Resources available to Skaters" and Julie
D3964 will be
the forum leader.  See you all on 9/2 Thursday in the Pressbox at
9 CT, 10 ET
or 7 PT!
Marge

Subj:  Skating Game?
Date:  93-08-27 09:54:26 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

I seem to remember at one of our earlier forums, someone mentioned
a computer
skating game.  Anyone know what I'm talking about?  Is there such
a thing?
*%& : )
Julie Z

Subj:  Resources available to skaters
Date:  93-08-28 14:05:33 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

  Don't mean to be dense, but what kinds of things will we discuss
in this
forum?
-Ellen

Subj:  Skate America
Date:  93-08-28 14:11:51 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Hi all-
  Well, this is nothing we don't already know, but here's a little
blurbie
from a Dallas Convention Bureau newsletter I got yesterday at work:

     International Champs Compete in Dallas
  Sixty of the top figure skaters in the world will bring their
magic to
Dallas in October for the Sudafed Skate America International
competition.
  The field of international champions includes 1988 Olympic
Champion Brian
Boitano and 92 Olympic champ Viktor Petrenko. Women skaters include
reigning
World Champion Oksana Baiul, while the pairs competition features
Ekaterina
Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov, 1988 Olympic Pair Champions and
four-time World
Champions.
  Set at Reunion Arena, Sudafed Skate American 93 is the only
amateur figure
skating competition on the international calendar sanctioned by the
U.S.
Figure Skating Association. The event also comes just three months
before the
94 Winter Olympic Games in Norway and promises to provide skating
enthusiasts
with a glimpse of Olympic hopefuls. Those enthusiasts will include
a combined
arena audience of more than 60,000 <MAYBE!> and a national ABC
Television
audience of 20 million. The Hyatt Regency Dallas, adjacent to
Reunion Arena,
is the official hotel for the competition.

WHAT: Sudafed Skate America International 93
WHEN: October 20-24
WHERE: Reunion Arena
ADMISSION: Ranges from $10 single day to $75 all events
MORE INFO: [phone]


-Ellen

Subj:  Skate America
Date:  93-08-28 14:12:49 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

  Oh, one other thing. The Dallas Convention Bureau newsletter also
includes
a photo of Calla and Rocky. OOPS!
-Ellen

Subj:  Excerpts from Mercury
Date:  93-08-29 00:07:28 EST
From:  MargeR1
Posted on: America Online

I found the following 2 paragraphs in 2 different "Miscellaneous
articles" on
Mercury  on AOL by doing a text search using "Boitano":
1st article:
... Skate America looks like an Olympic preview.....The
late-October
competition in Dallas will feature the last two Olympic men's
champions,
Brian Boitano of the United States and Viktor Petrenko of Ukraine,
as well as
the 1-2 women's finishers in the 1993 World Championships, Oksana
Baiul of
Ukraine and Surya Bonaly of France. Also in the women's event:
13-year-old
sensation Michelle Kwan of the United States. ...
2nd article:
How hot is Brian Boitano's comeback attempt? ABC has rescheduled
the men's
final of January's U.S. Figure Skating Championships for Thursday
prime time
instead of Saturday afternoon. The U.S. Championships is the
selection meet
for the 1994 Olympic team.


My comments:  Michelle Kwan listed as one for Olympic Preview ????
This is
really getting out of hand !!!!!!!!!

Does ABC have the power to influence when events are held or just
when they
are televised?

I hope the media doesn't put all the pressure on Brian but spreads
the
attention to all the male skaters.  It is nice that the male final
is getting
more attention than it usually does and will be in prime time.  In
my
opinion, all the male skaters will benefit from the increased
visibility of
this event,so all skating fans should think kindly of Brian this
week. <G>
Marge

Subj:  Mercury Center
Date:  93-08-29 00:18:48 EST
From:  CarynS
Posted on: America Online

I checked the Mercury Center as well and found two articles about
Michelle
Kwan--found them to be a little overboard, describing Michelle as
a top
Nationals contender and Olympian. Also, they claim Michelle has
really very
small goals before '94--improve her artistry, perfect the triple
loop, and
get the triple axel. All in a day's work, right? I wish! Well,
we'll see.


Subj:  Burn Out Potential
Date:  93-08-29 15:05:39 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

This article just confirms my belief that removal of the figures
would have
devestating consequences up the road.  Well the road is here now--a
13 year
old referred to as Olympian or even olympic potential puts
unbelievable
pressure on the skater.   She is a sweet very unassuming quiet girl
(her
sister also is a very promising skater) who will only be distracted
from
becoming a more mature, polished skater. If she had to complete her
figure
tests it would give her the needed maturity blanket.  Triples at 13
and 14
are now expected.  There used to be 15-20 Junior girls in our
region--now
there are 5-10 because they all quit at age 12 if they dont have
triples.
Maybe with time they wouldhave gotten them, but now the time has
been
shortened so the average life span of a competitor is now over by
age 12
instead of 15 since jumps are the only basis of judgement.  I hope
all works
out well for her, but I predict she will be under enormous pressure
which at
this age can be very damaging....Louise

Subj:  Michelle Kwan
Date:  93-08-29 19:45:44 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

  Getting a triple axel is just a little brush-up work?!
-Ellen

Subj:  Hawaii
Date:  93-08-30 18:32:50 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

Lynne,
  You sure that wasn't Waimea? I remember that we went swimming
there once,
and the undertow was so bad that it knocked me off of my feet, and
dragged me
out a little bit. Granted, I probably weighed 50 pounds, but
still..
    I think one of the reasons I remember so much is that I was
sort of
taking everything in, savoring it.  I also happen to have a pretty
good
memory. Hearing about what Iniki did to my favorite island(Kaui)
just killed
me last year. I read an advertisement in an airline mag that
Princeville, a
resort-development where my family stayed while on vacation there,
has just
re-opened. Sigh....
-Patti

Subj:  Skating Forum
Date:  93-08-30 18:35:19 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

   I know that I will try to be there-my b'day is the next day, so
y'all can
wish me a happy 17th birthday!(-8 I'm feeling old right now.....in
23 years
I'll be 50!
-Patti

Subj:  Michelle Kwan...Olympics?
Date:  93-08-30 18:42:10 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

  Do any of you guys think that 13 is a TAD BIT young to even be
thinking
about going to the Olympics? IMHO, she is just too young.  Michelle
has a lot
of talent, but I feel that it would be best for her to wait until
'98 before
going to the Olympics. Even then, she'll only be 17.
-Patti

Subj:  Olympic Age
Date:  93-08-30 18:46:06 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Remember the top 3 Laidies in the World ar 15, 16, and 19 and two
of them
have already been to Olympic once. It is very difficult for a 20
year old
young lady to take the beating that it takes to be in the top 3 at
Olympics.


Subj:  News of Mark
Date:  93-08-30 18:56:11 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

This last weekend I spent several hours with Mark and Carlo at Ice
Castel.
Here goes. Carlo left Ice Castel today. Mark will stay for one more
week to
work with Jaime Isley his new choriographer. Mark will meet Carlo
in Boston
next Monday and proceed on to Milan. Jamie Isley wiil join them
later in
Milan for one or two weeks.

Mark thank all you Prodigy people for the interest you show in him.
It really
helps.

I have permission to tell something about his program. The
Technical Programs
has a tpl Axel, trp Toe Loop combination. The solo jump is
preceeded by some
great footwork that goes from end to end "flat out".  Mark has an
awsome
Flying sit spin. He actually gets into the position on the way. As
a Judge I
was impressed.

Mark is skating to music from Raisin in the Sun for his Technical
Progarm and
to a Gershwin Medley ( Porgy & Bess).

Again Mark wants me to tell you all thanks.

Subj:  PARTNER FOR DAN FINALLY
Date:  93-08-30 19:19:07 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

Today we sealed the deal.  Dan has a new partner--Ohh would you
like
details???
Her name is Kristina VanKretgen(classy name huh) and she is 9 years
old.  She
is really tiny and looks so delicate next to Dan (who is now
5'2--my size)
she is half philippino and half dutch and has waist length black
hair huge
brown eyes and looks a great contrast with a red head.  She has
been skating
since she was 3 and already has better extensions than Dan.  The
interesting
part is that her sister Janessa competed against our Daughter
Joanne(both are
now coaches) so we know the family.  All have agreed no
pressure--no
competition till next year.  This year they will just test up
Kristina and
work on Dans basics--especially bending those stupid knees--I have
great
hopes for Kristina since she is already nagging him about bending
his knees.
After two lessons she has already learned the dutch waltz.  News as
it
develops--but this looks like the right non pressured situation for
both
kids.
Louise.....

Subj:  Happy Labor Day Weekend, All!
Date:  93-08-30 20:13:20 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

Before I head south:

Louise (welcome back!): that's great news -- is this a different
partner than
the one being considered before you left?  I'm glad they're not
feeling
pressured into competing too soon, but hope they get in gear so we
can see
them when they are ready!

Morry:  Thanks for sharing the news about Mark.  (What about us
non-*P
folks)?  :)

Patti:  Tomorrow is _my_ birthday.  Old?  I have a lot fewer years
leading to
fiveoh than you -- and I don't feel especially old (mentally).   :)
Happy B
fellow Virgo!

Everyone:  have fun at the Forum!

*%& : )
Julie Z

Subj:  Scheduling for TV
Date:  93-08-30 20:36:37 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

As distastful as it may TV has a major say in the scheduling of
Nationals.
They tell us when they want to go live and we set up the event as
they wish.
I have first hand knowledge of this since  I was Chief  Referee of
Nationals
in Phoenix.  6 schedules were  prepared before most all were happy
and the
rest bitched.

There is good reason to go with TV's wishes.  We must satisfy our
sponsors
since the organization cannot operate only on Membership dues.
Almost 70% of
the USFSA income now comes from sources other than dues.

I must say that it is very tough to schedule Nationals with all the
opposing
factions asking for special consideration.  Last year was
especially
difficult because of the large number of entries caused by
International Byes
and Reinstated Skaters.

Subj:  Michelle
Date:  93-08-30 20:40:01 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Don"t bet against this one.  She has been a natural from day one.
It is only
in the last few years that she has had a real Coach.  Her Father
coached her
until she got to Junior.

She is oujr greatest hope for the next few years.

Subj:  Middle Atlantics
Date:  93-08-31 21:48:18 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Hi all!
  Well, Middle Atlantics, the oldest nonqualifying competition in
the United
States (in fact, it's older than Nationals!) is coming up in less
than a
month. I work on it every year--I have to, since I'm secretary of
Skating
Club of New York, but I would anyway.
  Anyway, it's also comes right before North Atlantics, so it
always attracts
a lot of national senior competitors, who want to try out their new
programs.
It's pretty neat, because most of these people don't go to the
other
nonqualifying competitions.
  Anyway, this year Rocky and Calla and their new partners are
skating Mids,
along with 100% more senior pairs teams than last year (and last
year we had
six or seven teams). I'm pretty sure Kyoko and Jason will also be
competing
and, while I'm not sure about them, Karen and Todd skated Mids two
years ago.
  Don't know much about the other entries yet, but it certainly
should be
interesting. I'll let you know what happens.....
-Ellen

Subj:  Skate America and Media
Date:  93-09-01 08:41:49 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

I found Marge's note about Skate America to be very interesting and
have to
agree with all she said.  It certainly is very telling that the
men's program
will be prime time!  That shows how much they know the sport draws
when it
comes down to it and especially when they have a hot competition
on.  There
has been alot of flack aimed at Brian for reinstating but I have to
say that
no matter how anyone feels about the reinstatement issue, it has to
be said
that his competing has definitely raised the sport to an even
higher level.
The more coverage the more interest and hopefully there will be
more funding
available for up and coming skaters as a result...more companies
etc. willing
to sponsor people.  Ofcourse, the downside is the pressure not only
on Brian
but on all the skaters in general as more people be come so
intensely
interested and the media coverage becomes so heavy.  I have to say
that Brian
is taking on alot of pressure and how many people could handle it?
I hope
that everyone will think kindly of him like Marge mentioned.
Yes..it looks like the media can control when the events will be
scheduled.
I think they have influenced college games and playoffs too.
The big hoopla over Michele Kwan has been ridiculously overblown,
I feel.  I
think the press needs to get a grip.

Lynne



Subj:  Michele Kwan and Figures
Date:  93-09-01 08:45:06 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

As Louise mentioned, the elimination of figures and the
consequences are
beginning to show up.  I agree with her about Michele not having
time to
mature and the pressure on this child now whereas if she had to
complete
figures she might have more time.  I also think that eliminating
figures is
going to show up in the number of injuries in the younger skaters.
I wonder
how many will make it to Brian's age or even Kurt's and still be
able to even
remotely compete.

Lynne

Subj:  Patti's Birthday
Date:  93-09-01 08:47:07 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Dear Patti..I am sorry I missed the forum but wanted to wish you a
belated
happy birthday.  Hey...23 years passes very fast.  Before you know
it you
will be 50 and trying to remember who competed in the 94' Olympics.
<g>

Lynne

Subj:  Mark Going to Milan
Date:  93-09-01 08:50:15 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Dear Morry...that means Mark leaves around Sept. 4th?  Does he have
a
forwarding address or do you have Carlo's address in Milan.  I
think that
this is a wise move for him as he needs to stay with Carlo during
this
season.

Lynne

Subj:  Oops!
Date:  93-09-01 12:52:42 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

Lynne,
   Thank you, but my birthday is this Friday! Wait a sec-was that
note for
LAST Thursday? If so, I made a mistake. I thought we were talking
about 9-2,
not 8-26! Sorry for confusing everybody!(-8
-Patti

Subj:  Michelle, Olympics, Age
Date:  93-09-01 13:00:51 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

All,
  I agree with those of you who thinkl that she's too young, or
that the
press is stupid, or whatever. True, skaters seem to be getting
younger, and
true, the current world champion is 15. But there is a huge amount
of
difference between 13 and 15. I should know-it was only a couple of
years ago
that I was that age. At this point in a young girl's life, 4 years
make an
amazing difference. Four years ago, I was a very different person.
I think
that it would be a huge mistake to let Michelle go to the Olympics
next year,
even if she is able to compete at that level. IMHO, she needs
another four
years to mature, and to polish up her skating. I'm not saying that
she
doesn't have talent: her potential amazes me. She's just too
inexperienced.
-Patti

Subj:  TV Coverage
Date:  93-09-01 14:56:49 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

Gee, if the TV networks can control timing of big-money sports like
baseball
& football, it really isn't surprising that they have some say in
scheduling
skating coverage (which I suspect brings in much less $$$ for
them)...

*%& : )
Julie Z

Subj:  Mark & Carlo Address
Date:  93-09-01 17:58:00 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Lisa,

Next time Carlo and I talk on the telephone I will get it for you.

                                                            RGDS -
Morry

Subj:
TV Income
Date:  93-09-01 18:01:39 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Believe it or not Figure Skating brings in the highest advertizing
dollar for
a 30 sec commercial than any other sport. Our problem is to get the
proper
share of the income. TV negotiators are better than the State
Department


Subj:  New on Here
Date:  93-09-02 00:07:01 EST
From:  EdRussell
Posted on: America Online

Hi!  well I finally tried it out.  Now the question I have is how
do I
download the notes to read them off-line!  Ten hours of free time
isn't a
lot!

Subj:  Mark & Carlo Address
Date:  93-09-02 00:55:17 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Dear Morry,
Thank you so much for offering to get Mark's address for me.  I
really do
appreciate it as I would like to send him a few notes between now
and
Nationals to encourage him and let him know he has people who care.
I would
send a card to him at Lake Arrowhead but am afraid I will miss him.
I
normally don't write like that but Mark is such a nice kid and I
feel like I
know in a way through Laura.  He also wrote me a nice note about a
month ago.
I was supposed to meet him after the Campbell Tour as Laura
mentioned me to
him but missed him.  Thanks again, Morry.

Lynne

Subj:  Welcome Ed.
Date:  93-09-02 00:56:46 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Hi Ed,

Welcome to AOL.  I haven't learned how to download this either.

Lynne

Subj:  Talk Sports
Date:  93-09-03 18:29:25 EST
From:  GrizlyBear
Posted on: America Online

  Hey there fellow sports fans! This is the GrizlyBear, and I am
hosting a
Late,Late sports talk forum in the Stadium Club on Sunday nights/
Monday
mornings. 1:00 A.M. Eastern, 10:00 P.M. Pacific, not sure of
mountain or
central.
  Tain't never host a talk forum before. But I'll give it a try. I
have an
opinion on everything. And enjoy most sports. Or read about all
sports.
  So if you suffer from insomnia, or work strange hours like I do.
And would
like to talk about sports in the wee hours of the morning, or the
late hours
of the evening to you west coasters. Join me in the Stadium Club.
Heck fire,
we can talk about whatever.


Subj:  Ladies Night Sports Talk
Date:  93-09-03 22:39:26 EST
From:  LeeAnn 1
Posted on: America Online

Hi All -  This is not exactly skating news, but I'm trying to get
the word
out about this new forum I'm hosting. I sent out e-mail today about
it, but
my address book is a disaster area, and I'm not sure who got what.
So here
goes my little notice again.
There is a new forum for women on Sunday nights. The Ladies Night
Sports Talk
is the forum for women to come and talk about sports. It is a
general sports
forum and topics may be different every week. Women are the fastest
growing
audience for sports of every kind and this forum is just the place
for them
to express their views on any sports topic ranging from the
Olympics to the
NFL.  The forum is at 11PM at the Stadium Club.  Hope to see you
there.
LeeAnn 1
PS - Sorry to bug you all about this again (especially if my e-mail
actually
worked and you got the message), but I need to promote it.
:)

Subj:  Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Date:  93-09-05 15:12:12 EST
From:  MaliaS1
Posted on: America Online

Hi Malia here,
I was wondering how can I print these boards
I can't figure it out.  E-mail me .
                    Thanks   Malias1


Subj:  Hello Again
Date:  93-09-05 21:08:11 EST
From:  EdRussell1
Posted on: America Online

It appears that this is going to be my new screen name here on AOL.
I'll be
checking in here on a regular basis from now on.  It looks like I'm
going to
drop *P for AOL.

RGDS, Ed.

Subj:  Help for Malia
Date:  93-09-06 12:13:34 EST
From:  EdRussell1
Posted on: America Online

Try setting up your logging, then as you open the files it will
save them for
you.  That is the best I have found so far.

Hope it helps, Ed.

Subj:  bad spin
Date:  93-09-06 21:51:31 EST
From:  MaliaS1
Posted on: America Online

i'm having trouble on my scratch spin. (forward)
when enter to the spin it's  okay but the 2nd step
of it is horrible i'm not finding the center and i'm
sometimes on my heel or on my toe pick. and i need any suggestions
on how to
do it better.
   wbs  maile   (malias1)

Subj:  Bio-BWilhite
Date:  93-09-06 23:14:31 EST
From:  BrendaW660
Posted on: America Online

I'm online, so I'd better not be *too* wordy.
The basics:
Age, 32 (just barely)
Married
Two cats
Occupation: grants administrator, part-time writer

Interest in skating:  Began in the late 70s, completely awed by Tai
and
Randy.  Have followed skating since, although personally am much
more adept
on 8 wheels than two blades.
Skating future: Will attend Nationals in January 1994

Subj:  Bio-BWilhite,
quick add
Date:  93-09-06 23:15:58 EST
From:  BrendaW660
Posted on: America Online

Oops, forgot something:

I am a freelance writer, and am currently querying markets about
skating-related articles.

Subj:  New Home!!!!!!!
Date:  93-09-07 20:43:25 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Hey look, we have a new home! Coolness! (Now if only we could
answer a
message...)

Anyway, the competitive season is approaching so let's get
a-posting lots of
new messages!
-Ellen

Subj:  Skating in general
Date:  93-09-08 13:46:09 EST
From:  CKSutcliff
Posted on: America Online

Nice place!  Good to have this happen just as the new season is
beginning.
Though roller is not a "winter sport", the season has officially
begun this
month.  Erin's first competition will be in October at her home
rink.  Her
coach is working with her on her new program, using another piece
from Swan
Lake.  Her coach is doing the music this time and Erin is going
nuts wanting
to hear it.  She has her choriography....she doesn't know how it
all fits
together.  I guess with a new coach, she must expect things to go
a little
differently.  I expect she'll get her wish and hear it soon.  Oh!
she is
also getting new skates!  All new equipment.  But that means
breaking in
those nice new boots!  It shouldn't be too bad.  Unlike ice,
freestylists use
the more flexible boots. Who else has competition on the
horizon?????
Connie

Subj:  Printing the message-Malia
Date:  93-09-08 14:24:00 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Hi Malia..
To print a message go to File and click on PRINT.


Lynne


Subj:  Ed Russell
Date:  93-09-08 14:25:20 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Hi Ed,
I tried to send you some group E-mail but kept putting in
just Ed Russell so it didn't get sent.  I will include you in the
future.  Do
you have everyone's screen names?

Lynne

Subj:  Brenda's BIO
Date:  93-09-08 14:27:02 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Hi..
Brenda will never say anything but I am proud of her and she has
written
several articles for American Skating World..the most recent was
the cover
story on the Carruthers and also she has one coming up in Blades.

Lynne

Subj:  Roller Nationals
Date:  93-09-08 14:28:22 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Hi Connie...

Have you seen anything about Nationals being shown on a sports
station yet?

Lynne

Subj:  Good to have you aboard
Date:  93-09-08 15:03:47 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Hi Ed,

You found us. Yesterday I thought they had dumped us.  Programers
on the BBs
are just as disruptive as those on my projects

Subj:  Poll of women's sports
preferenc
Date:  93-09-08 16:23:47 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

An AP article in the SF chronicle gave the results of a National
Sports Study
of Sports and Women's preferences--these are the results of Females
age 18
and over and their  choices--
1.  NFL PRO FOOTBALL
2.  WOMENS FIGURE SKATING
3.  WOMENS GYMNASTICS TIE WITH MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
5.  PAIRS FIGURE SKATING
6.  MENS FIGURE SKATING
7.  PAIRS ICE DANCING
8.  MEN'S GYMNASTICS
9.  NBA PRO BASKETBALL
10.  NCAA-CFA COLLEGE FOOTBALL

"The high ranking of figure skating may shock some fans, but it
comes as no
surprise to CBS which saw its figure skating broadcasts during the
Winter
Olympics last year trail only the NFL in Nielsen ratings of all
sports
programming."
This survey is very interesting--perhaps we can discuss it in the
forum on
Thursday--Any comments??
Louise

Subj:  Roller Nationals
Date:  93-09-08 23:55:27 EST
From:  CKSutcliff
Posted on: America Online

Lynne:  Not yet.  I'll let you know just as soon as I do.....maybe
you'll
even hear about it before me!  Connie

Subj:  Winter Sports Library?
Date:  93-09-09 00:21:29 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

Just noticed that our new library has a gymnastics file in it.
Hmmm...
Peckster???

*%& : )
Julie Z

Subj:  Skating in General
Date:  93-09-09 19:56:21 EST
From:  MWood
Posted on: America Online

Hi Connie:
I think that you can consider Roller Artistic Figure Skating a
Winter Sports.
Until such time that arenas became climate controlled, that was
sure the only
time that it was possible (or comfortable) to skate.  Although
admittedly the
competitions are now earlier than they once were, I would not have
wanted to
compete in the Summer back then.
It's good to hear about Erin's preparation for her first
competition.  It
sounds like it will be a good year for her.  I wish her all the
best.
I have called the local PBS station about televising the Nationals
with no
result yet, but I will keep at it.

Marion

Subj:  Poll of sports preference
Date:  93-09-09 20:06:41 EST
From:  MWood
Posted on: America Online

The survey concerning the placement of figure skating is eye
opening.
Especially interesting is the placement of the different
disciplines. There
was a sports survey out of Texas last year that pretty much agrees.


I am also surprised that Women;s Gymnastics is tying with Baseball!
I never
heard that one before.

Check out the survey of fans in Blades this month.  It is much more
detailed
and the respondents there placed Men's first and Women's second.

Marion

Subj:  Climate control
Date:  93-09-09 20:58:30 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

  Actually, the rinks I skate at are all heated. Doesn't mean
they're not
freezing at times (after all, there is ice involved), but mostly
they're not
too bad. But I've skated in rinks in other cities that weren't
heated.
  Connie, is Erin's current rink also freezing (or don't you know
yet)? Do
they heat any roller rinks ever? Or do they just figure the figure
skaters
should be tough and turn on the heat for public sessions?
-Ellen

Subj:  Dan and Kristina
Date:  93-09-12 19:31:14 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

Just a brief  report on the new team.  She already has better
extensions then
the never bend the knees Dan.  After only 3 lessons Kristina has
learned the
preliminary dances, so they can now work on them using music.  Dan
is really
pleased to be the better dancer and in control of the team.  She is
a very
talented skater and anxious to catch up and learn new dances.
The personalities are totally compatible for now--she is not quite
as
aggressive as Anna, which is a relief for Dan.  Everyone has been
commenting
on how nice they look together since she is so tiny he looks more
in control
and protective.  Anna and Brian are looking very good together, but
may not
even have a chance to compete before Juvi nats since there are so
few
Intermediate teams so they may just get a bye all the way to
nats.....It is
fun to watch the progress and see Dan improving his prelim dances
and relearn
some basics.  This is making him think more about his stupid
knees!!!!--Louise

Subj:  Clip Art
Date:  93-09-12 20:24:37 EST
From:  DavidNAnnC
Posted on: America Online

Now that we have some new people reading this folder I am going to
ask again
- anyone with skating clip art to share????  I can use almost any
format!

Thanks

David Newman
Genesee Figure Skating Club
Rochester, NY

Subj:  Skating in general
Date:  93-09-13 08:51:33 EST
From:  CKSutcliff
Posted on: America Online

Ellen:  The rink Erin had skated up til now only turned on the heat
for
public sessions.  The teachers were not allowed to turn on the
heat.  The
building is not very well insulated and to keep the building
comfortable at
all times would be very expensive.  Besides, the owner said that
they didn't
heat the building when he skated, so why should he?  Every once in
a great
while if HE got cold, he'd turn on the heat.  Now I don't know
about this new
rink Erin is going to.  Some of the skaters mentioned there were
some very
cold practices as well as some very hot ones.  But the building is
built MUCH
better, it has air conditioning which they did use this summer and
practice
has been very nice.  We'll see about this winter.  Ellen, I had fun
chatting
with you last night.  Please do let me know if you hear anything on
that job!
Connie

Subj:  Skating Social Life
Date:  93-09-13 17:32:47 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

It was reported to me that Nancy Kerrigan has a new love interest
in none
other than Mike Collins, son of Tom Collins. The new relationship
appently
started during the Tom Collins tour.


Subj:  Roller skating
Date:  93-09-13 21:59:37 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Connie-
  I had fun chatting, too!
  It certainly seems like an unlikely job but I'll be interested in
hearing
more about it!
  South Mountain has been absolutely freezing last week and this
week. As a
result, the ice has been way too hard. Skyrink's ice, I'm told, has
also been
too hard. The rink manager (at South Mountain) told my pro he
wouldn't turn
on the heat until October. Meanwhile it's very hard to believe
that,
according to the calendar, it's still summer! This just better work
on the
ice a little before Easterns!
-Ellen

Subj:  Skating social life
Date:  93-09-13 22:00:36 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Morry-
  I guess that means Nancy's engagement is off?!
-Ellen

Subj:  Heated Rinks
Date:  93-09-13 23:25:13 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

You don"t know how lucky you are to even have heat available in
your rinks.
In California most people feel that is always warm so they don't
bother to
even put in heat.  5:30 AM patch is like the
arctic.

Subj:  Nancy
Date:  93-09-13 23:26:52 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

I think so.

Subj:  Heated rinks
Date:  93-09-14 21:04:26 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Morry-
  I've found that in warm places in general, not just rinks. A lot
of areas
don't have much central heating when they could really use it
because it's
supposed to be temperate there. That's how New Zealand was when I
lived
there. Boy did I freeze!
-Ellen

Subj:  Heated Rinks
Date:  93-09-14 23:07:57 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Morry, Ellen, Connie and all,

I found that in Houston at the Sharpstown rink, it isn't heated in
the winter
and it can get very cold and damp there in January.
I guess because it is in the south it isn't heated as you all
noted.

Lynne

Subj:  New to the Forum
Date:  93-09-15 00:02:50 EST
From:  BrwnEyeMan
Posted on: America Online

Hello, I am a non skating parent of a 13 yr old.Also an officer of
the Austin
Figure Skating Club.  She has 2nd Figure and Silver Dance test but
alas no
partner.
 She skates at the same rink as Ed and Cherrie(Hello Ed, welcome to
AOL) in
Austin.  We are limited by our facilities and
Houston Figure Skating Club had a USFSA competition last weekend
and it was
quite well done. My daughter did well too, see results board
Glad to find you and look forward to sharing info and ideas on how
to  find a
Dance partner for Clair.

Richard

Subj:  EMail List-update
Date:  93-09-17 02:25:03 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

I have sent a letter out E mail to all on my list--I am compiling
a new E
mail list--if you wish to be on or off of it please let me know and
I will
post the complete list here within a week--thank you Louise

Subj:  Biographies
Date:  93-09-17 02:29:24 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

Ok I am willing to take on this task since I just want an excuse to
show off
my new Centril 610 Macintosh .....Everyone can either E mail me
your complete
biography privately including your home or work address--or you can
mail it
to me including any photos or inserts you like--I will then compile
a book
and mail it to each of you free of charge so we can have a guide by
our
puters to know who is who---if you want my home address please e
mail me and
I will send it to you--we did this for the trivia club, and it was
really
neat to put faces to the words on the screen--even if the face i
sent was my
cat!!!--after all she is a lot cuter than Me--also if you are a
skating
parent include photos of your skaters--Louise

Subj:  Writing
Date:  93-09-17 21:56:52 EST
From:  BrendaW660
Posted on: America Online

LisaSeven:

<blushing> Just read your nice note about my writing ... you're
tooo kind.
Just in case someone else sees, though, my next article is coming
up in
Tracings, rather than Blades.  If the editor of Blades saw this,
I'll bet
she'd be confused!

Thanks again for the encouragement!
Brenda

Subj:  Bio book
Date:  93-09-18 17:14:57 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Louise-
  That's a great idea! How do you like the Centris 610? We use the
650 at
work and love it!
  Anyway, maybe there should be a deadline for sending info...?
I'll send you
mine as soon as I can. Please e-mail me your address.
  Thanks.
-Ellen

Subj:  BIOS
Date:  93-09-20 22:55:10 EST
From:  MWood
Posted on: America Online

Ellen:  I think I have finally figured out this BB uploading, so I
will try
to post that BIO that I (in good faith) promised to you.  I've
already done a
"short version" on the group e-mail, but here goes:
My name is Marion Wood, and I live in Southern New Jersey, and am
the "elder'
here.  I have two children, both adults.  My son was a music major
who is
currently into computers (yet another specialized language).  My
daughter is
an attorney.  I couldn't interest either of them in ANY kind of
skating!  I
have one very beautiful  grandaughter.  My major was Sociology and
I did a
minor in Accounting, which is where my career went.  I am a fan of
both Ice
and Roller Skating.  I used to skate, started on Ice, switched to
Roller and
competed in Dance, many moons ago, when the governing body was
RSROA.  Lots
of rinks in my area, but since an adult injury, pastimes are of a
less
physical nature.  I belong to a group, somewhat like the group
here, all ages
and various backgrounds who come together to attend the Ice shows
and
Competitions in the area. (Don't travel)  switch tapes, and
generally keep
each other informed on the sport.  As a fan, my current favorite
skaters are:
Tonya Harding, Roz Sumners, Cindy South, ( would like to see more
of Gia
Goddat), Paul Wylie, Gary Beacom, Jayson Sutcliffe, Roca & Sur,
Usova &
Zhulin, Torville & Dean, and Wait & Monaghan (Would like to see
more of
Kravette and Webster).

Louise, If you need any more information, let me know and e-mail me
your
address, and I'll try to get it off to you

Marion

Subj:  E-mail list
Date:  93-09-22 00:29:37 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Dear Louise,
I think the group E-mail list is a good idea and posting that we
have one
going is going to let people who would like to talk more
participate.

Lynne

Subj:  Tonya Harding has problems
Date:  93-09-22 20:13:32 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Tonya was selected to go to the USFSA Training Camp in
Lilly-Hammer, Norway.
On the morniing of departure she called her Coach and said she was
not going
because she did not feel well.  Locals indicate that she was OK the
previous
evening during late night activities.

There is some feeling that she may really be quite Ill and not be
able to
enter the Northwest Pacific Regional Competition so as to qualify
for
Nationals.

Subj:  Tonya Harding has problem
Date:  93-09-23 00:07:50 EST
From:  MWood
Posted on: America Online

Morry:

I am really sorry to hear that Tonya Harding may be really ill.
That is so
sad.
This skater has sure had her share of problems.  I was hoping to
see her when
we go down to the U of Delaware fundraiser,  but I assume that she
will not
be there now.   I do hope that she  recovers in time for the
Regionals!

Marion



Subj:  Poor Tonya Get well card?
Date:  93-09-23 14:11:32 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

  Sorry about the choppy subject, but they don't allow much room
here.
   I was really sorry to hear that Tonya's sick. She is definately
one of my
favorites when looking ahead to Nationals, and Lillehammer. I hope
she can go
to regionals. She had such an off year last year that she deserves
this year
to be good. Ditto for Nancy.
   Do you think we could send her a get-well card? Just to let her
know that
we're thinking about her.
I know she knows all about *P, but does she know about AOL?
-Patti
PS-Why does she have to go to Regionals? Just because she got 4th
at
Nationals she has to start at the very beginning?

Subj:  TONIA REGIONALS
Date:  93-09-23 17:19:53 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

If she had been in the top 3 at National she could have received a
Bye to
Nationals.  The only way she could now go directly to Nationals
would be
through assignment to the Pro-Am. We can't do that because of the
reported
illness.

There are those that beleive that Tonia's only problem is
psycological and
with life style.

Subj:  Tonya
Date:  93-09-23 22:14:04 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Morry-
  I can see why some people might think Tonya's problems are all
psychological and lifestyle but..... I would believe it more if I
didn't have
asthma. Skating is really tough with asthma and I don't even have
it all that
badly (although I have horrible allergies). I try to do everything
to
increase my stamina, even go running a few times a week (which I
REALLy don't
like), but it's still very hard.
  Of course, psychological factors don't help asthma either but I
still can't
help but side with her.
-Ellen

Subj:  TONYA
Date:  93-09-25 17:11:38 EST
From:  MWood
Posted on: America Online

Morry,
I would have to say that psychological problems do interfere with
a skaters
ability to perform at an individual peak level,  look at Nancy (and
some
others).  But I do think that Tonya's problems are indeed made more
difficult
because of the Asthma factor.  And I'm sure that you will find much
agreement
with Ellen's statement.  Although I do not have Asthma, I
understand the
problems that it creates for any athlete.  It is my opinion that
Tonya has
had to work extra hard for anything that she has attained because
of it.

Marion

Subj:  Tonya
Date:  93-09-25 17:54:43 EST
From:  EdRussell3
Posted on: America Online

Morry,

I sure do hope Tonya H. gets well soon and can stay well.  Please
keep all of
us up to date on her status - and if you get teh opportunity, do
let her know
that her fans on *P and AOL are behind her.

Regards, Ed.

Subj:  ADDRESSES
Date:  93-09-25 18:46:59 EST
From:  MaliaS1
Posted on: America Online

ANY  ADDRESSES OF ANY SKATERS!!!!!!!!


Subj:  Tonya Harding has a problem
Date:  93-09-26 00:10:52 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Dear Morry,
Please let us know about Tonya when you hear something.  Thanks for
posting
the update and I know everyone is hoping that she is going to get
well soon.
I just can't imagine a worse break for her after how hard she has
worked to
have this happen and not even get to go to Nationals.
Lynne

Subj:  National Ticket for Sale
Date:  93-09-27 19:38:05 EST
From:  LeeAnn 1
Posted on: America Online

I have one ticket to the Figure Skating Nationals  in Detroit from
Jan 2 - 9.
It is an all event ticket. I am looking to sell it. If you're
interested
e-mail me.
LeeAnn 1

Subj:  addresses
Date:  93-09-28 22:59:52 EST
From:  MaliaS1
Posted on: America Online

DOES ANYONE HAVE A CURRENT ADDRESS FOR
MARK MITCHELL.  AND IS HE NICE IF AND WHEN
ME MIGHT REPLY.                         ALOHA, MALIAS1

Subj:  Address-Mark
Date:  93-09-29 13:15:41 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Dear Malia,

I heard from Mark around August when he was at Lake Arrowhead
training with
Carlo Fassi.  He is a very nice person and really does like to hear
from fans
and people who in general love figureskating.
Lynne

Subj:  Skating Forum Uploading
Date:  93-09-29 20:20:16 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Thanks to Nebula5 and LeeAnn for uploading the last two forums.  I
downloaded
it and also printed out copies for Laura.

Lynne

Subj:  Boitano and Regionals
Date:  93-09-29 20:23:52 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Hi..
Morry I hope you are reading this.  If Tonya didn't place in the
upper three
positions at Nationals last year and therefore doesn't get a bye to
Nationals
without doing regionals..what about Brian Boitano?  Does he get a
bye to
Nationals?  I was thinking since he didn't compete in last year's
Nationals
he would be technically in the same boat as Tonya.  Since Tonya was
a
National Champion she doesn't get a bye so I guess this holds true
for
Boitano.  Is it possible he can bypass Regionals and go onto
Nationals
automatically because of his gold in the Olympics...or does he have
to go the
route of Regionals to Nationals?  Thanks...

Lynne

Subj:  Uploading forum
Date:  93-09-29 21:08:14 EST
From:  LeeAnn 1
Posted on: America Online

Your welcome Lynne.  :)

Lee :)

Subj:  Boitano and Regionals
Date:  93-09-29 22:42:42 EST
From:  MWood
Posted on: America Online

Hi,
Lynn, I was wondering the same thing about Brian and Tonya's
seemingly
similar situations about how they would get to Nationals.  It does
appear
that  if one had to do the Regionals, both would.  Or do you think
the
reinstatement thing has different rules than those applied to
amateur
skaters?



Marion

Subj:  Regionals-Sectionals-Nationals
Date:  93-09-30 02:49:03 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

There are three steps to Nationals--Regionals---Sectionals and
Nationals---
Top 4 from regionals advance to sectional
Top  4 from sectionals advance to nationals

If there are not 4 senior men at Centrals then Boitano has a bye to
Sectionals--Sectionals will be held at our rink and word is that he
will
compete at Pacific Coast so we are preparing for an influx of press
attention
week of dec 11--
In the case of Dancers and Pairs very frequently there are not
enough to
compete at sectionals so they go right to nationals, but must
register for
each event and then receive an official bye from USFSA--

For juvi nats  Juveniles qualify--top two from each regional go to
nats--
Inter mediates qualify--top 4 from each section go to nationals--In
many
cases there is no competition for these levels in dance or pairs--
Louise

Subj:  Boytano and Tonia
Date:  93-09-30 15:05:19 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Along with the rule allowing reinstatment a rule was adopted that
any
reinstated skater that had been a member of the World or Olumpic
team must
enter at the Sectional Level.. We felt that it was not fair to the
Regional
Skaters to dump this crowd on them.  As a result Brian would be
required to
enter Pacific Coast Sectionals.  However, since he is entering the
Pro-Am in
Phil. he is granted a bye to Nationals just as is all other
entering the fall
Pro-Am.

Tonya on the other hand can't be sent directly to Nationals because
she did
not place 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th at the last Nationals and she is
not being
asked to skate the Pro-Am.  She has been assigned to Skate America.
Unfortunately for Tonya the dates of SA do not qualify anyone for
a Bye from
either Reg. or Sec.  I expect her tactic to be to enter SA and
indicate she
is injured after SA and apply for a Bye to Nationals.. Good Luck
but little
chance.

The last I heard the forum tonight is on proposed rule changes.  I
may not be
able to spend much time tonigt. I would appreciate a personal
communications
on any proposed rule changes that are not off the wall.  Next
Wednesday I go
to the Executive Committee Meeting and Board of Directors Meeting.
If any of
the proposed rule changes seem feasable I will put them up for
consideration.
Thanks.

Subj:  Asthma
Date:  93-09-30 23:44:59 EST
From:  CKSutcliff
Posted on: America Online

Morry:  I can vouch as a parent of a skater with exercise induced
asthma that
the emotional plays a big part in the problem.  But that doesn't
mean,
ofcourse that "it's all in her head".  It's very physical as well.
She may
realize that this is a part of the problem, but dealing with it is
a whole
other battlefield!

Subj:  Scott Davis & other Male skaters
Date:  93-10-01 00:52:52 EST
From:  MargeR1
Posted on: America Online

I discovered the following post over on *P and thought
I would share this with all of you: It is about Scott's program
and some info on a trip to Norway by US best men skaters.
Marge


Subject:    SCOTT DAVIS
To:                ALL                   Date:    09/26
From:     RUSSELL SCHMIDT       Time:     9:57 PM
Just returned from the Midwest PSGA Seminar at the Pettit
National Ice Center in Milwaukee.  Scott Davis was there
with Kathy Casey and he performed his new technical program.
 Its to music from Zorba the Greek and his jumps where
unbelievable. The speed of the whole piece is rather
hectic and Kathy Casey said "It still needs some work"
which it does but will be an award winning number by the
time Nationals roll around. Gale Tanger the team leader for
next years Olympic team was there as well,and her and Scott
Davis, Mark Mitchell, Brian Boitano, and Michael Chack just
returned from Norway.  They stayed near the Olympic rink
and practiced  on it.  Apparently the US Olympic committee
feels that these are the top male canidates for our country
next year.  No mention was made of any of the women skaters
who may have went along on the trip.


Subj:  Uploading Forums
Date:  93-10-01 09:03:39 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

Thanks Lynne.  I tried to e-mail a copy of the file to Laura but
found we
can't send files via Internet.  Would take forever to send as a
letter!
Thanks for passing on to her.
*%& : )
Julie Z

Subj:  Boitano spotted in Belmont ca
Date:  93-10-01 17:52:46 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

Yesterday I went to Belmont iceland to pick up some papers and THE
BRIAN WAS
THERE.
He was working with Linda Leaver(always there for him) on what
looked like
choreography for a technical program.  They were only working on
one part of
it which was Aaron Copeland(remember Hoedown)-Appalachian Suite
---I stayed
and watched(actually drooled) for about 1/2 hour--he looked tired,
but I
don't know how long they had been there.  The word is that he does
not have
to do Coast since he will represent us in either skate america or
pro am as
Morry said....maybe I will catch him and talk to him next
week--humm should I
camp out on the hood of his car??--leave love notes on the
windshield--Louise

Subj:  ASTHMA
Date:  93-10-01 20:11:33 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

I agree that asthma can be agrivated by head problems, however all
of the top
skaters (there are a number that do)  that suffer from that malady
have a
real medical problem.  It is hard enough on anyone with asthma to
keep
breathing but a 4 miniute program is torcher for some.  I know of
at least
two skaters that realize just how bad they are going to feel after
going all
out for 4 miniutes and need to control the onset before the
program.

The engery expended in a 4 minuite program is the same as expended
by a mile
runner according to the technical staff of the OTC in Colorado.

                                                          RGDS -
Morry


Subj:  wHERE IS EVERYONE?
Date:  93-10-01 20:39:18 EST
From:  Skrmom
Posted on: America Online

cAME FROM*P TO PLAY--WHERE ARE ALL THE SKATERS

???????

Subj:  Individual nationals tiks
Date:  93-10-02 19:01:33 EST
From:  NicoleJ
Posted on: America Online

MargeR1,
     On 9/21 you posted a schedule of national events.  I bought
tickets for
the ladies free skate which according to ticketmaster is at 5:00 on
January
8.  I asked them if there was a 7:35 show and they insisted that
there isn't.
Do you have an inside track to the schedule?  I mean when I go to
the arena
in January 8 will the security guards toss me out because I
unknowingly
bought the wrong tickets?  I am getting a little paranoid about
this but I
spent almost $100 bucks for those tickets and I want to make sure
they are
for the right event.  Any help you give me will be greatly
appreciated.
                                             Thanks,  Nicki

Subj:  National
time schedule
Date:  93-10-03 19:10:08 EST
From:  MargeR1
Posted on: America Online

Hi Nicki,
The schedule that I posted is the one that came with my  all event
ticket
confirmation.  It is possible that event times may change due to
the number
of competitors or due to TV coverage. The schedule I posted is the
only one
I've seen. I just rechecked and the schedule lists junior  pairs
free skate
at 5pm for Joe Lewis arena and Ladies free skate at 7:35 pm.   I
would
suggest checking with the Joe Lewis arena during the week of
competition and
confirming the time.  If the network asks for a time change, it
will likely
happen. Hope this helps.   You could call this 800 number for the
1994 USFS
Championships Competition Office now  (1-800-241-1994) and ask
them to set
your mind at ease.   Marge

Subj:  Individual nationals tiks
Date:  93-10-03 22:27:50 EST
From:  NicoleJ
Posted on: America Online

Hi, Marge,
     Thanks a lot.  I will call them in the morning.
                                                    Bye,
                                                         Nicki

Subj:  Love
notes and asthma
Date:  93-10-04 21:33:06 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Louise-
  Don't leave love notes on his windshield. I once did that to
someone and
then found out it wasn't his car!!! Actually, I wrote sort of a
cryptic
message and didn't sign it so it wasn't totally embarrassing. Just
a little
wierd (but I'm always good for a little wierdness).
  Morry, Connie, et al - A skater with asthma really has to work
twice as
hard as most other people in practice, just to be able to pull off
what's
expected when it's the real thing.
-Ellen

Subj:  Bowman?
Date:  93-10-04 23:01:30 EST
From:  Jenna10723
Posted on: America Online

Does anyone know what Bowman is doing?  It seems like forever since
I have
heard anything about him>

Jenna


Subj:  Brian and Tonya and Sectionals
Date:  93-10-09 21:32:22 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Hi..
Thanks for the reply, Morry and Louise, concerning the Sectionals
and Brian.
I have another question.  How can Brian's performance at Pro-Am be
compared
with that of the senior skaters at Pacific Sectionals?  How can his
performance be scored in relation to theirs since they are
different
competitions?
How is this done?
Any word on if Tonya will make it to Regionals?

Lynne

Subj:  Brian's Music Choice for LP
Date:  93-10-09 21:35:27 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Dear Louise,
I have heard Appalachian Spring and though pleasant, I didn't find
the music
particularly interesting, stirring, inspiring or emotional.
Perhaps if bits
and pieces of it are put together something can be created.  How
did what you
saw of the program look to you?  In my own humble opinion <g>, I
just don't
feel Appalachian Spring is music that will stir judges or the crowd
and wish
Brian had chosen other music.

Lynne

Subj:  ESPN this Thursday
Date:  93-10-10 10:36:55 EST
From:  MargeR1
Posted on: America Online

Reminder:  ESPN will televise the "Professional Figure Skating
Masters" taped
June 8-9 in Paris at 7pm central time and 8 pm eastern time.
(Check your
local listings for other time zones.)  I have no idea which skaters
are
included but I'll be watching!  The show will be 1 and 1/2 hours in
length.

Just an Idea:  Since this  televised show should be over prior to
our forum,
would it be a good topic to include in this week's forum?  (We'll
discuss
other issues too, so send your topic suggestions to me. ) I guess
I am
hosting again unless someone else volunteers.

Marge

Subj:  Phil Hersh Column 10/10
Date:  93-10-10 11:02:31 EST
From:  MargeR1
Posted on: America Online

 From Phil Hersh's International Sports Column in Chicago Tribune
Sunday
October 10:
"Two time Olympic figure skating champion KATERINA WITT unveils her
new
free-skate program at a Frankfort Germany gala Dec. 3, two weeks
before the
German Figure Skating Championships. Witt, returning to Olympic
style skating
after a 5 year absence, must make the top two in her national meet
to earn a
place at the 1994 Winter Olympics..."  ( Her picture accompanies
the
article.)

Other news:   Short track speed skater CATHY TURNER(age 31), who
some of you
may have seen singing and skating with the Ice Capades, returns to
competition at the Canadian International Challenge Oct. 15-16 in
Montreal.
She had taken a year off after winning gold and silver medals at
the 1992
Olympics.

Th- Th- That's all folks!!

Marge

Subj:  thanks
Date:  93-10-10 21:43:28 EST
From:  LORICONLEY
Posted on: America Online

hi!!!  i just wanted to say thanks for thr tip about the program on
espn on
thursday.  i'm new here..was just browsing and found the info

thanks again:)

loric

Subj:  show on ESPN-general info
Date:  93-10-11 01:51:29 EST
From:  SERNDIP897
Posted on: America Online

 have followed this sport for over 25 years.  I go to all the shows
that come
through our area.  I read an article on Dick Button in People
Mag.last year
stating that he lived in New Salem N.Y.  That's only ten minutes
from my
house!  I wish I'd run into him at the grocery store one day.  I'd
"chew"  his ear all about the sport, and the individual skaters!
I "stumbled
upon this forum while taking advantage of a trial offer from AOL.
I can't
tell you all how happy I am to have a place to obtain information
and share
the love of the sport with folks who feel the same as myself.  Does
anyone
know when the DiscoverCard tour will begin again?  And when is
Dorothy
Hamill's Ice Capades touring the Northeast-Albany?
I will be spending lots of time at these departments.  This is
better that
the defunct magazine IceCycles!   Thanks for your time.  I hope I
hear from
some of you in my E-mail.     Serendipity

Subj:  Michele
Kwan-Junior Worlds ???
Date:  93-10-11 07:43:39 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Hi..
I have just read that Michelle Kwan has qualified for the World
Junior Figure
Skating Championships along with Jenna Pittman
(Delaware) and Michelle Cho (Calif. also.)  The Junior Worlds is
held
Nov.30-Dec.5 in Colorado Springs.  For some reason I had thought
she would be
competing for a berth on the Olympic team and this would mean that
she would
have to qualify for Seniors at Nationals.  Is she allowed to do
both
competitions which are different levels in the same year?
Thanks..Lynne

Subj:  Figure Skating Followers
Date:  93-10-11 07:49:13 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Serendipity...
You have stumbled onto a good group here of people who feel just
like you do.
There are a bunch of us and we range in age from the teens on up.
In our
group are skaters, recreational skaters, parents of skaters,
non-skaters, and
other people connected with the Figure Skating world.  Be sure and
come to
the forums every Thurs. which are 10PM EST, 9PM CST, and 7PM PST.
I will add
you to our E-mail list if you would like to join in there also.
Some of our
ambitious people have started a newsletter for here also.  BTW,
remember that
Skate America is coming up this month.
Lynne

Subj:  Sectional Comparison
Date:  93-10-11 17:13:04 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

The Byes are not given due to any comparison of competition level.
The
reason for a Bye is the time between the International competition
and the
sectional competition.  We feel it is not wise to make a skater
compete twice
in a short period of time.  It was determined that it is more
inportant to
the USFSA to have Brian skate in Skate American against
International
competitors and with TV esposier rather that in his home rink with
only 600
seats.  Pacfic Coast is in Redwood City.

Tonya is entered in Northwest Regional. We will see if she shows
up.

Subj:
Michelle Kwan
Date:  93-10-11 17:18:01 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Michelle is not qualified to enter Olympics due to her age unless
she
finishes in the top 3 at the Junior World Championships.  The rule
is the
same rule that allowed Surya Bonnaly to enter Jr. worlds and Worlds
in the
same year. RGDS - Morry Stillwell

Subj:  Welcome!
Date:  93-10-11 20:14:27 EST
From:  JL Pooley
Posted on: America Online

Hi Serendip!  Welcome to the boards!

Did you actually GET an issue of IceCycles?  I remember sending
them a check
and getting diddley-squat in return.  They went under FAST!

JLP

Subj:  Jr. Worlds/Kwan
Date:  93-10-11 20:17:39 EST
From:  JL Pooley
Posted on: America Online

Now you've got me confused, Morry.  Is it the IOC that sets the age
rule for
Olympics and the ISU for Worlds, or is there one rule (set by
goodness-knows-who) for both?

JLP

Subj:  Olympic Rules
Date:  93-10-12 10:10:03 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

The IOC is organized so that the general Olympic rules are
formulated by the
IOC country members.  This includes the awarding of the Olympic
event and the
sports to be included.

When an event is accepted by the IOC the detailed rules for that
sport are
the responsibility of the NGBs that controls the sport. In our case
it is the
ISU.  The ISU appoints the Officials, sets the technical rules, age
rules,
qualification rules for ice skating and all other rules that
directly effect
ice skating.  The ISU also controls all speed skating events.

Subj:  Age
Rules
Date:  93-10-12 19:19:11 EST
From:  JL Pooley
Posted on: America Online

Thanks Morry!  The fog has lifted!

JLP

Subj:  skating forum
Date:  93-10-13 12:11:34 EST
From:  Peg6924780
Posted on: America Online

i'd love to see a skating forum added.

Subj:  Skating Forum
Date:  93-10-13 15:23:01 EST
From:  CKSutcliff
Posted on: America Online

Peg:  There is a skating forum on Thursday nights at 7:00 PST (add
an hour(s)
for your time zone).  All skaters and skating fans are very
welcome!  Go to
keyword Grandstand and the forum is held in the "press box".
Connie

Subj:
Skating Forum
Date:  93-10-13 19:43:14 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

There was also some talk of starting another skating forum on a
different
night & time; it was decided we should wait until the season got
under way --
which means Real Soon!!!

You can download logs of past Forums from the Winter Sports
Libraries, if
you're interested in seeing  how they go.

*%& : )
Julie Z

Subj:  Michelle Kwan; Byes to Nationals
Date:  93-10-13 20:50:45 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Hi Morry,
Thanks for the info.  I wasn't clear on what Michelle was planning
to do.
Also, later I realized after writing the other note that it was
because of
the time of the Pro-Am and not a matter of comparing the
performances.  I
don't know where my mind was for thinking that...thanks for
clearing that up
too!!
Lynne

Subj:  Pro-Am & Regionals
Date:  93-10-13 21:13:26 EST
From:  MWood
Posted on: America Online

I am just looking at the advertised list of skaters to appear at
the Pro-Am.
My question now is, do all of those skaters who have been "invited"
to skate
in the Pro-Am get to by-pass Regionals?  There are quite a few
there. Or is
that just for Brian?  And what is the criteria for an invitation to
skate in
the Pro-Am?

Marion

Subj:  Pro-Am Byes
Date:  93-10-14 19:52:29 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Skating in the Pro-Am qualifies the skater for a bye from
Sectionals, not
Regionals.  To my knowledge all of the elegible skaters in the
Pro-Am will be
requesting byes from a Sectional.

Subj:  Pro-AM Byes
Date:  93-10-15 14:58:42 EST
From:  MWood
Posted on: America Online

OOPS...brain not in gear!  Meant sectionals.  Thank you Morry, it
does look
like a lot
of skaters will be getting byes.
Can you tell us what the criteria is for an invitation to skate at
the
Pro-Am?

Marion

Subj:  Invitations to the Pro-Am
Date:  93-10-15 20:55:35 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

For the elegible skaters we start at the top rated from the last
nationals
and work down until we get the desired number of Skaters. A number
of skaters
did not want to enter for fear of a bad performance too near our
Nationals.
Pairs was a real problem because of all the breakups and we could
not afford
to invite the new teams since we had no history on them.

With the Pros we invited the most active and with the most history.
Again
several did not want to enter.

Subj:  SKATING MAGAZINE-NEW LOOK
Date:  93-10-18 17:21:16 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

Wow is the new look of the skating magazine from USFSA hi tech or
what????
I got mine today and could hardly believe the change--it could
stand alone on
any magazine rack in any store and someone mite even buy it!!! It
will now
come out every other month with a supporting newsletter between
issues of
magazine to get out competition results and meeting roports more
quickly as
well as test results.  How many of you DO NOT get the skating
magazine??
Maybe those of us who do can pass on some of the results and
information to
you--included this month were complete results of olympic festival
and
collegiate competition--i will be glad to send them to anyone who
wants
them--
Louise---

Subj:  Skating Magazine
Date:  93-10-18 21:55:09 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Louise-
  I wanted to like the new look, really I did. I liked the 8 1/2 x
11 format.
But the whole thing is so overdesigned. The headline type is hard
to read,
the photos are difficult to look at because they're either strange
sizes or
have color screens over black and whites (could be interesting
occasionally
but really made the details fade away). And every page is so
overdesigned
that the look just isn't clean. Also, the departments don't look
different
enough. The reader is supposed to know at first glance what he/she
is looking
at. Also, I didn't like the pix they chose of Michelle Kwan. Hardly
any were
skating pix and those were so small you could hardly get an idea of
what she
looked like. The poolside pix were cute but I would've made THOSE
the small
ones.
  Oh well...always an editor...
-Ellen

Subj:  Skating Magazine
Date:  93-10-18 21:56:16 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Louise-
  I wanted to like the new look, really I did. I liked the 8 1/2 x
11 format.
But the whole thing is so overdesigned. The headline type is hard
to read,
the photos are difficult to look at because they're either strange
sizes or
have color screens over black and whites (could be interesting
occasionally
but really made the details fade away). And every page is so
overdesigned
that the look just isn't clean. Also, the departments don't look
different
enough. The reader is supposed to know at first glance what he/she
is looking
at. Also, I didn't like the pix they chose of Michelle Kwan. Hardly
any were
skating pix and those were so small you could hardly get an idea of
what she
looked like. The poolside pix were cute but I would've made THOSE
the small
ones.
  Oh well...always an editor...
-Ellen

Subj:  Skating Magazine
Date:  93-10-18 21:57:36 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Louise-
  I wanted to like the new look, really I did. I liked the 8 1/2 x
11 format.
But the whole thing is so overdesigned. The headline type is hard
to read,
the photos are difficult to look at because they're either strange
sizes or
have color screens over black and whites (could be interesting
occasionally
but really made the details fade away). And every page is so
overdesigned
that the look just isn't clean. Also, the departments don't look
different
enough. The reader is supposed to know at first glance what he/she
is looking
at. Also, I didn't like the pix they chose of Michelle Kwan. Hardly
any were
skating pix and those were so small you could hardly get an idea of
what she
looked like. The poolside pix were cute but I would've made THOSE
the small
ones.
  Oh well...always an editor...
-Ellen

Subj:  Ditto
Date:  93-10-18 22:03:19 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Sorry all-
  Didn't mean to overstate my opinion but AOL was giving me a hard
time and
my note ending up getting posted three times.
-Ellen

Subj:  editor, editor, editooorrr
Date:  93-10-19 00:46:20 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

Definitely always an editor Ellen.  I went back and looked at it
through your
eyes and actually agree with you completely especially about the
olympic
festival pictures where you can not see the skaters at all....and
the cutsy
picture at the pool was inappropriate for the cover...but they
should know
this---send them a letter so this constructive criticism can be
passed
on--Louise

Subj:  Skating magazine
Date:  93-10-19 19:17:16 EST
From:  MarySdncer
Posted on: America Online

Louise and Ellen, I'm glad they have changed the magazine but I'm
not sure it
was an improvement. I agree the pictures weren't great but
hopefully this
will get better.The old magazine was boring and they needed to
change.
Mary

Subj:  Swimming Magazine?
Date:  93-10-19 20:08:13 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Mary and Louise-
  Between the new size, the new logo and the picture of Michelle
Kwan by the
pool I had NO IDEA what this magazine at first glance. I can't
remember any
other issue that didn't have a skating cover...or at least one with
a type
treatment talking about skating.
-Ellen

Subj:  Swimming Magazine?
Date:  93-10-19 22:07:22 EST
From:  JulieD3964
Posted on: America Online

When I first saw this issue, I thought it was a swimming magazine
too!  It
reminded me of all of the swimming mags I used to get when I was a
kid.  It's
nice to see skaters without their skates on but it would also be
nice to see
them WITH their skates on too.  Especially on the cover!  And what
about Meno
& Sand on the beach?  I didn't see much SKATING in this magazine.
Only the
little green, blue and orange pix you couldn't make out.  Julie

Subj:  Skate
Canada Air Date
Date:  93-10-20 14:54:49 EST
From:  LeeAnn 1
Posted on: America Online

Hi All - Skate Canada will air on CBS on Nov. 27.

Lee :)

Subj:  Invitations to the Pro-Am
Date:  93-10-20 17:49:26 EST
From:  MWood
Posted on: America Online

Thank you, Morry.  I had assumed that any skater that was invited
would
participate.  So much for assumptions! <G>  I can see the problem
that you
had with the pairs.  We saw the new teams and the consensus was
that they do
need time.
I'm hopeful that when they do accumulate histories, you will have
a larger
field from which to issue your invitations.

Marion

Subj:  Skating Magazine's Cover
Date:  93-10-20 22:05:16 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Louise, Ellen and all,
I have to agree about the cover.  The poolside pix is cute for
inside with
the story but not for the front of the magazine.  I think everyone
wants to
see a skater shown skating or doing something ice related....
Lynne

Subj:  TV Times for Skate Am. & Sk. Can
Date:  93-10-20 22:07:40 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

LeeAnn...
I am probably remembering wrong but it looks like Skate America and
Skate
Canada will be shown around the same time if not the same day.  Am
I wrong?
I hope so.  Thanks for the info.
Lynne

Subj:  Lynne - Skate Am. and Can.
Date:  93-10-20 22:24:46 EST
From:  LeeAnn 1
Posted on: America Online

Lynne - Nope.Skate America is on ABC Nov. 21 from 4-6. And Skate
Canada is on
Nov. 27. Thank goodness they are not on at the same time, I would
be a
channel flipping maniac.  (Although, I would have to stick with
Brian.  :)
)
Lee  :)

Subj:  TV Times
Date:  93-10-20 22:38:59 EST
From:  JulieD3964
Posted on: America Online

All times Eastern:
10/30 Piruetten (CBS 4:30-6)
10/30 92 World Pro Championships (NBC 4-6)
11/06 Piruetten (CBS 4:30-6)
11/07 Skate America (ABC 2-4)
11/13 Piruetten (CBS 4:30-6)
11/21 Skate America (ABC 4-6)
11/27 Skate Canada (CBS)
12/11 Pro-Am (ABC)
01/09 US Open (USA)
01/15 Canadian Nationals (CBS 2-3:30)
01/22 Europeans (CBS 5-6)
01/22 Challenge of Champions (ABC)
03/12 Challenge of Champions (ABC)
03/19 Challenge of Champions (ABC)
04/02 Challenge of Champions (ABC)
DEC     Stars On Ice (CBS)
JAN     Nationals (ABC)
FEB     Skates of Gold (ABC)
FEB     Olympics (CBS)

Subj:  Skate America
Date:  93-10-21 00:09:22 EST
From:  NicoleJ
Posted on: America Online

Hi all Brian Boitano and Michelle Kwan fans,
     There are two articles online about them
         Keyword: mercury
          Text Search :  Skate America
                                                      Enjoy, Nicki

Subj:
Skate America Men's Results
Date:  93-10-22 00:45:51 EST
From:  Linda8894
Posted on: America Online

Hi all,  HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN!  Here are the standings after the
technical:

BOITANO
URMANOV
PETRENKO
CANDOLOR
ELDREDGE
CHACK
NIELSEN
BRITTEN

Hope everyone is as pleased as I am!  Linda



Subj:  Sk America
Date:  93-10-22 10:21:29 EST
From:  CKSutcliff
Posted on: America Online

Way to go, Brian!!!

I am surprised that Petrenko isn't holding 2nd at least, though.
He usually
did very well in his technical programs in the past, usually better
than his
long.  Here's wishing all the skaters the best.  I hope they all
skate the
performances of their lives! (-8
Connie

Subj:  Skate America
Date:  93-10-22 16:11:05 EST
From:  Grosy
Posted on: America Online

Hi !  I'm new here.  I just read the results of
Skate America (so far.)  Very interesting...
I wish I could see it for myself.   When is the ladies event?
Anyone have
any predictions about what will happen there?

Subj:  Swimming Magazine
Date:  93-10-22 20:14:53 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

Last comment--Michelle Kwan: Making a Splash (on the cover).
Doesn't that
sound just a little like she fell through the ice?
-Ellen

Subj:  I'm Back!...Temporarily..
Date:  93-10-23 02:56:12 EST
From:  SKTBush
Posted on: America Online

Ouch!

Hello, everyone!  Sorry for the sudden disappearance....when they
couldn't
deduct the $170 needed from my checking account for July, I got
zapped off
AOL!  My student loan checks are coming next week and hope to pay
off my
complete bill of $251.  So, hopefully, I will be back to my good
old self in
a matter of weeks!

Thank you, someone, for sending me another kit.  I'm using it under
my
friend's new account.  However, I don't think he's really
interested in
keeping it beyond the 10 free hours, so please hold all mail until
I'm back
to my good old ID.

See you guys soon!

Sklar

Subj:  New to AOL
Date:  93-10-23 16:32:06 EST
From:  RickN11015
Posted on: America Online

Hello everyone,

I cancelled my Prodigy membership, and I have a trial membership in
AOL. Not
sure whether I'll keep it.  I'm glad I found the skating area, and
I'm glad
to see so many familiar names from Prodigy.  I was mostly a
"lurker" on *P,
and probably will be here too.

I haven't quite figured out the AOL interface for Windows yet.  I
couldn't
figure out how to look at the latest messages in this topic.

Does anyone know when Skate America will be televised?  Did Tonya
Harding
really get the gold?

Is there still a chance of getting tickets for Nationals in
Detroit?  I have
a certificate for a free airline ticket anywhere in the US that TWA
flies,
but I'm not sure if I want to use it for Nationals.  I mean,
Detroit is not
somewhere I would ever think of going on vacation if it weren't for
skating.
I have a brochure from SkateTours, and their price (including
all-event
tickets, hotel, etc.) is $700-$1000.

Comments?

  Rick Newell
  AOL ID:  RickN11015
  Also CompuServe:  71431,262
  Also Internet: [e-mail]

Subj:  Sk8 Canada - Mark Mitchell
Date:  93-10-24 16:09:57 EST
From:  JL Pooley
Posted on: America Online

Hi Sports Fans,

I'm off to Skate Canada in Ottawa week after next.  Mark Mitchell
is
competing there, and since we have a lot of Mark fans on here, if
anybody's
got any warm and friendly messages of encouragement to send to him,
e-mail
them to me and I'll print them out and do my darndest to get them
to him.

The deadline would be sometime on Tuesday, November 2nd, as I am
leaving on
the 3rd.  The competition runs from the 4th through the 7th.

Go Mark!

JLP

Subj:  Boise's Report from SK8 America
Date:  93-10-24 23:22:07 EST
From:  Boise
Posted on: America Online

Hi all, havn't contributed to the board for a while due to lack of
news, but
I just got back from a glorious trip to Skate America in Dallas and
have made
a report which I hope this time will make it. (I have spent an hour
typing
this report twice and twice AOL cut me off--losing everything).

I didn't see the dance so can't comment, but here's the highlights
of the
rest.

PAIRS: Not in my mind a memorable competition.  1st place: Naumov
and
Shiskova did same Strauss Waltz program as last season.  She missed
her side
by side triple toe (fall out) and singled her side by side double
axle.  3rd
place Reynolds and Courtland had problems.  She fell 3 times (side
by side
double axle, throw double axle and footwork).  2nd place Inna and
Dundgen
though were impressive.  They have improved a lot in terms of speed
and power
and presentation.  Nailed side by side double axles and triple
toes.  She did
fall though on a throw triple salchow at the end of the program.
Overall, a
so so competition.  (see next post for Mens)

Subj:  Sk8 America (mens short)
Date:  93-10-24 23:27:39 EST
From:  Boise
Posted on: America Online

(continued from last message)

MENS: By far and away the highlight of the competition.  SHORT:
Rigolleto
seems to be popular as music this year (Nielson, petrenko and
others).
Boitano did his pirate program which many of you may have seen on
the
televised pro am last season.  He fell out of tano triple lutz (one
hand
overhead), but still got first.  Marks of mainly 5.6 for technical
and 5.8
for artistic.  Urmanov wearing a gaudy, mannerist, blue Hapsburg
prince
outfit nailed his triple axle double toe combo, but otherwise
skated
unmemorably. (Personal bias: I hate his skating, he doesn't even
know how to
do crossovers right, so stiff and awkward).  Petrenko skated a
strong
program, nailed his triple axle double toe, but like Boitano fell
out of his
triple lutz.  While getting the highest artistic marks mainly
5.9's, he got
very low marks for technical 5.3's (judges obviously saw an error
I didn't)
to finish third.  Chack, Nielson both fell out of their triple axle
combos,
Eldredge fell on his.  Nielson has a very clever program to
rigolleto.


Subj:  SKATE AMERICA (MENS LONG)
Date:  93-10-24 23:36:03 EST
From:  Boise
Posted on: America Online

(CONTINUED FROM LAST MESSAGE)

LONG: By far and away the performance to remember was Aren
Nielson's.  The
only performance which Dick Button applauded all night.  Huge
jumps, great
flow, clean lines, elegant, simple and masculine, and skated with
great
feeling for the music (sounds like a soundtrack to a movie, but
don't know
it).

He nailed his triple axle, did two triple lutzes, and the rest of
the triples
except the triple salchow.  I don't understand how he can't do one.
Standing
ovation, nevertheless.

Eldredge and Chack again both missed their triple axles.  Chack
skated to the
Tchaikovsky violin concerto, and I don't think it was a good music
choice for
him.  No feeling for it I thought.  Eldredge skated pleasantly, but
not
inspired.

Urmanov, another unmemorable program except for a triple axle,
turned his
quad toe into a triple.

Boitano and Petrenko: well you probably have read a lot about their
programs
already and will see it on ABC.  It was a tossup in my opinion.
Petrenko was
more solid technically, two triple axles, Boitano had better height
on his
jumps and skated with more feeling.  Brian's missed second triple
axle I
think gave the judges a reason to place him second.  There is no
doubt though
that Petrenko had better spin positions and more intricate
choreography.


Subj:  Skate America Womens short
Date:  93-10-24 23:41:47 EST
From:  Boise
Posted on: America Online

(continued)

I anticipated the women's competition the most.  But found it
rather
disappointing.

SHORT
Lisa Ervin fell out of her triple flip combo (nice to see her try
to add a
triple flip though) and was out of contention with that miss.

Kwan skated cleanly and nailed her triple flip double toe combo.

Kielman barely made her triple flip double toe combo.

Bonaly skating to Rossini made her triple lutz double toe, but
choreographically an uninspiring program to finish 3rd.

Tonya (wearing a simple orange outfit) skated a fantastic program,
nailed her
triple lutz double toe to receive first, but barely as Oksana
despite turning
her triple lutz double toe into a double lutz almost beat her.
Oksana wore a
black swan outfit from Swan Lake and performed to the pas de deux
from that
Ballet.  She was very dramatic and had wonderful swan like arms,
but 5.7 for
technical merit?

Well at least Tonya still got first.

Subj:  Skate America (womens long)
Date:  93-10-24 23:47:28 EST
From:  Boise
Posted on: America Online

(continued from above)

Women's Long
Ervin skated first to open the competition.  She did the same
program as last
year (If I were King and Thais Meditation), but her opening triple
is a flip
now instead of a toe loop.  She also has added a three turn between
her ina
bauer and her triple salchow in the slow section and has added
another triple
salchow, for 6 planned triples.  She wore a lovely brown sequined
outfit.
Unfortunately, she two footed her triple flip, put her hand down on
her
triple loop, and doubled her first triple salchow.  But otherwise
skated
well.  Technical marks of 5.1 and artistic of 5.3.

Kwan didn't skate as well the olympic festival, doubled her first
triple
lutz, tried a triple loop but turned it into a popped double with
a fall out.
Nevertheless, 5 other triples made it a strong program including
the ending
triple lutz.  She beat Ervin by 4 judges, but because of the low
marks of the
other 3 judges finished below Ervin.



Subj:  (more women's long from Sk8 amer
Date:  93-10-24 23:55:14 EST
From:  Boise
Posted on: America Online

(continued)

Of the leaders Oksana skated first.  She did the same program as
last year,
but fell on her triple flip out of a mohawk, fell on her triple
salchow,
doubled another triple salchow.  But still got very strong marks.

Tonya, as you all know started strongly, but somewhat nervously.
She doubled
her triple flip in her slow section, looked tired, and then had her
skate
problem.  The judges seemed to really penalize her for the break in
her
program, one judge giving her a 4.8 for artistic impression.  I
felt really
sorry for Tonya, her was her great chance to restablish herself as
a serious
contender for the olympics with a defeat of baiul and bonaly and
now this.
She has had so much bad luck it is incredible (last year cold, 1990
flu, 1992
ankle injury).

Bonaly skated what I thought was an uninteresting program.  Though
nailing a
beautiful quad salchow in the warmup, she fell out of it in the
program.  The
wonderful improvements in choreography and style made by Frank
Carol and
Sarah Kawahara last year in her 4 seasons program are completely
gone as this
year her emphasis again is jump jump jump with little attention to
style or
choreography.  The judges appropriately gave her rather low marks
despite her
landing 5 triples.  Still she beat Tonya unfortunately.

Subj:  (some more
women's long)
Date:  93-10-25 00:02:59 EST
From:  Boise
Posted on: America Online

(continued again)

One skater to watch though is Junko Yaginuma, she nailed her triple
lutz in
the short to finish 4th and again did it in the long, adding a
triple loop
and a triple toe walley to add.  She skates with great speed and
has a slim
fast line on the ice.   After she finished skating she stood in
second place
beating both Harding and Bonaly. But then Marina Kielman skated and
screwed
up everything.

Kielman skated to Phantom of the Opera and didn't skate nearly as
well as
last year at worlds, falling on a triple lutz, and doubling other
jumps.  The
marks varied widely.  3/7 judges however put her ahead of junko but
below
Surya, and 3/7 judges put her above kwan but below Ervin and the
strange way
the ordinal system works Kwan dropped below ervin and Yaginuma
dropped below
Harding and Bonaly.

So went skate America: sadly our two americans who led the short
programs
didn't win.  But hopefully they will do it at the olympics.

If anyone would like to know anything else, I'd be happy to try to
answer.

Thanks for everyone else's contributions to the board. I've enjoyed
reading
them.
Later,

Subj:  Junko Yaginuma
Date:  93-10-25 02:35:35 EST
From:  SKTBush
Posted on: America Online

Hard to say about this skater.  She's been on the senior circuit
since 1988
when she made the Olympic team with Midori Ito.  But since that
quick rise
from juniors, she's been relatively inconsistent, and I don't know
if it's
due to past injuries she may have had.
Seeing her at the 92 Worlds, one would've thought that the talent
in Ladies'
singles in Japan was going to end with Yuka Sato.  Who knows, maybe
this will
be the year for Junko to shine before new juniors will move ahead
of her like
Kimiko Kowaii.

Subj:  Skate America Postings
Date:  93-10-25 08:15:49 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

Thanks everyone, especially Boise.  Wish we had live coverage, but
your quick
& informative postings sure helped!
*%& : )
Julie Z

Subj:  Newcomer to the Board
Date:  93-10-25 19:04:27 EST
From:  Gienafer L
Posted on: America Online

 My family just got AOL last week.  We also have Prodigy.  I think
I
recognize a few names from that BB.   I just thought I'd write and
say hi.
(My real name is Jennifer and not Gienafer.  I'm just spelling it
this way
because Jennifer spelled the right way has already been used too
many times.)

  So what did everyone think of the Skate America results?  I can't
wait to
see it on TV!!!  I'm a little disappointed that Brian didn't win,
but I am
happy for Viktor.   This Olympics is going to be great!  There are
so many
terrific skaters competing against each other!

Subj:  News about Tonya and
Nancy
Date:  93-10-26 18:45:38 EST
From:  Boise
Posted on: America Online

Just read some interesting news about Nancy and Tonya in some
Chicago Papers.
According to Evy Scotvold, Nancy has seriously cutback her
commercial
engagements to focus exclusively on skating.  Her work with a
sports
psychologist has been helpful, and for the first time in the 8
years he has
coached her, Nancy is doing clean programs in practice.  She is
looking
forward to the Pirutten Competition.

Tonya, however, has some major problems.  Scandal has hit again,
she was
found carrying a handgun by the Portland Police.  In addition, she
was found
smoking in a bowling alley.  The real reason she didn't go to the
Norway
training camp was that she has an ovarian cyst which surgeons
recommend
should be removed.  Diane Rawlinson was informed of the same day
she was
about to board the plane for Norway.  Tonya has refused to have the
surgery
for fear of being behind in her training, despite the risk that the
cyst
might explode. She appears very hungry to win the gold medal at the
olympics.
Although she didn't train to do a triple axle at Skate America she
has
planned one for Nationals.

Subj:  Tonya Article in Library
Date:  93-10-27 16:41:07 EST
From:  MargeR1
Posted on: America Online

If any of you missed the Tonya Harding article from the 10/18
Chicago
Tribune, it was uploaded to our Winter Sports Library and you can
upload it
there to read OFFLINE.  If you want me to add some of the other
Tribune
Articles from Skate AMerica week let me know.

MargeR1

Subj:  Tribune Articles
Date:  93-10-27 16:49:13 EST
From:  NicoleJ
Posted on: America Online

Hi, Marge,
       I for one would love to read those articles if you have time
to upload
them.
                                                   Thanks,
                                                       Nicki

Subj:  ONE WORD
MARGE--YES
Date:  93-10-27 16:53:03 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

One day I will learn how to upload stuff--maybe you can send me
some
directions since coverage here is pretty good and chronicle
sometimes has
good skating articles--thanks for the time you take to do
it!!--Louise

Subj:
Tonya Harding
Date:  93-10-28 02:40:55 EST
From:  RickN11015
Posted on: America Online

I downloaded the (Chicago Tribune?) article about Tonya Harding.
It was
garbled, so I downloaded it again, and it was still garbled.

Anyway, I wanted to comment about the sentence in the article to
the effect
that Tonya was seen
smoking in a bowling alley.  I don't approve of smoking, and it's
stupid for
someone with asthma
to smoke.  However, Tonya is an adult, and smoking isn't illegal.
The media
can't seem to stop
digging up dirt on Tonya.  I haven't liked her skating the last few
years (I
saw her skate at Skate
Canada in Victoria last year), but I was impressed when she landed
the triple
Axel a few years
ago.

Of course the media likes to dig up dirt on athletes in other
sports too, so
maybe this is a sign
that skating has become mainstream?

Rick
RickN11015


Subj:  Go Skate!
Date:  93-10-28 08:55:49 EST
From:  Nebula5
Posted on: America Online

A fun night of skating:  Last night I dragged my friend Sue up to
the
Sno-King arena (Home of Rosalynn) for her very first attempt at
skating.
After being an avid fan for so many years, she decided she ought to
at least
put a foot on the ice, to see what it feels like.  I'm happy to
report she
survived, and may try it again!  We're too late for the current
adult
beginner class session, but I don't think she's ready to try that
yet anyway.
She mostly hung on to the boards and pulled herself along, but she
didn't
fall.  She used to roller skate a lot, and was concentrating on the
similarities and differences in the feel of the skates on the
surface.  I'm
trying to convince some other friends to come make this a regular
outing,
every other Wednesday.  Wherever you are, all of you "non-skater"
skating
fans should give it a try, too!

After the Zamboni break, we had a treat: an exhibition by a young
pairs team
who train at Sno-King.  We couldn't hear the announcer very
clearly, but I
think the boy's first name was Toby and that he (at least) was
bronze
medalist juvenile last year, so perhaps she's a new partner.  They
were
great!  They did an energetic number to Gaite Parsienne, in pretty
bronze-colored costumes.  A few unison problems, but that's all.
I hope they
do well in December!

*%& : )
Julie Z

Subj:  Tonya Harding
Date:  93-10-28 12:59:09 EST
From:  NicoleJ
Posted on: America Online

Rick,
      I agree with you 100%, but I think we better get used to it
because it
happens to most of the top athletes.
                                   Nicki

Subj:  Paul Wylie's Birthday
Date:  93-10-28 16:39:26 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

   I just thought that the birthday of a great skater deserved to
be
aknowledged![g] Happy birthday, Paul!(wherever you are!)
-Patti
Has anyone heard from Jamie Farrell? She hasn't written in 2
months, and I'm
really worried...

Subj:  Canadian TV Coverage
Date:  93-10-29 10:07:17 EST
From:  RickN11015
Posted on: America Online

For those who live close enough to the Canadian border to receive
CBC, here
is some information from the skating news group on Internet:

Skate Canada:
Friday, Nov. 5, CBC, 8:00-9:30 PM Eastern Time

I checked my TV Guide (we get one CBC station on cable here in
Olympia,
Wash.) and this isn't listed.

Aargh!!  I forgot about the skating forum last night!  Maybe next
week.

  -- Rick

Subj:  Skate Canada
Date:  93-10-29 13:26:20 EST
From:  Gienafer L
Posted on: America Online

Rick--
  Thanks for the info. about Skate Canada.  I get CBC where I live,
and I'm
sure I'll watch it.

Subj:  Hello
Date:  93-10-30 01:48:47 EST
From:  Axel 9
Posted on: America Online

Hi!

I finally managed to make it onto AOL courtesy of Ed Rusell
(the same guy who got me onto *P and then left as soon as
I got there!).  The figure skating "action" over here looks
great.  I just counted 7 different figure skating folders.

Please allow me to introduce myself.  My real name is "Kevin",
not (thank God) Axel 9.  Unfortunately, every conceivable
permutation of "Kevin" was taken (the computer suggested
a number of about 1.5 million to stick on to the end of "kevin"
when I asked for it :-o )  I'm both a practitioner and fan of
figure skating.  That means I like to do it as well as watch it.
I used to skate when I was a wee lad but gave it up when I
was about 12 or so.  I picked it up again 18 years later!  Right
now I do freestyle, but I figure when parts of my body start
falling off :-( I'll take up ice dance.

I'm particularly interested in talking about the technical and
mental aspects of skating, although I can disect Paul Wylies
"JFK" program with the best of them!  The latest topic of
discussion I've been having with Ed is in regards to the
issue of taking ibuprofin to make it through a skating session.


Here's another topic for discussion.  I saw some guy at my rink
the other day doing what looked like a death spiral by himself
(where he did the woman's part).  He was almost horizontal to
the ice with his head only a few inches from the ground.  It
was one of the neatest things I've seen in awhile.  I'm going to
spend the next few weeks trying to master it (it looks pretty
hard: tough on the thighs too).  It's the kind of a move that
can become a "signature" move because of it's uniqueness and
neat looking-ness.  Denise Beilman probably has the most
famous signature move (which I'm sure you all know of).  What
are some of your favorite signature moves and who does them?
I think these moves help to define a skater and set them apart
from the pack.

Kevin

Subj:  Piruetten Results--Men
Date:  93-10-30 14:32:39 EST
From:  Gienafer L
Posted on: America Online

 The Detroit Free Press listed the men's final results at
Piruetten.  The Top
5 men are...
  1.  Elvis Stojko  2.  Phillippe Candeloro
3.  Scott Davis  4.  Masakazu Kagiyama
 5.  Igor Pashkevich
  I'd never heard of those last two skaters.  One is from Japan and
the other
is from Russia.  (I'm sure you can tell which is which by their
names.)
  Does anyone have the results of the ladies' competition?


Subj:  Lurkers and Writers
Date:  93-10-30 16:36:07 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Hi to All..
I would really like to encourage the "lurkers" to put in their two
cents
worth because I everyone is interested in whatever you like to say
if you
like figure skating.  Put in your opinions..whatever.  I am not in
a state
that has an ice rink and so most of what I write is opinion or
discussion and
not first hand, as such.


Subj:  hello everyone
Date:  93-10-30 17:17:56 EST
From:  Skate
Posted on: America Online

My name is Kathleen and I am a skater as well as a fan. I have been
on AOL
for a few months but have only recently become aware of this area!
Having
read Axel 9's message- great, I'd love to discuss technique! Heaven
knows
that I can use the help!
I began skating about 4 years ago at the age of 27. ( Never had the
funds as
a kid) I compete as an Adult Senior Lady. I would love to hear from
other
skaters, especially adults.
Axel 9- Does the man have a hand down on the ice?
I look forward meeting all of you! :)


Subj:  Lurker no more
Date:  93-10-30 21:44:08 EST
From:  TerriNack
Posted on: America Online

Well, I guess I am one of those you refer to as a lurker--I hop on
and off of
AOL mostly for skating info. I suppose I should contribute! I
really am
interested in what's going on.

Well, I am a late beginner (age 31!) and would love to discuss
technique with
the previous folks who've mentioned it. I skated a bit a few years
ago, but
I'm more serious about it now.

Per Axel 9's mention of using ibuprofen--I find that if I take a
couple of
ibuprofen before I skate, the initial period of foot pain that I
endure goes
away MUCH faster.  I also find that if I DON'T take ibuprofen I get
a bad
headache after I skate.

Well, that's my two cents worth!

-Terri

Subj:  How does this work?
Date:  93-10-31 00:27:26 EST
From:  Axel 9
Posted on: America Online

How do things work in this news group?  On internet when
responding to a posting, for instance "hello", one posts another
message to the board called "re: hello".  It looks like one gets
personal replies with copies mailed out to a bunch of people on
this board.  Is that how it works around here?  If so, can
somebody email me the address list of all interested parties?

Kathleen, the guy didn't put his hand down on the ice when
he did the "solo death spiral".  He went into it in a (sort of)
back shoot the duck but with his back hunched way forward
and on a deep edge.  He would sweep his free leg around
which would force him onto an even deeper edge which is what
made it look kind of like a death spiral.  Unfortunately he
can't see where he's going when he does this and it covers
a lot of ice.  One time while he was sweeping his free leg
around he chopped down a woman like a tree who didin't
see him coming.  Yikes!

Teri, ibuprofin is like a magic pill for me.  When I take one about
a half hour before skating I literally feel like I'm 20 years old
again when I go out on the ice.  I can skate for a couple hours
without pain or loss of strength.  If I ever manage to get to
the double axel, it will only be with the help of modern medicine.

Sorry if I comitted a faux pas by replying to BB postings on the
board instead of personally responding via email.  Somebody
set me straight on the etiquette!

Kevin

Subj:  Foot Pain
Date:  93-11-01 19:34:28 EST
From:  Skate
Posted on: America Online

I used to have a great deal of foot pain. I was in agony! Until I
got custom
made boots! My boots are made by Klingbeil and cost about $425 but
end up
being a bargain because they last 2-3 times longer than stock
boots. I have a
small wide foot and this has been my salvation! If you have a hard
to fit
foot, maybe this would help!

Subj:  Late Beginning Skaters
Date:  93-11-04 18:28:46 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Terri..
There are a bunch of people who are skating of all ages of the
group who
write here so you are in good company.  We have a skating forum
every thurs.
night at 10PM EST  and 9PM CST.
You should come check it out.  Also a huge number of us write
E-mail so if
you want to join that let me know.


Subj:  Responding to bb messages
Date:  93-11-04 18:30:55 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Kevin,
I also repsond personally on the bb because of time and then some
people
write but never come to the forums and may not want group E-mail.

Lynne

Subj:  What makes a skater look good?
Date:  93-11-06 00:27:17 EST
From:  Axel 9
Posted on: America Online

Hi all,

I just thought I'd throw out a topic for discussion on this BB.
What makes a
skater look good?  This should not be confused with, "What makes a
great
skater", which is a different topic.  The first applies to all of
us who
strap on the 'ol blades, whereas the second applies to people like
Boitano.

I think the single most important thing to looking good on the ice
is skating
"from the knees".  The one thing in common you will notice in all
good
skaters is that they really "get down into their knees" when they
are on the
ice.  Power, control, and even grace comes from good knee bend on
jumping,
stroking, edges, etc.    Whenever you see somebody who looks a bit
odd on the
ice, I can almost gurantee that they are skating on relatively
unbent knees.
This applies to top competitors, too.  The better looking ones will
be
putting a lot more "knee" into their program.  This is usually one
of the
things that seperates the youngsters (such as the 13-15 year old
wunderkids)
from the older skaters.

If you ever have a chance to take a stroking class, I would
strongly
reccomend it.  You build up strength in your legs and they teach
you how to
"get down" in your knees and really deliver power into your
skating.  Even
though stroking might be boring, it will do more for making you
look good
than anything else.  Ice dancers might agree with this theory.

Speaking of ice dancers, they are more appearance conscious than
any of the
other disciplines.  If you think about what it is that they have in
common
that makes them look good, I would say that it's deep edges on deep
knees.

OK, it's your turn :-)

Kevin Anderson (axel 9)

Subj:  Piroutten/Philipe Candeloro
Date:  93-11-07 01:20:11 EST
From:  Axel 9
Posted on: America Online

Hi all,

I just finsished watching the mens long program from the Piroutten
(sp?)
comepetion.  The technical ability of the men these days never
stops amazing
me.  I used the think that Boitano was a shoe in to win the
Olympics if he
skated his best, but I don't think so anymore.

Scott Davis is a fine skater but his jumping is still about a half
notch
below the worlds best.  On the plus side, he is by far the best
spinner of
any of the men.  I love watching this guy spin.  His speed,
postion, and
centering are far above anybody else.

Elvis' jumping was, as usual, world class.  When he is on (which is
most of
the time) he is the best jumper in the world.  The thing that
suprised me was
how much his artistry has improved since worlds.  He took his black
belt
training and interpreted it on ice and it looked like a million
bucks.  The
martial arts poses that he struck seemed natural flowing across the
ice.  If
the international judging community appreciates this new artistic
interpretation on ice, I think Elvis is going to win the Olympics
next year.


After saying that Elvis was the best skater, my favorite skater of
the night
was Philippe Candeloro.  This guy might be the heir apparent to
Scott
Hamilton as the most entertaining ice skater in the world.  His
nickname
should be "Mr. Hollywood".  His programs over the last year have
included
either music or references to: Rocky, Connan the Barbarian, The God
Father.
Speaking of the God Father, that was his music at Piroutten and he
basically
did a mafia guy on ice.  It was great!  This guy can get the crowd
going like
no other competitive skater today.  He is mega entertaining.

On the womens side things were quite a bit disappointing.  That
seems to be a
trend lately.  With the exception of Worlds last year, the women
have not be
doing too good.  I'm glad to see that Nancy was able to overcome
her fall on
the triple lutz and finish with a strong technical program.  When
she fell on
the same jump at worlds last year (and to a lesser extent at the
U.S.
nationals) you could see in her face and in her skating that she
was psyched
out after the fall and she blew the rest of the program.  She
managed to keep
herself together this time after the fall which was great.  I could
tell
right after the fall that it didn't phase her (at least not much).
For you
technical junkies, she fell down because she dropped her right
shoulder on
take off and over rotated her shoulders a little too far before
taking off.
Both problems are signs of a lack of focus or nervousness
(especially over
rotating the shoulders on take off).

Speaking of technical aspects of jumping, I've got one word for
Candeloro's
triple axel: "Wow!".  His height was absolutely terrific.  The only
other guy
that came close to Candeloro was the Japanese guy (I don't know his
name).
If anybody is interested, I can tell you what it is that he does to
get this
great height.  Maybe I'll put up another post on the technical
aspects of
jumping.  Kids, do not try this at home :-)

Kevin Anderson

Subj:  Chat
Date:  93-11-07 21:56:42 EST
From:  JerryChang
Posted on: America Online

I would like to participate in the "chat sessions". Can someone
give me some
insight on how I can get to the chat room with all you people?
Thanks!

                     Jerry from ///\tlanta

Subj:  chat
Date:  93-11-08 10:20:39 EST
From:  CKSutcliff
Posted on: America Online

Hey Jerry!!!  Long time, no hear!  I don't get to the forum very
much,  but I
can give you the times.  They're held Thursday nights, 7:00pm
Pacific,
11:00pm Eastern in the "Press Box" over in Grandstand.  Hope to
hear more
from you!  Did you get added to the E-mail list?   Connie

Subj:  posture makes
a skater look good
Date:  93-11-08 12:13:33 EST
From:  Boise
Posted on: America Online

I agree whole heartedly with Kevin that a nice knee bend and the
resulting
deep edges contributes greatly to a skater's look on the ice.

I would add however that equally important is good posture.  The
ability to
stand up straight, and tuck the stomach and bottom in, when
stroking,
gliding, landing, doing vertical spins.

As was mentioned the ice dancers are particularly aware of line,
and I think
back position is the most immediate difference between most dancers
and
single skaters.  The dancers have such beautiful straight backs.

There are many strong skaters with good knee bend and strong edges
but they
would look infinitely better if they concentrated on their posture.


Subj:
Commentating
Date:  93-11-08 12:20:05 EST
From:  Boise
Posted on: America Online

What does everyone think of the commentating for Pirutten and Skate
America.
I usually like Dick Button a lot more than Scott Hamilton, but I
have to say
that I enjoyed Scott more this time.  Dick seemed unusually harsh
on the
skaters and bored with the skating this time.  He also was
surprisingly
reticent.

I think a little more excitement and enthusiasm for when the
skaters do
something well should be in store.

As for scott, I liked his technical commentary on the jumps.  And
I thought
the schematic diagrams used on slow motion replays were nice.

What does everyone else think?

Subj:  e-mail list
Date:  93-11-08 18:48:59 EST
From:  LORICONLEY
Posted on: America Online

i love ice-skating and have enjoyed reading everyone's comments.
how does
one get on the e-mail list???

lori

Subj:  READ THIS FIRST!
Date:  93-11-08 20:01:09 EST
From:  OlympicFan
Posted on: America Online

I'm interested in putting together a forum for people to discuss
the '94
Winter Olympics, no matter what event you are interested in.  If
anyone wants
to get in with me on this, please e-mail me.  I want to see how
many people
respond to this trial balloon before I go any further.
Thanks!
OlympicFan

Subj:  Dick Button
Date:  93-11-08 20:46:07 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Dick Button is infamous for making harsh comments on skaters he
does not
like.  Any skater that Dick lauds is usually a skater that he is
sponsoring
or managing.

Subj:  Commentating
Date:  93-11-09 01:05:27 EST
From:  MWood
Posted on: America Online

Boise,

I thought that Scott has toned down his over-excitment of the past,
and yes,
we had to smile at the schematic diagrams...from whom did they
borrow that ?
<G>   I did like them, however, I want to know what went wrong with
a jump,
etc., and the visual really helped with my understanding of the
problem.
Dick Button WAS harsh on some skaters, and I don't think that
passing
judgement on a skater should be a function of a commentator. That
is why
there are JUDGES.
And hey, reticence is a change!

Subj:  Olympic Predictions #1
Date:  93-11-09 02:50:51 EST
From:  SKToy
Posted on: America Online

Well, we've seen most of the major competitors who will be vying
for the
medals at the Olympics...  Anyone have picks so far?  If everyone
skates
well, I foresee this:
Pairs:
1.)  Mishkutenok/Dmitriev  RUS
2.)  Gordeeva/Grinkov  RUS
3.)  Kovarikova/Novotny  TCH
Men's:
1.)  Kurt Browning  CAN
2.)  Elvis Stojko  CAN
3.)  Viktor Petrenko  UKR
Ice Dance:
1.)  Torvill/Dean  GBR
2.)  Usova/Zhulin  RUS
3.)  Gritschuk/Platov  RUS
(I don't think there will be any surprise in this competition!)
Ladies':
1.)  Tonya Harding  USA
2.)  Oksana Baiul  UKR
3.)  Nancy Kerrigan  USA

I'm sure my predictions will change right after Europeans....but
for now...

Sklar

Subj:  Olympic Predictions.....
Date:  93-11-09 14:14:07 EST
From:  CKSutcliff
Posted on: America Online

Sklar:  I sure hope you're right about Tonya.  As much as I would
like to see
Nancy bounce back from a devistating year, I think I'd like to see
Tonya kick
ice more.  I hope things start going her way from here on out.
She's had a
tough battle.
Connie

Subj:  E MAIL LIST
Date:  93-11-09 15:23:08 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

HERE is what I think is an almost perfect list!!!
akibono,  arthur7884,  axel9,  boise,  brendaw660, brwneyeman,
carolsel,
cheriechs, cksutcliff, devonh5397, edunkel,
edrussell3,  gener50983, gienaferL,
jenna10723,  jkj6985471, jlpooley,  joannr,  julied3964,  kenav,
laurap1808,
leann1,  linda8894,  lisaseven, marger1,
marshalbak, marysdncer,  meld7, melissas1,   morrys,  mwood,
nebula5,
nib922,  planetx,  rdong,  ricken11015,
serendip897,  skate, skatingmom,
skrmom, sktoy, terrinak---

ADD YOUR NAME IF I FORGOT YOU
SEE YA LOUISE

Subj:  Ahem...[g]
Date:  93-11-09 20:52:05 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

Louise,
    You forgot me, but that's okay! Personne n'est parfait!(no
one's
perfect). Besides, you had a very complete list!(-8
-Patti

Subj:  Sklar Predictions
Date:  93-11-09 20:56:21 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

There is no evidence that Tonya can last a 4 min program.
Retarting at
Olympics would not work

Subj:  tonya death threat
Date:  93-11-10 11:40:29 EST
From:  Boise
Posted on: America Online

Just read in the news that Tonya pulled out of her regional
competition in
Portland.  The morning of the competition she received a death
threat and was
really shaken up.  Fortunately, officials gave her a bye to Pacific
Coast
Sectionals.  Let this be the last disaster for her this year.

Subj:  Tonya
Date:  93-11-10 17:26:11 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Tonya was given the option  skating the regional, going to
sectional, or
going to NHK.  After the telephone threat Tonya returned to the
mall and was
shopping the same evening.  The next day she was in the mall
signing
autographs.  This comming saturday she will skate an exhibition in
the same
mall, but this time for $2000.

Before forming opinions about Tonya it is wise to look for a
pattern.

Subj:
e-mail list correction
Date:  93-11-10 20:53:31 EST
From:  TerriNack
Posted on: America Online

Louise--you had me on the e-mail list but my name was spelled
incorrectly.

It should be TerriNack.

Thanks!

Subj:  Olympic Predictions #1
Date:  93-11-10 21:26:24 EST
From:  MWood
Posted on: America Online

Sklar,

I like your "picks" in Dance and Ladies, but where in all the Men
do you
think Brian will be?  I would reverse the first and second choices
in pairs .
But as you say there is a lot of time yet.  I do hope that Nancy
and Tonya
can skate their very best, they both have had such a bad time with
their
skating in the past year.

Subj:  Ladies picks
Date:  93-11-11 05:16:18 EST
From:  LORICONLEY
Posted on: America Online

If Tonya can pull herself together, I think she will win the
Nationals and
possibly the Olympics, but she has been so inconsistent in the
past.   I love
her skating, and dearly hope she pulls it all out.  I look for
Nancy to place
3rd at the Olympics.

Subj:  Thanks Connie
Date:  93-11-11 19:29:28 EST
From:  JerryChang
Posted on: America Online

Thanks Connie.... Yes.. I'm on the maillist..

              Jerry from Hotlanta.

Subj:  My .02 worth-Skating Pcks
Date:  93-11-11 19:53:16 EST
From:  OlympicFan
Posted on: America Online

Gold, silver, bronze in that order;
Men - Elvis Stojko, Viktor Petrenko, Kurt Browning
Women - Oksana Baiul, Nancy Kerrigan (the Piruetten win on the
Olympic ice
will help her confidence tremendously, but this is Baiul's gold
medal to
lose), and a dogfight between Lu Chen and Surya Bonaly for 3rd.
Predictions
- neither Witt nor Harding will make their Olympic teams; if
Kerrigan
falters, the U.S. may get shut out altogether.  That's what happens
when you
don't deliver at the prior worlds; the loss of the extra skater
puts that
much more pressure on those who do make it.  Boitano will be fourth
at
best.

Subj:  posture makes a skater look good
Date:  93-11-12 00:38:33 EST
From:  Axel 9
Posted on: America Online

I think the reason you don't see singles skaters with the same good
posture
as ice dancers is that an ice dancer is usually thinking about what
he/she is
doing right now, whereas a singles skater is usually thinking about
what they
are going to be doing in a few seconds.  I was trying to think of
a current
skater that has good posture and I can't think of any.  Can anybody
out there
think of one?  I guess somebody like Boitano comes close.

Kevin Anderson

Subj:  Dick Button
Date:  93-11-12 00:45:29 EST
From:  Axel 9
Posted on: America Online

I think whether you like Dick Button or not, you have to respect
his
knowledge of the technical aspects of skating.  I believe he was,
among other
things, the first to land a double axel and triple loop in
competition.  I
would be grateful for any constructive criticism he might give me
in my
skating should I ever be so lucky.

Kevin Anderson

Subj:  Tonya
Date:  93-11-12 01:02:45 EST
From:  Axel 9
Posted on: America Online

MorryS writes:

>Tonya was given the option  skating the regional, going to
>sectional, or going to NHK.  After the telephone threat Tonya
> returned to the mall and was shopping the same evening.
>The next day she was in the mall signing autographs.
>This comming saturday she will skate an exhibition in
>the same mall, but this time for $2000.

>Before forming opinions about Tonya it is wise to look for
>a pattern.

I was talking to a guy the other day who used to skate with her
up in Oregon.  He said she was a, uh, complex individual.

I've read that she smokes.  Given her breathing problems, I
find this behaviour very self destructive.

Kevin Anderson

Subj:  My .02 worth-Skating Pcks
Date:  93-11-12 01:17:41 EST
From:  Axel 9
Posted on: America Online

OlympicFan writes:

>Gold, silver, bronze in that order;
>Men - Elvis Stojko, Viktor Petrenko, Kurt Browning

A fellow Elvis fan!  Unfortunately, I don't think he's going to
win unless the others have a bad day.  If everybody does
their best I think Boitano is going to win.  I don't think Boitano
is the nescesarily the best, but I think the system favors him.

Speaking of Elvis I loved his program that was on tv last
weekend.  He took his martial arts training and transfered
it to the ice.  It was very strong yet graceful at the same time.
If you think about it, the moves that you see these martial
arts guys do seem to be natural for the ice.  Elvis is the
first guy (that I know of) to do the crossover.  It looked like
a million bucks.  Unfortunately it's too new to get him first
place.  New concepts in figure skating usually take awhile
to sink in.

Kevin Anderson


Subj:  Olympic Predictions
Date:  93-11-12 14:32:44 EST
From:  SKToy
Posted on: America Online

Well, for my Men's Predictions, I also place Brian Boitano in 4th
and
Philippe Candeloro of France to round out the Top 5.   Ice Dance is
going to
be another no-surprise.  The only concern is whether or not our
couple can
place in the Top 10 there and later at Worlds to regain the 2 spots
for the
following Worlds.
I have chosen Tonya to win the Ladies' (and must admit it was a
relatively
biased opinion).  Pending as to how she handles the pressures at
Nationals
and how her skating turns out will indicate whether or not she's
got it for
the Gold.
And for Pairs.  I picked M and D to win over G and G simply because
I find
M/D's programs to be so sophisticated and much more artistic than
those of G
and G.  And it's going to come down to the Artistic Impression
scores as the
deciding factor if both pairs skate perfectly.

Subj:  What makes a skater look
good
Date:  93-11-12 21:28:16 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Hi Kevin,
I think you have a good point about getting down into the knees.
That
definitely makes a skater look good.  Also, I would say the way a
person also
carries himself or herself...posture.

Lynne

Subj:  Dick Button
Date:  93-11-12 21:32:59 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Morry and all...
I would have liked to have heard that Dick might have tried a brief
routine
for Skates of Gold but maybe he might have had to be reviewed by a
commentator who had at one time been a recipient of some of his
comments.
Perhaps this is the reason. <g>
Lynne

Subj:  Predictions
Date:  93-11-12 21:35:38 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Sklar...I am curious as to why you don't consider Brian a serious
challenger
for the gold and also Brasseur and Eisler.  Also, Tonya is too
erratic and
inconsistent.  I would probably go with a more consistent skater
and I don't
think we can count Katerina out.  Just curious....
Lynne

Subj:  E-mail List & Louise
Date:  93-11-12 21:38:42 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Louise..
I tried to send you mail but AOL kept saying you are not a known
user.  What
happened?  Did you change your screenname or maybe it is my
computer or
something?
I hope everyone on the list makes a note here they want to receive
and send
E-mail.  I have both of my boxes nearly full
so I need to just include those who want to participate.
So, I am officially saying for sure that YES, I want to be on the
E-mail
list.

Lynne

Subj:  E-mail List and TerriNack
Date:  93-11-12 21:41:41 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Terri,
I tried to send you mail also and AOL said you were not a known
user.
Obviously, both you and Louise are but that is what they said as of
today...Fri., Nov. 12th.  I will try again...
Anyone else having a problem sending mail to Louise and Terri?
Lynne

Subj:  Olympic Picks
Date:  93-11-12 21:44:44 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Hi All,
I can't imagine Brian Boitano not being a medal contender.  I am
really
interested as to why some of you are counting him out.
I think it will be a real fight for the gold but frankly, I think
that that
competition is going to be between Viktor, Brian and Kurt for the
gold.  It
will be whoever can skate the most perfect program and who will
complete the
most difficult jumps.
Lynne

Subj:  Dick Button again
Date:  93-11-12 21:51:11 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Hi Kevin,
I agree with you that Dick certainly knows his skating and his past
accomplishments more than qualifies him to make constructive
criticism.  The
only problem I have with Dick is when he is in the position of
commentator
and he makes obviously biased comments in favor of some skaters.
I think
when he is acting as commentator he should make an effort to be
unbiased and
restrain himself from some of the harsh criticism he has leveled in
the past.
I know that it is difficult for him not to get very involved but I
think that
being unbiased helps the viewers form their own opinions.  Some of
the best
commentators I have enjoyed are Scott Hamilton and Underhill and
Martini on
CBC.
Lynne

Subj:  Elvis
Date:  93-11-12 21:53:45 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Kevin..I think that Elvis is going to be one of THE medalists in
the next
Worlds.  I think this year he may not be but definitely he is the
future of
men's skating along with Aren Neilsen, Mark Mitchell, Scott Davis,
Alexi
Urmanov, and Rudy Galindo.
Lynne

Subj:  STOLEN CREDIT CARDS-email list
Date:  93-11-12 22:44:45 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

SKATING MOM is back--my credit cards were stolen so all my accounts
were
cancelled--there should be some way to put a persons account on
temporary
hold yet still receive mail if there is a problem with a
card!!--also
terrinack was spelled wrong on my e mail list--also add
pattisk8 and nicole J

Subj:  Tonya
Date:  93-11-13 11:35:07 EST
From:  Mel D 7
Posted on: America Online

I'm not sure if you all go my e-mail, since I didn't have the full
list then.
I was wondering if any of you wanted to have your name put on a
birthday card
for Tonya. She's been having a hard time lately, and a couple of us
from *P
thought it would be a good idea to send Tonya a card wishing her a
happy
b-day, good luck at nationals, etc. If anyone would like to
participate,
please let me know.
Melissa

Subj:
Olympic Picks
Date:  93-11-13 11:43:36 EST
From:  Mel D 7
Posted on: America Online

Lynne,
  I personally, am not counting Brian out. I think you are right in
your
predictions, it should definitely be a fight between Viktor, Kurt,
and Brian!
                          Melissa

Subj:  Dick Button Again
Date:  93-11-14 01:31:08 EST
From:  Axel 9
Posted on: America Online

Lisa7 and MorryS both have the opinion that Dick Button's
comentating is biased towards the skaters that he
likes or supports.  I'm not disagreeing with this, but it brings
up the question, who are Dick Buttons favorites?

Kevin

Subj:  Dick Button
Date:  93-11-14 01:39:23 EST
From:  Axel 9
Posted on: America Online

Lisa Seven writes:

>Morry and all...
>I would have liked to have heard that Dick might have
>tried a brief routine for Skates of Gold but maybe he
>might have had to be reviewed by a commentator
>who had at one time been a recipient of some of his
>comments.  Perhaps this is the reason. <g>
>Lynne

I guess the topic of the week is Dick Button :-)  Anyway,
does the guy even prerform anymore?  He must be
pretty old if he competed in the Olympics in the
1940s.

This brings up another question.  Who is the
oldest performing skater (current and past)?  The oldest
skater (just a regular guy, not a performer) I know is
77 years old (he's a speed skater).  I see him every
monday night at the fasion island ice rink in Foster
City.  He makes the 60 year old guy I know look
like a kid.  I would consider myself blessed if I
could still put on the ol' skates in my late 70s.

Kevin

Subj:  Button's favs
Date:  93-11-14 02:00:15 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

HE WORSHIPED LISA MARIE ALLEN--a tall elegant skater who never
quite made it
and is now doing shows and pro competitions--also Tiffany  Chin was
one of
his favored ones--he loved that man named scott something who
skated to
rocky--????now who could that have been---^^^^^^^========Louise

Subj:
Button's Faves
Date:  93-11-14 09:05:48 EST
From:  LauraP1808
Posted on: America Online

I thought it was David Santee who skated to Rocky. I do remember
Lisa Marie
Allen, gee Louise, I must be getting old.  I saw her skate not too
long ago
and she's still beautiful.  Laura

Subj:  e-mail list
Date:  93-11-14 10:01:52 EST
From:  LORICONLEY
Posted on: America Online

please add me!!!!!!!!!!!!

i love this place :)

lori

Subj:  Button Favorites
Date:  93-11-14 11:19:52 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Lisa Allen recently skated in an LA Club event.  She brought down
the house.
The event also included Chen Lou and other intenational Stars.  It
was my
pleasue to induct Richard Dwyer into the Hall of Fame at the show.
Some of
you may be too young remember Richard, but he is a roll model for
any skater
that is comming up.  Nice guys to make it.

Subj:  Rocky Music
Date:  93-11-14 11:26:12 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Laura,
 You are correct it was David Santee.  If you want to see a Button
favorite
wait for his comments when Elaine Zyack skates and if you want to
hear him go
negative wait till Todd Eldrige skates.  This confrontation started
whe Todd
first hit the big time and Button wanted to manage him.  Todd
turned him
down.  At Worlds in Halifiax after an especially harsh comments
Todd in
practice landed a triple axel right in front of Button and gave him
the
Italian peace sign on the runout.  The whole US team cheered.

Subj:  Dick
Button
Date:  93-11-14 11:59:59 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Hi Kevin..
I don't think Dick performs anymore..I was being sort of sarcastic
about his
skating in Skates of Gold.  I don't know if he even skates at all
recreationally.  He may have injuries or a health problem that
prevents it.
I just realized that we don't know a whole lot about what Dick is
doing
lately which really is a shame considering the man's
accomplishments.  Maybe
someone can update us.  Offhand, I can't think of skaters he
prefers though
at the time when he is doing his commentaries, I can tell if he
doesn't like
a skater or if he does.  The fact that it is so obvious is a
distraction.
Dick does know his skating and if he could just leave that obvious
preference
you can pick up on out of what he is saying about a skater, it
would be
great.  I definitely think he is good to have on hand but wish he
would sort
of take a look at Scott Hamilton's commentaries that are usually
very
objective and enthusiastic.  If a skater doesn't do well, Scotty
usually
doesn't point it out so harshly.
It would be very interesting to know who is still skating on a
regular basis
of the older skaters.  The Protopopovs do but they are the only
ones I have
seen of their age group.
L

Subj:  Dick Button AGAIN
Date:  93-11-14 12:04:46 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Morry and all..
Yes..you jogged my memory and I do remember how Dick would just
literally
fall over himself when Elaine would skate.  He sometimes will get
so
enthusiastic over certain skaters..i.e."She's just wonderful, just
wonderful.." etc.  that it is obvious who he likes and he doesn't
as he won't
emote much over others.  I didn't realize that Dick was managing
skaters.
Was he managing them when he had the Nutrasweet Pro Championships?

Lynne

Subj:  Yes David Santee
Date:  93-11-14 15:54:30 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

Dont Know why I thought his name was Scott!!  It was David
Santee--I think
his brother or something like that used to write on Prodigy--

Subj:  CENTRALS
1994
Date:  93-11-14 15:57:21 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

Already looking towards next year--Our club The Palomares Figure
Skating club
of Redwood City has been awarded the Central Pacific regional for
next
year--guess that means no hotel, airplane, or travel for Dan and
Kristina
next year!!  And home ice advantage too--I am going to be
chairperson of part
of it so will let you all know whats going on!!--Really excited
about Coast
Week of Dec 5-11---I shall be announcing many of the events--it is
a shame
Brian wont be there for us!!
Louise

Subj:  Olympic Prediction
Date:  93-11-14 20:44:35 EST
From:  Gienafer L
Posted on: America Online

 Here are my Olynpic predictions, which change about every other
day...
 MEN... 1.  Kurt Browning  2.  Brian Boitano 3. Elvis Stojko  4.
Alexei
Urmanov  5. Philippe Candeloro
 WOMEN...1. Oksana Bayul  2. Surya Bonaly 3. Nancy Kerrigan 4. Lu
Chen 5.
Josee Chouinard
  PAIRS...1. Gordeeva & Grinkov  2.  Mishkutenok & Dmitriev  3.
Brasseur &
Eisler
  DANCE...1. Usova & Zhulin  2.  Torvil & Dean 3.  Not sure yet


Subj:  TV commentary
Date:  93-11-15 03:21:25 EST
From:  RickN11015
Posted on: America Online

Dick Button has often seemed to me to be a bitter, cyncical old
man.  I like
Scott Hamilton's commentary.  He watches the skaters in practice,
and knows
what he's talking about.  He's honest about mistakes, but gets
excited when
they do something well.  Barbara Underhill and Paul Martini (did I
get their
names right?) are also good commentators.

 -- Rick
   (RickN11015)

Subj:  Email list
Date:  93-11-15 03:27:59 EST
From:  RickN11015
Posted on: America Online

My screen name was mis-spelled on Louise's e-mail list:
it's RickN11015 (why couldn't I have picked something simple?), not
Ricken11015 (that is, no "e").  There's probably a better way of
getting this
information to everyone, but I'm still learning my way around AOL.
I
appreciate being on the e-mail list--I'm a "fan", not a skater, so
I don't
write a lot.

  Rick
  (RickN11015)

Subj:  e-mail list
Date:  93-11-15 12:14:25 EST
From:  TeresaM106
Posted on: America Online

Could you add me to the e-mail list.  I'm not a skater, just a fan.
At least
not yet.  We're moving and our new home area has a rink.  First
time every
we've lived within 70 miles of an ice rink!  I'm a writer and have
published
some poetry and a short story or two.  What excites me most is that
I just
finished my first novel.  A romantic suspense set in--where
else--figure
skating!  It's nail-biting time, though, because a synopsis and
first three
chapters are in the hands of an agent.

Teresa

Subj:  Novel
Date:  93-11-15 12:34:51 EST
From:  CKSutcliff
Posted on: America Online

Teresa:  Good luck on your novel!!  I'm sure there are many of us
out here
who would be very interested in reading it!  Where are you moving?
No
trouble finding ice here in the SF Bay Area; there is a new ice
rink opening
very soon in Fremont.  Kristi Yamaguchi is a major investor, and I
have the
impression will be quite active in managing the rink.  At least the
paper
says she has an office there.   Connie (a mom of a competitive
roller
skater.)

Subj:  Predictions--Revised
Date:  93-11-15 14:00:59 EST
From:  Gienafer L
Posted on: America Online

 When I made my predictions yesterday, I forgot Viktor Petrenko.
How could
I?  I'm so ashamed of myself!  I think he'll get a medal.  Right
now, I think
he'll get the silver, but the gold is not out of his reach.  It all
depends.

Subj:  Fawning commentators
Date:  93-11-15 16:00:35 EST
From:  NicoleJ
Posted on: America Online

Hi all,
       I have a tape of the 1990 worlds ladies short program where
Toller
Cranston just ogles and verbally drools all over Jill Trenary.
Jill is
gorgeous but, what does that have to do with her landing jumps.
I'm glad
he's hasnt been  commentating the pros lately.               Nicki

Subj:
Olympic Hopes
Date:  93-11-16 16:30:26 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

    I have an idea; we've talked about who we think is going to
win, and why.
Now let's talk about who we WANT to win! Example:

MEN'S
1.Mark Mitchell
2.Kurt Browning
3.Elvis Stojko
4.Viktor Petrenko
5.Brian Boitano

WOMEN'S
1.Nancy Kerrigan
2.Josee Chouinard(did I spell that wrong? Sorry.)
3.Oksana Bayul
4.Tonya Harding-Gillooly
5.Surya Bonaly

PAIRS
1.Brasseur/Eisler
2.???????????
3.???????????

DANCE
No idea! I'm dance-illiterate. It so much harder to "get" than
freestyle
-Patti

Subj:  dream picks
Date:  93-11-16 18:50:34 EST
From:  LORICONLEY
Posted on: America Online

Hear are my dream picks for the Olympics

men's

1. Brian Boitano
2. Kurt Browning
3. Mark Mitchell
4. Elvis Stoiko

women's

1. Nancy Kerrigan
2. Tonya Harding
3. Josee
4. Surya

Subj:  USOC '93 Athlete of Yr.
Date:  93-11-16 21:35:48 EST
From:  OlympicFan
Posted on: America Online

Nominees from figure skating for USOC Sportsman and Sportswoman of
the Year
are Jenni Meno and Todd Sand.  One man and one woman from each
sport is
eligible for the award which will be announced 1/11/94

Subj:  Dick Button
Date:  93-11-17 16:07:13 EST
From:  SERNDIP897
Posted on: America Online

I read in a People magazine article two years ago that Dick was
busy tending
to his newly aquired farm in New Salem, New York (10 miles from
where I
reside).   He was shown with a baby goat named Knickerbocker.  I
have yet to
see him around town grocery shopping, etc.  I hope I do someday.

Subj:  Pro Am
in Philly
Date:  93-11-17 18:47:25 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Mark Mitchell has withdrawn and been replaced by Todd Eldredge.
RosalynnSumners has withdrawn and been replaced by Nicole Bobek.

Hope this is the end of withdrawals.  It is driving our organizing
Committe
nuts.

Subj:  Philly pro-am withdrawals
Date:  93-11-17 21:53:25 EST
From:  JL Pooley
Posted on: America Online

Morry --- it's driving me nuts too!  I spend all this $ for tickets
and now I
hear first no Mark Mitchell and NOW no Rosalyn Sumners!

grrrr.........

JLP

Subj:  e-mail list
Date:  93-11-17 23:26:16 EST
From:  LeeAnn 1
Posted on: America Online

Louise and all -
Sorry I haven't been around in the longest time. My work schedule
is at about
60 hours a week now, and it'll only get worse as Christmas is
closer, so
sorry I haven't been on the boards lately. I was just catchin up on
some old
notes and wanted to mention that in a note about the e-mail lists,
I was
listed as leann1, but it's LeeAnn1. Thanks,
Lee  :D

Subj:  Pro-Am
Date:  93-11-18 12:00:05 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

My advice to anyone going to a Pro-Am is to wait as long as
possible to buy
the tickets.  Withdrawals are quite commonsince none of the skaters
are
required to enter the event vs. Nationals and Skate America.

Long range we are working on a proposal to include Foreign Skaters
in the
Pro-Am.  That cannot take place until next year, however because we
must
convince the ISU to let us do it.  They are a real pain to us.

Subj:  Mark
Mitchell
Date:  93-11-18 16:01:35 EST
From:  TeresaM106
Posted on: America Online

Any idea why Mark withdrew from the Pro-Am?  I didn't get the Skate
America
broadcast--pre-empted by two back to back episodes of Simon and
Simon--but I
understand Todd Eldredge looks really good.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the broadcast of Skate America?
I'd
appreciate any opinions, because I live in a place where the big
winter sport
is Football!!!  No ice!  :(

What do you think that the effect on Mark and how the judges
perceive him the
withdrawal will have.   I remember someone mentioning that Mark was
disappointed in his showing in Skate Canada.  Has anyone heard why?
Did he
pop a few jumps?

Teresa, the left out of network loop in SC

Subj:  No Mark?)-8
Date:  93-11-18 16:46:29 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

  I'm really glad that I didn't try to convince my mom to let me
go! Only one
of my favorite skater will be there now-two, if Caryn Kadavy is
competing.
Oh, and with Nacy it makes 3. But still, I wanted to see Mark skate
more!
Pout, pout.[g]
-Patti

Subj:  Pro-Am
Date:  93-11-18 18:00:13 EST
From:  JL Pooley
Posted on: America Online

Morry -- If I wait to buy tickets, then I won't get good seats.
Dick
Button's competition in Landover is an example -- I called the
FIRST day
tickets were on sale, which was in APRIL for a December
competition, and I'm
still in the TWELFTH row, and on the end!  If I had waited until
they got
around to actually announcing who was gonna compete in the darn
thing, I'd be
watching from Row ZZ through a telescope, or maybe even from out in
the
parking lot.  I don't see any too well, and good seats are
important to me.

I'm sure I will enjoy myself no matter who ends up competing  --
it's
skating, after all.

JLP

Subj:  Philly pro Am
Date:  93-11-18 20:51:04 EST
From:  MarySdncer
Posted on: America Online

Janet , I just know you will enjoy the Pro Am and We're looking
forward to
your report . It's only a few weeks away. I'll be in Az. wishing I
was skiing
instead . Mary

Subj:  re: Button's favs
Date:  93-11-19 01:55:01 EST
From:  Axel 9
Posted on: America Online

SKATINGMOM writes:

<talking about Dick Button>
>HE WORSHIPED LISA MARIE ALLEN

So do I!  Her skating isn't too bad, either!

Kevin Anderson

P.S. I saw her in a show about a week ago.  She is still
beautiful.

Subj:  re: Buttons Favorites
Date:  93-11-19 01:58:18 EST
From:  Axel 9
Posted on: America Online

MorryS writes:

> It was my pleasue to induct Richard Dwyer into the Hall of
> Fame at the show.  Some of you may be too young remember
> Richard, but he is a roll model for any skater that is comming
> up.  Nice guys to make it

What Hall of Fame?  Is there a skating hall of fame?  Where
is it?

Kevin Anderson
.


Subj:  Dan and Kristina pass tests
Date:  93-11-19 02:04:42 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

Today Dan took a bronze dance HoeDown and amazingly for the first
time the
judges did not complain about his knees--HE USED THEM!!!--Kristina
took three
preliminaries and one pre bronze and passed all of them with flying
colors--the judges loved her extensions and skating--Now she is
qualified to
compete after only 8 weeks of dance--amazing what a 9 year old can
do when
she wants to!!!--They were both very excited--It was very cute
after Kristina
passed her dances Dan gave her a silver necklace with skates and
said she
should wear it for luck when they compete--all together now
AAHHHHHHH--His
daddy taught him right---Louise---

Subj:  Stars on Ice
Date:  93-11-19 02:05:07 EST
From:  Axel 9
Posted on: America Online

Tickets just went on sale here in the Bay Area for Discover Cards
Stars on
Ice.  I managed to get a ticket in the fourth row at the San Jose
Arena.  It
looks like a lot of the most popular skaters who didn't reinstate
for the
Olympics are going to be in it.  In particular, Kristi Yamaguchi,
Scott
Hamilton (my favorite skater), and Paul Wylie.  A great line up!
Kevin

Subj:  Mark
Date:  93-11-19 10:18:56 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Mark is training in Italy and did not want to run back and forth
across the
Atlantic.  He has a real problem with Jet Lag.  I know that to be
true since
I have been a team leader for some of his events.

Judges will not think or be affected by his decision.

Subj:  Hall of Fame
Date:  93-11-19 10:27:21 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

The Hall of Fame is in the USFSA Museum at the Colorado Springs
Headquarters.
It is a great exhibition taking up two floors.  It it are the
Championship
costumes of many of the most famous skaters ever. There are rare
books, and
medals of past and present Champions.  One of the most priceless is
the
section devoted to Sonja Hinie.  In addtion to all the artifact
there is a
large film library.  When you see past performances of Skaters on
TV,
especially older ones they usually come from the USFSA Museum.

The Museum is open to everyone from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday thru
Friday.



Subj:  Dan
Date:  93-11-19 10:29:26 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Congratulations on the Hoedown.  Now forget it. The Howdown is one
of the
worst dances ever invented.  Unfortunatly we now have the darn
thing in
Competition.

Subj:  Reinstatement
Date:  93-11-19 10:32:39 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Don't forget, Scott did reinstate.  He does not choose to skate in
competitions held for elegible skaters.  There are other benifits
for skaters
to be reinstated other than a chance at the Olympics.  Scott will
very likley
be a member of the Olympic Committee in the not too distant future.

Subj:
Reinstatement
Date:  93-11-19 11:05:03 EST
From:  LauraP1808
Posted on: America Online

Morry, Scott could also JUDGE, couldn't he?  Somehow I don't
picture him
doing that though. Thanks for mentioning Mark's "jet lag" problem,
I was just
about to do that. Personally, I think he's better off staying with
Carlo as
long as  he can,don't you? Whether or not he skates in the PRO AM
shouldn't
have any bearing upon the outcome of Nationals. Later-Laura

Subj:  Scott
Hamilton
Date:  93-11-19 11:38:02 EST
From:  MarySdncer
Posted on: America Online

Morry, Scott is a great skater and a wonderful guy. When I started
skating he
was training at CIA . He comes into Denver quite often and we get
to see him
. Congratulations on the Hoe Down . Glad I didn't have to take
that!!
Mary

Subj:  Dan
Date:  93-11-19 11:41:08 EST
From:  MarySdncer
Posted on: America Online

Congratulations on passing the Hoe Down. Dan!! The way I wrote the
last note
it looked like I was congratulating Morry??
Just had to correct this. Mary

Subj:  Stars on Ice in Cinci
Date:  93-11-19 18:22:57 EST
From:  TerriNack
Posted on: America Online

For those of you in the Cincinnati area, I just found out tickets
for Stars
on Ice go on sale December 13th at select-a-seat or at the
Coliseum.

The performance is Jan. 27--I can't wait!

-Terri

Subj:  stars on ice
Date:  93-11-19 19:10:23 EST
From:  LORICONLEY
Posted on: America Online

anyone have any idea when Stars on Ice comes to Cleveland or
pittsburgh area?

info appreciated!!!!!

Subj:  Stars on ICe
Date:  93-11-19 20:56:30 EST
From:  MargeR1
Posted on: America Online

According to Blades Magazine, Stars on Ice will be in Cleveland on
1/26 at
Richfield Coliseum and in Pittsburgh on 1/29 at the Civic Center.


We plan to attend the Chicago area show on 1/21 at the Rosemont
Horizon  (Our
parents skating group is organizing a trip down.)   Marge

Subj:  Scott as a
Judge
Date:  93-11-19 23:11:20 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Yes, Scott can judge if he takes training and does some trial
judging.  We
would love to have him do just that.  However, Scott want to do
anyting he
tackles well and says he cannot devote enough time to become a
sharp judge.
My own feeling is that he would be one of the best from the start.

Subj:
Mary, Morry and the Hoedown
Date:  93-11-19 23:14:26 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Fortunately the dance was not around when I took my dance tests.
I was stuck
with the European Waltz for 3 years since it started as a Bronze
Dance and
moved to Silver when I did.

Subj:  stars on ice
Date:  93-11-20 14:34:36 EST
From:  LORICONLEY
Posted on: America Online

marge

thanks for the info.  i must have tickets!!!!!!!!!!!

Subj:  Letterman Article
from *P
Date:  93-11-20 16:04:26 EST
From:  MargeR1
Posted on: America Online

Check in the Olympic folder  here in the Winter Sports BB for an
article for
an article from *P about how CBS will show Letterman THEN the
Olympic late
night report during the 1994 Olympics.

Subj:  European Waltz
Date:  93-11-20 18:31:55 EST
From:  E Dunkel
Posted on: America Online

  The Euro? That was one of my "favorites," too....(yeah, okay, not
really).
-Ellen

Subj:  Hall of Fame
Date:  93-11-21 00:54:37 EST
From:  Axel 9
Posted on: America Online

Thanks for the info on the skating museum in CO.  I'll be sure to
check it
out if I'm ever in the area.  The film library sounds very
interesting to me.
Awhile ago I was asking around on internet if anybody knew if any
of Sonja
Henie's movies were out on video and the consensus seemed to be no.
I'm
really interested in seeing what the "old time" skating looked like
(particularly the first quarter of this century).  I'm sure it was
quite
different than it is now.

Kevin Anderson

Subj:  TV Reminder
Date:  93-11-21 11:06:42 EST
From:  MargeR1
Posted on: America Online

Just a reminder: Skate America will be on at 3pm CT 4pm ET today on
ABC and
next Saturday at 1pm CT  2pm ET Skate Canada will be on CBS.  For
other time
zones check your local TV listings.
 Marge

Subj:  Euro. Waltz
Date:  93-11-21 11:24:30 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Why turn the 3 on 3?  Everyone knows that the 3 should be on 4 like
in the
American Waltz..  But, then I had a tin ear anyway when competition
time came
around.

Subj:  Sonja Henie on Video
Date:  93-11-21 18:05:45 EST
From:  JulieD3964
Posted on: America Online

Kevin- One film of Sonja's - Sun Valley Serenade - IS available on
video -
check the musical section of your local store/rental emporium.
It's one of
her better films.  You can also often see One In A Million,
Everything
Happens At Night and Thin Ice on American Movie Classics.

Subj:  Skate Am TV
coverage
Date:  93-11-21 18:07:11 EST
From:  JulieD3964
Posted on: America Online

Did it bother anyone else when Julie Moran mentioned that six of
the judges
from WOrlds last year when Roca & Sur placed 11th had been
suspended?  She
made it sound like they were suspended for not placed Roca & Sur in
the top
ten!  Also no mention that those judges were reinstated.
COmmentary....gotta
love it.....

Subj:  Skate America
Date:  93-11-21 22:09:06 EST
From:  LauraP1808
Posted on: America Online

Julie, I heard that comment too and that's what it sounded like to
me.  I
thought Brian Boitano looked VERY good, and even though his program
isn't
100% yet, if his knee holds out,  I think he'll be a force to
reckon with. My
son, however, thinks he should wear different pants. He did NOT
like the
brown ones at all.[g]   Laura

Subj:  Skate America
Date:  93-11-21 23:37:26 EST
From:  JulieD3964
Posted on: America Online

Laura- I agree with Matthew on Brian's pants.  I think if Brian is
going to
wear pants, they should be PANTS and not TIGHTS - those were just
tights with
flared legs.  Lewd, laviscious and offensive to children &
Christians....:)
Julie

Subj:  Nations Cup
Date:  93-11-22 01:31:04 EST
From:  MWood
Posted on: America Online

Janet:
         Thank you for the results from Lalique and Nations Cup.
Much
appreciated.
At Nations Cup, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Tanja
Szewczenko from
Germany won the Woman's first place.  I do note that you mention
that Oksana
two-footed a lot of her jumps, but even if Tanja wan because of
Oksana's
mistakes, I find it also interesting that the first time that
Oksana has been
bested this season it was by someone her own age.
And was that a Russian skating for Japan?  The Pair that came in
fourth,
Yukiko Kawasaki and Alexei Tikhonov?  Or does anyone know that?

Subj:  Skate
America
Date:  93-11-22 10:43:03 EST
From:  LauraP1808
Posted on: America Online

ALL:Please note that Julie's "lewd,lascivious[sp] comment" was a
quote from
someone who was sitting next to her at a recent competition she
attended.
Loved the dance couple from France, whose names I can never spell
without
looking them up and also thought that Rene and Gorsha looked much
better than
the last time I saw them.  Any scoop on whether he will get his
citizenship
in time?    Laura

Subj:  Skate America
Date:  93-11-22 10:44:54 EST
From:  CKSutcliff
Posted on: America Online

Hi All:   We just caught the last half of Skate America yesterday.
We saw
the Russian Pairs team that won.  I can't remember their names,
much less
spell it!  The comment I would like to make is on thier costumes.
One of the
worst, I feel.  She had that nude wrapped around her body and he
had those
ruffels on the shoulders of his tux, and what looked like attepmt
to make a
flower on his lappel.  I think the idea of a tux and ballroom type
dress was
good for their program,  but I'm afraid the designer's desire to be
innovative failed miserably.

On another note, have you noticed that the pairs teams seem to be
doing some
lift combinations?  At least more than I can ever recall seeing.
Roller
pairs have been doing lift combinations for years and the men spin
very fast.
It's exciting to watch.   I have a feeling that ice pairs may be
doing this
more and more.  It can't help but to add some extra power to this
part of the
discipline.    Connie

Subj:  Landover seating.
Date:  93-11-22 16:37:29 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

Janet,
   I know what you mean! My mom bought the tickets at the darn
thing, and we
have our seats in Row N! Where are yours? Ours are in the area near
to where
they come out to skate...didn't you have your husband call for you?
Sheesh.
Remind me to bring the cellular phone to Landover, so I can buy
tickets to
Campbell's![g]
-Patti
PS-It's not much fun to sit in Nosebleed Territory. That's where I
sat last
year-Paul Wylie looked like a little brown-haired flea![g] The
pictures
didn't come out, either...[g] The $15 extra is worth it!

Subj:  Ahhhhhhh...[g]
Date:  93-11-22 16:41:04 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

Louise,
    Dan sounds so cute![g] Wish there had been guys like that when
I was his
age! Actually, I still wish there were! Does he have an older
brother?[g]
-Patti
Congratulations to Dan and Kristina!

Subj:  Brian's Tights
Date:  93-11-22 16:49:28 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

Julie,
    I really don't see why they would be offenisve to Christians
alone...maybe I should pay more attention in Sunday School? I don't
like them
either. It's sort of like those REALLY tiny swimsuits that male
competitive
swimmers wear. Very revealing....[g]
-Patti

Subj:  Problem logging on
Date:  93-11-22 22:51:00 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Am I the only one have trouble logging on.  It took me exactly 10
miniutes to
get to this point.  First nothing would have after the checking
password
notice.  After cancling and retrying 5 times I finally got on. It
took
another 2 miniutes to get to the BB and just as I started to type
this bitch
the Network News came on and I had to stop to make that go away.
AOL is
great when it works.

Subj:  Julie
Date:  93-11-22 22:53:22 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

She has been well trained by Dick Button.  We from the USFSA have
lodged a
loud protest to ABC on her comments.

Subj:  Brian
Date:  93-11-22 22:55:04 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Brian is too old and too large to dress like a Leprochan.

Subj:  Japanese
Russians
Date:  93-11-22 22:59:35 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

There are a lot of Russians from eastern Russia that are of
Japanese decent
as well a Korean and Chinese.  On Sakalin Island in Russia most of
the people
I have met are  Japanese or Mongolian

Subj:  Citizenship
Date:  93-11-22 23:00:52 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Will call tomorrow and see what Gorsh says.

Subj:  Brian's tights
Date:  93-11-23 15:29:13 EST
From:  Gienafer L
Posted on: America Online

Brian's tights aren't that bad.  Ballet dancers wear skimpier ones.
Besides,
Brian's got nice legs.  Why not show 'em off?  I do think he looks
better in
pants that aren't so tight, but what he wore at Skate America
certainly did
not offend my eyes.
                  --------Jen

Subj:  Nation's Cup
Date:  93-11-23 15:34:25 EST
From:  Gienafer L
Posted on: America Online

I wish they'd show the Nation's Cup on TV.  I haven't seen Tanja
skate since
last year at Skate America.   She's young, and at her age, one year
can make
a big difference.
As for Oksana, she probably wasn't having a good day.  You can't
win 'em all.
The Chicago Bulls didn't win every game last season, but they were
still the
world champs.  Besides, a silver medal's not bad.  Lots of skaters
would be
thrilled to get one.  Coming in 2nd is lots better than coming in
10th or
15th.
                            --Jen

Subj:  Skate America
Date:  93-11-23 15:36:02 EST
From:  Gienafer L
Posted on: America Online

One big gripe I have about the Skate America coverage is this--Why
didn't
they show Punsalan & Swallow?
                        --Jen

Subj:  Gorsha Sur, Citizenship
Date:  93-11-23 20:01:39 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Last week Gorsha testified before the House Judiciary Subcommitte
asking that
his application for Citizenship be expidited.  The Committee voted
unanimously for action that will accelerate his case. The
recommendation must
now be voted upon by the full Committee and then the House and
Senate.  It
must be done before they go into recess or it is all over for this
year.
Hope you all will pray the the polititians get to the citizenship
issue.

Subj:
Mark and Jet Lag
Date:  93-11-23 21:13:21 EST
From:  LeeAnn 1
Posted on: America Online

All - Since Mark has such a problem with jet lag, wouldn't it be a
good idea
for him to come and skate in the Pro-Am and stay in the US for
Nationals so
he won't have a problem with it then? Just wondering.
Lee :)

Subj:  Mark & Jet Lag
Date:  93-11-23 23:22:07 EST
From:  JulieD3964
Posted on: America Online

LeeAnn- BUT, if Mark were to come back to the States and do the
ProAm, he'd
miss out on a lot of valuable training time if he did NOT return to
Italy.
And, if he did do the Pro-Am and went back to Italy, he'd be
fighting the jet
lag for much of the time he would have been training.  I think he
made the
right decision in withdrawing from the Pro-Am.  Julie

Subj:  Skate America
Date:  93-11-24 00:29:52 EST
From:  EdRussell3
Posted on: America Online

Oksana,  although she did all right at Skate America was clearly
not up to
par with what she had done at Worlds.   Neither was Surya.   The
pressure is
clearly on both of these Ladies now to perform at each and every
competition.
If they don't know how to handle it,  any loss can be significant
-
especially if they fully expected to win.

On the other hand - it appears that Nancy K.  has had some changes.
Apparently she can now make mistakes and go on and skate the
remainder of her
program.  Hopefully she keeps that attitude up.

Re:  Skate America and Boitano's spread eagle - triple lutz.   On
camera,  it
was very easy to see that it was a triple lutz.  I'm not sure why
I had
trouble immediately identifying it from row "L",  perhaps a part of
it was
hidden by the boards????  Oh well....

Re:  Ice Dancing on TV.  Definitely loses something.   I think at
the very
least they should pull the camera back.  Part of the dance comes
from the
flow and the use of the ice.   If they are in as close as they get
for
freestyle - you can see the technical part - but you definitely
miss the feel
of the dance. The French couple was so clearly superior to the
others it
wasn't even a real contest.

Subj:  Skate America
Date:  93-11-24 12:27:11 EST
From:  Gienafer L
Posted on: America Online

Ed--
  Yes, I agree that Surya and Oksana are going to be under a lot of
pressure
this year.  Neither of them skated perfectly at Skate America, but
it's early
in the season.  Hardly anyone skates perfectly this time of year.
I just
hope that the pressure doesn't get to them.  They're both so young.
Remember
Midori Ito in 1992?  There was so much pressure on her!  I don't
want to see
the same thing happen to any of the young skaters in this Olympics.
                           --Jen

Subj:  Happy Thanksgiving!
Date:  93-11-24 15:50:40 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

   Even though it's not until tomorow, I just wanted to wish
everyone a Happy
Thanksgiving. Don't eat too much turkey, and be sure to watch the
Macy's
Thanksgiving parade![g]
-Patti
PS-Is there a forum tomorrow?

Subj:  Tonya Harding , Rosalin Sumner
Date:  93-11-24 16:50:51 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Sorry to report that Barbara Flowers, the choriogerpher for both
Tonya and
Rosalin died yesterday of Cancer. She was a nice Lady.  I got to
know her
when she was with Tonya at the Albertville Olympics.

Both skaters are terribly upset over Barbara's death.

Subj:  Gorsha
Date:  93-11-24 20:35:27 EST
From:  MarySdncer
Posted on: America Online

I will be praying that Gorsha gets the necessary approval.My new
grandchildren(Russian ) will automatically become citizens in 6
mos. Very
sorry to hear about Barbara. Mary

Subj:  Gorsha's Citizenship
Date:  93-11-24 21:57:01 EST
From:  Linda8894
Posted on: America Online

Morry,  I have been praying for all to go well with Gorsha since I
met him at
Nationals last year.  I have called our Congressmen and Senators to
voice my
opinion on the issue as well.  My prayers are with him and my
fingers are
crossed. Linda

Subj:  Thanksgiving!
Date:  93-11-25 17:14:45 EST
From:  Gienafer L
Posted on: America Online

I just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to y'all!  I'll try to make
it to the
Forum later tonight.
                     --Jen


Subj:  World Junior Figure Skating Chps
Date:  93-11-26 14:24:00 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Practice starts today in Colorado Springs for the Jr World
Championships.
The first event will be tomorrow.  There are 40 countries entered
so there
will be elemination rounds all this week.  The finals will be next
week.  If
any of you happen to be there please look me up.  I will arrive on
the 1st.

                                                 RGDS- Morry

Subj:  Hamilton
vs. Button
Date:  93-11-26 22:16:28 EST
From:  MaryAnnCat
Posted on: America Online

I have followed skating for a long time as a spectator and learned
an awful
lot about the technical aspects from listening to Dick Button.
In my opinion, he is much more honest about the quality of skating
for all
skaters than is Scott Hamilton.

I have heard Scott rave about a jump that was not centered, had a
poor
landing, and no flow out. If complimenting everything is good
commenting,
he's great. There have been many times when his positive comments
have been
so ludicrous that my daughter and I have to laugh out loud!

It seems to me that Dick Button is much more concerned about the
proper
technique on all that goes into skating than almost anyone else I
have seen.
I appreciate that and I cannot imagine why a skater would not want
to hear
how he/she can improve as well as what he/she did right.

MaryAnnCat

Subj:  Gorsha Citizenship
Date:  93-11-26 22:25:44 EST
From:  MaryAnnCat
Posted on: America Online

I am another who is hoping that Gorsha can compete for the U.S.
Realistically, though, after last year, do they have any kind of
chance?

Note to Linda8894 (wherever you are), hope things go well for you
this year!

MaryAnnCat

Subj:  Dick Button
Date:  93-11-26 23:59:07 EST
From:  Sterling22
Posted on: America Online

Was it just me or was Dick Button practically drooling over Brian
last week
(on the coverage of skate america).  By the way, i think Brian
looks great in
tights, but not the orange ones.  He looks like an orange tree frog
(th
eblack ones look best).

Subj:  SKATE CANADA
Date:  93-11-27 16:56:12 EST
From:  TeresaM106
Posted on: America Online

I'm so upset!  Our local CBS affiliate decided they'd rather show
a football
game today instead of the network's coverage of Skate Canada!  I'd
be
thrilled to hear anyone and everyone's impressions of the skating!
I'm
desperate!  I wanna know how Mark Mitchell and Kurt Browning
skated!  This is
the third time this season one or another of the local affiliates
have done
this!!!  Looks like I'm going to have to move back to the north to
get decent
figure skating coverage.  Course, we'll be moving sometime early
next year,
anyway.  Just pray it isn't during nationals, Olympics or Worlds.
Just my
luck.

Teresa in SC, desperate for figure skating

Subj:  Skate Candada, Pairs
Date:  93-11-27 17:57:02 EST
From:  MorryS
Posted on: America Online

Just saw Gordieva and Grinkov do the long program at Skate Canda..
If they
skate that program that well at Olympics we only need speculate on
which team
will be second.  As a Judges the Skate Canada performance was the
best Pairs
Long program I have ever seen.  Don't usually go out on a limb like
this but
the progam gave me chills it was so awsome.

Subj:  Skate Canada
Date:  93-11-27 18:29:10 EST
From:  JL Pooley
Posted on: America Online

Teresa -- if you will look under the results category, I posted
complete
results for Skate Canada a couple of weeks ago.

They didn't show much of the actual competition on CBS.  Just
Browning's
technical and long programs, G&G's long program, and about 4
seconds of Chen
Lu's long program.

JLP

Subj:  Skate Canada
Date:  93-11-27 19:25:45 EST
From:  CKSutcliff
Posted on: America Online

For once I was home and able to watch some skating, sat down to
watch an hour
or so of Skate Canada and we only got to see about three programs.
It was
mostly speed skating.  Bummer!  I was hoping to see Mark skate.
When does he
skate again?  Connie
I did enjoy what I did get to see though! (-8  Morry, I agree with
you.  G&G
skated beautifully.  Kurt looked rusty, and Oksana looks as though
the
pressure is really getting to her.  Perhaps she's lost some of that
hunger
that seemed to drive her at worlds.

Subj:  Dick Button/Brian
Date:  93-11-27 23:46:50 EST
From:  Linda8894
Posted on: America Online

Dick Button always drools over Brian, especially when it comes to
the triple
lutz, triple salchow and sprread eagle.  I keep telling myself that
it is
because he thinks Brian is a skater's skater and
he appreciates his technical excellence.  BTW I think the tights
fit the
programs in which he wears them  - they fit Pavarotti and Carousel
very well
among others.  A classical skater should wear classical costumes.
Linda

Subj:
Pairs - MorryS
Date:  93-11-27 23:50:10 EST
From:  Linda8894
Posted on: America Online

Morry, I agree with you totally, Gordeeva and Grinkov were awe
inspiring.
Their costumes, artistry, athleticism and interpretation were
supurb and will
be a hard act to beat .  they are a pleasure to watch and I am so
glad I was
able to do so today.  Linda

Subj:  Brain & Button vs Hamilton
Date:  93-11-28 00:30:23 EST
From:  Axel 9
Posted on: America Online

I don't have any problems with Boitano wearing tights although I
would never
wear them myself skating.  If I want somebody to know what religion
I am,
I'll tell them :-)  Seriously, I think they distract from his
performance (as
evidenced by all the talk on the subject) and I think he should get
something
else.

I think the difference between Button and Hamilton's commenting
style is that
Button comes at it from a coaches point of view, while Hamilton
approaches it
from a fans point of view.  Both techniques are valid, they're just
different.

Kevin Anderson

Subj:  Lake Arrowhead
Date:  93-11-28 01:01:43 EST
From:  Axel 9
Posted on: America Online

I just got back from skating at the two rinks at Lake Arrowhead in
Southern
California.  For those of you who don't know (which is probably
most of you),
there is a semi-outdoor public rink and a private international
training rink
at about the 5000 foot level up in the San Bernadino mountains.
It's
absolutely gorgeous up there.  The training rink is used by a lot
of well
known skaters.

The training rink was pretty neat.  They only let a maximum of 25
skaters on
the ice at a time.  There are no boards (you just step onto the ice
from any
direction), and there is a big mirror at one end (I was afraid to
jump at
that end because I was afraid I would be looking at myself while I
jumped
which would probably have caused me to kill myself)  I was kind of
proud of
myself that an old geezer like me could keep up with most of the
kids out on
the ice :-) .  This time of year there are mostly only the
year-round serious
skaters down there (the ones who move there just to train) and the
caliber of
skaters was pretty impressive.  Michelle Kwan's sister was there
(Michelle
was at the morning session).  Sorry I can't report on her since I
was too
busy out on the ice to pay attention to what the others were doing
(If you
turn your head for 1 second somebody would cream you).  There was
also a
Peter SomeThing-Guuard(?).  Somebody told me he won a medal at
worlds or the
Olympics awhile ago in dance.  I thought it strange that he was
teaching
freestyle if he was an ice dancer.

Anyways, I highly recommend a trip over there for anyone in this
group who
ever visits So. Cal.  The area is absolutely beautiful.  There are
a few
chairs in the private rink for spectators if you just want to watch
for
awhile.  I wouldn't reccomend skating yourself unless you're pretty
strong in
at least your doubles.  They do, or so I've been told, have a
summer skating
camp type set up (with cabins, bad food, the works) during the
summer for all
levels.  I had an absolutely wonderful time and I'm sure most of
you would
too.

Kevin Anderson

P.S. What are some of the other great rinks out there for skating
or meeting
famous skaters (besides the Broadmoor and the Olympic training rink
in NY)?
I'd like to hear about them and if I'm ever in the area visit them.


Subj:
Love these boards
Date:  93-11-28 01:08:24 EST
From:  Mothra
Posted on: America Online

    Okay.. I confess..

    I'm totally addicted to these skating folders!

    I have a couple of questions which perhaps y'all can help me
with.  I was
just given a pair of skates from my aunt in Japan, which is perfect
since I
have wide Japanese feet and find it torture to wear the rental
skates from a
rink.  Now, my question is:

   1)  Does anyone know of a rink in the Bay Area where I can go to
learn how
to do good things with skating?  I can skate and took lessons when
I was
younger, but I feel kinda insecure about being this big adult
skating among a
buncha talented kids.

    2)  What kinda exercises can help one to have a good skating
"body" ie.,
good legs etc.  While I cannot possibly skate everyday, I'd like to
maintain
some sort of nice exercise program that would help make easier the
times I do
skate.

    Anyway, those are my questions :D

    I love to watch ice skating, too.

Anna

Subj:  Bay Area Skating Rinks
Date:  93-11-28 09:08:44 EST
From:  CKSutcliff
Posted on: America Online

Gee, Anna, there are quite a few rinks in the Bay Area.   There's
one in
Redwood City, the one in Dublin where Boitano trained, the HUGE
Iceland in
Berkeley, there's the one at the shopping mall at Fashion Island in
San Mateo
and then there is a brand new rink (an Ice O Plex) in Fremont (off
Stevenson,
I think) which is the one that Kristi Yamaguchi has invested in. I
also
believe there's one is San Jose.  Your best bet is to choose one
that is
located conveniently and call to find out what they have for
adults.
Connie

Subj:  Lake Arrowhead
Date:  93-11-28 10:06:34 EST
From:  LauraP1808
Posted on: America Online

Axel 9[Kevin], The "GUARD" person you mentioned must be Peter
Oppegard. Did
you happen to see him coaching any pair teams?I'm happy that you
enjoyed
yourself out there, it certainly is a beautiful and well known
training
facility. And, this may come as a surprise to you, but most of the
people  I
know on this board DO know about it. In fact, some here have been
there in
one capacity of another[g]. Would you like to train there in the
summer?
Laura

Subj:  Skate Canada Pairs
Date:  93-11-28 10:14:04 EST
From:  LauraP1808
Posted on: America Online

The set up of this board drives me crazy!!!! You're right Morry,
they were
outstanding. IMHO, nobody will ever catch them, even if they're
having a bad
day[g]. I wouldn't worry about going out on a limb and stating
that,,, I
don't think their superiority in pairs can be denied.    Laura

Subj:  Lake
Arrowhead/Other Rinks
Date:  93-11-28 17:04:31 EST
From:  JL Pooley
Posted on: America Online

Kevin -- that sounds like it was Peter Oppegard, who won the bronze
medal at
the '88 Olympics in pairs, not dance, with Jill Watson.  He coaches
now.

Best rink I've personally seen for meeting people is the one at the
Sun
Valley resort in Idaho.  They have shows every weekend throughout
the summer,
with a different headliner each week (I saw the Duchesnays), plus
which,
skaters like Gary Beacom or Linda Fratianne are there on and off
for most of
the summer.  It's an outdoor rink with bleachers on it, and you can
wander by
and watch the skaters practice and then go skating yourself.  The
day I
skated it was very cold and disgusting weather, so I practically
had the rink
to myself.

JLP

Subj:  Figure Skating Contest
Date:  93-11-29 00:26:26 EST
From:  LeeAnn 1
Posted on: America Online

Hi All -
A figure skating contest has been approved. The idea is to
correctly guess
who  will be the first through fourth place finishers at the US
nationals.
Not who you want to win most, but who you think will win. More
details will
be posted later, but start thinking up your answers. Talk to you
later, Lee
:D

Subj:  Brian Boitano Article
Date:  93-11-29 01:16:35 EST
From:  Axel 9
Posted on: America Online

I just found out somebody already posted this article on the email
net, but
since I just spent a long time typing it, I thought I'd post it
here anyways.

The following article was in the San Fransisco
Chronicle in the sports section on 11/27/93.
I thought I'd pass it along for all of you
Boitano-philes out there:

Boitano Is Content Away From Jet Set
by C.W. Nevius

Lately Brian Boitano has been doing
a publicity tour for Visa, which is
providing money for Olymoic development.
That means he he's been interviewed by
all manner of reporters, many of whom
don't know Boitano the Olympic champion
from Brian the pizza delivery man.
   "So," one interviewer began, "you won
you gold medal in...skiing?"
   Close.  It was the Winter Olympics, and
he did slide across a frozen surface with
attachments hooked to his boots.  But it was
skating, not skiing, in which Boitano won
his 1988 gold medal.
   Another interviewer wanted to know if
he'd considered putting on an ice show
"like Dorothy Hamill."
   "Oh," Boitano said, his eyebrows rising
in irony, "Good idea."  In fact, Boitano was
one of the first to create and produce his
own show.  He toured with Katarina Witt,
the two-time gold medalist in women's
singles, for three years.
   A third wondered if the Winter Olympics
had been moved to off-years from the
summer games to give the event "an identity
of its own."
   "An identity of its own?"  Boitano asked.
"Actually, if I'm not mistaken, the winter
Olympics have the higher television ratings."

   So much for immortal fame.  When Boitano
won the "Battle of the Brians," defeating
local favorite Brian Orser at the Calgary
games, he was an international superstar.
Now he's out of the jet set and
back to the drafty, ramshackle Belmont ice
rink (me:  I skate there sometimes but I've
never seen him there) where he joinged Linda
Lever's skating class as an 8 year old.
   All of which is just fine with Boitano.
He could practice somewhere else, but he
likes the old barn (me: that's being nice
to the place :-)  )  Lever always has been
his coach, from double-runners to Olympic
gold.  And besides, Boitano is perfectly content
with his place in history.  Among skaters,
he'll never be forgotten.  He didn't
invent a unique jump (me: apparantly the author
never heard of the 'Tano triple lutz) or
move on the ice, but he changed the sport
forever.
   He refers to it as "the so-called Boitano
rule," but the modesty is pointless. He's
linked with the most dramatic change in
the amateur rules since skaters were
allowed to leap in the air during competition.
   When Boitano, a professional, challenged
the right of the International Olympic
Committee to ban him from the "amateur"
games, the official body folded up like a
card table.  From now on, anything goes.
   "I don't need to turn professional
again," Boitano says.  "I can do anything.
When someone like (amateur) Kurt Browning
gets $50,000 (me: yikes!) for the goodwill games,
you know you can do anything."
   The odd part of the change in the rules
is how few skaters have elected to take
advantage of it.  Fremont's Kristi Yamaguchi,
the 1992 Olympic gold medalist and darling
of Albertville, has announced that she will
stay with "Stars on Ice," rather than make
another attempt at the gold in February in
Lillehammer, Norway.  Paul Wylie, the
silver medalist in Albertville, also is sticking
with the ice show.
   Instead, it is the class of '88 that is stepping
up.  Boitano is in training; Witt is working
hard, and even 1984 ice-dancing sensations
Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean
are plotting an Olympic comeback.
   Of that that group, however, it is the steady
Boitano who looks like the best shot.  The
irony is, now that he's got everyone's attention
again, he still can't get them to ask the
right questions.
   "They want to hear that I live to beat
(1992 bronze medalist) Kurt Browning or
(gold medalist) Viktor Petrenko," Boitano
says.  "That

Subj:  Boitano article
Date:  93-11-29 01:17:54 EST
From:  Axel 9
Posted on: America Online

Oops!  The last quarter of the article I just posted got cut off.
I anyone
wants the rest of it let me know

Subj:  Barbara Flowers-Tonya & Rosylyn
Date:  93-11-29 11:24:06 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

For the first time in weeks the newpaper here did have news on
skating and
when they did it was to report the sad death of Barbara.  At least
they did
report it as I wouldn't have known about it until I read the bb
here.
Barbara is originally from Lafayette...a town about 50 miles from
me where I
do alot of work.  It has alot of creative people being the center
of the
Cajun culture.  I don't like this state but if I had to live in it
much
longer, I hope it is in Lafayette.

lynne

Subj:  Lake Arrowhead
Date:  93-11-29 11:31:16 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Kevin and all..
Yes, I have heard how beautiful the rinks are there and when I get
out to
Southern Calif. next I am going to go see them.  Hopefully this
will be in
the next 4 months.
Peter Oppegard is who I think you were referring to.  He and his
partner,
Jill Watson, won the bronze in Pairs back in 1987.  He also was
skating in
some professional competitions with a new partner, Cindy Landry,
who won the
silver in Pairs with her partner I believe in 1990.  I don't think
he is
competing anymore.
I could never really tell how good a single skater he was but I
think he
could have been quite good alone.  Perhaps someone else who has
seen more of
his skating can comment on that.
Anyway, thanks for the beautiful description of Lake Arrowhead.  I
wish I
were there.
Lynne

Subj:  Observations-Brian, Nancy,G&G et
Date:  93-11-29 11:50:38 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

It could be that Nancy is feeling less pressure these days and that
is why
she is doing better...that PLUS she has cut back on her other
commitments
such as endorsements, advertisements (so I understand) and is
focusing on
training.  I do think that the pressure and attention is more on
Oksana which
helps Nancy and the other girls.  Oksana, by the same token, seems
to be
feeling it which we have unfortunately seen happen to about every
girl who
wins the gold.  The skating world now is such a pressure cooker it
takes alot
to stand up to it and for a 16 year old (WHY do they keep saying
she is 15)
it is tough.  The only one that I have to say I have seen hold up
with nerves
of steel time after time is Katerina Witt.  She may not be up there
technically with the newer skaters but when the nerves get to the
rest of
them they won't be getting to her and that may get her the spot on
the
podium.  I am not Witt's biggest fan but I certainly appreciate her
confidence and her ability to hold up under alot of heat.
I think that Brian's tights suit him.  As Linda mentioned, he is a
classical
skater and to me, he ranks up there with Mikhail Barishinov and
others of the
ballet world who also wear similar attire.  Barishinov is in his
40's I
believe and the times I have seen him dance the tights look
appropriate
still.  I think it is all in how they are made and if the person
can wear
them.  The ones Brian used at Skate America were sort of ill
fitting for some
reason and I thought that they detracted from his performance then.
But, he
has the legs to wear them and for his type of skating I think it
shows off
the leg work and jumps.  I guess that certain skaters have certain
styles and
that is his.  I thought it was rather funny when Julie sat next to
the people
having a fit over his tights at some competition the past year
saying how
they were indecent etc.  Obviously, these people have never seen a
ballet
performance. Petrenko sure has his that seem to have become "him"
lately.  I
don't think I ever think of Viktor without seeing that flowered or
multi
colored shirt he has worn for years.  Maybe it is a good luck shirt
or has
some sort of personal significance but now Viktor wouldn't be
Viktor without
seeing him in that shirt once in awhile. <g>
Gordeeva and Grinkov have been wonderful for years.  I fell in love
with them
in 1987 when I first got my VCR and taped Worlds.  She was barely
15.  I have
tried to tape everything they have been in since then.  I also do
love
Brasseur and Eisler.  This is going to be a really painful Olympics
this year
in all the
different categories.
Someone mentioned Ivan Lendl and his application for citizenship to
play
tennis for the U.S.  I am not up on tennis so perhaps someone knows
more on
this but it seems he didn't get
the OK in time.  I hope Gorsha has more luck.  He and Renee are
wonderful ice
dancers and they work hard...they deserve the chance.
What I would like to wonder is from an objective standpoint it
seems sort of
peculiar that many of the skaters representing other countries have
moved
here and are living here.  I can understand why they are that is
for sure.
The availability of ice,
funds, competitions that involve money where they don't have to fly
internationally etc. certainly are reason enough considering what
they have
to go home to.  But is there a rule or a certain time that skaters
must live
in their home country in order to continue to represent that
country?



Subj:  Barbara Flowers
Date:  93-11-29 17:17:04 EST
From:  MWood
Posted on: America Online

I am so very sorry to hear about Barbara Flowers.  There is a
picture in my
mind of her standing at Tonya's side when Tonya had won something
in 1991 (I
forget whether it was Nationals or Skate America) and grinning
broadly and
saying loud enough for the TV to pick it up. "We're happy."  I'm so
glad she
had those kind of moments. I'm sure she will be greatly missed by
her
charges.

Subj:  Watch out Galleria Tree!!
Date:  93-11-29 19:28:42 EST
From:  ALbertPal
Posted on: America Online

Howdy folks,
  I finally made it!!!   Well, at least temporarily.  I have a free
1 month
trial,  (actually I have around four of them)..  Anyway.   So tell
me Ellen,
Julie, Caryn, etc. How you been?  LONG time no see.  You folks must
get me up
to speed as to what I've missed in the past few years.   Oh,
incidentally, I
shut out the lights as I left Prodigy.  I was going to bid a grand
farewell
to you all before you left Prodigy, but I got a  comm error and I
lost my
four page message... after that, I didn't have anymore time to
re-enter it.
Meanwhile you folks left.  Hope everyone had a keen Thanksgiving
and I am
looking forward to this year's harvest of Christmas cards:)
   Always yo's
   - ALbert
       (P.S.  who has the family album?, I'm still waiting for it.
heh-heh-heh) ;)

Subj:  FAMILY ALBUM
Date:  93-11-29 21:45:48 EST
From:  SKATINGMOM
Posted on: America Online

Now that you mention it Al--I tried to get one going here, but only
got 3
responses--once again if you guys send me bio plus home addresses
I will be
glad to copy and compile it(for free guys!!)--Louise
It would make a nice new years gift--

Subj:  Reason for Room
Date:  93-11-30 00:35:18 EST
From:  MargeR1
Posted on: America Online

The reason we are now able to post here again is that the earliest
notes from
April through May 31 are now gone.  (This means all reviews of the
Campbells
shows)  The folder is listed as created on 4.9/93 but the first
folder still
here is dated 6/01.    Marge

Subj:  Family Album
Date:  93-11-30 19:27:28 EST
From:  Pattisk8
Posted on: America Online

Louise,
   I think that's a good idea! Why don't we make an AOL Address and
Biography
Book, or something like that?[g] We could all send around our
pictures and
bios. What do you think?[g]
-Patti

Subj:  E-mail list
Date:  93-12-02 01:51:41 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Hi Albert..
We all have a big group list I will try to put you on.
Cristy isn't on here but has access.  I am sure she is going to
miss thinking
about throwing you on the tree this year.
Let's see..how many years is this we have thought about tossing you
on...2?
Lynne


Subj:  Bios
Date:  93-12-02 01:53:12 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

Louise..
It would be a great idea.  The problem is that I keep forgetting
and I liked
the idea before when you mentioned it.

Lynne

Subj:  Missing Notes
Date:  93-12-02 01:54:09 EST
From:  LisaSeven
Posted on: America Online

I think some notes are missing that were here that I wanted to
read.  Is
there another folder as I don't see them.  They were in response to
my note
on Brian's tights.
Lynne

Subj:  Holiday on Ice
Date:  93-12-03 23:18:49 EST
From:  Axel 9
Posted on: America Online

For you S.F. bay area people out there, Kristi Yamguchi's "Holidy
on Ice"
will be on Monday, dec 6 on chanell 44 at 8 pm.  If you're going to
be at the
Pacific Coast Competion you might want to tape it.

Kevin Anderson