text:
Discussion in 'Great Skate Debate' started by maureenfarone, Jan 26, 2013.
I don't understand why your point of view is something you think the skaters should take into account The skaters you listed and I would add Katarina Witt to that list as another notable person, did so because they wanted to. The only person whose opinions count, is the skater, and possibly their coaches/team. The statement in bold answers your own question - it is their choice. Who are you to take their choice away from them?
Just because you don't get it, or it makes you sad, do you really think they should not be competing?
If it makes you sad, don't watch them?
AxelAnnie, how others live their lives; or spend their time and money isn't up to you.
You've made your feelings very clear.
You are kidding, right? I thought it was up to me. Geesh.
I was talking about how I view the situation. I hate watching people who have attained greatness slide down the other side of the hill. Simply my opinion.
As to taking up a slot.....who pays for these skaters to compete? If the skaters are subsidized by USFSA, and local clubs, wouldn't that money be better spent on up and coming skaters who need exposure? Actually, I don't know how that works, so it is just a question.
The funding point is moot, as Rachael is not getting any. Calm down and just let her skate. What's it to you?
There are 30 U.S. Ladies listed in USFS' International Selection Pool, and 21 currently have at least 1 international senior or junior assignment. 7 of 8 were Junior 6th or below or Novice 2nd-4th from 2013 Nationals and were not assigned to a JGP this year (ETA: I don't believe any of the 7 were "robbed" of a spot; Keiser originally was assigned to a JGP but reportedly withdrew due to injury. So my response to AxelAnnie's "wouldn't that money be better spent on up and coming skaters who need exposure?" is no in this case).
8 different U.S. ladies will compete in the Senior Grand Prix (14 slots total) - USFS pays for the 3 going to Skate America; the others received Grand Prix invitations from other federations (USFS pays for 1 coach per GP skater).
10 have received 1 Senior B assignment each, including Flatt; 9 have received at least 1 JGP assignment (14 slots total) - all expenses paid for by USFS.
Only Alissa Czisny of the ISP ladies who have previously competed as a senior internationally has not been assigned an international to date and I assume she may not be competition-ready yet.
Flatt currently is not listed in a Team USA funded envelope; however, she can be promoted to Team C if she medals at Cup of Nice.
Thanks Sylvia.
In which case, I would say she deserves the funding just as much as any skater who medaled. The fact that she once was medaling at more prestigious events is irrelevant to me. If she does what she has to in order to qualify for the funding, she should get it.
In some other sports, there is more of a place for athletes who are past their prime but still want to compete. They have "masters" or "age group" or "silver" or other categories for those athletes. Having those categories really helps those sports too because enough people still want to see those athletes and interact with them and it brings attention to the sport. As an example, Julie Moss, who is famous for dragging herself across the finish line of the Ironman World Championships one year in the sort of "never give up" spirit that endurance sports are known for, now competes in Ironmans as an "age grouper."
People love it and don't think it's remotely 'sad.' She's not competing against the elite athletes any more because she isn't one but people in her age group can put themselves up against her and see how they rank. She can still win prizes and get sponsors. And, if she were to be as good as the elites, she could turn pro again if she still wanted that life for herself. But, she still has choices if she doesn't.
The closest thing that we have in skating is people like Midori Ito competing in the Adult track. It brings a lot of buzz to those competitions and she has fun and so do the other athletes who compete with her. It's only "sad" if you want it to be.
I'm baffled that anyone wants to do it at this level when they are not fully committed to it because of the massive cost of competing at this level in this sport. As for the argument that college athletes have the same pressures--not so much. Athletes competing for Stanford have access to a wealth of on campus resources for training and academic support that Rachel would not.
I also wonder if this girl will burn herself out by 25. That is not unheard of for high achievers and young millenial women seem to be particular vulnerable.
If Rachael were skating in Collegiate or Adult comps or some special oldtimers track nobody would question it at all and in fact she would bring enormous excitement to those comps. But to me she is focused on her own desires and not giving much thought to how she is representing either her sport or her country. She has already tried this combo of Stanford and competitive skating and it didn't go very well. I found her embarrassing to watch of late, frankly, and don't understand how she herself can be happy with what she put out there. (Although I admit her FS at 2012 Nats was a great flashback.) I truly respect Rachael's drive, brains, and positive spirit, but I would respect her character more if she said, You know what, I've already been a champion -- now I'm in the next phase of my life and I'm going to give an extra chance to one of those kids who's busting her butt for what I already had.
Johnny Weir showed the kind of pride I'm talking about when he withdrew in the middle of COR and from nats last season because he recognized he was not at the same level as his competition any more. http://johnnyscomebackgiftfund.com/...om-the-2013-u-s-figure-skating-championships/ He spoke and acted like a champion. That is where Rachael puzzles me. She treats competitive skating like a personal hobby. I'm sorry, but it's just not. Her attitude diminishes the sport. JMO.
Are you kidding me???? Her desire to compete "diminishes the sport???" Good grief, I will never understand why some posters here just take the attitude of "they aren't at the level they used to be, they won't medal" = washed up, lousy, have no right to even show up for the competition, but only for some skaters, not necessarily the ones that they personally favor. Rachel has every right to compete, she's not asking for special favors or to be placed in competitions she hasn't earned the place to be in from USFS. She isn't taking a spot from anyone else, what's the problem here? It seems that certain skaters who are not favored on this board (eg: Rachael, Evan) with previous success who are admittedly past their best skating days suddenly fit into the "go away, you shouldn't even by trying" category. Meanwhile, to use another example, Mirai Nagasu, whose work ethic sucks by her own admission and whose skating of the past few years just keeps going further downhill is still fervently claimed to be so brilliant and many here hope and pray she makes the Olympic team. (And before anyone screams, I've always been more of a Mirai fan than Rachael fan). Everyone has the right to compete within the scope USFS permits them. Period. And Spun, I'm not accusing you of bashing Rachael, I just think your comment about her attitude makes no sense considering how much she loves skating. She isn't everyone's cup of tea, but she still has a right and the fight to be in the mix, so I say go for it and skate!
No, I'm not kidding you. If Rachael is really skating for the love of skating, she can shine on the collegiate level or in shows. I am not talking about Rachael's rights, which I am not disputing, but the fact that other, younger skaters who hope for a future in the sport would benefit from her spot which she does not need -- she has only one way to go in skating, downhill!
As for the comparison with Mirai, the key point for me is that unlike Rachael, Mirai has not moved on. Taken some college courses, yes -- found a new career and established herself on the way there, no (AFAIK). She is one of many who are busting their butts in hopes of skating glory. I don't think Rachael has any thought of further skating glory. Please correct me if I am wrong. She is doing it for fun or as a personal challenge whereas for others their skating futures are on the line. Noblesse oblige.
Well if Rachael is such a terrible skater now, then Mirai should easily be able to beat her then. Same with the other folks who "skating futures are on the line."
FWIW, Rachel's Skate America scores, which were pretty terrible for her, already meet the technical minimums required for 4CC and the Olympics.
Those fabulous younger skaters can earn their spot by beating Rachael and every other competitor fair and square. I doubt judges are going to cut Rachael any breaks because of who she is; in fact, it will more likely go the other way, against her. I just get tired of the "whine and cheese" about skaters continuing to go on and "taking spots away" from those more deserving. (How many times did we hear complaints about Michelle Kwan continuing to compete because it was keeping Sasha Cohen from becoming National Champion, when the factor that kept Sasha from the championship was her continual habit of falling on her ass in freeskates). If they are more deserving and they are better, then let them compete and earn their spots.
Withdrawing in the middle of a competition is not something to be proud of, especially if you're attending at someone else's expense (in this case, the federation's). It's not as if doing so opens an opportunity for someone else instead.
Sometimes it's necessary if it is physically impossible to compete, but that's another story.
For anything short of international competition, i.e., regionals-sectionals-Nationals, it's on her own dime so for all practical purposes it absolutely is a personal hobby. Skaters who regularly make it to Nationals and get the attention of the international committee are just doing it at a much higher level than those who never get past regionals.
Representing the US at a senior B event is a step up from that, with somewhat greater responsibilities. But, based on Sylvia's breakdown above, who are you thinking is deserving of that opportunity and missing out because Flatt was given the assignment?
We're not talking about anything more than that yet. If Flatt comes out and qualifies for Nationals and skates well enough there to earn a top-6 placement, then she could be in line for a more prestigious assignment, but she's not going to be handed one at anyone else's expense without skating well enough to earn it.
What is the big deal that people are upset about this assignment?!?!? Siraj and Wang are on the JGP circuit, Ceasario has two GPs, Ashley Cain and Kiri Baga also have gotten senior B events, Hicks has a GP event and a senior B medal.... Who are all these "amazing talents" that Rachael is supposedly usurping to taking a spot in a rather minor Senior B competition?
Nice post.
I'm amazed at the number of people that are ragging on Rachael.. Obviosuly, $$ is not an issue for the Flatts otherwise her parents would've told her "enough already" and that's it. So, if they can pay for her to do what she is doing and she wants to skate, then so what? Good for her if she can do it all and be happy with her results! Geez.. Let the girl go out on her own terms; she will be done when she is ready.
This is a good point, but I was talking about a different kind of pride -- a high respect for the sport, oneself, and the fans that makes the athlete refuse (as far as possible) to go out on a low note. Obviously Johnny was mistaken about his competitiveness and he recognized it early in the season.
I don't necessarily agree with this. For most at the lower levels skating is a hobby. For some, the lower levels are the stepping stones to the elite level, and that is where the assignment of spots is angsty.
Well, my personal opinion is that someone like Polina Edmunds or Angela Wang would benefit greatly from a low-pressure senior B international assignment this year.
Polina Edmunds has had two great JGP competitions and has earned a spot to JGPF, which gives her a bye to Nationals. Angela will have the same opportunity to do so in her second event this week. They will also get more ranking points doing two JGP than a single Bs. That's why Josh and Jason have such high world ranking despite not doing a single senior competition.
Going to Senior B's allows JGP skaters to compete in front of senior judges and with international senior skaters, as well as getting mileage on a senior length program and levels on the last part.
In theory it would be nice for Edmunds or Wang to get to experience a Senior B this year. However, USFS already has paid for each of them to compete in 2 JGP assignments this fall and I think it would be hard to justify spending more from their international competition budget to give either of them an extra Senior B when both elected to compete internationally as juniors this fall.
I'm wondering how well you know skating at the lower levels to be able to generalize like this? (ETA: This sounds snarky but it's a genuine question I have.)
It's only massive if you want it to be. As far as I can tell, Rachel is being pretty low key about it. She choreographed her own programs so she saved herself a bunch of $$ there. I wouldn't be surprised if her costs are about even with her appearance fees at this point. Though I don't really see any evidence that she isn't committed to this equal to the level of her expenditure of time and money.
I'm sorry, but if that is your idea of 'refusing to go out on a low note,' you have your head so far up your ass that there isn't the slightly possibility of something intelligible coming out of there.
In answer to your first point, because they or others like them are the future of figure skating USA. And because Team USA's rivals, at least Russia in a big way, are doing it and giving their girls important senior experience.
In answer to your second point, your implied point that I don't know nuttin' about unseen lower level skating is perfectly correct. However, I was simply picking up, and partially taking issue with, Gkelly's statement that skating at any level below international competition is "absolutely" a personal hobby. I take Gkelly as an authority on all things skating... if not an "absolute" one. Please correct me if i am wrong about that. Still, it would have been more judicious of me to insert the word "perhaps." I am honored by your close reading of my argument.
i will bow out of this discussion now, having said my piece and answered enough critics IMO. Carry on.
Is this the same Rachael that had hidden her injury, didn't notify the committee, went to Worlds instead of letting the substitute a chance to compete at Worlds that year? And if I recall right, she did poorly causing US one spot in the following year?
Flatt was the one who got caught out for hiding an injury in 2011. However, the last time there were three US Ladies at Worlds was 2008, where Meissner, Liang, and Wagner placed 7th, 10th, and 16th and earned two spots for 2009, where Flatt finished 5th and Czisny 11th. In 2010, Nagasu placed 7th and Flatt 9th, earning two again. In 2011 Czisny placed 5th and Flatt placed 12th, almost the opposite of 2009.
Flatt was never part of a combination that lost a spot for US Ladies.
No, but she was not in condition to be at that competition, and she did not help win back a third spot. And hiding her injury was just not good sportsmanship.
If I recall correctly, the skaters have to declare prior to the start of the international season (when they fill out their federation's commitment to competing paperwork), the skaters have to declare if they are going to compete either at the Jr level or the Sr level internationally. I believe pairs still have the option of doing both? But not singles. So, with Flatt not having any assignments at the start of the international season when the initial JGP and SGP assignments were made, the skaters mentioned above...Edmunds and Wang, I am quite sure, did not take into consideration if Flatt was part of the puzzle this season. I am quite sure that they sat down with their coaches and families, looked at what their goals are for the season, both internationally and domestically, and decided what was best for them. So, if I am not mistaken, they are not eligible for a Sr B this autumn. Unless the rules changed in the last year or so.
Re: Weir w/d from the middle of an event, and not due to injury. Athletes know if they have achieved their goals in training and if they are prepared. So, either he needed to participate in the complete event (SP and LP) and deal with the consequences of being poorly prepared, or have not attended. IMO, it takes more guts to go thru a humbling experience and learn from the school of hard knocks than it does to walk half way thru the door, decide that you don't like what you see, and then turn around and leave. I can make the analogy to Ashley Wagner. She decided that she did not like the view where she was standing back in 2010 and 2011, and opened a new door and walked right thru. My two cents worth.
I think the 2008 team -- Meissner and Liang at least -- did a little better than how they had competed that year. It was Wagner who competed worse than how she competed all year. I think the 2010 team did okay at worlds too, with both making top ten.
The 2009, 2011 and 2012 teams had somewhat disappointing results--half of the team didn't make top ten.


text:
Cars > Events > Vets 'n Vettes
Contact Information
- Katie Frassinelli
- 1 (800) 538-3883
Comments on this Event
Log in to post comments.
Read comments on this event (0)
No comments have been posted on this event.
About Vets 'n Vettes
Join the National Corvette Museum for an event that remembers those who have done so much to protect our freedoms. Enjoy road tours, participate in the Bowling Green Veteran's Day Parade, Military & Corvette History team trivia, poker run and much more! No Corvette required.
Date and Time
Thu Nov 1, 2012 – Sat Nov 3, 2012
8:00 am – 5:00 pm (CDT)
Location and MapNational Corvette Museum
350 Corvette Dr., Bowling Green, Ky 42104
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42104
United States

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Each year, the Carolina Center for Public Service offers support for up to 10 Carolina graduate students to serve as skills training facilitators and share their expertise with undergraduate students engaged in service in the community and on campus. Selected graduate students are required to facilitate at least two skills trainings (one per semester) for Buckley Public Service Scholars (BPSS) participants as well as help with the review process of BPSS portfolios submitted by graduating seniors. After completing these requirements, each graduate student receives a stipend of $600. For more information about BPSS, visit Buckley Public Service Scholars.
BPSS Skills Trainings
Undergraduate students enrolled in BPSS are required to participate in at least four approved skills trainings in order to complete the program. Skills trainings should be connected to one of the following skill areas:
- Advocacy and community organizing
- Diversity and cultural awareness
- Effective communication
- Ethics and leadership
- Evaluation and applied research
- Financial management
- Fundraising, grant writing and philanthropy
- Planning and assessment
- Service-specific training
- Social entrepreneurship and innovation
The trainings must be interactive, activity-based and designed for participants to build and practice skills. Events where students simply learn information or gain awareness (such as through a lecture, panel or presentation) do not apply. Trainings must be at least one hour in length.
Application Information
The application to become a 2017-2018 BPSS graduate assistant is open until Monday, April 3 and will likely re-open for a second application cycle in August. Apply online through the CCPS Application and Nomination Portal. For more information, contact BPSS.


text:
Selected Community Events
Go Back
| 271070951
Pike County Central Hawk Night
Event Dates and Times
Pike Central High School Football Field
Pike County Central High School Football will be hosting a Hawk Night fundraising event on Saturday August 16th 2014 starting at 4 pm at the Haws Nest Field house. This event includes concessions and a variety of activities for kids and adults. including inflatables, a dunk tank, face painting, smash the car and a bon fire to close out the evening. We are proud to introduce your 2014 Hawks players, coaches, and cheerleaders to kick off what is anticipated to be a great season. Bring the family for an evening of fun and support the Hawks! Gate prices are $2 for adults, $1 for students and children under 5 are free.
Steve Collier, (606) 424-4130 email@example.com
Go Back


text:
Comedian Stephen Colbert named to sailing advisory boardPosted on
The National Sailing Hall of Fame announced that Stephen Colbert joined its honorary advisory board.
The political satirist, writer, comedian, actor and host of the television show "The Colbert Report" joins the board's other members, including its chairman, actor and sailor Morgan Freeman, who filled the post left vacant when Walter Cronkite died in 2009.
"I'm honored to be named to the Honorary Advisory Board," Colbert said in a statement. "I will do my best to not capsize the National Sailing Hall of Fame. Hard Alee!"
Colbert grew up on Charleston Harbor, right across from the Carolina Yacht Club, a Hall of Fame Founding Member Club. According to a 2011 article in Sailing World, Colbert recalled that "the regattas were right outside my window. I wasn't allowed to go sailing because I don't have an eardrum in one ear and I couldn't get water in my ear. It just drove me crazy. My mom felt so badly for me that when I was 20, my doctor said, it's healed enough — the thing that was wrong was still wrong, but it was better — he said, "You can go out there now." My mom said, "OK, I'll get you sailing lessons." I said, "I don't really want to now." Which, of course, really upset her because, to her, I was still a little boy."
He did a little sailing on and off until 2005, when a friend invited him to crew in the Charleston to Bermuda race onboard a 45-foot cat ketch. "I just loved it," he said.
In October, Colbert hosted World Cup USA Team Oracle skipper Jimmy Spithill on his show. Spithill explained the hydrofoil technology that makes the most recently raced AC72s go so fast, calling it "NASCAR on water." Colbert likened the catamaran to "a spaceship with a 130-foot sail and two cruise missiles on it."
"For the first time, non-sailors are watching sailing on TV," Spithill told Colbert, offering an invitation to join the team on the boat to a pleased-looking Colbert. Something to watch for next spring?


text:
Kraft paper gummed tape (water activated kraft paper tape) is coated with vegetable glue and used in framing and packing applications.
1. Strong adhesiveness, low sensitization, excellent compliance, no residue glue.
2. No harm to skin and air permeability, it enables the skin to breath freely.
3. Easy to tear, making usage very convenient and comfortable.
4. Enviroment friendly and no pollution
Application: Widely use in jointing paper, sealing box, bundling articles, machine parts and electronic products, heavy duty packing etc.
Specifications can be produced according to clients requirements.
Carton Sealing Use and Waterproof Feature gummed Tape Reinforced Kraft Paper Tape Images


text:
Clothing AccessoriesIf you're looking to kit your fly fishing vest or fishing jacket out with some clothing accessories, our range of zinger and fly patches are perfect for handy tools.
This Airflo Hook Up Zinger is fantastic value and is available in blue or red.
2 reviews
Airflo Premium Satin Tool Zinger with Pin
This Airflo Premium Satin Zinger with Pin comes with a pin to attach to clothing.
2 reviews
Airflo Tool Retractor Tube with Pin
Airflo Retractor Tube with Pin is an essential for all fishing jackets. Help keep your forceps and snips in the best possible place.
Save £4
no reviews
The Airflo Wading Belt is designed for maximum comfort and firm fit.
1 reviews
This Dr. Slicks Clip On Zinger has a clip-on attachment for fixing to clothing.
2 reviews
For extremely modest outlay you can have a selection of flies at the ready with the Standard Fly Patch clipped onto your vest or jacket.
2 reviews
This Dr Slicks Hat Keeper means no more lost caps blown of by the wind.
no reviews
6 options from £13.99
Original BUFF Headwear is the ideal way to keep your face and neck cool and protected from harmful UV rays.
no reviews


text:
— For those who have emailed and sent Facebook messages today, I just wanted to personally THANK YOU for all the happy birthday wishes. You guys are the absolute best. Whether you love us or hate us, most of you guys continue to visit the website on a daily basis and have helped us become one of the top pro wrestling websites on the 'net today. Due to the Darren Young and Brooke Hogan stories as well as SummerSlam, we've had near record traffic over the last several days. I say it time and time again – we have the best fans in the world. You guys are all entitled to your opinions but at the end of the day, we thank ALL of you for your continued support. We owe all of our success to all of you. Once again, THANK YOU for the Happy Birthday wishes and also for your continued support of the website! 33 years old?! God damn I'm getting old, lol. Be good guys.
— TNA Knockout Velvet Sky was in fact at the TNA iMPACT! Wrestling television taping in Norfolk, Virginia on Thursday. For whatever reason, despite being advertised, Sky was not used during the event.
Happy birthday……..Wonder why she didnt let the pidgeons loose
She hardly ever does anymore 🙁
That be true. Its since shes come back
Here's my question… are the pigeons boobs or her ass? I mean, I always thought they were her boobs, but she used to shake her ass when she entered the ring, and phrase was coined, "Let the pigeons loose."
Let's be honest, she doesn't have the greatest ass. She's more top-heavy… pun intended.
Pregnant maybe?
Maybe she re-aggravated her knee injury? That is definitely odd though.
But then surely they would just say she was injured. Why the secrecy and postings from Angelina Love and not Velvet herself? She's 32 and has been with Sabin for a good few years, her having a baby isn't that far fetched… At the mo it's all speculation anyway.
Me personally, I don't want her preggers… because that means all the photos and what not stop.
Chris Sabin was horny and demanded they let her out the match so he could get some before his match. He said "I'm the world heavyweight champion damn it!" Dixie had creative change the plans, and thats why they made him drop the belt…
Happy Belated B-Day Ryan