A Musing #2: If You Can't Say Anything Nice....

I am a firm believer in the "Thumper Theory" when it comes to most things in life and especially when it comes to skating. These young men and women all work so hard that to openly bash them for having a bad performance is poor form. I certainly couldn't do what they do, so I applaud every one of them for getting out there and proudly representing their country and their federation. Truly! I also applaud my many adult skater friends who continue to love the sport and who compete at whatever level they choose. For them, I stand up and cheer!

I got up to watch the men's long program performance from Trophee Eric Bompard in Paris live on Ice Network. It was early in the morning here, and early in the season - very early. It showed. However, following my self-imposed rule, I will share my personal  "IMHO" highlights:

• Vaughn Chipeur's (CAN) circular footwork and his choice of music
• Javier Fernandez (ESP) circular and straightline footwork in a "Pirates" style that reminded me of Braden Overett
• Alban Preaubert's (FRA) choice of Rolling Stones music that fit his skating
• Adam Rippon's (USA) smile and his excitement in the K&C when he realized he won Bronze (AND his short program which absolutely blew me away!!)
• Tomas Verner's (CZE) Long program costume
• Nobunari Oda's(JPN) Chaplin

Enough said. On to pairs and then the ladies....