#anita toth

[collageofnudes]

Anita Toth by Stefan Grosjean

part 1 / 8 (part 2 , part 3 , part 4 , part 5 , part 6 , part 7 , part 8)

[innerduckgladiator]

Anita Toth Anjou

[eurovision-revisited]

1996 Oslo - Number 22 - Tanita - "Egy régi dal"

The Hungarian Selection in 1996 is not yet called A Dal, and for this year is a series of videotaped performance screened in a TV show. There are fourteen of them, and a good selection of genres.

Egy régi dal (An Old Song) is a bit of a power ballad, belted well by Tanita. The mood is sad, but the chorus still manages to soar thanks to those power high notes. Unfortunately this is one of those songs obscure enough for the lyrics to have eluded me. If I were to guess she's a bit fed up of being fed the same excuses.

This whole song is a bit of a mystery in fact. Given it finished in 4th place in the selection, I'd expect there to be more information yet all I'm left with is a title and a mononym. Despite that I think I've worked out who she is.

Almost certainly she was in an EDM band called Alvajárók (Sleepwalkers) from 1993 to 1996 shortly before this performance. They released a couple of LPs and three singles. This ballad is musically far, far away from hard EDM. She certainly got the voice for both - Egy regi dal may have been an attempt at changing direction. Much more recently Tanita launched a short lived project called Appassionita in 2014 with another LP and single.

In between those dates I believe she acted in Hungarian films and on TV with several roles listed. I'm a little more doubtful about this as I can't absolutely verify that Tanita's real name is Anita Toth

Here's something from Alvajárók - do you think this is the same singer?

[metalindex-hu]

Slave to Sirens - Tóth Anita az új énekesnő

Slave to Sirens - Tóth Anita az új énekesnő - https://metalindex.hu/2023/01/01/slave-to-sirens-toth-anita-az-uj-enekesno/ -

Tóth Anita, akiről coverjei (Jinjer, Lorna Shore, Five Finger Death Punch) kapcsán többször említést tettünk a blogon, most újult erővel mutatja meg, mi lakozik a torkában.

A 2015-ben alakult libanoni thrash/death metal banda, a Slave to Sirens ráakadt Ani videóira a Youtube-on, és mivel a zenekar éppen énekest keresett, nem voltak restek megkérdezni őt, hogy magához ragadná-e a mikrofont?

Egy ideje már elég sokat gondolkodtunk ezen, de végre készen állunk arra, hogy az új évet egy tiszta lappal, új felállással köszöntsük! Bemutatjuk nektek új énekesnőnket, Tóth Anitát, aki keményen készül, hogy csatlakozzon hozzánk és a készülő albumon énekeljen. Anita különleges és tág hangterjedelemmel rendelkezik, és nagyon jól ért a dallamokhoz. Az ő énekhangja a következő szintre fogja emelni a zenénket. 

– jelentette be ma a csapat Facebookján, Anita pedig így köszönte meg a támogatást:

Szeretettel köszöntelek benneteket és remélem hamarosan találkozunk a nagyvilágban, sok-sok színpadon!!! Nagyon boldog vagyok, hogy a Slave To Sirens frontasszonya lehetek. Ígérem nem fogok csalódást okozni nektek! Maradjatok velünk! Mindenkinek boldog új évet és egy jobb újrakezdést kívánunk! Köszönjük a támogatást!

A zenekar jelenlegi felállása:

Tóth Anita – ének

Lilas Mayassi – gitár

Shery Bechara – gitár

Alma Doumani   – basszusgitár

[gatutor]

Anita Ekberg-Jack Palance "Los mongoles" (I mongoli) 1961, de André de Toth, Leopoldo Savona.

[normasshearer]

FILM NOIR WOMEN WITH GUNS (pt. 1)

Jane Greer, Out of the Past (1947) dir. Jacques Tourneur

Mary Astor, The Maltese Falcon (1941) dir. John Huston

Martha Vickers, The Big Sleep (1946) dir. Howard Hawks

Peggy Dow, Woman in Hiding (1950) dir. Michael Gordon

Barbara Stanwyck, The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946) dir. Lewis Milestone

Jean Gillie, Decoy (1946) dir. Jack Bernhard

Lizabeth Scott, Pitfall (1948) dir. André De Toth

Anita Colby, Brute Force (1947) dir. Jules Dassin

Bette Davis, Deception (1946) dir. Irving Rapper

[nutellamilkshake]

A SPORTS BLOG: Women's Figure Skating Short Program | PyeongChang 2018

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEtYYtwX1sM

Introduction

Figure Skating is a sport in which single athletes or teams of athletes conduct artistic performances on ice. Both men and women participate in their own singles events with pair skating events and ice dancing events open to both genders (usually one male and one female).

Athletes produce a wide variety of moves in order to impress a panel of judges, who score the athletes based on their grace, flair and control. Moves include jumps and spirals in the air, spins on the ice and a number of different step sequences.

Figure Skating has been a part of the Winter Olympics since the games first began in 1924, and also made appearances at 1908 and 1920 Summer Olympics before that.

The United States are the current world leaders in Olympic Figure Skating, holding a total of 49 medals overall. Russia and Austria are the closest rivals with 26 and 20 medals, respectively. The Soviet Union also picked up 24 medals during their time in the competition.

Court Dimension

Figure Skating Winter Olympics 2018 was held at the Gangneung Ice Arena in Gangneung, South Korea. Figure Skating Rinks have a total area of 18,707 ft2 (1738 m2), with an average length of 196.85’ (60 m) and a width of 98.43’ (30 m). Hence, its corners have a circumference of 27.89’. (8.5 m).

Equipment

Costume - The figure skating costume should be made of light and elastic materials, as a rule, these are stretch fabrics. The costume of the figure skater reflects the style of the program and the music.

Figure Skates - Professional skates for figure skating are made of thick durable leather, have a long lacing and a large tongue. For professional skaters, skates are made individually. The blades are made of carbon steel and consist of two parts. The curved rocker for a good glide on ice. The toe part has teeth, for the execution of jumps and some elements of the program.

Basic Skills

Turns - Figure skating turns are an  important part of the sport. Some turns are part of the basics and others are  advanced and difficult to perform. Figure skating turns are important  because they are part of the advanced figure skating moves. For example the  entrance to certain jumps includes a three turn or a mohawk.

Steps - Figure skating steps a  skills that when put together form what is called a footwork sequence. Some  figure skating steps are variations on or combinations of turns. Power three  turns, twizzles, and running threes are example

Spins - Spins in figure skating are  often the most fun for the skater and most appealing to the figure skating  audience. Crowds love to watch an elegant or super fast spin. There is so  much important information related of figure skating spins that we have an  entire section devoted to these figure skating skills. This section includes  descriptions, pictures, and video demonstrations of figure skating spins.

Jumps - Jumps are spins in the air.  Actually a jump is a back spin in the air. These figure skating skills have  become one of the most important aspects of the sport since the creation of  the international judging system. Triple and quad jumps receive so many  points that they overshadow most of the other skills when competing. Some of  the most elegant skaters have lost in competitions because another skater  executes a series of point grabbing jumps

Spirals - Spirals are glides with  one leg way up in the air. There are many variations of these figure skating  skills. The first figure skating spiral learned is usually the arabesque.  Skaters will then learn a catch foot variation. Important aspects for figure skating  spirals are good extension, get the free leg extended high in the air, and  moving steadily across the ice. A change of edge during a spiral will receive  extra points

Moves in the field -  Really moves on the ice not in a field! They are in some ways a replacement  for "figures". The moves tests are intended teach the skater the  skills they need to excel in the sport.

Technical and Tactical Skills of each team

Most individuals showed their different choreographed figure skating performance. Each figure skaters from different countries were such fascinating to watch and most of their performances are masterpiece. Let’s start with Russia (Alina Zagitova), she gracefully executed her performance through combinations just like double axel-triple toe and triple lutz-triple toe. She really had a flexible body which benefits her in her technical and tactical skills which helped her get the victory of the event. Next is from Russia (Evgenia Medvedeva), She performed with different varieties of movements which made her performance stunning, she had jumps and spins that results as an extraordinary performance. Next is from Canada (Kaetlyn Osmond), she has done such combos like triple-triple combos. She performed with a fast pacing combined with turns and jumps which made her performance eager to watch. Next is from Japan (Satoko  Miyahara), watching her performance, she had leaps and jump variations that leads to triple toe loop. She showcased also spiral movements that makes the audience enjoy her performance. Next is from Japan (Kaori Sakamoto), her performance was really jaw dropping because of her splendid production. She has done such unique movements which made her almost got a high score to the judges. Next is from Italy (Carolina Kostner), She did a magnificent move in the field, spirals and jumps which made her performance opulent to the eyes, I can really say that she went through a lot failures in her practices because she showcased such a hard performance which I can really say that all her practices were really worth it. Next is from Canada (Gabrielle Daleman), I can notice in her tactics in presenting her performance is through mostly jumps and such spirals, resulting her performance with such superb presentation. Next is from South Korea (Choi Da-bin), she started her performance with a move in the field, she had jumps and turns in her way of her tactics. Next is from United States (Mirai Nagasu), she is such a skillful figure skater because of her performance with such impressive spins and jumps. She had points from the judges with her layback spin because it was really a hard thing to do which shocked most of the people and also me. Next is from United States (Karen Chen), she had tactics like toe jumps and lutz. She presented great progression of moves in the field and spirals which made her performance imposing. Next is from United States (Bradie Tennel), she showed tremendous jumps and spirals which is her tactics in the event. Next is from Russia (Maria Sotskova), Most of her tactics are spiral jump and moves around the field and gliding throughout her performance. Next is from Slovakia (Nicole Rajicova), her tactics were done through leaps, turns, spirals and jump. She showed an organized performance which I can really say that she really mastered her movement all throughout her performance because of her body language being showed in the performance. Next is from Germany (Nicole Schott), Her performance was spectacular to watch because she really moves gracefully and her movement has timing towards the music. Next is from Kazakhstan (Elizabet Tursynbayeva), extraordinary spirals, jumps, spins, steps turns were all present in her performance which is her tactics in the event. Next is from Australia (Kailani Craine), she was really energetic in her performance which helped her execute such stunning jumps, spirals and spins. She really enjoyed her performance. Next is from Brazil (Isadora Williams), her performance was having the tactics of different combos of spins and jumps combining with the music to result a spectacular performance. Next is from Finland (Emmi Peltonen), she had showcased jumps and spins that can really prove that she really mastered it well and has a unique ability that is not present to other players. Next is from Switzerland (Alexia Paganini), her tactics was done through spins and jumps from what I observe in her performance, she really mastered these two in order to add opulent view in the eyes of the audience. Next is from Belgium (Loena Hendrickx), her tactics in the event was through her strength in spinning and the combined with jumps to make her performance stunning. Next is from Hungary (Ivett Toth), she showed tactics of being classic, she wore a costume with a very simple design emphasizing her passion or theme of being punk and being classic. Next is from Latvia (Diana Nikitina), her way of presenting his performance was through spins, she mostly showcased this skill with a unique kind of way of executing it and that’s her tactics in the event. Next is from Sweden (Anita Ostlund), she has done a tremendous performance with her tactics of upright spin, this spin is really hard because you really need to have lower strength in order to perform this which results toa plus points to then judge scorecard. Next is from Kazakhstan (Aiza Mambekova), her tactics was through her hands, to add more joy in her performance. Lastly, is from Ukraine (Anna Khnychenkova), her tactics was through skating with one leg only. She had also executed such upright spin reaching her toes which made her performance outstanding.

Rules of the Game

Players & Equipment

Figure skating is a sport in which both men and women compete, and the only equipment needed is a pair of specially designed skates known as “Figure Skates.”

Figure Skates

Figure Skates are specially designed skating shoes with thick steel blades at the base and jagged grooves at the front known as “toe picks” – which assist athletes with their footwork on the ice, as well as landing and spinning. The specific style of toe picks can vary.

The key blades are usually about 4 millimeters wide, although this varies depending on the athlete’s foot style. They also have a small bend on one side to help with ice turns.

Figure skaters will often want to skate on the outer tips of their wheels. In order to accommodate step-work rather than skipping, ice dancers normally have slightly narrower blades on the base of their shoes, with a slightly different shape.

Costumes

In order to perform on a professional level, all men and women must wear special costumes. Men are expected to wear pants, while women must wear skirts and tights, trousers, or neon spandex.

Scoring

Figure skaters are judged by a jury of judges who use the ISU Judging System to rate them (usually nine judges including a technical inspector, and also a referee). This system works by giving varying numbers of points to competitors with different kinds of movements, as well as how quickly and successfully they are performed. A Grade of Execution (GoE) is measured, followed by a Scale of Success  (SOP). A Grade of Execution (GoE) is measured, and this grade is then converted into an overall mark using a Scale of Value Table.

Ability, footwork, performance, perception, overall execution, choreography, and timing are the key factors scored     during a normal Figure Skating performance. The more complicated maneuvers     are often awarded the highest scores if they are done correctly. For     example, the more rotations in a leap, the higher the score.

Winning

The athlete or team with the highest total score wins a Figure Skating competition.

Figure Skating Rules

Figure skaters must make their results interesting. According to the Zayak Rule, no participant can try triple or quadruple jumps more than twice.

If participants may not follow the rules and regulations for music and costumes, judges can penalize them or disqualify them entirely. Certain forms of music are forbidden, and costumes must be free of “excessive decoration” or be too revealing.

Time penalties will also result in athletes being disqualified.

How to officiate the sport

Officiating officials are the backbone of Figure Skating, ensuring fair competition for all skaters by enforcing the rules and regulations that govern the sport of figure skating.

Accountants

Accountants are also responsible for providing the judges, referees and technical panel officials with documents for recording their decisions. The accountants are also responsible for ensuring that the scoring software is set up properly, the scores are entered accurately and the results are calculated correctly.

Announcers

Announcers are responsible for announcing competitors before they perform at a competition. Announcers might also be asked to announce scores, names of officials and other general competition information as necessary. As the voice of an event, announcers need to be able to work as part of a team and have the ability to communicate effectively with competition hosts, referees and other officials. 

 Ice Technicians

Ice technicians are utilized at certain qualifying and international competitions to ensure the safety and quality of the ice surface. Primarily utilized at large competitions, the ice technician is the go-between for the event referee and arena personnel, and ensures each event runs safely and smoothly.

Judges

There are 2 types of Judges: Test Judges & Competition Judges

Test Judges: who can judge test sessions and     nonqualifying competitions

Competition Judges: who can judge     nonqualifying and qualifying competitions

 Music Technicians

Music officials are responsible for the setup, tear down and operation of the equipment used to play music at competitions.

Referees

Referees are the designated leaders and spokespeople for an event. They also manage the panel of judges and, depending on the size of the competition, may serve as one of the event's judges as well.

Summarization

Everyone did well in the event, however Alina Zagitova from Russia got the victory with the score of 82.92. Second place is Evgenia Medvedeva also from Russia with a score of 81.61 and third place is from Canada named Kaetlyn Osmond with a score of 78.87. Watching the figure skating event was really fun and at the same time jaw-dropping because of the extraordinary performance of the players. I can really say that figure skating is not an easy sport, it requires determination to improve and will go though different failures in order to grow as a figure skater. I really respect those players since they really tried their best to win.

References:

Figure Skating. (n.d.). Retrieved from Sportwiki:  https://sport-wiki.org/sports/figure-skating/#Equipment_for_figure_skating

The Basics. (n.d.).  Retrieved from Go Figure Skating:  http://gofigureskating.com/skills/index.html

Officiate. (n.d.).  Retrieved from US Figure Skating:  https://www.usfigureskating.org/support/officiate

Figure Skating Rules. (n.d.).  Retrieved from Rules of Sport:  https://www.rulesofsport.com/sports/figure-skating.html

[figureskatingfanblog]

Confirmed/Announced European Teams

These are just the ones that I can find that have been officially announced or confirmed.

Austria

Men - Maurizio Zandron

Ladies - Olga Mitukina

Pairs - Miriam Ziegler/Severin Kiefer

Belgium

Ladies - Loena Hendrickx

Czech Republic

Men - Matyas Belohradsky, Michal Brezina

Ladies - Eliska Brezinova, TBD

Ice Dance - Natalia Tashlerova / Filip Taschler

Finland

Men - Roman Galay

Ladies - Linnea Ceder, Emmi Peltonen, Jenni Saarinen

Ice Dance - Yuki Orihara / Juho Pirinen

Great Britain

Men - Peter James Hallam

Ladies - Natasha McKay

Pairs - Zoe Jones / Christopher Boyajdi

Ice Dance - Lilah Fear / Lewis Gibson, Robynne Tweedale / Joseph Buckland

Hungary

Men - Andras Csernoch

Ladies - Ivett Toth

Pairs - Ioulia Chtchetinina / Mark Maygar

Ice Dance - Emily Monaghan / Ilias Fourati

Ireland

Men - Conor Stakelum

Latvia

Men - Dennis Vasilijevs

Ladies - Angelina Kuchvalska

Ice Dance - Aurelija Ipolita / T.J. Michel

Lithuania

Ladies - Aleksandra Golovinka

Ice Dance - Allison Reed / Sauluis Ambrelevicus

Netherlands

Men - Thomas Kennes

Ladies - Niki Wories

Pairs - Daria Danilova / Michel Tsbia

Norway

Men - Sondre Oddvell Boe

Spain

Ladies - Valentina Matos

Pairs - Lara Barquero / Tom Consul, Dorata Broda / Pedro Betegon

Ice Dance - Sara Hurtado / Kirill Khaliavin, Olivia Smart / Adrian Diaz

Sweden

Men - Nikolaj Majorov, Ilia Solomin

Ladies - Anita Otslund

Switzerland

Men - Lukas Britschgi

Ladies - Alexia Paganini, Yasmine Kimiko Yamada

Pairs - Aleksandra Herbikova / Nicolas Roulet

Ice Dance - Victoria Manni / Carlo Rothsliberger

Ukraine

Men - Ivan Shumrtako

Ladies - Anastasia Gozhva

Pairs - Sofiia Nestrova / Artem Darenskyi

Ice Dance - Aleksandra Nazarova / Maxim Nikitn

[sywtwfs]

which skaters, in all disciplines, would you say are almost certainly a lock for their country's olympic spots? discounting injuries and such, of course.

ETA: This post will be updated with official Olympic team announcements.

Many national championships will happen in the next month or so, so we’ll soon know most countries’ Olympic teams. This is a short overview of which skaters are likely going to the Olympics, and which spots are still under contention.

Australia (officially announced)

Men (1) - Brendan Kerry

Ladies (1) - Kailani Craine

Pairs (1) - Alexandrovskaya/Windsor

Austria (officially announced)

Pairs (1) - Ziegler/Kiefer

Belgium (officially announced)

Men (1) - Jorik Hendrickx

Ladies (1) - Loena Hendrickx

Brazil (officially announced)

Ladies (1) - Isadora Williams

Canada (officially announced)

Men (2) - Patrick Chan, Keegan Messing

Ladies (3) - Kaetlyn Osmond, Gabrielle Daleman, Larkyn Austman

Pairs (3) - Duhamel/Radford, Seguin/Bilodeau, Moore-Towers/Marinaro

Ice dance (3) - Virtue/Moir, Weaver/Poje, Gilles/Poirier

China (officially announced)

Men (2) - Boyang Jin, Han Yan

Ladies (1) - Xiangning Li

Pairs (3) - Sui/Han, Yu/Zhang, Peng/Jin

Ice dance (1) - Wang/Liu

Czech Republic (officially announced)

Men (1) - Michal Brezina

Pairs (1) - Duskova/Bidar

Ice dance (1) - Mansourova/Ceska

Finland (officially announced)

Ladies (1) - Emmi Peltonen

France (officially announced: 1, 2, 3)

Men (1) - Chafik Besseghier

Ladies (1) - Mae Berenice Meite

Pairs (1) - James/Cipres

Ice dance (2) - Papadakis/Cizeron, Lauriault/Le Gac

Georgia (officially announced)

Men (1) - Moris Kvitelashvili

Germany (officially announced)

Men (1) - Paul Fentz

Ladies (1) - Nicole Schott

Pairs (2) - Savchenko/Massot, Hocke/Blommaert

Ice dance (1) - Lorenz/Polizoakis

Great Britain (officially announced)

Ice dance (1) - Coomes/Buckland

Hungary (officially announced)

Ladies (1) - Ivett Toth

Israel (officially announced)

Men (2) - Alexei Bychenko, Daniel Samohin

Ladies (team event only) - Aimee Buchanan

Pairs (1) - Connors/Krasnopolski

Ice dance (1) - Tankova/Zilberberg

Italy (officially announced)

Men (1) - Matteo Rizzo

Ladies (2) - Carolina Kostner, Giada Russo

Pairs (2) - Marchei/Hotarek, Della Monica/Guarise

Ice dance (2) - Cappellini/Lanotte, Guignard/Fabbri

Japan (officially announced)

Men (3) - Yuzuru Hanyu, Shoma Uno, Keiji Tanaka

Ladies (2) - Satoko Miyahara, Kaori Sakamoto

Pairs (1) - Suzaki/Kihara

Ice dance (1) - Muramoto/Reed

Kazakhstan (officially announced)

Men (1) - Denis Ten

Ladies (2) - Elizabet Tursynbaeva, Aiza Mambekova

Latvia (officially announced)

Men (1) - Deniss Vasiljevs

Ladies (1) - Diana Nikitina

Malaysia

Men (1) - Julian Yee

North Korea (officially announced)

Pairs (1) - Ryom/Kim

Philippines (officially announced)

Men (1) - Michael Christian Martinez

Poland (officially announced)

Ice dance (1) - Kaliszek/Spodyriev

Olympic Athletes from Russia (officially announced)

Ladies (3) - Evgenia Medvedeva, Alina Zagitova, Maria Sotskova

Men (2) - Mikhail Kolyada, Dmitri Aliev

Pairs (3) - Tarasova/Morozov, Zabiiako/Enbert, Astakhova/Rogonov (Stolbova/Klimov not invited by IOC)

Ice dance (2) - Bobrova/Soloviev, Zagorski/Guerreiro (Stepanova/Bukin not invited by IOC)

Slovakia (officially announced)

Ladies (1) - Nicole Rajicova

Ice dance (1) - Mysliveckova/Csolley

South Korea (officially announced)

Men (1) - Jun Hwan Cha

Ladies (2) - Dabin Choi, Hanul Kim

Pairs (1) - Kim/Kam

Ice dance (1) - Min/Gamelin

Spain (officially announced)

Men (2) - Javier Fernandez, Felipe Montoya

Ice dance (1) - Hurtado/Khaliavin

Sweden (officially announced)

Ladies (1) - Anita Ostlund

Switzerland (officially announced)

Ladies (1) - Alexia Paganini

Turkey (officially announced)

Ice dance (1) - Agafonova/Ucar

Ukraine (officially announced)

Men (1) - Yaroslav Paniot

Ladies (1) - Anna Khnychenkova

Ice dance (1) - Nazarova/Nikitin

USA (officially announced: 1, 2, 3, 4)

Men (3) - Nathan Chen, Adam Rippon, Vincent Zhou

Ladies (3) - Bradie Tennell, Mirai Nagasu, Karen Chen

Pairs (1) - Scimeca Knierim/Knierim

Ice dance (3) - Shibutani/Shibutani, Hubbell/Donohue, Chock/Bates

Uzbekistan

Men (1) - Misha Ge

[collageofnudes]

Anita Toth by Stefan Grosjean

part 7 / 8 (part 1 , part 2 , part 3 , part 4 , part 5 , part 6 , part 8)

[huesofblue]

Gliding Across the Ice for Victory (Pt. II)

With the background information of figure skating now done and discussed, we will now move on to the main reason for this review blog: Full Match of the Women’s Singles Short Program of Figure Skating from the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.

Now, I would just like to put a disclaimer up that since I am not at all familiar with the lingos associated with this sport, they will not be used as much in this blog – if at all, really. If they do come up and did not seemed to be used correctly, then I apologize in advance for any mistakes.

For reference, we will be watching the match through this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEtYYtwX1sM

[all rights reserved to the original owner of the graphic: Olympics]

Because there were 30 competing athletes in this Olympic short program figure skating match at the Gangneung Ice Arena, there were 5 groups created with break gaps in between. Bearing in mind there were 6 skaters in each group, the order of performers were as follows:

Bradie Tennell, USA;

Isadora Williams, Brazil;

Anna Khnyechnkova, Ukraine;

Diana Nikitina, Latvia;

Kim Hanul, South Korea;

Anita Oestlund, Sweden;

Li Xiangning, China;

Alexia Paganini, Switzerland;

Aiza Mambekova, Kazakhstan;

Emmi Peltonen, Finland;

Larkyn Austman, Canada;

Mae Berenice Meite, France;

Kailani Craine, Australia;

Ivett Toth, Hungary;

Giada Russo, Italy;

Loena Hendrickx, Belgium;

Nicole Schott, Germany;

Nicole Rajicova, Slovakia;

Kaori Sakamoto, Japan;

Mirai Nagasu, USA;

Gabrielle Daleman, Canada;

Karen Chen, USA;

Elizabet Tursynbaeva, Kazakhstan;

Choi Dabin, South Korea;

Evgenia Medvedeva, OAR;

Satoko Miyahara, Japan;

Kaetlyn Osmond, Canada;

Alina Zagitova, OAR;

Carolina Kostner, Italy; and

Maria Sotskova, OAR.

Group 1

Starting the performance of the 1st group was Bradie Tennell who was representing USA. Skating to Taeguki by Dong-jun Lee, she was dressed in a velvet-looking red number. Tennell began her program with artistic movements, moving gracefully across the ice and building up her momentum for the first required element. She successfully landed a Triple Lutz jump as part of her opening combination, but failed to land on her feet for the next component. Personally, I think her fall was caused by the diminished strength on her landing foot, that which was maybe caused by her previous jump. She had dropped her weight too much on her landing foot, not evenly spacing it out, which then caused her to fail the landing on the next triple jump. Nonetheless, Tennell picked herself up and continued on to do a series of beautiful spins with defined lines and a neat execution for her second required element. Not long after that, she was able to land a Triple Loop jump – after the step sequence – that I believe was done cleanly, and another jump right near the end. As the announcer said after she finished, Tennell had performed a clean set despite missing the triple combination. Had she not made the mistake in the triple jump after the Lutz, I believe she would have posed a stronger front against her competitors. Right after the replay of her spins and jumps, her score came up to 64.01 points – 35.50 for technical elements, 29.51 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

The next performer was Isadora Williams from Brazil, and wearing a pretty lilac dress, she was going to be skating to Hallelujah performed by K.D. Lang. Just from the opening movements she did at the beginning of her program, I could already see how well in-tune Williams was with her body, moving with a certain sharpness that I cannot explain properly and an emotion that could be felt even through a screen. She did a Triple Lutz-Double Toe combination, a relatively safe decision, as the opening jump, and she did it cleanly and unhesitatingly, further proving her improvement from her previous games. She did a Triple Loop after that, and it was also executed neatly. Her spins were also nicely done, though I believe not as defined as Tennell’s. She soon completed the required jumps of her program with the Double Axel, and went on to do a series of spins and minor artistic jumps that added to the artistry of her performance, as well as executed her step sequence too. Williams had done remarkably smart choices for her program, and despite missing that bravely risky confidence – having gone for the sure and neat route – she did very well for her performance. Right after the replay of her program, her score came up to 55.74 points – 29.83 for technical elements, 25.91 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Anna Khnyechnkova, representing Ukraine, was up next, and she was going to be skating to Sorongo, Street Passions by Didulia in a black dress fit with gold and red details. Right from the beginning of her program, there was already much power in her movements. She did a Double Axel as her opening jump, and it was well-executed. Like Tennell, she also wasn’t able to land the second jump of her combination set, having done a good Triple Toe but unfortunately didn’t deliver as good for the next jump. I believe she failed so because she wasn’t able to build up the speed properly from the Triple Toe, which then costed her the execution of her next triple jump. She did a few spins and artistic movements then, as she built up for momentum for her Triple Lutz; however, she unfortunately wasn’t able to land that one as well. Now, I’m not sure of the accurate technicalities, but I believe she wasn’t able to land the Triple Lutz due to her incorrect footwork and lack of speed and momentum. Moving on, she continued with her program and soon brought it to a finish after completing the rest of the required elements. Personally, I could tell that there was a lot going on in her performance, feeling as though there was just maybe too much that her movements hadn’t harmonized well with each other. Nevertheless, she still performed well and nicely, despite her errors. Right after the replay of her performance, her score came up to 47.59 points – 26.66 for technical elements, 22.93 for presentation, and -2.00 for deductions.

Up next was Diana Nikitina for Latvia, and she was going to be skating to Soldier of Love by Sade in a black pant-one-piece fit. Before she began, I felt that she had a bit of a strong aura to her, a type of confidence that was really only furthered due to the ensemble she was wearing – and that was a good thing because it made me had high hopes for her. Her program started with a series of movements that complemented the music she was moving along to. Her jump combination of a Triple Lutz and a Triple Toe was very neatly and nicely done – there was no sensed hesitance, and it was delivered strongly and confidently, but later, the judges had come to the decision that it was, sadly, under rotated. Her next jump was a Triple Flip, and while she did change it to a Triple Loop, it was still done well and surely. She also did a Double Axel after a required spin element, and according to the announcer, it had a nervy landing but was still delivered well. She went on to perform her required combination of spins next, and soon, she was able to bring her program to a close with pride on her face. Personally, I think she did really well, especially at the fact that she made her performance work despite her tall height. I think she just needs to improve on the accuracy of her movements, like the build up towards her jumps, and her footwork as well – but other than that, she did a good job on executing her program. Following the judges’ deliberation and the review of her jumps and spins, her score was announced, and it had come up to 51.12 points – 26.35 for technical elements, 24.77 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Following Nikitina was Kim Hanul of South Korea, and dressed in a brown dress with a white collar and shoulder top, she was going to be skating to the soundtrack of The Piano. She began her program not long after she got on the ice, and right off the bat, one could sense the somewhat innocent feel to her movements. She moved softly, gently and gracefully – I couldn’t even tell that she was building up to her opening jump combination (a Triple Lutz and Triple Toe) and even then, once she landed on her foot for both jumps, the elements were done impressively and remarkably well. There was no hesitance, no apparent nervousness – her movements just blended well with each other, and her jumps were no exception to her exertion of accuracy and confidence. The speed of her spins was quick yet neat and sure, and her speed didn’t even stop there. She then did a Triple Loop that, honestly speaking, I thought wasn’t going to be successful because of the height of her jump, but she did not disappoint at all, in that her rotations were fast enough to land her successfully on her foot. She did a Double Axel after that too, and it was also as nicely and cleanly done, similar to her previous jumps. Her next spins before she finished her program were also done quickly yet cleanly, and soon, she finished her performance to a successful end. After the judges’ recheck of her program as well as the review of her elements, her score was announced, and it had come up to 54.33 points – 29.41 for technical elements, 24.92 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

The last performer for the 1st group was Anita Oestlund, representing Sweden, and in a fuchsia-colored dress, she was going to be skating to Carmen Fantasie by David Garrett. She began with large movements, building up to what would have been a Triple Lutz – unfortunately, once she got to its execution, she had only done a Single Lutz, and according to the announcer, that one was going to be costly of her score. Her next spins, though, were very nicely done – low and centered, a hard feat to achieve, especially with a height like hers. The execution of her footwork for the step sequence was also clean, but when it came to her jump combination, she unfortunately made an error on the second jump, almost falling flat on herself – thankfully, she was able to catch her balance and land wobbly on her foot, nearly flattening her hand on the ice to save herself. Like a true professional, she went on with her program and performed a Double Axel before launching into her required spins. Personally, I think that the reason why she had backed down from the Triple Lutz and did a Single Lutz instead was because she had momentarily lost the will and confidence to do it. I don’t know what went on in her head during that time, but from what I could see, her nerves had probably gotten the best of her, which unfortunately costed her a huge loss on her final score. Moreover, for her error on the second jump, I think Oestlund lacked the weight on her landing, which caused her to wobble and almost fall. Other than that, everything else was pretty good. And soon, the announcement of her scores came: 49.14 points – 25.35 for technical elements, 23.79 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Group 2

The 1st group finished and on went the 2nd group, with Li Xiangning representing the People’s Republic of China. Wearing a blue-colored ombré dress, she was going to be skating to the soundtrack of Nuovo Cinema Paradiso. Beginning her program nicely, her first jump as the required element was unfortunately unsuccessful because she had landed on her backside rather than on her foot. I think this was because she had leaned too far out on the outside edge of her skate, which caused her to lose balance. Nevertheless, the show must go on, and so did she. Her spins were remarkable – quickly and neatly executed for the first combination, and good and even for the second combination. She also did a jump combination out of a Triple Lutz and a Double Toe, and that too was done cleanly and well. Following that was a Double Axel, and even though the height was a bit lower for comfort, Li was still able to deliver that properly and land on her foot neatly. Her step sequence was so graceful and clean, and her ending spins were impressive, as well. To conclude her part of the match, her scores were announced, and it had come up to 52.46 points – 27.27 for technical elements, 26.19 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

The second skater to perform was Alexia Paganini for Switzerland. In a lilac-blue dress, she was going to be skating to Forbidden Love from Romeo and Juliet. Her opening jump combination was two sets of a Triple Toe, and everything was executed spotlessly. They were accurate, sure, and unhesitant; she had a good form as well as a good landing. Her next jump was a Triple Loop that was also executed cleanly and impressively. Not only that but her Double Axel was also neatly successful. All that’s left for her were the other required elements such as the spins. Her footwork though was a little messy, but her spins were also graceful and well-done. Soon after, she completed her program, then the replay of her performance followed, before the announcement of her scores came. Ultimately, she scored 55.26 points – 29.99 for technical elements, 25.27 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

After Paganini was Aiza Mambekova who was representing Kazakhstan, and she was going to be skating to a radio edit of Amanama, Hourshaker in a black dress with a daring diagonal slit at the front. Her first two required jumps – the combination of a Triple Salchow and a Double Toe, and then a Triple Toe – were successful, however her second jump of the combination was under rotated, as evidenced by the turn she made when she landed. Nevertheless, she continued on with her program, doing flowy and harmonious movements that led up to her spins (that were fortunately well done) and to her other required elements. Her Double Axel, though, was personally phenomenal – clean, quick and convicted. Her step sequence was also remarkable, not too much that it had become messy but not too less as well as that it wasn't eventful, and her last spins were also well-done. Soon after, she finished her program and got off the ice with a smile on her face. Aside from the errors in her jumps, there weren’t any other problems for me regarding her performance. She had performed well, and the only thing she should improve on is the tightness and speed of her spins as she does her jumps, so as not to deliver other under rotated jumps. After the judges’ deliberation and the replay of her program, her score was announced, and it had come up to 44.40 points – 21.29 for technical elements, 23.11 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Following Mambekova was Emmi Peltonen for Finland. In a black and gold dress, she was going to be skating to Tango Jalousie by Jacob Gade. It wasn’t long after she started that she launched into her opening jump combination: two sets of a Triple Toe – it was magnificently high quality; it had enough speed, height and tightness, and it was in no way underwhelming to witness. Her movements were graceful and complementary of the background music. Though she was doing a good run so far, she unfortunately made an error in her landing after doing her second required jump. The reason for this, I think, was she had probably dug too deep in the ice during her landing, causing the ice to catch on the front pick of her skate which led her to an error in the backward transition. Nonetheless, her program continued and she went on to deliver really pretty spins. The next element she delivered after the spins was a Double Axel, and that, too, was done really well with a high jump and the right amount of speed and tightness. She did another set of spins for the next element, and her following step sequence was superb; it was artistic and creative in that she included bodily movements rather than just letting her feet take the show. After her last impressive element of spins, her program had come to a close and the replay of her performance with the judges’ deliberation followed. Soon, her scores were announced, and it had come up to 55.28 points – 28.48 for technical elements, 27.80 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

The next skater to perform was Larkyn Austman, representing Canada. In a black halter ensemble, she was going to be skating to Mein Herr from the musical, Cabaret. In an unrelated note, I think she resembles a little of Margot Robbie – really pretty. Moving on, she began her program with a series of movements that matched and complemented her music. She then launched into her opening jump combination – a Triple Salchow and a Triple Toe, and while the Salchow was delivered well, she had failed at landing the Toe. I think this was because she had exerted less conviction and commitment in delivering it. Nonetheless, her program continued. Her next jump was impressive, as well as the spins that followed – it really shows how much confidence and trust she had in herself, plus the fact that she was moving complementarily to the music. Her next jump, a Double Axel, had landed successfully, if not a little shaky but other than that, it was still good. Her step sequence and the last spins had followed soon after, and not long after that did she finish her program. The one thing I can really comment about her performance was the artistry and interpretation in her program; she had danced across the ice according to the song that was playing, and while it was well done and really nice to witness, I personally think that the arm movements were a bit lacking. She did great with moving her feet, obviously, but her hands and arms were left to fend for themselves, merely swinging largely for grace in action. Other than that and the errors she committed, she performed a good program. Soon, her scores were announced, and it had come up to 51.42 points – 25.93 for technical elements, 26.49 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

The 6th and final skater for the 2nd group was Mae Berenice Meite, and she was going to be representing France. In a black one-piece with gold detailing on the top, she was going to be skating to a mash-up of Halo and Run the World by Beyonce. Her opening jump combination consisted of a Triple Flip and a Double Toe, and while both jumps landed successfully, she had a little hiccup in the landing for the Triple Flip that may cost a bit of her score. Nonetheless, she then went on to execute her spins which were gracefully well-done. Her Triple Loop was very cleanly executed, with another jump that followed not too long after. She had finished the required jumps and was now left with the last spin and the step sequence. Meite’s step sequence was good, but it was a little slow which made it a bit underwhelming, especially after the previous skaters’ performances. The crowd did still love it, though, because it had somehow matched the entertainment brought on by the Beyonce songs. Closing her program with the last spin, Meite was done with her program, and her score was announced soon after. What I liked about her performance was that she really did dance – including her hands and her body – and while she committed some errors in her execution, it’s still safe to say she did well with the program she presented that day. At the announcement of her scores, it was found that it had come up to 53.67 points – 28.24 for technical elements, 25.43 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Group 3

For the 3rd group, the first skater was Kailani Craine, representing Australia. In a pink ensemble, she was going to be skating to Dream a Little Dream of Me and One Day. Starting off with movements that hint at a born-performer vibe, she built up the momentum to launch into her opening jump which was a Triple Flip. It was really well done, and she followed that jump with the execution of her first spins, doing that cleanly and prettily as well. Her facial expressions were really spot on, and so far, her performance has been really fun. Her step sequence was really quirky – complementary of the music playing on the background. She then did her jump combination of a Triple Loop and a Double Toe, and following that was a Double Axel – all of which had landed successful and were done impressively. Craine’s program was progressing really quickly, and it wasn’t long until she finished her performance with the last required spin. In all honesty, not much can be said about Craine’s presentation because it was already good enough as it is. Granted that she can improve herself into doing more difficult skills for more points, everything about her was just amazing to witness, and hopefully, the judges think so too. Soon, her score was announced, and it was found to have come up to 56.77 points- 30.36 for technical elements, 26.41 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Following Craine was Ivett Toth for Hungary, and she was going to be skating to AC/DC songs called Back in Black and Thunderstruck, in a black one piece ensemble with leather and metal details, obviously going to match the feel and genre of the AC/DC songs. She began with strong movements, before shortly going into her jump combination of a double Triple Toe. The opening jump was well and tightly executed. She then executed her spins, and though they were slow, they were still nicely done. What followed next was the Triple Lutz – also successful, but she did land on both of her feet instead of one. Her step sequence came next and it was a really good show, fun to watch, and got the judges’ green light of approval. She then did her clean Double Axel, hand over the head, before finishing off the program with her last spins. All in all, despite the contradicting images of figure skating and AC/DC, Toth did a job well done in mixing the two and performing the best she could with her program. Soon, her scores were announced, and it had come up to 53.22 points – 27.60 for technical elements, 25.62 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

After the 2nd skater was Giada Russo who was representing Italy. In a dark-colored dress with ¾ sleeves, she was going to be skating to the soundtrack of Eyes Wide Shut. Starting off her program with grand movements, she had built up the momentum to perform her first jump which was a Triple Flip. It was very nicely done, but the next jump that followed it was unfortunately unsuccessful because she had landed on her backside. The next spins were actually really pretty and well-done, so that was a silver lining after her errors. The next element she performed was a Double Axel, and that too was nicely and cleanly executed. What’s left then was her step sequence and her last spins, which were also completed satisfyingly. I should say that I really like how she moved along the beat, making sure that every single pump of her limbs had gone along the music and expressed a story that took more than just what meets the eye. Unfortunately, for her errors, I think she should improve her landing and balance more because they were what, I think, costed her some pretty hefty points. Soon after, her score was announced, and it had come up to 50.88 points – 25.90 for technical elements, 25.98 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

The 4th skater of the group was Loena Hendrickx from Belgium, and she was going to be skating to Frozen, as performed by Madonna, in a dark blue one-piece ensemble with see-through and sparkly detailing. She opened her program with the jump combination of a Triple Lutz, with both hands above the head, and a Triple Toe – both executed nicely, cleanly and tightly. Her spins also incorporated some minor jumps which were very impressive overall; they had just the right amount of speed and confidence that it bode well with its total delivery. Her next element was a Double Axel, and that too was superbly done. After the Axel was a Flip, but since it was singular, it was considered invalid. Her step sequence followed soon after, and it’s safe to say that it was really jam-packed, but even then, she didn’t forget to incorporate hand and arm movements as well, further completing that element. Once she closed her program with her last spin, you could see the disappointment on Hendrickx’s face despite the really well-done performance. It was a pity she had missed that Double Axel because had she done it, I’m sure her scores would have racked up really high. Nevertheless, her program was still really amazing and powerful to watch. After the judges deliberated and did a final check of her performance, her score was found to have come up to 55.16 points – 27.79 for technical elements, 27.37 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Nicole Schott, representing Germany, followed after Hendrickx. In a blue, long-sleeved dress, she was going to be skating to Nella Fantasia. For her opening jump, she did a really neat Triple Flip, and following that was her combination of a double Triple Toe – all of which were accomplished marvelously precisely and polished. Her movements, so far, have been really graceful and smooth. The next element she performed were her spins, and they too were also neatly executed. Her step sequence was elegantly polished – just the right mix of artistry, interpretation and conviction in her movements. After finishing her remaining jump and spins, she completed her program with a felt fragility that made her performance all the more impressive. Personally, I really found her performance captivating due to the feeling she just emitted, despite the minor errors that the judges and specialists may have found. Right after the replay of her program, her score was announced to have come up to 59.20 points – 31.62 for technical elements, 27.58 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

The last skater for the 3rd group was Nicole Rajicova, and she was representing Slovakia. In a magenta-colored dress with long, see-through sleeves of the same color, she was going to be skating to Une page d’amour by Nathalia Mansner. With a dramatic start to her program, she performed a combination of a Triple Loop and a Double Toe as her opening jump. Transitioning well for her spins, she spun on the ice gracefully for her required element. Her next element was a Triple Lutz, and there’s no surprise that it was done remarkably well. She then transitioned to a position that allowed her to perform another set of spins, that which was accomplished cleanly. Following that was her last required jump of a Double Axel (also done nicely) before she then launched to perform her step sequence which was jam-packed with flips and turns on the ice. Her final spin finally brought everything to a satisfying close, and there’s no question there that she did a magnificent and clean job for her program. Her scores were announced not too long after that, and it had come up to 60.59 points – 32.36 for technical elements, 28.23 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Group 4

For the 4th group, the 1st skater was Kaori Sakamoto, representing Japan. In a blue-ombré dress, she was going to be skating to Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven. Her program began with a series of dramatic turns, then later transitioned to perform her first required element which was the first spin out of three. Following that was her step sequence which, too, was beautifully and elegantly done. Her next element was another spin, and from here, I think she chose to place her jumps halfway through her performance in order to grab that bonus of doing so. Her first jump, right after the first two spin combinations, was a combination of a Triple Flip and a Triple Toe, and the only thing I could describe it was flawless – it had the right amount of speed, the mid-air spins were tight enough, and the landing was successful. In a ballsy move, Sakamoto then did a Triple Loop that was also nicely and cleanly executed. Not long after that did she perform her last jump which was a Double Axel, and it’s not even a surprise that she executed that one spotlessly as well. After she performed her last required element of a spin, she grandly closed her program to a magnificent success. In all honesty, the only thing I can describe her entire performance was effortless and high-quality. I wouldn’t be surprised if she did score very highly from that. Soon after the replay of performance as well as the judges’ deliberation, it was found that her score had come up to a staggering 73.18 points – 40.36 for technical elements, 32.82 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

After Sakamoto was Mirai Nagasu from the USA, and she was going to be skating to Nocturne No. 2 in C sharp minor in a maroon (with a hint of a magenta hue) dress. After elegantly beginning her program, she built up her momentum to perform her opening jump which was a Triple Axel. From what I could see, she actually launched herself correctly, revved up mid-air successfully, and was even standing up right after too, but I think that the reason why she failed that jump was because she had lost her balance due to the tip of her skate catching deeper into the ice than she planned. She had lost her footing, and though I’m not an expert in figure skating skills, I think she would have made that Triple Axel successful if she firmly planted her foot on the ice. Her next element was a jump combination of a Triple Flip and a Triple Toe, and thankfully, that one was successful – it had just the right amount of security, speed and tightness. She performed her first spin out of three next, and that one was gracefully done. Right after, she launched into the footwork for the Triple Loop and soon, after completing the Loop jump, began another spin as her next element. Following the spin was her step sequence and then her last spin – there’s no doubt that those elements were executed as gracefully as the progression of the music. Her program ended then, and the judges began their recheck of her performance. Soon, her score was announced, and it was found to be 66.93 points – 37.24 for technical elements, 30.69 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

The 3rd skater was Gabrielle Daleman who was representing Canada. In a black dress with a red-hemmed skirt, she was going to be skating to Habanera (from Carmen) by George Bizet. Beginning with a dramatic start of movements, her first jump of the program was a combination of a double Triple Loop, which unfortunately ended with the second jump being unsuccessful, having lost her balance and landed her hands on the ice to stabilize herself. The first spin out of three was her next element, and it was done absolutely seamlessly. Next, she did another spin that entered through a minor jump, and following that was the footwork for and the actual Triple Lutz – both elements done wonderfully. Her third and last jump was a Double Axel and again, like her previous elements, it was also done so well. Soon, the execution of her step sequence came and so was her last spin, and when those were done, that signaled the finale of her program. Personally, I think she had a really good run, just that she lost her balance and footing when her landed foot unexpectedly rotated on the ice, and I think that could be avoided next time if she leans her weight back a little more to stand firmer on the ground. Nonetheless, she had a really personalized, well-interpreted and amazing program. Soon, after the judges’ deliberation and the replay of her performance, her score was announced to have come up to 68.90 points – 35.90 for technical elements, 33.00 for presentation, and 0.00 for deductions.

Following that program was Karen Chen, another athlete representing USA. And using the music of On Golden Pond by David Grusin, she was going to be skating in a beautiful sparkly white ensemble. The beginning of her program began with refined detail-oriented movements, which then transitioned to the execution of her first element which was a type of toe jump, partly successful but also partly a failure due to her having planted her hands on the ice to stabilize herself. But, like a true professional, she brushed off her hiccup and quickly moved on to her spins, doing those elegantly and of a high quality. Following that was her second spin and her step sequence, and those too were done so prettily and poised. With two spins and the step sequence out of the way, she then executed her jump combination of a Triple Loop and a Double Toe, launching herself strongly and spinning tightly enough that she was able to land back on her foot successfully. Her next element was a Double Axel, which she entered from an incredible-looking sparrow move, and then moved on to her ending spin; thus, bringing her majestic bird-themed program to a close. According to the announcer, Chen had a tendency to overdo the build-up towards her jumps which leads her to blow some of the landings, and I agree as well that she should improve on that since her other skills were already refined and familiar to her. Nonetheless, she had a captivating program that interpreted and went well with her music. Right after the replay of her performance, the announcement of her score came, and it was found to have come up to 65.90 points – 33.53 for technical elements, 32.37 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Right after Chen was Elizabet Tursynbaeva, also an athlete representing Kazakhstan. In a purple dress, she was going to be skating to Carmen as performed by David Garrett. Starting off her program with really flowy movements, her first jump was only a Double Loop instead of a Triple, and just like what the announcer said, that decision was going to be costly. Her next element which was a combination of spins definitely redeemed her of her earlier jump error, as it was fast and impressive. Next, she launched into the footwork for a jump combination of a Triple Salchow and a Triple Toe, before executing the actual jumps – I honestly thought that wasn’t going to be successful because of the low launches, but thankfully, she was able to pull through with her skills. After that, she completed her three required jumps with a well-done Double Axel. Spinning through to her fourth element which was a combination of spins, she then executed her fifth element which was also the spin that completed her required spin elements. Lastly, the accomplishment of her step sequence was definitely eventful as she weaved through the elements it comprised of in a quick manner. All in all, I think she did a really good job, and the error on her first Loop jump was only to be blamed on the power she exerted for its launch, or the lack thereof. If she exerts more power into picking the tip of her skate into the ice, I’m sure she’d be able to achieve a higher height on her jumps which will allow her more time to do the mid-air revolutions. For the short program, Tursynbaeva was able to score 57.95 points – 28.27 for technical elements, 29.68 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

The last skater for the 4th group was Choi Dabin, hailing from and representing South Korea. She was going to be skating to the soundtrack of Papa Can You Hear Me in a turquoise ensemble. Right from the start, I could feel a despondent emotion from her performance - which I believe was what she was going for, - and my amazement only went higher as she performed her first element which was a jump combination of a Triple Lutz and a Triple Toe. Not only that, but she also executed a combination of spins as her next element, and that was really impressive to witness. Right after that was another set of spins, tallying up her accomplished required elements to three. Next, she launched right into the steps for a Triple Flip, and then accomplished a Double Axel, finishing up her required jump elements. Following that was her step sequence, and she did not disappoint with it as it was equally graceful and eventful as the rest of her program so far. She then closed her performance with her last spins which were quick and seamless, further cementing her reputation of filling in the shoes of Yuna Kim. In my opinion, I think only good things can be said about Choi’s performance because it had just the right amount of strength and gentleness in the movements, as she skated her way through a beautifully prepared and executed program. And rightfully so, she was rewarded for her impressive presentation with a score of 67.77 points – 37.54 for technical elements, 30.23 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Group 5

Evgenia Medvedeva, representing OAR, was the first skater for the 5th group. In a blue dress that similarly resembles the galaxy, she was going to be skating to Nocturne by Frederic Chopin. Her program was off to a gracefully refined start that began with a combination of spins as the accomplishment of her first required spin element out of three. She went with her step sequence next, and its poised execution was a good interpretation of the music, as it was artistic and fluid. Following that was her first jump of the program which was a jump combination of a Triple Flip, with the hand above the head, and a Triple Toe. The execution of that element was definitely spotless – the speed was just at the right amount that it allowed her to launch herself up high in the air to accomplish triple tight revolutions for both jumps. Next was a Triple Loop and a Double Axel with the hand above the head, and just like her previous required jump, those two were just so sophisticated and polished; there was no question as to how good she was with her jumps. Right after the Axel was the execution of her last two combination spins, which gave a sweet ending to her incredibly captivating performance. After witnessing that, I just want to comment on the maturity and gentle fluidity of her performance – all her chosen skills were so well-prepared and well-executed; the jumps had good heights and landings, her spins were also defined, and that step sequence was just *chef’s kiss*! For such an immaculate performance, she was definitely rewarded for it with a score of 81.61 points – 43.19 for technical elements, 38.42 for presentation, and 0.00 for deductions.

Following Medvedeva was Satoko Miyahara from Japan, and in a pretty pink ensemble, she was going to be skating to the soundtrack of Memoirs of a Geisha. Her program began with a smooth, emotion-filled start, which was followed by the execution of her opening jump combination of a Triple Lutz and a Triple Toe. That combination happened quickly yet surely that there’s no doubt she’d score high with that one. Next, she did her first combination spin and after that was the next combination spin – both combinations executed so flawlessly and polished. Right after that did she transition to the footwork for a Triple Loop, and the jump itself was no doubt going to be a success (which it was) because of how secure it was. Her step sequence came next, and the movements it comprised of were so well-matched to the rising height of her music. Soon, she flowed into a seamless Double Axel, before ending her performance with a quick combination spin that brought about a strong conclusion. Not much can be said about Miyahara’s program because it was already so impressive in itself – everything she did was connected to each other that it strengthened the relay of the message she was interpreting. Right after the replay of her performance and the judges’ deliberation, it was found that her score had come up to a rewarding 75.94 points – 40.25 for technical elements, 35.69 for presentation, and 0.00 for deductions.

The third skater of the group was Kaetlyn Osmond who was representing Canada, and skating to Sous le ciel de Paris, Milord, she was dressed in a dark blue outfit that stood her out from the rest in her group. Right off to a brilliant start, she opened her program with a double Triple Flip, the combination just done so beautifully. She then went into the execution of her next jump which was a Triple Lutz, and quickly after, she did her first combination spin which was of high quality with even speed. Her next element was her last required jump which was a Double Axel, and then, she went straight into her next successful combination spin. Her performance was progressing quickly yet in a polished and graceful manner. Her step sequence came next, and there’s nothing that can be said about it other than it was eventfully fun to witness, especially as it was aided by the music. And after transitioning smoothly to the finale, she ended her program with her last required spin that definitely brought the crowd to a loud applause. All throughout her performance, there was such a teasing and amusing feel to her movements, it was no doubt a fun act to watch, as evidenced by the collective audience’s reaction to her finish. Rewardingly, her score was announced to be 78.87 points – 41.83 for technical elements, 37.04 for presentation, and 0.00 for deductions.

In a light blue ensemble with black details, Alina Zagitova was the fourth skater and another representative of OAR, skating to the music of Black Swan. Her program began with a dramatic start that fit nicely to her music, and with the opportunity, she executed her first required element which was a combination spin. Launching next to her step sequence, there was no doubt that her choreography was strong and well-polished. Moving fluidly like a swan across the ice, she then executed her first jump which was a combination of a Triple Lutz and a Triple Loop, evidently scoring high for that one due to its clean execution. Her next element was a Triple Flip that had both her arms above the head, and to finish off her required jumps, she did a Double Axel; and what followed quickly after was the execution of her last two combination spins. With the end of her program, there was absolutely no question that she ended it strongly and beautifully. To end such an incredible act, Zagitova was able to score a staggering 82.92 points – 45.30 for technical elements, 37.62 for presentation, and 0.00 for deductions.

Representing Italy, Carolina Kostner was the fifth skater, and she was going to be skating to Ne me quitte pas, performed by Celine Dion, in a red dress with sparkling detailing. With a dramatically artistic start to her program, she did a combination of a Triple Flip and a Double Toe as her opening jump combination. Not too long after, she did a Triple Loop that, while she was able to land to her feet, was partly unsuccessful due to having had her hand planting flat on the ice for the stabilization of her form. Nonetheless, she launched right into her first combination spin which progressed and was executed really nicely. Transitioning right into a Double Axel, she followed that jump element with her second combination jump that still exuded the same emotional dramatics that flowed well into her next element which was her step sequence. As the ending to her program, she executed her last required combination spin that brought her emotion-filled performance to a successful close. Aside from her needing to gain balance for landing, and more speed in catching herself up for her second jump in the jump combination, Kostner had definitely put on a sophisticated performance. After the replay of her performance and the judges’ deliberation, her beautiful program was rewarded with a high score of 73.15 points – 35.06 for technical elements, 38.09 for presentation, and 0.00 for deductions.

Maria Sotskova, representing OAR, was the last athlete both for the 5th group and for the entire short program match. In a light pink ensemble, she was going to be skating to Swan Lake by Petr I. Tchaikovski. Eventfully, she began her program with a fluid set of movements that built up the momentum for her first required element, which was a Triple Lutz, but unfortunately, it had her landing her backside on the ice. Nevertheless, she went on with the show and then got into the execution of her first combination spin. Right after that, she redeemed her earlier jump mistake with the accomplishment of a jump combination that consisted of a Triple Flip and a Triple Toe with a hand above her hand for both, same with the Double Axel that followed quickly after it. I honestly thought the second Flip of that combination wouldn’t be successful because of the wobbly landing of the first (which is a common mistake, as I’ve noticed) but regardless of that, Sotskova was still able to do it, and successfully too, might I add. Moving on, she launched right into her next combination in a partly wobbly entrance, but she made that work as well and transitioned smoothly to her next element which was the step sequence, that which went along powerfully well with the height of the music. For the finale of her program, she did her last combination spin, which unfortunately (?) ended in her slightly catching the end of her music. Right after the judges’ deliberation and the replay of her performance, she was able to score 63.86 points – 31.47 for technical points, 33.39 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

With the ending of Sotskova’s program comes the finish of the Women’s Single Figure Skating (Short Program) match. After their performances, the qualifying athletes for the next round (in order of highest rank to lowest) were: Zagitova (OAR), Medvedeva (OAR), Osmond (Canada), Miyahara (Japan), Sakamoto (Japan), Kostner (Italy), Daleman (Canada), Dabin (South Korea), Nagasu (USA), Chen (USA), Tennell (USA), Sotskova (OAR), Rajicova (Slovakia), Schott (Germany), Tursynbaeva (Kazakhstan), Craine (Australia), Williams (Brazil), Peltonen (Finland), Paganini (Switzerland), Hendrickx (Belgium), Kim (South Korea), Meite (France), Toth (Hungary), and Li (China).

Now, since there were a lot of athletes (30, to be exact) competing in the short program, I will only be reviewing the specifics of the athletes that caught my eye, and then do a general analysis for the rest of them (aside from the individual analysis, which I wrote in each athlete’s respective portions.)

Before I start the general analysis, I just want to say, first off, that all the athletes had performed so gracefully that I wonder how they are able to do so on a flat sheet of ice, even with the slice marks from the previous performers. There’s no doubt that they were all skilled, despite the errors and falls in their programs, but regardless of such errors, their performances were top notch enough that they had qualified for the Olympics, and for some, even moved on to the next round of the competition. Watching them jump, glide and spin across the ice was really a sight to behold, and I’m glad I was able to do so through this review. Second of all, even though the athletes had the same knowledge of the ins and outs of the sport, I guess it really does come down to the execution of the entire program. There were some athletes who moved so seamlessly and polished all throughout, and there were some who lacked the fluidity and conviction to bring their elements to a success. Granted that those lackings costed them a chunk of their scores, they should be used as stepping stones for improvement, and so the next time they compete, they will be able to skate stronger, more gracefully, more precise, and more seamlessly than their past selves.

And speaking of lacking, that brings me to my next analysis, which is of Mambekova who skated for Kazakhstan. Not minding her errors, she was definitely a skilled skater – there’s no question to that. She had a good flow coursing through her body, enabling her to move so fluidly. She accomplished some really artistic transitions, her Triple Salchow-Double Toe combination was a success and so was her clean Double Axel, her step sequence was pleasantly and seamlessly eventful, and her combination spins were also well-executed. Now, I admit that I’m no expert, but personally, I think that reason why she scored low (setting aside the technicalities) is because she lacked the guts to perform higher risking jumps for a combination – as evidenced by what the announcer said of her Triple Salchow-Double Toe element being a low-level combination jump – as well as the speed and height of her jumps which hindered her ability to create tighter (and more) revs mid-air – i.e., her under rotated Triple Toe. What she lacked was what the other skaters had, which is why they placed higher above her. But regardless of Mambekova’s shortcomings, there was still more positive room for improvement, and I’m sure that with ample time and training, she’ll become one of the top skaters to be competing at international games, and not just only at the Olympics.

Moving on to the first placer for the short program. With a Black Swan-themed performance, Zagitova had placed first with a score of 82.92, and it is only right she scored so because with a program, a set of skills and a manner of execution like hers, there’s no question as to how polished and poised the performance would be. Her lithe form just complemented her choreography so well that she made difficult skills look easy. Not to mention the fact that every element of her program just flowed well into each other, and each execution was so well-defined and so precise, there was absolutely no hesitance and only commitment observed all throughout. Personally, I think the reason why she stood out from the rest of her colleagues was not only because of the difficulty and combination of her elements, but also largely because of the way she just simply incorporates her whole body into everything she did and the precision she makes sure to hit with every movement. She never leaves out her arms in the movements, making sure that the message and theme of her program was exuded in most – if not all – parts of her body. Her speed, timing, jumps, landings, spins, transitions, hand details – everything worked so well with each other and altogether. Rightfully so, she deserves her towering score, and I’m excited to witness what she’ll cook up next throughout her career.

And with the analysis finally coming to a close, I signify the end of this review blog of the Full Match of the Women’s Singles Short Program of Figure Skating from the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. If you reached the end of this blog, I genuinely thank you for taking the time to read through my amateur musings of such a sophisticated sport. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I’ll see you at the next posting of my next review blog soon!

[hello-fred-barnett]

“Boldizsár, I Came to Kick Your Bony Ass.”

“Boldizsár, I Came to Kick Your Bony Ass.”

“Boldizsár, I Came to Kick Your Bony Ass.” With only a few of the fine illustrations by Anita benson-Bradley For decades, Lazlo Toth has been one of the world’s most famous authors. Until 2019, he always wore a wig of thick brown hair that made him appear young,  healthy and virile. Last March, while he was being interviewed on the Red Carpet at the Oscars. That night, in front of a billions, a…

[hegebogi]

Styling for Anita Toth Photographed by Laszló Balkányi

[nemesisbinxartifactseries]

Artifact Series A

A Christmas Story Leg Lamp (canon)

A Dictionary of the English Language by Samuel Johnson

A.A. Milne's Honey Dipper

ABBA's Champagne Glasses

AFV Video Screen

A.J. Hackett's Bungee Cord

ATLAS Android Test Subject

Aaron's Rod

Aaron's Staff

Aaron Anderson’s Oars

Aaron Swartz's Computer Mouse

Abby Normal's Brain *

Abd Al-Rahman Al-Gillani's Walking Stick

Abebe Bikila's Jersey

Abigail Williams' Pendent

Abing's Erhu

Abraham's Sapphire

Abraham Lincoln's Top Hat *

Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy Chart

Abraham Suydam's Golden Pocketwatch

Abraham Ulrikib's Caribou Pelt

Absorbent Photo Album and Camera

Abu al-Qasim's Bellows

Abu al-Qasim's Forceps

Abu Hurairah's Tombstone

Achilles' Arrow *

Accordion from Kunstkamera

Acme Police Whistle

Ada Lovelace's Dress

Adad-nirari I’s Axe Blade

Adam Lanza's Gun

Adam Rainer's Measuring Tape

Adam Sandler's Idea Pad

Adelard of Bath’s Abacus

Adolf Eichmann's Eagle Insignia Badge

Adolf Frederick's Silver Cutlery Set

Adolf Hitler's Colored Pencils

Adolf Hitler's Microphone *

Adolf Slaby's Snuff Box

Adolphe Chaillet's "Shelby" Bulbs *

Adolphe Dugleres' Menu

Adrian Hill's Sketchpad

Aegean Sails

Aegicoros' Goblet

Aesop's Cloak

Aesop's Grapevine

Aesop's Pendant

Aesop’s Rope

Aeschylus' Turtle Shell

African Ngil Fang Mask *

African Tribal Elephant Tusk *

African Witch Doctor's Staff

Agamemnon's Mycenaean Bronze Sword

Agatha Christie's Car

Agatha Christie's Typewriter *

Agatha Christie's Wedding Ring

Agathodaemon's Natron

Agent Aden Taylor's God-Tier Clock

Agent Aden Taylor's God Tier Outfit

Aggressive Metal Lunchbox

Agnodice’s Tunic

Aguara's Carob

Ahmad Shah Durrani's Pesh-Kabz

Ahmose I’s Armband

Aileen Wuornos' Black Ledger

Aimée Crocker's Hat and Fur Stole

Air from the Great Stink of 1858

Air Raid Siren from Pearl Harbor

Air-Raid Skeet Thrower

Airbrushes from Disney Studios *

Akbar the Great's Water Container

Akira Kurosawa's Mao Hat

Akira Toriyama's Original Pen

Aki Ra’s Landmine Casings

Alain Robert’s Bag of Chalk

Albert Fish's Whip of Nails

Al Capone's Fedora

Al Capone's Machine Guns *

Al Smith's 1928 Campaign Badges

Aladdin's Lamp

Alan Hale Jr.'s Skipper Hat

Alan Seeger's Helmet

Alan Turing's Typewriter

Alan Wake's Flashlight

Alarm Clock

Albert Abrams’ Vials

Albert Anastasia's Barber Shop Chair

Albert Bandura's Bobo Doll

Albert Butz's Glasses *

Albert Camus' Coffee Cup

Albert Einstein's Bridge Device *

Albert Einstein's Chalk

Albert Einstein's Comb *

Albert Stevens’ Paintbrush

Albert Tirrell’s Razor

Alberto Burri's Sacking and Red

Albertus Magnus' Quill Pen

Alboin’s Skull Cup

Albrecht Dürer's Rhinoceros Horn

Self-portrait at 26" href="/wiki/Albrecht_D%C3%BCrer%27s_%27%27Self-portrait_at_26%27%27">Albrecht Dürer's Self-portrait at 26 *

Alchemist's Curse

Alcmaeon of Croton's Ring

Aldrich Ames' Chalk

Aldus Manutius’ Vellum

Aleijadinho’s Palanquin

Aleister Crowley's Ruby Studded Universal Hexagram Necklace *

Alejandro Jodorowsky’s Keisaku

Tetris" href="/wiki/Aleksandr_Serebrov%27s_Nintendo_Game_Boy_%26_Copy_of_%27%27Tetris%27%27">Aleksandr Serebrov's Nintendo Game Boy & Copy of Tetris

Alessandro Volta's Biscuit Bin *

Alessandro Volta's Lab Coat and Goggles *

Alethiometer

Alex Mercer's Jacket

Alex Sander's Scourge

Alexander of Abonoteichus' Grimorie

Alexander Alekhine's Chess Set *

Alexander Bain's Fax Machine

Alexander Calder's First Mobile

Alexander D'Agapeyeff's Telegraph

Alexander Fleming's Beaker

Alexander Graham Bell's Telephone Wire

Alexander the Great's Bronze Breastplate

Alexander the Great's Xyston

Alexander of Greece's Pocket Watch

Alexander Grey's Owl Pendant

Alexander Hamilton's & Aaron Burr's Dueling Pistols

Alexander Herrmann's Gold Watch

Alexander Hermann's Mustache Scissors *

Alexander Keith Jr’s Barrel

Alexander Litvinenko's Tea Pot

Alexander Morison's Top Hat

Alexander Polyhistor's Animal Fiber Sponge

Alexander Steinert's Grand Piano

Alexander von Humboldt's Fern

Alexander Wilson's Falconry Glove

Alexandre Étienne Choron’s Menu

Alexey Leonov's Near the Moon

Alexis Soyer's Cutting Board

Alexis St. Martin's Musket Powder

Al-Farabi's Shahrud

Alfred Adler’s Coat Rack

Alfred Dreyfus' Sword Hilt *

Alfred George Hinds' Prison Uniform

Alfréd Hajós' Measuring Tape

Alfred Hitchcock's Metal Pinwheel (canon)  

Alfred Kinsey's Abacus

Alfred, Lord Tennyson's Bronze Statue of Chiron

Alfred's Monarch Ice Skates

Alfred Nobel's Box Detonator

Alfred Nobel's Curtains

Alfred Packer's Gold

Alfred Snoxall's Lee-Enfield Rifle

Alfred N. Stevenson's Military Helmet

Alfred Stieglitz's Tripod

Alfred Watkin’s Theodolite

Alfred Wegener's Parka

Algie the Pig

Al Herpin's Rocking Chair

Al Hirschfeld’s Chair and Lamp

Ali Asghar Borujerdi's Prayer Beads

Alice Manfield’s Trekking Pole

Alice Bailey's Necklace

Alice's Crown

Alice Stebbins Wells’ Police Badge

Alien's Device Prop

Allan Pinkerton's Briefcase

Allan W. E. Jones' Underwear

Alleyway from Kowloon Walled City

Alliance Tenna-Scope TV Signal Booster

All Hallow's Eve Pumpkin

Alphonse Bertillon's Shaving Mirror

Alphonse Cahagnet's Magnets

Alpine Brandy Rescue Cask *

Aloysius 'Alois' Alzheimer's Eye Glasses

Alpharts Tod's Hauberk

Altaïr's Hidden Blade

Aluminum Bluthner Piano *

Álvaro Obregón's Right Arm

Alvin C. Graves' Tie

Alvin C. York's .45 Colt Automatic Pistol

Alvin C. York's Medal

Alvin Straight’s Riding Lawn Mower

Alyattes of Lydia's Electrum Coins

Amanda Palmer's Ukulele

Amanda Todd's Flashcards

Amasa Coleman Lee's Porch Swing

Amaterasu's Yasakani no Magatama

Amazon Fish Tank *

The Amber Room

Amber Sphere *

Amber Spyglass

Ambrose Bierce's Skull

Ambrose Burnside's Jacket

Amelia Earhart's Goggles

Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Vega 5B

Amenemhat III’s Pyramidion

Amenemhat III's Sistrum

Amenemhat IV’s Sphinx

"American Idiot" Stage Set

Amerigo Vespucci's Armor Plate

Amityville House Windows

Ammunition from the USS Maine

Amphion's Lyre

Amulet of Hapi

Amy Lowell's Cigar

Amy Winehouse's Microphone

An Zhengwen's Brush

Anasazi Rope

Anatoly Onoprienko's Sawed off Shotgun

Anatomical Model

Anaxagoras' Krater

Anaximander's Sundial

André the Giant's Wrestling Singlet

André Citroën's Double Helical Gear

André de Toth’s 3-D Glasses

Andre Devigny's Bedding and Lantern

André Devigny Spoon

André-Marie Ampère’s Notebook

André Martinet's Phonograph

Andrea Aguyar’s Lasso

Andrea del Verrocchio's Workshop

Andreas Mihavecz’s Prison Cell

Andreas Vesalius' Watering Can

Andrew Borden's Couch

Andy Dufresne’s Rock Hammer

Andrew Jackson's Keg of Ale

Andrew Wyeth's Christina's World

Andy Kaufman's Bowl & Spoon

Andy Kaufman's Sunglasses

Andy Lambros' Fishing Pole

Andy the Clown’s Costume

Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans

Andy Warhol's Concept Dress Mannequin

Andy Warhol's Hairbrush

Andy Warhol's Marilyn Diptych

Anfo Merc's Electric Guitar and Battery Amplifier

Angela Cavallo's Car Fender

Angelo Faticoni's Chair

Angelo Moriondo’s Espresso Machine

Angelo Siciliano's Workout Trunks *

Angel Wings from the Pulse Funeral

Angkor Wat Piece of Vishnu

Ankou's Horseshoe

Angry Birdcage *

Animatronic Presidents from the "Hall of Presidents" in Walt Disney World

Anita King’s Lighter

Ann Corio's Bra

Ann Faraday's Jacket

Anna Baker's Wedding Dress

Anna Bertha Ludwig's Wedding Ring

Anna de Coligny's Crown

Anna Pavlova's Swan-Feather Fan

Annabelle Doll

Anne Boleyn's Pearl Necklace and Ornate B

Anne Bonny's Cutlass *

Anne Frank's Diary and Ribbon Bookmark

Anne Greene's Noose

Anne Sullivan’s Doll

Annette Funicello's Beach Ball *

Annie Edson Taylor's Barrel *

Annie Fox's Purple Heart

Annie Oakley’s Bonnet

Ansel Adams' Camera

Antarctic Whaling Station Camp

Anthony Bishop's Manuscript *

Anthony Salerno's Fedora *

Anthony Spilotro's Casino Tokens

Anthony Stewart/Rupert Giles' Glasses

Anti-Boarding Netting from the Mary Rose

Antique Candy Box

Antoine Lavosier's Candle

Antoine Lavosier's Microscope

Anton Aicher's Marionette Handle

Anton Chekov’s Pince-Nez's

Antoni Gaudí’s Chisel and Trencadís

Antonietta Dell'Era's Ballet Slippers

Antonio Stradivari's Violin Strings *

Antonio Vivaldi’s Aspergillum

Anton Praetorius' Hynm Book

Anubis Canopic Jar

Anubis Shrine Pyramid *

Anuket's Necklace

Aphrodite's Ankle Bracelet

Aphrodite's Girdle *

Aphrodite's Hairbrush

Apple of Discord

Apollo 11 Lunar Landing Hoax Set *

Apollo 11 Moon Rock *

Apollo 13 Command Module

Apollo 15 Geologic Hammer and Falcon Feather

Apollonius of Tyana's Amulet

Apollo of Veii's Arms

Apollo’s and Artemis’ Bows

Apollo's Sandals

Apophis Statuette

Apsley Cherry-Garrard’s Goggles

Aquilas from the Battle of Teutoburg Forest

Arachne's Loom

Arceus' Plates

Archibald McIndoe's Saline Bathtub

Archibald Spooner's Cloak

Archilochus' Aulos

Archimedes's Bathtub

Arc Light from the Iroquois Theater

Ares' Gauntlets

Aretha Franklin's Spotlight

The Argo

Ariadne's Ball of Thread

Aristotle's Lyre

Aron Ralston’s Pocketknife

Artemisia II of Caria's Chalice

Armand David's Glasses & Zucchetto

Armand Guillaumin's Soleil couchant à Ivry

Armando Socarras Ramirez's Shirt

Arne Larsson's Pacemaker

Arrow of Alan Gua

Arrow of Time

Artemis' Cloak Pin

Arthur Aitken's Pith Helmet

Arthur Aston's Wooden Leg

Arthur Blessitt’s Cross

Arthur C. Clarke's Telescope

Arthur Claude Darby's Rope

Arthur Conan Doyle's Disintegration Machine

Arthur Conan Doyle's Fairy Notebook

Arthur Conan Doyle's Pipe

Arthur Edward Waite's Tarot Deck

Arthur Evans' Magnifying Glass

Arthur Galston's Soil Knife

Arthur Rostron’s Loving Cup

Arthur Stace’s Chalk

Arthur Wellesley's Boots

Arthur Wynne's Journal

Arthur Zimmermann's Ticker-tape Machine

Artie Moore's Headphones

Artie Shaw's Clarinet *

Asclepius' Offering Bowl

Ash Williams’ Double-Barrel "Boomstick"

Ashes from the 1925 Madame Tussaud Fire

Ashley Revell's Tuxedo

Ashurbanipal's Crown

Ashoka's Hell

Ashoka's Pillars

Assorted Herbs (Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme)

Asphyxiating Blackboard Erasers

Atalanta's Spear

Æthelred the Unready's Crown

Athena's Owl Pendant

Athena Parthenos

Athena's Aegis

Athena’s Breastplate

Athens Caryatid

Atlanta Ripper's Balaclava

Atlantean Crystal Pendant

Atlas' Globe

Atomic Bombs from The Dayton Project

Atticus Finch's Pocketwatch

Attila the Hun's Battle Helmet (canon)

Attila the Hun's Swaddling Blanket *

Audio-Healing Tuning Fork *

August Bier’s Needle

August Musger's Projector

August Natterer's Bible

Auguste Escoffier’s Tasting Spoons

Auguste Piccard's Gondola

Auguste Renoir's Young Girls at the Piano *

Auguste Rodin's Hammer and Chisel *

Auguste Rodin's Gateway to Hell

Auguste Rodin’s The Kiss

Auguste Rodin's Rasp

Augustina de Aragon's Cannon

Augustin-Jean Fresnel's Magnifying Glass *

Augustin Pyramus de Candolle’s Touch-Me-Not Plant

Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Double Eagle Gold Coin

Aung San's Pinhole Camera

Aurora's Torch

Australian Boomerang

Automatic Trash-Disposal Waste Bin

Automatic Vaccum *

Autumn Leaves

Avatar Relics from The Last Airbender

Axe Ring

Axel Erlandson's Sycamore Seeds

Axeman of New Orleans' Phonograph

Ayrton Senna's Race Suit

Azletar (by technicality)

Aztec Bloodstone *

[vicchann-nikiforov]

Worlds 2018 Ladies SP

Ladies short (FINAL) 1. Carolina Kostner ITA - 80.27 (41.30, 38.97) 2. Alina Zagitova RUS - 79.51 (42.51, 37.00) 3. Satoko Miyahara JPN - 74.33 (37.79, 36.51) 4. Kaetlyn Osmond CAN - 72.73 (36.53, 36.20) 5. Maria Sotskova RUS - 71.80 (37.88, 33.92) 6. Gabrielle Daleman CAN - 71.61 (37.35, 34.26) 7. Bradie Tennell USA - 68.76 (37.53, 31.23) 8. Wakaba Higuchi JPN - 65.89 (34.69, 32.20, -1.00) 9. Mirai Nagasu USA - 65.21 (32.76, 32.45) 10. Loena Hendrickx BEL - 64.07 (35.41, 28.66) 11. Elizabet Tursynbaeva KAZ - 62.38 (32.24, 30.14) 12. Nicole Schott GER - 61.84 (33.41, 28.43) 13. Viveca Lindfors FIN - 60.18 (34.61, 25.57) 14. Hanul Kim KOR - 60.14 (35.62, 24.52) 15. Laurine Lecavelier FRA - 59.79 (31.52, 28.27) 16. Stanislava Konstantinova RUS - 59.19 (29.19, 31.00, -1.00) 17. Mariah Bell USA - 59.15 (28.61, 30.54) 18. Eliska Brezinova CZE - 58.37 (32.55, 25.82) 19. Alexia Paganini SUI - 57.86 (31.35, 26.51) 20. Kailani Craine AUS - 56.90 (30.41, 26.49) 21. Dabin Choi KOR - 55.30 (26.97, 28.33) 22. Dasa Grm SLO - 52.43 (28.65, 23.78) 23. Elisabetta Leccardi ITA - 51.13 (28.53, 22.60) 24. Ivett Toth HUN - 50.63 (23.71, 26.92) -- Did not qualify for the free skate -- 25. Larkyn Austman CAN - 50.17 (25.81, 25.36, -1.00) 26. Xiangning Li CHN - 50.06 (27.12, 23.94, -1.00) 27. Nicole Rajicova SVK - 49.87 (24.87, 27.00, -2.00) 28. Amy Lin TPE - 49.31 (25.64, 23.67) 29. Anita Oslund SWE - 48.99 (26.34, 24.65, -2.00) 30. Alisa Stomakhina AUT - 48.71 (26.26, 22.45) 31. Elzbieta Kropa LTU - 46.53 (24.90, 22.63, -1.00) 32. Natasha McKay GBR - 45.89 (22.92, 22.97) 33. Anne Line Gjersem NOR - 45.25 (23.02, 22.22) 34. Gerli Liinamae EST - 45.14 (22.69, 22.48) 35. Isadora Williams BRA - 42.15 (18.35, 23.81) 36. Antonina Dubinina SRB - 41.40 (20.80, 20.60) 37. Angelina Kuchvalska LAT - 35.78 (16.24, 20.54, -1.00)

[queerstorypodcast]

Episode 2- Magnus Hirschfeld

Hello and  a good gay to ya’ll today! Welcome to Queer Story Podcast, I’m your host oso and I’m here with Jaz.

(thoughts on the show Transparent and the ties tothe story of Magnus Hirschfeld’s life.

Thank you to the ancestors for bringing us to this place, without you we wouldn’t be here.

Today’s episode is all about the godfather of all the gays and trans folks of the world: Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld. Who once said this quote: “The woman who needs to be liberated most is the woman in every man, & the man who needs to be liberated most is the man in every woman.”  

One of the best tauruses to ever live, in my humble taurean opinion. Lets dive right into today’s Queerstory

Story:

Once upon a time in Germany, there was a man, an openly gay Ashkenazi Jewish man, who fully believed that being gay is a reasonable human experience. This man spent his entire life fighting for "Justice through science", for homosexual and transgender people to be recognized.

-He studied philosophy in undergrad. In 1892 he earned his doctoral degree

-He started a naturopathic practice in Magdeburg; in 1896 he moved his practice to Berlin-Charlottenburg.

-In 1896 he issued a pamphlet, Sappho and Socrates, on homosexual love under the pseudonym Th. Ramien

-In 1897, Hirschfeld founded the Scientific Humanitarian Committee with the publisher Max Spohr, the lawyer Eduard Oberg, and the writer Franz Joseph von Bülow.

- The Scientific Humanitarian Committee focused their work on defending the rights of homosexuals and to repeal Paragraph 175, the section of the German penal code that since 1871 had criminalized homosexuality. They argued that the law encouraged blackmail. Their motto was "Justice through science"

- This reflected Hirschfeld's belief that a better scientific understanding of homosexuality would eliminate social hostility toward homosexuals.

-Under Hirschfeld's leadership, the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee gathered over 5000 signatures from prominent Germans on a petition to overturn Paragraph 175. Notable folks who signed this: Albert Einstein, Ranier Maria Rilke, and Herman Hesse.

-The bill was brought before the Reichstag in 1898, but was supported only by a minority from the Social Democratic Party of Germany. Hirschfeld considered what would, in a later era, be described as "outing": forcing out of the closet some of the prominent and secretly homosexual lawmakers who had remained silent on the bill. He arranged for the bill to be reintroduced and in the 1920s it began to make some progress, before the takeover of the Nazis ended hopes for this support of homosexual communities.

 One of the most prominent parts of Magnus’ career was his involvement with the homosexual sex scandal that emerged in Kaiser Wilheim II’s cabinet in 1907-1909. This was known as the Harden Eulenberg Affair. This affair was such a scandal it could be compared to the trial of Oscar Wilde 20 years earlier. We won’t get into the details of the accusations and the accused, lets just stay focused on Magnus’ involvement.

 Like Oscar WIlde’s original trials, this one was in regards to suing for libel.In 1907 when General Kuno von Moltke sued the journalist Maximilian Harden after the journalist had run an article accusing Moltke of having a homosexual relationship with the politically powerful Prince Philipp von Eulenburg, who was the Kaiser's best friend. Hirschfeld testified for the journalist, Harden. Hirschfeld in his role as an expert witness testified that Moltke was gay, and thus what Harden had written was true. This had alot to do with Magnus’ personal agenda— as he was a gay scientist who passionately wanted to make homosexuality legal in Germany — he believed that proving that Army officers like Moltke were gay would help his case for legalization, and as such he also testified that he believed there was nothing wrong with Moltke. Hirschfeld testified that "homosexuality was part of the plan of nature and creation just like normal love." This caused OUTRAGE all over Germany. Various newspapers called him out as "a freak who acted for freaks” (thanks dear Dr for being for us freaks!) in the name of pseudoscience" and "Dr. Hirschfeld makes public propaganda under the cover of science which does nothing but poison our people. Real science should fight against this!" one of the newspaper’s stated.

SInce this isn’t a podcast on the Harden Eulenberg trial, I will move on to some other aspects of Hirshfeld’s career and work.

In 1921 Hirschfeld organised the First Congress for Sexual Reform, which led to the formation of the World League for Sexual Reform. Congresses were held in Copenhagen (1928), London (1929), Vienna (1930).

In 1904, Hirschfeld joined the Bund für Mutterschutz (League for the Protection of Mothers), the feminist organization founded by Helene Stöcker. He campaigned for the decriminalisation of abortion, and against policies that banned female teachers and civil servants from marrying or having children.

So, the Wiemer Republic is considering a bit more liberal than past German governments, during that time- between WW1 and WW2- Magnus created his magnum opus- Institut für Sexualwissenschaft (Institute of Sexual Research). It was opened on July 6th, 1919.

In Germany, the Reich government made laws, but the Länder governments enforced the laws, meaning it was up to the Länder governments to enforce Paragraph 175. Magnus’ villa purchased for the institute was technically in Prussia, where the lander did not enforce Paragraph 175. This is how Prussia became a homosexual hot spot of the time.

 As for Magnus and his institute- it thrived. It was where Hirschfeld's immense archives and library on sexuality and provided educational services and medical consultations; the clinical staff included psychiatrists, a gynecologist, a dermatologist/ endocrinologist, and a dermatologist. The institute was also where you could find The Museum of Sex, an educational museum that was visited by schools.

It was a place intellectuals, writers, and general people came to understand their own sexuality- without discrimination and with full support. Their expertiences were validated and even recorded, to provide future validation and proof regarding various experiences of gender and sexuality.

In addition, a number of noted individuals lived for longer or shorter periods of time in the various rooms available for rent or as free accommodations in the Institute complex. Among the residents were Isherwood and Turville-Petre; literary critic and philosopher Walter Benjamin; actress and dancer Anita Berber; Marxist philosopher Ernst Bloch. Dörchen Richter, one of the first transgender patients to receive gender confirmation surgery pioneered at the institute. at the Institute. Lili Ilse Elvenes, better known as Lili Elbe , was a Danish transgender woman who also received gender confirmation surgery and treatment. Her autobiography was release 2 years after her death: Man into Woman.

 It was while he was on an international tour for the League,had attracted over 130,000 members by 1930, that Hirschfeld was forced into exile. National Socialists in Berlin had launched a campaign to cleanse the city's libraries of 'un-German' material.

May 6, 1933 a crowd of students, backed by gestapo, stormed the Institute's offices. The they stole the contents of the library and it culminated in a public bonfire that destroyed 10,000-plus books, articles, magazines, and research material that the Institute had collected and produced.

In 1933 Magnus went into exile in France and by 1935 on his birthday passed away.

Documentation of concentration camps destroyed, no way to gauge how many homo sexual and transgender people died in the Houlcaust.

  Bump: You’re listening to Queerstory

 Music: The song ‘Wenn die beste Freundin’ ( When My Best Girlfriend)- Marlene Dietrich and Margo Lion 1928

 Lyrics in english!

 When the best girlfriend

Duet:

When the best girlfriend

With the best girlfriend

To do some shopping,

To do some shopping,

To get some exercise,

Wander through the streets,

Blabbing about everything,

Says the best girlfriend

To the best girlfriend:

My best, my best girlfriend!

Oh my best girlfriend,

Oh my pretty girlfriend,

Oh my faithful girlfriend,

Oh my sweet girlfriend!

Walks the best girlfriend

With the best girlfriend,

says to the best girlfriend

to the best girlfriend:

My best, my best girlfriend.

Spoken:

1. Girlfriend: Yes, what does the best girlfriend say? Tell me what crosses your mind!

2. Girlfriend: Well, I can only tell you one thing, if I didn’t have you ...

We get along so well …

1. Girlfriend: Yes, we get along so terribly well. How well we get along together!

2. Girlfriend: It's just hardly bearable, how well we both get along together.

1. Girlfriend: There's just one person I get along with equally well, and that is my cute, little husband.

2. Girlfriend: Yes, with your cute, little husband

Duet, sung:

Yes, my husband is a man!

Such a man, like my husband!

Like the husband of the woman,

like the husband of the woman!

We used to have paramours,

but that's all past!

Today, instead of paramours,

we have girlfriends!

Spoken:

2. Girlfriend: Your little man is a bit pushy!

1. Girlfriend: Really?

2. Girlfriend: Yes.

1. Girlfriend: Why?

2. Girlfriend: Well, I think so

1. Girlfriend: Well, why?

2. Girlfriend: Why I think so …?

1. Girlfriend: Why you think so?

2. Girlfriend: He does such things …

1. Girlfriend: I don't like it.

2. Girlfriend: Helloo!

Husband: What's this?

1. Girlfriend: You cheated on me with her.

Husband: Because you cheated on me with her.

2. Girlfriend: And you cheated on with him

1. Girlfriend: Because cheated on me with him

Husband: What's this for intricate family relations! Don't we want to get along?

2. Girlfriend: Yes, we would rather get along.

Husband: Stupid, silly love.

Husband accompanies with:

mmm - da-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta

When the best girlfriend

With the best girlfriend

To do some shopping,

To do some shopping,

To get some exercise,

Wander through the streets,

Blabbing about everything,

Says the best girlfriend

To the best girlfriend:

My best, my best girlfriend!

Oh my best girlfriend,

Oh my pretty girlfriend,

Oh my faithful girlfriend,

Oh my sweet girlfriend!

Walks the best girlfriend

With the best girlfriend,

says to the best girlfriend

to the best girlfriend:

My best, my best girlfriend!

 Bump: You’re listening to Queerstory, a podcast about the histories of LGBTQ people, hidden from us in school, brought to you by me: oso and the Queer elders and ancestors that came before me.

 The song you just heard is called ‘ Wenn die beste Freundin’. This song came out of a 1928 cabaret set in a department store. The scene this song was in featured a relatively still unknown Marlene Dietrich duetting with rising-star Margo Lion. The pair play two affluent women on a shopping trip. As the song unfolds it becomes  clear that they are both dissatisfied with their husbands and their relationship with each other is more than a little intimate. Was a big hit and became an anthem for German lesbians in the late 20′s and early 30′s.

 Dialogue:

 We are now at the part of the show when we have a lil’ conversation about what we just learned. This is _____ my friend.

 (conversation)

 Thanks for reading Queer Story Podcast! Be well!