The 2010 Olympics ~ 3 things to Look for in a Medal Ceremony + USA Ladies Figure Skating!

It has been so exciting to watch our American Athletes in these 2010 Winter Olympic Games. It's always so interesting to observe the medal ceremonies and watch how the athletes respond to their flag and anthem.

When it comes to the Medal Ceremony - I look for 3 main things:

1. Those who Sing the Anthem (please don't chew gum)
2. Removal of the Hat (show respect - no laughing or waving during anthem)
3. Placing Hand over One's Heart

1. ) I always think it is so sweet when they quietly sing along... Julia Mancuso, the Tiara wearing skier, sang quietly from the Silver Medal Podium when Linsey Vonn won Gold for the US.

2. ) Removal of the hat is a must... I was so glad to see Bode Miller remove his - even though I think he wondered if his hair was a mess - he quickly stroked his hand through it, enjoyed the anthem, and immediately put his hat back on afterwards. (I do wish he had put his hand on his heart, though.)

3. ) I appreciate when athletes place their hand respectably across their hearts - to me that shows respect and honor for our Great Country, the United States of America, and our Troops, past and present.

I remember clearly Evan Lysacek doing this very honorably. Plus, I feel he has handled well all the criticism that has come his way from the Silver Medalist, Evgeni Plushenko, who returned to this Olympics, unsuccessfully this time around, to re-win a Gold Medal.

My favorite Olympic Event has always been the Ice Skating. I don't know why I enjoy a sport that has to do with Judges. Other sports that deal with time and measurements must be so much fairer.

Tonight (Tuesday) the Ladies take the Ice...

My prayers go out to the Canadian figure skating star, Joannie Rochette, whose Mother passed away on Sunday of a heart attack at the age of 55, shortly after arriving in Vancouver. Somehow, Joannie, will still compete in these olympic games and perform her first program tonight, two days after her Mother's unexpected death.

I look forward to watching her and our American Girls compete in figure skating... Tonight.

Pictures from Wikipedia of the US Ladies Figure Skaters...

Rachael Flatt, Mirai Nagasu and Ashley Wagner.

Ice Dreams

MOVIE REVIEW

Ice Dreams - Family film about pursuing your dreams




Network: Hallmark Channel

Original Air Date: January 23, 2010


CAST:

Jessica Cauffiel ... Amy
Shelley Long ... Harriet
Brady Smith ... Tim
Jerry Stiller ... Skipper
Kathleen Wilhoite ... Debra
Noelle Bruno ... Nicky


PLOT:
from Hallmark Channel-

After abandoning a dream years ago, it will take the dedication of an ambitious teenager to get an ex-Olympian back in the game in “Ice Dreams.”

When U.S. Olympian Amy Clayton’s (Cauffiel) father died trying to get his daughter to
practice on time, it only seemed right to hang up her skates for good, even if it meant disappointing her mother, Harriet (Long). But the call of the run-down Mid City Ice Rink was too strong to ignore, and having worked out a deal with Skipper (Stiller) and the owner the rink, Amy has continued to skate privately.

When the owner passes away, he leaves the rink to his nephew, Tim King (Smith), who arrives to decide the property’s fate. Having skated there for years as a kid, Tim knows what the rink means to the few who still frequent it, among them aspiring figure skater Nicky Laston (Noelle Bruno). But the offer from developers to buy the property is tempting, and with dwindling funds, Tim is finding it almost impossible to keep the rink open.

Meanwhile, Nicky and her mom find out that Amy is skating at Mid City, and convince
the reluctant (and broke) ex-Olympian to coach Nicky. Although reluctant at first, Amy recognizes Nicky’s dedication and talent, and through coaching the ambitious young skater, she has the chance to reevaluate her own dreams, even the one she thought she had left behind.


Movie Review:

For anyone who likes ice skating, I'm certain you would also enjoy this movie. There's nothing in it that children can't see... which means it is safe for family viewing, as most Hallmark Channel Movies are! (Thank you, Hallmark! There's a reason why people enjoy your wholesome Family Movies... they're a rarity among the other Channels!)

Nicky, the ex-Olympian and barely getting by Waitress, finds herself back at the ice rink more and more, inspite of her avoiding it publicly in the past due to her own past issues. She learns to deal with losing her father and she and her Mother strenghten their relationship.... just as Nicky and the Ice Rink's New Owner, Tim start skating and dating one another.

Shelley Long, who plays the Mother, is a refreshing part of the story... very witty & funny!


When funds are low, Nicky tells her Mother... "It's the Economy!" I thought this was a very realistic comment that hits home with a lot of people today.

Also, when Nicky asks Amy to practice on the ice again the next Morning, she says... " I can't, I have Church. " I liked this comment. It was refreshing to see a show with a teenager who has goals and strong faith.

Can Tim & Nicky save the rink from being sold... in spite of lack of business?

I'll just say... it's a Sweet Story with a Hallmark Happy Ending!

See or Skip:

See... sweet family movie!