Worlds on ESPN

[CalebsMom]

Just finished watching ladies LP on ESPN and Dick said, "point your toe my dear" when Yu-na was doing her spirals. I hadn't really seen Carolina's skating or Yukari's until now and I see why everyone's bashing judges' placements. I mean even nice Peggy was pointing out mistakes Caro made. And Yukari, I thought her LP scores should have been somewhere between Yu-na and Mao. Dick did mention at the end about the points given to Carolina Kostner that stopped Yukari's medaling. Maybe it should have been Mao, Yu-na and Yukari, I don't know. I thought Caro actually did the best program she's ever done with that number - remember her disastrous falls at CoC.

Carolina was held up over Yuna who had already scored the best marks of the night. Judges had no choice but ridiculously undermark Yukari in order to keep Yuna on the podium (or like Dick said, in order to stop the Asian invasion). Accordingly, Yukari got kicked off the podium. I think you're right. It should have been Yuna, Mao and Yukari.

 

[Mathman]

I got a kick out of the lttle promo on Kristi being on Dancing with the Stars. Especially the old footage form the days of Yamaguchi and Galindo. Did you see that throw double jump where Kristi landed with her arm over her head and they went immediately into side-by-side twizzles?

I thought the whole show was excellent. In the men's short program, what in the world was Stephane Lambiel complaining about, judging-wise? He (essentially) fell on his triple Axel and touched down on his quad, his spins were only OK (for him), and his overall ice presence was not up to his usual standard either.

 

[Wrlmy]

I can't believe Dick and Peggy will be unemployed
Even though I think Dick is Simon Cowell of figure skating, well I usually love Simon, and thus Dick as well. And Peggy... she is the most beautiful skater in history. This is really the end of an era, although I only witnessed the last decade of the era.
Next year, I'll be stuck hearing Scott screaming "AHHHHH QUARTER TUUUURNNNN!!!" and Sandra's commentary not half as good as her choreagraphy.

 

[Ximena]

I will miss Terry and Peter (only when he comments with Terry which has not happened in a long time) and Paul.

I will not miss Dick because he was so insanely bias towards some skaters and when he didn't like one, he will pick on every single detail he/she may have done wrong, but when it was someone he liked, he said things like "who cares about the mistakes?!!"

Oh Terry, I'll miss you the most!!

 

[camion]

OMG, I didn't realize this would be their last year commentating. As much as I was annoyed at Dick's comment at the end of Yu-Na's sp, I really am gonna miss his bravado & enthusiasm for the sport. And no more hearing of Peggy's compassionate regard for each of the skaters? I think I'm gonna even miss Terry's off-hand remarks. Is there a chance we'll be able to hear any one of them on different tv stations?

 

[katymay]

Dick and Peggy show

I was rather surprised that Peggy allowed footage of her to be used that showed a close up interview with her old nose. I thought she might make light of it or mention something....(I mean these days, who DOES have their old nose. haha)

YuNa used to have terrific flexibility-but then had to have back surgery because of that flexibility. It wasn't the same YuNa in the long program-very slow, no energy- I hope she regains her former self soon.

My heart broke for Ando-and Peter had all the empathy of a rock. Ando has gotten way too thin I think.

I can't believe I am saying this-but for the first time in a million light years, I actually agreed with Dick and Peggy almost everything they said, and OMG, I actually enjoyed their commentary. I thought Dick especially toned down the sniping, and he actually allowed bars of music to play without speaking. Peggy said nothing catty about anyone.

And yes, I think Nakano got hosed-wrapped leg or not. I also think that YuNa was propped up as well as Caroline.

 

[R.D.]

Is there a chance we'll be able to hear any one of them on different tv stations?

NBC might still use Mr. Button for their US Nats coverage next year, like they did this year. But I don't see Peggy or Terry jumping ship...

 

[turtle]

I always thought that he was fun to listen to etc. and could accept some, well, strange habits. But then I watched some old programs a few weeks ago, among them a LP from Urmanov - and I don't think that I can ever listen to him again without thinking of his comment throughout that LP. He was really bashing Urmanov, for the costume, for the balletic style, for "superficiality", for his flamboyance - it was horrible. That probably destroyed my image of Dick Button forever.

Oh, how I used to love Urmanov and his flamboyant style He had his own style and he also had good techniques, so pleasant to watch. I remember having wondered many times why he wasn't appreciated much in the US but perhaps Dick's comments played a part???

 

[zephyrskates]

OMG, I didn't realize this would be their last year commentating. As much as I was annoyed at Dick's comment at the end of Yu-Na's sp, I really am gonna miss his bravado & enthusiasm for the sport. And no more hearing of Peggy's compassionate regard for each of the skaters? I think I'm gonna even miss Terry's off-hand remarks. Is there a chance we'll be able to hear any one of them on different tv stations?

Terry covers golf as well. lol. why the hell do i watch golf.

 

[dorispulaski]

that was great, she finally stood up to him... normally she just lets him berate her and then changes her mind and bows to him and says he's right. She needs to stick up for herself more often, the wimpy Peggy annoys me.

what got me was, IIRC, he never had a problem with Michelle Kwan's 'low leg' laybacks. Why the change now?

Dick's bias is just getting ridiculous.

Actually, when Michelle was quite young, he went on about her leg position in laybacks, which was probably she went to the heart version of the layback with the leg down. AFAIR, wasn't her back just not that flexible to do the 'classic' position as beautifully?

 

[camion]

Thanks for the replies Red Dog & zephyrskates. I'm glad I'll still be able to hear some of Dick's rationale, but I wish he'd continue commentating on an int'l level- if not in tv broadcasting, maybe on the airwaves: I think Sirius should give him a contract, lol. As for Terry, I'm not really into golf. My brother's idol is Tiger Woods so I guess I'll tell him to give me a heads up if I'm in need of a Terry fix/quirk.
Huh, I never realized Peggy had rhinoplasy until I saw what you guys posted. I just thought her hair color looked different. Best of luck to her, I always thought she was really sweet.
I must say though I was really proud of all the American girls even if they did not get the 3 spots. I hope Kimmie, Bebe & Ashley steadily come into their own & rise to the occasion for next season. Mao, Yu-Na, & Yukari made this year's worlds all the more memorable. Mao- what a recovery!& true fighter; Yu-Na- I luv how dignified u were even w/the injury- u've got class girl; & Yukari- magnificent spins, can't wait for the time when ppl come to realize your talent & for u to be truly appreciated. On another note, I almost cried when I saw how much pain Miki was in. I hope she gets substantial emotional & physical rest. I'll never count her out.