Minnie & Ellen

I am a HUGE fan of Jimmy Fallon, his many talents and his new foray as the host of the Tonight Show. I am sure there will many posts to share over the next years with his crazy karaoke antics, celebrity game challenges and musical parodies. The man's talent is bottomless.

But lest we forget, Ellen has her own thing going on during the day time. Although I am not at home to watch, my feeds keep me abreast of her shenanigans as well. She has such a warm heart and endears her guests constantly - even while in humiliation. Here is a clip of her and Minnie Driver, who is also an overlooked gem. Her acting range is chameleon. And on a recent episode, Ellen and her do a mock audition for Downton Abbey, complete in period costume. The catch is the Minnie has no idea of the dialogue and is being fed via cue cards. She amuses and does not miss a beat. Both true treasures.

Song for Arizona

I am very politically motivated. This goes back to my union heritage and the blue collar roots on both sides of my family. So while the Olympics took a back seat and I pondered the ramifications of their human rights impact, the recent situation in Arizona irks me more, because it is taking place in our own front yard.

What are they thinking and who are they representing? I saw the Anderson Cooper interview with an inane Al Melvin and immediately tweeted the possible governor my adamant dismay at the whole political body there. They seem to be standing on warped principle without any information or grasp of the facts. His babbling made an entire state appear archaic and bigoted. I truly hope that is not the case.

It is with joy that I stumbled onto this fabulous songwriter and his bold statement towards the situation. Eric Himan was traveling to Phoenix to perform when the bill was passed. He felt compelled to put his thoughts and emotions into word and song. In a short matter of minutes he penned the song in his hotel and made a quick demo track. Here is his "Not Going Anywhere Tonight."His talent is humbling as is his heart in the number. I get exactly where he is coming from and eagerly share it with you.

Play for Pay

Jeff and I were talking the other day about corporate sponsored athletes. I had heard that it varies from sport to sport in terms of what is covered by the US Olympic Team. Certainly with major spots like Figure Skating & Hockey, it is a full ride to Sochi. But in other lesser sports like Skeleton or Biathalon - some athletes are left on their own, even in a major country like ours. I had read that a female US athelete raised her transport to Sochi via a Social media campaign. Seems totally wrong for a nation like ours much less a struggling country like Ukraine right now. How much of a national stage is the Olympics?

So it was interesting that I found this feed to the 5 richest participants in 2014. Dazzling discrepancy there. I seem to remember conversations in my youth about what deemed a professional vs an amateur. At that point the Olympics was not open to professionals. Now we have players from major hockey and basketball teams on country's teams all over the world. We have X Sport players that have their names on everything from snowboards to chewing gum. Eating yogurt, using credit cards, driving expensive cars with incomes I will never approach in my lifetime. A cloudy perspective and I am not quite sure where I fall on the curve. Here are the 5 wealthiest - and this is prior to their Sochi medal count. I am sure it will shift considerably after they stand on the podium or crash on the slopes.

Lindsey Jacobellis = $1 Million; Sprint/ Visa/ Paul Mitchell/ Dunkin' Donuts/ Chobani Yogurt
Hannah Teter = $1 Million; Samsung/ Burton Snowboards/ personal Sweet Cheeks underwear line
Ted Ligety = $2 Million; Audi/ 2XU/ Slytech/ personal Shred Optics ski goggles
Bode Miller = $8 Million; Nike/ Head
Shaun White = $20 Million; Target/ Red Bull/ Oakley/ Air & Style

Crashed Ice

We did it again. Instead of staying inside to take in the last of the Olympics on a warm Saturday night, Jeff & I ventured out in sub-zero temps to take in the finals of the Red Bull Crashed Ice event in St Paul.

The sport itself pushes the limits of X Games with four men hurling themselves down a maniacal slope to cross a finish line. A winner does not even need to be standing, it is a matter of the first skate over the line. And that was contested several times while we were there.

St Paul is one of four cities on the World Grand Prix - the others being Helsinki, Quebec and Moscow. It is truly a world event with an international slate of competitors and a viewing audience of near 100,000. The course itself is a spectacular work of architecture that is built over two weeks from the top of the Cathedral grounds down to the bottom of Kellogg. The entire course is illuminated as a glowing sheet of ice, incredible jumps and hairpin turns and the giant Cathedral drenched in color. No one seemed to care that it was minus zero as we watched. We took a shuttle over to avoid parking fiascoes learned from years past. It is also amazing how near you are able to view the course from all angles in spite of make-shift scaffolding; it must be an insurance nightmare.

But exciting - definitely. For those that live out state, it is broadcast delayed broadcast on Fox Sports1.

Saving Mr. Banks

Today I am taking a brief hiatus from Olympic activity. Last night we braved a daunting MN winter night to catch Saving Mr. Banks at the bargain theaters. I figured since the car needed to be moved for snow emergency and a warm up would help, we should venture out. We were among only a handful of takers.

I am a huge Emma Thompson fan and was expecting a good piece. However, it was not the story I thought I would see. Previews pointed to much of the drama between Travers and Disney and only slightly alluded to the fatherly topic of Mr. Banks which is the driving force behind the entire film. Colin Farrell was brilliant in the flashback scenes, which were the catalyst for the story although he was not even in the trailer. Sort of an Oedipus complex where all characters had a patriarchal chip on their shoulders. Harbored resentments and old wounds. This all made it a much richer story in spite of Thompson's almost unlikeable role.

Then I came home and was scanning some vintage photos of my Dad for #tbt posting. Just by accident I stumbled onto many of them this week. Some I had seen, but others were in a rusty album left to me by my grandmother after she had died. My dad was a handsome lad with a hard past, who also died far too young. The album was also filled with odd documents that have yellowed; parking violations from 1957, land permits from my great grandfather. All just a bit too nostalgic and got me thinking about my own journey and relationship with him. Not nearly as troubled, but also too many things left unsaid...

the Science of Figure Skating

After yesterday's massacre of skating fashion, today I am taking a more clinical approach to the sport. Courtesy of asapScience - I am not sure if it is a teaching school for students or techno geek app for adults. I have seen their vids before and they give a succinct summary of something a bit outside my grasp and make it somehow logical.

I will include their link at the bottom, since they have been doing daily features on all things sports and Olympics during Sochi. But this highlight is specifically Figure Skating. It looks at G-force on rotational spins. Speed and resistance on ice vs. track. And most amazingly the impact and ferocity of a quad toe jump. Apparently it takes the metabolism of an astronaut and the legs of an elephant. And we wonder why they crash and burn under the pressure. Enjoy the tutorial.

AsapSCIENCE YouTube channel

Skating Costumes

As we were watching the Ice Dance finals last night, the topic of costumes came up along with twizzles, technical marks and artistry. How could we go an entire Olympics without any commentary of fashion blunders? Lord knows that Johnny Weir would keep his opinions to himself!

Like any other trend, they are cyclical. Luckily the current trends are more sophisticated and allow most of the attention to go to the skater. We saw lots of tuxedos and elegant skirts. But some of these Buzzfeed photos show that was not always the case - even on a world level. The 80's and 90's were merciless in fashion faux pas. Here are just a few fails.

Katarina Witt '86

Rahkamo & Kokko '95

Torvill & Dean '87

Vasiliev & Valova '88

Platov & Grishuk '96

Surya Bonaly '93

Curling? Really???

Is it just me, or I am the only one not getting the rush of Olympic Curling? It seems to be a cult following that is reaching phenomenal heights. But I tuned in to one of the women's semis and was lost to say the least.

An Olympic sport, really? I can see it in a neighborhood ice rink after everyone else has cleared, but certainly not a major spectator sport. Why are they all screaming as the stone juts down the court? Even bowling does not garner that much shouting as your ball rolls into the gutter. And the two that are busting ass with the broom hammers? Does it really make any difference in speed or trajectory? What are they wearing for shoes - slippers or skates? It seems like a waste to me. Not that it doesn't require skill - but on a world level?

And then the media feature about the stone that is hurled. It comes from some remote island off of Scotland that is the only place in the world where they can harvest the green/ blue marble of which they are made. What about Italy and Georgian marbles? Would it really make that much of a distinction? I think someone has a market on it and is selling to the huddled masses. The Emperor's New Clothes to me and if I got a free event ticket, I'd rather sit on the shores of the Black Sea in Sochi and skip rocks into the waves under the Olympic torch. And Golf, Archery & Baseball are not active sports at this point? Tell me why?

Happy Valentines Day

I found this infectious bit of pop and thought it would make a great virtual Valentine that speaks to all. Let me start by saying that I find Matt Zarley adorable in a teddy bear sort of way. He is another one of those "I don't look like I sound" types. He doesn't fit the mold of American Idol pop icon, yet has the chops to own a place at their table.

The song is Somebody 4 Everybody and sets a tone for all of us on this lover's holiday - whether you have met your mate or not. His art direction places the song in a kitschy Dating Game scenario which is both nostalgia and saccharine. But what I also love is that he populates it with actor's who are not all pre-pubescent and perfect. They look like you and me in all our colors of the rainbow. It is charming to see the couples pair up and personalities come out that are a mix of stereotypes. XOXO

Manly Speed Skating

I have purposely been trying to stay away from the political machine of our US broadcasting coverage and enjoy the Olympic games for the sport they are intended to be. I will weigh in on all political drama with close friends and after the fact. But for 18 days I want to rejoice in the athletes.

That being said, I have to share this satire commentary from Comedy Central and the Stephen Colbert show. He makes a regular guest of Scott Thompson, as Buddy Cole on all topics gay and straight. And in this segment, he fuels the flame around Russia's gay agenda. His poor victims in this case are the US Speed Skating team, and they are so shocked by his interviews, they are often left in speechless response. The premise is branding the image of the team to defy any questions of homosexuality among their members. Things get even brighter when he takes the ice with them and attempts solutions to make their appearance more manly. Very funny stuff indeed and I am glad the athletes have a sense of humor about them.

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Video Archive

Polar Bears

Nothing to do with the Olympics, #Sochi2014 or poor Bob Costa's eyes. But it still is "winter sport." Since we have likely seen enough of the Russian Military Police and their rendition of get Lucky. (I am guessing they have no idea what the lyric intent of that song means or they would not be singing it in full uniform - how gay is that!) This is a just a trifle, but I loved the infectious spirit of it all. Especially as our temps climb by just a few today. The music is just fun and the antics are playful. No idea who the two guys are other than Rey & Harry or where this takes place. It could be any one of our MN cabins by the Lake. But I think it looks like a good and silly time.

Worn with Pride

Over the next two weeks I will be chiming in with everything Olympics. Understand, that this is only opinion and observation. I am by no means an international journalist and sports are usually my weakness although athletics are within my comfort zone.

So let's start at the very beginning... The Ceremonies. I am not sure what Russia was trying to accomplish; or rather I think I do.The question is; did they hit the mark? It was big and labored which would be expected. But much was lost in translation to me, and I don't necessarily mean the language. I get that each host nation attempts to give a glimpse into their history and culture. But without a textbook, none of this was apparent to me. Much like their film and music on the world stage - what they are selling as contemporary, is dated and kitschy from the get go. Where were the great orchestras, prima ballerina's (I do realize there was a single woman trying to shine in a huge arnea but...) and grand architecture. Instead I saw attempts to bring Stravisnky into the world of Cirque deSoleil and Pop music from a 50's beach flick. The old adage that more is more failed me. If you crowd the stage with 200+ performers with balloons, hula hoops and rollerblades - there will be something to watch. I thought the most amazing thing were the floor projections which gave the whole evening some needed dimension. But I digress.

The real query is who wore it better. Comparing my tastes to the other blogs and columns, I find I am in the minority. Alas, I am the only one I know who actually really liked the American theme with tossled hat and yarn patchwork sweater. I would buy one if they weren't $500. I enjoyed the countries with a bit more color and panache. I mean, if you are going to take the world stage, don't you want to scream for a bit of attention on the runway? How many more red, white or navy blue down jackets did we really need to see? I see those around Lake Calhoun every day of the week. So I am going BOLD.

Latvia - I loved the mocha toned vests that were unique to every other nation. And then the offset of jagged 80's MTV stripes on the sleeves, scarf and hat to give it punch and tie it all together with the orange slacks instead of sweats.








Spain - looked like dapper Hogwart's students from Harry Potter, which were both classy and styled. Fitted sport coats with men in dark burgundy and the women in banana yellow. Loved the timeless black berets worn stylish at a tilt and then a simple gold tie to make them looked the best dressed at the party.

 

Poland - kept things tasteful and also seasonal with their team jackets that looked both cardigan sweater and down jacket. An interesting screening pattern gave them texture and was subtle with the Polish crest over their hearts in blazing red. Reverse print hat and gloves showed they were here to play.




Lithuania - there is green and then there is chartreuse!. They may have looked more ready for a spin class but I was along for the ride. Neon yellow with fashionable accessories. Cue the music.

Germany - from day one, this team garnered attention with the bright watercolor coats and pants from head to toe. Everyone cried that they were trying to make a political statement. But I think the statement they made had more to do with couture and less with policy. I say bring it on.

and finally hosts Russia - Not including the men - who looked like any other REI camping ad. But the females looked like the love child of old Kris Kringle and Dr Zhivago. Everything we would expect from the Russian Siberian with long trench coat framed in white fluff. They stole more thunder than any of the Opening Ceremonies abstract costumes. And that's how i saw it!

Olympic apps

You all must know that technology is an asset I crave and I continue to use my tablet more and more. Good or bad, it keeps me on the cutting edge of the trend world supposedly. I remember the last Summer Olympics and being able to digest a steady stream of on-line viewing to every single event should I choose. The world at our fingers!

So with excitement, I have been scouring to find the best virtual links to Sochi this week. I have to admit, they have not been all easy. Just trying to find a good app to monitor and follow the games themselves has been difficult. Most of them have Russian developers, so maybe that is some of the conflict. I can easily find the date and time of every sporting event, but details are severely lacking. Maybe this is also because athletes and the teams are still being decided even at this late stage of the game. They do however all seem to be big on medal counts?!

These are the two I will most likely be using, minute to minute to track the action. NBCOlympics.com promises live streams and we will see how they play out.

Team USA -Every single athelte to the Games and Paralympics has their own page with every stat you could ask for on them. Official Team pic in uniform; qualifying events and medals; training location. It also has Featured Athlete pages which are the ones to watch with in-depth coverage. And it will likely have much footage of triumph and defeat once the Games are under way. This is the one to watch wat

Olympic Athlete's Hub - and for those wanting something more Fan based, this portal from the offical Olympic IOC. It is a huge network that taps into all the atheletes, Facebook pages, Twitters feeds and Instagram hubs which will only become more saturated as the Games go on. You can follow personal favorites or just trends. It is playing out in a myraid of languages right now with teams landing and taking photo ops, but I am guessing we will get some great candid information in real time once the Games begin.

Olympic Preview

SNL seems to be hitting another stride in their long dynasty. Here are two very fun parodies leading up to the Sochi Olympics. The first highlights America's attempt to pacify gay radicals in the world of male figure skating. Thus, there is apparently a B squad of candidates in the rear (pardon the bad pun) if needed to represent us that are unqualifed Straight Men. Both in the Singles and Pairs competitions. Hilarity of course ensues. (link only - embed not able)
SNL Men's Heterosexual Figure Skating


The second is the unstoppable Kate McKinnon on the Weekend Update as a Russian peasant Olya Pavolotsky with her patriotic views as the world comes to her backyard for the Olympic events. The woman never misses a beat.
SNL Olya Povlatsky