wombat-poodle

Ugh I can't, 4Lz is the most beautiful thing in existence now.

Yuzu just landed a jump that looked like a 4Lz! (can anyone confirm)

I believe Yuzuru already has everything he needs to completely dominate. He just needs to get in the "zone" like he did in Helsinki.

Well, it's not true but let NBC and other haters say what they want about consistency. Then Yuzu can surprise everyone all the more when he skates clean, but have less pressure on him. It's too much to expect him to go clean all the time. I don't want Yuzu to face that sort of hyper-scrutiny where every little mistake he makes is hung onto and made a big deal of all the time. Nobody makes a big deal with the other skaters' mistakes. Even though Shoma bombed JO, Nathan bombed Worlds 2017 and JO, and Javi bombed Worlds 2017 and GPF 2016. I think Yuzu should be treated the same.

Brian's reaction is just hilarious and classy. Beautiful art!!

Guys, I don't know how to read Japanese so I'm not sure - how does one participate in the lottery thing to get the G-Shock watch (for both the feathers and non-feathers version)?

I recognize that the ISU has made a decision, but given that it's a stupid ass decision, I have elected to ignore it.

I've seen this Chinese saying (on weibo) - one starts being a fandom because of looks, gets stuck there because of talent, and then loyally stays there because of character. Yuzuru's cute looks have definitely ensnared many fans, but if he were not as brilliant and awesome as he is, his legions of fans would have moved on to the next pretty face already. And there are so many pretty faces around especially in this Internet age where anybody from any part of the globe can get their face on the net.

I have found that where a skater enters the Lutz jump with a Loop-like entry (legs crossed like an X), it's likely that they are a flutzer. The entry seems to be a common technique for making it easier to maintain the outside edge until takeoff, although it's not foolproof. Usually I watch for a subtle, quick movement of the general ankle area just before takeoff to identify flutzes.

Actually, I don't think Max has been the only one to talk about raising the PCS coefficient in order to balance out TES and PCS. This blog (https://fuckyeahdearlybeloved.tumblr.com/post/165305764611/i-think-the-isu-wants-to-kill-the-figure-skating) mentions it too, and crunches some numbers to show that this is actually a viable solution. I mostly support the idea as well, but only if judges are better trained and subject to some sort of accountability system, because the risk with a higher coefficient is that there will be lot more room for manipulation. Sometimes I'm just appalled at how some layman fans are more knowledgeable and logical than ISU judges and specialists themselves.

Yup, he's super evasive!

I see... Reminds me of that one food critic from Ratatouille

Gosh, < and e everywhere on those protocols! I dunno much about him, is he considered fair or overly strict???

Terrifying

4Lz is real ... O - O

more positive things to focus on... 1. Overwhelming fan support for Yuzuru <3 2. Yuzu and Javi interactions (ft. scrunchy-faced smile which is my no. 1 fave yuzu expression) 3. FS putting a stop to media hype after the SP, which is not good so early in the season

I believe Yuzu can do without the crushing pressure of being Japan's ace, so I'm ok with Shoma being the "new saviour".

I believe even if the Olys were tomorrow Yuzu can do a clean SP and FS and break WRs. The only thing is to keep his mental condition just right - no overthinking no nonsense.

Let them do it. Yuzu said he messed up because he was thinking too much and focusing on chasing his strong performance, media pressure and hype is a real thing that affects him badly. Better to go into the Olys as not the favourite to win. Plus, the disgustingness of the JP media in kicking Yuzu down at his low points and all that speaks for itself, if anything it would make more people want to support yuzuru.

let's focus on the positives, guys: 1. Landed both CoDs in SP and FS 2. Much better approach to injury / fatigue from Team Yuzu 3. WR SP 4. Landed a 4T as the LAST jump, even though it wasn't perfect 5. Supportive Tracy and Brian

I'm slightly frustrated what the media will make of a watered down first outing - especially compared to Nathan and Shoma - but it can't be helped. Yuzuru MUST rest.

Hmm, I think other skaters always have one special area which they use to get the judge's attention and favour. For example, Boyang and Nathan with their jumping prowess, Shoma with his intense performances and Patrick with superior skating skills. ISU judges are gullible that way - as long as their other areas are not "obviously problematic", they will be impressed enough to give out points, overlook certain areas, etc. Yuzuru doesn't have a standout area, but is good at everything. However that is not as attention-grabbing as being a specialist. So he goes "unacknowledged". What makes him special is that he commits to this style of skating even though its not the most rewarding (and of course has sheer talent to follow through). That's a trait that's hard to find.

I hope Yuzu is ok! ; - ; It's a good thing he's simplifying his layout on account of this though!

After GPF, he can still face Shoma at Nationals, before the Olympics. Don't worry too much about it! I don't think Nathan and Javi are to be taken lightly tbh, even Patrick... They have all beaten Yuzu before, whereas Shoma hasn't (unless you count the WTT total score). So Yuzu has plenty of opportunities to face off with strong rivals before the big showdown.

The banner can't be wider than the width of the seat? D: That's rather small...