Downtown Denver ice skating:

Robert Putnam's 2000 book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community bleakly notes the decline in levels of national civic engagement since the end of World War II. This is argued to be linked with dwindling supplies of social capital, which the author defines as “social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them". This dismal conclusion is supported through the existence of a stark drop in membership rates for community groups, unions, professional associations and of course, bowling leagues as alluded to in the book's title. Furthermore the generational nature of this disturbing phenomena is put forward by Putnam as “each generation that has reached adulthood since the 1950s has been less engaged in community affairs than its immediate predecessor.”

With the current economic downturn, continued discussions of the detrimental effects of climate change, peak oil and repercussions of our global population reaching seven billion people, the likelihood of changing this trend of declining social capital seems unlikely. But there may be hope from the unlikeliest of sources: figure skating. But more importantly, figure skating's existence at community ice rinks which may act to reverse this social capital decline, becoming one of the last bastions of cross-generational social capital creation.

Walking by community ice skating rinks, whether on the grand scale of Rockefeller Center in New York City, or the tiny-by-comparison community rink in Old Town, Fort Collins, one witnesses a kind of disengagement from much of the existing political and economic woes of recent times and a shift from self-isolating proclivities including avoiding eye contact with strangers and perpetual and self-contained hermitage through iPod or iPhone. People at these rinks are laughing and engaging one another and generally seem happy to do so. Additionally the generational gap decried by Putnam is more often than not overcome as the ice is shared by an array of people from families with young children, to university students, to the young at heart.

Denver once again has this frozen community meeting ground after a long absence. The first skating rink in downtown Denver opened in Zeckendorf Plaza at 16th and Court in 1957 and was followed by the first Skyline Park ice rink in 2001 which closed abruptly for the park's remodeling.The return of the Skyline rink located next to the historic Daniels and Fisher Clocktower is thanks to the efforts of Southwest Airlines and the Downtown Denver Partnership. The grand opening of the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park occurred on November 26, 2010 with Southwest's Vice President of Communication and Strategic Outreach, Linda Rutherford stating, "Southwest's partnership with the Downtown Denver Partnership has given us the opportunity to provide Denver residents with something they have been requesting for a long time. The rink is a unique way for us to make a positive contribution in the Denver community, and we're excited to interact with our customers where they work and live."

As the inaugural season of the new rink winds down (the last day is Sunday, January 30th) and the second installment of much needed snow begins falling across the front range into tomorrow (Monday, January 10), community members should take advantage of this economically friendly activity that will for a limited time afford a beautiful winter view of downtown Denver while helping reinvigorate a sense of community in the mile high city.The rink is located at 16th and Arapahoe in Downtown Denver (1611 Arapahoe Street, Denver, CO 80202). Admission is free if you bring your own skates and rentals are cheap at $2. For those seeking a little more adrenaline and excitement in their on-ice community building efforts, broomball competitions are another option with registration proceeds benefitting Volunteers of America and the Parade of Lights. The rink's hours of operation are: 
Saturday and Sunday 10am-9pm, Monday through Wednesday
 12pm-7pm and Thursday and Friday
12pm- 9pm.
Some final upcoming events include “Date Night” Saturday, January 15th and 29th (7-9pm), with an evening consisting of dinner, music from Queen City Jazz Band, treats and ice skating, as well as “Kids Learn to Skate” clinics the mornings of Saturday January 15th, 22nd and the 29th. For more information, visit downtowndenver.com.

Perhaps Putnam was wrong, or maybe he just needs to take up a new winter hobby. In any case, Denver residents have a limited time to take up some local on-ice community building this winter season.

From Examiner.com

Major Announcement for NBC Skating Series

A major announcement just occurred yesterday for the NBC figure skating series (produced by Disson Skating). See the official release below.





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 22, 2010



PANDORA SIGNS AS UMBRELLA SPONSOR FOR NBC'S SKATING ENTERTAINMENT SERIES


THE SEVEN ORIGINAL SKATING SPECIALS MAKING UP THE “PANDORA NBC SKATING SERIES” WILL AIR BETWEEN NOVEMBER 21, 2010 AND FEBRUARY 19, 2011 ON NBC


As a world leader in the jewelry industry, Pandora's commitment to excellence and growing global status is undeniable. With US national headquarters in Columbia, MD and worldwide headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, Pandora manufactures and markets hand-finished modern jewelry at affordable prices with their product sold in over fifty countries on six continents. Joining as the umbrella sponsor for NBC's skating entertainment series, Pandora now partners with one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies, NBC Universal, and the premiere figure skating production company Disson Skating, which has produced these made-for-television entertainment specials on NBC for the past twenty-one years.


The series of seven original two-hour skating entertainment specials each feature celebrity guest entertainers and top Olympic, World, and National skaters including special music guests Foreigner, Mannheim Steamroller, America, Heart, Lonestar, American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard, American Idol Finalist David Archuleta and Straight No Chaser (America’s #1 men’s acapella group), as well as the internationally acclaimed performance company, Riverdance.


Additionally, Pandora is the Title Sponsor of Disson Skating's holiday special "Pandora's Unforgettable Holiday Moments on Ice", airing this Sunday, November 28 from 4:00 to 6:00pm EST. The show features Mannheim Steamroller performing the entire show live and stars Olympic Gold Medalists Brian Boitano, Ekaterina Gordeeva, and Ilia Kulik.

Pandora has recently started national TV advertising in the United States, using the “Pandora NBC Skating Series” to help launch its U.S. advertising campaign. As the Title Sponsor of the Pandora NBC Skating Series, the company will be receiving television commercials, name-entitled vignettes featuring the star skaters and skating hosts, and featured in-show segments and billboards on each of these seven NBC national telecasts, as well as similar exposure in the fourteen national rebroadcasts of the shows on The Hallmark Channel scheduled between December 24, 2010 and March 21, 2011. Furthermore, Pandora will be actively promoting the Pandora NBC Skating Series through videos and counter cards at Pandora retail locations around the country and online.


Angel Ilagan, Chief Marketing Officer, North America of PANDORA notes their excitement in partnering with NBC and Disson Skating as the umbrella sponsor for the Pandora NBC Skating Series saying, "Pandora is thrilled to be partnering with NBC Universal to sponsor this series of skating specials. The artistry of figure skating and the skill and craftsmanship behind our jewelry are a natural fit. Both take years of practice to perfect, and both focus on creating memories that will last a lifetime. And with these specials being broadcast on NBC we’re confident that we’re going to reach millions of skating fans, young and old.”


Stephen Disson, President and founder of Disson Skating further exudes the enthusiasm of creating such a partnership stating, "Disson Skating is thrilled to have Pandora, one of the fastest growing and most exciting jewelry companies in America, as our first-ever Umbrella sponsor of our NBC Skating Series. We are committed to building the Pandora NBC Skating Series into an important equity brand for Pandora."


About PANDORA

PANDORA, a global Danish brand, has been making its mark in the international fine jewelry industry for almost 30 years, and is world-renowned for its high-quality, handcrafted design. The collections inspire women to embrace their individuality with romantic and feminine pieces that capture the unforgettable moments of life. PANDORA’s affordable luxury collections include customizable charm bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces and watches made from sterling silver and 14K and 18K gold with handset precious gemstones. The perfect gift for any occasion, PANDORA jewelry is available in PANDORA retail stores and authorized dealers worldwide. To view the PANDORA collection, build a bracelet online or locate a jeweler, please visit PANDORA.net.

Check www.dissonskating.com for more information on the “Pandora NBC Skating Series” or contact

Matt Luizza, LPC Publicity, (970) 402-7276, mluizza@lpcpublicity.com

Lynn Plage, LPC Publicity, (303) 716-9500, lplage@lpcpublicity.com




###

Get Ready! Smucker's Stars on Ice 2011 Tour is Coming!

Smucker's Stars on Ice 2011 tour is almost here. We'll be posting blogs, pics and video links from the road as the tour kicks off in Lake Placid, New York on November 27th (next week).

For this 25th anniversary show, Olympic Gold Medalist Evan Lysacek and Olympic Silver Medalist Sasha Cohen will be joined by a stellar cast of world-renowned athletes, including Olympic Gold Medalists Jamie Salé & David Pelletier (Canada); Four-Time World Champion & Four-Time Canadian National Champion Kurt Browning; Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Ekaterina Gordeeva (Russia); World Champion and Six-Time U.S. Champion Todd Eldredge; Olympic Silver Medalists Tanith Belbin & Benjamin Agosto and more!

In the meantime, keep up-to-date by visiting www.starsonice.com for more information as well as exciting show announcements and join us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/officialstarsonice: and follow the official SSOI Twitter: @starsonice, www.twitter.com/starsonice.

NBC TUNE IN ALERT! (CHRISTMAS DAY)


VOTE FOR THE MOST IMPROV-ED SKATER ON NBCOLYMPICS.COM


What: In the sports and music world, often the greatest moments in history are the least expected or prepared for Amway Global Improv Ice, takes this idea to an exciting level with top figure skating champions putting their creativity and athletic prowess to the ultimate test of performance under pressure, in an off-the-cuff show where viewers and the live audience help pick the most innovative routines backed by the live music of one of the biggest popular rock bands of the past two decades, the Goo Goo Dolls. Hosted by Olympic Champions Brian Boitano and Kristi Yamaguchi and featuring an all-star cast of Olympic, World and National Champion skaters including 2009 World Champion and newly crowned Grand Prix Champion Evan Lysacek, who is one of the most consistent medal winners on the international scene and favored to be on the podium at the 2010 Winter Games held in Vancouver. Viewers can go to nbcolympics.com and vote for the skater that they thought improv-ed the best. The results will be reveled during Musselman's Presents Brian Boitano Skating Spectacular on New Year's Day.


When: Friday, December 25, 2009

Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm EST

Where: NBC (check your local listing for channel information)

Cast: Sasha Cohen, Nancy Kerrigan, Jeffrey Buttle, Kurt Browning, Evan Lysacek, Michael Weiss, Joannie Rochette and Shae-Lynn Bourne.

Musical Guest Stars: Goo Goo Dolls

TV Hosts: Kristi Yamaguchi & Brian Boitano


Check www.dissonskating.com for more information.

Not Just a Pretty Face: Tanith Belbin. Accomplished Woman is Fast-Paced World.

Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. Sadly, the dynamic Ice Dancing duo Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto were forced to withdraw from the Grand Prix Figure Skating Finals in Tokyo, Japan December 3rd-6th due to Tanith having an infected wisdom tooth. Last year the couple had to withdraw due to partner Ben Agosto sustaining a back injury. Doctor’s orders won’t allow Tanith to do physically strenuous activity for a week after surgery. So skating is out, as well as roller-derby, base jumping and competitive eating (pretty much all the fun things in life). But do not fret; the couple will be back in action for the U.S. Championships in January and they are still favored to represent the U.S. at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. All we need is The Daily Show with Jon Stewart to sponsor the U.S. Figure Skating team to one-up Stephen Colbert’s support of the U.S. Speed Skating team. I can see it now…”Team Colbert…Team Stewart…Showdown on the ice!” We give the TV hosts/New Head Coaches oversized sweatshirts and whistles and have them do their respective shows from the ice. Let the insanity and hilarity ensue!

Back to Tanith…The 2006 Olympic Silver Medalist, 2009 World Championship Silver Medalist, 2009 World Team Trophy Gold Medalist and recently single goddess of the ice (her ex-boyfriend is 2009 World Champion Evan Lysacek), currently graces the December cover of Men’s Health Magazine, giving insight to readers on how to “Woo” a tech-loving lady such as herself. As international and Olympic sports guru Phil Hersh recently noted in his Chicago Tribune blog it’s that time of year with the “Surest sign the Olympics are approaching: an attractive U.S. female athlete pictured in a state of undress for a magazine.”

Men’s Health calls Tanith the “Hottest Olympic Athlete” and she was given the title of “Hottest Female Athlete” in 2006 by ESPN.com. But Tanith is not just another pretty face. With skating partner (and rockstar) Ben Agosto she is a five-time U.S. Champion, three-time Four-Continents Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist (to name a few) and is favored to medal at the 2010 Winter Games. And to top that off she’s a correspondent for NBC (When she’s not winning medals, she’s a journalist.) Born July 11, 1984 in Kingston, Ontario the 25 year old naturalized U.S. citizen holds dual-citizenship so this Winter Olympic season could mean a little extra to her and may even be slightly confusing as she represents her “home country” in her “birth country.” Can she hold both flags on the podium and trade off lines from each national anthem?
Tanith is also a philanthropist like many of her fellow figure skaters, serving on the board of Figure Skating in Harlem (FSH), a youth fitness and education program that provides girls ages 6-18 in the Harlem community with vital educational and skating opportunities. She helped create a fundraising ice show, “Tanith & Ben: Home for the Holidays” to raise money for the American Cancer Society and in 2005, created an ice show, “Skate-Aid” which raised over $40,000 for the Red Cross tsunami relief fund.

Tanith on Tanith: “Although I am part of a team, I would like to demonstrate my individuality as a strong and accomplished young woman with endless ambition. I have so many more goals I'd like to achieve outside of my sport and I'd like to serve as a role model for young girls who are looking to find their way and establish themselves as individuals in their own right while developing the confidence necessary to reach any dream they can imagine. I want to encourage the minds of young people to be without limitations.” Keep doing what you do Tanith and maybe take a vacation sometime :)

Also, don’t miss the encore presentation of the following spectacular Disson Skating productions January 3rd through February 14th, 2010 on the Hallmark Channel.

Disson Skating presents the top figure skating talent including former Olympic Champions, 2010 Winter Olympic Contenders, World and National Champions, for a series of unforgettable productions that mixes athletic prowess and grace with the hottest live music acts spanning the iconic classics to the newest breakout artists of the music scene.

Amway Global Presents Smokey Robinson Tribute on Ice: (St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa. FL). Hallmark Channel Airdate: Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 at 1:00am EST/PST. Featuring the music of iconic R&B/Soul singer, songwriter and producer Smokey Robinson and starring 1988 Olympic Gold Medalist and Two-time World Champion Brian Boitano, 1996 World Champion and Six-time U.S. National Champion Todd Eldredge, 2006 Olympic Bronze Medalist and 2008 World Champion Jeffrey Buttle and more!

Kristi Yamaguchi and Friends: Starring the Backstreet Boys: (US Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ). Hallmark Channel Airdate: Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010 1:00am EST/PST. Starring 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist, Olympic Hall-of-Famer and Dancing with the Stars Season Six Champion Kristi Yamaguchi, Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Ekaterina Gordeeva, Three-time U.S. National Champion Michael Weiss and more!

Scotch Brand Holiday Celebration on Ice: (Verizon Arena, North Little Rock, AR). Hallmark Channel Airdates: Monday, Jan. 11, 2009 at 6:00 pm and Sunday, Jan. 20, 2009 at 1:00am EST/PST. Featuring live performances by legendary rock bands REO Speedwagon & Rick Springfield. Starring 1988 Olympic Gold Medalist and Two-time World Champion Brian Boitano, 2008 World Champion and 2006 Olympic Bronze Medalist Jeffrey Buttle, Two-time World Silver Medalist Ice Dancing Champions Marie-France Dubreuil & Patrice Lauzon and more!

Amway Global Improv-Ice: (Honda Center, Anaheim, CA). Hosted by Kristi Yamaguchi and Brian Boitano. Hallmark Channel Airdates: Monday, Jan. 18, 2010 at 6:00pm and Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010 at 1:00am EST/PST. Featuring the live music of Grammy-nominated artists the Goo Goo Dolls and starring 2006 Olympic Silver Medalist Sasha Cohen, 2009 World Champion Evan Lysacek, Four-time World Champion Kurt Browning and more!

Musselman’s Applesauce Presents Brian Boitano Skating Spectacular: (Arena at Harbor Yard, Bridgeport, CT). Hallmark Channel Airdate: Monday, Jan. 25, 2010 at 6:00pm and Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010 at 1:00am EST/PST. Featuring special live music guest Chicago and starring 1988 Olympic Gold Medalist and Two-time World Champion Brian Boitano, 2006 World Champion and 2007 National Champion Kimmie Meissner, 1994 World Champion and Two-time Japanese Champion Yuka Sato and more!

Progressive Skating & Gymnastics Spectacular: (Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD). Hallmark Channel Airdate: Monday, Feb. 1, 2010 at 6:00 pm and Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010 at 1:00am EST/PST. Starring Three-time U.S. National Champion Michael Weiss, 1996 World Champion and Six-time U.S. National Champion Todd Eldredge, 2008 Olympic Individual All-Around Gold Medalist Nastia Liukin, 2008 Olympic Balance Beam Gold Medalist, Individual All-Around Silver Medalist and Dancing with the Stars Season 8 winner Shawn Johnson and more!

Silk Skate for the Heart: (Sears Center Arena, Hoffman Estates, IL) Hallmark Channel Airdate: Monday, Feb. 8, 2010 at 6:00pm and Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010 at 1:00am EST/PST. Featuring Reigning World Champion Evan Lysacek, 2009 Ice Dancing World Silver Medalists and 2006 Olympic Silver Medalists Ben Agosto & Tanith Belbin, with live performances from music stars Jordin Sparks, Charice, Honor Society and KSM.

Check www.dissonskating.com for more information.

Happy Holidays!

To Skate or Rock? That is the Question: (Q&A w/ Olympian Ben Agosto)

(Photo Courtesy of NBC Olympics)


The 2010 Winter Olympic Games are less than 100 days away! Vancouver here we come, Aye! With Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto taking Gold and World Champion Evan Lysacek taking Silver at the Cup of China this past weekend, things are looking up for the U.S. team, despite numerous injuries that have plagued the U.S. ladies including Kimmie Meissner and Sasha Cohen. Additionally, the 2009 NHK Trophy is underway in Nagano, Japan so keep tuning in for updates and highlights. You know the Winter Games are fast approaching when the NBC commercial blitz begins, and to top that off there’s now a line of cuddly Olympic mascots for your purchasing pleasure. What better way to overcome the national economic recession blues and take your mind off of all the H1N1 pandemic updates, then by purchasing a slew of furry hybrid-animal-species Olympic friend?! I’m not sure what to make of the video…It’s weird and kinda alludes to a killer whale and a seal making whoopie…You can be the judge: (http://is.gd/4P7P4)

News in Skating:
World Champion Evan Lysacek will appear on NBC’s Today Show November 16th & three-time U.S. Champion Michael Weiss will also be on the Today Show November 27th. Tune in!

Disson Skating Productions on NBC!

The Disson Skating Production telecast schedule is here- Mark your calendars and set your Tivos!
Smokey Robinson Tribute on Ice: Sunday, November 22, 2009, 4-6pm EST (Live show Wednesday, November 11, 2009- Tampa, FL)
Holiday Celebration on Ice: Sunday, November 29, 2009, 4-6pm EST (Live show Thursday, November 19, 2009- Little Rock, AR)
Improv-Ice: Friday, December 25, 2009, 3-5pm EST
Skating & Gymnastics Spectacular: Sunday, January 10, 2010, 4-6pm EST
Skate for the Heart: Sunday, January 31, 2010, 4-6pm EST

Rock Gods of the Ice: What the heck does US Figure Skating have to do with being a rock star? During my short time in the field of figure skating it has come to my attention many skaters are intimately tied to the music scene, and well beyond the status of avid music lovers. These impressive athletes live, eat and breathe their sport; a craft and art where the music is arguably as important as the moves. Kimmie Meissner appeared in a music video (http://is.gd/4PFQC) and professes her dreams of one day becoming a rock star. Now, returning champion Elvis Stojko is releasing a full-length album. (Press release below).

TORONTO -- (Marketwire) -- 11/05/09 -- Elvis Stojko, seven-time Canadian Figure Skating Champion and two-time Olympic Figure Skating Silver Medalist, announces today that he is officially releasing the first single from his upcoming new album. The single is titled "Let Me Be the One," and will be released to Canadian radio stations today. The album, titled 100 Lifetimes, will be released later this fall...For full release got to: (http://is.gd/4PHaF)

And for additional information on Elvis Stojko or his music, visit www.elvisstojko.net

I did a little guitar email Q&A with Olympic, World and National champion figure skater Ben Agosto after his back injury which forced he and ice dancing partner Tanith Belbin to withdraw from the 2009 AT&T U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Cleveland, Ohio. Luckily, Agosto healed up nicely and the pair is rocketing towards the 2010 Winter Games and favored for clinching the Gold. The 27 year old rock star of the ice has a list of professional accolades to his name including a 2006 Olympic silver medal (the first U.S. medal in ice dancing in 30 years), 2004–2006 Four Continents Champion and 2004–2008 U.S. National Champion, but he's also one-heck-of-a guitar player.

Matt: What got you into guitar?

Ben: My dad plays classical and flamenco guitar, so there was always guitar music playing in my house. When I was a baby and I would start crying, the only way my parents could make me be quiet was to put on Paco De Lucia and then I would just stop and listen. I didn't actually become interested in playing the guitar (I played piano, trumpet and french horn) until I was about 10 years old and my sister got me Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble's Greatest Hits. I was blown away by the way he seamlessly blended lead and rhythm guitar and with the ferocity of his solos. Since then I have been all about rock, blues and everything in between.

Matt: Many guitarist have that defining moment when they picked up a particular guitar and the planets seemed to align and everything just seemed to make sense…The instrument is no longer a separate entity but an extension of the player…Did you have that moment and when?

Ben: I haven't had quite that intense an experience yet, but I'd have to say the closest I have come is when I got my Gibson LP (Les Paul). That guitar just feels so "right".

Matt: Yeah…That last question was sorta melodramatic :) I feel you on the LP. I have a Studio and it’s my baby. What kind of rig do you prefer? Any preference for your travel rig versus your home rig? (I remember that cool travel amp you had at the Disson show in Los Angeles we jammed on backstage).

Ben: I definitely love my home rig. My LP playing through a Vox AC50. The amp has 2 channels, and it can scream like Jimmy Page, or switch to an amazing crunch sound. It seems like I spend more time with my travel rig, though, and I would be utterly lost without it. I have a Traveler Guitar Speedster playing through a Korg Pandora PX4D. That little effects box can emulate the best amps with amazing sound and has hundreds of effects. It also has a line in so I can play backing tracks off my ipod. It's the best way to rock out in your hotel room :)

Matt: What musical celebrities have you met and/or jammed with? Any you wish you could take back? For instance I hear John Mayer is a real jerk in person…but my-God he can play the guitar :)

Ben: I have yet to jam with any famous musicians. I have had the unbelievable experience of playing with a great band in a bar in Nashville. I was on tour with Champions on Ice just after the 2006 Olympics, and we had just finished a show and were starting a week off. We went out to check out the night life, which is chock full of the most amazing musicians I have ever seen. We were having a great time in a little hole-in-the-wall bar with a rockin band, when my friend convinced the band to let me play with them "He's an Olympic silver medalist, man!" They were game, and so I played the very first song I learned on the guitar, Pride and Joy, by SRV. It went pretty well, and then the singer said, "How 'bout another one?" Nervous and reaching back to my comfort zone, I said Mary had a Little Lamb by Buddy Guy. The bar-goers seemed to dig it, so the singer gave me the mic and said, "Do another one, I'm gonna get a drink!" I was loving it! So I did Texas Flood, and one of my buddies jumped up and started making up the 3rd and 4th verses. That was one of the greatest nights of my life!!!

Matt: Who would you love to jam with? (Living and deceased):

Ben: I would love to be able to jam with Stevie Ray. He was the reason I started playing, and I always loved how humble he always was in giving props to the blues legends that he so skillfully borrowed from. I am also an insane Zeppelin fan, so of course getting to even be in the same building, let alone play with them would be a dream come true. I also would like to jam with an up and coming band called Other Side of Clearview. These guys really rock and I love their music.

Matt: Ha! You’re gonna make me blush. If I plug my band it is considered shameless promotion, so thank you for the props (and anytime you are in Colorado you’re more than welcome to jam with Other Side of Clearview). Have you ever started a band?

Ben: Sadly, I have never had time to be in a band. My schedule with my skating is so intense that I have not been able to make the commitment to things like practice or gigs... The closest I got was some friends in Ann Arbor, MI who would jam in their basement. We got together a few times and had a blast. We even recorded a little bit the last time we got together. I have used "Garage band" on my computer :)

Matt: Do you play guitar hero or rock band on the road?

Ben: I have a few times. They are both a blast. I love that a bunch of people can play at once. Most guitar players that I know hate the game, because, of course, it's nothing like actually playing the guitar. However, I used to play Dance Dance Revolution on tour, and guitar hero is basically the same principle, just with your fingers and much cooler music!

Matt: So what you are saying is, to be good at these games you have to suck at the activity in real life? :) Are you planning to do more skating/rocking out at future shows like the Santana intro you did at your skating show in Detroit? (Side note...I think you should...and my opinion holds a lot of weight in this industry).

Ben: Playing guitar on the ice was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had skating. I can't wait to have another opportunity to work out a number like that. Once I have a little more time, it's ON!

Matt: When you end up on the 2010 U.S. Winter Olympic Team, what will be on your pump-up ipod playlist and are you planning to bring a road rig to jam on?

Ben: My pump up playlist will definitely include: Zeppelin, SRV, Hendrix, AC/DC, Dave Matthews, Other Side of Clearview, Sublime, Aerosmith.... That's all I'm sure of right now :)

Matt: If Zeppelin does another reunion tour and Jimmy Page is unavailable cause he’s doing an remix album of Zeppelin songs with Kanye West (He’s worked with Puff Daddy so I wouldn’t put it past him) and they ask you to fill in would you? Basically, if you had to pick skating or being a guitar-god…what would it be?

Ben: My phone number is.... I would do it in a heartbeat! Although, they better let me know a couple of years in advance so I could practice. Jimmy's got some pretty big shoes to fill.

Matt: I bet you could take Page out...He's old and fragile. During the recovery time of your back injury did you spend a ton of time playing guitar?

Ben: I try to play guitar as much as possible regardless of what's going on in my life. When I was laid up with a herniated disc in my lower back, I had to be careful that I didn't get carried away playing too hard. That was pretty frustrating, because I couldn't play my LP...it was too heavy at first and hurt my back. Luckily I recovered pretty quickly and I haven't looked back.

Time To Bust Out The Fall Gear & Vote For Kristi!!!

It’s officially fall! School is back in full swing for many Americans. I myself am back in the sea of freshman students, so fearful and confused, running through an array of educational mazes, searching for the elusive passing grade, the cheese at the end of their proverbial collegial laboratory labyrinth. Like little lab mice scurrying from class to class, so small, nervous and kinda cute from a distance, but full of bacteria and communicable diseases like H1N1- the dreaded Swine Flu! I started my Master’s program this semester and am amazed at how many competitive figure skaters continue their education and compete at the same time.
Kimmie Meissner went from being a full time high school student (and competitor) to attending Delaware University, 2009 U.S. National Champion Alissa Czisny attended school at Bowling Green University while competing and recently graduated. There’s a ton of other skaters doing the juggling act of either attending universities or high school while being topnotch athletes. Michelle Kwan almost came back to competitive skating but decided to put her focus on school as she begins her Master’s in International Affairs at Tuft’s University. (Read a great blog about it by LifeSkate)
Fall also means the Disson Skating show season is here! See all the dates and locations at (http://www.dissonskating.com/) Including the upcoming Improv-Ice show October 6th in Anaheim California, hosted by Kristi Yamaguchi and featuring live musical guests the Goo Goo Dolls. I’ll be at the Halloween show in Omaha Nebraska October 18th (the only one that didn’t conflict with my school schedule) ready for a holiday celebration like no other!

We’ve got some amazing pictures from the NBC photo shoot with your favorite skating stars that I’ll be posting soon. Keep checking back…

The 2010 Winter Olympics are just around the corner. I’ve been sulking (frequently) about the fact I can’t go. Rumor has it my boss gets to go as a skating consultant. Lucky! Well, maybe it has less to do with luck and more to do with the fact she is considered one of the most powerful people in the figure skating world…I’m going to continue to sulk and call it luck :)

Here’s some recent news regarding one of my personal favorites Kimmie Meissner:

“Former world and national champion Kimmie Meissner will not have to qualify for the 2010 U.S. championships. The nationals, scheduled for Jan. 14-24 in Spokane, Washington, will determine which two women will go to the Winter Olympics. Despite being assigned to two international Grand Prix events this season, the skater from Bel Air was going to have to qualify at the South Atlantic regionals in early October in Rockville because she withdrew from the nationals earlier this year because of injury. And she missed by one day the bye granted to skaters whose Grand Prix assignments and travel would create a conflict with regionals. Meissner, who trains in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is to compete in the Cup of Russia on Oct. 22-25 in Moscow and the NHK Trophy on Nov. 5-8 in Nagano, Japan. U.S. Figure Skating officials granted her a bye because of the short time frame and extensive travel involved.” (Courtesy of Candus Thomson-Baltimore Sun)

Finally, vote for skating legend Kristi Yamaguchi in the Dancing with the Stars “Design a Dance”
Voting will be open from 6PM PST on Tuesday, September 29th and close at 9AM on Tuesday, October 6th.