Dream of the Perfect Double Axel

During these off weeks on the international figure skating scene, meaning when there's nothing of the Grand Prix playing on ESPN or ABC, I rely on my new subscription to the Figure Skating Channel (I got in on the early bird special at $99 per year, thanks to a financial gift from my ever-sensitive mother -- thanks Mom!). Through this wondrous connection, I can view local, state and regional events, and the channel is also slated to broadcast the national meet early next year. Sorry, no international events; only those sponsored by the US Figure Skating Association, it seems, plus, through some miracle of marketing synchronicity, I'm sure, the British Championships, though I haven't read the fine print. I was under the impression the Channel would allow me to watch international events without having to adhere to a television schedule, but I've found that everything but those events is available.

Not to worry. It makes me feel like a real insider. Slaving through the poor video and sound quality of most of the event recordings is enough to test any usually surefooted fan's bearings, so I feel I'm enduring a sort of test sitting through some of this footage. I'll tell you one thing: It really makes you appreciate the level at which TV-ready, world class skaters perform. So if you're truly committed to seeing the whole, unruly, inconsistent, passionate, often poorly filmed picture, I highly recommend the Figure Skating Channel; but beware: it's charms will be lost on any but the fellow skater and the diehard enthusiast. If you're looking for pre-packaged glamour, better stick to the networks, Babe.