April 2012
20 posts
http://www.chakiris.org — a nonprofit organization is raising money for a documentary about actor/singer/dancer George Chakiris. 19 days left to raise $13,000!
Not long ago, I took my daughter to see Stars on Ice. I have long been a fan of skating, and I was excited to see the stars of my youth (like Ekaterina Gordeeva, who I remember skating pairs with her late husband, Sergei Grinkov) and contemporary champions (like Joannie Rochette, who heartbreakingly medaled at the Vancouver Olympics after losing her mom just prior to the competition). Moving stories, inspiring dedication, breathtaking athleticism and artistry – even for someone who doesn’t know her Lutz from her Salchow, it’s impressive. As my 4-year-old (who came for the costumes but stayed for the spins) put it so eloquently, “They are REALLY good balancers, Mommy.”
But figure skating might not be the arena-filling phenomenon it has remained for decades, were it not for a 5’3’’ Norwegian born 100 years ago today.
![]()
Sonja Henie skates, 1941 (Associated Press/N.N./dapd)
Sonja Henie was skating’s first superstar. By the age of 10, she was Norway’s champion, and at 11 she competed in her first Olympics. She won her first World Championship at 14 and became unbeatable, going on to win 10 consecutive Worlds, three consecutive Olympic golds, and six consecutive European Championships.
No one could top her, and everyone wanted to be like her. Henie was the first to sport the now ubiquitous women’s figure skating look: short skirt and white boots. And she was the first to use dance choreography in her skating routines. Her innovation and glamour forever transformed skating and helped solidify its acceptance as a legitimate sport and Olympic pursuit.
Henie’s reign continued long after her competitive career ended. In 1936, she turned pro and began performing and touring in lavish ice shows.
That same year, the ice princess signed a long-term deal with Twentieth Century Fox and added silver screen star to her résumé. Check out her fancy footwork as Henie heats up the ice in “Tico, Tico” from the 1945 film It’s a Pleasure.
From the half loop to Hollywood to Holiday on Ice, Sonja Henie was a star.
![]()
Sonja Henie sunbathing, 1948 (Associated Press/N.N./dapd)
Ever felt frustrated when people call you shy or rude? Is your child misunderstood by teachers and other children, which can lead to bullying? This list helps to clarify what introversion is and isn’t.
Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk.
This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.
Myth #2 – Introverts are shy.
Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an Introvert, just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.Myth #3 – Introverts are rude.
Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like people.
On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of substance, you’re in.Myth #5 – Introverts don’t like to go out in public.
Nonsense. Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. They also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a result, don’t need to be there for long to “get it.” They’re ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for Introverts.Myth #6 – Introverts always want to be alone.
Introverts are perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think a lot. They daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve. But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don’t have anyone to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.Myth #7 – Introverts are weird.
Introverts are often individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d prefer to be valued for their novel ways of living. They think for themselves and because of that, they often challenge the norm. They don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.Myth #8 – Introverts are aloof nerds.
Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, it’s just that their inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.Myth #9 – Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun.
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.
Introverts cannot “fix themselves” and deserve respect for their natural temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one study (Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of Introverts increases with IQ.
March 2012
46 posts
I’m assuming you mean Katarina Witt & Brian Boitano in Beauty and the Beast. Yes, Sandra choreographed this routine.