MASSIVE APOLOGIES FOLKS!
I was locked out of my account and couldnāt post for six months, due to technological issues (not happy Jan, not because I didnāt want to).
As a result, come April, look for a bit of an overhaul of the site, with some of the fan sites closed or merged together in the process.
Cheers!
WGA - Writers' Strike - what does it mean for the industry?
Itās that time of year again when a lot of the North American shows come to an end for their respective television seasons.
But how will the current Writersā Strike have an impact on those shows that havenāt
wrapped their seasons yet?
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Ready, set ... let's go, Australia! (Credit: Seven Network Australia)
Mel McLaughlin, Bruce McAvaney to lead Sevenās coverage of the FIFA Womenās World Cup 2023ā¢
With less than 50 days to go, Australia is primed and ready to co-hostĀ theĀ FIFA Womenās World Cup 2023ā¢,Ā with 7SPORT anchor Mel McLaughlin and broadcasting icon Bruce McAvaney set to lead Sevenās coverage, live, free and in HD* on Channel 7 andĀ 7plus.
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Iām going to pretend Jessā storyline ended at 3.13 with Sarah.
I found out they were going that route for his exit the week after they announced he was leavingā¦
Interesting tidbit though⦠he was initially in the next episode and 3.14 was supposed to be Hanaās episode (that storyline got moved to 3.18 instead). So, even now I know why they went the died a hero on the job route, but I still hated it after how they built up everything for him (after how he was in the Pilot ep) and then to die the way he did (in front of a freaking hospital no less) still sucked.
Tali becomes an orphan (with both her parents killed in the line of duty) and Sarah loses her ex-husband and her currrent love in the space of a year, with the second succumbing to fitted the persona of her ex-husband.
Being an Aussie, itāll be interesting to see if CBS / Paramount persuade him to front NCIS: Sydney here (otherwise known as Sea Patrol / Water Rats mash set in Sydney š).
Oh and post-Yellowstone, it wouldnāt surprise me if Jen ever pops up on a Wolf Ent show again, because we know that they like to recycle actors, especially those who leave shows amicably (or in her case because she was tied to another storyline etc).
The Good Doctor 4.16 "Dr. Ted" (contains mild spoilers)
The Good Doctor 4.16 āDr. Tedā (contains mildĀ spoilers)
āDr. Tedā is a must watch episode of The Good Doctor.
Written by Sam Chanse (who co-wrote the cringeworthy episode āIrresponsible Salad Bar Practicesā teams up with Patti Carr, who gave us one of the strongest episodes of the season with āParentingā. I can safely assure you Chanseās co-writing of this episode, is what you would expect of a writer working on The Good Doctor.
Without giving tooā¦
Over the next few weeks Iāll be doing some transcripts for Sam Squiersā fantastic new Podcast series āOn Her Gameā. So the transcripts will be available at Sportette, when they are finished.
The podcasts are available on podcastoneaustralia.com.au and are definitely worth listening to!
tessavirtue: Connecting with Special Olympics athletes has been the highlight of the #RockTheRink tour. Every practice, dinner, pre-show huddle, performance, and finale bow was made better because of the inclusion of @SpecialOCanada skaters. Thank you for sharing your hearts with us ā¤ļø
Great transcript - thank you! I know you said you'd pick up any typos but I didn't know if you wanted any flagged up? So just trying to be helpful - Anastasia says that VM will be forever "linked" together, not "limited" together. Thanks again - fantastic job!
Thanks for that! Shall fix that one now. I had a problem with my Word tonight (not to mention the wifi and power here) so the grammar check wasnāt working.
Playerās Own Voice - Tessa Virtue (Transcript - please credit)
Playerās Own Voice - Tessa Virtue (Transcript - please credit)
Sheās half of Canadaās greatest ice-dancing duo, the most decorated figure skaters in Olympic history, and now Tessa Virtue has sashayed from amateur glory to a dazzling professional career. When she and Scotty Moir and the cream of figure skating arenāt performing to packed houses, Tessa has advocacy work, and endorsements and campaign partnerships, almost too many to name. She is simply everywhere. Put on the earbuds itās time for a cozy chat with the one and only Tessa Virtue.
AB: Itās Playerās Voice Iām Anastasia Bucsis. Are you more athletic or artistic? Because it seems like incredible success in figure skating but you also have this other side, fashion, media, everything, like where does your passion lie now?
TV: Hmm. I think it is still in the balance between the two and thatās what I always loved about skating, you know, it was so technically demanding, um, and yet the artistry and the art that accompanied that, um, allowing people and hopefully connecting with people so that they feel something was always a driving force for both Scott and me. And now I think the balance is more about, you know, business and art, um, which is not so different really, but Iām learning so much, itās been a steep learning curve. In fact Iāve been studying a little bit and I hope to pursue that a little more next year but Iām sort of learning on the fly and I get as much joy as negotiating a contract as I do, um, designing a new pair of eyewear for Bonlook, you know, I think it is all sort of that marriage between the two and I feel so lucky that I get to do both.
AB: I love the artistry and athleticism of figure skating. I said that to Jo(annie) Rochette (Tessa laughs), she was on the podcast and she was like āwhat I didnāt know you were such a figure skating fanā and I that is what I love about FS it is so physically demanding but so artistic. I remember watching Oksana Baiul win in 1994, I want to be a figure skater but my parents didnāt allow me to do it they knew I was going to be too tall.
TV: Well, and in your world you had to do the same motion as in our league(?).
AB: Yeah but itās not very artistic.
TV: So did you find an outlet to find, to, to sort of feed that creative part of your soul?
AB: Yes and talking about the balance and getting pleasure out of having a business deal or creating glasses, I have a little stigmatism so I might need some of those glasses.
TV: (laughs) get in there right.
AB: How do you d that now going from preparing for the Olympics to seemingly a million projects?
TV: itās strange and no matter how prepared you are I donāt think you can fully anticipate the feelings and emotions that come with a post-Olympic sort of crash or transition if you will. I mean I ticked all the boxes. I had school, I had a great support network, I had success, that we, you know, we stepped away from competition whether temporarily or permanently (laughs) on our own terms. I mean I was so, so fortunate and privileged to be in that position but also I had opportunities and yet still thereās that inherent, just void, I think when you, when, you know, when youāve worked for something with (sigh) singular focus and you invest everything, every moment of your day is filled with ruins of will this help me win the Olympics. Um, and then, and then you are sort of thrust into this world where you are trying to do one different things and maybe not that well (laughs) and then thereās, um, ah, no chance, to sort of insulate yourself in that protected bubble in order to pursue a dream. Ah, there are a lot of shifts and challenges in the last year, but also, really surprising highlights because itās also refreshing and liberating to, to sort of feel that pressure come off and slowly and I can almost feel it tangibly as the days go by, that I am feeling less and less of that stress and I didnāt realise what a heavy weight that was to carry, um, that Olympic, you know, pressure.
AB: Olympic pressure, fame, how lonely is that?
TV: It can be isolating, it can be, um. I feel so lucky because, you know, people ask what changes when you win the Olympics, are you a different, you know, what changes in your life do you feel different? The reality is nothing really does so I have a great group of friends, um, my family has always been really supportive and I mean I am so sort of caught up in work that there arenāt many opportunities to even face that. In fact, I think when I am on my own I kind of embrace it. It can be isolating because sometimes I feel caught, in this, balancing act of, of wanting to be vulnerable and honest and then also not wanting to sound ungrateful or complain right and um, as a private person also just managing how much of yourself do you give to others and how much do you keep for yourself and wanting to share my story and have some kind of impact on others specifically young girls and athletes. You know you have to put yourself out there a little bit and that sort of comes with the territory.
AB: And that is exhausting too. I mean when I was struggling with my mental health that was, really you just summarised it. I am skating around in a circle for a living, I am making good money and I get to see the world and all my college is paid for, you know, what do I have to complain about? So, I completely identify when you say you know, I donāt wan, I donāt want to come across as ungrateful because you have had a lot of opportunities.
TV: What as the impetus for you to come out and speak openly about your mental health?
AB: I never want anyone to feel like theyāre alone and I donāt want anyone to feel that way because I felt so incredibly alone. I felt that when I was in the closet too, really struggling and I think vulnerability and human connection is one of the only things that will never go out of style.
TV: Right and weāre all craving that now, you know, the ability to really connect on a deeper level and I think thatās something, itās so empowering and youāve impacted so many people just by using your voice. I think thatās admirable.
AB: Thank you of course. What do you not do in public now though? (Tessa laughs) What can you not do in public?
TV: Thatās a good question. Iāve never been a good partier so that was always conscious of, not being photographed something like, with an alcoholic beverage or something.
AB: I have tried to get you drunk so many times. (both laugh)
TV: Iām sure itās worked on occasion but, um, you know, thatās not really been a sacrifice for me, I think, what donāt I do public that is a good question
AB: This is one question that I donāt even know where it fits in but type of toothpaste does Tessa Virtue use? Like do you?
TV: (laughs) Colgate.
AB: Yeah a big wink. But what are you cheap about, when you go to the supermarket and youāre like toilet paper is on sale are you getting that sale?
TV: (laughs) Um, I donāt find myself in a grocery store that often because Iām not home a ton, but I donāt even know. I, okay Iām going to flip that, because one thing I will always indulge in, I will always have fresh flowers at home that is something I treat myself too.
AB: I like fresh flowers too.
TV: Yeah and certain things when Iām on the road whether it is candle soap, lotion, like things that make me feel like Iām in my comfort or home environment, right.
AB: I steal the lotion from hotels. I have so many little hotel things and that Iām making money. (laughs)
TV: Do you have a favourite?
AB: Um no, you know what, probably just the good olā like Ramada, whatever they use.
TV: Classic. (Laughs)
AB: That is my go to. So Scottie was on the podcast and Iāve pulled a quote, āat times I didnāt know how to handle my relationship with Tessaā, what do you he meant by that?
TV: (beat) Iām not sure. I think in any case where you have a partnership that spans over two decades across the early childhood years, teenage, you know, into our twenties and now thirties. Of course there are complexities that are hard to comprehend and itās all weāve known. So itās also really hard to have any really objective perspective on it, until, maybe thereās an outsider you trust to weigh in, like a sports psychologist or a mental prep coach that we worked with. But, I think probably in the pressure to identify what that partnership meant to us and how it could be labelled or how it could be relatable for others to really understand maybe that is where that confusion comes in. Because itās something that weāve really valued, and cherished and nurtured. Weāve really worked hard at that partnership and that relationship, um, but when youāre so in it, I think perhaps weāre the people who understand it the least.
Audio clip ā If you wanted characters you got characters. If you wanted feeling, well you drowned in it.
AB: Pretty interesting. Because you guys are quite a bit different too.
TV: Oh, weāre so different. Yeah thereās, talk about balance right, at the beginning, that really what works for us.
Audio clip ā They are the greatest ice dancers of their generation, maybe of all time. The incomparable Virtue and Moir.
You know, weāre, weāre such different people, but put us on the ice together and thatās our safe place. Thatās where, no matter what is happening we come together and work towards a common goal and we really feed off each other. I mean Scottās all heart, heās, heās such a feeler and Iām in my head and, you know, we can bring out the best in one another and with that nurtured level of support that weāve given each other, we really are our best when we are on the ice together. And even now to sort of step back into that world and, and feel that comfort and ease. And we had, sort of a break of, seeing each other and skating together, um recently and we got back on the ice and started stroking together and Scott said āitās like a security blanketā and, you know, thereās some comfort in that.
AB: Your differences obviously in that you can just feed off it. At times did that breathe chaos? Like were you too different, how did you keep that manageable?
TV: I think that the pursue something like an Olympic Gold breathes chaos because there are so many moving parts and so much expectation on ourselves and from others. But when we really fundamentally, started to understand that we processed things differently and approached things very differently we were able to sort of separate that and always come together and say, this is, this is how I am interpreting your actions right now, true or false, and give the other person a chance to explain or, you know. I think, if anything, we are maybe a little bit too protected of one another because weāre the team that, you know, if something happens and doesnāt go very well Iāll say āIām sorry that was my faultā and heāll say āno, no it was me.ā So I think we to great lengths to ensure that we both feel confident and comfortable on the ice.
AB: you guys will forever be linked together, it has given you a million opportunities. But how difficult and Iām sure youāve been asked this one million and I apologise for a million and one. First date, how often you asked are you dating? I mean when you go on a date is that what everyone asks you?
TV: Well, I hope Iām not saying yes to any date and then they think that Iām somehow still in a relationship with Scott? (Laughs) I think anyone coming into my life in that capacity knows the situation with Scott because, um, I mean thereās no hiding and thereās, itās been since I was seven. So it would come as no surprise to anyone, I have a meaningful partnership with Scott.
AB: Letās go back 2010, 2014, 2018, whatās your favourite Olympic moment?
TV: As an athlete, nothing beats being on the ice in PyeongChang, we were so laser-focused and dialled and so incredibly prepared and just different athletes. We were mature, we had a different approach, a different team with B2Ten, we were, we really were unstoppable and that feeling was palpable and that electricity, it almost felt like a home games, because there were so many Canadian flags and supporters. I would say as an entire experience, a month long experience, Sochi (laughs), which often surprises people because often people avoid the Sochi subject with us, they think oh maybe itās a point of contention. But really it was such a beautiful moment in our career, we came together we were proud of our performances, there was something about the team, it was so tightly knit, the Olympic bubble was easily accessible, I mean you could get to so many events. I donāt know there was just, it was so much fun, I, I often say it was the best month of my life.
AB: Sochi was the best time of my life.
TV: It was.
AB: I am the happiest I think Iāve ever been right now, but for an actual experience, Sochi. Like 52 billion dollars, oh my God, we can never do that again, talk about Olympic excess, Iām ashamed about that. But for just fun, the womenās hockey team winning. Like the team was a family, I donāt even know how to.
TV: Is that what it was, do you think that
AB: The team
TV: Yeah because it was special?
AB: In Vancouver we were treated like rock stars and it was unbelievable. But there was, the one thing about Vancouver is that we were Downtown essentially, so you could go on one of those electric bikes and be surrounded by 100,000 drunken Canadians all being super pumped up, but you kind of got, the team aspect kind of got lost in all of that because everyone was visiting family. But in Sochi there was nothing to do.
TV: There was only
AB: Well there was
TV: Two places, mostly Swiss House really. (laughs)
AB: So when everyone was finished competing, Russians like their vodka thatās yeah (laughs). Sochi being the highlight for party culture, PyeongChang being
TV: You said party culture by the way. (laughs)
AB: (laughs) PyeongChang being the highlight for, for sport. Um, what was your weakest aspect of being of being a figure skater do you think?
TV: My weakness as a skater? Oh geez, I mean how long do we have here. I feel like I could go on and on about all the things I would still like to improve upon in my own skater. Whether that is posture or power, ability to express specific styles of movement, thereās so much I wish I did better, I wish I could do better. But thatās what keeps us going, even in us preparing for our upcoming tour this Fall, itās the idea that we still have more potential to explore and more in us to give and I realise that in the PyeongChang preparation that for my whole career I was striving for that performance that I would feel that I had really perfected and nailed it. As great as Moulin Rouge felt on the ice in Korea, I knew that even at time that I would look back and wished I had done some things differently, because thatās just the nature of the beast when, when youāre in a subjective sport like that. I will always watch that video and wish my hands were differently, or wished that I moved my upper body in a better way or something, but Iāve sort of had to come to terms with that and I think, in that by itself is kind of beautiful because you sort of have to accept the moment, given all of the factors surrounding the 4 minute performance it is the moment you could create and thatās sport, thatās what I loved about it.
AB: How has growing as a figure skater, obviously being judged affected how you live your life?
TV: As I approach thirty..
AB: (whistles) Thatās me too, baby girl.
TV: (laughs) I have such a better understanding of who I am and what I stand for and what my purpose is and can be and how I see myself and thatās what I place most value in are those, now most closest to me, you know. Itās affected, I think it forced me to do a lot of self-reflection and, and forced me to analyse whatās really important and so often (laughs) itās not what we look like or, um, how we present, itās about how we make people feel and how we empower and I feel so much more comfortable in my skin now and Iām grateful for that. And I think itās probably because I was in a judged sport for such a long time and I had other people deciding my fate and success and that was, you know, sort of the benchmark you aimed for, but itās in the hands of others. And at some point, you just have to think, okay, itās not the colour of medal that will dictate the kind of person I am.
AB: Do you ever feel pressured to answer questions the way you know people want them answered?
TV: Not really Ah, not really, because Iām not sure I know how people want them answered. I was sort of conscious and careful to not become that robotic, that sort of, you know, I gave 110%. We always wanted to give people insight of what was happening, but at the same time I mean you can only share what, what youāve come to terms in your own head. And that no matter what, I mean it was important to be sort of genuine and so Iām not even sure if I still know how to answer things but Iām honest it comes from a place of authenticity, then I think that intention, I hope comes through at least.
AB: I sometimes feel pressure when people about the Olympics because I feel like I need to tell them the little nugget about playing ping pong and beer pong with Sidney Crosby. You know what I mean?
TV: Yeah right
AB: How is it like with the NHL boys? Oh Mark Andre Flurry is really nice, you know?
TV: Right, you want to give, you want share your experience but thatās nice and I think that is something that Canadians crave. But do you feel a little bit of pressure when people talk about your success and accolades or things that come along with that?
AB: People donāt speak about my success much. (Laughs).
TV: Well they should, your, your career was formidable but I, I, sometimes I think thereās a pressure, if anything, just to, for it to remind us how much work it takes, right.
AB: Yeah.
TV: Because if you are going to be a role model, people need to understand, itās not just about the podiums and the sponsorships, itās all about all of the work, and the resilience, and the sacrifice, the and deprivation and everything that goes into it. So if anything is shining some light into that end, to ensure that thereās a greater awareness of the holistic (laughs) approach to their career maybe.
AB: I think you must be one of the hardest working athletes I have ever met and I am every celebrating every sponsorship and opportunity (laughs) that you got post-Olympics.
TV: Yeah.
AB: Um, I hope you are making at least 15 dollars an hour, because you work so hard.
TV: Thank you.
AB: Again you have not taken one breath, um, you havenāt taken a breather. Going from competition to shows, from amateur to professional, how does that change your goals, does it change your goals, does it change your relationship with Scott?
TV: It changes everything and nothing at the same time. It, it, ah, weāve had to redefine what it means to entertain, youāre sort of entertaining the masses instead of 9 judges and yet sort of satisfy some creative need in you as an artist. So itās sort of finding that, um, precipices of challenging yourself enough so it is satisfying and rewarding, but also playing to your strengths and playing the hits (laughs) so that the audience is getting what they want and what theyāre expected. Iām not sure if weāve found that yet, but weāre playing with it and itās changed with that. Iām trying to do self-analysis, you know, even though Iām just back on the ice these days. You know, how do I feel in this realm? And I miss the benchmark of being the best and I certainly miss being at our best but I think thatās okay if, if weāre not, because the goal has shifted. Weāll never be at the Olympic peak again and weāre so lucky we get to do our sport and craft for an extended period of time. I am, Iām sure that every sport and athlete wishes they had that chance so I donāt want to waste it but thatās part of why we wanted to produce our own show and tour. So it wasnāt just four minutes that we had to tell a story, it was two hours that we could bring people along with us and control the lights, the ambience, the music and the flow of things and I think we can dive into a project like that and invest and commit, that it, that is more fulfilling than throwing on a costume and doing an one-off.
AB: You and Scott have ushered in this new renaissance/ Golden Age in figure skating. I mean I donāt think it has been this popular since Tonya Harding.
TV: (laughs) Well thanks. There was something certainly towards the PyeongChang Games, Iām not sure maybe because the NHL guys werenāt there, that social media had an impact, thereās also been a different focus on dance in general in our culture. It has become more mainstream in shows like So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars and I think accessibility to the art in that realm has been more present and magnified. So Iām not sure if we can take all that credit but itās, um, very nice of you to say.
AB: The one skater that I do miss is Joanne Rochette.
TV: Ohh (sigh in agreement)
AB: Sorry to bring up her name again.
TV: I know.
AB: But I had one of the best nights of my life with you at her house, do you remember?
TV: (laughs) It was great.
AB: The white wine and oyster night.
TV: If was so fun. Sheās a special, well, sheās just an incredible woman and such an incredible force. But she got better and more consistent in her show skating life almost after the pressure of competition. She really found her rhythm and agile and was constantly putting herself was so nonchalant about it and you would see her afterwards, āthe number as okayā. And every night I would go out and watch her on tour and she just delivered and was so consistent and alluring and enigmatic because thereās just something about Jo thatās mysterious and you want to get to know her.
AB: Sheās becoming a Doctor.
TV: I know, itās amazing, itās so inspiring.
AB: So, sheās such a smartypants.
TV: Also with her as she started she was still touring as she started to get back into school and any five minute increments where she could have the books open she was studying. It was on the bus, it was between numbers in a show, it was during seas rehearsals, it was constant and I saw that and was so inspired and impressed and really awed by her tenacity.
AB: You have accomplished everything there is to accomplish and Iām very proud of you. How do to define success now?
TV: Iām working on that (laughs), Iām working on that, the new definition, Iām starting to learn what it feels like when I am doing something that has meaning and relevance and purpose and, um, something that gets beneath the surface and feels substantial and significant. And whether that is work with FitSpirit and, um, creating access for young girls in schools, activities and resources, so they can stay physically fit. Um, or partnering with someone who is equally motivated to, to foster this new narrative of self-esteem in young girls, because it does need to change, it needs to shift. Um, I guess really itās about the fulfilment of a certain process instead of the end result and the end goal. It was Adam van Koeverden who said, heāll never be the best in anything again and you know, so that benchmark has to change and thatās okay. Thatās healthy and itās also really exciting, so I think itās about finding things that, um, spark something, ignite a new passion, a new fire within me. Iām not sure if I have totally found that yet, but I am okay with that too.
AB: Where do you see yourself in ten years
TV: In ten years? I think running some business I mean Iām hoping to study more seriously next year and I know thatās where my passion lies and as an athlete Iāve had to be my own boss really for most of my career, all of my career, so maybe something entrepreneurial, Iām not sure what shape that will take exactly but Iām learning so much and Iām surrounded by so many incredible mentors who are helping to guide that and show me what is possible But Iām also really excited, you know in that sphere (laughs) itās not really about me, it can be about the company, itās not my face and, um, my likeness, and image and personality in the forefront. I think Iāll be happy to take a back seat.
AB:I was just going to say, because you are so public face but are a very private person that has to be exhausting in some capacity?
TV: Right. I think Iāve come to terms with really just, making the most of the opportunities to me and this the, and this is where I am right now and this is the work that is available to me and I love the work and the by-product of that, um, there are, you know, there are some sacrifices but that is the key to any kind of job. So I am happy to work for that now but itās just, I also need to know where it is leading and there has to be an end goal to it.
AB: Do you want kids?
TV: I donāt know.
AB: Me too.
TV: (laughs)
AB: Like Iām almost turning thirty and I donāt know what I want for my own life and it doesnāt freak me out though. I always thought I wanted to get married and I thought I wanted to have four kids.
TV: Hmm and thatās changing a little bit?
AB: Yeah.
Yeah Iām the youngest of four and Iāve always been surrounded by adults. When I was 9 my best friend was 25 and now some of my best friends are in their sixties and seventies and so Iāve never really had that maternal instinct. But itās also sort of abstract to me, perhaps if I found that partner where I thought I want to do this as a team, you know letās do this together and create a little family unit But itās not top of mind.
AB: Weāre all just trying to figure it out. Thank you baby girl for taking the time.
TV: Thank you.
AB: I really appreciate it.
TV: What a pleasure.
AB: Tessa Virtue itās always a pleasure. Come visit more.
TV: I will.
AB: Come to my birthday.
TV: (laughs) I would love to though it doesnāt sound like it will be a rager, not thatās, thatās why I would I would be sending a rain check
AB: you like ragers?
TV: No. PJs and (laughs)
AB: No girl, seriously Iāll probably just watch Netflix and go to bed. I wonāt even have a glass of wine. Iām tired.
kostagavrin: Lovely figure skating exhibition show Fantasy on Ice 2019 ā¤ļøšÆšµwith amazing and best ice dance couple ever , 2 times Olympic Champions š„š„and ,what is most important, very nice people @tessavirtue17 & @scottmoir14 šš¼š #fantasyonice2019 #tessavirtueĀ #scottmoir #fantasyonice