Want to buy a photo?

This is for sale on ebay (thanks for the hat tip, Richard M. Morse at Facebook's Ice Capades Reunion 2015.)

I think the photo is rather captivating.  Can't put a year on it.  1940-something, so it's old.  If all of the signage weren't in English, I'd be tempted to say the man's Italian.  But I do like that it's in English.  It says Ice Capades four times and I'm always grateful to keep the name out there.

Hmmmm, I wonder why?

What I Would Rate Ice Charades

Tell me, figure skaters and fans, if this sounds right ... when you mention figure skating to someone, they almost always think of a girl training for the Olympics.  There was a brief time (circa 1994 - 1998) when people thought of Nancy and/or Tonya, but we're back to the girl (probably 10 - 15 years of age) on her way to the Olympics.

That's not what the novel, Ice Charades, is about.  It's not for young girls.  If it were to be rated like movies are, it would be somewhere between PG-13 and R.  No violence, some swearing, some sexual situations.

I think the closest rating, one that is used in other countries, is MA15+.  It means not suitable for people under 15.

After all, Sue Olson, the protagonist of the novel is nineteen, a sophomore in college, and sets out to skate in an adult world with adult situations.  But I would recommend this for any figure skater who is approaching eighteen -- the age you need to be to be hired for most shows -- who is thinking of joining an ice show.  And I would recommend it for the parents too!

The Fitness Marshall

Me likey.

Are you looking to put a little more dance in your exercise routine or put a little more exercise in your dance routine?

About a month ago, I was looking for a certain Zumba song on You Tube when I stumbled upon The Fitness Marshall exercise/dance videos.  It's Caleb Marshall and his assorted backup booties dancing to pop songs with a blend of hip hop moves and calisthenics.  And now my daughter and I are hooked.

You can find him here on Twitter, here on Facebook, but I usually head straight to You Tube.

If your TV can get the You Tube channel or you don't mind watching your videos on small devices, you've got yourself a great workout!  My daughter and I definitely have our favorites:  Me Too, Can't Stop This Feeling and Into You.  But there are a lot more.

Caleb Marshall, is so cute and funny that you'll feel like you're not working out at all.

His webpage has announced tour dates, so maybe they're coming to your city.  If not, give him a try on You Tube.  I bet you'll love him too.