Summer Series
The Figure Skaters Online "Summer Series," published during the summer months of the off-season, provides visitors with the opportunity learn about the interests and opinions athletes have beyond figure skating.
In the 2007 series, almost two dozen Figure Skaters Online athletes revealed interesting responses to questions about everything from Blades of Glory to embarrassing songs on their iPods to their favorite luxury items.
The editions of the series included:
The 2006 edition of the series included:
[TOP]
2007 Questions
What are your plans for the summer?
Bianca Butler
"Training hard, having fun at the beach and shopping. I'm looking forward to graduating in June and taking a few little summer vacations."
Stephen Carriere
"Training, training, training. When I am not skating, I plan to get to the tennis courts and beaches as much as possible."
John Coughlin
"Outside of skating I'm planning on looking for a weekend job at the beach with my buddy Geoff and whoever wants to look with us."
Dan Hollander
"Well, after tour, I have a two month break with two seminars planned. After that, I pack up the truck, load the Harley and off to Sun Valley for the month of August!"
Beatrisa Liang
"Just training and maybe doing a couple of competitions."
Drew Meekins
"Skating all day long! On the weekends, trips to Cape Cod, New York City and maybe a few other places."
Jon Nuss
"My summer plans include going to water parks and trying not to get sunburned, going on a road trip to Iowa, and of course, training hard and competing."
Benjamin Okolski
"The only firm plans I have for the summer are training harder than I have ever trained and coaching, as much as I can, to offset my skating expenses. Fun!"
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"I plan to do a lot of swimming, tanning, having fun with friends, a road trip to Iowa and lots of training."
Parker Pennington
"My plans are to learn to play the guitar and spend time just relaxing and hanging out with friends."
Kaela Pflumm
"Skating, going to the beach and going to Newport, R.I., for vacation."
Chris Pottenger
"Going to the beach with friends, visiting my friends and family in Dallas, Texas, and visiting my brother and friends in Colorado Springs, Colo."
Adam Rippon
"Lots of skating!"
Katy Taylor
"My plans for the summer are to go to the beach, practice my tennis, and of course to keep training hard for next season. I also want to go to New York City to see the Broadway show Grease."
Tiffany Vise
"In June, we will be going up to Broadmoor open and help volunteer for our club and help out with the competition. Derek and I each will have a Basic Skill skater competing there as well."
Ashley Wagner
"I plan to go back home to my grandparents in Washington state for my vacation and following that, a lot of training for upcoming competitions."
Lindsey Weber
"Teaching, teaching and hopefully some skating."
Johnny Weir
"I'll get new programs and start working as soon as I finish Champions On Ice and perform in some shows in Japan. I would like to go on vacation in Kiev sometime in the midst of everything."
[TOP]
Are you attending any summer concerts?
Bianca Butler
"Maybe Gwen Stefani."
Stephen Carriere
"No, I am not a concert person."
John Coughlin
"I would love to go see The Fray, and some people are talking about going to see Beyonce in August, but I am undecided about that one."
Dan Hollander
"At this time, no."
Beatrisa Liang
"Not that I know of so far, but hopefully."
Drew Meekins
"I would really love to see Kelly Clarkson when she comes to Massachusetts. And I would also like to see Joss Stone when she is here. Both are amazing!"
Benjamin Okolski
"Generally, I'll go to as many of the free concerts as I can such as the Detroit Jazz Festival, local concerts at clubs that are inexpensive and Ann Arbor music festivals. I would also like to catch a couple concerts like Dave Matthews Band, The White Stripes, Wilco, Martin Sexton, really anything else that strikes my fancy."
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"I am not attending any concerts this summer but I am playing my cello in one with the Western Academy of Music."
Parker Pennington
"As of right now, no. I would love to see maybe Keane, Coldplay, Breaking Benjamin or 30 Seconds to Mars, among many others."
Kaela Pflumm
"I'm going to see Jack’s Mannequin."
Chris Pottenger
"No."
Ashley Wagner
"I wish."
Lindsey Weber
"I hope to see Journey this summer."
Johnny Weir
"I went to Christina Aguilera and the Scissor Sisters already this year so I think I'm about concerted out."
[TOP]
Are you reading any books this summer?
Bianca Butler
"I'm not reading any book right now because I'm so busy with school. But, I'm sure there are some good ones coming out for the summer. Joe is reading a book called Lamb."
Stephen Carriere
"Well, I don't know, but if I come across some, I will be sure to read them."
John Coughlin
"I am getting ready to start one called The Road that my mom recommended to me. I'm not sure what it is about, but she has assured me that I'll love it. I'm currently reading Wild at Heart which is about how boys grow into men, and how their parents shape they are."
Eliot Halverson
"Definitely the last Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! J.K. Rowling's books are by far my favorite books and I can't wait till July 21."
Dan Hollander
"I totally plan to get the new Harry Potter when it is out! I read everything by Raymond Feist and Terry Brooks, they have some great series that I have been missing lectures since high school."
Beatrisa Liang
"I'm reading Ragtime for one of my classes and am anxiously waiting for the last Harry Potter book to come out! I don’t have any other books in mind right now, but I'm always open for suggestions!"
Drew Meekins
"Naked by David Sedaris. I read Me Talk Pretty One Day also by Sedaris and I loved it, so I'm trying another."
Jon Nuss
"Yes, I'm planning on reading The Pursuit Of Happiness, the autobiography of Christopher Gardner who went from being homeless with his young child, to becoming a multi-millionaire."
Parker Pennington
"I may read a few Chuck Klosterman books. He is a very interesting author."
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"Yes. I am reading the Nancy Drew series."
Kaela Pflumm
"When Love Walked In. It's about a young girl who tries to figure out how to grow up. It's really good."
Chris Pottenger
"The Innocent Man by John Grisham because it is the latest book out from an author that I love."
Katy Taylor
"I plan to read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen."
Tiffany Vise
"I will be reading the new Harry Potter book, but I'm tempted to get the audio version and listen to it while laying by the pool on the weekends."
Ashley Wagner
"I haven't planned out my summer reading yet, but it will be a widespread variety of different genres."
[TOP]
Are you looking forward to any summer movie releases?
Bianca Butler
"We are looking forward to Spiderman 3, Ocean's 13, and the new Harry Potter movie! We just really liked all of the movies in the series."
Stephen Carriere
"I am looking forward to Rush Hour 3. I really liked the first and second one, so I look forward to the third one."
John Coughlin
"I'm looking forward to Ocean's 13 because I always like movies with an all-star cast. I think Pirates of the Caribbean 3 should be great too."
Eliot Halverson
"I'm looking forward to Pirates of the Caribbean and Harry Potter. I love all the Pirates and Harry Potter movies."
Dan Hollander
"Spiderman 3, beyond a doubt. You can tell from my new number I am sort of a super hero geek."
Beatrisa Liang
"I am definitely looking forward to watching Spiderman 3, Pirates of the Carribean 3, Shrek 3 and Harry Potter 4. A lot of sequels."
Drew Meekins
"Hairspray! And Ocean's 13."
Jon Nuss
"The movies I’m looking forward to the most this summer are Live Free Or Die Hard because I’m a huge Bruce Willis fan and Spiderman 3 because I love superhero movies."
Benjamin Okolski
"I would like to see Spiderman 3 and the third Pirates of the Carribean. But one movie I'm really looking forward to is Across the Universe. It has all Beatles music in it and it looks very appealing. I haven't seen a preview for it on TV yet but I know you can look it up on YouTube."
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"I am really interested in Spiderman 3, Ocean's 13, Harry Potter, Rush Hour 3, Disturbia, Georgia Rule, and the new Nancy Drew movies. I love all kinds of movies, especially the action and adventure ones."
Parker Pennington
"Yeah, I am looking foward to Spiderman 3."
Kaela Pflumm
"I cannot wait for Harry Potter! I've read all the books and I’m a huge fan. I can't wait for Spiderman and Rush Hour too."
Chris Pottenger
"Not really."
Adam Rippon
"Superman 3—I'm
a big Spiderman fan! Evan Almighty. I loved Bruce Almighty."
Katy Taylor
"The movie Hairspray looks great! Last summer, I saw the Broadway show in New York City. It was my first Broadway show, and it was amazing."
Tiffany Vise
"Definitely Harry Potter and Oceans 13."
Ashley Wagner
"Harry Potter, because I am a nerd at heart, and Spiderman 3, because I loved the first two."
Lindsey Weber
"I'm dying to see Hairspray! I wanted to see it on Broadway but never got the chance."
Johnny Weir
"I really want to see The Nanny Diaries. I loved the book."
[TOP]
Did you see Blades of Glory?
Bianca Butler
"Yes, Joe and I loved it. It was so funny and we both love Will Ferrell."
Stephen Carriere
"Yes, and it was really funny. Ferrell and Heder make a great team."
John Coughlin
"I loved the movie. I am huge Will Ferrell fan. He can do no wrong in my book. I think figure skaters long ago learned not to take themselves too seriously. All sports have their stereotypes. I had the pleasure of watching it with 25 pair skaters while I was at U.S. Team Camp in Colorado this spring. It made it more special to see it with them, especially when they all turned and looked at me as our short program music from last year opened the movie."
Eliot Halverson
"I thought it was hilarious and is my favorite skating movie. Will Ferrell was so great and I want to incorporate some of his moves into my new programs for sure."
Dan Hollander
"I really liked a lot of it. I think we could have done without the flying off into space at the end though. I can tell you a lot of skaters quote it a lot now, parts I can't really type here though."
Beatrisa Liang
"Yes, I did. It was a fun movie to watch, but I'm not sure if I would watch it again."
Drew Meekins
"I thought it was stupid in a really funny kind of way."
Jon Nuss
"Yes, I did see Blades of Glory and I thought it was hilarious! Sometimes it's good just to be able to make fun of stuff you like and not be too serious about it."
Benjamin Okolski
"I thought it was hilarious. I love when people do spoofs on things and I found it extremely entertaining, especially if you know anything about figure skating. I think a sense of humor about the things we do is one of the most important personality traits."
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"I thought it was funny. My favorite part was the one handed lift."
Parker Pennington
"I did see it and I thought it was a typical Will Ferrell movie—just plain stupid humor. It didn't particularly do anything for me."
Kaela Pflumm
"Yes. I thought it was hilarious!"
Chris Pottenger
"Yes. I thought it was hilarious!"
Adam Rippon
"I thought Blades of Glory was so funny! I am a big Chaz fan."
Katy Taylor
"I haven't seen it yet, but I definitely plan to see it. I heard it is hilarious!"
Tiffany Vise
"Yes, I did! A bunch of us skaters at the pair camp back at the end of March went and saw the movie together. I enjoyed it very much, maybe because I was able to understand some of the inside skater jokes. It will never be a classic like Cutting Edge but it was a good skating movie. And you never can go wrong with Will Ferrel."
Ashley Wagner
"I loved it! I thought it was definitely one of the best cheesy figure skating movies yet."
Lindsey Weber
"I saw it and thought it was hilarious—a bit out there—but hilarious!"
Johnny Weir
"I love the guy doing the parody of me. I thought it was so funny. When Sasha had to smell the dance belt, I died."
[TOP]
What are three things that you keep in your wallet or purse?
Bianca Butler
"Sunglasses, cell phone and money or a credit card."
Stephen Carriere
"My bank card, my mileage card and my money. That is what a wallet is for."
John Coughlin
"I carry too many things in my wallet. Every time I get a membership card or business card, I end up keeping it because I feel like I might need it someday. I really need to clean that out."
Dan Hollander
"Cash, credit cards and license."
Beatrisa Liang
"Chapstick, money and gum."
Drew Meekins
"I never go anywhere with our my mobile phone, camera and Starbucks card! And I never carry cash."
Benjamin Okolski
"Nothing exciting. I have a frequent customer punch card for Afternoon Delight—a breakfast, brunch resturant in Ann Arbor—the best before 3 p.m. food in the world."
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"I always try to have my phone, sunglasses and lip-gloss in my purse."
Parker Pennington
"Best Buy Rewards card, Panera coffee card and a credit card, of course—I can't live without it."
Kaela Pflumm
"Money, a Starbucks gift card and a Dunkin Donuts gift card."
Chris Pottenger
"License, credit card and money."
Katy Taylor
"In my purse you can always find my driver's license, my big sunglasses and instant Propel packets. I always carry Propel packets with me so that I can add it to my water when I travel and can't buy Propel."
Adam Rippon
"Session card for the rink and hopfully money."
Ashley Wagner
"Cell phone, Chapstick, and, of course, some money."
Tiffany Vise
"My cell phone, lip gloss and my camera."
Lindsey Weber
"Cell phone, lipstick and sunglasses."
Johnny Weir
"Starbucks card, Roubles for luck and Barney's card."
[TOP]
What is a luxury item that you cannot live without?
Bianca Butler
"My purses and sunglasses."
Stephen Carriere
"I cannot live without my iPod."
John Coughlin
"My cell phone closely followed by my iPod. I use that cell phone to keep up with all my skating friends all over the country, and to call my parents at night. I am ashamed of how much I text message. My iPod holds my stockpile of music, and music is one of the loves of my life."
Dan Hollander
"My Harley! The ultimate pick me upper."
Beatrisa Liang
"My cell phone or computer, because it lets me keep in touch with all my friends when I go on trips."
Drew Meekins
"A Diptyque 'Feu De Bois' scented candle. I love the way they smell and make me feel. I even bring them to competitions with me."
Benjamin Okolski
"My iPod, which I'm sure is a very popular choice. I'm just a musical person by nature and I don't know if I've used anything I've ever owned as much as it. OK, I guess maybe my skates. But it's a close second."
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"I don't think I could do without my purses, belts, shoes, and clothes because I need them."
Parker Pennington
"Probably my iPod. I love music and couldn't live without it."
Kaela Pflumm
"My iPod. I listen to it all the time."
Chris Pottenger
"I couldn't live without my cell phone. I'’m always keeping in touch with friends and I would be so lost without it."
Adam Rippon
"I think the biggest luxury item I own are my skates. I cannot live without them."
Katy Taylor
"A luxury item that I can not live without would be my digital camera. I love taking pictures of all the places I visit, and I love taking random pictures of my friends, my family, my dog and anything else."
Tiffany Vise
"My cell phone. I feel lost whenever I leave it at home."
Ashley Wagner
"I couldn't go a day without my iPod!"
Lindsey Weber
"Nice purses. I love purses!"
Johnny Weir
"That's a hard question. Probably my Cle de Peau skincare regimen because I'm so insane about my skin. My clothes are important to me too because I worked hard to get them and I can't run around naked."
[TOP]
What are the most recently played songs on your iPod?
Bianca Butler
"'Give it to me', 'Kashmir', and 'Free Bird'."
Stephen Carriere
"My most recently played songs are 'Wake Me When It’s Over' by I-94 and 'Wait, Wait, Wait' by The Format."
John Coughlin
"'New Shoes' by Paolo Nutini, a cover of 'Hey There Delilah' by The White T's, and 'Little Wonders' by Rob Thomas."
Eliot Halverson
"'Feels Like Rain' from the Motion City Soundtrack, 'Sorry Sorry' by Rooney and 'Speed of Sound' by Coldplay."
Dan Hollander
"'She Hates Me', 'Get Back' and 'Gold Digger'."
Beatrisa Liang
"'Icebox' by Omarion, 'Say it Right' by Nelly Furtado, 'Hide and Seek' by Imogen Heap and the Wicked soundtrack."
Drew Meekins
"Maroon 5 'Makes Me Wonder', Joss Stone 'Arms Of My Baby', Namie Amuro 'No'."
Jon Nuss
"Recently, I've been listening to a lot of Eminem, Nas, and Metallica on my iPod."
Benjamin Okolski
"A lot of Beatles songs, Radiohead songs, David Bowie songs, Jimi Hendrix songs, Wilco songs and Jeff Buckley songs."
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"I just listened to 'Before He Cheats', 'Fergilicious', and 'Barbie Girl'."
Parker Pennington
"'Facedown' by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, 'From Yesterday' by 30 Seconds to Mars, 'Diary of Jane' and 'Breathe' by Breaking Benjamin."
Kaela Pflumm
"'Beautiful Liar', 'Apologize' and 'Lucky'."
Chris Pottenger
"'Chasing Cars' by Snow Patrol and 'Boston' by Augustana."
Adam Rippon
"Recently, I've been listening to a lot of Cansei de Ser Sexy, Justin Timberlake and Queen. Got to love the 80s!"
Katy Taylor
"The most recently played songs on my iPod are anything by Kelly Clarkson, Alanis Morissette, Christina Aguilera and 'Kokomo' by the Beach Boys."
Tiffany Vise
"Songs from Rascal Flatts and songs from the broadway show Wicked."
Ashley Wagner
"Any one of the Snow Patrol songs, 'Colorful' by Rocco DeLuca and a lot of Christina."
Lindsey Weber
"'Sexy Back' by Justin Timberlake and 'Unwritten' by Natasha Bedingfield."
Johnny Weir
"'Nevazmozhne Vazmozhne' by Dima Bilan, 'Dazhe Esli ti Uedyesh' by Sergey Lazarev and 'Here to Stay' by Christina Aguilera."
[TOP]
What are the most "embarrassing" songs on your iPod?
Bianca Butler
"Cult 45, I think! It's kinda bad."
Stephen Carriere
"I don't have any embarrassing song on my iPod. I love all of my songs."
John Coughlin
"Sadly, I have its 'Raining Men', 'Sex Bomb', and 'I Will Survive', because I have found that they are quite the party starting songs. I also have a wide variety of love ballads and Disney songs for shameless sing alongs on the ride home road trips with my friends. You'd be surprised how many people in skating know all the words to 'A Whole New World' from the Aladdin soundtrack."
Eliot Halverson
"The Harry Potter audiobooks and Harry Potter podcasts. What can I say? I'm obsessed."
Dan Hollander
"Wonder woman theme song and the 'Devil is Bad', a kids song."
Beatrisa Liang
"I have a song from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on there for this dance I had to do for a church function."
Drew Meekins
"I love Motown! Most people would find that embarrassing I suppose but I'm proud of it."
Jon Nuss
"The most embarrassing songs on my iPod are 'MMMBop' by Hanson, 'It's Raining Men' by the Weather Girls and anything by a boy band."
Benjamin Okolski
"'Nothing Compares to You' by Sinead O'Conner. Say what you will, it's a good jam."
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"I still have 'Crazy Frog' on my iPod. I used that song a while ago for a freestyle exhibition program."
Parker Pennington
"I honestly don't think I have any, unless you consider pop music, because I listen to mainly rock. I don't consider Lifehouse, Coldplay or anything like it pop. Oh wait—Maybe Maroon 5 songs."
Kaela Pflumm
"Disney songs."
Chris Pottenger
"I love to listen to love songs and mellow music."
Adam Rippon
"I don't think I'm embarrassed by anything on my playlists. Although, I do have some *NSYNC."
Katy Taylor
"I don’t know. Should I be embarrassed that I still listen to the Beach Boys?"
Tiffany Vise
"Way too many to count! I guess the ones that get Derek and me to sing during our ice time. Luckily, only Derek and I are the only ones there to hear ourselves, but sometimes Doug will walk in on us and give us a funny stare."
Ashley Wagner
"I have a couple of songs by Hilary Duff."
Lindsey Weber
"'Oops! I Did It Again!' and 'Barbie Girl'."
Johnny Weir
"'Shoes' by Kelly, 'My Hair Looks Fierce' by Amanda Lepore, 'Strong Enough' by Cher and 'All Over Your Face' by Cazwell."
[TOP]
Which day of the week do you like the best?
Bianca Butler
"Friday. Because it's the end of the week and I love the weekends!"
Stephen Carriere
"Friday. Need I say more?"
John Coughlin
"I like Mondays for skating because everyone is recharged and ready to tackle another week. I like Fridays because I know I have survived the week, and I have two days with my friends to recover."
Eliot Halverson
"I like Tuesday because your not wishing it was still the weekend like on Monday, dreading the rest of the week like on Wednesday, thinking it's Friday when it's actually Thursday, or anticipating the weekend when it's still Friday. Tuesday is just right."
Dan Hollander
"Friday 'cause the weekend is sit back, relax, and hang with friends. Yeah baby!"
Beatrisa Liang
"Saturdays because it’s usually my day to hang out with friends."
Drew Meekins
"Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday."
Jon Nuss
"My favorite day of the week would probably be Sunday, because that’s when I finally get a day off to rest."
Benjamin Okolski
"Saturday, of course. It's my only free day where I don't have to skate or coach. Generally, I use it to catch up on things I didn't have time to do during the week. But every once in a while, I'll go and do something I enjoy."
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"I love Wednesday and Friday because I get to stay and see my friends after practice. I also love Sunday because I get to relax."
Parker Pennington
"Friday because the weekend is coming."
Kaela Pflumm
"Thursday because Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy are on!"
Chris Pottenger
"Saturday. I always go out with my friends."
Katy Taylor
"I love Saturdays because it is the only day I sleep in. However, I don’t get to skate on Saturdays. So, I would have to say that Friday is my favorite day because I get to skate, and I know that I can sleep in the next morning."
Tiffany Vise
"I love Mondays. I feel fresh a ready to go and rested from the weekend."
Ashley Wagner
"Friday! It's the end of the week and everyone is starting to wind down and just have fun."
Lindsey Weber
"I love Sundays because I can relax and catch up on things I was too busy to do during the week."
Johnny Weir
"Friday. It's the end of the work week."
[TOP]
What is your favorite room in your house or apartment?
Bianca Butler
"My room because I can go in there and sometimes just be alone. My fish lives in my room and he's pretty cool. His name is Misha."
Stephen Carriere
"My favorite rooms are my room and the kitchen, because I can relax in my room, and I can make all the food I want in the kitchen."
John Coughlin
"I live with Bridget's family, but my favorite room in their house is probably this movie room they had built in their basement. We watch American Idol and Grey's Anatomy together in there."
Eliot Halverson
"My bedroom because it's my space where I can chill and think."
Dan Hollander
"My Harley den. Wow I'm a totally freak. However, it is tastefully done with very modern looking furniture and stuff."
Beatrisa Liang
"My own. It's my little private sanctuary where I do homework, take naps, zone out to music and just relax."
Drew Meekins
"My bedroom and kitchen because I love sleeping and cooking."
Jon Nuss
"My favorite room in my house is my bedroom because that’s where I can just relax away from everything. I also enjoy my kitchen because that’s where I eat."
Benjamin Okolski
"The kitchen because that's where all the food is. Mmmm, mmmmm good."
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"My favorite place in my house is my upstairs area. My bedroom and game, school room are up there. I like to decorate, play games, and relax in it."
Parker Pennington
"The living room because I'm either watching tv, on the computer or playing Guitar Hero, which is a video game."
Kaela Pflumm
"The den because there's the TV and everyone hangs around there. The kitchen is right next to it too."
Chris Pottenger
"My living room because I have my plasma flat screen and comfortable couch to have all my friends over on."
Adam Rippon
"The room where I get to rest and relax."
Katy Taylor
"I don't have a favorite room in the house because I am constantly moving around. I don't like to be in one place too long."
Tiffany Vise
"My favorite room in my apartment is my bedroom. I love colored lights and when I have them all on, my room glows and it become my little paradise. A pink paradise."
Ashley Wagner
"My room is my favorite because it's relaxing and I can just chill out in there."
Lindsey Weber
"My room!"
Johnny Weir
"My closet. I actually have four small closets and one huge closet that's more like a room. I like the big one. It has all my favorite things inside."
[TOP]
What is one word or phrase that you use too much?
Bianca Butler
"I think I use the word 'like' too much!"
Stephen Carriere
"I don't think I have one."
John Coughlin
"When someone says something I agree with, I'll say, 'I hear that!' And that makes no sense."
Eliot Halverson
"Not so much a word or phrase, but I laugh really loud and it's even annoying to me."
Dan Hollander
"'Excellent', 'cool', 'dude', 'buddy', 'right on'."
Beatrisa Liang
"''I know, right?'"
Drew Meekins
"'I don't know.' Literally."
Benjamin Okolski
"'Dude'. I don't know why but I use it pretty often. Maybe it's because I'm not the biggest fan of being formal."
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"I love to say, 'Stop it! Stop it already.' And 'That’s terrible,' with a lot of cool inflections. It’s fun to say them with my friends."
Parker Pennington
"'Dude'. I am always saying dude."
Kaela Pflumm
"I say 'like' a lot. My parents always yell at me."
Chris Pottenger
"'Oh boy.'"
Adam Rippon
"Whenever I see something I like, I always go 'So cool.""
Katy Taylor
"I use the phrase 'What’s up with that?' a lot."
Tiffany Vise
"'Hey chica.'"
Ashley Wagner
"Definitely the word 'definitely'."
Lindsey Weber
"'Oh my gosh!'"
Johnny Weir
"'No, no, no, no, no.'"
[TOP]
What is the best feeling in the world?
Bianca Butler
"Doing the best you could have done in anything!"
Stephen Carriere
"Purell!"
John Coughlin
"For me standing on the ice at nationals this year after out short, or at Junior Worlds after both programs was amazing. The feeling of skating how we hoped to mixed with the crowd's reaction, made me want to stay on the ice forever."
Eliot Halverson
"When you skate a clean long program at nationals and you know you've done your job for the year."
Dan Hollander
"Finishing a routine in a show that you know you really nailed, feeling amazing energy, and the crowd just goes crazy when you finish."
Beatrisa Liang
"Being around people you love."
Drew Meekins
"Love."
Jon Nuss
"To me, the best feeling in the world is having friends and family that will always be there for me and support me."
Benjamin Okolski
"Well, I may be saying this because I just experienced it, but snowboarding in fresh powder. I just got back from a trip to Vancouver and I spent two days snowboarding in fresh powder, which is silent as you carve your way down the mountain. Amazing."
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"I really love the feeling I get after a great run-through of one of our programs. But most of all, I feel great buying something at the mall."
Parker Pennington
"When you feel like you're invincible, such as giving the performance of your life."
Kaela Pflumm
"When you come off the ice, and you know you gave it your all, and you're happy with that."
Chris Pottenger
"Leaving the classroom after your last final exam before a really long break! The feeling of relief just jumps out of you."
Katy Taylor
"The best feeling in the world is working hard and long for something and finally having it pay off, and sleeping in on Saturdays."
Tiffany Vise
"The feeling in the world is laying on the couch watching a movie, and knowing you have accomplished so much in the day that, that night you can just relax with no worries."
Ashley Wagner
"Winning. What can I say? I'm a competitor!"
Lindsey Weber
"Happiness."
Johnny Weir
"Succeeding at something you work hard to achieve."
[TOP]
What is the best gift that you have received?
Bianca Butler
"Purses, two of my rings—both of them mean a lot to me—and my baby brother."
Stephen Carriere
"My MacBook Pro."
John Coughlin
"Last Christmas, my grandma gave me my great great grandfather's pocket watch that he bought in Ireland before coming over to America. I love it."
Eliot Halverson
"A Golden Retriever puppy on my golden birthday when I turned eight."
Dan Hollander
"A scrapbook of my skating career that my girlfriend did for me."
Beatrisa Liang
"My 19th birthday party."
Drew Meekins
"Ever? ... Skating lessons."
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"The best gift I have gotten is the gift of life. But other than that, my trampoline, shoes and pretty much everything I have."
Parker Pennington
"My dog Mocha, a Chinese pug, after winning novice nationals."
Kaela Pflumm
"My Bichon Frise, Balto."
Chris Pottenger
"My car for high school graduation from my parents."
Katy Taylor
"The best gift that I have ever received is my dog Sandy, who is part Golden Retriever and part Cocker Spaniel. I have had her for 11 years. She has been the best dog ever. She fits right into our family."
Tiffany Vise
"Two pearl necklaces I got for my 16th birthday from my parents."
Ashley Wagner
"I'm not sure, but the best thing that has ever happened to me was when I learned how to skate."
Lindsey Weber
"My trip to Hawaii."
Johnny Weir
"Corny answer, love. Pretentious answer, diamond and sapphire ring."
[TOP]
How do you pass the time on the long airplane or bus rides?
Bianca Butler
"Oh, not easily. It's really hard for me to sleep on planes so I get really bored."
Stephen Carriere
"One word: sleep."
John Coughlin
"I sleep as much as possible, listen to music, walk by my coach and harass him as he is trying to sleep or talk to Bridgey."
Eliot Halverson
"Sleeping—just sleeping. I try to read or do homework, but I just end up sleeping."
Dan Hollander
My iPod and my Mac, and hopefully a good book."
Drew Meekins
"I take walks—for hours"
Benjamin Okolski
"Listen to my iPod, watch movies and TV shows—The Office is great, practice my drawing skills or sleep."
Beatrisa Liang
"Reading, listening to music and watching movies."
Jon Nuss
"While I'm on plane rides, I like to spend my time playing video games, watching movies on my iPod and playing cards with Jessica Rose."
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"I pass time when I travel by listening to my iPod, playing games, doing make-up and hair with my travel friends, and playing cards with Jon and whoever is traveling with me."
Parker Pennington
"Listen to my iPod or watch TV shows."
Kaela Pflumm
"I talk—a lot. I sleep, read, play games and watch movies."
Chris Pottenger
"My iPod, pillow and sleeping."
Adam Rippon
"Reading, listening to music, drawing and also writing down whatever comes to mind."
Katy Taylor
"I pass the time on long plane rides by doing many different things. I play cards and Yahtzee, I work on my homework, I look out the window and I try to sleep. I also watch DVD’s on my DVD player."
Tiffany Vise
"Well during school, I try to study but 10 minutes of that, and I'm out like a light and sleep the whole way. I'll also listen to my iPod."
Ashley Wagner
"You will always find me with a good book and an iPod at my side."
Lindsey Weber
"I don't like to travel alone, so usually talking with friends. If not I'll read a magazine and listen to my iPod."
Johnny Weir
"I listen to my iPod. Gossip with people. Sleep. The usual."
[TOP]
If you were given a million dollars and 24 hours to spend it in—with no depositing it in the bank or investing it—what would you buy?
Bianca Butler
"I would give some to charity and get my dad a yacht. I would get myself a BMW 650, get a lot of new purses and give the rest to my family and Joe."
Stephen Carriere
"I would use it to help those who are suffering in Africa."
John Coughlin
"I would spend half on a house. I know its lame, but I've always looked forward to owning my own home. I might spend some on a place on the water for my parents. I just got my new car, so I would not replace it. Maybe I would build a recording studio, and spend time in there myself, or with other bands so I could be around the music I love."
Eliot Halverson
"A horse! I've wanted a horse since I was very young and I definitely will have one in the future."
Dan Hollander
"Another Harley and another house!"
Beatrisa Liang
"A house and a car, and gifts for all my friends and family."
Drew Meekins
"A house. And maybe a Bentley Coupe"
Benjamin Okolski
"Buy a house for my parents, a house for myself, a Corvette, a Ford GT, a BMW M3 and give the rest to the One Foundation, www.one.org."
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"I would first buy a house, a mansion with a pool, a BMW, shoes, a Cadillac, exercise clothes, shoes, designer clothes, shoes, a laptop, more shoes and I might do most of those things with all my friends in Italy!"
Kaela Pflumm
"A car, a Chanel bag, Tiffany jewlery and clothes."
Chris Pottenger
"A beautiful ocean front home with a nice sports car in the driveway."
Adam Rippon
"I would buy a new house so that all of my brothers and sisters could have their own room."
Katy Taylor
"Well, of course I would buy my hot pink Hummer H3. I would also love to have my own ice rink, so I could skate whenever, and however, long I wanted. My mom doesn't want a swimming pool because it is one more thing to clean and to worry about, so I would buy a pool and hire a pool boy. I would also buy my parents a bigger house. Then, I would donate the rest to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s and dementia. My grandpa had it, and my grandmother currently suffers from it."
Tiffany Vise
"A new car, a sporty car that is fuschia. Then I would get all of my close friends and take a week vacation and do whatever we want there, like surf lesssons, bunji jumping, a concert."
Ashley Wagner
"I would go to American Eagle, Abercrombie and J. Crew and I would buy out the stores. I'd take one of everything and give the rest to charity."
Lindsey Weber
"A Mercedes and a house!"
Johnny Weir
"A Bentley Continental for me, a Lexus for mom, the new Louis Vuitton luggage collections, anything off the runway for Galliano and the new Chanel Menswear collection."
[TOP]
If you could be on a game or reality television show, which one would you choose?
Bianca Butler
"Deal or No Deal! It seems like it would be really fun and you can win lots of money."
Stephen Carriere
"I would be on a Real World/Road Rules Challenge, because I would love to participate in an elimination challenge."
John Coughlin
"I would be on American Idol, because it would mean I was a better singer than I am."
Eliot Halverson
"Deal or No Deal, because one, itakes no skill, and two, everyone on that show usually is pretty crazy or weird so I would fit right in."
Dan Hollander
"The Apprentice because I love that show and couldn't wait to kick some butt!"
Beatrisa Liang
"The Price is Right because I've always wanted to play the games."
Drew Meekins
"Project Runway, although I would have to learn how to make clothing first."
Jon Nuss
"If I could be on a game show, I would choose Jeopardy because my friends always think I know a bunch of useless information."
Benjamin Okolski
"Deal or No Deal, if I had to chose. I'm not at all a fan of reality TV."
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"I would be on Sheer Genius because it would be fun to do hair."
Parker Pennington
"Dancing with the Stars. But I do take ballroom lessons on ocassion, which I think is against the rules."
Kaela Pflumm
"I love to dance so I would be on So You Think You Can Dance?! Or I would be on the Price Is
Right."
Chris Pottenger
"Not really sure I would do well on any reality show."
Adam Rippon
"Well, if I could sing, definitley American Idol, but since I can't, Deal or no Deal."
Katy Taylor
"I would choose to be on Dancing with the Stars if I were famous because I would love to learn all of those different dances and then compete with them. I would also love to be on Big Brother because it is a game like real life where you don’t know who to trust."
Tiffany Vise
"I would love to be on Deal or No Deal, just because everyone who goes on that show looks like they have a good old time."
Ashley Wagner
"My nana is addicted to Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and when I am over there we watch it all the time. It's fun to sit and shout out the answer and see if you are right, so I think that would be the most fun show to be on."
Lindsey Weber
"Deal or No Deal."
Johnny Weir
"I've been shooting a reality show, so, my own. Johnny Be Good."
[TOP]
If you had five minutes to spend with the President, what would you ask or say?
Bianca Butler
"I would ask him how he deals with all of the pressure."
Stephen Carriere
"I honestly don't know."
John Coughlin
"I think you have made some mistakes, but I think everyone is quick to say they could do better. I can't say that I agree with all of your views. But the decisions that have come up in your term have been very tough. I did like your Dad better than you though."
Eliot Halverson
"I would ask how he deals with negative and hurtful things that are said about him."
Dan Hollander
"'Uhm, can we please just put a stop to this? Oh, and seeing as we are way in debt, can we just use a couple more billion to fund some figure skaters I know?'"
Beatrisa Liang
"I think I would be too starstruck to say anything!"
Drew Meekins
"No comment."
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"How much money do you get in a year?"
Kaela Pflumm
"I would ask if he ever gets lost in his house."
Chris Pottenger
"I would ask him all about living in the White House, riding in Air Force One and all the luxurious places he gets to visit because I think he gets to do many fascinating things."
Katy Taylor
"I think I would ask the President what made him want to be president, and what would he be if he wasn't president. I would also want to ask him if he watches figure skating, and who is his favorite skater."
Ashley Wagner
"This is a tough one. I'm sure I would ask him how he's doing, because right now he has a lot of stressful things going on. I think it's always healthy just to talk sometimes and not worry about all of the crazy things going on."
Lindsey Weber
"I would ask him how he deals with all the stress that comes along with his job! I don't know how he does it."
Johnny Weir
"I have no desire to meet our president. I turned down the 'opportunity' last year."
[TOP]
If you could be any super hero, which one would you choose?
Bianca Butler
"Super woman because she's cool!"
Stephen Carriere
"One that has telepathic and mind reading powers, but I do not know one who does that."
John Coughlin
"I like Batman because he’s a super hero at night. But he also has the money and influence to do good things for Gotham, and be a super hero during the day."
Dan Hollander
"Hmmm. Well in my routine you know I play too many. And I wish I could chose James Bond, but he isn't really a superhero. I would want the ability to fly, and have x-ray vision, although spidey senses are cool. I guess I would have to pick Spiderman."
Eliot Halverson
"Aquaman. Who doesn't want to swim with dolphins?"
Beatrisa Liang
"I’d be Violet from The Incredibles because she can make force fields and become invisible."
Drew Meekins
"Spiderman because of the web, and the movie deals."
Jon Nuss
"If I could be any superhero, I would be Batman because he is just a regular guy with no superpowers and a bunch of cool gadgets."
Benjamin Okolski
"Batman, because he's a normal human being with no special powers. Yet, he still earned the right to be titled super hero."
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"I would be Catwomen because she's sexy."
Parker Pennington
"Does hollow man count? I would like to be able to become invisible whenever I'd like."
Kaela Pflumm
"There aren't to many female super heroes I know of, but as long as they fly and can turn invisible, then I'd be whoever that is."
Chris Pottenger
"Superman because he can fly!"
Adam Rippon
"Any super hero that can fly and, or be invisible."
Ashley Wagner
"Jayna from the Wondertwins, it would just seem fun to change into anything you wanted."
Lindsey Weber
"Superwoman."
Johnny Weir
"Mighty Mouse. He's cute and powerful."
[TOP]
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would you change and why?
Bianca Butler
"I would change my attitude. Sometimes, it's not the best."
Stephen Carriere
"I always seek for perfection, and sometimes it is OK not to be one hundred percent all the time."
John Coughlin
"That's a tough one. I think everyone has traits, habits or flaws they wish were different. I guess I wish I didn't worry so much about what other people will think of me when evaluating what course of action to take."
Eliot Halverson
"I would change my consistent need for perfection. I always want to be perfect with everything I do; skating, school, relationships. I never want to fall in skating, I never want a bad grade in school, and I never want to make people angry at me. If I could just relax sometimes, my life would be less stressful."
Dan Hollander
"I'm not sure. I always try to be a better person and do the right thing. So I guess I'll have to say I would change my hair to be a bit staighter so I could grow it out once and wear a long coat to look like the guy from Highlander for a while."
Beatrisa Liang
"I'd be taller because, well, that's self explanatory."
Drew Meekins
"Nothing. Although I've made many mistakes, they've made me who I am and I am happy with who that is."
Benjamin Okolski
"I'd like to be more organized and efficient. I feel like I could do more."
Jessica Rose Paetsch
"I would like to be tall. I hope to hit 5 feet."
Parker Pennington
"I wouldn't change a thing. I am happy with everything that makes me who I am."
Kaela Pflumm
"I wish I wasn't afraid of the dark."
Chris Pottenger
"I would make my abs look as good as my weight trainer’s, Vance Lockwood, so I would look really great on the beach."
Katy Taylor
"If I could change one thing about myself, I would change how pale I am. I would love to have an olive complexion and not be so pale. I would also make my legs longer."
Tiffany Vise
"When I was younger, I probably could have written 10 different things down. But as I have gotten older, I wouldn't change one thing. If I changed something about me, then it wouldn't be me. The quirks that I have is what makes me, me!"
Ashley Wagner
"I wish I was superflexible like some of my competitors!"
Lindsey Weber
"I would fix my back so I could skate competitively again."
Johnny Weir
"I would be able to be a super hero and have success in every area of life all the time."
[TOP]
2006 Questions
What do you like most about summer?
Jeremy Abbott
"Swimming and outdoor activities. As far as skating goes I love all the visiting kids that come to skate. It's always motivating to have different people in the rink."
Bianca Butler
"The warm weather, a break from school, going to the beach and jet skiing."
Steven Carriere
"Everything, from a break in school to the weather to the more intense training to the beach and pools and my birthday."
Dan Hollander
"Hot weather so you can ride at night in a T-shirt and still feel comfortable!"
Themi Leftheris
"The weather because then I get to go to the beach as often as I want."
Joseph Lynch
"My favorite thing about summer is the warm weather because then I can spend my free time relaxing at the beach."
Naomi Nari Nam
"I love the weather. And since I live in California, getting a tan at the beach is probably the best part of it."
Parker Pennington
"The weather. It's nice to have the sun shining, and the calmness in the air."
Julia Vlassov
"I love going to the beach and hanging with my friends and walking on the boardwalk and having a good time in the sun. It's also nice because you don't ave to layer up every time you go outside to do something."
Lindsey Weber
"Not having to wear 20 layers of clothing!"
Johnny Weir
"Thunder and lightening. There's something so clean and sexy about storms."
Christine Zukowski
"The warm weather and going to the beach. The Delaware beaches are only one hour from my house."
[TOP]
Do you plan on attending any summer concerts?
Bianca Butler
"Yes, Queen."
Steven Carriere
"No, not really. I do not really like to go to concerts."
Dan Hollander
"I would like to, but no time... lots of work this summer!"
Themi Leftheris
"I don't plan on attending any."
Joseph Lynch
"No, unfortunately, I do not have time to attend any concerts this summer."
Naomi Nari Nam
"I would love to go to as many concerts as I can from Madonna to any unknown new artist."
Julia Vlassov
"No."
Lindsey Weber
"No concerts at the moment... I'm hoping James Blunt comes back to Detroit this summer though!"
Johnny Weir
"I think I'll be able to see Madonna this summer. It would be great. I love her latest album and she is such an inspiration in perseverance."
Christine Zukowski
"The American Idol tour. Lame, isn't it?"
[TOP]
Are you looking forward to any summer movie releases?
Jeremy Abbott
"I love going to the movies. I can't really think of what's coming out this summer, but
I am definitely going to be attending The DaVinci Code!"
Bianca Butler
"I don't see many movies."
Steven Carriere
"Yes, although between training and everything else I don't know if I'll make it to the movies."
Dan Hollander
"I wish I knew what movies were coming out."
Themi Leftheris
"X-Men 3!"
Joseph Lynch
"No, I usually wait for movies to come out on DVD."
Naomi Nari Nam
"Any movies that have hot actors... especially Jesse Metcafe."
Parker Pennington
"I would like to see the Da Vinci Code. I still have to read the book, which I would like to do before the movie comes out."
Julia Vlassov
"I am looking forward to the Pirates of the Caribbean 2."
Lindsey Weber
"I want to see American Dreamz."
Johnny Weir
"Not particularly."
Christine Zukowski
"Superman."
[TOP]
Are you reading any books this summer?
Jeremy Abbott
"I am currently finishing up Eldest by Christopher Paolini and Life of Pi by Yann Martel. Over the summer I would like to read Shop Girl, Lolita, Digital Fortress and a few others, but I may not get that far into my reading list."
Bianca Butler
"Nicole Richie, The truth about Diamonds."
Steven Carriere
"I don't know because my school has not posted the summer reading, but I might want to pick up The Davinci Code and A Million Little Pieces."
Dan Hollander
"Wicked...which is really good so far. Definitely not a children's book!"
Themi Leftheris
"Brothers K."
Joseph Lynch
"Don't know yet--probably something by John Grisham."
Naomi Nari Nam
"I want to read as many C.S. Lewis books as I can."
Parker Pennington
"I will read the The DaVinci Code, but currently I am reading a novel by Greg Iles called 24 hours."
Julia Vlassov
"I am planning on reading any school books that I might have and finally getting to The DaVinci Code."
Lindsey Weber
"It looks like I will be reading text books all summer."
Johnny Weir
"I'm reading a huge book about the Romanovs. It is titled The Romanovs: Aristocrats of all the Russias."
Christine Zukowski
"Nicolas Sparks' The Wedding."
[TOP]
Are you taking any summer vacations?
Jeremy Abbott
"I am going to Las Vegas for a week, with my family, for my 21st birthday."
Bianca Butler
"Yes, San Francisco."
Steven Carriere
"No, this summer will be strictly training. But on the weekends I plan on going to Salisbury beach. I love it there because my family used to rent a house up there."
Dan Hollander
"Nothing planned yet, but hopefully something that includes the Harley!"
Themi Leftheris
"Possibly to Mexico and Iowa."
Joseph Lynch
"Yes, I am taking a cruise to Bermuda."
Naomi Nari Nam
"No vacations planned in summer--we have to get program! But I've already been to Vegas and am planning on going to San Francisco soon."
Parker Pennington
"I wish I was. My vacations consist of taking a trip up to Denver to go shopping, or catch a sports game."
Julia Vlassov
"We took a vacation to Hawaii at the end of April and then we are taking three or four days off for July 4th and going down to the country side of Massachusetts."
Lindsey Weber
"I'm going to DisneyWorld in May for (USFSA) Governing Council, and I'm hoping to get out to California too."
Johnny Weir
"I'm going to try to take one or two vacations. I'd like to go to Barbados, France, Capri or just get away for a weekend on breaks in the tour."
Christine Zukowski
"Yes. I am taking a weekend in June to Wildwood Crest N.J. to celebrate my sister Jenn's eight grade graduation. Then since my season is starting later this year I will be going with my family and cousin to the outer banks in North Carolina the end of August "
[TOP]
If you could see any musical act or performer in concert, who would it be?
Bianca Butler
"I want to see the Rolling Stones and I would take Joe."
Steven Carriere
"I would want to go see Ellen Degeneres do a live comedy show because I think she is the best comedian ever. I would bring my friend Kendra because we both like Ellen so much."
Dan Hollander
"I would like to see Stevie Ray Vaughan, take Ben Agosto with me, and have a jam session afterwards! Ben is really good guitar player and is starting to teach me on tour so that would be blast. 'Pride 'n Joy' would be the song I would look forward to the most."
Themi Leftheris
"The Cranberries. I would look forward to the song 'Empty,' and I would take my good friends Dirke and Matthew."
Joseph Lynch
"I would really like to see U2. I love all of their songs so I would look forward to the whole concert. I would take my friend Cat with me because she is a huge fan as well."
Drew Meekins
"I would have loved to have seen Whitney Houston back in her day. I would be excited to hear any of her songs, because her voice was so amazing! I would take my friends, Nick and Dan, because we love singing her songs in my car! If not her, then I would love to see Christina Aguilera again. I would be most excited to hear her sing' Dirrty' and I would take any of my friends, because we all love her!"
Naomi Nari Nam
"I always look forward to seeing Incubus. They are great live. And if I had a lot of money, I would take all of my friends. My favorite Incubus song is 'I Miss You.' I've already heard them play it but I can listen to it over and over again."
Parker Pennington
"There are so many groups I would love to see in concert. I listen to mostly rock, new and old. If I was to choose one group to see in concert it would probably be Three Doors Down."
Julia Vlassov
"I think that I would go see Black Eyed Peas in concert because I love all of their songs. Right now, I would look forward to their 'My Humps' song and I would take all of my friends if I had enough money to get them all tickets!"
Lindsey Weber
"I would like to see Celine Dion sing 'The Prayer' because it's my exhibition program, and I would take my mom because we both love Celine."
Johnny Weir
"I would love to see Madonna, t.A.T.u, Christina Aguilera--again, Justin Timberlake and Pink. I would look forward to Madonna 'Sorry', Christina Aguilera 'Beautiful', Justin Timberlake 'Cry Me A River', t.A.T.u 'Loves Me Not' and Pink 'Stupid Girls'. I would also love to see Madonna sing "Like it or Not.' I would go with all my peeps."
Christine Zukowski
"I would like to see Fall Out Boy play 'Nobody Puts Baby in The Corner.'"
[TOP]
If you could eat lunch with any person, who would be and why?
Jeremy Abbott
"I am sometimes a very messy eater--I think that I would be too embarrassed to eat with someone special enough to ask this question about."
Bianca Butler
"I would eat with Brad Pitt at the Ivy in Beverly Hills and I'd eat Chicken."
Steven Carriere
"It sounds odd but I would have to say I would like to eat lunch with John F. Kennedy at his house in the Cape. I would definitely order buffalo wings because I love buffalo wings."
Eliot Halverson
"I know this is not one person, but right now I would have to say: all my friends. As we are starting to go our separate ways--well, they are leaving me behind, really--as they head to college, we are becoming more removed from one another. I'd like to pick one day when we were all really needy of some uplifting and have lunch together. It's not often we all can get together at the same time. We probably would have one big picnic, so that we could eat all afternoon and not have waiters looking at us when we re-enact our crazy experiences, talk in foreign accents and spill, spit and splatter our food around during our bouts of laughter."
Dan Hollander
"I would eat with Donald Trump, at one of his posh restaurants, and talk about the Apprentice! I love that show--I would love to be on it, win, and then say, 'thanks, but I e | 
