The Olympics are always something of a marker in my life, as I’m sure they are for everyone. The regularity of it and the significance of it provide systematic path through one’s life. What was I doing then? Where were those Olympics, and where was I?

Watching figure skating this evening, I found myself reminiscing about the figure skating of old, when compulsory figures were just that.

I think the removal of the compulsory figures makes the sport seem all flash. Granted, all the jumps and twirls demand incredible precision, but they’re nothing compared to the compulsory figures. But in the want-it-now, can’t-wait-or-concentrate age, we just don’t have the time, patience, or concentration for it.