WELCOME BACK Yvgeni!

After 4 years away from competition, the delightful and talented Yvgeni Plushenko is back and competing at what used to be called The Cup of Russia competition. He's 27 years old now and I'm sure the "young guns" in Russian skating, none of whom can hold a candle to Plushenko's style, technical ability and charm, are not exactly bubbling over with joy at his return and yet, since he is willing to put his body through the rigors of training Plushenko is doing Russian men's figure skating an enormous favor. Thanks to the pathetic showing of Russian men at the most recent World championships, Russia only has two spots at the 2010 Olympics for the first time in as long as I can remember. Plushenko will see to it that this doesn't happen again! And in his short program he once again proved that he owns the quad and is a skater with whom the world must reckon.

Welcome back, dear lad! You're growing up into someone I can and do respect!