I told tzt that I might do a diary on the men's figure skating finals, but I  couldn't muster up anything to say.  There were some good skates, but nothing really outstanding.  In fact, everyone seemed really tired.  It made me wonder if it's the altitude or something.  But here's a good article about it from the Seattle PI:

Plushenko skates off with gold; Weir fumes

These were Plushenko's games. Everyone else just filled out the field, mere subjects to figure skating's new king.

Plushenko, the silver medalist four years ago in Salt Lake City, skated safely but just strong enough to add his name to the Russian/Soviet dynasty that now has won the men's individual gold medal in five straight Olympics.

"Four years ago, it was not my Olympic games," he said. "This Olympic games is mine. For sure."

As if there was ever any doubt.

Plushenko's score of 167.67 points in the free skate gave him 258.33 overall - an incredible 27.12 points in front of Swiss world champion and silver medalist Stephane Lambiel. Canada's Jeff Buttle, second to Lambiel at last year's world championships when Plushenko was injured, won the bronze.

American Johnny Weir let a medal slip away with a cautious, error-filled program, dropping from second to fifth - one spot below teammate Evan Lysacek. The third American, Matt Savoie, was seventh.

"I tell you the truth. This is my dream," Plushenko said, holding up his gold medal. "Yeah. And I'm so happy."

And special congratulations to Switzerland's Stephane Lambiel!  He's a beautiful skater and I'm happy he got the silver.  Canada's very happy with their unexpected bronze as well.

Maybe we can eventually make language a complete impediment to understanding. -Hobbes