An Amateur Investigative Report: The Intriguing Case Of The Hidden Toddler Moir
Disclaimer:
I am neither a real investigative reporter nor have close relations of any of the people involved. All images and reports taken (or referred to) can be found through public domain. Please also note: I have not (or have the desire) to venture into individual Facebook accounts or twitters for any facts (pictures or quotes). For the sole reason, I find them either encroaching on personal space (if it’s a real deal). Or, accounts can be faked, Therefore, may corrupt the contents of my article. With exception from a prominent blog, I will refer only to relevant posts and its comments, pertaining to my research.
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My research was inspired after a visit to a particular blog. I came across it accidentally early this year while looking for fan forums or blogs on figure skating. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Why this specific blog? Maybe I have a personal grudge or maybe some obsession with this blogger and/or his/her blog.
Let me tell you now, it is far from that. While some of the posts (and responses by others) posted are worth thinking or talking about, there are more questionable ones that I tend to ignore…well, almost always.;-P However, there is ONE matter in particular that is worth mentioning, since it has been cropping up often in recent posts, prompting much angst among posters from both camps.
Let me tell you now, it is far from that. While some of the posts (and responses by others) posted are worth thinking or talking about, there are more questionable ones that I tend to ignore…well, almost always.;-P However, there is ONE matter in particular that is worth mentioning, since it has been cropping up often in recent posts, prompting much angst among posters from both camps.
Hence, the title of my post
The Intriguing Case Of The Hidden Toddler Moir
You may ask - why do I even bother with such a trivial gossip. Who cares really? Yes, perhaps it seems rather frivolous. Initially, I thought so too. But like the saying goes, all small things tends to grow into bigger things.
So, out of great curiosity, I felt compelled to dig for the truth once and for all...
Who knows...Perhaps somewhere along the way, I will discover that the blogger who is in the know (and others like him/her) could be telling the truth after all...
But what if digging for the truth actually changes everything? So...
This is the Truth, and nothing but the Truth...
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Start From the Beginning, Please!
In October 2013, this hot button topic erupted (yet again) in the comments section between the blogger and posters. Interestingly, within the same day, all of those posts - which included a timeline of video links and news to pair with the rumour had been completely erased. In which, an additional note later was placed on blogger's post stating reason for its deletion.
Hmmmm…Why? Why in particular those specific comments?
(On hindsight, I am now grateful for copy&paste feature)
One legitimate question posted that stood out for me (something along the lines of below):
Since the blogger is in the know, could s/he pinpoint PRECISELY on the given timeline WHERE and WHEN it could have happened?
Now, I was seriously intrigued...
Easy enough, right? Like another poster (or maybe the same) stated any person “in the know” would have responded immediately “There!”…or something like that…
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Well...not exactly...
Blogger’s Response
Some of the deleted responses from blogger addressed to the posters were - in summary:
(1) the blogger claim to be in the know. Like, "I KNOW that they (insert rumour)”.
(2) since it has been brought forward previously, the blogger stated there is no need to rehashed because videos and photos of “evidence” had been "debated to death".
(3) posters are certainly welcome to sort through the blog of three years to find topics and comments (or “lively comments” as s/he puts it) related to it since it’s “smaller than what could be on www”.
(4) lastly, if a poster is seen unconvinced, it's not blogger's job to convince them otherwise…
So, I decided on options #2&3. Followed by #4...
However, my findings came to an abrupt stop. Apparently, since it has "debated to death”, I discovered NO evidence of those supposed videos/photos or, even postings from other people about it (other than a few measly ones by the blogger’s own posts and comments as well as like-minded posters) in my research of his/her blog.
So, I did what I had to do…Start from scratch!
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Starting From Scratch!
Here is what I did uncovered in the blog posts and comments (related to the specific rumour):
(1) A girl toddler named Quinn. (found in comment section though not verified with certainty)
(2) Consistent assertion of the a child's existence in certain posts & various comments section
(3) Photo comparison shots of Tessa's figure (presumably, one while pregnant and another post pregnancy)
(4) Photo collages of Tessa in month of October (while pregnant perhaps????) (blogger's January 2011 post)
How true are all those claims (above) have yet to be proven...
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Sorting through three years' worth of blogger's posts (including the comments section), I managed to narrow down to a few articles and comments that are relevant to this case. Most importantly, I could set a point of reference to uncover the truth...
Examination of Trail of Evidence of Supposed Rumour
Referring from blogger’s main Post (taken word for word) under May 2013 tag:
...
Below, referring from blogger’s response in the comment section to a poster related to the above Post:
So...
Using the Statement: “…baby between Worlds 2010 and 4CC 2011…”:
I searched and arrived at the months of March 2010 through to February 2011. That’s 12 months to play with. This certainly helps to narrow down where pregnancy months and estimated delivery date could be. (I say, could because after all, it’s based on an assumption)
Using blogger's (as well as fan posters) comment (see above) on "first tell" of rumoured pregnancy:
I uncovered: (1) Tessa and Scott's Gold Medal Parade in Ilderton, Ontario (June 4, 2010) and (2) Calgary Stampede ice show (July 11, 2010).
Established (Possible but Not Confirmed) Months For Rumoured Pregnancy***
April/May: 2 months
June/July: 3 months
July/August: 4 months
August/September: 5 months
September/October: 6 months
October/November: 7 months <--- premature delivery date
November/December: 8 months <--- premature delivery date
December/January 2011: 9 months <--- estimated due date
January/February 2011: over 9 months (overdue baby)
***Note: On average, a first-time mother starts to show around the 4 or 5 month mark. After scrutinizing some of the videos and photos taken from 2010 Calgary Stampede ice show and compared them to the belly progression photos (i.e. other individuals, of course) I could only conclude that possible early months (in which she could be pregnant but no show yet) would be June or July. I had placed two months side by side to indicate that it could be either or the two months she is what week/month of pregnancy. If I did go earlier than June and July, she would have had a clearly noticeable bump by July, if you refer to progression photos provided. Or if I go later, she would be extremely visible through her public appearances then as she would be in her last trimester (i.e. 7-9 month pregnancy). See the month heading and visuals provided as you read further down...
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Now The Real Trail Begins!
Assessment Of The Rumoured Mother-To-Be
Tessa (on her bio) is described as 5ft 5in and eyeing her figure at Olympics 2010, she could be between 55kg/120lbs to max. 60kg/130lbs. (Note: Unfortunately, I was unable to find her exact weight during my web search)
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Sidenote: Later, I will be getting a bit technical with numbers to coincide with pregnancy progression. Bare in mind, it will make sense as I continue on with the case. For the sake of research, I have also included belly progression photos (of individuals with similar stature/figure and of race as Tessa) and link of how pregnancy is measured for your use - http://www.baby2see.com/pregnancylength.html
Basic Facts About Pregnancy
First-time moms often start showing later because their muscles haven't been stretched by a previous pregnancy. And women who are tall or have long torsos may have a smaller-looking bump, because they have more space for the baby to fill, lengthwise.
A woman who was average weight before getting pregnant should gain 25 to 35 pounds after becoming pregnant. Underweight women should gain 28 to 40 pounds. And overweight women may need to gain only 15 to 25 pounds during pregnancy.
In general, a pregnant woman should gain about 2 to 4 pounds during the first three months she's pregnant and 1 pound a week during the rest of the pregnancy.
Check out (for yourself): http://www.babycenter.com/0_pregnancy-weight-gain-what-to-expect_1466.bc
A healthy, normal length pregnancy is measured to up to 40 weeks (barring, Tessa being overdue or give birth prematurely)
Photo Examples Of Belly Progression***
Some photos are numbered as 2,4,6 = it just means pregnancy in weeks so 4 weeks is considered as 1 month, 8 weeks is 2 months, 12 weeks is 3 months, etc...
Some photos are numbered as 2,4,6 = it just means pregnancy in weeks so 4 weeks is considered as 1 month, 8 weeks is 2 months, 12 weeks is 3 months, etc...
Some photos are placed in accordance to months of pregnancy = 1st from the left is 1 month, 2nd from the left is two months, ... last photo (or 1st right) is 9 months.
***True fact! Every woman’s body is different when pregnant. Taking into account Tessa's athlete body and for a first-time pregnancy, she may probably show much later (around her 4 or 5-month mark) and however, she would be progressively visible as she arrives at the last trimester of pregnancy (i.e. 7-9 months). This ESPECIALLY if you are trim/slender pre-pregnancy.
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Establishing The Timeline
Three months/12 weeks (June/July)
Time period where pregnancy can still be hidden from public (Refer: belly progression photo)
Tessa and Scott performed in HyundaiCard Supermatch Medallist on ice a week earlier (June 6)
I tried to search for the original website to this event. However, it no longer exist but a fan forum listed them as performers in show www.maosadaforum.com/t711-hyundaicard-supermatch-medalist-on-ice
HyundaiCard Supermatch Medallist On Ice performance (June 6)
Tessa and Scott's Gold Medal Parade Celebration (June 12)
Ilderton Celebrates ice dance champs (London Free Press) by Ryan Pyette
- all photo images embedded in news article
Four months/16 weeks (July/August)
Time period where she could show how ever small it could be…(Refer to belly progression: 4th from the left if visible or if not, 3rd from left)
Acrobatic Ice Show @ 2010 Calgary Stampede (July 11)
Tessa and Scott “Jack and Diane” performances
Close up: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nvVsNgr1VPs
ET (close up): http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=63JaHgHV-Bk
Calgary Stampede 2010 Photos
- copyright protected
- provides good close ups / visual photos of Scott and Tessa's performance (and dance positions Tessa was in). Definitely interested in the close up midriff that was commented on within the blogger site...
As I was researching the months of July and October. I discovered that there were TWO shows using the name ATS - One, All That Skate Summer (July 23) in Korea and Second, All That Skate LA (October 2-3).
Five months/20 weeks (August/September)
Time period where she could show how ever small it could be…(Refer to belly progression: 5th from left OR if not visible yet 4th from left)
For the month of August, there were no news as far as my research goes. I would appreciate any info should anyone do find anything during this month.
Six months/24 weeks (September/October)
Time period where she could have an early birth safely…however, rather prematurely. She would be clearly visible and bigger now. (Refer to belly progression: 5th or 6th from left) You may also refer to the photo way above too, if to see difference in size...
Tessa and Scott interview on Hamilton Life (September 20)
Youtube video: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oYV5kBUZcmM
Youtube video: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oYV5kBUZcmM
Shall We Dance On Ice (with Canadian Tenors)(September 22)
Seven months/28 weeks (October/November)
Time period where she could have an early birth safely…however, rather prematurely. Or, she will be clearly visible and bigger. (Refer to belly progression: 6th or 7th from left)
2010 All That Skate LA Tour
Press Conference Photo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/queenyuna/with/5046091380/
Practice Performance Photos
Photo of practice: http://www.flickr.com/photos/52789087@N05/5042584659
http://www.flickr.com/photos/queenyuna/with/5046091380/
Practice Performance Photos
Photo of practice: http://www.flickr.com/photos/52789087@N05/5042584659
2010 All That Skate LA
Performance Photos at 2010 All That Skate LA ( Photos from Fanpop.com)
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| Close up on photo from above (6/7 months pregnant??) |
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| How about this one? |
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| Or this? |
All That Skate 2010 LA Performers Photo Op
Website: http://www.allthatskate.com/2010LA/media/gallery.php
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| Maybe this is the infamous photo rumoured to be her fully pregnant? |
CTS interview (aired October 7)***
*** Aired Oct. 7: their outfits seem to indicate that it was taped in September 2010 (see Hamilton Life in September section)
Another conclusion I could come up with is that: Tessa did her last show early October before her surgery. And later attended an event for October 24 (below). Whether she actually participated in the event or there to support this event, I am uncertain.
Audi Best Buddies 10K Race - Toronto, Ontario, Canada (October 24)
Official Website (Audi Best Buddies Run) with Photo Op
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| She's close to 7/8 months mark... |
Website for Temperature in Toronto, Canada
2010 Skate Canada International (October 29-31)
Posted interviews via media were the only public appearances I found of Tessa and Scott. She provided her health regarding her post-op surgery. Since it’s done close to the time of Skate Canada competition, they were not competing then.
Interview with Brenda Irving at 2010 Skate Canada international (October 30)
CBC 2010 Skate Canada Interview with PJ Kwong (October 30)
Youtube video: http://youtu.be/xMNiWvPXciE
8 months/32 weeks (November/December)***
*** Please refer to my new post "Part 2" since corrections have been made for this section. Thank you...
*** Please refer to my new post "Part 2" since corrections have been made for this section. Thank you...
Time period where she would be waiting to give birth…(Refer to belly progression: 7th or 8th from the left)
Virtue Moir CBC Interview
Note: Granted it black but everything is tight fitted. If she wanted to keep her pregnancy hidden would it be prudent of her to cover up since the moment she actually shows?
In addition to be in her last trimester of pregnancy, they were committed to doing at least two shows (which I could find) for the month of November…
Teaser Video of Shall we dance show (NBC)
Teaser video only: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akzDX1xKYQ0
Instrument of Peace (Canadian Tenors)(November 7)
YouTube video (uploaded on November 15)***: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C0e2Pe2zgA
*** Is it me or is she wearing the same dress she wore at September 22 show (2 months ago)?
YouTube video (uploaded November 20): http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aMI8UCkyeFc
YouTube video (uploaded November 20): http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aMI8UCkyeFc
2010 Gemini Awards (November 12)
Once again, if Tessa is close to giving birth to her first child (and adamant for her pregnancy to remain a secret), why would she pose with her coat buttons open, rather than closed, here? Either that she wore some serious girdle contraption I would love to get my hands on! ;)
9 months/36 weeks (December/January 2011)
This the time where she would have delivered baby…(since we estimated earlier in early June, it is only correct (and if on time) she’d given birth some time in late December. OR if July, it would be January (refer to belly progression: 8th or 9th from left)
Backstage Pass & Book signing (December 4 @ Hershey Center)
Winter Dreams On Ice (December 19)
News: http://www.premierlife.ca/events/scott-moir-tessa-virtue-return-to-the-jlc-in-winter-dreams-on-ice/
Photo of performance
Photo of performance
“Let It Snow” performance
YouTube vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=044flu52rHY
“I Wanna Hold Your Hand” performance
Youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aofGs5CCjzE
Finale performance
Youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCiEAy6frwI
Close up of Tessa and Scott at 2:49 minute mark
Over 9 months (January 2011)
This the time where she would have delivered rumoured baby…or very visibly pregnant if overdue (Refer to belly progression)
For the month of January, There were no news as far as my research goes. I would appreciate any info should anyone do find anything during this month.
February 2011
Interview with Jian Ghomeshi (Uploaded on Feb 4 - aired November 3)
Return to competitive skating to 4CC 2011 (February) and Worlds 2011(March)
Return to competitive skating to 4CC 2011 (February) and Worlds 2011(March)
CONCLUSION
Verdict: Could it be that Tessa had been a victim of camera and lighting discrimination? A undisclosed eating disorder? Subjected to a new rigorous exercise regime prior to 4CC 2011 and Worlds 2011? A case of bad wardrobe choices in 2010? Or quite simply grown from young lady to woman…
Fact still remains the blogger and like-mind posters truly believe that a child does exist...
Whatever the reason,
I have to say this time...
I'll let my facts do the talking...
I have to say this time...
I'll let my facts do the talking...
2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited., © Shelly Holmes and Topics That Make You Go Hmmm blog
Shelly Holmes,
ReplyDeleteI provide this counter evidence, all available in the public domain, regarding Tessa's very real pregnancy. Where not going to get in to what various people do know to be fact--that VM are married and have a daughter who will be 3 soon.
Just to start, keep in mind that not all woman carry typically. Not all women carry typically for their weight, height, build, etc. Google things like "woman not showing in 8th month of pregnancy." You'll pull up a number of discussions on various appropriate message boards full of women lamenting being late in their pregnancies and not showing at all or talking about how they didn't pop out until weeks before giving birth. Not everyone has a giant belly at 6 months or 7 months. Look up "carrying to the back" as well. Not all women carry forward. If the baby attaches to the anterior side of the uterus, the baby grows towards mom's back instead of out to the front. Mom tends to get wide instead of growing out. I also ask that you think about Tessa's normal figure--wide shoulders tapering down to a small waist. Towards the end of her pregnancy, this was not her figure. Her sides were straight. What you provide in your illustrations is a very typical progression of how most, but not all, women carry.
The use of camera angles and wardrobe choice to create an optical illusion, etc. have been discussed on the dubemoir and places like fanforum. They succeeded in some shots, but there are others out there where the bump is obvious. You just have to get over the fact that with those tight abs, Tessa just wasn't as large as the normal pregnant woman.
I've collected the pictures and videos from various posts on fanforum, facebook, livejournal, and flickr.
The 2010 Calgary Stampede was at the end of the first trimester/beginning of the second. Again, it's not a point that any first time mom in good shape would be showing in a noticeable fashion. They used Jack and Diane for their performances at the Stampede. Unlike all other outings of that particular exhibition, Tessa wore an undershirt that handily covered her midriff that was bare in all previous performances. Think it might have been to hide something, like abdominal muscles that were starting to stretch and separate a bit as her uterus rose out of her pelvis? There are a few photos out there that managed to catch Tessa at moments when the undershirt and ridden up. Like this one here: http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/bulldogfaith/26680291/99069/99069_original.jpg
Moving on to the Hamilton Life interview. That interview was in conjunction with Shall We Dance on Ice. I can trump you with this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15i4404vg2Q
Pay attention to what happens with Tessa's abdomen between about 42 seconds and 51 seconds. You can see the baby moving.
You're trying to say that the Shall We Dance on Ice event happened twice--September 22 and then again in November. That is incorrect. Shall We Dance was held one time/one night only in Hamilton on September 22 but the show did not air until November on NBC. It's not two different events where she was wearing the same dress. It's the same event! Instrument of Peace with the Canadian Tenors was a number they did during SWDOI. Again, it happened one time and one time only.
ATS LA:
ReplyDeleteStill photo from the same performance that brought up: http://s747.photobucket.com/user/goldents/media/39572_441120541295_648656295_5808951_8320663_n.jpg.html (Also notice how very WIDE she was and how she was most definitely did not have her usual silhouette.)
Still photo from the girls' number (one of my favorites): http://i45.tinypic.com/34ir7s6.jpg
Now, we come to two photos that were made off-ice in LA when VM seemed to have met a couple of fans. It's an excellent example of how camera angle can help with an optical illusion:
1.) Tessa from the front: http://i43.tinypic.com/28k2a9k.jpg
2.) Tessa from the side: http://i41.tinypic.com/2r3gy6f.jpg
Trace up right from below her shirt where she's holding her jacket to under her breasts. You can make out the baby bump. I've traced it here: http://i42.tinypic.com/1607mmo.jpg
In the practice photos you showed, one was from the front. The other (which you also showed the one from the performance), notice the dip in Tessa's butt/back. It's sort of slouching while laying back to make her stomach appear perfectly flat when it wouldn't have been otherwise
The interviews from Skate Canada in 2010 used a combination of wardrobe choice (notice the high belt to make it look like Tessa's waste was not where it's normally at), camera angle, and Tessa holding her hands in front of her to disguise things via optical illusion. Look up some of the techniques used in film and tv to hide the fact that actresses are pregnant when their character isn't.
You didn't have this on your list, but these photos are from a book signing on November 1, 2010 when they launched the book. The thing about these shots is that they were from the side. Tell me, when do we ever see Tessa that thick?
Photo 1: http://i39.tinypic.com/29p8db8.jpg
Photo 1 with Tessa's front and back marked: http://i42.tinypic.com/2drdt9j.jpg
Photo 2-She look anything like her normal size and shape. http://i40.tinypic.com/20stwxw.jpg
The Q interview that you listed as being in February 2011 was actually November 3, 2010. They used either close up headshots of Tessa or far, very wide angle shots. Notice the very blousy, loose sweater that she's wearing that's nothing like what she normally ever wears.
Gemini Awards: Use of wardrobe: Jacket creates depth, black hides the shadows that would cue the contours of the bump(and I can still make out the bump in that pic). Also, the dress she wore for the actual awards ceremony? When have we ever seen Tessa wear a formal of that style outside of those awards with the higher waste and the fru-fru skirt with a million yards of fabric? It's the classic formal hide-a-baby-bump dress.
The December 4 Hershey Center Book Signing Video (that may or may not have happened--it may have been staged). Tessa is sitting down, hiding behind a table, wearing that horribly bulky sweater thing. You couldn't even see her belly.
There was also this photo, Tessa's front and back marked (sort of as she was at an odd angle, but when have we ever seen her that big around? I marked where her skirt fell instead.): http://i42.tinypic.com/t6z9s3.jpg and http://i39.tinypic.com/mcavdd.jpg
Winter dreams on Ice was December 18. Curiously, what few videos there are of this event were shot from far away with VM being completely washed out. Nonetheless, there are times you can definitely make out the shape of a baby bump.
This wasn't from your list, but it's a book signing at a Costco on December 19. These are the last known public photos of Tessa before the baby was born. Swollen fingers in pic 2, and pic 3 is a nice belly shot
Photo 1: http://i44.tinypic.com/2im6f7.jpg
Photo 1 marked: http://i43.tinypic.com/15ga49c.jpg
Photo 2 (notice her swollen fingers): http://i39.tinypic.com/2vx0zld.jpg
Photo 2 marked: http://i39.tinypic.com/5xoorb.jpg
Photo 3 (a good belly shot): http://i41.tinypic.com/ael2co.jpg
Photo 4: http://i41.tinypic.com/e8pxxj.jpg
Photo 4 marked: http://i43.tinypic.com/af7ck3.jpg
Thanks you, Trusty Jones, I am working on new posts with reference to your comments on my earlier post. I have ONE new post with NEW finds (should you venture here again)...will continue to work on others soon...
DeleteMy apologies, Truthy Jones...mispelled...
DeleteOkay, let's say Tessa carried atypically and showed little to no bump at any point during her supposed pregnancy. When she found out she was pregnant she would have had no way of knowing how she would carry. I don't see why should would have signed on for all these events if she wanted to keep it a secret.
DeleteMy thoughts exactly, unsolicitedopinions!
Delete