If there are any fans of figure skating out there:

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

Here's the broadcast schedule for this weekend's US Nationals from Portland, OR.

January 13th, 11:00 pm - 1:00 am EST on ESPN 2
January 14th, 10:30 pm - 12:30 am EST on ESPN 2
January 15th, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST on ABC
January 15th, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm EST on ABC

I've already told my husband he's banished to watch television in our bedroom Saturday afternoon and Saturday night. I get the big screen and the surround sound system in the living room.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

1. I love it!

Thanks for posting this :)

[Lavender Brown]

2. Who are the favorites to win?

I usually only watch the Olympics so I don't know what happens in the intervening four years. :)

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

4. The favorites are:

Ladies singles: Michelle Kwan who is going for her 9th US title. If she wins, she will tie the late Maribel Vinson Owen for the most ever.

Mens singles: Johnny Weir, last year's Mens Champion and a brilliant skater. I really like this guy.

Pairs: After last night's short program Katie Orscher and Garrett Lukasch are in first place. However, US pairs are by far the weakest discipline, IMO, overall in the US figure skating. No one skated cleanly last night and judging by past events, this could come down to who makes the least amount of mistakes in the long program.

Dance: Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto are in the lead after the compulsory dances and the original dance. This pair are the best shot the US has in dance. They're great skaters and a joy to watch.

If you want more info here's the website for the US Figure Skating Association: www.usfsa.org.

[noonwitch]

3. Not unless it involves long wooden sticks

God, I miss the NHL.