A List Of Things Thrown Five Minutes Ago

WHERE HAVE YOU GONE, NICOLE BOBEK? Our award-winning figure skating correspondent Gretchen previews the 2007 US National Figure Skating Championships:

TiVo Alert! The US National Figure Skating Championship kicks off with televised coverage tonight on ESPN2, at 9:00 pm. Tonight we'll see the men's and ladies' short programs. Tomorrow brings pairs and dance finals, and Saturday features the mens' and ladies' long programs.

The ladies' competition should be very interesting. In some ways, this is a breath of fresh air for women's skating. For the first time in over a decade, the US Nationals won't be dominated by Michelle Kwan, who was a major player even in her absence last year. And Sasha Cohen, the heir apparent and silver medalist at the Olympics, won't be there either, because she's too busy taking acting classes and going to parties with Jim Carrey and Tom Cruise.

The problem is that without a big name to generate media attention and TV coverage, figure skating is losing viewers and becoming less popular. This competition will be an interesting referendum on whether figure skating can retain its prominence in the post-Michelle era. Among the ladies who are there, I'm particularly looking forward to seeing Kimmie Meissner, our reigning World Champion. Kimmie placed second at Skate America and third at Trophee Eric Bompard, but hasn't been defeated this season by an American skater. Emily Hughes and Katy Taylor, last year's third and fourth placers, will be there. But I'm really cheering for Alissa Czisny, a gorgeous skater with amazing spins who suffers from performance nerves and never seems to be able to pull it out in competition.

Tragically, Stephanie Rosenthal, who did an awesome techno short program last year, won't be around. But if anyone is going to do something equally new and interesting, it's going to be in the shorts.

As for the men, it's all about Evan Lycasek, who had a thrilling recovery in the Olympics, and Johnny Weir, fighting for a fourth US championship. Tragically, this year, Johnny does not have a program that features a single red glove named Camille, who gives quotes to the media. But no worries! This year, Johnny's long program features him acting out the life of Jesus. If that doesn't make all y'all want to watch, I don't know what will.