Cynthia Phaneuf in Pursuit of Canadian Championship #2

Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press

Cynthia Phaneuf, above with coach, Annie Barabe, finished fifth at the 2010 World Figure Skating Championships. With Olympic bronze medalist Joannie Rochette sitting out the season, Phaneuf is the favorite to win the ladies title at the 2011 Canadian Figure Skating Championships. The twenty-three-year old last won the competition in 2004

The ladies short program begins this Friday at 6:20 pm PST. Here is the start order:

1 Daniela-Bella Favot WO

2 Karine Chevrier QC

3 Jessica-Amy Sergeant AB/NT/NU

4 Kelsey McNeil NB

5 Sarah Jourdain QC

6 Jacqueline Lenuik BC/YT

7 Izabel Valiquette QC

8 Rylie McCulloch-Casarsa WO

9 Jessica Dube QC

10 Devon Neuls BC/YT

11 Kate Charbonneau MB

12 Dallas Daniel AB/NT/NU

13 Adriana DeSanctis CO

14 Alexandra Najarro CO

15 Vanessa Grenier QC

16 Amelie Lacoste QC

17 Myriane Samson QC

18 Cynthia Phaneuf QC

Michelle Kwan, Lobster, Steak-Eye and Obama

Reuters Jonathan Ernst

Michelle Kwan was served lobster and steak-eye at the White House tonight at the state dinner hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama for President of China Hu Jintao.

Rachael Flatt's Moon River Costume

For a little less than a thousand bucks, you can own Rachael Flatt's 2008 short program "Moon River" costume, and your money goes to a great cause: U.S. Figure Skating Memorial Fund. Head over to SkatingMall.com to bid on the dress.

US Nationals Preview And 2011's Best Program Belongs To...

I didn't understand Alissa Czisny's national victory a few years back and have always felt that her presentation scores were too high.

Not this season. I find her free skate, Selections from Winter and Spring, absolutely breathtaking. For me, its ethereal beauty ranks up there with recent gorgeous programs from this century like: Sasha Cohen's Baroque Selections, Michelle Kwan's East of Eden exhibition, Angela Nikodinov's Sleeping Beauty, Vanessa Gusmeroli's Legends of the Fall and Mao Asada's Nocturne short program from several years back. In other words, a special program, like Alissa's comes along very rarely.

I am convinced that no woman this season has a more captivating program, long or short. Yes, that's a bold statement to make considering Olympic champ Yuna Kim has yet to show her programs.

Does anyone know if Brian Boitano still mentors Alissa? I haven't heard anything pertaining to his involvement with her this season. Enjoy the video. I always do.

Twitter and Skating

I signed up for Twitter yesterday. I'm new to this intimidating phenomenon but would love to connect with other figure skating fans. Follow Me and I'll Follow You

Rachael Flatt switches to new short program

Getty Images

Rachael Flatt announced a new short program today. She's now skating to East of Eden, the same Lee Holdridge piece so closely associated with Michelle Kwan. Bold choice for Rachael.

Will it be Number 2 for Flatt, Czisny or Nagasu?

Yes, that rhymed. No, it wasn't intentional. :)

AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson

If neither of those 3 ladies wins her second US title in January, who might win their first? Ashley Wagner? If she can skate a clean short program, maybe. Newbie Agnes Zawadzki? If she can stop skating shaky long program, perhaps.

My gut says Mirai Nagasu wins a second US championship this month. Not only do I feel she's pacing herself well this season, she also thrives under lower expectations. On the other hand, Alissa Czisny historically struggles in the favorite role. Of course, Rachael Flatt can never be counted out. Ever. How many times has she gotten the last laugh. So, what do you think will happen?

Vote >>>>>>

Beatrisa Liang Announces Retirement

American Beatrisa Liang

Bebe Liang has announced her retirement after 10 years on the senior level. She finished 10th at 2008 Worlds, 3rd at 2006 Four Continents and won the pewter medal at the 2007 US Nationals.

Flashback: Beatrisa makes her senior debut at 2001 US Nationals

Flashback: Beatrisa's 2005 US Nationals long program

Flashback: Beatrisa's short program at 2007 US Nationals

Favorite Short Program Performance of the Year Results

Yuna Kim - 2010 Olympics	449 (91%)
Mao Asada - 2010 Olympics	15 (3%)
Joannie Rochette - 2010 Olympics	14 (2%)
Mirai Nagasu - 2010 World Championships	8 (1%)
Other 6 (1%) Votes so far: 492 Poll closed

Favorite Short Program Performance of the Year?

Two-time World Champion Mao Asada

Who gave your favorite short program performance of the year? Yuna? Mao? Joannie? Mirai? Other? Vote! --->

Photo AFP