Talking Points

1. Any sport that has an epidemic of sequins and a kiss-and-cryarea is inviting ridicule, but theres no denying the drama of figureskating.

Tonight is the womens long program at the Olympics, where themedals will be decided. And if it matches the theater of Tuesdaysshort program, it will make for compelling viewing. Canadian JoannieRochette, skating four days after her mother unexpectedly died, isthe sentimental favorite. And Mao Asada of Japan is an exquisiteperformer. But they will be hard-pressed to match South Koreas KimYu-Na.

There are even two Americans within range of the medal stand. Notthat U.S. contenders are required to ensure huge TV ratings.Americans love their Olympic womens figure skating.

Or maybe they just love sequins.

Talking Points

1. Any sport that has an epidemic of sequins and a kiss-and-cryarea is inviting ridicule, but theres no denying the drama of figureskating.

Tonight is the womens long program at the Olympics, where themedals will be decided. And if it matches the theater of Tuesdaysshort program, it will make for compelling viewing. Canadian JoannieRochette, skating four days after her mother unexpectedly died, isthe sentimental favorite. And Mao Asada of Japan is an exquisiteperformer. But they will be hard-pressed to match South Koreas KimYu-Na.

There are even two Americans within range of the medal stand. Notthat U.S. contenders are required to ensure huge TV ratings.Americans love their Olympic womens figure skating.

Or maybe they just love sequins.

Talking Points

1. Any sport that has an epidemic of sequins and a kiss-and-cryarea is inviting ridicule, but theres no denying the drama of figureskating.

Tonight is the womens long program at the Olympics, where themedals will be decided. And if it matches the theater of Tuesdaysshort program, it will make for compelling viewing. Canadian JoannieRochette, skating four days after her mother unexpectedly died, isthe sentimental favorite. And Mao Asada of Japan is an exquisiteperformer. But they will be hard-pressed to match South Koreas KimYu-Na.

There are even two Americans within range of the medal stand. Notthat U.S. contenders are required to ensure huge TV ratings.Americans love their Olympic womens figure skating.

Or maybe they just love sequins.

Talking Points

1. Any sport that has an epidemic of sequins and a kiss-and-cryarea is inviting ridicule, but theres no denying the drama of figureskating.

Tonight is the womens long program at the Olympics, where themedals will be decided. And if it matches the theater of Tuesdaysshort program, it will make for compelling viewing. Canadian JoannieRochette, skating four days after her mother unexpectedly died, isthe sentimental favorite. And Mao Asada of Japan is an exquisiteperformer. But they will be hard-pressed to match South Koreas KimYu-Na.

There are even two Americans within range of the medal stand. Notthat U.S. contenders are required to ensure huge TV ratings.Americans love their Olympic womens figure skating.

Or maybe they just love sequins.

Talking Points

1. Any sport that has an epidemic of sequins and a kiss-and-cryarea is inviting ridicule, but theres no denying the drama of figureskating.

Tonight is the womens long program at the Olympics, where themedals will be decided. And if it matches the theater of Tuesdaysshort program, it will make for compelling viewing. Canadian JoannieRochette, skating four days after her mother unexpectedly died, isthe sentimental favorite. And Mao Asada of Japan is an exquisiteperformer. But they will be hard-pressed to match South Koreas KimYu-Na.

There are even two Americans within range of the medal stand. Notthat U.S. contenders are required to ensure huge TV ratings.Americans love their Olympic womens figure skating.

Or maybe they just love sequins.