Around the World

In Japan, Daisuke Takahashi updated his blog and explained that he has begun jumping again. Unfortunately for all my Japanese readers, he won't be performing at this Sunday's "Koshien Ice." He will, however, be there to greet fans.

In Russia, 1999 World Champion Maria Butyrskaya, gave birth to her second child, a girl. She had a son two years ago. Reportedly she and husband Vadim Khomitski are very happy and had "dreamed" about having a girl.

Lots to report here in the United States. First, Michelle Kwan has graduated from Denver University with a degree in international studies with a political science minor. What's next for Michelle? Nobody knows. The economy has the organizing committee for the 2011 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Greensboro, NC trying a new tactic. During the month of June, if you buy an all event pass for the event, they'll give you a ticket to the exhibition, free. That's a savings of about $60.00! You may have seen the new USOC Television Spots (if not...it's below) that features many of our new 2010 Olympic hopefuls including Belbin and Agosto, Jeremy Abbott, Davis and White, and Johnny Weir. Lastly, unconfirmed twitter reports are saying Evan Lysacek has signed a sponsorship deal with Ralph Lauren who will be outfitting Team USA in Vancouver.

In Italy, Carolina Kostner has left longtime coach Michael Huth reports a German news agency. It's also reported that she'd like Brian Orser, who coaches World Junior Champ Adam Rippon and World Champ Kim Yu-Na, to coach her. However, Orser has not committed to the coaching deal and has previously stated his "plate is full." Stay tuned...

In China, much fanfare over the return of Shen and Zhao to competitive skating after a two year hiatus. "We are aiming for the gold medal this time," the 35-year-old Zhao was quoted as saying by sports.cn. "To achieve this, we have done a lot of preparation, such as inviting the best choreographer and the best costume designers in the world. Before leaving the national team, we got all the titles of that season. So, if we could reach the form at that time, we are confident we can realize our Olympic gold medal dream."

Finally, in Canada, they are selling Vancouver 2010 Tickets like crazy up there! And what tickets were among the first to go? That would be Opening Ceremonies, speed skating and of course, figure skating.