Loved reading the thread, thanks to everybody that contributed!  Gorgeous news to wake up to after a lovely Christmas Eve & Midnight Mass. (:^)

Congrats to Mao on her 5th National Title!  Not her best, but she skated clean without falls, thank goodness.  And Congrats to the other two medalists as well. 

Only 5 more to go, Mao, and you will have surpassed Midori Ito's phenomenal all-time record at 9 National Titles.  And if anybody can do it I predict it will be Mao, whom looks to be in the ballgame for a long long time, mayhap even as long as Fumie Suguri.  Crossing my fingers for her. 

Another interesting note regarding the history of ladies figure skating, this time in reference to Worlds.  The last time a woman won 3 World Titles was Peggy Fleming back in the 60's.  Of course this doesn't take into account Katarina Witt's 4 World Titles in the 80's nor Michelle Kwan's 5 World Titles in the 90's/2000's.  The latter I fear is out of reach, but the former may be possible.  Here's hoping the best for Mao at the upcoming 2012 Worlds. (: ^)

Thanks for all of the reports and videos!  Congrats to all the ladies - sounds like a great event - and special congrats to the medalists!!! 

Does anyone know on what basis the 4CC was chosen - at first glance it looks like both second placers did not get a spot at 4cc's but third placers did, is that the choice of the skaters or the fed and why? 

Just wanted to add what everyone else is saying, I'm sooooo happy for Mao and all three ladies who get to go to worlds.  What a great christmas present to us skating fans.  Mao is such a strong woman, I admire her courage greatly.