February 2010

Saturday 27 February - Miscellaneous Olympic observations

Following up on the shrubbery observation about ski jumping, what's with all the tree bits in the landing area for aerials?

I also have some additions to the yummy list. For the hosts and commentators list, Kelly Vanderbeek is a cutie. And on the athlete side, let's add Ashleigh McIvor, Tessa Virtue (whose face looks quite a bit like a girl I had a crush on a few years ago), and Maëlle Ricker.

Saturday 20 February - Miscellaneous Olympic observation

More of a question, actually. What's up with all the miniature shrubbery in ski jumping? They have 'em planted on the ramps and also in the landing areas (where they of course keep getting run over and scattered by jumpers when they land). What's the point? There are other markings done with something paint-like (probably food dye, as they do for the course markings in downhill skiing); why not just use that for everything?

Sunday 14 February - Miscellaneous Olympic observations

In no particular order, and mostly of little significance:

• Many Italian athletes have German names. Maybe it's because there are German-speaking areas in mountainous northern Italy on the border with Austria and perhaps that's where their winter athletes come from.
• I thought there was some rule that said once you've competed internationally for one country, it's difficult to change allegiance and compete internationally for a different country. But it seems like in just about every competition there's at least one person who's switched countries.
• We have some really yummy hosts and commentators on TV, including Jennifer Hedger, Jamie Salé, and Catriona Le May Doan. Some of the athletes are also easy on the eyes as well as incredibly talented (I'm looking at you, Jenn Heil).