Is it just me, or is ski jumping the most wicked-cool thing in the world? Having crossed off some major entries on my Things To Do Before I Die list in the past year, I now have to add some new entries - and that one's way up there. But I'm wondering - how the hell does a beginner get started training for something like that? I guess they can probably rig you up to some sort of pulley system to practice jump positions, landings, etc., but imagine the first time someone actually makes their first jump. It's not like you can go tandem... Mostly I just want to go down that big slide.

I'm also game for the luge/bobsled/skeleton. I just want to try them each, just once. That course is like a giant, frozen waterslide, and who doesn't love a waterslide?

While we're at it, I also want to learn how to do a double axel, ski moguls, and make it down the halfpipe.

A proposition some farty old rich folk really oughta take into consideration: Olympic Camp. Think Space Camp, only less anti-gravity, more extreme sports. They're sort of the same, right? Let the kiddies try all this stuff out. Who knows, you could breed some stellar entries for the future American Olympic teams. Those three-year-olds in China are being forced into gymnastics and whatnot - here we could make it look like its their own damn choice - host a birthday party at Olympic Camp, get them hooked, and we'll be golden on the international competition scene for years to come. I think this could work... it's just a matter of finding some backers...

I love the Olympics. When I was little, I used to put my ice skates on and jump around the living room. Mom made me stop when she realized I was tearing up all the carpet loops.