What makes them think that?

THE QUEBEC GAY AND LESBIAN Council is demanding that two broadcasters from the French-language cable station RDS publicly apologize for comments about American figure skater Johnny Weir that were "outrageous" and "homophobic."

One of the commentators said Weir's flamboyant style hurt the sport's image. The other said Weir should be forced to take a gender test.

Not to be outdone, two talking heads from Australia's Channel Nine joked about the masculinity of Weir and other male figure skaters.

To put a twist on an old saying: Those who can do, those who can't make fun of those who can.

And why do we get the feeling that the incredibly talented Weir will get the last laugh?

Canada has shortage of precious medals

Yesterday, Chris Rudge, CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee, acknowledged it might not have been money well spent.

"We are going to be short of our goal," said Rudge. "We'd be living in a fool's paradise if we said we were going to catch the Americans and win. They are way out ahead at this point."

In the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, the Canadians won 24 medals to finish third overall behind Germany (29) and the U.S. (25).

As this year's host nation, the Canadians racheted up expectations. But money can't buy happiness or, it seems, Olympic medals.

The U.S. has 25 medals to Canada's 10. Russia, meanwhile, has 11 medals but - unlike its Olympic host - isn't ready to concede anything.

Anton Zhukov, Russia's deputy prime minister, said there is still time for his country to finish atop the medals table.

Wishful thinking? Well, talk is cheap, but as far as we know, Russia didn't fritter away $117 million.

- Tom Mahon

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