First, Bill Buxton's talk
I told you a while ago is now online. Many academics have strong opinions, but very few natural scientists express them in public. At some point he explains why scientific researchers are not Olympic heroes. The Olympic Games definitely get much more attention.
It is disappointing that Toronto came second to Beijing at the bidding process (hosting the next winter games is compensation for Canada). So I watch the games on television, this time on an American channel. The same games are seen differently in every country. Ask yourself how many names of Chinese gold medalist you remember, and why. National identities today are built by connecting people to the right channels. For instance, it is very interesting to watch the basketball redeem team narrated professionally by Doug Collins. The comments and things he pays attention to are what American kids grow on, which become components of the American playing style.
The American sporting system relies heavily on departments of physical education at universities. Many athletes are students or recent graduates. It is much cheaper than funding professionals, and universities can afford good facilities. It is also nice to watch the athletes practicing, for example high-jumpers over two meters. U of T had several representatives In Beijing. Steve Cook's son was also competing (that family has very high standards). At our athletic center, there is a board with the names of alumni medalists (including winter games and coaches). The board is missing the names of those who didn't win. One of my students didn't make it to the national team and also failed the course.
Another school year is starting. Unfortunately this is my last year. The university is full again with fresh undergraduate students that have no clue what is awaiting for them. That's why they came to university. The first days start with BBQ and campus tours, in customs, to deliver the message that like the Olympics, university is fun.
