While Ottawa was having trees uprooted by a freak windstorm, Natasha and I were at the Scotiabank Place arena watching “Stars On Ice” – a bunch of Canadian figure skating phenomenons showing off their moves. I recognize that figure skating is not a very macho event to attend, but I’ll admit that I’m fascinated by the crazy stunts accomplished skaters pull in their routines and make an effort to watch every time the Winter Olympics roll around.

The Stars on Ice format is exceptionally good for cool routines, because without the pressure of competing for technical points, the skaters can show off some creative and fun ideas that are more interesting to the fans. There was lots of spinning and backflips and swinging ladies around in circles through the air by their ankles.

I had no idea who Sasha Cohen (Borat?), Joannie Rochette, or Jeffrey Buttle were before this weekend, but now I’m looking forward to watching what they can do in this olympic run-up. Kurt Browning injected his fun personality into his routine, and Sale and Pelletier did some absolutely crazy spinning pair things I’ve never seen before and still can’t quite describe. Imagine doing pirouettes and jumping jacks at the same time in a centrifuge.