Again, No Thumbs
I have a strange, nearly-fetishistic interest in Olympic mascots. I can’t really explain it, but their bizarre, designed-by-committeeness is kind of fascinating to me. In particular, it’s remarkable how the results turn out to be profoundly idiotic. You may recall that I previously wrote about Phevos and Athena, the pear-shaped reps for the Athens Olympics (is there a rule that mascots musn’t have thumbs?) With that preface, I give you Neve and Gliz, the mascots the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin:
A panel of judges selected Neve, who is red and represents snow, and Gliz, sky blue and symbolizing ice, from more than 200 entrants. The two appeared in a cartoon animation before puppets of the characters hopped onto the stage, dancing and kissing guests.
Those nutty Italians. Any discussion of Olympic mascots, of course, requires a reference to Springy. I discovered Neve and Gliz via this amusing Fark Photoshop contest. Figure skating fans will appreciate this one.
julie 