In Vancouver, preparations are underway for the 2010 Winter Olympics. They want to show the world that they are a world-class city and the shining metropolitan jewel of this great nation. And what better way to accomplish this goal than with legalized brothels?

That's right, folks. A group of Vancouver prostitutes wants to open legal brothels in time for the 2010 Olympics so that sex-trade workers will have a safer working environment.

Just so you don't think this is some hare-brained idea from some random "lady of leisure", the concept has support from Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan and Vancouver East MP Libby Davies. Of course, there's a catch - they need the federal government to support the initiative.

I can just imagine Stephen Harper's response to this. I'm guessing he'll allow legalized brothels around the same time he decides to replace the beaver on our nickel with a unicorn.

While I can see both sides of the argument on this issue, I'm not sure I see the connection with the Olympics. Surely, all these fine upstanding young athletes in their sexual prime will be completely focused on their athletic endeavours.

Of course, they handed out 130,000 free condoms to the athletes at the 2004 Athens Olympics so I might be a little bit naive about this. Speaking as a retired sexual gymnast, my advice to our Olympic hopefuls? Make sure you stick the dismount.

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