The Olympics have returned. But unlike the Beijing Games, which exploded on the scene after a forceful buildup, February's Vancouver edition will come quietly to America's attention. They're winter Olympians, after all. Athletes who ply their trade on snow and ice in relative obscurity until it's decided their most incredible feats merit incredible attention. Then, there's a scramble to discern a double-cork from a double-Salchow, a hog line from a high-line. To get an early lead, here are ten topics that look to dominate watercooler chatter when the calendar hits Feb. 12, 2010.

1. Vonn, Vonn who?

You know Lawrence and Street and Mahre and Ligety, Moe and Johnson and Miller and McKinney. But do you recall, the most successful U.S. skier of all? That would be Lindsey Vonn. And if you don't know her name, you soon will. Since the 2006 Games, where she competed as Lindsey Kildow, Vonn has become a mega-celebrity in Europe. That might have something to do with her back-to-back overall World Cup  titles. Or the two world championships she won in 2009. Or maybe it's her charming disposition, her winsome smile or her rejection of prize money in favor a cow (she now has 5). Either way, the U.S. is finally going to understand what Europe already knows - Vonn is a medal threat in each event she enters. And if she does compete to her level in February, well, she'll go down in history.