Curling

[George K]

I know, I know...it's the olympics.

But I'm watching on MSNBC, so it's kinda the weird shit.

I really don't understand this sport.

Not at all.

Though I do enjoy the frantic "brooming."

What the actual hell is a "half-rock?"

[George K]

"Really good shot! Well swept!"

What the actual FUCK does that mean?

[Doctor Phibes]

I find it quite intriguing to watch. It reminds me of crown-green bowling, which is played where I grew up, presumably because they have a lot more grass and a lot less ice.

[George K]

Putting aside the silliness which this seems to attract..

It appears there's actually a lot of strategy and skill involved (though not actually athleticism).

Fascinating to watch, and I just wish I understood it.

[Renauda]

@george-k

** What the actual hell is a "half-rock?"**

It’s the where on the target rock you want the shooter rock to hit. If your shooter hits the target rock straight on the shooter rock stops dead and transfers all momentum to the hit stone. If hit half rock then the shooter goes off to the side and the hit stone goes in the direction of the momentum. There’s also 3/4 rocks etc.

Not unlike billiards or snooker. Think of the shooter rock as a cue ball.

And yes, other than my spouse, this is a family of curlers going back two or more generations. My father was still curling at 89 years old.

[brenda]

I'm so pleased to know Renauda is a curler. It's a fascinating sport, and quite interesting to watch.

Did I mention that I'm so pleased to know Renauda is a curler?

Yes, I'm smiling, Renauda. You did that.

[Renauda]

@brenda

My fourteen year old son is a much better curler than I ever was. It will be interesting to see what he makes of it through his high school years ahead.

[brenda]

@renauda
Is this an official school sport, or is it a separate organization? You must love going to his events. I know I would.

There are some curling groups here in Minnesnowta, but not where I live in the southern part of the state. It hasn't caught on as much here, and yet it seems like a perfect thing for our climate.

Watching the very good curlers makes it look so easy, of course. I assume it actually takes several years to develop the skills and grace to become proficient. How wonderful your son has begun early enough to have the opportunity to enjoy becoming proficient enough to compete. Post about it as much as you want, because I would enjoy hearing how he's doing with it.

[Renauda]

@brenda

He curls with his school team and in a junior programme out of one the many private curling rinks in the city. Unlike organized hockey here, enrolment and participation into curling is inexpensive and the training always takes place at civilized times of the day.

Curling rinks and clubs are located in urban and rural areas throughout the country. You never have to go far to find one.