Have you caught yourself watching curling for hours? Just in case you actually want to know a few facts about the game here are five things you should know: * Two teams of four players take turns sliding heavy, polished blue hone granite stone across the ice towards the house and closest to the Button (center). * The purpose is to complete each end (Olympics - Ten Stones) with the team's stones closer to the centre of the house than the other team's stones. * Two sweepers with brooms or brushes accompany each stone to help direct the stones to their resting place, but without touching the stones. * The game of curling is thought to have been invented in late medieval Scotland, with the first written reference to a contest using stones on ice coming from the records of Paisley Abbey, Renfrewshire, in February 1541. * Curling has been an official sport in the Winter Olympic Games since the 1998 Winter Olympics. * Sweeping ahead of the stone reduces friction, which allows it to travel further, curl less and stay straighter. * Biter: A stone that comes to rest so that only a portion of its circumference bites the outer edge of the house (The big 6ft circle). * A Freeze is a precise draw-weight shot in which the delivered stone stops tight against another stationary stone. * A stone that is not at least touching the outside of the 12-foot ring (i.e., more than 6 feet from the center) is not in the house and therefore does not score.
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Friday, March 26, 2010
9 Facts about Olympic Curling by ListNinja
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
The Wonderland Of The Winter Olympics by Gianni Truvianni
An article about the greatness of the winter Olympic games and all the magical moments they bring every time they come around.
Once again (it being 2010) the time is upon us for the winter Olympics and all the thrilling moments they bring us from the grace of figure skating to the speed of skiing yet in all this I have always found it incredible how many sports can be provided by just two elements. These being ice and snow which compose the essence of what is required for a sport to be considered of the winter variety. It is this factor which in my opinion makes the winter Olympics special as one can see what unites all these sports that have been placed in the same category.
I however for my part have always enjoyed the winter Olympics as being more than just a sporting event but a wonderland of ice and snow which at times makes everything seem as if it is taking place in a magical kingdom. All as if a fairytale as one can see athletes becoming characters of color in their winter clothes that stand out so brightly in the back drop of forest and mountains blanketed by the white of the season; so picturesque as to resemble the loveliest of paintings. Naturally as in any other tale there are many stories unfolding in front of our eyes of not only drama but tension that includes the sacrifice and dedication displayed by those who are present to display the sport they take so much pride in performing. As it is here where we witness in some the ecstasy of victory along with the suffering of those who were not able to accomplish their goals yet in all there are not any who in truth have been defeated for at the end theirs too is one of passion in the pure beauty that is winter. This specially applying to those whose sport puts them up against not only their rivals but the elements which make up this sometimes harsh season of the year that includes the bitter cold .
In all honest I can not declare to have a favorite sport in these Olympics though my taste does lean more toward those events on ice such as the grace and elegance of figure skating which at times reminds me of the ballet along with the force and power of hockey. It being this last sport that has given me some great memories that include the now famous US victory against the then heavily favorite Soviet Union of 1980 along with the sheer delight felt by the Swedish team when in 1994 they claimed their first Olympic gold in this sport; so revered in that country to the North. This being so evident by their fans who made the event more colorful with not only their flags but the clothes that so clearly showed how much they supported their country.
Regarding figure skating it is here where we can see another form of art that includes music which moves bodies, seemingly as if gliding on air in sequences to resemble the most delicate of ballets yet all in competition to bring out the courage within as was the case with Oksana Baiul in 94. It being then that this brave Ukrainian fought injury and with splendor was able to deliver her nation its first ever Olympic gold medal after having gained its independence.
In conclusion I would like to say that though the winter Olympics do not enjoy the popularity of their summer counterpart, they hold no less in the shape of emotions and passions of not only those who participate but those who come to encourage victory to them who represent their country. All of which taking place in settings of such natural beauty to rival any other; as to create a wonderful world of fantasy for all who simply wish to share in the glory that celebrates not only sports but humanity.
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Undying Clothing Issue in the Olympics by George Foerstel
There was a time when people do not care of what clothes they wear and how do they look with it. There was also a time when people competing in the Olympics do not simply care about how they look and what would their clothes bring to their performances. There was even a time when clothing was just simply a faculty to cover up athletes private body parts when all you can see are sports bras and short sport shorts. All these, just like the leadership in the IOC, is now coming to a little twist when some athletes and other executives on corporate uniforms expressed a little of worry over other athletes way of dressing or to be exact the dress they are wearing.
The issues does not concern ethical stuffs but some technical and scientific and others are purely traditional. Not known to many, there were stories that were blogged over the internet about some issues about how the gymnast in the Beijing Olympics in 2008 has been treated about dressing. Some conservative countries did react but just to compete fairly they complied with the decision. Gymnasts, especially the girls, were allegedly not allowed to wear any undergarments except for their leotards. According to Wikipedia, gymnastic rules on clothing are very strict that they deduct points to a player who violates the tenets.
Among the most controversial issue on uniforms was received from some executives in corporate uniforms of some countries on the high-end swimsuits used by the US Team in the Beijing Olympics last 2008. NASA even made a post about the new swim wear that the US contingent will be using for the said event with Michael Phelps as one of the endorsers and later user of the said gear. The result of the dispute is somehow not clear with the US team still able to use said swim suit and with Phelps breaking his own record of garnering most medals in Olympic Games.
The most recent yet however is just this Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. Now, it has nothing to do with the dynamics of the clothing or the rules of the sports uniform but on the tradition that embodies the sport and the dress supposedly used for the said sport. It was when Nate Holland reacted when his most loved sport - snowboarding - is now being played using race suits rather than the conventional loose jeans and stuffs like that. Well, he and other colleagues clamor for a stricter rule limiting or banning the use of tight pants during the prestigious Olympic race.
The irony though is that, Phelps and his colleagues fought to pursue a swim gear that can help the athlete speed up by employing the benefit of studying physics while Holland sees other athletes in his sport irreverent to the sport by using speed suits. Holland and Phelps are both from US and represents the country in the Olympics.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Casio G Shock Watch by Gorge
The Casio G Shock Watch works perfectly even the dimmest light and this happens as the solar panel is powered with a battery house. This watch is water resistant. This watch also has alarm set system which helps the person wearing it remember important things and times and they can also work as wake up alarms.
There are many other important features in the Casio G shock watch for which it is loved by all the people. There are many models available in this range of brand. Some of the models have a calculator too and data storage facility. With the help of data storage feature one can keel a record of the phone numbers and addresses of important contacts. Other than this other data can also be stored in the Casio G shock watch.
The Casio G shock watch also has a barometer and compass along with a stop watch. Some of the models of this brand also have a thermometer in them. This watch has two illuminations in it which make the dial illuminate and make the dial visible clearly in all places.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
CTV And Their Happy Place by Robert Ronne
CTV, the Canadian broadcaster with the rights to carry the Winter Olympics games, lost alot of credibility on February the 12th. Coverage of the Torch Relay was more important than alerting the public that a tragedy has occured on the luge track in Whistler. CTV couldn't bear to take us away from our happy place.
February the 12th was the last day of the exhaustive Torch Relay culminating with all day coverage of the run by CTV,the rights holder of the 2010 Olympics.CTV went on the air at 5:55,with footage of the first torch bearer crossing the Lions Gate Bridge and planned to continue covering the event until the torch reached its final destination at B.C. Place. And the network did just what they promised.
CTV broke its coverage to report that a luger had been seriously hurt during a qualifying run in Whistler,by virtually flying off the track at one of the high speed corners.Maybe 5 minutes of air time was dedicated to the news...Then CTV continued its coverage of HAPPY LAND and the torch relay.What CTV forgot to mention is that a tragedy had occurred at the bobsled/luge track in Whistler; Nodar Kumaratashvili had died of his injuries.
Breaking news on American news networks(MSNBC,CNN)but ignored by CTV,the primary Olympic broadcaster.I understand that the show must go on but when viewers are watching "Joe Smith" run with the torch,knowing full well that an Olympic tragedy had occured before the games could get started,and CTV hosts come on air with those happy faces. You couldn't help but feel a little sick to your stomach.
CTV, in all their wisdom, decided that NOTHING was going to break the spirit of these games. The network gave the gag order to all their broadcasters; continue to keep everyone in their happy place! Judging from the pesentation of the Torch Relay, with all the happy, smiling, broadcasters, they couldn't have been more natural at keeping it real!?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
watch canada vs usa olympics by Tyler Hand
Watch Olympic Hockey Canada Vs. United States Online
By: Tyler Anderson
The long awaited USA VS Canada Mens Olympic Ice Hockey game is finally here for everyone to see. This is going to be one insane hockey game. If you don't want to miss another minute of the game right now. I suggest checking out my link at the bottom so you can watch the Canada VS USA Olympic hockey game live right now. Thousands of people are pouring into Vancouver as of right now ready to watch the game. For some on the west coast the game has already started and people are watching it live right now. For others on the east coast, at the time of this writing looks like we have another couple hours to go before we can watch this game. USA Vs Canada has been one of the oldest and biggest hockey rivalries in the world. This game is literally history in the making.
The teams are both sporting amazing players and of course great new jerseys as well. Some players for the USA team inclue Patrick Kane and Goaltender Ryan miller. Ryan Miller is soed to be one of the best the NHL has seen in many many years. The USA is truly stacked with amazing players as is Canada. The question now remain is if in fact the USA is going to ruin Canada on there own soil.
Click Here to Watch Olympic Hockey Canada vs. United Stated Online
Team Canada has been preparing diligently for this big game. However after watching the Canada VS Switzerland game it can be said that Canada did look a little weak. Since I am Canadian I truly hope that we pull this one off. However, in the end, which ever team wins, I will be happy for them. As of right now Canada is losing on points against the US. Also keep in mind Russia lost to Slovakia. They had originally predicted that the finals would be Russia VS Canada. The games are not over yet so we will have to see what develops from here.
The Canadian defensive side is stacked with team players such as Scott Niedermayer, 36 (Anaheim Ducks), Chris Pronger, 35 (Philadelphia Flyers) and Shea Weber, 24 (Nashville Predators). Offensively Canada has got Sidney Crosby, 21 Pittsburgh Penguins), Rick Nash, 25 (Columbus Blue Jackets) , Jarome Iginla, 32 (Calgary Flames) , Mike Richards, 25 (Philadelphia Flyers) , Joe Thornton, 30 (San Jose Sharks), Patrick Marleau, 30 (San Jose Sharks) and Ryan Getzlaf, 24 (Anaheim Ducks).
Click Here to Watch Olympic Hockey Canada vs. United Stated Online
This game will be amazing and will be going down in the history books. Do not miss out on this game. This is going to be a ridiculous crazy hockey game. If you are in Canada you will have to wait till 730 eastern time on the east cost to watch the game. Or watch the Canada vs USA game live right now. Watch Olympic Hockey Online at Watch Satellite TV Online Now !