Yes, seriously, I do like the sport of curling. I'm not just one of those people who like the sport because of one team's creative choice of attire, either. No, thanks to a handful of reasons, curling has been one of my favorite sports to watch during these Olympic Games.
Why, you may ask? Well, one of the main reasons I have taken an interest in the sport is that it's one of the few events that are actually live on NBC's many networks broadcasting the Olympics. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of Bode Miller and Lindsey Vonn, but their events (like many others) are already completed by the time NBC shows them in primetime. I just don't have as much interest waiting to watch something in which I already know the result. (I am aware that ice skating is live as well, but as I stated in my previous entry, Tanith Belbin was the only reason I was watching ice dancing, and her event is over.)
I also have found that curling is one of the more interesting sports to watch because of the amount of strategy required. These athletes aren't just winging the stone down the ice; the skip (the player who delivers the stone down the ice) has to think about many different scenarios and how his or her next delivery could be played by the opposing team. The accuracy with which these athletes can place the stone inside the house (the ring on each end of the ice) is remarkable. Also, if you listen to the British or Canadian teams (the U.S. team finished 2-7 in Round Robin play, and didn't qualify for the tournament round), you'll find that the skip is actually yelling directions, not just for the amusement of viewers. Any sport that requires that amount of thinking and strategy is worth watching to me.
Sure, these individuals may not have the high flying ability of Shaun White, but they're athletes all the same. In addition, curling, unlike many Olympic sports, has a set guideline of rules, and there isn't any question on whether or not the scoring is fair (that being said, we won't have any athletes with self-proclaimed Platinum medals).
So, next time you sit down to watch the Olympics, switch to MSNBC or CNBC (both frequently broadcast curling matches) and give curling a chance. You may be surprised about how difficult it is to change the channel to something else.
Want to learn about curling, so you don't have to pretend to know all the rules? Visit this site.
Here's another interesting article about the Olympic curling stones.
- K. Becks
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Hello, Quatchi and Friends!
Yesterday, the Winter Olympics officially opened, but not without some difficulties. One was obviously the death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili, which prompted the Olympic officials to move the men's luge starting point to the women's in hopes of slowing down speeds. The second was one of the four pillars that were to help light the Olympic cauldron having mechanical difficulties. All in all though, I think everyone was pleased that this Opening Ceremony wasn't just an attempt to make the host country look perfect (ahem, Beijing...).
The Olympics are one of my favorite sporting spectacles to watch. I've decided to put together a list of five reasons why I love the Winter Olympics. Some of these reasons may surprise you, too.
5. Sports with Speed
Step aside, 100 meter dash. The Winter Olympics feature the bobsled, luge, and speed-skating events. If you like speed, then you've got lots of options with the Winter Games. Plus, when is the last time you saw a sprinter slip and fall 30 meters from winning a medal, as two South Korean speed-skaters did in the 1500 meter race? That's drama, ladies and gentlemen.
4. Special Interest Pieces
Okay, maybe NBC could cut down a little on the special interest pieces. For the most part though, I like hearing about how these Olympics are redemption for stars like Lindsey Jacobellis, and how Bode Miller goes all out so that he enjoys skiing, even if that means he doesn't win everything. These special interest stories inspire people, and make us want these athletes to do all the better because we feel like we know what they went through to get to where they are.
3. Tanith Belbin
Honestly, she's the only reason why I'll watch ice dancing. The only reason.
2. God is Back
No, I don't mean the big guy upstairs. I mean Morgan Freeman. Everyone knows that with the Olympics come the Visa "Go World" commercials. I love his voice, and his commercials are one of the reasons I don't like to channel surf when NBC goes on a commercial break. Some of those commercials give me the chills; they're that good.
1. Country Pride
It's fun to argue about which of our favorite professional sports teams are the best. During the Olympics, however, the whole nation rallies around one team. Nation pride is what it's all about, and that's what makes the Olympics so great. These are the best athletes in the world in their respective sports, and watching an athlete drape the stars and stripes around them is just as good as any of my favorite teams winning the World Series, NCAA tournament, or any other championship.
Love something else about the Olympics? Let me know by dropping me an email at aroundthecornsportsblog@gmail.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Also, thanks to anyone who is taking time out of their day to read my work. I really appreciate it.
- K. Becks
The Olympics are one of my favorite sporting spectacles to watch. I've decided to put together a list of five reasons why I love the Winter Olympics. Some of these reasons may surprise you, too.
5. Sports with Speed
Step aside, 100 meter dash. The Winter Olympics feature the bobsled, luge, and speed-skating events. If you like speed, then you've got lots of options with the Winter Games. Plus, when is the last time you saw a sprinter slip and fall 30 meters from winning a medal, as two South Korean speed-skaters did in the 1500 meter race? That's drama, ladies and gentlemen.
4. Special Interest Pieces
Okay, maybe NBC could cut down a little on the special interest pieces. For the most part though, I like hearing about how these Olympics are redemption for stars like Lindsey Jacobellis, and how Bode Miller goes all out so that he enjoys skiing, even if that means he doesn't win everything. These special interest stories inspire people, and make us want these athletes to do all the better because we feel like we know what they went through to get to where they are.
3. Tanith Belbin
Honestly, she's the only reason why I'll watch ice dancing. The only reason.
2. God is Back
No, I don't mean the big guy upstairs. I mean Morgan Freeman. Everyone knows that with the Olympics come the Visa "Go World" commercials. I love his voice, and his commercials are one of the reasons I don't like to channel surf when NBC goes on a commercial break. Some of those commercials give me the chills; they're that good.
1. Country Pride
It's fun to argue about which of our favorite professional sports teams are the best. During the Olympics, however, the whole nation rallies around one team. Nation pride is what it's all about, and that's what makes the Olympics so great. These are the best athletes in the world in their respective sports, and watching an athlete drape the stars and stripes around them is just as good as any of my favorite teams winning the World Series, NCAA tournament, or any other championship.
Love something else about the Olympics? Let me know by dropping me an email at aroundthecornsportsblog@gmail.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Also, thanks to anyone who is taking time out of their day to read my work. I really appreciate it.
- K. Becks
Danican't
This is possibly the greatest weekend of the year thus far for me; to celebrate, I'll likely post three new entries in three days. I'm sure that you all are just shaking in your boots with excitement.
The first topic that I want to address concerns Danica Patrick. In less than a day, Danica will be making her much anticipated entry into the NASCAR Nationwide Series. There has been much speculation on how she will fare in what is essentially the minor league system for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Personally, I think that she will flounder in the stock car racing circuit. Of course, NASCAR probably relishes the chance to boost their ratings (which have been suffering as of late) and doesn't really care how she does, as long she bring in a new batch of fans to the sport.
Here's how I see it: Last weekend, she competed in the ARCA Series, which is a step below the Nationwide Series, and finished 6th. Respectable enough, right? Not when you consider that she had, by far, the best car on the track. I used to attend a race weekend at the Michigan International Speedway, and the first year that they ran the ARCA series during the August race weekend, Rusty Wallace's son Steven was in the ARCA race. There was no doubt that he had the best car, and promptly ran away with the win, finishing far ahead of second place.
Firstly, why is that worth noting? It is worth noting because Steven Wallace isn't that talented a driver. Secondly, what am I trying to say? Basically, that a driver who has a car that is hands down the best car on the track (in ARCA, that is) should win if they manage to stay out of trouble. Not only did Danica finish a disappointing 6th in that respect, but she was bumping other drivers around as well. The Nationwide Series has about 20 more cars on the track than the average ARCA race. That being said, I wouldn't be surprised at all if she wrecks on Saturday.
Sure, maybe I'm being a little harsh on poor Danica. It is only her second start in a stock car race. I just don't see her fighting for Top 10s every week like she was in the Indy Racing League. She was the face of that league, and unlike NASCAR, it's getting bigger. I think this move was money-driven, and it won't be the money that will force her back to being solely an Indy car driver. It'll be her performance.
I wasn't going to comment on the Olympics until tomorrow, but a shout out needs to go to the Georgian Olympic team. One of their members, luger Nodar Kumaritashvili, was killed during a training session on Friday. The world is grieving with you, guys.
- K. Becks
The first topic that I want to address concerns Danica Patrick. In less than a day, Danica will be making her much anticipated entry into the NASCAR Nationwide Series. There has been much speculation on how she will fare in what is essentially the minor league system for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Personally, I think that she will flounder in the stock car racing circuit. Of course, NASCAR probably relishes the chance to boost their ratings (which have been suffering as of late) and doesn't really care how she does, as long she bring in a new batch of fans to the sport.
Here's how I see it: Last weekend, she competed in the ARCA Series, which is a step below the Nationwide Series, and finished 6th. Respectable enough, right? Not when you consider that she had, by far, the best car on the track. I used to attend a race weekend at the Michigan International Speedway, and the first year that they ran the ARCA series during the August race weekend, Rusty Wallace's son Steven was in the ARCA race. There was no doubt that he had the best car, and promptly ran away with the win, finishing far ahead of second place.
Firstly, why is that worth noting? It is worth noting because Steven Wallace isn't that talented a driver. Secondly, what am I trying to say? Basically, that a driver who has a car that is hands down the best car on the track (in ARCA, that is) should win if they manage to stay out of trouble. Not only did Danica finish a disappointing 6th in that respect, but she was bumping other drivers around as well. The Nationwide Series has about 20 more cars on the track than the average ARCA race. That being said, I wouldn't be surprised at all if she wrecks on Saturday.
Sure, maybe I'm being a little harsh on poor Danica. It is only her second start in a stock car race. I just don't see her fighting for Top 10s every week like she was in the Indy Racing League. She was the face of that league, and unlike NASCAR, it's getting bigger. I think this move was money-driven, and it won't be the money that will force her back to being solely an Indy car driver. It'll be her performance.
I wasn't going to comment on the Olympics until tomorrow, but a shout out needs to go to the Georgian Olympic team. One of their members, luger Nodar Kumaritashvili, was killed during a training session on Friday. The world is grieving with you, guys.
- K. Becks
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Peyton, Or Payton?
After last weekend's much needed break from the norm, I'm back to predict another football game. Honestly, I have no idea why they would be playing such an important game in a place like Miami. Why not have it in the nation's capital or something? I hear they're having pretty good weather up there....
My last prediction of a football game for quite awhile, here it is; my pick for Super Bowl XLIV.
Indianapolis vs. New Orleans
I don't think America could have asked for a better game. Sure, many people would've liked to see Brett Favre go out a champion (well, maybe just get to the Big Game), or see Rex Ryan and the upstart Jets play for it all. However, the matchup that we got is obviously the best from a strictly football perspective; these are the two best teams in the league.
As I said, I see this game being extremely close. Both teams have the ability to put up points at will, and that is why I see this being a high scoring game. Obviously, one of the keys to the game will be the play of the quarterbacks. However, I believe the play of each team's defense will be the deciding factor. New Orleans will need to get after Peyton Manning the entire game, in hopes of rattling possibly the most composed quarterback in the game. If they are unable to do this, you'll be paying more attention to the commercials than the game by halftime. As for the Colts defense, the play of Dwight Freeney will be sorely missed, as he will probably not be a factor in the game due to his ankle injury. The question for them is, "Will they be able to put pressure on Drew Brees?" It's a must if they want to win, because as Brees showed us two weeks ago, if he is allowed time to throw, he will hit his target.
For the first time, the city of New Orleans' pride is on the line in the Super Bowl. I believe that with the leadership of Drew Brees, and the support of a battle tested city with them, the Saints will beat a very good Colts team. After many tries, this year's team will put all of the franchise's woes to rest, and those on Bourbon Street tomorrow night will experience a party no Mardi Gras celebration could ever produce.
Final Score: 38-34 New Orleans
- K. Becks
My last prediction of a football game for quite awhile, here it is; my pick for Super Bowl XLIV.
Indianapolis vs. New Orleans
I don't think America could have asked for a better game. Sure, many people would've liked to see Brett Favre go out a champion (well, maybe just get to the Big Game), or see Rex Ryan and the upstart Jets play for it all. However, the matchup that we got is obviously the best from a strictly football perspective; these are the two best teams in the league.
As I said, I see this game being extremely close. Both teams have the ability to put up points at will, and that is why I see this being a high scoring game. Obviously, one of the keys to the game will be the play of the quarterbacks. However, I believe the play of each team's defense will be the deciding factor. New Orleans will need to get after Peyton Manning the entire game, in hopes of rattling possibly the most composed quarterback in the game. If they are unable to do this, you'll be paying more attention to the commercials than the game by halftime. As for the Colts defense, the play of Dwight Freeney will be sorely missed, as he will probably not be a factor in the game due to his ankle injury. The question for them is, "Will they be able to put pressure on Drew Brees?" It's a must if they want to win, because as Brees showed us two weeks ago, if he is allowed time to throw, he will hit his target.
For the first time, the city of New Orleans' pride is on the line in the Super Bowl. I believe that with the leadership of Drew Brees, and the support of a battle tested city with them, the Saints will beat a very good Colts team. After many tries, this year's team will put all of the franchise's woes to rest, and those on Bourbon Street tomorrow night will experience a party no Mardi Gras celebration could ever produce.
Final Score: 38-34 New Orleans
- K. Becks
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
National Signing Day
Today is an exciting day for many high school seniors across the country; National Signing Day. I've always been puzzled as to why ESPNU devotes an entire day's worth of TV time to covering this event. Not only do I find it extremely boring (honestly, how interesting is it to watch a high schooler put on a hat and grab a jersey?), but I really don't agree with its importance, either. Consider this: in 2007, the following teams were ranked by ESPN a Top 10 recruiting class for college football: South Carolina (#4), Tennessee (#5), Notre Dame (#8), and Michigan (#10). This class of young men will be seniors in the upcoming football season. Correct me if I'm wrong, but these teams aren't exactly on your short list of teams capable of vying for a National Championship next season, are they?
I think that good coaching can take a team much further than prized recruits. In that same recruiting class I just mentioned, Georgia Tech was ranked #14, Alabama #17, Ohio State #20, Oregon #23, and Iowa #24. Right there are half your participants from the 2010 BCS bowl games.
I'm not saying that recruiting isn't completely void of importance. I'm just saying that if it were just about compiling the best high school players every year, we wouldn't have as highly paid coaches as we do. So please, ESPNU, put something else on next year. A replay of a game. Anything other than this. It's like watching poker on TV.
Now that I have completely blasted the entire event, let me take the time to congratulate all the high school athletes that made their decision on where they will be attending college next year. As a high school athlete myself, I understand the hard work and determination that it takes to compete, and continuing on to the next level is something to be proud of.
Finally, in a sincere, yet equally lame effort to attain more readerships, here is my shout out of the day: Meghan, best of luck to you in continuing your athletic career. I'm sure that you will make the Chips pleased that they recruited you.
- K. Becks
I think that good coaching can take a team much further than prized recruits. In that same recruiting class I just mentioned, Georgia Tech was ranked #14, Alabama #17, Ohio State #20, Oregon #23, and Iowa #24. Right there are half your participants from the 2010 BCS bowl games.
I'm not saying that recruiting isn't completely void of importance. I'm just saying that if it were just about compiling the best high school players every year, we wouldn't have as highly paid coaches as we do. So please, ESPNU, put something else on next year. A replay of a game. Anything other than this. It's like watching poker on TV.
Now that I have completely blasted the entire event, let me take the time to congratulate all the high school athletes that made their decision on where they will be attending college next year. As a high school athlete myself, I understand the hard work and determination that it takes to compete, and continuing on to the next level is something to be proud of.
Finally, in a sincere, yet equally lame effort to attain more readerships, here is my shout out of the day: Meghan, best of luck to you in continuing your athletic career. I'm sure that you will make the Chips pleased that they recruited you.
- K. Becks
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