The Off Topic Topic

[Syt]

That's why I like big track and field events; they're easy to grasp. "First across the finish line wins!" "Who jumps furthest/highest wins!" "Who throws impractical object the furthest wins!" Etc.

[Barrister]

And now you know how a lot of people feel about curling.

Truth be told I don't enjoy watching curling on tv very much (though March is the so-called Season of Champions, and there is a whole crapload of curling on tv these days).

But if people would try curling for themselves I am sure they would love it.   

[Zanza]

But if people would try curling for themselves I am sure they would love it.   

I've tried many sports, not curling though, but football is the most fun to play yourself from those I tried. 

[Barrister]

But if people would try curling for themselves I am sure they would love it.   

I've tried many sports, not curling though, but football is the most fun to play yourself from those I tried.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_curling_clubs_in_Germany

Get going.

[mongers]

One sport that I really enjoyed watching after the rules and strategy were explained to me is Cricket.  But without understanding what I was seeing it seemed very boring.

Indeed. 

[Admiral Yi]

Heh, I love to watch (college) basketball, and I can even understand the nature of designing and running plays...but it's still the refereeing of the penalties I just can't grasp. How is that block a charge?  How is that charge a block?  WTF? Just seems so much more subjective than other sports, with the exception of the strike zone.

Block/charge usually boils down to if the defender has his second foot planted.

[crazy canuck]

Heh, I love to watch (college) basketball, and I can even understand the nature of designing and running plays...but it's still the refereeing of the penalties I just can't grasp. How is that block a charge?  How is that charge a block?  WTF? Just seems so much more subjective than other sports, with the exception of the strike zone.

Block/charge usually boils down to if the defender has his second foot planted.

It usually boils down to what the ref is watching in the instant it occurs.  One of the hardest calls in sports.

[alfred russel]

Heh, I love to watch (college) basketball, and I can even understand the nature of designing and running plays...but it's still the refereeing of the penalties I just can't grasp. How is that block a charge?  How is that charge a block?  WTF? Just seems so much more subjective than other sports, with the exception of the strike zone.

Block/charge usually boils down to if the defender has his second foot planted.

According to some studies, it also comes down to other factors such as which team has made the last fouls, which team has the lead, and which team has home court advantage.

[crazy canuck]

Heh, I love to watch (college) basketball, and I can even understand the nature of designing and running plays...but it's still the refereeing of the penalties I just can't grasp. How is that block a charge?  How is that charge a block?  WTF? Just seems so much more subjective than other sports, with the exception of the strike zone.

Block/charge usually boils down to if the defender has his second foot planted.

According to some studies, it also comes down to other factors such as which team has made the last fouls, which team has the lead, and which team has home court advantage.

Interesting.  I have suspected it had something to do with home court advantage - it has got to be psychologically difficult to call a block when the everyone in the building thinks they saw a charge.

[Caliga]

Robin Thicke has a big... settlement to pay to the family of Marvin Gaye.

[jimmy olsen]

I so do not get the complete world love for Soccer.

Very happily surprised to see Baseball #1 in both Taiwan and Japan.  Though since the Japanese are two time world champions maybe I should not be surprised.

It's definitely #2 in Korea as well.

[CountDeMoney]

Ah, I do so miss this time of the year.

BGE warns of low-flying helicopter checks of transmission lines
Baltimore Sun

Residents across a large swath of central Maryland should not be alarmed if they see a red-and-white helicopter hovering above utility lines this month, according to Baltimore Gas & Electric Co.

The electric company will be using a helicopter contractor for flights low to the ground above utility lines in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Carroll, Frederick and Prince George's counties through the end of the month, BGE said.

Most of the work will occur on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., with "some occasional weekend and late afternoon work required" as well, BGE said.

"The helicopter provides an aerial perspective on equipment and allows BGE to inspect the system more efficiently than using ground inspections alone," the company said. "BGE crews will also continue to inspect power lines and equipment from the ground."

In addition to flight paths along transmission lines, the helicopter — which will also bear the BGE logo on its doors and belly — also may be seen hovering above electric towers, BGE said.

Crew on the helicopter will be taking photographs of towers and equipment, BGE said. The images and additional ground surveys will be used to identify worn and damaged equipment, which then will be scheduled for repair, the company said.

BGE has about 1,300 miles of high-voltage overhead transmission lines in central Maryland.

[mongers]

Why not?

Back in the groove 70s:

[Baron von Schtinkenbutt]

With crash damage to its front and side, the vehicle's condition means it's unlikely to be auctioned.

Odd.  The police pounds around here will auction off anything.  Same goes for their own vehicles.

[derspiess]

Interesting.  I have suspected it had something to do with home court advantage - it has got to be psychologically difficult to call a block when the everyone in the building thinks they saw a charge.

No ref would ever admit it, but I have to think it's a factor.