Curling Craziness

In what appears to be a never-ending stream of Scandinavian influence on American culture, curling frenzy is sweeping the nation--pun very much intended. Maryland is no exception.

I've recently learned that some of my Swedish relatives have been curling for decades. This may explain why I took so naturally to it when we tried our hand at curling last weekend:
Yes, I'm really sliding across the ice. Yes, I look like an Olympic champion. And, yes, I did fall on my face when both rocks slipped out of my hands and my feet slid backwards.

While Matt lacked my Olympic form, he did manage to stay upright the entire time.

Curling was definitely harder than it looks. Unlike most other Olympic sports, however, Matt and I agreed that we could probably master it in about a week...two tops.

44 vs. XLIV

There was an article in The New Yorker this week about one of the most fascinating convergences of Americana I've ever seen: U.S. Presidents and Super Bowls. There have been, after all, 44 of each, so it was only a matter of time before someone decided to face them against each other. That time has arrived with the "America Bowl."

I could try to explain its genius, but I really can't do it justice. This is how the site's author, Don Steinberg, describes the contest:

"There have been 44 presidents in U.S. history, and on February 7, 2010, the 44th Super Bowl game will be played. For the only time in history, America's greatest institutions will be all even with each other.

"But which have been better? Our Super Bowl games? Or our Presidents? Finally, we can find out!

"Each day, for 44 days leading up to Super Bowl 44, America Bowl will match a President against the same-numbered Super Bowl game. Each day one will win -- and score a point.

"It will all come to a head on February 7, when Super Bowl XLIV is matched against 44th President Barack Obama. Will it all come down to who wants it more on that last game day? Keep checking in here to find out!"

As the article notes, the criteria for these 44 matches is vague, but that doesn't make the contests any less entertaining. Steinberg's wit and knowledge of both history and sports culture makes this page worth bookmarking--at least for the next 23 days.

"Take me out to the ballgame..."

It's baseball season again! I love a good football game or hockey fight as much as the next person, and I played basketball for years, but there's something truly unique and wonderful about baseball. My version of heaven is a double-header on a sunny summer afternoon with plenty of peanuts and lots of cold beer. Matt sent me this map of "The United Countries of Baseball," which is a great representation of Major League Baseball:


It's just a shame that the glorious team from the upper Midwest is only coming to Baltimore for two games this year.

Big game bummer

There was something missing from this year's Super Bowl. I heard there were fewer sponsors this year, fewer glitzy Hollywood parties, and less money spent in general on Super Bowl XLIII than in years past. Whatever it was, I just wasn't into the big game.

I was, however, very interested in Puppy Bowl V. Matt went to a friend's house to watch the game, and Barley and I stayed home to grade papers and write lesson plans. Barley's ears perked up every time one of the puppies barked or yelped. Personally, I loved the addition of the doggie spectators, but I could do without the kitty halftime show.

I was also more entertained by this year's commercials than I have been previously. Without a doubt, I enjoyed the commercials more than the game, though I always swore I wouldn't ever become one of those people. These were some of my favorites:

We're Gonna Lose, O's

A few months ago, Matt made the fatal mistake of betting against the Twins. I don't want to say that Matt has officially lost, but this quote about Saturday's game against the Athletics pretty much sums it up:

"When Cabrera walked Kurt Suzuki to load the bases with nobody out in the first inning, one frustrated fan yelled, 'I'll give you a hundred dollars if you don't throw another walk.'

Almost simultaneously, right-hander Alfredo Simon began warming up in the Orioles' bullpen. After Cabrera issued his sixth walk, the pitcher...was finished by the fourth inning."

I don't know what's funnier: the fan's comment or the fact that the writer could hear the fan, because there was no one else cheering...or because there was no one else there.

We're Gonna Win, Twins!

But Matt's gonna lose.

At the beginning of this baseball season, Matt and my dad made a bet on the seasons of the Twins vs. the Orioles. Matt loves to talk up the O's, but he's never willing to put his money where his mouth is. My dad accused him of not having faith in his team (some might say he badgered him), and Matt finally caved.

The bet is simple: The team with the best record at the end of the season wins. Matt tried to negotiate some wiggle room based on the two teams' past records, but to no avail. I believe my dad's exact words were, "Well, if you don't really believe in your team, we don't have to bet at all." The loser has to buy the winner a jersey from the winner's team.

Now, at the All-Star break, the Twins are 53 and 42--11 games above 500 and a game and a half outside of 1st place. The O's are 45 and 48--three games below 500 and ten games outside of 1st place. Maybe Matt can get his Brian Roberts jersey next year.