nbc starts their coverage of the olympic curling competitions tonight. curling. seriously, curling? its an activity, yes. but a sport? i just don't see it.

curling was invented by the northern europeans in the 1500s, according to the united states curling association's website. this activity, which became a full medal sport in the first winter games in 1924, has 2 teams of 4. each player has the chance to throw 2 rocks each, and they get a point for each rock closest to the center of the target (i think). they have to slide a 42 lb granite slab towards the target and since the rocks have a tendence to curve, or curl (hence the name), a couple of players have to sweep the ice in front of the rock to keep it moving. i guess sweeping it polishes and heats the ice and keeps the rock moving farther and straighter.

i still don't see the point, but whatever. to each his/her own, right?

good luck to each participant of the winter games!