The Blog 2 Update and summer plans

 So as you all know we have seen a great success with the Blog 2 since we started in January. We have learned a lot and had a great success with our format. Have we made some mistakes, YES but nothing intentional and nothing we did not apologize for.

We also have had our fair share of  well people who did not want us to succeed. We had a hacker take over the site and cause;  well MAJOR issues for me and the blog but we hope you the readers understand we had no control and did everything we could to correct it.

We had the support and sponsorship of the CCA (Thank you) to head up to nationals to provide unprecedented coverage of this year’s event. During our week of live blog coverage we had over 47,000 readers that week; great numbers and great interest.

All of this is fantastic BUT the greatest problem we have experienced is a 2 fold problem - Personal attacks (which cross the line) and the Anonymous postings.

So the first problem is an easy one. Comes with the territory – I can accept that and for the most part so can the people which are sometimes attacked; although I still remain the most popular attack. (Wow, I hold a record again, LOL) The only thing about this is when we receive an average of 50 comments per day and we can only post about 4. Why; because they cross the line. The foul language is filtered out (for the most part) by us before we post but when the comment has more language than anything else; we cannot post.  Then the 2^nd fold to the problem - when the comments cross the line and attack family; this should not happen regardless and verges often on slander. So I posted last week your opportunity to decide – Continue Anonymous posting or not? 

Well, the results are in. 45 votes – 13, yes with changes – 9 Yes with no changes and 23 – NO.

An interesting dilemma for us here at the blog right?

The clear answer WANT is to stop the practice of allow it but this is a problem. In the last blog by Eric Eales - he stopped the pratice and the fact is - once he stopped allowing it his readership died.

Also, if I want to be fair in the analysis the poll then we have to take a look at the total number of Yes’s versus No’s. When we make it that simple then we get -  23 No’s and 22 Yes’s.

So what to do? Well it is simple for now we will continue to allow readers to post Anonymous HOWEVER- all comments shall be fully filtered through 3 publishers from now on for content and consideration of posting. If 2 of the publishers feel the comment should not be posted then it won’t. Filtering of language will continue.

We need to do this -  not want to do this. So be nice and stay on subject. Remember, I want freedom of speech but need I will not allow it at any cost. If things don’t change then the Anonymous will be removed. Let’s work together to make sure that does not happen. So, let’s play fair in the sand box – OK!

On another note; and based of some great ideas the blog over the summer will be working with some notables in the sport to bring you a weekly Strategy, technical or equipment piece. I mean really it is only summer right?

The blog will be working with Bill Tschirhart from True North Curling, Dr. Jim Armstrong and a few others to bring you a few tips or tricks. We will be starting next week with drag effect which we all saw come into play this morning during Glen Howards win at a world’s over Scotland  when he took  4 in the 1 vs. 2 page play off.

 A pure example of Drag effect in action

So the build up is this. You are down 1 in the 9th with hammer. You are sitting 2nd shot. But Scotland sits 3rd and 4th -  Howard has hammer and makes a great shot!

Before


Glen hits Scotlands stone at the top of eight which becuase of drag effect has that stone gentle rub shot stone in the four pushing it over - then the shooter spins back up to pushing 4th stone out to score 4.
Would you be able to make the shot? 

After

Let us know your interest in this idea…… and Thanks for your belief and support!

Will wheelchairs soon be obsolete?

Ok, so I am often not that impressed with NEW ideas surrounding the invention of the wheelchair or moreover the Next generation of the wheelchair but the articvle below and the video is one of the collest things I have seen in a long time. Way cool and image where this technology will be in another ten years?

You have to watch it and just image!

On the curling front, watch for the results of the poll and a few summer ideas we have for the blog later today! Happy Easter all!

Will wheelchairs soon be obsolete?

Orginal Article: By Audrey Quinn

Wheelchairs have been around since the 6th century. And sure, in the 1500 years since then they’ve gained more comfortable seats, ruggeder wheels, and motorized options, but the overall concept has remained the same.

The Tek Robotic Mobilization Device (Tek RMD) brings an entirely new approach to mobility for people with disabled legs. It’s Turkish developers cite its three main advantages:

1. Users mount from the back- When your legs don’t work properly, it can be really difficult to get yourself to the front of wheelchair and sit down into it. With the Tek RMD users can start from a sitting position, then pull themselves up into the rear of the device, attaching a strap around their back.
2. Standing for health- Doctors recommend parapalegics spend at least 1 hour a day standing to keep their bodies healthy. The Tek RMD helps rise users up into the standing position, so they can go about their day at the same height as their peers.
3. Correct standing position- Other tools that help with standing, like canes or walkers, require the user to remain slightly bent over. Strapped into the Tek RMD, the user can stand fully uprightdevised by team of turkish scientists.
4. Dimensions- The Tek RMD spans about 14″ x 24″ of floorspace, considerably less than a standard wheelchair. This allows the user to navigate narrow spaces typically unreachable for paraplegics.

Users navigate the device with a joystick. It runs off a rechargable battery, which must be recharged every three days.

The Tek RMD went on the market in Turkey last month, and its developers are currently in search of a distributor in the U.S., where it will cost about $15,000.

Despite its ability to help the user grocery shop, flirt, and barbecue, ads for the device seem to ignore one common obstacle: navigating stairs.

Leave your comments on this article please, we would love to here not only what you think of the article but us posting this type of article on the blog.

National Capital Wheelchair Curling Club (NCWCC) completes another season!

The National Capital Wheelchair Curling Club (NCWCC) completed another successful season on March 17 on  the final day of  year with Pot luck lunch & theAnnual General Meeting of NCWCC .

The recreational curling session wraped up with 20 of the regular curlers particapating in this final day of the year.  On the competitive side team Team Cameron won a clean sweep of the All Star positions for both the Monday night league, and the Wednesday night league, which is comprised mostly of able  bodied curlers.  The Team Cameron took a clean sweep of the  trophies on both nights, in both leagues. 

Team Cameron are all wheelchair curlers of the National Capital Wheelchair Curling Club.

Top Lead Christine Lavallee,  Top Second Jamie Eddy,  Top Third Bruce Cameron,

Top Skip Doug Morris 

The wheelchair curlering blog 2 wishes you a safe and healthy summer and hopes to see you on the ice in the fall.

Team MacDonald gets mention in House of Assembly

Orginal release found here

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities:

Provincial Wheelchair Curling Team Scores Personal Best

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Newfoundland and Labrador athletes who represented this province at the 2012 Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship March 18 to 25 in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Under the guidance of coach Leslie Ann Walsh, team members Joanne MacDonald, Felix Green, Cecilia Carroll, and Lanie Woodfine are showing what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and determination.

With two victories in a national setting, Mr. Speaker, and without one of their key curlers, Darlene Jackman – who unfortunately was unable to attend – the team improved on their previous year’s record at the championship.

I would like to especially recognize Skip Joanne MacDonald on her outstanding performance. Ms. Macdonald received the Good Sportsmanship Award at the closing ceremonies in Thunder Bay, following a vote from all curlers. It is also worth noting that she was Canada's only female skip at the 2012 championship.

As Members of this Honourable House may know, Joanne MacDonald is also Chair of the Provincial Advisory Council for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and has worked for over 25 years as a community advocate and promoter of equality for individuals with disabilities.

Along with being a member of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, an officer of the Order of Canada, and establishing national and world records for her athletic ability, she is now committed to developing a competitive wheelchair curling program in the province.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members of this House to join me in congratulating Team MacDonald for their performance this week, and for their ongoing accomplishments.

2012 04 04 2:20 p.m.

Stranraer Ice Rink wheelchair curling

The Stranraer Wheelchair Curlers in blue, took to the ice for their first ever curling match this Wednesday at the stranraer Ice Rink, their opponents were lockerbie.

Published Galloway Gazzette 

THERE was a unique event in the forty plus year history of Stranraer Ice Rink last week when two teams of wheelchair curlers from the rink played a challenges game against two team of “wheelies” from Lockerbie Ice Rink.

The Stranraer curlers - Douglas Dewar, Phil Heron, Graham Keenan, Ann Baynes, Joe McGurk, Stewart Maxwell and Joan Cummings won one game 7-4 and first the other one by the narrowest of margins going down 7-8.

Skip of the winning Stranraer team Douglas Dewar told the Galloway Gazette: “We had a really good game and enjoyed playing in a competitive match. We had been looking forward to this for weeks and practising hard. Most of us are now looking forward to joining local clubs next season and getting more time on the ice.”

Answering a few reader questions

So as a former national team member and avid curler I often get comments or question regarding my current status or why this or why did I do that. So, once and for all, I am going to answer a few questions which have come up on the blog about me and about the blog.

Why the sudden look at changing Anonymous postings policy?

 Well, simple. I am all for freedom of speech and all that. No worries. Like I said we are here to tell the stories and not the opinions. I do my very best to leave personal opinion out of it and to keep the comments published. However, the foul language and personal attacks have to come to an end. Personal attacks have legal ramifications and thus if you comment does not get posted it is not because I did not want to post it. It is because something in that posting has been check (by more than me) and the conclusion once not to post. I apologize if you think we don’t want to or are afraid to, that is not the case. We have to watch the libel suits which MAY occur and thus a vote of no posting the comment has occurred.

So, I received a rather long comment which asked a bunch of questions which I think is only fair to comment on.

Instead of having other people speak for you Chris, why don't you address the questions yourself and put things to rest. I think people want to hear your view on the topic and not just your so called supporters.

I want to make it clear, no one speaks for me. I speak for myself when I feel the need to comment. Also, I do not have any family comment on here. I  think my brother made one comment months ago but they are not avid blog 2 readers nor though our many years experience being associated in sports would do that. So please leave my family out of your comments – that is the magic line none of us should cross. Comments about me are one thing about my family is another.

How do you feel about what you have to do to play at a higher level?

I think the wheelchair curling game has progressed miles since I last competed in Sweden in 2007. This year’s Worlds and Nationals clearly showed us all that.  Until such a time as I choose to compete again in wheelchair curling I could not know where my level of understanding or play has progressed. Over the years I have worked hard as both a player and a coach to “stay in touch” with the game. I have had the chance to work with and play with some great coaches and players. My work with Korea last year was a great experience for me and I appreciated the faith the Korean program showed in letting me coach. I play in a men’s competitive league each week and thank Ernie Comerford for the opportunities he has shown me in joining in with his group this past year. THANK YOU Ilderton wheelchair curling group!

Why are you not on a wheelchair team now and playing in the provincials?

I am not on a wheelchair team right now for a number of reasons. As most of you know I moved back to Ontario after working in BC for the last few years. My family moved in September which by all accounts had most provincial teams formed and started for the year.  By the time I got settled in it was October and that would not have been appropriate for me to even expect to play at all. I was asked to play on a team this year but due to a number of personal reasons I was unable to accept nor at that time did I think it appropriate for me to accept. I mean really how unfair to other players would that have been.  

…. I have not seen any foul language, maybe some strong opinions, but that comes with the territory.

You don’t see any foul language because I and the editors either remove the language or the comment does not get posted. No disrespect to the contributor but I cannot post a comment that has more F this and F that than anything else.  We receive a great number of comments and unfortunately a good percentage of those comments are not able to be posted. Thus why we are asking the poll question.

 Should amputees be allowed to wheelchair curl when they could play stick curling.

Ok, so how do I feel on this one?  Simple, is an amputee considered to have a disability? Yes, they should be permitted to play wheelchair curling.

 It's obvious that a guy like Larry could stick curl, ( it sounds like he can work as a prison guard still, so I think he could stand and stick curl) so should he be wheelchair curling?

Again simple. YES! I know Larry and I like Larry, Great guy. Does that affect my decision for him to be considered a player no. My take on this has changed a bit over the years. Simple and in a cliff notes reversion of my thoughts it is simple. Any person who is considered to have a disability by a panel of qualified classifiers should be permitted to play at the Paralympic or international levels. And no folks I am not saying Larry should not play at that level.  If I understand it right Larry is a single leg amputee and thus has a disability, thus he can play. As for Jim Armstrong, Jim has been deemed classified by a panel thus he is classified – case closed! (Please no emails)

Now as for nationals and classification…I think we should review this and what players can play. Maybe we should follow something similar to wheelchair basketball and their players who can play at nationals.

 Or we could see if a player who is in a wheelchair someday play on a Brier or Scotties level team? What is everyone thoughts on that?

Any finally I think the national champion should represent Canada in international competitions. I think the national winner is good enough to represent the country and could facilitate provincial growth as well. So I hope you can clear the air around the questions to you Chris.

So, do I think the winner of nationals should become Team Canada? The answer at this time is NO, maybe in 4 years maybe but right now the answer is no and for a number of reasons. We have seen how the program needs to continue to grow and build its player pool. We have seen though other sports how performance finish at worlds, etc. determines funding and that is no different in WC curling. Right now we as a country are not quite ready for the winner to become Team Canada. But if this year’s nationals indicate anything; we are very close!

So there are a few answers to a few questions which keep coming up. As for my future? Stay tuned because , I am still trying to figure that one out myself and most of that has to do with work and where I will be next year, month or week. When I know, I am sure someone on the BLOG or the news will let you know.

Thanks for the support from all of you. We are doing our best to tell your story, so please be a contributor in whatever way you can – donation, results, story, link or COMMENT.

We will do our best to get the information out there.

Competition brings wheelchair curling season to a close

By Gillian Provan

Source: STV Local4 April 2012 

Players descend on South Lanarkshire for Thomas Tunnock Bonspiel

Wheelchair curling competitors from across the United Kingdom are playing it out for the top prize at the fourth annual Thomas Tunnock Bonspiel.

Nine teams from Stirling, Wales, Moray, Lockerbie and South Lanarkshire will be playing for a win at the last wheelchair curling tournament of the season, finishing with the finals on Thursday afternoon.

Now in its fourth year, the three-day event is sponsored by confectionary company Tunnock’s.
Members of the South Lanarkshire teams are hoping the round robin style tournament will secure a win for the county.

Organiser and secretary of South Lanarkshire Wheelchair Curling Club (SLWCC), David Morgan said: “This season has been good but not for winning awards, we’ve finished in the quarters and semi-finals at various events, but we’re hoping to win the Tunnock’s bonspiel this week.”
Provost Russell Clearie and Fergus Loudon the sales manager of Tunnock’s spoke at the opening of the tournament on Tuesday.

Provost Clearie said: “It’s not just about the competition it’s watching the enjoyment of players doing a sport that’s gone from strength to strength.

“This is the tournament’s fourth year running and it’s fabulous to see groups who have travelled from across the country.

“Sport throughout South Lanarkshire is very high on our agenda because it obviously brings not only the sportsman’s side and the challenges that brings but it also bonds friendships and it gives you the healthy options.”

Tunnock’s became involved in sponsoring the event four years after being made aware of the sport through former employee Bill Shanks whose son Russell is a member of the South Lanarkshire club.

Fergus Loudon said: “We are very, very proud of our connection and once again it’s great to see so many people coming along to support the sport.

“I didn’t know much about wheelchair curling before we got involved. It’s great to see such competitiveness on the ice and the camaraderie coming off.”
Ian Dunn, the chairman of South Lanarkshire Disability Sport added: “This tournament started four years ago and it has blossomed since that first year. It’s a great sport and a wonderful way to end the curling season.”

The Tunnock’s competition coincides with the tenth anniversary of the SLWCC. The club celebrated with a cake and party to mark ten years of the sport in South Lanarkshire.

The club has 35 members from as far as Edinburgh, Dumfries, Glasgow, East Dunbartonshire,

Ayrshire, South and North Lanarkshire travelling to sessions on Mondays at 12.15pm until 2.30pm.

Jim Sellers, one of the club’s founding members said: “It started out with four members attending a come and try session at East Kilbride Plaza and has just got even bigger over the years.

“People come from all over because it’s the best club for the social side of events and for the organisation of events.

“Over the last ten years I’ve since taken part in five world championships, secured three medals a gold and two bronze, I never thought I’d be an international athlete.”

Nice TV coverage of the SASK win at Nationals

Wheel-Chair curling- Tbnewswatch.com

Just click on the link above to  watch some excellent news coverage from  TBTV news.
Watch free TBTV news video on Tbnewswatch.com, providing news coverage of Thunder Bay and the Northwestern Ontario region and the world.

Stick curling extends careers of Martin and Achtymichuk



Bill Martin, left, and George Achtymichuk practising stick curling at the Highland Curling Club recently.

Photograph by: Don Healy, Leader-Post , Leader-Post

Bill Martin and George Achtymichuk stand tall when it comes to curling.

The 1973 Canadian men's curling champions turned to stick curling when their bodies couldn't handle the physical demands of the traditional game.

"I had cartilage removed from my knee years ago and it wouldn't take sliding on it,'' said Martin, who with Achtymichuk as his partner begins play today at the Canadian open two person stick curling championships at the Highland Curling Club. "I would get down and it would hurt so much - Otherwise it was OK unless I put weight on it. I couldn't throw from the hack, period.''

Harvey Mazinke, Martin, Achtymichuk and Dan Klippenstein shared in the 1973 and 1975 Saskatchewan men's championships and the 1973 Canadian men's curling title. The Reginabased foursome, skipped by Mazinke, finished second at the 1973 world championship, which was staged in Regina. Achtymichuk eventually turned to the stick for curling after undergoing hip replacement surgery.

"Before that, I had to give up sliding from the hack because when I was delivering the rock I had to get rid of it in a hurry because it hurt so much,'' said the 76-year old Achtymichuk. "Once the hip was in place, I was still worried about doing anything like sliding out. If I had, I think it would have taken three people to lift me off the ice at the end of my slide.''

Achtymichuk and Martin had heard about stick curling, but didn't get involved in the two-person competition until 2009 when a championship was held in Winnipeg. The two experienced immediate success.

"We hoped that we would win one game and darn it all if we didn't win it all,'' Achtymichuk said.
There are some differences between stick curling and the regular game. There are two-person teams and each member stays at their own end of the rink. There are six rocks per end and the players alternate delivering all six rocks. Players must deliver the rock with a stick and it has to be released before the stone reaches the hog line. There is a threerock free-guard zone and some limited sweeping is allowed, but not between the hoglines. The six-end games usually take an hour to complete.

"It's easy to get into the game because there are so few rule changes,'' said the 78-year-old Martin.

"It's really not any different than the other curling. Without stick curling, there would be a lot of people who wouldn't be curling. You know what it's like in the curling rinks. There are less people there all of the time.''

There aren't any age restrictions in two-person stick curling, though the competition tends to attract older participants than those in the regulation game. Sticks are only permitted in the masters divisions (60-and-over) in provincial competitions, but many players use them in club matches. Achtymichuk has noticed an increase in interest in stick curling, despite its use being banned until players reach the masters division.

"You really notice it among people with back, hip or knee problems,'' said Achtymichuk, who curls in Thursday's two-person stick league at the Highland. "Without the stick they wouldn't be curling. If I didn't have a stick, I know that I wouldn't be curling at all.''

A total of 48 men's, women's and mixed teams are taking part in this championship, which runs through Thursday. There are 24 teams from Saskatchewan, 13 from Manitoba, five from Alberta, four from Prince Edward Island and two from British Columbia.

Draws start each day at 8 a.m. The finals are slated for 6 p.m. on Thursday.

mmccormick @leaderpost.com

To read more click here

The continuation of Anonymous or not?

 

VOTE NOW  IN THE  POLL TO HAVE YOUR SAY!

Since I began this blog one question more than any other has garnered more attention, with some readers having raised concerns about one issue in particular - the fact we allow visitors to post anonymous comments. This question now needs to be addressed by you – the reader and “anonymous” poster.

I allow it because I want people to feel free to leave comments without worry of perceived reprimand by who ever.

As of late the shield of Anonymous has taken on a shape on this blog which we have seen before – cruel, mean, slanderous and attacking in nature.

The attacks have been directed towards me mainly, with many questions as to why I should be given a shot at Team Canada or who do think I am and why  should I receive “special consideration” and the list goes on. I have seen many others attacked on here as well, Joe, Wendy , CCA, Jim, Bruce, Eric and so on.

Well, at this time I am left with few choices regarding a policy on this term – Anonymous.

So, to be fair to all I have created a POLL at the right side for all of you to answer.

Should the Blog 2 continue to allow Anonymous postings?*

And yes you did see a * at the end; which means a few rule changes to what will or will not be posted!

So, the poll will be simple –  No or  Yes with changes. Or YES no changes

I really don’t want to do it but far too many people are abusing the ability to post under the shield of Anonymous  for their personal want to attack.

So the * will reflect the following policy:

Should an individual(s) wish to post a comment on the Blog 2 that comment shall remain to be published at the discretion of the publisher.  Also; as prior policy should that comment has any foul language it shall not be published.

If the comment; at the discretion of the publisher consider to contain -  ill mannered, slanderous, libel, aspersion, backbiting, backstabbing, belittlement, black eye, calumny, defamation, depreciation, detraction, disparagement, lie, misrepresentation, muckraking, mud-slinging, obloquy,  scandalise, or a slam then that comment will not be posted.

I understand this may reduce the amount of comments which shall be submitted but I think it in the best interest of the sport and the blog that this policy be enacted.

I want to give you the reader the opportunity to not only vote on it but leave comment or suggestions on the policy.

VOTE NOW to have your say.

Schrader rolls in wheelchair curling

Larry seen right

Larry Schrader started wheelchair curling simply because he was looking for a winter activity - only to end this season as a Canadian champion.

Schrader played lead on Darwin Bender's Callie team that also includes third Gil Dash and second Marie Wright and co-coaches Bob Capp and Lorraine Arguin. Bender's squad captured Saskatchewan's first national wheelchair championship in Thunder Bay, Ont., by beating Alberta's Bruno Yizek 7-6 in the final on March 25.

Schrader was a veteran baseball umpire in Regina until losing the lower portion of his right leg in August of 2009. Schrader, who is a Type 2 diabetic, developed a blister on his right foot while on vacation in Las Vegas. By the time he had returned to Regina, infection had already set in. He developed blood poisoning and doctors were forced to amputate his right leg approximately six inches below the knee.

"I can do everything I did before, only a little slower,'' Schrader said.

Schrader was taking part in his rehabilitation at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre when he noticed an announcement about tryouts for wheelchair curling.

"I had bowled three times a week before I lost my leg and it just didn't work after that,'' Schrader said. "I needed something to do for the winter. I tried wheelchair curling and the people were really nice. They had good coaches and we curled every Monday night in the able-bodied league. I just kept doing that.''

Schrader, who is a guard at the Regina Correctional Centre, said being active in golf and now curling has helped him deal with being an amputee.

"Winning the nationals has allowed me to meet some interesting people and they all have positive things to say,'' Schrader said. "It's just a whole lot of fun.''

Schrader has a prosthesis, which allows him to walk. Wheelchair curling is open to amputees and those who need to be in a wheelchair, but the rules stipulate that each participant must curl in a wheelchair. That creates an interesting contrast when Schrader walks into a curling club pushing his wheelchair.

"A lot of people look at me and they think it's something that I can walk and I can get out of my chair,'' said the 57-year-old Schrader. "That makes me feel bad for them. When I got to the Wascana to see my doctor and I look at the people in there - I realize that I'm so much luckier than they are.''
Bender, 48, has been in a wheelchair since being injured in a motor-vehicle accident 30 years ago.

He said one of the misconceptions about wheelchair curling is that participants have to be wheelchair-bound.

"You have to deliver the rocks from a wheelchair,'' Bender said. "You can't have any appendages on the ice while doing that and that means anyone with a disability can play. There are people with knee and hip replacements, who can't ablebody curl, but can play the game of wheelchair curling.''
There isn't any sweeping in wheelchair curling. All of the players use a stick, but their deliveries are limited by the fact they are in a seated position. Curlers depend on timing the running of the stone between the hoglines to determine how hard to deliver it.

"Our delivery is basically a foot or whatever the extension of your arm is,'' Bender said.
Schrader and Bender were both excited about winning a national championship. They hope their accomplishment will raise the profile of wheelchair curling.

The championship has also led to other opportunities. Schrader said the team has been invited to a tryout camp later this year in Richmond, B.C., to determine the Canadian wheelchair curling team.
"Who knows? Maybe one of us could be picked to be on that team,'' Schrader said.

mmccormick @leaderpost.com


Read more: http://www.leaderpost.com/Schrader+rolls+wheelchair+curling/6395467/story.html#ixzz1qspYNJsF