Gus has inquired about the history of curling. I knew a little bit about it, but did a bit more research.
Curling is basically a Scottish sport. However, the origins may not be Scottish. Obviously, the idea of throwing rocks on ice is not rocket science, and probably was done by groups of people long before writing was developed. In 1565, Dutch painter Peter Breugel painted "Hunters in the Snow," which includes scenes resembling curling. And, most importantly, it appears to be organized play.
However, it was in Scotland that curling was formalized. Apparently, by 1636, curling was one of the big three in Scotland, with archery and golf. And thereafter, the Royal Caledonian Curling Club (RCCC) was formed, which still runs the curling show worldwide.
Curling was spread by emigrating Scots, which probably explains why it became popular in the northern midwest. Well, that and that it requires ice. So I guess it's no surprise it's not so big in Virginia, despite having a large Scot contingent down in here.
Curling in Scotland has had a tough time, however. The 16th and 17th centuries were part of the Little Ice Age. Not only did the Thames freeze every year, but so did all the lochs in Scotland. By the 18th and 19th century, fewer and fewer lochs were freezing, and freezing less often.
Of course, in Canada, everything freezes; except for the warm, Canadian hospitality. So they never had a problem finding ice.
1998 was the first year that curling was an Olympic sport, although it had been played as an exhibition before. I think curling has a bright future outside of Scotland, Austria, and Canada.
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