FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

The Globe and Mail out of Canada has a brief writeup on the advancements that have made curling so gosh darn popular up north. The addition of player microphones is lauded as the most important change, bringing audiences closer to the storylines that develop over the course of each match. Telestrators and computerized statistics were also briefly mentioned, but we can't get over the fact that the CBC throws caution to the wind when it comes to live curling.

"We've had the odd f-bomb," said Vic Rauter, who will call TSN's coverage of the Tim Hortons Brier. "If it goes too far, I'll make an apology, but usually we let it slide rather than draw more attention to it."

Way to go Canada! Why should the errant expletive get in the way of the majesty of curling. They're policy of shrugging off gaffes and keeping them out of the spotlight should be a lesson to every over-reacting talking head here in America. We've got to find a way to get this curling action down here, and not that Rockstar business either ... although that would still be awesome in its own right.

It is like someone at 30 Rock has a special device that looks into our hopes and dreams. While leaving us unaware of the horrifying truth behind such market research, NBC is said to be in pre-production of a curling-based, reality series entitled "Rockstar Curling." Rockers turned curlers like Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi are linked to being potential hosts. Seriously? This is exactly how it looks like in our minds. This and The Running Man.

The Toronto Star reports that NBC is looking to capitalize on the sports popularity during the 2006 Turin Olympics, citing that matches drew higher ratings than comparative NHL games. Stunning. Throw in celebrities and reality, and we've got the next big thing if you can stream it all to our mobile phone. COME ON!

As for the actual premise of the show, apparently NBC is going to tie this in to 2010 Olympic qualifying. The Boss representing the American dream with broom and rocks in hand? This is the true Olympic spirit if we've ever seen it. Of course, the celebrity teams will have no advantage over their opponents besides round the clock training and all expenses paid in a yet-unsponsored, un-constructed "curling house" complete with confessionals and tribal council.

(HT: Awful Announcing)