Monday Evening

I have another commitment and will not be able to live-blog the women's 5th draw this evening at 6:30pm. Perhaps Alan will be able to do it. Stop back this evening to see what's happening....

Some thoughts so far:

1. This is the best curling I've ever seen. These are, for the most part, the best possible Canadian teams.
2. After watching Russ Howard on Gushue's rink, do not necessarily conclude that Amateur is correct in his discussion with Alan about whether teams must be together for a long time. There are two reasons for this: (a) Howard started working with the Gushue rink back in July, according to an interview with Gushue, and (b) this is one isolated, self-selected incident. I can't imagine Russ Howard, Randy Ferbey, Kevin Martin, and Mark Dacey all on the same rink, even if they were the best curlers.
3. I'm open to bets on whether/when Marie-France LaRouche will win any of her draws. She has looked seriously out-matched so far and is 0 - 4.
4. With the Ryan-Stouton draw taking so long, as they went to an extra end, it will be interesting to see what shape the ice is in for the women's fifth draw this evening. The ice-maker had been using the long draws as an excuse for not being able to get the ice into perfect condition.