h a l f b a k e r yA riddle wrapped in a mystery inside a rich, flaky crust
add, search, annotate, link, view, overview, recent, by name, random
news, help, about, links, report a problem
browse anonymously,
or get an account
and write.
register,
|
|
|
In the near-dark of the early morning, several bundled figures waddle out onto the icy lake. Far out in the middle, they divide into two groups.
One group drills a two-inch hole into the ice, and drops a tapered rod into the hole. A loop of rope is dropped over the top of the rod; the other end leads
to the second group.
This group then starts up a noisy double-bladed circular saw, which is attached to the end of the rope. They begin traversing a circle, as though drawing on the ice with a giant compass.
The first group then begins marking out hacks, houses, and hog lines; soon a full regulation curling sheet is centered in the circle.
About the time they finish, the other group finishes their circle. Some of their number have already affixed a series of motors to the ice inside the circle, with rubber tires (with snow studs affixed) driven on shafts outside the cut slot.
Rolling bollards are placed at six locations around the slot, and the motors are started. Slowly, the huge ice sheet begins to rotate.
It's time to start.
Ballistic Curling
Ballistic_20Curling
[Max], I'm versioning on your idea, hope you don't mind [lurch, Feb 24 2010]
[link]
|
| |
Lurch, you are more than welcome. I think this is all fine,
apart from the "slowly" bit towards the end. |
|
| |
It is going to take considerably more than the addition of a
slightly-counterintuitive force to make curling
entertaining. If we could get to the point where
centripugal forces became significant, then perhaps you'd
have something. |
|
| |
But I am slightly alarmed to note your au fait-ness with
what I take to be curling terms. |
|
| |
The added skill of missing the turning motors when
crossing the transition boundary on a throw. |
|
| |
Nice. Echoes of Parabolic Pool Table. |
|
| |
//your au fait-ness with what I take to be curling terms// - Wikipedia, 45 seconds. |
|
| |
And "Slowly,[...] begins" should be taken to mean acceleration, not final velocity. |
|
| |
I had an Aha! moment around the start of the 5th paragraph.
For which: [+] |
|
| |
< ... waiting for someone to post "Orrerey Curling" ... > |
|
| |
I reckon the next orrery idea should be mercilessly attacked and boned, regardless of it's merits. |
|
| |