February 19, 2000 For Immediate Release

With Prince George hosting the national women's curling championship, there are some curling-related stories at the University of Northern British Columbia:

• UNBC Resource Recreation and Tourism student Amanda Cole is conducting an economic impact assessment of the Scott Tournament of Hearts on the City of Prince George. Her research will include surveys of visiting fans, officials, athletes, and media to determine how much they're spending in Prince George and what other local attractions they're visiting. The information will be useful in planning for other major local sporting events. Amanda will be at the Multiplex for most of the tournament, but can be contacted at 960-1120.
  
• UNBC Physics professor Mark Shegelski has conducted research on why curling rocks curl. Dr Shegelski, UNBC graduate Matthew Reid, and UNBC Mathematics professor Ross Niebergall have described the physical process that occurs when a curling rock slides on the ice and have explained why the rock curls the most in the last few feet. The reason is a thin film of water that is created by the friction of the rock sliding across the ice. The amount of friction is less at the front of the rock than at the back, primarily because the liquid film is dragged from the back to the front. The research was conducted out of personal interest but has been published in scientific journals. Dr Shegelski has also been interviewed by the Discovery Channel and by the CBC program Quirks and Quarks. He can be contacted at 960-6663.