The Pope loves Turkey

I love Turkey as much as the next guy. But the folks from Turkey aren't exactly thrilled to see Pope Benedict XVI in their country. He dropped by for a visit this week, after getting a lot of Turks a bit steamed after his comments a few months ago about Islam and Turkey joining the European Union. The pope's the first to admit that his words weren't the best idea. He wanted to drop in for a visit to smooth things over.

So how is it going so far?

In September of 2006, the pope quoted a Byzantine emperor who said that Muhammad's teachings were "evil and inhuman"... but then, only days later, he apologized.

The political leaders of Turkey came out to greet the pope today and seems that things are going well. Benedict even went to a temple in Turkey with some people.

Continental Cup 2006

It was the fourth time the Continental Cup of Curling was handed out. And for the second time, it goes to Team Europe. North America had a great looking team (Olympic Gold Medalist Brad Gushue, the Bronze Medal winning American team, and the Brier Champions from Quebec). On the other side, the European Men teams seemed weak. Sure they had that Finnish team from the Olympics, but Pal Trulson from Norway has been struggling for the past year or so. But on the women's side of things... completely differently story. Annette Norbeg from Sweeden could've won the cup alone. Her team has been winning everything they've touched for the past year or so. And the North American women... well... I still feel Shannon Kleibrink was the wrong choice to send to the olympics. And Debbie McCormick (Canadian turned American) is decent at the best of times.

So yeah, Europe wins it again. It seems to be alternating. North America wins it the first year... the Europe, then N.A., and now Europe again. Hmm... it looks good for next year.

Final score: 229-171 for Europe.

Brad Gushue (grey) and Amy Nixon (red) of team North America during the mixed doubles game at the 2006 Continetnal Cup.