sport specs HORSESHOES
The sport: Called a traditional American pastime by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association of America, horseshoes makes for an easy summer backyard game.
The gear: Horseshoes, two stakes and an even number of people with strong arms are all you need to get a game of horseshoes going. Sporting goods stores such as Dick's Sporting Goods, 15280 W. 119th St. in Olathe, carry horseshoe sets that include shoes and stakes starting at $19.99.
The rules: Set up stakes 40 feet apart. Designate a foul line (for women, the line is usually 27 feet from the stake; for men, the line is usually 37 feet from the stake). Then, split the players into two equal teams. Each team receives two horseshoes. Decide which team will throw first and have the first player from that team throw both shoes from the
designated foul line. Tally points from the first player's throw. If a shoe lands within six inches of .the stake or touches the stake, the team receives one point. If the shoe encircles, or "rings" the stake, the team receives three points. After the first team's player pitches the shoes, the first player from the opposing team throws from the same side. Alternate sides until every player has thrown. Play until one team reaches 40 points.
The Kansas connection:
The first horseshoe throwing tournament open to anyone in the world took place in Bronson, Kan., in 1910, according to the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association of America. Frank Johnson, Blue Mound resident, won the tournament and received a world championship belt
embellished with horseshoes. Jackson held onto the championship title until 1913, when Rosedale resident Robert Pierce claimed the championship. Jackson regained the title in 1914 and 1915 and no Kansas native has held the championship title since then. The current world champion is Alan Francis of Defiance, Ohio. Francis has held the title since 2003. The 2007 world tournament will take place in Ardmore, Okla., from July 23 to Aug. 4.
Source: National Horseshoe Pitchers Association of America Kim Wallace
that's disgusting HOUSEFLIES
Summer barbeques usually include food friends and, unfortunately, the pesky presence of flies. These bountiful bugs bring dangerous and disgusting health conditions to the table.
Because they feast on animal waste and garbage, houseflies often carry
bacteria and viruses. Diarrhea, eye infections and food poisoning are a few examples of the illnesses that can be picked up from flies.
A study published in the June 2006 issue of Applied and Environmental Microbiology by
the department of entomology at Kansas State University found that certain houseflies deposit a type of bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Of the 260 houseflies gathered from five food-handling and serving facilities, 97 percent tested positive for Enterococcus faecalis, a bacteria responsible for many human infections and known for its resistance to antibiotics.
The number of effective antibiotics used against human infections continues to decline and bacteria and infectious diseases are now the third leading cause of death in the U.S, says Lilia Macovei, Kansas State research associate and author of the study.
So whether it's by swatting, sticky flypapers or bug sprays, find a way to keep the flies off your plate this summer.
Elyse Weidner
---
04.26.2007 JAYPLAY <17
---