Anytime a sports league leaves its all-star selection process to fan voting, it needs to brace for the possibility of the absurd.
Like this season in hockey.
In the same way that high schools have been know to occasionally vote a male as homecoming queen, the country of Latvia has elevated its lone representative in the NHL to top vote-getter in all-star balloting.
Yes, Zemgus Girgensons: come on down and put on an all-star sweater.
The 20-year-old, second-year forward of the Buffalo Sabres is having a decent year – 11 goals, nine assists in 37 games.
But he is not often compared to the likes of Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane, who was second in voting and trailed Girgensons by more than 400,000 votes in last week’s tally.
One wonders how two million Latvians have time to do anything except click buttons online for their favourite son.
Voting is limited to 10 hits from one device each day, yet the Sabres’ centre had amassed nearly 1.3 million votes – about 80 per cent coming from Latvia.
Girgensons said it was “embarrassing” and “funny”, and knew that Latvians were supportive of him and his career.
“But I didn’t think it was going to go that far,” he said.
“That’s, like, crazy far.”
Voting ends tomorrow, leaving little time for partisans in neighbouring Lithuania to mount a campaign for their only man in the NHL, Dainius Zubrus of the New Jersey Devils.
Maybe next year.
Email: sports@thenational.ae
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
Banthology: Stories from Unwanted Nations
Edited by Sarah Cleave, Comma Press
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
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The specs: 2018 Maxus T60
Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder
Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm
Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Blah
Started: 2018
Founder: Aliyah Al Abbar and Hend Al Marri
Based: Dubai
Industry: Technology and talent management
Initial investment: Dh20,000
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 40
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