I remember the encouragement, "Oh hurry hard, Alex!" ringing round the old Crossmyloof rink in the sixties. The Torrance rink in full flow. 'Wee' Alex Torrance, 'Big' Alex, Bobby Kirkland and Jimmy Waddell were a colourful rink to watch, and a difficult team to beat back in these days.This memory was brought to mind when I encountered the product shown above, being marketed by the US Curling Association as part of an AIDS awareness programme. The full story is here. And it did bring a smile!
Of course, back in the 1960s, HIV/AIDS was only beginning. Those of us who remember these times will recall how difficult it was to comprehend the scale of the problem, and the considerable disinformation that was rife at the time. The disease hasn't gone away. It remains a huge problem worldwide.
The primary goal of the Hurry Hard Condoms programme is to raise awareness about the need to educate people - especially youth - about the dangers of sexually transmitted infections.
So, the blog is pleased to play its part in so doing this morning! And plaudits to the United States Curling Association for taking a leading role. So, 'Be smart. Stay safe!'