Weird Sports: Chess Boxing
We’ve all heard of sporting events being described as a chess match, with the competitors strategizing and managing the game down to every minute detail, but this takes the analogy to a whole new level. Sports fans, we give you chess boxing.
Far from a backyard phenomenon, chess boxing has existed on a professional level for nearly a decade. Originating in Europe, this test of both mind and body has spread to include clubs all over the world. Frankly we can’t think of a smarter way to get a concussion…
So, how does it work? Well, according to the World Chess Boxing Organization (WCBO), the sport’s sanctioning body, competitors face off against each other in six four-minute chess rounds, with five three-minute boxing rounds in between. You can win with a checkmate in the chess portion, or with a K.O. in the boxing portion. Matches last 24 minutes total, and competitors are given one minute between rounds to change their gear (we’re guessing that playing chess in boxing gloves probably wouldn’t work too well).
To date, the WCBO has crowned eight world champions in three different weight classes, with another world championship set to be held in Berlin on June 24th. The sport seems to be gaining popularity, and serves as a humble reminder to never make fun of the chess team.
Money Face
What’s more fun that saving money, or writing on it? This gives new meaning to the phrase “money shot.”
Determined Trees
We’ve all seen trees that grow in the direction of sunlight or away from other trees, but here are a few that have really gone out of their way to claim their rightful space.
Crate-ive Design
In college, I used a few plastic crates for temporary shoe and book storage, but I never imagined that they could create an entire structure.
Show-off Business
Drumming up business in a rough economy requires hard work, persistence and a little creativity. Here are a few innovative business cards that will probably make your Silian Rail cards in bone look boring.
Cool card. Bad haircut.
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A Trip Through Wunderland
German brothers Frederick and Gerrit Braun, 41, have spent nine years and nearly $16 million constructing the world’s largest and most elaborate model train environment called Wunderland.
Funny Money
Writing on money is illegal in most countries, but that sure hasn’t stopped a few people from doing it anyway. Of course, Offbeat Earth does not condone writing or doodling on legal tender; but viewing the creations of others is highly encouraged. Here are a few amusing additions to the portraits featured on American and Canadian currency. (more…)
Bigger is Better!
Bigger really IS better, especially when it comes to toys and games.
Being covered in paint is not always such a bad thing
Human bodies become the canvas for some pretty spectacular paintings!
The strangest toilets from around the world
World Toilet Day is November 19. So in preparation for this holiday, Offbeat Earth welcomes you into the world of toilets. In this post we will uncover the oddest toilets from around the globe, provide interesting facts, and even supply information about a toilet-shaped house! Yes, you read it right!
Did you know?!? According to the San Diego Union, the odds are 1 in 10,000 (0.001%) that you will be injured by a toilet this year. Watch out! You should probably avoid this toilet, ouch!
