Commenter Newbie catches you up on all the things that might otherwise fall between the cracks. Newbie? ------------------------

I'm sure that most of you are looking forward to the events of this weekend. Even though it is happening in a different country, I think most of the world is excited for this historic occasion. After all the fan-fare and extremely well written reports, UFC 129 will get underway on Saturday at the Rogers Center. Yes this is the largest attended UFC event in history. As an update to the earlier Niche post, the highest ticket price on StubHub, as of Tuesday night, was $2,000, but this report has a little more breakdown. I guess if you aren't interested in that this weekend, there is some sort of sports draft, the playoffs for hockey and basketball, and a couple of British got married, which I guess is a big deal. Wheeled Sports non-motored edition: At my office we have a large warehouse, so naturally my boss brought in a ripstik. It is basically a two-wheeled, inline skateboard, but instead of one piece it has two sections connected by a torsion bar that allows the each section to flex independent of the other. It is wicked for the uninitiated and more so for the unathletic. Let's just say, I have mastered going in circles, avoiding obstacles, and even maneuvering a small course. (Though my elbow will never be the same from my inadvertent attempt to perform a wheelie.)

This seems to be a rage with all the kids these days, and it is a lot of fun. I'm not sure if I'd attempt the rip skates, which are basically the two sections pulled apart, another wheel added to each (because that would be insane.) I can assure you though, that Marion Gaborik would pull his groin just watching the video.

Speaking of skateboarding, Tony Hawk knows how to use Twitter and get his followers involved. In a major giveaway over the weekend, he had stuff hidden throughout the entire country, gave clues on Twitter, and posted pics of the people that found them. There was even one hidden in Mankato; if you or someone you know found it, feel free to let us know.

Other Niche sports notes:

Zach Johnson, a Masters Champ and Drake Alum, is concerned that the latest allegation against OSU could harm the Big 10. He goes on in his twitter, that despite attending Drake, he is a Hawkeye fan. Even though he does not root for the Buckeyes, he understands they are a major player in the B1G succeeding over conferences like the SEC. (He does not advocate for cheating and if the allegations are true, a punishment should be levied.) But it is a different perspective, rather than hoping for their demise to make his program look better, perhaps it is the entire conference that needs a boost. Maybe we can get all the Big Ten schools together and draft their way to the top.

The under-19 girls Ringette Championship for 2012 has found a home in London. Also, Ottawa/North Bay Ontario was selected to host the 2013 World Ringette Championship. I have to imagine these were contentious selection processes, with several cities feeling slighted. I can't think of a better display of athleticism that will occur in London next year than the U19 Championship.
Last-of-all, the Minnesota Swarm are in the playoffs -- which for a league with 10 teams and 8 make the playoffs isn't saying much. That being said, Lacrosse is pretty cool, and while confusing, it is the only playoff game in Minnesota in six months (this Saturday). I wish them success in the playoffs.

Random Guinness Book of World Records Niche Sport Record of the Week:

Last week we discussed marathons. Roughkat is going to be saddened to learn that the record he has been training for all his life has been set. Or at least established. Fastest Marathon in a Nurse's Uniform (Male) time has been set at 2h 52m 26s. The bar is set sir, good luck. Oh, and sorry, your fallback record was set too. Most Rubik's Cubes Solved Running a Marathon100 cubes in 4h 45m 43s. That one is actually kind of impressive.

Deleted Comment of the Week:

Turns out this segment is really hard to keep up with if I don't see good comments before they are deleted. Feel free to submit some via email if you see one that is good.

Your thoughts on this weekend's events, ripstik/skateboarding, or what world records RandBall commenters could accomplish are welcome below.