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Extreme ironing
Toronto Sun ^ | April 29, 2005 | Sylvi Capelaci

Posted on 04/29/2005 12:00:48 PM PDT by Squawk 8888

Those who consider ironing sissy stuff should think again. Or try EI -- Extreme Ironing -- a danger sport. EI combines the daredevil stunts of an outdoor athlete with the domestically mundane chore.

Extreme Ironing founder Phil "Steam" Shaw, a 31-year-old IT consultant in the U.K., says it should be an Olympic sport: "If you can have synchronised swimming then why not extreme ironing."

Shaw invented the sport in the summer of 1997 when he needed to get his ironing done but wanted to go rock climbing instead, so he combined the two.

Already there is a global army of chore-seekers doing their laundry in the most extreme places: Climbing mountains (including Everest); perched on rock pillars; running marathons, or toting surfboards and ironing boards (spray and wash, anyone?).

Shaw's website, Extremeironing.com, features action photos of hardcore enthusiasts like deep sea diver Iron Lung, who dove 15 metres underwater into the Mediterranean with his iron and board. Talk about wash and wear.

In 2002, Germany even hosted a highly esteemed World Championship, where iron-ically a German by the name Hot Pants scooped a gold medal.

Shaw has published a book on this pressing subject and earlier this year a documentary aired about EI on Sky's Adventure One channel. Ironing Under the Sky DVDs and Extreme Ironing calendars are available at Amazon.com.


TOPICS: Culture/Society
KEYWORDS: ironing

1 posted on 04/29/2005 12:00:49 PM PDT by Squawk 8888
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To: Squawk 8888

I refuse to be taken in by such obvious satire...


2 posted on 04/29/2005 12:02:08 PM PDT by Joe Bonforte
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To: Squawk 8888

We have new poster kids for the to much time on their hands club.


3 posted on 04/29/2005 12:03:58 PM PDT by TXBSAFH (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, who's bringing the chips?)
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To: Joe Bonforte
It's real - check this out:


4 posted on 04/29/2005 12:06:23 PM PDT by Fierce Allegiance (This is not your granddaddy's America...)
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To: Squawk 8888
Sometimes it gets a little too extreme:


5 posted on 04/29/2005 12:11:16 PM PDT by KarlInOhio (Blackwell for Governor 2006: hated by the 'Rats, feared by the RINOs.)
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To: Squawk 8888
Could I at least interest you in a new ironing board cover?


6 posted on 04/29/2005 12:12:34 PM PDT by Yo-Yo
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To: Joe Bonforte
http://www.extremeironing.com
7 posted on 04/29/2005 12:14:24 PM PDT by beaelysium (Paradise is always where love dwells.)
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To: Joe Bonforte


8 posted on 04/29/2005 12:21:14 PM PDT by Squawk 8888 (End dependence on foreign oil- put a Slowpoke in your basement)
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To: Joe Bonforte
I refuse to be taken in by such obvious satire...

Not me! Underwater ironing! Woooooooooooo!

Extreme Accounting irons out the bad figures

It doesn't add up. British accountants have been inspired by extreme ironing to develop they're own adrenaline sport: extreme accounting.

According to the website www.extreme-accounting.com, the sport: " is a new phenomenon that pushes accountants to their limits – and beyond!"

The website encourages accountants to combine the drudgerous task of accounting with more active pursuits, such as ski-diving and caving. It's even sponsored by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and accounting software company CODA.

9 posted on 04/29/2005 12:29:10 PM PDT by siunevada
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To: Fierce Allegiance; Squawk 8888

Actually, I had already checked the link, and it appears that it is probably is real (either that, or it's an extraordinarily complex hoax).

But I had to joke about it being satire, because I can't see why anyone in their right mind would do it.


10 posted on 04/29/2005 12:30:37 PM PDT by Joe Bonforte
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To: Joe Bonforte

I've seen it on TV, yet still I am left to wonder wtf is this all about?


11 posted on 04/29/2005 12:31:28 PM PDT by Camel Joe (Proud Uncle of a Fine Young Marine)
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To: Joe Bonforte
in their right mind

That's where the assumption went bad, I'd say.

12 posted on 04/29/2005 12:32:32 PM PDT by Fierce Allegiance (This is not your granddaddy's America...)
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To: Camel Joe
yet still I am left to wonder wtf is this all about?

Yet you hang out on a site that calls down helmeted cats on trolls. :)

13 posted on 04/29/2005 12:35:08 PM PDT by Tijeras_Slim (Holding out for a Slim-centric Universe.)
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To: Joe Bonforte
It is real - it's the British sense of humour. Think of the absurd elements that make up Monty Python and the like. The fact that the krauts have taken a shine to it is surprising though - a country not known for laughs.
14 posted on 04/29/2005 12:36:21 PM PDT by toadthesecond
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To: Tijeras_Slim

Thats one of the reasons I hang out here!!! Viking Kitties RULE!!!!!


15 posted on 04/29/2005 12:44:19 PM PDT by Camel Joe (Proud Uncle of a Fine Young Marine)
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To: Squawk 8888
What about skyknitting


16 posted on 04/29/2005 12:45:51 PM PDT by al baby (Dick Trickle is not just a medical condition)
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To: Squawk 8888
Shaw invented the sport in the summer of 1997 when he needed to get his ironing done but wanted to go rock climbing instead, so he combined the two.

More like the invented it to get his 15 minutes of fame.

17 posted on 04/29/2005 12:48:44 PM PDT by CaptRon (Pedecaris alive or Raisuli dead)
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