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Brier

The Brier is the annual Canadian men's championship, contested by top teams from across the country to determine the nation's representative at the World Men's Championship. First held in 1927 and originally sponsored by the Macdonald Tobacco Company—named for the briar root used in tobacco pipes—the event has evolved into 's premier national competition, drawing massive audiences and showcasing elite play. Currently titled the under a multi-year sponsorship agreement with that began in 2024, it features 18 teams in a high-stakes tournament format. The championship's history spans nearly a century, with the inaugural edition taking place March 7–10, 1927, at Toronto's , where eight provincial teams vied for the Macdonald Brier ; Manitoba's team, skipped by William McKercher, claimed victory. No Brier was held from 1943 to 1945 due to the Second World War, but the event resumed in 1946 and has run annually since, adapting formats and sponsorships over time—from Labatt Breweries (1980–2000) to (2001–2004) and (2005–2023). The trophy itself, a , symbolizes excellence in the and has been awarded to legendary skips, including Ken Watson of , the first to win three times (1936, 1942, 1949), and Ernie Richardson of , who secured four consecutive titles from 1959 to 1963. In its modern structure, the Brier includes the defending champion, three pre-qualified teams based on the Canadian Team Ranking System (CTRS), and one champion from each of Canada's 10 provinces and three territories, for a total of 18 rinks. The competition unfolds over roughly 10 days in early March, typically at a major arena, with teams divided into two pools of nine for an eight-game stage; the top three from each pool advance to page playoff qualifiers, and the top four overall proceed to the —a format introduced in 1995 that guarantees the semifinalists are the tournament's two highest-seeded teams. Key rule innovations, such as the free guard zone implemented in 1994, have enhanced strategic depth and excitement. The Brier holds immense cultural and sporting significance in Canada, where curling is a beloved winter pastime, often called the country's "fifth season." It not only crowns a national champion but also propels the winner toward Olympic contention, as the world champion often factors into Canada's Olympic team selection process. Western provinces have dominated historically, winning all but 17 of the first 76 Briers, with and leading the tally; recent decades have seen intense rivalries, including multiple titles by 's (2001–2005) and (2010, 2014, 2016, 2019), and in recent years by of (2017, 2018, 2020, 2024) and of (2013, 2025). The event routinely attracts over 150,000 spectators and millions of TV viewers, underscoring its role in fostering pride and growing the sport internationally.

Plants

Thorny plants

A brier, alternatively spelled briar, denotes any prickly or thorny , encompassing various and characterized by sharp spines or thorns for . This term originates from brēr, referring to a thorny , with roots in Proto-Germanic forms denoting prickly vegetation. Common examples include species from the genus , such as wild roses, which are upright or arching deciduous native to temperate regions of and . These plants typically reach 3–10 feet in height, featuring compound leaves, fragrant pink or white flowers, and red hips that persist into winter; they form dense thickets providing nesting cover for birds and forage for deer and small mammals, while their roots stabilize soil in disturbed . Blackberry (), a native to , produces long, arching canes armed with hooked prickles, growing up to 10 feet and sprawling into impenetrable thickets that historically served as natural hedges in rural . Ecologically, it attracts pollinators like bees to its white flowers and supplies nutritious berries for birds and mammals, while its root system prevents erosion on slopes and disturbed sites. Greenbrier (), a semi-evergreen woody endemic to eastern , climbs trees or structures via tendrils, reaching 20–30 feet with square stems bearing small, needle-like thorns and heart-shaped leaves. It creates tangled thickets offering winter shelter and berries for songbirds, rabbits, and , while aiding in by colonizing cleared areas and supporting pollinators. Sweetbrier (), a fragrant wild rose native to and western but widely naturalized elsewhere, grows as a 6–10-foot with downward-curving, flattened thorns on arching stems and apple-scented foliage. Adapted to dry, disturbed soils like roadsides and pastures, it contributes to by providing hips for and serving as a nurse plant in degraded rangelands, though it can suppress native grasses in invasions. In historical and cultural contexts, briers evoke themes of protection and hardship, their thorny barriers symbolizing natural defenses against intruders in , while representing trials or desolation in narratives of adversity. For instance, the Bible's 5:6 describes briers overtaking neglected vineyards as a for and barrenness. In English literature, briers frequently depict rugged rural landscapes, as in Maclaren's Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush (1894), which portrays Scottish countryside thickets as integral to community life and seasonal toil. Etymologically, "brier" serves as a general term for thorny shrubs, distinct from "bramble," which specifically applies to tangled species like , and "," a broader descriptor for any sharp plant projection rather than the plant itself.

Briar root and uses

Briar root, the prized material derived from the burl formations at the base of (tree heath), a native to the , is valued for its exceptional density, heat resistance, and low moisture absorption, making it ideal for artisanal . Unlike woods from thorny such as or roots, which lack the necessary fire-retardant qualities and uniformity, true briar from Erica arborea has become the standard for high-end applications due to its ability to withstand repeated heating without imparting flavors or odors. The use of briar root in pipe-making originated in the mid-19th century in Saint-Claude, , where artisans discovered its suitability after earlier materials like clay and meerschaum proved less durable; the French term "bruyère" for directly inspired the name "briar pipe." Harvesting involves manually uprooting mature shrubs—typically 30 to 50 years old—from rugged terrains, followed by cutting the burls free and boiling them to remove sap and outer . Seasoning then occurs through air-drying for up to two years in controlled environments to enhance and , preventing cracks during carving. Artisans shape the wood into blocks, selecting orientations to reveal patterns: straight grain features parallel, uninterrupted lines for a sleek aesthetic, while flame grain displays dramatic, wavy striations that radiate from the bowl, both achieved through precise drilling and sanding to align with the wood's natural structure. Beyond pipes, briar root's hardness and attractive figuring lend it to tool handles, such as those for chisels and knives, where its and durability excel; walking sticks crafted from polished burls offer both functionality and ornamental appeal; and decorative items like turned or inlays highlight its swirling patterns in furniture or jewelry. In regions like and , primary harvesting areas, sustainable practices emphasize selective uprooting of older plants to allow regeneration, with traditional management—such as grub felling—also aiding prevention by reducing loads in Mediterranean ecosystems. Quality grading of briar wood focuses on factors like (higher in aged burls for better smoke cooling), uniform color (creamy white to reddish-brown without streaks), and minimal flaws such as sand inclusions or pits, which are often sandblasted in lower grades to conceal imperfections. Premium grades, such as AAA straight grain, command high prices for their flawless, birdseye-dotted surfaces from 50-plus-year-old roots, while economy grades use younger, more flawed wood for rustic finishes, ensuring accessibility without compromising core functionality.

Names and characters

Surname and notable individuals

Brier is an English topographic derived from "brer" or "brere," referring to someone who lived near a or thorny , with possible metaphorical use for a "prickly" individual. The name traces to "brǣr," meaning thorn bush, and emerged as a hereditary in the medieval period in regions like . Variants include Briers and Briar, reflecting phonetic and regional spelling differences. The surname is most prevalent in English-speaking countries, with approximately 45% of bearers in , particularly the and , and significant concentrations in the . Historical records indicate its presence in from the medieval era, with early migrations to the documented in the ; by 1840, Brier families were established in the , , , and , often as laborers or clerks. Post-World War II movements saw further dispersal, including to and continental , driven by economic opportunities and family relocations. Notable individuals with the surname include (born December 13, 1943), an American Egyptologist and senior research fellow at , renowned for his paleopathology work on mummies and authoring books such as The Murder of Tutankhamen (1998). Sabrina Brier (born August 4, 1994) is an American comedian, actress, and influencer known for viral skits and her role in the series . Hannah Brier (born February 3, 1998) is a British sprinter specializing in 100m, 200m, and 400m events, who won gold in the 200m at the British Indoor Championships and holds Welsh records in the 100m. Markus Brier (born July 5, 1968) is an Austrian who secured two European Tour victories, including the 2006 BA-CA Golf Open, and continues competing on the Legends Tour.

Fictional characters

In the fairy tale "Little Briar-Rose," collected by the Brothers Grimm in their 1812 anthology Kinder- und Hausmärchen, the princess is known by the name Briar Rose, derived from the impenetrable thorny hedge of brier plants that encircles the castle during her century-long enchanted sleep, symbolizing isolation and eventual rebirth. This pseudonym underscores the tale's themes of curse and awakening, with the brier motif drawn from earlier European folklore variants. The character reappears in Walt Disney Productions' 1959 animated film Sleeping Beauty, where Princess Aurora adopts the alias Briar Rose while in hiding from Maleficent's curse; raised by the three good fairies in a woodland cottage, she uses this name until her sixteenth birthday, blending innocence with latent royalty. The adaptation retains the Grimm-inspired thorny enclosure but emphasizes Briar Rose's pastoral, dreamlike persona through songs like "Once Upon a Dream." Briar Moss is a central figure in Tamora Pierce's quartet (1997–1999), a young ambient mage with innate powers over and earth, originating as a street thief nicknamed "Roach" in the fictional realm of Emelan. Orphaned and hardened by urban survival in the trading city of Bittern's Nest, Briar is discovered by the mage Dedicate Rosethorn and joins the Winding Circle community, where his magic manifests in controlling vines, trees, and crops; his arc explores redemption, as seen in Briar's Book (1999), where he combats a magical afflicting during a . Briar's development highlights themes of growth from adversity, mirroring the resilient nature of brier . In Bill Willingham's comic series Fables (2002–2015), published by DC Comics' Vertigo imprint, Briar Rose appears as the Sleeping Beauty from , exiled to modern-day after mythical beings flee their homelands; she serves as a princess in Fabletown's community, later involved in romantic entanglements with the Prince Aspen at the upstate . Her portrayal expands the character's agency, depicting her as a survivor navigating exile and intrigue, with the brier hedge reimagined as a protective barrier in her backstory. Folklore motifs involving "briar" patches, such as in Joel Chandler Harris's stories (1881 onward), feature thorny thickets as sites of trickery and refuge, exemplified by Br'er Rabbit's plea not to be thrown into the —his familiar home—tricking Br'er into an escape that embodies cunning resilience against predators. Though not naming a character "Brier," these tales link the term to wild, protective entanglements, influencing later narratives. Across these depictions, fictional Briars and briar elements recurrently evoke motifs of tenacity and natural barriers, reflecting the plant's real-world associations with hardy, thorny growth that shields or ensnares.

Places

Settlements

Brier is a city located in , , situated approximately 15 miles north of . Incorporated on February 11, 1965, it emerged from a rural community in the Shasta Park area after residents resisted annexation into neighboring Mountlake Terrace, leading to a successful incorporation effort that began in 1964. The name "Brier" was selected from a local and road, likely referencing the thorny brier vegetation common in the region. As of the , the population stood at 6,560 residents. The city functions primarily as a suburban residential enclave, with its economy closely linked to the broader , including commuting to tech and service sectors; it experienced notable growth in the amid the regional tech boom that expanded employment opportunities in Snohomish County. Brier Hill is a historic neighborhood on the north side of , renowned in the early as the city's "" due to the influx of immigrants seeking work in the burgeoning industry. The area developed around the Brier Hill Steel Company, which drew laborers to its blast furnaces and rolling mills starting in the late , fostering a tight-knit community with cultural institutions like of Church established by 1898. Today, Brier Hill maintains its status as a diverse yet heritage-rich district, where traditions are preserved through annual community events such as the Brier Hill Italian Festival, featuring authentic foods like rolls and live entertainment that attract thousands each August.

Other geographical features

Brier Hill is a rural locality situated in Redstone Township, , characterized by its rolling terrain and agricultural landscapes along U.S. Route 40. The area features a encompassing structures from the 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting its historical role in local farming and coal-related activities in the region. Brier Island, located at the western extremity of , , forms the southern terminus of the North Mountain ridge and lies within the , renowned for its extreme ranges exceeding 15 meters. The island's rugged geography includes steep cliffs, coastal forests, and over 25 kilometers of shoreline, supporting diverse ecosystems that attract birdwatchers and hikers. It is a protected spanning more than 400 hectares, with notable features such as lighthouses at Northern and Western Points, established in the to guide traffic through foggy conditions and strong currents. The surrounding waters are a prime site for , particularly humpback and fin whales, due to nutrient-rich upwellings from interactions. Brier Creek, a of the in , , defines a significant historical landscape as the site of the Battle of Brier Creek on March 3, 1779, during the . The creek's low-lying, flat peninsula terrain, formed at its confluence with the river, provided strategic cover for forces in their of troops, resulting in a decisive victory that bolstered control in the . Today, the battlefield is preserved within the Tuckahoe Wildlife Management Area, emphasizing its role as a natural waterway amid forested wetlands. Many geographical features named "Brier" originate from colonial-era surveys identifying areas dense with thorny shrubs or briars, such as wild roses or brambles, which were common in early and landscapes. This topographic highlights environmental characteristics that influenced patterns and land documentation in rural regions.

Other uses

The Brier (curling championship)

The Brier, officially known as the Montana's Brier since 2024, is the annual Canadian men's curling championship that determines the nation's representative at the World Men's Curling Championship. The event originated in 1927 when the Macdonald Tobacco Company sponsored the inaugural tournament, held from March 1–3 at Toronto's Granite Club, with Nova Scotia's team skipped by Murray MacNeill claiming the first title. Named after the company's Brier brand of pipe tobacco—derived from the woody root used in pipe making—the competition has evolved into a cornerstone of Canadian winter sports, drawing massive crowds and fostering national rivalries. The modern format features 18 teams divided into two pools of nine for an eight-game stage, followed by playoffs where the top three teams from each pool advance to qualification games; the winners of those games join the second-place teams from each pool in the semifinals of the . Qualification occurs primarily through provincial and territorial playdowns, with additional spots allocated to the defending champions, high-ranked teams via the Canadian Team Ranking System (CTRS), and performance-based . The tournament rotates among host cities across , emphasizing regional engagement; for instance, the 2025 event took place from February 28 to March 9 at Prospera Place in , . Alberta's Team Jacobs, skipped by Brad Jacobs, won the 2025 title with a 5-3 victory over Manitoba's Team Dunstone in the final, securing Alberta's record 30th Brier championship and earning the right to represent internationally. Sponsorship has shaped the event's identity and growth. Macdonald Tobacco backed it from 1927 to 1979, followed by from 1980 until took over in the early 2000s. served as title sponsor from 2005 to 2023, enhancing visibility through marketing and community ties, before assumed the role starting in 2024. The five-rock free guard zone rule, adopted for the 2018-19 season (with a four-rock version used from 2002 to 2018), promotes strategic play by protecting the first five stones in the free guard zone unless removed by the opposing team, remains a key element of Brier competition. Alberta leads with 30 titles, underscoring its dominance in the sport, while notable skips like (four wins between 2001 and 2005) and (five wins, including 2022) have elevated the event's competitive legacy. The Brier's cultural impact extends beyond the ice, embodying of camaraderie and resilience, with attendance often exceeding 150,000 and broadcasts reaching millions, solidifying its status as a premier winter sporting tradition. The 100th Brier is scheduled for March 2026 in , .

Brier score

The is a designed to evaluate the accuracy of probabilistic forecasts, especially for outcomes where an either occurs or does not. Introduced by Glenn W. Brier in his seminal paper on verifying predictions expressed as probabilities, it quantifies the mean squared difference between predicted probabilities and actual outcomes, rewarding well-calibrated and discriminative forecasts while penalizing overconfidence or miscalibration. The score ranges from 0, representing perfect alignment between predictions and reality, to a maximum of 1, which occurs for highly inaccurate forecasts such as consistently predicting a probability of 0 or 1 opposite to the outcome. For a sequence of n binary events, the Brier score BS is defined as the average squared error: BS = \frac{1}{n} \sum_{i=1}^{n} (f_i - o_i)^2 where f_i denotes the forecasted probability of the event occurring in the i-th instance (with $0 \leq f_i \leq 1), and o_i is the observed outcome (1 if the event occurs, 0 otherwise). This formula derives directly from the mean squared error applied to probabilistic predictions, making it intuitive for assessing forecast reliability in Brier's original meteorological context. The score can be decomposed into three additive components—calibration, refinement (also called resolution), and uncertainty—providing deeper insights into forecast performance; calibration measures how closely predicted probabilities match observed frequencies, refinement evaluates the forecast's ability to separate outcomes effectively, and uncertainty captures the baseline variability in the data. This decomposition, formalized by Murphy and Winkler, highlights that a low Brier score reflects both good calibration (e.g., 70% predictions yielding 70% occurrences) and strong refinement relative to uncertainty. In practice, lower Brier scores indicate superior probabilistic accuracy, with values around 0.25 often considered skillful for real-world applications like weather events where perfect foresight is impossible. For instance, in Brier's meteorological evaluations, forecasts predicting a 70% of that occur 70% of the time yield a score of 0.21, matching the term and demonstrating ideal without excess error from misprediction. Compared to alternatives like the logarithmic score (which emphasizes extreme probabilities more heavily) or the spherical score (which normalizes differently), the Brier score's offers a balanced, easy-to-interpret measure akin to familiar error metrics. The finds broad applications beyond , including weather forecasting by organizations like the (NOAA) for verifying predictions, where it helps assess operational model improvements. In election forecasting, it evaluates models predicting candidate win probabilities by penalizing deviations from actual results across multiple races. In , it serves as a key metric for assessing probabilistic classifiers, such as those produced by , by rewarding models that output reliable probability estimates rather than just accurate hard classifications. For categorical outcomes with K > 2 classes, the Brier score extends to the multinomial form: BS = \frac{1}{n} \sum_{i=1}^{n} \sum_{k=1}^{K} (f_{i,k} - o_{i,k})^2 where f_{i,k} is the predicted probability for category k in instance i, and o_{i,k} is 1 if category k is observed (0 otherwise), enabling evaluation of multi-class predictions like types or outcomes with multiple candidates.

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