Australia vs South Africa

I was fortunate enough to watch Australia beat South Africa in the World Cup yesterday. The cricket club I play with organized to show sellected World Cup matches on a large screen at the University at which I work. What a game it was... I got to see the fastest ever World Cup hundred, some excellent and entertaining batting (with little, if any, slogging), an excellent run-out (Watson with one stump to aim at from the boundary... this may mean nothing to some readers!), and an excellent run chase (at least for a while).

There were many in the crowd sporting Aussie one-day uniforms from the 80s, but probably the most entertaining sight was that of a life-size blow-up David Boon doll! They surely don't make those now, which make this both impressive and somewhat disturbing...

Finally, congratulations to the man who caught a Hayden six in one hand, while not spilling his beer in the other... Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Indeed.

When Irish Eyes Are Smiling!

The phrase "Irish cricket team" does not role readily off the tongue, and when heard conjures thoughts of jolly, ruddy-faced fellows, with a bat in one hand and a Guinness in the other (please drink responsibly). However, the Irish have done amazing things this World Cup... Their tie with Zimbabwe, while impressive, seemed an indictment of the state of Zimbabwe cricket more than anything, but to then beat Pakistan!?!? Brilliant!! With one Group game remaining, they appear certain to progress to the next round and rightfully so! It is a pity that their success has been overshadowed by the death of Bob Woolmer.

Congratulations Ireland!!

A random observation: While in Dallas this weekend Sweetie and I saw a sign on a well-manicured lawn... It was a picture of a squatting dog and the word "No!"... Enough said!

Tornado Watch

Nashville is currently under a tornado watch (we get them from time to time). According to the National Weather Service we should expect "potent areas of storminess"... undoubtably my favourite meteorological phrase!

The University I work at has sent us a helpful email about what we should do in case of a tornado, including the wonderful advice to "assume a fetal position and cover your head" if outside during a tornado... wise advice indeed!

The University has a number of colour warnings, such as "Orange Alert" for tornadoes. My favourite alert is the "Brown Alert", suitable called to denote an "Internal Disaster"...