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Author Topic:   The Ashes
Straggler
Member
Posts: 10333
From: London England
Joined: 09-30-2006


(1)
Message 1 of 356 (515722)
07-20-2009 7:20 PM


I suspect that most EvC participants may not even know what "the Ashes" are. But I have been keenly following the cricket and made it to the pub at lunchtime to catch Englands victory today. Great stuff!!
Any Aussies in the house? Anybody actually at Lords today?
For the uninitiated The Ashes - Wikipedia
Like I said, I suspect that few EvC participants will know or particularly care but there might be one fellow fanatic out there......?

Replies to this message:
 Message 2 by Theodoric, posted 07-20-2009 9:23 PM Straggler has replied
 Message 3 by Parasomnium, posted 07-21-2009 1:33 AM Straggler has not replied
 Message 4 by Blue Jay, posted 07-21-2009 2:48 PM Straggler has replied
 Message 8 by tuffers, posted 07-22-2009 3:04 AM Straggler has not replied

  
Theodoric
Member
Posts: 9076
From: Northwest, WI, USA
Joined: 08-15-2005
Member Rating: 3.7


Message 2 of 356 (515740)
07-20-2009 9:23 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by Straggler
07-20-2009 7:20 PM


I have always been intrigued by Cricket. But living in the states I have never had a chance to watch it. They do offer it on satellite but they want ridiculous amount.
I did get to watch some while I was in South Africa in April. It is an amazing game. I would love to learn more and watch more. Maybe I need to pop for the price DirecTV wants.

Facts don't lie or have an agenda. Facts are just facts

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Straggler, posted 07-20-2009 7:20 PM Straggler has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 5 by Straggler, posted 07-21-2009 6:16 PM Theodoric has not replied

  
Parasomnium
Member
Posts: 2224
Joined: 07-15-2003


Message 3 of 356 (515759)
07-21-2009 1:33 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by Straggler
07-20-2009 7:20 PM


On my last holiday in England, recently, I bought a cricket ball for a souvenir, at a charity sale. I then decided to learn more about cricket. I knew The Ashes are going on. Love the story behind the name "The Ashes".

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Straggler, posted 07-20-2009 7:20 PM Straggler has not replied

  
Blue Jay
Member (Idle past 2697 days)
Posts: 2843
From: You couldn't pronounce it with your mouthparts
Joined: 02-04-2008


Message 4 of 356 (515823)
07-21-2009 2:48 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by Straggler
07-20-2009 7:20 PM


Hi, Straggler.
I know about the Ashes: I read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (and all of its sequels). In that story, the ashes in the urn are the remains of a bail that was part of the key to open the Wicket Gate and allow the evil beings from the planet Krikkit to escape and rain terror on the universe. And, the English game cricket is said to be a tasteless product of latent ancestral memories from the ancient Krikkit Wars, which had severely traumatized the entire galaxy (it is one of many reasons why Earth has been shunned by the intergalactic community).
-----
Also, my advisor is English, and he tried to teach the lab how to play cricket at a party a while ago. I think his four-year-old son understands it better than we do, even after all that.
Edited by Bluejay, : No reason given.

-Bluejay (a.k.a. Mantis, Thylacosmilus)
Darwin loves you.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Straggler, posted 07-20-2009 7:20 PM Straggler has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 6 by Straggler, posted 07-21-2009 6:41 PM Blue Jay has replied

  
Straggler
Member
Posts: 10333
From: London England
Joined: 09-30-2006


(1)
Message 5 of 356 (515854)
07-21-2009 6:16 PM
Reply to: Message 2 by Theodoric
07-20-2009 9:23 PM


Unfolding Story.....
I have always been intrigued by Cricket. But living in the states I have never had a chance to watch it.
Poor you!! It is the best sport in the world!!
They do offer it on satellite but they want ridiculous amount.
Here in England/Britain it is the same. Since 2005 it is only on sattellite premium pay channels. This means I cannot watch at home but does give me an excuse to go to the pub. So it is not all bad.......
I did get to watch some while I was in South Africa in April. It is an amazing game. I would love to learn more and watch more. Maybe I need to pop for the price DirecTV wants
A test cricket match lasts five days. In some instances a draw is the most tense result imaginable. "Saving the game" can be as important as, if not more so, than winning (much like debating I guess).
So 5 five day matches over the course of the summer. You get to know all the characters involved. Each match, each day in many respects, is like the unfoldfing of a dramatic story. Rivalries both individual and team come into play. Some players crumble under the pressure. Some excel. It is as extreme a test of character as one can imagine. In short it is the epitome of what sport is all about.
But no "fly by night" watcher of sport is going to get all that by watching 30 minutes or so of something they don'y really understand. Finding a knowledgeable enthusiast and getting them to pay while you watch is prbably the best (and cheapest) way for you to discover the sport.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 2 by Theodoric, posted 07-20-2009 9:23 PM Theodoric has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 7 by Parasomnium, posted 07-22-2009 2:10 AM Straggler has replied
 Message 11 by Granny Magda, posted 07-22-2009 11:20 AM Straggler has replied

  
Straggler
Member
Posts: 10333
From: London England
Joined: 09-30-2006


(1)
Message 6 of 356 (515857)
07-21-2009 6:41 PM
Reply to: Message 4 by Blue Jay
07-21-2009 2:48 PM


Wadda They Know.
Bluejay writes:
I know about the Ashes: I read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (and all of its sequels). In that story, the ashes in the urn are the remains of a bail that was part of the key to open the Wicket Gate and allow the evil beings from the planet Krikkit to escape and rain terror on the universe. And, the English game cricket is said to be a tasteless product of latent ancestral memories from the ancient Krikkit Wars, which had severely traumatized the entire galaxy (it is one of many reasons why Earth has been shunned by the intergalactic community).
Well boo sucks to the inter-galactic community!! That is what I say. Wadda they know anyway?
The Earth as a planetary entity could be shunned for many things perpetrated by my nation of birth and home. But cricket is most definitely not one of them!!
On a different note I have always been intrigued by the idea that I communicate (ir)regularly with an SF writer. Can you point me to any of your work online or otherwise? If not for reasons of personal obscurity or whatever else that is fine. I just thought I would ask.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 4 by Blue Jay, posted 07-21-2009 2:48 PM Blue Jay has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 10 by Blue Jay, posted 07-22-2009 8:40 AM Straggler has not replied

  
Parasomnium
Member
Posts: 2224
Joined: 07-15-2003


Message 7 of 356 (515878)
07-22-2009 2:10 AM
Reply to: Message 5 by Straggler
07-21-2009 6:16 PM


Test Cricket
Straggler writes:
It is as extreme a test of character as one can imagine.
Is that why it is called "Test Cricket"? I never understood that name. I always wondered, why do they continually play test matches, why do they never play for real? (I understand now that Test cricket is the highest "league" - for want of a better word - of the sport.)

This message is a reply to:
 Message 5 by Straggler, posted 07-21-2009 6:16 PM Straggler has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 13 by Straggler, posted 07-22-2009 3:04 PM Parasomnium has not replied

  
tuffers
Member (Idle past 5275 days)
Posts: 92
From: Norwich, UK
Joined: 07-20-2009


Message 8 of 356 (515880)
07-22-2009 3:04 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by Straggler
07-20-2009 7:20 PM


CRICKET'S NOT GREAT
Please, Americans, do not be fooled by my compatriot. You could easily waste your short time on this planet by getting into Cricket.
Each match lasts as long as Creation, which is the only explanation for some people calling it "God's sport".
What he hasn't told you is that apart from each match lasting 5 days, the Ashes is a series of 5 (or is it 6?) matches. That's longer than the whole Olympics!

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Straggler, posted 07-20-2009 7:20 PM Straggler has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 9 by anglagard, posted 07-22-2009 4:34 AM tuffers has not replied

  
anglagard
Member (Idle past 836 days)
Posts: 2339
From: Socorro, New Mexico USA
Joined: 03-18-2006


Message 9 of 356 (515881)
07-22-2009 4:34 AM
Reply to: Message 8 by tuffers
07-22-2009 3:04 AM


Re: CRICKET'S NOT GREAT
tuffers writes:
Please, Americans, do not be fooled by my compatriot. You could easily waste your short time on this planet by getting into Cricket.
No problem, our knowledge of cricket in this household is limited to Monty Python sketches. Needless to say, not much of an impression here (but then again, my daughter and I consider watching all sports a waste of time, while my wife can curse more than anyone alive at watching a basketball game).
To each their own. Anyone up for Gentle Giant (or particularly in the kid's case Amon Duul 2)?
Edited by anglagard, : add a matter of taste

Read not to contradict and confute, not to believe and take for granted, not to find talk and discourse, but to weigh and consider - Francis Bacon
The more we understand particular things, the more we understand God - Spinoza

This message is a reply to:
 Message 8 by tuffers, posted 07-22-2009 3:04 AM tuffers has not replied

  
Blue Jay
Member (Idle past 2697 days)
Posts: 2843
From: You couldn't pronounce it with your mouthparts
Joined: 02-04-2008


Message 10 of 356 (515899)
07-22-2009 8:40 AM
Reply to: Message 6 by Straggler
07-21-2009 6:41 PM


Re: Wadda They Know.
Hi, Straggler.
Straggler writes:
Can you point me to any of your work online or otherwise? If not for reasons of personal obscurity or whatever else that is fine. I just thought I would ask.
No, I don't post my stuff online.
I'm still unpublished. I've spoken to publishers, but I basically just don't want to shill out the money right now. It'll probably have to wait until after grad school.

-Bluejay (a.k.a. Mantis, Thylacosmilus)
Darwin loves you.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 6 by Straggler, posted 07-21-2009 6:41 PM Straggler has not replied

  
Granny Magda
Member
Posts: 2462
From: UK
Joined: 11-12-2007
Member Rating: 4.0


Message 11 of 356 (515929)
07-22-2009 11:20 AM
Reply to: Message 5 by Straggler
07-21-2009 6:16 PM


Re: Unfolding Story.....
Hi Straggler,
quote:
It is the best sport in the world!!
Cricket isn't a sport. It is not even a game. It is a religious ritual. It's main purpose is the generation of statistics.
Umpire = priest. Just look at all the confusing jargon that only insiders understand, the impractical costumes, the fanatical followers... I'm telling you, it's a cult!
It is not true that the English invented cricket as a way of making all other human endeavours look interesting and lively; that was merely an unintended side effect. - Bill Bryson
When's the game itself going to begin? - Groucho Marx, watching a match at Lord's
Mutate and Survive

"A curious aspect of the theory of evolution is that everybody thinks he understands it." - Jacques Monod

This message is a reply to:
 Message 5 by Straggler, posted 07-21-2009 6:16 PM Straggler has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 12 by Straggler, posted 07-22-2009 11:44 AM Granny Magda has not replied

  
Straggler
Member
Posts: 10333
From: London England
Joined: 09-30-2006


(2)
Message 12 of 356 (515944)
07-22-2009 11:44 AM
Reply to: Message 11 by Granny Magda
07-22-2009 11:20 AM


I'm A Theist!!!!!
Cricket isn't a sport. It is not even a game. It is a religious ritual.
I am a theist after all!!!

This message is a reply to:
 Message 11 by Granny Magda, posted 07-22-2009 11:20 AM Granny Magda has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 14 by Parasomnium, posted 07-22-2009 3:04 PM Straggler has replied

  
Straggler
Member
Posts: 10333
From: London England
Joined: 09-30-2006


(1)
Message 13 of 356 (516003)
07-22-2009 3:04 PM
Reply to: Message 7 by Parasomnium
07-22-2009 2:10 AM


Re: Test Cricket
Parasomnium writes:
Is that why it is called "Test Cricket"? I never understood that name. I always wondered, why do they continually play test matches, why do they never play for real?
Fair comment. I had never thought of that potential confusion!!
Wiki writes:
The name "Test" may have arisen from the idea that the matches are a "test of strength and competency" between the sides involved
Test cricket - Wikipedia
It seems that, as I suspected I am all but alone at EvC as a "disciple" (according to Granny M anyway) of the great game. Not even an Australian to gloat at!!

This message is a reply to:
 Message 7 by Parasomnium, posted 07-22-2009 2:10 AM Parasomnium has not replied

  
Parasomnium
Member
Posts: 2224
Joined: 07-15-2003


Message 14 of 356 (516004)
07-22-2009 3:04 PM
Reply to: Message 12 by Straggler
07-22-2009 11:44 AM


Re: I'm A Theist!!!!!
Hey Straggler, what's the score?
ABE: we cross posted
Edited by Parasomnium, : No reason given.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 12 by Straggler, posted 07-22-2009 11:44 AM Straggler has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 15 by Straggler, posted 07-22-2009 3:13 PM Parasomnium has replied

  
Straggler
Member
Posts: 10333
From: London England
Joined: 09-30-2006


(1)
Message 15 of 356 (516005)
07-22-2009 3:13 PM
Reply to: Message 14 by Parasomnium
07-22-2009 3:04 PM


England Lead. But.......
Hey Straggler, what's the score?
Two matches played. 1 - 0 to England so far. 3 matches left to play. The next match starts next Thursday.
Englands best player, a blood and guts type fast bowling all rounder, is being held together with sticky tape and glue for this series alone. After this ashes series he will have to retire from all test cricket at the age of 32 due to his body literally collapsing under the exertions of repeatedly propelling a heavy wooden ball at 90+ MPH. Meanwhile the Aussies best fast bowler is set to return from injury for the last three matches.
England lead the series but it all to play for.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 14 by Parasomnium, posted 07-22-2009 3:04 PM Parasomnium has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 16 by Parasomnium, posted 07-22-2009 3:46 PM Straggler has replied

  
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