Silver linings

It was hardly surprising when the black caps were eliminated in the semi-finals of the cricket world cup by Sri Lanka, they reach the semi finals frequently, but are yet to advance into a final.

Less predictable though, was today's feeling of relief that they were eliminated before the final! At least that way, they did not have to be involved in today's farcical final. The match was stopped for bad light three overs before the end, and the scoreboard declared Australia the winners. Ground staff even started erecting the podium for the presentations. The umpires then decided the match was not over, and either play would have to resume, or the game would have to be completed tomorrow, despite the fact that an Australian victory was a foregone conclusion. Eventually the Sri Lankan players returned and play was resumed, in near darkness.

Technically, the umpires were correct, but the whole thing was just so disorganised, as if their was no co-ordination, or any plans as to what to do if the light deteriorated. surely twilight is foreseeable? How can the ICC hope to have the confidence of the cricketing world, or hope to expand cricket into new territories if it cannot co-ordinate the showpiece of its own major tournament? The other question is, why was the game scheduled for a venue without lights?

Great Easter Traditions

We have a few Easter traditions in New Zealand; Creme eggs, hot cross buns....and whining about the Easter trading laws!

Why is it that people just find it so hard to deal with the shops being closed for two (non-consecutive) days? I am not at all religious, but I think Easter is a really important chance for people to have a break with their friends and family, and maybe even discover that not all pastimes have to involve the purchasing of consumer goods. And of course, if you really need to buy some stuff, you could always do it on one of the other 361.5 days of the year when the shops are allowed to open!

It also really irritates me that people frame this as a freedom of choice issue, given that the staff who would be forced to work at Easter would not have any real choice in the matter. They will be directed to work, simple as that. Personally, I remember my father having to work publc holidays, and he was never "asked" to work. He just had to work.

In fact I would like to see the list of exceptions to easter closing narrowed, and the fines for breaching the laws increased. I think the fine should be a certain percentage of sales for the day, and the exceptions should be reduced to only include fuel and restricted hours for small shops and restaurants. If that inconveniences some tourists, well, thats sad, but can't they find something to do outdoors? Surely they can cope with waiting one day to buy that greenstone pendant?