Only Happy with a 15-point Lead

Sports spectatorship psychology is infuriating. Why is it that, after not caring at all for the best part of three years, it suddenly has become very important to me that the UT Vols keep progressing in the Men's Basketball NCAA tournament? Talk about fair-weather fan-dom!  Also, why is it that we watch games that can rarely actually be enjoyable to watch?  If we really care about the result, we can almost never be happy until the final whistle (or buzzer). You see, in soccer, my team has to be 3-0 up to be safe, and this never happens. 2-0 is not enough because the other team can score one then put the pressure on. Likewise, in basketball, if you haven't got a 15-point lead then you can never relax.
So last weekend there were two games to watch: Norwich versus Sunderland in soccer and the Vols against Mercer in the NCAA Round of 32. Norwich won 2-0, but we were never safe.  The Vols, on the other hand, were 15 points or more in the lead virtually throughout. So only that game  could actually be enjoyed in real time. Now, as for Michigan in the Sweet Sixteen, I doubt there will be any pleasure there until, possibly,  the very, very end.

High-School Rebirth

Another personal note....

What a pleasure to see one's high school saved!

Poor old Earlham School in Norwich, where I spent six years in the 1970s, was ranked academically 51st out of 52 high schools in Norfolk in 2008 and was also consistently one of the lowest ranking schools in the whole of England, seemingly destined for closure and oblivion.

Now, however, it has been been resuscitated as "City Academy Norwich" with much improved results. Aaaah, so our fond memories of soccer at break time with a tennis ball and who-knows-what behind the bike sheds shall not be despoiled!

Maybe I should even send my own daughter there now?

Wishing the old alma mater the best of luck.