Tipping for Dummies: Round 3

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Two for two. Yeah baby Broncos. Whaaaat.

Everybody's favourite Tipping for Dummies!

Everybody’s favourite Tipping for Dummies!

SolSat’s predictions from round two: 5 of 8 (62.5%) This is an improvement from round one. I am dying to get a perfect score at least once this year.

Friday March 21, 2014
Wests Tigers vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs @ ANZ Stadium
In an odd “whose home game is whose” match, the Tigers take on the Bunnies in the opening game – the former of which is considered as the home team even though ANZ is more commonly associated with the latter. What makes this game even odder is that the team who came up with the big win in round two isn’t who you think it is… and that momentum may play in favour for the Tigers.
SolSat’s prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs
Soznotsoz, Tigers, but I don’t think Robbie Farahrahrahrah’s team of Tigers can down the Bunnies, even with their close loss to the Sea Eagles looming over their heads. The Bunnies were a force to be reckoned with last year and they will no doubt be the same this year.

Brisbane Broncos vs. Sydney Roosters @ Suncorp Stadium
The baby Broncos take on the Sydney Roosters in their second straight home game. The Broncos are sitting nicely in second place on the ladder while the reigning premiers are a bit lower and look to regain their top position. This will be Martin Kennedy’s first game against his old team since joining the Broncos in the off season.
SolSat’s prediction: Brisbane Broncos
Okay hear me out. I know the Chookies are that damn dominant, but the Broncos have a fire in them I didn’t see much last year. Macca has been on fire in his position as starting hooker for the Broncos and combined with their new leadership, I don’t see why the Bronx can’t win this one. VERY close game, however.

Saturday March 22, 2014
Penrith Panthers vs. Canterbury Bulldogs @ Sportingbet Stadium
The Panthers have had a great start to the season with winger Josh Mansour impressing with his always-top form. Their next challenge comes in the form of the Doggies who, basically, demolished the Sharkies last week.
SolSat’s prediction: Penrith Panthers
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the Panthers had the best off season of all the clubs and their re-design has helped them greatly. The Doggies are playing good, sure, but they haven’t come close to their peak. I know they’re capable of more so I’m expecting a close game but a Penrith win.

Cronulla Sharks vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons @ Remondis Stadium
The last placed Sharkies will look to gain a bit of momentum but unfortunately have the task of doing so against the first placed Dragons. Fortunately for Cronulla, they get key playmaker Toddles Carney and Siosaia Vave back.
SolSat’s prediction: St. George Illawarra Dragons
Gareth Widdop. Need I say more? But seriously, the team as a whole are doing splendidly and it doesn’t surprise me to see them bounce from the bottom of last year’s ladder to the very top. Also… Gareth Widdop. It must be all the Justin Bieber he listens to.

North Queensland Cowboys vs. New Zealand Warriors @ 1300 SMILES Stadium
I’m sorry. I seriously cannot get over the name of that stadium. It suits Thurston so much. Smiles aside, the Cowboys come off a Queensland derby loss against the Broncos while the Warriors will be looking for redemption after losing against the Dragons last week in a whiplashing.
SolSat’s prediction: North Queensland Cowboys
The Cowboys are a strong force (they just couldn’t get past my boys rocksolid defence last week). Give the ball to Thurston and you might as well step aside and let him score. The Warriors, like the Doggies, haven’t hit their peak yet, and they better do so soon otherwise I don’t see finals footy in their future. Also, LOL. 1300 SMILES. That’s so cute.

Sunday March 23, 2014
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Parramatta Eels @ Brookvale Oval
The peculiar 10th placed Sea Eagles hope to continue their winning ways and stay in form against the Eels who, like the Warriors, were steamrolled last week at the hands of the Chookies. Maybe the Eels just don’t do well against birds, and Sea Eagles are birds. Glenn Stewart returns for the Eagles while Peatsy returns for the Eels.
SolSat’s prediction: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
My bird theory aside, the Sea Eagles always do well against the Eels and I expect a similar outing on Sunday. Even with the return of Nathan Peats, who I consider one of my most cherished players (along with Hoppa), the Eels are no match for the Eagles, but the Parramatta side won’t go down without a fight.

Canberra Raiders vs. Gold Coast Titans @ GIO Stadium
The 11th placed Raiders host the 12th placed Titans at GIO Stadium… probably because one of the glass doors at Canberra Stadium’s broken. It’s interesting to note that the Titans scored their first victory in round one while the Raiders first tasted a win in round two.
SolSat’s prediction: Gold Coast Titans
Why Shillington is on the bench is beyond me, but that aside, I think the Titans have the slight edge over the Canberra side in this one. The Titans have the players to become a great team, they just need to find their “mojo”, to steal a word from Austin Powers. This’ll be one to watch.

Monday March 24, 2014
Melbourne Storm vs. Newcastle Knights @ AAMI Park
The Storm, who in my opinion should be performing way better than one point field goal wins, face the Knights who have yet to taste victory in the season so far. The Storm’s team remains unchanged from round two while the Knights have an extended bench with Fa’alogo wearing number 18.
SolSat’s prediction: Melbourne Storm
Putting aside the fact that the Storm are troopers, the Knights have let me down this season. I don’t know whether it’s because they’re without Mullen or they’re just not in the mood to perform well, but they have not been in form at all this season, and that will be the major contribution to the Storm’s victory.

I’ll be streaming my Broncos game tonight like a peasant seeing as we in Sydney get their game on half an hour delay. What is that?

– by The Black Widow

Common Romantic Misconceptions of Romeo and Juliet

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Because really, Romeo and Juliet isn’t that romantic.

When girls talking about finding their dream man, they will often refer to him as their “Romeo”. Guys don’t often talk to each other about feelings, but I’m sure if they do, they’ll call her their “Juliet”. I’d hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Romeo and Juliet aren’t as romantic as society makes them out to be. It seems as if people are too distracted by the artsy Shakespearean language to really understand what the characters are trying to say.

Don't be fooled by these young actors. They are misleading you! (CREDIT: Z. Smith Reynolds Library Flickr)

Don’t be fooled by these young actors. They are misleading you! (CREDIT: Z. Smith Reynolds Library Flickr)

Alas, as a Shakespeare enthusiast and all-around badass, I am here to set you straight and/or ruin your hopes and dreams.

Example one: The nurse and Juliet gossip like frivolous teenage girls
Picture two young women talking to each other about a man in today’s society. I’m sure their conversation would be along the lines of “Oh yeah, would bang” or “OMG put a baby in me.” Not in the slightest bit romantic, is it? That is exactly how Juliet and her nurse were talking about Romeo. “Why, he’s a man of wax”, a line that is famously quoted by Juliet, loosely translates into 21st century English and becomes “Crikey I’d go him.” Truth? Maybe. Romantic? Not unless you’re solely cruising for a root.

Example two: That balcony scene
This may be a bit too much for those who think this is the pinnacle of romance in cultural arts. It isn’t. Sorrynotsorry. Let’s start with the obvious one: Romeo is quite literally creeping on Juliet. I’m sure young ladies nowadays would freak out if they saw a guy watching them through their window muttering to themselves, so if it’s unacceptable now, why is it romantic a couple of hundred years ago? Creeper. Also, “It is the east and Juliet is the sun!” is, unfortunately, translated to “Farrrk I think she’s farrrkin’ hawt.” I guess it wouldn’t be so bad if he wasn’t creeping at her through the window.

Example three: I’d be sad if you died, but…
My (man’s) best friend died nearly four years ago now, God bless his soul. I wasn’t with him at the time of his passing which only added to the heartache I felt when I originally found out he had left me. Was I sad? Absolutely. I cried for that whole day and would often cry days later. Would I kill myself whilst sitting right next to him just so I could “be” with him? Um. No. This may be me sounding a tad cynical but what is so romantic about Romeo and Juliet killing themselves for each other? That is tragic and a tad bit obsessive. Not romantic at all.

Example four: Five minutes later
Granted, the star cross’d lovers probably had a bit more than five minutes to get to know each other, but they didn’t know each other all that long before they were prepared to give their lives for each other. I guess it’s kind of romantic, like the tiniest bit, but it’s intense and creepy overall. How would you feel if you met someone off Tinder and after their date, they were planning to kill themselves for you? Yes. Case closed.

I’m sure there are more examples I could use to highlight my point but you get the idea. Romeo and Juliet is not as romantic as it seems. Case closed. Soz not soz.

– by The Black Widow

Confessions of a Thefthead

Posted in Entertainment, Music by

More specifically, should I say, confessions of a fangirling Thefthead.

On Saturday March 15 2014, I had the ultimate privilege of attending my second CMC Rocks the Hunter country music festival. Because of education engagements on Friday and work responsibilities on Sunday, I was only able to attend the three-day music festival on Saturday. That was completely fine by me. Why? Because my idols, Love and Theft, were performing on Saturday. Sure, country music greats like Gretchen Wilson were performing on Saturday as well, but I was no where near as excited for her as I was for Love and Theft.

Stephen and Eric, in the flesh.

Stephen and Eric, in the flesh.

I can’t even remember when my fandom for Love and Theft even started. I just remember one moment I was Youtubing some of their stuff and listening to it, and the next, I had both of their albums (two copies of one) and a custom Love and Theft iPhone case. My friends can tell you that they are tired of seeing me gram pictures of Eric and Stephen (the men who comprise this awesome musical duo) instead of actual Instagram things, like pictures of what I had to eat that day, or awkward full length mirror selfies of my OOTD.

Love and Theft were scheduled to perform at last year’s CMC Rocks the Hunter, but due to circumstances – Eric’s gorgeous son Camden William Gunderson came a bit early – they were unable to play. I had bought them presents to give to them at the festival so this was a big blow to me. However, when you’re a Thefthead, where there’s a will, there’s a way. I posted to every LNT social media outlet I could until I found out their PO box, so I shipped their presents to them with a handwritten letter with one small request to let me know that they got their presents. What I got in return, however, was a picture of them with their gifts, holding my letter, and an e-mail saying that my package had made their day. When I saw this, I kid you not – I was running around the house, screaming and saying “OH MY GOD, NO THEY DIDN’T! OH MY GOD NO THEY DID NOT!”

The picture they sent me, with my letter in Stephen's hand.

The picture they sent me, with my letter in Stephen’s hand.

So, in 2014, this was my first time seeing them perform ever. Ever. I mean, like, ever. Needless to say, I was acting like a scared chook running for its life. With an extremely high pitched voice.

My best friend and I rocked up about a hour and a half before the boys were to perform. Why? Because I wanted to get a good spot at the front of the mosh and didn’t care how long I had to stand there for it. Fortunately for me, we got good spots at the front. The sun was blazing and I was in painted on jeans and cowboy boots, but I didn’t care. What was actually two hours later, the boys graced us with their presence. I screamed. I jumped. I waved. I screamed some more. I jumped some more.

My personalised autographed LNT merch.

My personalised autographed LNT merch.

All bias aside, Love and Theft were amazing. SIMPLY AMAZING. They were everything I ever expected them to be PLUS more. They sung several of their hit songs, a couple of covers, and interesting “duet” of sorts with Blackjack Billy, and Stephen even busted out a few Eminem lyrics to Lose Yourself – the latter of which can be found at this link. Excuse the shaking. I was a bit excited.

As I am familiar with how CMC Rocks works, I knew that right after their performance, they would be heading up to the CD tent to do a meet-and-greet and autograph signing. As soon as they had finished their set – which included running up and down past the gate slapping hands with the fans (me included, which provoked a “OMG I TOUCHED THEIR HANDS” comment) – my BFFL and I literally sprinted up the hill to the CD tent. We were still very far back in the line but it doesn’t matter. I was going to meet my idols for the very first time! Like last year, I bought Eric and Stephen a bag of presents. The catch? I left it in the car. In painted on jeans and cowboy boots, I sprinted to my car to pick up their presents and rush back to the line, and after all that cardio, we hadn’t moved in the line. It’ll be worth it, I thought to myself positively.

Two hours (LITERALLY) later in the line and I was at the front. CMC officials were coming around selling copies of their self-titled albums because they would only take a picture with you if you had official merch to sign, and I proudly boasted my three Love and Theft CDs from home. Bitches came prepared. I was at the front of the line. It was my turn. I literally felt as if I had to throw up because I was that excited. They turned around. I put on my best genuine smile and said “I bought presents for you guys.” Both Eric and Stephen responded with genuine gratitude and Stephen even hugged me. YES. STEPHEN BARKER LILES HUGGED ME. Stephen asked me what I bought them and I spat out a nervous rant on “how I didn’t want them to open it in front of me in case they didn’t like it and I saw their reactions and died.” Eric offered me a more reserved handshake and thanked me. Because of this, Stephen wanted to personalise my autographs for me so he asked my name. I replied with “Noah” whilst trying to remember how to stand up. I took my photo with them. Eric shook my hand again and both me thanked me for my gifts. We walked off so the people behind us could get their turn.

Serious contender for best day of my life.

Serious contender for best day of my life.

I was shaking. My best friend had to take the merch and my phone off me because I couldn’t hold it. I was literally shaking. “Oh my god, I just met Love and Theft. Oh my god, Stephen hugged me. Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god.” The teenage girl in me had risen.

In what was originally supposed to be a short memoir of sorts, has turned into a 1000+ word spiel. I don’t know, I guess it’s what happens when you are an ultimate fan. Or in my case, the no#1 Thefthead in Australia (and the world!)

Oh, and did I mention Eric commented on my Instagram picture thanking me for the gifts? You can only imagine my screaming reply.

– by The Black Widow

Tipping for Dummies: Round 2

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How good is it to have footy back on our teles! What’s even better is that my beautiful face was featured at the end of the Broncos game where I was cheering decked out in Broncos gear. What’s even better than that is I got to meet the victorious team afterwards! Memberships = worth every dollar.

Everybody's favourite Tipping for Dummies!

Everybody’s favourite Tipping for Dummies!


SolSat’s predictions from round one: 3 of 8 (37.5%) Oops. However, I will make note that the Queensland teams were the ones to not let me down. Yeah. Think about it.

Friday March 14, 2014
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs @ Bluetongue Stadium
Manly are coming off a last minute-one point loss to Melbourne Storm in round one after an extremely impressive first half. The Bunnies, however, caused what many believed to be an upset when they toppled the reigning premiers with a 20 point win. South Sydney have made no changes to their team, while Wolfman makes his return for the Sea Eagles.
SolSat’s prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs
Call me old fashioned but I believe in the idea that momentum serves a lot to a team’s spirit and form. The momentum that the Bunnies have gotten so far with their win over the Chookies last week will catapult them into victory over the always-impressive Eagles.

Brisbane Broncos vs. North Queensland Cowboys @ Suncorp Stadium
Queensland’s major rivalry comes to a head as the Broncos take on the Cowboys at Suncorp. Betting odds were against the Broncos last week but my boys proved their critics wrong with a six point victory over the Bulldogs. The Cowboys were also successful over the Raiders in their own six point victory, so both teams will be looking to continue their momentum in the Queensland Derby match.
SolSat’s prediction: Brisbane Broncos
No offence against my boys but this is a tentative tip. The Broncos are good, sure, but the Cowboys are one of the most consistently excellent teams in the NRL, but I do believe that the Broncos will have the slight edge over North Queensland this week.

Saturday March 15, 2014
New Zealand Warriors vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons @ Eden Park
The Warriors will host the Dragons this Saturday at Eden Park after suffering a huge loss to the reinvigorated Parramatta Eels. Dragons players Jack de Belin and Michael Witt join Josh Dugan on the injury sideline. After an impressive performance from newly acquired Gareth Widdop, the Dragons will look to continue their winning form.
SolSat’s prediction: St. George Illawarra Dragons
Gareth Widdop anyone? But seriously, after a disappointing effort from the Warriors last week, I kind of expect the Dragons to make good work of the Warriors. On a side note: Gareth Widdop anyone?

Melbourne Storm vs. Penrith Panthers @ AAMI Park
The Storm and the Panthers clash at AAMI Park with both teams being victorious in the previous round over Manly and Newcastle respectively. Storm playmaker Cooper Cronk returns to the Melbourne side but Penrith’s Jamal Idris and Tim Grant will be rested for another week.
SolSat’s prediction: Melbourne Storm
This one is a tentative tip as well as the Panthers have clearly had the best off season of any team in the NRL. Their acquisitions and their re-design of the club has clearly led to better form, but the Storm are the Storm. And Cooper Donkey’s back.

Sydney Roosters vs. Parramatta Eels @ Allianz Stadium
The Chookies will look to recover after a huge defeat at the hands of the Rabbitohs last week in the opening game while the Eels have been motivated with a win over the Warriors. The Chookies will be without big man Sonny Bill Williams after a shoulder charge ruled him out for three weeks.
SolSat’s prediction: Sydney Roosters
Soz not soz Eels, the Chookies are a dominant team despite their loss last week. Even with the Eels dominating last week against the Warriors, I expect their momentum to be stopped by Robbo’s team of athletes.

Sunday March 16, 2014
Gold Coast Titans vs. Wests Tigers @ CBUS Super Stadium
The Titans caused possibly the biggest upset of round one with a victory over the Sharkies but the Tigers were the victims of a 20 point loss to the Dragons. Titans player Luke Douglas will be in doubt for this game with a thumb injury despite being named. The Tigers have an extended bench for this game.
SolSat’s prediction: Gold Coast Titans
The Titans are, in my sweet and humble opinion, one of the most underrated teams in the game today. They make solid runs and Aidan Sezer’s kicking game is unmatched. The Tigers will need to so some major re-thinking if they want to get back into finals contention.

Newcastle Knights vs. Canberra Raiders @ Hunter Stadium
The Knights take on the Raiders in the closing game of Sunday. Knights fullback Darius Boyd has been ruled out with injury and will be replaced by Kurt Gidley while Canberra’s side remains unchanged. Both teams will look to get back on the right track after losing in round one.
SolSat’s prediction: Newcastle Knights
The Knights had a bit of a hiccup last week. Well, a huge hiccup, but still, their form is much better than that of the Raiders. Come on, Ricky Stuart, sort it out. I like the Raiders side and it’s sad to see them this… sad.

Monday March 17, 2014
Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Cronulla Sharks @ ANZ Stadium
The Bulldogs will host the Sharks at ANZ Stadium in the last game of the round. The Sharks continue to get bad news as captain Paul Gallen has been ruled out for the next six weeks with an injury, and Andrew Fifita has been named in the side despite facing a possible shoulder charge suspension.
SolSat’s prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs
After suffering a loss at the hands of my boys (insert arrogant hair flip here), the Doggies will use that as a fire under their asses to get back to their top form. Amongst all this ASADA crap that is ruining the game, the Sharks have lost their own fire, so the Doggies will take advantage of that.

– by The Black Widow