Tipping for Dummies: Round 23

Posted in Sports by

The finals are literally around the corner and the entire NRL world are holding their breath… figuratively speaking, I hope, I don’t want anyone passing out just because I told them to. There are five teams who are definitely going to make the finals, which means there are three spots left up for grabs! Alas… welcome to Tipping for Dummies, Round 23!

Everybody's favourite "Tipping for Dummies!"

Everybody’s favourite “Tipping for Dummies!”

SolSat’s Prediction Count from Round 22: 6 out of 8 (75%)

Same as last week, really. I would say “Way to fail me, Doggies” but really, the referees were clearly against them in that game. Poor Josh Reynolds… bugger was so worked up about the unfair ruling.

Friday 16th August, 2013
Brisbane Broncos vs. Parramatta Eels
The mighty Bronx take on the opposite-of-mighty Eels in the Round 23. Injury hit Round 22 hard and one of the teams to feel that are the Broncos who lose star player Hodges. The Eels, however, gained their star player in Jarryd Hayne. Will this affect the outcome of an otherwise easily predicted game?

SolSat’s Prediction: Brisbane Broncos

My Broncos are hungrier than ever for victory as shown in their previous few matches. They know that their finals dreams are disappearing and to keep that alive, they have to keep on truckin’. With Stagg in the centre, who has won a premiership in that position, I think the Broncos will do just fine with Hodges sidelined.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
The Bunnies have been in terrible form without Inglis in the past couple of weeks so, luckily for them, the big GI is returning in Round 23 alongside Bunnies key player John Sutton. With big man Watmough injured, impressive rookie Justin Horo will return to the starting lineup as Manly fans hope that this will lead them to victory.

SolSat’s Prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs

Tentatively, I am backing the Bunnies in this one. Surely the shining light in Inglis and Sutton’s returns will ignite the fire and get the Bunnies back in top form because, quite frankly, their previous performances have been embarrassing. These two teams are top contenders for the premiership so this one is bound to be stellar.

Saturday 17th August, 2013
Canberra Raiders vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
The Raiders, despite losing last week against the Chooks, put on an excellent performance which was an upgrade on their Round 21 shocker. The Doggies are coming off a pretty big upset as they were toppled by the Titans. In my opinion, the Doggies were cheated; the officiating in that game was bad. Either way, this one is looking to be pretty evenly matched.

SolSat’s Prediction: Canberra Raiders

I am strangely backing the unlikely horse as I am predicting a Raiders win in this one. With Barba’s Bulldogs future in heavy doubt, the Doggies backs are in need of a huge makeover as they haven’t been playing too well recently without him. The Raiders form fluctuates – one week their bad, the next week their good. I am expecting a two-good-week streak from them.

North Queensland Cowboys vs. Gold Coast Titans
Two Queensland teams lock horns as the Cowboys clash with the Titans. Both teams have stepped up their game recently as they are looking to lock in their position in the top 8. With both teams making no changes to the bench, this is bound to be an all-out classic.

SolSat’s Prediction: North Queensland Cowboys

The Cowboys were in celestial (you read right, celestial) form last week with a 32 point victory over the Panthers. The Titans also pulled out a great victory with Aidan Sezer setting up most of their impressive plays. However, the Titans seem comfortable and the Cowboys are hungry… the Cowboys will win this one, only by just.

St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. Cronulla Sharks
Good news for the Sharks – funny guy Beau Ryan has finally returned… along with Anthony Tupou. One notable change on the Dragons side is almost-as-funny-guy Jack de Belin starting as Lock. The Dragons haven’t had a good season. Can they look to defeat the Sharks in this one?

SolSat’s Prediction: Cronulla Sharks

The Sharks side was hurt with the multiple injuries that tarnished their form, so with their recent returns, the Sharks have stepped up their game and will defeat the Dragons. Just so I have something nice to say about the Dragons, I am expecting a great season from them next year!

Sunday 18th August, 2013
Newcastle Knights vs. Melbourne Storm
Speaking of the Sharks, they had a close one last week against the Knights who just managed to pull out the victory. Special mention going to Danny Buderus on his milestone game last week with the Knights. The Storm, on the other hand, skipped around the Bunnies terrible defense last week. These two victorious teams are looking to continue their winning streak.

SolSat’s Prediction: Melbourne Storm

The Storm seem to be over their surprising losing streak… or not streak, whatever you want to call it. Their mission is simple: reclaim the Telstra Premiership for 2013, and they’re doing a very good job at it. The Knights will put up a good fight though.

New Zealand Warriors vs. Penrith Panthers
Also playing on the serene Sunday are the Warriors who are set to collide with the Penrith Panthers. Both of these teams were on the losing end last round; with the Panthers, SolSat favourite Josh Mansour played absolutely terrible. If the Panthers want to reverse their luck in this round, all of them will have to step up their game as they go against the Warriors.

SolSat’s Prediction: New Zealand Warriors

I’m going with the Warriors in this one. They pull out these shockingly amazing victories and the Panthers just aren’t up to scratch; they hit their form climax already and I don’t see them defeating the Warriors in this round, sadly enough. Here’s to a good game between both sides, however.

Monday 19th August, 2013
West Tigers vs. Sydney City Roosters
Great news for the Tigers: their captain Robbie Farah has officially re-signed with the Tigers (as opposed to resigned… grammar saves lives). However, they have the toughest challenge ahead for them as they take on the no#1 Chookies. The Tigers are hoping the good news of securing Farah to their squad plus the homefield advantage will lead them to victory.

SolSat’s Prediction: Sydney City Roosters

No offense to the Tigers but this one’s a no brainer: it’s team no#1 vs. team #15. I expect the Roosters to win this one with ease. That’s all I have to say about that really.

I’m hoping for a solid weekend of footy action that I may or may not keep an eye on – my nephew’s here from Brisbane and I plan on following him around for the entire weekend. It’s rare that I get to spend time with my handsome 10 month old nephew so I’m going to make the most of it.

– by The Black Widow

It’s the Little Things

Posted in Lifestyle by

Living in such a fast-paced, busy world, it’s bound to happen that the small things that make your life so much better will go unnoticed. An alarm, for example, is a lifesaver – if it weren’t for that annoying sound constantly going off until you whack the button to tell it to shutup, I would guess that 98% of people in the world would have lost their job ages ago.

Because really, how good is toothpaste!

Because really, how good is toothpaste!

I’m quite hippy in the fact that I like to take the time out of my day to stop and appreciate the small things in my life that make it so breezy; I don’t do it as often as one should, but I’m only human with a much busier schedule than I’m used to.

This one instance I always refer back to was one day when I woke up – as usual – took a shower – as usual – and then went to brush my teeth. I had a different toothpaste than what I’m used to so, without too much thinking, I used it. Can I just say that it was the most amazing toothpaste that I have ever used? It had those little breath strip things within the toothpaste and it just done its job so well and much, much more. The usage of this amazing toothpaste literally made my day so much better than it would have been if I had used my normal, boring toothpaste.

Without spending too much time writing about the intricacies of toothpaste, instead of pondering about these little things, I decided to write something about it and name a few inventions and other tidbits that make my life so fantastical.

Drive-thru
I was getting Maccas the other night for dinner because I couldn’t be arsed to cook myself anything, and I was sitting in the drive-thru line which was pretty packed. I could see in my rear view mirror that the person behind me was getting rather impatient and here I was sitting there quite calm and reserved. Why? Imagine if there was no such thing as drive-thru and you had to get out of your car to get your fast food just to get back into the car and drive back home. Like, who has the time for that? Drive-thru is also handy for people like me who tend to drive half-naked so it saves you from getting out of the car. I get that I am praising an invention that was designed to make lazy people even lazier, but still, it’s handy, no?

Skype and other video call technologies
My brother, sister-in-law and nephew live in Brisbane, my oldest sister lives in New Zealand and one of my best friends is currently touring Europe by herself. While phone calls, Facebook messages and other forms of textual communication come in handy, there is nothing better than hearing them speak whilst having visual images to support that. I for one am so glad that Skype was invented so I get to see how big my nephew is getting without him actually being there and the opportunity to chat to my sister about pointless things.

Car phone chargers
I depend on my smartphone as much as everyone else does, maybe even more. So when I went to Hunter Valley for CMC Rocks for 3 days – which was absolutely amazing, by the way – I had to face the dilemma of ‘how exactly was I going to keep my phone charged, in a camp site, with no apparent method of charging’. The solution was simple once I thought about it – I sat in my car with the engine turned on to charge my phone. While I looked anti-social and somewhat materialistic, at least I had a way of documenting my time at CMC Rocks with pictures, notes and phone calls to my family.

Da Police
One thing I am absolutely sick of are people complaining about the police. Yes, there are some shady police workers out there, but there are shady workers in every work industry. It’s bound to happen. Human beings aren’t perfect. So when I see people complain about the efforts of police or the ethics of police, I sit there and think ‘Sure, that’s all fine and dandy, but if you have a teenage daughter who comes running to you saying that she was raped, who are you going to go to for help?’ Unless you’re Batman, you’re going to go the police you just damned for eating donuts on their well deserved break.

Clothes hangers
No one necessarily cares about clothes hangers… until you need them. Nekk minnit, you’re running around like a headless chook looking for spare hangers. As a compulsive shopper with an overflowing wardrobe, one can never have too many clothes hangers. Unless you’re perfectly fine with leaving your nicely ironed clothes on the floor in a messy-folded heap.

I could go on and on and point out more little tidbits in life that make the world a better place, but you’d be here for days. I implore you SolSat readers to stop and smell the daisies, for lack of a better phrase. It may even make your outlook in life way more positive.

– by The Black Widow

Tipping for Dummies: Round 22

Posted in Sports by

Here we are again after another full on weekend of some great footy. I missed the Broncos-Knights game because I was at my best friend’s 21st celebrations however I did ignorantly listen to the action on my iPhone radio and boy, did it sound like a classic. Alas, it’s time for TIPPING FOR DUMMIES!

Everybody's favourite "Tipping for Dummies!"

Everybody’s favourite “Tipping for Dummies!”

SolSat’s Prediction Count from Round 21: 6 out of 8 (75%)

I took a nap because I was exhausted only to wake up and see the Bunnies getting smashed. Yep. That happened.

Friday 9th August, 2013
Melbourne Storm vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
Two of the favourite teams are set to collide in the first match up of the round as the defending premiers take on the ever-impressive Bunnies. The latter of which, however, suffered an embarrassing loss against the Cowboys last week, which for me personally is a good thing because I love the Cowboys. With notable outs for the Bunnies, will they be able to change their momentum against the Storm?

SolSat’s Prediction: Melbourne Storm

It’s been evident in the Bunnies form that they are a near-hopeless cause without Inglis and Sutton and the Storm are redeeming themselves from a few unnecessary losses. As stated before, I’m tentative to back the Storm after failing me a couple of times but I am fairly sure that they’ll take the victory in this one.

Parramatta Eels vs. West Tigers

The two bottom teams also battle on Friday night footy as the Eels take on the Tigers. Both teams have had shocker years with the Eels accumulating a whopping amount of 3 wins this entire season. However, the Eels have their main player in Hayne back while the Tigers are still missing their captain and Sexiest Man in League nominee, Robbie Farah.

SolSat’s Prediction: Parramatta Eels

I never thought I’d see the day when I would predict an Eels win but, alas, that day is today. Despite my personal feelings for Jarryd Hayne, he is their key player and he is back and he means business. The loss of Robbie Farah will greatly effect the Tigers form and with Benji’s 90% effort, I am going with an Eels win.

Saturday 10th August, 2013
Sydney City Roosters vs. Canberra Raiders
Speaking of missing captains, the Chooks will be missing Minnichello in Round 22 as they go up against the Raiders who have key player Blake Ferguson back amongst their squad. I am predicting the impressive Chookies to make it to the semi finals and the Raiders are coming off a 64 point loss against the Storm so the latter of the two are looking to redeem themselves after that shocking loss.

SolSat’s Prediction: Sydney City Roosters

The Raiders have had two finals favourites in a row so after being steamrolled by the Storm in Round 21, I am predicting a solid, decisive victory from the Chooks over the Raiders. The Roosters have had bloody outstanding form nearly all season and the Raiders would have to bulk up their defense if they were to overthrow the Chookies in this one.

Cronulla Sharks vs. Newcastle Knights
In what I didn’t predict last week, the Sharks beat the Warriors with a close 4 point lead while the Knights played an absolute blast of a game against my Broncos with a draw finish. The Sharks have no changes to their side while the Knights get Kade Snowden and Knights veteran James McManus back to theirs. Which team will take out the much needed victory?

SolSat’s Prediction: Cronulla Sharks

It seems as if getting Gallen back has lit this violent fire underneath the Sharks’ buttocks; this was clear in their form last week against the Warriors so I am going to back the Sharkies in this one. I am predicting a very close game with ups and downs from both sides but the Sharks just coming out on top.

Sunday 11th August, 2013
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs. New Zealand Warriors
Before I even begin, I have to make mention of Foran’s absolutely remarkable form in Round 21. I was blown away. Now that that’s out of the way, Sunday football begins at 2pm with the Eagles clashing with the Warriors. There are no notable changes to either sides besides Queensland boy Lillyman moving to the bench; will this have any effect on the Warriors play?

SolSat’s Prediction: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

I am not hesitating in backing Manly in this one. If Foran plays half as good as he did last round, then the Eagles have got this one in the brown paper bag. Add in the finesse of Cherry Evans and we have ourselves a winnah! Sorry Warriors, you let me down in last week’s predictions so I’m going against you. Let’s see how that works out.

Brisbane Broncos vs. St. George Illawarra Dragons
My Broncos done me half-proud last weekend as they played a great game against the Knights that semi-unfortunately turned out to be a draw. The Dragons, however, took a light flogging from the Bulldogs, losing 20 to 39. Hannant is back in his rightful no. 8 jersey with Bronson Harrison starting in the second row for the Dragons. The Broncos need this win if they want to keep their finals dreams alive.

SolSat’s Prediction: Brisbane Broncos

I don’t know whether it’s just me but when Griffin made those key changes to the Broncos squad in Round 20, we haven’t been as sucky as we’ve been earlier in the season so with that in mind in addition to having Hannant back, I strongly believe that the Broncos are going to take this one and keep my finals dreams alive.

Penrith Panthers vs. North Queensland Cowboys
The Panthers, God bless their souls, were demolished last week in their 36 point loss against the Chookies, which in its own right is something not to be too ashamed of. On the contrary to that, the Cowboys pulled out the upset of the year as they trampled over the Bunnies in Round 21. SolSat favourite Mansour is starting on the wing for the Panthers so the Panthers are hoping they will kill the Cowboys momentum before it even gets rolling.

SolSat’s Prediction: North Queensland Cowboys

The Cowboys showed last week why they deserve to be in the finals with an outstanding performance from all with notable mention going to Tariq Sims so I am backing Thurston-and-Scott’s Cowboys for this one. The Panthers have played well this season, there’s no doubt about that, but I don’t see them winning this one.

Monday 12th August, 2013
Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Gold Coast Titans
Just wanted to make a personal comment that I have noticed that my usual dislike for the Doggies has died down since I have a soft spot for Josh Reynolds now… but anyway. The Doggies defeated the Dragons last week in an impressive game and the Titans also tasted victory last week over the Tigers. Both teams are looking to continue their upward momentum in Monday night football.

SolSat’s Prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs

The Bulldogs are too good to be overthrown at this point. I just don’t think the Titans have the starpower to do said overthrowing as well. However, I am expecting a good, solid game between the two sides though with generally even possession.

Speaking of Josh Reynolds, you should all check out his Twitter as he proudly announced he made lasagne by himself like a big boy. And don’t pay him out too much about it – he’s already copped some flack by fans and non-fans alike. It was cute to see how proud of himself he was. On ya Reynolds! Widow out!

– by The Black Widow

Review: Beautiful Bitch

Posted in Books, Entertainment by

So curiosity got the better of me and I went out and got the sequel to Beautiful Bastard, entitled *gasp* Beautiful Bitch. I was so taken by the first novel and totally encapsulated in the world of Chloe Mills and Bennett Ryan so I had high hopes for this one. I had planned to purchase this book after my next pay, but I couldn’t wait and decided to buy it straight after finishing Beautiful Bastard. Besides, twelve dollars to my credit card isn’t going to hurt anyone.

RELATED LINKS: Solstice Satisfaction reviews “Beautiful Bastard”

The sequel to Beautiful Bastard follows the now official relationship between Chloe and Bennett.

The sequel to Beautiful Bastard follows the now official relationship between Chloe and Bennett.

Following the events of the previous book, Chloe and Bennett are now officially in a relationship. Beautiful Bitch takes place a bout a year after the events of Beautiful Bastard and it mainly follows the busy work routine lives of Bennett and Chloe. Of course, however, the business is not explored as much as the lust and desire these two sexpots seem to have for each other. Bennett is just dying to take Chloe away for a holiday so he can have her all to himself but work seems to get in the way time and time again.

The storyline in this one was a sad let down, I must say. It wasn’t as much a sequel as it was a timeline filler, and by timeline filler, I mean this book just revisited scenes that either fit into the first books timeline and wasn’t touched upon or could have fit in the first books timeline but wasn’t.  This book mostly featured flashback scenes, from either Bennett or Chloe’s perspective, and didn’t really bring anything new or fresh to the plate, which I was hoping for.

I thought the extreme personalities of both Chloe and Bennett were quite watered down in this book as well; Bennett wasn’t as nearly as bossy and arrogant as he was in the first book and Chloe wasn’t really sassy or manipulative. The two characters seemed to have had an overhaul just because they finally admitted that they loved each other. I didn’t have the same connection with either Chloe or Bennett in this novel as I did in Beautiful Bastard. In saying this, biffs between the two were still evident and still made me chuckle.

It was written in the same manner as the last book which I liked; it made me feel more relaxed as I was familiar with the style of writing from the previous book. The concept of using two different fonts for Chloe and Bennett was used and the contrast in writing between the two was also evident.

The length of the novel was also a let down; after a stellar first novel which left fans chomping at the bits for more, Beautiful Bitch went for 132 pages and that was it. I was really hoping for longer so we could get into more of the infamous Ryan-Mills relationship but sadly I had to settle for 132 pages.

Solst-o-meter
Storyline: 6.0/10
Style of writing: 8.0/10
Overall: 6.8/10

Overall, I was disappointed. I found it entertaining but my hopes for a solid sequel after Beautiful Bastard were quietly dashed by this installment. Fortunately for me, a third book in the series is coming out so hopefully, fingers crossed, I am extremely pleased with that edition.

– by The Black Widow