Tipping for Dummies: Round 21

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I look forward to every Friday for two reasons: one, it’s the end of the college week and the beginning of the weekend and two, it’s time for TIPPING FOR DUMMIES!

Everybody's favourite "Tipping for Dummies!"

Everybody’s favourite “Tipping for Dummies!”

SolSat Prediction Count from Round 20: 7 out of 8 (87.5%)

I am so good. Thanks for failing me, Storm.

Friday 2nd August, 2013
Newcastle Knights vs. Brisbane Broncos
This week’s NRL action begins with Fraser’s Knights vs. Noah’s Broncos. The Knights are coming off a 16 point loss against the Roosters in Round 20 while my Broncos scored a close victory over their rivals, the Cowboys. Probably the main story going into this game is the loss of Willie Mason for the Knights due to the tackle from SolSat Sexiest Man in League nominee Sonny Bill. Who will take the first win of the NRL week?

SolSat’s Prediction: Brisbane Broncos

The Broncos are hungry, hungrier than they’ve ever been this entire year. They know that their finals hopes are dwindling, and this appetite for victory is going to lead them to a close win over the Knights. The changes in the Broncos side provides a new and interesting dynamic, a notable change being Stagg in center. As always, here’s to a good game and, dearest cousin Fraser – game on.

Penrith Panthers vs. Sydney City Roosters
The Panthers are just on the outs of the top 8 in 10th position and they’re going to try their luck as they collide with the no.2 team, the Chookies. Making his return is SolSat favourite Josh Mansour, who is representing the Panthers in the Sexiest Man in League tourney. As mentioned previously, the Roosters will be missing Sonny Bill for two weeks due to suspension. Will this help or hinder the Panther’s chances of beating the Roosters?

SolSat’s Prediction: Sydney City Roosters

Even without the big powerhouse SBW, the Chookies are just unstoppable. These premier favourites have a killer dynamic and they work so cohesively as a team it’s like watching gears turn each other. I’d hate to think negatively for the Panthers, but maybe their loss will be the Broncos gain as they make their way up the ladder to the top 8.

Saturday 3rd August, 2013
New Zealand Warriors vs. Cronulla Sharks
The Warriors are coming off probably the biggest win in their season over the Storm, who cost me a clean streak in tips last week. Like I said, it was their unpredictable offense that cost the Storm the win. For the Sharks, they’ve kind of been a lost cause… but with the return of Gallen, maybe their unlucky streak will be broken as they take on the Warriors.

SolSat’s Prediction: New Zealand Warriors

The Sharks haven’t been getting their business done and on the contrary, the Warriors have strolled through their competition, earning them 9th position after having a not-so-great start of the season. Even with the return of Gallen, I don’t see the Sharks defeating the Warriors because, let’s face it, even I could skip passed the Sharks defense if their recent losses are any indication.

Parramatta Eels vs. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
My heart went out to Tim Mannah last week at the post-game press conference as you could see the disappointment in his face. Personal feelings aside, the bottom team take on the Sea-Eagles, hoping that a home field advantage will lead them to a much needed victory… not that it’d take them anywhere, but still it’d be nice to have more than 3 victories to your name.

SolSat’s Prediction: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

Despite my personal adoration for the Eels captain, they won’t be able to stop the Sea Eagles. With all due respect to the Eels, their defense against the Doggies in the last round was terrible to the point where I could’ve probably got passed them, in a pair of six inch stilettos. The Sea Eagles offense has been beautiful and their whole side have the talent to make it to the grand final, whole side including the interchange with notable mention going to Georgey Rose. In short, Manly have got this one in the bag.

North Queensland Cowboys vs. South Sydney Rabbioths
The Cowboys had come so close to my Broncos last week but couldn’t snatch the victory from them in the end. I managed to catch half of the Bunnies game against the Titans and the parts I did watch, I was mighty impressed with Luke Keary’s form which, correct me if I’m wrong, earned him his first two tries of his NRL career. Needless to say, the Cowboys have a tough challenge ahead of them as they clash with the no.1 team on the ladder.

SolSat’s Prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs

Even with the severe blow to the Bunnies overall form with Inglis out with injury, the Bunnies are, like the Chookies, unstoppable. They have been the form team of the season and, I’m sorry to say, I expect them to soundly defeat the Cowboys this Saturday. Hopefully the frustration that was clearly etched on Thurston’s face last week won’t be so apparent this week – there is no shame in losing against the no.1 team.

Sunday 4th August, 2013
Canberra Raiders vs. Melbourne Storm
The hot-and-cold team of the Raiders are coming off a tight win over the Dragons while the Storm had a complete shocker against the Warriors. The punters have given the advantage to the Storm but going off momentum from the previous games, both teams seem quite evenly matched. Who will take the W for Sunday’s opening game?

SolSat’s Prediction: Melbourne Storm

I am somewhat tentatively backing the Storm this week – and if they fail me again, I will be sure to never back them ever again. Kidding, but seriously, their loss last week against the Warriors was bad, that bad that the Storm should be like “Hey, let’s not make that mistake again”. The Big Three haven’t been so big so hopefully they can show everyone exactly why they are the Big Three with a victory over the Raiders.

Gold Coast Titans vs. West Tigers
The Gold Coast Titans are hoping to snap their 4 week losing streak as they take on the West Tigers who themselves are coming off a 3 week losing streak. Placed at 11th and 15th respectively, the Titans and Tigers are in desperate need of a win if their finals dreams are to stay alive. It’s interesting to note that for the Titans, Ashley Harrison is playing five-eighth making Aidan Sezer the halfback for their squad.

SolSat’s Prediction: Gold Coast Titans

Aside from their shattering loss against the Bunnies last week, the Titans have been in pretty great form this season and with the changes in their squad, I am expecting a whole new dynamic spark in the team leading to a victory over the Tigers who, with all due respect, have been mediocre the whole year.

Monday 5th August, 2013
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
Rounding off this weekend’s NRL action is the 14th place Dragons vs. the 5th place Bulldogs. The Dragons are still reeling after the injury loss of Dragons veteran Matt Cooper while the Doggies are coming off a huuuuge victory over the Eels in Round 20. Statistically, the Bulldogs would be favoured to win but as you know, anything can happen in the NRL. With the loss of superstar Ben Barba, Sam Perrett will be his replacement at fullback for the Doggies.

SolSat’s Prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs

Statistically, SolSat is going with statistics – I am fully backing a Bulldogs win in this one as the Dragons haven’t had a beauty of a year really with several unfortunate losses and playing the year pretty much without Cooper. Even with Barba on the injured shelf, Perrett showed that he was just as capable at fullback and so I am predicting a blue and white victory in this one.

I’m about to head out to my second dinner after having my first dinner at home so I will be running around trying to find a TV to watch the footy on, namely Broncos vs. Knights. Let’s go Broncos! #bronxnation Also, apparently Benji Marshall is set to go to the Blues next year in union. I wish you the best in your future endeavours, Benji.

– by The Black Widow

Review: Beautiful Bastard

Posted in Books, Entertainment by

Time for another hard-hitting review, and by hard-hitting, I don’t mean hard-hitting at all. A bit of a backstory behind this one: my best friend Rebecca had a Dymocks gift card sitting in her wallet for about 9 months and she insisted that she was “definitely going to use it” one day. Last week, as I peroused her wallet to laugh at her license picture like I always do, I saw the Dymocks gift card still sitting there so I said (yelled) “Are you going to use this bloody gift card or can I finally have it?” Without putting up a fight, she just gave it to me. The next day, I entered Dymocks and purchased myself an intriguing sounding book curiously titled “Beautiful Bastard”… along with an Aquarius bookmark.

So, without further ado, here is…

This curiously titled book has gained an enormous amount of fame, even having its own website dedicated to making a movie adaptation.

This curiously titled book has gained an enormous amount of fame, even having its own website dedicated to making a movie adaptation.

The Beautiful Bastard is an adult romance novel written in first-person from the perspectives of both of its main characters: Chloe Mills, the young, sassy spitfire intern at Ryan Media who works for the arrogant, overbearing and, for lack of a better term, prickish Bennett Ryan. The novel explores the work and personal relationships between the aforementioned characters, the latter of which becomes intense and almost dangerous to a point. This novel is written by two women, Christina and Lauren, who join together to form – gasp – Christina Lauren.

The storyline of the novel was interesting to say the least; the ongoing struggle of power between Chloe and Bennett is captivating and sometimes humorous and as a casual reader, it must be good if it sucked me in and urged me to continue reading. Chloe’s wild sass vs. Bennett’s stubborn chauvinism was an interesting war to witness and the interactions between the two characters were always attention-grabbers. As this is an adult novel, there was bound to be some sex… except I wasn’t expecting as much sex as this novel provided. The main issue I had with the book was the countless amounts of repetitive sex they had; it seemed as if the novel just had the main cycle of “Argue, sex and repeat” as that is what generally happened with Chloe and Bennett.

The developing relationship between the two was entertaining but to me, it didn’t quite make sense. If I genuinely hated someone with a flaming passion, I’m pretty sure the last thing I would want to do is constantly have sex with them. However, it began to get a bit cute when Chloe was girlfriend-possessive of Bennett when he was speaking to other women and he’d do the same to her when she was speaking to other men. In regards to that, the “Joel” factor of the story wasn’t exactly solved and it didn’t quite bring me closure; what happened to Joel? Does he know what’s going on between Chloe and Bennett?

The style of writing was casual yet sophisticated, making it easy for the casual reader to take in. The choice of language made it easy to relate to being a young adult myself. There was a definite contrast of language being used between Chloe’s perspective and Bennett’s perspective, with one notable mention to Bennett’s overusage of the word “Christ”.

Overall, this story was encapturing and entertaining, sexy and spicy and all-around outrageously fun. There were a few tidbits of the story that I wasn’t completely happy with but nothing’s perfect really. I think this story is a great read for young adults alike who either want a good story to get lost in or just want some light, easy reading full of sultry language and sexy scenes.

Solst-o-meter
Storyline: 7.8/10
Style of writing: 8.2/10
Overall: 8.0/10

Till next time… Noah out!

– by Noah La’ulu

5 Worst Dressed Female Video Game Characters

Posted in Entertainment, Video Games by

Before I start my list, I’d just like to write a little disclaimer of sorts: most, if not all of the choices listed in this countdown have been designed for one main purpose: sex appeal. I get that and acknowledge it, but there are ways a character can be dressed sexily and still look comfortable enough to stop a zombie outbreak or win a fighting tournament. Take Catwoman, for example, who manages to have only her face showing in her outfit but still look sexy.

Alas, here are the 5 Worst Dressed Female Video Game Characters… to date, at least.

5. Jill Valentine (Resident Evil 3)

Resident Evil's main heroine made a poor choice in wearing this ensemble.

Resident Evil’s main heroine made a poor choice in wearing this ensemble.

I have a strange habit of planning my day-to-day outfits based on zombie apocalypses; I literally stop and think “Hey, if an outbreak were to occur while I am wearing this outfit, would I be comfortable enough to run around in it for the rest of my life?” Of course I want to look good as well, so as comfortable as a pair of trackies and uggies seem, I’d rather not wear that during an outbreak.

In saying that, the last thing I would want to be wearing is a short pencil skirt that seems to be made of denim and a sweater permanently tied around my waist. This outfit could possibly be the most impractical zombie killing outfit ever assembled with the only saving light being those sick brown combat boots that I admittedly want. There would be no bigger pain than running away from a pack of zombies and jumping over a fence all the while trying to protect your modesty by covering your lady bits that may or may not be exposed because you are wearing a ridiculous short pencil skirt.

Fortunately for Jill, she wisened up and wore a Catwoman-esque purple battlesuit in Resident Evil 5 with a new hairdo, no less.

4. Christie (Dead or Alive 4)

Seems legit... right?

Seems legit… right?

While Jill has to constantly conceal her modesty in her short skirt, she at least had underwear on underneath (or so you would assume) while Christie just decided to wear nothing underneath her open jacket. Even though Dead or Alive isn’t exactly known for its female modesty, you’d think that designing an outfit for a female game character that only had an open jacket covering her upper body would be silly, right?

Realistically, if a woman decided to wear an open jacket with no form of undergarment, one slight breeze and your chest would be revealed for everyone, so I wonder what went through the game designers mind when they thought that this was appropriate? It wouldn’t have been hard to give her a little lacy bra that would still have had the same sex-vamp effect. Either way, this questionable outfit makes Jill’s skirt-and-sweater combo look like a professional battle suit.

3. Mai Shiranui (Fatal Fury and King of Fighter series)

I can't even begin to explain what this outfit technically is.

I can’t even begin to explain what this outfit technically is.

Video game reviewers and enthusiasts alike have noted that Fatal Fury became interesting when Mai Shiranui was included, and I agree with them on the basis that a female fighter was refreshing much like the inclusion of Chun Li in Street Fighter and Sonya Blade in Mortal Kombat. The male majority of those who sung praise for the character, however, mainly liked one thing: her (lack of) costume… and maybe the fact that her character animation included a boob jiggle.

Let’s be frank: when you have boobs that big, two thin straps of red are probably not going to keep your bosoms neatly tucked in during a fight. I would even go so far as to say that there is far more material that forms that white tail thing she has got going on than she has covering her actual body.

Not only does she have to contest with the fact that her outfit leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination, but she has to lag around a white tail which could’ve been used for, I don’t know, an actual top.

2. Ivy Valentine (Soulcalibur Series)

Yep. That happened.

Yep. That happened.

Ivy is my first-choice character in the Soulcalibur series, what with her pirate background, icy demeanour and wicked “snake sword” which is basically a sword and a whip at the same time. What I wasn’t too fond of about the character was the fact that her outfit is just a bunch of purple straps criss crossing all over the place so that all her bits are “technically” covered.

What I find even funnier about this choice outfit is the fact that her accessories cover more than her actual outfit: it’s as if the designers were like “Hey, let’s balance out this skanky outfit by making her wear thigh-high boots and a big metal arm so there’s not too much going on there”. Surely if someone has time time to put on those mega boots and a metal arm, they’d have time to put on a decent top as opposed to a piece of purple dental floss that is only barely covering the nipples.


1. Mileena (Mortal Kombat 9)

You probably wouldn't have noticed her Tarkatan features because you're too busy staring in awe.

You probably wouldn’t have noticed her Tarkatan features because you’re too busy staring in awe.

The deadly Kitana-clone Mileena hasn’t exactly been known for her modest outfits but at least her previous choices have had some sort of practicality to them. I wouldn’t even classify this as an outfit or a costume or anything to do with clothing because this is, plain and simple, bandages strategically placed so that nothing is technically showing.

The Challenge Tower in Mortal Kombat 9 is an interesting feature that brings you challenge after challenge after challenge. What do you win when you complete the Challenge Tower? Mileena in bandages!

I can’t even begin to explain what is wrong with this. It just isn’t scientifically impossible for bandages to stay that still in battle let alone if you’re falling through the floor just to appear in the sky to kick the other person in the head. There is absolutely no practicality in this “design” so it’s anvil-sky obvious why this “design” was created in the first place.

Maybe these designers need to take a page out of (my personal favourite) Miss Harley Quinn’s book, who not only manages to look sexy and have a completely unique look but also manages to be practical in the sense that running around with only a strap holding you in is probably not the wisest idea. This representation of females in video games, especially those of the action variety, will probably never cease, but they could at least come up with better ideas for costumes because this is just atrocious.

– by The Black Widow

Tipping for Dummies: Round 20

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We’ve officially hit Round 20 where it’s all business. The race is on for the teams not currently in the top 8 to make it and it’s a fight for the top 8 teams to keep their spot. With that being said… welcome to Tipping for Dummies!

Everybody's favourite "Tipping for Dummies!"

Everybody’s favourite “Tipping for Dummies!”

SolSat’s Prediction Count from Round 19: 4 out of 6 (66%)

Not bad, not bad. Let’s see if I can do better this round.

Friday 26th July, 2013
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Brisbane Broncos
My main team going up against my next most favourite team. The rivals face off against one another again. Both teams had byes last week so this game is sure to be fast-paced, hard-hitting, solid footy action. With several big changes in the Broncos squad, which some argue is a long time coming, the Broncos are looking to lift my spirits and end their losing streak with a decisive victory over Thurston and Scott’s Cowboys.

SolSat’s Prediction: Brisbane Broncos

Personal biased aside, I truly believe that with the changes in my squad that the Broncos will pull out the duke in this one. Hoffman is in his element as fullback and Wallace hasn’t been playing up to scratch so I strongly believe that the change in squad will benefit the #bronxnation and lead us to victory, especially seeing as our top 8 dreams are diminishing. C’mon Broncos! Do me proud!

Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Parramatta Eels
I actually have the privilege of attending this game as a journalist with an official media pass and all… but aside from that, it was announced that the Eels are definitely out of the top 8 finals unfortunately for them. Meanwhile, the Doggies linger out on the outskirts of the top 4. If any other team could snag a top 4 position, it’d be the Doggies.

SolSat’s Prediction: Canterbury Bulldogs

Let’s face it, the Eels are going up against a brick wall. Add the extra de-motivation of having no finals dreams to strive for and the Doggies have got this one in the bag. I feel so bad for poor Mannah though… oh well. There’s always another year!

Saturday 27th July, 2013
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. Canberra Raiders
A bad turn of luck whacked the Dragons like a cricket ball to the netheregions; SolSat favourite Matt Cooper returned from injury in Round 19 just to be sidelined for the rest of the season with another injury. This setback will only harm the Dragons as they go into battle with the ever impressive Canberra Raiders.

SolSat’s Prediction: Canberra Raiders

The Raiders are riding on a wave of momentum and the Dragons are unfortunately going to be crushed by the wave. Ferguson is rumoured to come back for the Raiders so if he does… good luck Dragons.

Gold Coast Titans vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Bunnies were heavily predicted to win against the Dragons last week so to see them lose was a major shock to the NRL world entirely. People may say that is because of Inglis being sidelined but even without Inglis, the squad is still talented enough to pull out a victory. The Titans are coming off a loss against the Sea Eagles who, let’s face it, are a shoe in for at least the semi finals.

SolSat’s Prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs

The loss against the Dragons last week should have lit a fire underneath the Bunnies, telling them to not get comfortable even if they are on top of the ladder. The Titans haven’t had much luck recently and I’m expecting their bad luck to continue unfortunately, even with their impressive squad.

Sunday 28th July, 2013
New Zealand Warriors vs. Melbourne Storm
My Storm-fanatic brother has openly admitted that the premiers Achilles heel seems to be the Warriors unorthodox offense so this was a tough one to call. I agree with him. It’s as if the Warriors play for fun instead of points and that approach to footy may just be the catalyst of their uprise.

SolSat’s Prediction: Melbourne Storm

Besides the fact that they’re the favourite to win the premiership (again), I’m tentatively going with the Storm this time around because surely, the “Big 3” can somehow figure out a way to defend against the Warrior’s offense.

Cronulla Sharks vs. Penrith Panthers
The Sharks are coming off, bluntly putting it, the second most humiliating loss – after the Broncos shocker to the Warriors. The Sharks core in Paul Gallen is still not cleared to play so the Panthers are hoping to take advantage of that.

SolSat’s Prediction: Cronulla Sharks

Not gonna lie, I actually chose the Sharks based on dollar bet. These two teams are evenly matched, especially with the Sharks lack of main players and the lack of Mansour for the Panthers. I am expecting a great game of footy between these two teams so that’s what I’m hoping for.

Newcastle Knights vs. Sydney City Roosters
I don’t need to write about how great the Roosters’ season has been excellent and, while on the topic of the Roosters, I’d like to acknowledge the rumour that Martin Kennedy is set to sign the Broncos for next season. While we desperately need backs, I will gladly accept him. The Knights have been kind of mediocre in the season so they look to improve on that.

SolSat’s Prediction: Sydney City Roosters

The Roosters are too damn good to lose now, even against the Knights. If someone is going to derail the Chookies’ momentum right now, it’ll have to be one of the top teams: the Bunnies, the Storm or the Eagles. Other than that, they seem to be unstoppable.

Monday 29th July, 2013
West Tigers vs. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
The Tigers dreams of getting into the top 8 are very slim to none at the moment but at least they still have a shimmer of hope as opposed to the Eels. In what was an impressive game last week despite the loss, the Tigers are going to be desperate for this win against the Eagles tonight.

SolSat’s Prediction: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

The Sea Eagles, with SolSat new favourite Brenton Lawrence, are predicted to defeat the Tigers with ease this round and I have to agree on that one. The Eagles are favourites to take the premiership this year and they will show why in their game against the Tigers.

One day I will get a perfect tipping score on Tipping for Dummies and I will gladly/boastfully redirect everyone back to here and be like “HA! 100%!” Until then… have a satisfying day!

– by The Black Widow