When Wedding Proposals Go Wrong

I feel sorry for this guy on the Footy Show who gets shot down on live television recently.

In other news,

Glee Club returned a mixed result at the Realm Hataitai Pub Quiz. The main controversy came when the regular purchase of kid's ice cream sundaes for half the price of adult sundaes has come to an end. We were told by the flamboyant waiter, that from next week, only children under 12 years old can order from the kids menu. They probably think this will make people buy the adult ones for twice the price. Oh contraire. In fact, since half of our team are leaving for holidays, it may be a while until we return to provide patronage to the Realm. For the record we finished 6th only 3 points off third and four points off second.

A sports question I didn't know was in what sport is a rosin bag used? FYI

A rosin bag is a soft pouch that's filled with rosin powder that keeps your hands dry and prevents blisters. Almost all serious baseball pitchers and many other players in the game rely in the rosin bag to give their grip strength and keep painful blisters off their hands. There are many good uses for a rosin bag so follow these steps to use one.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2156461_use-rosin-bag.html

I went to the Ranfurly Shield game tonight hoping Otago would win and so I would go to Dunedin and watch the Stags win the Shield in a week. Otago started strong, but eventually Wellington did enough to win. I must that we were sitting close to a loud mouth yobo, which reminds me of my Dunners day. I thought Wellington crowds were above this. I didn't mind, but usually these types of rifraf don't frequent the gold seats at the Caketin. The ironic thing was that he was sitting amongst a big group of deaf people who said very little. They had all be drinking heaps of Tui in the cold wind yet he was complaining how cold Dunedin was and how bad Speights was. It seemed a little contradictory really! While I could've out witted him, I decided that his type are best left to their own devices. He reminds me of the usual Radiosport talkback callers.

I am off to Invers tomorrow. I will go to the Stags vs Waikato with my brother and old flatmate Dave "Crouchy" Marsh. It should be good, if not cold and quiet. It is always good to get home to Mummy's cooking and a warm house rather than a flat. I find whenever I go home I keep falling asleep all the time. I haven't been down south since the start of the year, so I deserve a holiday to escape from the hectic hussle and bussle of everything I didn't want to become accustomed to, big city life. It will give me a chance to rest my potential flaring up of plantar fasciitis. I have been given so many stretches for my neck and shoulders that I have neglected the tendons under the bottom of my feet, which sometimes start pulling on my achilles insertion joint and this is best fix by constantly stretching my calves. The only trouble is, it takes discipline to stretch for such a long period of time given that I have had trouble over the past few years with this. By the way it is my right foot this time!

For the record, the marriage proposal on the NRL Footy Show was a prank to help Paul the Fatman Vautin celebrate his 50th birthday. He didn't know, but was remarkably relaxed. Vautin gave all gingas hope in this world. Happy birthday Fatty!

Who's Going to the Game?

Is anyone going to the Ranfurly Shield challenge on Friday night at the Caketin? Otago play Wellington in a match that I actually want Otago to win in because I will see the first defence the following weekend against, lets see Southland.

I am going to the Southland vs Waikato game the following day in Invers, before heading up and going to Carisbrook as the local derby and potential Shield game takes place between Otago and Southland. Ironically after cheering on Otago one week, I want the Stags to win the next.

So I know heaps of other things are on, but who is up for some or any of these games? I will be seeing three games in seven days with three different home teams in three different cities.

My Day

I had a great day this Tuesday. I had indoor soccer which I love. It provides another thing to talk about at work and despite our limited ability, it is great team building. It also breaks the day up at work. This time we lost to a team who because they were one girl short, used a guy from the place as goalie to give them full numbers but not the required number of goals. We didn't complain. It is more of a social sport at this level Mixed 8 and I have decided not to get fired up. The funny thing with today is that I didn't have the radar on, but still managed four goals. The problem is that the opposition scored six although the website says they got five. My team has scored 16 goals in four games, but next week they will have to actually score a goal themselves as I won't be there.

Tonight Life Group went to Lizzy Watsons and had a ball. Her brownie was slightly undercooked and resembled a chocolate pudding. It was amazing and I am thinking it is definitely in the top three that I have tasted. It was great to have someone cook dinner for us and we played some games like Uno Stacko, Hamburger, but we never played Biblopoly which was promised. It is a great way of having fellowship with fellow Christians.

There has been a survey by a Scandinavian company which has shown that women are getting more attractive and guys uglier with each generation. That is probably actually good for guys and not for girls. Is that right?

The Return of Telethon in a Week

Mark this down in your diary August 8th 2009. It is Telethon and here are some snippets of the good old Telethons.

I remember when Dame Pat Evison came to Invers for this event. She was in plenty of Aussie television shows. It would be cool to get involved this year.

If You Haven't Seen It Yet!

Here is the great wedding dance down the aisle. It looks like a fun wedding. It puts another twist on weddings. I have enjoyed certain things at heaps of weddings, but nothing like this coming in. It is very original.

Four sleeps until I am back with my family, so everyone hold your plans for social fun in Wellington until the 8th August.

One Week Until I Come South

It has come around quickly, but I am off to Invers next Saturday to watch the Southland vs Waikato Air NZ Cup game and catch up with family, then I will go up to Dunners on Thursday and watch the Otago vs Southland on the Friday night. How can you help? It would be great to catch up. I return to Wellys in time for football on Saturday 8th August. If you can put me up in Dunners for two nights the 6th and 7th and/or give me a lift to the airport at about 8:15 on the Saturday morning then let me know. Otherwise, I would love to catch up with you. I would love to go to the games with anyone who is keen. Anyway, flick me a text.

Harry Potter Too Scary For Kids?

It is official, I am a nerd. I spent a large part of my weekend with about eight others, watching Harry Potter movies (including the Half Blood Prince). It isn't as if I am really into it or anything, but it left me wondering is Harry Potter too scary for kids? There were also heaps of romantic overtones in the most recent one and I was left wondering, who Harry Potter is aimed at?

It is disappointing that one of the main characters die, but it is always on the cards with such ridiculous magic on display. You can rest assured it isn't Harry Potter given that he is these movies and there are two more.

We watched the first two on Friday night and given that there hasn't been much happening socially at the Street at the moment, I decided to watch them on Friday night at Wallace Street flat. Then my Saturday was empty without football (despite fine weather, the grounds were wasted). I missed number three, but caught four and five before going to the Half Blood Prince (number six).

There was some romance involved in the latest one and this provided light relief from the dark magic. There wasn't much difference between all six of these, but it was funny seeing how they grew up and knowing the past behind different characters. I won't waste my time watching them again, but didn't have anything else to do. Since there were enough of us, it made it more enjoyable.

But is Harry Potter too scary for kids? I think so. It is probably better for teenagers.

Andy Murray Humble?

I love this article about how World Number 3 Andy Murray showed up at an amateur tournament near his home is Scotland. You forget this guy is only 22. It would be crazy going from Wimbledon to playing everyday players, but what a buzz for someone to play against Andy Murray. It shows that these people are just human and he probably misses hanging out with people from his humble club where it all began.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2009/07/Murray-Is-A-Surprise-Player-At-County-Cup.aspx

Sports camp at Riverbend is coming up and if you are good at some of the following sports then I would love to hear from you. This is a church event, but it is open to anyone to join our team. Because the competition will involve double bookings, we need people who are proficient at a few of these sports preferably. The sports are rugby sevens, soccer (football), hockey, netball, basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball, kayaking, cross country running, softball and longball. I think that is it. The big losers are one of my favourites, touch, cricket of one form or another and I always hope tennis will be included but it isn't. Although I am semi tempted to go to another sports camp at Totara Springs on Auckland Anniversary Weekend. Unfortunately it is miles away and the same weekend as Parachute, but man there are heaps more sports and it sounds more intense. They have touch and tennis which makes it tempting, but no doubt the standard will probably be more challenging than El Rancho or Riverbend.

I am off to watch six Harry Potter episodes. Actually, I may pike and happen to accidentially miss about three of them! It is one thing to be sociable, but this is Harry Potter! I will see the new one at the movies though and since I have only seen one previously, it may be a good chance to catch up. That is of course if there is no football on, but judging by the flooding in recent days, it seems that we will be lucky to kick the round ball around this weekend. At least indoor is never cancelled!

Is Anything Happening for New Years?

Is anyone going on a road trip or doing anything together for Christmas holidays? It would be cool to have a trip somewhere together with a group or catch up like we did last year in Queenstown. My family are down there, but because the flights are so expensive I will have to book my holidays soon.

In other news,

I am off with the old movie club to Harry Potter on Saturday night. We will be watching the previous five movies tomorrow night and on Saturday before we head to the cinema. I don't think I will dress up Rhys Darby (Norm) styles from Yes Man. This gives the old movie club a chance to get together. Is this the finale or the rebirth of the club which used to dominate in 2007?

I have almost got to the bottom of my Snapper Card saga. I have sent my Snapper card back after it hasn't worked properly for the last four days, but it has occasionally worked. I have now written and asked for a slight refund for my extra fares that I couldn't tag off with. I have mailed my card back, but the penny dropped on my way home when I realised that I can use my Wellington Seasons Membership as a Snapper, so this will tie my over until I get my card back. Problem solved.

Finally I went to the Rebel Sport 35% off sale. I bought tennis balls, a backpack (cool Aussie Open bag), shorts and 2 t-shirts. It was brilliant because there were actually heaps of clothes there which Rebel usually put away for the sales. Bam! Bargains galore, including 35% off some already reduced stuff. I love getting all my shopping out of the way in one go! I am not completely metro yet.

Anyway, I am taking my poor posture away. My physio has me doing hundreds of stretches for my neck.

Join Me in the Vodafone One Tribe Rugby Picking Competition

I have decided to jump ship from Jumungo picking competition to the Vodafone One Tribe for the Air New Zealand Cup. I have started a league called Rugbyheads with the password: gothestags. Click on the link below to join. We could even all put something on it so there is something riding on the picks. Let me know if you are keen, because I think it adds to the experience. Trust me, I only usually go ok in this sort of competition as there are often so many upsets!

Visit my mini league "Rugbyheads"

The Street City Church Needs You!

It is official, The Street are going to Riverbend Sports Camp at Labour Weekend. Check details from the website.

http://www.riverbend.org.nz/

I am one of the organisers from The Street. We can only take limited numbers, so preference will go to those who are solid at several sports ranging from rugby sevens to long ball. There will be clashes, so people will have to cover a range of sports. The range isn't as diverse as the El Rancho sports camp, but that isn't on this year. Check out the website above for details and let me know if you are keen. It will be awesome.

In other news,

Steven Gerrard was recently busted after getting into a brawl at a pub after he tried to change the music. Obviously Gerrard's taste in music isn't as amazing as his play for England and Liverpool.

I am having all sorts of problems with my Snapper card. On both Sunday and Monday I got on buses fine, but getting off was difficult as my card didn't work, so I paid for an extra zone fare. Then today going to work my card didn't work, so I paid full cash price. I contacted Snapper who advised me to go to an outlet and get my balance checked and if it doesn't work, go to their office and get a replacement. It worked when I checked it at the store and when I hopped onto the bus. The only problem was on a crowded bus getting off at the bottom of Cuba Street to go to physio it wouldn't work getting off. For the third time in four days the doors were shut on me as I tried numerous times to successfully swipe off. To no avail! I ended up after four times unsuccessful, getting off and paying for three zones rather than the one zone. What a shambles!

New Zealand is moving closer to Australia. I assume maps shouldn't get replaced and flights won't get any cheaper, but the bottom of the South Island has moved closer to Australia with Te Anau moving 10cm, Puyseger Point on the south west coast 30cm and Dunedin a whole 1cm. It is hardly earth shattering stuff, but it is interesting!

My indoor soccer team has been graded. Unfortunately I should've eased the foot off the accelerator after slotting 12 goals in our grading games. Despite having a team of little experience and limited skills, we have avoided the bottom grade which we were aiming for, Mixed 9 and have been put as the bottom team into Mixed 8 in the lunchtime mixed league. I will have to step up after getting six goals last week, I am going to have to rattle the onion bag even more if we are to be competitive, given the team we lost to 8-6 is in this grade and we had one too many guys on because we were short. I love lunch time sport as it breaks up the day and is great fun and fitness!

Get 35% off at Rebel Sport

On Thursday at Rebel Sport there is 35% off if you have a special voucher. I have come into own one of these vouchers so will probably head to Rebel Sport between 9am and 9pm. It will be interesting to see how many people know about it. It should be excellent bargains, although Rebel often disappoints. They usually take their new stock out and replace it with the old picked over stock for these sales. Anyway, flick me your details and I will email you a voucher if you want it.

Some useless trivia. Which two New Zealand celebrities were in the Ashburton College School Production of Romeo and Juliet in 1982?









Answer: Robyn Malcolm (Outrageous Fortune) and Simon Barnett (More FM and general game show host)

Buzz Aldrin Sings Rap - 40 Years On!

Buzz Aldrin gets amongst it on the 40th Anniversary of the club. Below he got a bit brassed off with an annoying reporter and smacked him one!

In other news,

Snapper doesn't seem to work for me just outside the Wellington Hospital. The driver today suggested that it is something to do with the electronics. That is the second time this has happened and I am assuming that it has been charging me for a three zone journey too, rather than two zones. I may have a word on the Snapper website.

We played indoor soccer today at the Queens Wharf at the inconvenient time of 11am. We didn't have enough girls and despite playing with four guys and a girl we still lost, but this time it was 8-6. It is the last game of grading so it wasn't a bad one to lose. It was great fitness and I managed to maintain my 100% scoring of team goals which was a record for me, with six goals. This is concerning given that I am heading away in a fortnight for a week.

I must say this advertisement always gets my attention. The dream flat alright!

Tonight I went to Greer's birthday at Duke Carvells. I must say that the idea of two for ones attracted me initially, but I ended up leaving hungry. The lamb I had was ridiculously tender and flavoursome. While the food wasn't plentiful, it was a good chance to catch up with Greer's old flamates and some of the old Goatshed guys. The waitress also had a few shockers. There is always that awkward silence when a tray of glasses go down!

Weekend of Winning

My weekend of winning started on Friday night with some 500 at Ebay Flat. We sometimes dable with 500 from time to time and and after the epic battles we had in Melbourne earlier this year some of the same guys played last night. Meerman was the missing part of the jigsaw, but was doing the business at the Vivian Street BBQ.

Actually the wins started on Friday afternoon, but I didn't hear about it on Saturday. The mighty Southland Stags downed Canterbury without their All Blacks in an Air New Zealand Cup preseason game in Invers. The Stags won 19-7 and are looking for another semi finals appearance this season with probably Hawkes Bay, Wellington and Canterbury.

It was a great game where strangely Fungus and me were the only ones to get into the negative and that was -30 for one hand. There were plenty of hands where both teams were one win away from getting over the 500 points. Eventually Fungus "the enigma" pulled out an open misere call and ended up getting it. This is worth 500 points and gave us the match. It can be beaten by 10 no trumps, so I was thinking that if it would've been earlier than midnightish then the others may have gone for it and just lost the points. Anyway, this was Joe Fung's time to shine!

Today I woke to the news that my football was on for the first time in three weeks. Despite the rain during the week, they had decided to leave it on and the weather was actually nice today. I headed off to brunch with a spring in my step and then hit our game close to time because we were slowed down by some carnival fair in Petone. We won football 3-0. It took us plenty of time to get on top, but after scoring one from a blocked shot, we dominated the second half but it took about 20 minutes for us to finally get our second. We got another with not long left. We could've won by 10 given the number of shots we took, but some desperate saves and mixed shooting kept our score down. We will take the win though 3-0.

The final win of the evening was when the Richie McCaw inspired All Blacks downed the Wallabies 22-16 at Eden Park. The Wallabies haven't won at Eden Park since 1986 and the Wallabies haven't won here since 2001. I was at Carisbrook that day when we lost 23-15 after a Ron Cribb inspired penalty try. Given the way the Wallabies started I was worried. We improved as the game went on and since Stephen Donald actually kicked some goals then we were always going to be likely. I thought our loose forwards got better as the game went on. Our scrums were great, but our lineouts and restarts were average. Our kicking from fellow Southlander Jimmy Cowan and Piri Weepu was great. Jerome Kaino man of the match for me. Stephen Donald needs to kick more quickly to avoid being charged down. One gets the feeling that when his first half kick was charged down and Australia bombed a try with a handling mistake with the line open was the turning point. It would've stuffed his confidence and given the Wallabies a 17-3 lead.

So as you can see, it has been a weekend of winning. Can the Warriors make it a superfecta? That is backing four horses in a row which isn't actually used much. Quinella and Trifecta are much more common.

Tonights Events

In a throw back to yesteryear some of us went round to Cleland's house in Brougham Street. Although it was a mixed crowd for dinner, it ended up being a sausage sizzle for DVD watching. We watched something a bit different called Young at Heart. It was more of a documentary about a geriatric chorus of singers who successfully sing modern songs. Most of them are actually rather average singers and out of tune, but together they manage to be entertaining just because they were in their 80s and 90s. It was actually quite hard case seeing behind the scenes etc. Unfortunately two of them died during the shooting of this movie.

Following this we watched some Alan Partridge. Cleland gets his material from it, but why not? I remember watching a few episodes in the 1990s and it is ridiculously funny.

Hopefully the southern parts of New Zealand are fine after the earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale tonight. There is the potential of a tsunami, so hopefully the people of Southland are fine. It could've been worse no doubt though if people actually lived where it was centred. It is so isolated where the quake was centred.

Shane Warne's Poker Career Gets Bowled Over

It is isn't the usual post cricketing career, but Warney isn't your usual cricketer!

Tour of Duty 1/8 - 8/8

I can't wait for the start of the Air New Zealand Cup, and what better way to start the competition than to attend three matches in seven days including two potential Ranfurly Shield challenges. In fact, I could find myself wanting Otago to win in game one against Wellington before I head down to Invers to watch the Stags host Waikato. Then ironically I want Southland to beat Otago. I guess my level of fanaticsm is rare these days, but my preference for teams goes Southland, Otago and anyone playing Auckland, Canterbury and Waikato.

If things go my way, I will witness first Ranfurly Shield challenges since 1957 for Otago and 1959 for Southland. If things don't go my way then the Stags will get a challenge against Wellington later on.

This Tour of Duty is not only showing rare commitment to the struggling National Game, but it will give me a chance to catch up with family and what friends I have left down south. If you are keen to catch up then give me a bell. Going back down to wear it all began is a nostalgic blast from the past. It isn't bad growing up down south, but it is cold and there are less opportunities. There is greater access to facilities though, so it would be a fine place to settle, but to make it, you need to move north.

I am only down for a week, but would love to catch up. Give me a bell so I can organise some itinerary. It should be gold and hopefully I can fit in some Jonahs! I will have to pack my winter woolies for this one as my immunity to the elements has gone.

The Beauty of Corporate Sports

We had our second game of indoor soccer as a work team today and got thrashed, but I am really enjoying it. I know it will be a reality check if I play at a higher level again, but it is good having no pressure on me, although I guess there is a bit of pressure for me to score goals. Work looks highly on a team sport as it actually does improve team dynamics and is all about bonding. Because my work doesn't boast many sporting stars, it gives me a chance to look good in front of my colleagues, which is very ego massaging. It also takes plenty of time to get from work to the courts, play our game and then return, eat and shower. Before you know it, the day is almost over.

We are aiming for a lower league, so todays 13-4 loss was ideal. Hopefully there will be some teams we can beat. Todays team were skillful and had three good playing guys under 35 who could get some interplay going. Did I mention the great fitness when you are trying to mark a couple of people on defence, or tackle your heart out on the court? It is ideal for my fitness regime, especially since my outdoor has been cancelled two weeks running.

On the way home from work I went to physio for my nagging neck injury which occurred when I got my head in the way of two rocket gale force propelled footballs within the space of thirty seconds. I got them on the top of my head and wrenched the back of my neck and slightly at the side. I have been getting heaps of treatment on it and it is slowly getting better, but my posture is poor. I am a prolific sloucher, so the physio has strapped my back and shoulders. I am just explaining why I will be walking and sitting very upright with my shoulders back and stomach forward. I remind me of "The Ponse" who lived in front of my flat in 1999 when I lived with Andy Jamieson. This guy would often walk through our property past our house. Blair or "The Ponse" walked like I am, but had bleached short hair and always wore army boots and pants. He was camp and had a soft/highish voice. He was one of "The Freaks" who lived in front of us. They owned a van with a ten breasted woman painted on the side. I actually got to know Kyle from that flat later on and he told me that Blair "The Ponse" used to be continually buying size 8 Dr Martens army boots from Buy, Sell and Exchange and would actually use our lawnmower to mow peoples lawns in a nearby suburb for money. That cheeky ponse!

The Hangover

I went to the movies last night on my first mandate in over a year. We thought it would be better going to The Hangover than Bruno given the topic of the two movies. One based on drinking too much and the other taking the micky out of homosexuals, although I wonder whether gay people actually appreciate Bruno? Anyway, it was a little ironic that myself and my mate Ben (Corks) who aren't big drinkers went to a movie which takes makes fun of people who overindulge on the turps.

It was funny because they tried to re-track their footsteps over the entire evening and increasingly more was revealed as to what happened on the stag party to Vegas as the movie continued. There was a cameo by the beautiful Heather Graham and tough guy Mike Tyson, but apart from that, the main actors are relative no names. It was funny and good night out. Corks was a gentleman as usual and never took advantage of me once. He also never reached for the popcorn or did the stretch/yawn.

This is probably not the movie to take your girl friend to just before your wedding as she may ban you from having a stag party, but it was good for a laugh with the constant ridiculous twists. I would give it 7.5/10.

For You Since Football is Off!

Since football has been cancelled on a nice Wellington winters day I will blog. Compare and contrast the literal music video and the original Total Eclipse of the Heart. Doddsey showed us this last night to raise the morale of the troops after watching There Will Be Blood (refer to previous post).

Yesterday I bought my first book in a few years. Despite working for a magazine I rarely buy books to read. I was in line to buy this book behind Jason Gunn. It is funny seeing the small figure of Jason with his made up appearance. It is also the same where I saw Simon Barnett last year. These people have to keep up appearances since they are on tv and may or may not hit the sun beds.

Anyway, I just thought I would share and I hope that the book Living the Dream is good. Sporting biographies were once the domain of the retired superstars, but now, current players are putting them out. It is all about the money!

There Will Be Blood, Like Getting Blood From A Stone!

Watching There Will Be Blood last night was literally like Getting Blood From A Stone as we struggled through more than two hours of slow moving drama. There was little dialogue in this movie and very few actors. The main characters were a bit nuts too, like Daniel (played by Daniel Day Lewis) and nutbar religious fanatic Lucas I think was his name. After an hour we were wondering if this movie was going anywhere and every half hour it was questioned as to who bought this title forward for consideration as the evening's entertainment. It was me and I felt disappointed, ripped off even. It was weird given this film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning Best Actor for Day-Lewis, and Best Cinematography for Robert Elswit.

This movie was talked up so much that it couldn't help but disappoint.

It is about an oil prospector who goes around buying properties with his son and that is about it really. The movie is based on how they are received and include the religion vs money debate. Apart from that, nothing really happens.

We should've gone for something more mindless like Rambo 4 or Blades of Glory or Anchorman.

Who Wants To Watch History?

The All Whites New Zealand Football team will play either Bahrain or Saudi Arabia in a home and away series later this year. We play them away in September and then on November 14 in Wellington, New Zealand will attempt to claim a spot at the World Cup, the biggest sporting event in the world. The best part of this is that the game will be here in Wellington and if we manage to advance it will be the first time we have made it since 1982. This is our best chance because Australia is now in another confederation. If results are tied for the two legs, we will host potential extra time and penalties, so it is an advantage to host the second game in the tie. Anyway, tickets go on sale to this game in late July. This will be close to a sell out and is the most important game in New Zealand football history to be played in New Zealand. Plenty of games in 1982 were played at home, but the most important ones were mainly played in Asia and the Middle East 27 years ago.

So, who is keen to go? We will look at getting tickets relatively early. I wonder if I can find a way of getting discounts. Maybe a group booking. If I can get 10 tickets their could be a discount on the cards. It will be interesting to see how it is priced compared with the LA Galaxy game in 2007. Tickets for that were around $80-$100.

Let me know if you are keen as tickets go on sale in late July. It will probably cost about the same as an All Blacks test match. I am intrigued to see what shirts fans wear. Most people own some kind of All Blacks clothing or a Phoenix top, but because the All Whites don't play very often then I wonder how many of their shirts will be in the crowd? Remember, our last game was a nil all draw with Iraq.

A Test Match Cricket Tournament

With the advent of Twenty20 cricket, people are more likely to watch and play the shorter, "smack and giggle" type of cricket rather than test matches. For purists like me this is disappointing. Martin Crowe on Deaker on Sport (a radio show shown on tv) the concept of a tournament was raised. They need to make test matches more exciting and having a tournament where seeded test nations play series as quarter finals, semi finals and there is a final at Lords has merits. There is so little riding on most test series, that it lacks meaning.

The games could potentially be shortened to four days too, but that is a different potential solution.

Imagine the top sides like Australia, South Africa, India and Sri Lanka hosting teams in series and the winners then meet in three match semi finals before a one off at Lords. Martin Crowe believes that they could even use the existing end of year tours, which would mean that we play Pakistan in a potential quarter final.

It is better than nothing and could happen every two years in an attempt to give meaning to test cricket, otherwise the money of the Twenty 20 will win out at the end of the day!

I Love The Wellington Entertainment Book and Vouchers

I played Laser Force last night where my Life Group won the battle against Ben and Ruth's group. It was good fun and we won. This makes it more enjoyable. The beauty of Laser Force is that there are vouchers in both the Wellington Entertainment Book and on the back of Thorndon New World receipts. In the end most of us didn't pay full price (buy one game get one free). As someone of Scottish descent, this was another tick in the value box, after I bought one meal and got another (buy one get one free meal) at Lido thanks to the Wellington Entertainment Book. It is funny how handy the Wellington Entertainment Book is and I carry it around and talk so highly of it as if it was a Bible. Should Christians do the same with Bibles?

Part voucher

One of the vouchers on the back of a New Word receipt was only half to two thirds of the voucher, but rumour has it that they have to still accept it.

I was Phoenix and got 3rd in the first game and 4th in the other. Given that Wellington is a big place, I reckon the Laser Force should be more extravagant than it is as it is too easy to navigate. Red won! Go Red! We were missing a few usual group members though and may or may not of got substitutes in. The other group were short of members too. Apparently it was too sweaty for some.

We met up with the non sweaty types at Enigma cafe where I was keen to test out their brownie, but ended up with their chocolate cake instead. They blew their chance of overtaking Diana and Mrs Trail's brownie.

Speaking of which, I will go over to the Loveshack for tea and brownie. It is all about community and if it clashes with grazing time, then I am there. It is a throw back to the old days over there without tv, but the National Radio documentaries will provide background entertainment while the retro tea cups will be our vessels while we devour Mrs Trail's brownie with white chocolate in it!

Living the Dream with Mils Muliaina

Tomorrow All Black captain Mils Muliaina has his book released. It will be an interesting read. He was raised in Invers and went to Surrey Park School with me, but was two years behind me. I was actually more mates with his brother Faolua who played second five for the Stags for several years. Memories of Malili were him introducing me to drop kicking. While playing lunch time soccer he would drop kick his goal kicks. He would also sometimes play Royal Rumble off the top of the massive reels that used to be in the Surrey Park School play ground.

He then went to Cargill and was bought by Southland Boys before being bought again by Graham Henry's school, Kelston Boys. I rate him so highly as a player and he seems to have matured into an upstanding man after having his run in urinating at a bar once.

He still has family in Southland and heaps of brothers of which both Faolua and Alesana have played for the Stags. We don't get heaps of excellent running backs in Southland, so it is always exciting to see a product come through.

Muliaina is safe under the high ball, on defence, runs well and is strong, he has developed a kicking game and always seems to know the right time to pass and kick. He is the assists king who I base my touch game on.

It promises to be a good investment of my $40. It will be interesting to see his take on the All Blacks failed World Cups in 2003 and 2007 and his early days at Surrey Park.

Is it illegal to relieve yourself in public?

Either way, this is embarrassing for rugby league star Nate Myles. So he had the squirts and now everyone knows about it. The unfortunate thing is the time of day it happened and because he probably was not thinking straight when this happened he has got punished. Still, six weeks is a long wait, probably too long in my book. I wonder if it is an offence to take a dump in a public place? League didn't need this. Is it wrong to laugh at this latest situation? I am!


From the Daily Telegraph

NATE Myles last night apologised for the act that yesterday saw him suspended for six weeks, claiming that he had not intentionally defecated in the corridor of a luxury Central Coast hotel.

Speaking exclusively, Myles claimed the incident was "a terrible accident" caused by a stomach bug that has been with him since before Origin II.

"I am just very embarrassed and very sorry," Myles said.

The Roosters forward was staying at the Crowne Plaza Terrigal with teammates Mitchell Pearce, Willie Mason and Mark O'Meley at the weekend after attending a junior league fundraiser.

He said the group had been out until about 4am.

"I had been asleep for about four hours and I got up to go to the toilet," Myles said last night.

"It was dark and I was a bit dazed. The door to the toilet was right next to the entry door and I went through the wrong one.

"The door locked behind me and I was stranded."
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25744045-5001021,00.html

Whatever Happened to Michael Jackson's Bubbles?

I am intrigued by the strange relationship between the late Michael Jackson and his chimpanzee Bubbles. I think Bubbles is awesome and so did Michael. He was his first child when he got him in 1985, but then according to Wikipedia he left and went to a sanctuary in 2003 because of overtly aggressive behaviour. He won't be attending the funeral unlike most other people, but will surely miss MJ. Thanks to the reliable Wikipedia for informing us.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubbles_(chimpanzee)
Bubbles is a Common Chimpanzee, known for his association with Michael Jackson. Jackson rescued the three-year-old chimp from a cancer research clinic in Texas in 1985. Despite the pair enjoying a close relationship, many media sources mocked the friendship. The public thought of Jackson as a bizarre eccentric, obsessed with recapturing his childhood, and he was subsequently dubbed "Wacko Jacko". Bubbles sat in for the recording sessions of the Bad album and escorted Jackson for the filming of the "Bad" music video. During the Bad World Tour, he and the singer shared a two-bedroom hotel suite in Tokyo.

Bubbles initially resided at the Jackson family's Encino home, but moved to Neverland Ranch in 1988, where he slept in a crib at the corner of Jackson's bedroom. Bubbles was allowed to use Jackson's private toilet, although the chimp sometimes wore a diaper. In a 2003 documentary, Living with Michael Jackson, the singer revealed to journalist Martin Bashir that Bubbles had become overly aggressive, and had been moved to an animal sanctuary.

Bubbles currently resides at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida.

The New Phoenix Top, Yeah But Na

One of the worst kept secrets in New Zealand sport is out with the Phoenix launching their new shirts. The stripes remind most people of Hull City from the EPL, but we are yellow and black instead of amber and black. I must say that I think the new home strip looks sharp. My old home shirt still looks the shizzle though. I love it and will still wear it until it falls apart. Plenty of people would rather buy the much cheaper Yellow Fever t-shirt instead. The away strip isn't so nice I reckon. Mind you, I ain't no fashion expert. Pardon my football talk with the "ain't". The Phoenix still need a shirt sponsor and two strikers to fill these shirts, then it is on to the A-League in about a month. As usual I won't buy the Season's Membership since the games are on at poor times, but I will still go to some matches wearing my original home shirt. Hopefully there are the usual people giving away tickets at the gate. The Phoenix really need to get some results this year and make the A-League finals for the first time. It will be tough without Glen Moss and Shane Smeltz.

The Best Brownie Awards

First of all I would like to say thank you to all of those who have given me brownie to eat over the last few months I have eaten more brownie than this year than any other year. I think it has something to do with hanging out with more females and going to more cafes than previously. I have tried brownie at the both Deluxe and Enigma. I have also had samples from plenty of brilliant bakers (mainly women) and I must say that from the limited samples I had of their brownie that they were all good, but there were two that stood out from the pack. The key to brownie is to have it slightly undercooked and soft.

Brownie, I believe, is how a woman shows her femininity. That is why I will probably ruffle a few feathers by choosing only two of the many squares of brownie I have consumed. Some (including Lizzie Watson) will say that I didn't taste their best batch. This could be true, but it is up to these people to prove their worth to me. Otherwise, I am standing firm with my decision.

The Best Brownie Award

Drum roll please.
Diana Makker's soft and amazing brownie with frozen berries was amazing. I went to Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, this was amazing. It is probably more of a dessertish brownie and is rich, but so delicious. I enjoyed it so much that I ate too much.

Emma Trail's Mum. Emma's Mum produces the most amazing brownie. Hers is more of a traditional square with white chocolate. It is so good that like Farmbake Cookies she sends some down to Emma but wants Emma to share it with her friends. Emma does duly oblige. We were humbled at Easter by her assortment of baking in Tauranga including amazing muffins with either cream cheese or a small caramel filled Easter egg in it.

There you have it. If you want brilliant brownie then be nice to Emma Trail and her mum and be very nice to Diana Makker. If you think you can compete with these two brownies provide a sample for me next time you see me. There is no such thing as bad brownie in my opinion.

Corporate Sport

Today I had my first taste of corporate sports with indoor soccer today. Our work team played against Midway Motors and we got wasted 9-2. It was a humbling experience for me because I have played heaps of indoor soccer and in recent times I have played in a high mens grade, so it was a pleasant change to play mixed. The only problem is that we aren't blessed with amazing sporting people at work, and it was made difficult because we had no subs and two guys and three girls. Anyway it was excellent fitness for me and we are planning to lose our grading games so we are in an achievable grade. I have in the past played against work teams for a competitive team and handed out hidings, so this makes for a change. When we set up our team I thought it would be the same, but in this lunchtime league, most of the teams are really social so hopefully we can battle and survive. It is all about having fun, staying fit and bonding with workmates.

A Visitor To Wellington?

I went with the olds up the Cable Car to the museum. It is a great novelty way of going up the hill to Kelburn. The folks appreciated the movies they were showing about the history of trams and cable cars. It was quite funny as the folks remember catching the ones shown in the DVD. The trams stopped running in Dunners in 1956 and Wellington in 1964. A great piece of marketing was that they used to charge two pennies to go up on the Cable Car to Kelburn and one penny to go down as people often walked down instead. The Cable Car to Kelburn has been around since 1902 which is nearly 100 years.

It is strange when visitors from out of town come to visit. You end up seeing what life is like as tourist to Wellington. It also gave me an excuse to catch the Cable Car and go to Te Papa. We didn't make it to Parliament though! It is definitely a unique perspective as most Wellingtonians don't hang out at such places.

David Bain Bear Hugs

It has been revealed that David Bain used to give inmates bear hugs when they tried to beat him up in the slammer rather than retaliate. I guess he isn't the toughest guy on the block and didn't want to be a big victim. I did see Big Stan on Friday night, so I know what goes on. He also thought he would originally be let off his sentence rather than spend 13 years in jail. It is interesting to find out what goes on where view dare to go (jail).

http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/mp/5703010/david-bain-reveals-prison-details-for-first-time/

Starlight Express

Since my folks were in town, I took them to Starlight Express at TSB Arena. They are anything but regulars in Wellington, but it worked out well that the Entertainment Book had discounted rooms at the James Cook Hotel which is about three stones throw away from TSB Arena. There were also heaps of other oldies going to Starlight Express from the same hotel.

I really enjoyed Starlight Express, but it was something totally different. Not being much of a roller skater (see posts September 13 2008) I really appreciated the way that these performers could remember all of their moves and sing, dance and skate at the same time. I also love some of the costumes. Electra had an outfit that I want for dress ups. That sounds a little gay doesn't it? Rusty was inspirational and Starlight Express actually portrays God in this movie.

It is based on train races, as they are toys for Control (the narrator) who is based on one of Andrew Lloyd Webbers' children. This show is the second longest running West End London musical to Cats and featured some kiwis. They chose people on their singing, dancing and acting ability and taught them how to skate in an intense four week session.

The most painful thing were the actual races when they took place were actually these cheesey but really poor videos on the projector screens, rather than done live by the actors. This was a bit strange. The lights were cool though. We were so far away that it would've been possible for it to be completely pre recorded and played. Another strange thing was that the orchestra wasn't in the TSB Arena, but must've been somewhere nearby. They could've just played pre-recorded music. The same thing goes for the voice of Control.

My favourite character was either Electra or Dustin The Big Hopper. I thought Electra had such an awesome attitude. Dustin was the light relief but honest toiler. He reminded me of Dom Crowl. Rusty was cliche, but inspirational as a steam train and the song Light at the End of the Tunnel was inspirational!

I am always buzzing after going to something special like this and I am sure my parents liked it too. Big Guy (Dad) fell asleep during the first half (this is where I get it from) but awoke from his slumber to enjoy it.

Weekend Catch Ups

This weekend has been about catching up with people I haven't seen in a while. On Friday night I went to Andy and Greers and caught up with Luey. I see Andy and Greer sporadically since they got married and they only live around the corner. Luey is always good for fun times, so it was fun catching up with her for the first time in ages. The beauty of it was that us four get on really well, since me and Luey were ushers at Andy and Greer's wedding, and Luey and Greer are in my top five female friends. Greer is hospitable and we made delicious pizzas and then watched Big Stan. It has some great scenes involving nipples which provided entertainment. It was good Friday night light hearted movie. It is small and intimate at Andy and Greer's house I have nicknamed "the Shoebox" so the four of us almost filled up the lounge and kitchen.

My parents arrived in town this morning and because I booked their hotel room using my Entertainment Book I had to help them book in. The James Cook Hotel is centrally located close to most of the amenities. I haven't seen the olds in seven months and you forget how times have changed, with the olds getting older and used to relative peace and quiet of Invers. We went to Te Papa and looked at the Golden Days tour.

It is strange when my half speed dawdle is still too fast for Big Guy (my Dad). It is funny how the cycle of life changes. Rewind over 20 years and it would've been them forced to dawdle as my wee legs struggled to keep up, and now, the tables have turned. It is very humbling and helps make the usual 5 minute walk in the rain which has taken 10 minutes more bearable.

Luckily for dinner I found the Whitby Restaurant in the James Cook Hotel had 25% off. It feels like the Love Boat when you go to restaurants at hotels. They have that classic 1980s tropical hotel style music and blue lights in the restaurant. The buffet was brilliant, but dangerous. It is so easy to load up the plate and make the most of it. Self control, Donaldson!

I Am Coming To A Town Near You

I haven't taken leave since February's slice of heaven trip to Melbourne. So I have decided that I miss my family (pictured above apart from my Mummy) too much to stay away. It means catching flights to Invers and returning via Dunners where I will hopefully get to see some of my old uni mates around the old haunts. Because George Street is the main street that everyone hangs out on in Dunners, I always bump into people I know. It will be interesting to see who I come across.

It will be cold down south and I am not used to it any more, so it will be a shock to the system, but sometimes you just have to harden up. I did go down slightly earlier to attend the Pressie Ball in 2007 and froze my ass off, so I know that I cannot handle it anymore. Some people think Wellington is cold, but it is warmer at night. Next year I will consider taking a mid winter trip overseas to somewhere warmer, but since I have already been to Australia, I will wait before making the most of cheap trans Tasman flights.

Not only do my flights work well with work, but I can also fit in two Stags matches. The Air New Zealand Cup starts the weekend I arrive in Invers with Southland hosting Waikato. I am hoping to catch that one. Are you in Invers on 1st August and want to go to the game? Get hold of me. I am staying for about five or six days in Invers before I will go to Dunners and catch up with some uni friends before attending the Shield Challenge at Carisbrook. It will be the day that Southland gets the Shield after 50 years without it. After getting so close against Auckland last season, Southland can get the first challenge if Otago wins it off Wellington in Round One. Upsets always happen in the early rounds. Otago though aren't up to much chop, so it will take a big effort for them to win it for the first time since 1957.

If you want to catch up with me then let me know. I fly into Invers on 1st August and fly out of Dunners on the morning of the 8th August.

I was torn when selecting flights on that Saturday. It would've been great to turn out for the mighty red Redemption FC on the 8th, but I don't want to risk missing two games in a row for my team (Marist Skins) up here and I want to remember the golden days of Redemption rather than the struggling winless team at the moment. I must say though that more games get cancelled up here so hopefully I get a game on Saturday 8th.

Also, do you want to have me stay Thursday and Friday nights on the 6th and 7th August and can drop me off to the airport at 8:40am on a Saturday (that is early) then I would love to stay with you. Mind you, I can always catch a shuttle or something out to the airport or stay with relatives in Dunners if it gets too tough!

Bring Wimbledon Back To Sky Television

It is painful that Wimbledon is played on TV One rather than Sky Sport at the moment. The funny thing is that in the past I was always a fan of free to air coverage of live sports, but I must say that this has changed since I now have Sky television and cannot stay up too late to watch Wimbledon like I used to.

I used to think nothing of staying up until the middle of the night to watch two guys or girls hit a ball to each other. These days now that I am a full time worker and 30 years old, I struggle to make it past midnight on a school night.

The main annoyance is that the only highlights are on at 3pm on TV One. This is annoying as there is no way I can watch highlights then either. On Sky in the past and with most other sports events you can watch highlights on Sky Sport 3 often at different times as part of the highlights channel and get other replays during the more civilised hours of the evening.

I am now glad that the Olympics are going to Prime and Sky (I think they are). This way in 2012 there will be plenty of opportunities to see highlights of different events. This makes it great for fans of the game. Everyone knows someone with Sky television and/or can go to a pub to watch sports. I imagine free to air Prime will also come to the party.

So what do you think of Wimbledon coverage?

I am hoping for a Federer vs Murray mens final. It would be interesting if Lleyton Hewitt made the semi finals and final though!