All Over Red Rover

ROUND 22 : SAVING THE WORST TIL LAST!

With only two home teams winning this weekend we saw the worst round average for the entire season! No-one scored more than six, well done Gordon Davies! Now down to the business we have all waited for the results.

Our congratulations goes to:

WINNER : Shane Watson 121

R/UP : Lisa McCallum 119

3RD : Paul Hinkley, Kozak Family & Ryan Strickland 114

OVERALL AVG : 107

Lisa held the lead from round 8 til round 20 but was pipped at the post by Shane who finished with a gale. Our wooden spooner for 2009 is Kylie Jones on 77, she wins $125 for the remaining jackpot kitty that was not claimed. Well done to our round winners; Steve Duncan, Lisa McCallum, Rosie McCallum, Shane Watson, Scott Van Heurck and Greg Strickland.

Some interesting stats for next year : Kylie Jones won the spoon by flipping a coin for all games(44%), Patrick & Amelia Vickers did the same but scored 10 more wins (49%). Sarah Piggott tipped only home teams and scored 101 (57%) whilst our league leader tipped at 69%

Congratulations to all of our winners, I hope you have enjoyed our tipping with a difference, we will run again next year and hope you all will have another go! Thanks for playing and good luck to your team in the finals (if they made it)

Go the CATS!!

Stats Baby, Stats

I've been skimming the AFL site today and while I've looked at the 'Ladder' page before, I can't say I've really used it.

It has the usual columns but just above the table is an interactive button toolbar to show a range of stats that even Eddie would be proud of:

Win/Loss/Draw: Last 5 Games, Home/Away/Interstate and Day/Night
Quarters: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and Total Quarters Won
Attack/Defence: Highest/Lowest Score and Average Win/Loss Margin
Fixture: Last/Next Opponent
List: Number of Players Used

Perhaps its my nature but the first stat I wanted to look up was 4th Quarter wins for Freo. I wasn't expecting a high score but when '4' came up, I had to laugh. Yes, that's the lowest of all 16 teams. However, things get a little more interesting when you show the 1st Quarter wins and compare the two. Freo aren't last, not in the bottom 8.... they aren't even in the bottom 12 - they're 4th. Only beaten by the 2008 Grand Final contenders and the Saints, quite impressive actually. Is it consistency, youth or just plain luck....... time will tell.

So if your interested, jump over to afl.com.au and click around. It'll be a great time-sucker until the NTC AFL results are posted! Boo Yar

P.S. Yes I'm aware that it's a picture of Warren Tredrea of Port not Freo!

Weekly WTF: Pootrap

Via INewIdea

Movie Hero to Movie Zero

Not entirely sure what sparked this flicker in my memory but today I got thinking about movie turning points. That time in a movie where everything is going well and its beginning to look like a great film but in a shutter speed ..BA BOM.... its all flushed away. Imagine a plot tip-toe-ing along a fenceline and then one scene or one line smacks it down to earth.

When I considered blogging this wierd anomaly, 2 lines from movies immediately sprang to mind:

1. Days of Thunder (1990)
Russ Wheeler "I know Cole, he always goes to the outside"
2. 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
Suki (after jumping the split shipping bridge) "Yeah baby.....smack that ass"
EDIT 31/8: 3. The Tom & Jerry Movie (1992)
Tom "Wow Jerry I didn't know you could talk!", Jerry "Yeah, I just didn't have anything to say Tom!"

I'll be sure to add more over the coming days but i'll open the forum to any you can think of.....

Peace out and have a great weekend pranksters...........and Happy Birthday Dad!

Chihuanhas

If you haven't heard of this 2010 parody blockbuster you aren't alone, but hear it now people!

As you can see its already taking the mick out of Jaws and I'd expect it wont stop there. It appears someone has thrown a few million bucks at an out of control imagination and it's gotten a little out of hand. Perhaps they took a bucket-load of dope down to the nearest college and gave everyone a pad, pencil and a spliff. Here's the 'plot' from imdb.com:

A school/pack of vicious, cross-bred Chihuahuas and Piranhas are unleashed upon a pristine Mountain Lake and quickly consume summer campers before a team of misfits, led by the lake's ranger, evade and destroy the evil little critters.

Check out chihuanhas.com for a few more insights and a look at some freaky concept art. Imagine a tiny dog with fangs, gills and webbed ears and you're on your way to the mental picture! I'd pay good money to see one of these puppies (..............get it!) jump out of Paris's handbag and take that walking rake down a few notches!

They're not just ankle biters anymore...


Soundtrack Of The Day: Nothing yet, I just got here!

I Hope You Aren't A Breeder v2.0

Some beauties from failblog

Tuesday Pizza Club

Tuesdays have been known by many things, usually tight-arsed related, and now there is another one of a similar nature worthy of blogment.

Until further notice Tuze-di nights are now TPC nights at mums place due to the local Eagle Boys putting up a $5.50 per/pizza deal. Tonight its at 7.30 but with a bit of luck and a removal of prior engagements it will come back to 6.30 ish in future weeks so we can arrive then order the right amount instead of guessing!

Number of starters have lingered around the 7 mark so far but as word spreads over the northern suburbs, those numbers are bound to soar. Today the dining room, tomorrow the world!

If your broke, lazy, bored, sober or just plain clueless about what to do tonight - bring your $5.50 and a healthy appetite.

Soundtrack Of The Day: Something For Kate - Echolalia

Footy Tipping Round 21

ROUND 21 : THE FINAL HURDLE
With the top two teams losing this round we had a number of people get six, with three tipsters hitting seven, well done Louise de St Jorre, Charles Iddon and Jack Thomas.

The season wraps up next week and we have a no-one secure in any of the placings, top three or last! So a big final round to decide the champions is upcoming. With the jackpot for the final round being $125, it is up for grabs for an eight or it will be the kitty for last place finisher. As mentioned previously the scoresheet will remain hidden until its finale next week. Anyone wanting to know their weekly score can contact me. Good luck for the final round.

NEXT WEEK'S CLUTCH GAMES: Hawks Vs Bombers; well for tipping purposes you could bet everyone is on Hawthorn but in regards to the actually season proper its the game that decides the eighth place finisher and the last finals contender. Hawks should make it and give a scare to its first finals opponent. Pies Vs Dogs; third place is up for grabs, Dogs need to win by a lot to get there but the reward is to play the injured Cats, although St Kilda is on a two game losing streak and are not looking quite as formidable as the first nineteen rounds. This makes for an interesting finals series.

The Amazing Application Form

As its the off-season for TV in the U.S., the Mrs and I have been swallowed by the Amazing Race and on Saturday we finally finished watching the last season! I know you all really don't care but when you've been engrossed by a show for 14 seasons it really does start to take over! Whenever you get home, hit play until you cant take anymore or you need to eat/sleep/go to work whatever comes first.

It brings us up to date with the US...........for now. S15 has apparently finished filming and begins on September 27 so we don't have long to catch our breath. Ill probably say to myself that I wont start watching it until its actually over so we can watch it all together but as usual I'll cave and watch week to week!

Out of interest I jumped on the net today and looked for the application forms to 'try-out' for the race. Here's the link for S16's form and its well worth a read if you've ever seen the show. Some of my favourite questions are:

- What is the biggest disappointment you have experienced from your teammate?
- What famous person reminds you of your teammate?
- What is the worst experience you have had with your teammate? Why?
- What is your opinion of foreigners?
- How do you blow off steam?
- Are there any outstanding warrants for your arrest?

The last one I find especially hilarious....what is the point of asking this? Are there people dumb enough to 1. Go on a reality TV show while 'on the run' from the cops. Oh look Snr Sergeant isn't that the guy we've been chasing for that triple homicide? or 2. Openly tell a worldwide television network that you're wanted, oh and here's my home address, telephone number, partners name, height, weight, build, interests, passport details and ok, here's a live video of me too!

As far as Aussie involvement goes, until they announce Amazing Race Australia I think at best we will be pigeon-holed as the occasional outback leg at the bell tower!

Soundtrack Of The Day: The witch who keeps coughing up a lung about 10 cubes away. You're smokings bitch now!

A Fishy Ooooo

The surviving members of legendary comedy troupe Monty Python will reunite in October to commemorate their 40th anniversary.

John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam are expected to appear together at an event in New York City on October 15.

They apparently will be honoured by BAFTA with a special award that commemorates their "outstanding contribution to film and television". It will be their second recognition as they also received one in 1987, when they were presented with a Michael Balcon Award for outstanding British contribution to cinema.

Why they decided to issue a Brittish award in New York will have to be left unanswered but I don't think anyone can disagree with the means behind it. Isn't it funny how people don't realise the level of comedy or influence they have on others and only time can tell. As with music, its not how great the song is now, its how great it STILL is after 10/20/30 years.

Everyone knows who Monty Python are and there isn't a week go by when I don't hear someone quote something of theirs from a skit or movie around the office. Considering they stopped shooting in 1974, 'Monty Python And The Holy Grail' was 1975 and the 'The Meaning Of Life' reunion was 1983 that's a bloody good achievement.

For what its worth my favourite skits are:
Dennis Moore "Dennis Moore, Dennis Moore dum dum dum the Night!"
Knights Who Say Ni "Confess old woman or we will force you to sit in....The Comfy CHAIR!"
Dead Parrot "This...parrot..is...no...more"
Lumberjack Song "I cut down trees, I wear high heels, suspenders and a bra!"
and The Meaning Of Life - Part 7: Death "Shut up! Shut up you American you always talk you Americans you talk and you talk and you say let me tell you something and I just wanna say this, well your dead now so just shut up!"

Guitar Hero Pi$$-Takes

A few funny Guitar Hero pics flew past my screen today so I thought I'd share the best ones!

Alot of people say I have too much time on my hands but let me tell ya, the person that sat down and made that Sousaphone Hero cover takes the time cake this week!

Click the picture for a larger version and check out Ganesha's axe, buttons all the way down the neck to carve up Dragonforce.

Playstation 3 Price Squash

In Germany @ 2009 GamesCom, Sony have finally officially unveiled the PS3 Slim and its release date of 09/09.

As with the PS1/PS1 Slim and PS2/PS2 Slim, time has passed since the PS3 release and technology has improved enough that they have repackaged it in a much smaller, sleeker container. Of course it is still able to pack the same punch and deliver the same result as its older brother so as far as I can see it's win-win.

UNlike its relatives, the PS3 slim will also undercut the price of its obese brother by a fair old whack. At $299US for 120GB it has certainly limbo'd off the wish lists of many christmas lists and onto the shopping lists. I'll save you the trouble of converting it, that's $363 aussie bat'la dollars!

Bear in mind that the PS3 also has an embedded Blu-ray player. As I'm feeling generous I'll also save you the trouble of checking the prices online, here are the 2 cheapest retail Blu-ray players at the moment:

JB HiFi: Samsung $391 / LG $398
Harvey Norman: Samsung $429 / LG $429

If you aren't lucky enough to own a Logitech all-in-one remote, apart from a slap, you'll need to pick up a PS3 Blu-ray remote for around $30-$40 to save your ass getting off the couch. Short story shorter - if you want a Blu-ray player, spend your $400 on a PS3 Slim instead, all the Blu-ray features and a free PS3! Oh, and at least the PS3 part might be worth something in 3 years!

I think I've just decided on a 30th Birthday present Kylz!

P.S. If you need a laugh, hop on over to www.ebgames.com.au to point and laugh at the PS3 80GB fat console still on 'sale' for $700! Good stuff guys, way to keep it real.

UPDATE: Click here for the JBHiFi pre-order site ($494) or here for the EBGames site ($499)

I Hope You Aren't A Breeder v1.0

Just like the Darwin awards i am going to periodically add tidbits of people who we can all hope do not pass their genes onwards

#1 A man in New Zealand robbed a record store... before doing so, as a rouse to not look suspicious to staff he ordered a copy of a Pink Floyd album which they didn't have in stock... leaving his name and contact number

#2 A question on a random internet help forum
"How can you get your monitor to act like a mirror? I have tried scanning a mirror but that doesn't work"

Soundtrack Of The Day: Matt Good's new single just released on Sunday

Round 20: The Shockers Are Back...

Fremantle's insipid performance against the spooners Melbourne better have been tanked for any followers mental well being, clutching at a priority pick is the only acceptable excuse for that performance.

The Saints unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of unlikely winners Essendon, who with the victory all but secure eighth spot on the ladder.

With all the upsets this week we had another sub four average round, highest score was a six by Andrew Nadebaum, with that the jackpot goes up to $100 next week. A few interesting results at the top of the leader board have made for an interesting run home in the last two weeks. As mentioned last week no further scoreboards until the final round is complete.

NEXT WEEK'S CLUTCH GAMES: Bulldogs Vs Cats : A cracker to start the round, Dogs are firing, Cats are not, last time they met Brad Johnson had a kick after the siren to win it and couldn't get it. I hate to tip against my Cats but Dogs should win it trying to secure top four spot. Collingwood Vs Sydney : Pies can secure third, however Swans have troubled the Saints and Cats to less then a goal wins. Pies should win and if they belt the Swans then they are a real September threat.

Let There Be Birthdays

Well with the official coming together of families earlier in the year, today marks the start of a birthday plethora for us! I'm bound to leave someone out but here goes:

(In order of existence)
Today: Geoff, Darren, Jaymelee, Scott, Jhett.........and Kate Richie!
Tomorrow: Sandra, John
22nd: Todd
28th: Dad

...and I won't even get started on September!

The parties start tonight with drinks and Thai in Leederville for Sandy Pandys 31st then a potential birthday breakfast tomorrow for Johns 30th followed by Jhetts 1st at 2pm then a Sunday venture to Morangup for Geoff's! Hopefully by Monday 8.30 we can manage to crawl back to work in 1 piece.

A very warm Happy Birthday to all and Jhett as you can't read, hopefully Mum or Dad will relay via a hug or something..... Happy Big '1' Brother!

Soundtrack Of The Day: The Blue Hearts - Super Best

The Backyard Palace

Recently Kylie bought me a book, which seems a little odd at first because I haven't read one since high school where there was no choice, but she's picked the right topic: Sheds!

Its essentially a collection of terrific stories about aussie men and their backyard palaces. It contains extracts of proud moments, first children's shed steps, births, deaths, marriages, obsessions, avoidance of other people and the unnatural (some would say primate) phenomena of man's attraction to it.

I've read the majority of it now but wanted to share an extract that most of you can relate to and hopefully enjoy.

"The Tragedy Of The Shedless"
Eric lives in a rented house, and he's a shed orphan. Landlords take a dim view of tenants setting up sheds. They probably worry that one day they may have to clean them up.

Lamenting the plight of the tenant, Eric says, "A rented shed is never quite yours. You can't get settled down." Layers of personal history are not allowed to accumulate in a rented shed. There's no chance of ever developing a rich stew of objects and projects, safe in the knowledge that they can rest undisturbed for years on end if necessary.

What does this un-met yearning do for the shedless? They hang around the sheds of others or just shut that part of their lives off completely. The flat dweller, the urbanly consolidated, the tenant, have all to anaesthetise the urge of therapy opportunities opening up...

To avoid being sued by the author, I didnt write the above, its a quote, no credit taken only credit given, its available at all good (and some bad) bookstores. Its written by Mark Thomson and it's well worth a read.

: P

iDeck

I know for certain that your all on squidring.com for the 'articles' right? I know, I know - its all about the pictures, cmon admit it! Well this one will churn the grey matter a little.

At first glance it appears to be some sort of bizarre card game application for the iPhone where you need to buy 52 iPhones to make a full deck, but take a second look. Its actually a deck of cards carefully designed and detailed to LOOK like iPhones. Why? Who knows!

Everything from incoming call alerts to, nav buttons and the 3D appearance of the back is quite impressive really. They really do look real. I suppose when your holding one and its 1/4mm thick, it might blow the illusion a little though!

At $25 a deck, they will be firmly glued to the shelves for the lifetime of an iPhone but still, I think their kinda cool.

Round 19: Cat-Astrophe

The round started off terribly for tipsters with Carlton beating the Cats, it set the tone for a poor performance overall, averaging under four for the round. The proud WA fans got a guaranteed three from the two hometown teams and Brisbane's after the siren score to draw the game.

This week's highest score of 7 by Patrick & Amelia Vickers was infact 8 coin tosses so we should all be ashamed of being outsmarted by an inanimate object. Lisa McCallum has kept her lead of one over Shane Watson in a two horse race for the win, Paul Hinkley, Ryan Strickland, Team Kozak, Rosie McCallum, Steve Duncan, Team Nowak and myself are in a battle royale for the third spot.

In keeping with tradition of this tipping competition this is the final weekly score update, the last three rounds will remain a mystery until the winners are declared post round 22. Kylie Jones has almost certainly locked in the spoon and is praying for no further round winners so she can scoop the remaining pool.

NEXT WEEK'S CLUTCH GAMES: Lions Vs Bulldogs @ Gabba, Lions need to keep their top 4 hunt alive, Bulldogs need to get back some form after losing to WC and get back their 3rd spot. Expect some punishing football here. Port Vs Blues @ AAMI, Port were disgraceful and shouldn't be a top eight side after last weekend, Blues took out the Cats and should do the same again here. Melbourne Vs Freo ; will we get a crowd under 10K, Melbourne to tank this all the way home.

woot

due to my rant more tickets released, all is sorted and good with the world again

yeeeeeeee!

warning : rant ahead

my god, my god!

i am a Pearl Jam fan club member, I have been for a about 5 years i guess, so not entirely forever like many who have been from the start. Their concert tickets went on sale this morning, exclusive to club members and sold out in less then 30 mins! so what you say? well not all bought by Perth residents, no you can buy from the other side of the world, so no priority for those living in the actual city, just first in best dressed. Why do i pay membership when i don't even get any priority i just get the "chance" of tickets.

secondly the event is general admission, so why is there a limit to fan club tickets? there is no way that the gig is sold out, just the fan club allocated. Surely the band itself would want its "true" fans there more then any old hack who can get them.

and lastly before you tell me to just get GA tickets like everybody else, fan club ticket holders do get a benefit, either being let in first (so you get closest to the stage without needing to elbow people and be a dick) or on a previous tour, Ed did an acoustic set just for fans early in the day. Why should I miss out on that opportunity?

Thomtron

Unrailed, undefeatable and undoubtedly awesome. Toot-toot is his death cry and he will crush you as he screams his sweet revenge, all in the voice of Ringo Starr.

Thomas the Transformer is actually a man-mashing mix-up of Thomas the Tank Engine and two of his friends to resemble some sort of Voltron/Power Ranger concoction. It has been spotted on eBay and SOLD for $10 (Singapore) which is roughly the same as Aussie dollars, which works out to be about 4 quid or $3560 US Dollars in today's market.

James appears to have come out as the dominatrix of the group and I hope none of you have the misfortune of describing this to someone "Umm, James is the body and he kinda upright violating the faces of his train legs while fisting his arm cabooses."

All I can say is thank god Patrick can't read or I might slip down the uncle favourites chain on this one! Especially cos the bubble car is for sale - eeeeePPPPPPPPP

Soundtrack Of The Day: Puddle Of Mudd - Come Clean

Thumping Four-be Four

Finally the toast has landed butter side up and someone in customer service actually did what they said they were going to do!

I took the car in last night, as they wanted to work on the stereo all day today. He said they'll call me with an update around noon and again around 4 to let me know that its ready or that they will need it for another night.

12:45 - The phone rings - They think its going to be done today.
16:15 - The phone rings - Yes it will be ready at 5.30.


Even as I type this there isn't a shadow of negativeness or scepticism, I just know its going to be good. Don't let me down karma, it may be your last chance!

Soundtrack Of The Day: Office Chatter by WankBest and the Peeps

Hyden Accommodation Update

Quick update for all of you thinking of Hyden-ing up with us on the 5th/6th Sept. I made a couple of calls and there are 3 main places to stay in/near Hyden.

1. Wave Rock Motel - 98805052 - http://www.waverock.com.au/motel.htm
2. Wave Rock Lakeside Resort - 98805022 - http://www.waverock.com.au/resort.htm
3. Wave Rock Caravan Park - 98805022 - http://www.waverock.com.au/Caravan%20Park.htm

Wave Rock Motel: This is where we have booked because its the only place in the Town Centre itself. It has 2 restaurants, a bar, pool, gym etc etc. Prices are $145 Double OR Twin, $157 Triple (Double + 1 Single OR 3 Singles), $145 Family - as kids under 12 are free. They also do executive suites for $190pn. One restaurant is full buffet for $33 and the other is a cook-it-yourself grill with salad bar for $19-$29 depending on your order. The owners run a free tour of Wave Rock for guests at 3pm Saturdays and staying there also gives you a discount at the town petrol station! If you book here, mention my name so they can link the bookings up.

Wave Rock Lakeside Resort/Wave Rock Caravan Park: Both of these are owned by the same company and are located near the rock. Prices are completely dependant on what your after. There are a ton of different packages to choose from so jump on the site for more details. Benefits are that you literally staying in the bush surrounded my wildlife, if you want outback - step out your door and you'll be smacked in the face with it!

Any thoughts, suggestions, ideas, medical dilemmas.... let me know.

EDIT 6/8: 4 have booked accommodation so get in like Errol Flynn!

Noughties Cuckoo Clock

Why do I want this? I think there is still a part of the human brain (well mine anyway) that generates a want for random stuff/crap just like this. No doubt the novelty will wear off quickly but for some reason I don't care, I just want to see that little mintboy bungee jump out every hour. As you're all aware I love this kind of internet gadgetry rubbish but even bearing that in mind I'm not sure why the bungee man looks very similar to the toilet man logo. Would it make you want to pee when you watch it? Its called the Mint Clock 2 and it has a couple of other features not found in regular, garden variety clocks. Right before the plunge he reaches for the stars and yells "It’s ten o’clock! Hee-Ha!", AND just below the clock hands is a webcam equipped with colour wifi streaming so you can keep watch on the happenings of the room. Yes, big brother's little brother is always watching. Is there a reason I don't have one of these yet? Soundtrack Of The Day: Queen - The Miracle

Hyden Hoola-Palooza Convoy

Well we're planning a jaunt to Hyden in about a month.

We AREN'T saying we're going to Wave Rock or Hippo's Yawn because the first thing people say is "Don't Bother!". Officially we're just going to Hyden and we'll see what nearby attractions it has to offer. : )

The plan was to drive out there on Saturday 5th Sept and drive back on Sunday 6th. There are a few places to stay including the pub in town and a number of caravan parks, motels etc around there so there should be something that suits everyone. Check out the official site as there's a bit of info on the Accommodation page.

http://www.waverock.com.au/
http://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Pages/Attraction.aspx?pid=9001137

Ive generated a google map of the route from Perth, its roughly 337kms away so adjust for where you live. I think the estimated driving time of 4hr 59min is a bit off but basically if you live south, head out Brookton Hwy and if you're north you can take the York road and its about the same distance. If you're interested in joining the convoy then hit that comments link or shoot me an email and let me know.

The date is subject to change/Kylie so if you get in quick we could shift it a little. :P

Hope you're all happy and healthy!

EDIT: Date was temporarily changed to the 12/13th but has now returned to the 5/6th due to popular demand for that weekend!

The System Has Arrived

After putting my car stereo order in online I was unpleasantly surprised to see that I'd missed the postage window for the day and it would be an extra day before I'd get my music fix. That 1 day dragged to 2 (as it tends to do) and that pushed my delivery date to today when I got that all important email from the mailroom to say that 'We have received a package for you!'. KICK ASS

Kenwood all round - Deck, Splits in the front and 4-Ways in the back. I could only book the car in for the uber-install this Thursday anyway so no drama big banana. Will get it back Thursday arvo or Friday and I'll let you know the results. : P

Used the car on-road a bit over the weekend and all is going well so far. Its an absolute pig to park in average spaces so I think the canary will definitely be the daily driver/shopping cart of choice. Hopefully the weather permits a little offroad jaunt over the weekend and I can finally work out why I have 2 gear-sticks! Need to setup some sort of fishing rod rocket-launcher for it too, in plenty of time before the next angling adventure... thinking caps are on.

Trying to pencil in a little road-trip east shortly so keep your eyes on squidring.com for the details players!

Soundtrack Of The Day: Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP