Season membership: to renew or not renew?

I have been a season ticket holder twice in my life - but coincedently both years when I signed up the Doggies had a shocker of a year off the field.

The first year I (and my brother) signed up was 2002, that year the Bulldogs were found to had been cheating the salary cap and were handed the wooden spoon.

This year I thought I would save some money and get a season ticket again with my brother and the Doggies have lost four of their stars and look like getting the wooden spoon again!

Sure, any team that had lost their halfback and their front row would struggle - but the Bulldogs have lost their spirit it seems with loss after loss after loss, all in large (and sometimes record) margins.

Everyone knows I love the Bulldogs - I wear a Bulldogs ring, mobile phone holder, two wristbands and Bulldogs socks most days (I even have another ring and a necklace lying somewhere in my room, along with numerous hats and shirts), but is it worth it?

Next year we have a mighty good chance with buying some semi-decent players (although - no real superstars to replace the higher echelon of players that we had previously).

Many Bulldogs fans are annoyed that we have signed this long deal at ANZ Stadium where we get smaller crowds than we used to get at Belmore Sports Ground without any percentage of the soul of Belmore.

Add that to the fact that we've been called "The Bulldogs" for some years now - a team devoid of a name, a location and it is hard to get inspired.

So, I have decided to join the football club proper and in three years time (the mandatory waiting period... it sounds like private health insurance doesn't it?) I will have an actual voting say on what happens and maybe we can get our club back to where it should be.

Until then, to renew or not renew?

The Easter Show!

[The trains are well taken care of at Cityrail - even the empty trains are late!]

The day started later than expected, with Ryan working late that night - it was meant to be an 8am start but we ended up getting to the show just before 12.

We walked only a couple of 100m into the show and already had two bags of free stuff (a paper and some free government sponsored kids showbag) so the $31 was seeming to be worth it (or was it?).

We tried in vain to find the woodchopping stadium to watch the woodchopping (well der).


["There's got to be an easier way to fill a fireplace!"]

Unfortunately, when we got to the stadium it was empty and everyone was at lunch. This ended up the first year in a while I didn't get to see the woodchopping :( We tried to get in later but it was all full (which was awful!).


[Earthquake enjoys being Cheese on a Stick]

With the woodchopping not open we decided to go and get some lunch ourselves - by getting free samples at the Food Dome.


[Holy shit that's a huge pumpkin - 225kg!]

There was $2 for an Up N Go and ice cream at the Sanitarium stall! That's pretty good.

I shall prepare you all for the next part of the story. I like chilli. No better than that - I love chilli.


[Hotter than Lara Bingle and Billie Piper tongue wrestling!]

I went to The Chilli Factory and tried some of their Turbo Supercharge chilli and good lord it was hot!

How hot? Well I usually have extra chilli on my Big Bondi, but this was so hot that my tongue burned and tingled for over half an hour. I had to down one bottle of water, one Up N Go and some ice cream to quench the heat!


After that we went to the Showbag Pavillion and got some showbags - I ended up getting the Family Guy showbag, Darrel Lea chocolate block bag and a Darrel Lea bag for Cass (you've gotta look after your mates). Ryan got a 25-in-1 bag, an army bag and a Family Guy bag. We got a Coke and a Pepsi bag for Mum.


[Earthquake tries to talk to a Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man]

We ended up leaving the show early to get rid of all the showbags that were weighing us down.

After dropping off the bags at the car we headed back and went to see some animals - that's what you want to see at the Show - animals!


[Earthquake sizes up some drinking in the horse pavillion]

We ended up seeing some horses and alpaccas - aren't alpaccas cool. They're cool! I want one to replace my cats. They can eat grass. hehe


[Who has the curlier hair?]

After feeding the animals we fed ourselves and headed to the football game next door where the Dogs were playing the Rabbitohs. You got in for free with an Easter Show ticket.

It felt strange being there for an away game - although there were more Bulldogs fans there than Souths fans.

Another strange thing is that Souths doesn't have cheerleaders anymore - they've got drummers!


[South Sydney take the piss with their drumming cheerleaders, while a Roosters support takes the piss with a familiar surname on their jersey - too bad they weren't watching their team make it 0-4!]

The Doggies end up winning (and making me lose my tip - I know I shouldn't tip against the Doggies but Ben Roberts doesn't give me much strength).

So yeah - that was my day at show. Twas alright although I still want to see the woodchopping!

And with 110 not out...

[And Williams runs to the breathaliser!]

There's one thing wrong then having your best player injured.

It's having him caught drink driving.

And there's one thing worse than that...

[Memories... light the corners of my mind...]

And that thing is when your team gets smacked by a cricket score over two weeks.

In the past two weeks last years premiers - that's right ten months ago they won the bloody thing - have been smacked by over 50 points each match.

If it were a score card it would be Parramatta-Wests 110 defeated Bulldogs 6.

Six? Six!

That's right, in 160 minutes of football the Bulldogs have scored one try and one goal.

But let's rewind a bit to tonight's match.

Seven minutes into the game the Doggies had the majority of the ball and it was down the Tigers' end of the field. Canterbury gets a penalty in front of the sticks.

Put yourself in the boots of one Andrew Ryan - apparently the best man for the job for the captain - he decides that "hey we can't score a try - so let's take two points".

Stand-in fullback Luke Young kicks the goal and we're up by two.

Fast forward to 73 minutes later and that's the only points that they scored - the Tiges got 54.

[Former Panther Paul Whatuira made the right choice going from out west Penrith) to Wests!]

So EQ, why are you crying about the Dogs losing again? Surely, you must be used to it by now...

Well no - I'm not and no Bulldogs fan should ever sit in their seat and smoke their pipe like nothing is wrong!

Mathematically there is a chance they could get in there, but it's too bad - we don't deserve it.

In the meanwhile - go the Jets in reserve grade!

When EQ gets angry...

[I'm excited! (But not anymore) ]

People, I'm angry. Some fucking thugs have gone and blackened the name of the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs football club has not only gotten pissed off at the idiots who did this but have wrecked the fun for everyone else as well - http://www.bulldogs.com.au/dogbites.asp?ID=2216&SN=1

So what have I done? I wrote them a letter - I wonder if it will get on their website.
If not it will be here - for eternity.

[The days of old - when Bulldogs fans weren't persecuted!]

Dear Bulldogs,

I am writing about the measures you have taken to discourage anti-social behaviour at Bulldogs matches.

I have been a Bulldogs fan all of my 24 years of my life and I personally feel disgusted that the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have done this to your loyal supporters, restricting the fanfare of musical instruments that brings a unique spirit to Bulldogs matches.

If you feel there is going to be bombs in fan's drums - search them.

The removal of allowing larger banners and flags into the home grounds will erode fan support and the fans that have spent many hours showing their support for the club.

If you feel there is going to be bombs in fan's banners - search them.

Also, how is having reserved seating going to help anyone but the Bulldogs' pockets? People move seats if there is no-one sitting in front of them so they can get a better view of the game because as we all know Telstra Stadium and the Sydney Showground aren't world renowned as the best grounds to watch Rugby League.

So perhaps this all comes down to money. There will definitely be less people going to the games because of this measure - we don't all want an automatic increase in the costs to go to the game. Of those who do go they will be spending a lot more on attending but can't bring their banners
or large flags so that means more money spent on official Bulldogs products.

I may choose to go to away games now, but the above measures treat all Bulldogs supporters in contempt and if they continue will only make sure that the richest of Bulldogs supporters can attend matches and anyone who does not sit and clap only will be removed from the ground.

Rugby League is a working class game with working class values of standing up, cheering, booing the opposition - but all these initiatives do is turn it into a Rugby Union game.

I have never been to a Rugby Union game - but I'm sure I wouldn't be treated like a criminal by being a fan of a Union team.

This is just a lazy approach from a stadium that should be more proactive in fixing the problem instead of treating everyone negatively.

Remember the law is you are innocent until proven guilty - not the other way around.

Doggies get a roll on

[The doggies can't get in a sticky situation now they have a roll on!]

Well it's two weeks into our winning streak of two and I have a bold prediction for you all.

It will suprise some, annoy others and no doubt be no suprise to one slippery snaked man person.

[Roll on! Roll on! We'll roll on with our heads held high!]

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs will go back to back.

The Telstra Premiership will be ours and the boys from Belmore will have another NRL ring to add to their other NRL ring.

And the winners are...

Here's our run to the finals:

v Melbourne Storm @ Sydney Showground (home) - probable win
v NZ Warriors @ Ericsson Stadium (away) - possible win
v Penrith Panthers @ Penrith Stadium (away) - probable win
v Brisbane Broncos @ Telstra Stadium (away) - possible win
v South Sydney Rabbitohs @ Aussie Stadium (away) - probable win
v Newcastle Knights @ Telstra Stadium (home) - probable win
v Parramatta Eels @ Parramatta Stadium (away) - possible win
v Wests Tigers @ Telstra Stadium ("away") - probable win
v Penrith Panthers @ Telstra Stadium (home) - probable win
v Sydney Roosters @ Aussie Stadium (away) - possible win

So that's 6 more wins - enough to get us back in the 8 (we're currently 10th).

But Earthquake, I hear you say, what about all those injured players - you doufus?

Well, first off - don't call me a doufus. Secondly we have heaps of
good players coming back but the good thing is we're already winning
matches against teams higher than us.

Sonny Bill can be cheeky at times...

• Adam Perry - back in 1-2 weeks
• Willie Tonga - back in 3 weeks
• Willie Mason - back in 4 weeks
• Reni Matua - back in 6 weeks
• Sonny Bill Williams - back in 9 weeks
• Shadow players Brad Morrin, Trevor Thurling and Brett Oliver are out for the season.
  
  So, a warning (I seem to be giving a lot of warnings lately) to other
  NRL teams - the Doggies are back and are ready to be the first NRL team
  to go back to back!

Doggies out of Braith?

[Spot the jolly fat bloke and his little sheep haired brother.]

Canterbury is back to it's winning ways and thank God for that!

Despite having Corey Hughes playing (at times) at five-eighth, they
overcame a stale Canberra Raiders team that were as bad as S'OK potato
chips.

[The Boys from Belmore took the wrong boat from Circular Quay and ended up in England playing for a trophy.]

The dogs leap into the top 10 after this win, ironically (like rain on your wedding day) behind the lime green vikings.

I was out at the game with my little brother and Dad.

We paid $29 EACH to get into the game (this is because Dad didn't want
to sit around in the cheap seats) and the second half was pretty good
with three tries scored including one by Braith Anasta (below).

[Braith - what's green and red and can't climb a ladder?]

I must say, I was a bit slack on Braith during the first half where he played some forgettable football:

"What's wrong Braith, wallet weighing you down?"

"Braith - you've got more money than sense!"

"You're not worth $7 a second*!"

*Dividing the rumoured $800,000 per season salary by 24 games of 80 minutes.

When he scored that try late in the second half he didn't look too happy either.

It's strange how people can turn against a player as soon as he shows an inch of disloyalty to a club.

[Which way is the plane back to Sydney?]

But Earthquake - you still like Steve Price (above) - and he went to the Warriors.

Yes, I do. He was loyal and he went to NZ for his family because of the
misguided taunts about his employer from neighbours and so-called
friends.

Vagana however left for money and I'm not too happy with him!

Anasta at the Rabbitohs? That takes the cake!

The only reason Anasta will leave is because he wants moolah. He won't
win a premiership at the Central Coast Rabbitohs. Many have tried
before him but they all suffered. Going to the Rabbitohs also is career
suicide. He won't get $800,000 once he's left there.

So that leaves the Roosters. But Braith shouldn't go to the Roosters.

There's one team everyone hates more than the Doggies - it's the
Roosters. With all those egos there and the likes of Gould and Stuart,
Braith's thoughts might be quashed with all these big heads there.

At the Doggies he's just one of the fellas.

Plus another thing - he owes us. He played below his potential during
his contract and we just let him do his own thing. That's loyalty.
Repay that loyalty, Braith.

Stay in the family. Uncle Mal - get his signature!

You've made your bed

[Phone home.]

It's happened. Tomorrow, Mum will be helping me pick up the couch.

Good news! Though I have heard some bad things today about the sofa bed.

Everything but the kitchen sink.

Apparently they sink in the middle. That's what HouseWife (an ex) told me.

But I swear I layed on the thing and everything was alright.

Oh well, at least they're won't be the history of bedding HouseWife and others on there.

As I said say no to women! Just don't become gay. Or a bear!

Because there is nothing worse than becoming a bear. First off, you
play for North Sydney - who haven't won the competition since 1922.
Also, well you prefer to pleasure men than women.

Sure, there's nothing wrong with pleasuring a man - as long as that man is yourself!

Some people say that there is a certain stigma with being a
shirtlifter, but I'm not one them. I lifted my shirt the other day. I
had spilt some sauce on it and was trying to wash it in the loo at work.

With New South Wales winning tonight (good on ya Blues), football
shifts towards the weekend and who is the Bulldogs' five-eighth this
weekend?

Is it the State Of Origin winning five-eighth Braith Anasta? No, it's Corey Hughes.

You might remember Corey Hughes - actually chances you don't.

But Corey is a fine hooker who needs some fitness to stick on the field for the full 80. But he isn't a five-eighth.

But when Braith looks to be going to South Sydney we'll try anyone at five-eighth. Maybe even veteran Tony Grimaldi.

But why Corey!

My Dad wants to go to the game on Sunday (providing I can get out of
work), but why should I pay to see my Doggies lose with Corey Hughes at
five-eighth?

In the egroups, we have been calling for Hazem El Masri to be the five-eighth ahead of Corey.

But oh well, with 7 more to win in the next 12, (Mark O'Meley reckons
we need 10 to make the 8, not 7 - but can he count?) maybe Folkesy will
cut the fat next week and bring back Braith at five-eighth. Or better,
switch him while on the field.

#6 Hughes = time to lose!

[Twist it your way!]

Is there something strange about this picture? Yes, it is a hot chick but she's eating KFR.

You never see a chick like that eating KFR. They look more like Kirstie Alley.

Where's the pleasantly plump man in the ads eating the burger of their choice?

BTW peoples - (you should bookmark this page just for this recipe) here
is The Heart Attack Burger as created by the Quakemeister - ie: me.

*two slices of bacon, four quarter pound beef patties, four slices of cheese, mayonaise, tomato sauce on a bun.

I have had it a couple of times and you can't eat for the rest of the day. It's a lovely feeling hehe.

Just beat it! Ow!

Another thing - there are rumours that Michael Jackons will be doing a
large worldwide tour in order to save himself from bankruptcy, now that
he has been acquitted of those charges.

Apparently, he has already selected his warm-up act - The Wiggles.