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Seafair Nets 70 Drunk Boaters – BUI
By Garth O'Brien | September 1, 2007
Filed Under DUI
Seattle, Washington. The annual Seafair celebration always ends with three days of fast boats and fast jets. The weekend includes hydroplanes roaring across Lake Washington and the Navy's Blue Angels screaming throughout the Seattle skyline. It is a massive party involving 300,000 plus spectators on the water and lakeshore.
Every Seafair brings hundreds of pleasure boats converging upon the Stan Sayres pits near Seward Park. Many remain overnight attached to the logboom. This is a fantastic atmosphere, but too many boaters take it too far. It is illegal to operate a boat under the influence in Washington State. The 2007 Seafair event produced an astounding 70 Boating Under the Influence (BUI) arrests.
BUI in Washington State is a misdemeanor crime and does not involve mandatory criminal penalties like DUI. A BUI arrest or conviction does not even impact an individual's driver's license. Although the State of Washington does not treat BUI as serious as DUI it is still irresponsible to operate a boat drunk.
Many people receive permanent injuries and die each year from drunk boaters. Seventy boaters under the influence in such a concentrated location is insanely dangerous. Incredibly no one died at that location. Drive responsibly and boat responsibly. Do not drink and boat.


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subset: commoncrawl


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Golf shoes are crucial in the game. Stability, durability and comfort are what you need to look for in the footwear. These can optimize balance in stances and endurance in walking.
Rockbottomgolf.com is a website that provides discounted golf gear for all kinds of golfers. They have everything that you need for the game at insanely low prices!
On the site, you will find some of the best brands in the game such as Adidas, Nike, Adams, Etonic and Callaway Golf shoes at pocket friendly prices. Golf equipment has never been so accessible to the serious and avid lady golfers.
To give you a preview of what the site has, here are some of the top ladies golf shoes to maximize your performance in the game.
Adidas Adizero Tour Golf Shoes
Utilizing the Sprint Skin microfiber and CloudFoam, the Adidas Adizero Tour ensures comfort for the wearer. The Sprintweb TPU and THiNTech provide efficiency and security to your movements. To top it all off, the footwear is also equipped with ClimaProof Technology, making it stronger than it looks!
Callaway Golf 2014 Ladies Cirrus Golf Shoes
The 2014 Ladies Cirrus Golf Shoes is equipped with Callaway Comfort Inserts to provide maximum comfort for the feet. The Rubber Traction Spikes also compliments the inserts. The full-length, low-profile EVA is makes it light and durable for optimal performance.
Nike Golf Ladies Verdana Golf Shoes
This unique slip-on golf shoes feature waterproof technology, courtesy of WaterShield, and Heel Air-Sole, giving the Nike's Ladies Verdana its effectiveness, style and comfort. The Traction-at-Contact and Low-Profile Scorpion spikes technology provide better friction and grip on certain terrains, packaging it as one of Nike's finest products.
Etonic G-Sok Golf Shoes
This pair offers great lightness and maximum performance for the golfers with its MicroTech, Soft textile linings, and G-SOK non-cleated Outsole Technology. The Etonic G-SOK is equipped with EverDure and HydroGuard to make this footwear durable and stable.
Callaway Golf 2014 Ladies Novas Golf Shoes
The 2014 Ladies Novas gives great breathability to the wearer with its Callaway Comfort Performance Spikes and Comfort Inserts. To optimize performance, the DCT gives better traction on the course for stability and balance. The Clarino Microfiber makes the Novas durable and easy-to-clean.
Etonic Sof-Tech Golf Shoes
Etonic provides premium leather and HydroGuard waterproof membrane to make the Sof-Tech golf shoes strong and durable. It has Removable Polysport anti-microbial footbed and Suede Tech Microfiber to enhance its wearing and breathability.
Adidas Ladies Golflite Ride Golf Shoes
The Golflite Ride is equipped with THiNTech, TRAXION, and ClimaProof to enhance its durability, balance and efficiency. The full grain leather tops it off to make it look and feel great.
Callaway Golf Jacqui Golf Shoes
The Soft Full Grain Leather and Ortholite Insert make the Jacqui golf shoes what it is – light, comfortable and strong! The footwear is equipped with Callaway Performance PINS to make the wearing better in balance and movement.
Dawgs Spirit Golf Shoes
The Spirit is one of the lightest golf shoes because of the EVA technology. The rubber outsoles with soft spikes make it sturdy and comfortable in wearing. The Dawgs Spirit golf shoes can also be worn without socks with its odor resistance and massaging footbed.
These products are all available at Rockbottomgolf.com. For more information about the products, visit the site to read the descriptions, customer reviews and discounts.
Rockbottomgolf.com has golf shoes, apparel, clubs, carts and more. You'll discover the best brands for your game, from Callaway Golf to Taylor Made. The site has the best offers for everyone, and is also ideal for those who want to compare and share.


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Frydendall, Mary nee Turnbull d. 1863 IL
Searching for obituary and death record of Mary Frydendall nee Turnbull. Any data will be appreciated. Thank you.
Mary Turnbull b. July 9,1796, Duanesburgh NY, d. March 15, 1863 IL. She m. Frederick Frydendall, b. June 20, 1799 NY.
Mary Turnbull Frydendall moved from NY with Frydendall family members, and lived with or near her daughter, Catherine Frydendall wife of Osborn Reese. Catherine's youngest child, Hiram Nelson Reese was born April 05, 1866, IL and shortly thereafter the Reese family moved to Benton Co. IA.
Also living with Mary Turnbull Frydendall in Illinois washer daughter, Elizabeth Frydendall, b. 1840 NY. Elizabeth moved to IA and lived with her sister, Catherine Reese.


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My good friend Pastry Chef Gretchen Price is a former owner of Woodland Bakery in Chatham, NJ. She also operated two former web blog one as CrumbBoss.com and the other was WoodlandBakeryBlog.com. New site is Gretchen's Bakery. You will find some of the best recipes on the internet. Gretchen also sell several cake decorating kits which I reviewed when she was "Crumb Boss" several years back.
While the information about the kits has changed (where to get them) the basic content remains the same and the technique to decorate cupcakes is unchanged


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Fleet management software enables people to accomplish a series of specific tasks in the management of any or all aspects relating to a company's fleet of vehicles. These specific tasks encompass all operations from vehicle acquisition to disposal. Software, depending on its capabilities, allows functions such as driver and vehicle profiling, trip profiling, dispatch, vehicle efficiency, etc. It can provide remote control features, such as Geo-fencing and active disabling. Current vehicle diagnostic information can also be related to a management site, depending on the type of hardware installed in the vehicles. New platform, based on Fleet management software, is fleet controlling with higher amount of information available for both drivers and dispatchers of a fleet.
The following are the different kinds of software that FMS – Fleet Management Solutions offer:
*ATMS (Automotive Training Management System)
AUTOMOTIVE TRAINING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, and reporting of training programs, course outlines, and training content. It is designed to centralize and automate administration to monitor progress and development on both the instructor and the students.
*FIMS (Finance Integrated Management System)
FINANCE INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM is a fully fledged finance module providing finance reports from General Ledger, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payables and Stock modules. It has the ability to record all financial transactions based on the Daily Cash Position up to the completion of the data transacted for the generation of the General Ledger.
*FASTrax (Fleet and Supply Tracking System)
FASTrax is a Fleet Management Business Solution geared to provide automated processes of fleet management functions. It provides accurate information of what has transpired with each business transaction promoting efficient and cost-effective maintenance of fleet resources.
Full vehicle maintenance histories are only a click away providing valuable information on fueling, parts issuance and outstanding repairs further helping to streamline the whole process. The stock control module efficiently tracks purchase orders and stock issues with a direct interface with the work order module. FASTrax is a fully scalable product from a single stand-alone installation to a multi-networked architecture, making it an effortless process to upscale operations when required.
*FLEETrax (Fleet Tracking System)
A powerful fleet assessment and reporting utility combined with a web interface portal for tracking and reporting on vehicle fleet condition. FLEETrax can provide a graphical trend on problem areas and identify repeat failure issues.
*HRAS (Human Resource Administration System)
HRAS HUMAN RESOURCE ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM is an integrated human resource information system that streamlines the processes of recruitment, personnel management, clearances, timekeeping, payroll and training functions. This high functionality system has feature rich tools to standardize and automate processes, reduce administration and make information readily available. It combines detailed personnel records, recruitment software, training, absence management and much more in one flexible database.
*SCMS (Supply Chain Management System)
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM handles all supply data transactions from origin of each order, real time stock inventory, location assignments and reorder quantities.
Designed to enable seamless management and coordination of material and information movement across the supply chain network. SCMS provides an accurate computation and analysis of stock on hand synchronized with incoming and outgoing transactions, providing supply chain visibility for optimal inventory management.
*TAMS (Tools and Assets Management System)
TOOLS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM is a system designed to manage fixed assets from the date of acquisition through to asset disposal. It is an automated management system that records all transactions pertaining to assets. It is capable of computing an assets value from initial purchase cost up to its current depreciated value. Our comprehensive software package is modular and future proofed, so the software can evolve as your organization grows. TAMS – is a powerful management tool to control and maintain your asset base on a world-wide basis.
For more information please visit our website
By geralt from Pixabay


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Published Tuesday, December 31, 2002 in the San Jose Mercury NewsWeather Corner
Recent storms have
prompted comments such as, ``This is the strongest storm I have ever seen,'' and
questions like, ``How does this storm compare with past storms?'' Those may be
timely observations, but there hasn't been a way to provide a quick response --
until now.
There is no handy methodology for rating the relative strength of winter wind and rain events that roll through the Bay Area. Tornadoes are ranked on the Fujita scale, hurricanes by the Saffir-Simpson scale, and even earthquakes can be ranked with the Richter scale. In an effort to rank the storms that affect the Bay Area, I have put together a framework called the Bay Area Storm Index (BASI).
There are dozens of ways that an index like BASI could be calculated. But the overriding principle in this case was to produce an index that is straightforward to calculate and simple to understand. It is also a given that everyone has his or her own way of evaluating the strength of a particular storm, and BASI is just one of many possible methodologies.
Historically, the combination of strong winds and heavy rain have the largest impact on the Bay Area. A maximum BASI weather event is predicated on significant amounts of both and would get a ranking of 10.
The index is based on only weather elements. The first is the 24-hour rainfall for downtown San Francisco, counting toward 40 percent of the BASI. The wind component of the BASI is composed of two elements -- the sustained wind speed at San Francisco International Airport and the peak wind gust in the Bay Area below 1,500 feet elevation. These two wind factors account for 30 percent each of the BASI.
I have retroactively determined BASI values for several memorable storms to see where they would rank. In the past 50 years, I found only two events that rated a BASI of 10. These were the storm on Dec. 12, 1995, that is the benchmark of strong wind storms among Bay Area meteorologists, and the infamous Columbus Day storm of 1962.
More recently, the gusty storm that blew through the region on Dec. 16 had a BASI of 9.0, and the event on Nov. 7 was a 7.5. Saturday's storm rated a 6.0.
BASI, of course, can't tell whole story. The actual effects upon the Bay Area from a pair of storms that had identical BASI values would vary significantly due to a wide variety of conditions that are not a part of the index. For example, is the ground saturated, are rivers and streams running high from previous rains, or are there extra high tides or high surf?
Any of these could be incorporated into a more comprehensive index, but for the time being, the Bay Area Storm Index in its present form will help form a basis for evaluating and ranking storms. To find out more about the Bay Area Storm Index and to try out an online BASI calculator, go to http://ggweather.com/ basi.htm.
Q. What is the National Temperature Index that is featured on late-night ``ABC World News Now''? I have been seeing numbers like 450 degrees, and these seem way too hot. Tom Robinson - Redwood City
A. This is a question I have been asked many times, and a definitive answer has been elusive until now. According to Gerard McNiff, the behind-the-scenes meteorologist for ``Good Morning America,'' the NTI is a number that was devised to make the weather segment of ``World News Now'' ``more interesting'' and is simply the sum of the forecast high temperatures for Boston; Casper, Wyo.; Dallas; Denver; Fargo, N.D.; Las Vegas; Miami; New Orleans; Raleigh, N.C.; and Seattle.
While the NTI might make the weather more interesting for some, its value as a scientific tool is probably limited to being able to tell the viewer if it's winter or summer.
Q. On a sunny morning as we were traveling recently along Highway 1 a few miles south of Capitola, an airplane flew parallel high above us. As it progressed, we saw a dark line extending from the craft's nose to the horizon. We stopped the car to watch (and wonder). Is there any possibility of the phenomenon being weather-related?
Malcolm Sheehan - Los Gatos
A. I recently saw this same phenomenon, and I'm confident that what you saw was the shadow of the high-flying jet. When there is a contrail or vapor trail from an aircraft flying above a thin layer of high cirrus clouds and the sun's angle is just right, the shadow of the contrail is projected onto these underlying clouds and appears as a black line.
Jan Null, founder of Golden Gate Weather Services, is a retired lead forecaster with the National Weather Service. Send questions to him c/o WeatherCorner, San Jose Mercury News, 750 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, Calif. 95190. You also can telephone questions at (510) 657-2246, fax them to (510) 315-3015, e-mail them to firstname.lastname@example.com or fill out a form online at http://ggweather.com/questions.htm. Please indicate in your e-mail what city you live in.<


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Last week I wrote you a pretty bummer email explaining how 2017 was the worst year of my life.
You can read it here if you missed it: http://www.timothycastleman.com/the-worst-year-of-my-life/
First I want to take a second to thank everyone who took the time to write me with words of encouragement.
To them and to you I say thank you for reading.
But I also wanted to share this – the year wasn't a total loss because of what I'm about to share with you next.
One of the most surprising things I discovered after my wife left was photography.
Five days after she split I bought a cheap starter camera (the Sony a5000 in case you're wondering) and started using it to capture various concerts I attended.
(You can see some of my shots here: https://www.instagram.com/timcastleman/)
As silly as it sounds, this cheap camera and forcing myself to go to live shows with it, dragged me out of bed most days when my depression was at its worst.
This little fun hobby quickly turned into a passion project and before I knew it some of my shots were being featured on online blogs and in different industry news stories and I was traveling across the US to capture them.
Not bad for a guy who took a photography class years ago and still (secretly of course) has no idea what the hell he is doing 😉
Anyway, some of you might be saying what's in this email for me and for you I have the second surprising thing of 2017 which was this:
I made an investment (no it's not crypto related) a few years back in a small startup.
In 2017 this startup made a major pivot from selling one off products to customers to a recurring based subscription model where we just sell the same customers, the same thing, each month.
And wouldn't you know it – that investment was one of the smartest things I've done.
I can't share numbers yet, but it looks like my investment has paid off handsomely and will continue to do so month after month.
I'm actually meeting with the founder of this company very soon (this week or next) and they have agreed to answer any and all questions to the best of their ability.
So I figured I'd bring you in on the process as well.
Start thinking of any and all questions you'd like answered (you can reply to this email and tell me) because I'll be asking for them soon.
Right now I'm off to the doctors.
Talk soon,
PS: BTW, this new subscription service was started in less than 90 days, for less than $500, and produced a HUGE ROI the first month. I'll see if I can share actual numbers soon.


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Who are you: Stephen Bedingfield
What position do you play: Mainly centres with the occasional run in the forwards. When I slowed I played a bit of 5/8th.
Where are you from: Grew up in Greystanes but moved to Castle Hill as a teenager. Now retired in the lovely Blue Mountains.
When did you first come to Merrylands: 1989
What or Who brought you to Merrylands? Was playing at Parramatta and was getting stuffed around because of shift work. A couple of old team mates said they were playing at Merrylands now so come have a run.
And what where your first impressions? After first trial run I thought the club was good. A couple of old mates were there from my childhood which made it easier. Decided I would stay for the year and then maybe head back to the Two Blues. 300 plus games later it didn't happen.
Nick name: Bedo
Super 14 team: Waratahs.
League Team: Eels. Always have been, use to sit on the hill at the old Cumberland Oval.
Wallabies or All Blacks: Wallabies of course.
Most Hated Opposition: Most teams. Local teams like Fairvale, Haberfield and Northmead was more of a rivalry then hate. Hate would more be North shore teams, Hunters Hill, Wakehurst, Middle Harbour Skiffies and Manly Pines to name a few.
Best back EVER at Merrylands: Rocky Lokeni. He was a freak.
Best forward ever at Merrylands: Robbie Seuala. Thankfully he was on our side. When he hit they hurt.
Most Memorable Moment off the field at Merrylands: Would have to be the bus trips home.
Most Memorable Moment on the field at Merrylands: After years of disappointment, winning the 2000 grand final.
Favourite character at Merrylands: Besides Merv (my girls love him) it would have to be JL. Always wore his heart on his sleeve.
Best coach at Merrylands: Mick Pepper. He had a plan to win a first grade title and did it in 2000.
Job? Dad pensioner. Retired Cop, went mad and they kicked me out.
Status? Good bloke, sometimes married, who knows.
Hobbies outside of Rugby: Birds, unfortunately the feathered kind.
Favourite Band: Queen and The Monkees, only overseas bands I have seen.
Favourite Movie: Blues Brothers and any John Wayne movie
Boobs or Bum: Saw many a great bum in the showers but would prefer boobs
You saw Skids actually play in his prime, was he any good: Skids as a hooker could throw a straight ball in the lineout, otherwise no comment.
You saw Pinko play in his youth, was he any good: He was young, keen and a bloody good football player. What happened Pinko?
Any other current board members you saw play that you might wanna talk about:
Ben Davis I am glad I played with for a few years. He was a hard young bloke with a big ticker. Bart I missed his playing days, but a good coach and a great clubman.
Your feelings about where we are at for 2017: The board is keen and I feel they can get the club up and running, then it's up to the players to put their hands up to train and play well.
Who are you: A simple slob who played rugby. Michael Pinkerton
What position do you play: Flanker, 8 and 2nd row.
Where are you from: King of countries - Australia, king of cities – Sydney, King of Suburbs - Merrylands.
When did you first come to Merrylands: Played juniors in 1986 in the under 11's.
Who or what brought you to Merrylands: Warren Davis and his son Scott. Scott took one of the best punches I have ever seen and there have been a few!
What were your 1st impressions: Jones Park: lots of old blokes running around, wet night with an esky full of alcohol in a small shower block. Happy days!
Nickname: Pinko.
Super 15 team: Tahs – best Super 15's team - presently.
League team: Eels.
Wallabies or All Blacks: Fuck off idiot.
Most hated opposition: Anyone we played against whilst we were on the field but once we were off the field I didn't hate any of them – I'm a lover not a hater.
Most memorable moment off the field at Merrylands: The 2000 grand final win, and a little rhyme I penned during that end of season trip; She broke my heart.
Who was She: She was a boot skootin' lady who played the bagpipes - she broke my heart, so I broke her jaw and she doesn't love me anymore…., something stupid I made up (whilst still drunk) in the showers with Dougie, Skidsy and Cocky when on the 2000 end of season trip after our first grand final win in years.
Most memorable moment on the field at Merrylands: Carrs Park overlooking the water talking about the sunset to Davis and subsequently his amazement that I was more interested in sunsets then the game at hand! Maybe that is when I also started to contemplate retirement, after all Davis may have had appoint!
Best player EVER at Merrylands: Dave Seniuk cause he was a clever a player. He read a game well, kicked, tackled, ran, he had it all - Mr cool!!!
Most underrated player ever at Merrylands: Jerry. Just because he could throw them in a very sneaky fashion. I once got binned for a punch that he threw. He could play as well as throw them.
Favourite end of season trip: Tamworth. Celebrated our first premiership in years and other factors highlighted above.
Who was your favourite character: Davis. Big ears, attitude, stories, hillbilly hick.
Best defender ever: Rocky – he could chop someone in half.
Job: A bright spark.
Status: De facto but may as well it married.
Hobbies outside rugby: Rugby.
Favourite band: Florence and the Machine.
Favourite movie: Man on fire.
Boobs or bum: Bum.
Why: It defines a woman.
If you could wear a number on Mrs P's Day this year, what would it be: 6 or 7 or whatever anyone isn't wearing, should I manage to pull on the boots, not likely though!
Who are you: Arana Rissetto
What position do you play: 2nd row, flank and no8
Where are you from: Dannevirke NZ but now reside in the pleasant, upscale, drug free area called Mount Druitt
When did you first come to Merrylands: Way back in 2006 when merrylands started becoming a powerhouse in subbies rugby, before I came to the club they were shit.
What or Who brought you to Merrylands? I played for Lidcombe for 2 seasons and when they folded I was looking for a team around the Guildford area and came across Merrylands on the internet. At the time I thought to myself 'Merrylands? I didnt know wogs played rugby', but when I went to my 1st training realized that that was not the case
And what where your first impressions? That they looked like a bunch of clowns...... and they were
What do you make of this years teams? Steady, nothing to brag about we are currently in a rebuilding stage so theres a few too many saggy tits running around on the field for my liking
Nick name: Ards, The big Kahuna, The Rock
Super 14 team: The celler dwellers of rugby union but always competitive Aukland blues
League Team: The winner of back to back wooden spoons in '2012 -13' Paramatta eels
Wallabies or All Blacks: All blacks ALL DAY BABY!
Most Hated Opposition: Bankstown. They beat us in the 06 final, my 1st year at the club, them blokes were full of shit, played dirty rugby on saturdays then go to church on sundays
Best Player EVER at Merrylands: Theres a few names that come to mind, Parker, Pinko, Mike Smith all devastating and hard working players in their time but theres one name that stands out above all these great players........Mr Tim French....... awsome!
Most Memorable Moment off the field at Merrylands: All the parties, the drinking, the laughs, the bustrips, the friendships, thats something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. One moment that stands out to me is the time when we were drinking on the bus coming home from a game and young Anthony Ditfort spewd up on Bravey, fucking classic.
Most Memorable Moment on the field at Merrylands: The back to back premierships I won in 2nd grade in '07 and '08 and last years gf win all great moments. The year Hunters Hill made 4 grand finals and lost all of them was a bloody ripper, and the fact that they lost 3 to us is hilarious, useless pricks, but a game I was involved in a few years back against St George stands out cause they were quite an itimading team and we beat them 14-0, when the siren sounded I huged the 1st person I saw so yeah I was quite emotional, it was a great win
Most underatted player ever at Merrylands: Id say no one at the club is underrated in my opinion there are alot of overrated players, but there was a year or 2 when alot of players had to play 2 gmes and were absolutly exshuted by the end of the day so my hat goes off to those blokes.
Favourite End of Season Trip:Gold Coast, its the only end of season trip ive been on
Who was your favourite character: My good mate big Tama. Always had a funny story an came from a great family
Best defender ever: Dylan Hodgeson. Had a great technique always a texbook defender. Loved watching him go about his business.
Job? I have one of the toughest and most challenging jobs known in this country..........I'm a forkie
Status? 60yr olds are my limit
Hobbies outside of Rugby: Video games, basketball, gym and sitting on my arse watching sports
Favourite Band: Spice girls
Favourite Movie: Scary movie 2........classic
Boobs or Bum: Which ever looks better
Why did you try to go and play league? Ultimately to be a beter rugby player. Its something iv'e wanted to do for a few years now and I was'nt getting any younger. Leauge focuses a lot on defence and that was something I really wanted to improve on but after playing 10 mins in a trail I got injured and thought it was safer to play union.
WHO ARE YOU? Tanga Waetford
WHAT POSITION DO YOU PLAY? I came to the Wolfpack as a winger but played mainly in the centers due to my lack of pace and shit hands under the high ball. I left the wolf pack as a lock (sigh).
WHERE ARE YOU FROM? I am from a s@#t little town called Turangi, located in the middle of the North Island of New Zealand.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST COME TO MERRYLANDS? My first season with the Wolfpack was 2007.
WHAT OR WHO BROUGHT YOU TO MERRYLANDS? I was having a lovely romantic dinner with my partner Peata one Saturday in 2006 at the Coolibah when I noticed a bus pull up outside, all I could hear were these words being screamed as loud as possible "Merrylands boys are on the piss again" by all these crazy eyed drunks. They then proceeded to unload from the bus and into the pub and quickly took over the joint, trampling anyone in their way. This is when I first made contact with a Wolfpack member, as two burly barely conscious Maori boys staggered over to myself and Peata's table and introduced themselves, all I could make out from their rabble of words were Jade and Frank and come to a party. I swiftly declined as I couldn't think of anything worse than hanging out with the rest of these bogans and dropkicks they were with. This first viewing of the Wolfpack way of life got me interested in coming out of retirement and having a run with the Wolves. Biggest mistake of my life!!!
AND WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS? Geez these boys are shit at rugby, which turned out to be good for me because I found out that playing after my knee reconstruction..........I was shit too!!
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO NOW? I am now trying to avoid all contact with the Wolfpack.
NICKNAME? Tangy. Thanks to some numbnut airport announcer.
SUPER RUGBY TEAM? The mighty Chiefs!!!
LEAGUE TEAM? NZ Warriors.....where is the AFL team question? Go Giants.
WALLABIES OR ALL BLACKS? Seriously? Ka Mate Ka Mate!!!!!!!!!!!!
MOST HATED OPPOSITION? I personally hated Fairvale. My first game in Wolves colours was against these turds, I was head highed, punched from behind and hit in the back late without the ball, and I was penalized. I later found out that this was a relatively subdued performance for their standards.
BEST PLAYER BACK EVER AT MERRYLANDS? My time at the wolves coincided with the emergence of Joe Ngawini and the rapid decline of Nash Steward due to his heroin addiction. I would have put these two at level pegging, but since no one likes crack heads in have gone for Joe 'The Hulk' Ngawini.
BEST FORWARD EVER AT MERRYLANDS? If salary cap issues had not struck the club in 2010 Mike Smith would be right up there with the greats of Wolfpack folklore. Unfortunately Mike was a greedy prick and pissed off to Perth for a more lucrative contract, so I instead I'll go with Michael 'Pinko' Pinkerton. Despite his ridiculous surname and lack of size or skill he was one man I loved playing next to. He never took a backwards step to anyone and was as tough as anyone I have ever played with.
So many. Usa's unbelievable premiership winning try, 1st grade premierships of 08 and 09, anytime Joe runs the ball, Mrs P drinking gin out of the premiership cup during the speech's, the first time I saw that gorgeous human being Tane Swinton, the list goes on and on. My favorite though was the day we played Canterbury at home on our 25th anniversary in front of a massive crowd of past players and supporters and families. We went out in the first half and absolutely got torn to shreds and looked like Mick Parkers undies on washing day. Down by over 20 points at halftime we came back to score 30+ points in a rousing display of running rugby much to the delight of the appreciative crowd.
FAVOURITE CHARACTER? Mark 'Skids' Milner - How can one man be so angry...I will be asking Fully this in a few years.
Al Davis - Loved how when we were playing bad and coach's halftime speech would be we're not that bad, just need to tighten up this and that, then Al would come and say it how it was "you guys are playing shit so toughen up"!!. Awesome.
MOST MEMORABLE NIGHT OUT WITH THE WOLVES? One of the nights out in the Gold Coast was good, Baldry serving himself at a bar, Possum being told to f%$k off by the police, a party boy- Moses showdown, Reece drooling all over Nathan 'Carnage' Corbett, boys booted out of a nightclub for sleeping on beds inside them, standard night out for the Wolfpack.
HOW MANY END OF SEASON TRIPS HAVE YOU BEEN ON? 2 - Gold Coast and Cairns.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE? Gold Coast - boys running riot in Qld.
WILL YOU EVER GO ON ANOTHER? Not if those grubs Frenchy, Parker and Nash are going.
STATUS? I love lime milkshakes.
HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF RUGBY? I am currently campaigning on behalf of the Meerkat species, the wish to now be called Squirrel Tigers as they think this is a more true reflection of the aggressive nature. Managing Isaac De Gois through his last years as a NRL player and I also play oztag.
FAVOURITE BAND? Pearl Jam
FAVOURITE MOVIE? Scott Pilgrim vs The World
BOOBS OR BUM? Bum
IS IT TRUE YOU WERE ONCE SELECTED IN THE NEW ZEALAND WATERSLIDE TEAM? This is correct, the world champs of 1994 were held at Splash Planet in Napier, New Zealand where I was placed 3rd in the freestyle, closed slide, singles event. But I had to defend myself from accusations from the Dutch team that I had applies baby oil all over my body to enhance my speed and rotation capabilities on the slide. The case was eventually dropped, but my reputation had been tarnished and I was forced into early retirement. I now do demonstrations at Sydney's Wet'N'Wild every 2nd Sunday if anyone is interested in competing.
IS IT TRUE YOU ONCE PLAYED JONAH LOMU? Let me correct your question....Is it true Jonah Lomu once played against me. Yes. It is also true I once beat David Tua......in a game of pool. He didn't give a shit about it, all he wanted to do was watch his highlights on the big screen of the nightclub we were at.
HAVE YOU EVER HAD TO TACKLE JOE NGAWINI? IF SO WHICH WAS HARDER? Yes. I played against the Wolfpack once in a friendly match and was marking the beast. Joe was harder as I never actually touched Jonah. He stepped or ran around me every time.
YOU ONCE SHARED A DOUBLE BED WITH JASON FULLWOOD. THAT IS NOT A QUESTION. JUST A FACT. A career highlight. Fully...DONT TOUCH ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What position do you play: 11, 13, 14, 15 (Usually 11)
Where are you from: FIJI
When did you first come to Merrylands: 1991 after arriving in Australia in 1989.
What or Who brought you to Merrylands? A gentleman from South Africa that I met at Merrylands RSL. He asked "do u play rugby cos u look like a rugby player?"
I replied "yes I love rugby but only started playing rugby back in 1985"
He asked "where are you from?"
I said "Fiji"
He said there are some Fijian boys playing for Merrylands as well so you'll be fine. Then he goes on to say, my son plays soccer at Johns Park so I'll let the rugby boys know that you'll be turning up for training next week.
And what where your first impressions? Turn up at training for the very first time at Jones Park and was greeted with a very warm welcome from Bart Cummings. Met some awesome boys. The likes of Skids and a couple of Fijian boys, Joe, Navi and Big Albert. Then came Sosi Toa and Ted Timoti couple years later. Will be having a case or two of VB's with Sosi, Ted and few other boys after training on Thursday nights at the ground.
What do you make of this years teams? 2nd grade - Loss to Macquarie Uni came back to haunt us, is that right boys, maybe? 1st Grade – Congrats boys for reaching the semi-final but what happened? Anyways best of luck next year Wolves.
Nick name: arriba arriba! andale andale! USA! USA! USA!
Super 14 team: Waratahs
League Team: Eels
Wallabies or All Blacks: Wallabies
Most Hated Opposition: I think Merrylands hates any opposition… joking
Best Player EVER at Merrylands: Currently, undoubtedly Buffalo Joe and Exciting Nashy.
Most Memorable Moment at Merrylands: So many great moments. Wining the grand finals in 1993 and 1996 then winning 4 grand finals in a row from 2008 to 2011. 3rd grade winning the 2009 (I think) Grand final at Granville Park where we were not expected to reach the finals and win against Hunters Hill in the grand final. Scoring the only Slam Dunk try in the 2011 3rd grade Grand Final win against St George at Norford Park Sefton. Merrylands trip to the USA in 2010 was awesome.
Job? Communications Technician, Telstra
Status? Married
Hobbies outside of Rugby: Work, work and more work… joking. Love travelling
Favourite Band: UB40 and Uncle Bob Marley
Favourite Movie: Action movies and anything funny
Boobs or Bum: Come on guys. We all love them both… right?
When I was little I wanted to be: Superman so I could fly to Australia… haha
So any plans for retirement? Not yet till my son, Joel pulls on a black and yellow jersey. Hope it'll be next year cos I'm not fast as I used to be so he can cover fullback and my wing as well… haha. Hopefully Joel's grandfather, Peter Macklin will let him play this time. Please pretty please… lol. One for the bucket list is to kick a goal. Well done Kenny Bladwell for finally kicking your first goal ever against Convicts.
Who are you? Tim French
What position do you play? Anywhere you lazy #### put me.
Where are you from? Merrylands born and bred.
When did you first come to Merrylands? When I was a 6 year old grub. I played a year of soccer before that. I'm so embarrassed.
What or who brought you to Merrylands? I saw the quality of women at one game, and I just didn't want to play anywhere else.
And what where your first impressions? My first game had mixed feelings. Jade Moses abused the #### out of me because I threw the ball away trying to waste some time. That sheep shagger thought we were losing. But when we score more then 2 tries, I don't expect the cuzzy bros to be able to count that high. But I had fun, just scared.
2012 was bad. Your thoughts? You're not wrong there big ears. I thrashed my body and payed my fees for 3 wooden spoons. Our coach must be really proud. Bring back Kelz!
You have a reputation for not really caring about too much when it comes to rugby. You never really pay your fees or come to training or even try that hard. This year though all that changed. Why? I only went to training 3 times and only paid my fees by accident. I have learnt from my mistakes and will do my best to do as little as possible next year.
You played 9,10,11,14 and 15 at various times in various grades this year. Are you looking for a change or would you rather just stay at 9? Listen I'm a 10, but I need my little mate Grinder Parker with me at 9. His breath and foul mouth distracts the defence and makes it easy for me.
Nick name? Some sheilas call me Big Boy, I just haven't found them yet.
Super 15 team? Man City.
League Team? Who ever I bet on.
Wallabies or All Blacks? Wallabies with the start.
Most underrated Player at Merrylands? Hate to say this but I think Fully had a great year, for an old ####, who downs 4 disgusting VB cans between games. Fully has actually added an offload to his game, and maybe even picked up some speed. Don't know how, maybe he has been getting laid more or beer gives that #### some confidence.
Most Hated Opposition? Hunters Hill. When they lost 4 grand finals in 1 day it made me go home and touch myself.
Best Player EVER at Merrylands? The 3 Parson refugees. Fat Joel somehow played well even when I was giving terrible service to him. He didn't like getting tackled because it would squash the pies in his pockets. The now skinny Todd has a magic dummy and he can down 2 schooners at once.Liam just likes to starts fights knowing his brothers are on the field. Those late, cheap shots were awesome. Plus their dad is on the 2 dollar coin.
Most Memorable Moment at Merrylands? So many great moments. On the field, Possum tried to tackle a big black monster at Canterbury. Instead of leading with the shoulder, he decided to lead with the head. After the monster steamrolled Possum he scored under the posts, Possum got an early mark leaving on a stretcher.
Best End of Season trip? Cowra, I really enjoyed the boys watching me trying to make love. Looking at you guys made me last another couple minutes.
Job? Railcorp pay me.
Status? Still #### from end of season trip. And horny.
Hobbies outside of Rugby? Patting my dog, making my bed and going to children's parks
Favourite Band? Don't give a ####.
Favourite Movie? Bad Boy Bubby
Boobs or Bum? Vagina
What do you and Mick Parker talk about when you two are at the Cooli on a Friday night? You know the usual stuff. Global warming, the economy and politics.
What is it about James Macklin that makes you want to go to the toilet on James? Good question. He roots people I don't like and that pisses me off.
What do you like to wear when you are eating pizza? People think I'm strange for eating pizza naked. But you strange #### watched me eating the whole thing.
What kind of things can you do to a sausage without using your hands? Deep throat specialist.
Why is Skids so cranky? He wishes he was an Aussie
Who? JASON FULWOOD.
What? WELL I WEAR NO. 5 BUT YOU GENERALLY FIND ME HIDING OUT IN THE CENTRES OR ON THE HALFWAY LINE SOMEWHERE.
Where? I WAS BORN AND BRED IN A LITTLE VILLAGE THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE NOT HEARD OF BEFORE. IT'S CALLED BLACKTOWN.
When did you start playing for the wolves? 6 SEASONS AGO, IN 2007
What or who brought you to Merrylands? PAULY HILLMAN. A MAORI FELLA THAT LOVED HIS RUGBY. HE SAID "JASE JUST COME DOWN AND HAVE A RUN EVERY 3 OR 4 WEEKS" I THINK IVE MISSED 4 GAMES IN 6 YEARS. NICE THEORY PAULY!
And what were your first impressions? A LOT OF BIG BLACK GUYS
This year was a real crapper. Your thoughts? AFTER A LOT OF SUCCESSFUL SEASONS MERRYLANDS WAS ALWAYS GOING TO HAVE A TOUGH YEAR BUT WE DIDN'T EXPECT IT TO BE SO SOON I SUPPOSE. WITH A FEW QUALITY PLAYERS MOVING ON AND SOME INJURIES OUR TOP 2 GRADES SEEM TO STRUGGLE A LITTLE. WE WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR TO PROVE THEM ALL WRONG.
What wouldn't you change about the Wolves? THE MANAGEMENT COMITTEE, THEY DO A SUPER JOB. THE CORE OF THE CLUB THAT HAVE BEEN THERE WEEK IN WEEK OUT OVER THE PAST 6 SEASONS THAT I KNOW OF.
What would you change? MAYBE THE PLAYERS COMITTMENT. I BELIEVE IF YOU SIGN UP YOU MUST COMMIT ALL SEASON. I UNDERSTAND IF PEOPLE WORK SATURDAYS BUT GENERALLY IT IS A OVERTIME DAY AND YOU COULD STILL FINISH AT 11AM THEN GO TO RUGBY. AFTER ALL THE MORE YOU EARN THE MORE THE WIFE WASTES ANYWAY.
Word on the street is that you were quite the talented cricketer. Tells us about it? IT PAINS ME TO SEE SOME OF THESE GUYS PLAYING 1ST CLASS CRICKET CAUSE WHEN I WAS YOUNGER AND PLAYING WITH OR AGAINST THEM THEY WERE SHIT. BUT WHEN YOU TURN 18 AND START DRINKING LEGALLY AND CHASING SKIRT THEIR IS ONLY 1 THING TO BLAME = BLACKTOWN RSL
Would you encourage your kids to play rugby or cricket? THAT IS A STUPID QUESTION. AFTER PLAYING CRICKET FOR 22 YEARS THEY WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO PLAY RUGBY.CRICKET STINKS.
Nick name: FULLY, FULLBALLS , FAT SAC , FATNUTS. BASICALLY WHATEVER YOU CALL ME YOU KNOW I WILL ANSWER.
Super 14 team: HURRICANES .
League Team? THE MOST FRUSTRATING TEAM IN THE NRL IS MY TEAM, THE WESTS TIGERS. THEY BLOODY KILL ME BUT I STILL WATCH THEM EVERY WEEK.
Wallabies or All Blacks? AS LONG AS MY ARSE POINTS TO THE GROUND, ITS THE WALLABIES.
Most underrated Player at Merrylands? KENNY "1 MORE YEAR" BLADWELL. LEADS FROM THE FRONT WEEK IN WEEK OUT. NOT BAD FOR A BLOKE WHO IS IN HIS 50's.
Most Hated Opposition? FAIRVALE. #### GROUND, DIRTY PLAYERS, #### CLUB.
Best Player EVER at Merryland?: PINKO. IT DIDNT MATTER WHO WE WERE PLAYING WHETHER THEY WERE BIG SMALL BLACK WHITE GOOD OR #### HE TURNED UP AND HAD A GO. WHERE ARE YOU PINKO?
Most Memorable Moment at Merrylands? WINNING ALL 3 GRAND FINALS IN 2008. GREAT TO BE A WOLF THAT DAY.
You've been part of several grand final winning teams. Which has been best? THEY HAVE ALL BEEN GOOD BUT BEATING CANTERBURY IN 2008 IN APPAULING CONDITIONS WAS PRETTY SPECIAL.
Funniest moment? THERE HAS BEEN PLENTY BUT 1 THAT STANDS OUT IS WHEN FRENCHY ATE A TROFF LOLLY AT THE RATTLE AND HUM PUB IN CAIRNS.
Favourite character? THIS ANSWER CHANGES EVERY YEAR FOR ME. THIS YEAR IT WOULD BE CONRAD BROWN. ONE FUNNY COCONUT.
Favourite End of Season Trip? BOTH GOLD COAST AND CAIRNS WERE GREAT BUT COWRA IN 2007 WAS FUCKING FANTASTIC. THE MIXTURE OF BOTH MATURE AND IMATURE TOURISTS WAS PRICELESS. IM HOPING THAT BYRON BAY THIS SEASON TAKES THE CAKE.( BUT DONT TELL THE MISSUS THAT I AM GOING) THANKS BENNY.
Job? STOREMAN BOB FOR WOOLWORTHS LIQUOR. I SUPPLY ALL THE ALCOHOL FOR WOOLIES , DAN MURPHYS AND BWS SO ALL YOU GRUBS CAN GET DRUNK. THANKS FOR KEEPING ME IN A JOB.
Status? HAPPILY MARRIED. SANDY IS HAPPY AND I AM MARRIED.
Hobbies outside of Rugby? TASTE TESTER FOR CARLTON UNITED BREWERIES OR DONATING MONEY TO THE TOTALIZATER AGENCY BOARD.
Favourite Band? SILVERCHAIR. A BUNCH OF STONERS FROM NEWCASTLE.
Favourite Movie? DUMB AND DUMBER. ITS STILL FUNNY AFTER 52 VIEWINGS.
Boobs or Bum? BUM CAUSE THE BOOBS ALWAYS HAVE THAT 1 LONG ENOYING HAIR ON THE NIPPLE AND I HATE HAIR IN MY MOUTH.
You've been seen dancing up a storm at several Merrylands social nights. Are keen on becoming the next DJ Cali? I LOVE THE MERRYLANDS SOCIAL NIGHTS AND YOU KNOW IM KEEN ON GIVING ANYTHING A GO. ONCE AT LEAST.LOL
Luke Schofield says he's learned everything he knows about second row play from watching you. When exactly do you think Luke's bio-polar disorder really sunk in? I THINK WE ALL HAVE BIO-POLAR BUT SOME OF US JUST HIDE IT BETTER THEN OTHERS.IT MAY OF SUNK IN AT ROOM 12 IN SOME ####LITTLE MOTEL IN CAIRNS LAST YEAR WHEN WE WERE ROOMING TOGETHER. GREAT KEBABS AT 4AM EVEN TANGA WOKE UP FOR A BITE.
There is a rumour that you and your beautiful wife maybe becoming committee members next year. Do you and Sandy have your sights set on being the next Jen and Skids? IF VOTED IN WE WOULD LIKE TO BE MORE INVOLVED WITH THE CLUB. AFTER ALL MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK. AS FOR BEING THE NEXT JEN AND SKIDS, I THINK NOT. THEY DO A FANTASTIC JOB AND WE LOVE THEM TO DEATH. SANDY AND I ARE MORE LIKE AL AND PEGGY BUNDY FROM MARRIED WITH CHILDREN.
And if so does that make your daughter the next Laura Sturrock? IF ALEXCIA HAS LAURAS BRAINS I WILL BE A VERY HAPPY FATHER.
Or does that make your son the next Luke Schofield? WITH MY 2 SONS WE ARE JUST TAKING IT A DAY AT A TIME.
Why is Skids so angry? IM THINKING CAUSE HIS SEX CHANGE DIDNT GO ACCORDING TO PLAN ALL THOSE YEARS AGO.
Who? Jade Moses
What? Prop
Where are you from? Same country the World Cup and Bledisloe cup live in!
When did you come to Australia? 10/12/2004
Why did you come? BITCHES AND CASH YEAH!!!!!
Do you want to move back home? I have thought about it lately. Financially it would be a massive sacrifice but I do miss everyone back there.
When did you start playing for the Wolves? I'd say 2005
What or who brought you to Merrylands? I know it's a very Kiwi thing to say but "my cousin". I had been struggling to find work so a group of mates and I were going to head back to New Zealand until my cousin pointed us toward my first preseason training. LOL Touch
And what where your first impressions? It was a hard case, heaps of black faces. AJ had short blonde hair. I thought Cole was the coach and he was a little by that insulted. You were the oldest guy there Cole who else was I meant to ask about what was going on?
This year, your thoughts? Hard year to sum up really. What do you say? A lot of players were meant to turn up and they didn't. It's as simple as that. For the few who stayed solid, respect. It was a really big ask on guys like Levi and Benny as well as Skids and Jen. All legends.
What wouldn't you change about the Wolves? The fact that you can rely on the boys. I have had my car fixed, my dish washer looked at, I've borrowed cash, tried to break cloths lines, made a fool of myself and been given the chance to be a super star. It's a family. It's as simple as that. Cheer to the Wolf Pack. Now having said that who's got fifty bucks I can borrow???? "You've been Nashed" LOL
What would you change about the Wolves? More reserve Props
Nick name? Jakey and to the Parson boys call me Cocomo lol
Super 14 team? Waratahs (Close to giving up though boys)
League Team? Parramatta (Sign one more player who gets injured in there first season and I will give up)
Wallabies or All Blacks? Are you ### kidding me????? I'm with whoever Quade Cooper isn't.
Most underrated Player at Merrylands? Two categories here and I think it has to be this way. Old Timers I think Uncle Ted, Mr Mac and Kenny. Legends. Young Guns I think Ardz, Jerry and Ritchie Ngawini.
Most Hated Opposition? I DON'T LIKE ANY OF THE MAGGOTS!!!
Best Player EVER at Merrylands? That I have seen hands down it has to be Nash during my first and second season (2005 and 2006). Seen him win a game by charging down a conversion! Seen him win a game in the last 5 minutes with an intercept try. Joes up there to though.
Best Prop ever at Merrylands? This is obviously a question asked by someone who has never played prop LOL all props are great. But I'd have to say Shane is the best scrummager I have seen. Ball in hand AJ. Best ball skills George "Soft Hands" Ford and the fittest is Frank this year. Shame you weren't here SPATCH!!!!!
Most Memorable Moment at Merryland? The day all 3 grades won finals great day
Funniest moment? Id like to tell you about Cowra BUT what happened in Cowra stays in Cowra. Semimukkmukkla
Favourite character? The old Parker. He used to be calm settled. Sober LOL
Job? Radio Operator
Status? In a relationship ?????
Hobbies outside of Rugby? Reading literature and writing acoustic guitar ballads with moving lyrics and a surprisingly light pop feel
Favourite Band? six60 at the moment
Favourite Movie? Good will Hunting
Boobs or Bum? Bum
Word is you were quite the up and coming politician in your younger years. Tell us about it? Yeah not wrong. I was selected back in 2000 as a promising young leader and was one of 120 reps at Youth Parliament. Went down and played politician for 4 days was a youth rep on the local council and board of trustee's rep at school. Thought I was killing it then I discovered cannabis and alcohol and let's just say that was that.
Are you proud to call Bicks a prop or are his one-handed ways an embarrassment? No comment lol I don't want to get shanked in the shower lol
How much bullshit do you think Frank Waiomio tells people in England about how good he is and how awesome the Wolves are? Well the wolves are awesome and Frankie left fit as all fuck so he was looking down the barrel of a great season. I'd take ten man points off him if he wasn't saying everything he could to get laid.
Do you think it's getting him laid? I hope so. I think any Maori male that can, should move to England for a bit. Try to impregnate as many English girls as possible. They stole our country, the least we can do is leave them with a whole bunch of culturally confused, fatherless half breeds running a muck in the UK. Good luck getting child support! One way ticket home CHUUUUHOOOOOO
Do you like to think about Frank getting laid? WTF????
Why is Skids so angry? Skids isn't angry he's a man who has a high stress job and an even more stressful position as president of our club. I have a huge amount of respect for Skids. Always have always will. I'm sure he's part Maori.
Who: Mark "Skids" Milner
What position: Hooker, Coach of all grades at various times through my career, committee member since 1984. Currently President
Where are you from: Christchurch, New Zealand.
NOTE: Mark "Skids" Milner's player profile has been temporarily removed from this website due to its offensive nature. Merrylands Rugby apologises for any offense the post may have caused. In light of the level of hard work and dedication Mark Milner has given to Merrylands Rugby, merrylandsrugby.com will endeavour to provide a more appropriate profile in the not too distant future.
1.Tony (Squizzy) Taylor: 1979 – 1989. Came from the Navy. Toughest bloke I ever played with. Never moved in a scrum.
2. Jeff (Cocky) Gladden: 1990's to 2002. Got his nickname from being an un-picky man about who he took to bed. Great scrummager, fastest striker of the ball I've ever seen. If he ever had a tight head taken against him he would take three back to make a point. He once stabbed himself in the leg, needed 10 stiches and played in the grand finale that weekend. Better then Moku easy!
3. Sua. mid 90's to 2002. Big strong Tongan prop. He was a Baptist minister and only ever stepped foot in the pub once, after we won the grand final. Great ball runner, kept his tribe out of jail and on the footy pitch.
4. Ben Davis 2002 to now: Beautiful, strong, intelligent, hilariously funny. Giant of a man in every way. Played in the NSW Subbies team. As James Taylor once sung "this world was never made for one as beautiful as you"
5. Robert Paklani. Late 90's. Big Tongan second rower. He could jump, run, hit, he could anything. He left us to go and play pro for Penrith. Powerhouse of a player. Big prick.
6. Anthony Piddington: 2003 to 2004. He came from the country and only played 2 seasons but was an excellent player. Tough, stocky, smart and bloody aggressive.
7. David Cumming: mid 80's. He took the best punch I ever saw on a football. He was getting told off by the ref and this guy came straight over the top and knocked him into next week. Best blind side flanker I ever saw. Tough as nails. Always bottom of one ruck and first to the next.
8. Ross Stewart: 1979 to early 90's. Amazing footballer. Great runner. Once scored 7 tries in a game as a number 8. Before Nash he held all the point scoring records despite not being a kicker. He could almost score at will. One time he scored a run away try and when he got to the in-goal he held the ball above his head until I got there and gave me the ball so I could get a try. He was on the Subbies board, managed the rep team and when we ran short of players he switched to 5/8 and kept scoring tries. He got asked to trial for West's Rugby League so we all went down to watch him. All the other players saw he had rugby shorts on so every time he got the ball they would fly in at him and give him shit, kept calling him "rah rah". But he still managed to score 2 tries and smash a bunch of pricks himself so the coach offered him a contract. He just looked at the coach then pointed at all of us sitting on the sidelines blind drunk and said "I'm gunna go play with them" Best player I ever played with anywhere.
9. Aaron Flint: Tough, smart. Great pass. Excellent all round player but was full of shit. Always claimed he was being scouted by this or that big club or was going to join the SAS but never did. Good player though.
10. Val Matafa: Came from South Sydney Rabbitohs. He got his contract torn up for some reason and came to play one season for us. A cut above everyone else. Bit of a hog but a bloody great player.
11.Joe Ngawini: 2008 to now: Big Joe. Awesome ball runner. Powerful tackler. Super fast and super strong. Is turning into a real club man to, which is great to see. Hope he sticks around for many more years.
12. Stephen Beddingfield: mid 80's to mid 2000's. Was only supposed to come down for one game and stayed for 10 years. We had the biggest centre pairing you've ever seen with him and Big Wheel. Both 6ft 3" over 100kgs. Beddo was devastating. Fast, big, smart and amazing tackler. He never, ever missed. Great bloke. Life member. Hall of famer. Played in the NSW Subbies team.
13. Rocky Lokeni: mid 90's to early 2000's. Explosive. Fast. Strong. Totaly crazy. I've seen him score some of the most amazing tries you'll ever see. He could run over you or run around you. He also could organise a hell of a bus trip.
14. Nash Steward: 2004 till now. Drunken prick. Loud mouth prick. When he first came I, and everyone else, didn't want him around. He was just a smart ass prick. He had trouble written all over him. But we all found out what he was going through at home and maybe forgave him his failings. Bloody prodigious talent. Best goal kicker the club has ever had. Has all the point scoring records in the club. Fast, confident and committed. Would never shirk a tackle. Turned into a real club man. Crap now though.
15. Spike Jones: 1979 to mid 80's. Big, fast, smart and built like a brick shithouse. Played for Australian Combined Services. Left us and walked straight into West Harbour first grade. Awesome.
16. Michael Pinkerton. Flanker. Work horse. Terrible with women.
17. Ben Casey. Hooker. Close to being in the run on.
18. Al Culey. Second Row. Good player but weak ass piss. He once got punched out by a Chinese bloke that turned out to be a black belt.
19. Charlie Matareki. Prop. On an end of season trip he chased this bouncer round the car park cause they wouldn't let him in the pub and when the guy tried to hide under a car he lifted the car up and told him to get out so he could kill him.
20. Richard Buckley. Flanker. Played two seasons. He was my neighbour. He came from the country to play for Randwick but we nabbed him. Great player.
21. Albert Nadiglia. Second Rower. Classic Fijian. Huge and powerful with hands like baseball gloves.
22. Dave Senuik. Fullback. Had all the point scoring records before Nash. Really reliable, solid player.
23. Chris Smith. Centre. Played for Aussie Combined services. Good player. We had a bunch of players that were all in the navy and whenever the boat went to sea we lost.
24. Mick Parker. Club stalwart at 18. Will probably break all the appearance and red card records.
Who are you: James Macklin
What position: Second Row/Number 8
Where are you from: Birrong
When did you start at Merrylands: 2002
What or Who brought you to Merrylands? Peter Macklin
And what where your first impressions? For a long time my old man wanted me to come down to play and when I finally did, I saw some big boys and because I was 17 I was a tad worried. When it came time to split the forwards and the backs 'Peter Bladwell' wanted me to come play in the forwards and Peter Macklin fearing what Mrs Macklin would think sent me to the wing. Then some fat little gronk kept asking what school did I go to? That fat gronk turned out to be Mickey Parker. Mickey Parker still is a fat little gronk.
What do you make of this year's teams? It's Merrylands. We are always impressive. No matter how shit we are.
Nick name: Jimmy, Jim Dog… I've been called a 'Honky' a few times, it has a nice ring to it.
Super 14 team: Love/Hate relationship with the Waratahs
League Team: Doggies
Most Underrated Player at Merrylands: Paul 'Numb-er one' Bergan. The guy has absolutely no fear, he will run at and tackle anything. It could also be said he has no brains either. He is also quite entertaining when we're bench warming together.
Most Hated Opposition: Brothers, they may be nice guys but they all seem like dicks. Paying players just doesn't sit well with me.
Best forward EVER at Merrylands: Too many to choose from but Parker has to be up there. He actually wants to hurt anyone who doesn't play for The Wolves. Also any of the Wolves front rowers like Jade and AJ who play 2 or 3 games each week must be respected.
Best back EVER at Merrylands: For a long time I thought it was Rocky. But big Joey came along, When I see and hear people get injured from just tackling this guy I changed my mind.
Best drinker? Exham and Connie Brown, it's unbelievable.
Best End of Season trip? Any trip is good, The States was awesome but Gold Coast was the best. Any trip is good when you have a drunk Jade Moses and an even drunker Mike Smith wrestling fully clothed in the spa and Izzy Gun taking 3 hours to eat an ice cream. Also I believe the saying 'You've been Nashed' was coined on that trip.
Favourite Personality? How can anyone have a favourite personality at Merrylands? But Gavi Edwards is one in a million, I think he is insane. But the same can be said for Bruce Wayne can't it? Which is funny because I have a feeling that Gavin Edwards is the drunk crime fighter Bat-Gavi.
Most Memorable Moment at Merrylands: Besides the 08' grand finals it would have to be getting 'Citrus Long hammered' but the smallest guy at the Convicts.
Job? Draftsman
Status? Hectic
Hobbies outside of Rugby: Going to town on myself…
Favourite Band: Wham!
Favourite Movie: Bloodsport
Boobs or Bum: I'm like Arnie, I like the arse
Pro Player you would love to see come to rugby: Steve Price
Pro Player you think should go to GayFL: Tanga
Michael Parker. The world's angriest boy or mellowed out has-been. Discuss? It's Parker he will always be an angry shit kid.
Todd Parsons. Still the Party Boy or just another washed up has-been. Discus? TP is developing into a mature Party Boy. And he will always be my party boy.
Is Peter the Mac Daddy Macklin really the one of the world's greatest swords men? I'd have to say yes seeing that I came from the great man, if only I could follow in his footsteps.
Why is Skids so cranky? He is just misunderstood.
Who: Frank Waiomio
When did you start with Merrylands: ahhhh 2006
What or Who brought you to Merrylands? Jade Moses. He saw some boys playing touch footy and heard it was a rugby club and the rest is history
What where your first impressions? Good bunch of guys......some of these pakeha's have issues lol
What do you make of this year's team? Boys are looking fit an dedicated to training, a fit Merrylands is a dangerous Merrylands
What do you love most about the Wolves? That we aren't just a rugby club we are a family and it shows on and off the field, oh and the all night benders lol
What would you like to change about the Wolves? Nothing at all, best club ever
Nick name: Franky
Super 14 team: Hurricanes
League Team: Tigers
Wallabies or All Blacks: bahahahaha you serious......ALL BLACKS!!!!!!!!
Most Underrated Player at Merrylands: Ben Davis..I'm expecting big things out of this guy this year..A try wouldn't hurt either lol
Most Hated Opposition: It was hunters hill....but I've got a pretty healthy hatred for brothers now
Best Player EVER at Merrylands: Money Mike Smith, the only contract player for Merrylands ever, even Joes gotta be jealous of that lol
Most Memorable Moment at Merrylands: my 1st ever grand final win with the club with 2nd grade that was a good year with some awesome boys and we pretty much coached ourselves that whole year
Best Trip: if its bus trip then would've been going to harlequins with 23 players and winning all three grades, that was an awesome day/night. If footy trip gold coast was pretty full on $900 in one single day lol that was intense.
Funniest moment: mike smith realising on that same footy trip that we didn't get 10 each, ask mike he knows what that's about lol
Favourite character: Jason "fully" fullballz lol
Job? Truck Driver
Status? What...ahhh well facebook status is "I'm unemployed?"
Hobbies outside of Rugby: Drinking, hanging with the rugby boys talking about rugby lol
Favourite Band: Katchafire
Favourite Movie: Bad boys
Boobs or Bum: hmmmm that's interesting, they are both fantastic but I'm not picky.......can I have both lol??
When I was little I wanted to be: Michael Parker
Player you think should come to rugby: if they ain't already playing then they shouldn't be playing
Player you think should go to league: possum lol
What is the real reason you're moving to England? Get away from Ben Davis and his white shirts
Do you think the Coolie will go broke without you? Is that a trick question, of course they will
Is there any chance you'll take it easy on the f@#king facebook updates after your gone? Not a chance lol
Why is Skids so cranky? Wouldn't you be if you were old and had no hair??? lol
Who: Nathan Ngametua-Smith
What position: prop
Where are you from: Hastings
When did you start with Merrylands: 2008
What or Who brought you to Merrylands? The awesome banner that you can see from the M4
What were your first impressions? Felt like I was home
What do you make of this year's team? Nothing without me
What do you love most about the Wolves? Coolabah hotel
What would you like to change about the Wolves? Nothing it's perfect
Nick name: Nate aka big head aka maggot
Super 14 team: Chiefs
League Team: Warriors
Wallabies or All Blacks: Silly question
Most Underrated Player at Merrylands: Boss Moses
Most Hated Opposition: Balmain
Best Player EVER at Merrylands: Boss Moses
Most Memorable Moment at Merrylands: 08 Final
Best Trip: Cowra
Funniest moment: Pio face planting in the chilly bin
Favourite character: Micky Parker
Job? Doll
Status? …..
Hobbies outside of Rugby: nothing I live for rugby
Favourite Band: house of shem
Favourite Movie: longest yard
Boobs or Bum: combination
When I was little I wanted to be: an all black
Player you think should come to rugby: Mano
Player you think should go to league: Nash
Now that you're gone, do you think Merrylands will get any yellow/red cards this season? Go #### yourself
Do you think the weather in Sydney will change after you're gone due to the fact your gigantic head is no longer effecting cloud movement? It's improved a lot all I see is rain
Why is Skids so cranky? Coz he's from the south island
Any final words/thanks? Nah I'm pretty good
Who: My real name is Victor although I'm not sure many people know that… Better known as Pepe since Teddy wasn't getting my name at first training that's how he nicknamed me!
What: Well I don't really get the question here… What what? What position do I play? What beer do I drink? This question doesn't make any sense. I'm a flanker though…
Where: Usually I'm flanker on the third row of the scrum… Unless things have changed and no one told me… Otherwise I'm from Paris, France.
When: Usually during the games. I don't like playing alone at home…
Nick name: Pepe
Tell us about how you came to play at Merrylands:
I went to Australia for work. My office was in Auburn. At first I really wanted to live near the CBD to be close to the party places. I found out quickly that places around the CBD were expansive and that the only way to afford living in the area was to share a 40 square meters flat with 7 other chinese/Japanese/korean people (3 in one bedroom and 4 in the living room…) including rice and toilet paper in the rent… So I decided to look for some thing a bit closer to work and found a house in Guildford with 7 other people (each one his own room this time, 2 girls and much cheaper as well…) On the way back to the station after visiting the place for the first time I saw a couple of guys playing with a rugby ball in the street and I just asked them where I could play rugby union close by… They told me Merrylands. I googled Merrylands Rugby Union and found some phone numbers… I grabbed my phone rang one of those numbers and I found myself speaking with someone I really couldn't understand because of his very weird aussie accent (and because I was crap at English too at this time…) It took us 15min to get to know each other's name but somehow he managed to make me understand when training was… That's how I came to play at Merrylands…
What was your first impression of Merrylands:
I think 3 majors impressions are relevant here :
1) #### these men are big. I had the same impression first game against Liverpool.
2) #### who's this guy who's speaking so fast I don't get shit?? Why doesn't he leave me alone for a while? That was Parker.
3) #### they drink a lot, and make me drink quite a lot too. That was many hours before I woke up in Big Frank's neighbour's car.
Tell us about where you went and what you did after you left the wolves:
I moved to Melbourne for 6 months, travelled for 2 months around NZ and OZ having as much love as I could, went to South America for 8 months (having more love) and playing rugby in Argentina, came back to France and tried to find a job either in Oz or Argentina which are the 2 countries I love most. I found one in Argentina where I have been living for about 3 months now.
Any chance you'll come back? If there is plenty of Toohey's and we go to PJ's for sure I'll come back.
How does Merrylands and Sydney subbies rugby compare to the rugby you were playing in France and Argentina?
Aussies are pussies. Nothing else to say (That means that Kiwis living in Oz are pussies too…)
Super 14 team:
Nahhh you can't seriously ask this question. The Tahs is the team mannn !! They deserve to win the now called Super 15.
League Team:
Ahahahaha I don't give a #### really. Now come on who wrote the questions ? It's got to be Ben Davis and if you pick the wrong team you're out of the Wolves. Am I right ? This man is a burden I want Parker as Captain of the team this man really knows how to talk to the referees !!
Wallabies or All Blacks:
Ahahaha I'll pick the All Blacks just because us French people love them so much for winning all the games they play except those against Les Bleus who really smash them pretty badly at every World Cup. Maybe you've got a chance next one in 2011 if you don't make it to the final. I think it's been organised to avoid shame once again.
Most Underrated Player at Merrylands: AJ : go pro mate !
Most Hated Opposition: I'd say Liverpool but I didn't like Hills either.
Best Player EVER at Merrylands:
I know that Ben Davis wrote this one hoping to read his name. Joe the big man ! Definitely best player I have EVER seen at Merrylands and any other team I have played for. Possum would be my second pick of course !!
Most Memorable Moment at Merrylands:
Grand finals 2008 definitely. That year the Wolves entered the legend with 3 titles for 3 teams engaged. Proud to have been part of that team. The 3 following days full on party time were quite memorable too. Thanks Kelly for putting the house...
Funniest moment:
First night out with the boys after the first game of the season. We went to Big Franck's house after the coolibah. I was so drunk that time I wanted to go back home walking but I didn't realize I didn't know where I was (I had been living in the area for 1 week not more…). I disappeared and the boys were looking for me but they didn't find me. Well I didn't make it too far… just to the neighboor's car where I spent the all night. Next morning I wake up wondering where I am. I try to find which one is Big Frank's house but couldn't honestly remember. I finally found it after a while (that was the first one next door…) I entered the garden and some of the boys were still awake drinking. Then I realized I had lost my cellphone. I was still so drunk I spent half an hour looking for it in the garden thinking I had lost it the night before then it appeared to me that I might had lost it in the car. I went to the car to look for it, the neighbour comes out and ask me what I am doing next to her car. Well I really didn't know what to say so the first thing I said is "I'm French !" as if it made any difference… Then I explained that I thought I had lost my phone in her car. The boys came trying to explain her the whole story. Then her boyfriend came out wondering what was happening. She told him the story then he said "You see, I told you there was someone sleeping in our car".
When you speak of your time playing with the wolves to people overseas, what player do you mention the most?
Parker because of his special relationship with referees. And because he spends more time suspended than on the field.
What did you think of the after match entertainment/nightlife?
That was good fun. Argentinean is the best I have known so far though because there are so many girls going to the after match parties…
Hobbies outside of Rugby:
This is a way too private question…
Favourite Band: Daft Punk
Favourite Movie: 36 Quai des Orfèvres
Boobs or Bum: Well I used to be 100% bum but as I get older I'm turning boobs !
Why is Parker so angry? Unconfessed homosexuality…
I know there can only ever be one Possum, but have you come across a French or Argentinian Possum in your travels?
No. As you said, there is only one Possum !
Where are the best women? In my bed…
They sold the Tim Tam factory and built a family home there, how does that make you feel?
Angryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy !!!
Colin Newman
What: Front row forward (Best positions in a team)
Where: Proud Kiwi from North Harbour Province
When: Now 48 , First came to Merrylands as 1st grade coach and player in 2003 after invite from Skids to
join our great club. Now playing for Pine River Boars in Brisbane , due to having to move for work.
Nick name: Seagull ( wouldn't know why ? Ha Ha )
Super 14 team: Blues
League Team: Kiwis and Warriors
Wallabies or All Blacks: No need to answer this one.
When did you come to Australia? January 2000
Why did you come? Work
What brought you to Merrylands? Had enough of Parramatta and wanted a social and family friendly club.
Most Underrated Player at Merrylands: Tex (for those that played with and watched him)
Most Hated Opposition: Fairvale
Best Player EVER at Merrylands: So many I cannot name any, all of you.
Most Memorable Moment at Merrylands: Winning Grand Finals as a Player coach.
2007 or 2008, which was better and why? Too hard to answer really .
The best tackler you've seen at Merrylands? Tex
The best ball runner? Joe – the man.
You can only have one. Parker, Joe or Rua. Which would you pick and why? Sorry Parker and Joe this is really a silly question as you are both great players (the best) but for this question I pick Rua (Front rowers club)
Are you proud of what you achieved at Merrylands? Yes , but I am prouder to have been a part of a great era in the clubs history.
What was more enjoyable, Winning Grand Finals or seeing young talent like Parker, Nash and the Parson boys enjoy their rugby? It is so enjoyable seeing young guys grow into the game and be great members of a successful club
Sydney or Brisbane? Sydney due to Merrylands Rugby Club and the guys
Hobbies outside of Rugby: Sailing ,Reading, Gardening and long walks as most people know
Favorite Band: Thin Lizzy
Favorite Movie: Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Will Nashy ever get his groove back? No – sorry Nash but I believe you are a better club man now
Why is Skids so cranky? Unfair question –Skids only gets cranky when he feels let down by others.
Cheers have a great 2010 Season. Go Wolves.
Who: Merv Wolf the Merrylands Wolf
What: Well, technically I'm employed as a mascot but if they think I'm doing cartwheels or wearing a stupid suit then their bloody kidding themselves. I'm happy to get drunk on the side lines and abuse the touchy and the ref but that's it. Then again that roll is probably taken by most of the lower graders.
Where: I don't know where I'm from. I live in the creek on the "dark side" of Holroyd Sports Ground (our home ground)
When: I was born in 1968
Nick name: the Merrylands Wolf
Super 14 team: the Bulls, but only because they're cheer leaders are hot
League Team: the Bulldogs, the dude on their logo is my cousin
Wallabies or All Blacks: neither, they all suck compared to the Wolves
Most Underrated Player at Merrylands: Possum or Jason Fulwood, they're very similar players
Most Hated Opposition: That's tuff, I hate everyone more than Parker does
Best Player EVER at Merrylands: Ben Davis
Most Memorable Moment at Merrylands: Let me put it this way, does anyone know where Budda is these days? I do..............mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Hobbies outside of Rugby: I love Little Athletics season. You get these fat kids whose parents think they can make up for feeding Fat Ass Freddy big Macs for 15 years by bring them down to little athletics and making the poor porker run around the oval and get shown up by skinny kids who later on that day kiss the girl they are secretly in love with. Well what I like to do is wait for the barrel assed little pricks to get lapped a few times so no one is watching them and then when they come past my side of the oval......BOOM! Dinner Fools!
Favourite Song: Bad Moon Rising
Favourite Movie: Twilight
Boobs or Bum: Bum, I'm a dog, I love to sniff a bit of bum
When I was little I wanted to be: Kenny Rogers, he looks like my old man
Player you would love to see come to rugby: Kenny Rogers. He might be old but he's still a player
Player you think should go to league: Jerry Keen. I'm suss about what really happened to his thumb
Player you think should play soccer: Nash. His only good for kicks any way
Why is Skids so cranky?He's from New Zealand. You would be pissed off to if you were from that shit hole


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What is it?
Guess what I got in the mail a few days ago! If you guessed YET ANOTHER Department of Defense survey (this time addressed to my baby), you'd be right! If you guessed a HUGE tub of organic dried shredded coconut from Tropical Traditions, you'd also be right!
There's nothing but coconut in this bucket, my friends. And ain't life grand?
My Thoughts:
First of all, let me say I'm a HUGE fan of coconut.
I'm a HUGE fan of coconut. There, I said it.
Coconut flour, coconut milk, coconut flakes, coconut oil… You name it. If you're a primal/paleo/WAPF/"real food" reader (which most of you are), by now you've embraced the idea that modern humans eat way too much processed food, way too many carbs, far too many grains, and not nearly enough fat. Fat's the good stuff. Stable, saturated fat. When you don't have a ton of insulin floating around in your blood from eating cereal with skim milk, half a bagel, and orange juice (holy sugar overload!), your body LOVES to use fat as fuel.
So check it out. Nutrition facts for oats on the left. Coconut on the right. Also consider dried coconut is lighter than oats are, so 1 oz is "bigger" when we're talking coconut.
*nutrition facts from fatsecret.com
Those little charts at the bottom? I'll take the fat-filled one please!
Tropical Traditions specializes in coconut products, and they know what they're doing. Plus, they give it to you in a HUGE stinkin' bucket, for a reasonable price. Before I found Tropical traditions, I had bought little bags of dried coconut … probably about 8oz in a bag, for $6-7. Special-ordered and delivered to my local gourmet shop. Because of course, the grocery stores are only interested in carrying sugar-infused sticky coconut.
Conversely, Tropical Traditions makes it easy for coconut to become part of your regular diet. This GINORMOUS tub of shreds only costs $17 (and they often have sales or deals where you can get other products free, if you're subscribed to their email list). I could only get 2 or 3 little baggies of it from the gourmet shop for that price. So you can stop treating it like a "special treat" or an exotic ingredient (am I the only one who does that with expensive foods?), and start USING it.
And why did I compare it to oats? Well, the first thing I did when I got the coconut in the mail was use it to replace the oats in my homemade granola bars. And it did beautifully. So much so that the granola bars are almost gone. And I have to make some more tomorrow because my husband and I both love them, and my mother is coming into town and also requested them.
I've also used dried coconut in my grain-free gluten-free cookies of awesomeness. Again, like oats would have, it added another texture profile to the cookies. Perfect. It's also delicious added to fruit salads.
There are also a ton more coconut-based recipes here at Free Coconut Recipes.
Buy it:
Go to Tropical Traditions and check out all their products – they don't just have coconut stuff (their pumpkin seeds are also great, I promise). And if you make a purchase and use my referral ID: 6533374, you'll get a free book about coconut oil with 85 recipes in it. I'll also get free coconut oil if you use me as your referral.
Win it: (CLOSED)
One lucky Joyful Abode reader will win a huge honkin' tub of organic dried shredded coconut.
Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. I am also not responsible for anything that may happen as a result of the winner falling face-first into a bucket full of shredded coconut.