My new photo blog!

If you get time...head on over to my new photoblog...i'm trying to get back into the whole photography buzz...

http://www.chrisdilmakphotoblog.blogspot.com/

Enjoy

Chrissy

ALL BLACKS FOR WORLD CUP

There is no guarantee that the All Blacks will win the World Cup. That much we know. But there are plenty of reasons for New Zealanders to feel confident that the All Blacks can do the business this time. I have joked that we have never lost a World Cup game at home (citing of course our dominant performance in 1987 when no team got within 20 points of us). Joking aside it is fact, and if you look back over the history of the World Cup you can see that the home side have performed better than expected.
The All Blacks managed to put the controversy of the Cavaliers tour to South Africa behind them to dominate the inaugural tournament. In 1991, England made it to the final despite their loss to the All Blacks in pool play, in 1995 South Africa won after a series loss to New Zealand a year prior, in 1999 Wales pushed eventual champions Australia to the brink in the quarterfinal, in 2003 Australia beat an All Black side who had, just months earlier put 50 points on them, and 2007... Well, good ol’ French, the exception to the rule. They lost to Argentina (twice!) and their historic win over the All Blacks took place in Wales. Go figure.

The point is, home field advantage in World Cups, and in most sports for that matter, is indeed an advantage. Unless of course you are the 2007 New York Giants who were 10-1 on the road and 3-5 at home, then they went on to beat a previously unbeaten New England Patriots team on neutral ground in the Super Bowl. But I digress. All the knockout games are at Eden Park, and we haven’t lost there since 1994. Is it any comfort to know that it was France who beat us in 1994, and on a Sunday? Maybe not, forget I said that.

Another reason for my optimism is our depth at the centre position, and the lack of full backs playing at the centre position. In 1999 we never came to grips with the retirement of Frank Bunce so we opted for Christian Cullen (stifling our most devastating full back ever). In 2003 Tana Umaga went down and no faith was shown in our back-ups (Ma’a Nonu and Dan Carter), so Leon McDonald took over, which begs the question: Why were Nonu and Carter selected in the first place? And then in 2007 Mils Muliaina played centre because no confidence was shown in Conrad Smith.

It’s interesting to note that Carter, Nonu and Smith will be key figures in our quest to win the William Webb Ellis trophy in 2011. Heaven forbid if Nonu and/or Smith was to get injured, let’s hope the coaching staff has enough faith in SBW and/or Richard Kahui to slot into the midfield. The last thing I want to see is Israel Dagg running around with a 13 on his back!

The third reason why we can win is because we have an experienced captain. I think Richie McCaw would admit that in 2007 he was still a little green. He opted not to adjust game tactics (i.e. take a drop goal) believing that just keeping ball in hand against the French would eventually pay off. It didn’t help his cause when McCaw stated after the game; “At least we played good rugby.” Taine Randell had difficulty leading a group of experienced players in 1999, and Gary Whetton failed to inspire, and was even outplayed by lock forward Kevin Swords against in a miserable game against the United States in 1991.McCaw is respected by all, he is still playing at a high level, and his experience will prove invaluable.

Finally, an interesting statistic was pointed out to me while watching Reunion (rugby talk show) this week. The winners of the last three World Cups were eliminated in the quarterfinal in the previous World Cup. Here’s what I mean. The 2007 winners (South Africa) lost in the quarter final in 2003. The 2003 winners (England) lost in the quarter final in 1999, and the 1999 winners (Australia) lost in the quarter final in 1995. Trivia question: Name the rugby power which lost in the quarter final of the 2007 Rugby World Cup? No prize for guessing that. I just love those kinds of historical statistics.

There is still quite a bit of negative talk out there about referees, injuries and choking, but I choose to be positive. It probably helps that I haven’t borne the brunt of recent World Cup disappointment due to a mission and living overseas, but I think we should all take this opportunity to support the All Blacks as we host the best sporting event in the world. Goooooooo All Blacks!

SIMPSONS MARATHON

Hear ye, hear ye,

On Friday July 29th at 7pm I will be holding a SIMPSONS MARATHON NIGHT at 3 Goodwin Terrace. We will be watching it on the projector downstairs. I have checked that there are no All Black games on. If you would like to come, please bring something to eat or drink. Doesn't have to be much maybe just a few munchies. I haven't decided which season/s we will watch, but I think it will be somewhere between 4 and 7. There will also be a trivia competition to see how much you know about the Simpsons. The champion will receive the "First Annual Montgomery Burns Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Simpsons Knowledge." If you dress up as a Simpson character you will receive a prize, otherwise just show up and enjoy the night!!

Douglas.

Any questions email me at elderstrother@yahoo.com or text at 021-032-1813

If you disapprove of the Simpsons, sorry but I can't help you out.

A hilariously horrible photo session with the Cassidy Grandkids!

So, Jaylah was blessed yesterday, and we thought...what a good opportunity to take pics of all the grandkids to date...WHAT A MISSION! all but two of the grandkids cried, screamed, moaned, didn't want to have a photo, didn't want to be next to anyone...and so the story goes on like this....only good old Dazza...a.k.a Darren and Jaylah...would you believe, managed to hold it together the entire time.  It probably didn't help there were 5 adults barking commands at the kids...it certainly didn't help me...the one trying to take the photos...laugh... the group shots were just tragic...haven't managed to upload them yet...but if nothing else...at least their individual shots came out somewhat good.  I thought i would share....them.

Starting at the oldest grandchild and working our way down to the youngest!

Darren

Alec

Danaka

Logan

Naima

Raya

Seddon

Jaylah

And that's all we got...thus far!

Noelani Julliet Lardelli

Well I thought I'd put up a more recent pic of Noelani Julliet Lardelli. I still can't really see any family resemblence and she doesn't look like Sam. Dad reckons she looks like Kaea and Jennae's baby Ashlyn, I can't see it? Her hair is rather light, lightish brown and when it is wet it curls on the end. So I guess we are going to have another curly mop. Tonight when I was straightening my hair Jason said, oh that will be Noelani in a few years time. Well I should be in bed as it is past midnight, but it is too tempting to browse the net while both children are fast asleep.

THANKS!

Aunty Puanani stopped by the other day with a fab prize for guessing (incorrectly) Malia's baby stats. I never win competitions...and even though i kinda won by default...i'm feeling pretty awesome right now...so Thanks heaps.  We definitely look forward to redeeming our prize at Hell's Pizza...which F.Y.I i only tasted for the first time a few nights ago and am now a fan!  On another note, thanks to everyone for the well wishes and to those who have been by to visit our newest edition and also for the lovely goodies...i never thought i'd appreciate nappies so much!

A little something from Anthony Butters

Here's the latest Anthony Butters movie...mean stuff Anthony.  Keep em coming.