Party like it's 3192

Thursday saw the Season 1 finale of "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy", a show seemingly struggling to work out what it wants to be. The episode, the second half of a two-parter, was just engaging enough that I'm on board for S2. To summarise my thoughts: clumsy plotting, decent dialogue, some great acting, lovely space vistas. Hardy carry by the veterans - Maslany, Notaro, Giamatti, Hunter, Picardo (though it wasn't his best ep). Writers still trying to do too much.

I've been doing watch parties each week with an old friend and a new acquaintance. Loose use of the word "party" here, as I'm not sure three people sitting on their couches chatting via a WhatsApp group about Paramount's attempt to do a "Harry Potter" in the "Trek" universe really qualifies. With no new content to view, we're going to commence a rewatch of the original series this Thursday. Been many years since I revisited Kirk and company, so am quite keen.

My favourite moment of the "Academy" finale was the cute reaction of super-ambitious character Eyebrows to being suddenly put in command. I chuckled.

Chicago to Wellington direct

COMIC COVER OF THE WEEK

By Simone Di Meo. Such a silly concept that I like it.

SONG OF THE WEEK

"It Hurts" by Secret World (Australia).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmHocxQ6Olo

No commendeds. No standout among the 35 Eurovision numbers for me, either.

LAST FILM WATCHED

Surprisingly engrossing B-grade survival action.

Antennae

Matildas vs North Korea tonight. If we win, we not only advance to the semi-finals, we automatically qualify for next year's World Cup in Brazil. Catley and Raso out, alas. And NK have looked strong in the tournament so far. Stronger than us, in truth. They come across as a laser-focused team, whereas we tend to rely too much on brilliant individual efforts (IMO).

Potentially huger-than-usual clash between the Roosters and Bunnies as well, with Souths winger Alex Johnston on the verge of surpassing Ken Irvine's try-scoring record that has stood for 53 years! I hope he succeeds. (a) Because he's reportedly a top fella off the field, and (b) 'cos I hate the Chooks. I also hope fans DON'T storm the pitch. Players could get injured.

Listening on CD:

Listening on Apple Podcasts (history of Games Workshop novels/anthologies):

Listening on Audible (following raves by my buddies JK and JC. They were right - it rocks!):

Drinkinining:

Tendrils

Remember when hot chips was a meal? Nothing else, just hot chips. Simpler times.

Spent a pleasant afternoon reading this coffee-table tome that, fittingly, I borrowed from my local library. While seeing book-filled buildings of every architectural style was fascinating, the overall message, even in 2014, was that too many of these social lifelines are falling into disrepair then permanently closing down. I describe the experience as "pleasant" because of the included reminiscences about and celebrations of libraries by famous writers. On which point, it's cheeky of the publisher to name-check Asimov, Seuss and White on the cover, since their texts are only small reproductions of short letters submitted for another project. But don't let that put you off.

Binged S4 of "The Traitors UK". Great people and a great conclusion. Shame the format (games and twists) was *identical* to the latest American season, which I devoured like a bag of hot chips a bit over a week ago. I hope they keep the Secret Traitor in future series. Adds an extra dimension. It's fun to try to guess, based on the shortlist of possible murder victims delivered to the regular traitors, who it might be!

Apart from the fact...

...the over-aggressive idiot Yautja could never stop fighting long enough to invent space travel and the main female character was chopped in half (was that *really* necessary for the plot?)...8/10.

Stick it in your family album

Attention all planets of the Solar Federation!

COMIC COVERS OF THE WEEK

From no award to two! The atmospheric "Elvira" cov is by David Acosta, while the retro "Usagi" one is by Jim Rugg.

SONG OF THE WEEK

The on-fire cover of Sombr's "12 To 12" by The Veronicas (Australia). Gives the original a run for its money!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yLSO5FIJ7U

Commended >>> Punk gem "Evacuation" by Sick Shooters (Netherlands), the new live clip of "Mihklipaev" by folk rockers Sadu (Estonia), and kooky dance collab "Somewhere Else" by Tomora (UK/Norway). 

DOCO SERIES OF THE WEEK

Spellbinding. That fight to the death between the allosaurus and stegosaurus! Despite being a dinosaur fan since kindergarten, I feel like this four-parter gave me a better understanding of these terrible lizards - their origins, their ascent and their daily lives.

VIDEOGAME OF THE WEEK

Fuggin' awesome strategy-er. An instant time killer, though, so be warned. It will punch the balls off your productivity.