RIP, Chuck Norris

I suspect I wouldn't have agreed with his politics. But his films meant a lot to me in my youth.

Had a colleague in magazines who looked so much like CN that we did a funny photo comic about it. He was dressed in Walker, Texas Ranger-type gear. A series of blokes approach him and say things like, "You're him, aren't you?" He keeps denying it. Then, in the final panel, a gorgeous glamour model goes, "Are you Chuck Norris?" He dips his cowboy hat and says, "Sure am, little lady." Ah, they don't write them (on the back of a beer coaster at lunchtime) like that anymore.

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Learnt to play "Azul" last night, with the homies. Beautiful, elegant and addictive. We played twice, I won once. Then we switched to "Fluxx". Again, we played twice, I won once. Just call me Mr 50%. Having said that...I'm on my way to becoming Mr 100% in "Slay The Spire 2". Beaten it with all five characters and just need to unlock the rest of the bonus material.

I wish I'd read this acclaimed Oz YA novel when it was released in 1988. Better late than never. Dysfunctional family - three kids plus ward, numerous pets - in a small coastal town. Annoying neighbours and other local colour. Alien anthropologist with inscrutable tech. Phantom graffiti scrawler. Link to gamebooks (nerdy brother is into 'em and sometimes rolls dice to make real-world decisions*). The extra-painful lessons of growing up different. Deals with everything from the threat of nuclear war to racism/sexism/homophobia to fulfilment through artistic expression. Sublime ending.

*Don't worry, it never gets nasty like Luke Rhinehart's "The Dice Man".

Custodian of the custard

This 2025 Aussie ethical-drama-masquerading-as-scifi would've probably made a better stageplay. Spunky heroine (both senses).

First rate. Goes way beyond just Petra! I've been into the Nabs since I did an adult-education course on them at USyd years ago.

New arrival at the nerd cave. Am a bit disappointed, from a display standpoint, that it isn't the same size as my '60s Spock one.

If Buffy was a supremely confident (red-headed) older woman. Fan service galore. Dash of "Matrix"-esque malarky as well.

Paint the walls purple

Speaking of "S/T", I'm making my way through the back catalogue of "Star Trek: The Pod Directive", hosted by Tawny Newsome (Beckett Mariner in "Lower Decks") and her fellow comedian, Paul F. Tompkins. I've listened to three episodes. In the first, Ben Stiller talks about his collection of props such as Spock's ears and the sneaky references to the franchise in his flix. I had no idea! The second features an exploration of linguistics - and much more - with Reza Aslan, inspired by the genius story "Darmok". The third sees Tawny, Michelle Hurd, Angelica Jade Bastien and Kendra James discussing blackness in "Trek". Enlightening and thought-provoking. Gene would have approved :-) What a bummer the podcast ceased in 2023. Still, I have a shuttle-load more eps to enjoy, with guest fans who also happen to be politicians, astronauts, academics, musicians, other "Trek" insiders...

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!