Archive for June, 2015

Caged Heat – Am I seeing double ?

Posted: June 25, 2015 in TV
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As luck would have it, and under strict medical supervision, the two preeminent shows about women in prison are being watched together – OITNB (as all Hipster dufi call it) and Wentworth. One is all orange , the other goes for a very fetching pale blue. One is Aussie and the other Yank. In fact there are not a lot of similarities at all except that at least they have both moved to the 21st century and not all gay women are depicted as butch dykes hit with the ugly stick – although still a smattering to be sure. And the stick did not miss, trust me. I should add that I understand gay women about as well as I understand your basic hetero version so its all a mystery to me still. The biggest difference though is in the grit factor and sense of danger if you like. OITNB has really mellowed to the point that it could be set in an LPGA locker room now while Wentworth depicts a more shiv happy world which is likely a more realistic depiction of life behind bars. But this is TV land after all, so which is the better show?

Both offer different viewing enjoyment. Wentworth is the winner for moi because it provides drama and suspense and characters you care about. All season built well to an excellent finale which answered some questions, left a few maybes swirling and of course set up the next battle for Bea. This is what a season finale should do – keep you hooked and not pissed off at delaying tactics as the season stretch continues. OITNB on the other hand was a bit like Summer Camp on steroids. There was no big baddie this season but there were some very funny lines, mostly throw away lines from the lesser characters. They ditched one of the better characters half way through – Nicky – and ditched one of the more annoying ones – Bennett – as well. The corporate take over worked well with Caputo a stand out as usual. There was no great character arc to follow and as such you were not hanging out for the next episode as you did with Wentworth. As such, it would be a better model to have Wentworth as a binge watch and OITNB a weekly sit down with slippers and a cuppa. OITNB of course comes from the creator of Weeds which faded after a strong start. I doubt the same will happen with OITNB but there has been a drop off since Season 1. Eventually we have to have seen all of the main characters back stories so one assumes more will have to actually happen in the present day each episode in ensuing seasons. This should be a good thing.

At the end of the day both are great viewing and you have to love the Netflix model – and support it! With Wentworth we are stuck with Fuxtel – especially now that our leaders have progressed down their desired path – back to 1950. Interesting times ahead.

Game of Groans

Posted: June 17, 2015 in Sport
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Two big events this week and as always the end product pleases and pisses off in equal measure usually

First up was the Season 5 finale of Games of Thrones. Spoilers naturally. The recent trend of the best episodes of a season being the couple just before the finale continued and most of the finale was one big tease – and a sleepy dragon. Someone said Jon Snow died at the end but the way Harrington acts I thought he died in Season 3? I dont read the books but understand GRR has not written the next book (?) which is becoming less of an issue with the apparent deviations anyway. There were certainly some odd things though

1. Sansa and friend jump from an uncertain height to an uncertain conclusion
2. Did Blondie kill Stannis and if so why not show it – usually do
3. Apparently the best way to tell when the body double was in shot on walk of shame was because she has bigger boobs than Lena?
4. Drogon needed a kip after a long flight ?
5. Did Jon Snow die? Didnt the interwebby explode after that one.

So all in all it was an average finale to a pretty good, but not great, season. There were some memorable scenes in Episodes 8 and 9 and these are what bring the fans back. The story continues to progress but at a somewhat glacial speed.

Next up was SOO 2 at the MCG. For once , NSW got the rub of the green and it is all yesterday’s fish and chip wrapping now. But some things require discussion and the main issue , as highlighted previously by Kenty et al, is the on field decision by the ref before sending it up. (On a side note there was talk this week that KFC require a certain number of video referrals as part of their sponsorship. Likely untrue, but not incomprehensible is this day and age). So rather than whining about the Morris try awarded or the Inglis one not, the pertinent fact to remember is that the ref awarded both ergo there needs to be conclusive evidence to overturn. There wasnt on the first one, fair enough. Hardly on the second either ? Of course the bluebags say that the “forward” pass was not forward minutes before but most, including Channel 9, focus on the wrong pass in question – it was the one prior to the last! At the end of the day the better team won so move on but one thing is clear – DCE is an overpaid dud. Had to tackle too much Mal? Didn’t seem to affect JT’s input. JT was the standout for moi with Inglis a close second and finally getting involved. Smith and Slater had quieter games. Hodges couldnt handle Jennings and Chambers was tres ordinary. And can someone please get Cam the Eyelash Boy a tissue so he stops picking his nose at the press conference! NSW looked more dangerous with the ball as they invariably do year after year. While an avid Qld supporter one quickly moves on – after all who can hate Loz? However, the very biased media will be a pain now for a few weeks. NSW were very good losers – after all the practice – but not such good winners, especially their supporters.

Still, much like taking the game to Victoria so they could boo during a minutes silence for a true legend the clowns that run the game have what they always wanted. A guaranteed sell out for Game 3 and 3 more weeks of media hype while the actual NRL competition and associated fans suffer

But the money rolls in

If its February this must be USA

Posted: June 12, 2015 in Travel
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Well the flights are booked and paid for so guess I must be going back. A three city swing this time with a couple of old faves but one advantage of getting old is you forget where you have been anyway. Given that we have already had our 3 days of winter this year will be good to return to some actual cold weather. First Uber of the rank

Dallas To coincide with the cheerleader tryouts of course. First trick is to catch an A380 from Sydney and one, though long, flight straight to destination. No more hassle of getting through LAX and then finding next connection in 2 hrs. Maybe not the best example of Texas life but at least a start and may even throw in a day trip to Fort Worth. Of course keen to check out that famous floor museum. Yes, the lesser known 5th Floor Museum in the Blocked Suppository building where Ellie May shot JR. A cut lunch on the grassy knoll and join the cattle ride through downtown should round out the visit. And maybe a beer .

Washington Yes have been there before and in a rare moment of sheer seat of your pants devilment am even staying in the same rental! Hey when you find something you like stick with it. Great area up around The Capitol. Have already seen the major attractions but this time plan to include an actual visit to The White House if possible. Last visit the Reflecting Pool was under construction, this time just emptied for winter. Oh well. Will try to include a day trip to Baltimore for some Babe Ruth memorabilia and John Waters nostalgia

Bawston Another revisit although first one was only a 3 dayer. Once again the time of year will impart a different feel to this visit. Still looking for day trip options although Salem is tempting if only to see the birthplace of a former boss – a clever vague comment which could relate to several people 🙂 Or maybe just get my rocks off at Plymouth. This will likely be the coldest city of the visit given its geographical location but an old seasoned campaigner like moi can cope. If I have anywhere near the glorious weather of last visit then it will definitely be a knob kiss.

The way the stock market is going along with the Aussie $ may not get back for a while – at least a year- so better enjoy this one. Now there is only one thing left to organise – a catchy title . “Nanook Returns” has no panache. My fans expect more.

Maybe “My Willie is Chilly”?