TV
It's hard to describe the allure of watching iron-haired snobs moan about their love-lives, but somehow MTV show The Hills and its spin-off The City have ladies my age and younger transfixed - so much so that a Hills catch-up marathon in Queen St's cinemas tonight was extended to Sylvia
Park on Friday and Wellington on Saturday ahead of the show returning next Wednesday - talk about not being able to turn away from a train crash.
Speaking of which, anyone who cringed their way through the gameshow hosted by Jason Gunn-minus-Thingee last week might be keen to expand their horizons with some factual entertainment on Prime on Sunday, right after the spunky stars of Doctor Who.
And I suppose there is always the football, sorry soccer, sorry football - the one with the round ball anyway - if you are able to rouse yourself at ridiculous times to watch it live.
MUSIC
This week might be a good time to check out local acts in cosy venues, as things have slowed down on the international circuit. Wellington soulsters Electric Wire Hustle play at the Ponsonby Social Club tonight, joined by Benny Tones. And Dunedin band Six 60 join Gisborne's Coast for some dub, funk and rock at Sale St tonight, along with Jason Kerrison and his new project The Babysitter's Club. That's a fair few faces from around the country ticked off. And then to relive the good sounds of '79 head along to the Juice Bar this Saturday to hear Hello Sailor, Th' Dudes and their friends playing all the golden oldies.
MOVIES
Amelie is one of my favourite films of all time and now director Jean-Pierre Jeunet has produced another flick to match it - he hopes. Micmacs, which is out today, is a sad tale of an orphan named Bazil who, in his life on the desperate streets, meets a bunch of misfits who all have special talents.
You don't even have to have watched The A-Team on television in the 80s to be familiar with its phraseology. The film, out today, has a ridiculous storyline, but also a star-studded cast and looks like the perfect testosterone-fuelled antidote to Sex And The City.
OR...
Since you're in the swing of odd waking hours thanks to the World Cup, get up at the rooster's call on Monday for a karakia on top of Maungakiekie (Mt Eden) to open Matariki (Maori New Year). A month of exhibitions, workshops and kapa haka competitions follow; check out matarikifestival.org.nz to find out what is happening near you.
