At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. 

Alaska: 6/10 

As an event it didn’t look like a lot. But Europe came to Washington and, apparently, a meeting is on. The lights aren't out yet. 

Trevor Mallard: 8/10 

Move of the week from Winston Peters. It took a while, but I still haven't found anyone who disagrees. 

The Reserve Bank: 2/10 

They missed the contraction, and they paused as the country was going backwards. Now we need two more cuts. They got us into trouble but can't get us out? Look up the word "useless" in the dictionary. 

Helen Mirren: 7/10 

James Bond "has to be a guy". You wouldn’t have had to say that once. Nowadays it makes headlines. 

TOP: 4/10 

As novel as it is to advertise for a leader, the fact you don’t have one probably sums up the prospects for next year - which are none. 

Balls: 7/10 

The balls at the US Open are made of New Zealand. My favourite fun fact of the week. 

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