Fifth of November Notable Opening Nights

 

Courtesy Playbill.

Officially, the Notable Opening Nights spotlight is on Nov. 5, 1987, when Into the Woods opened at what is now the Al Hirschfeld. I like doing capsule commentary, and am going to continue this route for a while.

Politics Corner Tsunami Aftermath

   

beware of Harlan Crow

photo mine

There were three misleading, evil referenda on the ballot in Wisconsin. Republican, of course, and written to appeal to people who would never vote Republican. The one that I thought most likely to pass -- prohibiting bans on religious gatherings during health emergencies-- failed. The one intended to reduce the Governor's veto power passed but was a wash. Dems flipped both legislative bodies, held the Governor's mansion and will control the Supreme Court for at least about a decade. Trifecta! We suffered the Republican trifecta long enough so it's time to fix things. [more below the fold]

What's On Tonight (Thursday): This could be Heaven or this could be Hell's Kitchen

 

Courtesy PopCulture.com.

Tonight's Top Pick is Hell's Kitchen, which has probably 6-9 more episodes left of its season. Not much to see here, folks -- just continuing my routine of everyone getting a turn in the spotlight.

Jeopardy! recap for Wed., Nov. 4

 Here are today's contestants:

- David Fang-Yen, an attorney from Portland, Oregon;

- Alexandra Field, a public health program associate from Atlanta, Georgia; and

- Erica Doornek, a federal employee originally from Glasgow, Montana. Erica is a three-day champ with winnings of $52,201.

We Did It! (But Fuckin' Florida) And Other Wednesday Headlines

Kate Mulgrew Via Pinterest

My Dad Would Be Proud Too [The Gene Pool]

'MAGA Drowns Under A Blue Wave' [The Bulwark]

Politics Corner Election Now!

   

beware of Harlan Crow

photo mine

 As I write this it's still to early to call a tsunami but color me blue.

Political Discussion Welcome

What's On Tonight (Wednesday): Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee

The Greatest

What's my name! Here's what's on television for tonight, Wednesday, November 4!

Our Top Pick tonight is The Greatest (Amazon Prime Video, 3 a.m.). This 8-episode limited series, which is released in its entirety today, is about the life of boxing great Muhammad Ali. It stars newcomer Jaalen Best in the title role. Other cast and recurrers include Omari Hardwick, Dana Gourrier, Amin Joseph, Michael Ealy, and Giovanni Ribisi. I assume someone saw the Ken Burns doc and wanted to make it a scripted miniseries. (Some of the Ali family are producers.)

Elsewhere, Chicago Fire turns 300, the Brothers gloves are off, the kitchen is full of Wizards, Evolution is about good mating, Owen Wilson grabs more Sticks, a Dog reflects on Christmas, Michael Urie spins the Wheel, the Prophets have final wisdom, and Church drama comes to BET.

Jeopardy! recap for Tue., Nov. 3

 Here are today's contestants:

- Jon Barilone, a public relations & marketing consultant from Aliso Viejo, California;

- Tamara O'Flaherty, a lawyer from New York City; and

- Erica Doornek, a federal employee originally from Glasgow, Montana. Erica is a two-day champ with winnings of $39,000.

Jeopardy!

10-LETTER VOCAB // PLAYING "R" SONG // SECRETARIAL WORK // WHOSE WHAT? // CHAMPAGNE // CASANOVA

DD1 - $800 - SECRETARIAL WORK - Part of the "shuttle diplomacy" exercise by this secretary of state led to resuming U.S./Egypt diplomatic relations (Tamara lost $1,200 on a true DD.)

 

Scores at first break: Erica $1,800, Tamara $1,400, Jon $200.

Scores entering DJ: Erica $4,400, Tamara $2,600, Jon -$200.

Double Jeopardy!

U.S. "CITY" CITIES // DUAL BIOGRAPHIES // EARTH SCIENCE // BROADWAY MUSICALS BY CHARACTERS // TO THE CONTRARY! // ANTONYMS

DD2 - $1,200 - DUAL BIOGRAPHIES - Stephen Ambrose titled a dual biography for these 2 warriors whose forces battled it out at the Battle of the Little Bighorn (Erica dropped just $200 from her leading score of $7,200 vs. $5,000 for Tamara.)

DD3 - $1,600 - EARTH SCIENCE - Sharing its name with a region of Italy, this type of glacier occurs when valley glaciers step over a mountain (Tamara lost $2,000 down to $6,600 vs. $9,800 for Erica.)

All three DDs were missed, but Erica made a tiny wager on hers from the lead, helping her maintain first place into FJ at $10,200 vs. $6,600 for Tamara and $4,200 for Jon.

Final Jeopardy!

19TH CENTURY NAMES - Yellow, this man’s favorite color, was "the symbol of the light that he dreamed of as being in people’s hearts (&) in works of art

Everyone was correct on FJ. Erica added $3,001 to win with $13,201 for a three-day total of $52,201.

Final scores: Erica $13,201, Tamara $8,406, Jon $7,201.

Correct Qs: DD1 - Who was Kissinger? DD2 - Who were Custer and Crazy Horse? DD3 - What is piedmont? FJ - Who was Vincent van Gogh?

VOTE! And Other Tuesday Headlines

The National Bird Of Guyana Is The Hoatzin, Via Wild Latitudes

'Judge Refuses To Put Helpful No Mary Peltolas Allowed Stamp On Alaska Ballot, Trump DOJ Furious' [Wonkette]

'Republicans Have Earned A Rout' [The Bulwark]

What's On Tonight (Tuesday): One day more ...

 

Courtesy Reddit.

Tonight's Top Pick is Vote 2026, PBS' coverage of Election Night, which starts at 7 p.m. Eastern. You know me, I like to have at least one designated "program" when it comes to coverage.

Politics Corner How Much Did You Get for Your Soul?

   

beware of Harlan Crow

photo mine

 It's All Souls' Day. Still talking to the dead so let's ask the queen.

Political Discussion Welcome

Jeopardy! recap for Mon., Nov. 2

 Here are today's contestants:

- Liz Webber, a journalist from New York City;

- Andy Seher, an executive legal recruiter from Milwaukie, Oregon; and

- Erica Doornek, a federal employee originally from Glasgow, Montana. Erica is a one-day champ with winnings of $23,500.

Sportsball November 2

  

Via Imgur

Politics Corner The Day After

   

beware of Harlan Crow

photo mine

 It's All Saint's Day. Time to talk to your dead. Or just listen to Brits.

Political Discussion Welcome

What's On Tonight (Monday): Saluting the Not-So Sexy

 

Courtesy NBC.

Tonight's Top Pick is the third season premiere of St. Denis Medical, entitled "He Ain't Noah Wyle." The title is obviously in tribute to The Pitt, but it's now quite relevant thanks to Noah getting People's "Sexiest Man Alive" honor.

CBSSM: How Jimmy Stewart Became A War Hero

 

This week's segments can be found at the CBSSM YouTube page. Viewers in Australia/New Zealand may encounter IP geoblocking that requires a VPN to bypass.

PET SET - DUFFY & TINK

 

Saturday Night Live: Inde Navarrette & Gracie Abrams (S52E4)

 

Inde Navarrette & Gracie Abrams

Show #1012

Actor Inde Navarrette makes her SNL debut following a big summer with Obsession. Happy Halloween, everyone!

Pop singer Gracie Abrams returns for her second time as musical guest. The previous time was the 2024 holiday episode.

Politics Corner October I was saying Boooo-urns.

   

beware of Harlan Crow

photo mine

What's On Tonight (Sunday): Sweet bird of Youth

Youth

Fall back! Here's what's on television for tonight, Sunday, November 1!

Our Top Pick tonight is the finale of Youth (HBO & HBO Max, 10 p.m.). This Sharon Horgan-created-written-and-starring series finds 50-something literary agent Alex (Horgan) seeking love after a 4-year dry spell since her divorce and her kid off to college. Of course things don't go as planned, and Alex takes a long look at love and aging. I find the show to be a delight.

Elsewhere, a Hostage is freed, the hats of Gilded Age return, Tracker tracks, Animal Control does pig parenting, OJ had an Accomplice, and a Golden Glove is awarded.

This Weekend in Pop Culture: October 30-November 1

Welcome to the Weekend in Pop Culture! Let's examine what's coming out in theaters this weekend.

Hrm. Not much.

What have you been watching?