Via National Park Service
You're not working and you are still being underpaid. [CNN]
photo mine
Monday, November 30, 2020
What's On Tonight (Tuesday): Holiday Classics And Holiday Clip Shows
 |
| Via Tenor |
Welcome to the final month of the shitshow that has been 2020!
Jeopardy! recap for Mon., Nov. 30
Here are today's contestants:
- Ben!, an accountant, whose wife dealt out 52 things she loves about him;
- Tracy, a college administrator, spent time at a tiger reserve in India; and
- Ryan, a legal technology professional, likes escape rooms. Ryan is a three-day champ with winnings of $78,203.
Sunday, November 29, 2020
What's On Tonight (Monday): Keith Morrison Deep Dives Into Murders In Missouri
 |
| Via Tenor |
Not gonna lie, there's just not a lot to get excited about tonight. Let's get to it.
Politics Corner, November 29th
Via National Park Service
Trump is now the ghost who doesn't know that his Presidency is dead. There are no paths to victory left. We still have to worry about the damage he does on his way out the door.
But he will go. FREE SPACE.
photo mine
Political discussion welcome.
Totally Tunes: Kids Movies Have Better Songs Than Grownup Movies
That's quite the hypothesis right there, maybe I should do an investigation on that subject matter. We adults get the big epic movie tunes, but are they as fun and/or tearjerking as the songs on kids movies? I'm not doing a whole grandstand masterclass on the matter, but in this article I shall expose some evidence to prove my hypothesis to the academic and kino masses.
 |
| Photo via Pexels |
To begin this masterclass, I mean article, I present you Exhibit A: the first movie about a human-enraging member of the lupine kind has this beautiful song that it doesn't only have one version in the film, but TWO! And in one of them the actor voicing said lupine absolutely butchers it, so let's go with the original version buried in the credits.
Thoughts on Santa Claus: The Movie
via ruthlessreviews.com
"The prophecy has come to pass, that there would come to us a chosen one. And that he, having no child of his own, would love all children, everywhere. And that he himself would be an artisan and a craftsman and a skilled ... maker of toys. And now, chosen one, come forth. ... *takes him in* Hmm ... From this day on, now and forever, you will bring our gifts to all the children in all the world. And all this to be done on Christmas Eve."
Square Dancing Day And Make Your Own Sunday Headlines
 |
| Via Giphy |
Today's Anti-Trumpidote
Watch this little potato grow up into a land hippo 💜 pic.twitter.com/etkDz9utJz
— The Dodo (@dodo) September 8, 2020
Saturday, November 28, 2020
What's On Tonight (Sunday): Nicole Kidman is almost undone
 |
| The Undoing (via Tumblr) |
Good afternoon, good evening, and good night! Here's what's on television for tonight, Sunday, November 29!
Top Pick goes to the HBO limited series The Undoing, starring Nicole Kidman as Grace Fraser, a successful New York therapist who's life begins to unravel on the eve of publishing her first book. It all leads to a courtroom trial. Hugh Grant plays the husband. I watched the first episode, and it was... above average. Will I finish it? I think so...?
Elsewhere, Masterpiece turns 50, James Corden gets 60 Minutes treatment, New York goes back to the '80s, Lisa Ling is back, Catherine of Aragon has a mad husband, the World Beyond wraps season one, and SpaceX sets up next to Moonbase 8.
Elsewhere, Masterpiece turns 50, James Corden gets 60 Minutes treatment, New York goes back to the '80s, Lisa Ling is back, Catherine of Aragon has a mad husband, the World Beyond wraps season one, and SpaceX sets up next to Moonbase 8.
Politics Corner, November 28th
Via National Park Service
The Trump administration is burning everything down and salting the earth behind it. [ProPublica]
photo mine
Political discussion welcome.
This Weekend in Pop Culture: November 25-29
Welcome to the Weekend in Pop Culture! Let's examine what's coming out in theaters this weekend...
Hey, we actually have movie releases! (for now)
Stardust
A David Bowie biopic where he strenuously avoids playing anything by David Bowie.
The Croods: A New Age
The sequel to the family-of-cavemen film from a few years back that you've almost certainly already forgotten.
Also, what was supposed to come out this weekend was "King Richard," the story of Venus and Serena Williams' dad; "Raya and the Last Dragon," the next Disney animated feature; and "Voyagers," a sci-fi film from the director of "Limitless." "Raya" is now slated for March, "Richard" is now scheduled for November, and "Voyagers" is TBA.
What have you been watching?
A MarkInTexas Made-For-TV Christmas: The Snowman (1982)
Welcome to the 7th annual A MarkInTexas Made-For-TV Christmas. This season, I have 12 shows lined up for review, some from the early days of TV others which, as of today, have yet to even premiere. We start it off with a classic British special.
Thoughts on One Magic Christmas
via IMDB
"If anyone says another thing about Christmas to me, I'm gonna throw something at them and I mean it!"
National French Toast Day And Make Your Own Saturday Headlines
 |
| Via Tenor |
Today's Anti-Trumpidote
Everything changes after this guy takes his scared rescue dog camping ❤ pic.twitter.com/YBaNMy1ULi
— The Dodo (@dodo) September 8, 2020
Friday, November 27, 2020
What's On Tonight (Saturday): Mystery cartoon Den theater 3000
 |
| Hell Den |
Top Pick goes to the really mediocre Hell Den, which is in its second season and now is a Syfy original series. It tries to be an MST3K with cartoons, but it does so with clips rather than features. The humor is callow for my taste, though the setup of a child forcing strange beings to watch TV after Earth's destroyed is a good setup.
Elsewhere, a good doggo meets Harrison Ford, an Obama docuseries gets to the ACA, CBS airs some quasi-Christmas classics, Kolchak searches for an android, and Danger Force hunts a pranker.
Politics Corner, November 27th
Via National Park Service
I didn't golf today but I'm not going to do my job either. (This hasn't been updated to include today's outing so the total is 291.) [Trump Golf Count]
Political discussion welcome.
Jeopardy! recap for Fri., Nov. 27
Introducing today's contestants:
- Chandy, a civil engineer, has been compared to C-3PO;
- Gabriel, a swim instructor, hasn't seen any "Star Wars" or tasted coffee; and
- Ryan, a legal technology professional, helps make document-management software. Ryan is a two-day champ with winnings of $48,802.
Maize Day And Make Your Own Friday Headlines
 |
| Via Gifer |
The White Shadow [1978]
Bosom Buddies [1980]
Today's Anti-Trumpidote
Huge elephant breaks up bird fight 💛 pic.twitter.com/bDQ7i2vl9g
— The Dodo (@dodo) September 8, 2020
Thursday, November 26, 2020
What's On Tonight (Friday): A Truly Great Performer
 |
| Via Imgur |
Plus: The Christmas classics roll out barely twenty-four hours after your finished your Thanksgiving turkey.
Politics Corner, November 26th, Thanksgiving
Via National Park Service
I don't know about you but I'm thankful that 2020 will soon be hindsight.
Political discussion welcome.
Jeopardy! recap for Thur., Nov. 26
Let's meet today's contestants:
- Aaron, a freelance editor;
- Zack, a law student; and
- Ryan, a legal technology professional. Ryan is a one-day champ with winnings of $20,001.
Happy Thanksgiving
 |
| Via Giphy |
Notable Television Premieres On This Day
The Price Is Right [1956]
Today's Anti-Trumpidote
Cat caught on hidden camera stealing all the neighborhood shoes 😹 pic.twitter.com/WdA3iVdi6V
— The Dodo (@dodo) September 9, 2020
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
What's On Tonight (Thursday): Magical Thanksgiving Traditions
 |
| Via Imgur |
Happy Thanksgiving Eve, all. Let's see what's up to distract ourselves with on this most unusual Turkey Day ever.
Jeopardy! recap for Wed., Nov. 25
Let's meet today's contestants:
- Antonette, an 8th grade humanities teacher, watched the same Jeopardy! episodes back-to-back;
- Ryan, a legal technology professional, is a New York sports contrarian; and
- Henry, a software engineer, figures to have his floppy-eared bunny for years to come. Henry is a two-day champ with winnings of $61,400.
International Hat Day And Make Your Own Wednesday Headlines
 |
| Via Gfycat |
Today's Anti-Trumpidote
Pittie found in garbage dump is such a wiggly-butt now — let's find her a home! 🥰️ pic.twitter.com/HqpoF2zh27
— The Dodo (@dodo) September 9, 2020
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
What's On Tonight (Wednesday): A new generation is all right 'cause they're Saved by the Bell
 |
| Saved by the Bell |
Timeout! Here's what's on television for tonight, Wednesday, November 25!
Yes, Top Picks class is back in session with the next, er, third(?) generation for Saved by the Bell. While two original members are regulars on the new series — and others will appear — the focus is on a new group of Bayside High students, including offspring of Jessie and Gov. Zach & Kelly. SBTB is about to get socially aware.
Elsewhere, Notre Dame cathedral needs repairs, Teen Titans go to the movies, Mackenzie Davis brings home her girlfriend, Rory Gilmore wants to save local journalism, HBO examines D.B. Cooper, an rogue extremist causes the S.W.A.T. team problems, and TCM honors Sean Connery.
Elsewhere, Notre Dame cathedral needs repairs, Teen Titans go to the movies, Mackenzie Davis brings home her girlfriend, Rory Gilmore wants to save local journalism, HBO examines D.B. Cooper, an rogue extremist causes the S.W.A.T. team problems, and TCM honors Sean Connery.
Politics Corner, November 24th
Via National Park Service
Did you blink? You might have missed it. We had a President for about a minute today. It wasn't good. [Politico]
photo mine
Jeopardy! recap for Nov. 24
Please welcome today's contestants:
- Jennifer, a lawyer, pretty much lived the "Seinfeld" episode about the frozen yogurt;
- Matt, a director of programming, interviewed Kermit and Miss Piggy; and
- Henry, a software engineer, rented out the Rose Bowl every year. Henry is a one-day champ with winnings of $31,000.
Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day And Make Your Own Tuesday Headlines
 |
| Via Tumblr |
Notable Television Premieres On This Day
Simon & Simon [1981]
Simon & Simon [1981]
Mystery Science Theater 3000 [1988]
Today's Anti-Trumpidote
When a bike ride turns into an orphaned kitten rescue 😻 pic.twitter.com/sLApAOqX2e
— The Dodo (@dodo) September 9, 2020
Monday, November 23, 2020
Politics Corner, November 23rd
Via National Park Service
Honoring Confederate traitors is more important to Trump than paying our troops. [NBC]
ETA: This was posted earlier today and since then the kraken has been released and the transition has begun.
photo mine
What's On Tonight (Tuesday): Jennifer Aniston Is Not Just An Iconic Haircut
 |
| Via Pinterest |
Also: Adios, Tosh!
Jeopardy! recap for Mon., Nov. 23
Here are today's contestants:
- Henry, a software engineer, aka "Tugboat";
- Amanda, an undergraduate advisor, likes Alex's tap dancing; and
- Charlie, a producer, really showed what his 5-year-old knows by winning on the show. Charlie is a one-day champ with winnings of $30,000.
Box Office Flashback October 30, 2020
After the mid-90s, the holiday movie season would kick off on the first weekend of November, though before then, the first big movies of the season would come out closer to Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, if you thought the weekend before Halloween was a lousy time to release a movie, see what happens to films that are released on weekends that contain Halloween.
Thoughts on Rocky IV
via IMDB
"The National Board of Education's 'Write the Script to Rocky IV Before You See the Movie" contest had to be cancelled this week when 1,752 entries tied for first place, correctly duplicating the written screenplay right down to the last comma." -- Dennis Miller, SNL, 1985
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Politics Corner, November 22nd
Via National Park Service
The Republican Party isn't exactly turning on Trump. They know where their bread is buttered. But even Republicans are telling Trump he needs to work with the transition. He'll never concede and who cares? He was a sore winner. Nobody expects him to be a gracious loser. FREE SPACE.
photo mine
Political discussion welcome.
What's On Tonight (Monday): Back In the Habit
 |
| Via Imgur |
Kind of a thin night but we'll make the best of it.
Totally Tunes: I Lost my Heart When my Back was Turned
Heartbreak, how does it feel like? No, really, I have no clue, I've never been through that. I guess those are the perks of being a freewheelin' woman who doesn't want to get serious with anyone. Thankfully, for those love-aliens like moi, artists have written songs about heartbreak more often than not, and we can vicariously live through that pain, anger, and whatever else comes with the songs about break-ups. Win-win, amirite?
 |
| Awwwwwwww via Pexels |
As usual, let's begin with the song that gives this article its subtitle, an absolutely gorgeous tune by The Fratellis written with all that melancholy and prose the band's lyrics are known for. It's hard for me not to cry whenever it comes up on the playlist.
Saturday, November 21, 2020
What's On Tonight (Sunday): Zombies... can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em
 |
| Fear the Walking Dead (via Tumblr) |
Ahoy! Here's what's on television for tonight, Sunday, November 22!
Top Pick goes to that zombie spinoff that has been on 6(!) seasons: Fear the Walking Dead. I haven't watched the show since its first season — it was super "meh" — but it hasn't been a Top Pick since our AV Club days. And it hasn't been the title Top Pick (ie in the headline and head image) in more than 4 years. So all I can say is... FTWD is still a thing!
Elsewhere, Dolly Parton does Christmas, John Belushi gets documentary treatment, Eric Andre finishes his season, Buddy Valastro fights Christmas, Snapped celebrates 500, Taraji P. Henson hosts the AMAs, Maggie Cole is out of trouble, and The Outpost lands on Sundays.
Elsewhere, Dolly Parton does Christmas, John Belushi gets documentary treatment, Eric Andre finishes his season, Buddy Valastro fights Christmas, Snapped celebrates 500, Taraji P. Henson hosts the AMAs, Maggie Cole is out of trouble, and The Outpost lands on Sundays.
Politics Corner, November 21st
Via National Park Service
Is Trump worried about his legacy as America's worst President? He seems determined that Buchanan cannot steal his glory. You're done, Trump. Pack your bags and get out. [ProPublica]
photo mine
Political discussion welcome.