The two-minute rest break.
Pop Culture Ephemera
- Ursula K. Le Guin – Left Hand of Darkness (1969) (Published by Ace Books): “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” It took me a long time to get around to this classic of the science-fiction genre. I believe I have started it two other times. This time I pushed through. It wasn’t easy. I’m perplexed why this is held in such high esteem. The writing is competent enough. The plot is generally left in the background as the main character, Genly Ai, travels across a planet in the middle of an Ice Age and talks about philosophy, religion, and sexual politics. As is the case for their race, Genly goes from masculine to more feminine in character. This is an era that is ripe with science fiction as philosophy books. Even the Dune books managed to keep going with an interesting plot when it took long breaks to discuss religion and government. I’m glad I finished it to say that I’ve read one of the highly regarded books. I will read another Le Guin book to see if this just wasn’t a book that stuck with me. I so badly wanted to be able to talk highly of this work.
- The Walking Dead: Dead City – “Genesis” (AMC) (S.3 E.6) (2026): “I have met farmers across the United States, and there is not a farmer in the history of the world that looks like you.” – Negan. Among even the best shows, very few take big swings with episodes. I think of notable chance takers like The X-Files, Breaking Bad and more recently The Bear. This “sequel” has plugged along fine, not great, for a few seasons. The current season is a clearer reboot of themes from The Walking Dead and how you build the new society. This is a series with a history of the “big chance” being that they would kill off main characters. After awhile, that becomes less shocking. So imagine an alternative-reality episode where there aren’t walking dead and Maggie, a farmer, meets up with Negan, a corporate consultant, in a NYC diner and they spend the day together. It is an opportunity to show the psychic bond that these two share without resorting to a romantic relationship. It doesn’t allow for any resolution to their real-world conflicts, so it lacks a good reason for existing. It’s a diversion, but ultimately a miss. The biggest takeaway was that it’s nice to see Beth again, if not a little weird. She represents so much of what Maggie lost, as much as Glenn in some ways. Props for taking a swing, but disappointment for the execution.
- David Bowie – “Cat People (Putting Out Fire)” (from Cat People) (1982): “Just be still with me / You wouldn’t believe what I’ve been through.” Giorgio Moroder writes the music and Bowie provides the lyrics. That’s a good recipe in 1982. The film version of the song is a slower, more brooding mix. It was buried at the end credit of the film. Bowie did a new mix of the song in 1983 that included Stevie Ray Vaughn on guitar and significantly changed the tone of the song by losing the long intro. Quentin Tarantino used the film version to effect for a very long scene in Inglorious Basterds (2009). It’s an interesting moment for Bowie as he is just on the verge of a huge resurgence with Let’s Dance (1983). He would be associated with New Wave, but this song feels much closer to a lost Ennio Morricone soundtrack to a giallo film.
- Her (2013) (Directed by Spike Jonze): “Sometimes I think I have felt everything I’m ever gonna feel. And from here on out, I’m not gonna feel anything new. Just lesser versions of what I’ve already felt.” – Theodore. I can’t explain why I didn’t watch this film in 2013, other than it was a notoriously stressful year. It is directed by Spike Jonze, one of my favorite directors, and it was nominated for five Oscars including Best Picture. It appeared as #24 on The New York Times Best Films of the Century, and that was enough to get me over the hump.
It’s too easy to see this through the lens of today and the ubiquitous of AI in our society. That interpretation has some valid points, but it’s missing the heart of the film. The story is a thoughtful look at failed relationships in our modern day (through a near future that is more wish fulfillment than science fiction). Joaquin Phoenix lives a life of isolation despite working and having some friends. I love how quickly Jonze can set a tone and make you feel like you know the world of the story. The film was thirty minutes in and it felt like I had already watched two hours (not in a bad, drawn out way). Scarlett Johansson was cast in post production, and I can’t imagine the film without her deep voice that sounds just how I would expect the future AI voices to talk. I didn’t expect to like this, but now I can see the big deal about it.
- The Moment (2026) (Directed by Aidan Zamiri): “In a way I feel kinda good like… free or something, it’s not like I’m being dragged along by this thing anymore, I’ve finally got a piece of [it back].” – Charli XCX. I didn’t know what “brat summer” was before I watched this. I knew that I probably had passively heard songs by Charli XCX. This mockumentary won’t shed much light on her if you don’t already know her, but I did get some good moments out of it. I just had to wade through an hour of chaos to get there. The movie is frantic, at best. The camera doesn’t ever stop unless it’s two inches from Charli’s face. The music and the lights give off “too much Redbull” vibes. The film mocks everything about today’s music and culture to the point that I didn’t think it had an substance. It sort of makes up for that with a more meaningful dive into keeping your humanity amongst the chaos, but there could have been more focus. Alexander Skarsgård’s role as the overbearing director hired to film her concert is the best part of the movie because the parody is clear and clever. Maybe the vibe wasn’t for me because I don’t know where the fictional and non-fictional lines are drawn for Charli XCX. I also just needed a break when it was done.
Best of the Rest
- Glenn Danzig needs to just do a whole album of David Bowie covers. He released a cover of “Cat People” in 2007 The Lost Tracks of Danzig. My guess from the sound is that it’s got that late ’90s Danzig feel to it. Slowing down the tempo and giving it that Danzig growl gives it a nice Industrial sound. It could be used in another horror film, and you might not even recognize that it’s the same tune.
- That Marilyn Manson would be involved in a Giorgio Moroder tribute album isn’t surprising. That Shooter Jennings is behind it tells me that I’ve got a mistaken idea of what I think Shooter Jennings is all about. The old-school, video-game feel of the video is a good vibe. It’s interesting that the song becomes a darker version of a honky tonk hit. I appreciate that it feels like there is genuine respect for the Moroder influences, but I want a full Marilyn Manson take on the film version. Manson and Danzig operate in a post-Bowie world. Neither deny the influence of him on their careers, and I would appreciate letting those two loose on a tribute album.
- I wasn’t a fan of Clayface in the comic books. The character didn’t have the personality of the rest of the Rogues Gallery. Then he came to life in Batman: The Animated Series and it al made sense. He’s a slightly more-wet version of the Sandman, but his suffering was portrayed even more heartbreakingly. He’s a man who earned his living based upon his looks that is cursed to lose everything he knew in life. James Gunn reinventing this story as a body horror was not on my DCU list after the past few films. I’m not going to be sucked in by a good trailer, but if played for the horror that it could be, I think this could be a stand-out entry in the Universe.
Sunday Morning Tuneage Flashback
- Sunday Morning Tuneage from 10/10/2010, the Sports Gods giveth and they taketh away. Christian won a conference game, the varsity had a heartbreaking Homecoming loss, Michigan lost to MSU, the Rangers took a loss in their playoffs, and Caleb’s team took a hard loss. I was still most excited about Fringe (FOX), Parenthood (NBC), and Boardwalk Empire (HBO). I don’t know that I was breaking new ground, but I predicted 2010 to be the last holiday season where people still cared about owning physical media. I think we can call that correct for the most part. The list of the week showed more of my obsession with the Muppets, just weeks after ranking their best songs. This ranking was even more impossible.
My #45 Top TV Show of All-Time was Six Feet Under (HBO) (2001-2005): It made #15 in the most recent NYT list of the Best TV Show of this Century. At the time I ranked this, I was only a couple seasons into it. I broke my rule of not ranking shows I hadn’t finished because I already knew I loved this show. I have still not finished the show. It’s shameful but I’m only about a season further along than I was back then, although I’ve rewatched some of the early seasons again. From the fake commercials at the beginning to wonderful music choices and great casting, this Alan Ball show would probably move up the charts if I finished it. A good sign is how I’ll automatically watch another show that casts any of these leads. - BEST MUPPETS OF ALL-TIME (2010)
- 10. Clueless Morgan
- 9. Rizzo the Rat
- 8. The Swedish Chef
- 7. Oscar the Grouch
- 6. Beauregard
- 5. Cookie Monster
- 4. Grover
- 3. Rowlf the Dog
- 2. Kermit the Frog
- 1. The Great Gonzo
- BEST MUPPETS OF ALL-TIME (2026)
- 10. Bert & Ernie: Is it cheating to pick them as a duo? Their appeal is how they act together. It’s the classic duet of chaos vs. order. They also made me want a paperclip collection.
- 9. Pepe the King Prawn: He has taken over a key spot in the ensemble that is sometimes been held by Rizzo the Rat. He’s the smart ass. I look forward to his appearances in short bursts.
- 8. Fozzie Bear: Wocka, wocka, wocka! It took me well into adulthood to appreciate that Fozzie is present in almost every family or friend group. There’s the person that tells the bad jokes and tries so hard but usually fails (now I’m wondering if that’s me in some of my groups). Who doesn’t have a soft spot in their heart for Fozzie?
- 7. Big Bird: There’s a reason that when they wanted to talk about a serious topic with children, it was soft spoken Big Bird that they trotted out to give the message. His friendship with Snuffy is so important that I almost considered them a duo for the purpose of this list.
- 6. Cookie Monster: It’s easy to see him as a one-trick character. It’s a pretty great trick though. It’s even more relatable as an adult to just want cookies.
- 5. Electric Mayhem: I’m cheating again here. I would normally just put Animal in this spot because his ID is exactly what is needed for the group. Leaving out Dr. Teeth, Floyd, or Janice doesn’t seem right because they all have had their moments where I can identify with them in the movies or shows.
- 4. Grover: If for no other reason that the 294 times I read my children The Monster at the End of this Book. I still giggle thinking about Near/Far. He’s a composite of what I love about so many of the Sesame Street characters, but still somehow he’s also just a Grover.
- 3. Rowlf the Dog: The original Muppet star of talk shows, he also might be the resident philosopher that is needed in every group. His songs are almost always the best part of any of the TV-show episodes.
- 2. Kermit the Frog: I won’t argue that he’s the through line that connects the Muppets across their history. He’s Jim Henson in puppet form. It’s not easy being green, and he leads an often exasperated existence dealing with his friends. His mild mannerisms make him relatable in the same way the Charlie Brown is the center of Peanuts.
- 1. The Great Gonzo: Now as then, Gonzo appeals to my soul. We share the same weirdness with the romantic tendencies. He’s also vulnerable, like Kermit, but in a way that suffers more than you think Kermit does. His undying love for the strong, independent, Camilla makes him even more lovable. The way goes about his life amid chaos is a joy to behold.
- Buy The Muppet Movie: The Official Picture Book
1976 in Review
- September – Iron Fist #8 (Marvel Comics): “Though I’m beginning to wonder if this foul concoction even contains real water.” – Iron Fist. Cover and Interior Art by John Byrne. Written by Chris Claremont. I was barely aware of this title on the shelves. I think it was the costume that just didn’t speak to young me. I am more aware of the ties to Eastern culture and how it played so well against what was happening in NYC with Spider-Man. I may yet get around to reading this title. I know this issue introduces Chaka Khan (not the singer).
- October 3 – Hank Aaron plays his final MLB game, finishing with a hit and RBI in a Brewers 5-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers.
- October 9 – TV Guide. The cover photo of Bernadette Peters and Richard Crenna highlighted their Norman Lear-created series, All’s Fair (CBS). The sitcom told the story of political photographer, Peters (23), and her romantic relationship with political columnist, Crenna (49). Peters is the Liberal and Crenna is the staunch Conservative. It would only last a season as they tried to change the show from being politically centered to start into a romantic comedy.
What the Hell Did I Put in My Mouth?
Pringles – Buffalo Wild Wings: Medium Buffalo
I was happy with the Asian Zing last week. I’m just as disappointed that the restaurant with “Buffalo” in the name didn’t make a decent Buffalo-sauced Pringle chip. I will default to ordering this flavor at a new wing place to judge their skills. I like a little tang with that vinegar flavor. I was missing so much of that iconic flavor here. The smell wasn’t even there. There’s a little of the signature heat at the first bite, but it wears off quickly and didn’t leave me with any of the kick that I expect. At least the Asian Zing is still on the shelf.
International Delight: Frosted Sugar Cookie (2026)
The first sign of fall is when the Monster Cereals show up on the shelves around Labor Day. That spooky season doesn’t last too long. Each year around the start of October, the seasonal drop of International Delight Frosted Sugar Cookie hits the refrigerated aisle at the grocery store. It’s my favorite coffee creamer, and it’s more special because I only get it for three months out of the year. I’m not going to tell you that it isn’t sweet. It is. But it’s the vanilla notes that go even stronger than the French Vanilla. Happy Holidays to me. This will be in my morning coffee until we turn the calendar.
Oreo: Chicken & Waffles
The last of the “Try All 3 Limited Edition Flavors” is not the best, but it’s certainly the most unique. I don’t remember a bag of Oreos in the past few years that have blasted you in the face with their scent upon opening. I thought I had opened a bottle of maple syrup. The creme is similar in size to the Double Stuf. It’s half maple syrup and half what it supposed to be chicken flavor. I think the chicken is much closer to a chicken ramen seasoning. They are the worst for me of the summer three, but I can’t say they didn’t capture the flavor profile. Two good out of three is just about the correct Oreo ratio.
“See these eyes, so red
Red like jungle burning bright
Those who feel me near
Pull the blinds and change their minds
It’s been so long” – David Bowie
