Soft Times For Mister Softee
After I mentioned Mister Softee earlier today, a reader sent me a story about how the company is still around but struggling.
Five Random Thoughts
Quickies about Taylor Swift, the return of Jeopardy, why you should ignore most presidential polls, Olympic breakdancing, and one of the high points of my childhood.
Old Reliable
I like it when shortsighted media executives are forced to reverse their boneheaded moves. That’s why I’m glad to see Brian Stelter back at CNN, where he now has the title Chief Media Analyst.
US Open Not So Open
Once again, a carriage rights dispute between two big TV companies is robbing us of watching one of our favorite sporting events. Here’s the story.
Best Thing I’ve Seen Today
If you’re looking for something worth watching, check out this live webcam from a waterhole in the Namib Desert in Namibia. You never know which animals might show up.
TV Review: “Secret World Of Sound”
I very strongly recommend David Attenborough’s new Netflix nature series, “Secret World Of Sound,” which reveals animals using sound in remarkable ways never captured on film before. Here’s why I liked it so much.
Movie Review: “Blink Twice”
It wasn’t easy explaining the plot of Zöe Kravitz’s directorial debut (starring Channing Tatum and Naomi Ackie) without giving too much away, but here you go.
Best Thing I’ve Seen Today
Several years ago, the funny folks behind “The Play That Goes Wrong” worked with Penn & Teller to create “Magic Goes Wrong.” Here’s a piece they performed at a benefit for the Prince’s Trust.
Four Random Thoughts
Quickies about Southwest Airlines’ baggage policy, musicians threatening lawsuits against Trump for using their songs, an odd pharmaceutical warning, and heart-bottom bias.
Primetime Kamala
To my shock, the Democrats finally managed to get their headliner on stage & on the air in primetime last night. Here’s my reaction to Kamala Harris’ big speech — and a warning to Dems not to plan any victory parties yet.
Movie Review: “The Supremes At Earl’s…”
Here’s my review of a new tearjerker debuting on Hulu which follows the close friendship of three women through life’s highs and lows across thirty years.
Waiting For Walz
Watching DNC Night Three, I couldn’t get out of my broadcaster’s brain how Democrats were blowing the opportunity to introduce Tim Walz to larger TV audiences. Here are some examples.
My Stormy Weekend
My wife was out of town for the weekend, so I got on a plane and went to play poker in Philadelphia. Let me explain why that turned out to be a big mistake.
Democrats Assemble!
Here are a few thoughts about the first night of the Democratic National Convention, including Biden’s anticlimactic speech, the better ones from earlier in the evening, and a brilliant bit of branding.
Anna Kendrick Takes Over
Best Thing I’ve Seen Today: while digging around on YouTube, I discovered this clip of Anna Kendrick proving her comedy chops in a 2018 “Between The Scenes” segment of “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.”