Stranger Things 5 is thankfully redeemed by this second block of episodes. The first half was a little underwhelming and in retrospect probably could’ve been an episode or two shorter. But these latest episodes are more fun, more tense, and have more heart. Happy it’s finding its footing again.

My 12 year old just burst into the kitchen and announced “I beat Sonic CD in one sitting with no game overs!” Happy Christmas.

I was lucky enough to come out of podcasting hibernation to guest on this episode and it was super fun just like Mario Kart Wii!

The first Knives Out is still perfect and can’t be topped for me, but I love how this one tackles faith and forgiveness. Josh O’Connor is fantastic as is the rest of the cast and, as is always the case with Rian Johnson films, it’s ultimately optimistic about humanity.

Now would be a great time for Analogue to release some more Pocket stock...

I say this with zero irony: if you are even tangentially a part of a retro video game community, it is your civic duty to push back against this company and shun anyone who doesn't. This is fascism tapping gently at the door and as soon as you let it in, it's going to invite its friends.

Our next episode is up early for patrons. Giving us that $1 to gain access is a great way to help out the show. This one is the harbinger of the season! ❄️ www.patreon.com/posts/143732...

Man, the opening of RAW tonight was perfection. If you’re questioning the finish from Saturday night, the first 15 minutes of the show are evidence of why it was the right call. So much mileage to get out of the finish in terms of storytelling vs. a feel good moment that just ends.

Matthew Lillard is cooler than Tarantino anyway. Was Tarantino in SLC Punk? apple.news/AukYzZHNcQeu...

It’s cool to chill in the motorcycle factory.

There’s almost nothing vegan at McDonald’s in America, so I never eat it, but Paris McD’s has vegan fries and nuggets so here I am!

Ok I usually speak Liam, but can someone translate “LICKED IT UP TO RAS” for me?

A movie that takes place where you’re from For better or worse

At the Aragon for NXT tonight. 6 rows back, but any spot here would be fantastic.

Bought 5 six foot tall skeletons on the internet today thanks to Wario, so it's a pretty good Friday.

A play in three acts.

Just watched the trailer for Scream 7, a movie I will not be seeing anytime soon. First thing I saw is the Spyglass logo, an effective reminder that this is an Ellison project and a reminder of how dirty they did Melissa Berrera just for having a conscience. Fuck off.

I've been watching vintage Halloween commercial collections on YouTube and this Temu Michael Myers from an ad for a television broadcast of Halloween II is really something to behold.

About to see Mason Jennings right here in Rockford, IL. Stuck in the nosebleeds.

3 things I can talk about for 3 hours with no prep: 1. Oasis 2. The Star Wars sequel trilogy 3. The Great Gatsby and/or The Crucible

On his worst day, your looniest, whitest uncle makes way more sense than this guy.

Great new song from the great band The Beths called "Ark of the Covenant." Not really about Raiders (though surely nodding to it), but I still get a little burst of joy every time she sings the phrase "ark of the covenant."

Charlie Kirk called me a ‘lunatic’ and a ‘prostitute’ and demanded I be deported. Nothing, *nothing*, justifies killing him, or robbing his kids of their dad. We don’t know the identity or motive of the shooter but murder can *never* be the response to political disagreements.

In California for Oasis tomorrow and I did a little run in the neighborhood near my hotel. Afterward I felt that, as Nick Carraway says, “I was a guide, a pathfinder, an original settler. (My run) had casually conferred on me the freedom of the neighborhood.”

Live Forever.

Playing some IRLNTM today.

Oasis Live 25 at Soldier Field. Our spot is *pretty decent*.

Today is gonna be the day.

If you’re doing a ‘double tap’ strike on a hospital, you’re a war criminal and a terrorist.

Big congrats to my former student Josh (Osiris) on becoming NXT tag champ tonight!

A friend just shared with me so now I share with you. Absolutely unreal version of Slide Away here. Best band ever at their absolute prime. youtu.be/E4oR7bv9kF0

I just left TMNT in the theater and John Fenner is the greatest cinematographer that ever lived.

Just saw a maybe 50s-something couple walking their dog wearing matching bucket hats and I’m wondering if they’re madferit?

Finished Donkey Kong so now I’m back on my bullshit again.

I can also recite "the pledge."

This is fascinating. A List seems like a good deal but I had no idea it’s a status symbol or something. apple.news/A3I3o7RveQUy...

I must have this.

Anyway — Anamanaguchi has decided to break our 20 year silence as a band. The time in history is now. The time in our own lives is now. The dehumanizing machines of war, of poverty, of psycho-technological subjugation have won an ever-tightening grip over the entire world.

“Live Forever” by Oasis, unquestionably my favorite song of all time, turns 31 years old today.

My gawd, I’m in love.