And now we have reached the final Friday in 2019. It is also the final Friday in the decade of the twenty-teens.

Today is the eighth day of my Christmas vacation, and I’m finally starting to feel rested. After my husband and I went through our stockings from Santa and opened the presents under the tree, he asked me, “Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas?” so I picked up my phone and called up so news sites. “Trump is still President, so no, I didn’t. But everything I did get was awesome.”

Meanwhile, welcome to the Friday Five. This week I bring you: five stories about the return of one of the most beloved members of an NLF team, then the top five stories of the week, five stories about deplorable people, and five videos (plus notable obituaries and a some things I wrote).

This Week in Beast Mode:

(Those of you who were not Seahawks fans between 2010 and 2105 have no idea why this is a gigantic Christmas miracle… so just skip to the Stories of the Week if the phrase ‘Beast Mode’ doesn’t fill you with excitment…)

DONE — SEAHAWKS HAIL RETURN OF THE BEAST – In a whirlwind 24 hours, the Seahawks made emergency hires of Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin..

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch: Being back ‘a great feeling’.

Marshawn Lynch will give Seahawks a jolt — and maybe some production, too.

CHRISTMAS FILM THAT TELLS SEAHAWKS TALE – The hype around the return of Marshawn Lynch obscures the fact that the Seahawks’ most critical vulnerability is the wounded, reeling O-line.

What’s old is new again with Seahawks, and Marshawn Lynch will be the one initiating contact.

Stories of the Week:

Archaeologists may have found the remains of a trans man in a Byzantine chapel – The monastery of Mount Athos has forbidden women for 1000 years. Researchers are wondering why they just found “female” bones there.

Lesbian moms adopt 3 brothers to keep them from being split apart.

US spy planes fly over North Korea after ‘Christmas gift’ missile threat.

Public support for Trump conviction at all-time high, poll finds.

Hallmark movies are fascist propaganda. “…with their emphasis on returning home and the pleasures of the small, domestic life, also send a not-at-all subtle signal of disdain for cosmopolitanism and curiosity about the larger world, which is exactly the sort of attitude that helps breed the kind of defensive white nationalism that we see growing in strength in the Donald Trump era.”

This Week in Deplorables and People Fighting Them:

Televangelist Gets 1008 Years For Molesting Boys.

The FBI is asking questions about former Gov. Matt Bevin’s pardons.

Christian Post Editor Quits As Infighting Continues.

Trump Isn’t Playing Chess, He’s Playing Hungry-Hungry Hippos – CNN analyst Josh Rogan points out that the only way Trump benefits from an impeachment trial is if there’s chaos.

Former Hawaii Governor Calls On Tulsi Gabbard To Resign.

In Memoriam:

Legendary Gay Adult Film Director William Higgins Has Died at 77.

Things I wrote:

Everybody knows some turkey….

Carols and Kris Kringle—the fourth day of Christmas vacation.

Another Rainbow Christmas!

It’s Time for Mistletoe and Holly.

Getting Meta and Merry on Boxing Day.

Videos!

Oscar Isaac Says He Lobbied for ‘Finn-Poe’ Romance in ‘Star Wars’ But ‘Disney Overlords Were Not Ready to Do That’ :

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Rachel Maddow says if not for Impeachment, “slow-motion crash” of NRA would be top U.S. story:

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“Once Upon Impeachment,” A Late Show Animated Christmas Classic:

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Adam Lambert Turns Cher’s ‘Believe’ into a Soaring Power Ballad::

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Pet Shop Boys – Decide :

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It is the final Friday before Christmas. 2019 is rushing to an end!

I am officially on vacation until 2020. As usual, of course, I have a lot of stuff to do on these days off. I have to finish the shopping before the party. I have a lot of presents to wrap. We both have some cooking to do. Oh, and I have about 800 word that I don’t hate in this year’s Christmas Ghost Story…

Meanwhile, welcome to the Friday Five. This week I bring you: a story for the season, then the top five stories of the week, five stories of intesters to queers and allies, five stories about science, five stories about deplorable people, five stories about the impeached guy, and five videos (plus notable obituaries and a some things I wrote).

This Week in the Salvation Army is a Hate Group and You Should Not Donate to Them:

The Salvation Army says it doesn’t discriminate against LGBTQ people. Critics say that’s not true.

Stories of the Week:

Dear Democrats: Four religion requests from non-religious Americans.

Siri saves college student after icy car crash into the Winnebago River.

Paw Patrol truck boy, 3, takes to road to rescue dad – A three-year-old boy whose father suffered a seizure took to a main road on his toy truck to raise the alarm.

Atheists Appeal Ruling Banning “Secular Celebrants” from Solemnizing Marriages .

Don’t wait on Hallmark. Here are a few LGBTQ holiday films you can already watch.

This Week in News for Queers and Allies:

Hallmark reverses position on same-sex couple ads after public outcry.

Miss Manners Responds to Christians Who Don’t Want Gays at Christmas.

Germany to ban ‘conversion therapy’ for minors.

Federal court demands the military turn over secret documents about the trans military ban.

No magical spell is going to protect JK Rowling from the ‘transphobic’ blowback this time.

This Week in Science:

Nasa releases never-before-seen image of mysterious object that arrived from another star system.

When a DNA Test Says You’re a Younger Man, Who Lives 5,000 Miles Away.

Visualizing Sex as a Spectrum .

World’s oldest fossil trees uncovered in New York.

A HIV vaccine could be available as soon as 2021, experts say.

It’s Impeach Navidad!:

For The First Time In His Life, Trump Is Held Accountable – Chris Hayes notes that impeachment marks the first time EVER that Trump is held publically accountable for his actions.

Impeachment and the crack up of the conservative mind.

Christianity Today Editor Condemns President Trump as ‘Morally Lost and Confused’: Christianity Today: Trump should be removed from office .

Widow, Republicans and Democrats blast Trump for crass Dingell ‘hell’ comment – The president spoke about the now-deceased lawmaker at a campaign rally in his home state of Michigan.

The Fox News impeachment poll isn’t an outlier (despite what Trump claims).

This Week in Deplorable People:

Colorado radio host fired for saying he wanted ‘nice school shooting’ to distract from Trump impeachment.

WA Rep. Matt Shea engaged in ‘domestic terrorism,’ helped plan Malheur standoff, investigation finds.

IOWA: Man Gets 16 Years In Rainbow Flag Arson.

Elder at Church That Condemns Homosexuality Arrested for Soliciting Sex from Male College Students on Grindr.

Whistleblower claims that LDS Church stockpiled $100 billion in charitable donations, dodged taxes.

In Memoriam:

The queer community lost two heroes you may not know. You should.

Gershon Kingsley, Electronic Music Pioneer, Dead at 97 – Composer and Moog adventurer wrote hit instrumental “Popcorn” and, with Jean-Jacques Perrey, “Baroque Hoedown”.

Things I wrote:

…paper packages tied up with string.

When you pine for the sunshine of a friendly face….

Videos!

Santa Claus on Batman:

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Stephen Colbert – Hallmark Channel In A Tailspin After Same-Sex Wedding Ad Controversy:

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Senate Republicans Say They Won’t Hold a Fair Impeachment Trial: A Closer Look:

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Kay Thompson Jingle Bells:

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David Letterman – Darlene Love’s ‘Christmas’ Mash-Up:

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It’s already the second week in December. Let’s hope I can use this weekend to make a dent in my big to-do list of things to get done before the holiday!

I had a really bad day on my last day off from work. My doctor and I think that it was a medication issue, and not a new illness. And everything has been much better all week since switching to the brand new meds from the pharmacy, so, knock wood!

Meanwhile, welcome to the Friday Five. This week I bring you: a story for the season, then the top five stories of the week, five stories about deplorable people, five stories about impeachable people, and five videos (plus notable obituaries and a some things I wrote).

This Week in the Salvation Army is a Hate Group and You Should Not Donate to Them:

7 Organizations to Support That Aren’t the Homophobic Salvation Army.

Stories of the Week:

This ancient cave art is the oldest known ‘storytelling’.

Gender equality can shape men’s ability to recognize famous females .

‘Sneaky’ underwater robot spent 18 days recording sea creatures — and noisy humans, too.

Major League Baseball Drops Ban On Marijuana.

Half of homeless people have experienced traumatic brain injury: study .

This Week in Impeachables:

Gay Congressman explains Trump impeachment in just 7 words.

North Carolina towns forced to cancel Christmas celebrations over fear of violence from right wing extremist groups. Please note: the official statement from the police claims it is extremist groups on both side, but then it goes on to list the groups–and every single one if a white nationalist or neo nazi or rightwing racist group. So, no, not both sides.

BOOM: Hakeem Jeffries Steamrolls GOP Framing On Impeachment.

Rep. Hank Johnson: Rep. Gaetz ‘pot calling kettle black’ bringing up Hunter Biden’s DUI.

President Pays Gigantic Fine for Stealing From Charity.

This Week in Deplorable People:

‘Soldiers of Jesus’: Neo-Pentecostals torment Brazil?s religious minorities .

Kosher Deli Attack Being Investigated As An Act Of Terrorism.

The Vatican is using donations for the poor to fight its budget deficit, report says.

“Jews Go To Hell” Pastor Speaks At White House Hanukkah Event.

GEORGIA: Racist Pol Resigns Rather Than Give Voters The “Pleasure” Of Recalling Him From Office.

In Memoriam:

Caroll Spinney, Big Bird’s Alter Ego on ‘Sesame Street,’ Is Dead at 85.

Caroll Spinney, Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, Has Died. Here Are Some of His Best Performances.

René Auberjonois, ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Boston Legal’ Actor, Dies at 79.

Robert Walker Jr., ‘Star Trek’ Actor and Son of Hollywood Superstars, Dies at 79 – He also starred in the 1960s films ‘Ensign Pulver,’ ‘Young Billy Young’ and ‘The Ceremony.’.

Pete Frates, Inspiration for The Ice Bucket Challenge, Dies at 34.

Things I wrote:

Weekend Update 12/7/2019: So many bad men….

Jingle-janglin’ all the way, with coffee!.

The silent stars go by….

Timorous heroes and erratic phantoms—more of why I love sf/f.

Videos!

Trump Blasts “Impeachment Light” at Deranged Rally: A Closer Look:

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Full Frontal on TBS – don’t let the GOP yell you to sleep:

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Wonder Woman 1984 – Official Trailer:

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Lizzo – Good As Hell (Official Music Video):

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Letterman at Christmas – Baby, Please come home – 1995:

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It’s the first week in December. Wait! December!? Already? But there’s so much to do!

I managed to get the Christmas tree up and decorated last weekend, but I haven’t gotten the outdoor lights up, nor have I set up Pendleton the Christmas Otter. I also need to put lights in the front windows (the outdoor lights are on the veranda, which is on the back side of the apartment). If all goes well, I’ll get that done and finish most of the Christmas shopping this weekend. Wish me luck!

Meanwhile, welcome to the Friday Five. This week I bring you: the top five stories of the week, five stories about sciecne, five stories about deplorable people, and five videos (plus notable obituaries and a some things I wrote).

Stories of the Week:

Billy Dee Williams identifies as gender fluid, reveals acceptance of multiple pronouns – Everything you’re about to read is true – the ‘Star Wars’ actor describes gender and his role in a 70s male ‘love story’ film.

Why the LDS Church Joined LGBTQ Advocates in Supporting Utah’s Conversion Therapy Ban. The article doesn’t give the actual answer: Public Relations. But it does show that the support isn’t exactly enthusiastic.

NY Lawmakers Want to Ban Virginity Checks After T.I. Interview.

NBA player Dwyane Wade defends his preteen son from anti-LGBTQ trolls.

The best science fiction and fantasy of 2019.

This Week in Science:

Great auk extinction: Humans wiped out giant seabird.

Scientists have discovered a ‘monster’ black hole that’s so big it shouldn’t exist.

Found Frozen and Almost Perfectly Preserved in Permafrost, this 18,000-Year-Old Puppy Could Be a Huge Deal.

Extinction: Humans played big role in demise of the cave bear.

Dabous Giraffes – These ancient giraffes are the largest known animal petroglyphs in the world.

This Week in Deplorable People:

Red-Caped Catholic Loons Petition Theater To Cancel Drag Queen Xmas Show As “Insult To Birth Of Christ”.

A Harlem School That Former Students Say Is Run Like ‘A Cult’ Faces New Scrutiny.

False Idol — Why the Christian Right Worships Donald Trump.

I Was Harassed After Being Outed By My Students. Then Something Amazing Happened.

Liberty Counsel Had A Bad Year and is Begging for Money so They can Promote More Hate.

In Memoriam:

‘Star Trek’ Writer D.C. Fontana Dies at 80.

D. C. Fontana (1939-2019).

Joan Staley, Actress in ‘The Ghost and Mr. Chicken,’ Dies at 79 – She also slapped Elvis Presley in ‘Roustabout,’ sang to Audie Murphy in ‘Gunpoint’ and played Shame sidekick Okie Annie on ‘Batman’.

Things I wrote:

To absent friends… 2019.

NaNoWriMo ’19 Retrospective.

Undying fiancées, melodramatic lab assistants, and monsters in the closet—more of why I love sf/f.

Videos!

Nancy Pelosi Asks For Articles of Impeachment for President Donald Trump:

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NO TIME TO DIE Trailer:

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A Holiday Reunion – Xfinity 2019:

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Adam Roberts – Glue:

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Darlene Love 2014 Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) The Late Show David Letterman [2014] {I pray that I look one-tenth as good and can sing a quarter as well when I’m 73…}:

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We’ve reached the fifth Friday of November! The year is winding down!

I really needed this holiday break. It was nice having just a few quiet days at work to focus on thing and then jump into pie making.

Anyway, welcome to the Friday Five. This week I bring you: the top five stories of the week, five stories of interest to queers and our allies, five stories about certain types of deplorable people, five stories about politics, five videos, and the five MORE videos (plus notable obituaries and a some things I wrote).

Stories of the Week:

United Nations to Honor Cyndi Lauper for LGBTQ Youth Advocacy – Award Recognizes Lauper’s Work to End Teen Homelessness and Promote Human Rights, Kesha to Present.

Le Guin’s Subversive Imagination.

A Plea to Resurrect the Christmas Tradition of Telling Ghost Stories – Though the practice is now more associated with Halloween, spooking out your family is well within the Christmas spirit. *Ahem* for 24 years I have been writing a new ghost story for Christmas and reading it at our annual Christmas party… the practice is not dead!

Measles Cases Continue to Rise Around the World.

You Can Join the Effort to Expose Twitter Bots.

This Week in News for Queers and Allies:

Anglican church elects gay, black, immigrant man in a same-sex marriage as bishop.

Meet the LGBTQ Bloggers Debunking Right-Wing Lies.

UTAH: Activists and Mormon Church Leadership Agree On Ex-Gay Torture Ban.

There are approximately a million same-sex households in America…That the government knows about.

Dolly Parton has an unreleased ‘uplifting and fun’ dance song called ‘Just a Wee Bit Gay’, and we need it right now.

This Week in Deplorables of the Particular Type:

Eric Dudley, St. Peter’s founder and outspoken LGBT critic, subjected men to sexual misconduct.

Donald Trump Jr. insinuates HIV+ people offer nothing but death – The son of the President went out of his way to promote stigma around HIV-positive people which has long been false.

Devin Nunes blasted as ‘total traitor garbage’ by victim of his ‘illegal’ lawsuits against critics.

Penn State child sex abuser Jerry Sandusky to seek reduced sentence.

Trump Goes To Fantasyland, Claims He Beat Barack Obama In Mystery Election.

This Week in Politics:

Pete Buttigieg Is a Lying MF – Pete Buttigieg Lies About Education Disparities. Almost didn’t include this since it was viral earlier this week… but then I kept running into otherwise informed people who missed it, so…

Queer Like Pete – Buttigieg is getting slammed for being a type of gay man America doesn’t understand. I understand where the author thinks he’s coming from, but speaking as a queer person myself, no, we aren’t questioning these aspects of Mayor Pete’s personality because we don’t understand it; we’re challenging them because we very much DO understand that nearly every single type-A “best little boy in the world” we’ve ever known, both gay and straight, have been the same empathy-deficient libertarians hiding their lack of understanding of (or caring about) their own privilege behind that carefully constructed mask of affability. Also, speaking to the final paragraph: there are tens of thousands of queer men who don’t have his problems equally capable and eager to talk about those political issues. Like me, for instance.

Behind Trump’s secret war-zone trip: A Mar-a-Lago escape, a twin Air Force One and a Twitter plan – The president gave his thanks to the troops in a visit to Afghanistan shrouded in secrecy and packed with the displays of military strength Trump loves.

GOP Lies Are ‘Morally Treasonable’ To The American Public, Berman Suggests.

‘Snowflake’ Conservatives Have White-Hot Meltdown Over Getting ‘Betrayed’ by Chick-fil-A.

In Memoriam:

Founder of Integrity and LGBT+ advocate Louie Crew Clay has died. Many, many years ago, before I ever owned my own domain and when I was posting my essays (I didn’t think of them as blog posts back then) on Geocities, I got this very nice comment on an entry I wrote called “Pansies!” where I talked about my love for flowers, my struggles with accepting myself as a queer man, and related thoughts. Over the next couple of weeks, I got a LOT more comments from people who had never commented on my posts before, and that post got many more clicks than most of mine had before. And I found out it was because Louie had posted a link to it. And so I had to figure out who this guy was. Over the years since, I have always felt an extra warm fuzzy if I got a comment from Louie or saw there were clicks on my blog that were referred from his. Rise in glory, Louie.

LOUIE CREW CLAY.

Groundbreaking Cartoonist Howard Cruse, 75, has Died.

William Ruckelshaus, first EPA chief, dies at 87 – He twice served as the EPA chief – quit Justice Department job rather than obey President Richard Nixon’s order to fire the independent special Watergate prosecutor.

Gahan Wilson, Macabre Cartoonist, Dead at 89.

Things I wrote:

They aren’t even going to let us cook the turkey before they trot out more War on Christmas nonsense.

Let’s think about what we’re putting on the holiday menu, metaphorical or otherwise.

Being thankful for a peaceful day and other thing.

Videos!

How Tom Hanks and Matthew Rhys got into character for Mister Rogers movie:

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Daniel Craig And Rami Malek Shared A Kiss After A Long “James Bond” Writing Session:

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Dolly Parton Didn’t Let Elvis Sing “I Will Always Love You” (bonus, new Jolene verse):

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Alternative John Lewis Christmas Advert 2019:

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Fascinating Aïda’s Christmas Message (warning: naughty language):

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More Videos!

All The Doctor’s Regenerations (UPDATED) | Doctor Who:

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BD – gay – comic book – Howard Cruse interview – Stuck Rubber Baby – Wendel – gay comicsber baby:

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He’s Just a GURL Who’ll QUID PRO QUO! – Randy Rainbow Song Parody:

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Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker | “Fate” TV Spot:

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A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD – Official Trailer (HD):

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We’ve reached the fourth Friday of November and the temperatures are getting quite crisp here.

It’s been a weird week. For a couple of nights I get a lot of writing done on my NaNoWriMo project. Then there was the day I barely stayed awake until time to log out of work, napped for nearly three hours, made a quick dinner, and went to bed more than on hour earlier than usual.

Anyway, welcome to the Friday Five. This week I bring you: one story that deserves its own category, the top five stories of the week, five stories about the fight for justice, and five videos (plus a couple things I wrote).

Literary Mystery of the Week:

The Disappearance of John M. Ford – I wanted to learn why a beloved science fiction writer fell into obscurity after his death. I didn’t expect that I would help bring his books back to life.

Stories of the Week:

Majority of Americans know they’re under constant surveillance, don’t trust the companies doing it, and feel helpless to stop it.

NASA has found sugar in meteorites that crashed to Earth.

American Medical Association Calls for Nationwide Ban on LGBTQ Conversion Therapy.

Return of the drink loved by Vikings and ancient Celts – High in the hills above Pitlochry in Perthshire a former soldier has embarked on a new mission to revive an ancient Scottish drink.

‘Blob’ hides long-sought remnant from star blast – Scientists believe they’ve finally tracked down the dead remnant from Supernova 1987A – one of their favourite star explosions.

This Week in the Fight for Justice:

Impeachment surprises boost Dems, but Republican resistance holds.

Secret Service spent more than $250K at Trump properties.

Prosecutors Investigating Trump Organization Zero In On Trump CFO Allen Weisselberg.

Study: Gabbard Favorite Dem Of Russian Propagandists.

‘Smoking Gun So Hot It’s Still on Fire’: Ex-US Attorney Astonished by Text Shown in Vindman Testimony.

Things I wrote:

Weekend Update 11/16/2019: Guess who is going to be a jailbird?

Tuesday Tidbits: Straight Pride sets new low attendance record and more….

Videos!

Impeachment Hearings: All The President’s Men Colluded | Full Frontal on TBS:

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Second Week of Impeachment Testimony Ends with More Damning Evidence: A Closer Look:

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Stephen Colbert: The Newest Zealander Visits PM Jacinda Ardern:

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Star Trek – Hawaii 5-0 Style:

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Christmas at the click of a button! Wallace & Gromit and Joules Christmas Campaign:

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We’ve reached the third Friday of November and the news has been quite interesting.

I’m plugging away at NaNoWriMo, so not getting much blogging done. While I’m really happy that the impeachment hearings are proceeding, I’m going to try focus most of my linking to news stories on things that you are likely to have missed with all the other coverage.

Anyway, welcome to the Friday Five. This week I bring you: the top five stories of the week, five stories about sciece & sci fi, five stories deplorable people, and five videos (plus a thing I wrote).

Stories of the Week:

Jimmy Carter’s humanity and Donald Trump’s vulgarity | Editorial.

3 Cows Swept Out to Sea by Hurricane Dorian Are Found Alive.

Millions in U.S. Lost Someone Who Couldn’t Afford Treatment.

What ‘English style’ owes to Asia’s gardens.

5 Ways You Can Support Bullied LGBTQ+ Youth Like Jordan Steffy.

Science and Science Fiction:

NASA’s Curiosity rover makes a baffling oxygen discovery on Mars – Seasonal variations in Martian oxygen levels are puzzling NASA’s planetary scientists.

Silver-Backed Chevrotain, With Fangs And Hooves, Photographed In Wild For First Time.

Disney+ Version of Star Wars: A New Hope Alters Greedo Scene Yet Again.

Are we living in a Blade Runner world?

Secrets of the largest ape that ever lived.

This Week in Deplorable People:

Principal who banned gay books charged with child pornography – “As I said to some friends last night when I got the news, ‘You can’t make this sh– up,'” one of the authors whose books were banned said.. Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! [/sarcasm]

Of the incidents involving sexual-orientation bias, 60 percent targeted gay men- Of the incidents involving sexual-orientation bias, 60 percent targeted gay men.

SURVEY: 40% Of Evangelicals Say They Are Pro-Choice.

Judge Napolitano: Trump ‘Pretty Clearly’ Violated Criminal Bribery Laws.

VP Mike Pence proud of effort to steal LGBTQ tax dollars.

In Memoriam:

Virginia Leith, Star of ‘The Brain That Wouldn’t Die,’ Dies at 94 – She also played the female lead in Kubrick’s first feature and a woman threatened by fiance Robert Wagner in ‘A Kiss Before Dying’.

Things I wrote:

The 11th day of the 11th month….

Videos!

SLAPP Suits: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO):

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Billionaires Freak Out About Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders: A Closer Look:

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Bill Taylor’s Testimony Closely Ties Trump To Ukraine Quid Pro Quo:

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Greyson Chance – Boots (Official Video):

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Jakk Fynn – Fire:

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We’ve reached the second Friday of November and there was a lot of good election news this week.

Before I get into anything else, I want to point out that I am a Baby Boomer, and please put my name at the top of the list of people who say that neither ‘boomer’ nor ‘ok boomer’ are slurs. Furthermore, Boomers are the ones who started the generational conflict by wrecking the housing market, not standing up for workers’ rights, starting wars we don’t intend to pay for, and all those stupid “Millenials kill…” headlines.

Anyway, welcome to the Friday Five. This week I bring you: the top five stories of the week, five stories about reading & writing & sci fi, five stories about the blue & rainbow wave, five stories about the impeachable one & another deplorables, and five videos (plus a thing I wrote).

Stories of the Week:

Hundreds of mammoth bones found in 15,000-year-old traps in Mexico.

Charles Addams: The Long Island Macabre Master Who Created The Addams Family.

Chicago book returns surge 240% after city eliminates fines.

For the first time ever, a US cheese is named best in the world.

Feds Sue Gilead Over Patents On HIV-Prevention Drugs.

Writing, Reading, and Science Fiction:

Ready. Set. Write a Book.

Terminator: Dark Fate Review. I really enjoyed the movie, myself.

Is Publishing Too Top-Heavy? – As megabestsellers command more of publishers’ marketing budgets and retailers’ shelf space, breaking out the next crop of hit makers has become a challenge.

[NOVEMBER 5, 1964] THE STATE OF THE SOLAR EMPIRE: PERRY RHODAN IN 1964. Galactic Journey is a web site that covers important development is science and sf/f—55 years ago. It’s almost like time traveling back once a week.

Round-up of Awards Posts by F&SF Writers, Editors, and Publishers for 2019.

This Week in the Blue & Rainbow Wave:

Massive, Major Victories for Democrats in Virginia and Kentucky as Trump Fails to Deliver Wins for His GOP Candidates.

The Blue Wave Hasn’t Crested – Virginia has been a bellwether in the Trump era, and Democrats hope their historic victory last night points to another national win in 2020.

Anti-LGBTQ Fairfax school board member loses re-election bid.

At Least 100 LGBTQ Candidates Win Elections as Rainbow Wave Continues.

Let’s Celebrate All The Good Shit That Happened On Election Night.

This Week in the Impeachable One and Other Deplorable People:

‘Lawless’ Trump Foundation Must Pay $2M Settlement.

Don Jr’s ‘Book’ Sales Boosted By Republican National Committee – Don Jr’s “book” is climbing the charts due to a huge purchase by the Republican National Committee, who is giving the book away for free to donors.

Hate Crime Verdict In Burning Of Church Rainbow Flag.

Milo Posts Racist Rant By Extremist Richard Spencer – Leaked audio purportedly shows the far-right leader screaming anti-Semitic slurs and threatening further violence in Charlottesville.

Impeachment transcripts reveal a consistent, damaging narrative for Trump – The witness testimonies released so far are all aligned, offering Democrats a powerful political weapon in public hearings next week.

In Memoriam:

Bernard Slade, 89, Dies; ‘Partridge Family’ Creator and Playwright .

Things I wrote:

Weekend Update 11/2/2019: Seamy underbellies everywhere.

Old authors yell at clouds again—or, I thought sf/f was supposed to be about progress.

Videos!

Stephen Colbert – Meanwhile… Is It OK To Say “OK, Boomer”?:

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Seth Meyers’ monologue – Roger Stone’s Trial Begins and Other Topics:

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New Zealand lawmaker shuts down heckler: ‘OK, boomer’:

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Stephen Colbert – “Read The Transcript” Is Trump’s Latest Rallying Cry:

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Sam Smith – I Feel Love (Visualiser):

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And now we reach the first Friday of November!

It continues to be winter-cold, without any rain. Which means the spore counts keep climbing. Having hay fever when it’s cold is never fun.

Anyway, welcome to the Friday Five. This week I bring you: the top five stories of the week, five stories about deplorable people, five stories about the impeachable one, and five videos (plus a thing I wrote).

Stories of the Week:

Who Gave You the Right to Tell That Story? Ten authors on the most divisive question in fiction, and the times they wrote outside their own identities.

Looking at Cute Animals Online Is Literally Good for Your Brain.

Are 90% of giraffes gay – or have their loving looks been misunderstood?

Blast from Waukee gender reveal felt over 2 miles away.

‘He’s a patriot’: Republicans defend key impeachment witness from attacks.

This Week in Deplorable People:

Senate blocks effort to roll back Trump administration’s ObamaCare rule. Excluding pre-existing conditions will kill thousands of Americans… which is what Trump and his billionaire buddies want.

Right-Wing Lobby Divorces Itself? In Lawsuit, NRA Says NRA-TV Is Racist. Which is true… but the NRA is also racist.

Missouri’s state health director says he tracked Planned Parenthood patients’ periods.

Evangelical conservatives are determined to go down in disgrace with Trump. Let them do it.

When One Good Day Is One Too Many.

This Week in Impeach the Mo-Fo Already:

Trump lures GOP senators on impeachment with cold cash.

Why it’s such a big deal that Donald Trump is suddenly selling his Washington DC hotel.

Trump Takes Swipe at Obama for Not Capturing al-Baghdadi Then Admits to War Crime at Police Chiefs Conference.

‘Music to Putin’s ears’: Ambassador McFaul blasts Trump’s pattern of furthering Russian interests.

Security Official Testifies Ukraine Transcript Was Edited.

In Memoriam:

Robin Brett, NASA scientist who studied ‘moon rocks,’ dies at 84.

Tributes pour in for John Witherspoon after actor dies at 77.

Things I wrote:

Weekend Update 10/26/2019: Cold hearts and webs of sin.

Yelling at clouds, pointless nostalgia, and blind spots.

Time to fire up those word processors! #NaNoWriMo.

…and then what happened? And then? And then? — getting the story started and keeping it going.

Evasive geniuses, invisible monsters, and helpful (sassy gay) robots—more of why I love sf/f.

Videos!

Stephen Colbert and the gang go after Hallmark and Lifetime Movies – Just In Time For Halloween, It’s The Late Show Christmas Movies!:

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Lunar Module Costume: Big Sis Lunar Lander, Little Sis Astronaut (with flag):

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Trump & Syria: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO):

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TESS Catches its First Star-destroying Black Hole:

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Galantis & Dolly Parton – Faith feat. Mr. Probz [Official Music Video]:

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Are we really already at the fourth Friday in October?

I believe I’ve figured out what I’m going to work on for NaNoWriMo next month. We’ve had a short break in the very rainy weather, but I’m not sure anything is going to dry out before the rain returns.

Anyway, welcome to the Friday Five. This week I bring you: the top five stories of the week, five stories of interest to queers and our allies, five stories about science fiction, five stores about science, five stories about injustice and justice, and five videos (plus a thing I wrote).

Stories of the Week:

Most people in Seattle are from somewhere else. So what does that say about the ‘Seattle Freeze’?

Ivar’s, Seattle Seafood Restaurant Chain, and the Serial Killer. More than 100 years ago, Washington state was the home of a woman who was eventually dubbed the Starvation Killer…

I Ate Like a Member of the Royal Family for a Week and Here’s What Happened.

The Phone Call Isn’t Dead, It’s Evolving.

Inside the Phone Company Secretly Run By Drug Traffickers.

This Week in News for Queers and Allies:

One of Comcast’s top executives is suing for anti-gay discrimination – He was called slurs, paid less, told he was “too gay and flamboyant,” and the cable company retaliated when he complained.

Conservatives, religious right go to the outer limits of audacity in exploiting case of transgender child.

Drag Queens Are Hosting Story Hours Across the Country to Teach Kids Acceptance & We Say YAS to That.

This health care ruling could endanger untold numbers of LGBTQ Americans.

How ‘It’s a gay bar, Pamela’ became the Twin Cities’ favorite meme.

This Week in Science Fiction:

What Is the Time Signature of the Ominous Electronic Score of The Terminator? – The time signature of the Terminator score is a mystery for the ages.

Ray Bradbury’s Tales of the Bizarre – Series 1 – Available for Streaming from the BBC.

Eminent writers, editors and critics choose some favorite works of fantasy and science fiction. Read it for Chabon’s Bradbury comments…

David Gerrold – I disagree with Scorsese. I disagree with Coppola….

‘Watchmen’ Review: A Dazzling Reinvention of a Landmark Comic.

This Week in Science:

Bam! Scientists Watch Distant Exoplanet Collision.

Remarkable fossils capture mammals’ recovery after the dino-killing asteroid – Survivors grew from the size of a rat to that of a wolf within 700,000 years of the impact.

U.S. Air Quality Was Improving. Now It’s Getting Worse .

After A DNA Surprise: 10 Things No One Wants to Hear.

New tsunami evacuation maps show the fastest way to escape the Big One on foot.

This Week in Crimes and the Fight for Justice:

She was raped 15 years ago. Her rape kit was finally tested and turned up a match.

New bulletproof memorial to Emmett Till replaces vandalized sign in Mississippi.

Tennessee Deputy Sued Twice In The Same Day Over A Roadside Anal Search And A Forced Baptism.

Police Seize High-Ranking Atomwaffen Division Member’s Guns. The stripping happened earlier this month. Kaleb J. Cole, the strippee, is a leader of the Atomwaffen Division’s Washington State cell. The Seattle Police Department filed an “Extreme Risk Protection Order” petition against him late last month.

A Bangladesh court has sentenced 16 people to death for the murder of a student set on fire after accusing her teacher of sexual harassment.

Things I wrote:

Ah, yes, the Lady Mondegreen dancing with the devi.

Videos!

Trump Lashes Out After G7 Controversy, Mulvaney’s Ukraine Confession: A Closer Look:

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Colbert Gets A Surprise Visit From Rudy Giuliani:

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Republicans Storm Impeachment Hearing After Bombshell Testimony: A Closer Look:

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O Great Pumpkin | Robot Chicken | Adult Swim:

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MIKA – Dear Jealousy:

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