Wow! Five Fridays in January! And here we are.

The wet weather I mentioned last week has continued. Almost every day this month had rain in the Seattle area. Several of the official National Weather Service sites in our side of the state have already reported breaking of matching records for the month of January this year. It’s really been amazing.

Meanwhile, welcome to the Friday Five. This week I bring you: the top five stories of the week, five of interest to queer people, five stories about writing/reading/genre, five stories about science, five stories about deplorable people, and five videos (plus notable obituaries and things I wrote).

Stories of the Week:

WHO declares China coronavirus a global health emergency.

U.S. states sue to demand recognition of Equal Rights Amendment for women.

Tempe Police Arrest Man Suspected of ‘Penis Man’ Graffiti Taggings.

Chipotle fined $1.3M over thousands of child labor abuses – Chipotle has been hit with a $1.3 million fine over more than 13,000 child labor violations at its Massachusetts restaurants.

State legislatures are filled with anti-LGBTQ measures, thanks to a religious right playbook .

This Week in News for Queers and Allies:

Wells Fargo pulls Florida voucher donations over anti-gay school policies.

Kentucky republican explains motivation behind conversion therapy ban- Being Gay “Can’t Be Fixed And Shouldn’t Be Fixed”.

Bowen Yang Opens Up About His Experience In ‘Gay Conversion’ Therapy – The “Saturday Night Live” star said he initially tried to adhere to his family’s “cultural value around masculinity” as a teen.

Sam Pancake’s Plea to ‘Respect Gay Elders’ Is a Cry From the Heart.

Iowa Bill To Legalize Anti-Trans Discrimination Is Dead .

Writing and Reading and Genre:

Confessions of a Hate Reader, or Bad Writing Habits I Picked up from Bad Criticism.

Comic Legends: The Surprising Possible Inspiration for Superman’s S Logo.

On Identity, Performing Marginalisations and the Limitations of OwnVoices; or “Why I can’t just repeat my uncle’s favourite joke about eating dogs”.

The Archetype of the Haunted House, Winchester Mystery House and Crimson Peak.

Real-life superhero ‘Phoenix Jones’ in super trouble, facing drug charges.

This Week in Science:

In which I try on an A7-L replica spacesuit, courtesy of Adam Savage.

Voyager 2 just missed a spin in interstellar space. But it should be fine, NASA says.

This is the highest-resolution photo of the sun ever taken.

Artificial intelligence-created medicine to be used on humans for first time.

Meteorite chunk contains unexpected evidence of presolar grains.

This Week in Deplorables:

Veterans criticize Trump’s downplaying of US troops’ brain injuries – Several US veterans’ organizations call for president to apologize for remarks about injuries suffered by service members in Iraq.

Trump border wall between US and Mexico blows over in high winds.

Sanders campaign defends accepting Joe Rogan support amid LGBTQ backlash.

NYT: Why Can’t Bernie Rein In His Abusive Supporters? Uh, because the abuse isn’t a bug, it’s a feature?

Conservative writer George Will explains why Democrats did the right thing impeaching Trump — even if he stays in office.

In Memoriam:

Nicholas Parsons, host of Just a Minute, dies aged 96.

Graham Norton and Neil Gaiman lead tributes to late broadcaster Nicholas Parsons – The broadcaster died aged 96 after a short illness, his agent confirmed.

Things I wrote:

“Remembrance” paints picture of a future full of regrets to be righted.

Time to tell the Rabbit Story, or, what happened the day I was born.

Videos!

Trump Lawyer Alan Dershowitz Shocks at the Impeachment Trial | The Daily Show:

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Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig Reveal Trump Didn’t Know What Pearl Harbor Was:

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According To Alan Dershowitz, Anything Trump Does Is Legal If It’s Done In Pursuit Of His Reelection:

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NSFW Comedy Routine – Guy Fucks His Bully’s Dad:

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Noble Oak – Morning (Official Music Video):

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Is it really already the fourth Friday in January? I guess it must be.

We have been having an exceptionally wet week. Really, record-breaking amounts of rain. It’s kind of scary.

Meanwhile, welcome to the Friday Five. This week I bring you: one story that gets its own category, then the top five stories of the week, five of interest to queer people, and five stories about deplorable people, and five videos (plus notable obituaries and things I wrote).

This Week in Picard Day:

Star Trek: Picard Review: On Earth and in the Stars, an Old Captain Finds New Life.

Stories of the Week:

Wild elephant walks into Sri Lankan hotel and gently wanders around .

DDoS: Man who sold website defences pleads guilty to attacks.

You can visit a castle in Texas called ShangriLlama that’s full of adorable, friendly llamas.

FBI says ‘Bad Wig Bandit’ has robbed yet another N.C. bank.

This new dinosaur just called it: even feathered dinos were nothing like birds.

This Week in News for Queers and Allies:

Indiana’s Discrimination Against LGBTQ Families Must Stop, Court Rules.

Utah bans conversion therapy on LGBTQ children as rule goes into effect.

Empowered VA Senate Passes Host Of LGBT Rights Bills.

New Jersey Becomes 9th State to Ban Gay, Trans ‘Panic’ as Defense of Homicide.

Parents Throw a ‘Gayceañera’ to Celebrate Son’s Coming Out.

This Week in Deplorables:

Napolitano: Impeachment Evidence Is Uncontradicted.

‘Crying Nazi’ involved in ‘Unite the Right’ rally arrested by the FBI – Christopher Cantwell became one of the most familiar faces of the rally after he was featured in a documentary that showed him chanting “Jews will not replace us.”.

Dozens of anti-LGBTQ state bills already proposed in 2020, advocates warn.

Church of England: Sex is for Married Straight Couples Only.

Bank calls police on black man trying to deposit checks from racial discrimination settlement.

In Memoriam:

From Judy Woodruff: Longtime PBS NewsHour Anchor and Co-Founder Jim Lehrer Has Passed Away at 85.

Jim Lehrer, journalist who co-founded PBS’ nightly newscast, dead at 85. “As an anchor of several iterations of the NewsHour, Jim reported the news with a clear sense of purpose and integrity, even as the world of media changed around him.”

‘Naughty boy’: Monty Python star Terry Jones dies at 77.

Terry Jones, Life of Brian director and Monty Python founder, dies aged 77 – Jones, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2015, was the main directing force in Python’s films, as well a prolific creator of TV documentaries and children’s books.

John Karlen, Actor in ‘Dark Shadows’ and ‘Cagney & Lacey,’ Dies at 86.

Dark Shadows veteran John Karlen dies at 86.

Things I wrote:

Being a discerning reader: Explaining why you’re taking a pass is a valid form of criticism.

It’s not the truth that confuses kids, or, reflections from a closeted queer childhood.

Videos!

These People Failed Martin Luther King Jr. Day | The Daily Show:

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YOU SAY VOTE with Jesse Williams:

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Horror Musical Instrument – The Apprehension Engine:

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THAT DON! – A Randy Rainbow Song Parody:

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Pet Shop Boys – Monkey business (Official video):

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And were’ already at the third Friday in January

I’m breaking a long standing tradition with my Friday post of links. No videos this week. I’ve been sick but have a crazy deadline at work, so I haven’t been looking at as much news. I didn’t have a single new video bookmarked, and decided not to spend a lot of time looking for them.

Meanwhile, welcome to the Friday Five. This week I bring you: the top five stories of the week, five stories about interesting things happening in two genres of writing, and five stories about deplorable people (plus things I wrote).

Stories of the Week:

Researchers create new embryo of nearly extinct rhino species.

The estranged anarchist daughter of the Republican gerrymandering mastermind inherited and published all his files online.

Meet 2020 AV2, the first asteroid found that stays inside Venus’s orbit!.

Secrets of ‘1,000-year-old trees’ unlocked.

Donald Trump impeachment trial begins in US Senate — the same day the GAO said the president broke the law.

This Week in Genre Writing:

What We Talk About When We Talk About Gender: Lessons from a Recent Incident in Secular Storytelling.

An open letter to the author of “I Sexually Identify as an Attack Helicopter.”.

Inside the Spectacular Implosion at the Romance Writers of America: Racism Fight Over Romance Writers of America, Explained.

The New Rude Masters of Fantasy & Science Fiction – and Romance.

The Big Idea: Kameron Hurley looks at what it takes to get a book right — and how her latest novel.

This Week in Deplorables:

Chris Wallace Busts Trump Trying To Game Fox News Coverage During Impeachment Vote.

Parnas and Ukraine aid bombshells jolt impeachment trial.

FBI Arrests Alleged Nazis Ahead Of Virginia Gun Rally.

Virginia teen charged in ‘swatting’ ring linked to neo-Nazis – The U.S. Justice Department has charged a former Virginia college student with calling in fake emergencies to prompt law enforcement responses, in coordination with a group the FBI labelled as sympathetic to neo-Nazi ideology.

Trump releases ‘religious freedom’ plans to remind evangelicals why they support a profane adulterer.

Things I wrote:

Weekend Update 1/11/2020: Bitter lies, obscured truths, and the failure of “fairness”.

Confessions of a self-reconstructed queer.

Confessions of a former self-loathing closet case.

Perfect is the enemy of the good, or, how trying to be noble actually advances the cause of evil.

It’s Friday and I should be happy about that but drone strikes and missiles are kind of putting a damper on everything.

We’re getting really cold temps here, but fortunately not coinciding with a lot of moisture, so we aren’t quite ready for a snowmeggeddon, but there’s more cold air masses and storm systems on their way, so that may change.

Meanwhile, welcome to the Friday Five. This week I bring you: the top five stories of the week, five stories about science fiction, five stories about science, five stories about deplorable people, five stories about the impeached one, and five videos (plus things I wrote).

Stories of the Week:

This Activist’s Insightful Tweet About Queer Identity is Taking Social Media by Storm.

After Stranger Lawsuit, State Provides Previously Sealed Records.

LGBTQ heroes don’t need to be perfect (or even perfectly respectable).

Arizona city under siege by graffiti artist who keeps writing “Penis Man” on everything.

The US spent trillions trying to remake the Middle East. Trump’s strike may have undone it all.

This Week in Science Fiction:

12 Excellent SFF Books You Might Have Missed in 2019.

Iconic prop house closes after 42 years in business.

And the Hugo Goes to … Introduction – John Varley.

Hugo Book Club Blog: The Movement of Goods In Science Fiction.

Asimov’s Empire, Asimov’s Wall – He was both the most famous science fiction writer in the world and perhaps the most prolific author in American history, but over the course of many decades, he groped or engaged in other forms of unwanted touching with countless women.

This Week in Science:

Binary star system set to go nova by 2100.

The female scientist who changed human fertility forever.

Gender Variance Around the World Over Time.

Scientists Figured Out the Indian Cobra’s Genome—at Last – With the genetic recipe for the snake’s lethal venom in hand, researchers will have an easier time producing an antidote.

San Francisco Bay could triple otter population, study says.

This Week in the Impeached One:

Pompeo: Trump doesn’t want to bomb Iran’s cultural sites. Trump: Yes I do. – Mike Pompeo’s Sunday TV appearances illustrated the Trump administration’s complete lack of credibility.

Trump Doesn’t Want Voters to Know How Much His Family’s Trips Cost Taxpayers.

WHAT ARE THEY HIDING? Trump Had a Secret Oval Office Meeting With the Saudi Vice Minister of Defense – and Didn’t Reveal It Until Forced To.

Trump administration proposes rule to punish disabled people.

Shifting explanations raises questions about trump admin Intel on Iran.

This Week in Deplorables:

Why Joe Lieberman Is Suddenly All Over Your Teevee. “Lieberman (and virtually every other Very Serious Person who’s cheerleading the Iran strike on your teevee) makes his paycheck shilling for the defense industry.”

Wife Of Child Predator Sues Mormon Church for Reporting His Crimes to Police.

ICE Detention Center Captain Was on a Neo-Nazi Website and Wanted to Start a White Nationalist Group .

Doug Collins Attacks Democrats So Stupidly They Raise Money Off Of Him.

Texas School District Threatens Parents for Supporting LGBTQ Students.

Things I wrote:

The third workday after Christmas vacation, or Three Kings Day and returning to mundania.

Videos!

Trump Lies About Iran Crisis, Blames Obama: A Closer Look:

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White House Officials “Shushed” Lawmakers Who Asked Questions During Iran Briefing:

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A Year’s worth of red-light runner car accidents at the same intersection (2019):

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Sex Education: Season 2 | Official Trailer | Netflix:

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BIRDS OF PREY – Official Trailer 2:

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I’m not really ready for it to be the first Friday of 2020, and yet, here we are.

New Year’s Day was the last day of my Christmas vacation. Going back to the office on Thursday was not quite as much of a hassle as I thought it would be. Usually when it’s been a while since I went in it takes longer to find things and get out the door… but I was standing at the bus stop earlier than usual. It was very quiet at the office because it seems that about half my co-workers took all of this week as well as last week off, os I spent most of the day just going through my inbox.

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

Stories of the Week:

Network Building Anti-Gay Churches Shuttered .

Opinion | Bret Stephens and the Perils of the Tapped-Out Column.

The decade in dumb: Looking back on the silliest of Apple commentary.

John Lewis Diagnosed With Pancreatic Cancer – Civil Rights Icon Needs No Epitaph.

Dispensaries Are Still Not Selling Cannabis to Children.

This Week in Science Fiction:

The New Rude Masters of Fantasy & Science Fiction – and Romance .

A Perfectly Cromulent Review of Books — Every Heart Among Bones Beneath Sugar in a Dream Come Tumbling Down.

[DECEMBER 31, 1964] LOST IN THE DESERT (JANUARY 1965 ANALOG).

The 2019 Darth Vader Parenthood Award for Outstandingly Horrible Fictional Parents.

Jason Sanford – The State of Genre Magazines.

This Week in Science:

Stick-toting puffins offer first evidence of tool use in seabirds.

10 of the wildest discoveries Washington scientists made in 2019.

Bad Astronomy | Happy New Year! … but what exactly is a ‘year’?

500-million-old fossilized brain has totally changed our minds.

How Kepler Invented Science Fiction and Defended His Mother in a Witchcraft Trial While Revolutionizing Our Understanding of the Universe.

In Memoriam:

Jerry Herman, the Broadway composer who wrote ‘Hello, Dolly!’ and ‘La Cage aux Folles,’ is dead at 88.

Commentary: Jerry Herman, composer of ‘Hello, Dolly,’ should also be remembered as an early HIV survivor.

Things I wrote:

Monday Update 12/30/2019: Racist loudmouths, racist enablers, and acts of terror.

My New Year’s Wish for You, 2020.

Videos!

Perry Mason – QUIZ: How Well Do You Know Perry Mason?:

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Harry Styles – Adore You (Official Video):

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Cub Sport – City of Angels (Official Video):

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Billy Porter – Love Yourself (Official Celeb Lip Sync Video):

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Pet Shop Boys – Monkey business (radio edit):

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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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