Faulkner

Wow, Rubio is way out of his depth. He should have left public life after his Republican primary humiliation. There’s no way he could ever win a national election, and that’s the only reason why he’s still in the senate: to build a resume for an eventual presidential run. Idina Menzel should play Dana Loesch in the inevitable movie.

I’d never seen the night version of Access Hollywood, but I stumbled upon it tonight, and my oh my, the co-host is just stunning. His name is Scott Evans (like the former OLTL star and brother of Captain America). He reminds me a bit of Nate Parker but without the homophobia and the problematic past.

For those Rainer Werner Fassbinder fans:

Fergie’s sexy jazz version of our national anthem at tonight’s NBA all-star game is making the rounds.

Oh totally. In an ideal world where the networks don’t completely dictate what you write and order you to change direction mid-plot based on some whim. I’m sure Doug Marland had more leverage than, say, Chris Van Etten, given who he was, his track record, and the relative strength of soaps in his era. And I’m sure even Doug had to deal with significant meddling from time to time, especially in those later years. But I suspect the writers of yore were thinking more long term than the current-day scribes. Now it’s, “What can I do to give me a short-term bump around sweeps, ensuring ad rates stay high for a little while, and make this show last six more months to two more years? If I need to do something absolutely drastic that would cripple my show five years down the line, then so be it. I won’t even be writing this show by then, if the show even lasts that long...but hey, let me cash that paycheck and contribute a little bit to my 401(k).”

To be generous, I think most soap writers of the past were operating under the assumption that their soaps would still be there in 10 years. I don’t think the soap writers of today have such luxury.

Aaaand Federer improves to 7-0 against Dimitrov. Heavy sigh. None of these guys have the swagger Andy and Novak did when they were younger. Maybe Kyrgios, but that guy has no discipline.

The harmonies with Patty Loveless in this are just perfect.

I saw what happened to Goffin, but what happened to Grigor?

Love Lecy and Sarah next to each other.

Wow. Totally didn’t know that either. The Frons-era ABC black actors are literally taking over the world while Rebecca Budig is doing what again?

They are burying that up against the Olympics.

Ugh. Erika is SO unlikable. I just hate her and her always sour disposition.

Hot daddy Dutch speed skater Kjeld Nuis:

Bobsledder Sam Michener.

I think guys get it now, though. People don’t skip leg day as much as they did 10-20 years ago when you’d see big bulky torsos on chopsticks.

Thighs are very underrated body parts on men.

I have a feeling, between this and Tennys Sandgren, racism in American tennis will finally become a major conversation.

Yeah. That interview was fire, as was his previous GQ interview. He just gives no fùcks. https://www.gq.com/story/quincy-jones-has-a-story

Very cool. I’m a Kpop neophyte, but I like what I’ve been hearing so far. Lots of experimentation and a maximinalist approach to pop (sort of like PC Music). It’s a good change of pace from the monotonous bass drops and trap beats of most top 40 pop these days. I’m used to listening to songs in languages I don’t understand, so that’s not a problem.

Funny. I just stumbled upon “Love Scenario” from that new iKON album you mentioned @Cat, and wow, it’s a banger. Love it. Reminds me of early 2000s R&B boy bands in the best way. And the next song might be even better.

We’ll see if he can sustain it. I doubt it given the negative post-SB narrative and the lack of momentum the songs have on streaming.