Holey Moley is Perfect Television

Holey Moley is perfect television. Mini golf, but massive? Love it. Simultaneously in on the joke and self-aware? Comedy genius. Genuine moments of classic sports tension? Yes.

I mean, yes, this is ridiculous. But we need ridiculous television. Most competition shows these days are either too mired in alliances and deceits, or are too earnest in their emotions where I cringe every time a video package starts rolling. And there's none of that here. The competition between the players is all in good fun.

Our hosts are spectactular. Rob Riggle and Joe Tessitore have great chemistry and pull off those vintage ABC sportscaster jackets. They thread the needle of the show's tone of being in on the joke and totally aware that what they are commentating is ridiculous. And again, those jackets.

But the best thing about this show, the contestants don't come off as fools. They know the joke of the show are up to the task. They build their own characters and personas, and are having a blast. My personal favorite is Mr. Applesauce.

the telly

I Miss My Morning Walks

I am someone who is affected by heat very easily. When my family goes to theme parks, we always have drinks in our hands after an experience at Animal Kingdom when I was 12. It was 2 in the afternoon, and I hit a wall and just said "I'm done".

One of the best things I did for myself in quarantine was to start exercising, and I mainly did that by going on early morning walks. It was so cool and the sun would barely be out so I wouldn't have to lug a huge water bottle with me or apply sunscreen. I would just make sure I had something to drink before and after, and I'd be perfectly hydrated. The only reason I would sweat was out of hard work and just from being outside.

But then it got too hot. The humidity at 6:30 in the morning was over 90%. That's too hot to even sit out on the porch in the shade. And the wet heat made me feel so gross and would just glom onto me.

I haven't gone on a walk in weeks but for someone reason I only started missing it in the last few days. Maybe now that summertime is coming to a close I can start doing it again.

journal

Clips That Bring Me Joy, Vol. II

These put a smile on my face, and I hope they put a smile on yours.

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lists

Earworm: "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood

I don't know why this popped up in my head. I wasn't even listening to a lot of 80s pop when it did. But it has not left my head in a week. It's just pulsing. And the instrumental can easily be used to score a cool action setpiece, which I want to see happen now.

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earworm

Halt and Catch Fire, The Best Show No One Watched

The critically acclaimed and criminally under-watched drama Halt and Catch Fire, and frequently called the best show that no one watched.

It debuted in 2014 during the decline of the antihero "difficult man" shows, between the finales of their fellow AMC mates Breaking Bad and Mad Men. The reviews for the first episode of the series were pretty much all about that decline and fatigue in dramas. But those who opted out after the first few episodes missed a trick. The early going followed some of the familiar antihero rhythms, but by the midway point, they started to deconstruct it. And by doing that deconstruction, they embarked on one of the greatest retools a show has ever accomplished.

I don't believe too much in the spoiler warning culture for the little details, but with the big events, I do. Because so much happens at such a fast pace, I don't want to go into plot details. You are just going to have to trust me. It is unlike any other drama I've seen.

the telly