Well the holidays are here, and that means all the holiday fun.  And some of that includes watching many of our favorite movies.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and that means watching one of my favorite comedies, Planes, Trains And Automobiles.  I don't usually write about a 33 year old movie, but because of its uniqueness, it doesn't seem near that old. This is the quintessential Thanksgiving movie!

Steve Martin and John Candy in this very funny movie about the problems of travel at Thanksgiving, directed by an incredible director, John Hughes. Yes, there is going to be a remake with Will Smith and Kevin Hart that I can't wait to see. I'm sure it's going to be funny, and new. But I'm not here to say the original will be better, because that's not fair, or smart.  But what I will say the two things that will always make this movie better than most comedies are originality and heart.  In short, all good movies begin with a GREAT story and script first, and actors delivering it second, and my hope is that the remake will remember that. 

Official Trailer

The first reason everyone loves this movie so much is this.  It's dedicated exclusively to Thanksgiving. There are not a lot of movies that do that.  And even though the characters are over the top, and the situations are silly at times, the people and the travel climate at its root, is relatable.  And second, this movie grows an enormous heart as it goes on, and yes, you do tear up at the end when Del Griffith finally is understood by those previously not open minded to look for that answer.  For as slap sticky as it is, this movie ends up being poignant and powerful for a comedy.

Much of Thanksgiving is about the anticipation of it. The cooking, the wonderful smells, the wondering if everyone will make it home on time, and being thankful.  And PT&A does that incredibly well.  Will Neal Page get home in time, and what about this clown he's traveling with by accident?  Is this a perfect comedy?  It's close.  In the unending sea of Christmas movies, it's great to see a Thanksgiving movie, and showcase the trials that are exclusive to that holiday.

This week, watch Planes, Trains And Automobiles with the family, or just you two on the couch in front of the fire. We always do, and we always laugh. It holds up very well, and is darn funny.

And this Thanksgiving, we could all use a laugh or two.

Many of us grew up watching Micheal J. Fox in movies and on TV.  Most of us know that at a very young age he was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease.  Much too young - 29. 

What most of us can't comprehend is that it's been 30 years since then!  Now, 59 he's back in the news as he was retired from acting for good, and I ran across this article. Wanted to share!

FOX ARTICLE

Happy Thanksgiving, and I hope you are enjoying your holiday.  If you are done with your huge meal, and TV football is not your thing, let's listen to some great country.  Some Memory Lane Country as holidays can make us nostalgic! Time to think about some times you haven't thought about in a while.

So find a comfy quiet couch, blanket and put in your earbuds, and let's get you caught up on some of the artists I have featured and talked about recently.

Mark Chesnutt

Terri Clark

The Bellamy Brothers

Ronnie Milsap

Olivia Newton-John

Steve Wariner

Shenandoa

Patty Loveless

With all that's been going on in the world these days, it can be hard to think of things that one can be thankful now.  And maybe it is a bit tougher than usual.  But I still am....

Thankful for my beautiful Windy.  She has made everything in my life better, and continues to do so.  Even the things that were goo, she makes better, every day.

Thankful for my amazing friends, many of them for many years, and this year I became better friends with some who were right there in front of me.  I have so many incredible friends, I am blessed.

Thankful that the people in my world are healthy, and me too.

Thankful for all of those like the truckers and everyone associated with them getting all of us what we need!

Thankful that there are people in this world who have medicially dedicated their lives to solving the pandemic. The ones who will solve it, and those who will administer it.

And I am thankful that we are together every morning  #ScottAndSarah #WQMX

The past few years there have been just a ton of new inventions that have made our lives a whole lot different.  With all that's gone on in 2020 some of these may have fallen through the cracks, so here is the list of some of the really cool things invented, even though this has been a very different year!

HERE'S THE LIST!

Quote  -  "Many times there are reasons, beyond the reason...."

During this time of the year, regardless of what it going on in the world, we love to give of ourselves to people and organizations that are in need.  This time of the year that seems to amplified within all of us.  And that's a good thing.

We always feel good about giving, and that's great, but when we give, I always wonder about the cause. They are always undoubtedly good, but I always think of the people within those groups.  Especially the smaller, and more local groups which are the ones I really enjoy supporting.

When someone really dedicates themselves to a charitable cause, there is the obvious reason why.  That would be the people that need help, or the cause or illness that needs to be addressed.  Could be the cause that is local only, or animal welfare, all great things to support and I'm glad that we do.  After we give to them, I find I am just as happy to support the people that are active within the charity, as well as the people or causes that are directly benefiting from it.

The people that work tirelessly with them, or originate them are incredible people, and why do they do it? Many times there is the reasons, beyond the "reason."  Many never say why, but some do. Jerry Lewis dedicated his entire life to MDA and never really stated officially why.  I think that's incredible. That is far more common than we think.  We are afraid to ask sometimes, and really, it's no ones biz anyway.  But I have always found that those are the people I really like to support. They do it, because someone should. To them, it's not about being right, it's about doing right.  Sometimes, it's best not to know, as the reasons can be beyond deeply personal.  That means the dedication to the cause is focused and absolute.

And those are the people I really like supporting. Well done, and thank you!

Wynn's Weekend Watch -  Wonder Woman (2017)

Wonder Woman 1984 - In theaters Christmas Day and on HBO Max (Story)

Cinema Safe – Great site for movie theater procedures (Site)

In Theaters NOW - Freaky, The Outpost, Honest Thief, Come Play, The War With Grandpa, Tenet, Guardians Ofn The Galaxy , The Santa Clause

Box Office - The Top 5 movies this weekend:

1. Freaky - $3.7 million
2. Let Him Go - $1.8 million
3. The War With Grandpa - $1.3 million
4. Come Play - $1.1 million
5. Honest Thief - $800,000

Micheal J. Fox – Has retired from acting - Health.  (Story)

Michael B. Jordan - Is People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2020.  (Story)

Conan O'Brien - Is leaving his late night show after 23 years New HBO Max 

show  (Story)

Scream 5 – January 14, 2022  (Story)

This Weekend – Check out my Country Music Memory Lane (link)

We ran across this list today of a survey that called these among the "Happiest Songs" ever. 

We really don't agree - but here is some of that list

Don't Stop Me Now   -  Queen

Dancin' Queen  - ABBA

Good Vibrations  - Beach Boys

I'm A Believer  - The Monkees

I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor

All fine songs - But not on my list   - What's On Your list ?

This Song ALWAYS makes people happy!

Chad asked me this week about his favorite growing up, Mark Chesnutt.  He was a favorite of mine too.  It has long been debated about the 1990's, the decade of Garth, Clint, Alan Jackson, George Strait, McGraw, Faith, Patty Loveless, Toby Keith, Shania and other mega stars, what about artists like Chesnutt, Doug Stone, Tracy Byrd, Tracy Lawrence, Joe Diffie and others?  Were they the product of the others gigantic success? OR would they have led the charge in a different time?  That is up for discussion and goes unanswered.  What is not up for discussion, is that Mark Chesnutt is a Honky Tonk Legend.

Lots Of Classics From Chesnutt - A Real Club Favorite

Mark Chesnutt to me, would have been a star in any era, as there is always room for a pure country singer, (ala Jon Pardi).  His music was timeless and simply great. His song choices and delivery were not "flavor of the month."  His music would sound great in any decade, in a Cadillac or a Combine.  He was a real traditionalist deeply rooted in the Texas honky tonks. His incredible gift to us was this. His barroom style songs invoked ultra vivid snapshots in our own minds of people, places and situations within our own lives.  He skillfully painted masterpieces with his music. His warm voice enveloped the country songs he sang, and I don't know if anyone's music ever sounded better out of a jukebox than his.  He was the quintessential "hat act"

Too Cold At Home - One Of My Very Favorite Country Songs

The first time I played his first big song on the radio, Too Cold At Home, I had no idea who he was.  But I knew this. I wanted to hear more, and that song was a major hit, delivered by someone that was going to be around for a while. Sometimes you just know.  During the 1990's Chesnutt went on to chart 29 singles with 17 going to the top five, virtually all to the top 10, and 8 going #1.  I would put his music up against any artist of the decade.  He wasn't flashy he was just good.  He was also blessed with a voice that was unique enough to cut through and you knew that was him.  I believed every word he sang, that is the real musical barometer.  To me, there is very little, if any question he is one of the most underrated country singers ever.

Fantastic Song

And This Absolute Gem  - What A Song! 

Too Cold At Home sold me on him right away, but Brother Jukebox, Bubba Shot The Jukebox, I'll Think Of Something, It Sure Is Monday, I Just Wanted You To Know, all huge hits.  And there were tons more.  He was a CMA winner, and recorded some of the best pure country music of the decade. His albums also featured remade tributes from classic artists like Hank Jr., John Anderson, Conway Twitty, Don Gibson, and even Aerosmith.  He was also the first to record the Garth classic, Friends In Low Places on the Too Cold At Home album in 1990.  His first 6 albums are as good as any artist at any time.

Brother Jukebox - Classic Country

So this is a different kind of year in every regard, so the holidays will be as well.  So it got me wondering this question.

"What rule does your family have for putting up the Christmas tree? Day after Thanksgiving? Day of the first snowfall?"

Do you have a rule?  When I was living alone, there were many years I did not put up a tree, I just enjoyed other people's trees.  They were better than mine anyways.  My friends Don and Terri always had a GREAT tree, and I loved seeing it. (They still do BTW)  My Christmas decorating lasted about 5 minutes, I would go to the basement, grab the beautiful wreathe I had and the spotlight, toss the wreathe on the front door, and hit it with the spotlight.  Being fair, it looked GREAT on my old house. Sometimes I went all out and strung some garland on the sign and porch I had.

This is NOT Our Official Tree, But If Windy Could.......

But, when the beautiful, Windy showed up, things changed, and for the better.  She helped me do a tree in my last year in my old vintage home before I sold it and she made it beautiful.  She makes everything beautiful and loves doing it. Our home now feels very Christmassy, and I have to admit, I do like it better than before.

Last Tree In My Old Home -

So the answer to the question at our house is generally Thanksgiving weekend. But, the actual answer is when Windy wants to do it, and I'm OK with that.

So, When do you do yours??