AND I HEAR THE X-FILES STILL SYNDICATES QUITE WELL UP THERE: Former Canadian Deputy PM wants a decade of funding for "exodiplomacy" and "contact"-related educational initiatives. Fools! How could you not suspect that W's moonbase was intended as an offensive military platform! Hat-tip: The inevitable slashdot.org.

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE: Due to the demands of her employer / program, the future Mrs. Throckmorton -- sorry, "Philomena" -- and I have been made to wait an extra day to implement the traditional turkey 'n trimmins this year. Just as well, since contemplating the delay and its sentimental significance sent me stumbling across the object of my most profound recent pop-culture gratitude.

Of course, it's the Pixies.

They played the Across The Narrows festival this year on a bill with Gang of Four and Built to Spill and I was privileged to see them perform live for the very first time. I only had to wait 15 years and I am, nonetheless, truly thankful.

WAX ON, WAX OFF...: Pat Morita is dead.

In all seriousness, the scene in which Mr. Miyagi finally reveals to Daniel-san what all the waxing, sanding, and painting was for...easily one of my five all-time favorites. It's right up there with Rudy getting on the field, Kevin Costner playing catch with his dad, Red seeing Andy working on the boat on the beach, and George Bailey getting thrown out of Nick's.

I HOPE HE WASN'T ALSO ENGAGED IN A SLAVE TRADE OF LITTLE RED ASTRONAUTS: A man in Portland, Oregon was arrested after stealing more than $200,000 in Lego.

THE "LONGEST RUNNING UNSUCCESSFUL PRIME-TIME SERIES ON TELEVISION"? 'Alias' will end in May.

LA VIE BOHEME? NYT reality-checks East Village locations in 'Rent'.

THAT HAD TO BE AN UNCOMFORTABLE THANKSGIVING DINNER: Sylvester Stallone fails to re-hire his son Sage to play his son in Rocky VI, takes Gilmore Girls' "Jess" instead. IMDB claims Sage's work got in the way.