We're in the aftermath of a pretty major ice storm here in the Toronto area. So let me get right to this before the power goes out again…

Frankly Curious: Why my father watches Fox News.

Connecting the Dots: The best American business.

Lawyers, Guns & Money: Harsh truths in the other America.

No More Mister Nice Blog: Right-wingers are always the victims.

And now let me lavish some praise on what I consider the greatest film ever made about America, Robert Altman's Nashville, recently released as a glorious special edition by Criterion. Released in 1975, it's still an astonishing movie, and as politically and culturally relevant as ever. And if you're looking for a last-minute gift…

Round-up by Michael J.W. Stickings of The Reaction (Twitter: @mjwstickings). I'm here today and tomorrow.

Send requests and suggestions to mbru (at) crooksandliars (dot) com.