It’s been another long week in New Orleans. We’ve reached the point at which the heat begins to grind one down. And I say that as someone who is outdoors as little as possible. What can ya do? In two words: muddle through.

There are reports around the country about the collapse of international tourism. August in New Orleans is slow BUT it’s usually leavened by European visitors, especially the French. They’re now saying mais non to the idiots running the federal government. It will only get worse after the State Department floated an idea about $15K bonds for international travelers. So much for this being a business friendly administration. Le sigh.

This week’s theme song was composed by Frank Zappa, Jack Bruce, and Jim Gordon. It was the title track of Frank’s 1974 album, Apostrophe. I picked it because I’ve never used a song with punctuation as a post title before. I like to keep things fresh.

We have two versions of Apostrophe for your listening pleasure: the studio OG and The Mothers live in 1974.

Next up, another Zappa tune involving punctuation. I’m down with that as long as exclamation points are not involved.

Here’s a song for fans of the Oxford comma:

We begin our second act by skipping it altogether. I’m pleading birthday week ennui. In any event, it’s my party and I’ll post if I want to.

The last word of our skipped second act goes to Bryan Ferry:

We begin our third act with our favorite stolen feature.

Separated At Birth Casting Edition: I’m pining for a second season of Outrageous, the outstanding Britbox series about the Mitford sisters. Our native guide to the aristocratic world of the Mitfords is oldest sister Nancy played by Bessie Carter:

Bessie actually resembles Nancy, a rarity in biopic land. FYI, she’s the daughter of the fine British actors Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton. Bessie looks like dear old dad who is best known for playing the butler in Downton Abbey, Mr. Carson not to be confused with Johnny Carson or Jerry The Iceman Butler:

Your Weekly Oscar: This time, an OP-Anita O’Day doubleheader.

Have I told you lately how much I love Oscar Peterson?

Best Of King Of The Hill: I still have Hank Hill and the gang on my mind after writing Return Of The Bug Man. In this clip, we see stoner Hank. Who knew such a thing was possible? The good news is that no propane or propane accessories are involved.

Party on, Hank. At least he didn’t launch into this song:

Saturday GIF Horse: This GIF is proof positive that the boy ain’t right:

That image makes me cringe. This song sums up my feelings about snakes:

Classic Move Trailer: We remain deep in the heart of Texas. I usually dislike movies that run over 3 hours. I make an exception for George Stevens’ sprawling epic, Giant. The three principals are so good that I always forget how damn long the movie is.

Grading Time: I give Giant 4 stars and an Adrastos Grade of A.

Celebrity Ad Corner: Here’s Rock Hudson and an eagle in a clothing ad.

Rock on, Rock.

Let’s close down this virtual honky tonk with some more music.

Saturday Closer: My Rodney Crowell bender continued this week. Here’s a promo video from his 2019 Texas album featuring Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top.

That’s all for this week. Let’s have a beer with the cast of King Of The Hill. Yup.