#WhatsHappening for November 5, 2019

Hey kids- hope you're all well. I know, it's been a while, but- as I've said a number of times- it's not like you're paying for this idiocy, so...

Those of you who join us on anything resembling a regular basis will know that I've been on a leave of absence (as it were), but I'm good knowing that Mark has things under control. Since we're in November (and it's that season and all), I'd like to say I'm very thankful for his help. I'll go into the whys of my absence just a bit later.

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As of the end of the year, Netflix will no longer be available on certain models of TV, according to to a notice on Samsung’s website.

From December 1st, the manufacturer says certain models of their Smart TVs will no longer support the Netflix app. Owners of those models will need to use a third party device to use the service.

"Although some of our older TV’s will no longer support Netflix directly beginning December 1st, 2019, many other devices you may have connected to your TV are still supported," the note said. "You can find a list from Netflix at netflix.com/compatible devices. As long as you have one of the supported devices, like a game console, streaming media player, or set-top box, you’ll still be able to watch Netflix on your TV."

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I know, I know- I'm not the target audience, but the commercials for Last Christmas just make my fucking head hurt. Major tripe alert. One good thing coming out of it, I guess (hope), is that there's a new song from George Michael debuting in connection with the movie.

This Is How will be included in the soundtrack for the movie, and will premiere on BBC Radio 2's Zoe Ball Breakfast Show tomorrow.

Ball said she's a "a huge Wham! and George Michael fan and even though he is no longer with us, his music remains a joy to us all. I’m honoured to be premiering this previously unheard song from George..."

Emma Thompson, who wrote the script and appears in the film, calls Michael "just the loveliest guy you could imagine. (He loved) all of these themes in the movie; he was passionate about homelessness, and he had this great social conscience."

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Former Mercyful Fate/King Diamond bass player Timi Hansen has died at age 61.

The news was confirmed by singer King Diamond,  who called his former bandmate "one of my dearest friends."

"He was not just my roommate on the early Mercyful Fate tours, but he was always my favorite bass player of all times. I was fortunate to have been able to visit him at his apartment with some other good friends, and we had a great afternoon that will never be forgotten. When I last talked to Timi on the phone on October 24th, I could understand that things had gotten tougher than they ever were, and yet he said 'we fight on.' I feel so so sad for his entire family, you have my absolute deepest sympathy. Rest in Peace my dear dear friend."

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Pete Townshend has something to say about the on-stage antics of himself and his younger bandmates: "What a fucking prat"

Townshend calls his behavior "a waste of time", despite it helping to the band get noticed in its early years, telling Big Issue magazine he was "pretty snobby about rock and roll."

"Getting into auto-destruction was straight out of art college. People still say that I should never have smashed instruments," he said, but his reply was always "Fuck off. It is how I got you to listen to me."

He also lamented that his generation ("the hippy era", as he called it) "misused the power" they had for social change.

"We were loose-living. And when psychedelic drugs and more importantly the pill came along, away we went.

"Then we took power. But I think we misused the power to a great extent. The hippy era could have turned into something much better than it did."

The interview comes ahead of the band's first album in 13 years, Who, due out on the 22nd.

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Birthdays today include: Kevin Jonas of Jonas Brothers (32); Ryan Adams (45); Jon Greenwood of Radiohead (49); David Bryson of Counting Crows (57); Bryan Adams (60); Mike Score of A Flock Of Seagulls (62); Don McDougall of Guess Who (71); Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits (72); and Art Garfunkel (78). #MusicalBirthdays

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I know there are a few of you who have been curious about my absence from Saturday Night Karaoke three of the past four weeks (a trend that's going to continue until the end of this month). Well- here's the deal: I was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, and have taken time off for treatment. That's also a major part of why those of you don't come out but follow these irreverent missives haven't seen much from me- I've had more important matters on my mind.

I will add that my post-treatment prognosis is good, with more check ups to follow, but I don't care to go into detail about the specifics. I'd ask that you please respect my privacy in that regard. 

I'd like to repeat my gratitude to Mark for handling the gigs for me- as well as Estevan, who'll be helping me along a bit when I finally return later this month (Thanksgiving weekend, if you want to mark it on your calendars as "Karaoke Asshole Comes Back").