Is there anything worse than the "only X shopping days left before Christmas" phenomenon that keeps getting pushed further and further back each year? It's like having a nagging family member or spouse who is trying – not so subtly – to remind you what they want for their birthday.

Let's do each other a favor and just pretend we've got plenty of time to go shopping. Having money, well, that's a different story.

Man, when did this turn into the shopping blog?

Aside from today's bacon news – and really, what could be more important to me – here's a tasty round up of the bizarre, funny and otherwise curious from this week. It's The Scanner: With subtle hints of boysenberry aftertaste.

Oh joyous day, oh sweet rapture, no gift to be mistaken.

For I have sought, and I have found, a cookbook devoted to BACON!

Here are a few things I'm wondering from yesterday's big news that Verizon is opening up its network to any device with wireless capability.

The big footprint here obviously is that if you like your phone (and it's not an iPhone), you can take it with you over to Verizon.

I don't think Mitch Albom would have written a book about his regular visits with Videoport Jones.

Something tells me that would not have been quite the same heartwarming cross- generational tale as "Tuesdays with Morrie."

It may have gotten ugly. I'm guessing Jonsey and Mitch may not see eye to eye on movie choices.

Lucky for you Mr. Jones and I generally do agree.

I know most of you are in full-fledge Thanksgiving & family mode, which as they say is the reason for the season.

Still, I'm a firm believer in the power of moderation – in food, booze and family, especially this week. So if you're looking for a few minutes diversion, here it is.

I think anyone would have a hard time turning their back on $2 records.
OK, maybe some people aren't compatible with the vinyl, which is cool, because at the WMPG record sale, they also had CDs for low, low prices.

This is not an infomercial, just this week's podcast.

Now that I think about it, Mr. Videoport Jones and I should have spent this time talking about Thanksgiving movies and Thanksgiving specials from days past ... except who makes Thanksgiving specials and movies anymore?

Instead, since we all know how much time you'll be spending with family and friends over the next few days – and you can only drink so much – Videoport Jones is here with a few new picks to slip into the DVD player.

You can thank him later.

And just like that once again we've made it to the weekend. Rest easy and plan accordingly.

Make sure to check out this week's podcast, which is a quick click in the player on your right. I can assure you it was made with the finest herbs and spices.

Auctions are very, very strange things.

When someone talks about sensory overload, you think of something like Times Square in New York or maybe being in the heart of Tokyo or the Las Vegas strip.

It's when you're so overwhelmed with information you want to shrink or throw up just to gather yourself.

Did I shrink or reproduce my breakfast? Only this week's podcast will tell.

It's time once again for that weekly dose of fantasy and reality that makes reaching the weekend just a little more fun.

Or at least its a enough of a dose to tide you over until the work day ends and happy hour begins.

It's the Scanner - where time wasters and news sit side by side.

At the pace he's going Videoport Jones may alienate all other animation studios that aren't named Pixar. Still, I'm sure if anyone can make a kids movie about the life of a sarcastic, quick-witted film critic and video store employee, it's Pixar. Maybe they could make him a talking moose, with a belligerent groundhog who thinks he's a writer as a sidekick.

The problem with holidays that don't involve presents, dressing up or celebrating drinking (sorry, I mean tradition), is that you sometimes feel awkward about being happy you have the day off.

This is Veterans Day weekend, and I'm not going to get on any soap box, because that's not what I do (unless I need to preach the good word of Bacon). But this has been true ever since high school - sure you're happy to get Veterans Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday and Memorial Day off, how often do you do something other than sleep in. (Which, is pretty good too.)

Just something to stop and think about.

It's been a busy week here at NXT, what with all the Democracy in action, late nights, meat pies and cocktails.

Wait, that's another story entirely.

Anyway, I haven't been around blog-town much this week, and for that I apologize. Not that anyone's looking forward to a daily dose of NXT, but what good is this thing if I don't update it regularly?

Does anyone ever stop to think about why there is a cottage industry of movie or film criticism? Does anyone ever wonder why we need reviewers?

Don't start wondering now, because there's new DVDs on your store shelves today, and Videoport Jones is here to tell you what to think.

As a pixelated alien once said, "Don't question it!"

It's Monday and I think everyone should be allowed a pun allowance. I am using it now.

If I go over three puns this week, feel free to call shenanigans.

Since many of our cell phones, computers and DVD players thought last week was the end of Daylight Savings Time, most of us are ready for the leap back.

The end of daylight savings always seems like a bonus when you're out on the night the clocks jump back. If you're the type to close down bars, someone inevitably says "don't we have another hour to drink?"

Which you would, possibly, if bars were open later. As it is, the clock jumps back at 2 p.m....which we all know is when you should be asleep. Right?

So I'm a day off on the decision over the fate of Le 'Stache. What can I say, I had a busy day down here at Press Herald Plaza, and I am only one man, people! One MAN!