Justin Ellis is on vacation. While he's gone, we will be publishing with the help of "guest bloggers."

Today's guest writer is Rob Landry who runs Pemaquid Communications, a funky little Web design shop, in greater Portland. Rob's on a mission to develop a top-flight community of Web creatives in southern Maine. When he's not sitting in front of his computer Twittering, he likes to hop on his bike or in his kayak, and he plays bass guitar in Bluezberry Jam, a funky little blues band.

Rob lives in Cumberland with his wife Rachel and their two kids, Kathryn and Harry.

Justin? Justin! JUS-TINNNN?! Oh, yeah, wait, Justin's not here this week because he's slinging his star-spangled shield against the enemies of freedom in...well, I've said too much. Anyway, he didn't need his sidekick for this one, so Videoport Bucky's on his own for now. The new releases this week at Videoport are as follows:

Justin Ellis is on vacation. While he's gone, we will be publishing with the help of "guest bloggers."

Today's guest writer is Jenna Vendil, 24, currently the Field Director for the League of Young Voters. Prior to this, she has spent the last several years working on housing, health care and racial justice issues with various non-profits in Maine. She is fascinated with cultural fads and social movements and wonders what her generation's legacy will be in history. She has her own blog that she should probably update more frequently:

Justin Ellis is on vacation. While he's gone, we will be publishing with the help of "guest bloggers."

Today's guest writer is Kathryn Hawkins who lives in Gray with her husband Jeff and an abundance of animal friends. She has written for publications including GOOD Magazine, Wildlife Conservation, and Chow.com, and is the editor of Razoo.com, a website for everyday philanthropy. You can learn more at kathrynhawkins.com.

Sure, there are plenty of new movies out on DVD this week, but since it's Hanukkah and Christmas is right around the corner, Videoport Jones and I discuss a few of our favorite holiday classics and hope we don't put an eye out.

When I started pulling together the Monday Fix this morning, there was really only one big story this weekend, at least around these parts. And it's still piled up outside our doors, blocking our driveways and covering the roads.

So let's take a look at a few local photos of this week's storm from around the web.

When I started writing the weekend blog I didn't intend for it to turn into a listing of non-stop holiday parties...but it just kind of happened. There's a lot of people celebrating the season this weekend, and chances are your favorite local band is in the mix.

What a sweet, sweet bounty Internets. A little bacon, some German gymnastics, exploding Volvos and gifts for journalists.

The Scanner is a gift that keeps on giving.

I made a joke on Twitter a while back that was only a tiny, tiny, tiny bit self-serving:

"Where does the newspaper industry get in line for some of this sweet gov bailout action? We're just as screwed as banks, planes and autos"

Like I said, just a little self-serving.

Looking for last-minute Christmas gifts that say "I kind of know your taste and this was as good as I could do?" Nothing says that more than a DVD, and we've got a few new releases this week.

As always Videoport Jones is here to assist in the feature commentary.

The long arm of Google has finally reached Maine, and now a lot of us are going to be spending time reading maps.

Google quietly increased its coverage of the "Street View" feature of Google Maps, and it now includes Maine.

Observe Press Herald Plaza.

It's new release day and sure, there are plenty of other new films on DVD we take a look at today. But let's be real, the big one, the one we've all been waiting for, has a guy in a batsuit.

Join me and Videoport Jones in the geekery.

The Monday fix is a bit scattershot this morning, mostly because there did not seem to be any big breakout stories over the weekend - you know, aside from OJ, the president-elect's economic plans and the anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day.

But all of that's important. Here's what you may have missed.

Time to suit up people. Today is REPEAL DAY and that means it's time to celebrate in a way our teetotaling ancestors only wish they could have. Even if that means having your usual post-work, unwind PBR, at least take a second to savor it. Remember, that cocktail you overpaid for is a right, not a privilege.

After finally settling in back on the NXT Desk this week, it's time to fire up the Scanner once again. Luckily the Internet has an unending supply of trivial - and hilarious - information readily available for your consumption.

Turns out if you've ever had problems connecting to PressHerald.com it's really not our fault. Actually, if you've had problems connecting to any sites using your Internet connection at work or home, don't blame the IT guys...blame the people who connect you to the Internet tubes.

Why?

Because PCMag.com says Maine has the 10th slowest Internet Service Providers in the whole country.

A message from Videoport Jones:

"Justin! Thank god you're back! Man, I've been in the weeds around here without you. Thudding lame jokes against a wall like a worn out tennis ball, the comments are littered with spam, and, well, I was just plain lonely. Let's go rip these new releases a new one! Or not...I'm just excited to have you here."

Ah, it is good to be back. And luckily this time Jonesy didn't set off a comment war on dead rock stars. For that alone I am grateful.

According to Google Trends, the phrase "Best Cyber Monday Deals" is a pretty hot search phrase right now.

Wonder why.