Hats off to our chief science officer/chief engineer, as today is Frans' birthday! Please join me in offering a salute and best wishes to the man who single-handedly keeps the starship Blue's News operating on its 25 year (and counting) mission to seek out new games, old dad jokes, and boldly go where no split infinitive has gone before.

Also, with the tackle football playoffs getting underway tomorrow, it's time to kick off the annual Blue's News NFL playoff pool. Because the format of the playoffs changed this season, the site we've used for years is not supporting bracket-style pools, so this will be a pick-em pool like our regular season competition. You can join in through this page using the password "carnage." Feel free to share this with whomever you wish. It costs nothing, which goes along with the nonexistent prize pool, though as I always point out, bragging rights are priceless. Good luck to all who participate, and as always, please don't pee in the pool.

Obituary: Fire Emblem and DMC 5 Voice Actor Brad Venable Died.
Obituary: Marion Ramsey, 'Police Academy' and Broadway star, dies at 73.

Birthday Round-up
Thanks Ant and Neutronbeam.

Breakfast Link

• $250 Pokémon Plush Is Also A Nightmare Bed.

Story

• New movies coming out in 2021- Marvel and more in a blockbuster year.

Science

• The Leftovers Route to Dog Domestication (may require registration or subscription). Thanks j.c.f.
• A Blue UFO Was Spotted in Hawaii on New Year’s Eve.

Image

• Instagram photo by Advertise With Us. Grand Theft Abby.

Media

• Wonder Woman 1984 Pitch Meeting. Thanks RedEye9.
• Dear 2021 (NSFW).

The Funnies

• Ben Zaehringer on Instagram: “play dead.”