Hits and Misses: HodgePodge for Aug. 8

November is for talking animals

In a work that surely signifies an apotheosis of data journalism, TIME goes beyond the summer blockbuster to catalog seasonal trends in movie topics.

Play time

According to this NPR story (which is part of a series), playing helps us learn. I have two words for you: Corporate Recess.

Untouchables

What happens when you enter the witness protection program?

Polka party

In the wake of Weird Al’s latest album debuting at number 1 (a first for him), The New Yorker’s Sasha Frere-Jones takes a look at what makes the parody musician better. (For bonus points, check out the video commentary linked at the bottom of the piece.)

That’s the ticket

A few weeks ago I shared a story about the history of the restaurant reservation. But some popular restaurants are doing away with reservations and moving to concert-like tickets.

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