Peruse Our Top 30 Posts Of 2009

When I asked for a rundown of the most popular posts of 2009 on Monkey See, I wasn't sure what to expect. I had some shorter-term knowledge, but with a broader view, how would it look? Would it all be serious stuff? Silly stuff?

What follows is a list of our top 30 posts of the year. Delightfully, what you read the most represents a broad spectrum of movies, TV, comics, media, music, and what I can only call ... Other. Some are silly lists; some are analytical. I like to think this speaks the diversity of opinion and interests and attitudes that you all bring to the blog as readers (and, of course, commenters), so pat yourselves on the back for me.

1. Dear Pixar, From All The Girls With Band-Aids On Their Knees

I still get e-mails about this one. I have even heard rumors that it made it to its target audience, though I tend to take such things with a grain of salt.

2. Let There Be Bike Shorts: A Profile In Comics-Geek Courage

Glen Weldon's brilliant analysis of Supergirl's panties. See? You guys enjoy feminist perspective and also famous underpants!

3. Lessons Learned From The Great Free-Chicken Fiasco Of 2009

Heavens, Oprah.

4. Dear Hollywood: These Things Do Not Make A Character Quirky Anymore

Please don't take it personally if you get around on a Segway.

5. Ten Speculative Reasons Justin Timberlake Might Be Wearing This NPR T-Shirt

Um, because it's awesome?

6. Michael Jackson: The Moment That Made Him The King Of Pop

Unsurprisingly, the video has since been pulled. But if I could only remember the guy one way, I'm glad it was this way.

7.
Whatever The 'Balloon Boy' Lesson Is, We've Apparently Already Forgotten It

The lesson would be bad to forget. The people? They've already been sentenced, so forget them immediately, is my advice.

8. What's Your NPR Name?

What do you mean you haven't played yet? Take care of that right away.

9. Best Movies of 2008: Your Picks

Hey, you guys liked The Dark Knight! Good for you. This year, I'm really pulling for Paul Blart: Mall Cop.

10. Five Great John Hughes Moments

Not a happy thing to have to write, but fun movies to revisit.

11. 'Dating A Banker Anonymous': Did The New York Times Get Punk'd?

Yes. Yes, it did.

12. The Extended, Uncut 'Daily Show' Jim Cramer Interview

You guys really like your Jon Stewart.

13. 'The Blind Side': How Do You Tell A True Story That's Been Done Badly Before?

This movie blew up like crazy at the box office, and ABC even scored big points for a recent 20/20 special about the family.

14. A Post About Tiger Woods, Only Not Really

It's really not about Tiger Woods.

15. Earning The Victory: Five Things Your 'Idol' Winner Did Right

Wow, really? Hee.

The rest of the list, after the jump.

 

16. A Teddy Bear Picnic. OF DEATH.

I sometimes mess around with titles of pieces I didn't write, but this one was all Glen Weldon, and I think it might be my nominee for the best title I saw on anything in 2009.

17. 'Britain's Got Talent' Serves Up The Latest 'Upset' That Wasn't

Like everyone else, NPR users experienced the Year Of Boyle. And dreamed a dream, and so forth. Don't feel bad for Susan, though — as you probably know, she's currently on a massive record-selling tear.

18. If It's Thanksgiving, It Must Be Time For Bob's Annual Holiday-Movies Preview

Always honored to host a piece from Bob Mondello.

19. Potential Movie-Sequel Titles As Lazy As 'Fast & Furious' Was

One of the silliest things we offered all year. Hooray for silly!

20. 'Idol' Favorite Adam Lambert Called 'Coy,' Universe Guffaws

Clearly, NPR.org visitors demand lots and lots of American Idol coverage. (Kidding! Don't e-mail me!)

21. Question: Who's the Longest-Running Fictional Character Ever?

"Who let the geeks out? [WHO! WHO WHO!]" Another lovely entry from Glen, which inspired lots of mostly-respectful arguing back and forth in the comments. Great fun.

22. Let Us Allow The Word 'Cougar' To Die Instantly And Painfully

I still cherish this dream.

23. Ten Jobs Not Right For Wolverine

The biggest surprise here was the angry massage therapists.

24. 'Survivor' Crowns A Winner, Offending Many Who Do Not Understand 'Survivor'

Oh, reality show nerds. God bless us, every one.

25. Who is HOBODARKSEID? And Why Should You Care?

As I pointed out in the comments, we are innocent of his murder.

26. Letterman Agonistes: A Comedian Wrestles With An Unfunny Development

It's been interesting to me how quickly this story has gone away, for the most part. Perhaps the prosecution will bring it back.

27. Letterman, Obama And The Top Ten List

A much more lighthearted David Letterman discussion.

28. Bogus Movie Credentials Other Than 'Harvard Symbologist'

I cannot tell a lie: I am still fond of this one.

29. Which Jason Bateman Character Is Most Likely To Steal Your Wallet?

How often do you get a chance to talk about the delightful '80s sitcom It's Your Move?

30. Bobby McFerrin Tickles The Pentatonic Scale Buried Inside Your Mind

You guys have some excellent taste in videos.