November 5, 2024

It's election day!

  • If you’re not registered to vote, you can check here if your state has same-day voter registration
  • If you haven’t yet dropped off your mail-in ballot, in most states you can do so today at an official drop box or your county election office

This is it. You’ve read the case for each candidate (here’s also a neat tracker from Reuters of what the candidates have said about the issues); all that’s left is to count the votes. If you’re like most people (TFS team included), you’re probably relieved that it’s over, if somewhat anxious about the outcome.If you don’t have cable, here are some options for watching the results come in.

Here’s a map to view
the results as they are counted.Here’s some information about how the Associated Press calls winners. Many states now have live streams of their ballot counting. And if you’ve ever wondered whether astronauts can vote from space: yes, they can.Over the next few days, there will be many ‘hot takes’ that’ll become irrelevant within a few hours, and worse, there may be significant amounts of misinformation and disinformation that'll take time to sort out. The election won't be decided any faster or differently if we're frantically refreshing X and/or election results pages; we may, however, give ourselves an ulcer.In that vein, today’s edition includes activities to get your mind away from politics, whether that means waiting for votes to be counted or coming to terms with the results. For the rest of the week, we’ll be updating and re-issuing past Deep Dive editions about the voting process. As always, please reach out any time with thoughts / questions / feedback, or share your thoughts on The Flip Side Forum.

If you're looking to stay tuned in, several civic organizations are offering election workshops:

If you’re looking to tune out:

And below are some recommendations from The Flip Side team!

What to Stream


Dear Hank and John (podcast)
Hosted by brothers Hank and John Green, this podcast combines their unique perspectives — Hank’s science-driven insights and John’s literary and philosophical reflections — on a wide range of topics. Whether they’re answering quirky listener questions, offering advice, cracking corny dad jokes, or sharing updates on AFC Wimbledon (the soccer team) and Mars (the planet), the podcast’s lighthearted tone and engaging chemistry make it a fun listen for anyone who likes a good mix of knowledge and laughs. There’s also some friendly sibling rivalry: if humans don’t make it to Mars by 2028, the podcast will change its name to Dear John and Hank!

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (Paramount Plus)
A quintessential 1980s John Hughes Thanksgiving film starring Steve Martin as Neal Page, who is on his way home to his family in Chicago following a business trip to New York when his journey is upended by a snowstorm and a lovable, well-meaning, but goofy and bungling Del Griffith. The two men are at odds for most of the film as their repeated attempts to reach Chicago are met with misfortune, but through the course of their journey, they find deeper meaning and significance in the voyage they are undertaking.

Fallout (Amazon Prime)
Based on the popular video games, Fallout tells the story of a world destroyed by nuclear war. The show chronicles the journey of Lucy, a resident of an underground, self-sustaining bunker sheltered from the war. In a quest to rescue her kidnapped father, Lucy must venture out into the wasteland: a dystopian post-America populated by mutated wildlife, desperate people, and armed militias with their own nefarious agendas. Fallout delights longtime fans by accurately characterizing the gloomy yet humorous atmosphere of the games, but is equally accessible to new viewers.

House, M.D. (Hulu)
House, M.D. attracts viewers with its complex lead character, Dr. Gregory House, whose brilliance and flawed, misanthropic nature create a compelling dynamic. The show combines intellectual medical mysteries with deep character development, particularly in its exploration of House’s relationships and moral dilemmas. Its sharp dialogue, unexpected twists, and exploration of themes like pain, addiction, and loneliness keep audiences engaged.

All Creatures Great and Small (Masterpiece)
A remake of the 1970s show based on the real life of a British vet, All Creatures Great and Small is a family-friendly, heartwarming, and enchanting romantic drama series set in World War II-era Britain, with gentle humor, beautiful landscapes, and plenty of animals.

Hidden Figures (Peacock)
Strong female characters + dramatic arc that’ll have you on the edge of your seat + SPACE! What more can I say?

Dr. No (Amazon Prime)
Sean Connery (RIP) stars in the first James Bond movie. Bond discovers a plot to disrupt the upcoming space launch, and of course saves the day (and the world) with his notorious panache.

Unforgiven (Paramount Plus)
Winner of four 1993 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director (Clint Eastwood), this film tells the fictional story of William Munney, a retired outlaw who has forsaken violence and lives alone on a farm with his son. Munny reluctantly agrees to assist an aspiring gunslinger with a job, and heads for a small town ruled with an iron fist by a corrupt sheriff. Will Munney succeed in atoning for the misdeeds of his prior life?

The Great British Baking Show, AKA The Great British Bake-Off (Netflix)
If you’re looking for something lighthearted, engaging, and which will make you hungry, this is the show for you. Amateur bakers from across Britain compete in a series of challenges over ten weeks to demonstrate their talents, learn new skills, and cook some tasty food!

What to Read


The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, by Edmund Morris (Amazon, Bookshop)
This biography covers Roosevelt’s life up to his ascent to the presidency. Roosevelt’s larger-than-life story includes his foray into ranching (he moved west for health reasons), his start in politics, and his iconic charge up San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American war. This book is full of fascinating details that aren’t covered in history class.

Childhood’s End, by Arthur C. Clarke (Amazon, Bookshop)
This isn’t your typical alien invasion story. It offers a fascinating perspective on the potential for symbiosis between species, along with an important reminder that appearances can sometimes be deceiving. It’s a great first read for those curious about the sci-fi genre.

Gardens of the Moon, by Steven Erikson (Amazon, Bookshop)
The first book in Steven Erikson’s epic fantasy series tells the story of the Bridgeburners, an elite infantry unit in the army of the Malazan Empire. The soldiers, mere humans in a world of magic-wielding demigods, struggle to survive against both external foes and betrayal from within. Erikson weaves a compelling tale of heroism in a world loosely based on the latter stages of the Roman Empire, except for the flying wizards and fantastic monsters.

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