Submitted by Devon R, who writes to us from the bottom of a well.

Admit it: When you see a rough collie frolicking in the park, you think to yourself “that’s a Lassie dog!” You know it’s true. Though the character of Lassie originated in a novel by author Eric Knight, we most often associate her with the many films and long-running television series in which she starred. We loved Lassie because she was so smart and helpful: She fetched help when Timmy fell down the well, when Timmy encountered a dangerous wild animal, and when Timmy fell down the well…again. Interesting fact: Though Lassie, the character, was female, all of the dogs that portrayed her were male. Take that to Trivia Night!

It’s that time of the week again: ’80s Music Video Thursday! I’ll call this the “Thanksgiving Edition,” although there is nothing relevant to the holiday to be found in the videos below. As always, suggest your favorite cheesy/awful/funny/cool 80s videos in the comments!

“Walk Like an Egyptian” by The Bangles
One of my favorite things in life is learning dances that were choreographed specifically to match the lyrics of the song. Don’t tell me you don’t do “Egyptian arms” when this song comes on the radio. Just don’t do them while driving, ‘cuz that would be dangerous.

“Love is the Drug” by Grace Jones
Grace Jones’ cover of Roxy Music’s “Love is the Drug” is just as good as the original, which is a rare feat. As for Ms. Jones, she was doing the crazy-fashion-music-performance-art thing two decades before Lady GaGa, so let’s give her props. Despite the 80s-ness of the video, I still think it’s kind of cool.

“Lavender” by Marillion
A saccharine video to match a saccharine song. It’s so classically ’80s it hurts.

Previously:
’80s Music Video Thursdays are my Reality
’80s Music Video Thursday is Gonna Set Sail
Bonnie Tyler Owns ’80s Music Video Thursday
Return of the ’80s Music Video Thursday
’80s Music Video Thursday Strikes Back
’80s Music Video Thursday

Submitted by Peter H, aka Burger Court Jester.

Certainly we can all remember how badly we begged our parents to take us out to places like Burger King for dinner. Maybe some of you threw fits when they said No!” And, as I recall, they said “No!” often. But every now and then, they’d get tired of hearing you cry, and take you out. It wasn’t just about the food, which probably tasted good to our unseasoned palates, but about the toys and the crowns and the colorful commercials featuring a cast of interracial cartoons who did cool things. I don’t know about you, but the memories of attending my friends’ birthday parties in the playrooms of local Burger Kings are rushing back.

Submitted by Avrol, who once fashioned a telephone out of coconut and tiger hair.

This 1960 Disney movie had it all: Pirates, dangerous wildlife, family drama, booby traps, treehouses, and romance. It hit all the right notes, which perhaps explains why it was one of the most successful family films ever made. And for all of you wishing you could see this classic updated and brought back to the big screen, you’re in luck! A remake, slated for release in 2012, is currently in production. Start the betting now: Just how bad do you think Disney will mess it up?

Submitted by Ann L, professional choreographer.

Urkel is probably the only thing you remember from ABC’s Family Matters, a TGIF classic. The lovable nerd, who spoke in a nasally voice and always wore suspenders attached to high-water pants, gets his groove on in the clip posted above. What I love most about this scene is how everyone at the party joins in, apparently already having learned the dance steps. The lyrics are WIN, too. Truly “better than Elvis.”