Losing an Hour on the Clock this Weekend, 7 Days to a Pivotal Election...so here are some recommendations & previews!
Ever-Creeping Darkness (literal and metaphorical) & Diwali
This week I and many billions of folks in South Asia and the diaspora are observing Diwali, Bandi Chor Divas, Dev Diwali, Naraksura Chaturdashi, Bali Padyami, Kali Puja, Tihar or Diwalo-ween as more whimsical folks have deemed it. Hoping and working for a more just and equitable and world for everyone in the coming year.
Recommendations
Podcast and TV: Stuff the British Stole (Podcast and TV Show): I enjoyed this Australian podcast in 2020-2023, and this year they had a one season TV show based on some of their stories. To be honest, I think the podcast is better, and it goes wider than the British but it’s a catchy title, but British Empire, Australia, Canada, France, the US and more have stories here. For me the episode on the Benin Bronzes was my introduction to a still persistent obsession with that history and restitution.
TV: Lincoln Lawyer Season 3 (Netflix): This show is an enjoyable legal procedural and has a wonderful cast, the best being the lead actor Manuel Garcia-Rulfo who is charismatic and attractive and since the first season aired in 2022 I’ve been looking at his Spanish language work as well! There is always one season long case focus, along with small cases and the lives of the friends and staff and adversaries of the law firm.
TV: Simone Biles Rising Part 2 (Netflix): I recommended part 1 of this in July, and appreciated the honesty of Biles and her family showing what happened in 2020 and talking about her physical and mental health journey since then, along with the reality and revelations of institutional negligence in the mass sexual abuse at USA Gymnastics. The final two episodes of this documentary cover the 2024 Paris Olympics, and her history making performances, and have additional interviews from her, her family, and fellow gymnasts. This documentary was excellent and doesn’t pull punches on how USA Gymnastics and the systems and people involved were a mess and horrible, as well as the new approach women’s gymnastics could be having, if allowed to.
Book: The Anti-Ableist Manifesto by Tiffany Yu: Yu’s book is very good, and is history, push back and frank language about how disabled and non disabled have been identified, cared for and impacted. The majority of disabilities are not apparent, which is something that I think even the most progressive allies struggle with in both access, accommodations, and to be blunt, taking things seriously. The book also has workbook sections that are simple but probing questions for each of us to ask ourselves. Easy to read at one time or section by section for more deep thought.
Book: The Indian Card by Carrie Lowry Schuettpelz: The author starts this interesting, educational, and infuriating book with the following statistics as the pivot point for the book: In the 2000 U.S. census, 4.1 million people indicated Native American heritage. But in 2020, it was 9.7 million self-identified, and there were only about 1.9 million enrolled members of tribes in the contiguous U.S. in 2020. With a fusion of history and her own journey to get her own paperwork, and her children’s, Schuettpelz is successful in giving us plenty to question about who gets to call themselves Indian. I also appreciate the deep dive into how various Tribal Nations allied together or conspired against other Tribal Nations because, as the US government does so well, the scarcity of resources for tribal nations, then creates fights for limited resources.
New and New-ish Things to Escape With/To
Moo Deng and Pesto are Still Cute: These two babies continue to provide baby animal joy and distraction in these times. Moo Deng is growing up fast and we got to see her daddy! And the other zoos who have always had pygmy hippos are trying to get some love in Sydney and Berlin and more. Pesto the Penguin is starting to fledge and loose his feathers to become a grown up penguin and it’s a cute mess!
TV: Somebody Somewhere Final Season: (HBO/Max): This has been in annual recommendations since it first came out in 2022, and I’m sad that the new season, which began on Sunday is its last. This group of found and chosen family in Kansas are wonderful, quirky, funny, and real. I love this show and its creator/star, Bridget Everett. I even watch it every week instead of waiting until the whole season drops because it makes me so happy, even when gives me big feels.
TV: The Diplomat Season 2 (Netflix October 31): Look, the first season was an enjoyable time pass (in the good way) and I also mostly remember the snarky banter, outfits they put Keri Russell in, and the pseudo west wing/24/Madam Secretary vibes, so I of course am looking forward to season 2 which drops this week. It is Keri Russell as the US Ambassador to the UK and Rufus Sewell as her husband and politician, and the supporting cast is great, including David Gyasi, Ali Ahn, Nana Mensah, and new cast member Allison Janney!!!
TV: Shrinking Season 2 (Apple TV+): I loved season 1 of this show, created by the Ted Lasso team, and am excited to start season 2, which started two weeks ago. This is about a group of therapist who practice together, and their friends and family, it’s both a workplace and family dramedy. They have fun and it’s also dealing with grief and expectations, and family and friends. It’s a great ensemble cast, and Harrison Ford and Jessica Williams have great chemistry. Still the best scene from Season 1, and I’m looking forward to more great scenes with the two of them this season.