Recommendations and Mutual Aid and Baby Animal Joy
Lots of humans in dire need of support because of climate disasters (I can’t in good conscience call them natural disasters anymore) and ongoing and expanding war. Please consider supporting if you are financially able and sharing the resources with your circles.
Hurricane Helene Relief: A hurricane in which we see not only coastal areas, but mountain and deep inland areas and communities devastated.
Appalachians For Appalachia Relief Resources: Lots of resources and also broken down by state/region. Both traditional (charitable giving) and mutual aid options.
Aid for Palestine and Lasting Peace
TV Show: The Change (Brit Box): Season 1 is 6-episodes, 30 mins comedy and season 2 should be airing in the US sometime in the next 6 months. The main character (also creator and writer of the series) finds out she is going through Menopause and decides to take a break from her life (leaving her husband and sister befuddled and confused). It’s funny, snarky in great ways about the patriarchy and health care, and as always, there is great banter, in a quirky UK small town. In many ways it reminded me of another fav, Deadloch. I have already re-watched a few episodes and scenes multiple times for the laughs.
Podcast Series: Empire City-The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD: This series, which I just started, is well-researched and timely. It is the untold history of the NYPD, why it was founded, by whom, who fought it, the inherent corruption, and the too many connections to the present. History repeats and rhymes, and yes, corrupt mayors who are former cops play a part! And added bonus is the host, Chenjerai Kumanyika, is someone I really enjoyed on another fav podcast series, Seeing White, and they do not disappoint.
Documentary: Will and Harper (Netflix): I didn’t know what to expect from this documentary made by Will Ferrell, as he and his best friend, Harper, who transitioned in the past few years, travel the country together. I found it to be sweet and thoughtful, AND not a lot of savior stuff, nor pedantic. And it was of course funny, given they are both comedians! Both were open and vulnerable. Honestly, it made me miss my friends. Stay post credits for the original song!
Movie: Rez Ball (Netflix): Purely as a sportsball movie, one of my favorite genres, it’s solid and good, with not a lot of cringe and cheesiness. The performers, both experienced and debut actors, are a great ensemble. This basketball team, its teenagers, and its adults live on the Reservation and are Native Americans living in modern day USA, so their lives are not devoid of reality, and the movie doesn’t skip over it. While this is generally a “feel good” sports movie, there is financial and mental stress, there is death, loss and grief, and racism. And I recommend this movie for all that it portrays.
Moo Deng: Baby Pygmy hippo still giving me joy daily.
Pesto the Penguin: A huge baby penguin in the Melbourne Aquarium and stupid people are trying to pit Moo Deng against Pesto. Not everything needs to be a conflict!! Both/And!! I just want them to live and grow in safe habitats and not be taunted by visitors and continue to make us smile.
