A Break for Some Good Things

Because we already know how bad it's getting out there

With America in literal and figurative flames, one of its most fearless cinematic icons prematurely dead, and Neil Gaiman’s dedicated public feminism revealed to be a more monstrous cover-up than most of us knew, there’s not much I can say right now about the Bad Shit going on. Not yet, anyway. All this gelled unfortunately with some sharp swerves in my mental health this weekend.

I propose, then, to dedicate this week’s Hot and Disabled to a random but fortifying assortment of good things! Here are some that have been making me feel more fit to be human out there:

1. This fascinating article about bird tongues. Not only is it replete with stunning bird photography, but the information in it is mindblowing: bird tongues are more than organs, they’re their own microplanets with seemingly endless variation.

2. This trailer for a Unicorn Horror Movie. How did I not think of this?!

3. This marquee in the Castro, courtesy of Susie Bright. I miss San Francisco somethin’ fierce right now.

   

   photo credit: Gerard Koskovich

4. This photo of Prince:

   

   The Artist.

   5. This photo of flamingos in flight:

   

   Goals, right?

   
   6. Rice!

   
   7. I taught Jane’s Addiction’s “Been Caught Stealing” for my Deviance and Criminality-themed Freshman Composition class last week and my students offered thoughtful insights about the link between shoplifting, community, and liberation as expressed in the immortal music video.

8. My life-changing personal trainer, Rohit Nair, now runs a streetwear clothing brand called Trillion Reps.

9. Trader Joe’s is bringing back canned calamari at the end of the month!

10. Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter bursting out of their Bill and Ted personas to doubtless slay on Broadway for a new production of Waiting for Gadot:

Mood.

I’m sure there’s more. Well, not as sure as I’d like to be…oh, trees.