thai rescue
Manila, 15 July—When I sent out Wednesday's letter, my girlfriend-slash-proofreader, who checks for grammar errors, misspellings and dead links the best she could before any letter gets sent, turned to me and asked: So the Thai boys are for the next letter, right?
I said yes, not just because I felt the need to ration out the good news, few and far between as they are, but also because I believed that the best reporting about it would come a bit later. My favorite so far is this by New York Times, headlined with a damn sincere, 'Still Can't Believe it Worked'. To be honest, as the updates came in, I was a bit wary about being too optimistic; I knew there were significant risks, and that luck would play a really big role on the success of the entire operation.
Thank God for luck then, which lasted them just long enough to get all of the boys, the coach and the rescuers out just in time.
Also: Damn, this issue really brought out the best attempts at infographics from everywhere. Sharing some I've seen from all over.
(Aside: The BBC put up this link alongside their Thai rescue explainer specifically put together for children: Advice if you're upset by the news. So so thoughtful.)
Anyway, as I was writing this up, news broke that Sen. Manny Pacquiao has won his fight against Lucas Matthysse in Malaysia via a 7th round TKO. My first question always is: Aren't elected officials barred from exercising their profession while in office? Hasn't Pacquiao promised time and again that he would hang those boxing gloves upon election? Not that I had very high hopes anyhow, as this posturing is par for the course, considering how politicians are so emboldened to drop promises left and right as there is literally no consequence to promises left unfulfilled.
So there: No congratulations from me for Sen Pacquiao, for this KO win, regardless if it's his first KO in roughly ten years or whatever (and even if this fight technically occurs while Congress is adjourned—his alibi, for sure). Remember: He's still a misogynist homophobe who benefits from my taxes, and who has continued to throw his support behind this President.
Additional reading: Why boxers can't ever quit via sbnation (h/t @anamgroa, thank you!)
Netflix rec: Queer Eye
This Queer Eye series is a reboot, but damn this reboot is basically just 5 gay guys being super sweet and useful and bold and making grown men cry. We're done with Season 1 (S01E04's AJ who came out to his stepmom OHMYGddd) and we're currently savoring Season 2 and yesterday I found myself draping a towelette on my shoulder as I washed the dishes, full Antoni style, which is proof that this show has changed my life.
Let it change yours.
Speaking of queer...
If this movie does not turn out to be Carol 2 I'd be so disappointed???
This was all over my feeds this weekend because hello Blake Lively in a suit would surely turn some community member heads (mine included). Is this the gay Gone Girl we didn't know we wanted? Why Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively instead of Sarah Paulson and Cate Blanchett? Man, the questions are endless.
An important update:
THE BLACK BOOKS PH IS NOW AVAILABLE IN LA LOCAL. Happy to report that The Black Books PH specialized planners for both professionals and students (The Outlook and The Outline) are now available at La Local PH, which is located on Castro St near DLSU. Both are undated 12-month planners, 11x21cm, 100gsm paper. Sleek and clean.
NEW PRODUCT ALERT: The Draft, which are blank versions, 11x21cm and 140gsm. Get your markers out because this paper is ready for you.