Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Dear Washington Post, you are the darkness now.

The next time the wall street journal editorial board speaks the truth will be the first.

The arc of history bends toward the same old fuckery.

Insiders who complain to politico: please report to the white house office of shut the fuck up.

They love authoritarianism, but only when they get to be the authoritarians.

You’re just a puppy masquerading as an old coot.

You know it’s bad when the Project 2025 people have to create training videos on “How To Be Normal”.

The low info voters probably won’t even notice or remember by their next lap around the goldfish bowl.

The real work of an opposition party is to oppose.

Anne Laurie is a fucking hero in so many ways. ~ Betty Cracker

Trumpflation is an intolerable hardship for every American, and it’s Trump’s fault.

Disappointing to see gov. newsom with his finger to the wind.

The unpunished coup was a training exercise.

the 10% who apparently lack object permanence

Wow, you are pre-disappointed. How surprising.

Bad people in a position to do bad things will do bad things because they are bad people. End of story.

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

If senate republicans had any shame, they’d die of it.

Nothing worth doing is easy.

We are aware of all internet traditions.

The rest of the comments were smacking Boebert like she was a piñata.

Something needs to be done about our bogus SCOTUS.

If America since Jan 2025 hasn’t broken your heart, you haven’t loved her enough.

🎶 Those boots were made for mockin’ 🎵

You are here: Home / Balloon Juice / Make The World A Better Place / Friday Good Vibes

Friday Good Vibes

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It’s been a rough week, so when I sat down to unwind, I chose some feel-good documentaries. I thought I would recommend three that I really enjoyed.

 

I stumbled on this when I picked up a month of Prime (I see it’s also available on YouTube TV). It’s a few years old, but I had no idea about these brilliant musicians and I added quite a few songs to my summer playlist with a new understanding of the magic behind their beautiful sounds.

 

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Finally had time to sit down and watch Butterfly in the Sky (Netflix) and man, bring the tissues if people doing what they love and loving what they are doing makes you teary. I was much too old for Reading Rainbow when it aired, but my brothers were still of an age to watch it. You don’t need to have been a fan to enjoy this documentary.

These are amazing creatives – most with teaching in their backgrounds – who wanted to change the world for children. And boy did they. I absolutely recommend this one.

 

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Outstanding will both break your heart and restore your faith. These are some of the bravest folks who just want to make us laugh. I had watched the comedy special (I want to say two years ago – time has been sooo weird since the pandemic) when it came out and it’s a good watch, too. Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration

I couldn’t find a trailer for it, but the YouTube channel Netflix is a Joke has several cuts from the show.  Watch here. 

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I feel like I should give you a Reggie update. We had our first official vet visit with my vet last week. He’s doing great, we won’t know the extent of his Manx syndrome until he’s fully grown, but she did give me some things to watch out for. Mostly if he’s having any back pain. He had acupuncture with his foster mom when he still couldn’t walk, and it seemed to help, so the vet suggested we continue that therapy.

Good Vibes Friday

Scout is going in for an acupuncture/chiropractic session next week (she tweaked her neck when she lunged on her halti a while back – the LAST time she wore it, btw – and it continues to bother her occasionally) and I’m going to talk with that vet about her recommendations for Reggie. She mostly does only these therapies full-time now, so I’m hoping she’s had some experience with Manx syndrome herself.

Friday Good Vibes
Yes, he jumped up onto the washing machine (which is a top loading HE w/o an agitator, super efficient). Nothing wrong with his motor skills, for sure.

 

Good Vibes Friday 1
This is why Little Man gets put in a room at dinnertime

Funny story – Scout actually had an appointment for a session at my vet office and I got a call yesterday saying that vet wasn’t comfortable working on a dog that big. I tried not to be offended for Scout, but they recommended another vet, who just happened to be who I used for Bixby’s treatments. I was going to call her originally, but since my vet office had chiropractic on site, seemed easier to just stick with them. Teach me to be efficient. LOL

Good Vibes Friday 2
This is my cervical pillow, but it works well for her – 10 minutes a day

 

To close out, Alex Trebek stamps went on sale today at the USPS

Friday Good Vibes 1
CLUE: This Naturalized U.S. Citizen Is Now Honored With a Forever Stamp. CORRECT RESPONSE: Who Is Alex Trebek?

This is a good vibes open thread

 

 

Reader Interactions

76Comments

  1. 1.

    J. Arthur Crank

    Those Trebek stamps are pretty awesome.

    Also too:  Reggie is the bestest boy in the house, and he knows it.

  2. 2.

    dr. bloor

    My favorite factoid from the Wrecking Crew documentary–well worth anyone’s time–is that Glen Campbell, monster guitarist, couldn’t read music.

  5. 5.

    Redshift

    I heard a story on bbc yesterday about the (real) first women’s World Cup in 1971. There’s a documentary coming out soon.

    Short version: it was organized by a group of Mexican businessmen, unsanctioned by FIFA, to make more money off the facilities that had been built for the men’s Cup. It was wildly successful, a great experience for those who participated, and afterwards FIFA suppressed it, stomped all over it, and punished everyone involved. But the women who played (who are mainly what the docu is about) all sound great.

  9. 9.

    West of the Rockies

    The doc Brats on Hulu is pretty engaging (about the 80’s Brat Pack).  A new Cyndi Lauper doc looks promising, too.

  10. 10.

    Joy in FL

    Thanks for posting about all these goodies. And I love seeing photos of BJ animals any time, all the time.

    I just went to the USPS website to check out the Alex Trebek stamps, and that site says they will be available on July 22 and can be pre-ordered now. I’m glad you posted about the stamps, because I would not have known about them since I hardly go to the post office. But I love buying cool stamps, and I will definitely get a sheet of these.

  11. 11.

    Mousebumples

    https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-06-19/california-to-return-2800-acres-to-shasta-indian-nation

    Gov. Gavin Newsom has set in motion the largest land return in California history, declaring his support for the return of ancestral lands to the Shasta Indian Nation that were seized a century ago and submerged.

    The 2,800 acres in Siskiyou County are part of the Klamath River dam removal project, which will rehabilitate more than 300 miles of salmon habitat.

    “This is a down payment on the state’s commitment to do better by the Native American communities who have called this land home since time immemorial,” Newsom said in a statement. The governor’s announcement Tuesday marked the fifth anniversary of California’s official apology to its Native American peoples for the state’s historical wrongdoings.

  12. 12.

    Mousebumples

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/21/diesel-pet-donkey-california

    A donkey spotted apparently living with a herd of wild elk in a video that went viral on the internet has been identified as Diesel, a once beloved pet who had apparently run away five years ago.

    The video was taken earlier this year, when Max Fennell, a hunter in northern California, filmed a group of wild elk apparently hanging out with a donkey who appeared to be a member of their herd.

    The short clip of the unusual scene rapidly spread across social media. Now Terrie Drewry and her husband, Dave, have told CBS news that they are convinced the free-roaming burro is their missing pet Diesel, who had scarpered into the wilderness five years earlier.

    “It was amazing. It was like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ Finally, we saw him. Finally, we know he’s good. He’s living his best life. He’s happy. He’s healthy, and it was just a relief,” Drewry told CBS.

    The Drewrys revealed that Diesel had gone missing after getting scared on a trail while on a hiking trip with his human family. They searched for him in vain, though a trail camera spotted him, and hoof prints showed that he was still alive.

    Despite their joy, in seeing Diesel alive and apparently thriving as a want-to-be elk, they have no plans to try to capture him.

    “He’s out there doing what he’s raised to do,” Drewry told the television network.

  13. 13.

    karen marie

    TaMara, have you tried an easy-walk harness?

    I had one for my spaniel for her first three years.  Our trainer recommended it because Lucy would pull so hard, her front legs would be off the ground.  It was incredible.  I could carry a hot coffee in my leash hand and even if she hit the end of the leash, my coffee would not spill.  Obvs, a Great Dane is a lot more dog than a 20-pound spaniel but still — the mechanics are the same.

  16. 16.

    Leto

    I also stumbled upon the Wrecking Crew a few weeks ago. Thought it was really good, and helped shed light on a lot of the music from the late 50s through late 60s. Def recommend!

  20. 20.

    Doc Sardonic

    @dr. bloor: Many guitar players can’t, don’t or won’t read music. It is easier to use the Nashville Number System(which has been around for about 400 years Nashville just got credited with the naming rights) or tablature. Personally, I can read music and will use it for all the other instruments I play, but with guitar I don’t, it’s easier and quicker to use NNS or tabs. Added benefit of NNS is it works in any key without having to change the arrangement, makes key changes and shifts much quicker.

  21. 21.

    trollhattan

    I too happened across The Wrecking Crew! a month or so ago and loved every moment. Also learned just how many artists they backed up, an order of magnitude more than I ever imagined.

    Note it’s directed by Tommy Tedesco’s son Denny, which kind of brought things full circle for me.

  22. 22.

    Anotherlurker

    @karen marie: I swear by Easy Walk/front pull harnesses.  I’ve used them with every pup in my life.

    Back pull harnesses didn’t work for us . The pup (a Golden Retriever)  thought it was a signal to engage in a tug of war.  An added benefit of front pull is you are not putting stress on their neck.

  24. 24.

    Tony Jay

     Got told my interview last week had bagged me a sideways promotion. More money, but more stress, and I actually enjoy what I already do. OTOH I’d actually be responsible for getting hundreds of elderly and sick people to hospital appointments every day that they’d otherwise miss, so that could be fun too.

    Oh, and I gave blood, so I can’t drink, but I can drive Lady Jay and her broken toe to the local Thai to celebrate. Sweet Jebus but I am a veritable saint in mostly human form. Don’t tell youknowwho.

     

  25. 25.

    trollhattan

    @trollhattan: ​
    ETA recommended pairings with the Wrecking Crew film are Love & Mercy, the Brian Wilson biopic. and Muscle Shoals, about Louisiana’s version of the Wrecking Crew.

  28. 28.

    CaseyL

    Excellent photo of Reggie, who is growing from an adorable wide-eyed tiny ball of fluff into a right regal looking gentleman with a calm, steady gaze.  Absolutely adore the freckle!

  31. 31.

    zhena gogolia

    @Tony Jay: Congratulations! I can’t imagine what it’s like to talk to you in real life. 😂 I hope those old folks have strong minds.

  32. 32.

    Tony Jay

    @raven:

    Christ, I knew American private medical coverage had gaps and bred a certain necessary self-sufficiency, but I didn’t know you had to provide your own diagnosis!

    Don’t you know a friendly local vet? 😂

  34. 34.

    Kelly

    I had my first good river swim of the summer yesterday. Water temp 68f Air temp 80f The water is clear as glass.

  36. 36.

    Anotherlurker

    @karen marie: BTW, my current pup is a black, 2yo., 20lb.  Cocker Spaniel named Lucy.  She is the cutest doggie in Walnut Creek!

    I never pictured myself as the servant of a smaller pup. All my dogs have been rescue Goldens.  When Addie, my last Golden passed away on Election Day, 2022, I was devestated. I was so sad that my friends, who had adopted Jack, Lucy’s litter mate, were very worried about me. They suggested I adopt Lucy. I never saw myself with a 6 month old puppy so I told them I would have to think about it. Well, after about 30 minutes thought I said yes, I will adopt her. It is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

    My late mother’s name was Lucy and my friend’s late father was Jack.  These beautiful, loving Pups are a fitting tribute to our departed parents.  They would have loved them.

    My friend and I went to Kindergarten together. We are both 72.  We knew the parents well.

  38. 38.

    Tony Jay

    @zhena gogolia:

    I try to occupy the phone-talk space between Hugh Laurie’s House and the drunk hobo at the back of the bus. It’s worked out so far!

  40. 40.

    Tony Jay

    @WaterGirl:

    Taking it. The relentless bullying and the offer of more filthy lucre has swayed me.

    I will enjoy it. Organising a whole day’s transports and then dealing with the ongoing collapse into chaos after the plan meets that day’s reality will be interesting. Stressful, but interesting, and it’s all about making sure people get the care they need, sooooooo, why not?

  41. 41.

    Ceci n est pas mon nym

    Seen both of those. I agree, they are both excellent and great stories.

    Here are three biographies off the top of my head that taught me a lot about these three amazing ladies who were so much more than I had known.

    Nichelle Nichols, actor, singer, and savior of the NASA shuttle program

    Hedy Lamarr, inventor whose contribution to secure communication could have shortened WW2 if the brass had actually listened to her

    Rose Marie, entertainer in many media with an astonishing 9-decade career

    Oh, just thought of another one we saw in the theaters: Ingrid Bergman in her own words.

    Those are all trailers. You’re  on your own to track down the actual film,

  43. 43.

    dexwood

    I’ve recommended Rumble: the Indians Who Rocked the World a time or three here before. Great music documentary from 2017. Wonderfully done with some surprises, too. Would link, but on my phone and in a waiting room about to be called.

  45. 45.

    Ceci n est pas mon nym

    I’m a classically trained musician with zero, less than zero, ability to improvise or do anything that’s not printed on the page. The Wrecking Crew documentary was a real eye-opener for me on how great popular music comes together in the studio. I always envisioned the arranger sitting there writing down a conductor’s score in advance: “OK, we’ll do this guitar riff here, have the piano do this thing there, and of course cowbell everywhere.”

    Nah. They sit around trying and rejecting different stuff, till Arethra Franklin out of the blue comes up with the piano part for R-E-S-P-E-C-T and suddenly it’s a song.

    It’s a very mysterious process. Everything about jamming is black magic to me.

  46. 46.

    Kelly

    @Mousebumples: Four not very useful dams are being demolished, making the land available. The Klamath tribes are hoping for a revival of the salmon. This will be the most consequential dam removal so far. The smaller Elwha River dam removals have improved salmon runs and estuary habitat.

  47. 47.

    raven

    @Tony Jay: Nah, it makes it clear that the “treatment team” has nt seen the results. This new “mychart” sends results immediately. I did a blood panel in my GP’s office and got the results immediately!

     

    Help me with this. We watch every Brit cop show we can. What’s with “in hospital” and not “in THE hospital”? Same with university?

  51. 51.

    NeenerNeener

    There’s another documentary on Netflix called “Immediate Family”, about the session musicians of the 1970s/80s. I had no idea Carole King used to be in James Taylor’s band before she went solo. Waddy Wachtel seems to have played on everything.

  52. 52.

    The Pale Scot

    @Tony Jay:

    Christ, I knew American private medical coverage had gaps and bred a certain necessary self-sufficiency,

    Dude, you have no fucking idea, my sister and I go thru my father’s blood work and other scans with a fine tooth comb, she’s the grind and I’m the geek. Here in Charlotte county Fl the general attitude of the medical industry is the population is elderly and they are going to die of something so fuck it. All hospitals are owned by HCE, Rick Scott’s “I took the 5th 67 times about medicare fraud before Congress. “

  53. 53.

    NeenerNeener

    @raven: That bugs me too. And it seems to be catching on over on this side of the herring pond. Nobody goes to “the prom” anymore, it’s just “prom”.

  56. 56.

    sdhays

    @raven: “In university” is just the same as “in college” – I think that really comes down to “college” and “university” meaning somewhat different things in different countries since “college” is a place to get an undergraduate degree in the US and…not elsewhere. If I recall correctly, “college” in Canada, for example, is closer to what we call “community college” in the US, at least when I was in Canada 20 years ago.

    I’ve always thought that the US English “in THE hospital” is kind of weird. What hospital?

  57. 57.

    smith

    Gaaah

    A Nevada state court judge dismissed a criminal indictment Friday against six Republicans accused of submitting certificates to Congress falsely declaring Donald Trump the winner of the state’s 2020 presidential election, potentially killing the case with a ruling that state prosecutors chose the wrong venue to file the case.

    The AG says he’ll appeal. If that doesn’t work, he may not be able to convene a new grand jury in another venue because of the statute of limitations.

  61. 61.

    Tommy D

    Wrecking Crew was a labor of love by Denny Tedesco, son of Tommy who is featured in it. The doc was crowd-funded. And it will touch on virtually every song you loved in the 60s. Don’t miss it.

  62. 62.

    prostratedragon

    Dogs and cats living together!

    Ran across this short about The Most Feared Song in Jazz, i.e. John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps,” and how it steps through the circle of fifths. Good example of human progress where something that floored one generation of experts became school exercises for later ones.

  63. 63.

    theturtlemoves

    One of the only stations they had on the TV in the birthing suite at the Catholic hospital my son was born in 27 years ago was PBS.  Labor was 18 hours and for a pretty solid chunk of that there was a Reading Rainbow marathon going (it was from late at night until like 6 am) .  My wife and I have good but oddly specific memories of that show.

  65. 65.

    PJ

    @Ceci n est pas mon nym: There’s nothing mysterious about it.  You try different parts until you find the one that appeals to you and your bandmates.  Then you move onto the next part. It’s how humans create everything.

  67. 67.

    Yutsano

    It’s Friday in a four-day week. For me that’s celebration enough.

    Oh and I’m looking at an apartment tomorrow!

  68. 68.

    Tony Jay

    @raven:

    I think it’s a difference in context. When we say University or Hospital or Court, we’re not thinking about them as discreet, individual buildings or complexes that may, in some cases, be owned and run by completely different people as private enterprises, we’re talking about them as local incidents of a wider concept. It matters less which one you go to and more that you’re going to one at all.

    Basically it’s like the way Americans say kids can ‘go potty’. It’s the thing you’re doing that matters.

  69. 69.

    Tony Jay

    @The Pale Scot:

    I honestly can’t imagine dealing with that kind of obstacle course of fuckery. The NHS is flawed in some ways, but even after decades of deliberate, malicious abuse, it’s still one of the greatest things this country has ever done and it still works because it’s something we did together and for the benefit of all.

  71. 71.

    Anotherlurker

    @dexwood: Great documentary!  I’ve watched it several times.  It is a good example of oppressed people banding together to add an invaluable art form to the world.

  75. 75.

    Tony Jay

    @rikyrah:

    I want to, and I’d love to, but I just don’t get the time to write longform much anymore.

    But if I do, it’ll be here. Got a lot to say about the rot hollowing out Britain from the head down, none of it very frigging hopeful.

  76. 76.

    karen marie

    @Anotherlurker:   I am delighted to hear your happy tale!

    I was a bit annoyed myself that I had named my girl Lucy.  I did it because it was the first name that popped into my head when I saw her.  She looked like a Lucy.  I was annoyed because it turns out three out of four female dogs are named Lucy.  I should have named her Louise, because – especially when she was young – she often made me say “geez.”

    My Lucy is 3/4 Cavalier King Charles and 1/4 Cocker, so she’s more than a little insane.  The insanity has toned down a lot over the last 14 years but she still makes me rip my hair out.  These days, instead of her being a complete goof and getting in unimaginable amounts of trouble, it’s intestinal. I think she has IBS although she’s never been formally diagnosed with such.

    Your Lucy is a lightweight for a Cocker.  My Lucy is also 20 pounds but Cavaliers are smaller.  My previous female full Cocker – Patty Patty – was 27 pounds, her half brother was 37 pounds.  The smaller size is an advantage in a lot of ways.  Smaller poop, easier to heave in and out of the tub.

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