Friday, 10 July 2026

Scribble #157

Billionaires (and richer) don't have friends. They have accomplices. And sycophants and brownnosers.

Accomplices, sycophants and brownnosers of avaricious frauds, conmen and criminals, aka billionaires (and richer).

Everybody is equal. Every human being is equal. No one is lesser, for whatever arbitrary, societal, cultural and manmade reason; if you think less of anyone based on money, class, gender, gender identity (or lack thereof), race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, (dis)order, condition, background, religion and faith (or lack thereof) - anything to do with intersectionality - you are wrong, you are bigoted, you are a blind, enabling, arse-kissing tool of a rigid, limited, suffocating, suffering, cruel, corrupt, fascist capitalist and bureaucratic system, and you are denying and rejecting humanity and sentience - other people's, and your own, by not acknowledging your own humanity and sentience in others, who are therefore as deserving of rights, respect and autonomy as you are.

Accept and embrace difference, diversity and divergence. It's human nature. It's natural. It's normal. It's a given. It's the bare minimum. Get over yourself. Stop being so selfish and self-hating.

Let's trust and love each other again.

Let's openly promote kindness, compassion, caring, and empathy as essential, vital human values again.

It's not hard to be empathetic. It really isn't.

The first big step to healing a sick, corrupt system - and destroying the patriarchy in all its self-serving, self-profiting fascism and incompetence once and for all - is to hold men accountable. That's it. It's really that simple. Make sure that men are made responsible for their actions, and stick to it, no matter how rich and powerful and capitalist they are. Stop rewarding them for evil actions. Stop rewarding them for bad behaviour. And for narcissism and sociopathy (for if you reward terrible people for doing terrible things, they are going to keep doing terrible things). Stop celebrating them. Stop going easy on them and their inflated, thin-skinned, fragile and selfish egos. Stop giving them the benefit of the doubt. Stop openly admiring them.

Stop admiring, idolising and rewarding men for what, if they were women, they would instead be despised, ostracised and blacklisted.

On that note, when it comes to women, especially when it comes to women, "blacklisted" is usually code for "they know too much."

"Cancel culture" is just pointing out wrongdoings, that are happening right in front of us, in reality, and making sure that people behave like adults and are held accountable for their own actions. Like, when they harm other people; intentionally or not, there is no excuse. "Sorry" and sincere apologies are also a given; basic politeness, in acknowledging mistakes (for everybody makes those), and trying to rectify and do good.

Misogyny and the cishet-normative white supremacist patriarchy are the insidious poison that is destroying our society - by deliberately dividing us, instead of uniting us, and it's all in the service of filling the pockets and vaults of the privileged, spoiled, entitled and deluded 1%, for all eternity, for them -  and we need to recognise and dismantle this toxic, abusive, evil system once and for all for us to survive.

If only cismen had menstrual cycles it would not be a taboo subject and would not be made shameful and something to hide - men would take and claim it as a sign of pride and strength and "true manhood" and superiority and they would never shut the fuck up about it and would shove it publicly, obnoxiously in our faces all the fucking time and would proudly associate it with violence and aggression and therefore superiority and would use it to excuse literally anything. By that same talking point, if only cismen could get pregnant, their bodily autonomy would be respected, no question. They would universally be allowed to get abortions. The "abortion issue" would not exist. It would not be an issue. There would be no "pro-life" bullshit, since men's lives are automatically seen as more important. There would never be any laws or legislations against it. Abortion would be a given. No question. Men's bodies and reproductive rights would not be fucking controlled and policed. In the patriarchy, men are undeniably respected and listened to, and can get away with whatever they want, after all. They are not seen as "domestic" (aka "homemakers") and 100% "family orientated", after all. They are not marginalised, taken for granted, unappreciated, and seen as second-class citizens and inferior.



Thursday, 9 July 2026

Non-Fiction Book Review - 'The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson'

The big one. 'The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson', containing all of her found poems (presumably). 1,775 of them, in this 716-page tome.

I admit to skimming, but I can still appreciate Emily Dickinson's writings and unappreciated genius for her time. I don't like all of the poems I read all the way through, and, at least in the 1960 edition (edited by Thomas H. Johnson) I bought, they seem to be included in a random order, with absolutely nothing to categorise them or divide them into themed sections - they're just added in. This made for a further difficult read.

But it's Emily Dickinson, one of the greatest female writers and poetesses of the most beautiful, powerful, passionate, poignant, profound, touching, eclectic and wide-range poetry of all time. And lesbian icon.

She sure liked daisies, lilies (all flowers and nature, really), birds, bees, butterflies, angels, the colour purple, and the subject of death (and heaven), didn't she?

My review of 'The Selected Poems of Emily Dickinson' can be found here.

Final Score: 3.5/5

Non-Fiction Book Review - 'The Selected Poems of Emily Dickinson'

It was about time I looked into the poems of Emily Dickinson, even though I am not a poetry person.

But maybe I am now, for classic poetry especially, for these selected poems (out of the 1,775 total that Emily wrote), divided into the sections or 'Books' - Life, Love, Nature, and Time and Eternity - are achingly, hauntingly, cerebrally beautiful. And delicate, creative and passionate. Gossamer, yet powerful and hard-hitting. Yes, Emily, they are "alive" and they do in fact "breathe".

There is nothing I can say to describe Emily Dickinson's poetry, her small vignettes, that hasn't been said better by others for over a hundred years.

Emily Dickinson - a recluse isolated in her room in her family home (how I relate!), a misunderstood, creative, sensitive, centred, squirrelly genius, one of the greatest poetesses of all time, and a lesbian icon.

Read her poems, which will take your breath away, and leave you impressed, and in awe of her talent and way of observing the world, unappreciated during her lifetime.

I love the cover of the Wordsworth Poetry Edition I got, as well.

Final Score: 4/5

Graphic Novel Review - 'Adventure Time Compact Edition: Princess Power!!!' by Various

'Adventure Time Compact Edition: Princess Power!!!'

Less princesses than I anticipated. Far more of Finn and Jake, too.

Still, it is a fun 'Adventure Time' collected issues comic. Some of the stories are really clever and twisty. Just as cartoony, funny, subversive and surreal as the animated series.

I swear Lumpy Space Princess has more panel time than Princess Bubblegum, though. And Marceline is underused and undermined, which is all kinds of sad.

At least it's more entertaining and closer to canon than 'Marcy & Simon'.

More girly 'Adventure Time' comic reviews (including 'Fionna & Cake'! and especially Marceline specials!):


'Marceline Gone Adrift'

'Adventure Time: Marceline'

'Marceline and The Scream Queens'

'Marceline the Pirate Queen'

'Adventure Time: Seeing Red'

'Adventure Time: Thunder Road'

'Adventure Time: Bitter Sweets'

'Marcy & Simon'

'Adventure Time with Fionna and Cake'

'Adventure Time: The Fionna and Cake Compendium Vol. 1'

'Adventure Time with Fionna & Cake: Party Bash Blues'


Final Score (for 'Princess Power!!!'): 3.5/5

Graphic Novel Review - 'Heartstopper Volume Six' by Alice Oseman

The final volume of the best, most heartwarming, breathtaking, loving, and hopeful webseries ever, 'Heartstopper', and of course it is beautiful and tearful, do you need to ask?

Aside from the content, which is, well, everything, I have to mention what a brilliant artist Alice Oseman is. Such perfect facial expressions, and reactions, and other subtle details, in character, body language, blocking, panelling, "snapshots", settings, and background - all so deceptively, deliciously, deliriously simple. And achingly, unbearably adorable and emotional!

Yeah. Not much for me to say without spoiling anything. 'Heartstopper: Volume Six' is darn near perfect; it's not completely satisfactory for a finale - to all the characters' story arcs - but who cares? Nothing and no one can be perfect, and that's the point! It's a darn near perfect end to a perfect series.

Okay, one part I have to point out: Near the end, Charlie talks about being "maybe in another universe" where he and Nick break up over an argument and misunderstanding, to which Nick responds that if that happened, they would figure it out and get back together. Either way, they will be okay, and they will love each other and be together forever. I think, on Oseman's end, this might be somewhat of a critical commentary on the novella she wrote way back in 2015, 'Nick and Charlie' - indeed, the midpoint misunderstanding and breakup in that is the only thing I don't like about it. At least in the webcomics, with the advantage of more time spent on literally drawing and developing the characters and story, and for personal, authorial growth and maturity, there are no contrivances, clichés, and a grave lack of communication (unless it's for understandable reasons that underline the characters' serious issues), from beginning to end.

The best relationships are about communication, openness and honesty, not just love and dependence (codependence and overdependence, and being clingy, are not healthy, and don't realistically work). Share everything - your thoughts, your feelings - whatever is comfortable with you, and whenever you are ready, but remember that you are not a burden, you are not broken, and there is nothing shameful about you, for no one is perfect. Everyone is at least a little "messed up". And having a life partner and being in a relationship is not a substitute for therapy. Don't pin your hopes - and your life - on and around your partner. Seek professional help. Be supportive and caring to your loved one, but this should not be a one-way street. Share. Listen. Communicate. Be honest. Be patient.

'Heartstopper' - it is art that might just be beyond criticism.

It is an experience.

I love it so.

I recommend the miraculously-existing TV adaptation, as well.

I'll end my talking about the 'Heartstopper' comics the way I began it, all the way back in 2017 (nearly ten years ago!), with these words:

Nick and Charlie is life.

And to paraphrase: 'Heartstopper' is too good and pure for this world, and it made me believe in love again - in humanity's capacity for kindness, compassion, empathy, and understanding. It is an LBGTQA+ beauty. Therein lie effortless, organic, authentic human diversity and inclusivity, and the series highlights intersectionality. There are no buzzwords, there is no "pandering", and it's not "woke" - it simply states facts, and reflects reality.

It is what the world needs right now.

It is proof that the simplest things can make the greatest, most important things ever.

'Heartstopper' is one of the sweetest, purest, most charming and adorable and wonderful things ever.

'Heartstopper' by Alice Oseman - it is worth your every penny, pound, and heartbeat.

Happy Pride, every month. Every day. Every minute. Every second. All the time.

Goodbye Charlie Spring, Nick Nelson, Tao Xu, Elle Argent (the greatest!), Tara Jones (love her!), Darcy Olsson (love love them!), Tori Spring (love love love her!), Oliver Spring (adore the little cherub!), Sahar Zahid, Aled Last, Mr Ajayi, Mr Farouk, Nellie the dog, Henry the cutest dog ever, and many others - you and your loves will never be forgotten.

My other gushing 'Heartstopper' reviews, starting from where it all began:


'Heartstopper (webcomic)'

'Heartstopper Volume One'

'Heartstopper Volume Two'

'Heartstopper Volume Three'

'Heartstopper Volume Four'

'Heartstopper Volume Five'

'The Heartstopper Yearbook'

'The Heartstopper Colouring Book'

'Heartstopper - Official Fan Cards'

'Nick and Charlie'

'This Winter'


Final Score (for 'Volume Six'): 4.5/5

Non-Fiction Book Review - 'Dream More: Celebrate the Dreamer in You' by Dolly Parton

'Dolly elaborates on the four great hopes she wants us all to embrace: Dream more, Learn more, Care more, and Be more.'


Everybody should live by this philosophy.



Dolly writes a little self-help book, 'Dream More: Celebrate the Dreamer in You', that expands on the commencement speech/song she made at the University of Tennessee in 2009.

It truly is inspiring and beautiful, just like her.

It's more accessible, breezy, and, dare I say, it's better written than her autobiography, 'Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business'. It can be read in under two hours.

Dolly Parton is a national treasure, with so much to give to the world. I don't agree with everything she says in 'Dream More', especially towards the end, and she does get a teeny bit contradictory in one or two of the points she makes. But it's hard not to be charmed and touched by her words overall.

Her four most important values: Dream more, Learn more, Care more, Be more. Her personal anecdotes, her wisdom, her teachings, how and why she believes so wholeheartedly in her faith, how she expresses herself, how she cares so much about others, but especially children and young people and their education, how she passes no judgement whatsoever, and her powerful song lyrics she adds in - these are the most beautiful, amazing, motivational, and inspirational.

'Dream More' is so light, enchanting, comforting, freeing, faithful, and hopeful. Definitely recommended to Dolly fans, and to people in need of cheering up, and of looking forward and upwards; of finding a star, a fresh start, and anything and everything to live for in this world.

Don't simply wish to be your full self and for life to get better: Follow your dreams now, and keep learning and working hard, and caring about others. Be your real, authentic self. Reach your full potential, in what you give to yourself and other people, however you can. Remember kindness and humility, and never be arrogant and self-important, as well.

Thank you once again, goddess angel human-living-her-best-self Dolly Parton.

Here are more book reviews of me gushing about Dolly, so I don't end up repeating myself:


'Pocket Dolly Wisdom: Witty Quotes and Wise Words from Dolly Parton'

'Dolly Parton: Ultimate Fan Edition: Little Golden Book Biography'

'My Little Golden Book About Dolly Parton'

'Dazzle Like Dolly: Games, Activities, Quizzes & Fun Inspired by the Queen of Country'

'Everything I Need to Know I Learned from Dolly Parton: Country Wisdom for Life's Little Challenges'

'It's Her Story: Dolly Parton'

'Dolly Parton, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones'

'Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics'

'Dolly Parton, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage'

'Coat of Many Colors'


Final Score (for 'Dream More'): 4/5

Friday, 3 July 2026

Supergirl (2026) post

Supergirl (2026) is a fun and entertaining enough superheroine blockbuster movie that, unfortunately, falls victim to the many setbacks in the modern era of filmmaking that prevent it from being a truly great, breathtaking and memorable monument to the art of cinema and theater-going; to the artful mainstream, public pop culture sphere. Like, "It could have been so much better, and at some point during development, it most likely was."

Of course I blame late-stage capitalism, greed, cutting financial corners at every level, and the cowardice of modern corporations and their aversion to taking any risks. This is despite the fact that taking risks is part of what filmmaking - what creating art and entertainment in general - is supposed to be about.

I miss eighties and nineties movies - remember when mainstream cinema made an effort, took risks, went big, and could actually shock you, and create moments in film that stay with you for a lifetime? It's not originality that's dead - it's creators' passion and care that are dead or dying. Remember when filmmakers cared about what they were doing? When they took the effort - went the extra mile - to please themselves and audiences, in giving them not only what they wanted but what they needed? Giving them what they didn't even know they wanted and needed? When writers, directors, producers - storytellers - had something they wanted to say, that needed to be said, and they said it, no holding back, no compromises, no censorship?

Remember when going to see a movie was an experience, an event, that you would never forget? When awes were earned? When movies were not only fun and charming, but challenging and life-changing? These were no mere escapist fiction, but an important message told through entertainment. Messages that were big and important, and thus you were made to feel big and important yourself, in being gifted the knowledge and experience.

When films mattered, and could challenge you brain, and touch your heart and soul, it made it easier to believe you mattered, too, because the films put the effort into telling you so, in their own way, as you were worth the time and effort. You were worth it. You were respected.

Change and challenge in film is good, is what I'm driving home at. Change and challenge and creativity and care. It's what makes art.

Now that's an aspect of nostalgia I can get behind.

(Superman (2025) is all the above to an extent, which Supergirl, like the edgy little sister that tries hard but not hard enough to be like her big brother, doesn't quite land in achieving; even knowing it was never meant to be as colourful and hopeful, though both superhero films are mature in vastly different ways.)

Still, Supergirl does take some risks - even though they're not always for the better, the progressive - and the acting is absolutely superb. Your mileage may vary on whether it is "safe", but it is definitely not "soft". A few changes from the Supergirl comic book lore - including its main inspiration, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow - left me baffled, however. And I'm not cool with the recent movie trend/tactic of female-lead-is-given-no-romantic-interest-not-for-asexual-representation-or-female-independence-but-as-a-way-to-avoid-any-queer-representation-whatsoever-to-pander-to-moronic-and-whiny-queerphobic-"fan"babies-and-conservatives-and-the-Chinese-box-office-market.

But Supergirl is by no means mediocre or worthless. I like its action sequences, its space and different planet settings, its female camaraderie, friendship, support and presence themes, and the unconventional "unlikeable" heroine. Based on the evidence onscreen, I hope it wasn't in fact made by soulless ghouls calling themselves storytellers and entertainers, with soulless intentions in mind.

We need more mainstream superheroine media, dammit. So despite how Supergirl could have been more (though I might be completely satisfied with it in hindsight and on further examination and analysis, who knows), I'm supporting and defending it to the ends of the bloody cosmos.

And at least, unlike the most overhyped, overblown and bloated MCU properties, Supergirl is short and contains no end-credit sequences. There is no baiting, pandering or piss-taking in that area.

No, I'm not burnt out yet; not suffering from superheroine fatigue. Not ever.



Order of favourite DC superheroine films, starting from the top:


Wonder Woman (2017)

Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020)

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

Supergirl (2026)



Also, just because I can, here are my favourite Marvel superheroine films, from the top:


Captain Marvel (2019)

Black Widow (2021)

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) (it counts!)

The Marvels (2023)