Five Things: July 20

Hello from the Twin Cities, where we recently had our worst recorded air quality ever – I love it when the air smells like burning plastic. :’) I hope you've been able to avoid breathing in too much smokey air and also consuming lettuce parasites. (What a news cycle this has been...)

Hypermobility yoga videos

There’s a 5000-word piece to be written about my experiences with hypermobility, but one key point is that exercise is important, but I have to be careful. Bendy folks are generally encouraged to stay away from yoga, as stretching puts stress on joints that are already weak. I like yoga, so I've generally pushed through and completed at-home practices anyway. However, recently my pain levels have increased after following my favorite Yoga With Adriene videos, so I've realized it's time to listen to my body and find more suitable movement.

Happily, I've learned there are several creators making hypermobility-friendly yoga guides, so I don’t have to completely give up yoga! The video I’m linking in this post is my favorite so far. It’s very gentle but still helps build strength and joint support. My shoulders are particularly prone to partial dislocations, so the arm lifts are my favorite part of the routine.

Curlworks

Curlworks is a Minneapolis-based artist duo making stickers, bags, apparel, and more. Many of their designs are nature-based, very gay (affectionate), or both. They’re a queer- and trans-owned business, and 5% of their profits go directly toward supporting trans folks. They’re also super hot right now – it seemed like every other person at Minneapolis Peoples Pride was wearing one of their iconic fish bags, and I’ve been seeing their bumper stickers all over town. Check out their shop if you’re looking for a fun gift for someone or a treat for yourself.

New(ish) trailer for Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma

After watching I Saw the TV Glow, I was glued to my seat processing what I had just seen as everyone else filed out of the theater. The film stayed in my brain for weeks and cemented Jane Schoenbrun as one of my favorite directors. Their new movie is coming out in just a few weeks, and the latest trailer has me psyched to go see it.

Tokyo Tea Room

I discovered this band while riding in an Uber with a driver playing a chill music mix. The song “Da Nang” stuck out to me, so I checked out the rest of the Tokyo Tea Room discography. Their music is excellent to listen to while you’re doing the dishes, or hosting people, or any time you need a relaxed vibe. I especially enjoy their first EP, Dream Room.

Stranger Things 5: A Historic Fall from Grace by Friendly Space Ninja

Stranger Things was one of my favorite shows when it debuted in 2016, but I stopped watching during season 3. When season 5 finally came out, I was not invested in the show and was only semi-aware that the season wasn’t getting good reviews.

However, when a friend shared that they were watching this video I was excited to watch it too. The creator dissects every episode, shares backstory from the production that explains some of the issues with the season, and touches on the season's reception (notably, that a chunk of the fandom is convinced there must be an alternate finale coming out because the existing finale was so disappointing). I love a good five-hour video essay by someone passionate about the topic they’re discussing, so I had a good time watching this.

Bonus sixth thing: my new icon!

When I asked my very talented friend K to design an icon for my newsletter, I knew it would be cute. I was not prepared for just how cute it would be. Every time you read my writing, imagine this little guy talking to you. It makes me smile, and I hope you enjoy it too.