I collected some things

[elisi]

A few petitions:

Urgently review the current Ofsted Framework and associated methodology

Good Law Project: Protect Our Rivers

Stop “conversion therapies” in Colombia

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Fascinating video essay:

Doctor Who Was Queerbait
The Doctor and the Valeyard's lesser known second trial, with Thasmin on the stand.

Brilliant format and it examines the topic from every angle. Whether or not you agree with the verdict, they delve into both pros and cons and their conclusion is very nuanced.

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And a few interesting news stories from Aljazeera:

Refusing Putin’s war: The Russians fleeing to Kazakhstan

Vatican rejects ‘Doctrine of Discovery’ justifying colonialism

Hydrogen no break from fossil fuels, energy colonialism: Report

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Daily Dimash: Together

🎶 If you want to change the world let’s start today 🎶

Watch on YouTube

On April 9, 2023, Dimash Qudaibergen released a new music video for the first composition work of his younger brother Abilmansur. The cosmic plot of the music video “Together”, starring Dimash, Abilmansur and Raushan Qudaibergen, tells about how important friendship and support of relatives is.

(For a breakdown of the video please see this article. And the quality of his videos is just *chef's kiss*)

It's a lovely and very catchy pop song, with a really positive message, but mostly I'm 😭 because he is working with his brother and they're so happy together.

Also it's amazing that he is able to steer his own career without any compromises or signing up with a record label. I wish all artists could have this degree of freedom.

ETA: Wonderful reaction here, delving into not just the music but also the meaning:

Watch on YouTube

Comments

[sea_thoughts]

The Doctor and the Valeyard's lesser known second trial, with Thasmin on the stand.

Brilliant format and it examines the topic from every angle. Whether or not you agree with the verdict, they delve into both pros and cons and their conclusion is very nuanced.

Very interesting video. However, I do have to agree with the Valeyard (shocker) that it wasn't 'queerbaiting'. When he was complaining about the lack of follow through and how it didn't affect the story in any way, I thought 'That's the entire problem of Chibnall's run writ large, Thasmin isn't special in that way, it's completely in keeping with the writing.' They didn't fumble Yasmin because it's a same-sex love story, they fumbled it because they didn't want to accept the consequences of including it, same with everything else they introduced.

[elisi]

I thought 'That's the entire problem of Chibnall's run writ large, Thasmin isn't special in that way, it's completely in keeping with the writing.'
This made me laugh! Thasmin wasn't special, although turning that on its head EVERYTHING was baiting - the Timeless Child was lore-baiting, the companions were character development-baiting, the show itself was baiting: Keep watching and at some point the Doctor will do something! Psych! *g*

Mind you, I'm not sure that lets it off the hook. Just because the show was consistent in its lack of follow-through doesn't mean Thasmin wasn't queer baiting. It's just that it was a very visible failing.

[sea_thoughts]

...although turning that on its head EVERYTHING was baiting - the Timeless Child was lore-baiting, the companions were character development-baiting, the show itself was baiting: Keep watching and at some point the Doctor will do something! Psych!

LOL! Yes, I agree. And the Timeless Child was much more 'bait' than anything else because they really promised it was going to be EPIC and CHANGE EVERYTHING... then it didn't. For me Thasmin doesn't qualify because there was a complete lack of intent over the pairing for most of the run and then the writers genuinely said "okay, they talked about it, now back to the plot". Absolutely clueless. But I realise this is a matter of personal opinion. A lot of people were (somehow) happy with what they got.

[elisi]

And the Timeless Child was much more 'bait' than anything else because they really promised it was going to be EPIC and CHANGE EVERYTHING... then it didn't.
I am deeply curious whether RTD will do anything with it, or if it will just be one of those things that is Never Spoken Of Again (like the Doctor's human mother).

A lot of people were (somehow) happy with what they got.
[Giles voice]: "Thasmin fans, I want more for you..."

[sea_thoughts]

I am deeply curious whether RTD will do anything with it, or if it will just be one of those things that is Never Spoken Of Again (like the Doctor's human mother).

I don't mind, honestly. If he wants to ignore it completely, fine by me. If he wants to do something with it, I'm happy to see where he takes it because at least it will be INTERESTING and he won't be afraid to follow it to the bitter end.

[Giles voice]: "Thasmin fans, I want more for you..."

Ha... ditto. My friends were so excited and I was like "I'm happy for you... really..."

[elisi]

I don't mind, honestly. If he wants to ignore it completely, fine by me. If he wants to do something with it, I'm happy to see where he takes it because at least it will be INTERESTING and he won't be afraid to follow it to the bitter end.
This. Also I really hope he brings Gallifrey back.

Ha... ditto. My friends were so excited and I was like "I'm happy for you... really..."
I watched a reaction to The Fires of Pompeii the other day, and GOODNESS Donna is amazing and pushes back against the Doctor fantastically well. *deeeeep sigh* (I'm so glad she is coming back!)

[sea_thoughts]

I hope he brings Gallifrey back too!

I watched a reaction to The Fires of Pompeii the other day, and GOODNESS Donna is amazing and pushes back against the Doctor fantastically well. *deeeeep sigh*

"TARDIS? Time Lord? Yeah!"
"Donna, human, no!"

[elisi]

I hope he brings Gallifrey back too!
Promethia thinks it would be extra neat, because he's the one who destroyed it the first time. Now it's his turn to undo someone else's mess.

"TARDIS? Time Lord? Yeah!"
"Donna, human, no!"
WHERE was this energy from the Fam? /rhetorical question

[kazzy_cee]

Thanks for the links. That hydrogen article is not a surprise to me ….

[elisi]

You're welcome. And yeah, same. Although it's still a disappointment. :(