
Musing Disguised As Essays
MIDAE (shorts)
♥︎ I watched eleven year olds whine to their parents “I don’t wannnnaaa go to the drones show. I wannnaa watch the fireeeworrkksss.” Gen Alpha is gonna be alright.
♥︎ I’m anti-consumerism until Trader Joe’s releases a new color of their regular size totes and even cuter, smaller totes… and then I’m a feral consumer like the rest of them. #humbled

♥︎ I've traveled to enough states in the summertime to have a very reasonable (not hot) take: Every room in a house should have a ceiling fan, required by law, because it’s too damn hot everywhere, and it'll only continue to get hotter! The only place that does this correctly is Texas! I can't believe I'm saying that. Texas is doing something right! And you other 49 states need to learn!
♥︎ Every manicured lawn makes me scream inside. It's already a well-documented, studied fact that lawns are not good for the environment and are only a regular staple of American homes because of owning-class exhibitionists. It's basically a fetish and one that I will gladly kink-shame. Lawns could all be unique to their local environment instead of this bullshit water-supply sucker, and APPARENTLY, we're running out of water, so let's cut it out! Literally. CUT FRONT LAWNS OUT OF HOMES!
movies that complement each other
Best Paired With
As much as I love shiny, new movies, I also relish a good classic that has stood the test of time. Consider this Art History. Even Film History! Also Pop Culture Lore, all wrapped up in one. Here are movie recommendations from recent viewings that complement each other in theme.
Drop Dead Gorgeous
Let me start with the movie posters for this film. Today, movie posters tend to be generic. It’s because once it goes to streaming, data is used by streaming companies to figure out what poster is most likely to get you to watch the movie. This unfortunately has taken away from the art of movie posters. This movie had three specific posters that stuck out to me. Each uniquely conveys a narrative of the film, enticing you into the story. #bringbackcoolmovieposters
This comedy is brilliant in its satire, comedic timing, and commitment to the bit. It’s a stacked cast. The line and delivery make for a very quotable movie. While it’s satire, it captures a certain authenticity that draws you into their world.
It’s also not very PC for 2026, which there’s no excuse for, but it doesn’t distract from the heartfelt through-line of genuine support and love the main character has from loved ones. As a 2026 watcher, you will note that (trigger warning) gun violence is part of the bit. This was the most notable contrast in comedy from that time period.
Pageantry and all, it’s a certified star in the genre of Chick Flicks. Kirsten Dunst, you have always been stunning.
✨Best Paired With ✨
Little Miss Sunshine
Yes, I'm a century late to this cult classic. I finally adventured in the yellow Volkswagen with the dysfunctional family on the road trip of a lifetime.
They were all unequivocally, wholeheartedly, earnestly supporting a child's dream. Nothing about the premise makes sense: a financially strapped family of six travels hundreds of miles for a mere beauty contest. The mother wasn't a stage mom, and grandpa was the choreographer. The uncle wasn't even a stereotyped gay man with creative flair! And yet, that dance finale was perfection. This movie is perfection.
Olive, the child, is the star of the movie. I want more films championing children and their existence in the world. Showing the whimsy, innocence, and tender heart of this little girl motivates me, and hopefully you as well, to advocate for children's rights. The United States is the only country in the world that has signed but not ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It means we've pledged but are not legally held to it. There are many critiques about the US government, but this seems like an easy bipartisan win. And yet… Where is the so-called "pro-life" movement when it comes to the Rights of the Child? Supporting children, protecting children, because they are vulnerable and impressionable, is beautifully modeled in this film. They don't shield her from the realities of life (and death), and they also facilitate her growth by doing what seems like going above and beyond, but what I would argue is exactly what any motivated adult would do for themselves. Doing everything possible to reach a goal.
Who knew movies about pageants could be a vehicle for parables with layered lessons that had almost nothing to do with physical attractiveness? Just fabulous.
Music
Bangers For Your Playlists
These songs are on repeat for me and they should be for you too.
I know this sounds like he spat out a cheesy wedding song but the lyrics “But what good is beauty if your booty can't find the beat?” is one hellavuh line. need it on a bumper sticker asap.
If you’re not dancing your ass off in your hot pink shorts when this number comes on, you need psychological evaluation. Certified bop.
A song made by AI but this version is performed by a real band so that’s the one you should listen to. It’s catchy af. It’s uno reverse. “First time in San Juan! mi hijo” is now a vocal stim. “Capital of- Puerto Rico!” idk, I think it’s the summer song…!!!

This pop queen will continue to out sing and release bubble gum pop hits with a femme fatale narrative that just keeps me wanting more. This one is more for the melancholy pop girlies. She keeps us FED!
Mālō ho’o lau
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Tata for now,
Loleita
PS- Do you like the collage cover art? I made it 🙂
