the jemini weekly: third installment (bedrot edition)
Where Pop Culture, Cosmos, and Chaos Collide
Oh heyyyy,
It’s me again — writing this from the permanent indentation I’ve left in my mattress after rotting in bed all week. I don’t really have a fun intro this time, so let’s just jump into it.
//
JEM IRL
Get ready for the quickest JEM IRL segment, because I did absolutely not a damn thing this week. On Tuesday, I went to Urgent Care because my body has been betraying me and I needed to get some labs done. I worked from home all week and then mostly laid in bed watching movies and new series releases (check out the Film-Not-Bro corner for more on that). But honestly, Mercury in Virgo had me trying to get my shit together and setting goals which was nice.
I have a Notion Life-Dash I made a while back to help me keep track of my to-do lists, goals, habit tracking and manifestations and I spent a few hours updating and filling it in. I even went through my entire 64-product skincare collection and logged / took inventory of everything I have so Mirgo was Mirgoing for sureee. At least something productive happened this week. On Saturday I got my labs back… and I have TWO issues at the same time so now I’m on steroids and antibiotics — yayyy!
Pop-Culture Moment: Leave Chappell Alone
If we’re mutuals on TikTok you might have already seen my 5-minute friends-only rant about how the internet is treating Chappell Roan, but it’s genuinely been fucking me up so let’s go.
The internet never fails to build an artist up to a seemingly ‘untouchable’ status, only to, just a few months later, take the first opportunity to break them down. The tide changes so fast… it’s honestly embarrassing to watch. Like y’all are so predictable that it’s embarrassing. You should feel embarrassed.
I feel like it it all started when Chappell released her statement about people being weird to her in public and setting boundaries with how she wants to be interacted with… and then the “you shut the fuck up… not me bitch,” red carpet moment. These were well received by the public, with the ‘perioddd queen’’s of it all. But it laid the ground work and provided ammo for what is happening now.
Most recently, Chappell spoke in an interview about why she isn’t endorsing Kamala Harris. A quote was pulled from the interview, taken wildly out of context, and could’ve been interpreted as Chappell somehow weighing her options between political candidates, or believing the issues on both sides are equally troubling.
See here for a bit more info on this initial controversy. But essentially, people took the partial quote and ran with it… because we lack media literacy in this country — and tried to claim she, a pro-Palestine female drag artist who has been incredibly vocal about anti-trans legislation and more, is closet-MAGA. Exhausted I tell you. So Chappell posted this TikTok trying to clear the air and people still made the choice, yes choice because please choose to stop being dumb, to misunderstand what she was saying because she said she is “questioning both sides.” As if she meant questioning who to vote for because there are issues on both sides. So she made another video to clarify that she is, in fact, voting for Kamala Harris, but will not endorse her. Not to mention she made it very clear that OBVIOUSLY the right is MUCH worse than the left, so there was not even a remote attempt at equivalency by Chappell. But the internet is still clowning her. That said, Chappell my love, please learn how to pronounce Kamala (Comma-Luh), it’s been too long to still be mispronouncing her name.
I think people fail to realize that we are allowed to question our political figure heads. Just because they’ve been chosen by, let me remind you, NOT US, to represent ‘our’ side in the election — does not mean we need to blindly support them. Does not mean we shouldn’t question them and hold them accountable. In fact it’s quite the opposite… because they’re public servants, they work for us. Chappell is doing to Kamala what we beg conservatives to do with Trump — to not blindly follow and support him just because he’s the figure head of the right. To question him and the things he says and does. To hold him accountable for where he falls short. To me, Kamala has been pandering to independents and conservatives who are tired of Trump because she KNOWS we’re voting for her regardless because we really don’t have a choice. Because the majority of democrats refuse to question her anyway and she can get away with it and because the other option is a total freak. But she might as well be a 2000s Republican because the spectrum has shifted so far in the direction of far-right extremism that in comparison, she looks like Bernie Sanders. We’re allowed to not be pleased with her, even if we’re voting for her.
There is a clear difference between voting for someone and endorsing them. To endorse is to ‘declare one's public approval or support of' someone or something if anyone bothered to read a fucking dictionary or google it’s meaning and recognize the difference. I will be voting for Kamala. I do NOT approve of her and her candidacy for the most part. So Chappell and I are on the same page…care to cancel me too? It’s so frustrating to see the inability of people even on ‘my’ side of the aisle to understand political nuance that it makes me not even want to be associated with democrats whatsoever. Because ya’ll are being fucking nutty this election szn.
Anyway… Chappell has been vocal about her struggles with her quick rise to fame and all the changes that came with it, her existing mental health issues (including bipolar disorder) and her recent ongoing battle with severe depression (as of Sept 21st). And on September 27th, she announced she was cancelling her performances at the All Things Go music festival (see this Deadline article for her full IGS statement) — specifically citing her health.
The internet wasted no time in meeting a girl who has been open about her severe mental-health struggles for months and as recently as a week ago with anger and judgement. "This is your job,” “Girl, you seem to be needing a lot of days off recently,” “We’re watching the downfall of Chappell Roan in real time,” “I spent so much money on these tickets, how could she cancel this last minute” are just a few of the comments or critiques I’ve seen on TikTok.
Pause.
I thought we were the ‘prioritizing our mental health,’ ‘check in on your friends,’ ‘i hope you win the ware you tell no one about’ generation? Ahhh… as soon as someone’s mental breakdown impacts your wallet because you chose to spend money on a ticket to a festival with the intent on seeing one artist — suddenly ‘what is depression?’ As if she can pre-schedule her mental health issues to accommodate your availability.
Not only that… but there’s a certain tone that people take when commenting during a celebrities downfall. It’s like the internet finds pleasure in watching artists suffer. In beating them down until they’re broken.
We talk about artists who have had public mental breakdowns or died with such empathy: Anna Nicole Smith and Amy Winehouse are prime examples. But if you were to go back in time, in the years, weeks, even days leading up to their deaths. The treatment of these women, the language being used by the public would disgust you. Today, when we’re watching someone struggle before a tragedy happens, we join in on this same kind of vitriol that has lead to the downfall or demise of innumerable artists, indirectly or not. It makes me genuinely sick to my stomach. If god forbid something were to happen to Chappell, I know the tide would switch right back. And the same people who were dragging her on TikTok would be suddenly be talking about, ‘gone too soon </3.” Get it together bitch.
Chappell has been happily making music since 2015 or earlier. At no point did she say, “I want to be the world’s biggest pop-star.” People are allowed to make and release art without the intention of blowing up the way Chappell did. So the “you signed up for this,” is disgusting. Frankly it’s giving, “she was asking for it,” but y’all don’t hear yourselves. She never signed up for this, she’s a girl from the mid-west who loved music and decided she wanted to create her own. She spent years contently releasing music to her small but loyal fanbase, and then suddenly she’s got the largest crowd in Lollapalooza history. Throughout the entire process, literally from the earliest days of her starting to blow up, she’s been open about how weird this has been for her. How she’s struggled to adjust. We’ve largely lost our ability to feel empathy for others, especially those who happen to have a large following — as if they’re not human beings with human emotions.
I’d love to watch any of the people making their little videos or leaving comments on TikTok blow up the way she did and see how they navigate it. I’m sure they’d be perfect right? I’m sure they’d make no mistakes and adjust to their new life immediately. I’m all about holding public figures accountable when they do something wrong. But genuinely nobody has been able to tell me what she’s actually done wrong. And believe me, I’ve watched a lot the of rants about her. Get a life. Genuinely. Go frolic in a field, go cuddle a cow, go get laid — because our infatuation with celebrities and feeling like it’s anywhere near our place to have an opinion on how a person navigates their mental health issues is so fucking odd. You’re sitting in your shitty studio apartment in between bingeing episodes of Friends, ranting about how someone who is openly struggling mentally isn’t considering the feelings of her fans? Girl…
MIND YOU… I’m not even a stan??? Like I like a lot of her music but I don’t even fw her that heavy. But y’all are really pissing me offfff with this one.
Anyway, on to astrology I guess.
The Universe Did It, Not Me…
I honestly love Libra season… maybe it’s the pre-Halloween and fall vibes of it all. But I normally feel very at peace in the Libra energy, which is focused on balance, relationships and beauty. So if you’re like me, soak it all up.
Venus in Scorpio (From Sept 23rd): Venus has officially entered the, very intense, Scorpio season. Your relationships are about to get way deeper, so say goodbye to surface-level small talk. This transit is all about emotional honesty, intimacy, and getting to the core of things (no sugar-coating allowed). Jealousy and possessiveness could pop up, but on the flip side, this is prime time for real, soul-deep connections. If you're down for a transformative, all consuming love story, this could be the szn for you.
Mercury in Libra (From Sept 27th): Mercury just did a wardrobe change into Libra, and now communication is getting a major glow-up. We’re talking smooth talking, diplomatic vibes, and lots of Libra charm. If you’ve been in any drama, now’s the time to patch things up or dive into some heart-to-hearts. Just beware the classic Libra indecision or people pleasing — you might catch yourself doing the “I don’t know, what do *you* want?” dance a little too often. Find that balance and you’ll be good to go. And please don’t use this as an excuse to slide into your shitty ex’s DMs, I promise he’s still a dork with a booger ball and streaks in his tighty-whiteys. Use your intuition.
Pluto Retrograde in Capricorn: Pluto’s still in retrograde, dragging us through the final leg of Capricorn’s intense, power-tripping energy. This is your final call to re-evaluate how you handle control and authority in your life. If you’ve been holding onto any outdated power dynamics or toxic systems, it’s time to let that shit go. We’re nearing the end of this retrograde, so get ready to see long-standing issues start to resolve.
Uranus Retrograde in Taurus: Uranus retrograde is still doing its slow-but-steady shake-up through Taurus. Expect more changes in areas like money, security, and personal values. If you've been resisting a much-needed switch-up in your routine or sense of stability, Uranus is here to push you out of your comfort zone. It might feel unsettling, but trust that it’s leading you to a more authentic place.
Sun in Libra: We’re over a week into Libra season, where balance, beauty, and relationships are the main focus. This is prime time for collaborations, partnerships, and baby…some serious self-love. Libra’s energy reminds us to look for fairness and harmony, both in our interactions with others and with ourselves. Check in with what *you* need, but also be open to helping those around you.
So get ready for a mix of bold action (thank you, Aries Full Moon), emotional depth (Venus in Scorpio is *not* playing), and smoother communication (Mercury in Libra for the win). The universe is setting the stage for transformation, deep connections, and finding harmony in all areas of your life.
Kissesssss.
Film-Not-Bro Corner
Since we’re starting a new month — here’s my favorite and least favorite films of September:
Favorite Film of The Month: Will & Harper
Rating: 5 Stars
Letterboxd Review: “i feel so blessed to live in a time where a documentary about will ferrel going on a cross country road trip with his longtime friend who recently transitioned is released”
This was just so deeply touching while also genuinely funny and entertaining. So much self-discovery and discover about the world for both Will and Harper.
“I’m not really afraid of these people, I’m afraid of hating myself”
++
Least Favorite Film of The Month: Funky Forest: The First Contact
Rating: 1 Star
Letterboxd Review: “98% of this was nottt my vibe... and the other 2% was them pulling a tiny chef out of a giant sphincter in the back of a tv set.”
No more context needed frankly. This was in a couple lists I had saved on Letterbox’d like "🐉🎭✨ 𝕍𝕀𝕊𝕌𝔸𝕃𝕃𝕐 𝙸𝙽𝚂𝙰𝙽𝙴👹🧞♀️👁️” or “Weirdo Watchlist” — I love a good odd film. But it needs to be intentional, and it just felt like a bunch of really stupid bits with some shock value thrown it… and that just doesn’t do it for me. It was honestly shit from a butt.
++
Weekly Log (9/23-10/1)
Keeping it brief this week:
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (2024) - 9/23
3.5/5
I feel like the show got a bad rap. And I get it, the brothers seem displeased. But the series portrays their story from multiple perspectives. The brothers, the public and the jury. I appreciate nuanced media and we need to realize that just because someone created something, doesn’t mean they personally believe the position or positions they’re presenting. Binged it so quickly. There were some odd moments I think Ryan Murphy could’ve absolutely left out. But I enjoyed the series overall. Ryan Murphy is lowkey insufferable tho, anytime I read his interviews I haveeee to roll my eyes.
Twisters (2024) - 9/26
3.5/5
so many people sucked into the tornussy 😔
John Tucker Must Die (2006) - 9/26
2.5/5
the title should've been: "2006 penn badgley must kiss me on the mouth" …pretty terrible, but a fun watch.
Will & Harper (2024) - 9/27
5/5
already covered above
The Substance (2024) - 9/28
4.5/5
possibly the most insane final sequence of a film ive ever seen. also i sat next to a 50ish year old man who went to see this alone too and he was picking his nose and eating it throughout the whole thing, made odd noises and smelled like a urinal cake — which really enhanced the theater experience.
I Saw The TV Glow (2024) - 9/29
5/5
a re-watch of my favorite film of all time, full detailed review and analysis coming soon as it’s own post.
Music I’m Bumping
I’ve been mostly listening to the same songs since last week, but these are a few new songs that have entered the rotation.
Pushing It Down — Lizzy McAlpine
If you’ve only listened to ‘ceilings, plaster…can't you just make it move faster?’ Lizzy, you’ve made a big mistake. She’s got bangers on bangers.
Key Lyrics:
Dumb & Poetic — Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina can give us some major pop hits, but sister can also rip my little withered heart right out.
Key Lyrics:
Head In The Wall — Ethel Cain
Mother Cain always
Key Lyrics:
I can't get out, can't run away, there's no escaping you now
I'm gonna die all alone, next to you in this piece of shit town
We've been cursed since the start, jesus didn't want us
And you take all of your sins out on my body like everyone else does
And that is that on that…
If you made it this far, thanks for reading! There will be a bonus post later this week most likely — a review and analysis of my favorite film of all time: I Saw The TV Glow (2024). So stay tuned.
Kisses smooches,
JEM