The Last Czars (TV 2019)

Rotten Tomatoes

The Last Czars (TV 2019): Odd mix of costume drama and mockumentary. Painless way to learn some history. Nicholas is an absolute ruler oblivious of how to run a government, run a war, or how to read the mood of his people. As drama, the characters are wooden and predictable. B-

POTD: Moskva River and Kremlin

From 2018 08 20 Moscow

Today's photo-of-the-day is of the Moskva River with the Kremlin on the bank to the left. The various red brick towers mark the walls of the Kremlin. The large yellow and white office building with the green roof houses government offices, one of which is President Vladimir Putin's. To the right of it is one of the many churches inside the Kremlin, one of the things that surprised me about the Kremlin.

Why the city is called Moscow and the river is called Moskva is a question I never did figure out. In Russian, the city and river have the same name, but for some reason the transliteration into English is different for the two. I guess I'll have to go back.

Bonus photos after the jump.

The Farewell (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes

The Farewell (2019): Family gathers in China when grandmother is diagnosed with cancer. A study in cultural differences dealing with universal feelings. Careful storytelling by Lulu Wang makes it heartfelt without being maudlin. Awkwafina handles a range of acting excellently. A-

Idle Thoughts: From "Never Again" to "I can't believe it's happening here."

Tweets from July, 2019:

• 2019-07-01: "How did we go from 'Never Again' to 'I can't believe it's happening here.'" -- Christopher Weyant"
• 2019-07-01: Richardson, give me one good reason not to follow Portland's lead here. (Link)
• 2019-07-01: @RepLanceGooden Thanks for noticing, at long last, that the economy was in a "boom" under Obama, in fact about twice as long as under the current Republican administration.

After the jump, more idle thoughts.

POTD: Alexander Garden

From 2018 08 20 Moscow

Today's photo-of-the-day is of the Alexander Garden in Moscow, Russia. It runs for over 900 yards along the outside of the western wall of the Kremlin. It was constructed after the Napoleonic Wars, when Tsar Alexander I ordered the reconstruction of the parts of the city that had been destroyed by French troops.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019): Quentin Tarantino's take on Manson cult and Sharon Tate murders, with a twist. QT's homage to vintage music, movies, and Hollywood streets. Slow buildup to violence. Brad and Leo (Bradnardo?) make a comfortable pair. Women fare worse. B+

Period. End of Sentence (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes

Period. End of Sentence (2018): Documentary short about how menstruation is a taboo subject in India even today that suppresses girls and women. And how one village's women fight back by creating a business of making and selling sanitary pads. Inspiring. A-

POTD: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

From 2018 08 20 Moscow

Today's photo-of-the-day is of the eternal flame at the tomb of the unknown soldier just outside the Kremlin wall in Moscow, Russia.

Bonus photo after the jump.

Rolling Thunder Revue (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rolling Thunder Revue (2019): Martin Scorsese's mostly non-fictional documentary of chaotic 1975 tour by Bob Dylan and friends. Some glimpses into Dylan's psyche. Lots of intimate concert footage. Fascinating behind-the-scenes looks at Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez. B+

If Not This, Then What?

On Wednesday, I blogged about my opposition to the Richardson City Council's approval of a zoning change request to allow the development of pad site restaurants on the old Richardson Square Mall property at Belt Line Rd and Plano Rd. My article was criticized for not offering alternative solutions. Alternatives weren't the subject of my post, but if you read it and my previous articles linked to, you'll see that I do address just that question. Maybe this standalone article on the question will help.