POTD: Auckland Shopping Arcade

From 2023 03 07 Auckland

"Strand Arcade beckons,
Amidst the grandeur of old,
History preserved."
—h/t ChatGPT

Today's photo-of-the-day is from the Strand Arcade in Auckland, New Zealand. Dating to 1900 (rebuilt in 1910 after a fire), it's one of the grandest surviving shopping arcades in New Zealand. Being a Sunday, foot traffic was light.

A Man Called Otto (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes

A Man Called Otto (2022): English-language remake of the 2015 Swedish film "A Man Called Uve," this time with Tom Hanks. Local curmudgeon and how he became one. He eventually becomes, not likable, but a little less unlikable. B-

POTD: Practicing in the Park

From 2023 03 07 Auckland

"Albert Park's grand tree,
Witness to an athlete's dream,
Skill and nature meet."
—h/t ChatGPT

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Auckland, New Zealand. It shows an athlete practicing in Albert Park, a popular park in downtown Auckland near the University of Auckland. I was taken not only by her skill, but by the massive tree under whose shading branches she was practicing.

POTD: Sailing Auckland

From 2023 03 07 Auckland

"Beneath southern sun,
Auckland's charms unfurl and dance,
Bay's melody calls."
—h/t ChatGPT

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Auckland, New Zealand. It's situated on a bay in the isthmus of the North Island. No matter where you go, you are never more than a few minutes from the sea. Sailing is popular. Ferries travel here and there around the bay and to and from the many islands in the bay.

The Black Book (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes

The Black Book (2023): Nigeria. After his son is murdered by corrupt police, a deacon sets aside religious things to seek justice. Bodies pile up. Nameless bodies, not the lead characters. Not always clear who the sides are in this political thriller, but you can bet they are all bad. B-