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-

Random Thoughts: The Evangelical Church is Breaking Apart

2023-10-04: Headline: "THE EVANGELICAL CHURCH IS BREAKING APART." In fact, the church has been breaking apart since Martin Luther. Or since 1054. Take your pick. It's like Jesus said, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there will be a schism." (Matthew 18:20).

John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes

John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023): Former hitman gets back into the game. Lots of fighting with fists, knives, swords, guns, and cars. Dead bodies quickly pile up. All shown with great style. Didn't need movies 2-4. B-

POTD: Happy Tired

From 2022 12 25 Paris

"Picasso's grand work
Hangs over weary shoulders,
Palette of fatigue."
—h/t ChatGPT

Today's photo-of-the-day is from the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris. People-watching is fun anywhere, but it's at its best in a great location. This young woman looks weary. Not even the painting by Picasso ("Grand nu à la draperie") on the wall behind her can attract her interest. Perhaps it's because she's at the end of a long day of touring museums, churches, and palaces. It's tiredness, but it's a happy tired. At least, that's how I felt at the end of our wonderful week in Paris. Next destination, New Zealand.

POTD: People-watching at the Louvre

From 2022 12 25 Paris

"Elegance embraced,
Louvre's masterpieces await,
Confidence abounds."
—h/t ChatGPT

Today's photo-of-the-day is from the Louvre in Paris. People-watching is fun anywhere, but it's at its best in a great location. This smartly-dressed young woman looks supremely self-confident. Perhaps it's because she's about to enter the Louvre. Check with her again when she's leaving the museum in three or four hours and see if she still looks elegant and fresh. But for now, she's on top of the world. At least, that's what I see.