POTD: Bathing in the Blue Lagoon

From 2019 03 01 Iceland

Today's photo-of-the-day was taken on a late winter day at Iceland's Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa in a lava field in southwestern Iceland. It is supplied with water used in the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station. Boiling water is pumped up from underground. Steam drives turbines to generate electricity. When the water cools too much to generate any more electricity, it is released into ponds for humans to enjoy warm bathing even on cold winter days.

Bonus photo after the jump.

Review: A Wild Sheep Chase

Amazon

From A Wild Sheep Chase, by Haruki Murakami:

It was my partner. "Could you come here right away?" he said. There was an edge to his voice. "I have a terribly urgent matter to discuss with you." "Just how urgent is it?" "Come in and you'll find out," said he. "Heaven knows it's got to be about sheep," I said, letting go a trial balloon. It was something I shouldn't have said. The receiver grew cold as ice. "How did you know?" my partner asked. The wild sheep chase had begun."

If that sounds to you like the start of a surreal, absurdist mystery novel, congratulations. You're right.

One Child Nation (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes

One Child Nation (2019): Personal documentary about China's One Child Policy. Propaganda, fines, abortions, sterilizations, abandoned babies & abductions, international adoption racket. Policy now relaxed but China still scarred. Thought-provoking in surprising way. Must see. A+

POTD: Scenery in Iceland

From 2019 03 01 Iceland

Today's photo-of-the-day is from the Reykjanes Peninsula, outside Reykjavik, Iceland. It looks back towards the mountains that surround Reykjavik.

Bonus photo after the jump.

POTD: Hressingarskálinn

From 2019 03 01 Iceland

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Reykjavik, Iceland. It shows Hressingarskálinn (literally, "refreshment hall") which "was built in 1802 and established as a restaurant in 1932. Ever since then it has been just that, a space for locals and foreigners to gather and enjoy refreshments as well as each other’s company. Over the years it has housed some of Iceland’s most talented artists and writers."

Bonus photo after the jump.

The Spy (TV 2019)

Rotten Tomatoes

The Spy (TV 2019): Sacha Baren Cohen plays it straight in a serious role. And carries it off excellently. Real life story of an Israeli spy in Syria in the 1960s. High stakes. Suspense. What drives him, patriotism or adrenaline? Show lags when Cohen is not on-screen. B-

POTD: "The Best Hot Dog Stand in Europe"

From 2019 03 01 Iceland

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Reykjavik, Iceland. It shows the hot dog stand Bæjarins beztu pylsur, "the best hot dog in town". According to Wikipedia, "the British newspaper 'The Guardian' selected Bæjarins beztu as the best hot dog stand in Europe." This is it on a sunny day in winter.