POTD: Sunset on the Mediterrean

From 2022 11 03 Athens

"Sunset's silent bow.
Spain to Greece, voyage complete.
Sounion farewell."
—h/t ChatGPT

This photo-of-the-day was taken in Greece. It shows the sun setting over the Saronic Gulf from the Sounion Peninsula. It's a fitting finale to our cruise of the Mediterranean Sea from Barcelona to Athens.

POTD: Too Late for the Show

From 2022 11 03 Athens

"Two millennia,
Echoes of applause linger,
Epidaurus dreams."

—h/t ChatGPT

This photo-of-the-day was taken at Epidaurus, Greece, which is "best known for its healing sanctuary and the Sanctuary of Asclepius, situated about five miles (8 km) from the town, with its theatre, which is still in use today." So, were we two thousand years late for the show? Or just a few hours early?

A bonus panorama of the theatre is after the jump.

Chevalier (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes

Chevalier (2023): Biopic of a real 18th century French classical violinist/composer of African descent who rises (almost) to the top of society. Viewers already know that talent doesn't trump racism. Good acting and a plot that dutifully covers the high points, but ends just as things get really interesting. B-

The Flash (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes

(The Flash 2023): Our hero uses time travel to try to prevent the murder of his mother. Nothing novel to this part of the story. What is fun is how many actors who have played superheroes in the movies get to reprise their roles with cameos in this movie. C+

A Coach Who Knows the Rules

1964: The Free Kick Game: Vince Lombardi's Packers were the first team to ever invoke the "fair catch free kick" rule. After Elijah Pitts fair caught a punt on the Packers 48 yard line just before halftime, Vince Lombardi informed the referees that they would be trying a free kick. There was confusion among all. Neither team had ever seen it before or practiced it.

The Packers lined up on the line of scrimmage with Bart Starr holding the ball. Paul Hornung stepped up and made the 52-yard field goal as the half ended. Everyone was shocked and the Bears were embarrassed as the Packers went on to win 23-12. Lombardi said after the game it was probably a "once in a lifetime" occurrence. He was proven wrong, however, as the Bears would return the favor 4 years later, beating the Packers on the free kick.

Source: Bleacher Report.

I wasn't at that 1964 game, but I was in the stands in Lambeau Field for that 1968 game. I remember I was shocked to see this play call. That Lombardi knew the rule in 1964 doesn't surprise me. That George Halas knew the rule in 1968 doesn't surprise me either, especially after the Packers exploited it against the Bears four years earlier. Great coaches know the rules inside out.