I Married into Royalty

What do Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton, and I have in common? Quit sniggering. The answer? We all married (or are engaged to marry) into the British royal family. Again, quit sniggering. I'm serious. Kate Middleton married Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. Meghan Markle is engaged to Harry, Prince Henry of Wales. And I, of course, am married to Ellen, princess/duchess something/something, ...well, read on.

POTD: Pirates of the Gulf

From 2017 12 01 Galveston

Today's photo-of-the-day is from December's "Dickens on the Strand" festival in Galveston, Texas. Three clothing styles dominate the Strand during the festival: Victorian fashion (as expected), steampunk fashion, and pirate costumes. Oddly, they don't clash; they compliment each other.

Oscar Snubs and Surprises

Oscar nominations were announced January 23, 2018, and as usual there were some snubs and surprises. I happened to see more than my usual number of movies this year before the Oscars are handed out on March 4, so naturally I have some strong opinions.

The B-Side (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes

The B-Side (2017): Documentary of 20x24 Polaroid portrait photographer Elsa Dorfman. Elsa is mildly interesting but movie needs more info on her absolutely amazing large-format camera that makes giant, instant, high-detail prints. C+

POTD: The Merrie Mary Show

From 2017 12 01 Galveston

Today's photo-of-the-day is from the Strand in Galveston. Comedic acrobat Mary Evanoff is the star of the Merrie Mary Show, juggling while balancing on her Evanoff Pole held on the shoulders of two volunteers from her audience.

Bonus photo after the jump.

Sharing is Good

Everyone is getting riled up over the sight of bicycles left out in public. They're everywhere. They're an eyesore. They're a nuisance. I'm late to this hate rally, but my hope is that after everyone vents, the bikes are still there. I'm with Krista Nightengale:

I'm not bothered by the brightly colored bikes lining our sidewalks. And when I see one that has fallen down? I pick it up.

Source: Krista Nightengale.

POTD: Votes for Women

From 2017 12 01 Galveston

Today's photo-of-the-day is from the Strand in Galveston. Women campaigned for decades to get states to recognize their right to vote. Voting is precious. The deadline to vote in the March primaries in Texas is Monday, February 5, 2018. Register and vote.

The Post (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes

The Post (2017): The decision that made Kay Graham and her Washington Post an icon for freedom of the press. An important movie for our threatened times. A fine drama, even thrilling for at heart a legal drama. Streep and Hanks? Very good but no Oscars this year. A-

Governor Doesn't Know Best

I recently saw a link to a page on Texas Governor Greg Abbott's personal campaign website, along with the endorsement, "I'm starting to like this guy..." I clicked on the link hoping to find proposals for how local governments are supposed to fund local needs -- you know, things like education for special needs, relief of overcrowded classrooms, giving teachers raises, repaving our streets and alleys, keeping swimming pools open, etc. But it turns out that those aren't the problems Governor Abbott cares about. And he certainly isn't interested in working with local government in coming up with solutions.

POTD: Beer Here

From 2017 12 01 Galveston

Today's photo-of-the-day is from the Strand in Galveston.