Friday, November 22, 2019

Review: A Wild Sheep Chase

A Wild Sheep Chase
Amazon
From A Wild Sheep Chase, by Haruki Murakami:

Open quote 
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.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

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+

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

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.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

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.

Monday, November 18, 2019

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-