POTD: Mother Volga

From 2018 08 18 Yaroslavl

Today's photo-of-the-day is from the Volga River in Russia. The Volga is the longest river in Europe (2,292 miles). It's the source of life for Russia. It flows into the Caspian Sea, but with dams and canals, it's also connected to the Baltic Sea at St. Petersburg. At the locks that form the entrance to the Rybinsk Reservoir stands a 236 feet tall statue of Mother Volga. This photo-of-the-day has symbolic significance today, as today is the day I bury my own mother, who at 98 years old was every bit the life blood of her large family as Mother Volga is to Russia.

Always Be My Maybe (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes

Always Be My Maybe (2019): Rom-com with more rom than com. Childhood sweethearts grow up only to meet again in adulthood with predictable results. Keanu Reeves steals the movie with a zany scene as the rival love interest. Do I still need to say it has an Asian-American cast? C+

POTD: Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery

From 2018 08 17 Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery

Today's photo-of-the-day is from the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery on the Baltic-Volga waterway in Russia. It was founded in 1397 and was once the largest monastery and the strongest fortress in northern Russia before the growth of Moscow caused history to pass it by. The walls are 732 meters long and 7 meters thick. Like many other churches, the Bolsheviks secularized the monastery and turned it into a museum. Monks were allowed to return after the fall of the Soviet Union. Restoration of the whole site is slowly underway.

Good Omens (TV 2019)

Rotten Tomatoes

Good Omens (TV 2019): Angel and demon, on Earth since the Garden of Eden, team up to prevent Armageddon. Zany, irreverent, fast-paced, stuffed with special effects. The two leads are fun to watch but other scenes in this one-note satire can get tedious. Daring choice for VBS? C+

POTD: Goritsy Market

From 2018 08 17 Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Goritsy, Russia, a small town on the Baltic-Volga waterway. The photo shows the product offerings of a small market on the banks of the waterway.

After the jump, fresh vegetables.

Dead To Me (TV 2019)

Rotten Tomatoes

Dead To Me (TV 2019): Woman whose husband is killed in a hit and run accident makes a friend in a grief counseling group. Gradually through the season both women's secrets are revealed. A murder mystery. An odd couple buddy movie. Bits of dark humor. Nailed the ending. B+

POTD: Russian Nesting Dolls

From 2018 08 17 Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Kirillov, Russia, a small town on the Baltic-Volga waterway. It features a variety of nesting dolls, a ubiquitous souvenir in Russia. This photo features heroes of Russian history, everyone from Peter the Great to Lenin to Stalin to Putin to...Donald Trump. Barack Obama has been relegated to the back row.

After the jump, more nesting dolls.