🎥 Adapting Andy Weir’s novel, our JP gives his take on the sci-fi thriller, “Project Hail Mary,” starring Ryan Gosling. 🎭

🎞️AmazonMGMStudios

#moviewreview #review #NowShowing #theatres

Catania, Italia: Finding beauty beneath a gritty cover

They say to never judge a book by its cover. Well, the same can be said for cities. Some cities may not have all the glitz and panache of those that appear on Top 10 lists, but beneath its volcanic grit, Catania, Sicily, Italia is a dynamic community just waiting to be discovered.

While Catania’s central core and suburbs bask in the Mediterranean sun, some other parts of the inner city are emblazoned with graffiti and a noticeable assortment of litter dotting the streets. Another factor that makes the city seem grittier than average is the use of volcanic rock for construction and periodic douses of ashen rainfall whenever nearby Mount Etna is acting restless. In fact, in 1669 much of Catania was destroyed by an eruption by its gigantic neighbor.

It’s said that initial impressions can be lasting, but if one takes the time to peel back the visible exterior of Sicily’s second largest metropolis, you’ll find a charming, colorful, and quite beguiling city.

Not only are there scenic vistas due to the city’s location adjacent to the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, but it is filled with impressive human made attributes like the Teatro Massimo Belinni, a number of fontana (fountains), the Greco-Roman Teatro, notable architecture throughout the city, and cute art installations like colorful umbrella covers of public spaces like small piazzas and alleys. Overall, the heart of Catania is very walkable.

Beyond those sights, Catania has a terrific collection of bookstores, vintage/new record stores, and the stunning underground University of Catania Library, where the former Benedictine Monastery Library was previously situated (see below).

We spent 10 days there in late January/early February 2026 and found some truly exquisite sights that are well-worth a deeper look by tourists and locals alike. Interspersed throughout this post are images from Catania that should provide anyone with inspiration to visit this busy and industrious city aside the Ionian Sea.

Peace!

Netflix’s Acquisition Of Warner Bros At $82.7 Billion Sends The Industry In Shock; Will Theaters Shut Down?

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://in.mashable.com/culture/103222/netflixs-acquisition-of-warner-bros-at-827-billion-sends-the-industry-in-shock-will-theaters-shut-do

Jahz Design: I’ve photographed all the most beautiful #theatres and #ConcertHalls in Paris https://zorz.it/rpSFz

#JahzDesign #DimitriBourriau #ProfessionalPhotographer #ArchitecturalPhotography #Paris #culture #ArchitecturalHeritage #WorksOfArt

Phantom at the Hollywood Theatre in Portland

https://etnmarchand.wordpress.com/2025/10/26/phantom-at-the-hollywood-theatre-in-portland/