Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Ripley (TV 2024)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

Ripley (TV 2024): Crime story set in Italy in 1961. A grifter hired to convince a rich man's son to return to the US instead cons him for money. The film noir look (moody B&W shots of moonlight, stairs, water, blood, and a cat) make this a stylish thriller, but with a plot that strains credulity. B+

Netflix

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

The Signal (TV 2024)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

The Signal (TV 2024): Germany. Astronaut picks up signal from aliens. Governments want it kept secret, making her and her family targets. The best part is the family drama. The worst parts are the lack of believable explanations for the govt response and for the aliens themselves. C+

Netflix

Monday, July 22, 2024

The Worst Places to Eat in Richardson

Restaurant Scores

The City of Richardson is rightly regarded as having some of the best, most diverse, dining options in north Texas ("Eat & Drink"). Feeling a bit like "Opposite Man," I thought I'd offer a list of the ten worst places to eat in Richardson this month. It's based on the City of Richardson's Health Department Restaurant Scores for last month. That is, each month would feature a different list.

Sunday, July 21, 2024

POTD: Morocco Earthquake

"Marrakesh trembles,
Earthquake's force shakes ancient walls,
Medina's heart breaks."


— h/t ChatGPT
From 2023 09 20 Marrakesh

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Marrakesh, Morocco. According to Reliefweb, "On 8 September 2023 at 22.11 UTC powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck Morocco at 18.5 km depth. The epicenter was in the High Atlas Mountains, 71km (44 miles) south-west of Marrakesh. Marrakesh, with a population of 840,000 inhabitants is the most impacted city."

We were on a tour of Portugal and Spain, and scheduled to go to Morocco, when the earthquake struck. All travel to Morocco was suspended for at least a week while authorities rushed relief aid and assessed the damage. Damage was heaviest in the Atlas Mountains, which was not on our itinerary. There was lesser damage in Marrakesh, which was on our itinerary. Our tour was scheduled to go to Morocco in a week. Finally, word came from out tour company that we could choose to go or not. Everyone chose to go. The photo-of-the-day shows damage to buildings in the medina, a heavily touristed area in the heart of Marrakesh.

Click for a bonus photo of damage to the old city wall of Marrakesh.

Saturday, July 20, 2024

POTD: Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakesh

"Market's vibrant pulse,
Bustling heart of Marrakesh,
Energetic beat."

— h/t ChatGPT

From 2023 09 20 Marrakesh

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Jemaa el-Fnaa, the huge square and marketplace in Marrakesh's medina quarter. It is the heart of Marrakesh.

Thursday, July 18, 2024

The Beekeeper (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

The Beekeeper (2024): A "beekeeper" is a special forces operative charged with protecting US interests (the hive). Oh, the title character is also a literal keeper of bee hives. Silly. He becomes a one-man wrecking ball meting out extra-judicial vengeance against some bad guys. All who try to follow the law (police, FBI, CIA) become his victims, too. C+

Prime

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Robert's Rules of Disorder

Source: robertsrules.com/

Richardson City Council meetings have never been a shining example of parliamentary procedure. Under Mayor Bob Dubey, things have only gotten worse. I've long thought that someone well-versed in Robert's Rules of Order would be able to bend the Council to his will through skillful use of these arcane rules of parliamentary procedure. The July 15, 2024, meeting was a case in point. But was it happening by cunning or more likely, merely by accident? Let's go to the transcript.

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Bob Marley: One Love (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

Bob Marley: One Love (2024): Biopic of the Jamaican reggae star. The intersection of religion and politics is skimped on. So, too, is Marley's complex personal life, except for one explosive scene with his wife about infidelity. But see it for the music. B+

Prime

Monday, July 15, 2024

Council Recap: "Heads in Beds" Prevails

Source: h/t DALL-E

"City council overrode a decision by plan commission in vote to supersize residential portion of massive mixed-use development." That's how TheRealDeal summarized the Richardson City Council's unanimous vote to allow a boost of 1,175 apartments at CityLine, for a total of 5,100. The City Plan Commission had previously denied the request 5-2, with one commissioner citing the desire to see "more creative retail or entertainment uses." City Manager Don Magner put his finger on the scale by saying the proposal "creates a path forward that's based in market reality," with the market reality being that right now, money is available for wood-frame apartments, so that's what we ought to build, tying up that land for the next fifty years. That's how developers think. That's not how City Councils should think.

Sunday, July 14, 2024

POTD: Majorelle Blue

"Majorelle's retreat,
Colors bloom in desert's heat,
Art and nature blend."


— h/t ChatGPT
From 2023 09 20 Marrakesh

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Marrakesh, Morocco, specifically the Majorelle Garden. It was designed by the French artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and was restored in the 1980s by Yves Saint-Laurent. Majorelle trademarked the name Majorelle Blue for this intense shade of blue.

Click for a bonus photo.

Saturday, July 13, 2024

POTD: Palm raising in Marrakesh

"In Marrakesh streets,
Inspired by a distant scene,
Palm recalls a flag."

— h/t ChatGPT

From 2023 09 20 Marrakesh

According to the Pulitzer Prizes, "Perhaps no Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph is better known than Joe Rosenthal’s picture of six U.S. Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima. It was taken on Friday, Feb. 23, 1945, five days after the Marines landed on the island."

Famous enough that I wasn't surprised to see this homage on a wall in faraway Marrakesh, Morocco, of all places.

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

The Sympathizer (TV 2024)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

The Sympathizer (TV 2024): Black comedy about the aftermath of the Vietnam War. Everyone comes out looking bad: South Vietnamese army, Communists, CIA, Hollywood, and Robert Downey, Jr, playing four roles in the same over-the-top way. B-

Max

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Dark Matter (TV 2024)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

Dark Matter (TV 2024): Bad Jason steals good Jason's identity and family. Good Jason has to find him in an infinity of universes and defeat him. Good presentation of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, but with an infinity of worlds, why care about any one in particular? B+

AppleTV+

Monday, July 8, 2024

Student Housing is At Risk Again

Rendering of ATRE Waterview Mixed-Use Development

In December, 2022, when we last checked in on the long-running saga of one Richardson man's quest to build student-purposed housing just north of UT-Dallas, things were looking up, but with a big catch ("Breakthrough in Student Housing").

The catch was that City Council insisted on starting construction on a hotel and traditional apartment along with some retail before agreeing to issue a certificate of occupancy for the first phase, student-purposed housing.

Sunday, July 7, 2024

POTD: Hey, Hay

"Bales stacked skyward high,
Overloaded truck sways slow,
Endless road ahead."

— h/t ChatGPT

From 2023 09 20 Marrakesh

Today's photo-of-the-day is from the Moroccan highway somewhere between Fez and Marrakesh. That is all.

Saturday, July 6, 2024

POTD: Nice Bright Colors

"Kodachrome, they give us those nice bright colors
They give us the greens of summers
Makes you think all the world's a sunny day, oh yeah
I got a Nikon camera, I love to take a photograph
So mama don't take my Kodachrome away."

— Paul Simon

From 2023 09 20 Marrakesh

Today's photo-of-the-day is from the Moroccan countryside, somewhere on the highway between Fez and Marrakesh. I don't know anything about the place in the photo. Its colors were what caught my eye then and I still think it makes for a good photo-of-the-day. All the world's a sunny day.

Thursday, July 4, 2024

Fancy Dance (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

Fancy Dance (2024): Set on the Seneca-Cayuga reservation in Oklahoma, a woman goes missing and her sister can't get authorities to care, while she cares for her 13-yr-old niece who looks forward to the mother-daughter dance at the upcoming powwow. A look at indomitable human spirit. B+

AppleTV+

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Shogun (TV 2024)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

Shogun (TV 2024): Adaptation of James Clavell’s 1975 bestseller about Japan in 1600. More culturally sensitive than the novel. This one is more about power dynamics in feudal Japan than romantic liaison. It's an American production that feels like a Japanese one. Outstanding sets, costumes, and cinematography. B+

Hulu

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Richardson Says No to LEED

Source: h/t LEED

During two meetings in which the Richardson City Council reviewed progress on building a new City Hall, the question of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification came up twice, both times in questions asked by Councilmember Curtis Dorian.

In February, 2024, this is what I reported:

Councilmember Curtis Dorian asked if the City is going to pursue LEED certification. Dorian didn't ask for it, only whether the City plans to apply. The answer was, "LEED certification is not something we have decided to pursue up to this point" followed by fast talk about "LEED-light" and bypassing LEED to "focus our efforts on things that are going to provide the best return on investment."
Source: The Wheel.

I now believe that what I quoted as "LEED-light," might have been "LEED-like". Tomayto, tomahto, but I strive for accuracy. I've since learned that "LEED-Lite" is an industry term used by organizations to pick and choose which parts of LEED to pursue.

Councilmember Dorian raised the question again on June 17, when the City Council again reviewed progress on City Hall. Again, Dorian asked if LEED certification has been discussed. Again he was blown off, this time by three people, Assistant City Manager Charles Goff, Anne Stimmel from Architexas, and City Manager Don Magner.

Charles Goff: "We typically haven't explored LEED certification. A lot of the things that would have gotten new LEED certification previously are just now in that 2021 Energy Conservation Code. So we'd have to be even more kind of bleeding edge to pursue LEED certification. So that's not something that we've talked about pursuing this project."

Let's fact check some of the assertions there. According to the City's own website, "In 2007, the Richardson City Council provided direction on all new City buildings being built to LEED certifiable criteria [emphasis added]. LEED is a program that certifies buildings on environmental aspects ranging from construction, waste disposal, energy efficiency, land use, and many other aspects of the design and building trade. In 2009, Richardson's Fire Station #2 and the new Huffhines Recreation Center were completed. Both facilities were certified LEED Silver by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2010."

I'm surprised that Goff, who oversees Development Services, Engineering and Capital Projects for the City, doesn't know of the Council's 2007 directive. I'm even more surprised that City Manager Don Magner apparently doesn't know it either, as he didn't correct Goff. He was around in 2007 when the City Council provided the direction. And if they both know it, and know that the directive is no longer followed, why don't they update the City's website?

Anne Stimmel (Architexas): "It does take a lot of additional paperwork, and there is an added cost to proceeding with that. And there are definitely a longer list of items that we would have to make sure we're addressing." Well, then, let's not do something if it includes paperwork, especially if it's "a longer list of items." In any case, it isn't Architexas's call. It's the City of Richardson's.

Don Magner: "Historically, we say we're LEED-like...We incorporate all the elements that have the greatest return. But to the point of the additional laundry list of things that you do and the hoops that you have to jump through, there are a lot of things that you're asked to do that don't have a great benefit and don't have a lot of return. And those are the things that we try to not bother ourselves with. Because they don't have that benefit. And so, again, you know, for the better part now, probably 15 years, we've tried to say we want to be LEED-like and all the things that really matter and that are consequential, but not so much spending time doing things that won't have that big of a payback, plus there's a lengthy application process."

So for probably fifteen years, Richardson has blown off getting LEED certification. Good to know. That's enough time to have updated the City's website. I don't recall the City Council revoking their direction. Exactly when and how did that happen? No one ever updated the website, leaving the public under the impression that the City is still committed to the full list of requirements for construction of sustainable buildings.

I turned to the City Council's Statement of Goals. The word "environment" appears five times. The contexts are "business-friendly environment," "equitable environment," "regulatory environment," "regulatory environment" (again), and last, but least, "Discuss environmental initiatives." That was a tactic suggested by Councilmember Dan Barrios. Tactics are the lowest level in the hierarchy: Vision, Goals, Strategies, and Tactics. Midway through this Council's term, if they've "discussed environmental initiatives" even once, to say nothing about taking any environmental initiatives, I've missed it. LEED certification would fall into the category. We now know they aren't taking that initiative. Based on Magner's dismissal of Curtis Dorian's question about considering it, you can't even say they are discussing the initiative. But at least Dorian asked about it. No other Councilmember said a word. Councilmember Dan Barrios gets a pass for being absent. He's the one responsible for getting even that weak-tea tactic in the Council's Goals statement. It's not too late for him to issue a statement in defense of LEED certification.

In February, I concluded this topic this way:

It'll be hard to brag about the City of Richardson's commitment to good environmental practices if we build a new City Hall that doesn't conform to the world's most widely used standard for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green building design. Dorian was so close to fixing a big problem if he had insisted on something I know he cares about (why else would he ask about it) only to meekly surrender by responding to this disappointing answer with just, "Anyway, thank you." He won't live up to his potential until he learns to wield the power he now has.
Source: The Wheel.

Apparently, that still applies. Next time, tell Magner to quit saying the City's building practices are "LEED-like." There's no such certification as "LEED-like." You're either LEED certified or you're not. The City of Richardson is not. If Dorian or anyone else gets blown off with "We don't do it that way," they should ask why? And if the answer to that is, "There are a lot of things that you're asked to do that don't have a great benefit," they should ask for a detailed list of those things, along with a cost/benefit analysis that includes not just the immediate direct cost to the City of doing something, but the indirect cost to society of "not bothering" to do it.

If the other Councilmembers care about sustainable development, they might want to speak up and support Councilmember Dorian. Aside to Councilmember Joe Corcoran: praising the "dramatic dash of dark green" in the interior while ignoring Dorian's call for making the whole building green is a missed opportunity.

This is not the first time the City has demonstrated that respecting the natural environment is not a priority of them. There was that taking of parkland for a water infrastructure project ("When is Park Not a Park"). There was the cutting down of dozens of mature trees on a Richardson street to lay a pipeline ("Texas Chain Saw Massacre: Promising Change"). And now there's the admission that the City can't be "bothered" with a "laundry list" of requirements to achieve LEED certification for a new City Hall, our civic temple that some speak of lasting more than a hundred years. The next time the City brags about being a green city, take it with a large grain of salt. They might only be talking about the interior color scheme for the new City Hall.


"City Hall plans fresh.
LEED certification asked.
Council's silence loud."

—h/t ChatGPT

Monday, July 1, 2024

Random Thoughts: AI-Generated News

Mastodon

2024-06-01: Today's example of irony: A news story about elections in India from a news source that uses a fountain pen for a logo and a motto of "Dare to Write" ends with this disclaimer: "This is AI generated news with no Human interference."
greatandhra.com/politics/india...

2024-06-01: MaryAnne Doty's comment: "Maybe it's time for Tree the Town to help replace all the mature trees we lost in Richardson this week."

Sunday, June 30, 2024

POTD: The Chouara Tannery


"Not just history,
Fez breathes, works, and lives today,
Vibrant, real, and true."

—h/t ChatGPT
From 2023 09 19 Fez

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Fez, Morocco. "The Medina of Fez is listed as a World Heritage Site and is one of the world's largest and oldest urban pedestrian zones." But it's not touristy like a Disney Main Street. It's real. People live there. They shop there. They work there. There's even industry there like the Chouara Tannery, whose founding is lost in history, but possibly dates back to the earliest days of Fez in the 8th Century.

Click for a bonus photo.

Saturday, June 29, 2024

POTD: Yes, Walk Down the Alleys


"Ancient alleys wind,
Fez's narrow paths invite,
Labyrinth of time."

—h/t ChatGPT
From 2023 09 19 Fez

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Fez, Morocco, founded in the 8th Century, and now the second largest city in Morocco. "The Medina of Fez is listed as a World Heritage Site and is one of the world's largest and oldest urban pedestrian zones (car-free areas)." It's car-free because it's impossible for cars to get into the maze of narrow alleyways. It's my favorite old city in all the world. So, yes, walk down the alleys. Get lost. It's hard not to. Who knows what surprises you'll find around every corner?

Click for bonus photos.

Thursday, June 27, 2024

TIL: Why Democrats are Losing

Homeless man in downtown Phoenix

They say, when you're explaining, you're losing. Here I'm going to be explaining what I learned today about why Democrats are losing. That should tell you something about how stupid I am. But here goes anyway.

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Hit Man (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

Hit Man (2024): A unique Richard Linklater film, a true-crime/rom-com/mystery? A boring professor works undercover for police pretending to be a hit man. When he falls for a woman who wants her husband dead, things get complicated. Based (mostly) on a true story, the plot keeps you guessing how it will end. A-

Netflix

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

OK, Mr. Critic, What's Your Alternative?

Source: h/t Adobe Photoshop

After I posted my review of the City of Richardson's proposed new City Hall, I expected to receive critical responses in return along the lines of, "OK, Mr. Critic, what's your alternative?" Usually, I duck such questions, but this time, I'm going to offer an answer, one that I expect will be surprising. My alternative is a building right here in Richardson. It isn't built yet, but it will be. After the jump, what I'd like to see instead.

Monday, June 24, 2024

Richardson's new City McHall

Source: City of Richardson

The Richardson City Council reviewed plans for a new City Hall during its June 17, 2024, meeting. This was the second time renderings of the new building were reviewed, the first time being February 5, 2024. Then, I said, "My guess is the City Hall will look fortress-like from Fountain Plaza, but the rest of the views are more than acceptable to me." I also reported that the architecture team said, "The materials to be used on the exterior walls are not yet decided. 'We're intentionally trying to be very nebulous or non committal about what the exterior materials will be at this moment.'" Well, we now have a better understanding of the view and the materials. I'm sorry to say my overall grade for the plan has gotten worse.

Sunday, June 23, 2024

POTD: My Name is Ozymandias


"My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!"

—Percy Bysshe Shelley
From 2023 09 18 Volubilis

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site in Morocco. Volubilis, "founded in the 3rd century B.C., became an important outpost of the Roman Empire and was graced with many fine buildings. Extensive remains of these survive in the archaeological site, located in a fertile agricultural area."

A bonus photo of the Queen of Queens is after the jump.

Saturday, June 22, 2024

POTD: Colors Bright and Faded


"Modern gaze meets past,
Overlooking ancient ruins,
Visitor ponders."

—h/t ChatGPT
From 2023 09 18 Volubilis

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site in Morocco. Volubilis, "founded in the 3rd century B.C., became an important outpost of the Roman Empire and was graced with many fine buildings. Extensive remains of these survive in the archaeological site, located in a fertile agricultural area."

This building is modern and overlooks the ruins of Volubilis, which were behind me as I took this photo. It's said that many ancient buildings and sculptures were painted in colors that have worn away long ago. No one is saying that a visitor in Roman times might have seen Volubilis similarly painted, but modern visitors are permitted to imagine anyway.

A bonus photo is after the jump.

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Leveraging AI for Local Govt Efficiency

Source: Dan Barrios

Richardson City Councilmember Dan Barrios is attending a conference. He reports on Facebook, "My first fascinating breakout for the day! It was a packed room and the most popular one yet!"

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

The Boys in the Boat (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

The Boys in the Boat (2023): Drama based on real-life story of the University of Washington rowing team who went all the way to the Berlin Olympics in 1936. The scrappy kids face every obstacle on their way to glory. The script is filled with every sports trope, but if a feel-good sports movie is what you like, this is for you. B-

Amazon

Monday, June 17, 2024

Book: Symphony of Secrets

From Symphony of Secrets, by Brendan Slocumb:

Symphony of Secrets

Amazon


"It was actually happening. A piece of RED—the elusive, mysterious, impossible RED—had been found. And out of everyone on the planet, Bern himself—a poor bologna-sandwich-eating kid with a beat-up French horn—was going to actually see it. Be one of the very first people to touch it, to decipher Frederic Delaney's distinctive handwriting."

Sunday, June 16, 2024

POTD: Martyr's Cemetery


"Rabat's ancient stones,
Beside the vast, tranquil sea,
Eternal, serene."

—h/t ChatGPT
From 2023 09 17 Rabat

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Rabat, Morocco. It shows Sidi Al Khattab Cemetery, also called Martyr's Cemetery. It is located next to the thousand-year-old Kasbah of Rabat. I haven't been able to find much information about the cemetery online, but visually it's incomprehensibly large and stunningly beautiful as it overlooks the ocean. As I age and contemplate being much closer to death than birth, I find myself irresistably drawn to such scenes.

Saturday, June 15, 2024

POTD: Kasbah of the Oudaias


"Ancient walls embrace,
Kasbah of the Oudaias,
Heritage preserved."

—h/t ChatGPT
From 2023 09 17 Rabat

Today's photo-of-the-day is from the Kasbah of the Oudaias in Rabat, Morocco. Dating to the 10th century, "it is located on a hill at the mouth of the Bou Regreg opposite Salé, and adjacent to the Medina quarter of Rabat. It is listed, along with other sites in Rabat, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site."

Bonus photos are after the jump.

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Three-Body (TV 2023)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

Three-Body (TV 2023): Chinese. Adaptation of same Chinese sci-fi novel as the American version, but not as well done. Character bonding is missing. On plus side, 30 episodes vs 10 means more time to explain WTF is going on. C+

Peacock

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Godzilla Minus One (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

Godzilla Minus One (2023): Japan. Not a sequel or prequel, it's a reboot. And it's more than a monster movie. It's a melodrama with a lot of heart. A kamikaze pilot with unfinished business after WWII joins the fight against the monster. It's actually good. B+

Netflix

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

The Book of Clarence (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

The Book of Clarence (2023): Clarence, a man struggling with debt in Jerusalem in 33 AD, has a plan to solve all his problems by imitating Jesus. This could be seen as homage or as sacrilege depending on how easily offended you are. It'll probably satisfy no one. C+

Netflix

Monday, June 10, 2024

Which Brings Me to You (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

Which Brings Me to You (2024): Young couple meet and dare to tell each other every romantic relationship in their past. This concept requires too much screen time for the leads to be dating others. And it shows them in unhappy relationships. Result? I never saw or cared about them as individuals or as a couple. C+

Hulu

Sunday, June 9, 2024

POTD: Mausoleum of Mohammed V


"King’s legacy lives
In each deliberate craft,
Mausoleum's grace."

—h/t ChatGPT
From 2023 09 17 Rabat

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco. The king died in 1961. Construction was completed in 1971. "The rich materials, as well as the deliberate use of historical crafts and motifs, is meant to not only pay tribute to Mohammed V but also to evoke his own efforts to encourage traditional craftsmanship as a means of promote a sense of Moroccan identity."

Bonus photos are after the jump.

Saturday, June 8, 2024

POTD: Mercado de San Miguel


"Colors, scents, and sounds
Merge in historic Madrid.
Gastronomic bliss."

—h/t ChatGPT
From 2023 09 16 Madrid

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid, Spain. "Located in the center of historic Madrid and with more than 10 million visitors a year, the Mercado de San Miguel is the gastronomic temple of the city of Madrid, the contemporary essence of all corners of Spanish gastronomy."

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Council Recap: Bicycle Parking

Source: h/t DALL-E

On June 3, 2024, the Richardson City Council held a public hearing on a proposed ordinance specifying a mininum number of spaces for bicycle parking in new developments. This was approved unanimously by City Council.

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Council Recap: Ferris Wheel and Outdoor Music

Source: h/t DALL-E

On June 3, 2024, the Richardson City Council held a public hearing on a request for a new development in Restaurant Park on US 75 of a brew pub and food truck business with live outdoor music. Oh, and a 45 ft. Ferris Wheel. This was unanimously approved by City Council.

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Eileen (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

Eileen (2023): Psychological character study. Young, lonely woman living with her alcoholic father is fascinated by a glamorous new counselor in the youth prison where she works. As their friendship deepens, matters slowly turn dark. Reality and fantasy blur. B-

Hulu

Monday, June 3, 2024

Franklin (TV 2024)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

Franklin (TV 2024): Docudrama about Ben Franklin's years as an American diplomat in Paris. It's a painless way to learn history, but Michael Douglas as Ben Franklin? Forget it. In its favor, costumes and sets are beautiful. C+

Apple TV+

Sunday, June 2, 2024

POTD: Catedral del Mazapan


"Gleaming sugar shrine,
Kids outside are unimpressed.
Toledo still grand."

—h/t ChatGPT
From 2023 09 15 Toledo

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Toledo, Spain. The photo shows kids hanging around outside a marzipan store which is named after a prized display in the store: a model cathedral made out of marzipan. Unimpressed is the vibe I get from the kids. Your own mileage may vary. But Toledo itself is undeniably a great city.

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Random Thoughts: Taking Down the UT-Dallas Protestors' Encampment

Mastodon

2024-05-02: Taking down the protestors' encampment at UT-Dallas involved officers from UT-D, Richardson, Allen (SWAT), Collin County Sheriff, and Texas Rangers. That shows impressive coordination...and maybe needless risk, as coordination on that scale doesn't come easily.

2024-05-02: Maybe they all have experience taking down homeless encampments. If so, you'd think any one of them was probably up to the task at hand. From reports, everything was peaceful before (and during and after) the police move.

Friday, May 31, 2024

Council Recap: The City Manager's Curious Statements

Source: h/t DALL-E

Wednesday, I reported on the Richardson City Council's review of the 2023-2024 Second Quarter Financial Report ("Council Recap: The Case of the Missing Sales Tax"). I included the comments from most of the City Council. Thursday, I reported on what the Mayor said (or didn't say) ("Council Recap: Where was the Mayor?"). Today, there's one more person to hear from whose comments deserve scrutiny — City Manager Don Magner.

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Council Recap: Where was the Mayor?

Source: h/t DALL-E

Yesterday, I reported on the Richardson City Council's review of the 2023-2024 Second Quarter Financial Report ("Council Recap: The Case of the Missing Sales Tax"). I included what most of the City Council said. Privately, someone asked, "Where was the Mayor during this discussion?" The literal answer is that he was right there with the rest of the City Council. The more interesting question, "What was he thinking?" is one I can't answer.

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Council Recap: The Case of the Missing Sales Tax

Source: h/t DALL-E

On May 13, 2024, the Richardson City Council held a worksession in which they reviewed the 2023-2024 Second Quarter Financial Report. "It's going to hurt." That's how Richardson Budget Officer Bob Clymire described the impact of a significant sales tax decline. What was the City Council's reaction to this bad news? Therein lies a tale of institutional memory loss. Or self-gaslighting. Say something often enough and you start to believe it inherently. We'll get to that. Bear with me.

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Dream Scenario (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

Dream Scenario (2023): Nicolas Cage plays a small-college professor having a midlife crisis who is suddenly famous as the guy who appears in everyone's dreams. A cautionary tale of cancel-culture without much to say about it. Good work by Cage. C+

Max

Monday, May 27, 2024

Council Recap: Bicycles

Source: h/t DALL-E

On May 20, 2024, the Richardson City Council reviewed and discussed renewing Richardson's status as a Bicycle Friendly Community and attaining a silver-level bike-friendly designation. A year ago, the City Council set a goal to gain the silver designation. Everyone remains on board with that goal. City staff also briefed the City Council on the City's progress on adopting a Complete Streets Policy. "Complete Streets" mean a "comprehensive multimodal transportation system that facilitates safe, accessible, comfortable, and convenient mobility for all people and travel modes." There's a consensus on that as a goal for Richardson as well.

That said, I'm worried about some of the things that individual Councilmembers said.