Berkner Symphony Orchestra goes to Midwest

The Berkner Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Craig Needham and Jason Schayot, is performing at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago December 15, 2016.

After the jump, the high honor this is.

RISD Finds its Leader

Dr. Jeannie Stone, who has been serving as Richardson ISD's Interim Superintendent since June, has been named the Lone Finalist for the permanent position by the RISD Board of Trustees. My congratulations. She's well-regarded inside and outside RISD. Given the no-win nature of the job, I'm impressed that she's managed to keep even some reflexive RISD critics open-minded about her personally.

POTD: Charlottetown Seaport, 2016

From 2016 09 07 Charlottetown

Today's photo-of-the-day is from historic Charlottetown seaport, Prince Edward Island, Canada. For us, 2016 will go down as one of the best of years, and one of the worst. But for this POTD series, let's stay positive, shall we? Prince Edward Island in September, 2016, was great in all respects.

Know A Neighborhood: Richardson Heights

"Know A Neighborhood" is a series that offers neighborhood leaders in Richardson the opportunity to answer questions that might be of general interest to Richardson residents (or at least to me).

Today: Richard Dotson, Richardson Heights NA President, answers a question posed by The Wheel.

POTD: Cape Breton Island Shoreline

From 2016 09 06 Sydney

Today's photo-of-the-day is of the shoreline of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. It probably looks a little more arctic there in December, but it was green and pleasant in September as we bid the island a fond farewell.

Tracks (2013)

IMDB

Tracks (2013): Woman walks across Australia just to be alone. Does she purge her demons? Dunno, but her journey is worth it. cf. "Wild". B+

POTD: Gateway to French Canada

From 2016 09 06 Sydney

Today's photo-of-the-day is from the 18th century French Fortress of Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. In the mid-1740s, Louisbourg was a major commercial port and the fortress one of the most extensive European fortifications constructed in North America. It was the gateway to French Canada.

OTBR: A Pond at Latrobe University

Latitude: S 37° 43.308
Longitude: E 145° 02.754

A child on a road trip with his family asks, "Where are we?" and the father answers, "Let's check the map. We're off the blue roads [the Interstate Highways marked in blue on the road atlas]. We're off the red roads [the US and state highways]. We're off the black roads [the county highways]. I think we're off the map altogether." It was always my dream to be off the map altogether.

After the jump, a few of the random places (and I mean random literally) that I visited vicariously last month that are "off the blue roads".

Wanted: Superintendent, Practically Perfect in Every Way

The Richardson school district (RISD) is seeking a new superintendent. Everybody has an opinion. Expectations and demands are as high as those set by the George Banks family in Edwardian England when advertising for a nanny.

"If you want this choice position, have a cheery disposition.
Rosy cheeks, no warts. Play games, all sorts.
You must be kind, you must be witty, very sweet, and fairly pretty.
Take us on outings, give us treats, sing songs, bring sweets.
Never be cross or cruel. Never give us castor oil or gruel.
Love us as a son and daughter, and never smell of barley water.
Hurry, Nanny! Many thanks!
Sincerely,
Jane and Michael Banks!"

Assuming that someone with Mary Poppins's qualifications isn't available, what criteria should be used to identify the RISD's next superintendent?

POTD: She Dreams out of Windows

From 2016 09 06 Sydney

Today's photo-of-the-day is from the 18th century French Fortress of Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.

   Windows

She dreams out
of windows
because she needs to live
in both worlds:
within and without,
alone and together,
past and future:
all right now.
   ~mce

Source: Mike Essig.

cf. POTD: Taman Mini Indonesia Indah.
cf. POTD: Ethnology.