Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes

Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot (2018): Alcoholic hits rock bottom when he's paralyzed in a drunken crash. Movie shows his climb back up, thanks to his sponsor at AA, Lao-Tzu, and cartooning. Joaquin Phoenix in another unforgettable role. Jonah Hill's best work. B-

"Stakeholders" Over Residents, Part 411

My Facebook feed is usually an endless scroll of coyote and bobcat sightings ("Bring your pets inside!"), loose dogs ("Does anyone recognize this cutie?"), strange sounds ("Was that a gunshot?), traffic enforcement ("A black SUV just ran a stop sign!"), and, especially recently, shopping advice ("Does anyone know where to find toilet paper?").

But today was different. It's a personal appeal that shows that in a time of uncontrolled pandemic, daily life struggles go on. In this case, a tenant's fight with a landlord. This might be a warning sign of a larger issue in Richardson. Main Street in historic downtown is being repaved by the city, in part a gift to a major private redevelopment there scheduled to break ground this summer (Gateway to Core Richardson).

"Richardson lacks a walkable district where people can spend hours and be entertained," said Manasseh Durkin, president of Durkin Properties, one of several private partners in the effort to revitalize Main. "Our hope is that the Core District fills that void."

Source: Community Impact.

You know what "revitalization" has usually meant elsewhere. The people there already have to go. They have to make way for progress. That brings us to today's story from two blocks east of the renewal, where the evictions are apparently underway, by hook or by crook.

POTD: Little Llamas

From 2019 08 23 Puno

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Umayo Lake near Puno, Peru. This time, the attraction is little llamas. And, of course, the obligatory woman's hat. Women of Peru have the world's best hats.

Bonus photo after the jump.

POTD: Umayo Lake

From 2019 08 23 Puno

Today's photo-of-the-day is of Umayo Lake near Puno, Peru. Umayo is an impressive sized lake by itself, but it's nowhere near the size of nearby Lake Titicaca, so no one knows anything about it. The vantage point for the photo was the pre-Inca Sillustani cemetery. What a view for eternity.

Peterloo (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes

Peterloo (2019): Cavalry massacre of a peaceful crowd petitioning for the right to vote in Manchester in 1819. Lots of speeches and too little character development, but sets and costumes and cinematography are great. Its story is important. Voting rights is our fight today. B-

POTD: Sillustani Chullpas

From 2019 08 18 Sacred Valley, Peru

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Sillustani, a pre-Incan cemetery on the shores of Lake Umayo near Puno, Peru. The tombs are built above ground in tower-like structures called chullpas.

Bonus photos after the jump.

POTD: Sillustani Rowboats

From 2019 08 18 Sacred Valley, Peru

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Sillustani, a pre-Incan cemetery on the shores of Lake Umayo near Puno, Peru. More photos to come of the cemetery itself. This first photo is not that. It's only a pretty picture of rowboats.

POTD: Llama, Llama, Twice a Llama

From 2019 08 23 Puno

Today's photo-of-the-day is from the countryside around Puno, Peru. It's a herd of llamas, of course. As our time in Peru is winding down, it's time to sing that Llama Song one more time.

Bonus photo after the jump.

POTD: Birds Eye View of Puno

From 2019 08 23 Puno

Today's photo-of-the-day is from the main road descending into Puno, Peru, the largest city on Lake Titicaca (out of sight to the left). At 12,500 feet, it is the highest city in Peru and one of the highest in the world. It may not be much to look at from this vantage, but it's still a great place to visit.

After the jump, the bird itself.

Emma. (2020)

Rotten Tomatoes

Emma. (2020): Young matchmaker for clueless aristocrats thinks it's all fun until hearts start breaking. Stoic looks, penetrating gazes, private smiles, and hidden meanings. Who would guess a 200 year old Jane Austen novel would be the source for the year's best rom-com? B+