The Secret Agent (2025)

Rotten Tomatoes

The Secret Agent (2025): Portuguese. Political thriller set in Brazil in 1977 during the military dictatorship. Tension is already in the opening scene in a desert gas station, builds constantly but leisurely, until it's broken with violence in last few minutes. Too many characters to keep straight. B-

Hulu

Council Recap: Short-Term Rentals

The Richardson City Council met March 2, 2026, with two business items on the agenda. First, the council reviewed the city's regulations for short-term rentals (STRs).

Second, the council held the 2025 annual review of the police department. Given that courts have at multiple times ruled that ICE actions have been unlawful or unconstitutional, Richardson should be credited for not participating in those unlawful activities. In any case, there were no public speakers on the topic of the RPD annual review. Not anticipating any news, I didn't even attend that portion of the meeting. Consider that a win for the city. ;-) That leaves STRs for me to cover.

The Worst Places to Eat in Richardson Last Month

Graphic by City of Richardson.

The City of Richardson is rightly regarded as having some of the best and most diverse dining options in north Texas ("Eat & Drink"). But that doesn't mean every restaurant in Richardson exceeds in every measure. Here is a list of the worst places to eat in Richardson last month, based on the City of Richardson's Health Department Restaurant Scores from inspections last month. Not all Richardson restaurants are inspected each and every month. Only those inspected last month are ranked here. Only the lowest scores are shown.

Random Thoughts: Washington Post Layoffs

2026-02-04: From NY Times: "Washington Post Begins Laying Off More Than 300 Journalists."
Two things.
1. My decision last year to cancel my Washingtpon Post subscription is aging well.
2. Why is it that bad news about a newspaper is never in the newspaper itself, but in a competitor's newspaper?

POTD: Lucha Libre

From 2025 06 01 Puebla

Today's photo-of-the-day was taken in Arena Puebla, a regular venue for Mexican-style wrestling, called Lucha Libre. The sport is known for its colorful masks, high-flying acrobatics, fast pace, and dramatic characters divided into heroes and villains. A packed house, with a mostly local audience, many dressed as their favorite fighters, shower the ring repeatedly with cheers and boos. You can't help but enjoy the spectacle.

Bonus photos are after the jump.

POTD: Courtyard of Museo Amparo

From 2025 06 01 Puebla

Today's photo-of-the-day was taken in the courtyard of Museo Amparo in Puebla, Mexico. "The Amparo Museum is considered one of Mexico's most important cultural and exhibition centers. It features galleries dedicated to its collection of pre-Hispanic art, one of the most significant in Mexico held by a private institution." I was won over by its beautiful courtyard.

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"Floor like cobalt sea,
Amber columns holding sky,
Courtyard a retreat."
— h/t ChatGPT

Council Recap: Rezoning for Apollo Middle School

The Richardson City Council met February 23, 2026. Two of the agenda items are worth covering: DART and the Apollo Middle School rezoning. The first was covered in yesterday's blog: "Council Recap: DART". Today we look at Apollo Middle School. In short, the RISD request was approved 7-0.

Council Recap: DART

The Richardson City Council met February 23, 2026. Two of the agenda items are worth covering: DART and the Apollo Middle School rezoning. Both went as expected. The council formally approved the proposed amended governance plan for DART. They also authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with DART to allow for allocation of DART General Mobility Funds to Richardson. The council also approved the rezoning application by the Richardson ISD to transform Apollo Junior High School into Apollo Middle School.

The Rip (2026)

Rotten Tomatoes

The Rip (2026): Crime story and action thriller starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck as Miami cops struggling to deal with a huge cache of cash that crooks and corrupt cops all have their eyes on. Even though you never know who is going to die next, somehow your money is never on Damon or Affleck. C+

Netflix

Sentimental Value (2025)

Rotten Tomatoes

Sentimental Value (2025): A filmmaker, estranged from his family, wants to make a movie in his old house with one of his daughters in the lead. She and her sister aren't ready to reconcile. Good examination of the intersection of art and personal life. Excellent acting all around. A-

Prime