Shogun (TV 2024)

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

Richardson Says No to 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.

Random Thoughts: AI-Generated News

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."

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.

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.

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.

Hit Man (2024)

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

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

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.

Richardson's new City McHall

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.

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.

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.

Leveraging AI for Local Govt Efficiency

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!"

The Boys in the Boat (2023)

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

Book: Symphony of Secrets

From Symphony of Secrets, by Brendan Slocumb:

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."

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.

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.

Three-Body (TV 2023)

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

Godzilla Minus One (2023)

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

The Book of Clarence (2023)

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

Which Brings Me to You (2024)

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

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.

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."

Council Recap: Bicycle Parking

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.

Council Recap: Ferris Wheel and Outdoor Music

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.

Eileen (2023)

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

Franklin (TV 2024)

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+

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.

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

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.

Council Recap: The City Manager's Curious Statements

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.

Council Recap: Where was the Mayor?

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.

Council Recap: The Case of the Missing Sales Tax

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.

Dream Scenario (2023)

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

Council Recap: Bicycles

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.

POTD: View of Toledo

"Grade school memory
of El Greco's Toledo.
Homage through my lens."
—h/t ChatGPT

From 2023 09 15 Toledo

Today's photo-of-the-day is of Toledo, Spain. It's my homage to a famous painting that I first became aware of when I took a Spanish language course in grade school. The painting is El Greco's haunting "View of Toledo" owned by the Metropolitan Museum of New York.

El Greco's painting is after the jump.

POTD: Almonacid Castle

"Time's relentless march,
Leaves marks on every stone.
Almonacid's pride."
—h/t ChatGPT

From 2023 09 15 Toledo

Today's photo-of-the-day is of Almonacid Castle in central Spain, south of Toledo. It dates back to the 9th century. As far as I can determine, it is unoccupied. Wikipedia says it is available for sale for "one euro cent to anyone who undertakes to completely restore it." It's a majestic opportunity.

Council Recap: Comp Plan Planning

On May 20, 2024, the Richardson City Council reviewed and discussed the Envision Richardson Comprehensive Plan update and upcoming Community Summit 3. That was the agenda item anyway. In fact any details of the Comp Plan were missing and the plans for the community summit took up all the time.

Stefani Carter and Monty Bennett's "Buffoonery"

2013: Ringing Opening Bell on NYSE (Stefani Carter on left)

Stefani Carter is in the news again and not in a good way. Again, it's about Blackwells Capital LLC making a hostile attempt to install independent directors to the board of Monty Bennett's Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc. The Wheel has followed Monty Bennett for his own behavior but mostly because of one of his company's directors, Stefani Carter ("What Has Stefani Carter Been Up To"). Carter is a former member of the Texas House of Representatives. She represented Richardson from 2011-2015. Or rather, she represented herself. She turned her service into a gig with Monty Bennett. Or, as D Magazine puts it, she "suckles at Bennett’s REIT" (Real Estate Investment Trust). Blackwells has now released a presentation titled "The Buffoonery of Monty Bennett" in which Bennett is featured and Carter, his lead director, is mentioned and not in a flattering way.

WAIW: This Might Blow Your Mind

Where Am I Wednesday!

Fifty points to the first person to identify where this photo was taken.

Answer will be given on Thursday.

Dune (1984)

Rotten Tomatoes

Dune (1984): This David Lynch adaptation is as bad as I heard. Cheap sets and miniatures and special effects. Overly dramatic music. Clunky dialog. It's said movies should show, not tell. Dune tells, even down to narrating characters' thoughts. C-

Max

#VeryTardyReview

Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975)

Rotten Tomatoes

Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975): French. As dry as its title. 3.5 hrs of static camera shots in a claustrophobic apartment showing a woman's life of quiet desperation. Packing a punch for feminism, it tops BFI's 2022 list of best films of all time. Not for everyone. C+

Max

#VeryTardyReview

POTD: Man of La Mancha

"Miguel's words still live,
In the streets of this small town,
Don Quixote's realm."

—h/t ChatGPT

From 2023 09 15 Toledo

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Puerto Lapice in the province of La Mancha, Spain. Don Quixote is a fictional character, created by Miguel de Cervantes, who mentions the real town of Puerto Lapice by name in his classic novel. The modern town has capitalized on that fact. It's not big, but it's all about the Man of La Mancha.

A bonus photo is after the jump.

POTD: Olives Everywhere. And Bull.

"Olive groves extend
All across central Spain's land,
Liquid gold abounds."

—h/t ChatGPT

From 2023 09 15 Toledo

Today's photo-of-the-day is from central Spain, where olive groves are everywhere. We've already covered this agricultural fact in our photo-of-the-day near Seville in southern Spain, but the country is the world's largest exporter of olive oil. In 2022, 43% of the world's exports came from Spain. And that's no bull.

A bonus photo is after the jump.

POTD: Does God Exist?

Today's real-time photo-of-the-day is from Bodrum on the Turkish Riviera. A man nearby is reading a book with the title "Does God Exist?" From my particular vantage point today the answer is unequivocally yes.

WAIW: Things Worth a Solitary Dime

Where Am I Wednesday!

Fifty points to the first person to identify where this photo was taken. (Ten bonus points for each of the three things that you can name that are worth a solitary dime.)

Answer is after the jump.

Wonka (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes

Wonka (2023): Origin story for the chocolate maker. Songs are catchy, but Timothée Chalamet has neither the voice nor the needed madcap twinkle in his eye to carry the movie. There may be a happy ending, but before that it's all Wonka's hardships with slave masters, corrupt police, and an evil chocolate cartel. B-

Apple TV+

POTD: The Alhambra

"Granada's treasure,
Alhambra's timeless allure,
Echoes of glory."

—h/t ChatGPT

From 2023 09 14 Granada

Today's photo-of-the-day is from the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. It's not just a monument or a building. It's a fortress and a palace and a whole world unto itself. Begun in 1238, "it is one of the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture and one of the best-preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world, in addition to containing notable examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture."

A bonus photo is after the jump.

POTD: The Bishop's Opening

"Cathedral backdrop,
Father and son deep in thought,
Chess pieces in hand."

—h/t ChatGPT

From 2023 09 14 Granada

This photo was taken on the steps of Granada Cathedral in Granada, Spain. It features an unidentified father and son playing chess. A chess beginner's maxim is "develop knights before bishops" but when you are playing literally on the steps of a cathedral, such maxims maybe can be ignored.

A bonus photo is after the jump.

The Gentlemen (TV 2024)

Rotten Tomatoes

The Gentlemen (TV 2024): A Guy Ritchie production. A young English duke inherits his family estate...and the enormous weed business it harbors. He tries to extricate himself and only gets dragged deeper into the criminal world. There are no good guys here, only a lot of unlikeable characters doing unlikeable things. B-

Netflix

Unfrosted (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes

Unfrosted (2024): Origin story of Pop-Tarts by Jerry Seinfeld, filled with more comedians than "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee." What made that show interesting was the loosely scripted banter. Here, it's all scripted and rehearsed. Jokes are aimed for Baby Boomers but Barbie did it so, so much better. C-

Netflix

Baby Reindeer (TV 2024)

Rotten Tomatoes

Baby Reindeer (TV 2024): Lonely woman walks into a bar. Bartender takes pity on her, bringing a stalker into his life. Why does it take him six months to go to the police? The sexual abuse he once suffered plays a role. Like slowing down to rubberneck a car accident, I hated myself for watching. Sad. Exploitative. C+

Netflix