Thursday, July 23, 2015

Q&A: Strategizing in Secret

I read somewhere that the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) had agreed to discuss the method used to determine how much member cities pay for water. Then I read that the Richardson City Council went into closed session to consult with the city attorney to discuss the "1988 North Texas Municipal Water District Regional Water Supply Facilities Amendatory Contract."

Question: Are those two things related? And why would consultation with the city attorney on a water issue not just be done in open session?

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

POTD: Ta Prohm

From 2015 03 19 Angkor Wat

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Technically, it's from Ta Prohm, a 12th century temple about a mile from Angkor Wat, the main temple in the area. What's unusual about Ta Prohm is that it hasn't been restored (much), meaning that the jungle still encroaches and tree roots still climb over the temple buildings. Here I am obliged to say that Ta Prohm was used as a location for the filming of the 2001 action movie Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft. Good times -- the temple, not the movie.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Q&A: Take or Pay

Question: Richardson has to pay for a minimum amount of water whether it's used or not. Where is the incentive to conserve? Isn't this like the stupidest thing you ever heard of?

Monday, July 20, 2015

Q&A: Water, Water Everywhere

Question: With all the reservoirs full, why is Richardson still in Stage 2 (or Stage 3 or whatever) water conservation plan?

Why impose water restrictions at all when you have to flush water towers to keep the water from going stale?

Sunday, July 19, 2015

POTD: Apsara


From 2015 03 18 Siem Reap

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Siem Reap, Cambodia. An apsara is "a female spirit of the clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist mythology." "Apsaras are beautiful, supernatural female beings. They are youthful and elegant, and superb in the art of dancing."

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Fifi Howls from Happiness (2013)

IMDB
Fifi Howls from Happiness (2013): Interview with aging Iranian artist Bahman Mohassess. Fascinating character and art, but not movie. C-












Friday, July 17, 2015

POTD: Fish Can Do Massage

From 2015 03 18 Siem Reap

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Siem Reap, Cambodia. After a long, hot day walking and climbing around Angkor Wat, what can be more refreshing than a cold beer ($1) and a tickly, nibbling, fish foot massage (also $1)?

Everything's a dollar in Siem Reap. And I mean actual US greenbacks, not the equivalent in the currency of Cambodia, the riel, which you only see if your purchase requires change less than a dollar.