POTD: Angkor Wat

From 2015 03 19 Angkor Wat

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Angkor Wat, a 12th century temple in Cambodia. "It was originally founded as a Hindu temple for the Khmer Empire, gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple toward the end of the 12th century." You can see the process of that transformation to this day, as carvings of Hindu gods were chiseled into carvings of the Buddha. Sound familiar? Today, the whole complex of temples is more a world heritage historic site than a center of religious activity.

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?

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.

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?

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?