First Impressions of the Candidates

The Islamic Association of North Texas hosted a forum Thursday evening for candidates for Richardson City Council. All candidates in contested races took part. Attendance was excellent. An estimated 300 crowded the multi-purpose hall to hear from the candidates and enjoy a delicious catered dinner. A special shoutout for the samosas. Moving on...

POTD: High Notes

From 2018 08 13 St Petersburg

Today's photo-of-the-day is of artwork on the wall of the State Symphony Capella of Russia in St. Petersburg, Russia. It comprises both an orchestra and choir. I saw the art as evidence that, indeed, the high notes can crack the plaster.

POTD: Nobody Rides for Free

From 2018 08 13 St Petersburg

Today's photo-of-the-day is of the back of a car in St. Petersburg, Russia. The bumper sticker shows that Russians have the same sense of humor as Americans.

RISD Transitions to Single-Member Districts

Source: RISD.

At Monday's Richardson ISD meeting of the board of trustees, Katie Patterson repeated that she will not be running for re-election in 2019. Kristin Kuhne announced that she will not run for re-election in 2020. Jean Bono announced with less certainty that she probably will not run for re-election in 2021. These announcements were made as part of the discussion about transitioning the district to a 5:2 single-member district election system.

After the jump, my recommendation and prediction for what that system should be.

Us (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes

Us (2019): I don't usually watch horror movies, but when I do, they are by Jordan Peele. Part zombie movie, part surreal psychological commentary on the alter ego. More than a few plot holes. Lots of blood and gore, but it leaves lots to talk about too. A little too long. B-

POTD: Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

From 2018 08 13 St Petersburg

Today's photo-of-the-day is of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg, Russia. It was built on the site where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated in March, 1881. Do you see how the church juts out into the canal? The assassination took place right on the edge of the canal as the Emperor's carriage passed by.

A bonus photo after the jump.

POTD: Arts Square: Pushkin Monument and Mikhailovsky Palace

From 2018 08 13 St Petersburg

Today's photo-of-the-day is of the Pushkin Monument and Mikhailovsky Palace in Arts Square in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Mikhailovsky Theatre, where we saw Swan Lake, is also on Arts Square. Alexander Pushkin is considered to be Russia's greatest poet. The Mikhailovsky Palace, built for Emperor Paul I’s youngest son Grand Duke Michail, today houses the state museum of Russian art.