Friday, September 30, 2022

TIL: The Best Form of Government

What's the best form of government? Winston Churchill reportedly arrived at the answer from the opposite end of the spectrum. "Democracy is the worst form of government, except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time." That settles the question. Or does it?

In The New Yorker, Adam Gopnik reviews Jedediah Purdy's book, "Two Cheers for Politics: Why Democracy Is Flawed, Frightening-and Our Best Hope."

Thursday, September 29, 2022

Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

Remember Me (2022): Biopic of Mahalia Jackson. Could use more room to let scenes play out. Mother, aunts, husband(s?), business manager, MLK, each come and go in a hurry. Best thing by far about the movie is Ledisi's singing. More of that, please. C+

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

WAIW: Sitting on a Swing

Where Am I Wednesday?

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

Answer is after the jump.

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

The U.S. and the Holocaust (TV 2022)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

The U.S. and the Holocaust (TV 2022): Heroism and sacrifice are here, stories America likes to tell itself, but also here are xenophobia and the failure to do more. No matter how much you know, watch this. And have every generation of kids watch, too. Our sins live on today. A+

Monday, September 26, 2022

Keep an Open Mind about Special Use Permits

The City of Richardson's zoning ordinances allow for special use permits for smoking establishments after ensuring "safeguards as are necessary to protect adjoining property, as well as the public health, safety, morals and general welfare." A Richardson restaurant owner applied for a special use permit. His application was considered by the City Plan Commission, where it was approved 5-2 and will be considered next by the City Council. I want to examine those two negative votes more closely.