POTD: Calafate Smoothie

"After the long day,
Calafate refreshment.
Mountains call me back."
— h/t ChatGPT

From 2024 03 11 Chile Patagonia

After a long day touring the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, we relaxed at the Hotel Las Torres with a calafate smoothie. Calafate is a small, round, purple fruit with a sweet and sour taste. It's the symbol of Patagonia. A legend says if you eat calafate berries you will be sure to return to Patagonia. Sure enough, the next day we returned, this time to Argentinian Patagonia. More glaciers in store.

POTD: Torres del Paine National Park

"Horns of blue in mist,
Clouds hide the towering peaks,
Knee bends against will."

— h/t ChatGPT

From 2024 03 11 Chile Patagonia

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Chile's Torres del Paine National Park (Towers of Blue). The park "encompasses mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers in southern Chilean Patagonia." From a distance of 20 miles we got our first, and least obstructed, view of the Cuernos del Paine (Horns of Blue).

A bonus photo is after the jump.

Presumed Innocent (TV 2024)

Rotten Tomatoes

Presumed Innocent (TV 2024): Excellent whodunit. The plot is an intricate clockwork, full of suspects and red herrings. Based on 1987 novel. Public prosecutor is charged with murdering another prosecutor, one he has been having an affair with. Did he or didn't he? Even his wife and kids are torn. A-

AppleTV+

Salvage Yard: Gateway to Richardson IQ

At the Richardson City Council meeting of October 14, 2024, the Council approved yet another car dealer to locate in Richardson. And not just any car dealer. This was a request by AutoSavvy. Does Richardson benefit from yet another auto dealer? Especially AutoSavvy? I say no. No City Councilmember could offer a reason to say yes, except maybe as a placeholder for five years, the length of the special use permit under consideration. But they unanimously voted for it anyway.

Council Recap: Cars & Signs, Ad Infinitum

At the Richardson City Council meeting of October 14, 2024, the Council approved yet another car dealer and, in a separate action, amended the existing planned development for the Eastside development to allow the applicant to develop a "master sign plan" for the development. A master sign plan is a way of getting approval for signs that are currently prohibited by ordinance. Because of course they did. They know better, just listen to them during deliberations. But when it comes time to vote, they can't help themselves. They vote yes.