On September 19, the Richardson ISD sponsored a "College and Career Fair" at the University of Texas - Dallas. About 200 colleges with interest in recruiting RISD students to attend their schools were represented. Good news for Richardson's high school students? You'd think so. But frequent RISD critic Bill Ames had other ideas.
The gist of Ames's criticism is that some of the represented schools have room for improvement in their respect for students' free speech rights. Now I'm with Ames all the way in calling out schools for shortcomings in this regard. Where Ames goes off the rails is in holding up Jerry Falwell's Liberty University as an "excellent example" in campus free speech because they invited Bernie Sanders to speak and students didn't demonstrate, petition or picket him. That's commendable, not that the students were given any freedom of speech to do so. From the Liberty University student rulebook: "Student participation in on-campus demonstrations, petitions or picketing is prohibited unless approved by Liberty University administration." Liberty University can get away with this open suppression of free speech because it's a private university; public universities cannot. So much for Bill Ames's "excellent example" of campus free speech.
Anyway, what follows is my Facebook conversation with Bill Ames. His opening statement has been edited for brevity.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Voters Guide: City Charter Amendments 41-50
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 1-10
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 11-20
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 21-30
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 31-40
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 41-50
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 51-60
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 61-70
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 71-83
There are 83 propositions for amending the Richardson City Charter on the November ballot. I'm here with a voter's guide to tell you how to vote. You're welcome.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Memorial Union Terrace on Lake Mendota
From 2015 08 21 Madison |
Last year's standard of excellence maintained its high rating this year. If I do say so myself (and it's my blog, so I do), the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Memorial Union Terrace on Lake Mendota on a Friday afternoon in summer is the finest single place to be on any university campus anywhere. Add a brat and a beer and nowhere else comes close.
More photos after the jump.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
POTD: Fire on a Bike
From 2015 03 24 Hue |
Today's photo-of-the-day is from Hué, Vietnam. I can't say for sure how this man makes his living. Theories, anyone?
Monday, September 21, 2015
Voters Guide: City Charter Amendments 31-40
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 1-10
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 11-20
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 21-30
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 31-40
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 41-50
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 51-60
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 61-70
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 71-83
There are 83 propositions for amending the Richardson City Charter on the November ballot. I'm here with a voter's guide to tell you how to vote. You're welcome.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Dallas Arts District Fall Block Party
From 2015 09 18 Dallas Arts District |
More photos after the jump.
Saturday, September 19, 2015
180° South (2010)
IMDB |
Friday, September 18, 2015
POTD: Ducks on a Bike
From 2015 03 24 Hue |
Today's photo-of-the-day is from Hué, Vietnam, specifically on the Truong Tien bridge across the Huong (Perfume) River. But it's not the river or the bridge that caught my eye. It was the ducks on a bike.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Sweeney Todd at PHS
From 2015 00 00 Miscellaneous |
Sweeney Todd at PHS: Sondheim's black comic operetta. Deliciously dark and tragic. Pearce's voices were up to the challenge. Such talent.
Voters Guide: City Charter Amendments 21-30
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 1-10
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 11-20
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 21-30
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 31-40
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 41-50
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 51-60
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 61-70
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 71-83
There are 83 propositions for amending the Richardson City Charter on the November ballot. I'm here with a voter's guide to tell you how to vote. You're welcome.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Tig (2015)
IMDB |
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
POTD: The Imperial City in Hué
From 2015 03 24 Hue |
Today's photo-of-the-day is from Hué, Vietnam, the historic national capital of Vietnam until World War II, when a communist government was established in Hanoi. This photo was taken in the Imperial City, a walled fortress and palace, home to the emperor.
Much of the Imperial City was destroyed or heavily damaged during the battle of Hué during the Vietnam War's Tet Offensive of January 31, 1968. Today, some restoration is underway but much of this cultural heritage is lost forever.
From 2015 03 24 Hue |
Monday, September 14, 2015
Voters Guide: City Charter Amendments 11-20
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 1-10
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 11-20
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 21-30
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 31-40
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 41-50
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 51-60
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 61-70
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 71-83
There are 83 propositions for amending the Richardson City Charter on the November ballot. I'm here with a voter's guide to tell you how to vote. You're welcome.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Homecoming: Mesquite Poteet 42, Berkner 16
From 2015 09 11 Poteet vs Berkner |
Mesquite Poteet spoiled Berkner's homecoming game Friday night, 42-16. :-(
Berkner's two touchdowns came on spectacular plays -- one a 71 yard pass from Kris Castillo to Kailon Fisher and the other a fumble return for a touchdown by Austin Carbone (set up by a 75 yard punt by Tanner Lange that pinned Poteet back near their own goal line), but other than that, Poteet was in control the whole game.
All the action, including the game, cheerleaders, drill team, colorguard, marching band and all the rest that make high school football the best value in sports entertainment, can be seen on Google Photos. Remember, without the band, it's just a game.
Friday, September 11, 2015
POTD: Fishing in Hoi An
From 2015 03 22 Hoi An |
Today's photo-of-the-day is from Hoi An, Vietnam. It shows a man fishing on the Thu Bon River. Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he'll entertain the tourists for a lifetime.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Voters Guide: City Charter Amendments 1-10
First in a series.
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 1-10
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 11-20
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 21-30
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 31-40
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 41-50
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 51-60
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 61-70
- City Charter Amendments Nos. 71-83
I divide the propositions into several categories: cosmetic changes (affecting spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc., but not meaning); cleanup changes (where outdated or confusing language is changed but not the meaning); minor changes (substantive changes to the powers of government but of a minor nature); and substantive changes (changes to the powers of government of more significant nature). I can't decide how to categorize some propositions. In some cases, I don't have enough information to decide whether a change really only "simplifies" and "clarifies" the charter, as a proposition might claim, or whether it hides substantive changes. You'll see what I mean.
With 83 propositions, it's going to take more than a single cheat sheet -- more like eight or so. So let's get started. Here are my recommendations for Propositions Nos. 1-10. Recommendations for the rest will be coming in due time.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Clouds of Sils Maria (2014)
IMDB |
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
POTD: Vietnam in One Shot
From 2015 03 22 Hoi An |
Today's photo-of-the-day is from Hoi An, Vietnam. What can I say about it? One shutter snap captures so much of modern Vietnam, including touches of traditional Vietnam. There's the communist flag. There's the touristy cyclo (three-wheeled bicycle rickshaw). There's the affluent young couple with the woman in a stunning fuchsia silk dress. There's the woman in the traditional Vietnamese style conical hat. And there's the cell phone in her hand. There's not much about modern Vietnam that's missing from this photograph. It's said that all photos lie, but I like the lie this one tells.
Monday, September 7, 2015
Increased Density Spurs Retail Revival
The wedge that cleaves Richardson politics is development. On one side are those who want to see the city stop the construction of apartments and do something to breath life back into dying shopping centers. On the other side are those who rally behind multi-use developments like CityLine and Palisades with their apartments, offices and retail. It turns out that maybe, just maybe, the key to reversing the decline of older retail in Richardson is the success of new multi-use developments.
Sunday, September 6, 2015
OTBR: Vanishing View in Las Vegas
Longitude: W 115° 21.936
A child on a road trip with his family asks, "Where are we?" and the father answers, "Let's check the map. We're off the blue roads [the Interstate Highways marked in blue on the road atlas]. We're off the red roads [the US and state highways]. We're off the black roads [the county highways]. I think we're off the map altogether." It was always my dream to be off the map altogether.
After the jump, a few of the random places (and I mean random literally) that I visited vicariously last month that are "off the blue roads".
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Rowlett 44, Lake Highlands 21
From 2015 09 04 Rowlett vs Lake Highlands |
The Lake Highlands Wildcats lost their home opener to Rowlett, 44-21, Friday night, dropping to 0-2 on the season. The Wildcats jumped to a quick 7-0 lead on a 78 yard touchdown pass less than two minutes into the game, but from then on Rowlett contained Lake Highlands and showed their own offensive strength. Rowlett finished with 20 first downs to just 7 for Lake Highlands.
All the action, including the game, cheerleaders, drill team, colorguard, marching band and all the rest that make high school football the best value in sports entertainment, can be seen on Google Photos. Remember, without the band, it's just a game.
Overtime: Berkner 33, Naaman Forest 30
From 2015 09 03 Naaman Forest vs Berkner |
All the action, including the game, cheerleaders, drill team, colorguard, marching band and all the rest that make high school football the best value in sports entertainment, can be seen on Google Photos. Remember, without the band, it's just a game.
Friday, September 4, 2015
POTD: Chào Buoi Sáng Vietnam
From 2015 03 22 Hoi An |
Good Morning, Vietnam. Today's photo-of-the-day is from Hoi An, Vietnam. Robin Williams may be gone, but his memory lives on for every American of a certain age who strolls the streets of Hoi An and smiles when he passes the Chào Buoi Sáng restaurant.
From 2015 03 22 Hoi An |
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Mind Control with the Delphi Method
Hammer. Rake. Spatula. All tools. Tools that when used properly can be useful. But no guarantees. Here's another tool: Delphi Method.
What the Delphi Method is not is mind control. It wasn't developed for the U.S. Defense Department "for use as a psychological weapon during the cold war" as one tinfoil hatter asserts. Nor is it intended for "manipulating ANY meeting toward a predetermined end." At least not any more than a hammer is, although I suppose someone could raise a hammer in the air at a meeting to get attention. But if that happens, don't blame the hammer.
What does all this have to do with Richardson?
I'm familiar with the Delphi Method from business. For example, when estimating how long a development project will take, the project team members use the Delphi Method to come up with a group estimate that is better than the estimate of a single project member, even the most senior. At least, it usually is. But no guarantees.The Delphi method is a structured communication technique or method, originally developed as a systematic, interactive forecasting method which relies on a panel of experts. The experts answer questionnaires in two or more rounds. After each round, a facilitator or change agent provides an anonymous summary of the experts' forecasts from the previous round as well as the reasons they provided for their judgments. Thus, experts are encouraged to revise their earlier answers in light of the replies of other members of their panel. It is believed that during this process the range of the answers will decrease and the group will converge towards the "correct" answer.
Source: Wikipedia.
What the Delphi Method is not is mind control. It wasn't developed for the U.S. Defense Department "for use as a psychological weapon during the cold war" as one tinfoil hatter asserts. Nor is it intended for "manipulating ANY meeting toward a predetermined end." At least not any more than a hammer is, although I suppose someone could raise a hammer in the air at a meeting to get attention. But if that happens, don't blame the hammer.
What does all this have to do with Richardson?
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
POTD: Silk Lanterns of Hoi An
From 2015 03 22 Hoi An |
Today's photo-of-the-day is from Hoi An, Vietnam. Hundreds of years ago, Hoi An was a busy commercial center. Silk cloth and silk products were exchanged for products from China, Thailand, India, and Europe. The silk lantern has remained a popular item in Hoi An ever since.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
$8/Month for a Meter? Are You Kidding Me?
Some Richardson residents complain about having to pay $8/month for having a second meter at their home for outdoor irrigation, even in winter months when they don't water their lawn.
If instead of charging you $8/month, suppose the city charged you $96 once a year. You use the meter every year, don't you? Would that eliminate your complaint of paying for billing periods that you don't use the meter? Paying month to month, spreading the cost evenly over the year is just a convenient bookkeeping technique. Kind of like the electric company offering to take your variable monthly bills and evenly spread them throughout the year.
But is $8/mo or $96/year the right fee for a meter? I suspect it's a case of spreading the cost of supplying water to the city out in a lot of little ways. If the meter fee is too high that means the cost somewhere else is too low. Reduce the cost of the meters to zero and the city has to make up the lost revenue somewhere else to come out even. There's no free lunch. (By the way, the city isn't alone. I pay Time Warner a monthly rental fee for equipment that I suspect is higher than the cost of providing the equipment alone.)
If instead of charging you $8/month, suppose the city charged you $96 once a year. You use the meter every year, don't you? Would that eliminate your complaint of paying for billing periods that you don't use the meter? Paying month to month, spreading the cost evenly over the year is just a convenient bookkeeping technique. Kind of like the electric company offering to take your variable monthly bills and evenly spread them throughout the year.
But is $8/mo or $96/year the right fee for a meter? I suspect it's a case of spreading the cost of supplying water to the city out in a lot of little ways. If the meter fee is too high that means the cost somewhere else is too low. Reduce the cost of the meters to zero and the city has to make up the lost revenue somewhere else to come out even. There's no free lunch. (By the way, the city isn't alone. I pay Time Warner a monthly rental fee for equipment that I suspect is higher than the cost of providing the equipment alone.)
Repeat Tweets: What Cecil the Lion Teaches Us About Health Reform
Repeat tweets from August, 2015:
- Aug 1 2015: Cecil the lion teaches us that "the ruling theory behind conservative notions of health reform is completely wrong." krugman.blogs.nytimes.com
- Aug 2 2015: Ironic, @DonMcLeroy accusing others of throwing gas on the fire. He is the arsonist. He and his revisionist history.
- Aug 2 2015: I don't know if Scott Walker is a sentient human being, but presume he is.
- Aug 3 2015: "GOP doesn't rush to defend Ken Paxton." Of course not. Paxton himself admitted guilt and paid a fine last year. abc13.com
- Aug 3 2015: Cruz: "Satellite data for last 18 years [shows] zero recorded warming." Obama: "2014 was the planet’s warmest year on record." One is right.
- Aug 3 2015: Jefferson Center Apt Homes: High-end, medium-density, single-use development near future Cotton Belt station. Meh. bizbeatblog.dallasnews.com
After the jump, more repeat tweets.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Three Graphs That Explain Your Water Bill
If your water bill tripled last month, don't blame rate increases. The rate for water in Richardson was the same last month as the month before. Sure, it's been going up year after year, and will continue to do so, but those increases are in the order of 8-10% per year, not the 300% per month that some people saw their water bills go up last month.
What would account for a 300% increase in water bills is increased usage. That that happened shouldn't be shocking. May was the wettest month in the area's history. We still had twice a month watering restrictions in place, although no one should have had to water their lawn at all. June and July were dry, dry, dry. And the water restrictions were eased. Twice weekly watering became the norm. Twice a month to twice a week is a fourfold increase. That and the change in weather means it's not surprising that water bills soared.
After the jump, three graphs that show the story.
What would account for a 300% increase in water bills is increased usage. That that happened shouldn't be shocking. May was the wettest month in the area's history. We still had twice a month watering restrictions in place, although no one should have had to water their lawn at all. June and July were dry, dry, dry. And the water restrictions were eased. Twice weekly watering became the norm. Twice a month to twice a week is a fourfold increase. That and the change in weather means it's not surprising that water bills soared.
After the jump, three graphs that show the story.
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