Before Sunset (2004)

IMDB

Before Sunset (2004): Don't look up old girlfriends. It's awkward at best. Slow to get going but redeems itself in end. Lots of talk. B-

Before Sunrise (1995)

IMDB

Before Sunrise (1995): Two strangers fall in love in Vienna. Endless talking like the night will never end. It does. That was me, kinda. A-

Phantom of the Opera at PST

Pocket Sandwich Theatre

Phantom of the Opera at PST: Popcorn-throwing melodrama that can't be overacted. 12-way tie for biggest ham. Fun for cast and audience. B-

State Fair of Texas - Animals

From 2014 09 30 State Fair

More photos after the jump.

Main Street Rezoning Initiative Initial Survey

Source: City of Richardson.

Somehow I was chosen to take part in the city's online SurveyMonkey Main Street Rezoning Initiative Initial Survey. Mostly I was presented with a series of pictures of what the Main Street area would look like from different locations if several four to eight story buildings were built there. One of the "viewsheds" is shown above. I was asked if each of those views was acceptable to me.

After the jump, my answers.

Mesquite 28, Berkner 7

From 2014 10 17 Mesquite vs Berkner

It was the most winnable lopsided loss you'll ever see. Berkner's defense shut down Mesquite in the first half only to fall behind 7-0 with 12 seconds left in the half when Mesquite blocked a field goal and returned it 62 yards for a touchdown. That, plus a Berkner fumble at Mesquite's one yard line and more failed fourth down conversions than you can count, added up to that lopsided score.

On the bright side, it was Berkner Homecoming, Junior High Band Night, and the Mighty Ram Band performed the show that earned it "one" ratings at the UIL Region 3 Marching Contest and a spot in the Area Competition next week.

More photos after the jump.

State Fair of Texas - People

From 2014 09 30 State Fair

More photos after the jump.

Gardening in the Shadow of Construction Cranes

Source: City of Richardson. Groundbreaking is not Gardening

It's like pulling teeth to get the Richardson City Council just to permit farmers markets, but the city is getting into "economic gardening" with no hesitation at all. Richardson plans to "launch a new economic development initiative to help revenue-generating technology startups grow even more quickly." Maybe farmers markets would have been shown some love if the special use permit application had called them "Garden iMarkets."

After the jump, just what is economic gardening? Spoiler alert: it's not turning a shovelful of dirt in the shadow of construction cranes.

State Fair of Texas - Rides

From 2014 09 30 State Fair

More photos after the jump.

Richardson Comes Off My "On Notice" Board

Source: H/T Stephen Colbert.

Richardson no longer has a place on my "On Notice" board. This is what triggered my change of heart:

This evening, the Richardson City Council authorized a purchase/sale agreement and an economic development agreement clearing the way for acquisition of nearly 60 acres of land from Galatyn Properties Ltd. consisting of members of the Margaret Hunt Hill family. Acquisition of the four parcels, which adjoin the existing Spring Creek Nature Area, will enable the City to more than double the nature area’s current size.

Source: City of Richardson.

Well done, Richardson. One hundred years from now, this acquisition will be looked back upon as the most significant action taken by Richardson in the early 21st century. That's just how valuable this large piece of heavily-wooded, undeveloped land in the middle of a growing urban area will be. With this move, Richardson comes down off my "On Notice" board.

After the jump, a look back at my love affair with the Spring Creek Nature Area.