Fahrenheit 11/9 (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes

Fahrenheit 11/9 (2018). It feels wrong to review this Michael Moore documentary because he's not just making a movie. He's warning of an existential threat to the American Republic. He shows bright spots of good guys fighting back, but he warns that it's not enough. B-

POTD: Soviet Decay

From 2018 08 13 St Petersburg

Today's photo-of-the-day is from St. Petersburg, Russia. It shows an abandoned building from the Soviet era. There are plenty of reminders around St. Petersburg of the failure of that system. Once as we drove through the city, I said something like, "This neighborhood looks prosperous" and Ellen replied, "Do you mean the windows aren't all broken?" Still, we loved St. Petersburg as a whole.

A bonus photo after the jump.

Gun McNutt

The last time these pages had to talk about Chris McNutt was November 26, 2018. Well, he's baaack.

According to The Houston Chronicle,

House Speaker Dennis Bonnen says Texas state troopers had his home in Lake Jackson under surveillance last week amid concerns that an outraged gun rights activist was headed there.

Chris McNutt, executive director of the nonprofit Texas Gun Rights, is advocating for a "constitutional carry" bill that would allow gun owners to carry their pistols, openly or concealed, in public without a license.

Source: Houston Chronicle.

Fyre (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes

Fyre (2019): Documentary of a music festival on a private island in Bahamas that turned into a clusterf*ck. Behind it? A giant con, where luxury was sold up front w/o ability to deliver. A producer of the doc also produced the Fyre Festival promotional video. The con goes on. B-

Equity in RISD

"In an effort to ensure every student performs at or above grade level, the Equity Action Team developed an action plan to recommend the drafting and potential Board approval of an Equity Policy in RISD. An overview of the committee’s process will be presented as well as a preliminary draft of the current Equity Policy. Next steps will be discussed as well as a timeline for policy recommendation."

That's the agenda item for last week's Richardson ISD board of trustees meeting. OK, I'm in favor of what RISD is attempting here, so don't take what I have to say as criticism of the goal. If you must, take it as a reason why I should never be appointed to one of these committees.

The Highwaymen (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes

The Highwaymen (2019): Two retired Texas Rangers track down Bonnie and Clyde. This pair is less charismatic than the outlaws, but Costner/Harrelson can carry a movie. They are always a little too late on the scene, making for a slow movie. Seeing Texas in the 1930s is a treat. B-

Not So Fast with that RISD Election

Just when I thought the Richardson ISD's transition to trustee elections with single-member-districts was a done deal, with only a few details to be decided by the board of trustees, someone throws a wrench in the works. In this case, it's our newly elected Texas House District 102 Representative Ana-Maria Ramos.

Idle Thoughts: Russian Doll

Tweets from March, 2019:

• Mar 4 2019: Russian Doll (TV 2019): Brash New Yorker is caught in looping, connected timelines as she keeps dying and rebooting at her birthday party. Quirky, original, absolutely captivating, with a satisfying ending as well. Can't wait for Season 2, but where can Natasha Lyonne take it? A+
• Mar 6 2019: Do you want to be scared out of your mind? Read this:
  "Far-Right Climate Denial Is Scary. Far-Right Climate Acceptance Might Be Scarier".
• Mar 7 2019: "I alone can fix this." -- candidate Donald Trump, 2016.
  Now in 2019...
  Government shutdown.
  Historic budget deficits.
  Growing trade deficits.
  Spiking numbers of family refugees.
  North Korea rearming.
  Tired of the winning yet?

After the jump, more idle thoughts.

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.