TIL: Why Democrats are Losing

Homeless man in downtown Phoenix

They say, when you're explaining, you're losing. Here I'm going to be explaining what I learned today about why Democrats are losing. That should tell you something about how stupid I am. But here goes anyway.

Hit Man (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes

Hit Man (2024): A unique Richard Linklater film, a true-crime/rom-com/mystery? A boring professor works undercover for police pretending to be a hit man. When he falls for a woman who wants her husband dead, things get complicated. Based (mostly) on a true story, the plot keeps you guessing how it will end. A-

Netflix

OK, Mr. Critic, What's Your Alternative?

After I posted my review of the City of Richardson's proposed new City Hall, I expected to receive critical responses in return along the lines of, "OK, Mr. Critic, what's your alternative?" Usually, I duck such questions, but this time, I'm going to offer an answer, one that I expect will be surprising. My alternative is a building right here in Richardson. It isn't built yet, but it will be. After the jump, what I'd like to see instead.

Richardson's new City McHall

The Richardson City Council reviewed plans for a new City Hall during its June 17, 2024, meeting. This was the second time renderings of the new building were reviewed, the first time being February 5, 2024. Then, I said, "My guess is the City Hall will look fortress-like from Fountain Plaza, but the rest of the views are more than acceptable to me." I also reported that the architecture team said, "The materials to be used on the exterior walls are not yet decided. 'We're intentionally trying to be very nebulous or non committal about what the exterior materials will be at this moment.'" Well, we now have a better understanding of the view and the materials. I'm sorry to say my overall grade for the plan has gotten worse.

POTD: My Name is Ozymandias

"My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
—Percy Bysshe Shelley

From 2023 09 18 Volubilis

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site in Morocco. Volubilis, "founded in the 3rd century B.C., became an important outpost of the Roman Empire and was graced with many fine buildings. Extensive remains of these survive in the archaeological site, located in a fertile agricultural area."

A bonus photo of the Queen of Queens is after the jump.

POTD: Colors Bright and Faded

"Modern gaze meets past,
Overlooking ancient ruins,
Visitor ponders."
—h/t ChatGPT

From 2023 09 18 Volubilis

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site in Morocco. Volubilis, "founded in the 3rd century B.C., became an important outpost of the Roman Empire and was graced with many fine buildings. Extensive remains of these survive in the archaeological site, located in a fertile agricultural area."

This building is modern and overlooks the ruins of Volubilis, which were behind me as I took this photo. It's said that many ancient buildings and sculptures were painted in colors that have worn away long ago. No one is saying that a visitor in Roman times might have seen Volubilis similarly painted, but modern visitors are permitted to imagine anyway.

A bonus photo is after the jump.

Leveraging AI for Local Govt Efficiency

Richardson City Councilmember Dan Barrios is attending a conference. He reports on Facebook, "My first fascinating breakout for the day! It was a packed room and the most popular one yet!"

The Boys in the Boat (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes

The Boys in the Boat (2023): Drama based on real-life story of the University of Washington rowing team who went all the way to the Berlin Olympics in 1936. The scrappy kids face every obstacle on their way to glory. The script is filled with every sports trope, but if a feel-good sports movie is what you like, this is for you. B-

Amazon

Book: Symphony of Secrets

From Symphony of Secrets, by Brendan Slocumb:

Amazon

"It was actually happening. A piece of RED—the elusive, mysterious, impossible RED—had been found. And out of everyone on the planet, Bern himself—a poor bologna-sandwich-eating kid with a beat-up French horn—was going to actually see it. Be one of the very first people to touch it, to decipher Frederic Delaney's distinctive handwriting."

POTD: Martyr's Cemetery

"Rabat's ancient stones,
Beside the vast, tranquil sea,
Eternal, serene."
—h/t ChatGPT

From 2023 09 17 Rabat

Today's photo-of-the-day is from Rabat, Morocco. It shows Sidi Al Khattab Cemetery, also called Martyr's Cemetery. It is located next to the thousand-year-old Kasbah of Rabat. I haven't been able to find much information about the cemetery online, but visually it's incomprehensibly large and stunningly beautiful as it overlooks the ocean. As I age and contemplate being much closer to death than birth, I find myself irresistably drawn to such scenes.