Thursday, January 11, 2024

A New Majority is Born in Richardson

2001: A Space Odyssey

At the January 8, 2023, Richardson City Council meeting, a property owner asked approval for a rezoning request (ZF 23-14) to convert an office building at 75 and Glenville into a five-story, multi-family apartment complex. On a slide titled "Items to Consider," City staff did everything they could to signal to the City Council that they could ignore the fact that apartments in that location are not consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan.

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

American Fiction (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

American Fiction (2023): Satire about a black author named Monk fighting a stereotype of what's considered authentically black. Subplots dealing with his mother, his brother, and a romance provide counterpoints to the plots Monk is asked to write about. Does Monk change? Does anyone? B+

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

The Little Mermaid (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

The Little Mermaid (2023): Probably unnecessary remake of 1989 animated favorite, with live action humans this time, at least their heads. The story is problematic. Is Ariel even old enough for Eric? And why does a prince fall for a girl who has no voice? For me, the songs were by far the best part. More of that, please. B-

Monday, January 8, 2024

The Color Purple (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

The Color Purple (2023): Worthy remake, inspired by 2005 stage musical, 1985 movie, and 1982 novel. This tale of overcoming poverty, racism, sexual discrimination, and family abuse needs retelling to each generation. For me, the musical numbers were the most uplifting; the discordant violence was the hardest to watch. A-

Sunday, January 7, 2024

POTD: No Water. No Life.

"Sydney Harbor's plea,
Hydrant's call to save decree,
Water's future, key."

—h/t ChatGPT

From 2023 03 20 Sydney

This photo-of-the-day was taken in Sydney, Australia. Heed the hydrant: Save water. Save Earth.