Dirk Have Sag Face?

Is anyone watching the Mavs-Lakers game with a TiVo? If so, please check the commercial Dirk does at the point where the Mavs have 19 and the Lakers have 10. The one where Dirk brags about the sellout streak at the AAC. Please send me a screen shot of his face. What is WRONG with it?

Well, Haynes and Boone is Still Growing

In hat news, the economic crisis has led to at least one growth industry: bankruptcies and reorganizations!

Mavs-Lakers: Statement Game?

The Mavs have looked really good at times this season (the Spurs win on the road, portions of various other games) and really bad at others (the Clippers loss, portions of various other games). The Lakers? They’ve just looked really, really good. They face off at the AAC tonight (say hi if you’re going; I’m in Section 319). That prompted this text from my Lake Show-loving, music writing pal:

If the Lakers can beat Dallas and N’awlins on back to back nights on the road to go to 7-0, that means it’s time to buckle up. This is going to be an amazing season.

In response, I told him not to break out the 72-10 shirts just yet. His half-serious reply?

72-10? I was talking about 82-0. Why, does that seem unrealistic?

Re: Martha Stewart at Sur La Table

As promised, here’s the full report.

What You Can Do to Recognize Veterans Day

Donate money to the Housing Crisis Center or attend their gala and auction next Thursday. The HCC works with many homeless vets to get a roof over their heads. Just a thought.

Shocking: Greenville Ave. Shack Reinvents Itself Yet Again

In the horrible picture at left is a recently painted, non-descript, brown building on Greenville Avenue just south of Park Lane. The faded paint on the fence beside it reads, “Chubby’s Ice Cold Beer.” That might be the new name of the establishment (there is a Corona advert on the front door, after all). Or maybe it was the old name of a previous tenant. Or maybe the one before that. I’ve lost track of the numerous and various businesses that have operated out of that awkward, tiny, possibly drive-thru spot. Here, if memory serves, are the various incarnations: Shaved Ice, Scooter Rental, Fried Chicken, Fried Catfish. Anyone remember something else I’m forgetting? Followup question: Anyone have any ideas for what it should/will be next?

Tom Hunt, R.I.P.

Alan Peppard breaks the news that Tom Hunt has died. One wonders what effect his passing might have on the Hunt v. Hunt affair, now that the “spider in a web of conflicting interests” is dead.

Re: Martha Stewart at Sur La Table

We’ll have a fuller report shortly over on SideDish. For now: she is taller than you might imagine, and everyone at Sur La Table — the workers, the scores of people in line, more than one of whom was in a wheelchair — seemed just a bit afraid of her. I think maybe because of the teardrop tat she got for shanking a broad in the big house.

Martha Stewart at Sur La Table

It’s a good thing. Martha Stewart is here to sign copies of her new book, Martha Stewart’s Cooking School. The line goes from the back of the store, out the door, and down the sidewalk.

Why Democrats Swept Harris County

Over at National Review, David Frum has running blog posts with contributions from readers on why the GOP lost Houston. You’ll have to scroll through various items to catch all the posts, but for political junkies it’s worth it.

On the Prowl in UP: Name that Politician

The industrious Merritt Patterson sent an e-mail this morning with this message:

Who is this guy? He’s someone political and important because everyone has stopped by introducing themselves and saying how much they admire him. He seems to be discussing politics and has mentioned the White House several times. … Now yes talking about what Mrs. Bush wants.

Along with it was this blurry iPhone photo: (more…)

Local Tree Not Having a Good Morning

My neighbor lost a big one last night.

Direct TV, Dish Network, or Cable?

Somebody help me. I have a Direct TV satellite hooked up to my TV which means that every time the wind blows I get the dreaded “searching for satellite” banner across a black screen. Add a rain storm like the doozy we had last night, and I was forced to spend the evening searching for a bottle and a satellite signal. I have reset the receiver so many times that the little red (why does it have to be so teeny?) button is now pink. For this anguish I pay over $100 a month. Am I alone here? Is Dish Network more reliable? Should I switch to cable? “How do I make my voice do this?”

Leading Off (11/11/08)

1. Racial division is alive and well in Dallas! Industrial will be renamed Riverfront, but Ross will remain Ross — which is clearly disrespectful to César Chávez and Hispanics citywide. And I’m still waiting for a street to be renamed in honor of the Chinese dissident Wang Xiaoning. What about him? Huh?

2. It looks like Republicans will keep control of the Texas House by one seat, with the victory — by a mere 20 votes — of Linda Harper-Brown. Her opponent, Bob Romano, might call for a recount. Or he might just open another restaurant chain instead.

3. It won’t rain on the Veterans Day parades. But that’s no consolation to the children in my house, both of whom went outer-limits nutbar last night over all that thunder and lightening. Message to anyone I encounter today: I spent most of the night on the couch with a restless 3-year-old. Don’t test me.