Motorcade in Highland Park

I have a reader on the phone. He is watching as 5 police motorcycles surround the fountain at Preston and Armstrong across from Jerry Jones’ house. I asked him to circle the block. Yow. Zah. He is reporting a three-block line of Dallas police cars, state trooper vehicles, and 25 motorcycle cops all parked in formation from 4300 to 4600 Armstrong. Belfort seems to be the crucial intersection. “Looks like the cops at the fountain are part of the advance team,” says my reporter. “They are all giving me the evil eye for circling the block. I’m leaving.” That’s less than a mile from D Central. Maybe Tim and Eric are coming back from Phoenix? It has to be GWB. (Spider Monkey, wake up. It’s quite a visual.)

UPDATE: Cynthia Smoot, from D CEO, sends a picture and a report. “We are told by HP Police that it is not former President Bush. But that’s all they will say for ’security reasons.’”

Leading Off (1/21/09)

1. George W. Bush returned to Midland yesterday, saying, “I’m coming home with my head held high and a sense of accomplishment.” Rick Perry met him there and said, “He looked me in the eye before he left and said, ‘Perry, I want you to be a good Boy Scout. And Boy Scouts leave their camp better than they found it.’ Texas is a better place than when George left it.” I would like to add that I’m an inventive and caring lover.

2. Tincy Miller and the crew on the State Board of Education will hear public comments today as they prepare for a big vote on how evolution should be taught in the classroom. Dear Lord baby Jesus, lying there in your ghost manger, just looking at your Baby Einstein developmental videos, learning about shapes and colors, please guide the Board of Education, and especially Tincy Miller, as they undertake this difficult vote.

3. Realizing that Nos. 1 and 2 might make for some bitter comments, I’ll bring you this news in item No. 3: you can save money by buying off-brand cookies.

This Week’s Bachelor Update

For all those interested, Laura Kostelny has the update over here.

High-Powered Inauguration Watching Party

I joined Wick, Christine, Glenn, and our company’s CFO to watch the inauguration off-site. That wasn’t the high-powered group I’m referencing. On our way back to the office, Wick and I witnessed an entourage of three Dallas police SUVs and about four black sedans, the kind owned by dignitaries. We think the dignitary in question watched the inauguration at the home of James Watt on Belfort, who’s an oil and gas guy from Houston. Who’s so powerful to merit such security detail, but not big-wig enough to be in DC? I’ve got a call in to the HP DPD spokesperson. Any guesses before I hear back?

Attention, Lawyers: Voting Ends Next Friday

If you haven’t voted yet for the best lawyer in your area of practice, don’t dally. Voting ends January 30.

Leading Off (01/20/09): Yes I Can Edition

1. Can I point out that President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration speech will most likely be “straight out of church and the black experience”? Yes I can.

2. Can I point out that Michelle Obama should enjoy it now while they’re doing stories on her inaugural ball gown instead of, oh, say, how the soon-to-be former president’s approval rating is so low that the new director of your presidential library has to defensively say that “generations will decide” your legacy, not the people you led. Yes I can.

3. Can I point out that Tony Romo’s off-season continues to get worse? Yes I can.