What’s scarier: Friday the 13th or Valentine’s Day?
Steven Hicks, chairman of Austin’s Capstar Partners has just been appointed to the UT Board of Regents by Rick Perry. Brother Tom served as a Regent from 1994 to 1999, appointed by Ann Richards. Hicks’ major initiative as a regent was forming the system’s investment arm, UTIMCO. Of course, he was then constantly criticized and second-guessed for the investments UTIMCO made. The populist brow-beating over UTIMCO’s performance bonuses is what led Dallas’ Robert Rowling to quit its chairmanship and the Board of Regents last week. Ain’t public service fun? Good luck with yours, Steven.
And this is good news, not hold-on-to-your-hat news, according to the DMN memo. Right. As they say in the Spanish-language version of Wedding Crashers, “Incorrecto! Incorrecto!”
The talented, tragic Von Erich family finally gets a little good news: the entire clan will be inducted into WWE’s Hall of Fame prior to this year’s Wrestlemania, scheduled for April 4 in Houston. A fellow member of the 2009 class, former North Texas football player Stone Cold Steve Austin, is getting most of the shine. But anyone who grew up watching Kevin, Kerry, David, Mike, and their father Fritz dispense justice via the Iron Claw on WCCW out of the Sportatorium will surely recognize this is long overdue.
(Thanks commenter Chris.)
And while we’re here:
An alert FBvian points us to the news that the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood doesn’t like the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Barbie. CCFC director Dr. Susan Linn says, “The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Doll comes with the shortest of short shorts, stiletto boots, and a revealing halter top.” To which I say, “Hang on, Doc. Talk slower.”
This crazy incident happened yesterday morning. And people say we’re not a world-class city.
Not only is Tom Hicks apparently interested in buying the Austin American-Statesman, but Jeremy Halbreich has also taken meetings with Cox Media Group brass, which is selling the paper. First thing I’d do if I were Hicks and I’d just bought the Statesman: make all the employees pay for parking. Next, I’d quit subsidizing the corporate cafeteria. Then I’d have everyone pay for their own BlackBerries. Wait. Not every newspaper gives its employees those benefits?
Today’s Friday Fun is called QWOP, but it might as well be called Running Is Hard. I might also call it Running Is Taken For Granted By Those Who Can Do It. But I digress. The point of QWOP is to run a race, using keyboard keys to control thighs and calves. Sounds simple—and it is—but it’s very difficult. Have fun.
1. Looks a bit like the beginning of the season. The Mavs take a big second-half lead against the Celtics, only to see it slip away at the end. That’s what happens when you ask Devean George to do anything other than look sharp in sweats.
2. Are you scared about Mexican cartel violence coming to North Texas? You should be. Ish. Honestly, unless you’re involved in drug dealing, you’re fine and probably always will be. I just wanted to point to that link so you’ll check out the crazy comments like “NOW what we have, is a FOREIGN, third world culture where death is the NORM.”
3. Mr. Leppert goes to Washington. If the plan wasn’t to rob a D.C.-area bank, I think the trip will fail.