Articles for May 22nd, 2009

Josh at the Nelson: Prepare to Adjust Your Saturday Schedules

We just received word from tournament officials that play tomorrow will be pushed up to avoid inclement weather that will move in during the afternoon hours. Players will play in threesomes (insert Pavilion joke here) instead of the normal weekend twosomes, and tee times will start at 7:30 a.m. Not sure how this is going to affect the Pavilion scene, but I don’t think things are going to be much fun when the intense thunderstorms and wind blow through. But, maybe that’s just how I roll. Other people might be into that sort of thing.

Consider yourself updated. Feel free to adjust your schedules, and wardrobes, accordingly.

Josh at the Nelson: Pavilion Update

Let’s just say the Pavilion is well on its’ way to being in full swing. It’s already difficult to find a lane to walk through, much less a spot to sit and hang out. It’s standing room only today and I seriosuly doubt there will be any celebrity sightings until Jack Ingram hits the stage at 8:30 tonight. Sadly, I will be unable to attend, but I’m sure our Nightlife section of the Web site will have plenty o’ pics from the event soon. Below are a few more shots from the Pavilion scene about 30 minutes ago. Enjoy.

A view of the courtyard outside the Pavilion tent.

A view of the courtyard outside the Pavilion tent.

 

A view of the inside of the tent - standing room only.

A view of the inside of the tent - standing room only.

 

You can write your own caption and send it to Tim.

You can write your own caption and send it to Tim.

 

Fellow beverage seekers.

Fellow beverage seekers.

Woman Scores Victory for Dallas Rape Victims

In March we told you about Courtney Underwood. The SMU grad had learned something peculiar about Dallas County: it has a policy that allows no hospital other than Parkland to provide admissible evidence in sexual assault cases. That didn’t make a whole lot of sense to Underwood, and she set out to change that policy. Thanks to her efforts, in October the county will do something it should have done years ago.

Josh at the Nelson: Sabbatini’s Style and Pic of Chicks

So, it’s the second day at the Nelson, and I’m still getting used to the “social” aspect of things out here. The following are observations that I wish to share with you:

1. Rory Sabbatini is representing a strong wardrobe with his selection of white pants, turquoise golf grips, and a purple checkerboard shirt (see pic below). To you, sir, I say, “Well played.”

2. I am continuing my quest to bring you snapshots of fellow spectators and media folks alike. My first submission for this category is below. Discuss. Or not.

3. I am deeply depressed with Anthony Kim’s decision to not bling it up today. I almost didn’t believe that it was him walking toward me on the first fairway because I wasn’t blinded when I looked at his crotch area. Don’t ask. Anthony, you are playing at the Nelson. If there is anywhere on the Tour that such attire is acceptable, nay appreciated, it’s here.

I’m heading to the Pavilion, so you can expect more submissions to my pictoral collage shortly. That is all.

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Josh at the Nelson: Adam Scott Sighting

Not sure if you can tell from the picture but apparently defending champ Adam Scott isn’t letting a missed cut get in the way of his fun. This is one of the indoor courts at the Four Seasons Resort. Scouting report? Strong forehand, limited range, and a wild backhand. I think the hair is really in his way.

Dallas Bartender Dating Options to Expand

A friend recently joked that I spent so much time at a certain establishment that I was almost certainly common-law married to a bartender there. I wish. But I think being a bartender would be hard–you’re never home at night so you miss amazing shows; people are generally bad—but drunk people are worse; and trying to remember drink orders and recipes and all that business is just too much. Luckily, a lot of people don’t see it my way. According to this Dallas Morning News video, local bartending schools are experiencing a jump in enrollment, likely due to the uncertain economy. My favorite line here: “Your degree in this business is your smile.”

‘Uncollectable’ Funds Slam United Way

Back in February, we told you how the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas had exceeded its annual fundraising goal by raking in more than $58 million, despite the lousy economy. Well, turns out the economy took a toll after all. UW says that 12 percent of that $58 mil turned out to be “uncollectable,” leading to a nearly 4 percent decrease in investment funds compared to the previous year’s campaign. Even so, the group has now doled out nearly $45 million collected in the latest drive, to groups like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas and the Bridge Breast Network.

Woman Attacked By Five Dogs In South Oak Cliff

The story about the attack, which occurred at 6 a.m. near Cedar Crest golf course, says it is not immediately clear what type of dogs they were. I’ll tell you what they were. Pit bulls. If I’m wrong, I owe you a dollar.

I’ll have more to say about what we need to do about our vicious dog problem in the July issue. At least, I hope I do. We’ve already commissioned art for it. Man, I’ve got a lot to do this weekend.

Fort Worth Soldier Fights Taliban in Pink Boxers

I’m coming to this story a little late. But if you haven’t read it, check it out. Major props to Army Specialist Zachary Boyd.

Update: Eric beat me to the World Wide Web. I am slow. Sorry. Already on long weekend.

A Note About My Unwavering Respect for DCAD

In response to item No. 3 in today’s Leading Off, I would like to say that Eric is just bitter because his house’s value has fallen so precipitously in the past year that his address now appears on the Wikipedia entry for “toxic asset.” (I’m tired of workshopping that joke. I tried. Sorry.) While it is true that I have protested my home’s valuation several times (once with comical results), I have never called the good people at the Dallas Central Appraisal District “suckers.” Every time I’ve had an interaction with one of their staff, I’ve been favorably impressed. They are all professionals who do a thankless — but important — job. In fact, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at DCAD for their service to North Texas. Thank you.

DCAD staffers, please print this blog post, and put it in my file. It might come in handy when I protest my valuation next year.

Leading Off (5/22/09)

1. Dirk Nowitzki’s attorney cast doubt on the claim by the Maverick’s former girlfriend that she is pregnant. When asked for comment, the rest of the world said, “Oh, you think so, doctor?”

2. I’m not pleased with the list of energy-efficient items that trigger a sales tax break for you this holiday weekend. They include air conditioners, ceiling fans, and dishwashers, which is fine. But not on the list: gratuitous iPhone upgrades. C’mon. Daddy needs more megs.

3. DCAD releases its preliminary tax rolls today, which will show that “the values of 92 percent of residential properties and 88 percent of commercial properties either are flat or down this year,” according to the DMN. That won’t stop Tim from doing what he does every year: arguing his place is over-valued, then, when his appraisal is lowered, coming into the office cackling and saying, “DCAD’s full of suckers.”