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Andrew Beal’s $1.1 Billion Tax Deduction

Make that former tax deduction. Dallas Federal Judge Ed Kincaide has ruled that the poker-playing banker can’t deduct his huge claim on losses on Chinese debt. As a consolation prize, he will not be penalized for trying (because he did so on tax advice) and he can deduct $10 million in actual out-of-pocket costs. Me, I didn’t know the Chinese had any debt. Do they borrow to buy our debt?

Cubs Sale Good News for Hicks Sports Group?

We’ve relayed reports of MLB’s taking control of the Rangers. Hicks Sports Group dumped so much debt on the team that it had come perilously close to not making payroll. So tonight’s news that the Ricketts family is buying the Chicago Cubs from Tribune for $845 million is good news. But for whom?  Certainly for MLB. And certainly for the Rangers, who so far, insiders tell us, have not received one bid or even a serious expression of interest. But if a potential buyer now studies the Cubs deal (which includes Wrigley Field and some television proceeds), decides the Rangers are a steal (so to speak), and writes a large check to buy them, who gets the money? The creditors, of course, are first in line. And after that? MLB or Hicks? Or a combination of both?

Jerks Who Swipe Eco Parking Spots at Whole Foods

As a Prius driver, I love the “eco-friendly only” spots at the Lakewood Whole Foods. But I’ve noticed that many of my fellow citizens can’t read the signs (the one in this pic is tough to make out, but trust me). Here’s a picture of the SUV that right now make me angry.

Cool DART Time-Lapse Video of Green Line Art

In the current issue of the “print product,” the lovely Laura Kostelny brought us a ditty about Brad Oldham and Brandon Oldenburg, who’ve built an enormous sculpture for DART’s Green Line Deep Ellum stop called Traveling Man. You loved Laura’s piece, didn’t you? (Name of my next band: Lovely Laura’s Piece.) Well, then you’ll love this cool video produced by DART, showing the skin going up on the sculpture (which was shown naked in our magazine).

Site Links Buyers, Castoff Clothes of TV News Talent

Ever dreamed of wearing one of Mike Snyder’s big double-breasted jackets? How about one of those ties John McCaa likes–the ones with the tiniest knots in the world? Now it might be possible, thanks to a new Web site specializing in second-hand reporter/anchor duds that’s run by Jolene DeVito, a former anchor herself at WFAA and TXCN. Uncle Barky’s got the scoop.

What Luxury Recession? Kitchen Starts at $214,900

The top dogs at Poggenpohl, a fast-growing German maker of luxury kitchen cabinets, really want to meet the Mavs’ Dirk Nowitzki. The execs were in town yesterday to open the new Poggenpohl Kitchen Design Studio, the second–and largest–new kitchen studio the company has opened in Texas this year. (This one’s 5,000 square feet, compared to Houston’s puny 3,800 feet.) And, managing director Elmar Duffner and U.S. president Ted Chappell (in photo, from left) were especially eager to show off their Poggenpohl Porsche Design P’7340, a sleek “kitchen for men” developed in cooperation with the German automaker. The 7340’s price starts at a whopping 150,000 euros–or roughly $214,900. The luxury-segment recession notwithstanding, Duffner and Chappell said they’ve sold five Porsche kitchens in the U.S. so far. And they think German-born Dirk would make an ideal buyer for the sixth.

Confessed and Convicted Killer Apparently Wants To Be An Architect, Ctd.

James Broadnax is officially not getting a chance to pursue his theoretical dream, as he has been given the death penalty.

Two Stabbed at Dollar Tree in Plano

For his birthday — which isn’t for many months — my son wants $100. Why? So he can go to the dollar store and buy 100 toys. I have found fault with this plan for many and sundry reasons, the two biggest being the expense and the plan to use the aforementioned funds. And now, today, comes a third big one: getting knifed.

UFO Cover-up in Arlington?

Local conspiracy theorists are disagreeing about whether this photo does, in fact, depict a UFO being transported on the back of a truck down Interstate 20 through Arlington earlier this month. As the original report notes, “All wide load transports are required to have a ” Wide Load ” sign, there is not one.” That’s some strong evidence right there.

Local UFO experts say it’s just an F-35 on its way to Houston. Still, questions remain.

But, come on, MUFON’s findings were filed by Fletcher Gray. He’s only the  state coordinator of the MUFON Star Impact Project, one of the foremost UFO-ologists in Texas.  I think I know whose side I’m on.

The Role of Race in a Tale of Two Joshes

Richie Whitt has a provocative column in the new Observer, comparing and contrasting the way the public and the media have reacted to the transgressions of the Mavs’ Josh Howard and the Rangers’ Josh Hamilton. Whitt’s conclusion: In contrast to the treatment of Howard, who’s African-American, Hamilton’s probably gotten a free pass at least in part because he’s white. Unfortunately, he’s probably right.

Leading Off (8/21/09)

1. I thought this headline said the Dallas Convention Center hotel operator outlined its “flood” options, which I thought sounded like a very important story. But then I figured, hey, it’s Friday. You don’t want depressing news. You want to know it’s going to house a Bob’s, a Morsel’s, and other casual dining options. Groundbreaking is scheduled for next month. Unless it floods, of course.

2. Another miscalculation: leaving my computer in the car on the morning we get hours of thunderstorms, complete with continuing flood warnings. Um … duck?

3. And the Dallas Cowboys play their first game in the new stadium tonight, albeit of the preseason variety. Yours truly will be doing my poor imitation of the great Bob Sturm, offering a game recap tomorrow on Inside Corner. Unless it’s raining and my computer is in the car again. That wasn’t fun.