Articles for August, 2009
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.
Local Journalists to Drink Drinks at Bryan Street Tavern, Ctd.
Having just returned from the Press Club confab at Bryan Street Tavern, I have information that you may or may not find useful. First, there seems to be some question as to whether the Press Club will continue its monthly happy hours, as I stated earlier. One PC official told me that the board hadn’t yet met and that no decision has been made. Another PC official said, “We couldn’t exist without happy hours.” So we shall see.
Second, the Bryan Street Tavern is worth a visit. That’s a solid bar. Capacious without feeling cavernous. Pool tables, a comfy couch area, board games aplenty. (I played backgammon and won $1 from my son, whose “workday tag-along with Dad” ended poorly for him.) Also, fans of former Old Monk waitress Hillary, she of the curly locks (and I count myself among that group), will be happy to learn that she is plying her trade at Bryan Street. Next time you’re looking to explore a new watering hole, check it out.
Southwest Passenger Gets Naked; Flight Turns Back
Southwest Airlines has had its share of “challenges” lately, but this one takes the prize: a naked guy assaulting his fellow passengers.
Local Journalists to Drink Drinks at Bryan Street Tavern
The monthly Dallas Press Club happy hour goes down at 5 this evening at Bryan Street Tavern. Not sure why, but from what I’m given to understand, this will be the last of such happy hours. Another reason why I refuse to join the Press Club. If I decide to bring my son with me, I’ll see you there.
Update: A bit more on whether that was indeed the last Press Club happy hour. Plus: what you need to know about BST.
Is Exxon Mobil Really a Green Company?
Forbes lays out an interesting line of argument in declaring Irving-based Exxon Mobil “Green Company of the Year.” It’s not because they’ve found a new deity to worship, nor do they put much emphasis on its plans to turn algae into power. No, Forbes grants the honor mostly because of the company’s increased move towards natural gas.
As you can imagine, there are plenty in the blogosphere, like this one, who question Forbes‘ granting of this particularly distinction. And it’s true that Exxon Mobil has given plenty of reasons in the past for it to be thought of as an anti-green company. But we shouldn’t be surprised about this selection. For one, Forbes is a financial magazine, and Exxon Mobil sits atop the highest altar of American business.
Secondly, this was (presumably) a call made by magazine editors. (more…)
Norah Jones Has a New Album Coming Out in November
It apparently doesn’t have a title yet, or at least they haven’t announced it. But here are a few details: the Booker T. Washington alumna wrote songs with Ryan Adams, Will Sheff from Okkervil River, and longtime collaborator Jesse Harris, and she recorded with a new band that includes Joey Waronker, Smokey Hormel, James Poyser, Marc Ribot, and James Gadson, names that have appeared on more than their fair share of liner notes. Not really my bag, but I’m sure plenty of you will be excited.
Release after the jump.
John Gonzalez On Dallas Fans: “Squirrelly”
Our old pal John Gonzalez — former sports columnist for the Dallas Observer, now doing the same at the Philadelphia Inquirer — was interviewed by sports blog The Big Lead. You can read it here. Here’s a relevant-to-Dallas-readers passage:
Q: Having criss-crossed the country covering sports, we’ll ask the impossible: Compare and contrast sports fans in the following cities: Philly, New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Dallas.
You can toss out LA. The weather is too good on the Left Coast for anyone to care about anything out there. Dallas is a better city than people give it credit for, and the women are gorgeous, but the fans down there are a little squirrelly. Chicago has great fans, but they’ll never get their due because they aren’t on the East Coast. In terms of passion and intensity, I’ll put Philly, NY and Boston fans up against anyone. Quick story: I was in Holland a few years ago during the NCAA tournament. Nova was playing Boston College. My buddies and I go into this bar and the game is on and the whole place is going nuts. There were about 20 guys from Philly screaming at approximately 20 guys from Boston — in Holland. I didn’t see anyone from Dallas.
If you don’t know Gonz and need a little theater of the mind, imagine that answer in this voice.
Where You Should Be Tonight If You Like Opera and Dating
The below event listing is submitted by Chris “Daddy-O” Shull, he of the once-perpetual rose-colored Raybans (don’t ask):
I hope you’ll join us at 6:30 this evening at the downtown Dallas library (fourth floor) for what promises to be a fabulous and lively discussion about opera and dating. In conjunction with the Dallas Opera’s upcoming season, we’ll be focusing on Donizetti’s Don Pasquale and Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutte and how those operas relate to contemporary dating trends. Panelists are Dr. Stephen Dubberly, head of opera at UNT, and Dr. James Houran, a psychologist and dating and compatibility expert; both are engaging and intelligent speakers, full of insights and good humor. I’ll be moderating.
The discussion will last only an hour or so and will include time of questions — and the Dallas Opera always has fun giveaways such as beer (or cola) koozies and info about its upcoming season in the Winspear Opera House. Please join us for what will be a fun and informative discussion.
The Dangers of Taking Your Child to Work, Ctd.
In my defense, the first time, Zac was screening your son from my view. The second time, I was quoting an e-mail from Wick, so that was work-related.
Update: His son is 10. By that age, I’d seen Animal House. IJS.
Update: I just walked into his office, and Tim, with his son three feet away, pointed to a story we’re working on and said, “Who’s designing this s%@#?”
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