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TEDxSMU A Resounding Success, Ctd.

Mike Orren gives a full recap — well, as much of a recap as is possible – over at Pegasus News.

Eolas Technologies Sues North Texas Companies For Infringement

Thanks to the Plano Star-Courier, I am now aware of last week’s news that Eolas Technologies sued a bunch of companies in federal court in Tyler for patent infringement. Among the companies being sued are Plano-based Perot Systems, Frito-Lay, and JCPenney. Texas Instruments is also among the defendants.

The suit centers on “technology that enables Web browsers to act as platforms for fully interactive embedded applications.” Looking around online for a simple explanation of what that means, I found a sketch in this article. The Star-Courier article, which is much too reliant on Eolas’ own press release, mentions that the company won a judgment of more than $500 million against Microsoft in an earlier patent case, but fails to mention that after appeals the case was settled, presumably for a smaller amount.

But there seems to be a vocal faction on the Web, among those who actually understand this technology, that claims Eolas didn’t really invent anything and is just a patent troll. I don’t know who’s right here. But I have been told that the Eastern District of Texas, which has a disconcertingly simple website itself, is the place to be for patent trolls.

Anders on AT&T PAC: Where’s All the Grass?

SweetCharity and I picked up Helen Anders of the Austin American-Statesman (formerly Helen Bryant of the DMN) early this morning for the dedication ceremony of Dallas’ $354 million AT&T Performing Arts Center. (Helen’s staying with her daughter in Arlington.) Local movers and shakers like Tom Leppert, Jim Oberwetter, Bill Lively, Michael Hinojosa and Jan Strimple turned out in force for the outdoor event, which took place in chilly, foggy weather more reminiscent of San Francisco than Dallas. When the speakers mentioned the grandeur of the center’s “public park” during the ceremony, Anders kept whispering, “What park?!”–a theme she continued in her interesting blog post about the event. SweetCharity weighed in with a report on all the hoopla as well.

DMN Music Critic Mario Tarradell Continues to Have His Finger on the Pulse

Two notes before I begin. First, someone fairly close to the situation asked if I was going to continue my vendetta against Dallas Morning News music critic Mario Tarradell. The answer: YES, capped because I can’t curse here. Second, I know he didn’t write this headline, but “U2 to perform songs from several of its CDs at Cowboys Stadium concert” certainly has a “From the Desk of Mario Tarradell” feel to it.

I mean, come on, here is the first sentence of his U2 column: “That U2 concert sure is the huge music event of 2009, to say the least.” Guh. I’m not done.

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Mark Cuban Isn’t Impressed With ESPN Dallas

An alert FBvian points us to this post on Mark Cuban’s blog, titled “The Dallas Morning News Is Killing ESPN Dallas.” That might be a bit of an overstatement. But when it comes to Mavs coverage, Cuban says ESPN doesn’t appear to be MFFL. He says they aren’t sending reporters to the games to cover them. So when it comes time to break news, he’ll send the heads-up e-mail to the DMN, not ESPN. My guess: it’s still pre-season. And this little note, which is essentially a memo written directly to Bristol, Connecticut, will ensure the Mavs get the attention Cuban wants.

Downtown Dallas Forum is Happening Today at 4 P.M.

It’s on at the Convention Center, and you can find relevant details at Michael Davis’ Dallas Progress blog. According to Mike, they’ll be discussing:

…linking The Dallas Farmers Market, the Arts District, the Cedars, Deep Ellum, and The Main Street District as well as future developments.

D CEO Crew Discovers The New Al Biernat’s

New offices downtown, first lunchtime in the new digs. The DMA/Seventeen Seventeen was closed and Dickey’s is too familiar, so we stumbled into Harwood 609 at … 609 Harwood St. It’s big–looks like it could seat 500–with an over-the-top Tiki theme and glittering disco balls. Not surprising, since the joint (pictured) turns into an old-school R&B club nights and weekends. (The Temptations played there, and they’re shooting to land The Blue Notes–minus Harold Melvin–for New Year’s). Our friendly waiter Quincy explained how the $5 lunch special included soup and salad, an entree and two sides, a drink and dessert. The lovely and talented Kristiana and I opted for well-done burgers with fries, while Jason tried the Southwest chicken sandwich. Total tab: $16.24–and the grub wasn’t half bad. Still, I think there’s a male/female split on a return trip. Kristiana said Harwood 609 looked like an off-strip Vegas lounge and won’t be going back for lunch. Jason and I liked it. I mean, where else can you hear “Cowboys to Girls” (The Intruders) on the sound system at noon? Back to you, Nancy.

Rick Perry Aides Pressured Head of Forensic Commission

Out of Chicago comes news that top Rick Perry aides pressured the head of the forensics commission before he was removed. Not that I want to keep hammering the way Perry handled this. Not at all.

Scenes From the New Office (One in a Series)

I was thrilled about the views from the 21st floor of our new building downtown. Outside my window, I can see the main stage for today’s festivities at the Performing Arts Center. The modern Wyly Borg Cube is a beautiful modern juxtaposition against the Gothic Cathedral. But screw all that. The best view in the office is straight ahead, right o’er the top of my computer. There, rising over my cubicle divider like two suns on the horizon of some impossibly breathtaking alien landscape are the faces of Laura Kostelny (left) and Peggy Levinson (not left). The new office rocks. I am blessed.

Leading Off (10/12/09)

1. Oprah Winfrey sampled the goods at the Texas State Fair yesterday–a day earlier than she was expected. If you like your corny dogs with a side of positive thinking and a dab of The Secret, you’re in luck! She’s taping her program at the Fair today. Sadly, I’m allergic to all that–positive thinking, Oprah, the Fair–so, I won’t see you there.

2. Surprise! Re-developing downtown is proving to be more expensive than the City Council had originally planned. Back in 2005, the city awarded the Mercantile, Atmos Energy Complex, and Continental projects to Cleveland-based developer Forest City, along with millions in tax subsidies. Mercantile is complete–and 80 percent leased–but the other stuff is going to take more time and money. A lot more money.

3. Maybe we should consider asking Oprah for a loan–whisper sweet nothings about the Continental while she munches on a fried Oreo.If that proves too embarrassing, we can cut silly things from the budget like sustainability, clean water, and conservation initiatives. It’s working for Plano and cities like Miami and Columbus! Everyone knows water is overrated. Long live fried Coke!