Articles for March, 2010
Patti Smith Was Once a Child
Alternate headline: Tim’s post leads to a timely association unrelated to Dallas that nonetheless needs to be shared because it is a beautiful Friday afternoon that deserves this as its soundtrack. Roll down those windows, turn up that stereo, and get ye to happy hour.
Pat Smith Is With Child
Our own Jeanne Prejean tells me that she ran into Pat Smith, wife of Emmitt, who informed her that she is gravid. With child. Got a bun in the oven. Her Eggo is preggo. Looks like the NFL’s all-time leading rusher still knows how to pick up a first down.
Okay, sorry. In all seriousness, congrats to the Smiths on their good news.
Behind the Scenes at D Magazine
I just finished updating the editorial calendar, a chore I’ve been putting off for about a month. Pretty cool, huh?
Allen Gwinn Sniffs Out a Bad Actor at DISD
Maria “Conchis” Silva sounds like a real peach. According to the DISD Office of Professional Responsibility report that Allen Gwinn got his hands on, the former manager of DISD’s Adult Basic Education Department (ABE) used vulgar and inappropriate language in the workplace; misappropriated ABE staff, equipment and supplies for personal purposes; violated the Americans with Disabilities Act; and misspent more than $30,000 in federal grant funds. Gwinn has posted the entire report. I’m sure the Dallas Morning News will give him full credit when they report the story.
Friday Afternoon Random Question: Don’t Pick Galaga!
I don’t remember if our commentariat hated this once-regular feature or only mildly disliked it. In any case, I’m bored, stuck in the office on a beautiful day, and ready to bring it back, if only this once. So, here goes:
Do you think you could take me in a fistfight? Wait, used that one already, and everyone thought I was actually challenging all comers. Okay, how about:
I’ve had three adult beverages (as far as you know), I’ve put $4 in the jukebox, and for some reason I’m allowed to smoke inside the bar. Do you think you could best me in an arcade game of your choice?
Super Bowl Reimbursements Would Exceed $31M
Over at the offices of the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee, they were grinning pretty broadly today. The reason: the Texas Comptroller said that up to $31.2 million in sales-tax revenue would be made available to pay back the committee–as well as the cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington and Irving–for expenses related to the big game in 2011. That amount, to be placed in a so-called Major Events Trust Fund, was based on a recent study estimating how much the game will generate in economic impact for the region.
The study put that figure at a whopping $612 million. While the committee had been hoping for a $36.2 million reimbursement based on the $612 million, the comptroller apparently was a tad less sanguine about the game’s revenue-generating potential. The committee will take it, though–and figures it could snag about $20 million of the $31.2 million, with the remainder going to the four cities. Said Bill Lively, president and CEO of the host committee: “This is a great day for North Texas.”
We’re Giving Away Stuff on ShopTalk
Check it out here. Hint: see picture left
New Boolean Valley Installation at the Nasher Sculpture Center
Yesterday on my way home after work, I popped in to the Nasher Sculpture Center to meet Adam Silverman, who was just wrapping up his work for the day. Silverman (pictured below with Nasher curator Jed Morse) is a potter. He spent all yesterday carefully placing 400 cut clay objects in one of the ponds at the end of the garden. The installation (officially on display tomorrow through June 6) is called Boolean Valley, a project Silverman did with his architect friend Nader Tehrani. You can read more about it here. Here’s what struck me about the piece: imagine trying to make 400 clay objects by hand, such that they form the perfectly even progression that you see below. Anyone who has ever tried to throw a pot in an amateur setting knows how hard it is just to get the thing to approximate “round” — much less have a precise relationship in size to 399 other pots. Yesterday I asked some glib questions of Silverman (Do you like wearing waders? Now that you’re finished, how hard are you gonna party tonight?) when I should have asked him: while making those 400 pieces, how did you keep from going insane?
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Greenville Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade But Were Afraid to Ask Councilwoman Angela Hunt
I am on record as saying the Greenville Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the best day of the year on Dallas’ social calendar. After several heated discussions with the missus, it appears I will be allowed to participate this year. Excelsior! If you’re inclined to join me in the festivities, check out our list of stuff to do. And, while you’re at it, read Councilwoman Angela Hunt’s blog post detailing the security measures that’ll be in place this year. Gird your loins, people. Watch out for the micturating Rhett Bomar. See you tomorrow.
Giants of the Savanna Preview at the Dallas Zoo
Yesterday the Dallas Zoo did a hard-hat sneak peak of its new Giants of the Savanna exhibit. The elephants are back, and they’ll be well cared for. So Chill out, Lily Tomlin. We dispatched intern Traci Mitchell, who files her report (with pics) after the jump.
Leading Off (3/12/10) — FrontRow Edition
To kick off a new daily news roundup over on FrontRow, we’ll share it with you FBvians, too.
1. The Denton Record Chronicle dispatched a reporter to the NX35 panel dealing with the North Texas arts scene, and word came back “cross pollination” was the buzz word of the evening. Texas artsy-interested folks should go to more shows and galleries, should stop talking about how “cool” our cultural scene is and actually get out there and participate, panelists concluded. Call it the old fashioned artsy blues: the Chronicle could have dispatched their reporter to any city in America and come back with the same laments.
2. The Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre comes to town next week. This Week in the Arts has an interview with the famed dancer from Houston. And here’s a little sneak peek, though I’m not sure if Frederick Wiseman would like all the camera angles and dissolves in that clip.
3. With Taylor Mac’s one man cabaret at the Undermain, Mike Daisey’s monologues at the Out of the Loop Fest, and Seth Rudetsky’s stand-up talk show, we’ve been thinking a lot about the boundaries of theater genre: What is the difference between comedic and theatrical performance, or is it even important to recognize those boundaries? Add this one to the pile: if Conan O’Brien performs a television show on stage, is it theater, a comedy tour, or un-broadcasted television?
Leading Off (3/12/10): The Late Edition
1. Irving is going to squeeze every last drop that it can out of Texas Stadium. Were you interested in watching the April 11 implosion (now with more cheddar cheese!)? The privilege will cost you $25. “Bring your cash money,” said Doug Janeway, the city’s assistant real estate services director.
2. Now we know why UNT president Gretchen Bataille suddenly resigned last month. For those hoping for a cocaine-fueled sex scandal, I’m sorry to bring you the rather boring news that Bataille and Chancellor Lee Jackson simply didn’t get along well. That’s it.
3. Jeremy Daniel Wicker put an ad on Craigslist seeking a female lead singer for a Christian band. Guess how the story ends up. Go ahead. Okay, I’ll give you a couple clues. After a woman answered the ad, she and her fiance got a series of text messages, including these: “I want your wife hurt bad.” “I’m outside.” “I have the apartment number.” “Don’t make me do it.”
Stars Slash Ticket Prices
Apparently losing is not a good strategy for putting butts in seats. The Stars are slashing ticket prices for the next six games (Friday, March 12 vs. Los Angeles Kings; March 14 vs. Colorado Avalanche; March 16 vs. San Jose Sharks; March 18 vs. Philadelphia Flyers; March 20 vs. Ottawa Senators; March 21 vs. Phoenix Coyotes) by as much as 75 percent. Upper level seats are now $10 (reg. $40) and lower level seats are now $40 (reg. $85 to $120). Go here if you’re interested. This is good news for fans. Not so much for someone trying to sell the team.
Home |
Masthead |
News from D |
About Us |
Contact Us |
Subscribe |
Advertise |
Privacy Policy |
Customer Service |
Awards | Archives | Reprints | d custom | Jobs | Advertiser's Index
Awards | Archives | Reprints | d custom | Jobs | Advertiser's Index