Articles for May, 2010
Charlie Gasparino Didn’t Go to Harvard, Ctd.
Remember how Fox Business Network’s Charlie Gasparino said he couldn’t get a job at the Dallas Morning News back in the day because he didn’t go to Harvard? Well, via Jim Romenesko, we learn that DMN Editor Bob Mong said, “Nuh-uh.” And then Gasparino said, “Uh-huh, I just didn’t talk to you.” And then a couple of commenters said they worked at the DMN and didn’t have Harvard degrees.
So there you go. Glad we could clear that up for you.
Yearbook Scandal!
Some good stuff is going on over at the Park Cities People blog. Merritt Patterson broke the news about the Bradfield Elementary yearbook scandal a couple days ago. (I know. I’m late getting to it.) Apparently, a volunteer says she spent a lot of time designing the book. Then as it was going to print, she was told her design was not allowed. So she got it copyrighted. Then the PTA decided to make its own version of the yearbook to avoid legal fees. The school says the volunteer knew all along her design wouldn’t work, and various people offered to help with a redesign. But the volunteer ignored the offers.
Patterson has the e-mails that went out to parents from both the principal and the volunteer. It’s all very fascinating.
USA Today Has a Look at the Woodall Rodgers Park
We’re not the only city grappling with ugly highways running through our downtown. USA Today has a look at several cities, just like Dallas, that are capping those roads with parks. Linda Owens, president of the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation, gets top billing. She says the park will be an economic engine and that we are creating oceanfront property. Does that mean we’re going to have to contend with fat European men in Speedos? If so, I call do-over.
What To Do in Dallas Tonight: May 6, 2010
The Dallas Arts District is exploding with events tonight: Thursday Night Live at the Dallas Museum of Art, the Silk Road Lounge at the Crow Collection, and the first-ever Patio Sessions at Sammons Park. They all start around 5. If I were you I would valet at One Arts Plaza, have a drink or a snack at one of the restaurants, and then take the (free) Art Cart to Sammons Park. You’ll save at least $5 on parking.
But! You could also go to the Bishop Arts District. The First Thursday Wine Stroll is the place to be, and although you can’t quite walk there, you can drive a short distance to the Belmont Hotel for the first installment of Barefoot at the Belmont.
That should keep you busy. But look here for more.
Leading Off (5/6/10)
1. SMU is suspending the use of its press, which has been running since 1937. The reason? Finances. And just like last week, I blame technology. So, put down those iPads and start flipping through the pages of a book.
2. You know what schools these days need? Corporal punishment. Back in the day, when I walked to school uphill both ways, in the snow, and barefoot, I was an angel. Not because that was expected of me, but because I was afraid of a good spanking (those country folk really know how to do it right). So, I say we bring it back. And so does Gilbert Leal, a tutor at Dallas ISD. He’s started a website called bringbacklicks.com. I personally would have called the site gettheswitchsoIcanpracticemyswing.com, but each to their own.
3. Aw, this is a little girl after my own heart. Young Hannah Estes went to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando and noticed a sign that said “one seconds.” She realized that wasn’t right, told her mom, took a picture, and mailed it in to the company. She got a pin and a book for her efforts. And if you don’t get why that’s wrong, well, then, a fourth-grader is smarter than you.
D Editor Turns 40, And Nobody Says Anything Until Right Now
So today, Cinco de Mayo, is not just a day of liberation for Mexicans. It is also the day that Tim Rogers was liberated from his mother’s womb. (Did I just gross everyone out?)
A in-the-know Frontburnervian whose name rhymes with Schmeric Scheleste just asked me why we hadn’t said anything about it here. So now we are. Happy Birthday Tim.
In honor of his birthday, I invite all Frontburnervians to find their favorite Tim Rogers picture, and post a link in the comments. And to also wish him a happy birthday. Hopefully, he’s already at the Monk, and won’t see this until tomorrow.
AT&T Isn’t Shy About Putting Its Stamp on the Winspear
Zoom in a bit on the Winspear. It’s tough to tell from this pic, but that AT&T logo is actually painted on the roof. It has been there awhile, but I noticed it for the first time today when I was on the 19th floor of One Arts. So, given how new the building is and how recently that logo was painted, I’m thinking that AT&T must have had to ask (pay?) Google to update its satellite image(s). That’s what I call ranching up. (Anyone?)
Update: A source deep, deep inside the AT&TPAC tells me that Google does what Google does. The PAC didn’t ask for any special consideration.
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What To Do in Dallas Tonight: May 5, 2010
You might have already heard that the Gipsy Kings are coming to the House of Blues tonight. But there’s another event that sounds just as fun to us, also happening at the HOB: a Cinco de Mayo celebration benefiting DISD mariachi groups. (Did you know students can join mariachi groups? Neither did we. Sounds way cooler than the jazz band we played oboe in back in the day.) This event is happening in the Cambridge Room before the Gispy Kings show, so I recommend just coming to the concert early and supporting these kids. A Mexican food buffet is included in the price, so you can get some dinner while you’re at it.
Since it’s Cinco de Mayo, you might be looking for a place to celebrate appropriately. You’re in luck: we’ve got a list of bars you can go to here. But nightlife editor Christine Sracic recommends hitting Mattitos. The reason? The Bob Armstrong queso eating competition. Manager Jim just told me how it works: competitors each get a 10-pound bowl of Bob Armstrong dip (you know, the queso with the meat, guac, sour cream, etc.) and five minutes to eat as much as they can, using a chip as a tool. The winner gets free Bob Armstrong for a year (if they can stomach it). This goes down at 7 pm and they’ve still got three spots left. Try it if you dare.
For more events, you know what to do.
So Long, Jaume Plensa
On my way to One Arts to broadcast with the fine folks from WRR, I spotted the Nasher’s Jed Morse (far left) helping the movers cart off some of Jaume Plensa’s stuff. They’d already moved his couch and the entertainment center. He’ll come back later for his winter clothes. Doesn’t need them right now. It’s just so sad that it has come to this.
Do a Fellow FrontBurnervian a Solid
Those of you playing along at home may remember meteorologist Kevin Selle of Texas Cable News, who helped us out a month or so ago with figuring out some clouds when he just wrote in and offered his expertise because that’s what Frontburnervians do. They help like that.
Well, now Selle needs our help. He and his son are among 10 finalists in a nationwide contest to win a free TCBY shop. Voting between now and Monday will get Selle to the final five, and then voting will begin for the winner of the whole shebang.
You can go here to vote. Vote early, vote often, and vote again when he makes the final five.
First Tattoo Parlor in Uptown
Teresa Dennis, president and “toilet washer,” at Subkulture Klothing and Ink called and told me a bit about herself. Her store is the first and only tattoo parlor in Uptown (at least, in recent years). It took about half a year and a random encounter to get the interview that would get her the store at 2611 Worthington (she was rejected by people on Oak Lawn Avenue and along Knox-Henderson). She says the reason her store was allowed to operate in Uptown is because she’s bringing something to tattoos that she says isn’t really out there: class. “Our entire goal is that we’re going to take tattoos out of the hood or alternative areas and bring them into the light,” she says.
To find out exactly what she means by classing up the biz, jump.
Generator Out at Medical City Building C
Uncle Nancy just called from Medical City with the news that generator has blown in Building C (again), leaving the place without power. Elevators aren’t working, lights are out, etc., etc. So if you’ve got a doc’s appointment there in the next couple of hours, you might want to call your doc’s office first. Not much is getting done there right now.
HP Byron Nelson Championship Gets All Up in the Social Media
The Byron Nelson starts May 17. The media tournament is this Friday. I’ll be twittering from the course if you care. Follow me at timmytyper. And speaking of social media, the HPBNC is embracing all of them. Jump to find out how you can win tickets via Twitter and Facebook fun. You know who’s behind the tournament’s social-media push? None other than former D staffer Josh Pearson, whose on-course coverage you no doubt gobbled up last year. Not a bad way to fill your time when you aren’t studying for your law degree. Go, Josh. And go, golf!
Austin Legislator Kirk Watson Is Pretty Funny
So, as everyone now knows, Rick Perry shot a coyote with a gun. While running. Maybe he stopped to shoot him. I’m unclear. Anyway, he shot a coyote.
Well, State Sen. Kirk Watson revealed in a letter to constituents that Perry is not the only one that can run and gun. In fact, he coins a term for it: “grunning.” A sample of his tale, which involves adopting kittens, running with them on leashes, giant rats, and the same kind of gun Dirty Harry carries:
“Instinctively using my graduate-level knowledge of physics and billiard angles, I quickly fired off five shots, taking out ten of the giant rats. Another one lunged at me and I shot him right in the gut.”
I can’t imagine why, but I’m thinking that Watson is perhaps alleging Perry has been telling tall tales?
Leading Off (5/5/10)
1. David Brown was officially sworn in as the new Dallas police chief. His first order of business? Hunting down David Kunkle, aka “Jogger, Texas Ranger,” aka “The Gas N Sip Bandit,” aka the DPD’s sworn enemy.
2. If you’re wondering why I’m working shirtless today, it’s because we’re expecting the first 90-degree day of the year. The pants? Just felt right.
3. Bud Kennedy writes about a funny woman’s funny obituary. I haven’t really thought about what my obituary would say. I just want to be buried in this.
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