Articles for May, 2010
Marguerite Hoffman Sues Over Sale of Rothko Painting
There are a couple of things I don’t understand about this story. So Marguerite Hoffman and her husband Robert donate their art collection to the DMA in 2005. But then, in 2007, Marguerite sells a Rothko painting because, after Robert died in 2006, her financial situation was shaky and she needed some liquidity. The first thing I don’t understand is how you can donate something and then sell it because you need the money. When the Hoffmans made their generous gift (along with the Roses and Rachofskys), they did so with the stipulation that they could continue to refine and edit their collection, and make reluctant sales if necessary. That makes sense. But what if Marguerite decided for some reason that she wanted to sell two more paintings — or everything she donated? It just seems like there’s a strange gray area here. What, really, does the donation consist of? Everything she doesn’t sell before she dies?
The second thing I don’t understand is the lawsuit itself. She sold the Rothko to a bloke on the condition that he keep the sale private. But then he turned around and sold it at auction — not very secret — for $31.4 million. The suit says Marguerite “was determined to avoid the embarrassment that she believed would ensue if the fact of the sale became public.” So why sue? Doesn’t that make this whole ugly business that much MORE public? And why be embarrassed? Because she needed some liquidity after her husband died and the market went to hell? I think a lot of wealthy people would understand that. Or would she be embarrassed because she gave something to the museum and then sold it?
I’m sorry. I’m not a good journalist. All I have is questions.
What the Heck is This Big Blue Beam?
Anybody have any guesses what this (pictured) is? It was unveiled this morning. Here’s a hint: think 1908 flood and the Trinity River.
Kevin Moriarty’s Career in Pornography
Earlier today, a little before lunch, an errand took me on foot through the Arts District. I was walking down Ross with our creative director, Todd Johnson, when I espied a wiry, short fellow wearing earbuds and what I consider a tasteful fauxhawk. He was walking quickly and looked familiar.
“Kevin Moriarty!” I shouted.
The artistic director of the Dallas Theater Center spun on his heels as if he expected an assault. I introduced him to Todd. We continued our walk, the three of us, together.
PETA in Dallas: Cows Exploited for Milk!
When Dean Foods holds its annual meeting here tomorrow, PETA members will be front and center, protesting the alleged abuse of cows at a farm serving the company’s Land O’Lakes brand, among other things.
In a news release announcing the Wednesday morning protest outside the Dallas Museum of Art, PETA exec Tracy Reiman charges: “From birth to slaughter, cows who are used for milk production are treated like nothing more than milk machines.”
To which we say: Well, yeah. Isn’t that sort of what they are?
Sting Concert at the Winspear Nears Sellout
There are only 75 tickets left for the Sting concert this Saturday at the Winspear benefiting the North Texas Super Bowl effort. Due to the fact that the concert is contractually “private,” it hasn’t been advertised and promoted much.
However, if you’re interested in one of the 75 tickets, check with Kristen Miles at Kmiles@northtexassuperbowl.com.
What To Do in Dallas Tonight: May 18, 2010
Maybe it’s the recent Tony Bennett show that’s got me stuck on the Sirius Sinatra channel. (Or maybe I’m just channeling my grandfather–he loved cardigans and highballs. And Sinatra.) Whatever the reason, the Twilight Tuesdays concert at the Dallas Arboretum caught my eye today. The headliner is Paul Salos, and he does a Sinatra tribute act that got him into the Top 6 on America’s Got Talent, so that’s got to mean he’s pretty good, right? Here’s the thing about Twilight Tuesdays. It’s kind of a different scene from Cool Thursdays, which are great fun, but can get pretty crazy. They tell us that for some reason (Tuesday nights? Music type?), Tuesday nights have less kiddos running around than Thursdays. Great for people looking for a date sans-children, or just a more mature evening out. Also, it’s easy to bring a cooler of booze or whatever into the Arboretum, but if you don’t have time to stop beforehand, eating at the DeGolyer Cafe is a good idea (and they have wine). They are open from 6–7:30 pm.
Here’s the trick though–put down your blankets and chairs and things to mark your spot before heading up to eat. Otherwise you might be stuck with a less-than-ideal viewing spot, and we wouldn’t want that for you.
Texas Docs Fleeing Medicare
Dr. Guy Culpepper, a Dallas-area family-practice physician, tells why he–and an alarming number of other Texas docs–are opting out of the Medicare system. Quick explanation: he was tired of being “bullied.”
Former Dallas TV Guy Inserts His, Er, Foot in Mouth
If you haven’t seen it yet, this is worth a watch. Michael Hill used to be on the air in Dallas. Now he plies his trade in New Orleans. Watch the video, then read Hill’s defense of his hilarious comment. (PS: A little NSF.)
Leading Off (5/18/10)
1. An 87-year-old man died after an accident at Texas Motor Speedway, during a ride around the track that was meant to honor him for years of generous donations to Carter BloodCare. Weird thing is, no one is talking about how it happened. (UPDATE: We have a FBvian-provided report from the scene after the jump.)
2. Dwaine Caraway apologized.
3. Silly Bandz ban!
4. I feel weird I’ve lived in Texas all this time and have never heard of Cool. The city, the concept, whatever.
5. ACL announced its lineup and, as rumored, the Eagles are one of the headliners. Tim and I were talking about the Eagles the other day, mostly regarding my deep and abiding hatred for 99 percent of their catalog (I think we hit upon one song I sort of didn’t mind). Anyway, day passes go on sale later this morning. The rest of the lineup is actually really strong, so probably worth it.
Dr. Clyde Yancy did not Have a Good Morning America
Dr. Clyde Yancy is recognized as one of the leading heart specialists in the country. Not only is he medical director of the Baylor Heart and Vascular Institute at Baylor University Medical Center, he’s also president of the American Heart Association.
His interview on Good Morning America this morning made him sound like the paid spokesperson for Wii.
Don’t think Clyde will have Dr. Richard Besser on his Christmas card list this year.
Is Perry’s Cost-of-Living Really Extravagant?
I’m asking, because to the normal guy or gal, yeah, $10,000 a month for Gov. Rick Perry’s rental mansion seems like a lot. But I don’t have to entertain lobbyists, heads of state, other governors and Chuck Norris, either.
But seriously – what do other states spend to keep their governors housed and fed? What did we spend pre-burned-up-mansion days?
None of these stories have any frame of reference, other than the Governor’s Mansion is rent-free. That still doesn’t tell us how much is spent on utilities and such, and it doesn’t compare these expenses to those of other governors.
And the Burnt Orange Report has somewhat of a summarization of the reaction. Food & Wine has been on Perry’s case for his subscription to their magazine.
And State Rep. Jim Dunnam says he’ll introduce a bill that would cap a Texas governor’s spending on “rent, utilities and upkeep to 200% of the average rent for a reasonably-sized apartment in downtown Austin, excluding security costs.” Those costs would be determined by the State Preservation Board.
Would You Like a Peek at Tryouts for Dallas’ Lingerie Football Team?
Of course you would. You’re welcome.
Business Meets Philanthropy in Preston Hollow
You can’t help admiring the business savvy of sculptor/product designer Brad Oldham. Besides creating avante-garde stuff like the “Traveling Man” in Deep Ellum and tricking out fancy restaurants like New York’s Nobu, the Dallas-based co-owner of Brad Oldham International Inc. has developed a thriving trade in “site-specific” sculptures for private collectors.
That side of his business was on full display Saturday, when Preston Hollow philanthropist Faye Briggs threw open her Desco Drive manse to unveil two bronze sculptures Oldham created for her. The one shown here (all photos by Jeanne Prejean) is called “Faye’s Song.” To the layman’s eye, it’s basically a bunch of sheet-music ditties (”A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” for example) that Faye likes, all stitched together, with a few “birds” sitting on top of some of the sheets.
Let’s Play a Game: Predicting the Austin City Limits Festival Lineup
Yes, it’s in Austin, and I know this is D Magazine. But shush, just a minute, and remember that even last year, Dallas’ Sarah Jaffe was one of many who graced a stage at the Austin City Limits Festival in Zilker Park, and that Zac and I both (although we never saw each other) helped destroy the grass at said park, and also walked through human poop.
This year’s lineup (the festival takes place October 8-10) will be announced tomorrow. But before it is, let’s all make guesses as to who will appear. DC9 At Night (via Twitter) has already made some pretty accurate predictions, and I will spot you Blues Traveler and Pat Green.
Go!
Why the Free Pass for MetroPCS’ Indian Ads?
From Marty B on eating watermelon to Judge Lander’s comment about cleaning up white people’s messes, count me in the “almost anything goes” school when it comes to free speech and race relations. Many people aren’t, though, which is why it’s surprising there’s been so little blowback, especially in North Texas, over MetroPCS’s “Tech & Talk” ad series lampooning Indians in the most outrageously stereotypical way. (MetroPCS is based here, as is The Richards Group, which created the funny ads).
So, why the lack of reaction? Is the reason that the Indian community lacks the political will (or punch) to make noise over a portrayal that surely would have sent other “maligned” groups into the streets? Or have we finally progressed to the point as a society that we can appreciate–and have fun with–such obvious, over-the-top racial and cultural stereotypes? Here’s hoping–but without much optimism–that it’s the second.
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