Articles about Local News
JessiMo, Romo-Simp, Whatever You Called Them, Officially Over
Oldie-but-goodie Alan Peppard reports that his super-secret sources have confirmed Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo are no longer an item. This news comes one season too late for Cowboys fans, but we at D HQ would like to say thanks for the memories.
FrontBurner Post Workshop
There’s so much raw material here, I don’t know what to do. There’s the news account itself: A man claims Air Force One dropped him off on a runway at D/FW. (Yes, he had been drinking.) There’s the understated quote from the official describing plans to look into the incident “to see if it was just an odd circumstance or whatever.” But there’s also the photo of the man in question at left, looking like a) a BeeGee, b) Jesus, c) both? I’m sure you talented, commenting FrontBurnervians will rise to the challenge.
Fox4’s Henderson To Huddle With Network Honcho
Chances are growing that Fox4 will lose Megan Henderson, the gorgeous and talented Good Day co-anchor (shown here), to the Fox network in New York. If and when that happens, it will be a crushing blow to the show that’s long dominated DFW morning news–and a welcome gift to Good Day’s rivals.
Lakewood Whole Foods Looks Pretty
A helpful, PR-practicing FrontBurnervian passes along the official announcement from Scott Simons, Executive Marketing Coordinator at WF’s Regional office. But, you know, announcement schmannouncement. You want to see pics, right? We’ve got those too. Words and drawings are after the jump.
Leading Off
1. A Richardson ISD substitute teacher was arrested for being shnockered in class. We’ve said it before. But it bears mentioning again: people, put your kids in a Dallas ISD school, where the teachers can hold their liquor.
2. A priest in the Catholic Diocese of Dallas resigned his post in McKinney after a national blogosphere effort to publicize his past participation in a website for gay priests. [Insert your own joke because the last time I cracked wise about gay priests, Wick let me know he wasn’t amused.]
3. Councilman Mitchell Rasansky has been forced out of the convention center hotel debate around the horseshoe because of a conflict of interest. But that’s not stopping him from writing an op-ed about the hotel. He prefaces his argument with: “[C]ouncil members beware: I am about to speak my mind and exercise my constitutional right to freedom of speech. You may want to stop reading now!” He’s adept at using irony!
From My Inbox To You
From time-to-deadline time I pull random press releases from my inbox and share them with you. Here is one I just received. Perhaps I should consider this a serious issue:
Dear Nancy,
I wanted to ask if you’ve covered socially disruptive snoring and how it can ruin traveling the vacation experience itself:
*The person next to you on the long haul flight
*The one in the tent next to you in the otherwise silent outdoors
*The person behind you in the theatre after you’ve just spent hundreds of dollars for a Broadway show
*The person you have to share a hotel room or yacht cabin with due to space/cost issues in group or pre-arranged travel
What can you do about it? What should a person who knows they fall into this category do prior to going out on a trip/experience? I can provide everyday people who were socially disruptive snorers who can share their stories and medical professionals who will offer advice on how best to handle the situation before and during whether you are the snorer or the one affected by the noise.
Is this a big problem? What does “traveling the vacationing experience” mean? Are Broadway shows that bad? Doesn’t everyone have an iPod? Or a big pillow and a massive rubber band? Jeez.
Woman Attacked in Preston Hollow
Candy Evans has the scoop on Dallas Dirt. Let’s be careful out there.
Re: Whither Trey Garrison
Wes Mantooth wrote in the comments:
I know [that previous post] is a Trey Garrison sock puppet. Unless and until I see a confirmed photo of Trey Garrison holding today’s DMN in classic hostage-movie format (think about Jonathan “The Duke” Mardukas in Midnight Run), I won’t believe a word of this.
Here you go, Wes:
Whither Trey Garrison
Several sweet FrontBurnervians have noted in our comments section the absence of Trey. Wes Mantooth this morning wrote:
My … pet theory is that Celeste and Rogers killed him, stripped the flesh from his bones, and turned it into Trey Jerky and are busy consuming the evidence of their crime. The crime itself might have been punishment for changing the “D” painting to “H.” Or maybe it was Trey’s stubborn refusal to hew to the party line. Or just idle hands making the work of the devil. Who knows.
No, no, no. Nothing like that, kids. Trey is now freelancing. But he’s still a contributing editor to D Magazine. You’ll see his next story in the July issue of the “print product.” [picking at teeth]
My Eye Itches. Hand Me That Can of Pepper Spray.
Or, you know what, I’ve got a better idea. Why don’t I take care of my back itch with this handgun. Oh, that’s why.
Say It Ain’t So, Tony Romo!
The Superficial is rumoring that the Cowboy quarterbacking lothario broke up with Sweet Jess this weekend, while he was hammered and carousing in Chicago. It also says he did so while she was on speakerphone, as he mocked her bedroom style to his boys. This can’t be true, right? Unless she needs a 40-year-old bald shoulder to cry on. Then, let’s hope it is.
EDS’ Rittenmeyer On The Hewlett-Packard Deal
A PR-practicing FrontBurnervian kindly provides Ron Rittenmeyer’s e-mail to EDS employees today regarding the HP deal, wherein Rittenmeyer promises “major changes” to come. Jump for it.
Leading Off
1. I’m really confused by the big stories in the paper today. One suggests that cops are adding false violations to tickets, but it says no one knows how widespread the practice is — yet points out that one person documented ONE DOZEN such cases in an 18-month period. (Ooookay.) Another story suggests gas pumps are short-changing customers, which some are, occasionally, sure. But if you do the math, the agency that tracks such things got about four complaints a day from the entire state in a one-year period. (Mmmmkay.)
2. KeKe the elephant died at the Dallas Zoo yesterday. She was 39. She leaves behind a cellmate, Jenny, 31.
3. Richardson approved a smoking ban in most businesses, adding to the list of cities that Zac Crain will rail against from his front porch on Crazy Old Man Boulevard.
Steve Blow Has a Black Friend
I’ve been trying to figure out this four-part conversation about race that Steve Blow is having with James Ragland. It took me awhile to get it. Then Eric sent me a link to No. 14 on the list of Stuff White People Like. NOW I understand.
Video of Man Contemplating Suicide
Spoiler alert: the guy doesn’t jump. But this video clip, without narration, is oddly powerful. I wonder what the DMN would have done with the video if the guy had gone over the edge.
Southwest Passenger Now On My List
Few things get me more riled up than airplane passengers who act like 5-year-olds. This story, about a Southwest Airlines passenger who refused to hang up his cell phone during a flight (and who was met on the ground by police), got me boiling, and I’m nowhere near an airplane. Seriously, if I’d been on that guy’s row, I’m sure I would be in jail right now for assault. Not even joking.
Let’s review a few of Eric’s simple rules for flying:
- If you have a problem with authority, don’t fly.
- If you have control issues, don’t fly.
- If you don’t like to hear screaming babies, don’t fly, or bring headphones. Because they will be on your flight. Cost of doing business.
- If you think you have to know why a flight attendant has asked you to do something, you’re wrong. Just do it.
- If you think I care about the story you read that shows planes really aren’t affected by cell phone signals, or that you’ve never before been asked to store your overnight bag in the overhead compartment and you fly all the time, or that you haven’t felt any turbulence so why should you have to keep your seatbelt buckled, or that you need to prep for your big presentation and that’s why you had to get into the overhead bin when the seatbelt sign was fastened, well, guess what, you’re wrong. Shut up and do what you’re told.
I Hate Bulk Trash Scavengers
Yesterday, while I was working out in the yard, I saw somewhere around 20 trucks drive down the block, some carrying trailers, all loaded down with various odds and ends they had picked up from the piles of discarded lawn chairs, old lumber, and lawn trimmings left on the curb in preparation for bulk trash day. One of those trucks, at some point, took a couple of potted plants in our yard that were nowhere near our trash pile. I’m ticked. The plants were fairly cheap, but the pots weren’t. Anyway, that’s not the point. It’s the principle.
That’s just the latest run-in with these neighborhood raccoons. Last bulk trash day, someone ripped open every trash bag on my curb looking for something, and left the contents of said bags strewn out in the street. Something like that happens every month. I’m one more incident away from sitting on my porch with an air rifle full of rock salt, fulfilling my destiny of turning into my grandfather. OK, rant over.
Breaking: Denton is the New Austin
So says the New York Times. As a just-married FBvian says, “It’s a charming little piece, but written about a decade too late.”
UPDATE: We Shot JR has a funny, slightly profane response.
About That Jenna Bush Wedding…
As Wick mentioned, local media coverage of the ceremony was lacking. Or was it? DallasDirt’s Candy Evan reports on the reports from her hairdresser, who was in Crawford for the “I do” ado.
Leading Off
1. Election weekend recap: DISD’s $1.35 billion bond issue was approved, as were significant (but smaller) bonds in Highland Park, Lewisville, and Plano; Tim O’Hare won the Farmers Branch mayor’s race in a whitewashlandslide…I meant landslide; Becky Miller lied her way out of a job in Carrollton; a college student beat a closed captioning editor for a seat at Bedford’s horseshoe; and thanks to spoilsport Kip Bledsoe, I won’t be drinking in Frisco anytime soon.
2. An experimental medical treatment looks like it has saved Andre Lampkin’s arms and legs. I’ll be honest: I didn’t understand much of that story.
3. A six-week pilot program at Bryan Adams High School is using GPS tracking devices to cut down on truancy. Two notes: 1) I hope Wick doesn’t get any ideas and 2) what up, Gretel Kovach?
Report: Carlisle, Mavs Agree on Deal
Marc Stein is reporting that the new coach of the Mavs, Rick “Smiles” Carlisle, has agreed to a four-year deal that will pay him at least $4 million annually. Stein says not to expect an announcement until next week. And my weekend begins with a whimper.
Re: Watch Out, Tim!
Dude, don’t worry about me, Zac. I’m tough. I can take it. The one who’d best watch out is James Ragland. Did you see the My Two Dads pic of Blow and Ragland at the top of Metro today? Next to the pic it says: “Coming Sunday. Race Relations. Newsroom neighbors Steve Blow and James Ragland move their cubicle conversations about race to a four-part series, Talking Race. Also, catch their daily video sparring on dallasnews.com.”
Here’s a sneak preview of Talking Race, leaked to me by their cubicle neighbor Esther Wu:
Sunday Brunch: BizRadio at Al Biernat’s
Meant to post this last week, but the print version of FB got in the way. Anyhoo, Al Biernat has a new way to experience his sublime Sunday brunch: on the radio. Every Sunday from 1-2 p.m., BizRadio 1360 AM in Dallas broadcasts from a front-of-room booth. The show, hosted by Dan Cofall, is called “Pinnacle: Stories of Success,” and it features interviews with local bizcelebs and such. Al says the station likes the energy and chatter when broadcasting from a live venue, so be sure to fill up the dining room after church. Why am I so glad this is going on? Because Al installed WiFi to accommodate the show, and that means I can take my laptop over there right now to finish out the day. Giddy. Up. Weekend.
Ron Washington Will Be Fired As Rangers Manager
Not a terribly bold statement, but one made by Tim Kurkjian in the latest ESPN magazine:
Ron Washington’s days as Rangers manager are numbered. Their lousy pitching isn’t his fault, but his old-school approach isn’t working with many players. Never mind that his rapport with players as a longtime A’s coach got him the Texas job.
So there.
Footballer Joe Montana Takes On Dallas Auction House
Oops. Dallas’ Heritage Auction Galleries is in legal hot water again, this time over some items from football great Joe Montana.
Kirk: Dems Don’t Win Working-Class White Voters Anyway
Sen. Hillary Clinton has everyone’s knickers in a twist today after commenting that she alone–not Sen. Barack Obama–can win the presidential votes of all those “hardworking…white Americans”–i.e., Reagan Democrats. But in an interview here last week, Obama’s pal and adviser Ron Kirk, the former Dallas mayor, scoffed at Hillary’s perceived popularity with the white working class, saying, “We haven’t won their votes in years.” So, does that mean the Obama camp has written those folks off already?
Storming The Barricades To Protest (DCAD) Injustice
Over on DallasDirt, a distraught homeowner asks Candy Evans for advice about protesting the county’s new residential valuations. The distraught one might want to check with “Rusty” and Deedie Rose, Bush pals and A-list local movers and shakers. They’ve already got a July hearing set in connection with their 4-bedroom, $8.1 million manse on Willowood in Highland Park.
The Bachelorette endangers Dallas’ supply of single men
A new season of The Bachelorette starts May 19, and a little digging on ABC’s website revealed that four (!) out of the 25 bachelors live in Dallas-Fort Worth (they are Brian W., Chris, Jeremy, and Twilley). I guess it’s not a surprise that the show would mine single guys from our region’s apparent surplus. One of my friends who worked with Jeremy last summer says she thinks he gets into the final four (he just returned from the Bahamas—wink, wink).
Re: Leading Off
You’re right, Tim. The tragedy and sadness of poor teenagers selling drugs is shocking news. As is the young lookout angle. Oh, wait. No, it’s not. [Dave Chappelle language alert.]
Leading Off
1. So, I know proper human beings will be outraged by the three Texas youngsters who were busted for digging up and skull and using it as a bong. But I am a third-grader, and I giggled about it all morning. Plus, it’s not as though the idea itself is insane, as I hear you can buy skull-shaped novelty bongs at head shops. (You can apparently also use them as beer bongs. Props for the Ricky Bobby reference at the end of this video.)
2. State Sen. Florence Shapiro may run for U.S. Senate. Not sure how that will play when the rest of the state finds out about her Commie brother.
3. Regarding Game 1 of the NHL Western Conference Finals: And … THAT happened. [Helpful joke reference link here.]
Overheard in the Office: One in a Series
From Nancy:
“Wait! You mean we can instant message from our computers?”
Watch the Stars Under the Stars
Wanna watch the Dallas Stars battle the Detroit Red Wings tonight, but don’t know where to go? We know, sitting at home’s too boring, and going to a bar is too loud. Or something like that. Anyway, come down to Victory Park and watch it alfresco right in front of the gosh darn AAC. For free! Bring chairs, some cash for “refreshments,” eyes for oogling at the Dallas Stars Planet Tan Ice Girls (not sure who they are but guessing they are probably hot), and your team spirit. The game will be shown on the humongous HD screens on all sides of AT&T Plaza, so you won’t miss an icing.
These “official watching parties” will take place during all games of the Western Conference Finals. After the jump, the schedule and press release.
Kermit the Frog Covers Elliott Smith (And The Royal Tennenbaums)
Since Elliott Smith grew up around here, and Luke Wilson starred in the scene being referenced, that’s enough of an excuse for this amazing piece of video.
TGI Friday’s COO to Unpack His Luggage in California
That’s because the Friday’s executive has left the Carrollton-based company to head up Applebee’s. So I guess his job will be to take the Applebee’s menu and overall dining experience and Fridayize it. One guess: They make it Saturdaze, the restaurant where Liz Lemon cheerfully ordered “the fried onion tower for two, for one.”
Texas Unemployment Lowest In 25 Years
So says the Dallas Federal Reserve, as reported by the DBJ. I swear — swear — I’m not trying to stir up the anti-immigrant jihadists, but what was your point again?
Leading Off
1. Leaving two kids (a 2-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy) alone, barefoot, in a boarded-up house with no running water or electricity, no food, toilets that Andy Dufresne wouldn’t crawl through, razorblades and broken glass on the floor, a loaded 9mm pistol on the window ledge, general filth everywhere–Gregory Amphy, you are officially the worst father in Dallas and on the short list for worst human. I hope prison treats you poorly.
2. Duncanville takes another swing at shutting down The Cherry Pit. You see what I did there? You can’t teach that.
3. Eric’s worst fear looks to be on the verge of reality: Rick Carlisle’s agent says a deal to become the Mavs’ new coach should be finalized today. Actually, Eric’s worst fear probably involves a nuclear explosion at a .38 Special concert in Vegas. Or someone showing him a study that links P90X and heavy intake of meal-replacement bars to brain cancer. But this is in the top 10.
The World’s Oldest Gorilla Lives at the Dallas Zoo
…and she’s celebrating her 55th birthday tomorrow. Her name is Jenny, and she is very particular. She doesn’t eat bananas, but she will eat the peels. Anyway, the zoo is throwing a birthday party for her, and yes, there will be cake (made of “frozen treats” for Jen, the real stuff for humans).
Also, if you bring a cellphone to donate, admission is free. Jump for details.
Bigwigs To Dallas Taxpayers: Let’s Run A Hotel!
Look out for that steamroller, folks. Now the Powers That Be are urging the city of Dallas–i.e., Dallas taxpayers–to own a new convention-center hotel outright, not merely finance it. The most telling part of this morning’s DMN article about the scheme came courtesy of A.C. Gonzalez, the assistant city manager. Absent city ownership, Gonzalez is quoted as saying, “the numbers did not work in regards to this particular project. We had a project that just did not pencil out.” Translation: The hotel does not make economic sense on its own merits. Is anybody besides the Observer paying attention to this?
Leading Off
1. Carrollton Mayor Becky Miller has led an interesting life. She sang backup for Linda Ronstadt and Jackson Browne. And she was engaged to Don Henley. At least that’s what she’s been telling people for years. Turns out, she’s been telling dirty little lies. The DMN has its dirty little fingers in everybody’s pie. That paper loves to cut people down to size. It loves dirty laundry.
2. Seven middle school students in McKinney went on a crime spree that included 18 home and vehicle burglaries. People, it’s not too late! There is still room for you. Move back to the city, where it’s safe!
3. PETA, which owns 190 shares of Brinker International, will submit a shareholder resolution asking the company to compel its poultry suppliers to use “controlled-atmosphere killing.” The PoultrySite News Desk calls it “the least cruel method of slaughter available.” But I don’t know. Have they tried death by chocolate as a slaughter method yet?
National Hot Dog Eating Contest Coming To Plano
I love this event and I challenge any of you big mouths out there to participate in the upcoming Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Championship that will take place at Sam’s Club in Plano on June 21 from 11:00am to 1:00pm. The competition has been happening in Coney Island since 1916 and last year’s champion, Joey Chestnut (what a great name), ate 66 dogs in 12 minutes. The pig out was televised on ESPN. I want a member of the SideDish/FrontBurner Nation to bring the Yellow Mustard Belt to Dallas. Let me hear from you if you are serious. In the meantime, sign up here. (Mrs. Joey Chestnut has such a great ring to it.)
Poor, Poor SMU Ponies
This just in: SMU athletics is suffering. By “just in,” I mean The Daily Campus reported it about a week ago. And by “reported,” I mean the paper published dollar figures to represent a trend that just about anyone who has driven on Mockingbird Lane on any given Saturday in autumn might have guessed. The lede:
Over the past four years, the SMU athletic department has lost $56.7 million.
The department is projected to lose $16.8 million in 2008 and $16.3 million in 2009.
If those projections hold up, the SMU athletic department will have lost almost $90 million over six years, figures far larger than previously published estimates.
As Athletic Director Steve Orsini points out, Division I programs typically run at a deficit, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t going to get the bottom line to look better. Still, the $2 million contract the school gave Coach June Jones tests the theory of “gotta spend money to make money.”
Procrastination is Part of the Creative Process™, Continued
I’m up to 300 award-winning words and three bluebird fledglings that have spent the day at my meal worm feeder. FrontBurnervian Birders, meet Larry, Curly, and Moe.
The New Cowboys Stadium Is Going to Be Big
Matthew Shelley is our office manager. On occasion, he also wields a camera for our Nightlife page. Plus he know jujitsu. So we dispatched him to the big press conference yesterday out at the Cowboys stadium site. After the jump, you’ll find his report (and more photos).
Procrastination is Part of the Creative Process™
I have worked at this magazine long enough to gain the distinction of Master Procrastinator™. What does it take to be a Master Procrastinator™? I’m so glad you asked. Around here, the first week of each month is filled with looming deadlines and blank computer screens, the perfect storm for closet cleaning, errand running, and the ultimate important task of bird watching. My desk faces a floor-to-ceiling window that looks over a yard that is currently filled with all kinds of birds and their young. To say that it is a live nature show is an understatement. Just a while ago I was focused and typing away on my travel column when my deep concentration was broken by a pair of Red-Headed Woodpeckers that landed about 30 yards away. I felt it was my duty to get out my camera and document this rare, for me, sighting. I hope you enjoy. Gotta go put the clothes in the dryer. Next.
Leading Off
1. Dallas police tracked criminals who stole an ATM from the Velvet Hookah in Deep Ellum, and nabbed them with the ATM still in the car. Which reminds me: I love the Velvet Hookah. And I’m currently out of cash.
2. Candy Evans is all over this story on DallasDirt: In Preston Hollow, a couple’s pit bulls have attacked neighbors walking their dogs for a second time. And they feel like everyone hates them. Awww. As you know, my sympathy for pit bull owners is nil. If you own one, and it attacks someone, I hope you go to jail, and they kill the dog. But I don’t hate you. That’s a little strong.
3. It looks as though HBO will feature the Dallas Cowboys in this season’s episodes of Hard Knocks. That noise you hear is Karma doubled over with laughter.
Mark Cuban on Why Things Had to Change
His blog post just went up. Read it. Good for understanding what this team was and is thinking. My takeaway: He realized Avery could not coach Jason Kidd. What’s yours?
Be Careful Out There, Friends
A helpful FBvian sends this scary email along:
Just an fyi. A friend of mine was at Bodega [Bar] the other night and parked underground in the parking lot for Travis Walk. Upon leaving Bodega, several guys dressed in chefs attire accosted his girlfriend, held him at gun point, and then beat him senseless. Anyway, not trying to make anyone paranoid but be careful in that underground lot if you park their for the restaurants.
I love this bar and often park underneath, since it’s free. Guess I’ll be looking for a new parking place, or giving in to valet…
60 Minutes on Innocent Men in Jail
I just watched the 60 Minutes story that aired last night about the Innocence Project’s work in Dallas County. James Woodard, who served 27 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, is an amazing man. Warning: before you watch it, have a couple tissues ready.
Think and Talk About Street Food Tomorrow
If you haven’t read D contributor Rawlins Gilliland’s sassy piece on street food in Dallas in this month’s print edition, do so here. Then, tomorrow, you can listen to Rawlins wax poetic on his adventures in outdoor dining with Kris Boyd on Think from noon to 1 p.m. Inspired by editing Gilliland’s story, I hit the Dallas Farmers Market this weekend for a piece or two of corn slathered with mayonnaise and butter from Paul’s Sweet Roasted Corn stand. There I found Paul standing outside of Shed One, shouting, “Come on baby, and get your corn. D Magazine loves us.” Yes, Paul, we do.
All material copyright © 2008 D Magazine. All rights reserved.
