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On Mrs. Novacek’s Death and Online Comments Thereon

As was mentioned in the comments to Leading Off this morning, the Dallas Morning News had to turn off comments to its story about LeAnne Novacek’s apparent suicide due to “numerous violations” of their terms of service. It makes one wonder how anyone — much less numerous someones — could possibly say something offensive in response to that story. It also makes me wonder how much longer the DMN will allow comments to its stories.

Best DJs in Dallas Enters Final Week; Last Chance to Vote, Complain

Two of the following five will be eliminated this week:

• DJ Avi
• DJ Krave
• Jennifer Miller
• DJ Red Eye
• Rob Vaughan

Make the magic happen, people.

Help Us Determine the Best DJs in Dallas (Now With Fewer Choices)

After the first week of voting, three competitors have been eliminated: DJ WISHFM, DJ Rev, and Guillaume. Two more will be cut this week, and two more the week after that. So, if you have a favorite, click here and vote. You can do so every day, and remember: if you voted last week, that vote now is as meaningless as the Cowboys’ season. In other words, yes, you have to vote again. And again.

Help Us Decide the Best DJs in Dallas

Voting opened yesterday right here. Some will be eliminated each week, so make sure to vote once a day if you have a favorite. (Totals reset each week.)

As per usual, some have taken issue with the Top 10 — complaining about who got left out, who was left on, how the list was generated, etc. All I can say is, everything was on the up and up. We solicited nominations from our Nightlife followers, winnowed it down, and brought in everyone that was left over for interviews and listening sessions. No bias was at play, no money changed hands. Just good, old fashioned, American hard work. Did someone get left out who deserved to be on there? Probably. That’s the contest business for you.

Channel your frustrations into clicking that link upstairs as hard as possible. It’s therapeutic.

Time Waste of the Day: Netflix Rentals by ZIP Code

Over the weekend, several alert FBvians sent me a link to this NYT database showing which Netflix rentals were popular in which Dallas ZIPs in 2009. Try not scrolling through all 100 movies to see where they were the most popular. My research has revealed the following about South Dallas: folks in that part of town did rent Tyler Perry’s The Family That Prays — while they did not rent W.

Dallas Reads the New York Times

An alert FrontBurnervian points us to the below video, created by the smart folks at the NYT. It shows the source of traffic to their website on the day Michael Jackson died. Notice the red hotspot in North Texas.

JCPenney Has More Facebook Friends Than You

Slate’s The Big Money site came out today with its list of companies making the best use of social media tools. They call it the Facebook 50, and their judging is based entirely on how each brand is using its Facebook page. (They promise to deliver a “Twitter 12″ later this week.)

The North Texas company highest up the list is  (No. 19) JCPenney, which apparently saw its number of Facebook fans rise from 22,000 to 500,000 as soon as it placed some ads through the site. There are two other locals on the list (which is topped by Coca-Cola.) Dr Pepper is No. 38, and Pizza Hut is No. 35. Another company with North Texas roots, Six Flags, came in at No. 40.

D Magazine on Facebook wasn’t eligible for consideration for this year’s list, as the cutoff was pages with at least 200,000 fans. You can help change that by clicking on the “Become a Fan” box on the right side of this blog.

Celebrate Veterans Day The Best Way Possible

By watching clips of dogs welcoming home their soldier owners from tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Don’t watch the last clip — which is not of dogs, but of little kids — if you work in an office where openly weeping at your desk is frowned upon.)

(H/T: everyone on the Internet today)

One of the Minds Behind the @FakeAPStylebook Twitter Feed is Dallas’ Own Ken Lowery

One of the funniest Twitter feeds I follow is @FakeAPStylebook. It’s responsible for such recent greatness as:

Avoid describing Neil Diamond as “mesmerizingly sexy” or “greatest entertainer on face of the planet” as it is redundant.

Replace “situation deteriorated/worsened” with “s*** [just] got real.” Ex: On day three of the hostage crisis, s*** got real.

If the second paragraph of your story begins with “He/she isn’t the only one,” don’t come back to work on Monday.

When composing a story about strange murders, always refuse to believe the kids until it’s too late.

If your story reveals the perpetrator of a crime, it is polite to put a spoiler warning at the top.

Avoid the archaic term “lunatic.” Specify whether the subject suffers from Hulkamania or Macho Madness.

It helps spice things up to insert parentheticals such as “cute” and “won’t last” into wedding announcements.

Yesterday, Wired revealed that one of its creators is Ken Lowery. Who, as it turns out, is also one of the people behind Zeus Comics’ geeky-fun online series The Variants. Point your browsers accordingly.

InsideCorner, R.I.P.

It really was magic. When we launched InsideCorner at the beginning of the baseball season, it was an opportunistic move made possible by the Morning News‘ shortsightedness. They had on their staff the best baseball beat writer in Texas, Evan Grant, and they decided to make him cover football (a move forced by their content-sharing agreement with the Star-Telegram). So, with the support of some visionary advertisers (Dr Pepper, Pappas Bros., Texas Rangers), we were able to make a home for Evan in our humble digital outpost. You know what happened after that: the Rangers had one of their best seasons in club history as a direct result of Evan’s comprehensive, insightful coverage (along with the fine work of Mike Hindman and Jeff Miller, it should be noted). Then, at the end of the baseball season, the News got its shortsighted vision corrected by ESPN and hired Evan back.

Meantime, we’d brought along some other writers to round out the coverage on InsideCorner, most notably Bob Sturm, he of Ticket fame. Bob broke down the Cowboys for us in the way that only he can. And Gina Miller of TXA 21 has been pitching in on the Mavs front. Zac and Eric threw up a few posts, too, from beyond the arc.

Here’s what we struggled with: we had this great baseball blog run by a full-time employee whose job was to feed and care for the thing more or less around the clock. Then we had this parentless sports blog that was getting passed around from babysitter to babysitter, each of whom gave the thing good care when they had the time but each of whom also had a full-time job (in Zac’s case, keeping Twitter in business; in Eric’s case, breaking necks and cashing checks; in Bob’s case, mediating on-air fights between his broadcasting partner and his producer on BaD Radio; in Gina’s case, keeping Derek Harper’s six-button suits in check on Mavs broadcasts; in Mike Hindman’s case, lawyering; in Jeff Miller’s case, writing books). This is no way to raise a child. A kid needs stability. Rules. An engaged parent.

So. We’ve decided to give our baby to a better home. Or, more accurately, we’ve decided to put the baby down. And not just for nap.

On Monday, we’re pulling the plug on InsideCorner. Its content will still live on the interubes should you ever want to search for a bit of information you remember reading, but there won’t be any links to it on our site. Thank you to everyone who was a part of the magic while it lasted. Thank you especially for your forbearance as we’ve figured out the right course of action.

God bless us all.

Pegasus News to Become Wired Local

I’ve done an atrocious job of following up on my post revealing that Pegasus News is soon set for its relaunch. I failed to check in to see if they posted a response, which they did last week.

So if you’re a devoted reader of Pegasus News, then the headline on this post isn’t news at all. The new name will be Wired Local.

Look, I was in on some of the early discussions when another hyperlocal site in town was planning a name change. There were a lot of bad ideas floating around the room. I mean really, really, really bad. And you can see for yourself what they settled on (after I’d left the company.) But, lord knows, I didn’t have any brilliant ideas of my own at the time.  Coming up with the right name is tough. Particularly when you have expansion to other markets in mind.

And that’s where the trouble comes. (more…)

Pegasus News to Relaunch With New Name Dec. 1

The managing editor of Pegasus News, Sarah Blaskovich, told me last night that the much-anticipated relaunch of Pegasus News will happen by December 1. She said the site’s staff is furiously working to get the new design up and running, and to expect a soft launch shortly before that date.

The new look and new features will also come with an entirely new name. She wouldn’t tell me what that was, but indicated that it will be something less Dallas-centric than “Pegasus.” Gap Broadcasting purchased the site in January, and their plan is to introduce sites like Pegasus into markets where they already have radio stations (Gap owns 116 around the country). The new name will be something that can be plugged into any market. I asked Sarah if they felt any consternation at having to give up on any brand power that “Pegasus” has gained in the last three years, and she said they do feel like they’ll be starting over in Dallas from that standpoint.

Dallas is by far the largest city on Gap’s map. Pegasus founder Mike Orren has previously said that Shreveport, Tyler, and Yakima (Washington), would be the first of the new markets. Staff in Shreveport has already been hired, and it will be the first to come with the relaunch, according to Sarah. Tyler will be next.

My question: Does a small market like Tyler need a map of drink specials?

Will Print Media Survive, Ctd.

Community newspapers, like our own People Newspapers, will be delivered to your front lawn long after metro papers like the Morning News go entirely to some form–which, I’m guessing, hasn’t exactly been invented yet–of electronic delivery.

Hyper-local publications are counting on “refrigerator journalism” to keep the presses running. Half the job of putting together a neighborhood paper is making sure you’re running enough photos of cute kids and puppy dogs to keep parents cutting out articles to hang on the fridge.

But the new-fangled hyper-local blogging media is cribbing from that playbook. Witness the Junior Reporters’ Program at Roseland After School Academy, run by Shawn Williams of the Dallas South News site. These videos provide the frightening evidence: An army of cute kids outfitted with probing questions with which to prod sources? They’re coming for you, Park Cities People.

Open Caption Contest: What Is Tim Rogers Doing?

A month or so ago, Tim participated in Vision North Texas, “a dialogue for regional leaders, decision-makers, and stakeholders.” Since Tim is not any of those things, he was on hand to act as a facilitator, which meant he — look, I sort of drifted halfway through his explanation of what he was doing there. Anyway. Robert Rummel-Hudson — who wrote the book Schuyler’s Monster, about his daughter’s battle against apraxia, a disorder that leaves her unable to speak — was on hand, and sent me this photo of Tim doing…something. Caption away in the comments.

"What -- they told me Dirty Charades was appropriate here. No? Is that frowned upon?"

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.

Marty B Lashes Out at Cowboys Fan Via Twitter

If you aren’t already following Dallas Cowboy Martellus Bennett on Twitter @Jupiters_Crunch, now might be a good time. Looks like today’s loss combined with some tweets from a frustrated fan got Bennett a little upset. In Bennett’s defense, the guy (@cbeck10) was harassing him a lot. On the other hand, it would have been just as easy for Bennett to block the tweets as it was for him to flip the guy a digital bird. Here’s a sampling of Bennett’s more interesting post-game tweets in chronological order:

- That’s football tho u win u lose anyway it goes u gotta move on to the nx week. No time to let one game hold u down. about 2 hours ago from Echofon

- @cbeck10 who the f— are u get a life bum about 2 hours ago from Echofon in reply to cbeck10

- Did the game bother me hell yea. We gotta win these type of games I’m pissed the f— off. But it’s over gotta get ready for the nx about 2 hours ago from Echofon

Cowboys Fans Celebrate Win With a Bang (NSFW)

… in the “Hall of Fame Level” bathrooms at the brand new broken in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. No joke. Two fans clad in Michael Irvin throwback jerseys decided that all the excitement of a thoroughly lackluster win by Romo and the Boys could only be sated by a quickie in one of Jerry’s marble-tiled handicap bathroom stalls.

This definitely NSFW link will take you to the Deadspin post that includes video of the pair drunkenly going at it. The video is very short, but in IMHO the dude was over served and lacking in the imagination department. Is it wrong that I hear Brad Sham’s voice saying, “Irvin loves Irving Irvin,” every time I watch it?

Also, check out photographer Eliot Boney’s website. He’s the guy with the apropos name taking credit for the masterful camera work. No word yet on who the two Irvin wannabees are. My question: Where was security while this was going on?

Comments are on like Donkey Kong. Who’s got the best Chris Berman play-by-play?

Frisco Sex Experts Give Chick Talk Interview

I gave Joanna Cattanach her first job at the Morning News — with Neighbors. I had no idea that when she left the paper she’d be founding her own Web venture, in which “real women” have “real discussions,” with an awful lot of those discussions focused on empowering women to enjoy better sex and become cougars.

But when I read what she had to go through for an interview with a Frisco couple who operate a sex advice website, I felt like maybe I should have intervened sooner, to prevent her life from taking this unfortunate turn. As she describes the painful experience:

They have no formal training in therapy or sexual health, but they more than make up for it with enthusiasm. These two really seem to enjoy sex. “We’re completely nonjudgmental,” says Dan, over mojitos and margaritas at a local Mexican restaurant. He and Jennifer shared a smile and laugh, completely engrossed in each other — to the point where they seem to be on the verge of making out. In public no less!

Dan whispers to Jennifer, “You’re so hot.” I avert my gaze and focus on the chips and salsa.

Joanna, I’m cringing for you.

Local Music Blog We Shot JR to Become National Music Blog We Shot JR

That’s the plan, anyway. If you’re a regular visitor to the site, and I am, you may have noticed a distinct lack of founder Stoned Ranger. He explains his absence here (spoiler: he moved, to a location which, appropriately for someone generally only known by the handle Stoned Ranger, is unnamed for now), as well as rather vaguely laying out the future of the site — which I have adroitly encapsulated in the headline above. In short, soon-ish, We Shot JR will not only cover Dallas/Denton/Fort Worth, but a handful of other cities, too. Based on the list he gave me — but isn’t willing to share just yet — We Shot JR will be even more must-read. More TK.

Facebook Finds Dallas-Fort Worth Users Predictable

Sunday’s Boston Globe has an article discussing “Project Gaydar,” in which two MIT students used data from Facebook pages to predict sexual orientation. As the author says “The idea of making assumptions about people by looking at their relationships is not new, but the sudden availability of information online means the field’s powerful tools can now be applied to just about anyone.”

The piece also mentions a project by a local professor:

For example, Murat Kantarcioglu, an assistant professor of computer science at the University of Texas at Dallas, found he could make decent predictions about a person’s political affiliation. He and a student – who later went to work for Facebook – took 167,000 profiles and 3 million links between people from the Dallas-Fort Worth network. They used three methods to predict a person’s political views. One prediction model used only the details in their profiles. Another used only friendship links. And the third combined the two sets of data.

The researchers found that certain traits, such as knowing what groups people belonged to or their favorite music, were quite predictive of political affiliation. But they also found that they did better than a random guess when only using friendship connections. The best results came from combining the two approaches.

So what does this Facebook photo tell us?

Leading Off (9/10/09)

1. President Obama’s mention of Waxahachie’s Robin Beaton in last night’s health care speech is enough of a reason to post the transcript. I probably would have done it anyway, because I want to keep someone busy moderating comments all day. One-two-three — not it!

2. Since no one will probably care what I post here after Item No. 1, here is Dokken vs. Chicken.

3. Here is a good Avett Brothers song. And here is the worst sports column in the history of ever.

Southwest Airlines’ Rebound Strategy

Southwest Airlines, once the airline industry’s shining city on a hill, has suffered setbacks lately. They lost the Frontier Airlines deal. Then they were found out for using old parts in their planes. But they apparently remain ahead of the curve when it comes to 21st century communications.

I began this post intending to use Southwest’s Twitter feed to once again point out that I have no idea why anyone finds Twitter appealing. (Best Tweet on Southwest: “Herb Kelleher just honked at me in the HDQ parking lot…I got flustered and dropped my lunchbox. : ))

But instead I found myself spending several minutes figuring out how to enter the Konami code into their Book Travel page. I’d like to say that the reward of my efforts made it all worth it, but I won’t.  Damn your intoxicating allure, social media!

Question to FrontBurner’s Web Overlords: How can we make money using a Konami Code?

Wade Phillips Takes to Tweeting

No kidding. Wade is tweeting now. Follow him at twitter.com/sonofbum. Some samples of his work:

“I don’t have as much time as Marty B to tweet—keep up with him and you will have fun”

“saw Julie and Julia thought it was good”

Help a Consortium of Local Blogs Get Picked To Go To the SXSW Interactive Festival

Three local blogs — In This Economy?, Five O’Clock Dallas, and I Live In Dallas — have teamed up to create a potential panel discussion at the Interactive portion of next year’s SXSW music/film/etc. shindig. (Topic: Citizen journalism.) Below is an entertaining video they put together to drum up support for the aforementioned potential panel. If you like it (there’s more information here), give them a thumbs-up at the link I just linked to and help send them on their way. And now, “Who is CJ?”

Mark Cuban: “Internet Interesting Again”

A little over an hour ago, Cuban decided that the intertubes are no longer dead and boring. In fact, our favorite Internet billionaire even sounds excited. What has him so fired up? Pubsubhubbub. What is that? Read to find out. (And thanks to our FB tipster.)