4 Years & Terror Free

While I usually keep my post within the borders of The Lone Star State, The Lone Star Times links as excellent article by by Paul Campos from The Rocky Mountain News on why our country has thankfully enjoyed almost 4 years without another terrorist attack.

I Knew It

From The Dallas Morning News:

Study says coffee is good for you

Researchers discover ample cancer-fighting antioxidants in drink

Coffee not only helps clear the mind and perk up the energy, it also provides more healthful antioxidants than any other food or beverage in the American diet, according to a study released Sunday.

I always knew something so good had to be good for you.

Idiocy On The East Side

I comment frequently on the lack of rational thought in Big D. Not that there are not irrational people in Cowtown, it's just the ones in Big D seem to make more noise. But in the interest of equal opportunity blog-bashing, I thought I'd mention the idiots that showed up yesterday at Sagamore Hills Baptist Church.
About 20 people showed up yesterday to picket the church as people were arriving for services. Their beef? Like just about everyone else in town that has any amount of available land, the church has signed a lease to allow natural gas drilling on 51 acres of land they own.

Now putting aside for the moment the idea that people should be allowed to do what they want with their private property, lets consider this. Years ago the church contracted to sell this same tract of land to a real estate developer. The developer's plan was turned down by the City Plan Commission and he walked away from the deal. Why did the City Plan Commission turn down the plan? Community Protest. Had these same blusterous protestors allowed the land to be developed for residences years ago, there would be no possibility of drilling for gas today. We can only assume that there is no use for the 51 acres that these busybodies would find acceptable.

Here's a tip for these backward thinking meddlers. Get a clue. There is a legal term for land that remains vacant forever: Public Park. If you are dead set against letting the church do anything with their property, get the Czar of the east side, Becky Haskin to buy it for a park.

The Things We Do For Love

Those crazy college kids. UT-Austin student Laura Ashley Hall was arrested by Austin police yesterday on charges she assisted murder suspect Colton Pitonyak in his flight to Mexico to avoid being arrested. On Tuesday, both Hall and Pitonyak were kicked out of Mexico. U.S. Marshals were waiting on the north side of the Rio Grande and took Pitonyak into custody. The debonair Mr. Pitonyak was thereupon given a free ride in a real police car, all the way back to Austin. He was charged with the murder of Austin legal secretary Jennifer Cave over his missing cell phone.

A police report quotes Ms. Hall as stating that the whole thing is a huge misunderstanding. That her paramour, the dashing young Mr. Pitonyak, a junior at UT majoring in finance, accidentally shot Ms. Cave. We await further explanations from the co-ed on whether her boyfriend also accidentally stabbed Ms. Cave repeatedly and accidentally dismembered her body with a hacksaw. Ms. Hall went on to explain to the police that the trip to Mexico was nothing more than a romantic get-away for two young lovers, not a flight to avoid prosecution.

One might suggest that the next time Ms. Hall goes looking for love, that she set her sights a little higher. Mr. Pitonyak doesn't appear to have been the brightest bulb on the tree. The Austin American-Statesman says a hotel clerk in Mexico remembers the young man asking him upon checkin, "Do they extradite in Mexico?"

Meat On The Hoof

French and Japanese diners can continue to chow down on prime Texas horseflesh, thanks to a ruling yesterday by U.S. District Judge Terry Means. The judge ruled that horse-slaughtering plants in Fort Worth and Kaufman could remain open. As Attorney General, John Cornyn issued an opinion that state law prohibited the sale or transportation of horse meat inTexas for human consumption. When Tarrant County District Attorney Tim Curry said he would enforce the 1949 law, the plants sought an injunction in federal court. The judge ruled that the state law had effectively been repealed by subsequent laws, and that even if it hadn't, that federal laws permitting the sale of horse meat superseded the state statute.

While a Texan make look at eating horse meat about like he would eating the family pet, it is highly sought after in Europe and Japan as a delicacy.

Article from The Dallas Morning News

Putting The Bite On The Hand That Feeds Them

Dallas Mayor Laura Miller proposed a new plan for dealing with the panhandlers that populate so many of the city's intersections. Tuesday, at a meeting in Oak Cliff, Big D's mayor tossed out the idea of ticketing the do-gooders that give money to people out begging in the streets. Big D has had a law against panhandling for 2 years now. However, Madam Mayor says the law isn't properly enforced and is ineffective. So rather than getting tougher with the beggars, Madam Mayor proposed penalizing the enablers that they feed off of.

While I'm bothered by the haggard looking people with the cardboard signs as well, the measure seems a little extreme. However, I'd be in favor of Cowtown adopting a similar measure on one condition: That the law include those annoying old people in those fuzzy hats.

Yankee's File Discrimination Claim Against Texas Universities

We Texans pride ourselves on our common sense and fair mindedness. So shame on us that it takes a bunch of yankees to point out how ridiculous some of our state's policies are. From the Washington Times:

The Washington Legal Foundation has filed a formal discrimination complaint against the state of Texas for a policy that offers in-state college-tuition rates to illegal aliens who live in the state, but denies them to out-of-state students who are American citizens.
WLF, a public-interest law and policy center, filed the complaint two weeks ago with the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, which is responsible for investigating complaints of violations of rights arising from federal immigration laws.
WLF says the tuition policies violate a federal statute enacted in 1996. That legislation, sponsored by Rep. Lamar Smith, Texas Republican, says that any state that offers discounted in-state tuition rates at public colleges to illegal aliens based on their residence in the state must provide the same discounted rates to all U.S. citizens.

How can someone that snuck into our state illegally be entitled to "in-state" tuition? It makes no sense.

The Lowdown On Arlington's Downtown

Resident's of Arlington will have to wait a little while longer to enjoy a "pedestrian friendly" downtown that mimics those of Cowtown and Big D. Last Wednesday, Planning & Zoning commissioners postponed a vote on the downtown design standards until 09.07.05. While I'm tempted to take all the credit for slapping some sense into the commission, modesty forces me to admit that the 30 people that turned out to protest the new rules had more to do with it. Perhaps the interval will give the commissioners time to consider just how silly the proposal is. To gaze up the sea of used car lots that is downtown Arlington and think that developers are swarming around waiting to invest their cash in the area if only the city will adopt tons of new rules is just ridiculous.

Of course, the new plan will probably come too late for the Local Color Gallery, a combination coffee house, art gallery, and local music venue. The Star-Telegram is reporting that the facility will likely close due to low receipts. This type of establishment would seem to be exactly what the new design standards have in mind for the area. Of course, since the coffee house operated with free volunteer labor, yet couldn't pay its bills. One has to wonder how Arlington city leaders think other more profit-oriented businesses would thrive. If only the little coffee house can hang on until the city adopts is 250 pages of new rules. That's sure to attract more people.

Developer Plans To Soak Mansfield Taxpayers

Yet another real estate developer has appeared on the local scene, promoting yet another government-funded project. Texlan Real Estate Investment Advisers is proposing to build a $27 million water amusement park and entertainment complex on 37 acres in Mansfield. In addition to the water amusement park, the project would include an amphitheater, conference facilities and some commercial development. And what would be the cost to the taxpayers of Mansfield for this wonderful development? Why a mere $5,100,000.00. Before deciding to get into the water amusement park business, Mansfield city leaders might want to pay a visit to North Richland Hill's NRH2O, which has been struggling to attract enough visitors to return to profitability.

The Star-Telegram quotes Texlan President Dick Erxleben as saying, "There is a need for recreation in Mansfield, a need for entertainment in Mansfield." I don't where Mr. Erxleben went to college, but its apparent he never took Economics 101. If there truly is a need for this type of recreation in Mansfield, private enterprise can sucessfully meet that demand without government welfare. Ever hear of the law of supply and demand? But then, why should Texian risk more of its own money if they can convince the suckers, er... city councilmembers of Mansfield to foot part of the bill?

Dallas Firm Invests In Downtown FW

While one company from big D asks for our tax dollars before completing their project, another firm from the right-hand side of the metroplex is willing to invest its own money downtown. The Dallas Business Journal is reporting that Behringer Harvard has purchased Firestone Upper West Side near downtown. According to The Journal, the complex is 97% occupied. Since tenants come and go, a landlord considers an occupancy rate that high as being pretty much full.

So why is the city council even considering more tax breaks for developers to invest downtown? The Journal quotes Behringer Harvard CEO as saying how attractive the downtown market is. Is he the only one who thinks so? No. Financially sound projects don't need tax money to make it. Using tax payers money to subsidize private enterprises is just plain stupid. One look at the Railhead Market or The Mercado should tell the city council that.

Former Poly H.S. Star Dies After Game

Former Polytechnic High School star Thomas Herrion collapsed and died in the locker room of the San Francisco 49ers shortly after their exhibition game loss to the Denver Broncos.

Herrion played football, basketball and track for Poly. Upon graduation he played for Kilgore Junior College. After junior college Herrion played for the University of Utah where he was an all-American. Prior to joining the 49ers, he had been on the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboys and played in NFL Europe.

Temperatures for Saturday night's game at Denver were in the mid-60s with 50 percent humidity. Herrion was 23 years old.

Lining Their Pockets With Your Cash

So the FW Star-Telegram is reporting that yet another downtown developer is heading for City Hall asking that city leaders fill his pockets with your tax dollars. PNL Cos. of Dallas, which bought the Tandy Center from Radio Shack back in 2001 is asking the city for about $6.8 million in tax breaks. Company officials were said to be willing to negotiate on the exact amount. Gee, thanks. This is in addition to the $9 million the downtown tax-increment finance district has agreed to pay them for a 10-year parking lease agreement.

We constantly hear city officials tell us how lucky we are to have such a vibrant, lively, downtown. One that is so attractive as a place to live and work. Really? Then why is it that every developer that comes forward to invest their money downtown does so with one condition? That they get a nice handout from the city?

Fiddling While Big D Burns

Gee, I guess it takes a lot to get tossed off the Dallas Plan Commission. Yesterday, City of Dallas Mayor Laura Miller asked the council to remove commission member D'Angelo Lee. Among the mayor's reasons for asking Lee to either resign or be removed from the commission were that Lee:

• Voted on zoning cases in which he was being paid as a consultant
• Failed to report a vehicle that was given to him as a "gift"
• Owed the government nearly $20,000 in personal income taxes

A rational person might think that any one of those cases would be sufficient grounds for removal of someone from a postion of public trust. Apparently rational people are in short supply on the right-hand side of the metroplex. The subject became embroiled in allegations of racism and conspiracies.

The day after it was learned that UT & OU may move their lucrative Red River Shootout from the city, councilmember James Fantroy promised violence if the embattled Lee was removed. "They're going to make the Los Angeles riots look like a picnic," said Fantroy. Gee, that's sure to lure more tourist to visit Big D. I wonder when we'll see that slogan on DART buses? Fantroy went on to say, "I will not sit back and allow what's going on today." Just exactly what level of impropriety, if any, it would take before Fantroy would consider removing a public official is not clear.

The tense city council meeting brings back fond memories of the glory days of the Dallas I.S.D. when district security officers routinely attended board meeting, to keep the board members from assaulting each other. It may not be great government, but its cheaper than watching wrasslin' on pay-per-view.

We Want A Hip Downtown Too

Chanting, "Hey why should we have to drive to Dallas or Fort Worth to eat at hip restaurants in restored buildings?" The City of Arlington appears ready to adopt far-ranging design standards for it's downtown. The ordinance, six years in the making, covers everything from parking, landscaping, open space, building design and materials. The city, which just a few years ago bulldozed several old downtown buildings to construct its current city hall says the standards will promote revitalization and encourage pedestrian-friendly development in the downtown area. 3 city bureaucrats have been working full-time on the regulations. Exactly how 250 pages of new rules is going to spur development is not clear. What is so funny is that for years Arlington prided itself on being the epitome of a suburban community. The rumors that Tom Vandergriff himself coined the phrase, "bedroom community" cannot be confirmed. But after decades of promoting itself as the sanitized alternative to the urban areas of Dallas and Fort Worth, Arlington appears ready to join the growing list of metroplex cities boasting Disney-like downtowns.

Six Flags In Play

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder is initiating a shareholder proxy contest to gain control of Six Flags, the parent company of Six Flags Over Texas. The Oklahoma City-based theme park company has been struggling under a heavy debt load and sagging attendance lately. We can only pray that if successful, Mr. Snyder will dump the annoying little bald-headed dancing man.

Hope For The "Average Joe"

Playgirl's hunks? The hairy, chubby & poor!
Forget waxed chests and rock-hard abs. A new survey finds ladies like their men scruffy, a wee bit chubby - and definitely not a metrosexual.

Playgirl asked 2,000 of its readers what they find sexy in a man and the answers were surprising: 42% said they thought love handles were kind of sexy and 47% approved of chest hair...

Rich playboys need not apply - only 4% of women said the size of a man's wallet mattered. Metrosexuals are also out: 73% want a guy who is "rough around the edges."

"This survey shows that the guy who's most attractive to our readers is not your average Hollywood hunk," said Playgirl editrix Jill Sieracki. "It's the average Joe who came up on top. Women are practical about their choices, and they're smart."

New York matchmaker Janis Spindel, a self-described specialist at setting up "highly successful, well-educated, attractive professionals," confirmed the survey's findings. "It's scary, but women don't care [about looks]," she said. "Men are very superficial and very shallow."

But Spindel disputed the claim that women don't care about finding a rich man: "Women want a man who makes more money than they do," she said. "They want to be able to live a comfortable lifestyle."

Man, I'm glad a didn't waste a lot of time in the gym.

We'll Miss You At The Class Reunion

From The Startle-Gram:

GRAND PRAIRIE - Investigators got a lucky break when a Grand Prairie pawnshop clerk robbed at gunpoint recognized one of his three assailants as a former classmate, police said.

A clerk at First Cash Pawn told Grand Prairie officers that he went to Nichols Junior High School in Arlington with one of the men who stole more than $19,000 in cash and property Saturday morning from the Jefferson Street store, said Detective John Brimmer, a police spokesman.

While Grand Prairie officers were searching for the suspects, Dallas police caught the men robbing another pawnshop later that afternoon, Brimmer said...

Truth In Advertising? NOT

So it appears that those lone star charlatans that bring you the texas lottery are considering toning down their jackpot claims. Now I personally have nothing against the state-wide stupidity tax that is known as the lottery. In my opinion, stupid people don't pay their fair share of taxes as it is. But I'm wondering if in this spirit of honesty, lottery officials will actually tell the suckers (oops, I meant customers) that buy their tickets how infinitesimally small their chances are of winning any real money? I won't hold my breath.

Drink Tap Water? Surely You're Joking

From The Startle-Gram:

Water advisory issued for Southlake

SOUTHLAKE _ The city has asked residents to boil their water after lightning struck the town's water tower Sunday night...

Crews were working to ensure the supply's safety. Residents, meanwhile, were asked to avoid drinking tap water and watering their lawns...

Officials predicted the water would be OK to drink without further treatment by Tuesday morning.

A Southlake resident drink ordinary, everyday, tap water? Surely you're joking.

Tiny Terrorists

From Drudge:

That baby can't fly: Infants with terrorists' names on no-fly list
Mon Aug 15 2005 14:33:22 ET

At least 14 infants have been stopped from boarding planes in the U.S. -- because their names are the same or similar to possible terrorists on the government's no-flylist!

It sounds like a joke, but it's not funny to parents who miss flights while scrambling to have babies' passports and other documents faxed.

The AP is planning to detail later on Monday, wire sources tell DRUDGE.

Developing...

Why is it the business of the government to provide security for airlines? I'm in business, the government doesn't pay to have guards at my door screening my customers. If I feel I need that type of security I have to pay for that myself. "Planes can be used as weapons of mass destruction." Okay, gasoline tanker trucks can be used as weapons of mass destruction. I've yet to see the police escorting one as it pulls into an Exxon. Not only should the airlines provide their own security, they could do a much better job. Only a government employee would keep a baby from boarding a plane because its name was similar to one on a list of possible terrorists. Private employees use common sense. Using common sense doesn't get you anywhere when you work for the government.

Edited to add link to complete AP story here.

Johnny Carino's: Skip going out and nuke a frozen dinner

So I went to Johnny Carino's on Hulen for supper last night. I had been there before and really enjoyed it. It is a little more daring than your typical chain joint like Olive Garden.

But I made the mistake of ordering the chicken parmigiana. There was a lot of meat. Unforntunately it was totally uninspired. There was no seasoning that I could discern. While a frozen dinner would not have been as filling, it would have just as tasty and a whole lot cheaper.

Ikea? Is that some new kind of sushi?

So the entire Metro-plex is supposedly ga-ga over the new Ikea store opening up in Frisco. People, it's a stupid store. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great a new store has opened in Frisco, a town that so far as I can tell is nothing but a one continuous shopping mall anyway. But it's a store. Get a life. We've survived this long without tons of bleached wood stuff, it's not that big a deal.

So here's the deal. I'm going to give this blog thing a try.