The 2008 presidential election (all elections really) makes me want to be more politically aware, not just nationally but locally as well. Watching political pundits on TV and listening to water cooler chat at work have reminded me that democracy works best when citizens are engaged and informed, but becoming engaged and informed is easier said than done.
I find the evening news does me more harm than good. I have to wade through 12 depressing minutes of killing, raping, and pillaging before I get 2 minutes of coverage on the goings-on at City Hall. Reading the newspaper everyday takes a lot of time (maybe I’m a slow reader?). I envy the people who read the paper everyday as I assume they have some sort of job that allows them to take three hours to read the paper from cover to cover each day. Don’t get me started on the relentless City Council meetings that take place every Wednesday. I still haven’t figured out how regular people are able to take time off work to attend Council meetings. Council meetings start at 9am and last all day. All this might leave me feeling defeated and helpless if it were not for a little gem I discovered a few months ago on http://www.dallasnews.com/ : the Dallas City Hall Blog. http://cityhallblog.dallasnews.com/
The Dallas City Hall Blog is a wonderful resource for anyone who wants to keep up with the votes and controversy going down at City Hall each day. There is news of appointments and resignations; budget crises; pet projects of Council members, Mayor Leppert, and City Manager Mary Suhm; but my favorite feature is the live blogging that takes place all day every Wednesday from the “peanut gallery” of Dallas City Council meetings. Dallas Morning News staff sit through those long meetings and give a blow-by-blow account of who said what to whom and why. In 15 minutes (or less) I can learn everything newsworthy that transpired during a City Council Meeting without having to sit through all eight hours of it or suffer through watching it on TWC public access.
Because of Dallas City Hall Blog, I can speak with confidence about matters such as Jenny the Elephant; Industrial Boulevard, Ross Avenue, and César Chavez; and whether Angela Hunt is secretly gearing up to challenge Mayor Leppert during re-election. As the name implies, Dallas City Hall Blog is concerned only with local news. If you want national news, I’m sure CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and the behemoth that is Google News are happy to oblige.
I’ll let you in on a little secret: I work at City Hall (location and department are top secret) and I start and end each work day by reading the Dallas City Hall Blog. It’s my little way of staying ahead of the game.
Monday, August 25, 2008
The Sartorialist
Anyone who knows me well knows that I take myself waaaaaaaaaay too seriously. I am the most anxious and uptight person that I know. Consequently, when I stumble across something that reminds me to relax and have fun on the rollercoaster we call life, I pay attention.
Enter the Sartorialist. http://www.thesartorialist.blogspot.com/
I think I’m about three years late on this one, but better late than never. Here’s the long and the short of it: some guy who used to work at a fancy department store decided to start a blog on which he would showcase pictures of everyday people that he thought had a great sense of personal style (or something like that). His blog is filled with pictures of “stylish” people in their natural habitats of NYC and Western Europe.
I would never wear the majority of the outfits featured, but in a very simple way, looking at the pictures makes me happy. The “models” wearing their “interesting” outfits remind me that life doesn’t have to be so serious – that it’s okay to experiment….and to fail…and that I really should incorporate more color into my wardrobe.
For those of you who may be wondering…
Sartorialist (n.) – one who is concerned with the trade of tailoring or manner of dress
Enter the Sartorialist. http://www.thesartorialist.blogspot.com/
I think I’m about three years late on this one, but better late than never. Here’s the long and the short of it: some guy who used to work at a fancy department store decided to start a blog on which he would showcase pictures of everyday people that he thought had a great sense of personal style (or something like that). His blog is filled with pictures of “stylish” people in their natural habitats of NYC and Western Europe.
I would never wear the majority of the outfits featured, but in a very simple way, looking at the pictures makes me happy. The “models” wearing their “interesting” outfits remind me that life doesn’t have to be so serious – that it’s okay to experiment….and to fail…and that I really should incorporate more color into my wardrobe.
For those of you who may be wondering…
Sartorialist (n.) – one who is concerned with the trade of tailoring or manner of dress
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Cretia's Flour and Flowers
215 W. Camp Wisdom Rd., Duncanville, TX 75116
No matter how old we get, how successful we become, or how fabulous we think we are, a visit to Grandma’s* house always brings us back down to earth. Perhaps it is because of the complete lack of pretense at Grandma’s house. Perhaps it is because of the decorum and ladylike behavior that Grandmas often require. Perhaps it is because of the lingering smell of vanilla and sugar that remind us of childhood – a time when words like “success” and “fabulous” had not yet entered our lexicon. For all these reasons, lunching at Cretia’s Flours and Flowers (Cretia’s) is like a visit to Grandma’s house: comforting and unashamedly ladylike.
When I crossed the threshold into Cretia’s, I was enveloped by soft pink hues and flower prints. Women’s hats perched on top of hat stands and wrought iron chairs had backs formed into hearts. The waitstaff was uncommonly polite and attentive and gave me the uneasy feeling that if my elbows rested on the table or if I spoke with my mouth full, it would definitely be noticed. I should point out here that I dined at the original Cretia’s in Duncanville. A second location has opened in the trendy Uptown area of Dallas. I suspect that the vibe at this location, “Cretia’s on McKinney” is totally different from its predecessor and requires a separate review.
My lunch was a simple spinach salad with blue cheese and strawberries, and half of a turkey and cheese sandwich on croissant. For dessert, I had an equally simple slice of vanilla cake. I did walk on the wild side with my tea selection. I chose some sort of Russian blend. None of my meal components was particularly remarkable or inventive, but they were enjoyable just the same. Remember, grandmas don’t try to impress; they’re too busy making you feel welcome and wondering why you haven’t visited in so long. The same is true for Cretia’s. Cretia’s makes you feel comfortable, feeds you well, and encourages you to stay as long as you like just like your Grandma would.
*or “Nanna” or “Me-maw” or “Big Mama” or “Granny”
Tip 1: Lunch is lighter fare: soups, sandwiches, and salad. It’s more “tea room” than restaurant.
Tip 2: Cretia’s is also a full-service bakery with a fantastic selection. My slice of vanilla cake, though simple, was positively scrumptious!
Tip 3: Though I’m sure Cretia’s values its male customers, it just seems to be a place more suited to women (at least during lunch anyway).
Tip 4: Do NOT click “Home” on the restaurant’s webpage. Doing so takes you to a page that I’m pretty sure isn’t written in English (at least that’s what happened at the time of this posting).
Visit Cretia’s online at http://www.cretias.com/restaurant.html
Have you been to the Uptown location? Tell me about it in the comments section!
No matter how old we get, how successful we become, or how fabulous we think we are, a visit to Grandma’s* house always brings us back down to earth. Perhaps it is because of the complete lack of pretense at Grandma’s house. Perhaps it is because of the decorum and ladylike behavior that Grandmas often require. Perhaps it is because of the lingering smell of vanilla and sugar that remind us of childhood – a time when words like “success” and “fabulous” had not yet entered our lexicon. For all these reasons, lunching at Cretia’s Flours and Flowers (Cretia’s) is like a visit to Grandma’s house: comforting and unashamedly ladylike.
When I crossed the threshold into Cretia’s, I was enveloped by soft pink hues and flower prints. Women’s hats perched on top of hat stands and wrought iron chairs had backs formed into hearts. The waitstaff was uncommonly polite and attentive and gave me the uneasy feeling that if my elbows rested on the table or if I spoke with my mouth full, it would definitely be noticed. I should point out here that I dined at the original Cretia’s in Duncanville. A second location has opened in the trendy Uptown area of Dallas. I suspect that the vibe at this location, “Cretia’s on McKinney” is totally different from its predecessor and requires a separate review.
My lunch was a simple spinach salad with blue cheese and strawberries, and half of a turkey and cheese sandwich on croissant. For dessert, I had an equally simple slice of vanilla cake. I did walk on the wild side with my tea selection. I chose some sort of Russian blend. None of my meal components was particularly remarkable or inventive, but they were enjoyable just the same. Remember, grandmas don’t try to impress; they’re too busy making you feel welcome and wondering why you haven’t visited in so long. The same is true for Cretia’s. Cretia’s makes you feel comfortable, feeds you well, and encourages you to stay as long as you like just like your Grandma would.
*or “Nanna” or “Me-maw” or “Big Mama” or “Granny”
Tip 1: Lunch is lighter fare: soups, sandwiches, and salad. It’s more “tea room” than restaurant.
Tip 2: Cretia’s is also a full-service bakery with a fantastic selection. My slice of vanilla cake, though simple, was positively scrumptious!
Tip 3: Though I’m sure Cretia’s values its male customers, it just seems to be a place more suited to women (at least during lunch anyway).
Tip 4: Do NOT click “Home” on the restaurant’s webpage. Doing so takes you to a page that I’m pretty sure isn’t written in English (at least that’s what happened at the time of this posting).
Visit Cretia’s online at http://www.cretias.com/restaurant.html
Have you been to the Uptown location? Tell me about it in the comments section!
Friday, August 8, 2008
The Living Room Auditorium?
The business model of the 20th century seemed to be,
"Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door."
Fast forward 100 years, and the business model of the 21st century seems to be,
"Build a just as good mousetrap, but paint it a funky color, or give it a different sound, or make it high end (or low end) and enough people will walk to your door and pay you a premium for that 'difference' that you will be able to make a profit."
This new business model hasn't been lost on the movie theatre business. There is the "megaplex" - the theatre with 15+ screens showing every mainstream movie at least 5 times/day. There is the "independent" theatre - the theatre that shows "less" mainstream films (independent theatres are too snooty to show movies; they show films). There is the dinner and a movie theatre - the theatre with a full bar, full menu, and full waitstaff. Now, a new niche has come on the scene.
In May 2008 Inwood Theatre debuted its "Living Room Auditorium" (5458 W. Lovers Lane at Inwood). Forget the stadium seating at those other theatres. At the Living Room Auditorium it's all about loveseats and oversized bean bag chairs. You and your Mr./Mrs. Right (now) can snuggle properly as you enjoy your flick - just as you would if you were at home. You are even allowed to re-arrange the furniture to suit your needs. I intend to try this new and different "theatretrap" tonight and will report back on if it's a business model that I think will last.
To see pictures of the "Living Room Auditorium" visit the website below.
http://www.landmarktheatres.com/Market/Dallas/InwoodTheatre.htm
UPDATE: There is something seductive about a dark room, plush loveseats, the freedom to get "close," and the possibility that others might see you necking (you know it's true). For this reason, the Living Room Auditorium (LRA) was a good time and it made a ridiculous movie (Pineapple Express) infinitely more bearable. However, even though I had a good time, the LRA seems to be more of a marketing gimmick than a sound business model.
Firstly, there is only one LRA inside Inwood Theatre. That means that my patronage of the LRA will be limited at best. The only movie showing Friday night was Pineapple Express. I suffered through this film only for the purpose of writing this review. Don't forget that the LRA is modeled after my actual living room. Why would I pay $10 to watch a bad movie while sitting on a sofa when I can do it at home for free?
Secondly, I assume that an auditorium filled with couches and bean bag chairs seats considerably less than a traditional auditorium further limiting revenue.
Lastly, as flat screen TVs get bigger, movies on demand become more plentiful, and TV definition gets higher, the LRA will become less and less attractive.
Having written all this, I am sure I will return to the LRA, but who knows when it will be showing a movie I actually want to see. It could be weeks. It could be months; and therein lies the LRA's problem.
TIP: Choice seats go fast so arrive early to claim your territory.
UPDATE 2: I returned to the Living Room Auditorium, newly renamed the Screening Lounge Auditorium, on September 20, 2008. It took me six weeks to return, not as long as I thought it would.
"Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door."
Fast forward 100 years, and the business model of the 21st century seems to be,
"Build a just as good mousetrap, but paint it a funky color, or give it a different sound, or make it high end (or low end) and enough people will walk to your door and pay you a premium for that 'difference' that you will be able to make a profit."
This new business model hasn't been lost on the movie theatre business. There is the "megaplex" - the theatre with 15+ screens showing every mainstream movie at least 5 times/day. There is the "independent" theatre - the theatre that shows "less" mainstream films (independent theatres are too snooty to show movies; they show films). There is the dinner and a movie theatre - the theatre with a full bar, full menu, and full waitstaff. Now, a new niche has come on the scene.
In May 2008 Inwood Theatre debuted its "Living Room Auditorium" (5458 W. Lovers Lane at Inwood). Forget the stadium seating at those other theatres. At the Living Room Auditorium it's all about loveseats and oversized bean bag chairs. You and your Mr./Mrs. Right (now) can snuggle properly as you enjoy your flick - just as you would if you were at home. You are even allowed to re-arrange the furniture to suit your needs. I intend to try this new and different "theatretrap" tonight and will report back on if it's a business model that I think will last.
To see pictures of the "Living Room Auditorium" visit the website below.
http://www.landmarktheatres.com/Market/Dallas/InwoodTheatre.htm
UPDATE: There is something seductive about a dark room, plush loveseats, the freedom to get "close," and the possibility that others might see you necking (you know it's true). For this reason, the Living Room Auditorium (LRA) was a good time and it made a ridiculous movie (Pineapple Express) infinitely more bearable. However, even though I had a good time, the LRA seems to be more of a marketing gimmick than a sound business model.
Firstly, there is only one LRA inside Inwood Theatre. That means that my patronage of the LRA will be limited at best. The only movie showing Friday night was Pineapple Express. I suffered through this film only for the purpose of writing this review. Don't forget that the LRA is modeled after my actual living room. Why would I pay $10 to watch a bad movie while sitting on a sofa when I can do it at home for free?
Secondly, I assume that an auditorium filled with couches and bean bag chairs seats considerably less than a traditional auditorium further limiting revenue.
Lastly, as flat screen TVs get bigger, movies on demand become more plentiful, and TV definition gets higher, the LRA will become less and less attractive.
Having written all this, I am sure I will return to the LRA, but who knows when it will be showing a movie I actually want to see. It could be weeks. It could be months; and therein lies the LRA's problem.
TIP: Choice seats go fast so arrive early to claim your territory.
UPDATE 2: I returned to the Living Room Auditorium, newly renamed the Screening Lounge Auditorium, on September 20, 2008. It took me six weeks to return, not as long as I thought it would.
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