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.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
A Documentary You MUST See
Today, I gathered a random sampling of items from around my home to check out where they were manufactured. This is what I learned.
CD Case: Made in Philippines
Cocktail Dress: Made in China
Laptop Computer: Made in Japan
Pen: Made in Japan
Steam Iron: Made in Germany
None of these products was manufactured in the United States. Hold your horses; this is not another post about the loss of the U.S. manufacturing base. However, it is a post about a new documentary showcasing something just as important: the lives of long-haul truck drivers. That’s right. I’m encouraging you to check out a new documentary about truck drivers, one of the most under-appreciated professions around. Think about it. I have never visited China or Japan (although I would certainly like to). I did not have to save thousands of dollars to pay for an “around the world in 30 days” trip to gather all these items. Instead, I drove approximately 5 miles up the highway to my local discount retailer and shopping mall where I spent a mere $6 to buy a ball point pen produced thousands of miles away.
Long-haul truck drivers, these unsung heroes, did all the heavy lifting for me (and for you). Their efforts are detailed in a new documentary, Drive and Deliver, filmed by Academy Award-nominated director, Brett Morgen. Get a behind the scenes look at the men and women who spend hours at a time on the open road so that you don’t have to. Drive and Deliver premiers Friday, August 22nd at the Angelika Film Center (5321 East Mockingbird Lane, Ste. 230) at 6pm. The premier coincides with the Great American Trucking Show taking place in Dallas, TX at the Convention Center.
Update: I just got some bad news. The premier is a private screening for participants of the Great American Trucking Show only. But never fear, eventually the documentary will be released on DVD for us all to enjoy and to help us appreciate our friends driving the huge trucks that we can’t see around and never take off quite as fast as we would like. For more information visit: http://standalone.internationaltrucks.com/default.aspx .
Are you into documentaries? Leave your recommendations in the comments section.
CD Case: Made in Philippines
Cocktail Dress: Made in China
Laptop Computer: Made in Japan
Pen: Made in Japan
Steam Iron: Made in Germany
None of these products was manufactured in the United States. Hold your horses; this is not another post about the loss of the U.S. manufacturing base. However, it is a post about a new documentary showcasing something just as important: the lives of long-haul truck drivers. That’s right. I’m encouraging you to check out a new documentary about truck drivers, one of the most under-appreciated professions around. Think about it. I have never visited China or Japan (although I would certainly like to). I did not have to save thousands of dollars to pay for an “around the world in 30 days” trip to gather all these items. Instead, I drove approximately 5 miles up the highway to my local discount retailer and shopping mall where I spent a mere $6 to buy a ball point pen produced thousands of miles away.
Long-haul truck drivers, these unsung heroes, did all the heavy lifting for me (and for you). Their efforts are detailed in a new documentary, Drive and Deliver, filmed by Academy Award-nominated director, Brett Morgen. Get a behind the scenes look at the men and women who spend hours at a time on the open road so that you don’t have to. Drive and Deliver premiers Friday, August 22nd at the Angelika Film Center (5321 East Mockingbird Lane, Ste. 230) at 6pm. The premier coincides with the Great American Trucking Show taking place in Dallas, TX at the Convention Center.
Update: I just got some bad news. The premier is a private screening for participants of the Great American Trucking Show only. But never fear, eventually the documentary will be released on DVD for us all to enjoy and to help us appreciate our friends driving the huge trucks that we can’t see around and never take off quite as fast as we would like. For more information visit: http://standalone.internationaltrucks.com/default.aspx .
Are you into documentaries? Leave your recommendations in the comments section.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Mmm Mmm Good
Christian Louboutin Shoes: $790
Gucci Dress: $1595
Gucci Clutch: $685
Dinner and drinks at the hottest, hippest newest restaurant in town: $200
Living Like a Celebrity:
A heck of a lot more than I can afford when gas is $4.20/gallon, milk is $4/gallon, and I live in a constant state of fear that I am going to be downsized on the job.
What’s a hot, hip, fashionable chic (of any age) to do? Maybe the Christian Louboutin shoes become Steve Madden. Maybe the Gucci dress and clutch become BeBe and Nine West respectively; BUT thanks to KRLD Restaurant Week, women (and men for that matter) can still dine at the hottest, hippest restaurants in Dallas like Nobu, N9NE Steakhouse, NOVE Italiano, and Cru for just $35/person from August 11-17, 2008.
$35 gets you a 3-course meal at participating restaurants (sorry, drinks not included so get liquored up before you leave home); and because every hot, hip, and fashionable chic needs a charitable cause du jour, you’ll be happy to know that proceeds from KRLD’s Restaurant Week benefit North Texas Food Bank in Dallas and the Lena Pope Home in Ft. Worth.
Reservations are an absolute must and they are going fast so don’t delay.
Visit http://www.krld.com/pages/2566177.php for a complete list of restaurants and to make your reservations.
Bon Appetit!
Have a favorite restaurant? Let me know about it in the comments section.
Gucci Dress: $1595
Gucci Clutch: $685
Dinner and drinks at the hottest, hippest newest restaurant in town: $200
Living Like a Celebrity:
A heck of a lot more than I can afford when gas is $4.20/gallon, milk is $4/gallon, and I live in a constant state of fear that I am going to be downsized on the job.
What’s a hot, hip, fashionable chic (of any age) to do? Maybe the Christian Louboutin shoes become Steve Madden. Maybe the Gucci dress and clutch become BeBe and Nine West respectively; BUT thanks to KRLD Restaurant Week, women (and men for that matter) can still dine at the hottest, hippest restaurants in Dallas like Nobu, N9NE Steakhouse, NOVE Italiano, and Cru for just $35/person from August 11-17, 2008.
$35 gets you a 3-course meal at participating restaurants (sorry, drinks not included so get liquored up before you leave home); and because every hot, hip, and fashionable chic needs a charitable cause du jour, you’ll be happy to know that proceeds from KRLD’s Restaurant Week benefit North Texas Food Bank in Dallas and the Lena Pope Home in Ft. Worth.
Reservations are an absolute must and they are going fast so don’t delay.
Visit http://www.krld.com/pages/2566177.php for a complete list of restaurants and to make your reservations.
Bon Appetit!
Have a favorite restaurant? Let me know about it in the comments section.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Have you heard about the Texas Conference for Women?
http://www.txconferenceforwomen.org/
Sponsored by Governor Rick Perry and his wife, the Texas Conference for Women is a full day of motivation and empowerment for women of all ages. The Conference is a wonderful opportunity for three reasons:
1) Registration fee is only $100 ($50 if you're a student, and there are discounts for group tickets and early registration).
2) Its Houston location is easily accessible for women all across the great state of Texas.
3) A phenomenal lineup of speakers and panelists that includes:
Cherie Blair: mother, human rights lawyer, and wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair
Sarah Jones: Tony Award Winning playwright
Meg Whitman: former president and CEO of eBay from 1998 - 2008
Join me in Houston to meet new friends and create new opportunities!
I hope to see you there.
Have you attended the Texas Conference for Women in previous years? Leave a comment telling me how you liked it.
Sponsored by Governor Rick Perry and his wife, the Texas Conference for Women is a full day of motivation and empowerment for women of all ages. The Conference is a wonderful opportunity for three reasons:
1) Registration fee is only $100 ($50 if you're a student, and there are discounts for group tickets and early registration).
2) Its Houston location is easily accessible for women all across the great state of Texas.
3) A phenomenal lineup of speakers and panelists that includes:
Cherie Blair: mother, human rights lawyer, and wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair
Sarah Jones: Tony Award Winning playwright
Meg Whitman: former president and CEO of eBay from 1998 - 2008
Join me in Houston to meet new friends and create new opportunities!
I hope to see you there.
Have you attended the Texas Conference for Women in previous years? Leave a comment telling me how you liked it.
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