Restaurant Owner Gets Drunk. Fires Up Hot Opinions On Facebook.

Story. (Language warning.)   And I really think this is no big deal. I bet his business doesn't suffer one bit. Alternatively, Wise County can always use a new restaurant.

Greatest Cheerleading Mom Ever

Here's some video I shot at the 2011 LHSAA Cheer & Dance Competition held in Lake Charles December 3, 2011. Mom cheering on her daughter from Archbishop Hannan High School.


That's what happens when you spend a krillion dollars on outfits and training. It slowly drives you insane. If her kid doesn't bring a first place trophy, she might as well not come home at all. I support you, mom. Haters gonna hate. Let's hang out (and be sure to wear that skirt.)

Random Tuesday Morning Thoughts

• I stopped down by some country music awards show last night. I don't know who Kristin Chenoweth is, but she looks like she's on meth and she can't sing. Other than that, not bad. 
• I think this is the winning pole dance at some pole dancing convention. That truly could by an Olympic sport if it were performed that way. I'm serious. 
• The likely Aggie schedule for next year: Home vs. Florida, Alabama, LSU and Arkansas; On the Road at Ole Miss, Miss. St, Auburn, and Missouri. Oh, my. 
• I stopped wearing a watch about five years ago. 
• On Fox 4 News last night, the mother of the walk-into-the-propeller victim gave an interview and said, "She was hit by a propeller but she will be propelled to do God's work . . . . " I had to hit replay to make sure I heard that correctly. 
• That lady and her husband have a website on marriage counseling. They promote themselves with the description of, "Ten disappointing years of marriage. Seven painful years of divorce." Thanks, but if it took you 17 years to figure it out, I think I'd look elsewhere. 
• A capital murder trial has started in Denton in connection with the death of a child in Bowie. The mother is also awaiting trial and resides in Bridgeport.  
• The War on Drugs now requires bullets to fly on an Amtrak train in downtown Dallas? The "suspect" was killed, and I'm very interested to know his background. 
• I heard yesterday that the postal systems decision to eliminate first class next day delivery will have even a more dramatic impact on the delivery of newspapers and magazines than I thought. Delivery time now may take "several days". 
• Baylor's Robert Griffin (and four others) have been invited to New York for Saturday's Heisman Award Presentation.  This site has predicted the winner for the last nine out of nine years by tracking voters who publicly announce their choices. With a little under 20% of the votes known, but RG3 has a pretty big lead. 
• I'm going to kill The Family Cat. She thinks that Christmas Tree is her personal playground. 
• The NFL is printing money: It is close to inking a deal with Fox, CBS, and NBC which will bring in $3.2 billion a year through 2012. That's a  60% increase from the current deal and, think about it,  doesn't include money from (1) the rights ESPN has to pay, (2) advertising income from its own NFL Network, or (3) the NFL Sunday Ticket fee paid by DirecTV which is currently $700 million a year.
• Biggest waste of paper: Phone Books. 
• A high profile case involving a Bridgeport lady who was convicted of Solicitation of Murder in Tarrant County seems to be officially over since prison records show she is no longer incarcerated.
• At the bottom of the Waco paper, there's a story about a "And Another" found not guilty.

And Just When I Thought It Couldn't Get Any Worse

We have television commercials by "The Hammer" and "The Strong Arm", tacky billboards that make me cringe, and shameless letters soliciting work sent to those who have been arrested.  What could be next? How about  lawyers setting up shop in a booth in a mall. Yeah, it's Florida, but the day can't be that far away.

(Right now I feel like one of those beaten down guys on the John Hancock commercials reading text messages from his spouse about when he'll be able to retire. To quote that great legal philosopher George Jetson, "Jane! Jane! Stop this crazy thing!")

Possible Afternoon Pick Me Up?

Only Danica Patrick could look miserable at the beach.

Edit: On the same trip, but on a different day, she reveals a lower back tattoo.

Criminal Mastermind?

A story broke over the weekend of a guy allegedly planting a hidden camera a "family changing area" at the Oak Point Recreation Center in Plano. Sheesh. But the camera contained images of a guy who police suspected of doing that planting.  Yep, at least it looks like he was testing it.

Once that image got released, you knew it was just a matter of time . . .

Look! I'm Like Joe Duty! Wise County Accident!

Well, not quite. No fatality. No injury. Not even any damage. Just saw it on Facebook where the owner thanked "[County Commissioner] Kevin Burns and 2 other good samaritans that pulled me out!!"

"Dr. Pepper Is The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me"

Sister, I'm right there with ya. Drop $100K on me and I'm crying like a baby and praising whoever it is that's writing the check.

And I think she would have torched me in that competition.

Random Monday Morning Thoughts

• I think I'm going to the Alamo Bowl (Baylor v. Washington.). I've never seen a game in that place.
• Jason Garrett is catching heat for calling time out before the potential game winning kick. But if you look at the replay, kicker Dan Bailey clearly knew time had been called but casually kicked it anyway. That's a little different than "making it the first time." Edit: For those who are aware of the "DeMarco Murray can't run unless he has his fullback in there," this will make you laugh.
• We finally put up (more) of the Christmas tree last night. It's artificial with built in lights, and I swear it's like re-inventing the wheel every time we put it up. I tried to diagnosis it but Mrs. LL told me, "Get away. You're messing up my scene." 
• Saul Garza of Fox 4 reported live from Decatur this morning due to our first blizzard of the year.
• A hot 23 year old took a private plane over the metroplex only to walk into the propeller once the plane landed. She survived but, as expected, as some pretty bad injuries. (Story with picture.)
• I've preached for years that changing demographics could cripple the Republican Party. Yesterday John McCain told CNN that Arizona is potentially up for grabs in the next presidential election due to the rise in the Hispanic population. (Thanks, Keith.)
• That Twilight movie is up to $247 million. How much do those lead actors get paid?
• I think I've mispronounced "poinsettia" all my life. 
• I had It's A Wonderful Life on at the house on Saturday night, but it was met with a resounding "meh" by everyone else.  Upon reflection, that movie is too long. (And what's up with that guy that just pushes Mr. Potter around everywhere?)
• Watch a few people go really nuts in the crowd when Tiger Woods won a tournament over the weekend. How can you possibly get that excited? 
• There's a tremendous chance that Baylor's Robert Griffin will win the Heisman Trophy, and I can't believe I'm typing this  I remember talking to my nephew about him before he had ever played a down (he graduated from high school early and ran track at Baylor finishing third in the nation the 400 meter hurdles.) I always thought he'd be a fantastic runner and an average passer.
• A former Miss USA got a DWI over the weekend. I'm coming for you, baby!
• There sure are whole lot of "Oh, yeah, what about [insert opposite political party]" in the comments. I think that's a lazy argument. 
• The postal service is eliminating next day delivery for first class mail. I think that means that the Wednesday Messenger (which, until recently, used to be labeled "Thursday") will now be mailed on Tuesday and delivered on Thursday.

Potentially Pulitzer Prize Winning Photos of Decatur Blizzard of December 2011

Half Marathon Thoughts

Not me but this is what it feels like

• If you have never run in 40 degree temperature in a downpour, you've missed nothing. That was insane.
• You think everything is fine until you're forced to run through two inches of water. You have wet socks "and miles to go before you sleep."
• This is the first year I wore extra old T-shirts and just dumped them along the way.
• As much as I was impressed by all the runners, I was more impressed by all the volunteers (water stations, course directors, etcs.) In that weather? Way to honor a commitment. 
• My time: 2:05:53.  Last year it was 2:05:46.  That's pretty amazing. I was one-half of a second slower per mile. 
• The winner finished in 1:06:53. Such a show off. 
• My nemesis Barron Green didn't enter the race! Do I remember someone commenting that he had moved away?
• Funny sign: "Worst. Parade. Ever!"
• Funny multiple signs held by five people: "Knock knock" -- "Who's there?" -- "Yukon" -- "Yukon who?" -- "Yukon do it!!" 
• The run takes us right by the largest homes in Highland Park.  As I was looking at one of them, a gal beside me asked, "Is that yours?"  She was doing shtick. 
• The race ironically starts in Fair Park which ain't no Highland Park. 
• The first eight miles are fun and redeeming. The last five make me question why I'm doing it.
• I'm stunned by the lack of respect for the National Anthem.  In a crowd that is predominately white, committed to goals, has disposable income of at least $80 to enter the race,  I'd say 20% refused to stop walking when the Star-Spangled Banner fired up before the race.
• A sign which was a reference to The Office: "Hurry Up And Finish! (That's what she said!)"
• Yuck: The race offered free pancakes in a Pavilion after the finish. Some people just sat down on the cement floor and ate while nasty runners walked within a foot of them. 
• Half Marathoners from Decatur: Monica Brown, 2:31:54; Lilly Claborn, 2:10:58; Greg Harrison, 2:10:08; Katie Loveall, 2:35:05; John Smyers, 2:23:13 Michael Smyers, 1:35:55 (wow); Theresa Tucker, 3:55:39

And A Would-Be Obama Conqueror Is Done

Google news links.

The Evil Empire Comes To Waco

Luke Skywalker Confronting Evil

Someone mentioned yesterday that I didn't reference Texas vs. Baylor in Random Thoughts.  (Today at 2:30 on ABC.) You know, I didn't want to talk about it.  After over a decade of suffering (and I do mean suffering), Baylor has had a good to very good season. Eight wins including taking down TCU and Oklahoma.  Wishing for a win over Texas seems downright selfish.

But I want it.

A big offensive production and a win means a 9-3 record, QB Robert Griffin potentially becoming a Heisman favorite, and nirvana for me.  That's too much to ask, isn't it? We can't "spread the wealth" around that much. It's downright Un-American. In this 100th meeting, Texas holds a commanding series lead of 73-23-4. Sheesh.

Then again, Baylor fans have been wandering in the desert looking for the Promised Land for a long, long time.

Edit after 1st quarter: Baylor 14, Texas 7.  Get this: Baylor has run 7 offensive plays for 139 yds. 2 drives, 2 TDs

Edit after 2nd quarter: Baylor 24, Texas 21.  This is a bad Texas team depleted by injuries, and they may still win this thing. Baylor's defense is horrible. Secret tip to Mac Brown: Run the ball on every down.

Edit after 3rd quarter: Baylor 41, Texas 24.  How Texas cannot recruit a quarterback is beyond belief. McCoy is horrible. And a personal sidenote: UT Defensive back Blake Gideon is extremely overrated. Oh, and the game? I'm not comfortable at all. If UT would put Ash in but still run the ball, this thing gets tight. Huge. Quickly.

Edit after 4th quarter and end of game: Baylor 48, Texas 24. I'm weeping on my couch as I hold my Baylor pennant. (But if you didn't win after six turnovers, you should be crying for other reasons.) We have arrived at the land of milk and honey. And the college kids didn't even rush the field. Oh, how the might have fallen.  Did I say I'd be in nirvana? Cue Nirvana.



Edit: One final photo:

CiCis in Decatur got robbed.

Not burglarized. Robbed.
Developing . . .
Barry (from iPhone)

Edit: This came from a Facebook post that I thought was pretty reliable. They said it occurred while they were in the restaurant but didn't know it was happening at the time. They claimed that employees confirmed they had "just been robbed."

Since then, I've heard nothing about this. I find that odd.

Messenger Above The Fold

Anchor Has Hot Opinion About Santa. Gets In Trouble.

 A Chicago news anchor enraged parents when she announced during a segment on children’s gift expectations that Santa Claus isn’t real. During a conversation with her cohost about how long children should believe in Santa, Robin Robinson, a news anchor at Fox Chicago since 1987, argued that kids should learn early on that Santa isn’t real.  “Stop trying to convince your kids that Santa is Santa,” Robinson said to cohost Bob Sirott during a segment Tuesday night. “That’s why they have these high expectations. They know you can’t afford it, so what do they do? Just ask some man in a red suit. There is no Santa.”


For all you kids out there, of course there is a Santa. There is no way on Earth that your parents would lie to you about a fictional man who somehow is able to make iPads and x-Boxes in a shed at the North Pole, and then deliver those gadgets and toys all over the world in one night when the rest of us can't even make it past Denton because of all of the traffic. If they were going to lie, they'd do a heck of a lot better job than that. So don't worry about it. The anchorwoman is probably just grumpy because Santa gave her a hideous yellow jacket. 

But when you watch the video, she sounds just like Clair Huxtable on a rant. 

Something Else I Saw Earlier This Week That Stuck With Me

Sweet doggies.

Liberally Lean Weather Center

I have a very high placed source in the Wise County Sheriff's Office (I'll just call him "Sheriff David Walker") who will forward me emails that his office receives from the National Weather Service.  The NWS will create a Powerpoint presentation over the threat of a half inch of rain. Throw in the threat of snow, and they go crazy. They started off this time with a 5 page PDF report -- a portion of which is above. I like that confidence level.

The official forecast follows. Pete Delkus is probably learning the proper spelling of "Armageddon" at this moment:


The expected storm system is producing wintry weather in the Texas panhandle today. That system will continue to move northeast and will not play a role in our weather through Sunday. However, another strong storm system is approaching the Pacific Northwest today, and will approach our region late Sunday.  Colder air will begin to filter into north Texas around midnight Sunday night/Monday morning, giving parts of the area the potential for snow, or a mixture of rain and freezing rain.