A Zoo Story

... in pictures.

From 2010 09 Dallas Zoo

To see all photos, click here.

Twitter Tracks: Heat Wave, Iraq, Football

Twitter tracks from August, 2010:

• 2010 08 01 - Texans discussing weather: Him: "It sure is hot today." Her: "It's only 99."
• 2010 08 02 - Headline: "Lindsay Lohan released from jail, goes to rehab." What, is that the name of some new trendy LA nightclub?
• 2010 08 03 - News coincidence: Brett Favre says he's quitting football for the 3rd time. Same day, Bristol Palin says she's quitting Levi for 2nd time.
• 2010 08 03 - You Can't Take It With You: Quirky 1938 Oscar-winning Frank Capra comedy. Tired of "It's a Wonderful Life?" Try this for the swellest time.
• 2010 08 04 - Headline: "Google Bails on Wave" http://goo.gl/q3o3. Sometimes, my procrastination in picking up a new tool saves me time in the end.
• 2010 08 04 - Cheering for today's Prop 8 ruling will be short. This SCOTUS won't uphold any ruling based on due process and equal protection clauses.
• 2010 08 05 - Mark's Stylebook: When a column isn't worth the paper to print it, feature it online as a "Web Exclusive"
• 2010 08 06 - Earmarks are "a symbol of a broken Washington." -- Pete Sessions. His own contribution to breaking DC? $50,965,500. http://goo.gl/KrEZ
• 2010 08 06 - I correctly answered 11 out of the 11 possible questions, on the Pew News IQ Quiz! http://pewrsr.ch/9U8jNF

After the jump, more Twitter tracks.

JJ Pearce Under The Friday Night Lights

From 2010 Football

The JJ Pearce Mustangs lost to the Irving Nimitz Vikings 35-31 Friday night at Eagle-Mustang Stadium.

For a complete look at all the activity, including game, bands, drill teams and cheerleaders, look here.

Surprise And Disappointment In House District 102

Not really. More like politics as usual in the election campaign for Texas House District 102 (representing part of north Dallas and part of Garland). Gromer Jeffers, in The Dallas Morning News, says challenger Stefani Carter makes a "misleading charge that state Rep. Carol Kent improperly took state housing reimbursements."

After the jump, Jeffers explains why the charge is misleading.

Traffic Woes

Have you ever thought that the traffic on US 75 couldn't get any worse? Does the fact that the HOV lane has no entrance/exit for Richardson bug you? How about those red light cameras? Did you ever wonder if there are parking meters anywhere in Richardson and, if not, why not?

After the jump, traffic news from around the state and beyond.

Richardson's Taj Mahal

Arlington has its Cowboys Stadium, a billion dollar pleasure dome funded in part by local sales tax. Allen will soon have its $59 million, 18,000 seat stadium for its high school, funded entirely by ISD taxpayers. Garland has its $31 million, 7,000 seat Special Events Center, funded by ISD taxpayers.

Richardson has new softball fields at Huffhines Park. One resident calls the complex a Taj Mahal because the grounds were graded for better drainage and the railings on the outfield fences are padded. A softball field with pads - Richardson's own Taj Mahal. Once again, open mike night at Richardson city council meetings doesn't let us down.

83 And Under

The Health Department of the City of Richardson conducts inspections of restaurants on a regular basis. The department publishes the results for all to see. According to the city, "Scores are based on a scale of zero to 100. A score of 90 to 100 is excellent; 80 to 89 is good; 70 to 79 is acceptable; and 60 to 69 is marginal." It's rare for any restaurant to be scored below "acceptable." Most are good or even excellent. Many achieve a perfect 100 score.

After the jump, a list of under achievers.

Outtakes: Down In Front

Before the game, Ellen suggested moving higher up in the grandstand if he wanted to take photos, but Mark was sure that this was high enough.

Berkner Football: It Ain't Over Until It's Over

Aric Stock: 89 yds passing, 77 yds rushing

From 2010 Football

The Berkner Rams learned that old Yogi Berra truism the hard way Friday night, losing to South Garland High School 24-17 in overtime. Berkner led 17-0 in the second half, had more first downs and more total yards, but still couldn't close out South Garland. What cost Berkner were turnovers (1 interception and 3 lost fumbles, including a muffed punt recovered on Berkner's 1 yard line that South Garland converted into a touchdown), penalties (including two ejections), and a prevent defense that allowed South Garland to drive 80 yards for the tying score with less than a minute left in regulation time. Congratulations to South Garland for not quitting early, taking advantage of every opportunity, and looking dominant at the end.

The season is still very young. How the Rams bounce back from this disappointing opener will be key to how the rest of the season goes. Next week, it's an away game against North Crowley, who lost to Irving Nimitz 38-20. There will be two teams on the field next week eager to register their first win.

The Berkner drill team and the Mighty Ram Band looked sharp. Remember,without the band, it's just a game.

To see more photos of the game and halftime show, click here.

Hey Boss, Can I Use You As A Reference?

Not if you are Stefani Carter and you are running for Texas House District 102. The co-founders of Sayles Werbner law firm, where Stefani Carter is employed, endorsed Carter's opponent in the race, incumbent Carol Kent.

After the jump, some conjecture on what it means.