WhirlyBall - Nov. 30th

I recently listened to Denton band Midlake give an interview about the usual things bands are interviewed about. As an aside, they mentioned that in their spare time, they like to play WhirlyBall.

And I realized - I drive by that place in Dallas all the time and have absolutely no idea what goes on there.

What is it?

It's a question the place must get all the time, as the splash page of their website reads, "What the _____ is WhirlyBall?"

The WhirlyBall people describe the game as a combination of lacrosse, basketball, and bumper cars.  Midlake adds, "with beer."  

I'm sold.

WhirlyBall Dallas

3641 W Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75220 (Map)

214-350-0117

P.S. That's band Death Cab for Cutie in the pic.  Must be a rocker thing.

White Rock Skate Center - Nov. 28th

Confession: I still consider myself to be a full-blown man-child. 

To live out my extended adolescence, I often enlist my niece and nephew as compadres. They provide excellent cover.

Most of the things we do today weren't even an option - or hadn't yet been invented - when I was their age. But occasionally, something great comes along that is the EXACT thing from my own childhood.

Example: White Rock Skate Center. When en route there with my niece and nephew last year, I couldn't quite recall if I had ever been to the WRSC. However, as soon as we walked in, I knew this was the place I'd spent sooo many Jr. High Saturday nights.

You know those movies - the ones where the kid goes off to college, and the parents never touch their room again, except to dust? The room forever preserved in time? That's the White Rock Skate Center - absolutely nothing has changed!
They even still do all the same activities, like slow/couples skates, races by age group and limbo contests. Kids and adults alike still learn to skate by hugging the wall as they go 'round. During a break or flashback - I'm not sure which - I was even tempted to pour myself a 'Suicide' by mixing Dr. Pepper, Big Red, Root Beer & Sprite. 

And I'll never forget the ear-to-ear smile of my semi-toothless eight year-old niece as we skated together.

If you want to create a connection with a child in your life (or get in touch with your own inner child), roll into White Rock Skate Center. It's also a nice place to burn off that second helping you are sure to have this time of year...

White Rock Skate Center

10055 Shoreview Road, Dallas, Texas 75238 (Map)    

See you tomorrow!!!

Happy Thanksgiving - Nov. 25th

There's no point in giving you something to do today, most of our plans for the day have been established by long standing family traditions. 

For most of us, we are going to gather with our families, watch some football (Go Cowboys), swap stories 'til everyone is caught up since the last gathering and eventually have a giant, hopefully delicious meal.

Also today, we give thanks.

It's one thing to give thanks in a prayer, but we also need to show our gratitude to the people in our lives.

So if grandma's turkey is a little dry, put a little extra gibblet gravy on it and say "Thank You"!

Because she loves you.

If your mom starts telling the story of the time you did that really embarrassing thing that 35 years later you still aren't quite over, Thank her for keeping you humble.

She tells that story to show she remembers.

And she loves you.

Call those people who aren't with you today, thank them for being in your life. 

They love you.

And I thank You for reading.

MADI Museum - Nov. 22nd

I went for a long walk yesterday, and opted to take a few turns off my normal path. I'm always glad for the results of those kinds of deviations, and this day was no exception. Just five minutes in, I stumbled upon a free 'Party in the Park' - apparently a regular event and open to the public, I'll be covering it in the future...so stay tuned. 

I also came across an amazing piece of pristine, undeveloped property that seems almost intentionally hidden (but is priced otherwise by the City). 

Last, I found myself in the MADI Museum in Uptown.

If you haven't yet been - or have no idea what I'm talking about - the MADI is the Museum of Geometric and MADI Art located at the corner of Carlisle & Bowen. Like me, you may have driven past the building many, many times. You might have thought the exterior kinda cute, with it's primary colors and whimsical-looking outdoor sculptures. Or perhaps you didn't notice the building at all. But for whatever reason, you didn't consider stopping the car.

This is going to be tough...

You need to admit you made a mistake.

I wandered in at closing time. But instead of being ushered out by security, I was given a personal tour by Dorothy, a friendly and knowledgeable docent. She even went so far as to turn on some of the electronic pieces and light up some exhibits that had just been shut down for closing that evening. Nice.

Okay, now for the art itself. If you give it just a superficial glance, you might think it's the colorful result of 4th grade arts & crafts class. 

So get up close & personal, instead. 

When you do, you'll appreciate the work that goes into each piece. Some are small enough to hold in your hand, while others are the perfect size for a nice wall in your home (I've got my eye on a few). A number of pieces are representative models of huge public installations around the world. All of the work is geometric in nature, some is three-dimensional, and much of it moves in space - it's all part of the MADI movement, started in the 1940's by contemporaries of Piet Mondrian. More than 70 artists currently create art in the MADI style. You'll see their work at the Museum, along with that of the artists who founded the movement.

The MADI Museum is not a big place. You can easily tour it on your lunch break, or squeeze it in between errands. However you make time for it, you should!

MADI Museum of Geometric and MADI Art

3109 Carlisle St. Dallas, TX 75204

www.geometricmadimuseum.org

See you tomorrow!

Bright Lights, Big City - Nov. 20

I heard Christmas music and started seeing holiday decorations weeks ago in stores. It was too soon. If I'm still coming off my sugar high from Halloween, don't hit me up for Christmas. But now that the weather has taken a turn for the chilly, 'tis time to get into the spirit.

The holidays begin tonight in downtown Dallas with City Lights at 5 p.m. at Main Street Garden, at 1902 Main Street.

You'll find an outdoor market, music, food and activities for the whole family, including the lighting of the 65-foot holiday tree.

The tree has been lit by Light Switch, famed creators of the lights at Millennium Park. The Dallas tree features 10,000+ feet of LED lights dancing to custom-choreographed music. Two new-for-2010 light shows will launch during the City Lights event, and will play throughout the holiday season.

Following the lighting of the holiday tree, Neiman Marcus hosts Big Encounters of the Little Kind, a crawl-tube experience that allows kids to experience N-M holiday windows by crawling through the tubes, with features activated by adults and their smart phones.

This year, displays create an outer space travel experience that is double the size of last year’s tubes. Dallas children involved in Big Brothers and Big Sisters helped decorate 800 stars for the celestial scene.

City Lights activities also include face painting, balloon animals and other holiday-themed activities at Main Street Garden. Grown-ups are invited to stroll down to Pegasus Plaza and enjoy the Iron Cactus Cosmic Cocktail Corner, featuring DJ Billy Biscuits. Take advantage of specials and promotions at restaurants within the Main Street District all night.

City Lights Timeline:

5:00 p.m. 

City Lights blasts off with family-friendly festivities at Main Street Garden

• Outdoor Market Featuring Local Artisans
• Face Painting
• Ornament Making
• Live Music

6:30 p.m.

Holiday Tree Lighting

7:00 p.m. 

Moonwalk to Neiman Marcus Flagship Store – Lighting of the Neiman Marcus Store

• Grand Opening of Big Encounters of the Little Kind
• Unveiling of N-M holiday windows and children’s crawl-tubes

7:30 p.m. 

Iron Cactus Cosmic Cocktail Corner at Pegasus Plaza

• Cosmic Cocktails
• Out of this World DJ

8:00 p.m. 

A Rockin’ Holiday Concert by Mistral, at Main Street Garden

Neiman Marcus Downtown

1618 Main Street

Main Street Garden

1902 Main Street

Main Street Garden is a full city block bounded by Main, Commerce, St. Paul and Harwood. 

Pegasus Plaza is located at 1500 Main Street, at the corner of Akard and Main.

Physis - A Jennifer Morgan Exhibition - Nov. 18th

Many an artist's work has been described as possessing elements of both a dream and romance, but rarely does that ever translate directly to actual romance. 


Which is why I encourage you to see Jennifer Morgan's 'We're All Pink' series tonight. These paintings combine  images from storybooks and nature dreams, presented in a palate of both vibrant and subtle colors. And recognizing her work once won me a kiss from a very lovely lady!

I could wax on about Jennifer Morgan's paintings like some kind of art historian wanna-be, but what you really need to know is that the paintings are really cool. As in, I want one, or several or all of them - cool. And very memorable.

I encourage you to see them for yourself, and meet Jennifer Morgan at the opening of her exhibition "Physis" at Factory 2717 tonight.  Who knows - you, too might be rewarded with a  smooch from someone new!

Jennifer Morgan

Factory 2712

2712 Live Oak St, Dallas TX, 75204 (Map)

6pm-10pm


www.jennifermorgan.net

Candlelight Walk on Henderson - Nov. 17th

Because I write this blog, people assume I know what's going on all the time. Well, I don't. In fact, I'm sometimes quite behind the curve. Candlelight Walk on Henderson for example, I heard about for the first time this morning. It's been happening every year for the past 19 years and I'm only now finding out. It's as if someone didn't want me to know. Well, the cat's out of the bag and I'm telling everyone who'll listen...or read, as the case may be.

Because time is of the essence here, I'll supply the following info as ripped directly from the Candlelight Walk's website. But be sure to check out their website for much more information and detail. Perhaps I'll see you there!

What Is The Candlelight Walk?

Wednesday, November 17 | 6pm-9pm

Take a stroll down candlelit Henderson Avenue to celebrate the start of the holiday season, and get a jump on your holiday shopping!
To celebrate the 19th year of the Candlelight Walk, Henderson Avenue businesses are offering patrons a variety of special gifts and special pricing, for one night only.
Enjoy the culinary treats, drinks, music, good friends, fabulous merchandise and discounted prices!
UPDATE: Check out Carrie from ART is ART talking with Good Morning Texas about the Candlelight Walk. Fun stuff!
Participating businesses for the Candlelight Walk include:
Jones Walker Home >> 10%-20% OFF
The Gypsy Wagon >> 20% OFF
The Wooden House >> Up to 20% OFF
Another Time & Place >> 50% OFF
La Mariposa >> 10%-30% OFF
ART is ART >> 15% OFF + Gift Certificate Drawing
Pandemonium
Emeralds to Coconuts >> 20%-60% OFF
Again & Again >> 25% OFF
Again Design Studio >> 25% OFF
Sputnik Modern >> 10% OFF
Form >>10% OFF
The Pearl Cup >> Special Pearl Cup Drink
The Shining
Muse The Salon >> Free Consultations + 20% OFF Products + 30% OFF Gift Certificates
Milton Kent Antiques >> Storewide Sale
We Are 1976 >> 20% OFF + Japanese Candy/Drink Gift

ICE! - Nov. 16th

ICE! at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine has become another of my family's annual traditions. If you haven't experienced ICE!, it probably sounds like another one of those hokey holiday events...the kind you're dragged off to. Certainly not a holiday wonderland you'd cheerfully anticipate each year. But I assure you, Wonderland It Is.

I have particularly fond memories of ICE! from last year. So much of my extended family was able to attend together that it was practically a family reunion. And it snowed that day. Perfect.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.  What is ICE!, you ask?

ICE! is how the Gaylord Texan rings in the holidays. As you drive onto the property, you're greeted by Santa, reindeer, giant wrapped presents and oversized snowflakes lining the drive. By the time you've parked your car, you're already in the spirit of Christmas. 

The massive courtyard of the resort has also been transformed into a Texas-style North Pole. Look around, take pictures, eat...repeat. That's what you're meant to do, and you won't be able to help yourself. Even the emerging teenager in your group who's been a bit of a jackass of late won't be able to resist.

Upon entering the ICE! exhibit, you'll find two million pounds of ice spread over 14,000 sq. feet. This year's theme is It's a Charlie Brown Christmas. Good for conjuring up a good case of the warm and fuzzies.

By the way, you'll need to bring your warm and fuzzies. For obvious reasons, they have to keep the exhibit area very cold. As in Nine Degrees Cold. Hat-Scarf-Gloves Cold. The Gaylord Texan will provide your parka.

Bundle up.

Allow yourself most of the day, so you aren't rushed.

Take your camera.

That's all I'll say about ICE!,  because you really just need to experience it for yourself.

And it's amazing. 

ICE! - Gaylord Texan

1501 Gaylord Trail Grapevine, TX 76051 (Map)

Nov. 12th - Jan. 3rd

$12-$23 depending on age and day. See website for details.

Artopia - Victory Park - Nov. 13th

Full Disclosure:  I live in Victory Park and have a particular affinity for special events held from time to time in the neighborhood. 

Artopia is the "upscale celebration of Dallas art" presented by the Dallas Observer and held in Victory Park.

Let that sink in. Stop laughing.

History has shown that unless your event comes with a jersey or a guitar, getting people to attend in Victory Park can be a challenge. Artopia does have one thing going for it that we associate with Victory Park: a high price tag. At $25-$35, entry is a pretty steep cover charge for what is essentially an unknown. Even a visit to the event website doesn't really shed much light on what to expect for the money.

So...I've presented all the negatives upfront.

Unexpected location.

Unknown offerings.

High price.

Honestly, I was all set to have a front row view of watching this thing flop. But while walking my dogs the over last couple of days, I've been able to get a preview of Artopia and, frankly, it looks pretty good. First, your cover charge includes drinks and food from Medina, Kenichi and Naya, all Victory Park favorites. There's live music, DJ sets, performance art, a fashion show, art-making demonstrations that cross several genres and even something described as an "art fight." All this is set amongst inflatable sculptures of what are called Macrodons (I don't know, either).

I try to write about things going on in Dallas that add to quality of life or the overall experience of living here. In spite of my earlier reservations, Artopia might qualify, afterall.

Artopia

2350 Victory Park Lane Dallas, TX 75219 (Map)

Sample Sale Preview Night - Nov. 11th

In real estate, the key to a good find is location, location, location. But when it comes to a sale, it's all about timing, timing, timing. If you're too late, the good stuff is gone. This is especially true of Dallas Market Center's Sample Sale that begins tomorrow, Friday.


The coveted inventory is limited from the start. Frugal fashionistas are ready to pounce, having waited all year for this event.

Tonight, you can get a leg up on the competition by hitting the Sample Sale Preview Night, from 6-9pm. During the preview, you'll be entertained by the Booker T. Washington Choir. Drinks and treats are provided to "put everyone in the spirit," according to the event's website.

Dallas Market Center Sample Sale

2200 Stemmons Freeway at Wycliff (Map)

(800) 325-6587, Opt. 4

$20.00  ($10.00 discount available via groupon.com)

Steel Panther - House of Blues - Nov. 10th

Steel Panther is not a cologne that 60% of the time works every time.

Steel Panther is a band playing tonight at the House of Blues. 

Not familiar? 

Think Motley Crue, Poison, Cinderella...hair-out-to-there, spandex, acid-washed denim and overly overt sexual lyrics, and you're almost there.

But this mix only leaves you with any run-of-the-mill 80's hair band tribute.

Now add a heavy dose of Spinal Tap's loving, metal mockery and you have Steel Panther. 

Apparently, a lot of people do get the joke. The last time they came to town, I tried to go see them at the last minute. No luck. The show had been sold out for weeks and there wasn't a scalper in sight. And it's not just you and me trying to see them - celebrities like Paul Stanley, Kip Winger, Corey Taylor, Drew Carey, Ryan Cabrera, Jerry Cantrell, Kelly Clarkson, Billy Ray Cyrus, Tom Morello, P!nk, and Avril Lavigne have all been popping up at Steel Panther shows lately. 

This time, however, I'm told tickets are still to be had.

Steel Panther

House of Blues - Dallas

2200 N. Lamar St. Dallas, TX 75202 (Map)

214-978-2583

Don't Be A Hoarder - Nov. 9th

I am definitely not a hoarder. I do, however, empathize with folks who struggle with the issue. Being constantly surrounded by all that mess would cause me to become truly dysfunctional, too. 


The very instant clutter reaches a certain threshold in my world, all other work must stop until the whole place receives a thorough, forensic investigation-level scrub down.

During my last cleaning bender, I was reminded that a lot of the trash I end up with is stuff I never wanted in the first place - excessive packaging, junk mail...I never even look at it and wish it didn't come to me. And phone books - really???

These things - and, frankly, most others - are recyclable. And fortunately, most people want to and will do the right thing in recycling their clutter - particularly when it's made easy. 

So, if the little blue tub isn't offered on your block, but you still want to recycle, below is a complete list of area recycling drop-off sites. The locations are sorted by zip code, so you can clear out the mess at your own home or office and conveniently kiss it goodbye.

But first, so the paper junk doesn't just come right back, visit the Direct Marketing Association's website and opt-out of the junk mail: DMAchoice.org

<><>  The List  <><>

Downtown District # 2	700 McKinney Ave.	75202
Dallas Zoo	727 S Ewing Avenue	75203
Eloise Lundy Recreation Center	1228 Sabine	75203
Cole Park	4080 Cole Ave.	75204
Friends of Uptown	3817 McKinney Ave.	75204
Meadows Foundation	600 Texas Street	75204
Glencoe Park	3700 Glencoe Street	75206
Tietze Park	2900 Skillman Street	75206
Central Market	5750 Lovers Ln.	75206
Kidd Springs Recreation Center	711 W Canty	75208
Sunset High School	4001 Walnut Hill Ln.	75208
Polk Recreation Center	6801 Roper Street	75209
Cityville Oak Park	3600 Wheeler St.	75209
Larry Johnson Recreation Center	3700 Dixon Avenue	75210
Arcadia Recreation Center	5420 N Arcadia	75211
Anita Martinez Park	3212 N Winnetka	75212
Amelia Earhart Learning Ctr.	3531 N Westmoreland Road	75212
Our Lady of Lourdes	5605 Bernal Drive	75212
Lakewood Library	6121 Worth St.	75214
Lakehill Preparatory School	2720 Hillside Dr.	75214
Northridge Presbyterian Church	6920 Bob-O-Link Drive	75214
Ridgewood/Belcher Park	6818 Fisher Rd	75214
Resource One Credit Union	1200 Belleview St.	75215
Exline Recreation Center	2525 Pine Street	75215
Mildred Dunn Recreation Center	3322 Reed Lane	75215
St Philips School	1600 Pennsylvania Avenue	75215
J.C. Phelps (Magna V) Recreation Center	3030 Tips Blvd	75216
Cummings Recreation Center	2976 Cummings	75216
Fruitdale Park	4408 Vandervort	75216
Fireside Recreation Center	8601 Fireside Drive	75217
Henry B Gonzales Elem.	6610 Lake June Rd.	75217
Richard Lagow Green Team	637 Edgeworth Drive	75217
Umphress Park	7616 Umphress Rd	75217
Metro Paws	1910 Skillman St.	75218
Lochwood Library	11221 Lochwood Blvd.	75218
MT Reilly Elementary	11230 Lippitt Avenue	75218
Reverchon Park	3505 Maple Ave	75219
Skivvies	4001 Cedar Springs Rd	75219
Friends of Uptown	3802 Cedar Springs	75219
River Oaks Condos	4837 Cedar Springs	75219
Bachman Therapeutic	2750 Bachman	75220
Bishop Lynch High School	9750 Ferguson Road	75220
Dallas Phones LLC	2828 Anode Lane	75220
Oak Hill Academy	9407 Midway Rd	75220
Lindsley Park Comm. School	722 Tenison Memorial Dr.	75223
Samuell-Grand	6200 E Grand	75223
Bishop Dunne Catholic School	3900 Rugged Dr.	75224
Beckley-Saner Recreation Center	114 W Hobson Ave	75224
Temple Emanu-El	8500 Hillcrest Road	75225
Downtown District # 1	100 S. Good Latimer Exp.	75226
Elbow Room	3010 Gaston Ave.	75226
Harry Stone Recreation Center	2403 Millmar Drive	75228
Marcus Recreation Center	3003 Northaven Road	75229
Thomas Jefferson High School	4001 Walnut Hill Ln.	75229
Churchill Park	6906 Churchill Way	75230
Congregation Shaare Tefilla	6131 Churchill Way	75230
Northhaven United Methodist Church	11211 Preston Rd.	75230
Aaron’s	6301 Abrams Rd	75231
Fair Oaks Transfer Station	7677 Fair Oaks Drive	75231
Kellers Drive-In	6537 E Northwest Hwy	75231
Merriman Park	7107 Winedale Drive	75231
Town North Bible Church	6800 Town North	75231
Hampton Prep School	8915 S. Hampton Rd.	75232
Thurgood Marshall Rec. Center	5150 Mark Trail Way	75232
Kiest Park	3080 Kiest Park	75233
Cathedral of Hope	5910 Cedar Springs Road	75235
Discount Home Warehouse	1758 Empire Central	75235
Grauwyler Recreation Center	7780 Harry Hines Blvd	75235
Maple Lawn Elementary	3120 Inwood Rd.	75235
Oak Cliff Transfer Station	4610 S. Westmoreland Drive	75237
Lake Highlands Jr High	10301 Walnut Hill Ln.	75238
Lake Highlands Elementary	9501 Ferndale	75238
Lake Highlands Freshman Center	10200 White Rock Trail	75238
Lake Highlands High School	9449 Church Rd	75238
Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church	8525 Audelia Rd	75238
Lake Highlands N Recreation Center	9940 White Rock Trail	75238
Lake Highlands United Methodist Church	9015 Plano Road	75238
Northlake Elementary	10059 Ravensway	75238
St. Patrick Sch. & Church	9635 Ferndale Rd	75238
Wallace Elementary	9921 Kirkhaven	75238
White Rock Elementary	9229 Chiswell	75238
Carolyn Bukhair Elem	13900 Maham	75240
Dobie Elementary	14040 Rolling Hills	75240
RISD Academy	13630 Coit	75240
Spring Valley United Methodist Church	7700 Spring Valley Road	75240
Valley View Park	7200 Valley View Lane	75240
Spring Valley Elementary	13535 Spring Grove	75240
Paul Quinn College	3837 Simpson Stuart Rd.	75241
Singing Hills Recreation Center	1909 Crouch	75241
Skyview Elementary School	9229 Meadowknoll Drive	75243
Willie B Johnson	12225 Willowdell	75243
Aiken Elementary	12300 Pleasant Valley	75243
Audelia Creek Elementary	12600 Audelia	75243
Forest Lane Academy	9663 Forest Lane	75243
Forest Meadows Jr. High	9373 Whitehurst	75243
Forestridge Elementary	10330 Bunchberry Drive	75243
Hamilton Park	8301 Towns	75243
Liberty Junior High	10330 Lawler	75243
Moss Haven Elem	9202 Moss Farm	75243
Stults Road Elementary	8700 Stults Rd	75243
Thurgood Marshall Elementary	9666 Ferris Branch	75243
Arlington Park Recreation Center	1505 Record Crossing	75247
HCC Performance of Dallas	4817 Norma St.	75247
Brentfield Elementary	6767 Brentfield	75248
Campbell Green	16600 Parkhill Drive	75248
Parkhill Jr. High	16500 Shadybank	75248
Prestonwood Elementary	6525 La Cosa Drive	75248
Spring Creek Elementary	7667 Round Rock	75248
Bowie Elementary	7643 La Manga Dr.	75248
Dallas Bible Church	15765 Hillcrest Rd.	75248
Westwood Jr. High	7630 Arapaho	75248
Hymen Elementary	8441 Fox Creek Trail	75249
Park in the Woods	6801 Mountain Creek Pkwy	75249
Akiba Academy	12324 Merit Dr.	75251
Rose-Haggar Park	18100 Campbell Rd	75252
Fretz Park Recreation Center	6950 Belt Line Rd.	75254
Northwood Hills Elementary	14532 Meandering Way	75254