Alibaster Abducted!

In a tragic turn of events it seems that Adam McGill Alibaster has been abducted by Wick Cuban. I wonder if this means he won’t be “poking” me for awhile. (On second read that didn’t sound so good but rest assured I meant it only in the social networking, e-ship kinda way.)

More on the Box Beneath the Comments

One of our loyal Web laborers downstairs gave me some more info about the Captcha box. Apparently you’re helping to make the world a better place, or something, when you comment on our blog:

This version of captcha was developed by Carnegie Mellon University, and is considered to be one of the best (to avoid spam).

The words people type aren’t just random either. They’re actually digitizing old books, two words at a time:

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What’s That Box Underneath the Comments

Long-suffering Overheardians will notice a new obstacle to placing comments on our blog posts. Because we’ve been spammed a few too many times, we now require those wishing to join our discussion to enter a word into the Captcha box before the comment can be posted.

We consider this a small inconvenience to ensure that the words “g** t*** s**” stay off our family-friendly page.

Alibaster McGill

Last night Alibaster said, “This, despite the fact that it is patently impossible for something to be both ‘instant’ and ‘classic.”

In Adam McGill’s IMChat interview he says, “In retrospect, it’s patently ridiculous that I even wavered on going.”

Hmmmmm.

Water, Water, Everywhere …

With my utility bill from the City of University Park, I received this month my copy of The Arbor, UP’s town newsletter, which, by the way, is very well done.

What bothered me, though, was the following announcement: “Outdoor watering ban ends.”

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More Cafeteria News

This just in:

Attention all University Park Parents:

Let’s Do Lunch!

There is now an opening for a cafeteria server shift on the 2nd Wednesdays of the month! 

This crew works the following days from 10:15 - 1:00: 12/12, 1/9, 2/13, 3/12, 4/9 and 5/14 (only 6 days!). 

If you missed signing up earlier, now’s your chance to meet some fun new moms and help UP.  The best part?  Your child will love seeing you “behind the line”! 

Please contact Margot Keller at margot_keller@yahoo,com or 214/207-3750.

Re: Wash That Mouth Out with Soap

Tierney, I’ll lovingly direct you to my post from earlier today in which I quoted Kurt Anderson from NYmag.com.

When it comes to free speech, we need to let a hundred flowers bloom. We need to chill. We need to stop being pus****. 

Anyway, I’m on your side. That was tacky.

Wash That Mouth Out with Soap

What happened to the gentleman? When did it become okay to discuss vulgar behavior in front of a young lady?

Today I unassumingly got in the elevator to go to work and was greeted by a surprising discussion among three older men about, shall I say, “something they do in their free time.” This is when gentlemen, aware of causing discomfort, cease and desist the conversation. However, I was not in the company of such men and had to listen to more frat-boy talk. It was the longest five seconds of my life.

Now that my venting is over, I suggest going to check out West Village on Saturday, Dec. 1, for Uptown Lights, the Tree Lighting Ceremony benefiting the Genesis Women’s Shelter in Dallas. Paired with a dinner at nearby Mi Cocina or Ferre, it should be a nice night in Uptown.

Don’t Just Lurk

When I read this article by Virginia Hefferman I thought of all you Overheardians that lurk but never participate. There are so many of you out there. We’re waaaaaiting.

Rumors Rumors

I hadn’t heard this rumor yet, but UPPD Chief Adams reports:

Merritt,

We have a rumor floating around that a child was struck by a car in an
alleyway near the middle school this morning.  One of my crossing
guards was asked about it.  We have received no calls for police or medical
on anything like this.  I am thinking it is just a rumor.

Chief Adams

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I love the holidays. It’s apparent by the tree on my desk and the fact that I had assembled my Christmas tree the week of Halloween (I know, I know, some of you don’t like me because of this).

But I need your help. I’m looking for people for the retirement section who love the holidays as much as I do who want to talk about their favorite traditions or memories. Even if you’re not retired, I’d like to hear about your favorite memories. I’ve heard some great stuff already, but I want more!

Merritt, what kind of cookies do you all leave for Santa?

Another Katy Trail Attack

But unlike the August attack, this one was in broad daylight. The DMN is reporting that a woman was beaten and kicked by two men yesterday (they stole her cell phone and iPod). New lights on the trail won’t fix that problem.

That Whole “Free Speech” Thing

Today when I heard from a foul, bordering-on-restraing-order-type-out-of-line-reader that has been deeply offended by every word I’ve ever written, I recalled this recent New York Magazine article by Kurt Anderson. I’d like to borrow his closer for my response.

When it comes to free speech, we need to let a hundred flowers bloom. We need to chill. We need to stop being pus****.