Re: Why Are Parkies So Hated?

Based on this comment on the DMN blog, I’m concerned that HP and UP are getting totally mixed up here. For the record, the basketball thing was UP. I just don’t want all the free PR going to HP, ya know?

It’s easy to get a little distaste in your mouth towards a group of individuals so concerned with their bubble that they propose silly things like prohibiting basketball hoops in the fronts of their houses, toll roads on residential streets. Let’s also not forgot that the cops have so little to do that they will write you a ticket for running in the street.

Why Are Parkies So Hated?

We’ve talked about this before, and I’m sure we’ll talk about it many times in the future, but Rod Dreher on the Dallas Morning News‘ editorial page blog (without realizing he’s doing it) puts his finger on why the Morning News and NBC5 managed to be so incorrect in their reporting of the Mockingbird Lane issue. They just told the story they knew readers wants to believe.

Anyway, I do think there is an obvious solution to a question posed by Dreher: “what HP is supposed to do to stop the congestion.”

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The Story Behind the Story

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at an article that’s coming out this week. Often, reporters have some interesting field stories. Here’s a little tidbit that was sent to me from Ace Preston Hollow reporter Josh Hixson (that’s right, Kilgore, you’ve been replaced) about the pit bull situation:

John Harris at the beginning of the interview when I asked him if he’d like to share his side of the story: “I’ve had this discussion with my attorney several times. It’s tempting to want to respond to things I’ve seen in the (media) but nevertheless, until this whole thing is resolved it’s probably best if I not address it that way.”

John Harris and his wife talk about why he shouldn’t be talking to me near the end of the interview (I think it was his wife, she was wearing a wedding band):
“Cathy (John’s wife): John your lawyer said not to give any interviews.
John: I know that.
Cathy: It sounds like you are.
John: Here’s the thing about the dogs being here that I will tell you: The city knows they’re here. They can’t be anywhere else at the moment. If I were to tell you anything else I wouldn’t be in compliance with the ordinance and I am in compliance with the ordinance.”

Who is the Smartest Realtor in Town?

The home at Beverly and Preston, originally for sale by owner, caused a stir among property loving Overheardians. The price has been reduced again, $2.1 million. Local realtor Jeff Duffey made a prediction on January 30 of this year that the home (then listed for 2.495 million) would sell for 1.9 to 2 mill. Hmmmm, someone is looking pretty smart right about now.

Mike Snyder Has No Idea What He’s Talking About

Looks like our concerns about the health and well-being of the good people of NBC5 should extend all the way to the anchor chair. Mike Snyder felt free to take aim and fire at Highland Park on his blog.

I’ll let Cassie point out his many, many errors.

Someone please tell the people at NBC 5 that there’s a new mayor in town. His name is Bill Seay. Former mayor Bill White is no longer in office.

Also, Snyder sure talks like he was at the meeting last night. I didn’t see him there, but even if he was there, I’m not sure how he came to this conclusion:
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Boys Night In

Last night the UP pool was closed so my husband invested some quality time with his sons at the dinner table. Hope it’s not raining tonight. (more…)

Concerns Raised About Channel 5 Drug Use

No, I don’t believe they’re actually smoking anything over there at the Dallas NBC station. But read this report and tell me if you don’t think their reporting is grossly misrepresenting and ignoring what happened at the HP Town Council meeting last night.

Here’s reporter Cassie Clark’s response:

First of all, White isn’t mayor anymore.

Second of all, I’m not sure who the “Highland Park leaders” are, but it wasn’t any of the leaders I talked to yesterday.

I’m sticking by my story 100%. What I’ve been told has been VERY clear. This idea is NOT being considered, and hasn’t been since last August.

Hunt Petroleum Sells to XTO Energy

XTO Energy announced today that it has acquired Hunt Petroleum in a deal valued at $4.186 billion, $2.6 billion in cash and 23.5 million shares of XTO common stock valued at approximately $1.6 billion, or $67.50 per share.

XTO, among other things, is one of two companies that won bids to drill for natural gas on city of Dallas property.

Re: HP Says No to Toll Road

I hereby withdraw my acknowledgment that the Dallas Morning News beat us to this story. What writer Ian McCann refuses to acknowledge in his veiled retraction in today’s paper is that town administrator George Patterson made it clear at last night’s Town Council meeting that there was no serious consideration of tolling by the town leaders after last August.

In other words, this was a story from a year ago, which was decided against a year ago, but that DMN apparently decided to put on page 1A in order to exploit negative stereotypes against Highland Park. Meran Dadgostar, the town engineer who served as the primary source for McCann’s original story, told our own Cassie Clark that he had his conversation with the reporter about the possibility five months ago.

Something’s fishy about the way this story was put together

Don’t Forget Dad

Apparently Father’s Day is this weekend, and I’ll admit: I haven’t found that perfect gift for dad yet. However, it looks like Ebby Halliday is here to help me out. I think 3141 Amherst looks perfect.