TODAY'S BIRTHDAY BOY!

Arthur John Johnson, aka Jack Johnson and "The Galveston Giant", was born today in 1878. Johnson was the first black heavyweight Champ of the world!
Don't mess with Texas!

HOW ABOUT YET ANOTHER CUP OF CALIFORNIA CRAZY?

We didn't think we'd be sipping that California Crazy Blend coffee a second morning in a row, but here goes! The California based True Religion clothing store is opening a location at La Canterra. With that unemployment check burning a hole in our pocket, we've been praying for a store selling hats such as the one above for - get ready - $75. And wait until you get a load of those $282 jeans!

FAMOUS FOLK FROM SAN ANTONIO - GUESS WHO!

We promised we'd do this every week. Unfortunately, NOBODY got last week's right. Yes, it was that bigger than life actress , child rearing expert and popular San Francisco halloween costume Joan Crawford (or Lucille LeSuer, as she was known around our town back in the day). Now see if you can guess who this lovely lady is. One of the most beloved films of our time was written by this SA native.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY BOY!

Today in 1853, Vincent Van Gogh was born. Known as much for the generous donation of part of his ear to his local brothel as he is for his artistic legacy, the painter died at the age of 37 from a self-inflicted gun shot wound. Over 150 psychiatrists have attempted to label his illness, and some 30 different diagnoses have been suggested.

JOIN US FOR A FRESH HOT CUP OF CALIFORNIA CRAZY!

While the local coffee here suits us just fine, every now and then we enjoy junpstarting our day with a nice cup of California crazy blend. The latest news item from the coast is a proposed BAN ON BLACK CARS. Logic being that the color black leads to the absorption of heat, making the car hotter and thus running less efficiently.

FROM SUDAN TO SAN ANTONIO TO SEVENTH AVENUE

Here's a "Only In America" story that gives us warm and fuzzies! Sudanese refugee and Clark High student Ataui Deng started taking modeling classes in San Antonio, then signed with a local agency and began booking print work for stores like Neiman Marcus.
Soon, she heard about a model search at Crossroads Mall. She did so well there she moved on to a competition in Dallas last March, where she was spotted and signed by Trump Model Management. Now she is the "it girl" on New York catwalks. We wish the 17 year old Deng much success.

ANOTHER BANANA DAIQUIRI PLEASE!

AUSTIN, Texas, Mar 27, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- The Texas State Board of Education adopted new science curriculum standards Friday that allow for the teaching of evolution in public schools. This is big news, but it was overshadowed by the announcement that Katherine Heigl does indeed wish to remain on Grey's Anatomy, if the producers will have her.

LOCAL JESUS GETS TO KEEP LONG HAIR FOR NOW

Like a character from the Bible, 17-year-old Jesus Figueroa draws strength from his shoulder-length hair.
It is spiritual, and the honors student at Somerset High School said he considers his locks part of his Native American heritage, which he has been discovering as he matures.
But, according to a federal lawsuit he filed, his hair doesn’t sit well with the rules of the Somerset Independent School District. The district bars male students from having hair that touches the shirt collar.
Figueroa had to serve two in-school suspensions last year until he cut his hair. After he refused to trim it a third time earlier this year, he was suspended again until he filed the lawsuit and got a judge to order the district to allow him back into his regular classes. By then, he had served a month of the latest suspension.
On Friday, Figueroa tried to make his case that the district’s actions trample on his Constitutional right to religious expression. Native Americans don’t cut their hair unless they’re in mourning, he argues.
He wants to be able to graduate in May taking his regular courses, and the district seems inflexible and indifferent, he argues. He’s already has a scholarship to attend Our Lady of the Lake University.
U.S. District Judge Fred Biery gave him a partial victory, at least until a school board meeting April 13.

I'M READY FOR MY BIRTHDAY CAKE NOW, MR. DEMILLE

Let's give a birthday shout out in honor of the late Gloria Swanson, who was born today in 1899.

TAKE IT BACK DOWNTOWN, OKAY?

Stone Oak Residents Worried About Partiers
SAN ANTONIO -- Business owners and residents in one of the city's fastest growing areas are beginning to complain about a thriving bar scene in the Stoned Oak area, believing the restaurants and clubs may be bringing too much crime into the area.
"This is not just our community going out for a glass of wine with dinner," said resident Sylvia Gaona. "The number of drinking establishments puts a lot of people behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol."

LONGORIA'S LAST LESBO LIPLOCK!

Just voted "Sexiest Actress on TV ", the 34-year-old admitted that she was surprised by her top spot, but very excited that audiences still find her character Gabrielle Solis to be sexy "even after the frumpy year she had." Speaking of "Desperate Housewives" however, headlines have been buzzing about Longoria’s lesbian lip-lock with co-star Teri Hatcher -- but apologies to the millions of men out there, it will never happen again.
"Definitely no more kissing girls," she said sternly, adding that she and her co-stars have literally been sitting on-set waiting for the script of their next scene to hopefully avoid the leaking of any secrets surrounding the last three episodes.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY BOY!

What is straight? A line can be straight, or a street, but the human heart, oh, no, it's curved like a road through mountains.

Tennessee Williams, born March 26, 1911

REAL ESTATE: IS THIS SAN ANTONIO'S CHEAPEST HOME?

A few days ago, we treated you to San Antonio's most expensive listing on the current market up at THE DOUGHMINION. Today we thought we'd go back to planet earth. This 1 bedroom, 1 bath love shack comes in at a cozy 360 square feet and is located at Delflor Way near South Hackberry. We venture to say the house needs some work, but for $12,000 we don't expect a Viking range and a jacuzzi. A hotplate and running water would impress us at this price point! Listed with Mary Swift, Realty Executives.

GRAND MARSHALL SHOWS SOME PEEN!

San Antonio native Bruce McGill (acting credits include Animal House, Legend of Bagger Vance, Cinderella Man and more) will be grand marshall of the 2009 Fiesta Flambeau Parade. For more "personal" pics of McGill see http://chubarama.net/husky-bear-bruce-mcgill-shows-everthing-in-out-cold/

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY GIRL!

In somewhat related news, today is the birthday of former orange juice spokewoman and anti-gay rights crusader Anita Bryant, shown here after a pie was thrown in her face.

YOU CAN KILL HER, BUT YOU CAN'T MARRY HER!

Forgive us. It's a slow news day so far. However, we were fascinated in a slimy sort of way at the latest revelations of accused San Antonio murderess Leticia Arcos, who allegedly shot and killed a woman who dated her ex-husband. Now Arcos is claiming that the victim, Kristy Appleby, was actually her lover.

This will not change anything, except for the fact that Arcos and Appleby will not be allowed to marry.

REAL ESTATE: IS THIS SAN ANTONIO'S MOST SPENDY HOME?

Listed originally in 2007, this monster is still on the market at the original asking price of 6 million dollars. This palazzo features 7 bedrooms, 8 full and 2 half baths, and a 30x24 master bath! Set on 2 and a half acres in The DOUGHMINION, annual taxes on this baby run about $47K. The monthly HOA fee is a paltry $165 , and that of course affords you an opportunity to hob-nob with some of San Antonio's most celebrated hoopsters, wrasslers, and one Grammy winning country crooner. We believe this is THE most expensive home on the market on San Antonio right now, but as always, correct us if we are wrong!

We're wondering why there hasn't been a price chop......maybe they still haven't heard about the "recession" up in that neck of the woods!

LET'S EAT!!!!

I don't know about y'all but I sure love food. Of course these days it is difficult to be able to dine out, that doesn't mean we don't try every chance we get. Over the past few months I have managed, often with my sister Stella's financial assistance (she hates to eat alone) or the kindness of some of my pals, to sample some of the Alamo City's eateries. Here's a few of my nicer experiences:

1. Brasserie Pavil. This is a bit spendy, granted, but for the occasional "therapeutic" lunch, it's worth every penny. While the service is a bit self-conscious, the bread alone is worth a trip. What rocked my little world was a duck confit sandwich and pommes frittes. This is definitely one of those "girlfriend, let me tell you what he did next...." two hour, two glasses of wine kinda spots. The French are notorious for "lingering" so go for it!

2. La Fonda on Main. Bring up the subject of Mexican food in the Alamo City and firestorms usually start. Before I go any further, for me it's all about the atmosphere. I understand you can't eat atmosphere, granted. But that patio - it's so damn sexy! I confine myself to a margarita and snapper veracruz if they have it. Sometimes just a margarita and chips is all I need. Some nice looking patrons, too. I keep hoping I'll see that dreamy Thomas Gibson there one night. I did see a brand new Bentley in the parking lot! Eva may adore Las Palapas but this is my spot. Speaking of margaritas, here's a hot tip for the financially challenged - Taco Cabana has Monday through Friday half price margaritas from 4-7 PM. After three of them, you'll see plenty of Bentleys in the parking lot. Just drive safe!

3. Zushi Sushi, Stone Oak. I've heard about "better" sushi bars in town,but I love this place. It looks like LA or NY inside, design wise. I've enjoyed the sushi every time.

4. Salt Grass - it's the best hamburger I've had here so far. They 'll cook it on the rare side like I like it. Lunch prices are good. It's one of the few restaurants I've been to where the manager actually comes around and says hello. After having an awful experience at Texas Roadhouse across the street (my hamburger was BAD. As in spoiled meat.) it took a few weeks to get up the gumption to even order a burger, and I was pleased at Salt Grass.

5. Water Street Oyster Bar, Alamo Heights. Oyster Po'boy and sweet potato fries. Fantastic. Shrimp pasta, another winner. My only "beef" is that the half price raw oyster happy hours are no more. That was heaven. Another spot where the owner table hops. Always a nice touch. We still miss our fave server Erin - if you are reading this girl, give a shout out!

6. Miss Ellies New York Pizza, Bitters and 281. Yes, it is New York pizza, and that says a mouthful. My only complaint is that they use canned mushrooms. I order a plain cheese anyway so not to worry. 'Shroom lovers will NOT be happy, however.

7. Pei-Wei Asian Grill. It's P.F. Chang's less expensive little sister and it's pretty good. Finding decent Chinese food has been a challenge here in town and my standards have admittedly dropped, but an order of spring rolls and shrimp kung pao here distracts me temporarily. I am crazy about the quality of the carrots and snow peas they use, and they are always cooked on the crispy, crunchy side.

8. Tong's Thai, Austin Highway. Very hip funky little joint with the parking lot from lower hell. Once you actually manage to get out of your car, you should have a nice little visit. Menu is part Chinese, part Japanese, part Thai. I sampled a bit of everything and enjoyed the food as much as I liked the vibe.

9. It's A Grind Coffee House, Huebner Road. Best faux "Frappucino" I've had so far. Eye candy up the wazoo here, as well.

Here's one that I have not been to, but it's on my to do list. Every Monday and Thursday night at 6PM, The Saint serves an 8 ounce steak, potato and salad dinner for just $6, and the proceeds go to local charities. Call 210-317-3301 to ensure you get served or get there early and grab a seat at the bar and get your drink on before din din. Steers, queers and beers? We're so there!

That's a small sample to get your taste buds going and your tongues wagging. Let me know what YOU all have been putting in YOUR mouths lately!

FAMOUS FOLK FROM SAN ANTONIO

A WEEKLY FEATURE UNTIL WE RUN OUT OF FAMOUS FOLK! WHICH WILL NOT TAKE TOO LONG, BUT WHAT THE HELL! Some were born here and some live here. Some will be obvious but others will not, so I will NOT name them. It'll be a little guessing game sometimes........

WELCOME TO MY NEW BLOG

THIS BLOG IS FOR ALL THE SAN ANTONIANS WHO FEEL SLIGHTED THAT THOSE NASTY STUCK UP CALIFORNIANS AND NEW YORKERS (AND SOME FOLKS FROM AUSTIN...) THINK WE ARE NOTHING BUT A BUNCH OF GUN TOTING, BEE HIVE WEARING, F150 DRIVING FREAKS. NOW OF COURSE THAT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE AT LEAST A FEW FOLKS AT OUR LOCAL WALMART HERE IN SAN ANTONIO, BUT WE DO KNOW BETTER, DON'T WE?
I LIVE IN BEAUTIFUL SAN ANTONIO SO THE FOCUS AT FIRST WILL BE CENTERED AROUND THIS LOVELY HISTORIC AND SWELTERING LITTLE BEXAR COUNTY BURG. BUT AS LONG AS THAT OLD COUGAR (AS IN CAR, YOU NASTY PEOPLE.....) KEEPS RUNNING WE'LL BE HITTING THOSE FRIENDLY TEXAS HIGHWAYS AS OFTEN AS WE CAN.