Ted Cassidy (aka Lurch) was born on this day in 1932. The 6'9" actor died at 46 of a heart attack.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
MORE EVA AND TONY T.M.I.
Eva Longoria Parker likes being tied up during sex. That's what she told Cosmo.
The 'Desperate Housewives' actress - who is married to basketball star Tony Parker - has revealed her most satisfying lovemaking sessions involve her being restrained in the bedroom. (In the bedroom, my she is old-fashioned).
She revealed: "I'm not averse to being tied up with silk scarves. I like a man to take charge. There's something very sexy about being submissive.
The 'Desperate Housewives' actress - who is married to basketball star Tony Parker - has revealed her most satisfying lovemaking sessions involve her being restrained in the bedroom. (In the bedroom, my she is old-fashioned).
She revealed: "I'm not averse to being tied up with silk scarves. I like a man to take charge. There's something very sexy about being submissive.
So when you're trying to reach Eva and they tell you she's tied up at the moment, TRUST.
CASH FOR CLUNKERS STALLS OUT
The U.S. government has reportedly suspended the “Cash for Clunkers” program, which may have proven to be too popular for its own good.
A House leadership staffer told FOX Business on Thursday that House members are being informed by the Department of Transportation that the program is either out of money or will be by the time the current deals are processed.
It is believed that any deals submitted through midnight tonight will be honored.
As FOX Business’s Brian Sullivan reported on Wednesday, the allocation of $1 billion for the program averaged out to just 12.5 vehicles per dealer, which given the program’s popularity, didn’t seem to be enough. - Thanks, FOX ROX!
A House leadership staffer told FOX Business on Thursday that House members are being informed by the Department of Transportation that the program is either out of money or will be by the time the current deals are processed.
It is believed that any deals submitted through midnight tonight will be honored.
As FOX Business’s Brian Sullivan reported on Wednesday, the allocation of $1 billion for the program averaged out to just 12.5 vehicles per dealer, which given the program’s popularity, didn’t seem to be enough. - Thanks, FOX ROX!
UPDATE 7/31 - CONGRESS ADDING ADDITIONAL 2 MILLION TO PROGRAM, SO IF YOU NEED TO TRADE IN THAT GAS GUZZLIN' HOOPDIE BETTER PUT THE PEDAL TO THE METAL!
SURREAL ESTATE: SAN ANTONIO'S MOST EXPENSIVE LISTING, REVISITED
Back in March we told y'all about this 12,000 square foot, 7 bedroom, 10 bathroom monster up in The DOUGHMINION for $6 million. At that time, it was the most expensive single family home listed for sale in our town, and it still is. We noticed that this house was originally listed in November 2007, yes, that's right, 2007 for $6 million. How badly does this owner want to sell? For one, there needs to be a price chop pronto, and two, when you are listing a $6 million home make sure nobody is standing in the kitchen when you shoot the picture. Trust us, there's really a picture like that. We just couldn't bear to print it. You'd think one could find a place to hide from the camera somewhere in that 12,000 square feet.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
KATHIE LEE AND HODA TAKE IT TO THE RIVER!
That's Kathie Lee and Hoda in that boat this morning, doing their "Today"show live from San Antonio.
We hope the scenery, the hospitality, the Lone Star beer and Jason Dady's ribs made up for the heat.
TWO FASHIONABLE BIRTHDAYS!
Happy Birthday to Tim Gunn, born today in 1953.
The late Diana Vreeland was born on this day in 1906.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
WELL, NOBODY'S PERFECT!
Except, perhaps, the late Joe E. Brown (left), who got the last laugh in one of the funniest films ever made, Some Like It Hot. Brown was born today in 1892.
Monday, July 27, 2009
TEXAS IS TAKEN DOWN A NOTCH
The Lone Star State dropped to the second-best state for business in a survey by CNBC ranking the economic climate across the nation.
Virginia unseated Texas as No. 1 this year, while Alaska trailed the pack. (Mess is fighting every nerve in his body NOT to insert snide Sarah Palin comment here) .CNBC’s annual America’s Top States for Business report examined 40 measurements and grouped them into 10 large categories for the survey. Researchers examined such areas as education, access to capital and quality of workforce.
Texas made its highest marks in the economy as well as transportation and infrastructure categories, placing first among the states. The state also ranked third in technology and innovation and fourth in access to capital.
However, Texas did not fare so well in quality of life, where it ranked 32nd (last year it ranked 22nd). CNBC said its quality of life ranking looked at things such as attractions, crime rate and health care. Texas also did worse this year in the cost of living and overall cost of doing business categories.
- Thanks to The San Antonio Business Journal
Virginia unseated Texas as No. 1 this year, while Alaska trailed the pack. (Mess is fighting every nerve in his body NOT to insert snide Sarah Palin comment here) .CNBC’s annual America’s Top States for Business report examined 40 measurements and grouped them into 10 large categories for the survey. Researchers examined such areas as education, access to capital and quality of workforce.
Texas made its highest marks in the economy as well as transportation and infrastructure categories, placing first among the states. The state also ranked third in technology and innovation and fourth in access to capital.
However, Texas did not fare so well in quality of life, where it ranked 32nd (last year it ranked 22nd). CNBC said its quality of life ranking looked at things such as attractions, crime rate and health care. Texas also did worse this year in the cost of living and overall cost of doing business categories.
- Thanks to The San Antonio Business Journal
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
OUR KIND OF DIPLOMACY
In order to diffuse the controversy surrounding a Cambridge police officer, Sgt. James Crowley, arresting well known African American Cambridge professor, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., President Obama on Friday offered an invite for the two to share a beer with him at the White House.
Mess tries to stay away from politics but in our meaningless opinion this is probably the coolest gesture any president has made. Perhaps we could solve some of the troubles in the world the good old fashioned way - over a nice cold one. That's how it's been done out here in our world for decades.
Friday, July 24, 2009
E. LYNN HARRIS HAS PASSED AWAY
Openly gay author E. Lynn Harris has passed at 54 from an apparent heart attack while in Los Angeles earlier today. http://www.elynnharris.com/
CASH FOR CLUNKERS STARTS TODAY
Americans will get a new incentive to trade-in their gas-guzzling cars today when a government rebate program that offers cash vouchers to people who trade in their cars for new fuel-efficient vehicles officially starts.
The Car Allowance Rebate System, informally called "Cash for Clunkers," was passed by Congress in June to help jump-start struggling auto sales and to improve the environment.
But some critics say the program may be economically and even environmentally counter-productive.
It will be administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through participating new car dealers who can handle the paperwork when you buy the vehicle.
Information about the program is available at http://www.cars.gov/.
Here's how it works: If you own a 1984 or newer vehicle that has been insured and registered to you for the past year and gets a "combined" 18 miles to the gallon or less, you can qualify. The car must also be drivable.
If you trade it in for a car that gets an additional four more miles per gallon or more, your reward is a $3,500 voucher, which can be used toward purchasing a new car. Chrysler is adding an additional $4500 if you trade your old clunker in for for one their new clunkers.
The Car Allowance Rebate System, informally called "Cash for Clunkers," was passed by Congress in June to help jump-start struggling auto sales and to improve the environment.
But some critics say the program may be economically and even environmentally counter-productive.
It will be administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through participating new car dealers who can handle the paperwork when you buy the vehicle.
Information about the program is available at http://www.cars.gov/.
Here's how it works: If you own a 1984 or newer vehicle that has been insured and registered to you for the past year and gets a "combined" 18 miles to the gallon or less, you can qualify. The car must also be drivable.
If you trade it in for a car that gets an additional four more miles per gallon or more, your reward is a $3,500 voucher, which can be used toward purchasing a new car. Chrysler is adding an additional $4500 if you trade your old clunker in for for one their new clunkers.
When this program was first announced I noticed Xavier Cougar started shaking in his boots, but not to worry. The old loveboat averages 20.5 mpg, so he'll be around awhile - no scrap heap in his near future!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
OUR HERO OF THE MONTH
Many consider it a huge accomplishment to go 26.2 miles and finish just one marathon. Sinh Tho Nguyen has walked about that distance every day since June 10.
Nguyen, who moved to Fort Worth after growing up in Vietnam, is about 1,000 miles into his walk across America. The 40-year-old said his mission is to remind Americans to have faith in their country and take pride in their nation. And, on Wednesday, he finally made it to Dallas-Fort Worth – home for one week before he hits the road again.
"I owe to America so much, and I don't have any talent at all," Nguyen said. "I have two legs and a heart. So I decided to walk across America to give thanks to her."
The water-meter reader – whose walking-intensive job gave him the idea to walk across America – is not getting paid for his cross-country trek or raising money for a cause. The walk, he said, is just his way of saying thanks to America and its troops.
"This walk is about America and those who suffer," he said.
Nguyen said his father was a U.S. soldier in Vietnam but that they never met. In 1992, Nguyen applied for a visa to come to the United States and was approved in 60 days. He enlisted in the National Guard and Army after moving to the United States.
Nguyen's 2,600-mile journey began in Atlantic Beach, Fla. Nguyen's co-worker David Dominguez drives behind him in his silver Ford Focus, which sometimes doubles as the men's lodging. Nguyen hopes to reach his destination, San Diego, by Thanksgiving.
Nguyen always carries an American flag and has a sign strapped to his back displaying his message: "Shore to Shore: A Walk Across America to Honor Those Who Serve."
He arrived in Dallas on Wednesday wearing a U.S. Army-issued T-shirt and Crocs on his feet – with padded inserts at the bottom.
- Thanks to The Dallas News
Nguyen, who moved to Fort Worth after growing up in Vietnam, is about 1,000 miles into his walk across America. The 40-year-old said his mission is to remind Americans to have faith in their country and take pride in their nation. And, on Wednesday, he finally made it to Dallas-Fort Worth – home for one week before he hits the road again.
"I owe to America so much, and I don't have any talent at all," Nguyen said. "I have two legs and a heart. So I decided to walk across America to give thanks to her."
The water-meter reader – whose walking-intensive job gave him the idea to walk across America – is not getting paid for his cross-country trek or raising money for a cause. The walk, he said, is just his way of saying thanks to America and its troops.
"This walk is about America and those who suffer," he said.
Nguyen said his father was a U.S. soldier in Vietnam but that they never met. In 1992, Nguyen applied for a visa to come to the United States and was approved in 60 days. He enlisted in the National Guard and Army after moving to the United States.
Nguyen's 2,600-mile journey began in Atlantic Beach, Fla. Nguyen's co-worker David Dominguez drives behind him in his silver Ford Focus, which sometimes doubles as the men's lodging. Nguyen hopes to reach his destination, San Diego, by Thanksgiving.
Nguyen always carries an American flag and has a sign strapped to his back displaying his message: "Shore to Shore: A Walk Across America to Honor Those Who Serve."
He arrived in Dallas on Wednesday wearing a U.S. Army-issued T-shirt and Crocs on his feet – with padded inserts at the bottom.
- Thanks to The Dallas News
FAMOUS SAN ANTONIO RESIDENT - GUESS WHO
He was a resident while attending San Antonio College, where he met his wife. Who is he? Extra bonus points if you can tell us what his Mom is famous for as well.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
SURREAL ESTATE: THERE WAS SOMETHING ABOUT MARY
The Bonner House was built in 1910 in Monte Vista by noted Architect Atlee B. Ayers for the Bonner Family. The family moved to San Antonio from Louisiana after the death of Dr. Bonner, who had amassed a comfortable fortune in cotton farming. Mrs. Bonner with her three children; Mary, Emma and William, loved the ambience of San Antonio and wished to make it their permanent home.
Mary Bonner became internationally known for her innovations in printmaking and her own charming Texas motif sketches. She spent a good deal of her adult life in Paris, but returned to San Antonio where she was active in promoting the arts until her premature death at the age of 48 in 1935. Today, many of Mary Bonner's prints are seen throughout the home as well as works of other artists.
Emma Bonner lived in the home until her death in 1951 at which time the home was purchased by the Groos banking family. Mrs. Groos lived in the home until her death in 1981.
Jacqueline Tapp of Houston, Texas subsequently purchased the home and totally renovated the property. This included the addition of a large in-ground swimming pool, restoration of the quarter-sawn oak woodwork to it's original state, upgrading the gardens and modernization of the kitchen facilities. She received an award from the historical society for the restoration work and then planned an open house for her friends so they could share in her enjoyment of the home. Unfortunately, Jacqueline passed away on the eve of her open house at the young age of 48.
Mary Bonner became internationally known for her innovations in printmaking and her own charming Texas motif sketches. She spent a good deal of her adult life in Paris, but returned to San Antonio where she was active in promoting the arts until her premature death at the age of 48 in 1935. Today, many of Mary Bonner's prints are seen throughout the home as well as works of other artists.
Emma Bonner lived in the home until her death in 1951 at which time the home was purchased by the Groos banking family. Mrs. Groos lived in the home until her death in 1981.
Jacqueline Tapp of Houston, Texas subsequently purchased the home and totally renovated the property. This included the addition of a large in-ground swimming pool, restoration of the quarter-sawn oak woodwork to it's original state, upgrading the gardens and modernization of the kitchen facilities. She received an award from the historical society for the restoration work and then planned an open house for her friends so they could share in her enjoyment of the home. Unfortunately, Jacqueline passed away on the eve of her open house at the young age of 48.
While none of the subsequent owners of the home seem to have met with an early demise, it's an interesting coincidence. Today the house is a bed and breakfast. One may even book the original studio where Mary worked.
http://www.bonnergarden.com/
http://www.bonnergarden.com/
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
MONKEY ROBS DALLAS AREA STORE
RICHARDSON, Texas (AP) - Some real monkey business at a Dallas-area store led to the theft of several dozen plants, flowers and small statues. Surveillance video from Plants & Planters in Richardson shows a monkey appears to be picking up items and returning them to a human accomplice. Video aired Monday by WFAA-TV shows the small monkey appearing to scoop up plants, flowers and accessories. The animal then hands the items to someone on the other side of a fence. Owner Shelley Rosenfeld says it's "really hard to believe a monkey would come over here and do it," but the creature appears to be the culprit. Rosenfeld told WFAA says she doesn't plan to press charges at this time because she thinks the incident is humorous.
Monday, July 20, 2009
THE NAKED COWBOY TO RUN FOR NYC MAYOR
NEW YORK (Reuters) – A man who makes his living posing for photos with tourists as "The Naked Cowboy" in New York's Times Square plans to run for mayor on a platform of "bringing transparency to a whole new level."
A fixture in Times Square for a decade, Robert Burck has made a profitable business from strumming a guitar dressed only in cowboy boots, hat and tight-fitting white briefs, asking tourists to pay a fee to take a picture with him.
He makes appearances around the United States and in the media, and markets products ranging from underwear to comics.
A statement announcing a news conference on Wednesday to launch his candidacy said the Naked Cowboy's platform would include a stimulus plan for small business.
"No one knows how to do more with less than yours truly, and that's the kind of thinking I plan on sharing with my fellow New Yorkers when you elect me," Burck said in the statement, promising new ideas on tax breaks, tourism, gay marriage, public transport and homeland security.
His main opponent in November's election will be incumbent Michael Bloomberg, who appears to be sailing toward re-election for a third term in the absence of a strong competitor.
A fixture in Times Square for a decade, Robert Burck has made a profitable business from strumming a guitar dressed only in cowboy boots, hat and tight-fitting white briefs, asking tourists to pay a fee to take a picture with him.
He makes appearances around the United States and in the media, and markets products ranging from underwear to comics.
A statement announcing a news conference on Wednesday to launch his candidacy said the Naked Cowboy's platform would include a stimulus plan for small business.
"No one knows how to do more with less than yours truly, and that's the kind of thinking I plan on sharing with my fellow New Yorkers when you elect me," Burck said in the statement, promising new ideas on tax breaks, tourism, gay marriage, public transport and homeland security.
His main opponent in November's election will be incumbent Michael Bloomberg, who appears to be sailing toward re-election for a third term in the absence of a strong competitor.
SOLAR ECLIPSE THIS WEEK HAS SOME FREAKED OUT
MUMBAI (AFP) – Indian astrologers are predicting violence and turmoil across the world as a result of this week's total solar eclipse, which the superstitious and religious view as a sign of potential doom.
But astronomers, scientists and secularists are trying to play down claims of evil portent in connection with Wednesday's natural spectacle, when the moon will come between the Earth and the sun, completely obscuring the sun.
In Hindu mythology, the two demons Rahu and Ketu are said to "swallow" the sun during eclipses, snuffing out its life-giving light and causing food to become inedible and water undrinkable.
Pregnant women are advised to stay indoors to prevent their babies developing birth defects, while prayers, fasting and ritual bathing, particularly in holy rivers, are encouraged.
Shivani Sachdev Gour, a gynaecologist at the Fortis Hospital in New Delhi, said a number of expectant mothers scheduled for caesarian deliveries on July 22 had asked to change the date.
"This is a belief deeply rooted in Indian society. Couples are willing to do anything to ensure that the baby is not born on that day," Gour said.
Astrologers have predicted a rise in communal and regional violence in the days following the eclipse, particularly in India, China and other Southeast Asian nations where it can be seen on Wednesday morning.
But astronomers, scientists and secularists are trying to play down claims of evil portent in connection with Wednesday's natural spectacle, when the moon will come between the Earth and the sun, completely obscuring the sun.
In Hindu mythology, the two demons Rahu and Ketu are said to "swallow" the sun during eclipses, snuffing out its life-giving light and causing food to become inedible and water undrinkable.
Pregnant women are advised to stay indoors to prevent their babies developing birth defects, while prayers, fasting and ritual bathing, particularly in holy rivers, are encouraged.
Shivani Sachdev Gour, a gynaecologist at the Fortis Hospital in New Delhi, said a number of expectant mothers scheduled for caesarian deliveries on July 22 had asked to change the date.
"This is a belief deeply rooted in Indian society. Couples are willing to do anything to ensure that the baby is not born on that day," Gour said.
Astrologers have predicted a rise in communal and regional violence in the days following the eclipse, particularly in India, China and other Southeast Asian nations where it can be seen on Wednesday morning.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
THREE BIG BIRTHDAYS!
Martha Reeves, born 1941. Former lead singer of The Vandellas and currently Detroit City Council Member.
Vin Diesel, born 1967. Movie hero.
Nelson Mandela, born 1918. Spent 27 years in prison for the freedom of Black South Africa. Real life hero.
Friday, July 17, 2009
MESS DISCOVERS AN AMAZING WEBSITE
http://www.freakingnews.com/Gender-Reassignment-Pictures---1585.asp Imagine famous people after gender reassignment. This is off the chain! Mess felt so bad about just giving y'all one little birthday today that once our little Friday night buzz kicked in and we got our groove on with one of the Verve Remix CD's, we did a little surfing and found this. They say coincidence is God working anonymously, so at dinner at Stella's last night our dear friend Eric announced that he was beginning the psychological preparation to become Erica. Funny how life and blogs come together sometimes, huh? Mess would like to point out that the site is really for visual entertainment purposes only and not to be treated as a serious site relating to gender reassignment. We trust that covers our bony old ass.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
FAMOUS SAN ANTONIO NATIVES- GUESS WHO
Two of the founding members of this band met while at one of our local colleges. Can anybody guess?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
A BELATED BIRTHDAY
Speaking of Stonewall, we realized we missed the July 2nd birthday of one of the most important people who was not only there, but spent the rest of her life fighting for the rights of transgender, gay, bi, and queer folks. Sylvia Rae Rivera was was a founding member of both the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance and helped found STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries), a group dedicated to helping homeless young street transwomen, with her friend Marsha P. Johnson. After the "revolution" simmered down and more "mainstream" gays and lesbians began to dismiss transgender people, Rivera fought even harder. Her legacy lives on and New York City officials even named a street in Greenwich Village after her. Rivera lost her battle with liver disease in 2002.
STONEWALL VETERANS TO SPEAK IN SA
The Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio will offer a special presentation about the 1969 Stonewall riots at their next monthly meeting on July 20. Phyllis Guest from Dallas and Raymundo Garcia from San Antonio will be on hand to offer their recollections of the Stonewall Inn on the day of the raid and the riots that followed.Christopher Street Liberation Day March that marked the first anniversary of the riots.
The Stonewall meeting is free and the community is invited to attend.Stonewall Democrats Monthly Meeting -- 6:30 to 8:30pm on Monday, July 20th at Grady's Barbeque, 6510 San Pedro. - from Q San Antonio (who still never e-mail us)
The Stonewall meeting is free and the community is invited to attend.Stonewall Democrats Monthly Meeting -- 6:30 to 8:30pm on Monday, July 20th at Grady's Barbeque, 6510 San Pedro. - from Q San Antonio (who still never e-mail us)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
GAY PENGUINS SPLIT UP
Male Magellan penguins Harry and Pepper, San Francisco Zoo’s popular gay duo have split up after six years. The pair were reportedly doing well, doing the family thing by incubated an egg laid by another penguin in 2008, that is until a female penguin by the name of Linda got her home-wrecking flippers into Harry. Apparently, a lonely Linda befriended Harry after her long-time companion died. Pepper was not having that, becoming increasingly violent. Nothing like a love scorned gay penguin, all the hysterics of a female with the strength of a male. Eventually, the trio had to be separated after Pepper opened up a can of whoop ass. According to Zookeeper Jennifer Katz, “They have been doing okay since. They have been getting along okay. But Pepper is by himself now, so we are keeping an eye on the three of them.”
Friday, July 10, 2009
LIBERTY BAR TO RELOCATE
Italy has the leaning tower of Pisa, and San Antonio has The Liberty Bar. The Josephine Street landmark's current tenant is moving the bar and restaurant to Southtown in response to the rising rent at the current location. No word yet as to the fate of the building. We always loved The Liberty. Part of the fun was wondering whether the damn building would collapse before you got the check.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
WE HAVE GONE OFFICIALLY INSANE
It's too hot to smoke, too hot to drink, too hot to get high, too hot to screw. But let me tell you this - it's the perfect temperature to declare Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas (of all damn places) out of her mofo mind. Read this and do what Mess is about to do - take another damn nerve pill. Mess can't get too upset, because the result will be something like Madea backed by The Isreali Army on meth laced energy drinks. That's why we try so damn hard to stay calm.
WASHINGTON – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shut the door Thursday to a resolution honoring Michael Jackson because debate on the symbolic measure could raise "contrary views" about the pop star's life.
Lawmakers are free to use House speeches "to express their sympathy or their praise any time that they wish," said Pelosi, D-Calif. "I don't think it's necessary for us to have a resolution."
A resolution sponsored by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, cites some of the singer's charitable acts and proclaims him an American legend, musical icon and world humanitarian.
WASHINGTON – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shut the door Thursday to a resolution honoring Michael Jackson because debate on the symbolic measure could raise "contrary views" about the pop star's life.
Lawmakers are free to use House speeches "to express their sympathy or their praise any time that they wish," said Pelosi, D-Calif. "I don't think it's necessary for us to have a resolution."
A resolution sponsored by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, cites some of the singer's charitable acts and proclaims him an American legend, musical icon and world humanitarian.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
SURREAL ESTATE: A MODERNIST MARVEL
We were driving someplace talking on the cell phone to somebody about something when this modernist house in Tobin Hill caught our eye. Anyhoo, we did a little research and found out that this cutie, G2 Haus, is a two unit rental available by the night, week or month. Two local designers hooked it up and all the info is at http://g2haus.com/index.html. Looks like a great and interesting hotel alternative or a nice spot for a little tryst. While we're on the subject of real estate, we have changed our format from "On The Market" to "Surreal Estate", which will focus on properties that catch our eye, whether they are for sale or not. If you readers see any fantastic, exotic, strange or unusual homes around town , give us a shout out.
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