Back Talk Far North Dallas

RISD gets $17K Oncor rebate

Marlena Chavira Medford — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:39:56 GMT

RISD’s electricity provider, Oncor Energy, recently presented district administrators with a $17,173 rebate check for upgrading the lighting systems at all four high schools: Berkner, JJ Pearce, Richardson and Lake Highlands. The district received another check in 2009 for improving lighting, air conditioning, and roofing efficiency in other district buildings.

The lighting and air conditioning systems installed by RISD crews will save nearly 226,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, which translates into a $26,000 annual savings at the current electric rate. That's equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions of about 18,400 gallons of gasoline, according to Environmental Protection Agency calculations.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is coming to Richardson

Marlena Chavira Medford — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:00:13 GMT

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is opening off Campbell and Custer, in the spot where the old Braums used to be.The Baja-style Mexican eatery has locations in Fort Worth, Arlington, Lewisville, Denton, North Richland Hills, and Lubbock — but this will be the first Dallas-area location.

This is good news for the shopping center, which got most of its traffic from Braums. The only remaining anchor is a UTD bookstore, so ever since Braums left, it’s been a virtual ghost town over there. With Fuzzy’s coming in now, I imagine the traffic there will pick up significantly. The last time I dropped in at Fuzzy’s in Fort Worth, in fact, I waited in line for 20 minutes — and it was worth it. Their food is popular because it’s really, really good.

I’ve contacted Fuzzy’s to find out when we can expect them to open in our neighborhood. I’ll keep you posted.

Advocate radio: where to get V-day goodies

Christina Hughes Babb — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:57:34 GMT

Valentine's Day is near and that means one thing is on everyone's mind, right? No, not love ... chocolate.

Where in our neighborhood are you likely find the most delicious and creative edible gifts? Advocate editor's dish about it in this week's "What's Up With That?" podcast.

Productivity Killer: E-Trade’s talking babies

Marlena Chavira Medford — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:16:00 GMT

OK, so our team didn’t make it to the big game this year, but it’s still shaping up to be a good faceoff — or so I’m told, because I really don’t know anything about football. But hey, at least we still get an excuse to pig out on wings and pizza, and watch all those multi-million dollar commercial bits. This year’s line up has some pretty funny ones, which you can get a sneak peak at here.

E-Trade’s commercials with the talking baby have become especially popular, though honestly, I find them kind of creepy. Equally creepy yet more amusing is their create-your-own talking baby on the company’s website. You pick your baby, pick your voice, and then record a message. You can record your voice via your computer mic, or by calling a number and leaving a voice mail. Once you’re done, you can email it to your friends, so they can enjoy.

Restaurant Talk: dinner buffet at Mumtaz

Marlena Chavira Medford — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:41:17 GMT

Mumutaz is my go-to spot when I need an Indian food fix, which I’ve written about on this blog. But it wasn’t until a friend told me about the Monday night dinner buffet that I realized I was missing out on one of the best things place.

This buffet, which is offered only on Monday night, is a steal at jut $6.99. They don’t skimp on the spread, and in fact, some of their best dishes are offered. My favorite is the chicken tikka, skewered meat marinated in yogurt and spices than cooked in a clay tandoor oven. You mix that with some basmati rice and throw on a little bit of chutney, and something magical happens. The buffet also comes with fresh-baked naan, soup (I recommend the lentil), several types of salad, and a couple of desserts.

Another handy FYI: If you live nearby, Mumtaz does deliver, and you can place that order online. I’m almost certain they’re the only Indian restaurant in Dallas that does that.

This weekend: laugh, dance and jam

Marlena Chavira Medford — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 02:04:47 GMT

This is the last weekend to catch Laughter on the 23rd Floor, which pays homage to the 1950s golden age of American television. That’s running through Sunday at WaterTower Theatre.

It’s the Chinese Year of the Tiger — and technically, it starts on Feb. 14, but UTD is ringing it in early this Saturday night. Starting at 6 inside the conference center there will be dance, music, and traditional art forms. That’s all free, by the way.

Or, you could spend your Saturday night over at the Eisemann Center. That’s when you can catch a throwback R&B concert by Strings of Color.

OCarnivale tickets are gone

Rachel Stone — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:27:06 GMT

Our OCarnivale tickets were snapped up pronto, but we'll give away two more pairs of tickets tomorrow. Otherwise, you can buy tickets here. Thanks to everyone who responded!

Email us for free tickets to OCarnivale Saturday night

Rachel Stone — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:01:32 GMT

Want a couple of tickets to OCarnivale masquerade ball in the Bishop Arts District Saturday night? The first two people to email me at rstone@advocatemag.com will win two free tickets.

UTD student on Jeopardy this week

Marlena Chavira Medford — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:52:48 GMT

You know those brainiacs on "Jeopardy" who always make you feel incompetent? Turns out one of them lives in our neighborhood, and he’s not even old enough to order a beer yet.

UT Dallas junior Prashant Raghavendran (seen in the center of the photo here) was chosen from more than 7,000 hopeful contestants to compete in Jeopardy’s annual College Championship, which airs this week.

“I’ve had a love for knowledge since I was an infant,” he said. “My parents would teach me countries on a world atlas when I was 3.”

Raghavendran, who is majoring in neuroscience, also has his sights set on "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?" My guess is yes, he is.

You can catch Raghavendran on Jeopardy this Friday at 11 a.m. on KTVT-TV (Channel 11). UTD is hosting a watch party during that show at the campus pub.

Richardson students helping Haitians

Marlena Chavira Medford — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:56:55 GMT

The Richardson High School Interact Club is joining forces with Lake Highlands and Berkner to collect crutches, braces, walkers, and foldable wheelchairs to send to Haiti. The supplies will be given to the thousands of Haitians who have have had their limbs broken or amputated as a result from injuries they received during the earthquake. If you’d like to help, you can drop off donations at Richardson’s senior office now through Monday, Feb. 8.

Wine review: Vignerons de Caractere 2007

Jeff Siegel — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:23:33 GMT

The Caractere (about $7, purchased, available at Central Market) is cheap French wine the way I remember it -- interesting and inexpensive, and not tasting in any way like California wine. In fact, if it had a screwcap, the Caractere would be close to perfect.

It's a red blend of syrah and grenache from southern France that doesn't have much fruit (plums, perhaps?), but does have lots of earthiness and enough tannins and finish to make it pleasant to drink. Serve this with any wintery stew or beef dish, or use it to make coq a vin.

Highly recommended and a candidate for the 2011 Hall of Fame (hint, hint to the Texas wine business, which produces some quality syrah and grenache).

Free documentary screening and discussion at UTD

Marlena Chavira Medford — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:45:12 GMT

Wednesday night at 7 UTD will host a free screening of “Crips and Bloods,”a documentary that examines the culture of the infamous Los Angeles street gangs. After the screening, there will be a Q&A session with the audience. No reservations are required for this free event, which will be inside the Jonsson Performance Hall.

Crime alert: Northpark, Galleria

Christina Hughes Babb — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:47:53 GMT

Three incidents of armed robbery have occurred at the Galleria and Northpark malls according to an alert (by way of the Lakewood Neighborhood Association) from Edward Daley, general manager of the Galleria.

Two black males approach a person walking to or from a car parked in the parking garage, show a gun and quietly demand the victim’s wallet — this has been the MO in one case at the Galleria and two cases at Northpark in the past week. In the Galleria case, the victim was parked fairly close to the valet stand, yet the robbery went unnoticed, according to the alert. Mall personnel hope to prevent a trend by increasing public awareness of these sorts of crimes.

City seeks bicycle-planning committee members

Rachel Stone — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:37:13 GMT

The city's new bicycle coordinator is looking for 15 people to make a plan for the city's bicycle traffic. Dallas is updating its 25-year-old bike plan under the guidance of Max Kalhammer, an urban planner the city hired to come up with better bike routes.

He is seeking people to fill 15 seats on the Bicycle Advisory Committee, and they must have the following qualifications:

*Consistent interest in issues related to bicycling as a form of exercise and alternative transportation for people of all ages and abilities.

*Experience as an advisor on strategic planning or transportation planning projects, especially for bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

*Experience on a city sponsored citizen or stakeholder advisory committeee, or other involvement with a city project or initiative.

The last day to apply for the committee is Feb. 15. Application are available here. Email applications to max.kalhammer@dallascityhall.com.

Spring Creek renovation underway

Marlena Chavira Medford — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:33:30 GMT

Spring Creek is in the midst of a renovation, plans that originally included painting over the murals painted by students, a tradition that began there in the 70s. After hearing out many of those former students, principal Candi Judd has decided to not touch the murals. Work crews will, however, paint around the murals.As for the rest of the school, there will be new tile in the hallways, new walls in the hallway, and the main office is being moved to the middle of the school. The renovation has already begun with new concrete floors, which Judd told me she’ll be using to start a new student tradition.

“We are going to have a fun little fundraiser where any current students, parents or alumni can buy a square on the concrete floor, decorate it with permanent markers—something like a little “time capsule.”

The idea of painting over those murals caused quite a stir in the neighborhood — something that surprised me because there wasn’t nearly the same reaction when the murals over at Prestonwood Elementary were painted over a number of years ago. Prestonwood had the same tradition as Spring Creek. I know, because once upon a time, I was in one of those sixth-grade classes that got to paint a mural. All of those murals are now gone, due to renovations over the years. I can’t say that I, or any of my former classmates I keep in touch with, care all that much that they’re gone. But it’s neat though that Spring Creek is keeping its tradition alive, and adding to it now via the floors.

Fish on Fire is closed, 12 Burgers replaced it

Marlena Chavira Medford — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:31:37 GMT

After five and a half years, Fish on Fire off Preston and Belt Line has closed. It's a shame because they had some of the best fish tacos and shrimp cocktails in the neighborhood--a combo that was hard to beat during the summertime on their patio. A new burger joint, 12 Burgers, has taken its place. I'm heading over there this week to see what I can learn about the place, so check back for updates.

Advocate radio: Advocate in the Facebook age

Christina Hughes Babb — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:21:47 GMT

There was a time when the Advocate was just a magazine, but over the past few years we’ve embraced all sorts of new and confusing technology in order to better communicate with you. First, we launched our website and blog, and more recently we’ve been working to create a Facebook and Twitter presence. If you're one of those who hates this stuff, you’re not alone. The Advocate staff is having a little trouble getting used to it too. LISTEN TO THE DISCUSSION HERE.

Oh, and if you’d care to join us in this journey to the strange world of social media, here are the links:

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/AdvocateMagazines

Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/Advocate_FND — Far North Dallas

Productivity Killer: Google mash-up

Marlena Chavira Medford — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:50:51 GMT

If you’ve never checked out Google’s Hot Trends, you’re missing out on some prime time-killing. It’s like peeking into the mind of our nation as a whole, which can be pretty dang intriguing. I mean who knew that so many barbecue fans were out there shopping for Jambo Pits, while others are preparing celebrations for Lady Gaga Day.

Slate.com is posing a challenge to readers: Use these top Google search trends to create a 600 word mash-up (think Mad Libs, but with Google Hot Trends instead of silly nouns and adjectives). You get extra points if you figure out how to put the hottest celebrity couple in the midst of the latest political scandal (I’m thinking that one has Angelina Jolie and John Edwards written all over it). The more Google Hot Trends you include, the better. All entries for Slate’s contest are due by 6 p.m. on Feb.1. Happy searching!

RISD names new superintendent

Carol Toler — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:36:52 GMT

That was fast.

The RISD school board met today at 8:30 am to discuss possible candidates to lead the district as superintendent, and at 8:57 am they announced Dr. Kay Waggoner as the lone finalist for the job. Dr. Waggoner currently serves as superintendent for Grapevine-Colleyville schools. Her bio is available here.

“We are delighted to announce Dr. Waggoner as RISD’s sole finalist,” said Kim Quirk, president of the RISD Board of Trustees. “She is the ideal fit for our district and embodies the leadership profile that stakeholders helped develop. Her experience and skill as a true servant leader will benefit RISD for years to come as we focus on preparing all students for their global future.”

The selection process involved developing a profile of leadership characteristics the district was seeking in a superintendent. The top five traits, according to staff, students, parents and community members involved in the search were: leadership, a student-focus, communications skills, high ethical & moral standards and expertise in curriculum & instruction. Twenty-seven candidates were considered.

“I am honored to be named the finalist for this position,” said Dr. Waggoner. “RISD has a rich history of excellence in programs and services and is recognized throughout the state for student and staff accomplishments. The district’s success is a reflection of dedicated teachers, motivated students, supportive parents, and involved community members. I’m excited about joining the RISD community and working with trustees to implement the Board’s new strategic direction for the benefit of all students.”

Texas law requires a three-week waiting period before officially hiring Dr. Waggoner, so she’ll meet teachers, parents and students during that time.

Restaurant Talk: Mango’s Noodle House

Marlena Chavira Medford — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:07:10 GMT

Some people only enjoy ethnic dining if it’s at a real-deal hole in the wall, where the menu’s aren’t in English. These are people who frequent Cucquita’s, but won’t go near an El Fenix. If you’re one of those people, you’ll be disappointed with Mango’s Noodle House. This trendy Vietnamese eatery looks more like Pier One window display, but if you can get past that, the food is actually quite good.

Pho, a Vietnamese clear broth soup, is the big draw here. During a recent dinner, I went with the Pho Ga, a white meat chicken and noodle soup. I eat this at least twice a month at a few other Vietnamese restaurants over in east Richardson near where I live (most of which do not have English menus, by the way) and this version was one of the best. Other places tend to make the broth too oily, but not here. The spring roll sampler is also worth trying, which lets you create your own combo of pork, beef, chicken or shrimp rolls.

If you’re not a fan of pho, there are several rice dishes, vermicelli bowls, and stir-fry entrees. There’s also a small smoothie bar here, plus several coffee drinks. Most dinners are about $8, and I don’t think I saw anything on the men that was more than $11.