Let’s Party Like We Live in Lubbock!
I would love to write a longer post, but I’m busy getting ready for the grand opening of “Charles’ Dive of Booze, Loose Women, and Legalized Drugs.” Tonight is improv night, so come on by and enjoy the comedic stylings of a bunch of UP mayors, past and present.
Here’s an artist’s rendering of what my street will look like. My place is the one in the middle. Oh, and half-price shooters for anyone dressed as Elvis!
By Charles Geilich
Nov. 3, 2010 | 10:24 am | 105 Comments | Comments RSS
105 comments to "Let's Party Like We Live in Lubbock!"
Reggie
“Reggie Nagel” pulled the same schtick on the vuvuzela post from months back. Had to go back and look, but I definitely remembered it being similar. So, I think it was a joke. Just not a good one.
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Reggie Nagel @ September 7, 2010 at 8:00 pm
The vevuzelas played at the scots game were not only offensive to my African American race, but to every young believer of the teachings of Malcolm X and Dr King worldwide. The instruments should be banned along with the name-calling towards the African American players on the opposite team. My grandfather always told me not to let the ignorance of inferior beings bring me down, but this vevuzela blowing has gotten to the point where lives are being lost and the virtues in which we live by and follow everyday are being destroyed simply because 21st century caucausion males think they have the right to do whatever they feel is morally acceptable in the country that was practically discovered by African Americans. My ancestors did not travel across the oceans in a crammed wooden boat towards this country that should have the decency to respect the thoughts of other races just to be violated and abused like a fly. So, America, think twice before you make a sorry attempt at lowering my peoples’ self esteem. That is all.
Sort of funny. What is really funny, though, is that he got Charles to bite on that thread, too:
Charles @ September 8, 2010 at 9:52 am
Merritt’s right. Mindlessly blowing a horn at all times during a sporting event has nothing to do with rooting for your team.
Scots student is right: he can blow his horn to “speight” the parents (which, in fact, demonstrates that it was never about supporting the team in the first place).
Reggie: I have no idea what you’re talking about.
Merritt haters: on her behalf, thank you, and keep on reading.
Reggie Nagel @ September 9, 2010 at 5:54 pm
Well hpstudent 2, I have all the right to come to any Highland Park High School event I please considering my son attends the school. I will not stand for anyone trying to hold me back from going to the football games and I would appreciate it if you white fellows would stepp of my black ass. I’ll have you know I am a proud sponsor of several African American based corporations and if you would like to email me regarding a problem you have with me, I would be more than happy for you to contact me at either of the two work sites of mine.
ht_p://www.becauseimblack.com/
ht_p://www.blackpanther.org/
The city CANNOT deny the liquor license, that comes from the state/ TABC
The paper was wrong, and knows it!
Clearly I was wrong about how low PCP was willing to sink.
I’m told by people in and out of the news and publishing business that “journalistic ethics” are quickly becoming an oxymoron in our society – an unfortunate return to the bygone over century-old days of highly-partisan publications.
I thought Park Cities People subscribed to a higher standard. Obviously, I was wrong about that, as well.
Pity.
Of course, if Friday’s PCP contains a story about the multiple violations of Texas law by the proponents of the propositions, then that at least demonstrates some sense or attempt at balance.
But, I think I’ll be wrong about that.
“Regrettable.”
I think the paper needs to drop the subject of Lubbock, or plan to see it where they won’t enjoy it. But, I would hope to otherwise not inhibit your choice of subject matter.
Your sense of humor is quite refreshing and enjoyable.
The violations of law are much more serious and numerous than the failure to put disclaimers on signs, also a serious matter and a violation. Whatever the campaign or others do about that is up to them.
I’ve already congratulated the other side, and stated that the ball is in their court to make 100% good on their assurances – which I hope they will do. That’s a very different matter than ignoring the unethical, dishonest, and damaging actions of the paper.
It is also a matter of ethics that the paper used news space in the paper to campaign for one side, slant stories, fabricate stories, and fail to report significant events such as the other side’s multiple and serial legal violation which go back for months.
Again, I would think the paper would want to avoid the subject of Lubbock. It certainly owes Dick Davis an apology on that matter.
Neal, Neither. I don’t belong to one, and haven’t been to the other in a number of years. I’m not drowning in anything, and I doubt the former mayors are anything but philosophical about the vote. They can certainly speak for themselves.
It seems to be the other side that has a problem, if their postings here are any indication.
I don’t hang out at either. I’m not a member of one, and haven’t been to the other one in many years. My family has been involved in the restaurant and food service business for years, so I don’t get my kicks hanging out at places where they serve food.
I’m not drowning in anything, and I doubt the former mayors are.
This is a blog. People are free to state their opinions on it. Since most of the comments here you deem as “disrespectful” towards the mayor(s) came from private citizens and not PCP employees, it is unlikely that you will see an apology for them printed in PCP. I hope that you will be able to move on and direct your energy towards other pursuits.
I know that you feel strongly about your views, but the Props did pass. That certainly won’t be overturned in our lifetime. I know that you don’t want it to come off this way, but you are sounding like sour grapes. Let’s move on. I think most on your side have, but there may be some vindictive people on your side. Your job is to settle down and help settle them down. It’s what is best for the community. Nothing that anybody did on either side of this made a real difference on anything except bringing it to a vote, once done, it was destined to pass.
Get over yourself already. Please.
There are very similar pictures around Texas Tech, in Lubbock, of neon signs on clubs and bars in the city and around the university. The places have grown up in Lubbock because of liberalization of the liquor laws. But, they were a perfect fit to demonstrate what could happen in University Park.
As I understand it, the campaign decided to be sensitive to Lubbock and Tech graduates in U.P., and had the artist find generic club and bar signs in picture.
It wasn’t an outrageous comparison; it was an ideal comparison. Lubbock and U.P. are both relatively small, quiet, and peaceful cities. Both host successful universities. (In the end, I don’t have the impression either comparison would have changed much. But, that sidesteps the point.)
What Dick Davis saw on a layout of the brochure was the Lubbock and Texas Tech photos. He did not know of the decision to use generics, and never saw them before he got the brochure at his house.
Thus endeth the wild, disrespectful, vacant, and incorrect speculation of what happened.
One final note. I’m told Park Cities People knew this before printing and/or distributing the paper.
End of story.
I wouldn’t any more campaign for or vote to reinstate either of these sets of laws, and I think I know very few people who would. We may need a few other laws (alcohol sales near schools) to make sure life as a “wet community” doesn’t pose other problems. But, I wouldn’t turn the wet/dry clock backward for anything.
Some of these folks are normally very nice people, and don’t hesitate to apologize when they are wrong. A couple of them aren’t man enough to apologize under any circumstances. Life’s just that way. People are different.
I congratulated the Pro side for prevailing, and already moved on. The campaign is over. I think discussing the after-game aspects of what will happen now is interesting. But, you don’t have to be a part of that if you wish.
PCP is another matter.
I read all their stuff, and saw nothing misleading. Talking to the TABC, everything they said MIGHT happen certainly could. I’m not sure probabilities are part of what amounts to advertising in liquor elections.
I believe you’re wrong that the Mayor, former mayors, and other civic leaders lost credibility for standing up for what they believe to be best for University Park. That’s how our city became the great place it is.
It’s also far more honorable to use money from a campaign from U.P. citizens than to accept corporate contributions from special interests outside of University Park, and then hide them from the public.
I’ve always believed private citizens could spend their money however they wish. I call it “freedom”.
I put this quote from Instapundit.com on another thread, and with every additional comment it proves more and more true (click the link below for context):
“But [Barney] Frank’s childish behavior provides a good lesson in how to deal with the political class. Mock them, and don’t treat them with the respect they — wrongly — feel is their due. They’re not used to being challenged. Keep it up, and odds are they’ll either quit, or embarrass themselves fatally.”
http://pajamasmedia.com/instapundit/109147
The situation with Barney Frank has not one thing to do with the former mayors or University Park or anything else. Yet, you’re convinced you’re a genius for posting this utter nonsense about a criminal.
You directed a post to me about hanging out at the DCC or Dunstons, and I politely replied I was not a member of one, and haven’t been in the other for many many years. Yet, you call this “taking the bait”.
You must have had a really interesting childhood. People like this are all around us, but you seem to have a really bad case of it.
At Quantico, Virginia, I knew a training supervisor who had your same gift. He could rationalize a nuclear explosion if he accidentally caused he. “Sometimes In Error; Never In Doubt” was a perfect description.
When you grow up, have you considered comedy?
And as for this angry guy, I like to hang out at Mi Cocina. Too bad my wife doesn’t like it as much as I do.
If you’ll post which “last minute” mailer you’re talking about, quote precisely the sentence or phrase you say is a lie (as opposed to opinion, cautionary possibilities, or other advertising-style language constructs), write next to that what the actual truth is and cite why it is a fact that exposes an intentional lie on the part of the campaign, I will see if I can find someone associated with the campaign who will take the time to respond to me with an explanation why that sentence or phrase was used, and why they didn’t believe it to be a lie.
They have no obligations to answer my questions (or your questions), but I’ll take a run at it for you.
As far as apologies go, I have yet to see anyone on either side issue apologies, especially PCP which certainly owes apologies to the Anti side. So, I wouldn’t hold my breath on that part.
Here’s reality with a “wet” community:
Traffic in Snider Plaza will NOT increase (and, you won’t need additional police officers)
Kids will still drink alcohol
a. that mom and dad give them
b. that they steal from mom and dad
c. that they get from SMU fraternity parties and Bill Turner’s Boulevard Bashes
They will NOT buy booze at Tom Thumb, but will go get drunk on Greenville and drive home like the former HP Quarterback a year or two ago.
People “not like us and not from here” will not start hanging out at 7-11, drinking hooch from a paper sack and ogling over our hot middle-aged women who work really hard to compete with the SMU co-eds (which is very much appreciated by this red-blooded Liberalizing Republican.
Life will continue to move on. Buddy will not become a millionaire selling in a Unicard free environment. Max won’t open up a wine section in the back section of his yoga studio. Tom Thumb won’t carry malt duck, mad dog 20/20 or Mickey’s wide mouths.
Hmmmmm. What else? The list could go on and on and on. But, reality is that our community is no better or worse off.
In the infamous words of Rodney King “can’t we all get along?”
I haven’t threatened anyone here, and I wouldn’t even think about it; not just because of the legal side of the matter, but I think it’s both stupid and morally wrong. As well, many of these people are my neighbors and/or people with whom I do business.
You need to get a grip, pal. You’re way off base to suggest I’d make a threat against someone.
Enough said!
In response to his overall messages – life won’t change much and “can’t we all get along?” – you suggested he had his “head up his tailpipe” and “need(s) to get a grip”.
Good to hear there’s been enough said.
These are activities that could bring us all together: red, blue, sober, drunk, whatever.
The rest of it is mostly useless; some of it will be very wrong.
The 7-11 across from SMU will most likely not sell any form of alcohol. Call it a lucky guess.
I, for one, hope Buddy does become a millionaire. One of the reasons for having this election, mostly not discussed in what little debate took place, was that alcohol and licenses will be much cheaper for many who sell it now. That will improve the profits of those who now sell it, and I’m all for their doing well.
One of the interesting aspects of this election is what I would call a “silent consequence”. If you ask some people why they voted For the propositions, you mostly hear getting rid of Unicards and the private club hassles. But, some believe they can control any new places selling alcohol from popping up, and can keep out bars, etc. (We’ll see about that.)
The Unicards aren’t a surprise to anyone. But, the Anti side apparently put people on-notice about some unwanted consequences that “could” happen, and to watch for.
U.P. grocery stores stocking and selling alcohol will have a problem. There’s not enough room in those stores now to stock routine items people want. So, there’s no room for alcohol unless they sell it out of trucks parked in back. There is no way they can make the aisles even smaller; they did that. (It looks like they were merchandised by American Airlines.) They can’t build second floors; zoning won’t permit that. I’m sure they’ll figure it out, but customers will be giving up several items they now have available there.
University Park won’t expand the commercial sector of our city, and nobody wants it to. The war over anybody trying to sell alcohol across from SMU would go nuclear, so that’s probably not going to happen.
We may get some new restaurants; that’s a good thing. But, I think they’ll be on Lovers Lane; not in Snider Plaza.
So, who knows what may happen.
Since the mayor didn’t have anything to do with producing graphics, as I understand, I doubt he could answer. I think if he knew, he’d be more than glad to respond.
You said there were “lies”; and apparently it’s only your opinion that it was “misleading”. Big difference.
I do know (since I asked) that TABC, an academic source, and an actual restaurant owner were used for fact checking. So, if there were any “lies”, somebody gets an unpleasant note.
I’m glad you’re here, as well.
I’ll go out on a limb here and suggest Buddy or Max – or both – run for office. I’m tired of this drivel about our saintly city leaders. The least they could do is man up and admit they might be a little out of touch. Not to memtion, honesty and transpaency do stand for something – even if you’re posting anonymously to a blog
.
But, I’ve got a great idea. Next time you run into Dick Davis, just ask him if he recalls reading and passing on any deliberate lies in a mailer or some other campaign piece. Since the wording was being fact checked, as I found out, I can’t imagine in a million years he thought anything went out that was an intentional lie. But, just ask him.
Hint: The guy has a reputation as a great lawyer. So, I’d be more specific on the claim you’re asking about, and wouldn’t use the word “liar” to him. Just a thought.
I think it would be great if Buddy ran for the Council. I don’t think Max Fuqua could get elected. I doubt both could be elected because of the math – if I correctly remember how U.P. does its council positions.
You can access the mailer on one of Merritt’s earlier posts.
Page 2: “The character of University Park is in danger of being lost forever….” This line is right on top of 5 pictures; one of two guys putting dollar bills on a stripper, one of a car pulled over by cops, one of a large neon sign that says BAR, one of an odometer with the speed numbers replaced by the words buzzed and drunk, and the last of Beale street and the numerous neon signs.
Misleading. There will never be a strip club on Hillcrest or in the park cities for that matter. There will not be neon signs popping up like on Beale street, ever.
Page 3:
“Passage of these bad laws would do nothing to improve our excellent community and WOULD IRREPARABLY HARM University Park FOREVER.” Um…no explanation needed.
“Please join with us in protecting UP and our TEENAGERS by going to the bottom of your Gen. Election ballot and voting NO against these two destructive and harmful changes in our laws.” Ridiculous. Someone else said it earlier, our teenagers that drink would never go buy booze from Tom Thumb or 7-11 or try and sneak drinks from Bandito’s. The kids in our community are not dumb enough to go post up at a Banditos table for tequila shots when their neighbors and parents friends are at the table next to them. Dumb. The underage drinkers will continue to get their booze by stealing from their parents, getting it from their parents, or continue to go over to East Dallas/Fitzhugh/Greenville to get their booze.
“Greatly increase city costs for law enforement and emergency services.” You admitted yourself that they will not need to hire any new officers just because Tom Thumb will sell beer now. Fail.
“Significantly decrease property values.” Show me another community that is similar where this happened, and no, Lubbock is not similar other than it is small and has a college.
“Erode the positive stewardship of UP children, young people and students.” What parents will stop instilling values in their kids because stores are selling beer now? Fail.
Page 4:
Dick Davis repeats in a quote a line from earlier:
“Neither proposition will do anything to make UP better, and WOULD IRREPARABLY HARM our city FOREVER.” I can already feel our city getting worse and there is no going back because this harm is FOREVER. Like I said, amateur scare tactic hour.
Had a little time on my hands so this is just the one mailer. Maybe you can’t see how misleading and ridiculous this is because you are too involved with the Anti side.
@buddy, please be my mayor.
I’m now of the opinion that N.F. is actually a PCP writer in disguise. I find myself coming back here to read the comments solely to see what hairball thing she says next. My current favorite is that Tom Thumb isn’t going to be able to find space to put the alcohol. Um, yeah, I’m sure that Tom Thumb will have no problem determining what items are less profitable than beer and wine and making the change … it’s called capitalism. Very nice traffic boosting strategy, Park Cities People!
Also, a picture of what appears to be a girl standing on a bar or something, is not a lie. If someone added, “This is exactly what University Park will look like in five years” it still wouldn’t be a lie. It might be a bad prediction, but it’s not a lie. A lie would be a picture of Attila The Hun and a statement that said he was coming back from the dead to over-run SMU and turn it into a theme park and restaurant serving ancient versions of beer. (It’s a lie only because it’s impossible.)
“We have the best wings in town” may or may not be a fact. But, it’s an opinion in advertising. A lie would be, “We have the only wings in town made from magic chickens”.
The Beard, I’m not here as a favor to anyone, any more than you are. I represent only my own opinions.
If you don’t like Mayor Davis, or have questions about what he did or not do during the campaign, why not simply ask him. He’s certainly a better source than this newspaper.
I have friends in both camps. I simply believed the propositions passing wouldn’t make U.P. a better place, and could present additional potential harm for our children.
Those with another viewpoint prevailed, I’ve been assured I have nothing to worry about, and the ball is their court. Works fine for me.
@N.F., I threw out the “lie” comment to combat your ridiculous repeated generalizations that the Pro side broke all kinds of laws to just show that anyone can throw out comments randomly. I will agree with you that nothing in there is technically a “lie”. I will stand by the fact that most of the mailer was intentionally misleading and overtly full of generic scare tactic techniques. Your response is devoid of any comment on my uber takedown (that’s right I gave myself props) of your premise that nothing was misleading, but thank you for an extended report on how advertisers and politicians get away with not telling the truth but not fully lying.
The Tom Thumbs have every right to turn half their stores into wine and beer sections if they wish. That’s free enterprise. People like me who need to buy other things will simply vote with out feet and go to the big Tom Thumb across from NorthPark, or Albertson’s on Mockingbird, which has a much better selection to begin with.
The new Tom Thumb at Inwood Road and University will be a great store. I met the new manager the other day, and I think it will be a great asset to our area of town. It will also carry a much larger selection of beer and wine than the old Simon David, or either of the Tom Thumbs in U.P. will ever be able to offer.
@N.F. I don’t think I’m alone in finding your particular way of nattering on completely repugnant. Are you perhaps a student doing a paper on being an internet troll?
Therefore if you show a picture of a girl standing by a bar (as in your example) and say “This is excatly what UP will look like in 5 years”. It is a lie. You are intending to deceive your audience.
Just remember, it’s not all about facts. Your intent has a lot to do with lieing. And we know the intent was to scare people.
All of the Texas law violations I cited about the Pro side were absolutely true and accurate. I looked at the reports filed by both sides with Dallas County, and there’s no question the Pro side violated all kinds of laws. (The Anti side violated none. You wouldn’t know that about both reading Park Cities People. )
I wasn’t aware your uber had been taken down. I hope it’s better.
If those on the Anti side honestly thought what they said was possible, even though it was a worst-case premise, then I don’t think it was misleading. It certainly wasn’t a lie. But, it’s difficult to imagine people like Dick Davis and Roy Coffee intentionally lying about something.
I’m also just discovering some misleading information out of the Pro side. So, I wouldn’t point that finger just yet.
I’m trying to get hold of the pictures of Lubbock that were shot by an amateur photographer to see if there really are neon lights, etc.
It’s up to Max Fuqua to reach out; not me. He doesn’t have to reach out to me; that’s not necessary. I don’t represent anything; he represents the Pro side that won. He represents the merchants, and what happens about alcohol is in their hands. I think the reaching out needs to be done with the Mayor and with the leadership of the community.
For myself, I’ve congratulated those who prevailed, and said I hope they were correct about what would NOT happen.
We’ll see if Max Fuqua is man enough to reach out to Dick Davis, the former mayors, and stand up for the Mayor in the face of unfair and extremely ugly things said about him. I doubt he is, but we’ll see.
On a personal basis, I’m considering becoming more involved with SMU and HPISD on substance abuse matters. But, normally, my time is pretty limited. However, I volunteer a great deal and do what I can.
I just got home from the Preston Center Tom Thumb. I asked where they would put the booze. Two of the clerks laughed, and said there was no room. One said she thought it might replace the ice and the cards at the front.
You’re welcome to your own opinions. But, you don’t know jack about the Tom Thumbs in the Park Cities, or have a totally warped idea of spacial accomodations.
Either they expand the stores, or they will have to remove items currently being sold. It’s a matter of physics!
Are you always this rude to people you don’t know, or did I win the louse lottery?
- female
- married to someone close to the mayor, maybe even someone who wants to be mayor
- lawyer who gave up career for her family
- children older than elementary age
- gregarious with strong opinions
Lubbock, Texas, went wet, and Lubbock and Tech now have all kinds of bars and clubs and sleazy places to deal with. The Anti side, here, didn’t want University Park to go through that same thing. Can you blame them?
I sincerely do not believe there was an attempt to be deceitful. I was serious when I asked another poster to point out any “lies” , and I would see if I could determine why the Anti said what it said.
It’s also no small matter that the Pro side violated several Texas laws, but the Anti side violated none. The Pro side also misrepresented through its paid outside agents, many of them unable to speak reasonable English, what the petitions were all about.
To be honest with you, I wouldn’t turn back the clock to the wet/dry days for anything. But, I have real concerns going forward what the impact will be on under aged drinking, and the proliferation of places in our community serving alcohol.
Great musical, by the way. Surely you don’t take after that character in EVERY way.
If you’re talking about the dogs, spelled a little differently, great watch dogs and the definition of loyalty.
To your credit, you have not accused the pro prop side of telling lies or being deceptive. You instead just call things the pro side did as illegal. But what were those illegalities? They are things like a sign should have contained a warning that it shouldn’t be place on the highway. The pro side was a grass roots campaign done by non professionals–of course their is going to be minor unintentional crap like that.
What’s worse? I believe that most reasonable people would conclude that an intentional attempt to mislead them as to what the probable results of the passage of the props would be is worse. If the anti side gets vindictive you will only be further damaging Mayor Davis regardless of where it comes from. Nobody will work with him if he continues to be viewed with disdain by a significant number of citizens.
It’s time to move on. Hope you guys accept the olive branch which means we can all move on. If you guys decide not to, the bitterness will last for a long time against Davis and Coffee, instead of fading.
The campaign artist, following normal practices, doesn’t release unpublished artwork (such as groupings of photographs for brochures). But, here in one place are the original photographs of bars, clubs, and probably a dive or two in Lubbock and near Texas Tech University that he originally had to use. I’m told they were shot by some innocent, unsuspecting, and uninvolved amateur photog as a favor to someone in the campaign.
As soon as I get his permission, I’ll post the URL.
N.F., I must’ve be driving blind…and, on my cell phone..when I’ve been in Lubbock a couple of times this year and I don’t recall seeing all the neon, glamour and glitz. That’s not to say it’s not there, but like many campuses, it has restaurants and other retail establishments across the street.
BTW, Sharpay, I think N.F.’s profile may also include being one of the many Longhorn “faithful” in the PC that is so disgruntled right now, they’re turning to other modes of entertainment since Mack’s boys are playing worse than the Aggies (used to be the Bears).
On the mailers, everybody has an opinion, and I respect most of those opinions. I stop short when people who are normally of good will and nice folks start accusing other good people of being evil, deceitful, etc. That’s generally not the case, and I try to stand up for people wrongfully accused – especially when I know better.
When (and if) you see the picture of Lubbock, I think you’ll find that their fears of what MIGHT happen are not far-fetched. All kinds of clubs, lounges, and “dives” has popped up out there since alcohol became so popular.
The laws broken by the Pro side go far beyond sign disclaimers. I detailed the ones I knew about and/or found on my own somewhere on this site. But, they include hiding the source of money, concealing expenditures, raising and spending money without filing a treasrurer first, not filing a PAC when required, expenditures that some would find questionable, failing to file statutory reports, etc.
You also did not run a “grassroots campaign”. Taking thousands of dollars from outside corporate special interests is NOT a grassroots campaign. Your side did send out a flyer that distorted the American flag on one side, and pimped it out pushing alcohol on the other. That’s no less advertising than what the Anti side did (except the Anti side wouldn’t deface an American flag). (Most of us think of grassroots as being very different than what was done. But, I’ll leave that up to the experts.)
Frankly, the Pro side didn’t need much of a campaign. I think people were so glad to get rid of the wet/dry areas that the election was decided well before it was even called.
If I opened a restaurant, I would be expected to follow the law and not serve food and drink until I had all of my permits and had followed local, county, and state laws that applied to my business. Operating a PAC is no different.
I haven’t seen any olive branches, and I don’t need any. They need to be extended to people like Roy Coffee and Dick Davis (and a few others). I’m also not angry at any merchants for trying to increase their profits. That’s the very point of business; profit maximization. I WANT you to be a millionaire (and to pay many CPAs trying to keep it!). Creates jobs.
Dick Davis was told by the campaign the pictures would be of Lubbock and near Texas Tech, and for reasons already discussed. The pictures were shot and made available to the campaign, and the Mayor was apparently aware the artist was working on them. The first composite photo matched with the copy was exclusively of Lubbock.
Dick Davis was, I’m told, not told the pictures would be swapped for generic pictures available on the Web to show sensitivity to Raider fans in U.P. Not knowing the pictures had been swamped, and likely not an expert on Memphis (or other drinking spots), Mayor Davis repeated was he was understood the case to be.
Then Merritt Patterson got into the act, and things went further to the gates of Hell of wrongly accusing Davis of being some kind of moron or liar – both untrue.
I’ve seen the pictures, and I’ve asked permission from the photographer to make the URL available. There before God and Man are the pictures, and the date stamp Oct. 13, 2010.
I don’t expect anybody to do anything. I especially don’t expect the paper to do anything, as sad as that is. (When you can’t trust a paper to be honest, fair, and balanced, it becomes the first step in caring less what it prints and claims to be news and whether it survives or not.)
Anyway, I’m waiting to hear from the photographer to get permission to release the URL.
Frank Sinatra–Young at Heart
Which is what you get when you’re appointed to be Mayor by some archaic political machine called a community leagues (sounds like something on Saturday morning cartoons).
Yes, he’s accomplished, sincere and kind. Yes, he’s been involved and active with the community and the city council and other committees selflessly volunteering of his time. Yes, experience usually trumps inexperience.
But, the last time I checked, we’re in a democracy and I’d be thrilled to see an election where the community league candidates and the likes of Steve Cook, Steve Metzger (candidates earlier this year), Max Fuqua, Buddy and others were judged on ideas, experience, merit, etc.
It seems the City’s “Arbor” placed extra weight on the fact that someone has lived here for “67 years” versus “less than 10.” What does that really matter? Come on. Just ’cause you grew up here, went to SMU and are third generation doesn’t carry much weight versus others who have lived here for five years and want to see their community continue to be a desireable place to live and raise a family. I think it would even be more fun with an occasional tree house in the front yard, or God forbid a basketball goal within sight. The elder statesmen continue to rob a potentially wonderful environment of children having fun in front yards in the name of “property values.”
Gone are the days of the community league, political machines and deception. The next election will see a Mayor, yes a Mayor, chosen by the populus and not by the community league. And, he or she will be under 45.
Wow, I feel like I veered far off tangent….until I realized that Mayor Davis is out of touch with the masses. Remember, our AVERAGE AGE in UP is YOUNGER than Southlake.
Let the moms and dads of school-aged children involve themselves – even though we’re busy as can be with life – and not let the slated candidates dictate our future. Lest, we become them in 30-40 years and the cycle continues.
BTW, N.F. I do love your spirit. You’re like a pit bull on a lamb chop.
None of that changes the fact that Dick Davis didn’t lie to anyone where the subject of the Lubbock pictures are concerned, and I’ll decide for myself when to enter or leave any discussion.
University Park and Highland Park have rather unique election processes, and are both Council-Manager cities. So, the city council acts more like a Board of Directors, with the operational authority vested in the City Manager.
It’s certainly possible that individuals not endorsed by the Community League could be elected. But, I think it would be very difficult to pull off. For the most part, the citizens of U.P. like the way their government runs, and U.P. IS one of the best places to live in the country.
As long as property values are stable and stay up, as long as public service response is virtually instantaneous, as long as garbage collection and brush collection are efficient and timely, and as long as taxes are reasonable, the population stays pretty satisfied and happy.
According to something I just read a few days ago, the commercial sector of the city is less than 5% in land, and I would think even a smaller percentage of U.P. citizens own commercial property or operate businesses and live here.
I don’t know about a mayor under 45. I suppose that’s possible. Around here, that’s pretty young in terms of mayors. But, it would also be really expensive.
http://www.upcommunityleague.org/
Also, do the mayors know you’re on here “defending” their reputations? Because you’re doing a terrible job. You claim to be close to the mayor (my hypothesis is that you live in his house), but don’t you realize that with every additional post, you’re making him look like he associates with whackjobs and cranks? You’re killing his reputation. Seriously, I haven’t seen this much verbiage from one commenter on a D Empire blog since Sandra Crenshaw went off her meds.
If the mayors have been so grievously wronged, why have they sent out a flailing crank to defend them instead of defending themselves? Anyone can comment here as long as they follow PCP’s rules, including Davis and the former mayors. If they want to defend themselves from comments made here, they should come here and do it. (Whether people that old can successfully operate a computer is entirely another question.)
http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/NFL-AWFOTOLL-C/LubbockBarPix10_13SrnShot2.jpg
The photographer is still thinking over whether to release all of the photographs, publicly, which would include releasing his name. But, these do the job.
Enough said!
http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/NFL-AWFOTOLL-C/LubbockBarPixScnShot5.jpg
Case Closed!
It is already known that PCP knowingly printed on its front page as news a story beyond totally false, malicious, and incorrect against the Anti side of the campaign. That’s already been discussed and proved. But, this fax also demonstrates other information generated or written in the paper or on the Web by the PCP and/or Merritt Patterson was known to be false and misleading and demonstrably untrue.
It is up to Dick Davis whether he wants to accept a cheesy Page Eight weak excuse for an apology disguised as an explanatory retraction. But, intelligent readers of the paper will not buy that for a minute should they ever find it where it was hidden.
In my view, PCP has previously enjoyed a good reputation in the Park Cities community. Thanks to Reid Slaughter’s genius, and Wick Allison’s excellent instincts and enterprise, we are most fortunate to have two local newspapers in a day when good print journalism is a victim of the economy and the Internet. Sacrificing that reputation to suck up advertising from U.P. merchants, which appears to be what is happening, and at the expense of both the truth and fairly balanced reporting, is beyond sad and “regrettable”. Trust me on that!
Here’s the URL of the fax:
http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/NFL-AWFOTOLL-C/DavisFaxToMerrittP10_27_10_01.jpg
http://s1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa419/NFL-AWFOTOLL-C/?action=view¤t=DavisFaxToMerrittP10_27_10_01.jpg
Nobody sent me here to do anything. I have less been defending Dick Davis than I have been critizing PCP for its outrageously unprofessional journalistic conduct, and getting the record straight about why they were wrong about Davis. (That just scratches the surface.)
You also have a reading comprehension problem. I haven’t claimed to be close to Dick Davis. But, I guess it’s necessary for you to make stuff up when you need new material.
Max Fuqua has not been silent since the campaign. He’s just been posting under his other posting personalities. But, I’ll bet you knew that.
I can’t imagine why Dick Davis or any of the mayors would want to comment here. But, your stupid and rude comment about their age leads me to wonder about yours, as well as other things.
I guess I should be grateful that there’s somebody here that takes the time to critique posts by others, knows who is and isn’t posting and when, and keeps up with where everybody hangs out.
Do you have a special Hall Monitor chair, and one of those white belts hanging from your shoulder, and a pith helmet and stuff?
You really are a funny guy. So, I don’t want to give you a hard time. It’s just that I get this mental image of Inspector Clouseau in a crossing guard uniform when I think about your monitoring who posts when and how much.
Don’t forget to set your clocks back so you won’t get off schedule on your pills.
A more plausible result would be that Snyder Plaza might look a lot more like HP Village. That’s assuming that our protectors (the Community League) let Chase be redeveloped.
BTW, thanks for the URL to the community league. I happen to know it quite well.
Nancy Drew was a favorite childhood book series and current favorite of my younger daughter. I still admire how cool-headed, logical and polite Nancy Drew is. She would analyze issues, was not detoured by misleading information and avoid jumping to conclusions, much like many in our voting community.
I agree with Coty, you are tenacious. And you’re certainly loyal.
We have a symbiotic relationship with SMU. In this discussion, what is particularly important is that U.P. remain a place where parents feel their children are safe. (Most of the students are more interested in Greenville Ave. Go figure.)
But, they generate a large amount of business and sales in U.P., and our community is extremely supportive of the school. That includes doing what we can to keep students safe at the school and in the neighborhood.
As nice as it might be, I don’t imagine Snider Plaza will ever look anything like H.P. Village. For Snider Plaza to go that far up-scale in appearance or products and services, the rents would have to be much higher, and the costs of renovations would be a fortune. The parking is horrible much of the day and early evening, and the economy isn’t good for those kinds of changes now, or quite some time into the future.
I’m all for anything that can be done to resolve the Chase Bank building mess.
With the signs and neon blown up, and aggregated into a montage in some fashion, they could probably look not dissimilar to the pictures that were used, assuming much much higher resolution. But, at least they clear Dick Davis of the inference he was lying or some kind of mental midget for thinking Memphis at night and Lubbock by day look similar.
(Actually, Lubbock at night is more like Memphis than University Park; just smaller. They do have some pretty undesirable bars in the place and around the school.)
I’ve never received a fax (or e-mail) from Dick Davis.
And why do you have access to the mayor’s files?
Might I assume not receiving it means you also knew nothing at all about it?
If that’s the case, I’ll take you at your word. But, I’m surprised someone can send a fax and email from the Mayor of University Park to the paper and they simply vanish into thin air. (I haven’t seen it, but I’m told the fax verification receipt shows it was sent and delivered.)
I appreciate your letting me know.
Now why can’t you get this?
Oct 24, 11:35am: I sent the Mayor an email criticizing the use of the pictures in the email.
Oct 25, 10:20am: The Mayor sent an email back to me claiming that pictures were Lubbock.
Oct 25, 3:03pm: I sent an email back to the Mayor providing him evidence that they were not Lubbock, and further, proving that it was Beale Street in Memphis.
Oct 27, morning (according to his letter): He continues to insist to Merritt that the pics are Lubbock.
Oct 27, after she spoke to the Mayor: Merritt starts the blog.
You can continue to write your nonsense all you want and point all the fingers you want at other people–BUT, THAT WAS THE CHRONOLOGY AND IT IS NOT SUBJECT TO INTERPRETATION.
Why the Mayor denied it, I have no earthly idea. But nothing that you or the Mayor have written has even touched on that. Frankly, the letter that the Mayor wrote after that makes him look worse on this point. You have absolutely no footing to criticize Merritt on this.
Now I would like to stop speaking on this subject, but I do feel the need to correct you on this point, because the chronology is a fact–not my view, your view or Merritt’s view.
Give it a rest forever and let’s move on.
The first letters of your name, “Sharp”, certainly accurately portray you. I thought you were an FBI profiler or something (in a good way).
Great dogs; tenacious, protective, loyal, long on personality.
If Merritt never saw the fax or email, and knew nothing about them, then I take her at her word, and it could have been nothing more than a communication misfire.
Actually, believe it or not, I’m glad that possibly is the case in this particular instance.
I still can’t figure out why you told Dick Davis the pictures were not of Lubbock, and he continued to think they were. But, since he was originally told by the campaign they would be of Lubbock, I can understand his believing that.
These photos that you posted are don’t reveal much other than to confirm that the Memphis photo from Dick’s mailer looks nothing like Lubbock and absolutely nothing like University Park could ever look. I do note that one of the “dives” that the photos suggest have infiltrated Lubbock is a joint called Bar PM. A quick check of public TABC records notes that Bar PM has had its TABC license since March 2006. The Lubbock Wet-Dry election was in 2009. So I ask again, why does the Wet-Dry election in University Park have anything to do with a bar that existed in Lubbock before it went wet?
Also, you’re so scared of neon. I’m not a lawyer, but aren’t neon signs something that has and will be fully subject to city zoning laws?
http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/PublicInquiry/Status.aspx
License #: MB623138
Trade Name: SPORTS GRILL AND BAR PM
Owner: J.PAT’S IRISH PUB & GRILL INC.
Location Address: 1211 UNIVERSITY, LUBBOCK , TX 794012991
Mailing Address: 1211 UNIVERSITY LUBBOCK , TX 794012991
County: LUBBOCK
Orig. Issue Date: 3/24/2006
Status: Current
Exp. Date: 3/23/2011
Wine Percent:
Location Phone No.: 8067472720
Subordinates: LB
Related To:
Soooooooo, with a good artist at work, they would look very similar. The problem was that the campaign changed it mind about using Tech and Lubbock to make the point, and the artist didn’t like the resolution on the pictures.
I am without explanation about your phone call to the Mayor. I don’t believe it’s entirely reasonable to expect him to know the difference between Memphis bar signs and Lubbock bar signs, and I don’t think he would intentionally lie. I also don’t believe for a minute that you’d intentionally lie. So, I guess this one remains a mystery.
But, you can talk to almost any Texas university, and they’ll tell you substance abuse is one of their biggest problems. We just can’t pretend it’s no big deal.
On the topic of neon; don’t get me started!!! I have friends who believe neon signs are of the Devil, and others who don’t mind them as far as they are “tasteful” – whatever that is.
I don’t so much mind the signs as what goes on inside. But, you bring up an extremely good point. While I’m not afraid of neon signs, I don’t want them lighting Hillcrest or Snider Plaza or Lovers Lane at night. But, when you’re from out of town and don’t already know what buildings house which places to eat and drink, neon signs can certainly be your friend.
Drive through New England some time, and go through the towns with the sign ordinances that say no neon, nothing but white lights, no logos (only letters), and nothing over 30″ tall at the eve of the roof line. You can’t find a thing from the highway unless you’ve lived there since 1776!
When it comes to signage, I probably lean too much toward the merchants and restaurants. If you think getting rid of private clubs in restaurants was a little challenging, you should suggest chains be allowed to put their logos in their trademark colors on tastefully-sized signs in some cities.
That said, you can find a lot of city planners who will swear that commercial areas of a town can either support or detract from the overall ambiance of neighborhoods they serve – ala Highland Park Shopping Village.
This is the very concern that SMU and many in University Park share. So, while I certainly wasn’t involved in looking at Lubbock as an example, it does make the point – which remains the only reason the pictures I posted are important.
Don’t get off in the tall weeds comparing the composite picture in the brochure with what was shot by an amateur photographer. I expect the final product would have been not too dissimilar in tone.
I’m not your best witness on this, but I’d say the neon signs in the pictures are more symbolic than statements of the evils of neon signs.
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