KTW 12-06-19

Online at katytrailweekly.com

Dec. 6 - 12, 2019

Downtown • Uptown • Turtle Creek • Oak Lawn • Arts, Design and Medical Districts • Park Cities • Preston Hollow

Take one!

CRIME WATCH page 2

MOVIE TRAILER page 8

Candys Dirt page 6

Katy Trail Weekly

Vol. 6, No. 42: Section One | Neighborhood News | Community Calendar and Food Guide | Local Arts | Opinions

COMMUNITY NEWS Book store reopens after tornado

HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

Winnetka Heights unlocks classic houses kyle hall

Interabang Books, an independent bookstore with a hand-picked selection of books and gifts for adults and kids that originally opened in July 2017 at the southeast corner of Preston Road and Royal Lane, has reopened at 5600 Lovers Lane, #142, at The Pavilion on Lovers Lane.

The original store, owned by Nancy Perot, was devastated by the Oct. 20 tornadoes that hit North Dallas. The local favorite is now open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through December. – David Mullen

Big doings at Sammons Center

WINNETKA HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

211 N. Rosemont Ave. will be featured in this year's Winnetka Heights Holiday Home Tour.

By Margie Viss hometour@winnetkaheights.org Oak Cliff opens up its homes during the 33rd annual Winnetka Heights Holiday Home Tour on Saturday, Dec. 7 from noon to 6 p.m.

The tour begins at the Turner House at 401 N. Rosemont Ave. In 1981, the City of Dallas recognized Winnetka Heights as the city’s sixth historic district. The neighborhood was the first such area in Oak Cliff to be designated. Two years later, the National Register of Historic Places also recognized the district, citing its significant contribution to the city’s architecture.

The Winnetka Heights Home Tour is an important event for the

entire North Oak Cliff community, as it showcases beautifully how the old and the new cannot only coexist, but can in fact thrive. As the neighborhoods juggle both the growing pains and benefits of development, the tour showcases that it’s the people who live in our historic neighborhoods that truly make them what they are today.

Projects of the Winnetka Heights Neighborhood Association have included park and street beautification, installation of historic street lamps, code enforcement and Christmas Candlelight home tours.

The association is dedicated to the preservation of this area as an enduring symbol of early 20th century life, while ensuring Winnetka

Heights remains the most vibrant historic district in the city.

In addition to the Turner House, the tour includes homes at 211 N. Rosemont Ave., 122 N. Clinton Ave., 124 N. Winnetka Ave., 310 S. Winnetka Ave., 314 N. Montclair Ave. and 401 N. Winnetka Ave. This year’s tour includes a silent auction featuring items from local artists, Winnetka Heights neighbors and businesses. Bidding will take place at Turner House and there is no entrance fee to just bid.

Advance tickets are $18 and available at winnetkaheights.org.

Tickets will be priced slightly higher on the day of the event. VIP tickets with access to a seventh house on tour are $35.

DOWNTOWN DALLAS

The Sammons Center for the Arts at 3630 Harry Hines Blvd. spreads holiday cheer with “Making Spirits Bright” on Friday, Dec. 13 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

There will be a concert of wintertime favorites performed by Linda and THE SAMMONS CENTER Larry Petty and other local talent, a festive sing-along, raffle, seasonal food and drinks and a donation drop-off of dry cat food and toys for small dogs.

Tickets are $25, $5 for youth 13 through 18 and free for children under 12. – Deborah Marine

Teen actors present ‘Little Women’ The Teen Scene Players from the Dallas Children’s Theater Academy present "Little Women: The Musical," based on the 1868 novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and directed by actor, dallas children's theater singer, dancer and teacher K. Doug Miller. This production runs at the Rosewood Center for Family Arts at 5938 Skillman St. from Saturday, Dec. 7 through Sunday, Dec. 22. Performances are Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. and tickets are $16. – Joanna Coogan

Linking downtown to Deep Ellum still up in the air

By Bill Zeeble keranews.com The future of a major Dallas interstate is up for discussion.

The state is currently seeking public opinion on the future of Interstate Highway 345, the overhead freeway bridge in Deep Ellum. The interstate connects to major highways, including east- and westbound I-30 and north- and southbound I-35, U.S. 75 and I-45.

The Department of Transportation is taking public comments on how these major highways running through and around

Cooper Neil / The Texas Tribune

I-345 in Dallas, Texas on Jan. 28, 2017. downtown Dallas should change, if at all.

It’s called the I-345

3401 LEE PARKWAY #1008 TURTLE CREEK | $444,000 1 BED / 1.1 BATH / 1,170 SQ FT.

Feasibility Study. Some local activists and developers want the overhead

concrete I-345 dismantled so street-level boulevards can run through a thriving community. One imagined result might include apartments, homes, parks and small businesses — all walkable — where now there are simply roadways. Advocates also say the highways segregate north and south.

On the other hand, taking down I-345 might mean losing well-travelled roads that help residents living north and south of downtown efficiently reach their jobs.

The study and subsequent recommendation is expected to take approximately two years.

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Live it UP in the MAYFAIR SUE KRIDER

214.673.6933 sue@suekrider.com

suekrider.com

INSIDE Notes from the Editor Bubba Flint The Good Word Opinion History on the Trail Environment Historically Speaking Crossword Puzzle Your Stars This Week Health Tips Community Calendar Photo of the Week Charity Spotlight Hammer and Nails Room to Grow

@katytrailweekly

7 8 9 10 11

Automobility Mull It Over

Movie Trailer Uncle Barkey's Bites Travel

Dotty Griffith Recipe Uptown Girl Restaurant Guide Sudoku

Scene Around Town

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KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM

PAGE 2

Dec. 6 - 12, 2019

NOTES FROM THE EDITOR

Take two tablets and call me in the morning

By David Mullen

something like that. Or, maybe not … I figured my friend would get a returned email rescheduling the If I walk into a Walmart and doctor’s response for two weeks or a group of people are dancing at least receive an online version of uncontrollably over holiday savHighlights magazine while he was ings, I am calling 911 … Christian waiting for an answer … Do doctors radio station KLYT 94.9 is playing have medical insurance? … I took a Christmas music 24/7, but problast minute trip to Panama over the ably not “You Ain’t Getting’ S*#t newspaper’s Thanksgiving hiatus. I For Christmas” by Red Peters … found a good online deal and decidDuring Thanksgiving, I spoke to a ed to go to a place that I have always close friend of mine who had been wanted to visit. My initial reactions battling cancer were that Panama City but is in great is extremely clean, very shape today. progressive architecturHe and his ally with a mix of huge wife are retired skyscrapers and refurand split time bished old structures, between Lake and the food is outGeneva, Wis. standing. The Panama and the Florida Canal is an engineering coast. He had marvel. The Multi-Plaza just written is a shopping center an email to David Mullen that rivals NorthPark his doctor Center or the Galleria. thanking him for all he has done.

And I didn’t see a single person Shockingly, the doctor wrote back smoke. In fact, I never saw a pack of in 10 minutes with kind words. cigarettes for sale. And despite my “Could you read it?” I asked jok“What could happen next?” state of ingly. Then my mental light bulb mind whenever I travel these days, went on. Maybe I should start a the TSA inspectors were friendly, penmanship tutorial program just passing through customs was a for physicians and call it “Commas breeze and the American Airlines and Colons” or “The Bed Pen” or employees were exactly what I have david@katytrailweekly.com

become accustomed to. If they had been helpful or nice, it would have thrown off my trip completely. But it was not without incident. I had made arrangements with the world’s largest telecommunications company based in Dallas and bought a package for international calling and data during my trip. I spoke to customer service for 30 minutes prior to my trip and everything was in place. Or so I thought. On my second full day, I got a “courtesy” text stating that I had exceeded $100 in data charges. Unreal! Off went the phone for the remainder of the trip. Upon my return, I called and explained the situation and they claimed that an order was never placed. The customer is always wrong. We reached a compromise (I think). But again, I must ask, why do customer service representatives constantly lie? … The online app Hopper tracked last minute specials for the December holiday and chose the following domestic and international cities where bargains are aplenty. Domestically, some are actually typically warm weather climates like Las Vegas, Phoenix, Florida (Fort Meyers, Miami and Sarasota) and California (Los Angeles and Ontario). San Francisco is also on the list but one can’t trust

The Good Word

Reason for the season

By the Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata

with generosity and gratitude, to others.

The tradition of giving gifts did not arise out of wealth, but out of poverty.

Whenever the calendar turns to Although there are many versions of the December, I get this rush of adrenaline. story, St. Nicholas is said to have been a man Christmas is a big deal to me. I love the with a generous spirit. He recognized the lights, the parties, the music and even all needs of children and families around him, the kitschy stuff. I think it’s all delightful. and so began to secretly give gifts to help However, if we’re not careful, the holiday meet those needs. St. Nicholas gave gifts betrappings can be a distraction from what I cause he could, and he felt compelled to be believe is the most important part of this generous because he was confident of God’s holiday season: the chance to love for him. Throughout time, prepare. the tradition of gift-giving has In my church, we celebrate evolved away from this simple the season of Advent. The season idea of meeting needs of those of Advent is a little more than most vulnerable in our commufour weeks before Christmas nities, but perhaps we can bring Day. This season invites us to that back. prepare for Christmas with a This year, before we get meaningful amount of intentionswept up in the rush of the ality. Rather than allowing ourChristmas season, I invite you to Rev. Dr. Girata take time to consider how much selves to slip into the commercial rush of gift buying, we are you have, how much your family invited to slowly and thoughtfully consider has and how grateful we can be. Now, how what many have termed “the reason for the easy would it be to show your gratitude in season.” Ask most of the little children in my meaningful ways to those in your commuchurch what happens on Christmas and I nity who are most vulnerable? Could you expect (or hope!) the answer will be that it’s make a donation of toys, socks or food to Jesus’s birthday. That would mean that the agencies near your home or office? Could reason for the season must be Jesus. But I’m you take your children to a place where they not quite sure that’s right. could spend time with people who seem For generations, the focus of this season different than them, but are perhaps more has been on the birth of Jesus at Christmas. similar than we like to admit? Could we, There’s nothing wrong with that, but I becollectively, turn this season from one of lieve people have actually missed the point. focusing on what we might get, to a season You see, Christmas is a wonderful celebraof focusing on what we can give? tion of a special birth, but the reason for the As Christmas nears, may you not only birth, in fact “the reason for the season,” is be blessed, but may you be aware of your really you and me. The goodness that we are blessings. And may that increased awaredrawn to, the hopefulness that came down ness and gratitude compel you to make a at Christmas is really all about us. small change in your own traditions. When Do not be mistaken, this article is not we do small things with big love, we change about self-centeredness. Instead, this artithe world. cle is really a reminder that we have a big The Rev. Dr. Chris Girata was called to purpose on this earth. Our lives are not be the eighth Rector of Saint Michael and just about getting ahead, succeeding at our All Angels in Dallas and started his minisjobs or winning. The purpose of our lives is try at Saint Michael on Aug. 15, 2016. Chris much, much bigger. We have been put here is a native of Florida, a classically trained for a reason, and each year, we get a remind- musician and an amateur cook. He and his er that that reason is to give of ourselves, wife, Nicole, have three children.

Rector, Saint Michael and All Angels

K AT Y TR AIL WEEKLY'S

CRIME WATCH Nov. 28 – 1:24 a.m.

2800 Block, Fairmount St. (75201) Robbery of an Individual: An unknown suspect punched the complainant and stole property.

Nov. 28 – 1:46 a.m.

5600 Block, Dyer St. (75206) Aggravated Assault w/a Deadly Weapon: The unknown suspects hit the complainant with a baseball bat and a vehicle.

Nov. 28 – 7:49 a.m.

2700 Block, McKinney Ave. (75204) Assault: The unknown suspects assaulted the complainant.

Nov. 28 – 8:34 p.m.

2900 Block, Blackburn St. (75204)

Burglary of a Motor Vehicle: An unknown suspect entered the complainant’s vehicle and stole property.

Nov. 29 – 10:11 a.m.

2600 Block, Throckmorton St. (75219) Criminal Mischief: An unknown suspect intentionally broke the complainant’s vehicle window.

Nov. 29 – 12:47 p.m.

3100 Block, Knox St. (75205) Criminal Mischief: The suspect damaged lock in an attempt to force entry into the store.

Nov. 30 – 11:47 a.m.

2800 Block, Elm St. (75226) Assault: An unknown suspect slammed the complainant on the ground.

Nov. 30 – 12:11 p.m.

3600 Block, Cedar Springs Rd. (75219) Theft of Property: An unknown suspect stole the complainant’s fur coat.

Nov. 30 – 3:18 p.m.

4400 Block, Taos Rd. (75209) Theft of Property: An unknown suspect stole packages from the complainant’s porch.

Dec. 1 – 8:11 a.m.

700 Block, Commerce St. (75202) Burglary of a Building: An unknown suspect broke into the business and stole property.

Dec. 1 – 2:49 p.m.

5000 Block, Amesbury Dr. (75206) Burglary of a Motor Vehicle: An unknown suspect entered the complainant’s vehicle and stole property.

Dec. 1 – 9:58 p.m.

2700 Block, McKinney Ave. (75204) Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle: An unknown suspect stole the complainant’s vehicle.

William "Bubba" Flint — Special Contributor

the weather in December. Ontario is a nice option because it is one hour from Palm Springs. Phoenix is offering great deals, which would provide a Southwestern holiday experience. Number one on the list is Chicago, where the business travelers are home and savings on airfare and hotels will be reduced by nearly 50 percent. If it were up to me, I think I would take Phoenix and stay in Scottsdale. It is a short flight and there is plenty to do.

Chicago would also be tempting, but the weather could be colder than a Christmas stocking full of coal.

Internationally, São Paulo, Brazil is number one, but it just doesn’t seem all that appealing. Havana is

dirt cheap. It might be a great time to go, now that we can. Three of my favorite cities are listed: Dublin (too soft), Mexico City (too hard) and Amsterdam (just right). I spent a Christmas in Amsterdam one year and it was spectacular. I went to my favorite café (great crepes) early on Christmas morning and walked into a huge party of locals at 8 a.m.

By noon, I think I could have led Santa’s sleigh, if you know what I mean. They love Americans and the people are so happy. Maybe it is all of the greenery available on virtually every corner, not just at Christmastime … RIP Tom Hansen, a great ad man and a longtime friend of mine.

OPINION

Hold your holiday shopping horses

By Joe Ruzicka joe.c.ruzicka@gmail.com Are you a generous holiday shopper who cringes when opening the credit card bill statement in the middle of January? Is one-click shopping your nemesis? Did you buy presents last year for Aunt Matilda (and many others), only to find out that she does not remember what you got her or that she just resold it on eBay? Did the thousands of dollars you spent instead turn into pure anxiety when you were trying to figure out how to pay for it all?

If this rings true, consider yourself a holiday shopping thoroughbred. But you don’t have to win the shopping derby. Instead your goal should be to get through the holidays with your sanity and bank account intact, which takes planning, some patience and discipline.

First things first. Only give presents to those who you truly cherish and value. Make a list of who those people are and stick to it. Put a value of how much you want to spend next to each person on that list. This is not being stingy, but instead being practical. Let’s face it, most people do not remember what you gave them from one year to the next. And those that value you on the same level are probably not expecting anything extravagant. Therefore, keep your present giving circle small, practical and efficient. Everyone else can just get a card.

Don’t get suckered. “Door buster” deals are there for a reason, to draw you in to the rest of the regular items which may or may not be of good value. The goal of these retailers is to entice you into buying something more than just those limited quantities, so they create a sense of urgency as well. Stick to what you

know is truly a good deal. All other purchases should be researched or at least not bought on impulse.

Which leads me to my next tip: avoid the easy shopping spree. Particularly online.

Amazon has perfected how to capture the shopping impulse with their “one-click” buy button. According to a report in Digiday, an online publication covering digital media, the average online shopping cart abandonment rate is about 70 percent. But with Amazon where you avoid the shopping cart all together, it is way too easy to one-click everything that pops up on your screen. That 70 percent abandonment rate instead turns into seven different boxes arriving on your doorstep, many you could easily do without. And that is just a normal day in July. Do yourself a favor and turn off the one-click button at least through the first of the year.

Finally, stay on top of your spending, set a budget and save up for anything that might put you into significant debt. These are all dayto-day activities that we would normally do year round. It just happens that people tend to break their habits during the holiday season.

Check your accounts regularly to see where you are against your budget. There should be no surprises when that first credit card bill shows up. And work hard to not overindulge.

Sounds like advice for your holiday diet as well.

If you can do all of these things, your January will be much more palatable and you can mark yourself safe on Facebook from another holiday shopping season.

Joe Ruzicka is a retired Naval Aviator and F-14 Tomcat RIO. He lives in Lakewood and yearns for the days of Nolan Ryan fastballs.

OUR MISSION Katy Trail Weekly is a community-friendly newspaper designed to inform and entertain the people in many diverse demographics who live and/or work in these neighborhoods. Much like the Katy Trail itself, Katy Trail Weekly is designed to help bring together the neighborhoods of Downtown, Uptown, Cedar Springs/Oak Lawn, the Design District, the Medical District and the Park Cities, as well as others. The newspaper is placed in local businesses, and other locations, for free pick-up by their patrons. We support this publication by providing ad space to local businesses who want an effective and affordable way to reach the Katy Trail area readers we attract and serve. We welcome participation in the paper through story and picture submissions, and we hope that you will join us in making this paper the best it can be.

Writers Dr. Jay Burns (cont'd.) Chic DiCiccio Candace Evans Leah Frazier Society Editor Sally Blanton Rev. Dr. Chris Girata Graphic Design Bronwen Roberts Ryann Gordon

Advertising Sales Susie Denardo Dotty Griffith Accounts Mgr. Cindi Cox Becky Bridges Dr. Donald Hohman Online Editors Bronwen Roberts Distribution Paul Omar Redic Jo Ann Holt BethLeermakers Naïma Jeannette Brandt Carroll Naima Montacer Chris Maroni Leigh Richardson Juan Najera Copy Editors Michael Tate Joe Ruzicka Jessica Voss Stephan Sardone Writers Ed Bark Shari Stern David Boldt Publisher

Rex Cumming

Editor in Chief

David Mullen

Editorial William"Bubba" Cartoonist Flint

© 2018 Trail Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Katy Trail Weekly is published weekly and distributed for free. Views expressed in Katy Trail Weekly are not necessarily the opinion of Katy Trail Weekly, its staff or advertisers. Katy Trail Weekly does not knowingly accept false or misleading editorial content or advertising.

Wayne Swearingen Michael Tate Michael Wald Dr. Kim Washington

Katy Trail Weekly

(214) 27-TRAIL (87245) P.O. Box 601685 • Dallas, TX 75360 info@katytrailweekly.com • katytrailweekly.com

KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM

Dec. 6 - 12, 2019

HISTORY ON THE TRAIL

PAGE 3

ENVIRONMENT

Story about S&D’s Herb Story Methane: The quiet greenhouse gas

By Wayne Swearingen S&D Oyster Company, on McKinney Avenue and Boll Street in the heart of Uptown, has been one of my family’s favorites for seafood, especially oysters and shrimp. Earlier this year, they received another of their many accolades from website purewow.com, naming S&D as “One of the 10 Old-School Restaurants That Have Survived the Test of Time.”

Several years ago, I met Herb Story, owner of S&D, and quickly found common interests, mainly military background and flying. I had just finished building a model of the B-47, which I flew in 1956-58 in the Air Force. Story was a Navy flyer and had just remodeled and expanded S&D, adding a beautiful outdoor patio area and a bar. Overhead in the bar is a shelf containing a nice collection of planes, many of which we both have flown. I had no place to display my model, so Story was nice enough to place it among his mostly Navy planes where it sits today.

On Veteran’s Day 2019, Story hosted a small group of mostly ex-military flyers. This was his third year to do this and I am hoping it will remain an annual

event. Thereafter, I asked Story if I could write a short story about him and his wife and how he came to be in the restaurant business. This is the story about Story.

Story was born in Wichita Falls in 1944. Not surprisingly, he was senior class president of his high school in 1962. He spent a year at the Virginia Military Institute and then transferred to SMU where he graduated in 1966.

There he met and married a Rotunda (SMU yearbook) Beauty, Mary Kay Mauldin.

These were war years, so they moved to Florida where Story entered flight training at Pensacola Naval Air Station, flying the T-34 then the T-2 Jet trainer.

Then it was to Kingsville, Texas, for carrier training in the F-9 where he received his “Wings of Gold.”

Story remained and became a flight instructor for two years and then it was off to Miramar in San Diego, flying the F-8 Crusader. That was followed by his final assignment at Guantanamo, on alert most of the time, flying and guarding the American assets in that theater. This concluded his six years of active duty.

Entering civilian life, Story started as a

commercial real estate broker and investor at Hudson and Hudson for four years.

An early investment was a historic grocery building on McKinney Avenue.

Having lived in various coastal cities during his naval career, he had developed a taste for seafood.

There was one restaurant in Pensacola with which he stayed in touch and decided to replicate in his McKinney Avenue building. Hence, S&D was born.

Story built strong relationships with shrimp and oyster suppliers and added a personal touch with proprietary recipes, such as gumbo and cole slaw.

In 2013, Story made the decision to expand his business capacity with key real estate acquisitions on adjacent Boll Street to house his offices and add parking. He also added the patio and bar and expanded the kitchen. Today, he continues to attract young and old of all generations who enjoy and appreciate the New Orleans experience in the heart of Uptown.

Wayne Swearingen, CRE, is a principal at Barclay Commercial Group and lives adjacent to Katy Trail. Contact him at wswearingen@barclaycom.com.

HERB STORY

From left, Mort Newman, Frank Leftwich, Syd Carter, Herb Story, Mike Coker, Bob Derby, Tom Donovan, Wayne Swearingen and Bob Carlin.

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING

Leaders have been naughty and nice

By Dr. James W. Finck jfinck@usao.edu As surprising as this may sound, presidents behaving badly is not new.

President Donald J. Trump is just the latest. Politicians have been skirting the law since the creation of politicians. This in no way condones bad behavior, yet if every conversation of every president was investigated, I believe we would be shocked at what we learned.

Trump’s Ukraine conversation in some ways is not unlike when President Barack Obama was overheard telling the Russian President that he could be more flexible with missile defense after his reelection. Obama’s conversation was not illegal, but may walk a moral line. As for Trump, Congress will have to determine if the President’s conversation is an impeachable offense, but what may end up hurting Trump even more is a possible cover-up of a complaint.

We have seen before where the cove up is worse than the crime for presidents. President Richard Nixon had no part in the Watergate burglary, his crime was the cover-up after the fact.

With this same president, we also saw his downfall come because of a whistleblower, which went by the code name Deep Throat. Nixon and Deep Throat are responsible for the most famous presidential take-down, but they are not the only ones. The 1912 election saw the take-down of President William H. Taft by whistleblower Louis Glavis.

In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt decided not to run for his own second term and instead handpicked his successor. Taft was completely qualified for the office and Roosevelt liked his progressive ideology, but even more he liked Taft’s lack of personality that would not outshine Roosevelt himself.

Roosevelt might be stepping down,

but he did not intend to give up control. It turned out that Taft would be his own man, to the frustration of Roosevelt, and one issue Dr. James Finck in particular forced Roosevelt to return from his African safari to block Taft’s nomination for a second term. This incident became known as the Ballinger-Pinchot Affair.

When Taft took over the White House, one of his appointment changes was replacing James Garfield, son of the late president, as Secretary of the Interior with Richard Ballinger.

Roosevelt and his friend Gifford Pinchot, head of the U.S. Forest Service, were upset with the appointment.

They feared Ballinger would not follow through with the conservation policies they had enacted. The two men were right to fear Ballinger. Once in office, he opened up federal land for commercial use.

Glavis ran the Portland field office of the U.S. Forest Service. He came to suspect Ballinger was illegally selling rich coal lands in Alaska to private companies. He brought his suspicions to Pinchot, who suggested Glavis present his findings to President Taft. When Taft questioned Ballinger, he responded with a 730-page defense of his practices.

Taft only took a week to investigate the charges, including reading Ballinger’s response, and cleared Ballinger of all charges. Taft followed up his investigation by firing Glavis for insubordination.

In retaliation, Glavis went to HISTORICALLY cont'd on page 10

EARTHX

By Karen Fleig When the climate change discussion turns to greenhouse gasses, carbon dioxide (CO2) tends to dominate the headlines and generally suck the air out of the room.

And rightfully so, since according to the Environmental Protection Agency it accounted for 82 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2017. Next on that list was methane coming in at 10 percent.

While the discrepancy in total volume between CO2 and methane is huge, the actual impact is a bit misleading. Per an assessment report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, methane’s impact is 34 times greater than CO2 throughout a 100-year period, meaning a small amount of methane has an outsized influence on climate change over CO2.

Methane in the news. Given methane’s role as a power-player greenhouse gas, recent news out of the Arctic Ocean should concern anyone who cares about the health of our planet and the climate.

Methane is often trapped in permafrost, including underwater, and the warming climate is increasingly melting this permafrost releasing its stored-up methane in the process. The process itself is natural and common, but the rate at which permafrost is melting continues to increase due to global warming.

This phenomenon was recently observed by a Russian research team from Tomsk Polytechnic University, which

found what the team described as the most powerful methane gas fountain ever found. The undersea leak — known as a “seep” — covered an area around 50 square feet east of Bennett Island in the East Siberian Sea creating a methane concentration in the air up to 16 parts per million, which is more than nine times the atmospheric average. The research team said the seep resulted in bubbles of methane across the area that made it look like the seawater was boiling.

“This is the most powerful seep I have ever been able to observe,” said lead scientist Igor Semiletov — a veteran of 45 Arctic expeditions — in a statement. “No one has ever recorded anything similar.”

Finding the largest methane seep ever may be a harbinger of things to come.

A separate Russian study found that throughout the past 30 years, the thawing of underwater permafrost has doubled, reaching 18 centimeters per year.

Methane-laden permafrost is found under most of the Arctic Ocean and two-thirds of Russian territory and it has been thawing at an alarming rate because the Arctic is warming at double the rate of the rest of the world. This warming has led to issues such as cracking buildings, broken pipelines and adversely affected agriculture, reintroducing ancient diseases and releasing methane according to a Telegraph report.

One danger around melting ENVIRONMENT cont'd on page 10

KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM

PAGE 4

Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 1. Football shoe part 6. Brush off 11. Dock 16. Crooked 21. Walks haltingly 22. Safe harbor 23. Lofty abode 24. Target-practice area 25. Use a bottle opener 26. Typewriter type 27. Dud 28. Overcharge 29. — -do-well 30. Hot time in Quebec 31. Dorian Gray’s creator 33. Worthless coin 35. Spread out for drying 36. Ms. Garbo 38. Some, to Yvette 39. Oboe feature 40. Cure 42. Dog-ear 44. Not spicy 46. Slope 48. Fissure 52. 18 holes, generally 53. Intensity 54. Vault 58. News story 59. Berra of baseball 60. Insurance workers 62. Tan or Grant 63. Stay 64. Niche 66. Wife of Osiris 67. Sing door-to-door

69. Guitar part 70. Somewhat dark 71. Chatter 73. Raul or Fidel 74. Ms. Lanchester 75. Fateful date 76. Like the ocean 77. Dash 78. Travels 79. New Orleans NFLer 80. Shows disapproval 82. Made a breeze 86. Fixed a squeak 87. Ocean sound 88. Moolah 92. Birdfeeder visitor 93. Dictionary entries 94. Sierra — 95. Good farm soil 96. Breaks up 97. Tear down 98. Hosiery shades 100. Billfold container 101. Cable channel 102. Sound 104. Juno’s messenger 105. Attacked by Fido 106. Joke response (hyph.)

108. Committed perjury 109. Surfer wannabe 111. Vulture 112. Medieval trade union 114. Thin porridge 115. Skater’s jump 116. Improve drastically 119. Cheers for matadors

120. Selene’s sister 121. Sighed with delight 126. Stein filler 127. Franklin or Jonson 129. Party throwers 131. IV plus III 132. Window part 133. Actor Raul — 135. Covered with water 137. Slacken off 139. Move smoothly 140. Decorate 141. Concise 142. Mine finds 143. Exterior 144. One of five 145. Complies 146. Use, as force 147. In reserve DOWN 1. Stuck to 2. Steamship 3. Philbin or Sajak 4. Discrete 5. Recipe meas.

6. Coax 7. Stopped 8. Dorm climbers 9. Mount a gemstone 10. Felt certain 11. “Flying” family name 12. Paid attention to 13. Pistol-packing 14. Brazilian port 15. Boggy lowlands 16. Debated

Off the mark

Dec. 6 - 12, 2019

Solution on page 10 17. — Paulo 18. Rockne of Notre Dame 19. — on (incited) 20. Like some lawns 32. Baha’i origin 34. Ph.D. exams 37. Like a house — 41. Brooks or Gibson 43. Fall mo.

44. Golf score 45. Nobelist — Alvarez 46. Spirit in a bottle 47. Lab animals 48. Derrick 49. Insurgent 50. These have many extras 51. Russian export 52. Sways gently 53. Piquant 55. Space station view 56. Love, Italian style 57. Traffic cone 59. Toadies’ responses 61. Dwarf opposite 64. Ill-mannered 65. Most nimble 67. Coral islands 68. Cleopatra’s snake 70. Radio part 72. Peel 73. Job 76. Kind of eagle 78. Salon items 79. Alarm 80. Is an omen of 81. Bireme movers 82. Comic’s “Sally —” 83. Hippodrome 84. Beethoven

symphony 85. Head movement 86. Exuded moisture 87. Swift 88. Clumsy sort 89. Ventricle neighbor 90. Microsurgery tool 91. Improve by editing 93. Engaged in war 94. Painting on a wall

97. Disturb 99. Helper 100. Popular to-go order 102. Usual weather 103. Flails 105. Except 107. Way back when 110. Depose 111. Most crowded

113. Suave 114. Shiny 115. Dillydally 116. Indian rulers 117. Slip past 118. Burglar or arsonist 119. Windy City airport 120. Sidestep 122. Top mark (hyph.)

HEALTH TIPS

The 12 days of holiday health

Dr. Sarah E. Laibstain It’s the most wonderful time of the year! With so many traditions ahead, it can be easy to overlook simple health recommendations.

Your holiday can still be merry and bright when you follow these 12 simple tips for a smarter, safer and healthier festive season.

Tip #1: Eat Colorfully.

When enjoying your holiday meal, try to make your plate as colorful as possible. Fill at least half your plate with fruits and vegetables and the other half with protein and healthy grains.

Tip #2: Bundle Up! Don’t forget your jacket, hat and gloves when it is cold outside and be sure to grab your boots if the weather will be rainy.

Tip #3: Wash Your Hands. Avoid the spread of germs by washing your hands

often with warm, soapy water for at least 25 seconds.

Tip #4: Get Your Flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone get a flu shot each year as a preventative measure.

Tip #5: Stay Active.

Even if you don’t have time for a full workout, try to get some exercise in. Taking a short walk or run can help you stay on track with your goals.

Tip #6: Don’t Drink and Drive. When someone drives under the influence of alcohol, they put themselves and everyone else in danger.

Be responsible and make the right choice.

Tip #7: Be Thankful.

Take the time to show your appreciation for the individuals and blessings in your life.

Tip #8: Relax. Holidays can be a great time to unwind from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Make sure to take

some time for yourself.

Tip #9: Drink Wisely.

Many holiday alcoholic beverages are high in sugar and calories. Try to drink in moderation and make sure you alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water.

Tip #10: Bring Healthy Dishes. Going to a holiday potluck? Bring a delicious veggie dish to make sure there are healthy options from which you and others can choose.

Tip #11: New Year’s Resolution. As a new year approaches, start thinking about the resolutions you want to set for yourself. Make sure they are healthy and attainable.

Tip #12: Enjoy Yourself!

The holidays are a great time to have fun with friends and family. Make sure you aren’t too busy worrying about your health to be present and have a great time.

Your Stars this Week

by Stella Wilder

The coming week is likely to present numerous situations that allow individuals to explore options that might not have been viable as recently as last week — but right now those who strike while the iron is hot will surely enjoy accelerated progress — both personal and professional — and may well find themselves changing the status quo for the better.

Moving forward at this time will be, to some degree, an act of faith.

“Right” and “wrong” may come into sharp focus this week, especially for those who find themselves balanced precariously on a ledge of their own making that is defined by moral parameters. It may not be easy for some, however, to make the correct decision, and those who are willing to question why prevailing attitudes are what they are will surely lead the way.

contain the numbers 1 through 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) without repeating.

● The numbers within the heavily 12-8-19

outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners.

● Freebies: Fill in single-box cages

with the number in the top-left corner.

KenKen® is a registered trademark of KenKen Puzzle LLC. ©2019 KenKen Puzzle LLC. All rights reserved. Dist. by Andrews McMeel. www.kenken.com

● Each row and each column must

123. Papa Doc ruled it 124. Finished up 125. Tractor pioneer 128. Western alliance, for short 130. Mall event 134. April 15 org.

136. Duck’s foot 138. Gift container 139. Tibetan antelope

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 7) You’ll want to steer clear of anything that you know may be distracting to you this week; success depends on remaining “in the game,” and you must focus!

(Dec. 8-Dec. 21) – You may not have been planning to go down a certain road this week, but circumstances have forced the issue. It’s time to do what you could have done already.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 6) Those in your “inner circle” will come to you with complaints, and you should be able to ease any resulting tensions by

pointing out a single key fact.

(Jan. 7-Jan. 19) – You are in a position to grant a friend — or foe — something he or she has wanted for quite some time.

Why would you reach out to an enemy in this way? Try it and find out!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 3) You likely made a mistake last week that is causing you some trouble now. This week you’ll have the chance to right a few personal wrongs. (Feb. 4-Feb. 18) – Pay attention to the signs and signals that others are missing this week. You will benefit from being aware of things that only last week may have gone unnoticed.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 5) Your expectations may go unfulfilled this week — but what happens instead needn’t be disappointing. Indeed, you can work it all to your advantage.

(March 6-March 20) – You may be required to do something you’ve long tried to avoid — but once you get in the swing of things, you’ll realize it’s actually quite beneficial to you.

ARIES (March 21-April 4) You’ll want to remain calm and distant today as those around you work out shifting alliances.

You don’t want to find yourself on the wrong side! (April 5-April 19) – You recognize a rare opportunity presented by a situation you’ve been trying to avoid. This creates a conflict, but forward motion enables you to resolve it swiftly.

TAURUS (April 20-May 5) You may have the chance to reorganize your “team” this week, and all should be capable of working more efficiently and productively as a result.

(May 6-May 20) – You may find yourself at odds with someone whose outlook simply does not jibe with your own. There’s no question of a compromise here; you must hold your ground!

GEMINI (May 21-June 6) You’ve been rather hard on yourself lately, for good reason, in fact, but this week you’ll want to give yourself a break — and another too, perhaps. (June 7-June 20) – You’ll be tempted to say yes to a certain offer this week, even though you are in the habit of saying no in such situations.

Something is pushing you in a new direction.

CANCER (June 21-July 7) Others are likely to join forces today to come to your aid — though there will come a time when you must continue your current struggle entirely on your own. (July 8-July 22) – A chain of circumstances has you reconsidering a recent decision.

Are you really ready to have your life undergo such a big change — again? Think it out.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 7) When others tell you something is very easy to do — that’s precisely when you must prepare yourself for difficulty. You know things they don’t! (Aug.

Dr. Laibstain If you need more tips for staying on track with your health and wellness goals throughout the holiday season, contact your physician for more healthy strategies.

Dr. Sarah E. Laibstain is a general family medicine practitioner at Family Medicine Associates of Texas in Carrollton. She thoroughly enjoys improving the health and lives of individuals ranging from young children to adulthood. For more information, call 972-394-8844, or visit texasmedicine.com.

Copyright 2018 United Feature Syndicate, Inc.

8-Aug. 22) – It’s important to keep your priorities in order this week. As soon as you let something slip out of place, you’re likely to risk your own progress — and someone else’s.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 7) Following the rules may prove more difficult this week than you might suppose — but as the days pass, you’ll make necessary adjustments and smooth the way. (Sept. 8-Sept. 22) – Take care that you don’t charge ahead with such abandon that you ignore the warning signs that are all around you. You must give yourself every possible advantage.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 7) Overcomplicate things at your own peril this week. You may want to avoid any kind of role that has you calling the shots; let someone else take control. (Oct. 8-Oct. 22) – The unusual is calling to you — all week long. This is certainly a good time for you to take a chance on something that others would usually warn you against.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 7) You must be sure to hang on to all that you have this week so when you most need it later on it will be available to you. Don’t squander your resources! (Nov. 8-Nov. 21) – If it’s variety you’re after, you can surely have it this week — but take care you’re not chasing something that you can never have. Keep your feet on the ground.

KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM

PAGE 5

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Dec. 6 - 12, 2019

Contact us at info@katytrailweekly.com with your Community Calendar Event.

Dec. 6-8

6101 Bishop Blvd.

Dallas, 75205 214-768-2787

Owen Arts Center – “Machinal” by Sophie Treadwell and directed by Blake Hackler was originally performed on Broadway in 1928 and loosely based on a true crime story about Ruth Snyder, the first woman executed for murder in New York. Treadwell’s drama is a timeless and frank examination of how modern society can provoke a woman’s self-destruction. $14 for adults, $11 for seniors and $8 for students, faculty and staff. 8 p.m. with a Saturday and Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.

Dec. 6-21

1508 Commerce St. Dallas, 75201 214-747-0700

Dallas Power & Light Building – For the fifth consecutive year, Downtown Dallas, Inc. is bringing back “Unbranded,” an innovative downtown holiday pop-up shop. Unbranded will provides free retail space to a curated group of entrepreneurs, designers and artists. Pegasus City Brewery will provide complimentary beer. Noon.

FREE!

Dec. 7

2600 Live Oak St. Dallas, 75204 214-671-0045

Latino Cultural Center – The center will host its inaugural Tamal Festival, which will highlight the history and cultural importance of tamales in Latino culture. Corn/maiz and tamale-based art and vendors will be highlighted during the festival. Noon. FREE!

Dec. 7

2403 Flora St. Dallas, 75201 214-954-9925

Sammons Park – Reliant lights up the holidays at the AT&T Performing Arts Center LED lights, a fireworks show, kids’ arts and crafts and a concert featuring WAR, known for classic hits like “Low Rider,” “The World Is A Ghetto,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” and “The Cisco Kid.” Santa will be there. 5:30 p.m. FREE!

Dec. 8

7611 Park Lane Dallas, 75225 214-750-1492

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church – Go for Baroque! The Orchestra of New Spain presents a Spanish Baroque Christmas concert featuring music from Mexico, Spain, Chile and Cuba that pays homage to Baroque European repertory performed by the chorus and soloists of the Orchestra of New Spain. 6 p.m. FREE! (Donations are appreciated.)

Dec. 8

2520 Flora St. Dallas, 75201 214-880-0202

Moody Performance Hall – “Chillin’ for the Holidays” from the Women's Chorus of Dallas, a community choir of 100 women, features the Texas Youth Chorale, which began in 2013 and is made up of a select choir of sixth, seventh and eighth grade youth. 7:30 p.m. $20 to $35.

Dec. 15

629 N. Peak St. Dallas, 75246 214-824-8185

East Dallas Christian Church – “Sing We Now A Season of Sharing” features the East Dallas Christian Church Channel Choir and Chamber Orchestra, the Dallas Street Choir and the Dallas Community Choir. Child care will be provided, and there will be a Christmas cookie reception. 6:30 p.m. FREE! with donations requested.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

This Week in History

Texas Women’s Foundation recently held its 34th annual luncheon, presented by The Dallas Mavericks, featuring a conversation with New York Times bestselling author of More Than Enough, Elaine Welteroth.

The luncheon raised $1.5 million to advance economic security and leadership opportunities for women and girls.

Send us a photo on Facebook and it may be featured here!

On Dec. 8, 1980, former Beatle John Lennon is shot to death outside his Manhattan apartment at The Dakota. The perpetrator was Mark David Chapman, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 years to life. Many people first heard of the death from Howard Cosell on “Monday Night Football,” as wife Yoko Ono did not want the mainstream media to know of the tragedy.

TEXAS WOMEN’S FOUNDATION

wikipedia

Charity

Sp

Holiday theWho Hall Season and Those Who Support Season andin Those Support

You’re Invited as We Celebrate the Season and Those Who Support You’re Invited as We Celebrate the the Park Year 'Round

Holiday in the Hall the Park Year 'Round the Park Year 'Round December 17 6:30-8:30 pm

tlight

MCKINNEY AVENUE TRANSIT AUTHORITY (MATA) Season and Those Who Support Vintage trolley cars provide 600,000 free rides a year in Uptown and is a true Dallas treasure.

Invited the You’re Invited as WeYou’re Celebrate theas We Celebrate the Park Year 'Round

Holiday inHoliday the Hallin the Hall

By Sally Blanton

sallyblanton455@gmail.com

Arlington Hall | 3333 Creek Boulevard December 17 Turtle 6:30-8:30 pm Arlington Hall | 3333 Turtle Creek Boulevard

Hors d’oeurves, Valet, & Cocktails* Hors d’oeurves, Valet, & Cocktails*

Music by Kate Miner Orchestra

Each week, Katy Trail Weekly will feature a charity that is doing remarkable work in Dallas, a city known for philanthropy and generosity.

Q What is your mission or highest

purpose? And who founded MATA?

A The late Ed Landrum and I founded

children’s birthday parties.

Q What is rewarding about your job?

A I see the enthusiasm and dedication of

our great volunteers who provide valuable assistance in all aspects of our endeavor, including volunteer motorman.

Plus, the smiling faces of our riders.

Q What percentage of every dol-

MATA in 1983 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Our mission then was to bring back the historic trolley service to Uptown Dallas.

Our mission now is to keep it running safe and free.

December 17 December 17 Orchestra 6:30-8:30 pm Music by Kate Miner

6:30-8:30 pm A

lar raised goes to client/direct services?

Eighty-seven percent.

Q What are your critical needs now, Park Supporter Members Complimentary Arlington Hall | 3333 Turtle Creek Boulevard Arlington Hall | 3333—Turtle Creek Boulevard besides money donations?

Park Supporter Members — Complimentary Hiring additional qualified motorman; A Member Guests — $60 each Q How were you led to accomplish purchasing hard-to-find, vintage parts d’oeurves,thisValet, & Cocktails* Guests — $60 each&Hors Member Hors d’oeurves, Valet, Cocktails* for our city? that are no longer being manufactured While

in the restaurant business, I owned anywhere in the world in order to keep A To become a Park Supporter visit four restaurants on McKinney Avenue. our historic, 100+-year-old trolleys To become ParkKate Supporter Music by Kate Miner Orchestra Musica by Minervisit Orchestra When I became president of the Vineyard running safely.

turtlecreekconservancy.org/join turtlecreekconservancy.org/join

Neighborhood Association (the precursor to the Uptown Association), I learned that there were historic bricks and trolley tracks under the asphalt.

Supporter Members — Complimentary Park or Supporter MembersPark — Complimentary call 214-521-2003 or call 214-521-2003

—you $60 eachabout Member Guests Member Guests — $60 each Q Why are passionate helping this nonprofit?

A As a co-founder, I am emotionally at-

tachedSupporter to this effort and the children To become visitof To become a Park Supporter visit a Park all ages that it serves. Next to owning an ice cream store, I’ve never seen any-

thing that puts more smiles on faces turtlecreekconservancy.org/join turtlecreekconservancy.org/join than the trolley. Upon being asked by Ed Landrum to come out to his house and

watch a film from Jan. 15, 1956, the last or call 214-521-2003 or call 214-521-2003

day that the old original trolleys ran on the tracks, I was smitten and saw it as almost a calling for me to bring back these wonderful, historic vehicles.

Q What is the most important thing it does for our community?

A The trolleys provides free transporta-

Connect. Care. Conserve.

Connect. Care. Conserve.

tion in the Uptown and Downtown area for more than 600,000 riders per year and opportunities for charter parties for families, adults and, especially, for

Q Suppose this nonprofit received a

A

$20,000 donation today… where would it immediately be put to good use?

It would go toward transporting an additional, donated, vintage car to Dallas, providing the minor restoration needed and adding air-conditioning. This could be our eighth vintage car on our Trolley, much needed to serve more riders.

We are excited about it and need the funds to bring it here and make it ready to roll on the tracks.

Phil Cobb, co-founder/chairman, answered these questions.

KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM

PAGE 6

Dec. 6 - 12, 2019

CANDY'S DIRT

This home, located at 846 Providence Way, is listed for $3.2 million.

By Candy Evans candace@candysdirt.com As I was scrolling through homes looking for something special to wow you with last week, I thought it was about time to I had a look at Heath again. And boy, did I find something special! This Heath modern farmhouse is perfect in every way. I’m pretty sure it would even make Martha Stewart’s heart skip a beat.

With each photo, I kept thinking, “It can’t get better.” Yet it did. When I called Marian D’Unger and Nancy Pieper at Coldwell Banker’s Apex, they told me why and her name is Carrie Hatfield. She’s the genius behind this fabulous Heath modern farmhouse.

Hatfield is one of those folks who just gets it. She knows what works, is an organizational whiz and has a strong design instinct. When it came to creating the family home, she pulled

out her idea notebooks, pulled on her boots and grabbed her hard hat. This home is not Hatfield’s first rodeo. Her last design was so successful that people kept asking about it. “We put it on the market just to see what would happen,” Hatfield said. “We had our buyer in 12 minutes.” That must be a new record for sales anywhere in America.

When it sold, Hatfield realized she loved the entire design-build process.

“I thought, ‘I need to do this again,’” Hatfield said. This Heath modern farmhouse is only Hatfield’s second project, but it’s crystal clear she’s chosen the right career path. She and her husband, Josh, who owns Hatfield Acoustical and Drywall Inc., hired local builder Perry Bowen of Homes by Bowen and architect John Lively with John Lively and Associates.

Hatfield was completely handson, acting as the general contractor as well as designer for her Heath modern farmhouse. The reason this house works so well is that Hatfield is incredibly detail oriented. She’s also practical. As a mother of two human kids and three fur kids, she knows a house must function for a family. Organization and storage are key operating words for a

ROOM TO GROW

modern farmhouse is on the market.

Remember, Hatfield is on a new career path, and she’s ready for the next challenge. Her kids have handed her a laundry list of things for the next house, and she’s off and running, hard hat in hand.

You can get a sneak peek at this Heath modern farmhouse on Friday, Dec. 6 at the annual Heath Holiday Home Tour. The home sits on more than an acre and has six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a powder bath, a game room, a home office, a swimming pool and an in-ground trampoline. If I were buying it, I’d send all my stuff to Goodwill and beg Hatfield to leave her fabulous décor.

If you’re trying to pick your jaw up off the f loor, give Coldwell Banker Apex agents D’Unger and Pieper a call.

They have listed this Heath modern farmhouse at 846 Providence Way for $3.2 million. Maybe Martha needs a Texas retreat.

CandysDirt.com is the only blog in Dallas for the truly real estate obsessed! Named by National Association of Real Estate Editors as the BEST Real Estate Blog in the country.

Hammer and Nails

Holiday decorating do’s and don'ts

By Margaret Chambers ASID, RID With Thanksgiving out of the way, many homeowners are now getting serious about decking the halls. If you're still perfecting your home's holiday look for Christmas, here are some do's and don'ts you can keep in mind.

To start with, you can give your Christmas tree a cohesive look by choosing ornaments that complement the rest of the room's colors.

Varying the ornaments in three basic sizes will create interest. When mixed with matte finish ornaments, metallic ornaments scatter light and add a feeling of depth.

Even if your ornaments are coordinated, don't forget to include at least a few unique ornaments you treasure.

Extra ornaments that don’t fit on the tree can be used to fill decorative bowls or adorn napkins.

Adding a garland draws a viewer's eye across the tree and up to your prized tree topper. As with ornaments, don't be afraid to use more than one size of Christmas lights for variety. Garland can also create a focal point across mantels, stairway banisters and over doorways. Embellish your greenery with ribbons, flowers, faux berries and hanging ornaments.

When decorating your mantel, feel free to incorporate some of your all-season accessories such as candles, porcelain and crystal.

Wintry accessories include pinecones, vintage ornaments, tree toppers and

happy life.

“Everything adult-related is on the first f loor and including the game room,” Hatfield said. “All of the kid space is upstairs. They have privacy, their own living space and their own laundry room. I never have to see their laundry!”

Hatfield even created a special place for her furry kids in the design plan. Under the staircase is the dog bed for Hatfield’s three bulldogs with two drawers for their toys. The trio also has a dedicated dog run outside.

Every space is well-thought-out.

Hatfield equipped the laundry room with a massive walk-in linen closet for blanket and sheets. There is a huge pantry behind the kitchen, storage everywhere and closets. Let’s talk about those closets!

The last time I saw a two-story closet was at Champs D’Or and I think this one is even more incredible.

“I have a love for shoes and handbags,” Hatfield said. The whole second story is filled with glass-fronted cabinets to display her collections.

I know, just take a breath.

Then run for your checkbook because this 9,902-square-foot Heath

Margaret Chambers cedar greens. Regardless of which accessories you choose, you should try to vary the height of the objects to create a sense of visual rhythm.

A wreath is a must for holiday decorating. However, not every wreath has to have traditional colors and materials. For a modern alternative, paint a variety of globe ornaments in the same metallic color, then hot-glue them around a wreath of wire or grapevine. Mixing different kinds of greenery in the same wreath leads to a more organic tone-on-tone look.

When choosing your table decorations, be careful not to pick tall accessories that could block conversation between guests. A single pillar candle flanked by smaller candles is enough.

Meanwhile, a wreath displayed flat on the table and adorned with bells or bows is a classic Christmas centerpiece. Consider buying charger plates, and take out any nice glassware out of storage if you have it. If your dining ware is colorful, you will want to make sure your centerpiece complements those colors.

There's no need to go all

out in every room. Instead of spreading your Christmas collectibles throughout the house, group them into smaller vignettes for impact. Although you should concentrate most of your decorations in high-traffic areas, you can also add small red and green pillows to the other rooms for an inexpensive holiday update. Soaps and towels in holiday colors can be used to make the downstairs powder room feel more festive.

It might seem like Christmas decorations need to always be the same colors and imagery, but you can evoke holiday nostalgia in unexpected ways. A rustic Christmas home could feature real boxwood garlands, wooden candle holders, cedar branches and figurines of woodland creatures.

Meanwhile, a contemporary Christmas home might use decorations in aqua, silver and white, with mercury glass and metallic reindeer figures. Not all Christmas decorating needs to be red and green. Jewel tones, metallic and rich colors like deep purple and blue will be right at home too.

At the end of the day, the particular way you place and display your Christmas collectibles is more important than what those collectibles are. There are many different ways to use the collections you already own to make a perfect holiday home.

For more design advice that you can use all year long, read the Chambers Interiors blog, online at chambersinteriors.com/ blog.

Change is on the horizon

By Stephan Sardone stephan@sardoneconstruction.com Bob Dylan famously sang “the times they are a-changin'.” This can apply to the future trends in home improvement required by generations that probably don’t even know who Dylan is.

I know that you are “a thinkin’” that you just got done readying your home for the holidays. But as you take the air out of that inflatable Santa in the front yard and stow it for another year, it is time to consider what is ahead and may want to act now.

Tastes have changed as have the wants and needs of current homeowners and future buyers, especially millennials and Gen Z. In all cases, despite surges in DIYs brought on by a plethora of books, magazines, online sites and 24-hour programming, these modifications will often require the help of a licensed, professional contractor.

In the last decade, home improvement projects have risen 50 percent and growth in the next decade will almost certainly continue. The Home Improvement Research Institute held a summit recently and looked at changes ahead. Most are precipitated by new priorities from younger homeowners who live in or are looking to buy character homes that need to be updated.

Frugal spending and different perspectives are reshaping the marketplace.

That doesn’t mean that the open space concept or oversized kitchen and dining facilities are going away, but there are indications that other factors are now coming into place, in your place.

Homeowners are still looking for direction and help as new generations are information grabbers. Nothing beats the advice of a professional versus what one might overhear in the aisle of a big box, home improvement center. Many looking at home improvements today are increasingly impatient. They want the right products and they want them right now.

For smaller DYI projects, they want to be just a few clicks away. For the bigger undertaking, they want the proper

people to execute for them.

It appears that product upgrades not directly linked to immediate needs are being put on the backburner.

Stephan Sardone According to experts speaking at the summit, sales of products like facade improvements, highend cabinets and luxury flooring may be slowing. Homeowners are looking to merge quality brands that provide value.

As pricing come down on once customized items for kitchen and bathroom remodeling, experts cite that soft close doors and drawers and organizing accessories are more affordable than ever.

While new generations are not noted “pack rats,” hidden storage space is a premium and in most cases needs to be professionally installed.

It should be no surprise that mobility is the new norm. In this digital generation, customers are looking for shortcuts in home ambiance such as heating, cooling and lighting. Optimum home security is a necessary evil, but tops the list of improvements. The category is as hot as boxes in the trunk of a porch pirate.

Whether seeing their parents and relatives age or brought on by a more physical consciousness, health in the home is another top priority. Wellness design is a fast-growing trend and that extends to non-toxic materials like paint and flooring. Young homeowners are looking for touch-free faucets to reduce exposure to germs and cycled lighting to help improve sleep. Top-of-the-line water and air purification systems are musts.

We believe that home improvement projects will continue on an upward spiral, it is just tastes are being refocused.

“For the times, they are a-changin’.”

Sardone Design-Build-Remodel is locally owned and operated. Sardone, his wife and two daughters are Lake Highlands residents.

Page 7

Katy Trail

Dec. 6 - 12, 2019

Weekly

Downtown • Uptown • Turtle Creek • Oak Lawn • Arts, Design and Medical Districts • Park Cities • Preston Hollow

Vol. 6, No. 42: Section Two | Sports | Automotive | Entertainment | Travel | Health and Fitness | katytrailweekly.com

MULL IT OVER

AUTOMOBILITY

Nissan’s Altima does Audi?

Berating refs sending signals

By David Boldt djboldt@sbcglobal.net

Amateur officials are often on-field targets.

By David Mullen david@katytrailweekly.com The videos are all over the internet showing an increased number of coaches, parents and fans yelling at referees and umpires in youth and amateur athletics. This phenomenon is a relatively new – but increasing – sidebar to games meant to promote competition and team building while remaining fun.

It is causing a serious issue in retaining and recruiting officials, said Michael Fitch, executive director of the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO), a 15,000-member organization of junior/middle and high school sports officials based in Richardson. “Texas is unique where we are only one of two states [Washington is the other] where the officiating organization and the organization that controls the

activities are totally separate.

If you think about it, [without separation] that causes an obvious conflict of interest.”

TASO focuses primarily on providing quality officials for middle and high school games. Having played the game is a plus, but not an absolute requirement. The organization has produced a number of officials who have gone into the major college and professional ranks. Pay rates vary by sport. Subvarsity officials can make $35 to $70 per game, while varsity football officials make around $80 although they can benefit from a percentage of the gate receipts.

While Fitch acknowledges that the speed of the games and the physicality of the players have increased, today’s officials are faced with a new obstacle. “The saddest MULL cont'd on page 10

You’ve read it here, there and seemingly everywhere. The sedan is dead or about to be dead.

Obviously, there’s no firm date on its demise, but if you believe what you read, sedans will be gone long before autonomous vehicles are here. In the rush to raise the hip point, and let’s admit it, elevate the “hip-ness.”

Conservative consumers are avoiding a sedan like Nissan’s Altima as if it wore an Elizabeth Warren sticker, while urban liberals prefer no car at all.

That’s background to Nissan’s redesign, for the 2019 model year, of its midsize Altima. Historically, the Altima has played third string to Honda’s Accord or Toyota’s Camry, never quite hitting the sweet spot in consumer perception or affection. God knows Nissan has tried and the Altima, to its credit, has never been bad. But it often finds itself looking indifferent, which leads to consumer indifference. Sales are buoyed by big discounts and familiarity with the Altima has often begun, and ended, at the rental counter.

A few months ago, I rented a base Altima in Seattle for the weekend and came away surprised by its level of refinement, especially when you consider a transaction point much closer to $20K than what is more typical with midsize sedans, which is $30K. At the opposite end of the Altima trim ladder is Nissan’s Platinum AWD sedan. As the name suggests, the four-door is equipped with all-wheel drive, making it an outlier, along with Subaru’s Legacy, in the midsize sedan segment. And the bump from a front-wheel drive Altima to all-wheel drive is less than $1,500.

In the walkup to the Altima, you’ll note the relatively restrained styling, which seems to speak more to Europe than what is currently coming from Japan.

While Toyota tries mightily to make its Camry sportier and Honda takes pains to create a more emotional Accord, Nissan sticks to something you can enjoy visually for your entire run of payments. Its front fascia strongly identifies it as a Nissan product, and in profile it’s not dissimilar from the bigger Maxima, but the overall imprint is conservatively drawn with lines that you may not love, but will never dislike. Add a greenhouse that provides an idea of what’s happening around you and there’s a lot to appreciate.

Inside, you’ll find real room for four and, in a

pinch, adequate room for five. The instruments are informative, while the infotainment and HVAC remain intuitive. And Nissan absolutely nails the seat design, which I’ll guess is due to the company’s alignment with Renault. The French know their food and they know how to keep you comfortable over the course of a long drive.

In combination with all wheels driven, Nissan fits the same 2.5 liter four that our rental came equipped with, offering 182 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. or torque.

Perhaps it was the extra weight of the all-wheel drive Platinum trim or the extra sound deadening that comes with that trim, but the 182 horses don’t do as much when fitted within the Platinum spec. This Altima wasn’t lethargic, but neither did it tug at the reins.

However, Nissan has a better Altima power train with 248 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque from two liters of turbocharged four. But you can’t currently get the better engine with all-wheel drive. That, of course, would be the A4 for those of us unable to rationalize an A4 or, more correctly, its long-term care. If Nissan did offer that healthier power plant with all-wheel drive and could keep the price point around $35K, they’d have — in football parlance — a touchdown. With the current set-up, the company’s Altima is in the red zone, but may have to settle for three.

David Boldt brings years of experience in automotive retail sales and public relations to his automotive reporting. More can be found at txGarage.com.

NISSAN

The 2020 Nissan Altima.

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KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM

PAGE 8

Dec. 6 - 12, 2019

movie trailer

Serious Adam Sandler nails role in ‘Uncut Gems’

A24

Adam Sandler stars in “Uncut Gems.”

By Chic DiCiccio @chiccywood Critics are an odd bunch. While rightfully praising Adam Sandler’s flawless performance in “Uncut Gems,” many feel it necessary to dump on every movie that he’s ever appeared in. It’s as if they hold some bizarre grudge

against him and having to admit that he’s crafted a truly transcendent role is too much for them to bear.

So yes, it’s true.”Uncut Gems” will most certainly make The Sandman an Oscar nominated actor. His truly mind-blowing transformation into New York jewelry store owner Howard Ratner is not just his finest acting ever, it is a potential all timer comparable to the greatest antihero characters in movie history.

Although, it’s a bit of an understatement to call Howard an antihero. He’s lower than that. His flashy designer clothes and upscale jewelry are a facade for his true identity… a lowlife sleaze that thrives on chaos. Writers/ directors/brothers Josh and Benny Safdie allow for tiny moments where Howard could redeem himself only to whisk them away time after time with unparalleled intensity.

All of Howard’s suffering is self-inflicted. His by-appointment-only jewelry store in New York’s diamond district seems to be doing well, but he squanders his fortune on a gambling addiction and a fancy penthouse apartment that houses his mistress/clerk, Julia (newcomer Julia Fox in a stunning performance). His wife, Dinah (Idina Menzel), is sticking to her timetable for their upcoming divorce while her loan shark brother, Arno (Eric Begosian), attempts to collect on Howard’s outlandish debts to him.

Howard thinks he’s found his ultimate get rich quick scheme after he obtains a rare black opal from an African diamond mine. His partner, Demany (Lakeith Stanfield), brings Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett (typecast as

himself) into the shop and Garnett becomes enchanted with the opal. Howard agrees to let K.G. borrow the opal for good luck and, you guessed it, nothing goes right.

With “Uncut Gems” and their previous film, “Good Time,” the Safdies prove that nobody does train wreck filmmaking like them. It’s brutal to watch and experience, yet you can’t take your eyes from it and it sickeningly makes you want more. Darius Khondji’s raw, but beautiful cinematography adds to the tension and lingers on Howard’s face just long enough for you to pity him. If the story and photography aren’t amped up enough for you, Daniel Lopatin’s score gets so intense at times that it’s almost unbearable.

While every aspect of the film is created to perfection, it all pales in comparison to Sandler. His built-in boyish charm allows Howard to become somewhat likable despite how despicable he is. He disappears into the role and in one brief moment, Sandler conveys that Howard revels in the shambles that is his life. This is a manic powerhouse of a performance that, believe it or not, could only have been done by Adam Sandler.

That being said, “Uncut Gems” is not for everyone.

It’s the movie equivalent of an adrenaline shot to the heart and could irritate a huge audience. You’ll either be annoyed after 30 minutes or ready to run through a brick wall when it’s over.

But it’s completely worth it. The finale is a gut-punch shock that will leave viewers absolutely floored. “Uncut Gems” is as addictive as its subject matter and well worth the fight.

Uncle barky's bites

‘The Moodys’ is a darker look at Christmas sparkle

By Ed Bark unclebarky@verizon.net Put caustic Denis Leary amid holiday surroundings and you won’t come away with any Hallmark goo on you. Well, maybe just a little.

Leary’s durable “The Ref,” released back in 1994, cast him as a Christmas season burglar caught amid a highly dysfunctional family. In 2005, his “Merry F#%$in’ Christmas,” adapted from a same-named comedy CD, began airing on Comedy Central. It wasn’t particularly heartwarming.

Fox’s uniquely presented six-part “The Moodys,” based on an Australian TV series, puts Leary in a somewhat softer light as a harried married man with three troubled adult children.

Episode One begins with his wife, Ann (Elizabeth Perkins), blasting away at ornaments and decorations before loudly declaring, “Christmas is canceled!”

Then comes a back track to what brought the Moodys to this point.

The series is airing in three parts, with back-to-back halfhour episodes on Dec. 4 (readily available On Demand), Monday, Dec. 10 and Tuesday, Dec. 11.

“Bad Santa” it’s not, with Leary’s

Sean Moody a recovering alcoholic rather than a heavy drinker in the mold of Billy Bob Thornton’s dirty-to-the-touch Willie T. Soke, whose specialty was Christmas season heists.

“The Moodys,” set in Chicago, ends up striking a fairly solid balance between sardonic and sentimental. Even “Bad Santa” ends “happily,” because few among us want to watch a Christmas movie in which nothing winds up being calm or bright. Be assured, though, that “The Moodys” runs deeper and grittier than anything you’ll see in Hallmark’s virtually identical, hot chocolate-fueled “Countdown to Christmas” movies.

OK, let’s meet the Moody offspring, shall we?

Sean Jr. (Jay Baruchel), the oldest of two sons at age 31, continues to live in Dad’s RV, which is parked on the premises. His latest grand business venture is honoring the deceased by shooting their ashes high into the sky amid fireworks. It’s not getting off the ground, though.

Only daughter Bridget (Chelsea Frei) is married but remorseful after an impulsive one-night stand that mortifies her husband. “I just lit my life on fire,” she confides to a

FOX

Elizabeth Perkins and Denis Leary from "The Moodys." fitness-obsessed high school wrestling coach named Monty (Kevin Bigley), who’s basically pure as the driven snow.

Youngest son Dan (Francois Arnaud) is home for the holidays from New York, but initially without girlfriend Ali (Megan Park). It’s his latest relationship gone sour, of which mom bluntly

reminds him. But Dan soon has eyes for Cora (Maria Gabriela de Faria), who’s dating his cousin and best friend, Marco (Segarra).

His super white teeth, displayed via a series of ear-to-ear grins, deserve to be credited as a supporting character.

Also in the family mix are goofy Uncle Roger (Gerry Dee)

and frequent visitor Big Stan (Kwasi Songui), an accomplished pie maker who doesn’t mind saying so himself. The family dog, Leon, a gift 18 Christmases ago, is now infirm and increasingly immobile. Here’s where the heartstring tugs come in.

Sean Sr., who has his own heating and air-conditioning company, is also facing a health situation that slips out in dribs and drabs to his three children.

“The Moodys” easily could – and should – do without this odd little twist, which is partly and wrongheadedly played for laughs.

Through it all, mom and dad Moody remain holiday traditionalists, whether it’s Ann’s cookie-eating/tree-trimming ritual or Sean Sr. leading a caroling brigade while wearing a top hat. There’s also midnight mass, where dad longs to be the lector.

The kids have grown weary of it all, but grudgingly play along when not jabbing at each other.

It’s not always an optimum blend of merriment and miscreants. Still, “The Moodys” earns its candy cane stripes as a Christmas mini-series with bite.

Ed Bark, who runs the TV website unclebarky.com, is a past member of the national Peabody awards board.

Travel

Suburban Dallas cultivated farm museum

By Michael Wald wald.world@yahoo.com For Dallas history buffs or those who want to learn more about farm life, you have a great resource right in town.

The Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano has been accredited by the American Association of Museums for its fine exhibits.

Located on 15th Street off Custer Avenue, the museum’s 365 acres portray life at the turn of the last century.

The exhibit costs $3 to enter and $7 if you want a guided tour of the main house, offered once per day. The main house was built in Victorian style by a wealthy Plano citizen in 1891. In 1901 a wraparound porch, kitchen and bathrooms were added.

The owner, Hunter Farrell, made his riches supplying gravel to upgrade the mainly dirt roads of the time.

He was rarely at home, but his wife, Mary Alice, and daughter, Ammie, lived in the house and took care of the surrounding wheat

farm.

A main east-west thoroughfare, the 15th Street property was ideally located to access surrounding markets, the school and for postal delivery which started in 1904. A museum book entitled Never a Good Girl delves into insightful details of the Farrell family, including rare divorces.

After her mother died, Ammie continued to live in the main house. She acquired the reputation as the best sheep breeder around, winning many awards. When she died in 1972, without any children or close heirs, a movement to preserve the house and farm as a museum came to success through various maneuvers in 1975 through 1977, which are explained in the book referenced above. The museum opened to the public in 1986.

Many school groups visit as part of their history lessons. I suggest arriving after 1 p.m. when they tend to leave. One of the nice things about this site is its appeal to the very

young and the very old, so a baby boomer can bring grandchildren and parents here, and both will enjoy it.

The parents will recognize some of the household furnishings while the grandchildren will enjoy the farm animals although they may not to be pet or fed as in a petting zoo.

Once on the property, both the structures and the farm offer a lot to see.

Among the highlights are the following: • The Farrell house is fascinating for its structure as well as its antique furnishings. Because there was no air conditioning, its design strategically placed doors opposite windows to help cool the house. The pier and beam foundation and deep veranda also assisted cooling.

• Prior to refrigeration, meats needed to be cured. Two techniques for doing this (by salt and by brine) are explained in the “curing shed.”

• The “carriage house,” an early equivalent of the garage, kept the 1908

“surrey” protected from weather, and stored tools and supplies.

• Every farm raised hogs for meat. Beef was rare as it could not be cured.

Mules were preferred over horses as they could haul heavier loads. All are on site today, along with turkeys and chickens, the later adjacent to a coop.

• The sorghum mill demonstrates how this important sweetener was produced. Four gallons of sorghum juice made one gallon of syrup. The syrup, unlike refined sugar of today, contained a lot of nutritional value.

• The “instrument shed” contains rare turn-ofthe-century vehicles: a John Deere, Farmall tractor and early Ford tractor.

• The “Young house” was moved to the museum from nearby where it was built and inhabited by one of Plano’s original settler families until the last descendant died in 1998, still without indoor plumbing.

MICHAEL WALD

A resident mule at the Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano.

• A replica of a 1895 oneroom schoolhouse from Ponder, Texas, is painstakingly furnished in period style.

• The garden can generate fresh produce sufficient for a family of six for a year.

Add it all together and you get a vivid glimpse of life and times gone by. It

is well worth a visit and so close to home.

Michael Wald is a travel specialist with special expertise in Panama adventure travel. He blogs about travel and other musings at www.UntraveledPlaces. com. Follow him @ UntraveledPlace and see where he is off to next.

Dec. 6 - 12, 2019

KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM

PAGE 9

DOTTY’S TRUE TEXAS CUISINE

TacoLingo speaks a different language

recipe of the week

Mexico meets Brussels

By Dotty Griffith dotty.griffith@yahoo.com

TACOLINGO

Left: Nachos at TacoLingo. Right: The Brisket Taco.

By Dotty Griffith dotty.griffith@yahoo.com TacoLingo rounds out the culinary assemblage at The Union, a new development between Downtown and Uptown.

It adds citified Tex-Mex to a lineup that includes American neighborhood bar-resto The Henry, Kotta Sushi and North Italia. The restaurants flank the green space plaza that draws you into the high-rise office and residential complex. Katy Trail Weekly has visited and published features about each. So, let’s go for four.

TacoLingo completes the quartet of restaurants chosen because they satisfy Dallas' four main food groups. As in, “What are you hungry for?”

“Let’s grab a burger.”

“I was thinking sushi.”

“How does pizza sound?”

“OK, Tex-Mex it is.”

TacoLingo has a veteran at the helm. Rich Hicks, CEO of Reach Restaurant Group, has been around a while. I first

encountered his restaurant far-sightedness in 1999 after he founded Tin Star, which was an upscale taco restaurant that was way ahead of its time. Hicks is a visionary that way. Pie Tap Pizza Workshop and Mooya Burgers are his babies as well. He hosted a recent media dinner at TacoLingo.

One dish bonds us: the cheeseburger taco. Rich recalled my review that ran in The Dallas Morning News 20 years ago telling anyone who was reading about the glory of the cheeseburger taco at the small restaurant that was then across from the Quadrangle. “I ran out of food by 5 p.m. Saturday (the next day),” Hicks recalls. That’s why he bought back his Tin Star brand, “so I could get the recipes.”

Guess what! The cheeseburger taco is still damn good.

Cooked medium so there’s a touch of pink, the burger is wrapped in a fresh, house-made flour tortilla along with black pepper bacon, cheese, “fancy sauce,” pickles, lettuce and tomato. And that particular taco comes with a side of fries, just like a proper cheeseburger.

The menu includes a lot of traditional Tex-Mex (except that frijoles are black not pinto), including enchiladas, fajitas and carne asada (grilled skirt steak). Queso, guacamole and nachos are in the mix as well. The menu breaks with tradition in some ways, such as appetizer Brussels sprouts topped with a fried egg.

Bar operations get a lot of attention here. The list of 25 tequilas and six mezcals is downright intimidating.

Tasting each of them would be intoxicating, so be a slow learner and have one or two per visit. Good reason to go back.

Cocktails such as the Mexican Mule — tequila, lime, agave nectar and ginger beer — are stunning visually and pretty on the tongue as well. The Mule is served in a terra cotta tumbler with a bright red rim of coarsely ground dried red chile.

The array of tacos ranges from traditional: small street tacos with fajita steak, chicken or pork and tacos with crisp shells, to the “specialty” list. That’s where you find the cheeseburger taco, as well as Buffalo tacos, a riff on hot wings with blue cheese. Avocado tacos with fried avocados and corn pico de gallo plus red quinoa makes for a great variation on avocado toast.

Tacos and grilled dishes are the strength of the menu.

We tried pollo blanco, grilled skinless, boneless chicken breast with a white cheese sauce topped with sautéed spinach and peppers. Mexican rice and mashed black beans come on most plates. This dish melded flavors of grilling with the creamy cheese sauce and the light bite of peppers.

Very nice.

Enchilada fans can find tortillas rolled around ground beef and topped with chili or shredded chicken topped with the lovely white cheese sauce.

And remember, this is a spot where you can indulge your cheeseburger and Tex-Mex cravings.

TACOLINGO AT THE UNION DALLAS 2301 N. Akard St., Suite 270 Dallas, 75201 214-613-4041 tacolingo.com

What Mexican restaurant serves Brussels sprouts?

TacoLingo, good to know for those of you who want to avoid carbs. Avoiding starches on a Tex-Mex menu can be relatively easy except at the start when tortilla chips come with just about everything: guacamole, queso and nachos. This appetizer, served as an appetizer, solves that problem.

At home, this dish could easily be a vegetarian main or a side, without the eggs.

TACOLINGO BRUSSELS SPROUTS 3 tablespoons canola oil 1 pound Brussels sprouts, quartered 1/4 cup pickled red onions 1/4 cup pickled Fresno peppers Soy agave glaze (see recipe) Chipotle honey mustard (see recipe) 3 eggs 1/4 teaspoon (each) salt and pepper To a large sauté pan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons oil. When oil is hot enough to shimmer, add Brussels sprouts. Stir to coat with oil. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, until edges of sprouts are brown. Sprouts should be al dente. Do not overcook.

Remove from heat.

In a large bowl, toss the sprouts, pickled onions and pickled peppers with Soy Agave Glaze.

In a shallow serving dish, spread the Chipotle Honey Mustard on the bottom of the dish. Arrange Brussels sprouts over mustard.

To a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon oil. When oil is hot enough to shimmer, fry eggs, sunny side up, 3 minutes or just until white is set. Season eggs with salt and pepper.

Top Brussels sprouts with sunny side eggs.

Carefully crack the yolks so the yellow runs over the sprouts.

Makes 3 servings.

Soy agave glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons agave nectar, 3 teaspoons soy sauce and 3 teaspoons water. Whisk together until sugar has dissolved.

Simmer for 3 minutes. Add 2 teaspoons chipotle puree and 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar. Remove from heat.

Chipotle honey mustard: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons whole grain mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 1/2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon mashed chipotle. Blend until smooth.

TACOLINGO

TacoLingo Brussels Sprouts.

UPTOWN GIRL

Is Instagram removing public likes good or bad?

By Ryann Gordon

ryannbgordon@yahoo.com Throughout the past few months, Instagram has been on a quest to become the safest place on the internet.

Most certainly considering the scrutiny that’s been put on its older sibling, Facebook, that owns both platforms, Instagram can be given a high regard to its efforts in creating a safe space for both adults and youth.

However, Instagram decided to remove public likes from the platform for various users in countries worldwide, including Canada, Australia, Brazil, Ireland, Italy, Japan and New Zealand.

Now it’s moved on though, and recently Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri announced that they will be removing likes for many U.S. users. Needless to say, this has caused a series of uproars for American Instagram users, especially for those we call “influencers.”

Looking at the influence that Instagram has had on worldwide marketing raises the question of how this is going to affect those who run their businesses through their Instagram.

And while it seems as though it would negatively affect an influencer, not being able to see public likes on their posts, that wasn’t exactly the response that came when people were asked directly.

In Reddit threads from Canada and

other countries where the change has already been put in place, many people considered the fact that this would put more emphasis on comments and personal engagement with brands and users. This was highly supported by local influencers, according to an article by the Dallas Observer. Of all the DFW influencers spoken to, they each remained consistent on the belief that this new policy wouldn’t have a grave effect on their business and that it would be beneficial in inspiring more creativity among users and personal engagement between brands and influencers.

One of the influencers spoken to in this piece, Alexandra Pisetskaya, was particularly fond of the new proposal and said she had a problem with Instagram users “chasing likes” and what that does to their content, as well as her own. This comes back to the real meaning behind Instagram’s decision to remove public likes, which is founded in the well-being of its users and the ego that has been created on behalf of the platform.

In a statement made to Bloomberg, Mosseri explained the decision: “What we’re hoping to do is depressurize Instagram a little bit, and make it a bit less of a competition … The idea is to try and reduce anxiety and social comparisons, specifically with an eye towards young people.” So, the real question, could this be a good thing?

This is something agreed upon by Marie Mostad, cofounder of influencer-brand matching company Inzpire.me.

In an interview with Business Insider, she confronted the change as a bid to tackle some of the mental health issues on social media. Mostad believed that hidden likes will make users think more about why they double tap certain photos, which would ideally lead to more authentic content.

"If you think of an art gallery, you will stop and take a closer look at paintings or photographs you really like, and it doesn't have anything to do with what other people like — it's just your personal taste,” she told Insider, supporting much of what was said in the interviews with local influencers. “A gallery would never have a counter showing which pictures people spend the most time on. It's just the subjective taste that matters."

Looking at the issue of public likes as something that could influence mental health makes it much more clear and respectable that Instagram would make such a decision. If anyone had a rejection for Mosseri upon the removal of public likes, they’ve been stopped in their tracks, because, as he called out in his U.S. announcement at the WIRED25 conference in San Francisco, “We [Instagram] will make decisions that hurt the business if they help people's well-being and health.”

KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM

PAGE 10

Dec. 6 - 12, 2019

Our Favorite Restaur ants American — Homestyle Beck’s Prime 5931 Forest Ln. 972-661-8681 Bubba’s Cooks Country 6617 Hillcrest 214-373-6527 Mama’s Daughters’ Diner 2014 Irving Blvd.

214-742-8646 Riverside Grill 940 Riverfront Blvd. 214-748-2700 Asian — Japanese — Sushi Blue Sushi Sake Grill 7859 Walnut Hill, #100 972-677-7887 Sushi House 5619 W. Lovers Ln. 214-350-2100 Sushi Kyoto II 6429 Hillcrest Ave. 214-520-9991 Ten Ramen 1818 Sylvan Ave. 972-803-4400 WaiWai Kitchen — Sushi, Noodles 4315 Lemmon Ave. 214-520-8868 Bakery — Desserts — Ice Cream Celebrity Café & Bakery 10720 Preston Rd,#1016 214-373-0783 Crème de la Cookie 6025 Royal Ln. 214-363-4766 6706 Snider Plaza 214-265-5572 Einstein Bros. Bagels 3827 Lemmon Ave. 214-526-5221 6011 Royal Ln. 214-265-1435 6109 Berkshire Ln, #A 214-691-2445 Gigi’s Cupcakes 5450 W. Lovers, #130 214-352-2253 Highland Park Soda Fountain 3229 Knox St. 214-521-2126 Marble Slab Creamery 3001 Knox St., #103 214-219-0300

6130 Berkshire Ln. 214-369-5566 Mojo Donuts 6522 Lemmon Ave. 214-357-5154 Mustang Donuts 6601 Hillcrest Ave. 214-363-4878 The Original Cupcakery 2222 McKinney, #230 214-855-0003 Paciugo 3699 McKinney Ave. 214-219-2665 Pokey O’s 3034 Mockingbird 214-987-1200 Top Pot Doughnuts 8611 Hillcrest, #195 469-232-9911 Yummy Donuts 4355 Lovers Ln. 214-520-7680 Bar-B-Q Aloha Hawaiian Barbecue 5601 Lemmon, A-1 214-521-8868 Big Al’s Smokehouse Barbecue 3125 Inwood Rd. 214-350-9445 Dickey’s Barbecue Pit 2324 McKinney Ave. 469-248-3149 Katy Trail Ice House 3127 Routh St. 214-468-0600 Peggy Sue Bar-B-Q 6600 Snider Plaza 214-987-9188 Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que 1820 W. Mockingbird 214-352-2752 Bars, Pubs & Taverns 6th Street Bar / Uptown 3005 Routh St. 214-965-0962 Big Al’s McKinney Ave. Tavern 2907 McKinney Ave. 214-969-1984 British Beverage Co. 2800 Routh St., #115 214-922-8220 The Corner Bar & Grill 4830 McKinney 214-219-8002

The Ginger Man - Uptown 2718 Boll St. 214-754-8771 The Idle Rich Pub 2614 McKinney Ave. 214-965-9926 Nickel and Rye 2523 McKinney Ave. 214-389-2120 The Quarter Bar 3301 McKinney Ave. 214-754-0106 Time Out Tavern 5101 W. Lovers Ln. 214-956-9522 Uptown Pub & Grill 3605 McKinney 214-522-5100 Windmill Lounge 5320 Maple Ave. 214-443-7818

2525 Inwood Rd., #123 214-350-9445 Original Pancake House 2900 Lemmon Ave. 214-528-7215 4343 W. NW Hwy,#375 214-351-2012 Two Sisters 3111-C Monticello 214-526-1118

4001 Lemmon Ave. 214-521-2070 Hunky’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers 3930 Cedar Springs 214-522-1212 Jake’s Hamburgers 2702 McKinney, #101 214-754-8001 Jersey Mike’s Subs 3001 Knox St. 214-520-7827 5301 W. Lovers Ln. 214-350-7611 8411 Preston Rd., #118 214-691-7827 Mooyah Burger 6713 W. N.W. Hwy. 214-987-2666 Potbelly Sandwich Shop 5921 Forest Ln., #100 972-392-7771 Smashburger 4235 W. NW Hwy, #100 972-220-1222 Snuffer’s 8411 Preston Rd, #112 214-265-9911 Subway — SMU area 6935 Hillcrest 214-444-9068 Village Burger — West Village 3699 McKinney 214-443-9998

Burgers, Deli & Sandwiches Blues Burgers 1820 W. Mockingbird 214-750-9100 BGR — The Burger Joint 3001 Knox St., #108 469-941-4471 Burger House 6913 Hillcrest 214-361-0370 Chip’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers 4530 W. Lovers Ln. 214-691-2447 East Hampton Sandwich Co. 6912 Snider Plaza 214-363-2888 Gazeebo Burgers 5950 Royal Ln. 214-368-3344 Goff’s Hamburgers 6401 Hillcrest 214-520-9133 Great American Hero

Wild About Harry’s — Katy Trail Serving up Harry’s mother's recipe of creamy frozen custard in many flavors made daily, award-winning hot dogs & a friendly atmosphere, Harry's has become the place to eat and relax for everyone. Open: 11 a.m. — 10 p.m., 7 days a week. www.wildaboutharrys.com 4527 Travis St. 214-520-3113 Chinese Howard Wang’s China Grill 3223 Lemmon Ave. 214-954-9558 4343 N.W. Hwy, #345 214-366-1606 Royal China 6025 Royal Ln., #201 214-361-1771

Breakfast and/or Lunch Bailey’s Cafe

SUDOKU

ENVIRONMENT cont'd from page 3

permafrost that concerns climate scientists is the likelihood of a positive feedback loop where increasing temperatures in the Arctic cause permafrost to melt at increasing rates releasing ever higher levels of methane which directly creates even more warming.

The cycle is vicious and feeds itself by ramping up the greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere.

Scientists believe a separate feedback is also contributing to the rate at which the Arctic is warming, where higher temperatures

This is half of Our Favorite Restaurants.

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are melting more of the ice cover each year exposing more open ocean. The reflective surface of ice helps keep atmospheric temperatures down, but the darker open ocean water uncovered by melting sea ice absorbs more sunlight, warming the entire ecosystem.

The combined feedback loops of melting sea ice and melting permafrost are contributing to the rapid warming of the Arctic.

These Arctic effects aren’t limited to Russia. This year, scientists said the Canadian Arctic is melting 70 years ahead of schedule per EcoWatch.

HISTORICALLY cont'd from page 3

Collier’s magazine and gave his account. The story was so sensational that Congress called a hearing to look into the matter. Though Ballinger would be cleared by the hearing, the investigation turned up other improprieties. It proved that Taft was trying to protect Ballinger by firing Glavis.

The investigation showed that a letter Taft circulated, claiming he wrote it before the firing of Glavis, was actually written after the fact and was written by Ballinger’s attorney.

Finally, during the trial, Pinchot testified against Ballinger. When the trial was over, he too was removed from his position by the Taft

Mull cont'd from page 7

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In the greenhouse gas conversation carbon dioxide gets almost all the attention, and it definitely has the dubious distinction as the top greenhouse gas. Methane in its own way is more of a silent killer.

It not only flies under the greenhouse gas radar for the most part, it’s also more potent and more difficult to eradicate. Unlike CO2, which people create in volume lending it to reduction policies, methane is largely trapped in the planet like in permafrost and is released when there’s a disruption such as the rapidly melting Arctic permafrost.

Administration. Roosevelt was so incensed that it was one of the reasons he decided to challenge Taft for the Republican ticket in 1912. When Taft was successful in retaining the Republican nomination, Roosevelt and the progressive members of his party broke away to form the Bull Moose Party. With the Republicans split, the Democrats were able to elect their candidate for only the second time in 56 years.

Dr. James Finck is an Associate Professor of History at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and Chair of the Oklahoma Civil War Symposium. Follow Historically Speaking at .Historicallyspeaking.blog or Facebook at @ jamesWfinck.

He started umpiring little league games when he was in high school. At Texas Tech, he began officiating in the intramural department to make a little extra money. He stepped into high school football officiating while still in college and fell in love with it. While building a career in insurance and later computer graphics, he had time to continue officiating on the field for 40 years.

“So many parents are reliving or recreating their youth sports career through their kid,” Fitch said. “They think that if their kid gets a foul or a called third strike, it will keep them from getting a college scholarship or being selected in the draft, and that is just silly.

“Sports, especially team sports, when done properly should be an extension of the classroom. You learn things in athletics that you don’t learn in the classroom like teamwork and having a common goal. A very small percentage of kids make it to a major college and an even smaller percentage makes it into the pros. But the skills a young man or young woman can learn while participating in high school athletics will pay off later in life.”

Many activity organizations hold coaches accountable for

actions on the field against officials. But youth sports matches, part is that the aggression of the often overseen by volunteers, has fans, coaches and sometimes no such governing body. players toward officials has gotIn 2010, Fitch took over as ten worse, which may be a reflecexecutive director of TASO while tion of our society. I don’t know. I the organization was engaged am not a sociologist. in a lawsuit with the University “But the lack of respect and Interscholastic League, better the outright confrontation that known as the UIL. “With my we have to put up with today is experience, I felt like this was getting increasingly out of hand,” something I could do,” Fitch said.

Fitch said. In the TASO training “My wife jokes that every job I programs, they advise would-be have ever had led me to this. As officials to ignore it as much as an insurance adjuster, I was alyou can. “We don’t want our offiways dealing with people that had cials confronting the fans themproblems with either a car wreck, selves,” Fitch said. a fire in their house or whatever.

“But if one steps over the Then I moved into administration line, you find a game administraand knew how to organize and tor, head coach or security and manage people. And I learned let them know. We tell them to people skills in sales.” remember that they are not critiAbout 20 percent of officizing you as a person, but you as cials stay on the job past three an official.” Amateur referees are years. TASO conducts surveys on now subject to threats and perwhy officials don’t return. Many sonal attacks, something rarely times, leaving is caused by a heard of in previous generations. change in family or job situation.

Fitch’s interest in officiating “That we can’t control,” Fitch began at an early age. “My mother said. “The next biggest reason was a teacher and used to take me officials leave is the abuse from to a lot of football games when I fans, players and coaches. And was very young, and I don’t know that we can control.” why, but watching the officials TASO has begun initiatives control the game and throw the like START (Students Today and flags, I thought, was pretty cool.

Referees Tomorrow) that asks I am not a control freak by any high school coaches to identify means.” graduating seniors that are potential referees. They also THIS WEEK’S SUDOKU SOLUTION partner with “Battlefields to Ballfields” that recruits active and retired military personnel Advertise in and helps them obtain reimbursements in expenses like equipment associated with officiating.

Fitch hopes that by attracting new officials and having them adjust to the growing throng of belligerent and unappreciative fans and participants, another problem • info@katytrailweekly.com he has faced in his career, will be resolved.

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By Sally Blanton

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Dec. 6 - 12, 2019