Whitt’s End: 8.12.11

Whether you’ve reached the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt’s End: *Just stop it with the calls for Stephen McGee to get more playing time, or even be elevated to No. 2. Watch the game. He’s horrible. He can overcome sloppy footwork,…

When Bill Decker Deputized John Wayne

John Wayne was a U.S. marshal, far more than once. He was police lieutenant and then detective, back to back in the 1970s. And, of course, he played a sheriff, repeatedly and quite famously. And now, courtesy Heritage Auction Galleries, proof of his greatest position in law enforcement: an honorary…

Turkish Developer Outlines Plans for $125-Mil Mixed-Use Redo of 1401 Elm Street

This morning, as expected, Turkish developer Mukemmel “Mike” Sarimsakci sat among city officials in charge of downtown development at a meeting table flanked by colorful posters representing the future of 1401 Elm, the 1.3-million-square-foot office building that’s been vacant since January of 2010. The developer’s contract to purchase the property…

A&M to the SEC: Didn’t We Just Have this Conversation?

The grand ol’ Southwest Conference lived to be 80. The Big 12 Conference may die a teenager.Only 17 and just a year removed from turmoil that left it with just 10 teams but supposedly unity and cohesion, the conference is again this morning reeling with the news that Texas A&M…

Dallas-Denver: Cowboys 53-Man Roster Projection

Yes, thanks for asking, I am indeed ready for some football. And tonight we’ll all get a smidge, in the form of Cowboys-Broncos in Arlington at 7:30. Jason Garrett said he plans to play his starters a series, or about 8 to 12 plays. Same with the Broncos and their new…

Michael Young Whiffs; Texas Rangers Lose

Not saying by any means that it was an easy or routine play. As Rangers’ manager Ron Washington said, the ball was “smoked.” But it’s a ball that third baseman Michael Young could’ve stopped, right?When Young did the ole on Casper Wells’ hot shot in the 7th inning Wednesday night,…

Man, the Omni Dallas Looks Awful Nice

Came across a press release from The City-Owned Hotel celebrating its 250,000th room booking — and, hey, the joint don’t even open till 11/11/11, at which point Tom Leppert will emerge from the Presidential Suite, stroking a white Persian, to cut the ribbon using only his laser-like stare. The press…

Willis Johnson and John Wiley Price: Friends With Benefits

Schmooze Cruise: It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that string. And on the Willis Johnson story, no one’s got it. Last week Channel 8’s Brett Shipp reported on contracts between the county and Johnson, a southern Dallas political consultant and businessman. And over the weekend The Dallas…