Archive for the 'Dallas News' Category
Tuesday, March 24th, 2009
By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News
Most Texas home markets continued to eke out tiny increases in home prices in early 2009, according to a new report by First American CoreLogic.
Texas home prices were up by just less than 2 percent in the California-based housing analyst’s latest survey released Monday.
While Texas prices rose, nationwide home prices in January fell by 11.6 percent compared to a year ago to the lowest level in almost five years.
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Wednesday, March 11th, 2009
Break Up, Rock Out >>
Lead singer Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders return to the tour circuit to promote Break Up the Concrete, their first new album since 2002. It has been described as straight-forward rock with lyrics alluding to Bob Dylan’s songs and beats reminiscent of Bo Diddley. The Pretenders perform with American Bang, a southern band from Nashville. Doors open at 7 p.m. today. $45-$85. House of Blues. 2200 N. Lamar St. 214-978-2583. hob.com.
<< Love Always, Russia
Brush up on your classical Russian composers as Yuja Wang and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra perform “From Russia With Love.” Wang, an internationally acclaimed pianist, will perform romantic pieces including Rachmaninoff’s demanding but hauntingly beautiful “Piano Concerto No. 3.” “From Russia With Love” is conducted by Arild Remmereit. 7:30 p.m. today, 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Meyerson Symphony Center. 2301 Flora St. $17-$110. 214-692-0203.
dallassymphony.com
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Driving Beat >>
Celebrate Black History Month this weekend with the Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s annual Cultural Awareness. This year’s performances deliver a driving beat of new contemporary works and repertory classics in dance sets including Ray Mercer’s “Pulse” and Hope Boykin’s “in.ter.pret.” New York choreographer Christopher Huggins also returns with his newest work “Jazz Course 101 — Dallas Black University.” Experience the strength, technique, and expression of the dance company and learn a few jazz moves from your seat. 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday. The Majestic Theatre. 1925 Elm St. $10-$60. 214-871-2390. dbdt.com
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<< Mystic Arts
Keith Carter transforms time, light, and memory into transcendent imagery in the latest exhibition at the Photographs Do Not Bend gallery. Works from Carter’s latest book, A Certain Alchemy, will be featured along with other intriguing photographs by the artist. The show opens Saturday with a reception and book signing from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Exhibit runs through April 25. 1202 Dragon St., Suite 103. Free. 214-969-1852. pdnbgallery.com.
In Stitches >>
Join your family and friends at the Crow Collection of Asian Art’s Family Size Quilt Celebration, where you can go on a scavenger hunt, design a quilt pattern, and tour the “Stitching the Seasons: Contemporary Japanese Quilts” exhibit. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Crow Collection of Asian Art. 2010 Flora St. Free. 214-979-6430. crowcollection.org.
[source: peoplenewspapers]
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Wednesday, March 11th, 2009
By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News
The rising tide of residential foreclosures in North Texas is putting more high-end homeowners underwater.
“The largest gains in first-quarter home [foreclosure] postings were among luxury homes,” said George Roddy, president of Addison-based Foreclosure Listing Service.
More than 13,000 D-FW homes were posted for foreclosure in the first three months of 2009, Foreclosure Listing Service said Feb. 12.
Filings for homes priced at $1 million and up jumped 175 percent from a year earlier, the service said Tuesday. And foreclosure postings were up almost 40 percent for houses priced from $500,000 to $999,000.
“Compared to two years ago, postings of ultra-luxury homes have skyrocketed,” Roddy said in a prepared statement.
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Friday, February 20th, 2009
Feb. 20 - 22, 2009 - ConDFW Convention (Dallas, TX)
ConDFW, an annual literary speculative fiction (scifi/fantasy/horror/etc) convention, will be at the Crowne Plaza Suites Dallas-Park Central 7800 Alpha Rd Dallas, TX 75240 Friday through Sunday February 20 - 22, 2009. Author Guests of Honor are David Weber and Jim Butcher. Artist Guest of Honor is Janimation. Dozens of other local and visiting authors, artists, and dealers will be there. A costume contest and gaming will be available in addition to a wide spectrum of panels, presentations, and activities aimed at readers and writers of speculative fiction. For more information, visit www.condfw.org
Feb. 20, 2009 – Robin Williams – (Grand Prairie, TX)
This fall on Friday, February 20, 2009, at 8:00 P.M. Nokia Theatre will host award-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams who will embark on his first U.S. stand-up comedy tour since his critically acclaimed 26-date tour in 2002. Entitled “Weapons of Self-Destruction,” the show will highlight Williams’ trademark free associations and riffs on social and political absurdities. For more information visit www.robinwilliams.com or www.nokiatheatredfw.com
Feb. 20-22, 2009 - AmeriStamp Expo/Texpex 2009 (Arlington, TX)
Admission is FREE at AmeriStamp Expo/Texpex 2009, winter show of the American Philatelic Society, at the Arlington Convention Center February 20-22. Family fun for age eight or 80, learn the ins and outs of the world’s greatest hobby. Some 6,400 pages of stamp exhibits will be shown in competition, plus rarities including the fabled inverted Jenny airmail error valued at $400,000. More than 80 dealers from the U.S. and abroad and an auction have everything you need to pursue the stamp hobby, with helpful seminars and how-to sessions for interests of every kind. Beginners are especially welcome, with a booth for new collectors and a special area to guide youth through hobby basics, with free stamps, puzzles, hands-on skills, and games. If you have an old collection, “Stamps in Your Attic” will give free evaluations of what you’ve got, courtesy of the National Stamp Dealers Association. AmeriStamp Expo/Texpex, open Friday and Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday from 10 to 4. Visit www.stamps.org/Ameristamp
Feb. 21, 2009 – Popeyes Mystiqal Run and Parade 2009 (Dallas, TX)
Popeyes MystiQal is back for it’s 11th annual 5K Run/Walk for 2009. Join us on February 21, 2009 in Downtown Dallas for MystiQal. Watch as Downtown Dallas transforms into New Orleans during Mardi Gras - complete with a nighttime parade, outdoor cafes, street vendors and live music and entertainment. Popeyes MystiQal will rival the most authentic Mardi Gras experience without ever leaving Dallas. Popeyes MystiQal will feature beads and baubles, parties along the parade route, live music and loads of fun activities with the food and drink that celebrate Mardi Gras. The Mardi Gras Run benefits Captain Hope’s Kids an organization that provides for the critical needs of homeless children. For more information visit www.runontexas.com or www.captainhope.org The parade route for 2009 has been changed to start at Main Street and Ervay Street going down Main Street to Lamar Street; making a right on Lamar and ending in the West End District. The Mystiqal Run at Dallas’ City Hall Plaza is the site of the start and finish of the annual 5K just two blocks off of the MystiQal Parade route. The run is scheduled for Saturday, February 21st at 5:30 p.m. Popeyes wants you to know what a Krewe is. Visit Popeyes at www.bonafidekrewe.com to get updates about the parade emailed to you.
Feb. 21 - 22, 2009 - Fort Worth Bridal Show (Fort Worth, TX)
Come See The Premier Bridal Event In Tarrant Country! Over 125 wedding businesses to meet your every wedding need. Tickets are available at the door, and no advance registration is needed. Discount coupon available on line at promoters website. For more information visit bridalshowsinc.com
 Feb. 22 -Mar. 1, 2009 - Sesame Street: Elmo’s Green Thumb (Grand Prairie, TX)
Sunny isn’t just the weather forecast on Sesame Street - it’s also the name of Elmo’s sunflower friend! Join all your favorite friends on an amazing adventure as they help Elmo find a new home for Sunny in the all new Sesame Street Live stage show, “Elmo’s Green Thumb”. Venue: NOKIA Theatre Grand Prairie. Details - www.nokialivedfw.com or visit www.sesamestreetlive.com
Feb. 22, 2009 - Krewe of Barkus Parade (McKinney, TX)
Dress your four-legged friend in celebrity style and head to Historic Downtown McKinney for an afternoon of Mardi Gras fun! Patterned after the legendary Mystic Krewe of Barkus in New Orleans, Historic Downtown McKinney will feature a parade and costume contest! Humans and their dog escorts are invited to participate. Children may also enter decorated wagon floats. Participants should meet at Mitchell Park located at the corner of Louisiana & Church in Historic Downtown McKinney at 12:30pm. Following the parade there will be a costume contest in Mitchell Park. Couple these festivities with an enjoyable shopping environment and plenty of parking which leads us to expecting a very successful event. For more information, visit www.downtownmckinney.com or call McKinney Main Street at 972.547.2660.
Feb. 24, 2009 - Mardi Gras Celebration (Lake Dallas, TX)
Lake Dallas Main Street is transformed into Denton County’s only Mardi Gras Celebration on Fat Tuesday. A Mardi Gras parade travels through downtown, the best float wins $1000 and the Lake Dallas City Hall parking lot features a New Orleans style party with authentic Cajun food, live music from the N’Awlins Gumbo Kings, and a kidzone featuring a giant inflatable obstacle course and slide, rock climbing wall, face painting, balloon sculpting and more! A family friendly costume contest and mask contest also take place at the event where the first place winners receive a cash prize! For more information about this event, visit the city’s website at www.lakedallas.com
Feb. 25 & 26, 2009 – Shecky’s Girls Night Out (Dallas, TX)
Shecky’s Girls Night Out offers women everywhere a place to escape from modern day stressors (ahem, economic crisis!) and relax with their BFFs. Each night of the event features everything a fashionista and her entourage could want: delicious cocktails, tons of emerging designer fashions at amazing prices, fabulous beauty services and – the icing on the cake – Shecky’s Famous Goodie Bags. Shecky’s Girls Night Out offers women the opportunity to get together and bond while partaking in some guiltless shopping. Additionally, ladies at the event can expect to sample and score fabulous beauty products, along with complimentary manicures, hand massages, blow-outs and mini makeovers. General admission tickets are complimentary for Shecky’s Insiders and are available via www.sheckys.com . Tickets for admission plus Shecky’s Famous Goodie Bag, valued at up to $100 and stuffed with this season’s must have products from brands such as Kiehl’s, REDKEN and Yes To Carrots, are $25 in advance, $35 day-of-event. Pssss, see their website for half-price tickets for the Goodie Bags until February 15.
Feb. 27 & 28, 2009 - Business Solutions EXPO! 2009 (Dallas, TX)
Be a part of bringing new economic growth to North Texas by attending the Business Solutions EXPO! You have the talent and ideas; the Business Solutions EXPO will give you the know how and local free resources to put your ideas into a successful business. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet hundreds of other entrepreneurs and area business success stories of all sizes as we unite to turbo charge our economy. 16 national and international experts will interact with you during 8 discussion panels to provide you the tools you need to create the winning marketing and sales strategies for your success. Resources such as the Small Business Administration Dallas/Fort Worth District, as well as many other trusted free or almost free support organizations (created to help you leverage your every asset to its fullest) will be there to answer your questions. Complete details to this event may be found at www.businesssolutionsexpo.com
Feb. 27 - Mar. 1, 2009 - 35th Annual Fort Worth Rod and Custom Car Show (Fort Worth, TX)
The 2009 Fort Worth Rod & Custom Show featuring Texas finest cars, trucks and motorcycles. This year’s show will be Feb. 27th, 28th and March 1st, 2009, with move in Wednesday Feb. 25th and Thursday Feb. 26th. The show will be located at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth. For details on this event, please visit www.txshowcar.com
Feb. 27 - Mar. 1, 2009 - All Texas Garden Show with Neil Sperry (Arlington, TX)
Two BIG Exhibit Halls, One BIG Shopping Experience! It’s A Gardener’s Paradise! Inspiring Waterfall & Pond Landscapes * Water Garden Displays * Flower & Plant Features * Stone Products, Plants & Paving Systems * Outdoor Living * “Green” Gardening * All Texas Garden Store * Children’s Activity Center * Over 30 Complimentary How-To Demonstrations, Seminars & Lectures including Neil Sperry, Horticulturist. General Admission $8.50. Kids 14 and under FREE. Friday only –Senior Citizens (65+) $6.50. Special Offer: Friday and Saturday after 6:00 p.m.: Tickets are two-for-one (no other discounts will apply). Discount coupons available at www.texashomeandgarden.com and Tom Thumb stores. For event details, call 1-800-654-1480 or visit www.texashomeandgarden.com
 Feb. 28, 2009 - Cowtown Marathon (Fort Worth, TX)
Join us Saturday, February 28, 2009 for The Cowtown Marathon: Fort Worth’s premier road race for adults and children, for the expert, and the novice. The only way to experience the best of Fort Worth…on foot. The Cowtown is a non-profit organization promoting community health and wellness to North Texans of all fitness levels by providing enjoyable, accredited races for young and old, skilled athlete and novice. Events include a marathon, marathon relay, half marathon, 10K and 5K races. The Cowtown was started in 1979 and continues to thrive and grow each year. In 2009 we will be celebrating our 31st year of running. Not only do we have over 12,000 runners participate annually, but more than 3,000 dedicated hard working volunteers are involved in this great community event. For more information, call 817-735-2033 or visit www.cowtownmarathon.org
Posted in Dallas News, Texas | 3 Comments »
Friday, February 20th, 2009
by Brendan Case
Prices rose 0.3 percent in January compared to December, the Labor Department said today. That was the largest monthly increase since July, driven by energy prices. But during the 12 months ending in January, prices didn’t rise at all - the first time that’s happened since 1955.
Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose 0.2 percent in January compared to December. Core inflation rose 1.7 percent in the 12 months ending in January.
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Friday, February 20th, 2009
By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News
Falling home prices and mortgage rates have made Dallas-Fort Worth even more affordable for residential buyers.
At the end of 2008, more than 67 percent of the homes sold in the D-FW area were affordable for residents earning the area’s median family income, according to a new report by the National Association of Home Builders.
That’s the D-FW area’s highest affordability ranking in four years.
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Posted in Dallas Real Estate, Dallas News, Texas | 8 Comments »
Thursday, February 19th, 2009
President Barack Obama rolled out a bold $75 billion, three-part plan Wednesday to halt the soaring rate of mortgage foreclosures nationwide, one that seeks to encourage refinancing of homes now worth less than their mortgages and provides incentives for lenders to lower the debt load on struggling homeowners.
The Homeowner Stability Initiative, which Obama unveiled in Phoenix, seeks to address one of the triggers of the global financial crisis: the 2.3 million U.S. foreclosures last year that are protracting the housing crisis and helping to drive down home prices across the nation.
Specifically, the Obama plan seeks to provide low-cost refinancing for as many as 5 million Americans. It seeks to help delinquent or at-risk borrowers get their mortgages modified so that no more than 31 percent of their income is tied up in their mortgages. And it provides financial incentives to lenders and even a new insurance program to promote more mortgage modifications.
Like the failed efforts under the Bush administration, however, the Obama plan doesn’t compel banks and other lenders to modify troubled mortgages. Instead, it provides a menu of incentives that may or may not prove sufficient.
Banks joined two prior voluntary efforts during the Bush administration _ Hope for Homeowners and the Federal Housing Administration’s FHA Secure _ but these efforts have resulted in relatively few mortgage modifications.
Now they’ll have a stick waved at them if they don’t comply with the subsidy plan. It will come in the form of Obama’s support for legislation pending in Congress that would allow bankruptcy court judges to modify the terms of a mortgage.
That’s forbidden right now, and banks and other lending institutions fiercely oppose what they call “cram down” legislation, warning that it’ll bring uncertainty for lenders, who will respond by restricting mortgage lending.
Banks may soon have to choose between the lesser of two evils. They could either modify loans - with a subsidy - to provide lower lending rates, and lose what they might have made from the higher lending rate over the life of the loan. Or they can do nothing and run the risk that a homeowner could file for bankruptcy and then have a judge order new loan terms that allow the borrower to stay in the home - and pay the lender less money.
The president’s plan also offers payments to mortgage servicers, who collect mortgage payments on behalf of investors who own the mortgages originally issued by banks but were sold into a secondary market. Servicers apparently would be offered a payment for modification on par with what they would collect in the case of foreclosure.
Source
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Thursday, February 19th, 2009
By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News
What home price decline?
Most recent studies show home prices in Dallas-Fort Worth decreased slightly last year, but a new report disagrees.
First American CoreLogic Inc. says in its latest study that home prices in the D-FW area were up almost 2 percent at the end of 2008 compared with a year earlier.
Nationwide prices were down 11.1 percent, according to the same report.
The study released Wednesday runs counter to others that say median home sales prices fell here in 2008.
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Thursday, February 19th, 2009
from Associated Press
DALLAS — Two samples of fresh material the “size of large pecans” from a meteor that alarmed numerous residents when it streaked across the Texas sky on Sunday have been found by two University of North Texas astronomers in a pasture east of the small town of West.
“The pieces that we found have beautiful ablation crust. And it’s black like charcoal. Underneath this crust the color of the rock is concrete like gray,” said Ron DiIulio, director of the planetarium and astronomy lab program at the University of North Texas in Denton.
DiIulio and Preston Starr, UNT’s observatory manager, said they found the pieces Wednesday about 5 p.m. after starting their search from Fort Worth at 3 a.m. using calculations from all of the calls they had received.
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Tuesday, February 17th, 2009
By MICHAEL A. LINDENBERGER / The Dallas Morning News
North Texas officials have been saying for years that residents here would willingly pay more taxes if only they could get better roads and expanded rail service. If a bill introduced Monday becomes law, they may finally get to test their theory.
The bill would permit counties in Texas’ largest urban areas to hold elections in which voters would be asked to pay higher taxes or fees, or both, to fund transportation projects. Most of the money would go to rail, though such cities as Dallas and Richardson, where residents already pay for transit through higher sales taxes, could use the money for highway projects, too.
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