Normal Like Us Tailgate Association

Est. October 2003.

Photo Albums

  • Beer Pirate 'Que
    BBQ Competition Pics
  • Nan, D & I from the Poor-Man Suites
    NLU Friends & Family
  • The Brothers Dallman
    Normal Like Us 1
  • Dallman, Jake, Johnny
    Normal Like Us 2
  • Games & Recreation at NLU 3
    Normal Like Us 3
  • Hwang1
    Normal Like Us 4
  • NLU CLEAN UP CREW
    Normal Like Us 5
  • Lindsay & I at Ramekin's
    Sonoma Trip '09

NLU Favorite People & Sites

  • Switch Concert Series
  • Rany on the Royals
  • City of Ate: Dallas Observer
  • Joe Posnanski Blog
  • Royals Review
  • Gobena Coffee
  • The Magic of Mid-Town
  • The Hoffice
  • Redeemer Fellowship- KC
  • The Pulley
  • Howard Garrett - The Dirt Doctor
  • Hello Big D : A blog about things to do in Dallas
  • Rock Chalk Talk
  • Bloody Sundays
  • Arrowhead Pride Blog
  • The BBQ Forum
  • Cawley Blog

Books on the nightstand

  • Ron Hansen: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

    Ron Hansen: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

  • Barbara Kingsolver: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life

    Barbara Kingsolver: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life

  • Michael Lewis: Home Game

    Michael Lewis: Home Game

  • Joe Posnanski: The Good Stuff: Columns about the Magic of Sports

    Joe Posnanski: The Good Stuff: Columns about the Magic of Sports

  • : The Backyard Homestead

    The Backyard Homestead

The Dogs of NLU

  • Ella
  • Mac
  • Wally
  • Kaya
  • Chief
  • Priest Bole
  • Greta
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Saving Dallas Radio

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This is just fantastic. 

Dallas' local NPR station KERA launched it's own sister all-music radio station KXT 91.7 today. So far the playlist of note includes Neil Young, Fleet Foxes, Al Green, Wilco, Van Morrison, Lucinda Williams, Stevie Ray Vaughn. Since I haven't listened to the radio for music since '97, we've got more than a few spots on the car "favorites" dial to lock in. 

Donate here to keep the good tunes 'a coming. Check it out. 

Props to the radio. Go radio. 

November 09, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Preview of Good Times Thursday

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November 03, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Live From The Death Star

Full report from Jerry World to come.... Yeee-haw!

Live From The Death Star

*Post-game thoughts.

   Ok, so with a new 8 gazillion dollar stadium that seats over 100 large it was only a matter of time till some tixs fell our way. Curiosity alone, I wasn't about to turn them down. So to set the ground-rules in evaluating your experience when visiting a new pro stadium you have to recognize the 2 types of venues. 

#1- The Old Yard- This of course refers to hallowed sporting grounds such as Wrigley, Fenway, Lambeau, Old Soldier Field, the case can be made for Arrowhead,and then there was old Texas Stadium. 

#2- The Bank Roll Ballpark- Whether you like it or not, this is the new gold standard for stadiums and it's all about the $. Mega-Ultra Vision, surround sound, concierge assistance, valet parking, luxury suite, shiny-new facilities that just happen to host sporting events and the occasional lame band. 

Obviously, I need not explain which type of stadium I prefer, but as one family member recently reminded me, "Everything is catered to the south-towner these days."

That being said, I actually enjoyed my experience in Jerry World. I went as a complete 3-party attendee caring little to nothing for the hometown squad and unable to name more than 4 players on the Seattle roster. I'm sure if I cared about the Cowboys, this would be a little slice of Bubba-Heaven. 

Parking- It wasn't nearly as bad as I expected, although the Cowboys and Rangers need to get on the same page about the lots. Letters and numbers just don't mix as an organizational pattern. 

Concessions- Miss K had some tasty chicken and cheese flautas with pico & salsa. I had some surprising veggie-nachos with corn salsa, black beans and jack cheese. Negative points for being Pepsi only. Food and 2 drinks, under $30- not so bad. They had a faux-farmers market "stand" and I might have thought that was neat except for the Dallas' stand against the little-man farmer's markets of late. 

Overall game experience- The Colossal-HD-Tron is big. I want one in my back-yard. You find yourself visually all over the place, and I was thankful that they didn't employ the "Kiss-Cam" gimmick. I would have lost my veggie lunch. Pretty cool to watch, especially for the fan who doesn't know what they are watching on the field. The open ends on both sides are nice, and gives it a good open but closed feel. Game temp was about 74 degrees, and I think they kicked the AC on at some point. We were sitting in the 3rd level of what feels like 8, and the view was just fine. Unlike the old Cowboys hole, there was no smell of urine and feces in the concourse and I didn't leave feeling dirty. 

Aura- Maybe I just wasn't in tune with the team schtick but I couldn't find any championship banners hanging anywhere and the ring-of-honor blended right in with the 4 levels of ribbon LED boards. The stadium seamed loud but not overpowering. 

Booking Agent- Just like the H.O.B downtown, what's lacking in character and good-time feel the venue more than makes up for in the ability to book the big-show. Of all the events on the upcoming docket (Super Bowl included), I am most excited about the 2014 Final Four. Make it happen Bill. 

Check it out, if you get a chance. It's the big Death-Star just off the highway. 

Can't miss it....

November 01, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Stork Has Landed!

Photo 

October 29, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Little Big-Man Love

IMG_0251    What does it say about me, when I spend an entire weekend in KC & Larry and all I want to get is gear for our little guy? Possible over-saturation of Jayhawk gear, but more likely anticipation and excitement for the days to come. 

   The question I asked myself when purchasing my future son's 1st jersey was, "Is he going to be most-like Cole?" My answer was "probably not," but is Cole the guy who sets the bar (best pure big since Wilt)? Yeah, he's the guy you build your team around. So #45 it is, plus Ethiopians can be long and lanky- you never know. 

   It was great to go home and grab some quality time with family & friends and the kid circus. 

   Much love.  

October 26, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Home Cooking

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Yeah, we're on our way. 

Okie-Joe's ta-go> Room 39> Bryant's> La Bodega> Wheatfield's> Wagon> Wagon> Johnny's> Sev's> Kev's. 

That's how we plan our trips, there's even room for one late add, so I'm open to suggestions. 

Good for the soul and stomach.   

October 22, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (2)

Awfully festive 'round here

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Bevo-'que last night.

WSP/Allman Bros tonight.

Late Night & the fab frosh debut.

Texas Boot Flaskers vs. Oklahoma Jort Jockies tomorrow. 

Hawks in Boulder- Reesing for Heisman. 

Cool 65 degrees, headed to the Fair.

I was trying to dig up a pic at my 1st Panic show, but alas they're all in a disposable Kodak camera somewhere under a frat rack. The good-old days....non-dad party-on card punched.   

October 16, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (2)

Listen Local

DC9 in Space: The Beaten Sea from Dallas Observer on Vimeo.

   We're mighty proud of our friend & co-worker Jamie and the love that his band, The Beaten Sea is getting around town. We were able to catch this taping last week for the Observer down in Deep Ellum. 

   For those of you who don't know James, he's the one with the beard....ok actually he's the one with the banjo...or the one with the cowboy boots...nevermind, he's our buddy on the left.  

   Enjoy.

October 01, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sausage Lit

Alex_1gr

   I know it's OktoberFest when 2 fantastic articles about sausage come across my desk, both of which are worthy NLU readings. The first article is a feature in Edible DFW on Kuby's, one of my absolute favorite places in town. It basically paints the Kuby family as sausage high priests of Texas and traces the roots of their family-owned market in Snider Plaza. 

   The second article comes from the NY Times, focuses on the future of sausage-slinging on the street. The Grill-Walker (as pictured above). My Christmas list begins and ends with one on these set-ups. 

   The wanna-be Metzgermeister in me loves this time of year.

   Enjoy w/ mustard, kraut, and a cold-one. 

  

September 29, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (2)

Preview of Coming Attractions

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We're working on our geography around here....

September 23, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1)

6 months and counting!

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   Alright, so I've been a little hush hush about kid stuff on NLU. Probably in fear of ridicule that this site becomes a mommie-blog. Technically, not possible.

   Regardless, as of today the 19th- Kimi & I have been on the government list of approved parents for 6 months. Things are starting to turn the corner around here, fun gear for the little guy is being bought, all my crap is being cleaned up, thrown away or otherwise displaced and we're keeping our phones close. All of this is long-overdue. 

   I guess what I've saying is the countdown is on....

 

September 19, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Worth the tube time

Parks_teaser

   Ken Burns' latest PBS doc, The National Parks: America's Best Idea, debuts Sept. 27th. 

   I'm a huge fan of the man's work. Everything from The Civil War to Jazz. I've yet to see The War but I'm sure it's great too.  

   What's your favorite National Park?

September 15, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Switch Concert Series w/ special guest Schools

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 Wspdsbw20   

   Appearing live at the Hoffice on upright bass. Dude was a little sweaty without his arctic-blast fan set-up, but he had a good time.

   Another solid showing for round 2 of the Switch Concert Series.  

   Big turn-out, a tolerable August night in Dallas w/ light rain, and great food from Cuba Libre. The in-house catering staff got the night off, but was able to stay busy getting "educated" by the City Man. According to the City Man, we didn't have the right permits to party, our tent was too big, and you gotta pay your fees and fill out your forms. No worries though, my technique with city employed authorities to kill 'em kindness and lay the "yes-sirs" on thick- worked like a charm. (Note to Biscuit) 

   Enjoy some pics courtesy of own Lauren Ratliff, and note the largest collection of facial hair in Dallas in one night.

   Concert Pics Round 2 

 

August 29, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)

One more summer Hoffice concert

Sabraemail2

  Yeah, so maybe it's not H.O.R.D.E Fest circa '94, but we've got a nice little show lined-up for Thursday's Switch Concert Series. This round will feature the talented Sabra Laval.   

  The in-house catering staff has the night off, bringing in Cuba Libra for the masses and we've secured a nice little sponsorship from Firefly adult beverage company. Splash. Rocks. Lemon. 

  Must pace thyself. Pics & wrap to come. 

  Swing by if you're in the 'hood. 

August 25, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Scheduling Announcement

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Biscuit BASH, Sept. 11th-14th. 

In culmination of the Mid-town Meat Mobile transfer of ownership & little bro's #25th B-Day.

Burger House> Rangers game> Chuy's> KU v. UTEP> Barcadia. Just to get things started. 

Lock up your leftovers. 

 

August 19, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (9)

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Recent Comments

  • Trey on Home Cooking
  • Trey on Home Cooking
  • Boogie Boss on Awfully festive 'round here
  • hammer on Awfully festive 'round here
  • Sausage Boss on Sausage Lit
  • uncle jed on Sausage Lit
  • uncle jed on Preview of Coming Attractions
  • Big D Cabbie on Scheduling Announcement
  • budda on Scheduling Announcement
  • Big D Cabbie on Scheduling Announcement

Playlist of the Pit Boss

  • Moondoggies -

    Moondoggies: Don't Be a Stranger

  • The Allman Brothers Band -

    The Allman Brothers Band: Beginnings

  • Grateful Dead -

    Grateful Dead: Europe '72

  • Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee -

    Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee: Folk Songs of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee

  • Little Feat -

    Little Feat: Feats Don't Fail Me Now

  • R.L. Burnside -

    R.L. Burnside: A Bothered Mind

  • The Rolling Stones -

    The Rolling Stones: More Hot Rocks: Big Hits & Fazed Cookies

  • Abyssinia Infinite -

    Abyssinia Infinite: Zion Roots

Archives

  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
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  • February 2009

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