Favorite News Picture of the Year, 2009.

The Star Telegram website has posted their "most-read stories of 2009".  Our favorite, and a surprise favorite worldwide, is their number seven, the story of  soldier and local boy, Zachary Boyd.

I was in Philadelphia at the time the picture and story first appeared and saw it on television news

Just in case someone hasn't read the story, here's a summary from the Star Telegram: "Spec. Zachary Boyd, a 2007 graduate of Keller Central High School, was in his sleeping quarters when the Taliban attacked in the rugged mountains of eastern Afghanistan. Boyd rushed to a defensive position clad in his helmet, vest and boxers -- the pink ones decorated with the "I Love NY" slogan."

You gotta love this guy.

http://www.star-telegram.com

(As a matter of interest, he is also wearing sandals -- obviously no time to don the boots, and is wearing a red t-shirt, which probably can be seen clearly from 5 miles away -- not exactly desert camo. The middle soldier looks to be wearing silver running shoes.)

Why I Believe. A Christmas Reflection.

 The Ecstasy of Saint Therese

Marian and I have an elderly friend in Philadelphia who speaks freely about his dislike for religion and the religious. He is a lover of the arts: music, opera, the visual arts, and he knows them, from the good to the bad, and the lives of the painters, singers and actors who have played the roles. We enjoy his company very much. One evening at our usual coffee shop meeting place, my wife asked him the obvious, but heretofore unasked question:

"When were you first bitten with the opera bug?"

"At one particular opera," he said, "I was about 20 years old . . . and the only way to describe it . . .  it was like the Bernini sculpture, in Rome, of Santa Therese in Ecstasy, I felt like I was pricked by Cupid's arrow. It was then, I fell in love with the music."

Given my friend's view on religion and God, and the overtly religious imagery of that particular sculpture, the statement surprised me. But it shouldn't have. Regardless of one's religious inclination, the beauty of the music that captivated him is attractive in itself. That is, Beauty exists, and our friend recognizes it.

This may may be an odd introduction to answer the question, "Why I Believe," but it is the discussion that started me thinking or rethinking the question. In other words, I not only enjoy the same works of art but I believe the Story from which they derive their inspiration. Why?

The reason in its most reduced form is that I believe the testimony of a few men and of one woman who lived and followed this Man Jesus, that is, I trust the writers of the biography of our Lord, or the Gospels, and of Mary, of Peter, and Paul. I am in some way a follower of the followers, those first friends of Christ. If they are misguided, so am I.

Historians and archaeologists have tried to disprove the authenticity of these biographers of Christ for hundreds of years, but to no avail. The Gospels make spectacular claims, but there seems to be no ulterior motive by the followers of Christ, no reason that it is being said but the obvious one. They believe it. No one was getting rich off this movement, no empires were being built. In fact, most of the men closely related to the Story died the painful death of the martyr. All the evidence points to death by stoning, or crucifixion and worse. The only one of the original twelve that died a natural death was John the Beloved, and he lived the life of a hermit; which does not in itself make them right, but this kind of sacrifice from so many people with such different backgrounds makes one pause to consider.

Another reason that keeps me believing is the distinctive quality of the human soul. The declaration that man was made, In imageo Dei, fits us. Nothing else seems to at least to me. The philosopher, the theologian, the scientist, and the social activist all attempt to answer this most fundamental of questions: "What or Who is man?" That he is made for this world seems apparent to me. But that he is "blinded and bent," as St. Bonaventure said, seems just as apparent. The possibility that he is both made in God's image and separated from Him seems more than a plausible explanation. 

But even given this blindedness, and maybe because of it, something else is observable to me, and it is man's capacity to enjoy beauty, if I may return to the interests of our coffee shop friend. Beauty is everywhere, in the splendor of the world around us, and in the worlds we create. In the work of Mozart, Van Gogh, Dante, Homer -- and Garrison Keillor, and Mark Twain. Somehow a man or a woman sees something and relates it in such a way that we see what they see and enter into a mutual enjoyment of it.  All this points me to realities not contra-rational or trans-rational -- but simply a truth I can know and appreciate just by an observation, a sound, a touch, or a smell. A kind of instant insight into something real and permanent. The reality of the non-material as well as material universes. No matter who proclaims it. The attractiveness of Being exists.

Of the great cosmological questions, the research into the origins of the universe and of man himself, I can speak with little knowledge. I will say only this. Something must exist on its own, that is, without prior cause. And that from nothing comes nothing, ex nihilo nihil fit. The idea of nothing -- and not the nothing of our imagination, the nothing of outer space, but absolutely nothing; no gravity, no light waves, no dimensions, no time, nothing -- can spontaneously generate something, by its very definition, is an idea that will always be undiscoverable. Something or Someone must be the Uncaused Cause.

I believe that Someone exists eternally. So I must at least profess a Christian faith imperfect as everyone who knows me knows that it is. John, the beloved friend of Jesus, Peter, and Mary, His Mother, went to the burial tomb and said that it was empty. That the God-Man had risen. And I believe them.

It is a simple answer, but it is the one that I have settled on.  May God be gracious to us and shine His mercy upon us during this most wonderful of seasons.

Merry Christmas. And thanks for reading. I enjoy all of your comments.

Congress Done with Healthcare. Now this:

Nation's Girlfriends Unveil New Economic Plan: 'Let's Move In Together'

New Walking and Bicycling Trail.

The Star Telegram reports today that a new expansion of the Trinity Trails along Farmers Branch Creek is completed and open.

I look forward to seeing it, especially the waterfalls, and will post on it as soon as I do. If anyone has walked or biked through please let us know.

"It’s as pretty a stretch of the Trinity Trails as there is," said Darrell Beason, Fort Worth operations superintendent for the water district. Photo and quote from the FW Star Telegram.

http://www.star-telegram.com/189/story

Best of Fort Worth, 2009. (and a few worst).

The "Best Of Fort Worth" is a once a year post. It is my take on things, along with a few comments from friends that occasionally contribute to the blog (text in red).

It is kind of a random observation, but since returning from our two year stay in Philadelphia, I have noticed that Fort Worth residents seem to be happy with their city, or happy to be here. They aren't trying to be Dallas (perish the thought) or New York. Fort Worth does have its share of super-parochial types who think venturing past its borders is going to a "lesser" place. But most Fort Worthians have lived other places. In Fort Worth one can live in a city that has the gentility of the country. We have some of the nation's best art museums, the world's premier piano competition, one the world's top ten opera halls, in Bass Hall, and we host top horse, dog, and livestock competitions. All in the same city. Not to mention, the NASCAR racetrack, and now the Dallas Cowboys (of Tarrant County). Not too shabby.

Fort Worth is the seventeenth largest city, by population, in the country. The DFW area is the 8th largest metropolitan area in the USA. It's a big place, but it is open and comfortable to live in. Our city's greatest asset is the fact that people try make things work here -- for everyone. It is not a factious city. The amenities we all  share: a model downtown, well-maintained parks, good roads and infrastructure, are all things we take for granted because they are always working. But it is not that way everywhere.

As for food, you won't go hungry here.  The list of top restaurants has tripled since I have been gone, but you can still get three tacos with rice and beans at a corner taco stand for about 4 bucks. And it's as good and fresh as you can get. I find some of the best food is made on the street. In Philly, it's the corner-store cheesesteak, in Fort Worth it's the taco. And I love them both.

I should mention that I have a few "Worst of 2009" here. As I have said before, if I don't like a restaurant I usually don't write anything. But there are exceptions. I have a feeling I will be criticized for one of my "worst of," but I am convinced, so it stays.

Food and Fort Worth's 

"Best of 2009" 

for Fort Worth and area:

Italian: Nonna Tata's and La Piazza. Honestly, I do not frequent the Italian restaurant often because I grew up with home-made Italian food and I am almost always disappointed. This is true not only in Fort Worth, it was also true in Philadelphia, with a few glowing exceptions. Nonna Tata's and La Piazza produce authentic Italian food and are the best in Fort Worth. Sardines isn't bad, either.

"La Piazza is really good but for a good Italian restaurant experience I would say Sardines." BeccaJ

Mexican: Mi Cocina - downtown is still my favorite place to eat. Mi Cocina and its parent company have had well publicized owner/management problems, but by all appearances the restaurants are doing well and serving the same consistently good dishes. I also like Cantina Laredo - downtown, and for just good food, service, and good people, La Familia.

But as I have said before, right now, today, if someone is visiting from out of town and asks for the local fare, and by that I mean not the standard chain restaurant, they will be taken to a Mexican restaurant or a barbecue restaurant, or possibly, a family run Thai or Vietnamese restaurant. But what is selling on the street corners? Tacos and occasionally barbecue. And it's usually good.

Worst Mexican: Yucatan Grill. God-awful. I don't know what part of Mexico these boys think they are representing, but it's none I have ever been to. Yes, the place is cool looking, in a great location, and has a good vibe but the food is second-rate. Sorry. I hear they are building one in Southlake, which proves to me once again, that growth is no proof of success.

Pizza: Rocco's in Fort Worth, but Cavalli's in Irving is the best I have tasted in the area. Also, I think Carrabba's makes a pretty good thin crust pizza. Joe's on Berry is good and has pizza by the slice.

Frozen Yogurt: Yogolait and Menchies.I like the self-serve. I could eat their frozen yogurt every day. 

Bread:
Whole Foods - Arlington. The Dallas-Fort Worth area does not have many old stand-alone bread bakeries. I wish we did. Artisan Bakery is new to the area, or at least to me, but to be honest, I have not been. Forget Corner Bakery. Panera's has some decent breads, especially when they are fresh. Central Market's breads all taste the same to me.

Bagels: Yogi's on Hulen. They are good. The breakfasts are a little expensive for what you get but the bagels are still good.

Donuts: Pauls, off Magnolia. Good people, good donuts. Dale's gets lots of "Best of" awards. I love Dunkin' Donuts but the closest is in Hurst, I believe.

Chinese: I have no idea. Really. PF Chang's is good but expensive and the "I'm hip so I can charge triple retail" vibe drives me batty these days. My family generally goes the Pei Wei way. It is relatively inexpensive, the portions are good, and it is served hot. The appetizers aren't bad either.
 "I Love Pei Wei." BeccaJ.

Sandwich: Carshon's makes a good sandwich. Whichwich sandwich is a pleasant surprise sometimes. When Central Market opened they had as good of a roast beef sandwich as you could ever get. Not so today. More on them later.

Burgers: Kinkaid's, Tommy's, Fred's. Love's. All good. Pappa's. I didn't care for. Dutch's. I don't get them. My burgers there have been dry and way overcooked. Jake's gets a lot of good reviews, and I agree, it's a good burger. I visit Kinkaid's more than any of the others. Is it still the best? Probably not. My favorite burger in the area is Five Guys in Southlake -- but we don't have an In-N-Out Burger. A good blog on hamburgers and the like is Regular Joe's Guide, who says "perhaps our favorite burger joint in DFW: Clown Burger." He also thinks a lot of Mooyah's in Southlake. A new blog from Raul and Rachel suggests the #1 burger in DFW is Mooyah's, but also includes Jake's and Five Guys.

Coffee: Starbucks on University. They are busy enough to have to make it fresh all the time. And nice folks as well. But their Pike's Place blend is terribly weak for my palate. Sumatra is good. The Via instant is as bad as I expected. They say you can't tell. I can tell -- and it's bad. We need more locally owned coffee shops. Since Eurotazza closed there are no real independents that I am aware of. I still think a coffee shop/bakery could make it on Magnolia. In the morning, when the coffee is fresh, I like McDonald's coffee. Seriously.

Steak and "Finer" Dining:  I hate to punt on this one but I am just not qualified to judge it anymore. A few years ago I had an opinion on the best steak in Fort Worth and Dallas but I just don't do it much anymore. Del Frisco's, Lonesome Dove, Grace, Bob's, Eddie V's., Bonnell's, Lanny's. Tillman's is new, off  7th Street and getting a lot of buzz. You can't say we don't have a lot of choices. My favorite place in Fort Worth for steak is the Chop House, downtown. It may not be the best -- I just like the place. 

Best Destination Restaurant: Reata. Good food, good atmosphere, meandering bars, and a great downtown to walk in when you finish your dinner. 

Best Traditional Fine Dining: Since 1985, Saint Emilion has been serving Fort Worth traditional French cuisine. Same owner, same location. Great food, honestly priced. If you like a quieter atmosphere, good food, and personal treatment, this is the place.

Barbecue: Angelo's on White Settlement is my favorite. I like Railhead, too, on Montgomery. My apologies to Jennifer who loves Cousins.

Dining Restaurant Downtown: The Chop House on Main Street. I still like going there. The food is good, the tables are spaciously placed, unlike Del Frisco's, and they aren't up-selling the whole time.

Beer Downtown: The Flying Saucer. Good selection, great location, nice outdoor patio for smoking. (Hey, who wants to drink if you can't smoke).

Beer elsewhere: "I like The Ginger Man for a pint." Jake. BeccaJ voted for Ginger Man, as well.

Ice Cream: Braum's, $1.50 for a single dip of pretty good ice cream.

Biggest rip-off ice cream: Marble Slab. Way over-priced and the novelty of M&M's in my ice cream has worn-off. 

Margarita: Mi Cocina.

Fajitas: Papasitto's on I30. Good beef, fresh flour tortillas. Cantina Laredo is a close second. Two for one Wednesday fajitas at Pappasito's is the best deal in town.

Sushi: Hui Chuan Sushi, on Camp Bowie.
"Sushi Yoko is hands down my favorite, great prices, fast service, and fresh sushi." Jake

Thai: Suk a Thai, in Arlington. Thai Tina gets some good reviews but BeccaJ says she prefers Suk a Thai.

Nicest Small Restaurant Atmosphere: Zambrano's downtown. Lili's on Magnolia. Both places: good people and good food.

Worst Chain Restaurant Meal of the Year: Gator's at Northeast Mall. So bad it's not worth going into. 

Best New-for-Me Chain Restaurant: Carrabba's at Northeast Mall. 

Best Wine by the Glass: Zambrano's. 

Best New Restaurant or Bar: Ellerbe's & Eddie V's. are both getting great reviews.

"My new favorite is The Usual -- up scale prohibition era bar, non-smoking, top shelf liquor, and a fantastic atmosphere." Jake. BeccaK considers Buttons, on Hulen, her favorite. 

Best Developing Street: Magnolia is number 1 and 7th Street is number 2.

Best Place for coffee, cookie, and wifi: Panera Bread on University. Okay, the coffee is a little weak, but the pastries and the wifi are good. 

Best View of Fort Worth: From the hilltop at Channel 5. 

Best Bicycling: the bicycle/walking path on the north side of downtown. 

Best Bicycle Shop: Colonel's, on University and Panther City on Magnolia. Both locally owned and well run. 

Best Bookstore in North Texas: The used Bookstore in Denton. For theology and philosophy: Theological Pursuits, on McCart. Run by a Southwest Seminary guy who tolerates us Catholics browsing around (as long as we don't talk to anyone). The days of the quirky, independent bookstore are all but over. The bookstore in Denton is an exception.

Favorite Place to buy vegetables: Fiesta Market on 8th Street.

Best Addition to Downtown Transportation: Molly the Trolley.

Best Radio Sports Talk: The Ticket, 1310 am. 

Best Pool Tables: Fox and Hound, Downtown.

Only Great Pool Tables in DFW: Dave & Busters / Dallas (also, real snookers table) 

Best Movie theater: Rave at North East Mall and Ridgmar. Movie theaters have reached a kind of perfection at Rave. Big seats, leg room, great views. I don't know how it can get much better, unless they figure a way of seat-ejecting the loud-talker.

Most Under Appreciated Great Amenity: Trinity River Park, Botanical Gardens, Trinity River Trail. About 30 miles of paved walking and bicycling along the river and improving every year. Parks along the way. Tough to beat and not used much except along University.

Most Impressive New Development: Uptown. Take a drive through. Now let's pray that it works.

Favorite Architecture: Modern Art Museum 

Architecture We're All Hoping For the Best: TCC Downtown. Jury is still out. But it is looking better than I thought it would. 

Most Dependable Good Meal: Charleston's on Hulen. Okay, it seems no one under 40 is allowed in, but the food is still good.

Best New Building: Omni Hotel. Not exactly the nouveau Texas brick style, but I like it.  

Biggest Disappointment since the Last "Best of": Central Market. The gourmet is gone. It is looking run down, and it is being run like an Albertson's. Sorry. I was one of the first and biggest supporters of the concept, the company, and the management, but something is rotten in HEB land.

Notes to management:
1. Fire the guy who painted the men's bathroom. Have you been in there lately?
2. The wood patio tables have been a bust. They look terrible and there are too many of them.
3. Salad bar. Looks like something from a run down Steak & Ale
4. Sandwiches. When your accountant decided that the meat portions had to be weighed I knew we were in trouble.
5. Who decided that the side of the building was a good place to store things? 

What I wish we had.
A Whole Foods like the one they have in Austin. Great concept and execution. 

What I am glad we don't have:
Austin. Just kidding. Really, I love Austin. (weirdos) 

Most Enjoyable "I thought I would never see the day" Dallas Cowboys Stadium coming to Tarrant County. No offense to our cousins to the east, but you guys really blew it. The Cowboys are always ranked as the first, second, or third most valuable sports franchise in the world -- and you let them leave Dallas. Unbelievably stupid. 

Places that deserve more support:
1. Fort Worth Opera Festival 2010 -- Don Giovanni. Go see it. It'll make you laugh and cry. Trust me, you'll love it.
2. Cowtown Farmer's Market.

Final comment: A vibrant downtown needs business, residents, and conventions. People driving in from the suburbs on weekends is not the stuff of a thriving downtown. We are getting closer every year. The building of Tarrant County College and of the Omni Hotel convention hotel is another step forward towards that vibrancy -- if they are successful. Nothing is certain but, even given this economy, the signs are good. 

PLEASE -- comment at will.