6/26
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In Longview in 1953, my mom sat in a pink and white Ford Fairlane between her mother and grandmother and had an experience that changed her life. At 9, she was already an avid reader of L. Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz series. On her lap, a black cocker spaniel, Coco. On the screen, a little girl and her little black dog, Toto. (Mom was a bit peeved that Dorothy wasn't the blond bobbed girl from the books, but she went with it.) Here she was finally seeing a live-action version of her prized tale, but there was one major difference. It seemed that unlike the spirited pooch on screen, Mom's little friend had what one might call a serious flatulence problem. Struggling to pay attention and continue breathing, the three ladies of Longview stoically watched the drive-in picture, windows down, a gracious breeze drifting across the front seat. Mom still collects Wizard memorabilia, occasionally rereads a favorite like Ozma and watches every televised showing. Obviously, nothing could compare to that first drive-in experience for her, but we think the fresh air at The Bowl, 4970 Addison Circle Drive, might help her focus more on the film this time. Lone Star Drive-In presents the classic movie under the stars (you don't really watch from the car, but the mood is still there) at 9 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. We suggest leaving furry gas bags at home. Call 972-450-7037. --Merritt Martin
Tea Off
May the best pitcher win
6/26
Sources are conflicting when it comes to the birth of iced tea. Some say it was invented in 1904 at the St. Louis World's Fair. Others say it was merely popularized there. Either way, it was hot, and the fair-goers gulped the stuff with fervor. Which brings us to the present, when--in the South, at least--iced tea can be found just about anywhere. But iced-tea lovers, sweet things though they may be, aren't easy to please, and some can be downright competitive. Case in point: The Cultured Cup's third annual Best Iced Tea Contest. Besides bragging rights, a crystal tea pitcher is also up for grabs, and restaurants such as Ciudad, Standard 2706 and Lazlo's, among others, have signed on to participate. The teas will be judged on taste, clarity and creativity, and a people's choice winner will be named as well, so be sure to come parched. The contest is Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 5346 Belt Line Road, and a $5 donation benefiting Senior Adult Services is suggested. Call 972-960-1521. --Rhonda Reinhart
Capitol Improvements
6/26
Hill Kemp paints an unnerving picture in his book Capitol Offense. The work of fiction depicts the dealings of a shady Texas Legislature, but Kemp's characters and events concerning deregulation bear a striking resemblance to some real events from 1999. For instance, Kemp's fictitious governor is named Butch Grange, leaving the reader wondering what the hell is going on in Austin--for real. Hill will be hosting a book signing at Borders Books, 5500 Greenville Ave., on June 26 beginning at 1 p.m. Call 214-265-0824. --Mary Monigold
Feeding Frenzy
Delicatessen's unusual menu
6/25
Most films involving cannibalism don't make for good date movies, but in the juicy and tender heart of Delicatessen simmers a tasty little love story. A drifter seeks work at a tenement in a vaguely postapocalyptic French town only to fall in love with the owner/butcher's daughter. The butcher has other plans for him, though, as his tenants are hungry for some fresh meat. The 1991 film probably has some deep-seated political/psychological/sexual subtext, but on the surface it should be just annoyingly surreal enough to keep the midnight movie zombies awake. It screens Friday and Saturday at midnight at Landmark's Inwood Theatre, 5458 Lovers Lane. Tickets are $7.50. Call 214-764-9106 or visit www.landmarktheatres.com. --Jay Webb
