Back Talk Far North Dallas

This weekend: Central Market cooking class, and the Labyrinth Theatre

If you want some last-minute pointers for basting that bird, sign up for one of the holiday cooking classes going on this weekend at the Central Market in our neighborhood. Or if you want to pass on the poultry this turkey day, you can learn some alternative recipes (like spicy tamales with pork and raisin stuffing).

And I know there is an unwritten law about celebrating Christmas before Thanksgiving—but if you live for this time of year, it’s a violation you’re comfortable with. If this speaks to you, swing by the Labyrinth theatre: It’s opening weekend for “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” (the classic tale told from a new perspective).

Council subcommittee considers a smoking ban in bars, billiard halls

A city council subcommittee is considering expanding the city's current smoking ban from restaurants and workplaces to bars, billiard halls and within 15 feet of entrances to publicly accessible villages, according to the DMN. A majority of the six councilmen on the subcommittee seem to be leaning in favor of the proposal, according to the News story and more comments on its blog.

I have to admit that when the city council first decided to restrict smoking in restaurants and other public places a few years ago, I had my doubts: It seemed like a draconian measure, and it seemed likely to drive business out of Dallas. Today, though, I haven't seen a single study indicating that significant business was lost to the more smoking-friendly suburbs, and the air in most places I go these days is cleaner and clearer.

Open auditions for "Oliver" at the JCC

If you think you can give Katie Holmes and Clay Aiken a run for their money, here's your shot. The JCC is hosting an open casting call for "Oliver" this week. OK, so it's not Broadway, but at least you still get a shot at the limelight.

Auditions will be Tuesday 8-10 p.m., and Wednesday 6:30-10 p.m. in the Zale Auditorium. They ask that you prepare 16 bars from "an upbeat number" (accompanist provided) and "dress to move." There will also be cold readings from the script. For an appointment, just call 214.239.7115.

Free seminar at Natural Grocers

This just in: there will be some freebies at the new Natural Grocers in our neighborhood this weekend. The store is hosting a Gluten-free Food Tasting Fair this Saturday at 10 a.m. There will also be a free lecture about why you should consider eliminating gluten from your diet. No reservations required, you can just show up.

This weekend: free jazz concert and play

If your budget is a little tighter than your inner socialite would like it to be, here are a few fun FREE things you can do this weekend in our neighborhood:

This Saturday night at 8 you can catch a free jazz concert courtesy of the U.S. Air Force Jazz Band. They'll be putting on a special performance at Richardson High School. You can pick up your free tickets for the big band-style show at Café Marrakesh, Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge, or Brook Mays Music.

Or, you can catch a free performance of “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” at UTD. The show runs now through Nov. 22 and there are performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 & 9:15 p.m. If you’re not familiar with this production, you can read up on it here.

Your Friday productivity killer

Today I bring you Mr. Picassohead (and thanks to Keri Mitchell for recommending it). It's one of those sites where you build your own face. You can see I tried to do it at left, but I don't think I look nearly so, err, scary in real life (though some of my coworkers might disagree). 

There's another fun site where you can South Park yourself. I once South Parked everyone here at work, built a poster and made them all guess who was who, with prizes for the most correct guesses. I highly recommend doing this — it's great for morale. (Again, some of my coworkers might disagree.)

This weekend: Richadson city-wide pet day

If you want to let your mutt run-a-muck, head over to the Owens Spring Creek Farm this Saturday. In celebration of Richardson's city-wide pet day there will be fun for the entire family, especially the four-legged members.

There will be a petting zoo, rides, and bounce house for the kids. Adults can browse the classic car show and pet adoption centers. And dogs can enjoy play areas and plenty of doggie treats. There will also be a blessing of the pets and $15 micro chipping for dogs.

JCC swim night for women

I have heard of an adult swim, and even a doggie pool day. And now ladies, there's a dip time just for you.  This Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. the JCC is hosting a women-only swim time for $10. Just enter the main gym entrance, and a form of ID if you want to check out a locker.

Your Friday Productivity Killer

It's a busy Friday — early voting, last minute Halloween-costume shopping, etc. — so I wanted to bring you all something you could enjoy quickly. I chanced upon this site a few years ago, and have never been able to get it out of my head. It's Buenoa Aires resident Diego Goldberg's photographic chronicle of his family's growth over 32 years. Whenever I go back to it, I find myself inventing little stories to, say, explain why Nicolas had such a short haircut in 1987 (gum incident?) or why, despite the rest of his family's near-constant sober stares, Matias, the middle son, often can't seem to get the smile out of his eyes. The accompanying video by ABC News is short and cute.

It's fascinating, isn't it, to see a family evolve before your very eyes? 

This weekend: "Make Me A Song" at WaterTower Theatere

A new show is opening this weekend at the WaterTower Theatre. "Make Me A Song" is a musical revue of of songs by famed theater composer William Finn. A quartet of singers and pianist will take the stage to preform some of this greatest works. If you'd like to check out one of the performances, or buy your tickets, just visit the WaterTower Theatre website.