It is barely three days into the New Year, and I am already ready to rant. For the 10th time today, my text did not send and yet another one of my calls dropped. Almost every day as I drive through the Hollow I see someone impatiently on the phone on their front lawn because there is poor cell reception in their house. The AT&T coverage in many sections of Preston Hollow is spotty and inconsistent. The irony is there are 12 AT&T stores less than 5 miles from my house. Don’t get me wrong, I love my iPhone, but not having to stand outside shivering while talking on it would be nice.

Sure, we’ll all likely have turkey on the table tomorrow. But beyond the favored bird, what’s your favorite holiday habit? Running in the Turkey Trot? Going shopping? Watching the Cowboys in a tryptophan coma?

Comments are open.

If the newest figure calculating worldwide population at 7 billion is a cause of concern for you, then head to Midway Hills Christian Church (11001 Midway Road) at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14.

A dedicated group of Dallas area residents will engaged in a frank discussion on the growth of the human race and what it is doing to the earth’s resources.

For more information contact Paul Rodgers at paulhrodgers@sbcglobal.net

I know, I know, you’re just going there for the awesome wings.

But am I the only one who finds it a tad bit offensive that the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce and its Young Professionals organization chose Hooters for a networking event? Granted, it’s called “North Dallas After Hours,” and it’s a happy hour. But there are plenty of happening establishments that serve apps and alcohol without objectifying women in the process.

If an organization such as NDCC is seeking to attract professional men and women, it’d be wise to avoid associating itself with fratastic hangouts such as Hooters.

What I’ve learned from compiling the police blotter each week is that crimes, much like most things in life, have seasons.

Vandalism and criminal mischief peak in the summer, theft and burglary increase around the holidays, and, apparently, Dallas Cowboys shoplifting sees a spike after a big win. To wit, this Sept. 29 crime (three days after the win against Washington).

At 1:40 p.m., a shoplifter tried to steal eight Tony Romo jerseys valued at $280 from the Albertsons in the 4300 block of West Northwest Highway. Michael Joe Lindsay, 53, was arrested.

How much do you want to bet no one tries to steal Romo’s number this week?

Or so I’ve been told via my Preston Hollow google alert. I’ve been trolling the streets of this ‘hood for more than a year now, and I’ve never seen a garage sale of any size. But I can only imagine those expansive homes hold a few unwanted/unneeded items. The Craig’s List ad for this event boasts clothing, action figures, and “ride on toys” along with household items and electronics.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., today and tomorrw

WHERE: 6715 Pemberton Drive

The general view in town, Mount Crested Butte

To escape the Texas summer heat, many Preston Hollow families retreat to the quaint town of Crested Butte, Colo. Surrounded by the mountains, the small town hosts many Dallas families in rented summer houses. Although Crested Butte’s attraction starts with the cool summer days, it continues as visitors experience the many bike trails, family-friendly parks, cool fresh air, and the town nested in the middle. I have been coming here every summer for five years, and have been enjoying the beautiful mountainous view from my porch. I wish I could describe the beauty and laid-back vibe that radiates from this town, but you will just have to come here and experience it for yourself!

If you feel like you are melting in the heat of Texas, bring your family to Crested Butte next summer.  Don’t forget your bikes!

We’ve already given away one $100 Gift Card to the newest location of Run On Dallas at Preston Road and Forest Lane, but we were keeping this one in our back pocket for a special occasion.

The store is celebrating its Grand Opening on Saturday with events spanning 11-hours. The fun kicks off at 7:30 a.m. with a social run and finishes with a happy hour of food and drinks from Snappy Salads, Tiff’s Treats, My Fit Foods and more from 3 to 6 p.m.

Would you like to add a free $100 shopping spree to the list of activities? Then simply be the first person to correctly answer the following trivia question in the comments section.

Q: When and where was the first organized marathon held? (Year and country, at minimum, are required)

Preston Hollow resident Joe Harberg is turning his passion for chocolate into a career. His mission is to convince all to eat more chocolate and sample the finest chocolate in the world. Joe has traveled the globe to analyze chocolate and has tasted everything from the Nutella Crepes on the Left Bank in Paris to the Venezuelan Triple Chocolate Truffle Cakes at La Duni in Preston Hollow. In 2000, he started a blog to share his chocolate expertise.

This year Joe has taken his love for chocolate to the next level with his new show called Eat More Chocolate. Each episode goes behind the scenes in chocolate making, and gives the viewer a glimpse into the vast selection of chocolate our world has to offer.

A reader emailed me to ask when and where the Preston Hollow Fourth of July parade starts. The only one I’ve received details about is the one that starts at 10 a.m. at Kramer Elementary School. It’s being hosted by the Hillcrest Forest Neighborhood Association and the Kramer PTA. Anyone know of any others?