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Final Cut

Hollywood Mystery, #1

by

Marjorie McCown

 

Murder on location at an already troubled movie production.

 

Final Cut is the first book in author Marjorie McCown’s fascinating new Hollywood Mystery series, and it features Hollywood costumer Joey Jessop as the unlikely and reluctant amateur sleuth. Joey’s latest job is as the key costumer for a new superhero epic, a film she had doubts about accepting because her ex is the assistant director, and the director, while a hugely successful moneymaker, has a problematic reputation for creating a toxic working environment. From the first day of photography, Joey’s doubts appear to have been well founded, but things go from bad to worse when she discovers the body of the second assistant director, her ex’s new love interest, in the surf on the beach near the shoot. Suddenly, Joey, who lives her life pretty lowkey, is in the media’s spotlight and is attracting a lot of attention from the police. 

I loved Joey: her personality, her expertise, and her ability to navigate so well in such a highly charged work setting and demanding career. Her running explanations of what goes on behind the scenes to costume a film were fascinating, and her care and concern for her coworkers, staff, and actors made me like her even more. Due to the early trajectory of the police investigation, she is almost obligated to get involved in investigating Courtney’s murder and determine the truth behind what’s going on with the film. She did a good job gathering information and putting things together. 

She’s joined in the story by a cool variety of secondary characters, some involved in the film or the film industry, but a few are not. There were some strong personalities at work throughout the story, and several quirky individuals, as well as real celebrities, made an appearance or were mentioned, keeping the story interesting and current. The Malibu/Hollywood/LA setting is familiar, but the author’s descriptions were vivid and fresh, and I almost felt like I was seeing these places in person for the very first time. 

The plot moves quickly, first with prep for the film and then picked up even more as tragedy strikes the set and the murder happens. I was so absorbed in the story I was surprised at how much time had flown by as I’d read. This cozy mystery is perfect for a relaxed, kicked-back with a book evening. 

I recommend FINAL CUT to cozy mystery readers, especially those interested in behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories and filmmaking.

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Courtesy of the African American Museum, Dallas

Celebrating Black artists, businesses and local music, the annual “Christmas Music Under the Dome and Christmas Marketplace” will take place Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the African American Museum, Dallas. The Museum is located at 3536 Grand Ave., Dallas, 75210, in historic Fair Park.

Free and open to the public, the holiday extravaganza will offer visitors a variety of unique “shop local” gifts – including handcrafted jewelry, accessories, handbags, wallets, skin care and more – plus a children’s craft area, pictures with Santa and performances by North Texas musicians and school groups.

The Museum’s store – which offers a curated collection of books, gifts, posters, jewelry, art, children’s items, attire and more – will also be open. 

Additionally, local choral and band groups will perform throughout the day including Dallas ISD’s Comstock Middle School, the South Dallas Children’s Choir and Music Lover’s Learning Center.

Visitors are also encouraged to visit the Museum’s permanent exhibition, Facing The Rising Sun: Freedman’s Cemetery, which was initiated by Govenar and Documentary Arts and curated by Collins in 1996. The exhibition contains photographs, found objects and historical documents that provide further insight into the area now known as Uptown. Interactive video kiosks allow visitors to see and hear from the people who knew Freedman’s Town first-hand.

Season sponsors of the African American Museum, Dallas, are Toyota, Eugene McDermott Foundation, Lowe’s, Comerica Bank, Peggy and Carl Sewell, Helen Giddings, Vivian and Charles Johnson, North Texas Cluster of The Links Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Dallas Mavericks, NBC 5/Telemundo 39, Texas Metro News, Garland Journal, OVG360, Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District, City of Dallas’ Office of Arts and Culture and the State Fair of Texas.

HOURS. The African American Museum, Dallas is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free self-parking is available in nearby lots.

For more information, go to aamdallas.org or call 214-565-9026.

About the African American Museum, Dallas
The African American Museum, Dallas was founded in 1974 as a part of Bishop College. The Museum has operated independently since 1979. For more than 40 years, the African American Museum has stood as a cultural beacon in Dallas and the Southwestern United States. Located in Dallas’ historic Fair Park, the African American Museum is the only museum in the Southwestern United States devoted to the collection, preservation and display of African American artistic, cultural and historical materials that relate to the African American experience. The African American Museum incorporates a wide variety of visual art forms and historical documents that portray the African American experience in the United States, Southwest, and Dallas. The Museum has a small, but rich collection of African art, African American fine art and one of the largest African American folk-art collections in the United States. Learn more at aamdallas.org.

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Courtesy of the African American Museum, Dallas

Celebrating Black artists, businesses and local music, the annual “Christmas Music Under the Dome and Christmas Marketplace” will take place Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the African American Museum, Dallas. The Museum is located at 3536 Grand Ave., Dallas, 75210, in historic Fair Park.

Free and open to the public, the holiday extravaganza will offer visitors a variety of unique “shop local” gifts – including handcrafted jewelry, accessories, handbags, wallets, skin care and more – plus a children’s craft area, pictures with Santa and performances by North Texas musicians and school groups.

The Museum’s store – which offers a curated collection of books, gifts, posters, jewelry, art, children’s items, attire and more – will also be open. 

Additionally, local choral and band groups will perform throughout the day including Dallas ISD’s Comstock Middle School, the South Dallas Children’s Choir and Music Lover’s Learning Center.

Visitors are also encouraged to visit the Museum’s permanent exhibition, Facing The Rising Sun: Freedman’s Cemetery, which was initiated by Govenar and Documentary Arts and curated by Collins in 1996. The exhibition contains photographs, found objects and historical documents that provide further insight into the area now known as Uptown. Interactive video kiosks allow visitors to see and hear from the people who knew Freedman’s Town first-hand.

Season sponsors of the African American Museum, Dallas, are Toyota, Eugene McDermott Foundation, Lowe’s, Comerica Bank, Peggy and Carl Sewell, Helen Giddings, Vivian and Charles Johnson, North Texas Cluster of The Links Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Dallas Mavericks, NBC 5/Telemundo 39, Texas Metro News, Garland Journal, OVG360, Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District, City of Dallas’ Office of Arts and Culture and the State Fair of Texas.

HOURS. The African American Museum, Dallas is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free self-parking is available in nearby lots.

For more information, go to aamdallas.org or call 214-565-9026.

About the African American Museum, Dallas
The African American Museum, Dallas was founded in 1974 as a part of Bishop College. The Museum has operated independently since 1979. For more than 40 years, the African American Museum has stood as a cultural beacon in Dallas and the Southwestern United States. Located in Dallas’ historic Fair Park, the African American Museum is the only museum in the Southwestern United States devoted to the collection, preservation and display of African American artistic, cultural and historical materials that relate to the African American experience. The African American Museum incorporates a wide variety of visual art forms and historical documents that portray the African American experience in the United States, Southwest, and Dallas. The Museum has a small, but rich collection of African art, African American fine art and one of the largest African American folk-art collections in the United States. Learn more at aamdallas.org.

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Courtesy of the African American Museum, Dallas

Celebrating Black artists, businesses and local music, the annual “Christmas Music Under the Dome and Christmas Marketplace” will take place Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the African American Museum, Dallas. The Museum is located at 3536 Grand Ave., Dallas, 75210, in historic Fair Park.

Free and open to the public, the holiday extravaganza will offer visitors a variety of unique “shop local” gifts – including handcrafted jewelry, accessories, handbags, wallets, skin care and more – plus a children’s craft area, pictures with Santa and performances by North Texas musicians and school groups.

The Museum’s store – which offers a curated collection of books, gifts, posters, jewelry, art, children’s items, attire and more – will also be open. 

Additionally, local choral and band groups will perform throughout the day including Dallas ISD’s Comstock Middle School, the South Dallas Children’s Choir and Music Lover’s Learning Center.

Visitors are also encouraged to visit the Museum’s permanent exhibition, Facing The Rising Sun: Freedman’s Cemetery, which was initiated by Govenar and Documentary Arts and curated by Collins in 1996. The exhibition contains photographs, found objects and historical documents that provide further insight into the area now known as Uptown. Interactive video kiosks allow visitors to see and hear from the people who knew Freedman’s Town first-hand.

Season sponsors of the African American Museum, Dallas, are Toyota, Eugene McDermott Foundation, Lowe’s, Comerica Bank, Peggy and Carl Sewell, Helen Giddings, Vivian and Charles Johnson, North Texas Cluster of The Links Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Dallas Mavericks, NBC 5/Telemundo 39, Texas Metro News, Garland Journal, OVG360, Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District, City of Dallas’ Office of Arts and Culture and the State Fair of Texas.

HOURS. The African American Museum, Dallas is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free self-parking is available in nearby lots.

For more information, go to aamdallas.org or call 214-565-9026.

About the African American Museum, Dallas
The African American Museum, Dallas was founded in 1974 as a part of Bishop College. The Museum has operated independently since 1979. For more than 40 years, the African American Museum has stood as a cultural beacon in Dallas and the Southwestern United States. Located in Dallas’ historic Fair Park, the African American Museum is the only museum in the Southwestern United States devoted to the collection, preservation and display of African American artistic, cultural and historical materials that relate to the African American experience. The African American Museum incorporates a wide variety of visual art forms and historical documents that portray the African American experience in the United States, Southwest, and Dallas. The Museum has a small, but rich collection of African art, African American fine art and one of the largest African American folk-art collections in the United States. Learn more at aamdallas.org.

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The holiday season can be very difficult for families who are experiencing the loss of a loved one. Sometimes the best thing to do is to find comfort and warmth through a community of people who understand the pain and emptiness you feel in a season of "holly and jolly."
 
On Sunday, December 8, 2024 the Hughes Family Tribute Center will host a Candlelight Service of Remembrance for families can expect to find comfort through music, light refreshments, a small service, and the lighting of candles in honor of loved ones. Whether you have lost a spouse, parent, child, grandparent, sibling, or friend, there is a place for you to find warmth during the candlelighting. There will be an English service starting at 5:00 p.m. and a Spanish service at 6:00 p.m.
 
"This is one of my favorite events every year! The way families can come together to support one another in their grief during the holidays is so meaningful and healing." Stephanie Hughes, Owner and Manager of Hughes Family Tribute Center
 
The Center is offering a gift of a free memorial ornament of a loved one. To receive this ornament, please RSVP at https://www.hughesftc.com/candlelight-service-of-remembrance and fill out the questionnaire about the loved one.
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Crawfish will arrive each Thursday at popular Bedford restaurant.

While normally not available until January or February, crawfish is available NOW for those who know where to look. Beginning this Thursday, diners can order mudbugs at the Mid-Cities’ best Cajun experience, The Cajun Market at Bourbon Street Bar & Grill.

Traditional Louisiana boiled crawfish will be sold by the pound for both dine-in and take out at market price, currently $9.99 a pound.

Additionally, the acclaimed Cajun outpost will offer crawfish live by the 30-pound bag at a discounted price for those hoping to host crawfish boils at home.

“As we approach the end of football season, it’s the perfect time to begin planning Bowl Game and Super Bowl parties,” notes Derek Pope of The Cajun Market at Bourbon Street Bar & Grill. “We’re so happy to be able to share our take on mudbugs, corn and potatoes with our guests at a competitive price.”

Crawfish will be available on-going beginning at noon on each Thursday and will be available until they run out.

 

The Cajun Market at Bourbon Street Bar & Grill

1833 Airport Freeway

Bedford, TX

682-254-6500

Cajunmarketatbourbonstreet.com

 

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DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks in Denton is moving to 2002 University Drive. It will open

Dec. 11 in a new, larger building next to sister restaurant North Point Cafe. In preparation, the restaurant will close its current location Monday and Tuesday.

 

DENTON - After more than 20 years at its current location at 220 W. University Drive, DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks in Denton will move to a new, larger building at 2002 W. University Drive, Suite 100, next to sister restaurant North Point Cafe. Both restaurants are owned by Ali Kohandani of Corinth.

DoubleDave’s will close its current location Monday and Tuesday. It will reopen at 11 a.m. Weds., Dec. 11, with the full menu of DoubleDave’s specialties such as Dave’s Fave pizzas and Peproni Rolls and the popular buffet. The new building includes 3,000 square feet and 75-inch televisions with ESPN.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by members of Denton Chamber of Commerce will be at 11 a.m. Thurs., Dec. 12.

DoubleDave’s and brunch eatery North Point, which Kohandani purchased in 2021, will share a recently expanded and redesigned parking lot. DoubleDave’s will be open 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. each day. North Point is open 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. on weekdays and from 7 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on weekends.

There is space for another business. Kohandani will announce plans for that soon.

DoubleDave’s also offers online ordering at www.doubledaves.com. Deliveries are available via Uber Eats and Door Dash and by calling 940-243-3283 (DAVE).

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As the holiday season approaches, there's no better way to celebrate than with delicious food and great company. Make Christmas extra special this year with Fairmont Dallas’ Pyramid Restaurant and Bar’s festive menus designed to delight every guest. Enjoy the season without the stress of cooking!

Reservations for the themed culinary experiences are available now on OpenTable.

 

Christmas Eve Dinner

Tuesday, December 24 | 5 PM – 9 PM

Guests are invited to a festive three-course Christmas Eve Dinner on Tuesday, December 24. Enjoy the spirit of the season with live music, holiday cocktails, and optional chef-selected wine pairings. Adults are $70/person, and Children 11 and under are $35/person.

Curated by Executive Chef Adam Reson, the prix fixe menu will highlight Pyramid Restaurant’s upscale, modern Texas cuisine and use only locally sourced ingredients for each of the three courses:

Starter (Select one)

  • Roasted Kabocha Squash. Creamy fromage blanc, warm hints of ras el hanout, pomegranate, and a delicate crunch from roasted pumpkin seeds

  • Winter Greens. D’Anjou pear, pepitas, manchego, Pedro Ximénez vinaigrette

  • Little Gems. Spanish anchovy, ciabatta, green goddess, Grana Padano

  • Lobster Bisque. Port crema, chive

  • Ahi Tuna Crudo. Sambal, pine nuts, Kewpie, brioche

Entree (Select one)

  • Braised Spanish Octopus. San Marzano tomatoes, bone marrow, mafaldine pasta

  • Diver Scallops. Cured pork belly, pommes purée, garlic confit vinaigrette

  • Tempura Cauliflower. Romesco, chermoula, coriander, pine nuts

  • Bucatini. Spinach pesto, tomato confit, Grana Padano

  • Bone-In New York Strip. Roasted Brussels sprouts, broccoli mole

Dessert (Select one)

  • Bûche de Noël.

  • Five-Texture Chocolate Cake.

 

Christmas Day Brunch

Wednesday, December 25 | 11 AM – 3 PM

Brighten Christmas Day with an exceptional brunch, where Chef Adam Reson brings his culinary expertise to the table with a thoughtful blend of timeless breakfast classics and contemporary brunch favorites. These festive offerings, complemented by handcrafted holiday cocktails and live music, create the perfect setting for a memorable holiday celebration.

The à la carte menu has been carefully curated to delight a wide range of tastes and preferences, ensuring every guest finds something to savor. Explore a selection of light yet satisfying bites, such as made-to-order Omelets, flaky Viennoiseries, flavorful Shakshuka, and fresh Avocado Toast. For those seeking something heartier, indulge in rich options like the indulgent Lobster Roll, juicy Smash Burger, tender Braised Short Rib, or a beautifully prepared Post Oak Smoked Prime Rib—each dish crafted with the finest ingredients to elevate the holiday dining experience.

 

Fairmont Dallas is located at 1717 N Akard St, Dallas, TX. Find images of the hotel here.

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As the holiday season approaches, there's no better way to celebrate than with delicious food and great company. Make Christmas extra special this year with Fairmont Dallas’ Pyramid Restaurant and Bar’s festive menus designed to delight every guest. Enjoy the season without the stress of cooking!

Reservations for the themed culinary experiences are available now on OpenTable.

 

Christmas Eve Dinner

Tuesday, December 24 | 5 PM – 9 PM

Guests are invited to a festive three-course Christmas Eve Dinner on Tuesday, December 24. Enjoy the spirit of the season with live music, holiday cocktails, and optional chef-selected wine pairings. Adults are $70/person, and Children 11 and under are $35/person.

Curated by Executive Chef Adam Reson, the prix fixe menu will highlight Pyramid Restaurant’s upscale, modern Texas cuisine and use only locally sourced ingredients for each of the three courses:

Starter (Select one)

  • Roasted Kabocha Squash. Creamy fromage blanc, warm hints of ras el hanout, pomegranate, and a delicate crunch from roasted pumpkin seeds

  • Winter Greens. D’Anjou pear, pepitas, manchego, Pedro Ximénez vinaigrette

  • Little Gems. Spanish anchovy, ciabatta, green goddess, Grana Padano

  • Lobster Bisque. Port crema, chive

  • Ahi Tuna Crudo. Sambal, pine nuts, Kewpie, brioche

Entree (Select one)

  • Braised Spanish Octopus. San Marzano tomatoes, bone marrow, mafaldine pasta

  • Diver Scallops. Cured pork belly, pommes purée, garlic confit vinaigrette

  • Tempura Cauliflower. Romesco, chermoula, coriander, pine nuts

  • Bucatini. Spinach pesto, tomato confit, Grana Padano

  • Bone-In New York Strip. Roasted Brussels sprouts, broccoli mole

Dessert (Select one)

  • Bûche de Noël.

  • Five-Texture Chocolate Cake.

 

Christmas Day Brunch

Wednesday, December 25 | 11 AM – 3 PM

Brighten Christmas Day with an exceptional brunch, where Chef Adam Reson brings his culinary expertise to the table with a thoughtful blend of timeless breakfast classics and contemporary brunch favorites. These festive offerings, complemented by handcrafted holiday cocktails and live music, create the perfect setting for a memorable holiday celebration.

The à la carte menu has been carefully curated to delight a wide range of tastes and preferences, ensuring every guest finds something to savor. Explore a selection of light yet satisfying bites, such as made-to-order Omelets, flaky Viennoiseries, flavorful Shakshuka, and fresh Avocado Toast. For those seeking something heartier, indulge in rich options like the indulgent Lobster Roll, juicy Smash Burger, tender Braised Short Rib, or a beautifully prepared Post Oak Smoked Prime Rib—each dish crafted with the finest ingredients to elevate the holiday dining experience.

 

Fairmont Dallas is located at 1717 N Akard St, Dallas, TX. Find images of the hotel here.

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Rock the stage on Thursday nights with Karaoke! Mic drop starts at 9:00pm and the lyrics continue to 1:30 am. The winning sensation, determined by crowd response, takes off with a $50 bar tab each week!!

So, get your karaoke crew together and hit a high note on Thursday nights!

Stan’s always has the best drink specials with Domestic Drafts $4.25 starting at 7pm. After 10pm, we add $5 frozen Margs, wine, White Claw, Nutril (all flavors), and Chocolate Espresso Martinis

Stan’s Blue Note on Lower Greenville awarded “Best Sports Bar”, “Best Place to Watch a Game”, and “Top 100 Bars” by Dallas Observer, now amplifies the fun on Thursday night.

Free admission. Karaoke contest. Drink specials.