You thought they bitched a lot about Sam Zell? Wait until their paper is owned by Rupert Murdoch:

With Tribune Co. expected to emerge from bankruptcy soon, News Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Rupert Murdoch is looking to acquire two of its trophy properties — the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune.

I hope I hope I hope this happens. The comedy that would ensue from the resultant wailing and rending of garments would provide me with blog material for years to come.

Thanks to Kevin M. and ropelight for reminding me to post on this.

UPDATE: DRJ notes in comments that NewsCorp is denying the story.

Rats.

Good stuff via William Jacobson. This was taken on Old Granbury Road, just a couple of miles from the house where I grew up:

The picture-taker tells Professor Jacobson:

I took the photo on Granbury Road in Fort Worth.

Ironically, we were headed to a debate between Texas State Senator Wendy Davis (D) and her challenger Texas Representative Dr. Mark Shelton (R).

I insisted my husband turn the car around so I could snap the picture for you.

Love it.

He’s burned up:

If you’ve ever been to the Dallas area during the State Fair of Texas, you no doubt have encountered Big Tex.

He’s impossible to miss. He wears size 70 boots and a 75-gallon hat. His height comes in at a stunning 52 feet. He’s an icon, his western shirt dusted off every year since 1952.

Today, there is stunning news out of Texas: Big Tex is gone. He’s dead. He’s been destroyed by a massive blaze.

Fair spokeswoman Sue Gooding said the fire began inside Big Tex and that there is electrical wiring inside him.

So long, big fella.