I’ve had a chance to glance at the UT Tyler, Cowan Center events website for the fall, and I’ll be honest, I’m a bit underwhelmed this season. I have frequented the series of about one lecture a year, (sometimes more or sometimes less), and have found this series to be one of the great services the university has rendered to our community. This season I wasn’t as excited as I usually am when the list comes out. Not that the guests are terrible mind you, It’s just me.

The one guest / event that piqued my interest, (and my acquaintances who’ve already looked at the Cowan Center guest list would know immediately), is the visit by Justice Clarence Thomas. I’m a bit surprised to see a sitting Justice on the lecture circuit, because I always understood them to be more secluded than other public officials. I guess I was mistaken in that understanding. Regardless I expect his speech, much like his 2007 memoir, entitled “My Grandfather’s Son,” will focus less on current political events and more on his personal story, which is dramatic.

Justice Thomas was raised by his grandparents in the segregated south. His religious upbringing was Catholic, and as such he considered entering the priesthood. The social climate of the 1960s changed his plans, setting him on the path to a career in law. After overcoming poverty, racial bias, ideological confusion, and striving to achieve an incredible education, Thomas was appointed to the Supreme Court by President George H. W. Bush in 1991. After a hugely controversial and partisan confirmation process the Judge was confirmed to the court.

Justice Clarence Thomas is scheduled to appear at the Cowan Center on Tuesday, September 16th, at seven thirty. For tickets or more information, visit the Cowan Center website at http://www.cowancenter.org/lectures.html .

I drove by the new outlet mall development going in on 69 south, and I can testify to the size of the place. It is massive, at least for our area. I have yet to see any kind of complete list of shops opening but what I’ve seen so far seems to consist largely of those patronized by the ladies. I’ve seen signs like TJ Maxx and Bed Bath and Beyond, but so far, not much for the men. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that… but as a man those establishments don’t really interest me). I’m sure there will be some shops oriented to guys as well eventually, unless the near proximity of the Bass Pro Shop and Academy Sports are expected to draw the males while the ladies shop.

It will be interesting to see what the new shopping center does to Tyler Traffic. It is located just inside loop 49, and I’m curious to see if the new infrastructure gets greater use. I like loop 49 a lot but make a point not to use it too much due to the toll. I get tired of being nickel and dimed every time I take the short cut, especially since my tax dollars also went into the project… but that’s and old argument. I expect the state will start making more money on the road once the new shopping outlet is completed. Shoppers from outlying townships will almost certainly make use of the toll route. There has been a lot of anticipation of the opening of the new location. Hopefully the revenue and other benefits will exceed expectations.

When I was younger I always loved thunderstorms. I remember standing outside looking up to watch the lightning, and even running up the corner of the street to watch a tornado pass. (Not the smartest thing I’ve ever done obviously, but sadly, probably not the dumbest either). Now that I’m an adult, and a home owner, storms make considerably more nervous. And although I’ve had family members whose homes have been flooded, struck by lightning, and pelted with hail, we have been (I’m going to claim), miraculously, spared from major damage.

Last night however Tyler and East Texas was hit again by what seemed a sudden and fast moving storm. It included thunder and lightning, but it was the wind that did the most damage as far as I can see. There are also major power outages. All up and down the west side of highway 31 was dark last night. In addition most or maybe all of the area between highways 64 and 31 lost power. As I type this I am hold up in a secure location with food water and power waiting for life support to be restored to my abode. Right now reports are that power should be restored by 4:00ish. Of course last night they said 2:00 am and thus far there’s still no power. Hang in there Tyler. Hopefully we’ll all be able to sleep at home tonight. Otherwise we may be camping out with family again.