The Thumb Awards

Thumbs Up: To Metropolitan Savings & Loan for attempting to transform the city’s leading real estate blunder, the unoccupied high rise at 5944 Luther Lane, into its new headquarters. The building was constructed several years ago, near Preston Center, without central heat or central air-conditioning, and has stood vacant for two years, a 12-story see-through disaster for North Dallas Tollway drivers to gawk at. Metropolitan is negotiating to buy the building, which would complete the transformation of Preston Center into the Wall Street of Dallas Savings & Loans. If the deal is closed, three of the four largest Dallas S&L’s will headquarter in Preston Center.



Thumbs Down: To the creators of and contributors to the recently-distributed Christian Yellow Pages for the whole blasphemous notion. We have to admit, though, that it does make for entertaining reading. Christian Consumer Services (“CARS – CARPET”) wants you to know that they are “Selling to Believers at cost.” The Christian Karate Class advertises “Instructor a Seminarian. Christian Attitude and Safety Emphasized. No Eastern Philosophy Taught.” And where else are you going to be able to find “Water Resistant, Cling-Free Baptismal Robes?” At least one advertiser speaks with a pure heart: a swimming pool company advises that you “Pray About Our Service.”



Thumbs Down: To Dallas County Judge John Whittington, his wife Margaret, and the Whittington Campaign Committee who graciously invited people to attend the Whittingtons’ 30th wedding anniversary party in a gala celebration at LLOVE. At $15 a head (children age 5 to 12 only $8.50).