Compiled by Linda Hollar, Marissa Bruce, JohnM. Flores

Speaking of Dime, Stuart Taylor worked on a book with Dime and Vinnie’s dad entitled Dimebag Darrell, He Came To Rock. It comes out Nov. 18, and includes 35 of Stuart’s pictures.

I’ve always said band members never really go away…. They just recycle into other bands. April Samuels may be Queen of that philosophy. She’s probably even lost count, but she’s back at it again — not just playing the “hired band” role, but making a commitment to “work her tail off.” Bullit is the designated band, April is the drummer, and they released an EP in August recorded with Alex Gerst at Indian Trail Recording Studios.

April has another endorsement with Viper Drums (in addition to Stick-Flip and Silverfox). See the band at Firewater on Saturday Nov. 15.

Hot Rods and Hoggs in Arlington have aparently closed their doors.

Per Debbie Sexxton, there’s a new bar in Lewisville called SHOTZ (in the former Gasoline Alley location).

Hooray, the holidays are here again! While the typical holiday partygoer isn’t usually thinking about the fallout from a night of too much fun out on the town, the “Man” is. So as you’re sitting around throwing back that last beer, Jager shot, Santa-tini or whatever the newest absurdly-named cocktail is this year, the police will have set up shop around town, to be on the look-out for intoxicated drivers. There were approximately 635 arrests last holiday season by DPD alone. As a former Dallas County Prosecutor, I can tell you that, to the unfamiliar, the offense of driving while intoxicated (DWI) has more mystery surrounding it than which part of the chicken a “McNugget” comes from.
Here’s the deal: the cops can pull you over for a variety of reasons. If the cop suspects you’re intoxicated, he will conduct field tests and questioning in order to determine whether or not you’re intoxicated. What the cops are looking for is someone who has lost the normal use of their mental or physical faculties — based on the introduction of alcohol and/or drugs (including prescriptions) or someone with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher. Despite popular belief, this isn’t synonymous with being drunk.
Once upon a time, if you refused the breath or blood test, there was no test result evidence. Period. Now, if you refuse the test, many police departments will get search warrants for your blood, and bingo! Incriminating evidence. Sound pretty dismal? Well, you still have a lot of rights.
You have the right:
• To remain silent and not answer any questions.
• To not perform any field tests (PS: but smile, you’re probably on camera).
• To have a hearing on the suspension of your driver’s license, but you must request it within 15 days of your arrest.
• To only be pulled over for a legal reason. If you were wrongfully stopped, a good DWI attorney will likely be able to have all the evidence in your case suppressed.
• To ask for a lawyer after you are read your Miranda rights. If you are still questioned at this point, your statements can be suppressed.
The bottom-line: Texas Law in 2008 is far from condoning cruising in your pick-up while chugging Budweisers. In fact, an open Bud in your car found after your arrest will cost you a few extra days in jail.
So what can you do to maximize holiday fun and minimize jail time? Prevention. This year, call a cab or a Wingman service. But, if prevention fails, call a lawyer.

(The statements and information provided above are for informational purposes only and are not intended to provide legal advice or create an attorney/client relationship).