CDC Offers Weak Numbers on West Nile Spraying

Wait. Take five. That’s all I’m asking. As we approach mosquito season in Dallas, the conversation about aerial spraying for West Nile once again begins to sound like free beer day at the ballpark. Last week The Dallas Morning News published a story with a triumphal tone saying, “Aerial spraying…

5 Beefs with Twin Peaks’ Latest Opening

I’m almost at a loss for words. Almost. Sometime on Monday, it was revealed to the Internet that the “breastaurant” chain known as Twin Peaks would be trashing up Mockingbird Station. I have some thoughts on the announcement. If you think Twin Peaks is a super great idea, if you’re…

How to Talk to Strangers

She worked the room with a certain kind of magic. A blonde, tiny slip of a thing, she walked from table to table greeting each guest. Sometimes offering a small token, sometimes complimenting a patron, and generally just being effusively charming. I knew she didn’t own the place because she…

Since When Did Great Food Have A Curfew?

It started off as a simple idea. Go to a restaurant after 10 p.m. or so, order some food, consume it, and if it’s good publish a Late Night Eats post about the place. The first three were actually just that simple. Then it got hard to find additional places…

How Do We Convert From Christian Rock to Indie Rock?

Are you a musician? Is your group having issues? Ask Fan Landers! Critic Jessica Hopper has played in and managed bands, toured internationally, booked shows, produced records, worked as a publicist, and is the author of The Girls’ Guide to Rocking, a how-to for teen ladies. She is here to…

Fire Mary Suhm? Not a Chance, Because the Big Money Likes Her.

Over the weekend I have been chatting with people who were all counting on their fingers. Does City Manager Mary Suhm take a powder over this month’s gas drilling revelations? No. They were counting their fingers secretly and spoke to me only off the record, because they know they can’t…

In Honor of Spring Training: The Best Baseball Songs!

Now that we’re done with all that bozo knucklehead football horseshit, we can move on to a real sport: Baseball. The thinking person’s pastime. Poetry on grass. The ballet of the bat and the ball. And all that other crap that shrimpy turd Bob Costas is always on about. It’s…

The Fifteen Worst Make Out Records Ever

It’s a classic Valentine’s Day dilema — you’ve planned ahead, made the sweeping gestures, made eyes across a white tablecloth and now you’re ready to express yourself with some good old fashioned parts-rubbing. Whatever you do, don’t play any of these records…

What Dallas Can Learn from Detroit

Every once in while I can’t resist inflaming the tri-cornered hat don’t-tread-on-me set out there by saying nice things about Detroit. Whenever I sing praises to my hometown of many yesteryears, I get such a nice bounce out of the people who need Detroit to serve as their 21st century…

Suddenly, I’m Half-Mexican. Now What?

Dear Mexican: I’m 39. My stepdad — who raised me — just died. This freed my mother to tell me (Stepdad always forbade it) that the man I thought was my biological father all this time was not. The man who IS my biological father is Mexican. What does finding…

The Four Best Patti Labelle Samples

Those looking for a romantic and soulful Valentines date with their mate this year should look no further than American Airlines Center. Tomorrow, three out of six members of New Edition (Ralph Tresvant, Johnny Gill, and Bobby Brown) will open up for a night with the inimitable Patti Labelle. Though…

Wishes Come True in Dallas

Who says wishes don’t come true? Last year, as I thought what could I do more of in this town in the new year, a few things came to mind. A Riff Raff live performance. Check, thank to March’s South by So What bill. A late-night coffee option where I…

How to Get the Press to Pay Attention to Your Band

Are you a musician? Is your group having issues? Ask Fan Landers! Critic Jessica Hopper has played in and managed bands, toured internationally, booked shows, produced records, worked as a publicist, and is the author of The Girls’ Guide to Rocking, a how-to for teen ladies. She is here to…

Makers Mark Raids the Family Liquor Cabinet

Had any trouble fining Makers Mark on the shelves of your local liquor store as of late? I haven’t. The only reason I know is I’ve been zipping around town comparing prices at the big liquor stores like Spec’s, Total Wine, Sigel’s and others. It is completely anecdotal that Makers…