Letters

Sidekicks' identity crisis
I don't know where you guys get off criticizing The Dallas Morning News for their puny coverage of the Sidekicks' win over Pittsburgh ["Best of Dallas," September 28]. You've done exactly the same thing. The Observer ran a great story about the Sidekicks ["Tatu tightens his belt," August 31], their accomplishments, and uphill battle for recognition, and Tatu also was listed on the Best of Dallas nomination form, along with numerous categories covering the Cowboys and the ever-losing Rangers, Stars, and Mavericks. But no mention of Sidekicks.

Maybe more people could name a Sidekick player other than Tatu if you all did your part and gave them their fair share of attention along with other Dallas professional sports teams. Some regular attention from the alternative media might help build that 8,000 attendance figure you find so paltry. By the way, that number has been steadily growing; it is the largest indoor soccer attendance in the U.S., and during last year's playoffs, they sold out Reunion Arena--all 16,522 seats.

So come on and help out! At least include Sidekicks in the 1996 Best of Dallas.

Diana Clark
Dallas

Static
I write to you in total disgust over your August 31 article, "Good reception: local radio tunes in to Dallas music." What a farce! To top it off, you highlight the man known as Mr. "Stuck in 1978" Redbeard as one of those who's in tune.

Since the demise of KZEW, Q102 has had the attitude of, "we play what we want, because no one can touch our ratings." At that time, less than one percent of its prime-time playlist was new artists. They laughed at me when I would request Nirvana, which had become a regular on The Edge. The Edge was nowhere to be found on the rating charts, but still took the gamble. The Eagle was there, but was still playing the waiting game as to what would be hip next. Z-Rock (R.I.P. again) was still flaunting the heavier cuts. All, though, had their good points. They all had some form of show featuring local artists. The drawback was that nobody was up at 2 a.m. on Sunday morning to hear it.

Local radio does not care about local artists until they have made a national name for themselves elsewhere. I understand the direct relationship between ratings and advertising dollars, but give credit where credit is due.

Paul Stanislav

Correction
In last week's story about Louis Farrakhan's visit to Dallas, the Observer incorrectly described Benjamin Chavis as being the former chairman of the NAACP. He is actually the organization's former executive director.