Vocal Coach Linda Septien Is In the Business of Making Stars

Welcome to Local Music ‘Mericans, where we get to know the people behind the scenes. In 1984, Linda Septien was performing opera in Italy. Inspired, she flew to Nashville to do her own recordings. “You suck,” the producer told her. “You have no feeling at all.” She put the brakes…

Pool Your Resources: Cannonball Season Is Here

Dallas has opinions about pools, whether you fancy an East-side dip at the F.O.E. or have already reserved your summer cabana at Revive. Tips to get past doormen, knowing Power Property codes and finding the side entrances for high-rise elevators are all components in the conversational arsenal to defend your…

Chrysler’s Back. Government Works. Fairies Aren’t Real.

Wonderful story for an old Detroit homeboy in today’s New York Times chronicling the incredible comeback and stunning success of Chrysler. Since emerging from bankruptcy and repaying all of its government loans, Chrysler Group LLC has leaped ahead of global competitors, according to the Times: “On Thursday, Chrysler reported that…

Laughing With Joe Arpaio: What’s Wrong With People?

Whenever the immigration issue comes up, as it has now with the ongoing Supreme Court review of Arizona’s anti-immigrant law, so does Joe Arpaio. The famous Phoenix sheriff is in the national news again this week over a recording surfaced by The Associated Press in which Arpaio can be heard…

Who Are All the White Guys Running Mexico?

Dear Mexican: How come there are a bunch of fair-skinned European-looking guys running Mexico? When I am in Mexico, I see them having power lunches in fine restaurants, driving Beemers and escorting absolutely breathtaking women with long legs and high cheekbones around town. Who are these guys? How can I…

A Bug’s Life: Sucking Brains In Deep Ellum

This city looks a little different under the gaze of a lazy Sunday. Gone are the razzle dazzle details of a typical Dallas weekend and, if you’re lucky, you get to see the Big D for who she really is. Platform heels tossed to the side, that little black dress…

Why Do Mexicans Paint Murals on Lowriders?

BUY TACO USA! Gentle cabrones: My much-promised Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America has finally hit bookstores! Place your order with your favorite local bookstore, your finer online retailers, your craftier piratas. And stay tuned for book signing info! Why do Mexicans with lowriders have murals on their hoods…

Dickey’s is Really Proud of its Deal with Sysco

First, a little back story: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has fired off round after round of press release material lately. The company is intoxicated with its expansion at every gas station and mall food court across the land, and its public relations firm mainlines Red Bull in order to make sure…

Is Dallas Smarter Than a Third Worlder?

In my ongoing series on cities smarter than Dallas, please allow me to add Seoul, South Korea, another place we need to send a team to right away. Yesterday the Dallas City Council heard an awe-inspiring presentation by Guillermo Penalosa, a leading-edge planner whose work has helped transform cities from…