Perfect enough: The unmentioned story behind the story ("Nice Kid, But..." by Zac Crain, June 17) is the uncomfortable likelihood that a true merit-based admissions policy would produce college classes overwhelmingly heavy in Indians (such as Mr. Biswas), Asians and homeschoolers to the detriment of minorities and Anglo slackers like our president.
The common thread in those three achieving groups is a politically incorrect work ethic.
The thought of some art history major keeping Mr. Biswas out of engineering or business school turns my stomach.
Russell Fish
Dallas
Riveted: I was absolutely riveted by this piece. I never would have thought such a topic could be so interesting. Thanks for sharing these students and parents stories'. Great job. I hope to one day achieve the level of writing you are on.
Ty Allison
The Dallas Morning News
Dallas
Mad About Hattie's
At last, an honest reviewer: I just visited Hattie's again last night, and your review is still right on the money ("Downturned Lips," by Mark Stuertz, August 28, 2003). As a resident of Oak Cliff for over a year now (a very spoiled Oak Lawn transplant), I have tried to be supportive of my new neighborhood venues. Hattie's just doesn't quite cut it. In the past, we have even contacted the restaurant management regarding service and menu problems, spoken with Tony the owner and even been given a free bottle of wine to return, but nothing has ever changed. After numerous visits to Hattie's and the free bottle of wine, Tony still doesn't have a clue who I am or pretend to even recognize me as a repeat customer. Service is still surly and inadequate, and my grilled salmon with peach barbecue sauce served over blacked-eyed peas last night just didn't have a reason to live. Likewise, the fried green tomatoes were bland and hard and served over greens with a shelf life that had expired days earlier. I think that Hattie's will be on my agenda only for pre-dinner cocktails from now on since it is futile to believe that improvements are in Hattie's future. It is so refreshing to see a newspaper that has the courage to print an accurate review. Please keep up the good work.
Greg Hausdorf
Dallas
Jerry Does Dallas
Taken for a ride: If this Cowboys stadium matter (Buzz, by Robert Wilonsky, June 10) were a movie script that Jerry Jones was producing, and Mayor Laura Miller and Judge Margaret Keliher were both being considered for the starring role, this would be a predictable porno film.
Jerry Jones would pull out the casting couch. He would say, "Now how bad do you want my stadium in Fair Park or Dallas County?" Our female heroines would say, "Oh, Mr. Jones, we would like that 'big' stadium in our back yard really bad."
Then Mr. Jones would say, "OK, bend over and let's see what you think now."
Well...there has been a major script change. You see, our heroines are keeping the "legs" of public funds closed until Mr. Jones shows us "what he has." And to date, it has not been very impressive.
Name withheld
Dallas
Crunk and Callow
The shallow end: In "The Rap Sheet" (by Susan Castellon, June 17) it's pointed out how shallow and simple-minded middle school kids are when it comes to music. And though the story points that out very well, it forgets to mention that middle school kids have always been that way. I slow-danced to "Pour Some Sugar on Me" at that age and cranked up "Brass Monkey." My parents listened to songs like "Lollipop" and "Surfin' Safari." Just as poppy and shallow as "Tipsy" or any other pop-rap crap being played today.
In time, the kids will go through all the emotional turmoil that comes with being 17 or 18 years old, and they will look for deeper music to identify with. I'd like to see a Q&A with five average 18-year-olds to see if it proves my hypothesis.
And hey, at least they listen to something as creative as OutKast and like it. In the next few years, Andre will be taking these kids on a ride that will open their eyes to all sorts of new musical horizons.
Jason Janik
Dallas
The Dirtbombs are lame: I was presented with this article online through an eclectic music forum at OkayPlayer.com. It's a respectable and, to say the least, entertaining article. But really, who would expect anything more (or less) from middle school students? When I was in eighth grade, I was convinced that 311 was the be-all and end-all of music, and that "rap is crap." It's amazing how easily kids at that age are influenced by pop culture and anything that can consume their pre-molded minds. As well as how easily they divide themselves into cliques through music.
I'm 21, and I think it was sometime in my sophomore year of high school when I started approaching culture and entertainment with an open mind. However, I became fixated with the anti-establishment just because I couldn't roll with the popular crowd. Anyway, it was a pretty good article that left a few of us at work giggling like school kids ourselves. And the Dirtbombs are lame.
Anonymous
Via e-mail
