The Gods Of Padre Island

Between watching girls and getting a great tan, lifeguards occasionally have to save lives.

by David Seeley

Texas Primer: Mesquite

It looks fragile with its lacy leaves and fragrant flowers. Looks can be deceptive.

by Suzanne Winckler

The Trouble With UT

The University at one hundred; how good is it, really?

by Gene Lyons

We Know You’re Interested Only In Quality Education

So read our guide to the 1982 UT football season, and you can skip the games.

by Gary Cartwright

C. Barsott’s Texas

The famous cartoonist aims his pen at the Texas mystique.

by Charles Barsotti

The Man Who Killed Judge Wood

The end of the Chagra family’s drug empire, a few words on murderer-for-hire Charles Harrelson, and the most incrimminating tapes since Watergate.

by Gary Cartwright

The Empress’s New Clothes

What you won’t see from Dallas designers is lots of froufrou. What you will see is a look tailored for the working woman.

by Michael Ennis

The Inside Skinny On Dallas Designers

Who’s who, and who’s doing what to whom: a brief guide.

by Michael Ennis

Books

The New Dominion

Things are looking good for the Sunbelt, says political prognosticator Kevin P. Phillips. Unfortunately, things are looking bad for America.

by Nicholas Lemann

Behind the Lines

The phantom building.

by Gregory Curtis

Food

Spiciest Africa

Ethiopian food is spiked with pungent spices, served without plates or forks, and eaten by the adventurous—and lucky—few.

by Alison Cook

Jazz

Art Pepper’s Last Chorus

The late alto saxophonist lived a life marred by heroin addiction and prison time, but his pain was only a counterpoint to the beauty of his music.

by Doug Ramsey

Movies

Well, Bust My Bodice

With its folksy-talking tarts and rubes, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas tries to make a virture of vulgarity. Bard-olaters who flock to two Shakespeare-inspired offerings may be disappointed: Woody Allen’s A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy is puckish but prosy; Paul Mazursky’s Tempest leaves the viewer at sea.

by James Wolcott

Theater

The Midas Touch

In the past two years Kjehl Rasmussen has opened two acclaimed Dallas theaters and directed a hit musical. And that’s just for starters.

by W. L. Taitte

Reporter

Texas Monthly Reporter

Dallas a haven for mystics and misfits? La Raza Unida just a memory? Plus: a real, live train robber reminisces; public TV fades in and out; C.A. Doerge gets all pumped up.

by Peter Applebome

Roar of the Crowd

Harding Lawrence’s handiwork; Daddy’s fancy footwork; the mayor’s legwork.

State Secrets

Taller-than-thou in Houston; Bullock and his feelings; the fate of the Boll Weevils; yellow journalism in Dallas.

Edited by Paul Burka