ON THE COVER: Cover illustration by Lou Beach. Cover photographs by Dennis Meyler (L.) and Laurie Williams/Austin American-Statesman.
October 1986
Table of Contents
Features
Going For BrokeIn boom times, John Connally and Ben Barnes used their political magic to build a sprawling real estate empire. Now they’re in a desperate struggle to keep themselves afloat. Where NASA Went WrongThe seeds of the Challenger disaster were sowed long ago, in the space agency’s conflict between its ideals and its politics. After the TearsCambodian Lay Bun Sun escaped the terrors of the Khmer Rouge to film his dreams in Houston. The Strange Case of Mark WhiteThe governor has a good record, good ideas, and good intentions. So why is he in danger of losing his job to a man he already beat once? Texas Primer: The Texas Institute of LettersBelonging to this literary club is a lot like becoming a Texan; you can be a newcomer for only so long. |
Beyond HalloweenOn the Day of the Dead, Mexicans mock death with candy skulls and papier-mache coffins. But in the darkness of a graveside vigil, the mockery gives way to tears. The Barbecue BrothersThe six Mikeska boys may share the same family name, but each has his own ideas about the nuances of Texas barbeque. The Eye of the BeholderA museum in Texas is the last place Jacques-Louis David would expect to find his late masterpiece, but we’re glad it’s here. Western Art: Yodelay, Yodelay-HooAn interpretation of a classic genre. |
Columns
Back RoadsBallad of the Pine Springs CafeOver the years, this boot-scuffed cafe has been host to West Texas yarn spinners and front-porch gossips. Now the stories are told on borrowed time. Behind the LinesTexanaThe Museum That Time ForgotIt’s one of the best-kept secrets in the state. But what the Texas Memorial Museum needs is somebody’s attention. |
Popular MusicCountry Music’s Hermit SaintDon Williams won’t do beer commercials, sign autographs, or sing in honk-tonks. If that means he isn’t a superstar, that’s fine with him. BooksPartners in CrimeDavid Lindsey stalks Houston cops, through the violence the violence and around the blood, in search of another mystery novel. Classical MusicFor the Love of BachThe Dallas Bach Society combines crackerjack musicians, a well-trained choir, and top-ranked vocal soloists—the result is a baroque-music lover’s dream. |
Reporter
ReporterTexas Monthly ReporterThe Harris Count Administration Building isn’t big enough for both Jon Lindsay and Mike Driscoll; Ray Perryman, a reporter’s best friend; a lucky accident brought Ethiopians—and Ethiopian restaurants—to Dallas. |
Miscellany
Roar of the CrowdThe QuidnuncGovernor White nods off; Watauga policeman on the wagon; debutante dos and don’ts. Touts |
PuzzleState SecretsA price for peace on the Guadalupe River; favorites and long shots in the Texas racetrack derby; a key decision for Lloyd Bentsen. |
Web Exclusives
Recipes
Cappyccino’s White ChiliRecipe from Cappyccino’s 5003 Broadway Alamo Heights |
My Library
