Lifestyles of The Rich and Bankrupt

Going broke is for poor people. Here’s a whole chapter of Texans who have found ways to clear the books without losing their ranches, Rolls, or Rolexes.

by Tom Curtis

The Man Who Crushed Texaco

Judges take his money. Juries buy his bull. And when clients like Pennzoil need a tiger in their tank, they hire Joe Jamail.

by John Davidson

Who Can Stop the Killer Bees?

Experts predict the first swarms could cross the border next year. What happens then to Texas’ multimillion-dollar honey industry is anybody’s guess.

by Joe Nick Patoski

Should This Man Be President?

For all his integrity and noble intention, George Bush has yet to prove he’s got the agenda of a true statesman.

by Nicholas Lemann

Texas In the Blood!

Descendants of famous Texas like Sam Houston and Davy Crockett don’t even try to fill their forefathers’ shoes. They just do their best to keep them polished.

Photography by Dennis Darling

Saturday Night Live

When it’s time to step out, real-life clotheshorses can always dig deep in their closets for something nervy and bold.

by Helen Thompson

Behind the Lines

White cop, black man.

by Gregory Curtis

Politics

Disorder in the Court

An eleventh-hour filing by two candidates for the state Supreme Court has kicked off a season of judicial campaigning unprecedented in Texas history.

by Patricia Kilday Hart

Books

The Soft Sell

Once, the term “paperback original” was reserved for second-rate work. Now, thanks to an innovative editor, two Texas novelists are proud to see their books in softcover.

by Jan Reid

Travel

Paradise Mañana

If the brand-spanking new Mexican beach resort of Huatulco is what you’ve been waiting for, then keep waiting.

by Joe Nick Patoski

Architecture

Pleasant Under Glass

The exuberant crystal towers above San Antonio’s botanical conservatory have captures everyone’s attention. Inside, it’s even better.

Michael Ennis

Reporter

Texas Monthly Reporter

Grazing cheap and chic in Houston, Austin, and Dallas; tire-kicking at the Fizzlick liquidation boutique; returning a piece of Janis’ heart to Port Arthur.

by Alison Cook

Roar of the Crowd

Perceptions of power; battling counselors; bum raps; good and evil and the church.

State Secrets

Bubba beats the new truck safety standards; O’Neill loses at Baylor—again; Bush’s loss is Gramm’s gain; Clements stays tough on spending.

Edited by Paul Burka

The National Tour of Texas

A glowing beacon near Haynesville; broomweed royalties in Foard County; Archer City’s decorated dump; curative waters and a grand hotel in Mineral Wells; faux Alamo in Farmersville.

by Dick J. Reavis