1994

Texas Sayings

Forget that Roget fella—here in Texas we’re more apt to consult Bubba’s thesaurus. In Texas, folks aren’t just rich—locals say they didn’t come to town two to a mule.Someone doesn’t merely die—she opens herself up a worm farm. A scoundrel is “greasy as fried lard”; a summer day is

State Fare: Citrus Cheesecake and Chocolate–Grand Marnier Truffles

Forget the figgy pudding. The centerpiece of your party table for the holidays should be this voluptuous cheesecake from Houston’s Sierra Grill.Chef Charles Watkins has taken an everyday dessert and turned it into something special, its texture as lush as velvet, the density firm without being heavy. But what raises

Beer Bust

Bernardo Zuchil and Pontiac, Lajitas Trading Post, 1994

Heiress Apparent

Folk Lure

An Austin arts group is exposing the roots of Texas music to a younger audience.

War Games

Finally, a toymaker that isn’t just kidding around: A new Alamo playset gets things right.

Generation Mex

Many young Texans are heading to Mexico City to jump-start their careers.

Best-Case Scenario

To win a high-profile these days, you need to hire a jury consultant. Galveston's Robert Hirschhorn is one of the best.

Night Trippers

When Dallas sleep doctors cured Tommy Atkins’ snoring probelm, they probably saved his life.

More Colorful Texas Sayings Than You Can Shake a Stick At

Come hell or high water, you’ll want to read our compilation of down-home aphorisms.

The Sheriff Who Went to Pot

Brig Marmolejo may have been convicted of bribery, but he is more than just another crooked cop in South Texas. His is the story of borders easily crossed—the ageless parable of the Rio Grande Valley.

George W. Bush and the New Political Landscape

How the Republicans took over Texas—and what it means.

Lady Bird Looks Back

Frank talk about LBJ’s life, JFK’s death, the promise of Hillary Clinton, the perils of Oliver North—and more.

Kings of Swing

Can a golfer change the bad habits of a lifetime? The academy at Golfsmith International made a believer out of me.

The Home Vote

Page Masters

This past year, Texas writers chased tornadoes, delved into devil worship, and pondered the etiquette of breast-feeding.

State Fare: Venison in Pistachio-Cranberry Sauce and Wild Rice With Pecans and Sun-dried Tomatoes

Venison is the name of the game in this stylish take on a Texas classic from Hunter’s Moon in Fredericksburg. Partners and chefs Cynthia Castleberry and Alan Hirsch embellish the lean meat with a lush demiglace-based sauce incorporating cranberries, pistachios, ginger, and sherry. The final kick comes from the judicious

Black and White World

Life as it really was in Texas’ African American community, as seen through the eyes of almost forgotten photographers.

Hard Times For Henry

Hounded by his ex-lover in Lubbock, pounded by his enemies in Washington, Henry Cisneros is in trouble—and it’s all on tape.

Sympathy for the Devils

Riding the rapids of Texas’ last major unpolluted river is dangerous enough. But trample the private property around it and you could really get hurt.

Disarmed and Dangerous

With the end of the cold war, the Pantex nuclear facility is dismantling its bombs. Will nearby Amarillo’s environment and economy get blown to pieces?

The Sins of the Father

Is Charles Voyd Harrelson a natural-born killer? His movie star son, Woody, isn’t sure—but I am.

The Best Pecan Pie Recipe on Earth

The Eighty-third Legislature just named the pecan pie the state pie of Texas. Celebrate by baking one using one of our very favorite recipes.

Jungle Fever

Glimpses of jaguars, toucans, and black orchids reward the intrepid traveler in the unspoiled wilds of Belize.

Paper Money

Texas Blind Salamander, 1992

Tall Texans

Arrested Development

In a popular TV show two wise-cracking Houston cops turn real busts into slapstick.

Tiny Matters

Dallas’ James Burnett is single-handedly resurrecting the fortunes of his has-been idol, Tiny Tim.

Bud Wet

Now that his plan for a new domed stadium has been foiled, the testy Houston Oilers owner ponders his next move.

Stuck in the Middle

Shut out by the left, distrusted by the right, shunned by voters obsessed with change: What’s a conservative Democrat to do?

Sense and Sensuality

Cythina Allen’s course in romantic relations is half etiquette lesson, half ego boost for insecure men.

The Seduction of Jane Doe

When a teacher romances a student, are school officials to blame? That’s the crux of a case that began in the small town of Taylor and ended up in the U.S. Supreme court.

Sea Change

Unchecked growth of microscopic algae has muddied the water—and threatened the future—of Laguna Madre.

Love in Public

The Best Pecan Pie Recipe on Earth

Every November, my family gives thanks for Texas pecans, Karo syrup, special spices, and the secret recipe that turns them into the best pecan pie on earth.

Rah! Power

All for Texas cheerleading, stand up, sit down, and read, read on.

The Politics of Winning

In the final weeks, the governor’s race is too close to call. Here’s an analysis of what it will take to win.

The Private Hell of Joel Gregory

One night the pastor of Dallas’ all-powerful First Baptist Church mysteriously resigned. To this day, no one is sure why.

Dealer’s Choice

Always a Lady

Holy Tomato

Entrepreneurs in Donna are saving the good name of the real Texas tomatoes that come in a can.

All Fired Up

A ban against hunting dogs is turning some East Texas hunters into backwoods pyros.

Sunday Best

With love, discipline, and old-time religion, Kirbyjon Caldwell has built one of Texas’ most vital churches.

Tour de Folk

Diverse styles and a shared devotion to fold music mark new releases by Nanci Griffith and Robert Earl Keen.

Driven to It

The law says customers can file their own car papers and save fifty bucks. In practice, forget it.

Lonely Song

The troubled imagination that fuels Daniel Johnston's powerful new album could also prove his undoing.

The Book of Joel

Excerpts from Joel Gregory’s new book Too Great a Temptation