The Shore Thing

Our complete guide to a great vacation on South Padre Island: the best spot for tanning, who serves the freshest seafood, how to rent scuba gear, where to see the prettiest sunset, and more.

by Joe Nick Patoski

The Beach Is Back…

… but can it last? That’s what Galveston officials are wondering as they put the finisheng touches on a nearly $6 million renourishment project—just in time for hurricane season.

by Gary Cartwright

Four for Four

George W. Bush got elected governor by promising to focus on welfare, education, tort reform, and juvenile crime. After his first one hundred days, he’s batting a thousand.

by Paul Burka

Cheap Thrills

From “Lone State Doom” to “Land of Violent Men,” a look back at Texas’ classic pulp fiction.

by Anne Dingus

Walk, Don’t Run

After years of arguing that vigorous activity is a key to good health, Kenneth Cooper is exercising his right to change his mind.

by Helen Thompson

Confessions of A Preacher’s Wife

The tensions between the demans of the spirit and the demands of the world defined my marriage—and destroyed it.

by Jan Jarboe Russell

Big Wheel

Once he raced cars; now he builds them. Even at 72, it seems, Carroll Shelby can’t slow down.

by Carol Flake Chapman

Behind the Lines

Playing Doctor

by Gregory Curtis

Sports

Of Mats and Men

At the 1995 state high school wrestling championships, pinning wasn’t everything. It was the only thing.

by Dan Cichalski

Profile

A Cracker’s Farewell

When Grover Lewis died on April 16, he left a legacy of unwashed greatness. That’s how he would have wanted it.

by Robert Draper

Music

Hit Picker

Each week, record promoters flock to see Redbeard, the Dallas radio programmer with an ear for the best new music.

by Joe Nick Patoski

Lifestyle

Call Me Clevio

I had everything it took to win the Mr. Romance Cover Model pageant—except for the looks and the body.

by Cleve Hattersley

Reporter

A Special Agent

The Secret Service lost a good man in the Oklahoma blast—and I lost an old friend.

by Jan Reid

Reporter

Sister Acts

The daughters of San Antonio’s most conspicuous family star in their own how-to videos.

by Jan Jarboe Russell

Reporter

Post Script

The only surprise about the closing of Houston’s oldest papers was that it took so long.

by Paul Burka

Roar of the Crowd

The Book on Waller

State Secrets

Fee, Fie

by Paul Burka and Jan Jarboe Russell

State of the Art

Mammatocumulus Clouds, Hays County, 1993

by

Lemon-Garlic Chicken With Tomato-Basil Sauce

Grilled Corn Salad

Meringue Clouds

State Fare: Picnic Special

by Patricia Sharpe