November 1996
Table of Contents
Features
Our Best SchoolsA report card on more than three thousand public elementary schools from Abernathy to Zavalla. Does yours make the grade? Plus: How Richardson’s Brentfield, Beaumont’s Pietzsch, and Mission’s Carl C. Waitz got to the head of the class. Reading Laura BushThanks to her fight against illiteracy, the first lady of Texas is getting more attention than most of her predecessors— and much more than she’d like. It Came From Outer SpaceThe inside story of how industrious NASA scientists discovered signs of life in a Martian rock and boosted the fortunes of the tabloids, Hollywood producers, and even the president. |
Thrill KillersNow that the crack epidemic has leveled off and gang violence is down, urban Texas is being terrorized by a new type of criminal: the superpredator. He murders without motive, feels no remorse, and worst of all, seldom gets caught. The Spin Doctor Is OutBeing a political consultant had its high points. I helped candidates win elections, traveled around the world, and worked side by side with James Carville and Dick Morris. But campaigns kept sinking to pathetic new lows, which is why I finally had to quit the game. Social ClimbersThis month, a ragtag group of wanderers will descend on Hueco Tanks state park in West Texas, where they’ll spend their nights hanging out and their days hanging on to the most challenging boulders around. |
Columns
ArtDual in the SunWhat do the sculptures of Jim Magee and the paintings of Annabel Livermore have in common? Nothing—except that they were created by the same person. Behind the LinesPrincipals, Not HeelsWhy good schools have clean bathrooms and principals who don’t wear high heels. BusinessBeer NecessitiesTo survive at a time of heady demand for craft brews, the mid-sized Spoetzel and Celis breweries have partnered with major corporations. Still, they’re keeping their local flavor. |
MusicGolden OldieAfter playing for years in relative obscurity, 57-year-old Ronnie Dawson is the latest cult hero in the cultish world of rockabilly. PoliticsAffairs of StateMónica García Velásquez, the first female mayor of Nuevo Laredo, is smart, poised, and articulate, especially when it comes to dismissing rumors about her love life. TravelGruene PeaceA historic dance hall, the cypress-shaded Guadalupe, a couple of rustic inns: A great weekend getaway awaits you less than an hour from Austin and San Antonio. |
Reporter
ReporterThe New Fat CatsMeet the newest Texas fat cats - the well-heeled contributors financing political campaigns in and out of our state. Topic ACalifornia Scheming |
In The StudioAntsy GriffithFaceJimmy KingThe Ex FilesSam DonaldsonHot BoxCD and Book Reviews |
Miscellany
The Inside StoryGrand ParentLast PageJohn Nance GarnerWhat did Uvalde’s John Nance garner think the vice presidency was really worth? |
Roar of the CrowdCheers And Jeers |
Recipes
State FareThe luxurious French toast at Benjy’s in Houston makes every day a challah day. |
FACEBOOK
RSS
TUMBLR
TM
Read Later