December 1999
Table of Contents
Features
Politician of the Century—Lyndon Johnson“Johnson continues to tower over Texas politics not just because he was the first Texas-bred president but because, 26 years in his grave, he continues to extend the very idea of Texas into American political history.” The Best of the Texas Century—PoliticsPaul Burka on John Connally, Patricia Kilday Hart on Minnie Fisher Cunningham, John Ratliff on Dan Moody, Patricia Busa McConnico on George Parr, and Katy Vine on the TV spot of the century. Entertainer of the Century—Willie Nelson“He doesn’t fit the stereotype of a 66-year-old veteran of a profession that eats its young. The goofy grin he flashes conveys the vibe that he really and truly likes what he’s doing. We like it too.” The Best of the Texas Century—CultureAnne Dingus on Lonesome Dove, Chester Rosson on Scott Joplin, Michael Hall on Buddy Holly, Don Graham on Giant, John Morthland on Ornette Coleman, Eileen Schwartz on Greater Tuna, Jennifer Olsen on Conan the Barbarian, and Michael Ennis on the painter of the century. Athlete of the Century—Carl Lewis“When it comes to individual athletic superiority, few people in the world can touch long, lean, impossibly fast Carl Lewis, who came to Texas in 1979, qualified for the Olympics in 1980, and dominated his sport—the world of sports, actually—for the next sixteen years.” |
The Best of the Texas Century—SportsGary Cartwright on Sammy Baugh, Gregory Curtis on Jack Johnson, Jane Dure on Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Joe Nick Patoski on Sheryl Swoopes, and Jeff McCord on the pitcher of the century. Tastemaker of the Century—Helen Corbitt“She taught us, she fed us, she entertained us, and best of all, she wrote down the how-to of Corbitt hospitality in five cookbooks, giving us confidence that the civilizing pleasures of the table were within our reach.” The Best of the Texas Century—LifestyleSkip Hollandsworth on big hair, Gary Cartwright on the Balinese Room, Patricia Sharpe on Fritos, and Pamela Colloff on the bandits of the century. Entrepreneur of the Century—Michael Dell“Entrepreneurship is the art of the possible. Anyone with money and a good idea has what it takes to write his own ticket. The hitch, of course, is follow-through. You have to execute. You have to do it. And no one has done it as well as Michael Dell.” The Best of the Texas Century—BusinessPaul Burka on Santa Rita No. 1, Jordan Mackay on Humble Oil, and Brian D. Sweany on the inventor of the century. |
Columns
SportsHaving a BallIt’s no easy task to run the two-time champs of the Ro-Tex-Erie Fantasy Baseball League. But I’m managing. HealthEyes on the PrizeThe noble—and Nobel—efforts of a Houston pharmacology professor could someday help in the treatment of cancer. First PersonStaying AliveFor every one hundred people diagnosed with cancer of the tonsil, fewer than nine survive. I hope I’m one of them. |
MusicSongwriterMove over, Anna Nicole Smith. Mexia’s biggest celebrity is Cindy Walker, who penned hits made famous by everyone from Eddy Arnold to Bob Wills. TravelParadise FoundThree great hotels on the Pacific coast of Mexico where you can do just about anything or nothing at all. |
Reporter
FaceMaydelle FasonThe Ex FilesGeorge CarlinMore than seven words—none of them dirty—about George Carlin’s Fort Worth days. |
Hot BoxCD and Book Reviews |
Miscellany
The Inside StoryThree’s Company |
Recipes
State FareAt Houston’s La Réserve, you can have yourself a merry little Christmas tree—for dessert. |
