August 2000

Features

LBJ’s Living Legacy

Exclusive photos of four generations of Johnsons—from Lady Bird to little Claudia Covert, age two—and sixteen members of LBJ's inner circle, plus their remembrances of a man whose powers of persuasion were truly awe-inspiring.

by Brian D. Sweany

The Man Who Saved LBJ

Who deserves credit for Lyndon Johnson's newly burnished reputation? Harry Middleton, the director of the LBJ presidential library, who made hours and hours of White House audiotapes public—and in doing so, remade history. Plus: Listen for yourself as Johnson describes Vietnam as "just the biggest mess that I ever saw".

by Paul Burka

Roger, Over and Out?

At 38, Roger Clemens, the greatest pitcher ever to emerge from Texas, is no longer carving up the American League like he used to. Is the Rocket about to flame out?

by Michael P. Geffner

Suddenly Susan

Susan Dell, the wife of Michael and the owner of a pricey couture salon that bears her name, is the perfect symbol of the new, mega-monied Austin. So what if its thunderstruck natives don't know quite what to make of her? Meet the Capital City's designing woman.

by Pamela Colloff

Painting the Towns

Although Johnnie Swearingen was one of Texas' best self-taught artists, his riotous paintings of his native Washington County were anathema to some of the local gentry. Now, in a satisfying twist, the works are proudly displayed at the Chappell Hill Historical Museum. Call it artistic justice.

by Julie Ardery

Free Greg Ott!

In 1978 a Texas Ranger was killed during a drug raid on the home of Greg Ott, a North Texas State graduate student. No one really knows what happened that night, but Ott was charged with murder and sentenced to life in prison. Today, everyone agrees that he has paid his debt to society—everyone, that is, but the Texas Rangers.

by Gary Cartwright

Columns

Behind the Lines

Great Expectations

Where we go from here.

by Evan Smith

Business

Merge Ahead

In the fifties and sixties James Ling built LTV into one of the country's powerhouse companies. But after three decades out of the spotlight, what's his plan today?

by Claire Poole

Art

Master Builder

From Fort Worth's Amon Carter Museum to Houston's Pennzoil Place to Dallas' forthcoming Cathedral of Hope, architect Philip Johnson's grand vision for Texas is set in stone.

by Michael Ennis

Travel

Sun Spot

For a laid-back coastal paradise that's reminiscent of the Greek Islands in the seventies, pack a bathing suit and head to Montezuma, Costa Rica. But be forewarned: Half of the adventure is getting there.

by Keith Kachtick