April 2001

Table of Contents

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Features

The Slow Life and Fast Death of DJ Screw

He was one of the most influential cultural figures in Texas–a generous godfather to a generation of rappers, an entrepreneur of Houston's mean streets, the master of a scene fueled by codeine cough syrup and hip-hop beats. When he overdosed in November at the age of 29, it was easy to dismiss him as yet another musician who succumbed to his own success. But his story is more complicated than that.

The Battle for the Border

In Maverick County illegal immigrants are crossing in record numbers, creating a war zone. Mexicans have been shot and killed, houses robbed, cattle stolen. Some ranchers are fleeing. But others, like Dob Cunningham, have decided to stay and fight.

The Education of Laura Bush

A first read on the Midland librarian in the White House: what she has learned so far and how her life has changed.

Round and Round

Tortillas have been with us since the heyday of the Maya and the Aztecs. Now these simple small cakes are big business-but some are still made the old fashioned way. Includes extra tortilleria listings.

History in the Making

Austin's new Bob Bullock museum sports six bas-reliefs that tell the story of Texas. Here's how a sculptor and a team of artisans made them, like the museum's namesake, larger than life.

Columns

Behind the Lines

Grand Designs

A new Texas Monthly by design—and necessity.

Politics

Imperfect 10

The top 10 percent rule was supposed to solve the admissions problems at Texas' public universities, but it isn't making the grade.

Sports

The Better Deal

Forget A-Rod's $252 million contract with the Texas Rangers. Jeff Bagwell of the Houston Astros has more important numbers to brag about.

Law

The Hate Debate

The question about the James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Act isn't whether it will pass. The question is, Is it good law?

Health

Curing the Colonias

The prescription to treat the sickest areas in Texas isn't what you think.

Travel

Cabin Fever

The Hill Country Equestrian Lodge is perfect for city slickers who want to escape civilization—but not entirely.

Books

Knightmare

Aaron Latham's new novel about a cowboy Camelot gets lost in the bull.

Music

Tennison, Anyone?

Chalee Tennison wants to reclaim old-time country music.

Reporter

Reporter

The Reformer

The El Paso mayor's race.

Reporter

Talking Ed

Fort Worth's horse play.

Reporter

Riding High

McAllen's terminal condition.

Reporter

Book Drive

Colleyville's library plot.

First Person

I Swear

Anne Dingus' language lesson.

Previews+Reviews

Books

The best new books from Texas.

Previews+Reviews

Music

The best new music from Texas.

The Filter

Pat's Pick

Star Power

Miscellaneous

Web Extra

Flour or Corn?

It sounded like the perfect assignment: Find the state's best tortillas. But was it? A Q&A with senior editor Patricia Sharp.

The Last Roundup

All Politics Is Yokel

My assault on the body politic.

Web Extra

Who's That Lady?

Executive editor Paul Burka tells the story behind this month's cover story.

Restaurant Guide

Austin circles its wagons at a new Star Canyon. Plus: The secret at Clark's Outpost in Tioga and two wine and food festivals that offer their fill.

Web Extra

On the Border

After spending a week at the busiest U.S. Border Patrol station in Texas, associate editor Pamela Colloff learned that there is more to an agent's job than helicopters and surveillance cameras.

Texas Tidbits

Travel From Athens to Victoria—and never cross the state line.

CD Reviews

Step Right Up

Jeff McCord on Charlie Robison

Texas History 101

Helena—the myth lives on.

CD Reviews

A Man Under The Influence

Jeff McCord on Alejandro Escovedo

Happy Trails

Where to eat, what to do, where to shop: a great weekend in Houston.

Book Reviews

A Grand Guy: The Art and Life of Terry Southern

Mike Shea on the new Terry Southern bio.

Books That Cook

Texas Celebrity Cookbook

Texas Celebrity Cookbook

Recipe

Barbecue-Glazed Sea Bass With Crawfish Butter

Chef Paul Clark's sea bass basks in barbecue sauce with a luxurious accompaniment of crawfish tails.

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