January 2003
Table of Contents
Features
The End of the RiverWhy the mighty Rio Grande isn't so mighty anymore: a twisted tale of international politics, water rights, and environmental reality (with a drought thrown in for good measure). The 2003 Bum Steer AwardsIt was a year of asinine atheists, buck-naked bad guys, crud-coated coins, duct-taped duds, ex-Enron exhibitionists, felonious Ferraris, gaffe-prone guests, hijacked heads, icky incumbents, jittery java junkies, kaput kampaigns, lascivious lawyers, Munsters maniacs, ninny newlyweds, obdurate officials, pesky perfumes, quickie-minded quadrupeds, risible reading, superannuated sodas, titillating textbooks, un-dry urbanites, vamoosed vaudevillians, wandering weapons, Xena-like Xanthippes, yammering Yankees, and zealous zit-ologists. Two Wings and a PrayerLegend has it that an East Texas preacher's homemade flying machine took off in late 1902, nearly a year before Kitty Hawk. Are the history books wrong about who was first in flight—or are they right, brothers? |
A Ride for Mrs. OswaldOn November 22, 1963, I was a police reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. I worked the late shift, but I rushed to the office as soon as I heard that President Kennedy had been shot, and I started answering the phones. The first call I took was from the mother of the alleged assassin. She asked me for a lift to Dallas. Guess what I said? Bottom's UpThe U.S. Census Bureau says that Cameron Park, a Brownsville colonia, is the poorest community in America—and yet optimism thrives there. How do you explain to statisticians and demographers that poverty is a relative thing? |
Columns
SportsThe Joy of SacksDrew Brees's parents don't look forward to seeing him get thrown to the ground on national TV each week. But they sure do love having an NFL quarterback for a son. BooksMaster ClassNo one took the literature of Texas or the Southwest seriously until J. Frank Dobie put it, and us, on the map. |
Great OutdoorsCast AwayThere are rivers in Texas—some of the most beautiful places on earth—where the fly-fishing is great and you don't have to battle the crowds. Now, tell me again why I should vacation in Montana? FaithJung at HeartWhen I could no longer tolerate the religious fundamentalism of my childhood, I turned to the teachings of a Swiss psychiatrist—and rejuvenated my spiritual life. Cartwright's TexasThe IdealistIf you're wondering why trial lawyers were once regarded as heroes rather than pariahs, let me tell you about my friend Warren Burnett, the late, great champion of little guys and lost causes. |
Reporter
ReporterAmerican IdleThey're ready for their close-up; are we? Our writer prejudges the thousands of celebrity wannabes at Austin's American Idol tryouts. A Few Words With. . .John Lee HancockThe director of the new Alamo movie takes on the storied battle—and the eyes of Texas are upon him. |
The Filter
Pat’s PickPat's Pick |
Pat’s PickPrimary FlavorsPat’s PickOn The Road |
Miscellany
Web Exclusives
Bandera 'Cowboys Up' for TelevisionA small town showdown with Hollywood comes to a draw. First to Flight?Texas Monthly senior editor Michael Hall launches into a discussion about his story "Two Wings And A Prayer." Steering the Bum SteersSenior editor Anne Dingus, who along with Paul Burka, organizes and supervises the annual Bum Steer Awards, gives insight on the history of the long-standing tradition. Bum Steer BanterPaul Burka, senior executive editor and resident Bum Steer co-captain answers a few revealing questions. Fort WorthyFace the Nation host Bob Schieffer remembers Cowtown in the sixties. Old Man RiverPhotographer Artie Limmer talks about the challenges of shooting the mighty Rio Grande. |
Reality BitesEditor Katy Vine sucked it up and sat around the auditions with a bunch of young vocalist hopefuls keyed up with the prospect of becoming...an American Idol. Get HookedClick here for more information on fly fishing. Texas TidbitsFly Fishing Happy TrailsSpend an afternoon antiquing or a weekend just relaxing—historic Salado is worth the trip. Texas History 101Black-Eyed Peas |
Recipes
Tropical HamHomestead on the 19th, Huntsville Books That CookThe Contemporary Cowboy Cookbook: Recipes From the Wild West to Wall Street |
