March 2003

Table of Contents

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Features

Bard of the Border

The most promising young fiction writer in Texas is Oscar Casares, whose tales of life in Brownsville have put him and his hometown on the literary map.

Genius

By now we've heard plenty about how smart senior presidential adviser Karl Rove is, and how he's the most powerful political consultant of all time, and how he delights Republicans and bedevils Democrats. But how did the man who made George W. Bush famous get to be famous—and infamous—himself?

The Alamo Should Never Have Happened

Yes, we should remember the battle at the center of the Texas Revolution. But we should forget everything we think we know about it.

Chasing Shadows

Why is James Evans so good at photographing the mavericks and renegades who make Big Bend one of the most interesting places on earth? Because he is one himself.

Where to Eat Now

In our annual roundup of the restaurants everyone's talking about, you'll find a bare-bones taquería, a bastion of cowboy chic, a snazzy deconsecrated church—and dishes that range from soup (squash blossom) to nuts (toasted cashews with chocolate-swirled bread pudding). Not to mention a little French place in San Antonio that's the best of the best.

Columns

Cartwright's Texas

Lines in the Sand

Is Austin artist Jack Jackson's illustrated history of the Alamo too unconventional to be sold at the Alamo gift shop? Draw your own conclusions.

Behind the Lines

Mr. Speaker

Speaking of the Speaker.

Texana

Brands That I Love

When I was a kid, my grandmother was partial to Imperial sugar and other products made in Texas. You know what? I'm still sweet on them.

Travel

Back to the Future

Lured by the lucre of tourism, many small towns can't resist quainting themselves to death—which is why true-to-itself Fayetteville is such a pleasant place to visit.

Music

Prodigal Son

After years of ignoring Woody Guthrie's time in Pampa, residents of the tiny Panhandle community are finally singing "This Land Is His Land."

Reporter

Reporter

Facing the Music

Michael Morales' guilty plea doesn't answer the most interesting question about his attempted extortion of Tony Sanchez: Who else knew about his cockamamy plot, and when did they know it?

Conference

Talking Tuna

Grilling the experts about Bill Parcells.

FAQ

A Time to Drill

Drilling for answers on Padre Island.

The Filter

Pat's Pick

Pat's Pick

Pat's Pick

What's In Store

Pat's Pick

On the Road

Miscellaneous

The Last Roundup

Oaf of Office

Kinky Friedman for governor?!?

Web Extra

Grand Dames

International opera divas Susan Graham and Laura Claycomb haven't forgotten their Texas roots. They came back to star in two productions by the Houston Grand Opera.

Web Extra

Brand Loyal

Senior editor Anne Dingus sweet-talks about sugar, Elsie the Cow, and peanut patties.

Web Extra

Boy Wonder

Executive editor S. C. Gwynne talks about Karl Rove and this month's cover story, "Genius."

Web Extra

Sports Fan

Writer Skip Bayless talks about the Dallas Cowboys, Bill Parcells, and his pick for next year's Super Bowl winner.

Books That Cook

Tuxedos to Tailgates: A Celebration of the Seasons

Tuxedos to Tailgates: A Celebration of the Seasons

Happy Trails

On a recent trip to the Huntsville area, I came across a wonderful new museum, some great barbecue, and the perfect campsite.

Texas Tidbits

You learned all about the Alamo in school. Or did you?

Texas History 101

What was early San Antonio really like?