Photographed exclusively for Texas Monthly by Wyatt McSpadden.
May 2003
Table of Contents
Features
O Sister, Where Art Thou?History makes no mention of what was one of the most popular all-female country acts ever. Yet the story of the Goree Girls-inmates who banded together in the forties at Texas' sole penitentiary for women—is worth a listen. Pit StopsWhere are the best places to eat barbecue in Texas? Six years ago we published a highly subjective—and hotly debated— list of our fifty favorite joints, and now we’ve gone back for seconds. Ten intrepid souls drove more than 21,000 miles in search of 2003’s worthiest ‘cue. Here’s what they came back with: the top 5 and the next 45, plus honorable mentions, great chains, and meat by mail. |
The EnforcerThe name on everyone's lips this legislative session is unknown to most people outside Austin—inside Austin too. But Mike Toomey, the governor's chief of staff, is the most powerful political operative at the Capitol—and the most feared. Just ask his fellow Republicans. The Skinny on SlimThomas Austin Preston, Jr.—a.k.a. Amarillo Slim—has cut cards with LBJ and hustled all manner of sharpies at pool and Ping-Pong. But at 74, his greatest success continues to be at the poker table, as my $100 and I found out. |
Columns
SportsPlay Bawl!Yes, yes—come playoff time, the Houston Astros have a history of reducing grown men to tears. But thanks to Jeff Kent, this season could be different. TexanaWild ThingsMy siblings and I had plenty of pets growing up, but they were never quite as exciting as those we caught ourselves, such as tarantulas. And garden snakes. And of course, horny toads. |
FaithBless This HouseHaven't we settled the prayer-in-politics debate and turned our attention to more important things, like the budget shortfall? Apparently not. BooksNot Moving OnFifteen years after Larry McMurtry announced he was through writing novels, he shows no sign of letting up. For this we should be thankful. MusicIndependent's DayWith the record business in the doldrums, what's a talented, ambitious band to do? If you're Austin's Grupo Fantasma, you make it on your own. |
Reporter
ReporterGit Along . . .How Lubbock—epicenter of the prairie dog universe—learned to stop worrying and love the little beasts. |
The Filter
Pat’s PickPat's Pick |
Pat’s PickBest FestsPat’s PickOn the Road |
Miscellany
Web Exclusives
A DingerAstros general manager Gerry Hunsicker talks about second baseman Jeff Kent and a budget like the New York Yankees'. Feeding FrenzySenior editor Patricia Sharpe, assistant editor Katy Vine, and others talk about this month's cover story, "Pit Stops." Flying HighThere's nothing quite like being airborne in the cockpit of a plane—a warplane—to get your adrenaline going. Girl TalkExecutive editor Skip Hollandsworth discusses this month's feature "O Sister, Where Art Thou?" Blue NotesGoree prison unit inmate Hattie Ellis had a short-lived recording career, but her music made a lasting impression. Prep WorkDan Winters, who shot this month's photo essay, "Cuts Above," discusses finding the right piece of meat. |
Amarillo Slim's Top Ten Keys to Poker SuccessRead an excerpt from Amarillo Slim's Top Ten Keys to Poker Success. Smoke and Spice: Cooking With Smoke, the Real Way to BarbecueSmoke and Spice: Cooking With Smoke, the Real Way to Barbecue Happy TrailsAlpine, Marfa, and Fort Davis seemed like a different world—until I got there. I felt right at home in these West Texas cultural hot spots. Texas TidbitsHow many calves were born in Texas in 2002? When did two of the big packing plants at the Fort Worth Stockyards close? We've got all the beef on beef in Texas. Texas History 101The state's first enclosed penitentiary, a 225-cell facility in Huntsville, has weathered some hard times—and expanded to include seven prison units. |
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