November 2003
Table of Contents
Features
Weapon of Mass CommunicationThis was the summer of George W. Bush's discontent, when sixteen specious words in the State of the Union address threw the White House into disarray. Can his 32-year-old mediameister, Dan Bartlett, get the message and the messenger back on track? Anchor AwayWhat Walter Cronkite really thinks about cable TV shoutfests, the length of network newscasts, and (ahem) Jayson Blair. The WitnessFor forty years Nellie Connally has been talking about that day, when she was in that car and saw that tragedy unfold. She's still talking—and now she's writing too. |
Eyes on the PiesFive modern twists on traditional recipes make mincemeat out of store-bought desserts. "Their Last Good Chance to Get Better"The state's public mental health system was woeful to begin with, and now legislative budget cuts have made it even worse. For thousands of mentally ill kids like Grant Williams, the only place to get treatment is a juvenile prison. Artist of the PortraitIn September 1985 this magazine published twenty portraits from Richard Avedon's landmark "In the American West" series. I worked with the celebrated photographer on those shoots, and I documented the making of many memorable images. Here are five great behind-the-scenes stories. |
Columns
SportsMiner ThreatWhy would a mere mortal want to step into the outsized shoes of UTEP's Don Haskins, the only Texas college basketball coach ever to win a national championship? To win another NCAA title—and Billy Gillispie thinks he can. |
Great OutdoorsOne Hump or Two?Riding a camel across the West Texas sand dunes, I got in touch with my inner O'Toole— and left the modern world far behind. Cartwright's TexasSaving CupidEvery year, at least two hundred sea mammals get stranded on Texas beaches. This is the story of one of them, a 199-pound dolphin with a neurological disorder, a sardonic grin, and a willingness to swim with yours truly. |
Reporter
ReporterBarbara BushThe former first lady on her new book, how she writes— and why she never liked Alice in Wonderland. |
The Filter
Pat’s PickStagestruck |
Pat’s PickSHIPPING NEWSPat’s PickSEASON'S EATINGS |
Miscellany
The Last RoundupUnhappily Ever AfterOnce upon a time, there was a writer— it doesn't matter which writer—with talent to burn. Wanna guess how the story ends? |
Web Exclusives
True StoryExecutive editor Mimi Swartz discusses this month's cover story, "The Witness." Visual ImpactPhotographer Beth Perkins talks about taking photographs of mentally ill children and teenagers for this month's story "Their Last Good Chance to Get Better." Eye On AmericaThe co-authors of a new book about the assassination of JFK talk about how that tragic event changed the way the media cover news. Hoop It UpTexas basketball legend Don Haskins on his 38 years courtside with UTEP and the Miners' prospects under new head coach Billy Gillispie. |
Texas TidbitsWho killed JFK? Was it the FBI? the CIA? the Mob? With so many conspiracy theories out there, you can pick and choose. Happy TrailsWe spent a lovely fall afternoon in Boerne, shopping at antiques stores and picking out the perfect pumpkin. Texas History 101Walter Cronkite left the University of Texas to pursue a career in journalism. Over the years, he covered some of the biggest events in history and became the most trusted man in America. |
