July 2004
Table of Contents
Features
Them's Fightin' Words!All over the world, and all over this country, the Texas stereotype is mocked and maligned (so what else is new?). Does it matter, really, if everyone thinks we're fat, violent, prudish yahoos? Peace be with you. And also with you. Unless you're gay.The battle for the soul of the Episcopal Church, being waged aggressively in this state, is not only about the ordination of homosexuals. It's also about the future of the denomination. Stop and Smell the LavenderStaples of Provençal cuisine, such as olive oil, goat cheese, and honey, are being produced in Texas? Mais oui. |
The Magnificent SevenMeet a diver, a high-jumper, and five other Texas athletes who hope to put the pedal to the medal at the 2004 Olympics. The Unknown SoldierHector Perez loved his country enough to die for it. A year later, his family is still paying the price of patriotism. Plus:Grieving ProcessWriter-at-large Cecilia Ballí, who wrote this month’s feature “The Unknown Soldier”, discusses reporting a story about death and the need for media sensitivity. The MissionA glimpse into what the soldiers of Bravo Troop witnessed in Iraq. Letters HomeSeventy-five Texans—sons and daughters, brothers and sisters—have died in Iraq since last March. Here are some of their final words. |
Columns
Gary CartwrightOne School Left BehindAustin's Garza High is a rescuer of lost souls. Too bad President Bush's education-reform law considers it a failure. Kinky FriedmanArrivederci, MelanomaI never thought about saving my skin, until things got as serious as cancer. |
Cecilia BallíThe Framing of Mario Medina?Did Mexican authorities find the man who killed a crusading Nuevo Laredo editor? Or have they taken the easy way out (again)? Michael EnnisApocalypse NowWhat sets Dallas apart from other sophisticated American cities? Its unique end-of-the-world industry. |
Reporter
ReporterGreg Ott, FreeThe philosophy graduate student who was convicted of killing a Texas Ranger in 1978 has finally been released and is getting on with his life. ReporterFertittavilleRestaurant mogul Tilman Fertitta means to redevelop Galveston into what some say will be a Gulf Coast version of Atlantic City. No wonder he's making waves. |
The Filter
Pat’s PickJulia’s Bistro |
Pat’s PickNice Ice, Baby |
Miscellany
Texas Monthly TalksSusan Combs"Billy can go to a 7-Eleven and buy a soft drink and must pay sales tax, but Billy goes to school, buys a soft drink, and pays no sales tax." |
Web Exclusives
In Their Own WordsRead passages from letters written by Texas soldiers who died in Iraq. Great DivideExecutive editor S.C. Gwynne on the controversy among Episcopal leaders and the future of the Anglican Church. Going for the GoldPhotographer Michael O'Brien, who took portraits of Olympic hopefuls for "The Magnificent Seven," discusses how to get the perfect pose. Smooth OperatorAssociate editor Katy Vine on Houston businessman Tilman Fertitta and his impact on Galveston's tourism revival. Cave ClanAs Natural Bridge Caverns celebrates forty years since its dedication, its patron family looks back on three generations of cave life. World ViewExecutive editor Mimi Swartz on Texas bashing and the return of the cowboy stereotype. |
New SchoolGarza High School principal Vicki Baldwin talks about the daily assault on public education, President George W. Bush's No Child Left Behind policy, and what a non- traditional school like Garza has to offer kids. Land RoverScott Cohen, the executive chef at La Mansion del Rio Hotel, in San Antonio, puts a Texas twist on Provençal cooking. Texas TidbitsThe Olympics bring fame to medal winners, but sometimes the luster fades and names are forgotten. Here's a list of a few Texas-born sports heroes who may not have made it on your radar screen. Happy TrailsWhat are the farms in The Hill Country like? After visiting three on a recent Sunday, I discovered they're anything but ordinary. Texas History 101From World War II to Operation Iraqi Freedom, Fort Hood has remained a stalwart structure in U.S. military history. |
