August 2004

Table of Contents

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Features

The Man With the Plan

You probably know that Tom DeLay spearheaded the massive—and massively controversial— congressional redistricting effort that tied Texas legislators in knots for one regular and three special sessions. What you probably don't know is how he did it. Herein lies a tale.

Wheels of Fortune

For automakers in the U.S. and overseas, Texas is the very best market for the pickup truck. And for Texans, the pickup truck is the very best vehicle—if only for what it says about who we are. Or who we'd like to be.

Bombshells Away

In this summer of D-day nostalgia, we pause to remember the unsung heroines of World War II: the pinup girls painted on the noses of B-24's and other planes for luck and inspiration. Some of the most colorful artwork is on permanent display in Midland. Permission to view it granted.

The Daughter Also Rises

Her mom dissed his dad. He defeated her mom. Now Cecile Richards is helping lead the charge to send him—that would be the president of the United States—back to Texas. Nothing personal, mind you.

Dad vs. the Dress Code

In 1971 I wore hip-huggers and other clothes appropriate to the times. This did not please the superintendent of the San Marcos public schools, and his displeasure did not please my father.

Columns

Anne Dingus

The Rat Unpacks

I've been collecting vintage Texana since I was ten years old, and believe me, I've got loads. But it's time to sell.

Kinky Friedman

The Wedding Partyer

Do I, Kinky Friedman, take tequila-loving country singer Pat Green to be my friend for life? I do.

Don Graham

White Like Me

Growing up in segregated Collin County, I was oblivious to the impact of Jim Crow—until I read John Howard Griffin's American classic.

Patricia Kilday Hart

Signs of Trouble

The Democratic congressmen targeted by the GOP redistricting plan think they can survive.

Behind the Lines

War Stories

The Vietnam non-issue.

Reporter

Reporter

Numbers Game

A few questions about polling.

Reporter

First in Flight

Brandon Hughey didn't ask to be a celebrity. All the San Angelo­born soldier wanted was to avoid fighting what he considered an unjust war. So he fled to Canada—and now the private's every move is public.

Reporter

Orange Crush

A candid conversation with the experts.

Previews+Reviews

Books

The best new books from Texas.

Previews+Reviews

Music

The best new music from Texas.

The Filter

Pat's Pick

Fireside Pies

Pat's Pick

Hep Cat

Miscellaneous

Atsbox

August

Texas Tidbits

School uniforms used to be strictly for preparatory schools, but now they've gone public.

Texas Monthly Talks

David Carr

"We're a real NFL football team, and we can go out and make plays. We have talent. We can beat teams. It's not a fluke if we beat the Cowboys."

Web Extra

Keep on Truckin'

Associate editor John Spong on Toyota trucks, the SUV craze, and hybrid pickups.

Web Extra

Drawing the Lines

Writer-at-large Patricia Kilday Hart on redistricting and what this next election will tell us about Texans and party labels.

Web Extra

Good Riddance

Senior editor Anne Dingus talks about collecting, a cast- iron safe, and eBay.

Web Extra

Digging It

Contributing photographer Wyatt McSpadden, who took this month's cover image, discusses working with David Carr and helping create the Cadillac Ranch.

Web Extra

Our Hero

My grandmother sat down to tell me a story she hadn't told in years. It turned out to be the greatest tale I've ever heard.

Web Extra

Paradise

Musician Ian McLagan survived the British rock explosion of the sixties. Now he lives in Austin, a place he loves to call home.

Texas History 101

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have always strived to represent traditional small-town-pigskin values.

Happy Trails

Sight-seeing and a little bit of history made for a fine weekend in the Rio Grande Valley.