July 2005
Table of Contents
Features
The Best and Worst Legislators of 2005A few lawmakers in both parties distinguished themselves during one of the worst sessions anyone can remember. As for the rest? Well, in the words of Jon Stewart, that famous observer of Texas politics: not so much. The Anderson Boys Grew Up in TexasA short, illustrated history of my childhood. And Wes’s too. Exiles on Main StreetIf you were a Somali refugee arriving in San Antonio—and America—for the first time, with a family in tow and no modern life skills to speak of, what would you do? Eat chicken, shop at H-E-B, and figure out how to pay the rent. |
Got GameAt Hudson’s on the Bend, in Austin, venison isn’t the only dish that’s smokin’. The MildcattersThe lessons of the eighties boom have been internalized by today’s energy entrepreneurs, who seem nothing like their risk-loving forebears. They’re happy playing it safe, which is why their preferred commodity is gas, not oil. Angie Barrett Does Not Use Butt CreamShe shares that curious fact with you for posterior’s— er, posterity’s sake. What you really need to know about the shopgirl turned shoplifter is that her rehabilitation is continuing apace atop Dallas’ social heap. And thanks to a new reality show about her life, there’s no end in sight. |
Columns
Gary CartwrightWeed All About ItThe case for legalizing marijuana (and no, I haven’t been smoking something). |
Michael EnnisWhat’s the Matter With Dallas?For starters, even though its self- image is big and brash, it’s the most politically wimpy city in Texas. |
Reporter
ReporterShe’s Here. She’s Queer. She’s Fired.When the girls’ basketball coach at the only high school in Bloomburg moved in with another woman, it cost her a job and at least a few friends. But the tumult over a lesbian relationship in this tiny East Texas town wasn’t the end of the story. Plus:The Gay PlaceSenior editor Pamela Colloff on the lesbian partners in Bloomburg whose relationship got them fired by the school board. Where Are They NowA Sell of a TownCatching up with characters from our pages—A new owner for Cornudas. |
The Filter
Pat’s PickRiccardi’s |
Pat’s PickLiquid Assets |
Miscellany
Roar of the CrowdE-mail Bonding |
Texas Monthly TalksLance Armstrong“There are some places where it wouldn’t matter if Pope Benedict XVI was winning the Tour. They would kill him. They would say he cheats, he steals, he has sex with little boys.” |
Web Exclusives
Lance, a LotEditor Evan Smith, who sat down with Lance Armstrong (above) for this month’s cover story, talks about the six-time Tour de France winner and the secret to getting a great interview. Under the Texan SunWriter-at-large Jim Atkinson on protecting yourself against skin cancer, checking suspicious-looking moles, and how he researches health topics. Out of AfricaFreelance writer Jim Lewis on the Somali Bantu refugees in San Antonio and what they think of the United States. The Short ListSenior executive editor Paul Burka and writer-at-large Patricia Kilday Hart on politics and the Ten Best and Ten Worst Legislators. |
Helping Mother NatureAt the Cibolo Nature Center, preservation is always on the brain. Texas TidbitsOver the years, Texas has had a starring role in moviemaking. Happy TrailsWe went to Schlitterbahn and had one of the hottest, coolest times in Texas. Texas History 101Texas and oil—it all started when bubblin’ crude spewed out of Spindletop on January 10, 1901. |
