ON THE COVER: Photograph by Peter Yang.
June 2006
Table of Contents
Features
Water, Water EverywhereFrom kayaking on Town Lake to mountain biking around Joe Pool Lake, from bass fishing on Lake Fork to horseback riding on the shores of Lake Whitney, here are some of our favorite things to do in, on, and around Texas lakes. The Truth Is Out ThereSpoiler alert: The mythic Marfa lights may not be real. But there’s no way to know for sure, and that’s why they’re cool. He’s Sisyphus, and He Approves This MessageGubernatorial candidate Chris Bell pushes a rock up a hill. |
The Gangstas of Godwin ParkWhatever else you can say about it, the life and death of Bellaire High School junior Jonathan Finkelman is a tragic tale of drugs, money, race, and MySpace. It’s Hard Out Here For a PipkinHave you heard the good news? My career as a bit player in Hollywood continues apace. Money TalksWealthy Republican donor James Leininger on why he supports school vouchers and opposes apostates in his party. |
Columns
H. W. BrandsShoot the MessengerI thought I’d be teaching middle- schoolers something about Texas history. I didn’t count on what they’d teach me. |
Letter From PlanoShabby ChicWill the upscale shoppers of Plano really buy what Wal-Mart is selling? |
Reporter
Book ReviewThe Flamenco AcademyBook ReviewThe Vinegaroon MurdersBook ReviewTelegraph DaysMusic ReviewSpiritual BoyMusic ReviewPassover |
The Filter
Pat’s PickTryst |
Miscellany
Editor’s LetterLights Out? |
Roar of the CrowdSeventy-five and Counting |
Web Exclusives
Splash!Articles editor Brian D. Sweany talks about editing this month’s cover story on lakes. For Whom Bell TollsExecutive editor S. C. Gwynne on writing about gubernatorial candidate Chris Bell. Let There Be LightsSenior editor Michael Hall on seeing (and not seeing) the mysterious Marfa lights. Digital UndergroundExecutive editor Mimi Swartz talks about Houston’s Bellaire High School and a potent combination: teenagers, drugs, and the Internet. Readers Speak OutMore of your responses to the April cover story, “75 Things We Love About Texas”. |
Happy TrailsIn Georgetown, people know bees. Texas History 101At the end of World War II, Texas was “home” to more than 78,000 enemy prisoners living in POW camps. |




