July 2006 Cover

ON THE COVER: Photograph by Bryant Humphreys. Styling by Bonnie Markel.

July 2006

Table of Contents

Features

As weird as the 2006 governor’s race undeniably is, the goals of all four major candidates are remarkably mundane: Rick Perry wants nothing less than to be the longest-serving chief executive in the state’s history; Carole Keeton Strayhorn means to move her “One Tough Grandma” act into the big house across from the Capitol; Chris Bell craves respect, for himself and his depleted party; and Kinky Friedman intends to lead his band of unlikely voters in a rousing chorus of “Adiós, mofo!”

You’ve heard enough from the politicians and the activists, the demagogues and the bleeding hearts. Here’s my story. I only wish I could put my name on it. By Immigrant X

Senior editor John Spong talks about finding Immigrant X, listening to him talk about coming to America, and learning about how he lives his life here illegally.

For twenty years, the Southwestern Writers Collection, on the campus of Texas State University, in San Marcos, has gathered up manuscripts, personal papers, photos, and other mementos from various icons and at least one outlaw. Want to have a look-see?

To Addison they come, tweens and teens with talent in abundance, so Linda Septien can teach them how to be the next big thing. Jessica Simpson is her most famous success story, but there are many others. And more in the making.

This farm-to-table feast will make you thankful for the Texas growers who still work the land and for at least one hip chef who gives new life to the fruits and vegetables of their labor.

Kenny, we hardly knew ye. Okay, maybe we knew you too well. The jury, at least, seems to have pegged you just right. You too, Skilling.

Executive editor Mimi Swartz on going to the Enron trial.

Columns

Behind the Lines

The trouble with law school— and how to fix it.

Michael Ennis

He’s still the gold standard by which all chroniclers of our shared experience are judged, but it’s time to look to the new generation. How do his wannabe heirs stack up?

Jan Reid

My Wichita Falls High School reunion inevitably got me thinking about the passage of time but also about memories that endure. And, of course, football.

Sarah Bird

A few sore points about HMOs— and two thumbs-up for the acupuncturist.

Reporter

Topic A

Can this presidency be saved?

The Horse’s Mouth

Mouth Paul Begala talks about … talking.

The Sports Authorities

Nolan Ryan on the Rocket’s comeback.

A Soldier’s Story

Leaving Najaf—alive.

Faith Bases

William Martin reviews our places of worship.

Encyclopedia Texanica

Was J. R.shot in Dallas?

Hollywood, TX

Ten years later, Lone Star is still overrated.

Buy This Now

Take a whack at Willie.

Go

How to zip across the Hill Country.

Texas Monthly Talks

Eileen Collins on what’s ailing NASA.

Book Review

Book Review

Book Review

Music Review

The legendary Austin club owner, who died May 23, helped launch many a Texas musician, from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Charlie Sexton. ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons remembers the larger-than-life music impresario.

Music Review

Music Review

Music Review

The Filter

Pat’s Pick

Miscellany

Editor’s Letter

Roar of the Crowd

Web Exclusives

ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons, environmental activist Robin Rather, and others remember the legendary Austin nightclub owner who died May 23, 2006.

Senior executive editor Paul Burka on writing about this year’s extraordinary five-way race for governor.

At the Berryhill Baja Grill Tamale-Eating Contest, eaters stand in front of the plates of tamales, shoveling the food into their mouths.

A list of large and small farmers’ markets in or near major Texas cities.

On a recent Wednesday morning, I took a drive to Lockhart to sample what I had heard was some of the best barbecue the state has to offer.

In 1907, nine hundred immigrants passed through Galveston.

To get primed for the motion picture release of Dallas, here are a few nuggets of information about one of television’s most popular series.

Recipes

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