July 2006

Table of Contents

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Features

Capture The Flag

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!”

My Life As an Illegal

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

Plus:

Across the Border

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.

Body of Work

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?

School Of Pop

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.

Peas Be With You

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.

Guilty Pleasure

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.

Plus:

The Verdict

Executive editor Mimi Swartz on going to the Enron trial.

Columns

Michael Ennis

T.R. Fehrenbach Is History

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?

Behind the Lines

Trees v. Forest

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

Jan Reid

Seems Like Old Times

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

Meet the Needles

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

Reporter

Topic A

Operation Rescue

Can this presidency be saved?

The Horse’s Mouth

Being a Cable TV Pundit

Mouth Paul Begala talks about … talking.

The Sports Authorities

Diamonds Are Forever

Nolan Ryan on the Rocket’s comeback.

A Soldier’s Story

It’s a great day when your replacements arrive.

Leaving Najaf—alive.

Faith Bases

Oak Hill Church of Christ

William Martin reviews our places of worship.

Encyclopedia Texanica

Texas Myth #29

Was J. R.shot in Dallas?

Hollywood, TX

Shooting Blanks

Ten years later, Lone Star is still overrated.

Buy This Now

Busted

Take a whack at Willie.

Go

Zip It

How to zip across the Hill Country.

Texas Monthly Talks

Eileen Collins

Eileen Collins on what’s ailing NASA.

Previews+Reviews

Books

The best new books from Texas.

Previews+Reviews

Music

The best new music from Texas.

The Filter

Pat’s Pick

Glass Wall

Miscellaneous

Web Extra

Clifford Antone

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

Editor’s Letter

Independent’s Day

Web Extra

The Race Is On

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

Roar of the Crowd

DeLayed Reactions

Web Extra

The Verdict

Executive editor Mimi Swartz on going to the Enron trial.

Web Extra

Across the Border

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.

Web Extra

The Big Texan

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

Web Extra

Farmers’ Markets

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

Happy Trails

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.

Texas History 101

In 1907, nine hundred immigrants passed through Galveston.

Texas Tidbits

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.

Books That Cook

Creating Comfort

Recipe

Tomato Confit