Illustration by Splashlight.
November 2009
Table of Contents
Features
Ring of FireOn November 18, 1999, at 2:42 a.m., the most passionately observed collegiate tradition in Texas—if not the world—came crashing down. Nearly sixty people were on top of the Texas A&M Bonfire when the million-pound structure collapsed, killing twelve, wounding dozens more, and eventually leading to the suspension of the ninety-year-old ritual. Now, ten years later, on what would have been Bonfire’s centennial, the Aggies celebrate the history, relive the tragedy, and wrestle over what happens next.
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Below the SurfaceIn 1996 a powerful South Texas ranching clan accused ExxonMobil of sabotaging wells on the family’s property. Thirteen years, millions of dollars in legal fees, and one state Supreme Court opinion later, the biggest oil field feud of its time is still raging. Gone to New YorkBud Shrake’s letters to friends back in Texas during his years in New York show the late novelist in all his ribald, freewheeling glory. And never more alive. |
Columns
Behind the LinesCap and TiradeEspecially in Texas, the fight over carbon restrictions might make health care reform look like, well, a tea party.
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BooksNewspaper DaysOnce upon a time, Molly Ivins was just a kid from River Oaks with an internship at the Houston Chronicle. Her time there set her on the path to becoming the most famous firebrand in Texas. Sarah BirdOne Angry WomanAm I the only person who has always wanted to get picked for jury duty?
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Reporter
The ManualA Día de los Muertos AltarHow to build a Día de los Muertos altar.
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Book ReviewPeter & MaxBook ReviewThe Kennedy Assassination: 24 Hours AfterAuthor InterviewSteven L. DavisArtist InterviewBob Schneider |
The Filter
Pat’s PickBailey’s Prime Plus |
The Filter: DiningNew and NoteworthyFabi + Rosi European Kitchen, Austin and Tintos Spanish Restaurant & Wine Bar, Houston. |
Miscellany
Roar of the CrowdArrrrr!Editor’s LetterMemory of Fire |
ContributorsEd Gabel and Joe Zeff, Mimi Swartz, and Bill Minutaglio. |
Web Exclusives
The Art of Getting GroomedThe opening of the AT&T Performing Arts Center was three nights of award-worthy performances, champagne, and, of course, ambitious frocks. Aggie MusterBy the time Overland’s design to build the Bonfire Memorial was chosen, Bob Shemwell and his team had eighteen months to create a budget, hammer out the portals, create an underground support system, and immortalize twelve kids. Fundamental ArgumentsOn October 26, the first FLDS criminal trial in Texas begins. What legal strategies remain for the defense? Fly Away HomeA prayer of thanks (and some cranberry stuffing) for those that don’t give up hope. Big SurfFrom Costa Rica to Nicaragua, all for the big surf. TRANSCRIPT: “Very Few People Get off of Texas Death Row Alive”Michael Hall’s exclusive interview with Ernest Willis.
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Warning ShotTexas parents have the choice to opt their children out of school vaccination requirements based on “reasons of conscience.” But what about the other kids around them? Getting LostReviews of two films, The Messenger and How I Got Lost, which premiered at the Austin Film Festival. Finding Texas at the Film FestivalTexas doesn’t get a whole lot of screen time. But at this year’s Austin Film Festival, two smaller films seemed to capture the spirit of the Lone Star State. From the HipFun Fun Fun Fest and its post-punk indie sound. Tomorrow PeopleBlake Mycoskie, the founder of Shoes for Tomorrow (TOMS), talks about traveling around the world, shoe drops, and expanding the business. Don’t Back DownWhy can’t TCU seem to break into the national sports consciousness? It Takes a Texas Village to Raise SpinachHow a local Asian community came together to fight for their way of life. Louis, LouisThe CEO of Louis Vuitton’s North American division talks about the new store at NorthPark, Marc Jacobs, and knockoffs. |
Multimedia
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Recipes
Almond-Crusted BrieRecipe from Bailey’s Prime Plus, Dallas Fancy Pecan-Fig Goat Cheese “Log”Recipe featured in Pecan Artists . Turkey With Deviled Pecan—Sausage Cornbread dressingRecipe featured in Pecan Artists . Frisée-Pomegranate Salad With Pecan VinaigretteRecipe featured in Pecan Artists. Savory Butternut Squash—Gruyère Bread Pudding With Spiced PecansRecipe featured in Pecan Artists. Brown Sugar Ice Cream SandwichesRecipe featured in Pecan Artists. |
Fortune House Special LobsterRecipe from Executive Chef Chun Lau, Fortune Chinese Seafood, Austin. Fresh Oysters With Cilantro-Lime Caipirinha GranitaRecipe from Culinary Institute of America “Latin Flavors” Conference, San Antonio, 2009. Vanilla Sand Dollar CookiesPastry Queen Parties: Entertaining Friends & Family, Texas Style, by Rebecca Rather with Alison Oresman. Butternut Squash Pot Pie With Smoked Bacon, Swiss Chard, and Goat CheeseRecipe from Chef Brand a featured chef at the 10th Anniversary New World Wine & Food Festival in San Antonio November 10 through 15. Bourbon-Pumpkin CheesecakeRecipe from Chef Brand a featured chef at the 10th Anniversary New World Wine & Food Festival in San Antonio November 10 through 15. Cranberry StuffingRecipe by Donna Xander. |
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