November 2010 Cover

Photo-Illustration: Landscape photograph by Sarah Wilson; sign by Joe Zeff Design

November 2010

Table of Contents

Features

A trip through South Texas in search of the ghosts of borders past—and a vision for what comes next.

We invited four lawmakers who disagree vehemently on the subject and a couple of experts to keep things friendly. Pull up a chair for a round of table talk you won’t soon forget.

Who’s the toughest opponent for Republicans who want to crack down on illegal immigration? Other Republicans.

The faces—and voices—of eighteen Texans who are living the debate over illegal immigration.

What’s the deal with the border fence? Are green cards really green? How many undocumented immigrants live in Texas? Any more questions?

Meet Toribio Romo, the patron saint of immigrants.

Columns

Behind the Lines

Comparing Rick Perry's 2010 campaign to George W. Bush's 1998 reelection campaign.

Michael Hall

An open letter to the greatest cyclist ever.

Michael Hall offers his unsolicited advice to Lance Armstrong.

Mimi Swartz

In the year since my mother died, I’ve learned a lot of things—like how to spend time with my dad.

The Texanist

The disappearing hi sign, an off-color in-law, outdoor urination, and the critical function of weather-related small talk.

Reporter

The Horse’s Mouth

The Biscuit Brothers on teaching kids about music.

The Working Life

Game warden.

The Manual

How to deep-fry a turkey.

Watch the experts teach Andrea Valdez how to deep-fry a turkey.

Object Lesson

The actor shows us some of his memorabilia.

Hollywood, TX

The best TV show you’ll never see.

Book Review

Jeff Dunham speaks for himself.

Music Review

A new album by Elizabeth McQueen.

Music Review

A collection of collaborations.

Artist Interview

On collaborating with Rhymefest and Kanye West and more.

The Filter

Pat’s Pick

Dallas

The Filter: Dining

Phil’s Texas Barbecue, Houston and Dive Coastal Cuisine, Dallas.

Miscellany

Editor’s Letter

Van Ditthavong, David Dorado Romo, and John Phillip Santos.

Web Exclusives

After her mother’s death, Mimi Swartz found herself getting to know her father all over again.

Not everyone can claim to be related to a certified saint, but David Dorado Romo can. The author and El Paso native traveled to a tiny town in the Mexican state of Jalisco to learn more about his father’s second cousin, Santo Toribio Romo, and discovered some interesting things about his family—and himself—along the way.

The Democrats will most certainly fight the Republicans over immigration reform legislation this session, but the Republican’s biggest opponents are powerful interests within their own party. Nate Blakeslee talks about grassroot efforts, tea party champions, and why immigration has become one of the most important issues facing our state.

Your unofficial playbook for watching college football in Texas during the weekend of October 23.

What’s different about this Rangers team that earned them their first trip to the World Series? Everything.

Wurstfest, Jean-Michel Basquiat, the Houston Rockets, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra . . .

For eighteen years Anthony Graves insisted that he had nothing to do with the gruesome murder of a family in Somerville. That’s exactly how long it took for justice to finally be served.

Listen to senior editor Pamela Colloff discuss the release of Anthony Graves with KRLD's Mitch Carr and Scott Braddock.

October 28, 2010, in Houston at the law offices of Katherine Scardino, Graves's defense attorney.

Anthony Graves talks about his case, his family, and his life after prison.

Sixteen years after Anthony Graves was convicted of murder and sentenced to death, students helped to set him free. Richard Schlesinger, a correspondent for 48 Hours Mystery, reports on the case.

CBS’s 48 Hours fills in the final chapters of the notorious Matt Baker.

Brian Crumley hopped on a plane to Europe to find the expressive voice he thought he had lost. The photographer spent three months traveling from city to city, soul-searching. Little did he know a purchase of two scarves would forever change his life.

The Texas Rangers may not have won the World Series, but it was a year fans will never forget.

On their new book, Desert Duty: On the Line With the U.S. Border Patrol.

The Fun Fun Fun Fest, the Terlingua International Chili Championship, Stephan Pyles, and Asleep at the Wheel . . .

As we mourn the passing of Club 21, one of the state's most beloved dance halls, remember to scoot across one of the many other historic, century-old two-stepping floors.

Ornette Coleman, the Great American Peanut Butter Festival, Tommy Tune, and the 15th World Championship Ranch Rodeo . . .

And the question on everyone’s mind is: Does TCU deserve a shot at the BCS title game?

Read an excerpt from the new book by Bill Broyles and Mark Haynes.

Multimedia

October 28, 2010, in Houston at the law offices of Katherine Scardino, Graves's defense attorney.

View a short documentary on the controversial case of Anthony Graves, who has spent the past eighteen years behind bars.

Listen to senior editor Pamela Colloff discuss the release of Anthony Graves with KRLD's Mitch Carr and Scott Braddock.

Anthony Graves talks about his case, his family, and his life after prison.

Sixteen years after Anthony Graves was convicted of murder and sentenced to death, students helped to set him free. Richard Schlesinger, a correspondent for 48 Hours Mystery, reports on the case.

Michael Hall offers his unsolicited advice to Lance Armstrong.

Watch the experts teach Andrea Valdez how to deep-fry a turkey.

Listen to senior editor Pamela Colloff discuss the release of Anthony Graves with KRLD's Mitch Carr and Scott Braddock.

Recipes

E-mail

Password

Remember me

Forgot your password?

X (close)

Registering gets you access to online content, allows you to comment on stories, add your own reviews of restaurants and events, and join in the discussions in our community areas such as the Recipe Swap and other forums.

In addition, current TEXAS MONTHLY magazine subscribers will get access to the feature stories from the two most recent issues. If you are a current subscriber, please enter your name and address exactly as it appears on your mailing label (except zip, 5 digits only). Not a subscriber? Subscribe online now.

E-mail

Re-enter your E-mail address

Choose a password

Re-enter your password

Name

 
 

Address

Address 2

City

State

Zip (5 digits only)

Country

What year were you born?

Are you...

Male Female

Remember me

X (close)