September 2011 Cover

Photograph by Randal Ford. In-line lettering by Daniel Pelavin. Dimensional type by Joe Zeff Design.

September 2011

Table of Contents

Features

How Gary Patterson turned TCU into a powerhouse—one shouting fit at a time. Why Mack Brown’s vaunted Longhorns faltered—and how he plans to bring them back. What it’s like to build a team from scratch—in San Antonio. Plus: game-day delicacies, mascots who kill, throwback jerseys, the greatest coaches ever, and thirteen other reasons we love, cherish, and wait impatiently all year for the return of college football. By Jeff Beckham, Jason Cohen, David Courtney, Skip Hollandsworth, Stacy Hollister, Jake Silverstein, Patrick Smith, Sonia Smith, and Brian D. Sweany

After eleven contested elections dating back three decades, Rick Perry remains undefeated. Is he brilliant? Lucky? Ruthless? We asked the people who know best—his vanquished opponents.

She lived outside the spotlight, quietly serving her country as most members of the military do, until one terrible day.

Karey Patterson Bresenhan and Nancy O’Bryant Puentes have finally completed their life’s work, a massive three-volume history of the quilts of Texas, from 1836 to the present. Here are ten that tell the story of quilting—and our state.

Columns

Behind the Lines

Another South Dallas politician is under investigation for corruption. Why can’t the city seem to change its script?

Letter From Midland

As the drought tightens its grip on Texas, its effects are being felt everywhere, from rivers to reservoirs to the formerly verdant lawns of Midland.

Letter From Juarez

For the women of Juárez, the terror of kidnapping—and worse—has never ended. Will it ever?

The Texanist

Taxidermy and relationships, school colors abroad, and the proper terminology for a small piece of property.

Reporter

The Horse’s Mouth

Lisa Fain on arguing with people about why Texas chili is superior to all others, serving chicken-fried steak to some New York friends, and starting to think that maybe her blog was more than a hobby. 

The Working Life

Michael Brewer, clock repairman

The Manual

What every Texan should know about hitching a livestock trailer. 

Object Lesson

The concert promoter shows us his other passion.

Street Smarts

The Gateway to Big Bend offers enough tasty food and worthy art to attract event the hiking-averse.  

Music Review

A new album by St. Vincent.

Music Review

A new album by Ume.

Artist Interview

The country singer-songwriter on sequestering himself in his scriptorium, learning how to write songs on the road, and answering Toby Keith in a song.

Book Review

Is the Freddie Steinmark saga the greatest story ever oversold?

Hollywood, TX

Jim Parsons, the unlikely savior of the TV sitcom.

The Filter

Pat’s Pick

The Filter: Dining

Restaurant Gwendolyn and Sapori Ristorante Italiano.

Miscellany

Cecilia Ballí, Jason Cohen, and Tyler Jacobson.

Web Exclusives

The best college football coaches ranked 11 through 20.

The executive editor on attending TCU, following the Horned Frogs, and why Gary Patterson may be the best college football coach in Texas.

The senior writer on catching an institution in transition, fixing the BCS, and going to UTSA’s first football game.

The Texas Tribune reporter on writing about the drought, learning about landscaping trends in Midland, and recognizing just how precious water is.

Blogger Lisa Fain’s new cookbook.

It's no accident that Rick Perry has a 10-0 election record. Watch the campaign ads that helped convince voters he was the man for the job.

Steve Martin, the Taylor International Barbecue Cook-off, Emilio Navaira, and the "Whole World Was Watching exhibit" . . .

Texas A&M is fixin' to get out of the Big 12. Good news for Texas?

Tour Blue Bell, buy Italian-designed clothing, and attend the theater in historic Brenham.

The Go-Gos, LBJ's Birthday, Houston Theater District Open House, and the Hot Sauce Festival. . .

Less than two years after moving into the Wyly Theatre, the Dallas Theater Center has become the state’s drama darling. Is it the final curtain on the Alley Theatre’s time at the top?

In 2006, Kinky Friedman thought he'd be the better governor. In 2011, he is ready for a Perry presidency.

As questions swirl about the future of UT and the Big 12, the Longhorn Network is now on the air. Sort of.

Baylor v. TCU, the Marfa lights, Grupo Fantasma, and the World Championship BBQ Goat Cook-Off . . .

Gary Clark Jr., Uncensored at the Harry Ransom Center, Texans v. Colts, and the official Texas Pecan Festival . . .

Who is Amy Corbin? Oh, just the person who booked Stevie Wonder—and all the other bands you're stoked to see—for ACL.

The Gourds, the Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover, Okkervil River, and Fantastic Fest

Louis Lambert on the origins and culinary experiences behind his debut cookbook.

With its artisanal wares, fine dining, and rich history, Kerrville offers a dose of Hill Country charm without the crowds.

Multimedia

Texas college football fans show school spirit at the cover shoot.

A slide show of images of quilts from the archives of experts Karey Patterson Bresenhan and Nancy O’Bryant Puentes.

Recipes

From the Monterey, in San Antonio.

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