Photograph by Randal Ford. In-line lettering by Daniel Pelavin. Dimensional type by Joe Zeff Design.
September 2011
Table of Contents
Features
20 Reasons to Love College FootballHow 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 The Great CampaignerAfter 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. |
Karen Wagner’s LifeShe lived outside the spotlight, quietly serving her country as most members of the military do, until one terrible day. Common ThreadsKarey 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 LinesBig D-VideAnother South Dallas politician is under investigation for corruption. Why can’t the city seem to change its script? Letter From MidlandBlame It on No RainAs 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 JuarezThe MissingFor the women of Juárez, the terror of kidnapping—and worse—has never ended. Will it ever? The TexanistOffering Fine Advice Since 2007Taxidermy and relationships, school colors abroad, and the proper terminology for a small piece of property. |
Reporter
The Horse’s MouthBeing a Homesick TexanLisa 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 ManualHitching a Livestock TrailerWhat every Texan should know about hitching a livestock trailer. Street SmartsMarathonThe Gateway to Big Bend offers enough tasty food and worthy art to attract event the hiking-averse. |
Artist InterviewRobert Earl KeenThe country singer-songwriter on sequestering himself in his scriptorium, learning how to write songs on the road, and answering Toby Keith in a song. |
The Filter
Pat’s PickThe Monterey |
Miscellany
Editor’s LetterIt’s Not About the Hike |
ContributorsCecilia Ballí, Jason Cohen, and Tyler Jacobson. |
Web Exclusives
Damn Good CoachesThe best college football coaches ranked 11 through 20. A Q&A With Skip HollandsworthThe executive editor on attending TCU, following the Horned Frogs, and why Gary Patterson may be the best college football coach in Texas. A Q&A With Jason CohenThe senior writer on catching an institution in transition, fixing the BCS, and going to UTSA’s first football game. A Q&A With Kate GalbraithThe Texas Tribune reporter on writing about the drought, learning about landscaping trends in Midland, and recognizing just how precious water is. An Excerpt From The Homesick Texan CookbookBlogger Lisa Fain’s new cookbook. Commercial AppealIt'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. The Drop Everything ListSteve Martin, the Taylor International Barbecue Cook-off, Emilio Navaira, and the "Whole World Was Watching exhibit" . . . SECession?Texas A&M is fixin' to get out of the Big 12. Good news for Texas? Better by a Country SmileTour Blue Bell, buy Italian-designed clothing, and attend the theater in historic Brenham. The Drop Everything ListThe Go-Gos, LBJ's Birthday, Houston Theater District Open House, and the Hot Sauce Festival. . . |
Drama KingLess 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? Kinky ♥ RickIn 2006, Kinky Friedman thought he'd be the better governor. In 2011, he is ready for a Perry presidency. The Eyes of Texas Aren’t Upon ItAs questions swirl about the future of UT and the Big 12, the Longhorn Network is now on the air. Sort of. The Drop Everything ListBaylor v. TCU, the Marfa lights, Grupo Fantasma, and the World Championship BBQ Goat Cook-Off . . . The Drop Everything ListGary Clark Jr., Uncensored at the Harry Ransom Center, Texans v. Colts, and the official Texas Pecan Festival . . . Behind the LineupWho is Amy Corbin? Oh, just the person who booked Stevie Wonder—and all the other bands you're stoked to see—for ACL. The Drop Everything ListThe Gourds, the Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover, Okkervil River, and Fantastic Fest Big Ranch, Big CityLouis Lambert on the origins and culinary experiences behind his debut cookbook. Head for the HillsWith its artisanal wares, fine dining, and rich history, Kerrville offers a dose of Hill Country charm without the crowds. |
Multimedia
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Recipes
Corn SaladFrom the Monterey, in San Antonio. |




