authors

Anne Dingus

Features

This is Only a Test

One hundred simple questions—well, not that simple— stand between you and Texas literacy. September 2005

What to do if you're bitten by fire ants, lost in the wilderness, sprayed by a skunk, attacked by a shark, stuck in a lightning storm, swept away by a riptide, or caught in any of eleven other worst-case scenarios. October 2004

Blazing Brushstrokes

Growing up, I read scores of pulpy paperback westerns with good-guy-bad-guy action—and it was their amazing covers in gaudy, manly hues that roped me in. January 2004

Big Shots

In the sixties, when stars like the Beatles, Dinah Shore, and Marlene Dietrich descended on Dallas, Peggie and John Mazziotta captured them on film. September 2003

Little Town on the Prairie

Where else in Texas can you see a Picasso, a classic courthouse, and one of the most famous ranches in the country, along with an outdoor theatrical performance that’s equal parts kitsch and civic pride? If you haven’t been to Albany, get your fandangle in gear. June 2003

Cover Girls

From Ann on a Harley to Anna Nicole on a Bum Steer binge, we present our fifty favorite Texas Monthly issues with a female face. February 2003

It Came A-Pun a Midnight Clear

Before you start wrapping presents, here's a gift from us to you: a Texas-holiday-themed crossword puzzle. Sharpen your pencil and get a clue. December 2002

Lights Out

Most of the lighthouses that once kept watch over the Texas Gulf Coast have vanished, victims of time and the modern world. Yet a few romantic relics remain. November 2002

Dead Line

Indians slain by settlers and vice versa. Lynchings and shoot-outs. Poisonings and dismemberings. Assassinations and massacres. Our past three hundred years or so have been, uh, colorful. A fond look back at the murder and mayhem. July 2002

Even Cowgirls Get Their Due

On June 7 the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame opens in - where else? - Cowtown. So saddle up and mosey on over to this tribute to such illustrious women of the West as Tad Lucas, Dale Evans, and Sandra Day O'Connor. June 2002

Yee-ha!

From cornball classics to rousing rib-ticklers, these two hundred Texas jokes are definitely on us. January 2002

Tex Education, Part 4

Can you keep up with the state's most famous Joneses? Get to the bottom of this burning question—and 21 others—by taking the final installment of my Texas literacy test. December 2001

Tex Education, Part 3

What tall Texan dated top actress during Hollywood's heyday? Find out the answer-and other Lone Star lore-by taking the penultimate installment of my literacy test. October 2001

Old-Fashioned Texas

Texas is changing before our eyes, but fried pies, drive-in movie theaters, and other vestiges of earlier days are all around. To find these treasures, we risked life, limb, and cholesterol count-and had a blast from the past. August 2001

Tex Education, Part 2

In 1883, being caught with what everyday object could have gotten you killed? Find out the answer, along with 24 other equally fascinating tidbits, in the second installment of my Texas-literacy test. June 2001

Tex Education

Who exactly was Cabeza de Vaca? Why did Texas revolutionaries shout, “Remember Goliad”? Sharpen your pencils for Part I of my four-part Texas literacy test. March 2001

50 Things Every Texan Should Do

Have you gotten lost in the Big Thicket? Attended a South Texas pachanga? Whether you’re a newcomer or a native, following these suggestions will give you a crash course in all things Texas—and one heck of a good time. March 2001

The Twelve Months of Christmas

Kitschy calendars that say "Feliz Navidad." December 2000

The Searcher

Photographer Kurt Markus spent years tracking down modern working cowboys for his new book, Cowpuncher. He corralled the genuine article at several Texas spreads. November 2000

Whodunit? Who Cares?

Anne Dingus has a few bones to pick with the modern mystery novel, which she says has been decomposing in recent years. Stepping up to defend the genre: none other than Texas' queen of murder and mayhem, Mary Willis Walker. November 2000

Cameron Park Zoo, Waco

October 2000

Texas Zoo, Victoria

October 2000

San Antonio Zoo

October 2000

Houston Zoo

October 2000

El Paso Zoo

October 2000

Austin Zoo

October 2000

Scholarship • Jacques Barzun

Man of the centuries. September 2000

Theater • Roger Horchow

A Tony guy. September 2000

Great Escapes

From a boutique hotel in hip South Austin to a bed-and-breakfast across the Mexican border, from fly fishing on the Llano River to bathing in the Chinati Hot Springs, 33 getaways the guidebooks don’t tell you about, courtesy of our intrepid staff of weekend warriors. June 2000

Can Doodle

From the fabulous, furry Gilbert Shelton to the hypercaffeinated Shannon Wheeler, these celebrated Texas cartoonists will surely draw you in. April 2000

Mission Collectible

Cuff links? A commemorative plate? For Alamo hobbyists like me, rule number one is, Never surrender or retreat from the chance to snag a few iconic tchotchkes. March 2000

Annie, Get Your Gals!

Various specimens of that celebrated species, the Texas woman, captured on film by photographer Annie Leibovitz, who used to be one herself. January 2000

Books • Louis Sachar

Children’s writes. September 1999

Photography • Kate Breakey

Artist of the portrait. September 1999

Speed, Queen

Austin painter Julie Speed is the latest ascendant to the ranks of art royalty. Talk about a brush with greatness. August 1999

What Is the Panhandle?

July 1999

The Plainsman

No one captures the majesty and mystique of wide-open spaces like photographer Peter Brown. July 1999

Shops

Elegant antebellum furniture in Jefferson, Latin American folk art in Smithville: Where the buys are in two dozen communities. March 1999

Townsfolk

La Grange’s Mr. Barbecue, the police chief of Athens: Fifteen local characters with, er, character.

March 1999

There’s Something About Weeping Mary

An East Texas community’s simple charms, captured on film. December 1998

The Book Repository

November 1998

Leon’s Lens

In the Central Texas town of Seguin, Leon Kubala has been documenting life and death for more than fifty years, one picture at a time. October 1998

FASHION • Tom Ford

Man makes the clothes. September 1998

War Games

In the suddenly trendy world of World War II wannabes, these Texans are big guns. July 1998

Dove Shoot

Ten years after the filming of the miniseries Lonesome Dove, screenwriter Bill Wittliff shares his photographic memories of life on the set. June 1998

Searching for Santa

This time of year, Yule find him hanging around East Texas: On lawns and roofs, he’s a Claus célèbre. December 1997

El Circo

As in Hanoi and Moscow, the circus in Mexico is no three-ring extravaganza. It’s one of the grittiest shows on earth. November 1997

Performing Arts • Jo Long

Culturally centered. September 1997

Literature • Angela Shelf Medearis

Doing the write thing. September 1997

The Way We Wore

From buckskin to polyester, a look at 166 years of Texas fashion that doesn’t skirt the issues. June 1997

Range Rover

After fifty years of traveling the Southwest, ranch photographer Frank Reeves left behind a vast body of work and unforgettable portraits of the cowboy’s way of life. April 1997

Brentfield Elementary

With a private-school atmosphere, involved parents, and a veteran principal and faculty, this Richardson school makes the most of its many blessings. November 1996

¡Bravo!

A new exhibit in San Marcos pays homage to Manuel Alvarez Bravo, the grandfather of Mexican photography, and the generations of fotógrafos who followed his lead. October 1996

Her Three Sons

For the Wilsons of Dallas, taking pictures was a family affair. Today the mother is a successful photographer and her boys are hot Hollywood commodities. Here’s a look at Laura Wilson’s personal album. May 1996

Buckle Up

The rodeo belt buckle is prized by cowboys and collectors alike. By the look of these handcrafted samples, it’s easy to see why. April 1996

Where the Wild Things Are

One of the country’s top photographers traveled around his home state to capture these stunning portraits of exotic animals on display. March 1996

The Last Picture Shows

A loving look back at nine grand old movie houses from the golden age of small-town Texas. December 1995

More Colorful Texas Sayings…

Come hell or high water, you’ll want to read our compilation of down-home aphorisms. December 1994

Meanwhile, Back at the Cadillac Ranch

It’s not just another roadside attraction—here’s to a lasting monument of Texas kitsch. July 1994

Animal Writes

Eight indigenous authors, nine native critters: A bookish look at the wildest, woolliest creatures in Texas history. March 1994

A Texas-Style Christmas: Feast Meets West

If traditional holiday meals leave you hungry for something new, you’ll devour the dishes that Dallas chef Dean Fearing has prepared. December 1992

Dead Again

Get your masks on; put on your dancing shoes. It’s time for Mexico’s Day of the Dead, one of the liveliest celebrations around. November 1992

Waxing Nostalgic

Fashion designers are betting the ranch on new Western shirts with styles inspired by Hollywood, not history. September 1992

Hot Shot

Haven’t heard of Geof Kern, Texas’ most famous photographer? You must live here. July 1992

Wish We Were There

Vintage Texas postcards depict larger-than-life views in hyper hues. April 1992

Ernest Tubb Goes Electric

The great polka boycott, Willie’s Sunday school status, the cold trugh abour Vanilla Ice, and other notable moments in Texas Music. February 1992

Texas Primer: The Windmill

But for this ever-so-practical invention, Texas history as we know it would be gone with the wind. January 1990

Texas Primer: King Ranch Casserole

What kind of dish would a Texas clubwoman invent? One that’s not too greasy, not too spicy, and, well, sort of tasteful. January 1989

Texas Primer: The Dust Storm

Look out, Texas! If drought comes, can tons of blowing dirt be far behind? August 1988

Texas Primer: The Hi Sign

The laid-back Texas way of saying howdy on the road. June 1985

Texas Primer: Barbed Wire

It spelled the end of the open range and the beginning of modern Texas. March 1984

Texas Primer: The Water Tower

Sure it means water. It also means pride. May 1983

Texas Primer: The Horny Toad

It’s everybody’s favorite reptile, and it’s disappearing from Texas. June 1982

Texas Primer: The Tumbleweed

It’s only a humble weed, but just try to imagine West Texas without it. March 1982

Columns | Miscellany

Let Me Call You Sweet-Tart

I’m in love with you, cherry lime. August 2005

Critters And Fritters

You’d love my collection of vintage Texas cookbooks. Just don’t ask me to cook from them. June 2005

Making Up Is Hard to Do

How the cosmetically challenged among us manage to save face. April 2005

Message In a Bottle

Blondness—natural or otherwise— is even more Texan than Big Hair. February 2005

Mentionables

From bullet bras to panties emblazoned with the Lone Star flag, a brief history of women’s underwear in Texas. November 2004

The Rat Unpacks

I've been collecting vintage Texana since I was ten years old, and believe me, I've got loads. But it's time to sell. August 2004

Going For the Jiggler

Explaining the enduring appeal of Jell-O can be as challenging as, well, nailing it to a tree. June 2004

Siege Mentality

With March 6 fast approaching, let's doff our coonskin caps to the Serious Alamo Guys, a band of mostly Anglo, mostly bearded, mostly fifty-plus historians who are Bowie-knife sharp on the subject of the mythic battle. March 2004

Cottage Industry

For decades, family-run motels looked after weary travelers all across Texas. And who looked after the families who ran them? The Temple-based Tourist Court Journal. October 2003

All's Fair

For 117 years, the State Fair of Texas has been part parade, part carnival, part livestock show, part museum—and all fun. September 2003

The Pet Set

LBJ's dogs and Dale Evans' horse are among the most famous four-legged friends in Texas history. But can you name the only pig in the Texas Animal Hall of Fame? June 2003

Wild Things

My siblings and I had plenty of pets growing up, but they were never quite as exciting as those we caught ourselves, such as tarantulas. And garden snakes. And of course, horny toads. May 2003

Brands That I Love

When I was a kid, my grandmother was partial to Imperial sugar and other products made in Texas. You know what? I'm still sweet on them. March 2003

Fave Combo

Let's hear it for beans and cornbread, the tastiest of plate-mates, a classic Southern supper�and a meal any fool can cook. November 2002

Living Legends

The truth about the Lady of White Rock Lake, the Neiman Marcus cookie recipe, and other seemingly tall Texas tales. October 2002

Cold Comfort

Texans turn to Dairy Queen for more than just Hungr-Busters, Steak Finger Country Baskets, and Blizzards. They also come for a taste of days gone by. May 2002

Our Towns

What's the story behind "Bug Tussle"? "Old Dime Box"? "Frognot"? It turns out there's more to a name than I ever expected. April 2002

Grand Old Flags

A groundbreaking exhibit and an accompanying book make this a banner year to stand up and salute the history of Texas' flags. March 2002

Merry Tex-mas

Break out the hog-bladder balloons and get ready to chase livestock! It's time for a look at Texas' Christmas past. December 2001

Local Hero

Bob Phillips' passion for small-town oddities makes Texas Country Reporter as irresistible as a bookshop that doubles as a beauty parlor. October 2001

Charles “Tex” Watson

September 2001

Fess Parker

Falling for Davy Crockett (um, Fess Parker). September 2001

Phyllis George

Phyllis George and Texas’ other former Miss America’s didn’t let the tiara go to their head. September 2001

The Heat Generation

What was Texas like before air conditioning? Thinking about it gives me the chills. July 2001

Independence Day

How Juneteenth, a nationwide celebration of the end of slavery, got its start in Texas. June 2001

Tapped Out

After more than a century of operation, it's last call at San Antonio's Pearl brewery. May 2001

E’er Heads

I think, therefore iamb: My personal tour of the history of bad Texas poetry, from best to versed, prose to cons. July 2000

Dead Beat

For an outing that’ll make you go stark graving mad, visit Texas’ peaceful old cemeteries—and experience the esprit de corpse. October 1999

Windfall

Call it A Simpler Plan: Austinite Jim Magnuson’s new novel is about the consequences of finding a lot of money—and it’s a good read. March 1999

The Belle Curve

Sexist, shmexist: For pure viewing enjoyment, my feminist friends and I know that nothing can match the Miss America Pageant. September 1998

The New Mex Files

Did a flying saucer really crash-land in a field outside Roswell fifty years ago this month? The truth is out there; find out for yourself. July 1997

Irregular Joe

His stories are grotesque, disturbing, and award-winning: Meet Nacogdoches’ Joe R. Lansdale, the most twisted writer in Texas. March 1997

To Die For

Obituaries are a grave matter, of course. But they can also be funny, insightful, and poetic, which is why I’m so obsessed with them. January 1997

Mesilla Real Soon

The time is ripe, and so are the chiles: This tiny, homey town in New Mexico is the ideal spot for a fall weekend getaway. September 1996

Mesilla Real Soon

The time is ripe, and so are the chiles: This tiny, homey town in New Mexico is the ideal spot for a fall weekend getaway. September 1996

Chili Relations

Food fight: The most ridiculous, overblown squabble this side of the legislature. November 1992

The New London School Explosion

How many people died in the New London school explosion of 1937? March 2001

Flight: My Life in Mission Control

March 2001

The Candidate

Who's the rising star of Midland politics? Oh, brother! February 2001

King Vidor

What Galveston native filmed the black and white scenes in The Wizard of Oz? February 2001

Ordinary Horror

February 2001

Adventures in The Bone Trade

January 2001

Robbers

December 2000

Sam Rayburn

Whose picture did Sam Rayburn always hang in his office? December 2000

Old Yeller

What was the real name of the dog that portrayed Old Yeller? November 2000

The Bottoms

October 2000

Frank Buck

How many monkeys did Frank Buck capture? October 2000

The Devils Tiger

September 2000

Charley Pride

Which professional sport did Charley Pride play? September 2000

The Eye of Horus

August 2000

Herman and George R. Brown

How much money has the Brown Foundation given away since 1951? August 2000

Roads

July 2000

Ginger Rogers

In what movie was Ginger Rogers first paired with Fred Astaire? July 2000

Dennis and Randy Quaid

What is the one movie that Dennis and Randy Quaid appeared in together? June 2000

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Who was Stevie Ray Vaughan's musical role model? May 2000

A Twist at the End: A Novel of O. Henry

April 2000

Santa Anna

What chewable confection did Santa Anna help invent? March 2000

The Runner

books by Christopher Reich and Jay Brandon March 2000

The House of Gentle Men

February 2000

Alvin Ailey

Which Oscar-winner did Alvin Ailey act alongside in the play Call Me by My Rightful Name? February 2000

Art of the Boot

January 2000

December 1899

How much did baby shoes cost in Texas in December 1899? December 1999

Mickey Leland

November 1999

The UT Tower

The University of Texas Tower figured in which movies? October 1999

Eric Dickerson

Why was Eric Dickerson nicknamed Mr. Benny? September 1999

Sharon Tate

On which two sitcoms did Sharon Tate have a guest-starring role? August 1999

Shelley Duvall

What part did Shelley Duvall beat out Gilda Radner for? July 1999

Américo Paredes

Which Américo Paredes book was made into a movie starring Edward James Olmos? June 1999

Cynthia Ann and Quanah Parker

Which American president was befriended by Quanah Parker? May 1999

Pecos Bill

How did Pecos Bill invent hot sauce? April 1999

Bob Wills

Which future Texas governor hired Bob Wills to play on his Fort Worth radio show? March 1999

Leon Jaworski

At what age was Leon Jaworski the youngest lawyer in the history of Texas? February 1999

Scott Joplin

How many years after his death did Scott Joplin win a Pulitzer prize? January 1999

Mirabeau B. Lamar

Why was Mirabeau B. Lamar known as the Father of Texas Education? December 1998

Abraham Zapruder

How much did Life pay Abraham Zapruder for the rights to his assassination film? November 1998

Sandra Day O’Connor

Why did Sandra Day O’Connor once say, “I come to you tonight wearing my bra”? October 1998

Lee Trevino

Which soft drink’s quart-size bottle did Lee trevino use as a golf club? September 1998

Mary Martin

How many times did Mary Martin shampoo onstage while appearing in South Pacific? August 1998

Rogers Hornsby

July 1998

Pa Ferguson

Why was the former governor Pa Ferguson nicknamed Farmer Jim? June 1998

Witt and Wisdom

June 1998

The Newton Boys

May 1998

Mance Lipscomb

What was so special about Mance Lipscomb’s dentures? April 1998

Joan Crawford

March 1998

Texas Monthly

Texas Primer Who’s been on our cover the most times? Ross is boss. February 1998

How much are the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders paid per game?

January 1998

Howard Hughes

Why was Howard Hughes’s plane nicknamed the Spruce Goose? December 1997

Audie Murphy

How did Audie Murphy win the Congressional Medal of Honor? November 1997

“Tex”

Which Tex sang “High Noon” and which was a member of the Manson family? October 1997

Jimmie Rodgers

What respiratory ailment afflicted Jimmie Rodgers, prompting fans to shout “Spit ’er up and sing some more”? September 1997

Judge Roy Bean

August 1997

Georgia O’Keeffe

In which Texas towns did Georgia O’Keeffe teach art, and for which photographer did she pose nude? July 1997

Babe Didrikson

Which sports did Babe Didrikson dominate, and in what Hepburn-Tracy film did she appear? June 1997

Debbie Reynolds

Who gave Debbie Reynolds her name, and what did she have to learn to do before starring in Singin’ in the Rain? May 1997

Roy Orbison

What did Roy Orbison drink compulsively, and who called him the world’s greatest singer? April 1997

Susanna Dickinson

How did Susanna Dickinson survive the Battle of the Alamo, and who played her in John Wayne’s movie? March 1997

Bill Pickett

What was Bill Pickett’s nickname, and how did he wrestle steers to the ground? February 1997

Bonnie and Clyde

To whom were Bonnie and Clyde really married, and whose saxophone was found in their car? January 1997

The Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog

In Texas the ultimate arbiter of good taste has always been Neiman Marcus, the Dallas-based department store that marks its ninetieth birthday next year. December 1996

Running With the Big Dogs

December 1996

John Nance Garner

What did Uvalde’s John Nance garner think the vice presidency was really worth? November 1996

Grand Parent

November 1996

Dale Evans

October 1996

Darrell Royal

What is Darrell Royal’s code name, and what does his middle initial stand for? September 1996

Gilt Trip

September 1996

Sure Shot

May 1996

The Buckle Stops Here

April 1996

Time for a Change

October 1995

Reporter

Texas Myth #92

How many Texans died at the Alamo? March 2007

Texas Myth# 31

Did The Texas Chainsaw Massacre really happen? January 2007

Texas Myth # 113

Does the ten-gallon hat hold ten gallons? November 2006

Texas Myth# 471

Who put the Bowie in the bowie knife? September 2006

Texas Myth #29

Was J. R.shot in Dallas? July 2006

Texas Myth #319

Do horny toads really squirt blood? May 2006

Texas Myth #264

Oil’s well that begins well. January 2006

Texas Myth #665

Great Houston’s ghost! October 2005

Texas Myth #14

Is DWB (driving while barefoot) illegal? August 2005

Texas Myth #198

Is Juneteenth ours? June 2005

Texas Myth #321

Bluebonnet burglars, beware? April 2005

Texas Myth #714

No, you can’t shoot your adulterous wife. February 2005

Texas Myth #454

Gene Autry’s reindeer games. December 2004

Encyclopedia Texanica

The seven dips on a Texas trip. October 2004

Encyclopedia Texanica

How high may our flag fly? July 2004

Encyclopedia Texanica

The myth of the saguaro cactus May 2004

Blame That Tune

Why Anne Dingus hates "Texas, Our Texas." April 2004

Letting Go

Anne Dingus drives herself to tears. October 2003

Road Test

Anne Dingus puts her teenage son in the driver's seat. April 2002

I Swear

Anne Dingus' language lesson. April 2001

World of Pies

June 2000

Hot Cole

A rough-neck novelist hits pay dirt. April 1999

A Wild Life

A terrific and prolific photographer remembered. December 1998

Write On!

UT’s writing program achieves Texas-size success. June 1998

Embattled

Reshooting history in Garfield January 1998

Briterature

A McKinney writer’s Brit lit. November 1997

Car Talk

Stanley Marsh 3’s mobile autos. October 1997

King Fishy

A history mystery involving ranching’s King family. September 1997

Alamo Tome

August 1997

Body of Evidence

Who was Jesse James—really? And where is he buried? August 1997

Puzzling

A cryptic puzzle you’ll utter no cross words about. July 1997

BoomTown

Texas City lives on, fifty years after the infamous explosion. April 1997

The Music Man

September 1996

West Seller

An El Paso novelist makes history. August 1996

L. T. Felty

May 1996

After Thoughts

The big-screen bungling of Rosellen Brown’s Before and After. April 1996

Wild About Harry

April 1996

Colum McCann

March 1996

Johnny Angel

February 1996

Star Gazing

Snow business comes to Houston. February 1996

Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson

February 1996

Domino Effect

January 1996

Web extras

A Cook’s Tour

From tamales and chile con carne to boiled fish and macaroni with mushroom sauce, the first-ever compendium of Mexican American cooking, Mexican Cooking: The Flavor of the 20th Century—That Real Mexican Tang, takes readers on an unusual culinary ride. June 2005

Chisum Trail (Sat Jul 5 at 12:13 PM)
Oh Big Brother, Where Art Thou (Fri Jul 4 at 9:30 AM)
Clay Felker (Tue Jul 1 at 11:15 AM)
Madam, I'm Adam (Sun Jun 22 at 4:34 PM)
Eating Vancouver (Mon Jun 30 at 10:04 PM)