August 2001 Issue

Nice Guys Finish Second

Is Survivor’s Colby Donaldson for real? Over lunch, the last old-fashioned Texas man talks about why he threw the game and what he’ll do next.

Her Dark Places

Andrea Yates was a quiet, attentive mother with a generous smile who made her kids costumes from grocery sacks and gave them Valentine’s promising “free hugs.” We all know what happened next, but we may never know why.

The Case of the Persecuted Prosecutor

More than anyone, former assistant to the U.S. attorney Bill Johnston was responsible for exposing the FBI’s lies about the final assault on the Branch Davidian compound. Why, then, did his own government go after him?

Boone Pickens Wants To Sell You His Water

And you’re going to need it, eventually, since Texas’ most precious natural resource is being depleted at an alarming rate. His plan is to pump vast amounts from his land in the Panhandle and pipe it to parched cities like El Paso and San Antonio—for a hefty price, of course.

Queen of the Rodeo

For teenage girls in the Hill Country town of Llano, life can be short on glamour and excitement—except at the annual rodeo, when one of them gets a rhinestone tiara and a rare, thrilling moment of glory.

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.

Third and Long

R. C. Slocum is the winningest football coach in A&M history. So why are some Aggies hoping he gets sacked?

The Write Brothers

A memoir conjures up Donald Barthelme—and sheds light on his talented siblings.

Whine Country

Californians can blame Texans all they want for their energy crisis, but the truth is they had the power to avoid it.

The Judge, Judged

Corpus Christi's Manuel Bañales believes that some sex offenders should post warning signs in their yards. He says it's about good law; his critics say it's about good publicity.

The New Guy

What's the story on Bob Mong, the new editor of the The Dallas Morning News? He has a newshound's instinct, an insider's touch, and his work cut out for him.

Thoroughly Modern

Denton's Toni LaSelle has a perspective on the modernist movement like no other artist. That's because she witnessed it first-hand.

Stars and Gripes

Why did we take away our restaurant guide's highest rating for the Mansion on Turtle Creek? Let's dish.

No! No! No!

Vetoing the Perry vetoes.

Check Mates

Katy Vine checks up on the UT-Dallas chess team.

Water World

Mimi Schwartz considers the wake of Tropical Storm Allison.

Plenty of Ammo

Katy Vine sits down with the former mayor of Gun Barrel City.

Bomb Scare

Katy Vine steps through a minefield.

We Remember Ninfa Laurenzo

Houston's queen of Mexican cuisine remembered.

Hecho en Mexico

Instead of a margarita with your chicken breast in red mole, try a Cabernet Sauvignon from Mexico's growing wine country.

Chicken Breast in Mole Rojo From Oaxaca

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked 1 tablespoon lard or vegetable oil 5 tablespoons red or brown mole paste (such as the Doña Maria brand) 1 cup chicken stock 2 ounces Mexican chocolate (optional) 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted, if you wish)Cover chicken breasts in water and simmer until they

Aztec Pie

This rich casserole is reminiscent of that old Texas favorite, King Ranch casserole, but is made with pork instead of chicken. For variety, use the filling to make enchiladas instead of a casserole.1 1/2 cup cooked and shredded pork butt 1/8 cup corn oil 1/2 cup diced onion 1 tablespoon

Cuitlacoche and Goat Cheese Crisp With Zucchini Blossom Emulsion

This makes a crisp-coated savory strudel that can be used either as an appetizer or a rich entrée.Goat Cheese Crisp2 tablespoons corn oil 1/2 onion, sliced 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon minced serrano chile 2 tablespoons chopped epazote 1 cup canned cuitlacoche 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 to 3/4

Texas Tidbits

Did you know that the town of D'Hanis had sulfur well baths in the 1880's? In 1990 only forty people lived in Lowake? Find out more about the towns mentioned in "Old-Fashioned Texas."

Old Times

Senior editor Anne Dingus, writer-at-large Kathryn Jones, and others tell the story behind this month's cover story, "Old-Fashioned Texas."

Extra! Extra!

Bob Mong knows he's facing many challenges, and he certainly didn't ask me what I'd do if I were in charge of the Dallas Morning News. I thought I'd offer some nickel advice anyway.

Old-Fashioned Extras

More of our favorite old-fashioned Texas things that we couldn't stand to leave out!

Saddle Up

Senior editor Pamela Colloff, who trailed five young women as they vied for the title of rodeo queen, talks about small towns and big dreams.

Hidden Treasures

Get a dose of Indian cusine in Irving.

Books That Cook

I’m not quite sure whether The Texas Cookbook should be called a cookbook or a history book. Mary Faulk Koock of Austin’s Green Pastures tells the story behind almost every recipe, which she says were given to her by friends and patrons. She sweeps through the state, defining areas and

Happy Trails

Head to Amarillo for a weekend of museumgoing, natural sites, and of course, big steaks.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken tikka masala is one of the most popular dishes in Indian restaurants in this country. This version, adapted from a recipe supplied by Pasand restaurant in Irving and Richardson, uses much less butter than some. The rice is especially tasty.

Texas History 101

Austin's Nau Enfield Drug has been around for a long time. It's good to know that some things never change.

Ode to Billy Joe

Singing the praises of Billy Joe Shaver.

Restaurant Guide

Two for Tee

Mike Shea links Bud Shrake and Dan Jenkins.

Around the State

Houston gets cheap; the Art Guys suit up for an exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; John Leguizamo goes Live in Austin, Dallas, and Houston; and festivals fill the summer menu.