October 1985 Issue

Special Delivery

Morsels by mail, potables by post—let Texas’ mail-order food companies set your holiday table.

Deep in the Heart of Mexico

What’s wrong with Mexico is exactly what’s right with it.

The Louie File

Just how good were the good ol' days, when Louie Welch was mayor of Houston?

The Kathy Ratings

Kathy Whitmire’s substantial achievements as mayor of Houston are overshadowed by her bad public image and political ineptitude—not a good situation for a candidate seeking a third term.

The Chips Are Down

The real Texas technology picture is much more intricate than either the mad hype of two years ago or the dire headlines of today make it out to be.

The Dream Lives On

Four of the many small high-tech companies betting that they have the excitement, momentum, market, and business savvy to succeed where others have failed.

When the Well Runs Dry

In parts of Texas drought is a steady boarder who may stray but always comes home for supper.

Texas Primer: The Wishbone Offense

Darrell Royal’s supremely simple invention took Texas teams to the top and kept them there.

Western Art

This story is from Texas Monthly’s archives. We have left the text as it was originally published to maintain a clear historical record. Read more here about our archive digitization project. From 1983 to 1986, Texas Monthly’s regular feature, “Western Art,” highlighted artists’ takes on the classic

Behind the Lines

True to the Past

Forget all that debate about early instruments versus modern ones for eighteenth-century music.

Beyond the Standard

Those who think there’s nothing new under the sun should check out the superior jazz improvisations on three recently released albums.

Waxy Buildup

Plenty isn’t enough; Year of the Dragon is a yellow-devil hysteria; uncompromised casting makes Compromising Positions click; Volunteers imposes eighties cynicism on sixties idealism.

Dancing in the Streets

Tuff Enuff, the Fabulous Thunderbirds’ fifth and finest album, has a snap, crackle, and pop that could finally make the T-Birds explode.

Texas Monthly Reporter

The villains behind the seat belt law; the shoeshine boys behind the border bird trade; the pastor behind Austin’s chicest church.

On the Menu: Josephine St.

JOSEPHINE STREET CAFE is a classic Texas roadhouse in an era where there are no more roads, just freeways. In fact, the freeway—Highway 281—roars over the patio, but that doesn’t seem to deter the loyal patrons of this popular neighborhood hangout. Nor did the recent collision of a truck with

Wilted Salad

Recipe From Josephine Street CafeThis recipe makes a lot, so plan to use it when you have your next barbecue—and invite a crowd!9 heads of iceberg lettuce 4 cups diced tomatoes 2 1/2 cups sliced olives (ok, go ahead and use the pimiento-stuffed olives) 1/2 cup olive juice (and use

Back Roads

Robots in feedlots, Krishnas as cowboys, Nowhere but Texas.

Downtown

The maddest crowd in town? The incensed citizens at the Dallas Auto Pound who have to shell out for the privilege of reclaiming their towed vehicles.

Post-Modern Times

Today’s with-it seniors are settling in American’s newest retirement boomtown—Kerrville.

Puzzle

Roar of the Crowd

State Secrets

Rough sailing for the water plan; sore losers at MHMR; a free ride for Mattox; now a word on behalf of ambulance chasing.

Touts

Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s—Halley’s Comet!