Table of Contents

December 2000

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Features

Fifty Gifts Yule Love

Attention, holiday shoppers: Time's a-wasting (but help is on the way). This quirky compilation of Texas-made goodies—from mesquite dominoes to mohair throws—should have something for everyone on your list.

Merry Texas Christmas, You All

Ten tunes by Texas artists to jingle your bells.

The Twelve Months of Christmas

Kitschy calendars that say "Feliz Navidad."

Viva Fort Hood

Before Elvis Presley became an overweight entertainer in a rhinestone jumpsuit, there was a brief, more innocent time when he wore khakis as an Army private in Central Texas. It was his last chance to be a normal human being. And to be happy.

Can Vicente Fox Save Mexico?

His election was historic for many reasons, not least because he embodies the stifled hopes of generations of his countrymen. Still, the obstacles he faces when he assumes the presidency on December 1 are considerable. Will he be able to deliver?

Child of a Lesser God

It was a modern-day horror story: a little girl hidden away in rat-infested squalor for most of her life. When the authorities took her away from her family, the nine-year-old had never been to school or played outside and could only make squeaking noises. Now dedicated social workers, academics, and foster parents are trying to undo years of unimaginable neglect.

Season's Eatings

When we asked chef Bruce Auden of San Antonio's Biga on the Banks to create a festive holiday feast, he served up a menu with some delicious twists on tradition.

Deer Prudence

Back when I was a hippie pacifist in Northern California, I never thought I'd kill an animal for sport. Then I married into a South Texas ranching family, and in time I managed to pull the trigger and bag a buck. My emotions were decidedly mixed, but I knew that I had become a Texan at last.

Columns

Sports

On the Rebound

The Dallas Mavericks have a new owner and a new attitude, but they have no real plan to make themselves the kings of the court. I do.

Behind the Lines

Clearing the Air

Clearing the air about pollution politics.

Art

Go to Jail!

After twenty years Albany's Old Jail Art Center has become the best small-town museum in the state— and maybe in the nation.

Texana

Seeing the Light

An old cemetery. A deserted crossroads. A ghostly reflection—or a figment of our imagination? On the trail of a West Texas mystery.

Music

Feature Presentation

Coming soon to a radio near you: El Paso's At the Drive-In, the best new rock band in America.

Profile

Spurred On

How Hockley's Fred Whitfield lassoed his place in pro rodeo history.

Reporter

Miscellaneous

Web Extra

The King and I

Associate editor Michael Hall tells the story behind this month's cover story, "Viva Fort Hood."

State Secrets

Cell Block

Three ways to fix the prison system.

Web Extra

The Basketball Diary

Assisitant editor Jordan Mackay charts the Dallas Mavericks season - visit every week for updates and commentary.

Reporter

Mayor May Not

The campaign against the mayor of Wichita Falls.

Texas Classics

Confessions of a Washed-up Sportswriter (Including Various Digressions About Sex, Crime, and Other Hobbies)

Confessions of a Washed-up Sportswriter (Including Various Digressions About Sex, Crime, and Other Hobbies.)

The Ex Files

Bill Owens

Colorado governor Bill Owens joins the party.

Face

Heidi Grant Murphy

Heidi Grant Murphy hits a high note.

Texas Primer

Sam Rayburn

Whose picture did Sam Rayburn always hang in his office?

State Fare

Penny's Cookies

Sweet designs for Christmas cookies from Penny's Pastries of Austin.

Hot CDs

No Sleep

Hot Books

Robbers

Hot Book Excerpt

Robbers

Around the State

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas: Families jump at the chance to see The Nutcracker; music lovers snap to the Christmas beat; theaters stage big holiday to-dos; cities light the way for merry revelers; and artisans craft the perfect shopping day.