December 2002

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Features

The Secret History

Did Richard King cheat his partner's heirs out of a chunk of the King Ranch nearly 120 years ago? He may have—and if the Texas Supreme Court permits Chapman v. King Ranch, Inc., to go to trial, the past could come back to haunt the state's most storied spread.

by Don Graham

Death Isn't Fair

Most Texans support capital punishment; no one disputes that. But what would they say if they knew about the law-skirting cops, the overzealous prosecutors, the sleeping defense lawyers, and the rubber-stamping appellate court? They'd say they want to fix the system.

by Michael Hall

You Only Live Twice

Where does an actress of a certain age restart her life (and jump-start her career) after years at Hollywood's mercy? If you're former Bond Girl Lois Chiles, the answer is obvious: back home in Texas.

by Gary Cartwright

Make Way for Duck

Tired of talking turkey? 'Tis the season to feast on a bird that's all it's quacked up to be—and other dishes created by five of the state's hottest chefs.

by Patricia Sharpe

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.

by Anne Dingus

Amen

Three decades after his last megamission in Dallas, age and poor health haven't slowed Billy Graham down (well, not much). He's still the most powerful evangelist since Jesus, and there will never be another like him.

by William Martin

Columns

Cartwright's Texas

Brothers in Lore

What ever happened to twin halfbacks Dickie Don and Rickie Ron Yewbet, the pride of the Corbett Comets? Forty years later, their story is still unbelievable.

by Gary Cartwright

Politics

Christmas Carole

When it's time for her to give the gift of a revenue estimate, Comptroller Rylander could be naughty or nice. Either way, the Legislature better watch out.

by Patricia Kilday Hart

Health

Wrongful Life?

A Houston couple says a hospital is responsible for their daughter's severe disabilities. Should Texas' highest court agree, the case will change health care as we know it.

by Jim Atkinson

Behind the Lines

Swept Away

Election nostalgia already!

by Paul Burka

Art

A Fine Modness

Modernism may yet be proved dead, but if so, it has left an exquisite corpse in Fort Worth's stunning new Modern Art Museum.

by Michael Ennis

Family

Holiday on Ice

Yes, you can really take your kids skating outdoors in Texas—plus other ways to keep them busy (and yourself sane) when school's out.

by Eileen Schwartz

Reporter

Grand Illusion

Deep pockets and an uphill climb: S. C. Gwynne says the last days of Tony Sanchez's campaign for governor looked an awful lot like the first.

by S. C. Gwynne

A Few Words With. . .

Angela Shelf Medearis

An Austin children's book author stands up for herself (and African American girls everywhere).

Interview by Nora Varty

The Filter

Pat's Pick

Bookshelf

Pat's Pick

Shipping News

Miscellaneous

Restaurant Guide

Edited by Patricia Sharpe, Patricia Busa McConnico, Eileen Schwartz and Stacy Hollister

Around the State

Edited by Patricia Busa McConnico, Eileen Schwartz and Katy Vine

The Last Roundup

Tangled Up in Bob

Bob Dylan revisited.

by Kinky Friedman

Recipe

Lamb-and-Prune Tagine

This sweetly spiced tagine is typical of the Moroccan love of sweet and savory flavors in the same dish.

Web Extra

Boy on the Bus

Executive editor S.C. Gwynne talks about life on the campaign trail with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tony Sanchez.

Interview by Nora Varty

Web Extra

Ranch Undressing

Writer-at-large Don Graham discusses this month's cover story "The Secret History," and his forthcoming book on the King Ranch, King of Texas.

Web Extra

State Fairness

Senior Texas Monthly editor Michael Hall tells the story behind his article, "Death Isn't Fair."

Interview by Nora Varty

Web Extra

Snakey

They may not be songs about Texas, but Tony Joe White wrote Rainy Night in Georgia and Polk Salad Annie while living in Corpus Christi. Currently on tour opening for Joe Cocker, the Louisiana native chats about old times, his new record label, and the Texas musician who first inspired him to play guitar.

Interview by Eileen Schwartz