WHAT PEOPLE ARE READING

Pirate Under Attack. Avast, Ye Swabs!

If Texas Tech fires Leach, there will be a mushroom cloud over Lubbock for thousands of miles and a likely revolt of Tech fans, alums, and former players.
Back Talk (95 comments) »

You Aren’t Here

A lack of reverence for the Alamo’s sacred battleground has turned much of the iconic site into a place no one remembers.
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His Town

When Marty Rathbun became an outspoken defector from the Church of Scientology, a group of filmmakers began to disrupt life in his adopted hometown. But they weren’t counting on the response of his neighbors.
Back Talk (69 comments) »

Still Life

Thirty-five years ago Dallas—and the country—was gripped by the tragic story of John McClamrock, a high school football player paralyzed during a violent tackle. But after the newspapers moved on, another story was quietly unfolding, one of courage, perseverance, and a mother’s fierce love.
Back Talk (63 comments) »

Across The Line

According to the district attorney in Smith County, this building was the site of the most horrific child sex ring in Texas history. Three of the adults convicted of running it have already been sentenced to life in prison. There’s just one problem: The DA in neighboring Wood County, where the building is located, says nothing happened here at all.
Back Talk (54 comments) »

Runway or Another

From her hometown of Lake Jackson to the Big Apple, Kalyn Hemphill, the winner of Models of the Runway, takes it all in stride.
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Dear Yankee

Eight things you ought to know before you start writing stories about Rick Perry. You’re welcome.
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The 50 Greatest Hamburgers In Texas

A gastro-scientific inquiry into the finest burgers in the state that invented the burger, including the Toro (#4), the Stodg (#6), the Miss Hattie (#28), and, in our top slot, a miracle of meat served only on Sundays. No wonder they call it the Lord’s day.
Back Talk (46 comments) »

Innocence Lost

Since August 23, 1992, Anthony Graves has been behind bars for the gruesome murder of a family in Somerville. There was no clear motive, no physical evidence connecting him to the crime, and the only witness against him recanted, declaring again and again before his death, in 2000, that Graves didn’t do it. If he didn’t, the truth will come out. Won’t it?
Back Talk (45 comments) »

Right Place, Right Time

An exquisite sense of timing—and a good deal of luck—has helped transform Rick Perry from an unknown Democratic state legislator into a swaggering Republican who’s spent more years in the Governor’s Mansion than anyone in Texas history. Is it enough to carry him past Kay Bailey Hutchison and all the way to the White House?
Back Talk (41 comments) »

Back Talk

Letter From Refugio

Sleeping Booty

How on Google Earth did an out-of-work musician from California stumble across the possible site of a fabled Spanish shipwreck in Melon Lake?

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3 comments

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011, 10:07 am
Eric says:
I know it has been awhile since this story appeared but I am still intrigued by it. We recently purchased a home in Aransas Pass and are very close to the location mentioned. I have read so many blogs which blast this poor guy (Smith)tearing him down for various reasons. I think his resolve and sense of adventure is inspiring. Kook or no kook I can’t condemn Smith for trying. I do concede that if I were the landowner I would likely be upset too. Maybe Smith should have tried to work with them first and we would know by now if he was right or wrong about the location. I plan on taking a little kayak ride on Melon Lake soon just because the little boy in me can’t stop thinking about this! I have noticed some historical discrepancies however in the story in Jameson’s book. Mexico had already gained it’s independance from Spain in Sept of 1821 so why would a Spanish vessel laden with gold and silver be allowed to sail away from Mexico with this loot in Sept 1822? Also, I have researched the storms that hit the Texas coast from 1800 onwards and there is nothing mentioned for 1822. Can anybody offer any advice on this? Thanks

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009, 11:46 pm
Annie says:
Sounds as if Kathryn has found herself a gem. These two will enjoy life more than most. I’ve been checking up on this story from time to time. I think they did find the old ship. It will be fun to hear the next installment of this saga.

Friday, July 3rd, 2009, 1:21 pm
Trey says:
What an intriguing story --- like a romantic pirate tale in reverse! So glad that Judge Hittner did NOT rule that Nathan, kook or not, be prevented from returning to Melon Lake. If or when he does resume his Texas treasure hunt, I hope he finds his fabled ship and that Skip Hollandsworth reports that one man, in this time of economic doom and gloom, does succeed in his search for "something glorious," indeed.

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