March 7, 2012
Did the Moon Sink the Titanic?
Two physics professors at Texas State University believe that a rare lunar event may have flung the icebergs in the ship's path.
March 2012 – Page 3 of 4
Politics & Policy
March 6, 2012
Craig Murphy on Lozano’s prospects
Mr. Murphy writes: Lozano is a long time contributor to the local GOP – yes GOP. He is liked by Republicans. His opponent has had little involvement in the party and is virtually unknown. To the extent he is known, it has something to do with a lawsuit he filed.
Politics & Policy
March 6, 2012
The governor’s office weighs in on ERS controversy
A few minutes ago (around 4 p.m.), I received a call from Allison Castle, a spokesperson for Governor Perry. She wished to make several points about my writing on the subject of the ERS health insurance contract. Her main point is that the governor has only one appointment on the
Arts & Entertainment
March 6, 2012
‘New York Times’ Corrects Age in Article about Actress’s Age
Junie Hoang filed a lawsuit against IMDb for revealing her true age. When the New York Times picked up on the story, the paper accidentally misprinted her age.
The Culture
March 6, 2012
Steve Bridges, the George W. Bush Impersonator, Dies
The impersonator who made a name for himself perfecting the mannerisms of the president, died at his home in Los Angeles of what appears to be natural causes.
Politics & Policy
March 6, 2012
Lozano’s prospects
I don’t think they are very good. First, the Coastal Bend region has been trending Republican in local races for some time, going back at least to 2008 and before. Second, the strongest-voting Republican county in Lozano’s district is San Patricio. Lozano switched parties knowing (presumably) that he already had a primary
March 6, 2012
Another Questionable Conviction?
Ernie Lopez, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a baby and became the focus of a ProPublica investigation into mishandled child death cases, was released from prison after the state appeals court overturned his conviction.
Politics & Policy
March 6, 2012
How redistricting changed the Republican presidential race
If redistricting had not caused the Texas primary to be moved, Texas Republicans would be going to the polls today to choose the party’s presidential nominee. The move from March 6 to May 29 has a major impact on the process. If the primary were held today, Rick Santorum would
BBQ Joint Reviews
March 5, 2012
Hays Co. Bar-B-Que and Catering
You won’t find it if you’re not looking for it. Hidden at a blind curve a good ways outside of town, and definitely not in view of the Interstate, Hays Co. Bar-B-Que has been flying under the radar. It didn’t help that they’ve already changed names since
Politics & Policy
March 5, 2012
Jones’ campaign responds to Eppstein poll
From Patrick Isenberg with the Elizabeth Ames Jones campaign: Here is my response to Eppstein’s poll: Jeff Wentworth’s pollster released survey results today that are “half true”. Many people in Senate District 25 do know who Jeff Wentworth is. What they think of his siding with the Democrats’ biggest contributor by voting
Politics & Policy
March 5, 2012
Blue Cross girds for battle with ERS and UHC
From the Blue Cross release: For 32 years, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) has been honored to administer healthcare benefits for the HealthSelect of Texas health plan of the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS). BCBSTX has consistently provided Texas state employees, retirees and their families with broad
March 5, 2012
Inmates Rewire Television Sets to Watch Porn
Guards had been aware that the Liberty County jail inmates were viewing porn for months, according to a KPRC News investigation.
March 5, 2012
Thief Robs Girl Scouts
A bandit stole a cashbox containing $200 from a troop of Girl Scouts who were selling cookies outside of a Fort Bend County Walmart.
Business
March 5, 2012
Is Fear of Obama’s Reelection Prompting Run on Gun Stores?
Local gun stores have seen record sales, and in 2011, the FBI conducted more than one million background checks in Texas alone.
Politics & Policy
March 5, 2012
What to do about TSU?
I recommend that readers take a look at Reeve Hamilton’s story about Texas Southern and its 3% graduation rate in Sunday’s Texas Tribune. TSU’s trials and tribulations over the years are an old and sad story in Texas state government, maybe the oldest and the saddest, and one which never seems to
Politics & Policy
March 5, 2012
Epstein Group: Wentworth 59%, Campbell 9%, Jones 8%, 24% undecided in SD 25
Poll particulars: 400 Republican primary voters, MOE +/- 5% Wentworth’s early lead is to be expected. He has represented much of the district for a very long time, both as a senator and before that as a county commissioner. But Texans for Lawsuit Reform has a couple of million to
Sports
March 4, 2012
A Bittersweet End for Beren Academy
The Beren Stars fell to the Abilene Christian Panthers, 46-42, in Saturday night's TAPPS 2A final, but people are still talking about how the Houston Orthodox Jewish day school got there.
March 4, 2012
Austin Icon Leslie In Hospice Care
Why losing Leslie, a homeless cross-dresser and local celebrity, would be a major blow to "weird" Austin.
The Culture
March 2, 2012
The Perfect Spokeswoman for Breastfeeding?
Beyoncé was spotted breastfeeding Blue Ivy at a NYC restaurant last week, leading breastfeeding advocates to rejoice.
Politics & Policy
March 2, 2012
More on the ERS health insurance issue
The following is Blue Cross’s position on the cost to the state of UnitedHealthcare’s proposal compared to its own. Of course, if United wishes to provide a rebuttal, I will publish that. I remain concerned about the process that led to UnitedHealthcare’s getting the contract. Flawed analysis could cost the
Politics & Policy
March 2, 2012
More strange dealings at ERS
I spoke to a knowledgeable ERS retiree today. Here is what I was told: 1. When you retire, you have one chance to choose a health plan. This retiree chose Blue Cross. Then, this summer, all retirees received a notice. It said that all retirees would be moved to Humana.
March 2, 2012
What the ‘Tyler Morning Telegraph’ Failed to Tell You about Kerry Max Cook
Tyler's paper of record just published an article about former death row inmate Kerry Max Cook. Let me tell you the rest of the story.
March 2, 2012
Texas Business Report: Blockbusted
Blockbuster shuts down one-third of its locations, international business out of Texas goes gangbusters, and home prices increase in San Antonio and Houston.
Politics & Policy
March 2, 2012
NBCLatino: Cruz in danger of finishing 3rd, missing runoff
This is the assessment of author Nathan L. Gonzales, who also serves as deputy editor of the Rothenberg Political Report, a Washington-based newsletter. In a survey piece about Latino political prospects nationwide, Gonzales writes: In Texas, Republican Ted Cruz is beloved by national conservative groups such as the Club
Arts & Entertainment
March 2, 2012
Win the Weekend: Texas Historical Markers Turn Fifty
The Texas Historical Commission's markers are now eligible for their own plaque, Ron Paul and Sheila Jackson Lee are the Hill's best talkers, and the TCU drug bust was a bit pitiful.
Eat My Words
March 1, 2012
Vaca y Vino Is Smokin’–Literally
You may think that as a Texan, you know beef and smoking and barbecue and such. Friends, you don’t know anything about it until you’ve attended the smoking of a whole, entire, big honking steer. At Vaca y Vino, set for Sunday, April 22, from 1 to 6, three
The Culture
March 1, 2012
Happy Texas Independence Day!
Today marks the 176th anniversary of Texas' independence from Mexico.
Sports
March 1, 2012
Woman Hopes to Become Oldest Cheerleader in NFL History
Sharon Simmons, a 55-year-old grandmother from Carrollton, plans on trying out to become a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader this May.
Food & Drink
March 1, 2012
Authentic Texas Barbecue . . . Outside of Texas
Can you take barbecue out of Texas and still call it Texas barbecue?
The Culture
March 1, 2012
The Drop Everything List
The Texas Music Roadtrip Exhibition in Austin, Ryan Bingham, Jeb Bush, and St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in Shamrock . . .
Food & Drink
March 1, 2012
Notable Openings and Closings
What you need to know about dining in Texas this week.
Music
March 1, 2012
9 Texas Bands That Could Make an Impact at SXSW
Though South by Southwest is bringing big names like Bruce Springsteen and Jay-Z this year, here are picks from showcasing Texans, from the obvious to the relatively obscure.
The Culture
March 1, 2012
The Drop Everything List
South by Southwest in Austin, Mythbusters, the Dolly Johnson Antique and Art Show, and Judoka at the Houston International Performance Art Biennial . . .
Food & Drink
March 1, 2012
SXSW: Where to Eat on South Congress
A culinary guide for navigating your way through the city, from a Hawaiian shaved-ice stand to a romantic Italian spot.
Food & Drink
March 1, 2012
Notable Openings and Closings
What you need to know about dining in Texas this week.
Web Exclusive
March 1, 2012
Somebody Up There Likes Bob Byington
The Austin-based writer and director's new film, which is premiering at the South by Southwest film festival, may soon find mainstream embrace.
Recipe
March 1, 2012
Edamame Hummus
From Chef Jarry Ho of Shinjuku Station, in Fort Worth.
The Culture
March 1, 2012
The Drop Everything List
The Zilker Park Kite Festival in Austin, Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen, Bill Maher, and an Art of the American Twenties exhibit in Dallas . . .
Recipe
March 1, 2012
Pesce en Cartuccio
From Chef Brandi Key of Coppa, in Houston.
Recipe
March 1, 2012
Hazelnut-Chocolate Cannoli
From Chef Brandi Key of Coppa in Houston.
Recipe
March 1, 2012
Crispy Rice Paper Salmon
From Chef Brandi Key of Coppa, in Houston.
Recipe
March 1, 2012
Dal With Tequila-Lime Sauce
From Chef Anita Jaisinghani of Pondicheri, in Houston.
Recipe
March 1, 2012
Marinated Shrimp, Jack Cheese Grits, Tequila-Lime Sauce
From Chef Tre Wilcox of Marquee, in Dallas.
Recipe
March 1, 2012
Texas Okra and White Bean Dip
From Chef Andrew Wiseheart of Contigo, in Austin.
Food & Drink
March 1, 2012
Notable Openings and Closings
What you need to know about dining in Texas this week.
Recipe
March 1, 2012
Charred Ribeye Loin With Espresso Crust, Potato Purée, and Smoked Caramel Onions
From Chef David Bull of Congress, in Austin.
Web Exclusive
March 1, 2012
A Whole Lotta LUV
Editor Jake Silverstein introduces the March 2012 issue.
Food & Drink
March 1, 2012
Notable Openings and Closings
What you need to know about dining in Texas this week.
Food & Drink
March 1, 2012
New + Noteworthy
Grady's Line Camp Steakhouse and Texas Spice.
Food & Drink
March 1, 2012
Triniti
APPARENTLY DELUSIONAL, I clicked on Triniti’s reservations link on a Thursday morning, somehow imagining that my friends and I could get into Houston’s newest white-hot dining destination the following Saturday night. What was I thinking? Not wanting to eat at 5:30 or 9:30, we settled for Sunday. Bliss! On that