June 2015 Issue
‘Urban Cowboy’ Turns 35
It was part musical, part dance movie, and part love story, and in June 1980 it unleashed an unprecedented fervor for country music, Western wear, and, yes, mechanical bulls. More than three decades later, the film’s stars (including John Travolta, Debra Winger, Mickey Gilley, and Johnny Lee) and many Gilley’s regulars recall the movie that made America fall in love with Texas.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
Features
Our Toad to Ruin
Can we save our beloved ant-eating, blood-spurting, quickly disappearing state reptile?
The Great Summer Smokeout
Everything tastes better on (or near) the grill. Just ask Dallas chef Tim Byres, who invited five of his friends over to create these mouthwatering recipes for your next backyard shindig.
The Hit List
A playlist of late-seventies and early-eighties country pop made popular by Urban Cowboy.
By John Spong![John Spong's Profile Photo]()
Columns
Ich Bin ein Texan
A 181-year-old book reminds us that Texas was once much more German—and far more radical—than we realize.
Oil on Canvas
How the Spindletop gusher turned one prospector into an arts patron with an unusual flair for self-recrimination.
My Summer of the Shark
When I was nine years old, I struggled to make a super 8 movie as my life unspooled around me.
Appeal to Reason
Mimi Swartz cross-examines the Court of Criminal Appeals’ unprecedented sanctions against a death penalty lawyer.
By Mimi Swartz![Mimi Swartz's Profile Photo]()
The Texanist: Can You Explain Some Armadillo Lore?
Our estimable advice columnist on armadillo mortality, Dallas Cowboys etiquette, barbecue preferences, and a perfect Texas playlist.
Reporter
A Mighty Wind
In drought-ravaged West Texas, cotton farmers find good omens in unlikely places.
Fighting for Her Life
Iliza Shlesinger, whose comic style mates icy reserve with feverish belligerence, hits the road.
Suggested New Name: The Nolan Ryan Return to Cinder Grill
A newly installed nacho-cheese-melting machine at Round Rock’s Dell Diamond burst into flames the night before opening day. Though no one was injured in the conflagration, it did $200,000 worth of damage to the stadium’s eatery, the Nolan Ryan Fireball Express Grill.
Old News: An Illustrated Look at Headlines From a Bygone Era
“Lightning killed near Blossom, Tex., a mule and cow at the same time. They were a mile apart.”—Jefferson Jimplecute, May 1, 1908
The Checklist
What to read, hear, and watch this month to achieve maximum Texas cultural literacy.
By Jeff Salamon![Jeff Salamon's Profile Photo]()
Corps Values
Alyssa Michalke was recently named the first female commander of Texas A&M’s corps of cadets. It’s been a long time coming.
By Katy Vine![Katy Vine's Profile Photo]()
Meanwhile, in Texas . . .
Some crazy stuff went down last month. Here are a handful of headlines you may have missed.
Touts
Carpe Museum
When you’ve got Barney Smith’s toilet seat exhibit, who needs the Rothko Chapel?
Garcia Lures
Corpus Christi fisherman John Garcia’s painted creations are off the hook.
Take Ten
At the Dallas ramen shop Ten, you have to stand to eat the food—all the better to give it the ovation it deserves.
Guacamole
It’s not easy being green. So make sure you start with some good avocados.
Miscellany
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