Texas Monthly articles from November 2005

Texas Monthly archives from November 2005

Hammer time: yes, Tom DeLay is wretched. But does he deserve to be brought down by gotcha ethics laws?(Behind the LINES)
November 1, 2005... Live by the hammer, die by the hammer: Tom DeLay had it coming. He flaunts his disdain for ethical proprieties. He lacks even a scintilla of self-restraint; not content with merely defeating his enemies, he wants to destroy them. And so he led...

Seeing red.(Roar of the CROWD)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I cross the Red River regularly for business, and it galls me every time. You see "OU" everywhere, and you can't say anything, because Bob Stoops owns Mack Brown ["The Eyes of Texas Are Upon Him," September 2005]. Mack Brown may be a nice guy,...

Global warning.(Roar of the CROWD)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I enjoyed Gary Cartwright's "That Sinking Feeling" [September 2005]. I lived in Galveston County for several years and witnessed the seasonal decline of our once-lovely coastline. I agree that, if possible, something should be done. However,...

Living on the edge.(Roar of the CROWD)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I am a graduate of Edgewood High School (class of 1956) and read the article in regard to Edgewood and its dilemmas ["The Equity Myth," September 2005]. By the sixth grade, my family tried to encourage my mother to get me and my twin sister out...

We shoot, we score.(Roar of the CROWD)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... Being a subscriber to Sports Illustrated, I have always felt that they could not be matched in the area of sports photography. But your series of photos depicting football fields throughout the state exceeded any action photo I've ever seen...

The nurse practitioner will see you now.(Roar of the CROWD)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... As a nurse practitioner for seven years, I do not feel the need to cite the studies that you will undoubtedly be given by my colleagues for your lack of preparation in composing "The Doctor Will Mistreat You Now" [TEXAS MONTHLY Reporter,...

Badge of dishonor.(Roar of the CROWD)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I am very disappointed to be writing to you under these circumstances. I feel that for years TEXAS MONTHLY has effectively represented Texas, its cities, and its people. However, the artwork for the article "Borderline Insanity" [August 2005]...

11.2005.(November: PEOPLE, PLACES, EVENTS, ATTRACTIONS)(birding festivals)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
November 1, 2005... Checked anything off your life list lately? No, we don't mean organizing your garage, putting your kids through college, or writing your will. We're talking birding: Ever made note of a warbler, a hawk, or an egret? Texas is home to more than...

Around the state.(Calendar)
November 1, 2005... Austin Music/Dance NOV 1: LIZ PHAIR After a brief breather from her acoustic summer tour, Phair hits the road again to promote her fifth album, Somebody's Miracle, which was inspired by Stevie Wonder's Songs In The Key of Life. At...

Run of de Mille.(COMING ATTRACTIONS / The month in dance.)(Agnes de Mille)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Masterpieces get lost and found all the time (recall those four Rembrandts rediscovered this fall), but it's not often that you witness the recovery firsthand. Now you can score a front-row seat, literally: At its Fall Dance Concert, Southern...

Uptown girl.(COMING ATTRACTIONS / The month in dance.)(Holly Cruikshank)(Brief Article)(Interview)
November 1, 2005... The musical Movin' Out, which hits Austin November 1-6 and San Antonio November 8-13, marries the dance genius of choreographer Twyla Tharp and the catchy music of pop icon Billy Joel. Holly Cruikshank, who performs the lead role of Brenda,...

Modern dance: a primer.(COMING ATTRACTIONS / The month in dance.)(Minus One)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Not wise to the ways of choreographed flailings? Ease your way into the genre with Minus One, a compendium of seven independent dance works coming to Houston's Wortham Theater Center November 11 and 12. The Choreographer: Istaeli-born Ohad...

West Village, Dallas: rich meets hip at 3699 McKinney Avenue.(STREET SMARTS / A quickie guide to ...)
November 1, 2005... 1 Part home-decor store, part art space, LEGACY TRADING CO. displays its eclectic wares--Raj coffee tables, Sanskrit matchbox covers, bawdy T-shirts, Jonathan Adler accessories--with sass (sale signs implore you to "screw gas prices" and spend...

Hail to the chief: in an era of dwindling circulations and shrinking profits, the weekly newspaper in the Panhandle town of Miami has a different problem: choosing a cover story in a place where nothing really happens.(LETTER FROM MIAMI)(Sandy Black, Miami Chief)(Biography)
November 1, 2005... In the world of print media, few decisions are as racked by second-guessing and hand-wringing as the choice of a cover story. Still, probably no one in the business has it as bad as Sandy Black, the 51-year-old sole publisher, editor, staff...

Pure Genius: The Complete Atlantic Recordings (1952-1959).(Sound Recording Review)
November 1, 2005... 1 The call came in 1954: Dallas saxophonist DAVID "FATHEAD" NEWMAN was being asked to join a band. On the phone, a young RAY CHARLES, who had befriended Newman on the road years earlier. Newman took the gig. It was work. It also became a...

Six Bits a Day.(Brief Article)(Book Review)
November 1, 2005... 2 ELMER KELTON has been recognized by the Western Writers of America as the best western author of them all, and he shows no signs of slowing down with SIX BITS A DAY (Forge). Set in the 1880's his latest novel visits the cow-boying...

Snow.(Sound Recording Review)
November 1, 2005... 3 The Meat Puppets flowered in the Arizona desert with a style so unique that it seemed as if no one in the band had ever heard music of any kind. In fact, behind their weird psycho-country-rock was a group with enormous appeal that...

Dermaphoria.(Brief Article)(Book Review)
November 1, 2005... 4 Dallas native CRAIG CLEVENGER burrows deep into the sordid and paranoid realm of illicit recreational drugs with his second novel, DERMAPHORIA (MacAdam/ Cage), a fictional crash course in the where and how of designer-drug manufactories....

Dos Amigos.(Sound Recording Review)
November 1, 2005... 5 If only by virtue of being crossover artists, FREDDY FENDER and FLACO JIMENEZ have each secured a ratified place in Hispanic music. Fender's earthy Rio Grande Valley hits, like "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights," got him there, while...

Under the Wire.(Brief Article)(Book Review)
November 1, 2005... 6 When the United States dallied unforgivably long before entering World War II, young Texan WILLIAM ASH forfeited his American citizenship to join the Royal Canadian Air Force and fight Hitler: UNDER THE WIRE (Thomas Dunne Books),...

Oh, Lardy.(MINISTER OF HEALTH: Jim Atkinson cures what ails us.)
November 1, 2005... This has been a confusing year for Texas's overweight majority. First, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that fatness had become such an epidemic that it would soon be a larger public health hazard than...

Writing a novel.(THE HORSE'S MOUTH / Everything I could ever tell you about ...)(James Magnuson)(Interview)
November 1, 2005... NAME: James Magnuson AGE: 64 QUALIFICATIONS: Author of eight novels, most recently The Hounds of Winter * Has penned a dozen plays and written for the TV series Knots Landing * Directs the James A. Michener Center for Writers at the University...

Who is Joe Barton? Is the Republican congressman who passed the new energy bill a partisan hack or a bipartisan compromiser? The answer is about as clear as the skies over his district.
November 1, 2005... Joe Barton, the Republic congressman from Ennis, was 1 of only 11 members of the 435-member U.S. House of Representatives who voted against providing aid to the victims of Hurricane Katrin. He considers the Kyoto treaty's restrictions on...

State of dysfunction: at Boys State, students learn firsthand how democracy really works. Lessons in intolerance and gay bashing are thrown in free.
November 1, 2005... I know from experience that when a teenager's sheltered world collides with reality, reality in a walk. I was thinking of this basis truth this August as I talked with three 17-year-old honor students from Austin's McCallum High School. The...

You've got mailer: Norman Mailer, whose literary archives were purchased by the University of Texas this spring, has always been a cranky, outspoken writer. Care to guess what he thinks about Texas?(MEMO BOOK)
November 1, 2005... At the University of Pennsylvania in the early seventies, one of my colleagues was the genial Robert Lucid, Norman Mailer's longtime friend and authorized biographer From Professor Lucid I heard a lot of insider talk about Mailer and even met...

Robert Rivard: the 53-year-old editor of the San Antonio Express--News on not losing readers, not jumping stories, the murder of one of his reporters, and what passes for Mexican justice.(Talks)
November 1, 2005... Greater competition than ever. Scandals in your industry. Massive consolidation and budget cuts. Tell me why it's a good time to be the editor of a daily newspaper. Let me tell you about the readership part first. I've believed for years that...

Southern comfort.(Southern food)(Cover Story)
November 1, 2005... Chicken-fried Steak SOUTHERN COMFORT | Show me a Texan who doesn't get all misty-eyed about home cooking and I'll show you an extraterrestrial. You're just not human if you can read a menu of the state's best-loved home-style...

Dome away from home: for two weeks in September, the Eighth Wonder of the World was miraculously transformed into the largest emergency shelter in the universe, where 17,500 Katrina survivors found comfort, hundreds of families were reunited, and New Orleans showed its first signs of rebirth.(Houston Astrodome)
November 1, 2005... IN THE EARLY MORNING OF SATURDAY, September 3, five days after Hurricane Katrina lit into New Orleans and rerouted the course of America's natural, political, and economic history for God only knows how long, I walked up a ramp in the Astrodome...

The last ride of cowboy Bob: he wore a western hat, never spoke a word, and robbed bank after bank. When the feds finally arrested him, they discovered that their suspect was actually a soft-spoken woman. They thought they'd never hear from her again--but she had other plans.(Peggy Jo Tallas)(Biography)
November 1, 2005... PEGGY JO TALLAS WAS, BY ALL ACCOUNTS, the classic good-hearted Texas woman. For much of her adult life, she lived her ailing mother in a small apartment in the Dallas suburbs. Every morning after waking up and making her bed always taking the...

Hurt? Injured? Need a lawyer? Too Bad! Two years ago, rich and powerful Texans said lawsuits were ruining the state's economy and needed to be fairer. Today, thanks to tort reform, they are fairer--for business. Ordinary people are out of luck.
November 1, 2005... Like a lot of old-fashioned Texans, Alvin Berry is the kind of man who bears the pain and indignities of life with good grace. At 73, Alvin has never been a rich man, but in his youth he managed to maneuver himself from the rolling plains of...

Yao got game: in America, the in-your-face dunk is the most beloved of basketball conventions. But for one seven-foot-four teenage giant, learning to slam the ball through the hoop meant defying everything his Chinese coaches had taught him--and getting his first taste of freedom on the court.
November 1, 2005... THE STACCATO BLASTS OF the coach's whistle echoed through the gymnasium in suburban San Diego, and the basketball court went deathly still. Coach Rle (pronounced "Ar-lee") Nichols had finally run out of patience, and the teenagers on court--all...

Pat's pick: Cova.(November: RESTAURANTS, CAFES, BISTROS, JOINTS)(Restaurant Review)
November 1, 2005... Folks in the wine biz are always fretting about how to make the fruit of the vine more approachable. It's easy: Just open a wine shop and start serving yummy little snacks (and big snacks) on the side, as Monsterville Horton IV, the owner of...

The dining guide.(Directory)
November 1, 2005... The Dining Guide POLICIES AND DEFINITIONS The Dining Guide is a service to our readers. The magazine accepts no advertising or other consideration in exchange for a listing. Reviews are written by resident critics in the cities that we...

Upper crust.(THE BASICS / Flavors and foods you can use.)(pie crust)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... As any pie freak will tell you, it's all about the crust. And crust purists here in Texas agree that for sheer flakiness and tenderness, you can't beat the pies at Royer's cafe, in the Central Texas community of Round Top. If you want to verify...

Southern comfort directory.(restaurants)(Directory)
November 1, 2005... All restaurants accept major credit cards unless otherwise noted. AMARILLO Montana Mike's, 4332 SW Forty-fifth Avenue, 806-353-3339. Open Sun-Thur 11-9, Fri & Sat 11-10. AUSTIN Arkie's Grill, 4827 E. Cesar Chavez,...

Texas events.(events)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
November 1, 2005... Gruene Market Days Enjoy high-quality artisan shopping every third weekend of the month. Between San Marcos and New Braunfels. See gruenemarketdays.com. 830-832-1721. Experience Haunted Round Rock on this mysterious, historical walking...

U.S. events.(events)(Calendar)
November 1, 2005... Twenty-fourth Annual Pecos Valley Potters Guild Art Show and Sale Roswell, New Mexico. Free at the convention center. Friday, November 11, 5-9 p.m., Saturday, November 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, November 13, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Come shop for unique...

Pigtail[R] food flipper.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... The handy-est cooking tool you'll ever own! Lightly pierce the edge of the food, twist your wrist, and it's flipped! Replaces spatulas, tongs, and forks. Surgical-grade stainless steel, lifetime replacement guarantee. "A cooking tool with a...

Ruddock Shirts.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... The original is still the best. Texas-made Lone Star shirt from Ruddock Shirts. Made from 100 percent cotton twill in colors that won't run or fade. Available in men's sizes small to 4X, ladies XS to 2X, and kids 2 to 18. Toll-free...

Tejas Tartworks.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... Handmade pecan tart. From our family to yours, we spread the joy! Tejas Tartworks tejastartworks.com Call toll-free 888-270-3956. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

All about Texas yalls.com.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... 'Tis the season to be Texan! Y'alls Texas Store has truckloads of unique gifts on our award-winning Web site, yalls.com. Texas Christmas ornaments, Texas food boxes, Lone Star pecan pralines, salsas, jellies, candies, Texas clocks, Texas flag...

The heart and soil of Texas.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... What the heck is a DIRTSHIRT? Deep-dyed in ancient and authentic Texas clay, each DIIRTSHIIRT reflects the culture, history, and attitude of THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS!!! dirtshirts.com 800-282-6101 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The Texas mint.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... The 2005 Texas Silver Dollar is our tribute to the great bronc buster. This tradition started on the ranches and later gave birth to what we all know as the modern rodeo. $24.95. Each of these one Troy ounce of .999% pure silver dollars...

Texas collectible tins.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... www.TexasCollectibleTins.com "THE WORLD'S ONLY TEXAS-SHAPED GIFT TINS" [TM] All of our tins are BIG... just like the STATE of TEXAS... and we have many art designs--Santa, Texas Flag, Bluebonnets, Universities, etc. Order them empty or...

Exercise in exactly 4 minutes per day.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... The ROM machine delivers an excellent cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility exercise in only four minutes per day. ROM engages all the major muscle groups in the upper and lower body, stretching them through a wide range of motion in a...

Pure Texan.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... 100% Texas Woman! Our most popular series of items, the 100% Texas Woman charm. Priced from $30 in two sizes of sterling silver, yellow or white gold, and with diamonds. Available in earrings, charms, pendants, and bracelets! From our...

Mind over metal.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... This year... Christmas is for the birds! Entertain the idea of attracting songbirds with a Texas-size, custom-forged birdbath available in numerous styles and finishes. Made in Austin, Texas, by Mind Over Metal, Inc,. providing...

Alamo Trading Company.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... Elevate your style in the city or on the ranch with Alamo Trading Company. Purveyors of fine home furnishings, apparel, accessories, and gifts. Twila and Maddie, the owners, have hand selected a unique collection of goods for the most selective...

Texashomedecor.com.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... This Texas wall art can be personalized with your family, ranch, or organization name. Plasma-cut from 16-gauge steel and painted with rust powder coat and a clear gloss finish. Can be personalized with up to 18 letters and is suitable for...

Texas charm.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... Texas charms dangle from a beaded comfort coil bracelet of natural denim lapis, lapis, and clear blue to blue green with matrix turquoise beads interspersed with sterling silver charms and beads. Adjusts to fit any wrist. You'll find this and...

Texas home and garden collection.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... Our hair-on-hide butterfly chair by American Ranch Designs is a modern design with a rustic feel. It is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. It measures 31" tall, 28" deep and 30" wide. Folds for storage. Call 866-217-0033 or visit our Web...

Send a treat they'll love to eat.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... KOLACHEFACTORY.COM This season, send your family, friends, and clients something truly special to eat--freshly baked kolaches from Kolache Factory. Select from our mouthwatering holiday treats or choose from a tremendous assortment of...

Texas treats--gift #626.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... Goodies from Goodman, one of Texas' premier gift companies, offers a keepsake Texas-shaped ceramic dish (perfect for kitchen use later, dishwasher and oven safe) filled with lots of goodies to enjoy. Zesty chile peanuts, chewy pecan pralines,...

Luling City Market--Houston, TX.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... "Best Beef Sausage I Have Ever Tasted"--Rick Browne, Barbecue America Show your customers, friends, and family what barbeque is all about! Traditional oak-smoked beef, famous handmade beef sausage, mouthwatering pork ribs, and tangy mustard...

Texas Star Trading Co.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... Texas Cowboy Cooking, autographed by Tom Perini, features recipes from nationally famous Perini Ranch Steakhouse. We're all Texas--interesting books, toe-tapping music, Fixin' To and Howdy T-shirts, unique gifts. Free shipping on orders over...

Reflective images.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... Contemporary Celtic elegance... Great wedding rings, sliders, rings, earrings, crosses, bracelets, watches in solid 18K gold overlaid on sterling. Original designs by Helen Chantler. Visit us, Reflective Images, next time you're in Santa Fe at...

Innovator Cigar Company.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... For the "Cigar Smoking Texan" in your life! Naturally rusted, heavy steel "Texas Star" table and standup ashtrays. Complete with magnetically attached "Texas Flag" cigar cutter. Call anytime, night or day 214-762-2508, and check out other cool...

Texas and the territories.(marketplace shopping guide)
November 1, 2005... Wrap yourself in Texas pride. Lone Star throw is 100 percent cotton, three-ply, and machine washable. Your choice of two sizes: 35" x 48" ($30) and 48" x 68" ($49). Silk-screened muslin Texas flag pillow measures 8" x 14" ($15). ...

And the Celly goes to ... Some jerkwad answers his phone in the middle of a crowded movie theater and talks extra, extra loud? Give that man an award!
November 1, 2005... Welcome to the Tenth Annual Celly Awards honoring exceptional achievements in cellular thespianism! Before we begin, could I ask all of you to turn your phones off? (Hold for laughter.) I kid! Plug in those headsets, flip open those...