April 2001 Issue

The Slow Life and Fast Death of DJ Screw

Until he overdosed in November, he was one of the most influential cultural figures in Texas, the master of a scene fueled by drugs and his own brilliant, eccentric music.

Round and Round

Tortillas have been with us since the heyday of the Maya and the Aztecs. Now these simple small cakes are big business-but some are still made the old fashioned way. Includes extra tortilleria listings.

History in the Making

Austin's new Bob Bullock museum sports six bas-reliefs that tell the story of Texas. Here's how a sculptor and a team of artisans made them, like the museum's namesake, larger than life.

The Battle for the Border

In Maverick County illegal immigrants are crossing in record numbers, creating a war zone. Mexicans have been shot and killed, houses robbed, cattle stolen. Some ranchers are fleeing. But others, like Dob Cunningham, have decided to stay and fight.

Tennison, Anyone?

Chalee Tennison wants to reclaim old-time country music.

Grand Designs

A new Texas Monthly by design—and necessity.

The Hate Debate

The question about the James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Act isn't whether it will pass. The question is, Is it good law?

Knightmare

Aaron Latham's new novel about a cowboy Camelot gets lost in the bull.

Imperfect 10

The top 10 percent rule was supposed to solve the admissions problems at Texas' public universities, but it isn't making the grade.

Curing the Colonias

The prescription to treat the sickest areas in Texas isn't what you think.

Cabin Fever

The Hill Country Equestrian Lodge is perfect for city slickers who want to escape civilization—but not entirely.

The Better Deal

Forget A-Rod's $252 million contract with the Texas Rangers. Jeff Bagwell of the Houston Astros has more important numbers to brag about.

I Swear

Anne Dingus' language lesson.

The Reformer

The El Paso mayor's race.

Talking Ed

Fort Worth's horse play.

Riding High

McAllen's terminal condition.

Book Drive

Colleyville's library plot.

Happy Trails

Where to eat, what to do, where to shop: a great weekend in Houston.

Rosario’s Tacos Callejeros (Street Vendor’s Tacos)

Meat Filling2 cups shredded cooked chicken, pork, or beef (if you wish, use the chicken filling for Las Manitas’ Enchiladas Zacatecanas, November 1999)Marinated Cabbage2 cups shredded green cabbage1 bunch chopped cilantro (about 2 cups)1 white onion, thinly sliced4 or 5 Roma tomatoes, diced2 fresh jalapeños or 4 to 6

Texas Tidbits

Travel From Athens to Victoria—and never cross the state line.

Star Power

Brandishing its tongue-in-chic Western style—cowboy hats are displayed like fine art—Star Canyon has hit Austin with a resounding bang. Diners there are embracing the food and the mood as wholeheartedly as those in Dallas and Las Vegas, particularly flashier dishes such as the Texas-size Cowboy Ribeye and the hot-pink prickly-pear

Texas History 101

Helena—the myth lives on.

Enchiladas De Chile Ancho

Ancho Sauce6 ancho chiles, core and seeds removed 1 clove garlic 1/4 small yellow or white onion, chopped 1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano (1 teaspoon fresh) salt to taste Put first 4 ingredients in a pan, cover with water, and boil until the chiles become very soft, about 20 minutes.

Books That Cook

Texas Celebrity Cookbook

Flour or Corn?

It sounded like the perfect assignment: Find the state's best tortillas. But was it? A Q&A with senior editor Patricia Sharp.

Tortilla Turnovers

Seasoned Crema Fresca1 1/2 cups sour cream 1 1/2 tablespoons skim milk scant 1/4 teaspoon cayenne scant 1/4 teaspoon pure red chile powder scant 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic salt to tasteWhisk all ingredients together and refrigerate.Salsa Fresca2 serrano chiles, seeded and chopped 1/4 cup chopped white onion 1 pound tomatoes,

Barbecue-Glazed Sea Bass With Crawfish Butter

Chef Paul Clark’s sea bass basks in barbecue sauce with a luxurious accompaniment of crawfish tails.

On the Border

After spending a week at the busiest U.S. Border Patrol station in Texas, associate editor Pamela Colloff learned that there is more to an agent's job than helicopters and surveillance cameras.

Who’s That Lady?

Executive editor Paul Burka tells the story behind this month's cover story.

Around the State

Step Right Up

Jeff McCord on Charlie Robison

Power of Influence

Jeff McCord on Alejandro Escovedo

Southern Life

Mike Shea on the new Terry Southern bio.

Restaurant Guide

Austin circles its wagons at a new Star Canyon. Plus: The secret at Clark's Outpost in Tioga and two wine and food festivals that offer their fill.

All Politics Is Yokel

My assault on the body politic.