October 1986 Issue

After the Tears

Cambodian Lay Bun Sun escaped the terrors of the Khmer Rouge to film his dreams in Houston.

The Strange Case of Mark White

The governor has a good record, good ideas, and good intentions. So why is he in danger of losing his job to a man he already beat once?.

Texas Primer: The Texas Institute of Letters

Belonging to this literary club is a lot like becoming a Texan; you can be a newcomer for only so long.

The Eye of the Beholder

A museum in Texas is the last place Jacques-Louis David would expect to find his late masterpiece, but we’re glad it’s here.

Where NASA Went Wrong

The seeds of the Challenger disaster were sowed long ago, in the space agency’s conflict between its ideals and its politics.

The Barbecue Brothers

The six Mikeska boys may share the same family name, but each has his own ideas about the nuances of Texas barbeque.

Western Art

This story is from Texas Monthly’s archives. We have left the text as it was originally published to maintain a clear historical record. Read more here about our archive digitization project. From 1983 to 1986, Texas Monthly’s regular feature, “Western Art,” highlighted artists’ takes on the classic

Beyond Halloween

On the Day of the Dead, Mexicans mock death with candy skulls and papier-mâché coffins. But in the darkness of a graveside vigil, the mockery gives way to tears.

Ballad of the Pine Springs Cafe

Over the years, this boot-scuffed cafe has been host to West Texas yarn spinners and front-porch gossips. Now the stories are told on borrowed time.

Partners in Crime

David Lindsey stalks Houston cops, through the violence the violence and around the blood, in search of another mystery novel.

Behind the Lines

For the Love of Bach

The Dallas Bach Society combines crackerjack musicians, a well-trained choir, and top-ranked vocal soloists—the result is a baroque-music lover’s dream.

Country Music’s Hermit Saint

Don Williams won’t do beer commercials, sign autographs, or sing in honk-tonks. If that means he isn’t a superstar, that’s fine with him.

The Museum That Time Forgot

It’s one of the best-kept secrets in the state. But what the Texas Memorial Museum needs is somebody’s attention.

Texas Monthly Reporter

The Harris Count Administration Building isn’t big enough for both Jon Lindsay and Mike Driscoll; Ray Perryman, a reporter’s best friend; a lucky accident brought Ethiopians—and Ethiopian restaurants—to Dallas.

On the Menu – Cappyccino’s

Cappyccino’s 10 Ideas To Improve Life Say please and thanks Avoid malls, discounters, and mass merchants Take Sundays off Plant seeds Enjoy sunrises and sunsets Make 100 year decisions Mass media only in moderation Balance high-tech and high-touch Reward teachers, artists,

Cappyccino’s White Chili

Recipe from Cappyccino’s 5003 Broadway Alamo Heights

Puzzle

Roar of the Crowd

State Secrets

A price for peace on the Guadalupe River; favorites and long shots in the Texas racetrack derby; a key decision for Lloyd Bentsen.

The Quidnunc

Governor White nods off; Watauga policeman on the wagon; debutante dos and don’ts.

Touts