Texas

10 largest cities (2000): Houston, 1,953,631; Dallas, 1,188,580; San Antonio, 1,144,646; Austin, 656,562; El Paso, 563,662; Fort Worth, 534,694; Arlington, 332,969; Corpus Christi, 277,454; Plano, 222,030; Garland, 215,768

When I was a kid in west Texas every few years the city would be inundated with really large grasshoppers. It's actually one of the things that I miss now that I no longer live there. The crazy insect infestations, the sunsets, the thunderstorms in the summer time, hornytoads, there are so many things that I took for granted that I really miss now.

There is something surreal about the west Texas plains. A lonely windmill turns slowly in a hint of a breeze. The sky is deep blue. When you stop walking and be still, the loudest sound you hear is a locust, some buzzing critter in the brush or the sound of your own heart beating in your ears. The sun is intense, the solitude magnificent. Be there a God, look for him (her) here.

Texas was an independent country, The Republic of Texas, before it joined the United States of America. It has the right to split into five states if it chooses.

But who would get the Alamo then?

San Antonio, Texas has a wonderful Riverwalk and great Mexican food.

The highest point in Texas is Guadalupe Peak (8,749 ft.).

Dr. Pepper was invented in 1885 in Waco, Texas by a pharmacist.

The state bird is the mockingbird.

It was chosen in 1927.

The state mammal is the longhorn.

The longhorn is also the mascot of The University of Texas at Austin.

A famous author, wit and traveler of the early nineteenth century described his attitude upon having experienced the American frontier state of Texas in the following manner: (G. W. Bush, please note) »If I owned Texas and Hell, I'd rent out Texas and live in Hell.« If anyone knows the author, I'd sincerely appreciate having my ignorance of that detail erased.