Editor's note: Texas Reads is an occasional column that explores a notable book about Texas, by a Texas writer, or both. The views expressed in Texas Reads are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the outlook or beliefs of anyone else in the IST network. more ›

Watch a recently found full-color film detailing the brutal aftermath of the May 11, 1953 Waco tornado. (If you've ever wondered why half of downtown Waco is a parking lot, here's your answer. It wasn't like that until the tornado.) Be careful about jaywalking in front of any cop near UT! Finals week: Don’t forget to have your brain blessed! Gail Collins of The New York Times Op-Ed page calls Texas “a teen pregnancy disaster zone.” (Expert opinion claims abstinence-only education makes Texas a baby-makin’ factory!) Legendary Texas writer Bud Shrake had a fantastic life, and wound up with this great obit. He was even part of history: years ago, he told us that Jack Ruby was sitting on his newsroom desk when JFK was shot. Read his book "Strange Peaches" if you aren't going to his service tomorrow. Students sprinting in skivvies at UT! (SFW) more ›