My father was a hard-hitting newspaperman, but he was also an old softy. That helps explain why until his death two years ago this month, he and I were members of a mutual admiration society.

A businessman with the Western virtues of courage and self-reliance. An aloof aristocrat who bought his way into Republican politics. Who is the real David Dewhurst, and why are so many people so unenthusiastic about his campaign for lieutenant governor?

On June 7 the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame opens in - where else? - Cowtown. So saddle up and mosey on over to this tribute to such illustrious women of the West as Tad Lucas, Dale Evans, and Sandra Day O'Connor.

Pat Green’s fans—and they are legion—love his songs about the joys of Luckenbach and Lone Star beer. His critics—also legion—think his lyrics are trite. But no matter how you feel about him, there’s no denying that he’s the hottest country music act in Texas. And that he has made the state cool again.

Nothing advertises your Texas bona fides more these days than a pair of handmade cowboy boots. Here's everything you need to know about them - how to tell a vamp from a pull, which toe style is right with a suit - and where to buy the best.

A year ago old friends Paul Begala and Mark McKinnon mixed it up in these pages over the president's job performance. Now the die-hard Democrat and the loyal Bushie are back for a rematch, wrestling with tax cuts, the war on terrorism, and more. And the winner is. . .

Communicating with Karen Hughes.

Compaq and Hewlett-Packard have completed the largest merger in the history of the technology industry, but is that good news for Houston and Texas?

What happens to your belief in God when your son commits suicide after being molested by a priest? That's a question Nancy and Pat Lemberger have been struggling with for years.

Three sites near Del Rio with outstanding examples of rock art makes learning about ancient history fun for moms and dads. Kids too.

Plenty of buzz and a distinctive menu couldn't keep Austin's Star Canyon from closing after just fourteen months. I didn't see it coming, but now I know one recipe for
recipe for failure.

When general manager John Hart arrived in Arlington last November, he promised to turn the Texas Rangers into winners. Then the team got off to its worst start in history. Some things never change.

Why have Americans fallen for Longhorns hoof, line, and sinker?

The lyrical life of Elisabeth Wagner is celebrated.

Dallas schools superintendent Mike Moses makes progress—and more money than anyone else.

In praise of old stogies.