December 2012 Issue

Trigger: The Life of Willie Nelson’s Guitar

Most guitars don’t have names. This one has a voice and a personality, and bears a striking resemblance to his owner.

The Innocent Man, Part Two

Michael Morton spent 25 years wrongfully imprisoned for the brutal murder of his wife. How did it happen? And who is to blame?

The Unsinkable Lisa Blue

Her husband, Fred Baron, helped bankroll John Edwards's presidential campaign, only to die of cancer amid the most sordid political scandal in recent history. But before long, Dallas's newest rainmaker had emerged from the wreckage—with every hair in place.

11/22/2013

In one year the eyes of the world will turn to Dallas's Dealey Plaza for the fiftieth anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination. Is the city ready?

Scout’s Dishonor

An Eagle Scout wrestles with what’s happened to the organization he loved. 

The Texanist: Is It Wrong to Taxidermy Your Pet Dog?

My husband wants to taxidermy our dog when he goes to that big yard in the sky. I don’t. Can I convince him this is wrong? Illustration by Jack UnruhQ: Our family dog is getting on in age, and my husband and I have begun to

Medicine Brawl

Sure, Rick Perry doesn't want to expand Medicaid. But can he afford not to?

You Can’t Stop Renu Khator

The only female university chancellor in Texas (and president of the University of Houston) on her quest for Tier One status.

5 Things You’ll Be Talking About in December

1. When Tea Parties Attack! Article III, Section 9, of the constitution of the state of Texas tells us that when a new session of the House of Representatives is seated, its first order of business is to elect a Speaker. What the constitution doesn’t tell us is that the Speaker’s election

The White-Tailed Deer

Ever wonder about that fellow in the crosshairs?

Laughter and Brimstone

Matt Chandler's youthful take on that old-time religion, at Flower Mound's Village Church.

Ghost Riders

The tough road of a cyclist who insisted on racing clean during the era of Lance Armstrong and doping.

Masters of Peace

Did domestic protests end the U.S.-Mexican War?

Sax & Drugs & Rock & Roll

Bobby Keys and the Rolling Stones: behind one of pop music's most famous solos.

Into the Wild

Leaving Valentine for the first big trip.

Purée Country

Culinary whiz kid Matt McCallister settles down at the surprising, new FT33.

December’s must-attend concerts, shows, and festivals.

Pearl-Snap Shirts

For when you need a beautiful shirt that can be removed quickly.

Cliff Notes

With three days in Dallas’s historic Oak Cliff, my mantra was “Shop, eat, repeat.”

Pozole Rojo

We hold (the perfection of) this stew to be self-evident.

Medicine Sprawl

Why Medicaid expansion is a bad idea.

Carrot Purée

From FT33, in Dallas.

Eight Great Trigger Performances

From "I'm a Memory" to "Here We Go Again," listen to eight performances that highlight the capabilities of Willie Nelson's treasured guitar.

Meet the Man Who is Helping Make Texas an Art Destination

How Gary Tinterow, the new director of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is convincing the art world that Texas is a must-stop destination for major exhibitions.

Response to Ennis

Dissecting Bobby Keys’ Saxophone Solo on “Brown Sugar”

There's more to the performance than meets the ear.

The Drop Everything List

Bob “Daddy-O” Wade's new exhibition, the Robisons Family Thanksgiving Show, The Santaland Diaries, and Bob Schneider . . .

The Dallas Arts Scene Is Ready for Its Close-Up

As the fiftieth anniversary of the JFK assassination approaches, the eyes of the world will be upon the city, and its cultural leaders are prepared for the attention.

The Drop Everything List

Underground Kingz, Sandra Cisneros, Wassailfest, and Phillip Glass . . .

A Holiday Gift Guide for Music Lovers

Gary Clark Jr.'s newest set, Blak and Blu, and five other albums by local artists.

The Drop Everything List

Kenny Rogers, Stallion Boots Trunk Show, the Wyeths Across Texas, and Bill Clinton . . .

A Field Guide to the Pearl

Where to eat, shop, and stay at the Pearl complex in San Antonio.

Brand Man

Meet Vinny Minchillo, one of the creative forces behind Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign.

The Drop Everything List

Patty Griffin and "Her Driver," Painted Churches Tour, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Masterpieces from the Prado . . .