“Lonesome Dove” is one of the most popular Texas novels of all time — with many millions of copies sold since it was first published in 1985. The miniseries that followed in 1989 was the second most popular mini-series of all time, behind “Roots.”

But Texas Standard commentator WF Strong says author Larry McMurtry was never as much in love with the book as his fans were.

Editor’s note: There’s a misstatement in this commentary. The “Yes, a hell of a vision” line quoted from the book are not its last lines but towards the end of the novel.

The post The Historical Accuracy of Lonesome Dove appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Are there words that just trip you up every time you try to spell them? For the producer writing this script it’s allegience — allegiance — so many vowels. You know it’s bad when Word or Google can’t even make a guess at what you’re going for.

Texas Standard commentator WF Strong explores the most oft-misspelled words in Texas.

The post Texas Spelling Bee appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Most Texans believe that the Battle of San Jacinto settled everything. Once Mexican President Santa Anna was decisively defeated, he famously signed a treaty guaranteeing Texas independence and he would never again set foot on Texas soil…Right?

Well, commentator WF Strong reminds us that’s not what happened.

The post The Second Sacking of San Antonio appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

It’s been 50 years since the publication of Elmer Kelton’s now classic Texas novel, “The Time it Never Rained.” Kelton wrote 50 books and said this was his favorite — he called it his signature work. It won him both the Spur Award and the Western Heritage Award.

Many Texas literary critics consider “The Time it Never Rained” one of the top ten best novels ever written by a Texan about Texas — that includes our commentator WF Strong.

The post The 50th anniversary of ‘The Time It Never Rained’ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

If you’ve spent any time around farmers — you may have noticed a similar, pragmatic approach to life many share. Texas Standard Commentator WF Strong says it’s something he’s long observed.

The post Farmer Logic appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Technology has a role in helping us remember the past. Whether it’s a Facebook memory or a similar push from your photos app. But milestones have long played the same role — anniversaries, holidays, big changes in life.

Maybe it’s a relationship or your last great vacation.

Texas Standard commentator WF Strong has been recalling a certain road trip that took him 400 miles across the state… Along with him was his older brother, who he calls “Redneck Dave.”

This commentary first aired in April, 2020.

The post Things Redneck Dave said to me on the drive across Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

How much is a promise worth? How much is it worth if you guarantee the promise with a handshake? What is the value of one’s word? In Texas, once, all these taken together were worth over ten billion dollars in a court of law. Texas Standard commentator WF Strong has the story.

The post What a Handshake is Worth appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

One of Texas folklorist J. Frank Dobie’s favorite stories was the story of Sancho, the tamale-loving Longhorn. He heard it from John Rigby of Beeville, Texas. Dobie said that he figured Rigby had dressed up the story a bit and also admitted that he himself had done some “constructive work” on it over the years. Texas Standard commentator WF Strong brings us his own version.

The post Sancho appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

A couple of weeks ago, Texas Standard commentator WF Strong shared some news with a few members of our staff. Now, he’s ready to share it with all of you.

The post It’s My Turn appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Cicero said, “If you have a library and a garden, you have all that you need.” Texas Standard commentator WF Strong says you can begin to understand that wisdom when you enter the gates of Quinta Mazatlan. It’s an urban oasis in south McAllen.

The post Quinta Mazatlan appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.