"I only did it because I love this land, where I have the freedom to say, and to think, and to charge whatever I want!"
--Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, owner of the Kwik-E-Mart on The Simpsons

The words of the fictional Mr. Nahasapeemapetilon are wise. They point to the link between freedom of expression and the free market. Which brings us to our annual Best of Dallas issue.

We truly believe this issue is a wonderful service to our loyal (and casual) readers. It explores the people, places and baubles we think are the best in town. It also gives you a chance to weigh in with your opinions. The voices of readers and writers join in beautiful harmony as we sing the praises of our fine city.

But let's not fool ourselves. This issue is many more pages than normal. It takes a tremendous amount of work by the editorial and production staff to put it out. And we are, by nature, lazy. So if our Best of Dallas issue wasn't our most profitable issue by far every year--i.e., if it didn't fill our coffers with thousands upon thousands of sweet dollar bills--then there is no way in hell we would go through the trouble. We'd stick another scandal-of-the-week on the cover and be home in time to watch the 6 o'clock Friends rerun. But since it is editorially and commercially beloved, do not fear: We will always be there for you, the Best of Dallas fans. Every year. Forever.

This year, our theme is "Our Dallas Mavericks!" We celebrate people whose "maverick" attitude makes the city super-duper great. Neat, huh?

So thank you, Dallas. Thank you for voting your conscience. Thank you for reading all 50,000 words of the Best of Dallas section. Thank you for cutting us checks. The circle of life continues. And that is the Best news of all. --The editors