Texas - PhotoTrice

Texas for the New Century

I’ve been living in Texas off and on since 1980 and exclusively since 1989. I guess you could say the place has grown on me some. Texas for the new century is a land of opportunity. People here are invariably optimistic friendly and deeply committed to making the state better tomorrow than it is today. There is room here for anyone willing to seize the moment.

This project started out as a convenient way to learn how to build reusable information widgets. It was a fun exercise and hopefully I’ll be able to use the components in another project.

Duck and Cover

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Flash Dance – Duck and Cover

When I was a kid the U.S and the Soviet Union engaged the people of the world in a game of nuclear brinkmanship. As Americans we were proud of our side. Ours were Nukes for peace.

Unfortunately I lived downwind from those above ground weapons tests; ‘Shots’ they were proudly called. No matter, the government said we were safe. How could we be so naive as to believe that? It was the times I suppose.

In school we were taught everything we needed to know when the attack came. We learned the dance of life called Duck and Cover. Always remember if you see a flash in the sky Duck and Cover. Hug the curb or hide under your desk until it’s safe to find shelter. Find shelter? It was so simple. Any grade school child knew what to do.

In the mid-century our goals and enemies were clear. We were masters of the world. The red star, whether it was planted in the East or off our Caribbean shores was what we had to fear. It was a simple binary choice, us or them.

All we had to do as citizens was remember which door to enter.

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Jazz Night

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Jazz Night

Photographing musical performance is something I really enjoy. Fortunately musicians of all types are drawn to Central Texas because of the music scene in Austin. You might say the area is a target rich environment for photographers.

This photo was made at an outdoor music event called Jazz a’Round in Helotes Texas. The evening of music is really part of a small town summer festival you might find anywhere in the Midwest. I’m not sure why they program jazz considering it takes place within sight of a well known Honky Tonk.

On this particular evening I had the good fortune to get close enough to rest my camera on the front edge of the stage for most of the performance. That is simply not possible at most venues but once in a while luck smiles down on a poor camera jockey. When that happens step up do your best.

The event was sponsored in part by a local radio station KRTU 91.7Jazz. Most people don’t think of excellence and college radio at the same time but it is simply the best jazz station around. The nice thing is you don’t have to take my word on this because you can listen for yourself on the web from anywhere in the world. Give’m a try they won’t disappoint.