Heath Ledger

photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Dallas Morning News

Heath Ledger, who stars in the rock-based movie "A Knight's Tale," explains how the director sought input from various sources to create the production at The Crescent Hotel in Dallas on April 24, 2001.

Heath Ledger greets at a friend at The Crescent Hotel in Dallas.



In one minute "The Dark Knight" will begin showing in theaters across America. The movie stars the late Heath Ledger as a disturbingly dark incarnation of The Joker. Even before it opens, critics are proclaiming the movie as Ledger's finest work.

I haven't seen the movie yet, but Fayrouz and I plan to see it. Fay wants to see it because Ledger was a fellow Aussie. I'm anxious to see the movie because all the reviews paint the character as the polar opposite of the person I met.

I was assigned to shoot Ledger at an ultra-exclusive hotel in Dallas. He was talking with the reporter over breakfast when I arrived.

He was promoting "A Knight's Tale." It was released after "The Patriot," but before "Brokeback Mountain."

I got some standard over-the-shoulder shots during the interview (top), and then was allowed a few minutes with Ledger to make some additional images in the courtyard (bottom).

The courtyard had a nice fountain. I was about to ask him to sit on the side of the fountain when I noticed a honeybee was already there. Since we have Africanized bees ("killer bees") in Texas, I wasn't keen on letting any bee sting a movie star. So, I scooped the little bugger into the fountain.

It was a bad decision on my part.

Ledger and I spent the next 10 minutes trying to save it. I kept thinking it would sting him, and I'd be responsible. Meanwhile, my shooting time meter continued to count down. Groovy.

Nonetheless, once the bee was safe and sound, we got back to the shoot. Ledger was accommodating, and I got some decent shots.

I'm telling this story because it shows what a nice guy he was. If the critics are right about his upcoming performance, it's a tribute to his ability to play roles contradictory to his nature.

Go see "The Dark Knight," and get wrapped up in the character playing on the screen. Then remember this is the actor who wasn't willing to hurt a honeybee. Factor this tidbit into the equation when evaluating the effectiveness of the character and actor.

Enough for now,

'Tis Frank McCourt

Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Author Frank McCourt (right) laughs as junior Kalan Payne, an education major, (left) talks after a presentation in the John Gray Center Auditorium at Lamar University in Beaumont on Thursday, April 10, 2008. Payne explained her mother wouldn't allow her to read McCourt's book "Angela's Ashes" for eight years.

Frank McCourt happens to be Fayrouz's favorite author. While I'm not thrilled with the image she picked (thus, it's not on this blog), you can read her post about McCourt autographing her collection.

James A. Baker III press meeting

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Former secretary of state James A. Baker III speaks at the Texas Energy Museum in Beaumont on Thursday, March 13, 2008.


Former secretary of state James A. Baker III speaks at the Texas Energy Museum. Baker was secretary of the treasury under President Ronald Reagan and secretary of state under President George H.W. Bush.

For those interested, here's a video I made from most of the short session.

Bill Clinton stumps in Beaumont

Video © Mark M. Hancock / The Beaumont Enterprise

Former President Bill Clinton stumps for his wife Hillary in Beaumont, Texas. He also explains a little-known-fact about the Democratic caucus system in Texas, which allows Texas voters to legally vote twice.

Please also see Hillary Clinton's speech and Barack Obama's speech.
 

Tracy Byrd fishing tour promo

Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Mike Hebert, president of Texas Marine, (left) shares a laugh with Country and Western singing legend Tracy Byrd (right) at the boat dealership in Beaumont on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008. Byrd was at the dealership to promote the upcoming Beaumont Boys Bash annual Big Bass Tournament. The tournament benefits several area charities.

Circuit City Cowboy and Cheerleaders

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Former Dallas Cowboy Jay Novacek plays catch with employees before the grand opening of the new Circuit City Superstore near Parkdale Mall in Beaumont on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008.


Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Whitney Ott (right) acts angered as former Dallas Cowboy Jay Novacek (left) asks for a pen during the grand opening of the new Circuit City Superstore near Parkdale Mall.


Former Dallas Cowboy Jay Novacek talks with fans during the grand opening of the new Circuit City Superstore near Parkdale Mall. Autographed balls and souvenirs were sold with the proceeds benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of Beaumont.



Former Dallas Cowboy Jay Novacek (from left to right) as well as Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders Whitney Ott and Laura Beke sign autographs for fans during the grand opening of the new Circuit City Superstore.


Rayshawn Morris, 7, of Beaumont (center) finds it difficult to remember how to spell his name while speaking to Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders Whitney Ott (left) and Laura Beke (right) during the grand opening of the new Circuit City Superstore in Beaumont.

Moore music

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

John "Bubba" Moore and his musical family including his grandson Kevinlynn Moore, father Shirley Moore and son David Adam Moore pose for a portrait at the family homestead in Vidor on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007. All four generations of the Moore family have musical abilities. "Bubba" Moore has a platinum-selling record with Tracy Byrd while David Adam Moore performs in New York operas.


David Adam Moore poses for a portrait at the family homestead in Vidor. While coming from a family of Country and Western icons, David Adam Moore has become a world-class operatic singer in New York.

Please read, "Vidor family's generational repertoire..." by Jane McBride, and hear samples of each generation's music.

Pimp C funeral

Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Friends and family attend the funeral service of UGK rapper Chad "Pimp C" Butler at Robert A. Bob Bowers Civic Center in Port Arthur on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007. Hundreds of fans braved the cold and rain to attend and pay their respects to the rapper and his family.


Video © Mark M. Hancock / NewsEagles

Friends, family and fans gather for the funeral service of rapper Chad "Pimp C" Butler in Port Arthur on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007. Video features brief after-funeral interviews with Diamond White, Nickey Ephriam, Clarence Griffin and DJ Bird.

Please read "Pimp C Funeral" by Fred Davis.

Dallas Cowboys visit Orange

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Misty Duncan (from left to right) and Christina Parker talk with Bay Quebodeaux, 9, during an autograph session at David Self Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Inc. in Orange on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007.


Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (right) talks to West Orange-Stark High School coach Dan Hooks (left) at David Self Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Inc. in Orange. Jones was in town to promote his team, Ford and the Player of the Week program.

Why would the Cowboys visit Orange, Texas?
Cowboys' new head coach Wade Phillips is from Orange, Texas.

Who else might be from around here?
Former Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson is from Port Arthur.

Phillips is the third head coach from Texas. Y'all might have heard of the other one. His name is Tom Landry.

Landry and Johnson each won two Super Bowls for the Cowboys. The Cowboys have won five Super Bowls. So, four of five wins are from Texas coaches and two of five are already from Southeast Texas.

I think Jones may be expecting at least another pair from the son of Houston Oilers' former coach "Bum" Phillips. In regular season play this year, the Cowboys are 2-0.

However, I still haven't watched an NFL game (or bought Canon products) since the NFL vestvertising program. Yes, it's small, and PJs can put tape over the logo, but it's still silly.

Enough for now,

Hotel Rwanda's personal lesson

Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Paul Rusesabagina, whose actions saved more than 1,200 people and inspired the movie "Hotel Rwanda," speaks with students during a question-and-answer meeting in the Montagne Center at Lamar University in Beaumont on Monday, March 26, 2007.

Fayrouz also went and was impressed by Rusesabagina's story and message. Please read, "Meeting The Real Hero of Hotel Rwanda."

La Madeleine

(Both images) Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright speaks with the media at the Texas Energy Museum in Beaumont on Thursday, March 1, 2007. She was later the guest speaker for the annual Texas Energy Museum Blowout 2007.

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Celeb Look-a-likes

Southeast Texas celebrity look-a-likes pose for a portrait at The Beaumont Enterprise in Beaumont on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2007. Look-a-likes from top to bottom are Jeanette Graves (as Shirley Jones), Donna Simon (as Wynona Judd), Mary Ellen Barilucci (as Jodie Foster), Jim Hamilton (as Jeff Foxworthy) and Josh Carter (as Woody Harrelson).

Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

The newspaper has an interactive vote today for which local resident looks the most like a celebrity. Please read "Famous Faces: Southeast Texans look like stars" by Becky Bowman and cast a vote (no subscription required).

Orlando Brown visits magnet school

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Disney television star Orlando Brown of "That's So Raven" talks with Smith Middle School principal Carol Batiste at the school in Beaumont on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007.


Disney television star Orlando Brown laughs with students at Smith Middle School. Brown visited the school during their winter ball to help celebrate the school's new status as the Science and medical Technology Magnet middle school of the BISD.
 

Cameron hospital reconstruction

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Former President George H. Bush (left) and actor George Clooney (right) participate in a ceremony to mark the rebuilding of South Cameron Memorial Hospital in Cameron, La. on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006.

Actor George Clooney speaks during a ceremony to mark the rebuilding of South Cameron Memorial Hospital in Cameron, La. The hospital was destroyed by Hurricane Rita on Sept. 24, 2005.



Actor George Clooney meets with attendees after a ceremony to mark the rebuilding of South Cameron Memorial Hospital in Cameron, La.


Construction has begun on the rebuilding of South Cameron Memorial Hospital in Creole, La. on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006.

Contractors Steve Turner (from left to right), Keven O'Brien, Doug Pink and Rick Linder inspect hospital construction following a ceremony to mark the rebuilding of South Cameron Memorial Hospital in Creole, La.

Please read "Actor Clooney, former president deliver $2 million check for Cameron hospital" by Christine Rappleye.
 

A happy story becomes sad

Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Vidor native George Jones gets a star in the Ford Park Hall of Fame at Ford Park in Beaumont on Friday, March 24, 2006. Jones began his career singing on a Beaumont radio station.

George Jones and Merle Haggard performed in Beaumont. George Jones, the legendary Country and Western singer from Vidor, got his start on a Beaumont radio station and was returning home for a performance with another singing legend.

Ford Park inducted Jones into the Ford Park Hall of Fame. It was a pleasant event with many local well-wishers and smiles abounding. Later, he performed a concert at the sold-out arena.

Unfortunately, Jones' promoters demanded an access contract minutes before the concert. So, we have no concert images.

Luckily, newspaper management supported me and allowed me to back away gracefully. However, other PJs should anticipate this contract wherever this tour travels.
 

Tennis star visits school

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Tennis coach Benny Sims gives a Black History Month motivational talk at Dunbar Elementary School in Beaumont on Friday, Feb. 24, 2006. Sims graduated from Dunbar when it was a junior high school. He was the first African-American to participate in a major pro tennis tour. He currently coaches international tennis star Chandra Rubin.


International tennis star Chandra Rubin gives a motivational talk at Dunbar Elementary School in Beaumont. Rubin was ranked No. 6 in the world, and has reached the 4th round of all four Grand Slam Tournaments.


Read more about Chandra Rubin here.


Images are part of the Charlton-Pollard series.

Grilled grin

Lil Roe, a Beaumont-based rapper and recording artist with Go Gettas Entertainment, shows off his mouth grill at a recording studio in Beaumont on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005. Many hip-hop performers are opting for million-dollar smiles with gold and diamonds.

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise


Lil Roe shows off his mouth grill at a recording studio in Beaumont. The grill inserts over teeth like a retainer.

Falcon tunes

Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Todd Falcon tunes his guitar at the Police Activities League's Five-O Skate Park in Beaumont on Saturday, July 9, 2005. The pro skateboard star appeared with his demo team and band to promote his skateboard DVD and music CD.

Gossett promotes humanity

Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

The Rev. George Clements (left) and Louis Gossett Jr. (right) applaud a speaker during a press conference at the Hotel Elegante in Beaumont Thursday, June 16, 2004. They are in town in honor of the One Church One Child 25th anniversary. Planned events of the "Juneteenth Celebration" include a movie viewing of "The Father Clements Story" and a golf tournament.

In the 1987 television movie being screened, Gossett portrayed Clements, who founded the One Church One Child organization to recruit, train, and support families and individuals who want to adopt or foster children.

Deadline pop quiz: Where in the AP Stylebook can a journalist find the guidelines to write the title of a clergy member?
The answer is in the comments section.

Compare the celebrities

Most folks who read this blog were probably surprised by yesterday's image. Those who regularly visit, probably guessed there was some catch to the post. There is. Today's image should clear any confusion.

I recently wrote about how news' visual priorities have changed. In many cases, they have also become lighter and overly concerned with celebrities. Celebrities don't make readers want to cancel subscriptions. They are not a challenge to the status quo. So, I wanted to juxtapose some images and see if other PJs see this situation the same way I do.

In both images, the celebrities are using their name and fame for promotional purposes. Both celebrities mixed and mingled with local folks and spread goodwill. I have no issue with this. It was nice of them both to visit Beaumont. Both were extremely accommodating to the local media as well as kind and available to their fans.

The difference was the intent. One celebrity came to promote a product and hoped to increase sales. The image ran in the Business section. The other celebrity came to promote an issue and hoped to salvage young lives. The image ran on the Page 1 with a follow-up story about the golf tournament the second day.

I want to expand greatly upon the subject of doing good deeds with what we have and who is considered a celebrity, but it's not fair to these particular celebrities. So, I'll save it for another day.

For now, I'll wonder aloud. Wouldn't the planet be a better place if more celebrities tried to help the people who helped them?

No, I can't afford the furniture. No, I can't afford to adopt a child. However, when I want to see a video, guess whose movies I'll rent.

Enough for now,