Tropical Storm Edouard hits

A monument to the victims of the Storm of 1900 stands on the Galveston Sea Wall as swimmers mock Tropical Storm Edouard in Galveston on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008. The storm's eye came ashore near High Island, Texas in Galveston County.

photos © Mark M. Hancock / DFWmark.com



Swimmers mock Tropical Storm Edouard in Galveston. Some flooding is expected throughout the region as the storm moves further inland.


Many businesses remain closed as Tropical Storm Edouard blows through Galveston.


The Robert C. Lanier ferry of the Texas Department of Transportation's fleet continues operations across the Galveston Bay during Tropical Storm Edouard.


Flags struggle to stay attached in Tropical Storm Edouard's winds at an RV Park near Rollover Pass in Gilchrist.


Gulls fly backwards in Tropical Storm Edouard's winds as an RV Park near Rollover Pass floods in Gilchrist.


Carol Vidrine holds her head as several feet of water flood her home in Gilchrist during Tropical Storm Edouard.


A beach house is isolated by floodwater as Tropical Storm Edouard continues in Gilchrist.


Wooden lawn objects and a dock wash through a Gilchrist neighborhood during Tropical Storm Edouard.


Gilchrist neighbors Curtis Morgan (left) and P.J. Vidrine (right) swap tales during the tail end of Tropical Storm Edouard.


Timmy Daigle rides an all-terrain vehicle through his neighborhood during Tropical Storm Edouard in Gilchrist.


Gilchrist neighbors P.J. Vidrine (left) and Curtis Morgan (right) examine wreckage from a beach house balcony during the tail end of Tropical Storm Edouard.


Timmy Daigle (bottom) checks on his neighbors Carol Vidrine (left) and her mother Juanita Hall (right) during Tropical Storm Edouard in Gilchrist.


Curtis Morgan sits on the side of his hot tub and waits for waters to recede during Tropical Storm Edouard in Gilchrist.


Entergy employees Terry Phillips (left) and Alvin Sullivan (right) work to restore power during Tropical Storm Edouard in High Island. Thousands of residents were left without power in Jefferson and Chambers Counties. The storm's eye came ashore near High Island, Texas.


Please also see Calm before Edouard.

Calm before Edouard

photos © Mark M. Hancock / ZUMA

Maintenance worker Rickie Mosley installs storm shutters on a rental property in Galveston in preparation of Tropical Storm Edouard on Monday, Aug. 4, 2008. The storm is expected to hit Galveston County on Tuesday morning as a Category 1 hurricane.


Maintenance worker Rickie Mosley (left) and resident Anthony Kennison install storm shutters on a rental property in Galveston.


Flowers grow in the dead air near the Flagship Hotel in Galveston as Tropical Storm Edouard grows in the Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center has issued a Hurricane Watch from West of Intracoastal City, La. to Port O'Connor, Texas.


Miguel Tecuanhuey of San Antonio makes the most of the waves in the Gulf of Mexico near Galveston Beach.



A dog retrieves a ball from the Gulf of Mexico on Galveston Beach as Tropical Storm Edouard starts to show in Galveston.


Lauren Bronstein, 15, (clockwise from top, left), Spencer Hoffman, 14, Hannah Hoffman, 12, and Briana Bronstein, 11, play on Galveston Beach.




(above) A gull rests as anglers fish on a jetty near Galveston Beach as Tropical Storm Edouard approaches.

(left) A man rides a unicycle along the Sea Wall in Galveston.



Texas Department of Transportation ferries continue to operate on a calm Galveston Bay as Tropical Storm Edouard approaches Galveston. The main shipping channel was closed to tankers.


Daniel Munoz boards up his bicycle and surrey rental shop on the Galveston Sea Wall in preparation of Tropical Storm Edouard in Galveston. The storm is expected to hit Galveston County on Tuesday morning.

Please also see Tropical Storm Edouard hits

Wish you were here

A Texas Department of Transportation sign in Shenandoah warns motorists on Interstate 45 in preparation of Tropical Storm Edouard on Monday, Aug. 4, 2008.

© Mark M. Hancock / ZUMA


The storm is expected to hit Galveston County on Tuesday morning as a Category 1 hurricane. The National Hurricane Center has issued a Hurricane Watch from West of Intracoastal City, La. to Port O'Connor, Texas.

Please also see: Calm before Edouard and Tropical Storm Edouard hits.

Cowtown Drag Boat Nationals

The engine of Doug Verstuyft's top fuel hydro boat undergoes repairs in the pits before the Cowtown Drag Boat Nationals at Marine Creek Lake in Fort Worth on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008.

photos © Mark M. Hancock / ZUMA



Wayne Hopf works on the the engine of Doug Verstuyft's San Antonio-based top fuel hydro boat in the pits before the Cowtown Drag Boat Nationals. The event was a point event for the Southern Drag Boat Association's High Point Series Championship and drew competitors from across the United States and Canada.


Ricky Sanchez of Caldwell, Texas works on his modified eliminator boat in the pits before the Cowtown Drag Boat Nationals.


The sign on a boat notes the sports' difference during the competition in Fort Worth.


Todd Byler with Lone Star Tow Boats checks the lanes before the Cowtown Drag Boat Nationals on Marine Creek Lake in Fort Worth.


Jerrett Silvey of New Braunfels, Texas leaps his top fuel hydro from the rope during the Cowtown Drag Boat Nationals. The straight, quarter-mile runs can be completed in about five seconds by the fastest top fuel hydroplane boats.


Daryl Ehrlich of Midland, Texas (No. 318, left) jumps to start a top fuel hydro race. The fastest boats deploy parachutes designed to scoop water at the end of the run.


Randy Benson (No. 411) powers his pro modified boat to an easy win during the Cowtown Drag Boat Nationals.


A disappointed Doug Verstuyft of San Antonio (center) get towed back to the ramp after his engine caught fire during the Cowtown Drag Boat Nationals.


Steve Westerfield of Lake Forest, Calif. (No. 440, left) and Marcus Kinsey of Marble Falls, Texas (No. 079, right) race blown alcohol boats at Marine Creek Lake.


Ronnie Hodge of San Antonio goes airborne in his modified eliminator boat during a Cowtown Drag Boat Nationals race in Fort Worth.


Vic Fugate of Fort Worth (No. 314, right) takes the lead in his top eliminator boat in Fort Worth.


Garrett Everett of San Angelo, Texas (No. 000, bottom) races against Kevin Crane of Lubbock (No. 065, top) during a stock eliminator run.


Kevin Conklin (No. 828, left) of Midland, Texas races against Ronnie Hays of Oklahoma City (No. 7771, right) in the top eliminator class.


Gary Payne of Lorena, Texas (No. 372, left) races against Brett Cheadle of Tomball, Texas (No. 006, right) in a modified eliminator run during the Cowtown Drag Boat Nationals at Marine Creek Lake in Fort Worth.

Photoshop CS2 & CS3 tips

I still suggest the original steps for images where time isn't an issue and quality is important. The steps are accurate and largely predictable and tend to produce consistently professional work.

It's also best for new PJs. The following steps are designed for PJs who've been at this a while (and can manually fix problems) and own a newer version of Photoshop.

The Photoshop program has evolved since my first post, so I'll address useful new features. With CS2 and CS3, there are some amazingly fast options for deadline PJs trying to crank out images fast or a high volume of images (for slideshows or freelance "event" photos).

These options won't work on all images. Again, if any step doesn't look correct, back up in History and work the image the "old fashioned" way from the point it strays.

CS-2&3 adjustments:
Open a generic .jpg file and crop to taste. Create the following Actions to maximize process speed:

1. Auto Color (Shft+Ctrl+B)
2. Set Shadow/Highlights (the Ansel Adams button)
      Shadow = 1
      Highlights = 4
3. Set Brightness / Contrast (for deeper blacks)
      Brightness = -1
      Contrast = 4
4. Set Unsharp Mask (as final step once image is fully toned)
      Amount = 110%
      Radius = 0.5 pixels
      Threshold = 0

If you're really lucky, the generic image should look good. Add 3 | 0 | 255 to the Input Channel in Levels, and you should be done. Save As (rename), put the Actions back into Button mode and move to the next image.

For extra speed, combine all the actions above under a single button and lable it "Feeling Lucky." If you're truly lucky, the one button will do it all. If not, back up through the History to find the problem and manually continue from there.

I'd also suggest creating a Similar, Grow, Feather button to fine tune the highlights and shadows to taste.

The five action buttons should be able to handle most images. They can be combined into a batch command (or the "Feeling Lucky" button) with a catch folder to handle most high-volume assignments efficiently.

In these circumstances, Copy selected images into an additional folder to protect the originals before starting the batch command. Go through the output folder and check for incorrectly-toned images. Redo those images manually the original way.

Enough for now,

Bello's historic tightrope act

Bello, named "America's Best Clown" by Time magazine, greets fans during an Elephant Party in the AT&T Plaza at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Tuesday, July 29, 2008. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus opens July 30 and continues through Aug. 10, 2008.

photos © Mark M. Hancock / ZUMA



Fans watch as Bello walks a tightrope over the AT&T Plaza at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. It was the first time the stunt has been performed in Dallas.


Bello walks a tightrope over the AT&T Plaza past the American Airlines Center sign in Dallas. Bello is the lead performer in Ringling's Red Tour titled "Bellobration."



Bello carefully steps over a sway rope as he walks a tightrope over the AT&T Plaza. The tightrope was 108-feet high, 160-feet long and featured no safety net.


Bello celebrates after safely walking a tightrope over the AT&T Plaza at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. It was the first time the stunt has been performed in Dallas. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus opens July 30 and continues through Aug. 10, 2008.


Please also see "Ringling Bros. Circus hits Dallas"

Ringling Bros. Circus hits Dallas

photos © Mark M. Hancock / ZUMA

Dallas Urban Skaters (from left to right) Mary Savage, Gloria Berry, Michael Lites and J.W. Ney prepare to greet the circus before an Elephant Party at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Tuesday, July 29, 2008.


Breanna Inocando, 2, of Euless plays with a bubble machine before an Elephant Party in the AT&T Plaza at the American Airlines Center. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Red Tour opens July 30 and continues through Aug. 10, 2008.



Dallas Urban Skaters member Gloria Berry of Arlington has a laugh with guests before an Elephant Party.



Children play with a bubble machine before an Elephant Party in the AT&T Plaza.


Triniti Houston, 5, of Dallas keeps an eye on the outdoor television screen as she eat ice cream during an Elephant Party.



Circus fans watch as Asian elephants devour a feast during an Elephant Party at the American Airlines Center.


Ringling Bros. clowns Julio and Paulo juggle for fans during an Elephant Party in the AT&T Plaza.



Hannah Hughes, 3, (left) and her father Charles Hughes of North Richland Hills (right) watch clowns perform during an Elephant Party in the AT&T Plaza at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus opens July 30 and continues through Aug. 10, 2008.


Please also see "Bello's historic tightrope act."

The World's Largest Hair Art & Fashion Show

photos © Mark M. Hancock / ZUMA

Members of the Corje' Dancers perform a routine during The World's Largest Hair Art & Fashion Show at American Airlines Center in Dallas on Sunday, July 27, 2008.


Singer and actress Rhona Bennett of En Vogue entertains during The World's Largest Hair Art & Fashion Show at American Airlines Center. Proceeds from the event benefit Haircuts for the Helpless and Homeless (HHH). Bennett is the official spokesperson for the HHH organization.



Members of the Corje' Dancers perform during The World's Largest Hair Art & Fashion Show.


Members of the Corje' Dancers perform a routine during The World's Largest Hair Art & Fashion Show. HHH provides barber and beauty-salon services at homeless shelters and other locations.


Notti Brasco performs during The World's Largest Hair Art & Fashion Show. Her single "I'ma Get Ya" is currently No. 10 on the Billboard R&B / Hip-Hop single sales.



Notti Brasco performs at American Airlines Center in Dallas. She is about to release a second song that she performed during the show.



Blu family members of Dallas-based Southern Kingdom perform during The World's Largest Hair Art & Fashion Show. Family members are (from left to right) Rodney, Jr., 18; Rodney; Rikki, 16; Jazzmyn, 17; and Joni Blu.


Models strut their styles during The World's Largest Hair Art & Fashion Show.


Singer and actress Rhona Bennett of En Vogue entertains during show. Bennett will release a solo album soon. She was part of the New Mickey Mouse Club alongside Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake and J.C. Chasez (of 'N Sync) among others.





Model Grace O. (right) takes the runway during The World's Largest Hair Art & Fashion Show at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Proceeds from the event benefit Haircuts for the Helpless and Homeless, which provides barber and beauty-salon services at homeless shelters and other locations.

DALLAS -- Hair fashion, music and styles took the stage during The World's Largest Hair Art & Fashion Show at American Airlines Center on Sunday, July 27, 2008. Proceeds from the event benefited Haircuts for the Helpless and Homeless, which provides mobile barber and beauty-salon services at homeless shelters and other locations.
Ronnie Mac, owner of Shops & Salons Network, organized and presented the team hair styling event. The event features hair art logos and a fashion show with clothing and accessories made of human hair.
Guest stars included Rhona Bennett of En Vogue, recording artist Notti Brasco and wellness expert Dr. Lawana Gladney.
Bennett joined En Vogue in 2003. She was replacing Dawn Robinson, who departed the group and has since returned.
Bennett has 11 acting credits, one soundtrack, and six credits as herself (as part of En Vogue). She was nominated for the Young Artist Awards in 1993 as part of the New Mickey Mouse Club television series. On the Disney program, she acted alongside Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake and J.C. Chasez (of 'N Sync) among others.
Bennett recorded a self-titled album for Sony that was only released in Japan and has become a collectors' item. She announced an upcoming release of a solo album during the hair and fashion show.
Gladney is president of Emotional Wellness, Inc. and the author of " If I Have To Tell You One More Time: 6 Keys to Motivating Your Kids" and " You can't be sick… I have to work: 50 Tips to Emotional Wellness for Working Mothers." She is also a radio talk show host and motivational speaker.

Please also see: Rehearsal and Backstage.