The Alamo

Photos © Mark M. Hancock / DFWmark.com

Fayrouz Hancock tours The Alamo in San Antonio on Nov. 25, 2011.


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Fayrouz Hancock tours The Alamo in San Antonio.

Please also see Fayrouz's slideshow.

Christmas Eve dinner

Various specialty cheeses await guests during Christmas Eve dinner at our home in Plano on Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011.


Photos Mark M. Hancock / © DFWmark.com


Appetizing dips included Mark's guacamole, onion dip and salsa during Christmas Eve dinner at our home.


Appetizers are available for guests during Christmas Eve dinner at our home in Plano


Various specialty cheeses had a little action during Christmas Eve dinner in Plano.


Smoked chicken, barbecue sauce and smoked brisket are some of the meat choices during Christmas Eve dinner at our home.


Corn salad and mango salad are among the dinner choices during Christmas Eve dinner in Plano.



Deserts included a chocolate mousse Yule log, fruit tart, pecan tart and pineapple upside-down cake during Christmas Eve dinner at our home.






Desert included a chocolate mousse Yule log during Christmas Eve dinner at our home in Plano.

San Antonio churches

The golden alter at San Fernando Cathedral reflects lights on Nov. 26, 2011.


Photos © Mark M. Hancock / DFWmark.com

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Fayrouz Hancock tours the San Fernando Cathedral, St. Mary's Church and St. Joseph's Church in San Antonio.

Please also see Fayrouz's slideshow of the churches.

San Antonio Season's Greetings

A carafe of wine accompanies lunch at the Luciano restaurant as a barge navigates the cove inside Rivercenter Mall in San Antonio on Nov. 25, 2011.

Photos Mark M. Hancock / © DFWmark.com


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San Antonio turns on the lights near The Alamo and along the Riverwalk during Thanksgiving weekend 2011.

Southlake vs. Martin football championship

Southlake Carroll senior Matt Swoyer (30) tries to intercept a pass intended for Arlington Martin junior Eric Hughes (88) during the Class 5A Division I Region I championship football game at SMU's Ford Stadium in Dallas on Dec. 3, 2011.


photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News


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Southlake Carroll battles Arlington Martin during the rainy Class 5A Division I Region I championship football game at SMU's Ford Stadium in Dallas. The winner advanced to the state semifinals game.

Named in this slideshow are:  Eric Hughes, Dustin Flegle, Brodie Lambert, Kyle Hicks, Ben Sego, Stephen Amoako, Will Davis, Jeff Miller, Kenny Hill, Cameron Williams, Peyton Williams, Tanner Jacobson, Eric Hughes, Chris Turner, Cedric Fernandes, Nick Melocik, Matt Swoyer, Tony Holmes and Sabian Holmes.

Sahse vs. Longview football playoff

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Sachse senior Aaron Ballard (20) tries to pick off a pass intended for Longview senior Braden King (89) during a football playoff game at Kincaide Stadium in Dallas on Nov. 19, 2011.



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Sachse battles Longview during a football playoff game at Kincaide Stadium in Dallas.

Named in this slideshow are:   Billy Cole, Corey Bartley, Trent White, Brandon Durr, Nakia Brown, Jalen Porter, J'Haston Faggans, Deontre' Wilson, Bivins Caraway, Larry Thomas, Tyrique Edwards, Davatric Cooks, Jeff Guckenberg, Kent Myers, Aaron Ballard and Braden King.

Frisco Centennial vs. Conrad football playoff

Conrad junior Dominique Jones (4) bobbles a pass in front of Frisco Centennial senior Austin Conrad (16) during a Class 4A football second-round playoff game at Kimbrough Stadium in Murphy on Nov. 18, 2011.


photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News


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Conrad battles Frisco Centennial during a Class 4A football second-round playoff game at Kimbrough Stadium in Murphy.

Named in this slideshow are: Lamar Jordan, Deandre Jones, Jordan Miller, Kevin Smith, Silas Jefferson, Alex Kellum, Taydren Young, Ian Neithercut, Chaddrick Thomas, Darian McMahon, Jonnie Small, Zach McCown, Dominique Jones and Austin Conrad.

Garland vs. Berkner playoff football

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Berkner junior quarterback Yedidiah Louis (1) is wrapped up by Garland senior Ruben Fonseca (50) as other Owls surround the play during a Class 5A first-round high school football playoff game at Williams Stadium in Garland on Nov. 11, 2011.


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Berkner battles Garland during a Class 5A first-round high school football playoff game at Williams Stadium in Garland.

Named in this slideshow are: Jaylon Terrell, DraShane Glass, Ja'Taveon Green, Xavier Ezenagu, Moses Reyes, Trey Caldwell, Yedidiah Louis, Seth Russell, Keylan Spencer, Rudy Aleman, Fred White, Ruben Fonseca, Gabe Horn, Sirderrious Caldwell and Nick Horton.

SMU vs. Tulane football

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

SMU wide receiver Darius Johnson (3) flies into the end zone for a touchdown against Tulane during a college football game at Ford Stadium at SMU in Dallas on Nov. 5, 2011.


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Southern Methodist University battles Tulane University during a college football game at Ford Stadium at SMU in Dallas.

Named in this slideshow are: Marquis Frazier, Taylor Thompson, Ryan Griffin, Zach Line, Austen Jacks, J.J. McDermott, Eric Jones, Aaron Davis, Darius Johnson, Ryan Travis, Der'rikk Thompson, Terrance Wilkerson, Jordan Sullen, Ja'Gared Davis, Orleans Darkwa, Margus Hunt, Taylor Reed, Cole Beasley, Trent Mackey, Robert Kelley and Chris Castro.

Richardson vs. Lake Highlands football

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Lake Highlands senior Zack Fleig (19) makes a reception as Richardson sophomores Noah King (25) and Kimbrick Jones (20) react during a high school football game between Richardson and Lake Highlands at Eagle-Mustang Stadium in Richardson on Nov. 4, 2011.


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Lake Highlands battles Richardson during a high school football game between Richardson and Lake Highlands at Eagle-Mustang Stadium in Richardson.

Named in this slideshow are: Parker Smith, Michael Ketchmark, Jacobi Johnson, Zack Fleig, Noah King, Kimbrick Jones, Michael Wright, Devonte Branch, Nick Thurman, Elbert Landry, Cameron Booty, Randall Howard, Garrett Reeves, Dalyn Hughes, Oscar Crosby and Scott Smith.

Sachse vs. South Garland football

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

South Garland senior Rashaad Dorsey (6) makes a one-handed catch for a touchdown after Sachse senior Aaron Ballard (20) tipped the ball during a high school football game at Homer B. Johnson Stadium in Garland on Oct. 28, 2011.



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South Garland battles Sachse during a high school football game at Homer B. Johnson Stadium in Garland.

Named in this slideshow are: Billy Cole, Dequincy Anderson, Trey Porter, Marquel McNac, Aaron Ballard, Marcus Hubbard, Tyler Holmes, Rashaad Dorsey, Jeff Guckenberg, Ezekial Spellman, Xavier Carroll, Regi Petterson and Trent White.

Lincoln vs. Woodrow Wilson football

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News Woodrow Wilson's offensive line settles in against Lincoln's defense as rain pours on the field during a high school football game at Franklin Stadium in Dallas on Oct. 27, 2011. See a larger version of this slideshow. Woodrow Wilson battles Lincoln during a high school football game at Franklin Stadium in Dallas. Named in this slideshow are: &nbsp Damian Garcia, Jhaylind Owens, Andre Plata, Cudares Brown, Jaren Phillips, Colin Spencer, Brenson Davis, Desmond Handy, William Mosquedo, Piers Christian, Jeremy Perkins, Erick Neal, Jeremy Fulcher, Derrick Neal, Sterling Turner and Shaquille Dottin.

Seagoville vs. Kimball football

Kimball junior Prentavious Moorhead (17) makes a recpetion as Seagoville senior Ashton Rosebud (4) defends during a high school football game at James Ray Henry Stadium in Seagoville on Oct. 21, 2011.
photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News See a larger version of this slideshow. Kimball battles Seagoville during a high school football game at James Ray Henry Stadium in Seagoville. Named in this slideshow are: &nbsp Kailion Hughey, Taylor Smith, Roland Hyder, Prentavious Moorhead, Tyler Hatton, Traveon Thibodeaux, Anthony Alexander, Xzavier Alexander, Eric Harris, Ashton Rosebud, Mike Jones and Aaron Cade.

Plano vs. Flower Mound Marcus football

Flower Mound Marcus senior Jeff Smiley (11) breaks up a pass intended for Plano senior Sam Morell (8) as junior Court Prescott (21) assists during a high school football game at Kimbrough Stadium in Murphy on Oct. 14, 2011.


photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News


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Flower Mound Marcus battles Plano during a high school football game at Kimbrough Stadium in Murphy.

Named in this slideshow are: &nbsp Bobby Geibler, Cade Erwin, Jeff Smiley, Sean Oliver, Cole Erwin, L.J. Ausama, Joe Sikes, Richard Lagow, Sam Morell, Dylan Ward, Rakeem Crawford, Court Prescott and Sam Morell.

DeSoto vs. North Mesquite football

North Mesquite senior quarterback King Davis (7) passes over DeSoto senior Michael Richardson (48) during a high school football game at Eagle Stadium in DeSoto on Oct. 7, 2011.
photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News See a larger version of this slideshow. North Mesquite battles DeSoto during a high school football game at Eagle Stadium in DeSoto. Named in this slideshow are: &nbsp Reheem Wilson, Dontre Wilson, King Davis, Michael Richardson, Anthony Sims, Claude Mathis, Zack White, Vondrick Jackson, Tre' Jackson, Dontre Wilson, Justin Owens, Justin Backus and Nick Knox.

Plano East vs. Allen football

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Plano East senior Nathan Meadors (9) breaks loose from Allen senior Sean McFarland (48) for extra yards during a high school football game at Kimbrough Stadium in Murphy on Oct. 6, 2011.


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Plano East battles Allen during a high school football game at Kimbrough Stadium in Murphy.

Named in this slideshow are: &nbsp Collin Shaw, L.B. Bates, Corey Wesley, Oliver Pierce, Corey Bassett, Alec Morris, Jonathan Williams, Toby Obumseli, Tre Jones, Austin Przybyla, Kaleb Jones, Kimani Smith, Nathan Meadors, Brandyn Bolling, Jack Hawkins, Prince Sam, Chad Adams, Sean McFarland and Deandre Hill.

Kimball vs. South Oak Cliff football

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News South Oak Cliff senior Paul Franklin (28) rushes into Kimball sophomore Marcus Rowe (19) and senior Christopher Jones (6) during a high school football game at Sprague Stadium in Dallas on Sept. 30, 2011. Kimball senior quarterback Jaalen Adkins (14) looks to pass the ball to junior Deonte Dawson-Jenkins (12) during a high school football game against South Oak Cliff at Sprague Stadium. Kimball junior Teriyon Gipson (7) rushes as South Oak Cliff senior Adarius Wright (55) reacts during a high school football game in Dallas.
Kimball senior Montan Mcbay (18) gains yards as South Oak Cliff junior Simon Jefferey (40) tries to catch up during a high school football game at Sprague Stadium. South Oak Cliff senior quarterback Jevone Valentine (6) falls across Kimball's goal line for a touchdown during a high school football game in Dallas. Kimball junior Brandon Hines (10) denies a reception to South Oak Cliff senior Corey Callicutt (15) during a high school football game at Sprague Stadium in Dallas.

Got a new scanner

Photos Mark M. Hancock / © DFWmark.com

I got a new Plustek OpticFilm 7600I SE film scanner. This is the first test scan of a slide from Jan. 10, 1994. Now, I can start scanning all my old negatives and slides from the 1990s and beyond. I've been using one as an editor for the last three years, and it makes outstanding scans. I've posted various kinds of film for comparison.

If you're looking for other holiday options (or tax write offs) for the photojournalist in your life, check out the The PJ Candy Store section of this blog.


Will Hancock, my nephew, waits patiently for Christmas dinner on Dec. 25, 1992. He will graduate from Texas A&M this year. The image was made on T-Max B&W negative film.


My brother Richard kisses his son, Jonathan Hancock, at my sister's home in Plano in 1992. The image was made on Kodak Infrared film.

Adamson vs. Molina football

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News Molina senior Louis Clifton (48) nearly intercepts a pass intended for Adamson senior Quinton Vickers (6) as junior Thomas Chavez (11) defends during a high school football game at John E. Kincaide Stadium in Dallas on Sept. 23, 2011. See a larger version of this slideshow. Molina battles Adamson during a high school football game at John E. Kincaide Stadium in Dallas. Named in this slideshow are:   Carvon Culton, Qwaii Clark, Keith Jackson, Miguel Casassola, Julian Baeza, Ethan Henry, Ernest Salas, Louis Clifton, Quinton Vickers, Thomas Chavez, Miguel Ortega and Miguel Jiminez.

Royse City vs. Frisco Liberty football

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Annie Kagerer, 12, of Frisco carries an umbrella onto the empty track during a lightning delay before a 4A high school football game between Frisco Liberty and Royse City at Memorial Stadium in Frisco on Sep. 16, 2011.


Frisco Liberty junior Aaron Estes (34) fumbles a wet handoff from senior Zach Smith (15) during a 4A high school football game against Royse City at Memorial Stadium.


Royse City junior quarterback Wes Brookshire (15) looks for a receiver during a 4A high school football game against Frisco Liberty in Frisco.



Royse City junior Michael Webb (12) leaps over Frisco Liberty senior Dwayne Warren (26) to score a touchdown during a 4A high school football game in Frisco.


Frisco Liberty senior Kenneth Whittaker (20) scrambles to recover an onside kick during a 4A high school football game against Royse City at Memorial Stadium.


Frisco Liberty senior Jeremy Embry (6) rushes against Royse City during a 4A high school football game at Memorial Stadium in Frisco.


Due to lighting delays and an early deadline, all action images were shot in nine actual minutes (far fewer game minutes).

Jesuit vs. Coppell football

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News Coppell's Jonathon Bell (32) starts to wrap up Jesuit junior John Berend (15) during a high school football game at Haggar Stadium in Dallas on Sept. 9, 2011. See a larger version of this slideshow. Coppell battles Jesuit during a high school football game at Haggar Stadium in Dallas. Named in this slideshow are:   Tommy Shields, Jacob Logan, Jake Oliver, Jonathon Bell, Austin Lock, Ethan Evans, David Busby, Jaren Mccomb, JD Waggoner, Akuda Esin, Jordan Mastrogiovanni, Jake Williams, Jake Larson, John Berend, Marty Murad, Ben Wright, Soloman Thomas, Jack Brezette, JJ Gustafson, Tanner Masters and Preston Martin.

McKinney Boyd vs. Flower Mound football

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

McKinney Boyd junior Benjamin Bouchez (35) and Flower Mound senior Beau LaFave (1) scramble for a loose punt during a high school football game at Ron Poe Stadium in McKinney on Sept. 2, 2011.


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McKinney Boyd battles Flower Mound during a high school football game at Ron Poe Stadium in McKinney.

Named in this slideshow are: &nbsp Luke Penny, Ashleigh Hegwood, Marshall Williams, Beau LaFave, Robert Noren, Chas Taylor, Bryan Driskell, Brady Speckels, Colby Vinson, Benjamin Bouchez, Beau LaFave, Curtis Ladd and Jake Jaffe.

Garland vs. Denton Guyer football

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News Garland junior Tyler Jackson (14) misses a pass during a high school football game against Denton Guyer at Standridge Stadium in Carrollton on Aug. 27, 2011. See a larger version of this slideshow. Garland battles Denton Guyer during The Old Coach invitational football tournament at Standridge Stadium in Carrollton. Named in this slideshow are:   Sebastian Williams, Sirderrious Caldwell, Jerrod Heard, Tyler Jackson, Jerrod Heard, Karl Burrell, Connor Crane, Ja'Taveon Green, Andrew Johnson, Damien Neroes, Kendre Bridges, Terence Belton, Ceon Rumphs, Rhiana Caterisano and Pooja Singh.

Plano vs. Lakeview Centennial football

Lakeview Centennial sophomore Jarvis Baxter (81) reaches for a pass as Plano senior Marcus Davis (2) closes in during a 5A high school football game at Williams Stadium in Garland on 26 Aug. 2011.
photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News See a larger version of this slideshow. Lakeview Centennial battles Plano during a 5A high school football game at Williams Stadium in Garland. Named in this slideshow are:   Valerie Sanches, Danielle Bush, Kevin Merrill, L.J. Ausama, Deonte Morrison, Richard Lagow, William Reese, Lance Lanier, Marquis Denmark, Rashad Dixon, Jarvis Baxter, Marcus Davis, Jacob Schnitzer and Drew Threadgill.

FC Dallas vs. New York soccer playoff

FC Dallas' Andrew Jacobson (4) and New York's Teemu Tainio (2) battle for a header during a Major League Soccer playoff match at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco on Oct. 26, 2011.
photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News See a larger version of this slideshow. FC Dallas battles New York during a Major League Soccer playoff match at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco. Named in this slideshow are:   Andrew Jacobson, Dax McCarty, Brek Shea, Jair Benitez, Andrew Jacobson, Teemu Tainio, Tim Ream and Marvin Chavez.

DSO Mendelssohn concert series

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Sopranos Ava Pine, left, and Layla Claire, center, sing as Jaap van Zweden, right, conducts the Dallas Symphony Orchestra as they perform part of the Mendelssohn series at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas on Sept. 29, 2011.


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Jaap van Zweden conducts the Dallas Symphony Orchestra as they perform part of the Mendelssohn series at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas.

Named in this slideshow are: &nbsp Jaap van Zweden, Ava Pine, Gregory Warren and Layla Claire.

Texas vs. OU football

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News Oklahoma wide receiver Ryan Broyles (85) takes a hit from Texas cornerback Quandre Diggs (28) during a college football game in Dallas on Oct. 9, 2011. See a larger version of this slideshow. The University of Texas battles Oklahoma University in the Red River Rivalry during a college football game at the Cotton Bowl during The State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Named in this slideshow are:   Austin Dunlap, Peyton Wyatt, Bevo, Hayley Gurwitz, Tim Lucas, Ashlea Poirot, Gabe Ikard, Malcolm Brown, Tony Jefferson, Landry Jones, Fozzy Whittaker, Blake Gideon, Ryan Broyles, Kenny Stills, Adrian Phillips, Quandre Diggs, Case McCoy, Travis Lewis, Ronnell Lewis, David Ash, Mike Davis, Jaxon Shipley and Demontre Hurst.

SMU vs. UTEP football

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News UTEP wide reciever Mike Edwards (6) makes a reception in front of SMU defensive back Jay Scott (7) during a college football game at Ford Stadium in Dallas on Sept. 10, 2011. See a larger version of this slideshow. Southern Methodist University battles the University of Texas at El Paso during a college football game at Ford Stadium in Dallas. Named in this slideshow are:   Keenan Holman, Vernon Frazier, Cameron Smith, Mike Loftus, Mike Edwards, Jay Scott, J.J. McDermott, Donavon Kemp, Ja'Gared Davis, Cole Beasley, Kyle Padron, Derrick Morgan, Drew Thomas, Taylor Reed, Cameron Rogers, Zach Line, Josh Fely, Nick Lamaison, Taylor Thompson, Kenneth Acker, Joe Banyard and Jay Hall.

NCAA Regional Baseball Championship

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News Oral Roberts' senior Joey Winiecki (11) dodges the glove of Dallas Baptist's junior Joel Hutter (12) after stealing second base during the NCAA regional baseball championship game in Lupton Stadium at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth on June 5, 2011. See a larger version of this slideshow. Oral Roberts battles Dallas Baptist during the NCAA regional baseball championship game in Lupton Stadium at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Named in this slideshow are:   Bob Keller, Will Lane, Duncan McAlpine, Chris Elder, Nick Baligod, Tyler Robbins, Jared Schlehuber, Mark Guest, Bennett Pickar, Kenny Hatcher, Cam Schiller, Brandon King, Joey Winiecki, Dan Heefner, Michael Smith and Joel Hutter.

FC Dallas vs. Vancouver soccer

FC Dallas' Ricardo Villar (11) tries to chest the ball as Vancouver's John Thorrington (11) kicks the ball during a Major League Soccer match at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco on Oct. 15, 2011.
photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News See a larger version of this slideshow. FC Dallas battles Vancouver during a Major League Soccer match at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco. Named in this slideshow are: Marvin Chavez, Michael Boxall, Jay DeMerit, Daniel Cruz, John Thorrington, Gershon Koffie, Jackson, Shea Salinas, Ricardo Villar, Brek Shea and Jordan Harvey.