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FROM THE LIVE MUSIC CAPITAL OF THE WORLD, AUSTIN, TEXAS • COUNTRYLINEMAGAZINE.COM

TEXAS EVENTS CALENDAR • Hunting and Fishing • Texas Living • Lifestyle & More ...

August 2011

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FREETAKE ONE!

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Announces new album Four The Record

Miranda LambertMiranda Lambert

M A G A Z I N E

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The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine Country Line Magazine • 3

O by TJ Greaney

On July 31, 2011 at 3:16 in the dark morning skies, the shuttle Atlantis came to a stop on the Cape Canaveral runway in Florida. Thirty years of inspiration and amazing space travel came to a close at that moment, and, for me, it was very emotional because I grew up in the center of the space program.

Mom and dad built a small, but comfortable home in Nassau Bay back in the early ‘70s after moving us from the Bellaire area of Houston. Nassau Bay is a well appointed neighborhood south of Houston. Nasa Road 1 was the main drag running across the front of the development and is the main route to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center off Interstate Highway 45.

The neighborhood had lots of kids and young families. Parts of Galveston bay and a fresh water lake drew me and my gear loaded wagon to the water’s edge. Mom says I spent hours fi shing and catching anything and everything.

I was in my early teens when we arrived on St. Charles Street, and my friendships were all new. Evans and I quickly became inseparable. He had two older brothers, and Wyatt became John’s, my older brother, friend. Evans and I spent so much time together it was not uncommon for one of our moms or dads to joke, “Why don’t you just get married?”

We did everything together – good and bad. We build forts in Gaston’s woods, swam in the bay and snuck out to walk the neighborhood at night. Occasionally we would be wandering as the sun came up and see the milkman delivering to homes. With timing and precision we would sneak up on the unsuspecting homeowner’s porch and snag a half gallon for breakfast. Lord, forgive me for that and so many other sins in my youth.

The late ‘60s and early ‘70s were a huge time for the space program, and we were in the middle of it. NASA (the name before it was changed) was where it all happened. It was the control center and training facility for the astronauts on the ground and in space. Evans and I would walk over to the Space Center and explore. We would go into most any of the buildings, and I don’t remember ever being questioned or kept from exploring.

One of our favorite places was a news center with satellite dishes and all types of antenna on top of the hotel just cross from the Space Center. While the astronauts were in space, the news center would come alive and be broadcasting the news and reports. We would just walk in and watch it all happen. It was exciting.

Apollo 12 was the sixth manned fl ight in the American Apollo program and the second to land on the moon. It was launched on Nov. 14, 1969 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Mission Commander Charles “Pete” Conrad and Lunar Module Pilot Alan L. Bean performed just over one day and seven hours of lunar surface activity while Command Module Pilot Richard F. Gordon

remained in lunar orbit. There were six Apollo spacefl ights; 12 men walked on the moon. These are the only times humans have landed on another celestial body. The Apollo program ran until 1975.

Tom Gordon was Astronaut Captain Dick Gordon’s son and a running buddy of mine and Evans’. During many of the space fl ights, his parents would be gone and we would hang at his house and raid the fridge. I remember lots of cool things his dad had received as gifts from kings, presidents and leaders from around the world after his moon fl ight. One specifi c thing I remember was a rose dipped in pure gold – it was way cool.

But as much as I wish I could say things for me back then were perfect, I have to admit they were not. I don’t know exactly what it was that got me off track, but I began to explore drugs and my school interest began to tumble. Things at home turned hard, and my father’s drinking began to take its toll.

Today as a dad and armed with my life story, I want to keep my family from experiencing a lot of the same hardships. I want so badly for them to have memories and life lessons from a father who clearly trusted God and strived for His guidance in every way. I want them to know that we all make mistakes and make bad decisions, no matter who we are. I want them to know it boils down to knowing a loving God and that each day they can push the restart button and try to do it better, with Him.

Of course the list of things we did back then is long and troubled. One particular day we had been fi shing and throwing our casting nets out in the shallow bay. Small shrimp were a common catch and this one day we pocketed a few for later use. Mid-morning found us at the pancake house on Nasa Road 1, sitting at the counter drinking soda. A small voice on one of our shoulders, I really don’t remember whose, tricked us into putting the small dead shrimp in the ketchup bottle and putting the top back on before we left. I know that later, at some point, a waitress was angry, a cook was angry, a customer was mad. I confess and ask for forgiveness today as I write this. I promise to never do it again. Thank you, God, for Your grace each and every day. Man, do I need it.

8906 Wall St. Suite 507Austin, Texas 78754


in this issueFEATURES

6th HAAM benefi t day –tuesday oct. 4, 2011. . . . . . . . . . . 8

kevin fowler racks up his 8th #1 single . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

western swing music becomes music symbol. . . . . . . . . . .9

miranda lambert’s four the record set for november 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

hard times for cattle ranchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

new holland announces contest to win a 5-year tractor lease in the boomer 555 contest . . . . . 16

Extreme heat and drought continue to put people and homes at risk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

DEPARTMENTS

nashville news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Texas roadhouse by Dale Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

’Round About Texas by Sandra Greaney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

coffee shop moments by D. “Bing” Bingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

recipe by Shirley Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

grandma’s hints by Shirley Baker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

on the trail by Kendall Hemphill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

following the way by Jeff Gore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

pryor talk by Paul Pryor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

counting your chickens by Mike Young . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Texas tales by Mike Cox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

the outdoor classroom by Larry LeBlanc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

texas outdoor zone by Cody Ryan Greaney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

w w w. c o u n t r y l i n e m a g a z i n e . c o m5 1 2 - 2 9 2 - 1 1 1 3

M A I L I N G A D D R E S S9 5 0 8 C H I S H O L M T R • A U S T I N , T X . 7 8 7 4 8

L E T T E R S & C O M M E N T St j @ c o u n t r y l i n e m a g a z i n e . c o m o r m a i l i n g a d d r e s s

E D I T O R | T. J. Greaney

P U B L I S H E R | G&G International

M A R K E T I N G D I R E C T O R | Sandra L. [email protected]

C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S | Cody Ryan Greaney, Mike Young, Larry LeBlanc, Shirley Baker, Sandra Greaney, D. “Bing” Bingham

Kendall Hemphill, Mike Barnett, Jeff Gore, Paul Pryor, Kate Brown

The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine

For tickets and showtimes, visit TheStoryofTexas.comShows subject to sell out, change or cancellation without notice.

THE BOB BULLOCK TEXAS STATE HISTORY MUSEUM


Kenny Chesney Matches Massive ‘Goin’ Coastal’ Success With Monstrous Tour Production

It’s an enormous undertaking to put on a Kenny Chesney concert, but “the biggest ticket-seller in country music and one of the top touring artists in the world” (Billboard) has once again assembled one of the world’s most massive traveling road shows. The 2011 Corona Presents Kenny Chesney’s ‘Goin’ Coastal’ Tour has already surpassed the one million ticket mark and still has a number of monumental shows remaining.

Here’s what it takes to make ‘Goin’ Coastal’ a reality:· More than 110 people are on tour

with Chesney, including crew, drivers, caterers, sound and lighting technicians, and musicians. For stadium shows, the number shoots up to 140.

· 23 trucks and 10 buses make up Chesney’s fl eet. While the trucks barrel on to the next stop, buses will return home between shows along the band and crew, logging approximately 60,000 miles each tour.

· The weight of the ‘Goin’ Coastal’ stage set-up comes out to approximately 80,000 pounds.

· Set-up for the tour is a nearly eight-hour process, with work starting at 8 a.m., the stage rolled out at 1 p.m. and soundcheck taking place around 3 p.m.

· The stage is framed by “periaktoi” columns, which are three-sided columns infl uenced by ancient Greek theatre. One side features video tiles, the second features lighting and strobes, and the third is all mirrors.

‘Goin’ Coastal’ has been praised not only for its “wealth of dazzling video elements and opportunities for Chesney to interact closely with the audience” (Billboard), but also for Chesney’s non-stop energy and mix of his 23 #1 hits on display each night. Of a recent ‘Goin’ Coastal’ show, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said, “Kenny Chesney brought every ounce of on-stage energy and charisma fans are accustomed to seeing.”

Folk Icon Judy Collins Reigns 50 Years Strong, Rekindles 1960s w/ Revealing Memoir, So-Cal Inspired Album

Legendary icon Judy Collins is plotting a monumental fall, augmenting her brilliant, extensive body of work with the release of two books and a new album.

On October 18, Crown/Random

House will publish Sweet Judy Blue Eyes – a revealing, evocative memoir highlighting the 1960s, when the prolifi c songwriter and activist cultivated a love affair with Stephen Stills, battled alcoholism, and became a fi xture in the pop culture scene alongside Leonard Cohen, Joan Baez, and David Crosby against the decade’s turbulent backdrop.

The same day, Collins, who was called “one of the greatest interpreters of modern times by Mojo, will unveil Bohemian (Wildfl ower), a new album inspired by her recollections of the southern California scene of the 1960s. The release is the newest addition to her ever-growing catalog of over 40 albums and features four new original songs, special guests, and music by Joni Mitchell and Jimmy Webb, among others.

Also in the works for 2011 is the October release of Collins’ new children’s book/CD When You Wish Upon a Star (the follow up to the 2010 New York Times’ best-selling Over the Rainbow), an extensive fall tour covering more than 30 cities across North America, and a guest appearance on moody UK rockers Puressence’s hit single “When Your Eyes Close.”

Judy Collins has delighted audiences worldwide with her inimitable, timeless folksongs and inspiring performances over a career that spans over 50 years, more than 40 albums, and countless accolades. In addition to her extensive music career, the icon has also authored several books, advocated for social change on a global

scale, founded her own record label, and garnered an Academy Award nomination. Now 72, Collins is still actively writing and touring, bringing her relentlessly creative spirit to audiences worldwide.

judycollins.com

Kingsford® Charcoal Partners With Chart-Topping Group to Raise the Bar on Traditional Concert Fare

Kingsford® Charcoal and the Grammy-Award-winning Zac Brown Band, one of the hottest musical acts in the country, share a passion: gathering people around the grill for great food and music. The barbecue brand is partnering with Zac Brown Band for select dates during its 2011 tour to amp up traditional concert fare by sponsoring pre-show events spotlighting Brown’s favorite Southern recipes prepared using fresh local ingredients by Southern Ground Executive Chef, Rusty Hamlin.

Dynamic live shows and home-style cooking have been part of the band’s playlist since the early days when it started jamming at Zac’s Place, a restaurant located outside of Atlanta, formerly owned by front man Zac Brown and his dad. The restaurant might be a thing of the past, but the tradition continues. Prior to select shows, Kingsford® charcoal will present Southern Ground Supper Clubs where fans will have the opportunity to sample southern style dishes while enjoying intimate performances from artists signed to Brown’s label, Southern Ground Artists, Inc. Supper Club passes will be available to the general public for purchase and via contests run by Kingsford®.

The barbecue brand also will serve up exclusive Eat & Greet events, where a few lucky fans will have the opportunity to interact and dine with Zac Brown Band members. To break bread with the band, fans will need to enter for the chance to win at Facebook.com/KingsfordCharcoal. Fare served at both pre-show events will refl ect Chef Rusty’s daily picks and selections from Brown’s “Southern Ground” cookbook, a collection of recipes developed in conjunction with family and friends that includes delicious down-home dishes like Boursin-Stuffed Filet, Your Mama’s Collard Greens, Pocketknife Coleslaw and Revival Peach Cobbler.

“We appreciate our fans and want them to have as much fun at our shows as we have performing for them, which is why we’re working to make the concert experience even better, to capture all fi ve senses,” said Brown. “People can come to our show to enjoy our music, the music of artists we support, and Chef Rusty’s Southern Ground foods charcoal grilled to perfection.”

“Zac and I are on a mission to bring people together before the concert with southern style cuisine,” said Hamlin. “Grilling is an American tradition that we all have in common, whether you are tailgating before the concert in a parking lot or jamming to Zac Brown Band tunes at a backyard barbecue -- it’s something everyone can relate to.”

Chef Rusty has created exclusive recipes for the 2011 tour to share his passion for Southern Ground grub with country music fans, which will be available on grilling.com throughout the tour.

The makers of Kingsford® charcoal invite fans to enter for the chance to see Zac Brown Band at Facebook.com/KingsfordCharcoal for the chance to win concert tickets, as well as the opportunity to interact with the band and sample southern style barbecue prior to the show at Eat & Greets. Fans also will have the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime Zac Brown Band experience by visiting grilling.com through the September 6, 2011. zacbrownband.com

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Texas roadhouse by Dale Martin

Back in the 1970’s, outlaws in country music really existed. You had Willie & Waylon, Johnny Cash, Billy Joe Shaver and Johnny Paycheck, just to name a few.

There aren’t many outlaws in the music business these days, but one that defi nitely fi ts the description is Jackson Taylor. With his band, The Sinners, they are known to get loud and rowdy, mixing his brutally honest originals in with Hank Jr. and Judas Priest cover tunes.

Jackson grew up as a poor migrant crop picker so when he sings about tough times, he knows what he’s talking about. His latest CD, Let the Bad Times Roll, follows in the mold set by his idols, the outlaws of the 70’s. I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Taylor on a few occasions and he’s the real deal. His concerts and albums include hard hitting originals like “Old Henry Rifl e,” that expands on the theme previously set by Hank Williams Jr. with his ode to independence, “A Country Boy Can Survive.” This is one tough guy and in my opinion, the only artist out there today that is worthy of fi lling the shoes of Ol’ Waylon. Put this band on your bucket list of “must see” before you get to old for rock & roll.

Speaking of Jackson Taylor, his ex-guitarist Slate Garrett, who toured and recorded with Taylor for several years, has formed his own band called Fast Betty. They are a hard rock trio in the vein of ZZ Top and Cream. Garrett and the guys have fi nished recording an EP of original songs and are now playing every venue that has electricity. Fast Betty is quickly becoming one of the hottest local bands around, so check out one of their shows as soon as you can. See fastbettymusic.com for more info on this exciting young band.

Steve Earle grew up in Selma and earned his chops in Houston and Mexico before making his way to Nashville where he hooked up with Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt. Not bad if you want to be a good songwriter, and Earle soon became known as one of the best. When he fi nally hit pay dirt with the classic Guitar Town album in 1986, his career took off like a rocket. By the time he

released Copperhead Road in 1988, he was leaning toward rock & roll and hooked on drugs. He spent several years as an addict before cleaning up his act and marrying Allison Moorer, his sixth wife. They live in New York City now and the Big Apple seems to suit him well, since his albums recorded these past few years have all been critical successes.

He reformed his original band, ‘The Dukes,’ for his current tour to support his new CD, No One Gets Out Of This World Alive. Earle also wrote a book titled the same as his CD. It’s his fi rst novel and one that tells the story of the fi nal days of Hank Williams Sr. Legend has it that a doctor was in the car with Williams when he died and fl ed to San Antonio to escape prosecution. Earle’s novel follows the life of this mysterious doctor as he lives under the radar and acts as the physician for local criminals around San Antonio.

We all know Stewart Mann as the leader of Statesboro Revue, the central Texas band that hammers out some tasty southern rock with a healthy dose of blues thrown in for good measure. Since he has so many musical infl uences, Stewart has formed a side project called Sons of Magnolia and they are currently playing a few dates around Texas to test the waters.

I caught their debut performance a few weeks ago at the Phoenix Saloon. I spoke with Stewart about this new band to get his input. “This project really lets me sing,” explained Stewart. “It’s not the loud southern rock that we do in Statesboro, this one brings out all my other infl uences like Van Morrison, Neil Young, even Crosby, Stills & Nash, plus some old classic country. We were in Mississippi on our way home from a gig in Georgia and stopped to eat. There was this huge Magnolia tree outside the restaurant and it made a big impression on me and since my brother Garrett is in the band with me, I came up with the Sons of Magnolia name. We’ll keep doing our Statesboro stuff but this is fun too. We’ll see where it takes us.” If their future shows are as good as the one I saw at the Phoenix Saloon, I say they have a bright future indeed.

Rodney Hayden has just recorded an entire CD of traditional cowboy songs and it was set for release on July 12. Hayden is famous for recording traditional country music so it makes perfect sense for him to record an album like this. Country artists like Marty Robbins, Marty Stuart, Chris LeDeux and Johnny Cash all recorded entire albums of cowboy songs, and Hayden was infl uenced by each of these singers.

In July he did a series of shows at the Phoenix Saloon featuring these traditional cowboy songs, but continues to play local honky-tonks and house concerts, both solo and with his full band. The CD is fantastic so get yours now at rodneyhayden.com.

Though this news doesn’t technically fi t in the Texas Roadhouse format, Clarence Clemons, longtime saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen, passed away June 18 at a Palm Beach, Florida hospital. The cause of death was complications from a massive stroke he suffered at his home a week ago.

Born in Norfolk, Virginia in 1942, Clemons grew up listening to gospel music before shifting to rock & roll once he picked up the sax. At 6’ 4” and weighing 250 lbs., he soon earned the nickname “Big Man.” He had a promising football career but an injury from a car accident stopped his chance of playing pro football.

He met Bruce at the Tradewind’s Bar in Asbury Park, New Jersey in 1971 and joined the band soon after. The band was planning a 2012 tour and there has been no news of what the future holds in store. It’s hard to imagine the band without him, but Clarence wouldn’t want the band to quit because of him. When I was a young music fan just graduating high school in 1975, Born to Run was the fi rst Springsteen album I bought. Though I had a huge collection of classic country music, something about this album touched my heart and soul. I’ve been a Springsteen fan ever since and will certainly miss the ‘Big Man’ the next time they tour.

Health Alliance for Austin Musicians will host its 6th HAAM Benefi t Day on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011, with hundreds of bands playing from before sunrise to well after sunset, making it one of the biggest music events in Austin and fi lling the city with live music, all to support a cause unique to Austin: keeping music in Austin alive and well with affordable healthcare service programs focusing on wellness and prevention for HAAM member-musicians.

New this year, a mobile app to locate a participating business and performing band on the schedule anywhere any time. Hundreds of area businesses — more shops, restaurants, companies and clubs than ever before — are expected to participate, and Good Eggs & HAAM members will sell TIKKR/HAAM watches.

Sponsorships and donations go to Health Alliance for Austin Musicians and its mission to provide member-musicians access to affordable medical, dental, hearing, vision and mental healthcare services.

6th HAAM Benefi t Day — Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011

Kevin Fowler racked up his 8th #1 single when his “Hell Yeah, I Like Beer” cut topped the Texas Music Chart recently. The second track on his upcoming Chippin’ Away album, the song quickly became a favorite in clubs and dance halls across the Lone Star State and beyond.

“What more can I say? If you know me, you know that this song is defi nitely autobiographical,” said an elated Fowler, who wrote the song with David Lee Murphy and Shane Minor. “I do love beer. And what would any Kevin Fowler record be without a good ol’ beer drinkin’ song?”

The corresponding music video, which Kevin himself directed, also quickly become the most viewed video on all of CMT’s website, hitting #1 and is plantedon the website’s “Today’s Top Videos” section. The clip includes cameo appearances by Boston Red Sox

pitchers Josh Beckett (World Series MVP), Clay Buchholz, John Lackey and Roberto Clemente Award winner Tim Wakefi eld, fellow artists, Ray Benson, Dierks Bentley, Eli Young Band, Colt Ford, Pat Green, Jack Ingram, Sunny Sweeny, actor/comedian Rodney Carrington, four-time World Champion Bull Rider Tuff Hedeman, and a host of others...and a lot of beer, of course.

Chippin’ Away, Kevin’s sixth studio album, will hit stores August 9, 2011. He had a hand in writing eight of the 11 cuts on the new cd. His follow-up single, “That Girl,” will be released to country radio across the nation next month. Four pre-sale packages are currently available at www.KevinFowler.com.

Kevin and his band are currently on tour throughout Texas and surrounding states, and tour dates, news and more can be found at www.KevinFowler.com.

Kevin Fowler racks up his 8th #1 single“Hell Yeah, I Like Beer” Tops CMT.com and Texas Music Chart


Western Swing Music became the fi rst Music Symbol for any state, this past June 17, 2011, when Governor Rick Perry signed Senate Concurrent Resolution 35 at the Texas State Capitol. The resolution authored by Senator Jeff Wentworth of San Antonio, Tx and sponsored in the House of Representatives by Congressman Doug Miller of New Braunfels, Tx, at the urging of Boerne, Tx housewife, Paula Jungmann. Jungmann is an avid fan, dancer and history enthusiast, who felt that the genre is just too good not to be recognized by the State as it’s Offi cial Music. “The genre holds a cultural signifi cant to the people of Texas. The way that we celebrate music here is unique to our State. From the house dances to the historic dance halls it’s a culture that is envied even today. The state recognition isn’t about who performs the music, of course we’ll always think about Bob Wills and Milton Brown, but it’s about our culture and how we chose to entertain ourselves and gather together.”

Western Swing music developed and designed especially for dancing originated in the house dances and dusty dance halls of West Texas in the late 1920’s and early 1930‘s. An all encompassing sub-genre of country music that brings together country, jazz, blues, big band swing, cowboy, polka , mariachi and other genres. In the beginning it was played by a hot string band. Later horns, piano, drums and the most notable sounds of the steel guitar were added. This music brought about for the fi rst time the use of drums and electrifi ed stringed instruments, especially the steel guitar that gives this and country music it’s distinctive sound. Band leader Milton Brown with his Musical Brownies is considered the Father of Western Swing and band leader Bob Wills with His Texas Playboys perfected and made the genre famous.

The music wasn’t easily defi ned. Was it Swing? Was it Big Band? Was it Country? Was is Jazz? Well, because it wasn’t easily put into a category it became one of it’s

own. First just called western music, which was the way the band leaders preferred. They didn’t want any hilly-billy label, because the sound and instrumentation and musicianship was much more sophisticated. Later in the 1940’s the genre became known as Texas Swing and then Western Swing.

To quote Merle Travis, “ Western Swing is nothing more than a group of talented country boys, unschooled in music, but playing the music they feel, beating a solid two-four rhythm to the harmonies that buzz around their brains. When it escapes in all it’s musical glory, my friend, you have Western Swing.”

The genre enjoyed great popularity during WWII and spread from Texas, Oklahoma and California and beyond during the war years. It was the rage, fi lling huge dance fl oors to capacity. A resurgent of Western Swing Music was enjoyed in the 1970’s and once again brought people to the dance fl oors.

Today there are festivals, most notability Bob Wills Days held in his home town of Turkey, Tx annually for over 40 years. A museum is housed in the old school house there. The Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame show is held annually in San Marcos, Texas and the Hall’s Western Swing Collection is housed at Texas State University and cared for by the Southwestern Writers Collection. There are Western Swing Societies who taught the music and honor those who perform it. Dancers are still able to enjoy this music in the many historic dance halls and festivals around the state and there are many fi ne bands who perform and record this music today. New gala’s and festivals have sprung up and people are fi nding ways to keep this music alive and dancers on the dance fl oor.

Find a way to celebrate this music, bring someone who’s never heard it to a festival or dance, or reacquaint those who’ve not heard it in years. Teach the children to dance and play this Texas born music, It’s just too good to not to enjoy!

Western Swing Music becomes Music Symbol


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Singer songwriter Miranda Lambert announced her new album Four The Record will build upon the foundation of her three previous platinum albums and showcase her evolution as songwriter and vocalist. “Four The Record has so many meanings,” explains Lambert. “I love the play on words and my records always have a little crime in them and this is the fourth record of my career. This album pushes the limits for me in many ways and I collaborate with friends and heroes. It builds on my previous albums with a whole new fl air. ‘For The Records’ sake, don’t forget 11/1/11.”

Lambert partners with Pistol Annies, the trio featuring Lambert and singer songwriters Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley. “How lucky is it that I have two amazing singer-songwriter friends and together we make an unstoppable musical force,” shares Lambert. “We say things in our music that women all across the country are thinking. This is a great creative outlet for me as a solo artist and it’s cool as hell! Hell On Heels will knock your socks off.”

Angaleena Presley explains, “These girls are my home away from home. We share everything from shoes to shotguns. I feel so blessed to fi nally share our songs with the world.”

“I’m just so proud to be a part of something so close to my heart,” shares

Ashley Monroe. “I love these gals like sisters and to be able to write songs with them and share these songs with the world is a bit overwhelming. And I truly believe this is JUST the beginning.”

For more mirandalambert.com.

Miranda Lambert’s Miranda Lambert’s Four The Four The RecordRecord set for November 1 set for November 1Pistol Annies Hell On Heels Available August 23

512-835-7575www.morrisglasstx.com

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PHO

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plusmagiciansjugglers &other funperformers


by Sandra Greaney

AUG. 4Hummingbird Nature NightWant to know more about

hummingbirds? You won’t want to miss hearing from Jeannette Larson, author of “Hummingbirds, Facts and Folklore from the Americas.”

Also hear hummingbird survey coordinator and author Mark Klym speak in the auditorium on Hummingbirds in the Texas Garden and join him on a hummingbird hike!

Lady Bird Johnson Wildfl ower Centerwildfl ower.org

AUG. 5Lakeway Dive in MoviesTake the kids and watch the adventure

of Finding Nemo unfold. Head on over to this classic drive in movie and enjoy the summer night presented by the Lakeway

Swim Center. Movie starts at dusk (8:45 pm.) $3 admission for all!

laketravis.com

AUG. 5Texas Rollergirls FundraiserThe Irish Pub, Fado will be hosting a

Texas Rollergirls Fundraiser! They will be serving the signature Rollergirl cocktail with celebrity Rollergirl bartenders.

fadoirishpub.com

AUG 5-6Austin Ham Radio Summer FestHave all your questions answered about

the classic ham radio. Check out all the presentations, meetings, discussions crafts, and much more at this “ham” fest. Fun for amateur-radio operators, aspirants, dealers, and everyone else who wants to learn a little more about the ham radio! $10 at the door.

Austin Airport Marriott South, austinsummerfest.com

AUG. 6Hike to the Homestead in AustinGet in tune with nature and take an

interpretive hike along the homestead trail. Complete with a visit to Thomas F. McKinney’s home and gristmill located within the park. Call to confi rm program and for more information. (512) 243-1643

McKinney Falls State Park.texashikes.com

AUG. 6Lake Travis Hot Air Balloon FlightWatch as beautiful hot air balloons fi ll

the sky and sway with the wind. Mostly local pilots will take fl ight for a show of color in the sky that you will be able to see for miles around all starting at 7am at Mansfi eld Dam Park. Confi rm show at austintexas.org

AUG. 7The Party BargeWhat better way to enjoy a sunny

Sunday than on the lake in a fl oating fl otilla of fun with food, drinks and music! This is a HCO event open to the public, so grab your swimming trunks and meet at the Just for fun – Emerald Point Marina by 2:30 pm to get checked in, and set sail at 3pm sharp. For all the details call 512-266-9710. hillcountryoutdoors.com

AUG. 12-18The Grapevine Texas Wine BarLearn fi rst-hand details about the

wineries, wine makers and the wines they craft. Over 20 wines available for tasting daily. There will be specialty beers and tasty Grapevine appetizers available along with live music. grapevineingruene.com

AUG. 13-14Austin Bead Society BazaarGo to the Austin Bead Society Bazaar

being held at the Palmer Events Center. Feast your eyes on beautifully handcrafted jewelry or purchase the supplies to make your own. austinbeadsociety.org

AUG. 13Austin Ice Cream FestivalSummer is not complete with out

a messy ice cream cone. Head over to Waterloo Park with friends and family to get your favorite fl avor and see everyone with a sticky sweet smile. $5 – Free 8 or Younger. roadwayevents.com

AUG. 17 -21Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®

The Circus is in town at the Frank Erwin Center! The circus is where you can let your inner child run rampant, and enjoy the wonders of the magic. With extraordinary performers and amazing animals this is sure to be life long memory.

uterwincenter.com

AUG. 20Snake Avoidance ClinicKeep your pup safe from outdoor

dangers with this snake avoidance clinic hosted by Waterloo Amateur Retriever Club. Dog events and shows of all kinds are hosted weekly at Triple Crown and are open to the public! Contact Tim Buck at [email protected]

512-422-5874triplecrowndogs.com

AUG. 2010th Annual Deep Eddy MileThink you can keep up? This

competition is a 53 lap swim race in the 33 ½ yard pool. Join the fun and try to win or just go and cheer on your favorite swimmer!

9am Deep Eddy Pool, Austinruntex.com

AUG. 27Bat Fest in AustinGo BATTY for the famous Mexican

Free Tail Bats! Enjoy free arts, crafts, music, food, and bat watching. Go watch as up to 2 million bats emerge for their nightly fl ight with the scenic backdrop of Lady Bird Lake and downtown Austin.

The event runs from 1:00 pm – Midnight on the Congress Ave. Ann Richards Bridge.

roadwayevents.com

AUG 27 & 28Le Garage Boutique Sale Join this two day shopping event that

brings together cool independent boutiques at clearance sale prices! Where you can fi nd many of your favorite stores, and discover new, up and coming retailers with a fresh take on style.

legaragesale.net

AUG. 28Ballet Austin’s “Come Dance!”Ballet Austin’s 4th Annual

Celebration. Get free dance lessons all day long! Take one class or dance the day away, all ages and skill levels are welcome. With a variety of styles you’re sure to fi nd one that fi ts you.

balletaustin.org

It’s been one busy and hot summer here in central Texas, and with it all coming to a close, the time is now to reward yourself with a little more summer fun. Check out what we have found for you this month; from concerts to “dive” in movies, and everything in-between, this is where you will fi nd all your last minute fun in the sun summer events.


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Faced with lack of grazing, dwindling hay supplies and shrinking surface water sources, livestock producers continue to cull deeper into herds, according to Texas AgriLife Extension Service reports.

“They’re culling a lot deeper than they normally would, and they’re culling a lot harder than they normally would,” said Rick Hirsch, AgriLife Extension agent forHenderson County, west of Tyler. “And they’re culling into the heart of their herds.”

By “heart of their herds,” Hirsch meant heifers and three- to six-year-old cows that should form the core of future production.

Producers are also selling calves early. In Henderson County, sales have been

in the range of 2,500 to 3,000 head per week at the Athens Commission Co., he said. During an average year in July, weekly sales counts should be more like 1,600 to 2,000 head.

“Statewide, I’ve been hearing huge numbers from auction markets in Central and West Central Texas,” Hirsch said. “The numbers have been astronomical for

this time of year.”According to reports from AgriLife

Extension personnel in the Rolling Plains, area sale barns were turning people away because their sales were running so long.

On June 25 in Van Zandt County, east of Dallas, ranchers sold 825 head and 1,655 head on July 9, according to Tommy Phillips, Agrilife Extension agent for Van Zandt County.

It will take years to rebuild these herds, Hirsch noted.

“Partly because of the sheer numbers being culled, and the other (factor) is the higher cost of production,” Hirsch said. “We have higher cattle prices right now, and that is helping the situation. But the high cost of replacements, the cost of fertilizer and the cost of fuel — all will make it harder to build numbers back up.”

To help producers make better culling decisions, Henderson County will host a training on Aug. 22 in Athens titled “Managing the Effects of Drought for Beef Producers.” For more information contact Hirsch at 903-675-6130.

Hard Times For Cattle Ranchers

Cattle sold on July 15 beat the heat in the shade at the Athens Commission Co. in Athens. Faced with lack of grazing, hay and water, Texas livestock producers are culling into the “hearts” of herds that they may have spent years building up, according Texas AgriLife Extension Service reports. (Texas AgriLife Extension Service photo by Rick Hirsch)

What would you do with a New Holland compact Boomer™ 30 tractor and loader? Dig a pond? Plant a food plot to attract the biggest buck? Till a prize-winning garden to feed the hungry? Make your neighbors jealous?

To fi nd out, New Holland has announced the Boomer™ 555 Contest. It began July 1 and continues for the next fi ve months, legal residents of the U.S. and Canada (except Quebec) can enter to win a fi ve-year lease of a New Holland Boomer 30 compact tractor and loader with the industry-leading Boomer Guard5 limited fi ve-year warranty.

To enter, just visit the contest’s website at www.boomer555.com and describe how you would use a New Holland compact tractor. Unique ideas and inspiring stories count! Qualifi ed entrants, 18 years or older, can enter by submitting their most dynamic, creative entry in words, photos or video. Entries can also be submitted via e-mail to boomer555@newholland.

com or mailed to Boomer 555 Contest – MS # 208, c/o New Holland Agriculture, P.O. Box 1895, 120 Brubaker Ave., New Holland, PA 17557.

“Boomer tractors are well-equipped to make quick work of all sorts of jobs,” says Ken Hough, New Holland Tractor Marketing Manager. “We’re looking forward to seeing some very imaginative entries.”

Winning entries will be chosen based on originality, quality, inspiration and creativity. Only one entry per household may be submitted. To be eligible, entries must be received by midnight EST on November 30, 2011. Complete contest rules are available at www.boomer555.com. Selected entries may be featured online, on Facebook and YouTube, and in New Holland promotions.

For more information, see your local New Holland dealer, or visit www.newholland.com/na

New Holland Announces Contest to Win a 5-year Tractor Lease in the Boomer™ 555 Contest


The NEW HamburgerGround beef,cooked on grillslice of red onionlettuceslice of tomatoslices of avacadoslices of pineappledill pickles, slicedmayonnaise

Creating new ways to spice up the lonely hamburger, here is a way to get plenty of those vitamins in a tasty way. Place all condiments on a tray, let everyone prepare their own hamburger. Gone are the days of just meat, pickles and catsup on a bun.

R E C I P E

Do as much salad preparations ahead of a meal to relieve hurried stress.

•Cooking on grill outside keeps heat from cooking inside to a minimum.

•Cook potatoes for salad in early

morning, at last few minutes add eggs to hard boil with potatoes.

•Having several side dishes means

leftovers for another meal. Saves wear and tear on cook!

•Jello with fruit mixture, dollop of

whipped cream is a great and fun dessert. Again, do ahead time saver.

—SHIRLEY BAKER

R

GRANDMA’S HINTS

DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME!

Ross had decided this was the year his horses, Nip and Tuck, would learn to work as a team and pull a load together.

Norwegian Fjord Horses were bred in Norway as a dual-purpose draft and saddle animal. They aren’t as tall as the more commonly known draft horses, but they have a reputation for hard work no matter what they’re doing.

Ross and his wife were wintering on a ranch deep in the high desert. The snow was belly deep on a tall cow.

First, he put each horse in a single harness and practiced walking behind him rather than riding. As they became more comfortable with this new style of work, Ross connected their harnesses and put them through their paces as a team in a corral. Soon Nip and Tuck graduated to working together in larger circles outside the corral.

Training horses equals repetition – over and over. Ross was walking many miles behind his horses and professional cowboys, like him, are more comfortable riding a horse than, just about, anything else.

He built a wooden platform, called a stone boat, with skids that are used to haul large rocks out of farm fi elds. Then, he cobbled together a tall seat so he could see over the horses’ rumps.

“I admit the stone boat was a little top heavy,” he smiles.

When training draft horses, the fi rst time they are hooked to a load is always an interesting moment. Even the most skilled horse trainer doesn’t know how a horse will react to feeling a heavy load behind him.

On the big day, Ross’ wife was holding Nip and Tuck while he hooked his brand new team to the stone boat. Neither of the horses had ever had anything like this happen to them before.

Ross spoke gently to the horses and, as usual, they started forward – until their harness lines came tight against the stone boat.

Panicked, they took off at a dead run with Ross and the stone boat streaming along behind like a pair of underwear on a windy clothesline.

To regain control, Ross circled the horses. Each time they turned around the circle, the stone boat would skitter sideways across the snow like a water skier in a tight corner.

Ross hung on – Nip and Tuck kept running at full speed.

“I was beginning to get a little worried,” Ross admits.

Nip and Tuck were strong and in good shape. Ross wasn’t sure who would wear out fi rst, him or the horses. Each time they came around the circle, the stone boat would clear away more snow and they began to dig into the frozen dirt.

When the stone boat hit a patch of dirt, it would lean crazily toward the outside of the circle. Ross compensated by leaning to the inside, like a sailor tacking in a sailboat, to keep it from turning over.

Fortunately, not long afterwards, Nip and Tuck exhausted themselves and stopped. Slowly, gently, he let the horses catch their breath.

“I wasn’t sure who was more tired, me or them,” he says.

Most times, training working horses is best done with a series of patiently repeated commands. Other times, it’s an exciting contest of who will wear out whom.

Nip and Tuck have worked as a team with Ross for many years. – D. “BING” BINGHAM

B I N G B I N G H A M I S A W R I T E R , R A N C H E R

A N D S T O RY T E L L E R . I F Y O U H AV E A S T O RY

T O PA S S A L O N G , C O N TA C T H I M AT B I N G @

B I N G B I N G H A M . C O M .

The American Red Cross of Central Texas responds to a fire about once every two days. So far in the month of July, volunteers and staff have responded to a house fire almost every day. Extreme drought conditions continue to put Central Texas homes and lives at risk.

Now more than ever it’s vital that all Central Texans know what they can do to prevent a fire, and practice their escape plans with their families in order to stay prepared.

Beyond the risk to homes and property, the extreme heat also puts all of us at risk for heat-related illness every day. Dr. David Markenson, American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council Chair, wants to remind everyone to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day – even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine

or alcohol that dehydrate the body. Dr. Markenson also reminds us to be good neighbors. Check in on the elderly, young children and pets to make sure they are not suffering from the heat.

More information about recognizing and treating heat-related illness, and fire safety and prevention are available online here. Staff are also available to discuss personal safety and fire prevention tips.

Central Texans who wish to make a financial contribution to the American Red Cross of Central Texas can call 800 or 512-928-4271, send a financial contribution to 2218 Pershing Drive, Austin, 78723 or make a secure online donation at www.centex.redcross.org. For information on Red Cross services or volunteer opportunities please call 800 or 512-928-4271 or visit www.centex.redcross.org.

American Red Cross continues to urge caution and offer advice as home fi res soar

Extreme Heat and Drought Continue to Put People and Homes at Risk


I by Jeff Gore

T by Kendall Hemphill

peta – The Bad Guys

The problem with writing newspaper and magazine columns that end up floating around forever in cyberspace is that, sometime down the road, someone will come across something you wrote and take offense. Or maybe that’s the good thing about it. I get the two confused.

A guy who is evidently a peta member came across one of my old columns recently, got his socks in a wad, and decided to By George set me straight. So he called me and let me know what a Horrible Person I am, because I said that Jesus wasn’t a vegetarian. I think he got so much spittle in his phone he’ll have to replace it.

Actually, it’s kind of funny, how wrong people can be. But this is America, where anyone is entitled to an opinion. And if you think Jesus didn’t eat meat, your opinion is wrong. And I can prove it.

This all started because peta has a section on their website that claims Jesus was a vegetarian. When I saw that I started emailing the peta people, asking them to explain. They wouldn’t, but they referred me back to their site, where they had a lot of “evidence” they’d collected from people like rabbis and ‘religious scholars’ who claimed that when God said, in Genesis 9, that He was giving man the aminals to use for food, He didn’t intend for that to be permanent. The reasoning was vague, but that was the gist of it.

So I wrote a column about how there’s no evidence to back up their claims, and how Jesus was a Jew who perfectly followed the Law of Moses all His life, and to do that He had to eat meat at some of the Jewish feasts, including the Passover. Which is all true, but peta never responded. One person wrote to tell me

that Jesus didn’t eat any of the fish He miraculously provided for thousands of people on at least two occasions. That may be true, but since I didn’t bring it up, I didn’t find it particularly relevant.

Anyway, the guy who called recently was livid. He said Jesus cared for all the creatures. He said Jesus was compassionate. He said Jesus could not have eaten meat, since He cared and was compassionate. At least I think that’s what he said. I had to hold the phone away from my head, to keep his vehemence from damaging my eardrums.

So I tried to talk to the guy about the incident in Acts 10, where Peter was shown a vision from heaven, including animals that Jews were not allowed to eat, and he was told to kill and eat them. That didn’t work, either. The guy said that was just an example to let Peter know it was OK to offer the gospel to the Gentiles. Which is true. It was like one of those milk commercials, like God was saying, “Salvation – it’s not just for Jews anymore.” But God was using something Peter would understand to illustrate His point, and Peter understood killing and eating.

But the guy on the phone didn’t agree. He said that was just a vision, not actual killing and eating, so it didn’t count. So I decided to try one more time, before the FCC got wind of this guy’s language and cut our connection.

I asked the guy if he had read I Timothy chapter 4 recently. He had not. So I pointed out that at the beginning of that chapter, Paul warned Timothy about peta. The guy didn’t like that, not one little bit. It was a good five minutes before he quieted down enough for me to go on.

Paul didn’t mention peta specifically, but he did warn about people “speaking lies in hypocrisy,”

and “commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving.”

Well, that went over like a lead balloon, too. I guess people just don’t appreciate it when you prove to them their opinions are 100 percent wrong. The guy claimed I was trying to twist the Bible around and make it say something it doesn’t. I’m still unclear on what he meant, but there you go.

This column is not a religious platform, but when people try to use God to advance their attacks on hunting and fishing, they need to be corrected. It needs to be done calmly and nicely, but it needs to be done. And we all need to know exactly where to find the proof that will refute the false claims of the antis.

The folks at peta don’t really believe Jesus was a vegetarian, or that God doesn’t want us to eat meat. They just lie about it, to try to control the rest of us. They are The Bad Guys, not because there’s anything wrong with vegetarianism - there isn’t. What’s wrong is spreading false information to force people into an erroneous conclusion.

The truth (John 8:32) will set you free. But it won’t set you free from getting angry calls from people who don’t know the truth . . .

K E N D A L H E M P H I L L I S A N O U T D O O R H U M O R C O L U M N I S T

A N D P U B L I C S P E A K E R W H O B E L I E V E S T H AT I F G O D H A D N O T

I N T E N D E D F O R U S T O E AT T H E A N I M A L S , H E W O U L D N O T H AV E

M A D E T H E M O U T O F M E AT. W R I T E T O H I M ( K E N D A L , N O T G O D )

AT P O B O X 1 6 0 0 , M A S O N , T X 7 6 8 5 6 O R J E E P @ V E R I Z O N . N E T

I hope you are all enjoying the nice summer weather. I know you are all thinking, “He has lost his mind or at least become delirious from heat exhaustion,” because there has been nothing pleasant about the weather. Hot and dry with a good chance of hot and dry thrown in.

I know everyone taking vacations with their families this summer like the pretty sunshine, but we desperately need rain. Sorry, but that’s what I’m praying for.

For the fi rst time in the ten years we have owned our little place on the cusp of west Texas, it is so dry and dead that I’m having to feed my horses in the summer and water them from our county water supply. Up until now, there has generally been enough rain and grass for them to graze and drink from the dirt tank on our place. The only time I usually feed them extra is when they work. There is truly nothing left for them eat in our pastures and the dirt tank is almost dry.

The old-timers are telling me they’ve never seen it like this for so long. At the same time, there are parts of the country that are fl ooding, parts of the country that are just getting crops up because of the late, late winter thaw. There are earthquakes where there have never been earthquakes before and just a few weeks ago there were

hundreds of tornadoes ripping through the Midwest, many without a drop of rainfall in the area. Crazy, huh?

Well, if we look in God’s word, we fi nd a lot of drought, famine, and pestilence associated with the lack of morality in certain nations. In the story of Moses (Deut. 9), the story of Noah and the fl ood (Gen. 6-9), and numerous other places, we see where God let loose His wrath on rebellious and ungodly people.

Now I’m not saying God is zapping us, but He never promised He’d take care of people who turned their backs on Him much less continue to give them His blessing.

We create our own havoc when we do things ourselves, the way we want it and not God’s way, depending on Him. In James 5:13-18, it tells us that Elijah, who was a regular old guy like any of us, because

of his faith in God, prayed and it didn’t rain for three years. Then he prayed again and it immediately began to rain. It says that the prayers of a righteous man are very effective.

I know I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again, II Chronicles 7:14 says (God speaking) “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, I’ll forgive their sins and heal their land.”

We can say we need rain or relief from crazy weather conditions all we want. We can even pray for rain. But if we don’t repent and surrender ourselves totally to The Lord, it’s not gonna happen. It’s not global warming that is the problem it is luke-warming of our hearts and souls.

Jesus said He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. No one comes to the father except through Him.

He also said in John 8:31-32, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

Freedom in Christ is the only true freedom. We will not see relief from the extremes in our weather or natural disaster, or in our daily life from the consequences of our bad choices until we really know

Christ and do what he says; as individuals and as a nation, Repent! NEWS FLASH! Jesus is and has always been The Answer.

If you need prayer about anything or have questions, let me know. I may not know the answer but God does and we can look in His Word together to fi nd it.

Thanks for reading,JEFF – WWW.JEFFGORE.ORG


W by Paul Pryor

by Mike Young

When I first saw him I thought he was a team manager or the water boy. He was dwarfed by the baby beef of the herd of Longhorns. But when I saw him perform in the defensive backfield, Freddie Steinmark was seven feet tall. He would become even taller in the eyes of everyone who knew him.

The elation of the great victory of Texas over Arkansas in the game of the century (it was the 100th anniversary of college football) and the declaration by the President of the United States that Texas was number one in the nation was short-lived. Coach Royal was in New York to accept the McCarthy award for the national championship, when he received word that the leg injury that Steinmark had just played with was cancer. He was to be operated on the next day at MD Anderson in Houston. Coach Royal had a plane chartered to be by his player. The next day they removed Freddie’s leg – it was bone cancer.

A few weeks later my Dad, Freddie and a camera crew stood in the now empty football field on which his teammates had received so much glory. I was there, too, and I was struck by the fact there was no place so lonely as an empty football field. A cold northern blew across the field and everyone was cold and shivering. Both my father and Freddie were there to talk about cancer. My dad was ten months out his own cancer surgery, and Freddie just a week or so out of his. They were there to make a short film for the American Cancer Society.

Freddie talked with candor about his battle. He was a fighter. A man his size who had succeeded in a game of giants was a proven battler. But now he was

facing the fight of his life and he didn’t agree with the odds, he was a fighter. He knew the odds, and he knew they were poor.

When Texas played Notre Dame in the Cotton bowl Freddie was there; not on the bench but pacing up and down on his crutches. He was there for every play. He was out there intercepting Joe Theisman’s passes and tackling runners that eluded the linebackers. Freddie played that gamed and was a factor in Texas beating the Irish.

He was a factor in that game, even though he was on the sideline.

Just a few weeks later me and other Texas fans filled the Texas auditorium for the annual football banquet and celebration. As my father called off the names of players who had lettered, Coach Royal and the late Rooster Andrews handed out the jackets and the awards. You could feel the tension building as they ran down the list in alphabetical order. Finally my father came to the S’s and called out the name of Freddie Steinmark. My dad’s voice echoed through a silent auditorium. From the wings of the mammoth auditorium came a single small figure. Slowly, carefully, but alone, came Freddy on his new artificial leg. First came a room full of tears, and then cheers that rocked the auditorium as loud as 5000 personal volcanoes.

Freddie made it, just like he said he would, walking across the stage to receive his letter jacket. That night at least, he was the victor over cancer. The cancer was spreading, and he soon lost the fight.

The scoreboard is now named after Freddie and to those who knew him and watched him play will never forget him.

Last month I wrote about the excessive heat and thought at that time that the high pressure dome hanging over Central Texas would move or pretty soon. No such luck. Here we are again, one month later, and it’s still hovering right around 100°F. God Bless all creatures, great and small.

People come in to the store every day relating horror stories about how their chickens are dying and the ones that survive don’t lay eggs. There’s not a lot I can tell them to do about it. Keep the birds in the shade or under a fan and give them plenty of water. I’m going to change the subject and stick my head in the sand while we wait for the weather to moderate, so I’ll share a poem I read the other day by Jack Prelutsky. It’s cute and it will maybe improve the mood. It’s called, “Last Night I Dreamed of Chickens.”

Last night I dreamed of chickens,there were chickens everywhere,

they were standing on my stomach,they were nesting in my hair,they were pecking at my pillow,they were hopping on my head,they were ruffl ing up their feathersas they raced about my bed.

They were on the chairs and tables,they were on the chandeliers,they were roosting in the corners,they were clucking in my ears,there were chickens, chickens, chickensfor as far as I could see...when I woke today, I noticedthere were eggs on top of me.

Try and stay cool. Adios,MIKE YOUNG

Poem “Last Night I Dreamed of Chickens” by Jack Prelutsky.


Texas Tales by Mike Cox

The Dangers of the Capitol of Texas Dome

From his offi ce in the 1857-vintage Land Offi ce Building, Land Commissioner W.C. Walsh had been watching the construction of the new Capitol since the fi rst shovel of dirt was tossed on Feb. 1, 1882. Not only was he witnessing the biggest construction job to that point in Texas history, Walsh had an offi cial reason to follow the building’s progress – he sat on the Capitol Board, the state entity overseeing the project.

By the spring of 1887, the red granite, Greek cross-shaped base of the future statehouse had been completed. Soon, work would begin on the towering dome that would give the four-story government building (the east-west wings are only three stories) its distinctive silhouette.

Born in Dayton, Ohio on the eve of the Texas Revolution in 1836, Walsh had come to Texas with his family when only four. They settled in Austin when all it amounted to was an assortment of log cabins lining a broad thoroughfare called Congress Avenue. Following his graduation from Georgetown University in Washington, he returned to Texas and went to work as a clerk in the land offi ce. Walsh stayed there until the beginning of the Civil War, when he signed up to fi ght for the Confederacy. Though wounded three times, he survived the war. Back in Austin, he farmed and ran a rock quary near Barton Springs until 1873, when he became chief clerk of the House of Representatives. Five years later, Governor R.B. Hubbard appointed him to fi ll the unexpired term of Land Commissioner J.J. Gross. Elected to a full term in November 1878, Walsh would serve until 1887.

As the new Capitol slowly took shape, as a member of the body charged with making all the spot decisions that come up during such a large-scale project, so did Walsh’s layman’s knowledge of architecture. Now, with construction about to begin on the dome, Walsh grew increasingly uneasy.

“The plans,” Walsh later wrote, “called for a dome of brick, the lower thickness of the walls to be fi ve feet and dimishing gradually to the foot of the lantern.”

He fi gured the weight of the brick, added the weight of the substructure, and went to bed, not liking the number he got. Assuming he had made a mistake, the next night he went over his calculations and got the same result.

“The weight shown not only wiped out the ‘factor of safety’ but exceeded the theoretical resistance of the foundation,” he wrote. In other words, the base of the Capitol would not support a brick dome. At some point, either during construction or over the course of time,

it likely would come crashing down and possibly take much of the rest of the building with it.

Walsh tore up his calculations and burned the scraps. “As far as I could, [I] dismissed the question from my mind for ten days,” he continued. But then he ran the numbers again, coming to the same catastrophe-protending fi gure. This time he submitted the numbers to someone else, who came to the same conclusion.

“I then hunted up [Gus] Wilke, the building contractor, and broached the subject,” Walsh wrote. “He told me the question had been worrying him for months, and he wished I could get some action by the Board.”

Walsh did just that, but the timing was bad. All the state offi cials who sat on the board, including Walsh, were leaving offi ce. Only the state treasurer would still be on the board.

“The general thought was that the outgoing Board had brought the building through troubles and discouragement to its practical completion, and it was now too late for the retiring board to take up the question – besides the new Board ought to have something to worry over,” Walsh wrote.

Now a private citizen, Walsh remained concerned. When the new board took no action on the dome issue after its second meeting, Walsh took the matter to the new governor, Sul Ross. The governor asked Walsh to submit his concerns in writing and shrewdly asked if he minded the document being made public. The former land commission said he had no problem with that, and soon his belief that the blueprints for the new capitol contained a potentially disasterous design fl aw hit the state’s major newspapers.

When that happened, Ross appointed a panel of Texas and Louisiana architects to prepare a report on the dome issue. “After thorough study [the architects] reported to the Governor that my contention was correct, that the existing plan was dangerous, and recommended the substitution of steel plates for the brick, above the walls.”

Diaster likely averted, Walsh was still not totally satisfi ed. He sent Capitol architect Elijah E. Myers a copy of the report on the dome, asking for “at least a personal explanation.” Myers’ secretary replied that his boss was in ill health and unable to answer Walsh.

“The only theory I could ever work out was that the upper dome was planned on the theory that the walls supporting it were treated in the estimate as solid, while in fact from basement to top story they were opened on four sides by immense arches. The mystery will never be solved.”

By the time Walsh died on August 30, 1924, the ironclad Capitol dome had stood for more than a quarter century and has now made it past 120 years.


the outdoor classroom by Larry LeBlanc

9/10 - 9/11 Lake Belton 2011 Central Championship

9/17 - 9/18 Lake Cedar Creek 2011 North Championship

10/01 - 10/02 Lake Toledo Bend 2011 East Championship

10/08 - 10/09 Lake Falcon 2011 South Championship

It looks like we are going to be blessed with some more hot weather and are rapidly approaching the point where I have enjoyed about all I can stand of it, but it’s not my call so I will trust that the Good Lord knows what He is doing and carry on just like I had good sense.

I have been driven back into the house in the afternoons as my workshop is not air-conditioned and yesterday the thermometer in it pointed to one hundred-forty fi ve degrees. As I had no plan of cooking and wanted to catch up on some gun work I went back into the house.

I took my Marlin Model 1895SS in 45-70 Government and proceeded to remove the lever and the bolt and I began thinking about how simple this rifl e is and how accurate it is out to a hundred yards with the load I have worked up for it. I generally keep my shots down to one hundred yards because I am shooting iron sights and that is about as far as I can see to shoot a deer size target and be sure of my shot.

I shoot a 300 grain, Sierra, jacketed hollowpoint bullet and the heat is not nearly so infl uential on the barrel as with the high velocity, centerfi re rifl e bullets, in the barrels put on hunting rifl es.

I spoke to a gunsmith friend of mine about heat and barrel movement and I asked him how one can judge when a barrel is getting too hot to give the accuracy you can count on without one of

the fancy thermometers that the bench rest shooters use. He said a good rule of thumb is to put your hand on the barrel and if you can keep your hand on it you are ok. If it is too hot to keep your hand on it don’t waste your ammunition; wait until it cools down to the touch.

Barrels movement also means that your rifl e barrel needs fl oating. One symptom can be after a few shots and the barrel warms up and your shots start to string in one direction from the nice group that we all want. As the barrel heats up anything pressing on it in the forearm will start to walk that group into a string of shots in one direction.

Mike also told me when he fl oats a barrel he also check the fi t of the action to the stock and makes the necessary adjustments to insure when he torques the securing screws that holds the action in place in the stock without causing any uneven stress on the action.

Now an important point about synthetic stocks on centerfi re rifl es; they are not only ugly (in my very biased opinion) but just because you have a synthetic stock does not mean the barrel is fl oated. They are as likely to be fl oated as a wooden stock so have them checked too.

Now I will close with some words of wisdom from Mike Morrison regarding new rifl es. When you purchase a new rifl e, have your scope mounted and any other

accessories and then do not go to range and start shooting. Take the gun home and read the instruction manual from front to back and make sure you understand everything in it. Then completely clean

the new gun as they are normally shipped with a preservative on them and not gun oil. It is easy to ruin a new gun unless this cleaning step is followed.

PHO

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The barrel of my .308 Winchester is 22 inches long and has a beautiful taper from the chamber to the bore, but the esthetics and weight reduction adds to rapid overheating.


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Hooked up in PanamaTicket in hand, bag packed, passport

in my pocket, and off to a foreign country to meet up with Omar, who would pick me up from the airport. Panama City was the fi rst stop on my list of three places I would reside over the next eight days. Lots of unknown places and people can be stressful, but as fi shing was my plan, stress was not a concern.

The 3 hour and 45 minute fl ight was over by the time my head started hurting from the cheap earphones. After walking through a well labeled maze and waiting my turn to meet a lady at the customs table, the tensions began to wear off. She said some things quickly in Spanish and I asked her to slow it down and repeat. Next thing I know is she yells out “American” and gentlemen walks over and says it will be $5. I handed him a fi ve dollar bill and a few seconds later, she hands me a piece of paper labeled “tourist card” in Spanish. I made my way to baggage claim, called Omar, and within 15 minutes Omar was driving me through the dark city like a wild man! We pull up to the hotel that matched the name on my hand-written note and I paid Omar his fare. He told me that he was happy to have a new friend and would be knocking at my door at 5 a.m. sharp for the ride back to the airport.

The next morning, after a 45-minute fl ight and a short ride along the Costa Rican border with a guy named Richard, I unloaded at the lodge looking forward to relaxing while appreciating an amazingly beautiful view. A good night sleep was in my future, anticipating the next day’s adventure. And indeed the next morning was an adventure. We launched the

36’ custom built fi shing machine and immediately began to parallel some break lines. Wham! Fish on, and out jumped the bright green and yellow of a Dorado. I took the rod, and began cranking against the drag as line would peel out each time the fi sh came close. They kept handing the rod to me as another three or four, back to back began to wear me out! The fi fth fi sh hit the huge marlin bait, but spit the bait just yards from the boat. We all had a good laugh as I wiped the sweat from my brow and began to let the bait back out into the spread. I quickly learned a lesson as to why it is necessary to use the drag to let baits back, rather than the ‘ol Texas method of your thumb as another Durado smashed the bait seemingly melting my thumb to the monofi lament. Lesson learned. We ended the day with a boat full of the freshest Dorado and jumped some wild sailfi sh. The night’s dinner of fresh fi sh was unbelievably good but, the journey had just begun.

A few days later I was to meet a guy named Allen, back in the city of David. I loaded up my bag into his small four door pickup and was off for a four or fi ve hour

drive over the volcano and mountains to the complete other side of the country. I was bound for a lodge on the Caribbean waters that is just south of the infamous Costa Rica Tarpon grounds. I wasn’t there during tarpon season and would be targeting primarily bonefi sh and other fl ats runners, but was lucky to at least see one of the beast crest the water’s surface (and it happened more than once). I was picked up at a local dock and began the trek in a Caribbean fl ats boat through the maze of islands. Upon docking and meeting the crew, I knew this would be a few days that would be remembered for life.

We settled in and I decided to take out a kayak for an afternoon of relaxation, of course, rod in hand. I was challenged by the crew who insisted I throw a bone colored Top Dog with one of the trebles removed and two of the hooks cut from the second, leaving just one single hook. Well, I blanked.

It was only minutes into the next day that we hooked up on a pod of fi sh. And we were on them all day. The afternoon winds began to pick up just as I gained enough confi dence to throw some fl ies. A few exciting sight casts and a few disappointing misses and it was time to head back. But even after a day of lightning fast bones and line stripping jacks, I was not tired enough to give in… I had to give another try at the “one hook” kayak method. Another ten or so hits, and I fi nally hooked up! The night ended with 3 or 4 small barracuda and my patience rewarded. Even without the fi sh, the camaraderie of my hosts was enough in and of itself to make this journey memorable.

To learn more about the destinations I visited check them out online: Hookedonpanama.com and Tranquilobay.com.

Thanks to those who keep me on the water: Champion Toyota of Austin, Renewal by Andersen of Austin, Brazos Children’s Center, Stanley, Temple Fork Outfi tters, Ranch Road Creative Solutions, Kids Outdoor Zone, Get Five, X-Point Hooks, Vicious Fishing, Country Line Magazine, Bass Champs.

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EST. 1978

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