The Pulse: August 2014

 Book Bit

Home Field: Texas High School Football Stadiums from Alice to Zephyr
by Jeff Wilson

High school football can trigger memories: the smell of hot dogs and hamburgers wafting up into packed stands as marching band and drill team members warm up. Parents and peers cheering with pride as players take the field.
What started out as a photo essay on Texas high school football stadiums for Texas Monthly transformed into Home Field, a book that gives a glance at nearly 80 stadiums big and small across the state. Each photo is taken from the 50-yard line looking toward the home side of the field. One common theme: The stadiums are empty, filled only with anticipation for those Friday night games.

Seen Around Austin…

My All American, a football drama centered around UT’s 1969 national championship-win, started filming in and around Austin in May; open casting calls were held as late as June. Directed by Angelo Pizzo (writer and producer of Rudy, Hoosiers), it’s the story of coach Darrell K Royal and defensive back Freddie Steinmark, who was hospitalized and diagnosed with cancer just six days after the team’s championship win. Actor Aaron Eckhart stars as Coach Royal. Jordan Shipley and Colt McCoy portray players from the 1969 season. A release date for the film has not been set.

Water Bottle Lantern

Never forget a light by adding this solar-powered cap to your water bottle. Four white LED lights and a fast-charging solar panel weigh in at just 2.6 oz. and fit most 2-inch wide mouth Nalgene or Camelbak bottles.
OutdoorPros.com

National Park Service Birthday

Celebrate the National Park Service’s 96th birthday with a visit—admission is free at all national parks on Aug. 25. Congress established the National Parks system in 1916. 

Recipe: Watermelon Pico de Gallo

1/2 small seedless watermelon, diced
1/2 whole red onion, diced
1 whole red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 whole green bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
1 whole yellow bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
2 whole jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
1 whole bunch cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 or 2 limes, to taste
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix ingredients in large bowl; serve with chips or on top of grilled chicken or fish.

Texas Strong 

Whether a fan of the new Longhorn coach or not, this is one shirt all Texans—and wanna-be Texans—can wear with pride.
shop.competeeveryday.com

Playlist: Summer Songs

Good Life – One Republic
Springsteen – Eric Church
I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
Indian Summer – Brooks & Dunn
Late July – Shakey Graves
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
Doin’ It Right – Daft Punk
Summer Love – Justin Timeberlake
Be OK – Ingrid Michaelson
Summer Nights – Rascal Flatts