Last week marked my second full year in Austin, Texas. While it's not nearly long enough to call myself an official Austinite, enough time has passed that the image in my head of the stereotypical Texan has faded for me - in part because, of course, not everyone fits the description. But it also helps that the stereotypes do exist, and I've gotten used to seeing them walking around all over the gaht durnt place.

But a four-day trip to Dallas to shoot Alpha Kappa Psi's annual international convention reminded me that the Yosemite Sam-like caricature that is the rest of the world's view of a Texan is still going strong. The brothers hailed from all over the world, but few neglected to pack a Stetson, bolo tie, flannel shirt and/or boots for the occasion.

The stars at night were big and bright in Dallas last week. Here's some proof.