Mark Matson's Weblog

Firefly LED Lighting Has a Bright Future

markmatson — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:23:11 +0000

Steve Barcik, CEO of Firefly LED Lighting

This week I had the pleasure of meeting Steve Barcik, CEO of Firefly LED Lighting. The company, which provides LED lighting solutions for commercial and residential customers, is about to graduate from the Austin Technology Incubator. I’m looking forward to replacing my old inefficient lighting with these cool (yes, they don’t emit heat) and bright bulbs. For more information about this company, please read the Austin American-Statesman’s article. http://www.statesman.com/business/technology/latest-group-of-startups-graduates-from-austin-tech-2126365.html

The Fun Ford Fiesta

markmatson — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:11:00 +0000

Ford Fiesta

No. it’s not my new ride, though I would welcome the improved gas mileage. It’s the new Ford Fiesta. Check out Pam LeBlanc’s review of this sporty and fuel efficient car. http://www.statesman.com/life/cars/pete-n-pam-fiesta-is-a-little-party-2085543.html

Traveling Letterpress Printer Stops in Austin

markmatson — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:03:27 +0000

Kyle Durrie has been traveling the country in an old delivery truck, demonstrating the craft of letterpress printing. I enjoyed meeting her and learning more about this fading art form. Perhaps it would have been more appropriate to have photographed her with one of my old film cameras. Read more about her story here. http://www.chron.com/default/article/Traveling-evangelist-shares-charms-of-hot-type-2452220.php#photo-2012257

2011 Favorite Photo

markmatson — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:05:31 +0000

2011 has had it’s ups and downs. My favorite photo symbolizes this year’s topsy turvy ride. Here’s hoping that 2012 has more ups than downs. Like the riders, keep smiling.

2011 Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo

facebook expanding in Austin

markmatson — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:56:57 +0000

An Austin artist created this piece for the facebook Austin office.

Last week, I had the pleasure of touring facebook’s Austin office. It was fun to get a behind the scenes look, and learn about their business philosophy. The interior design is purposely unfinished and stimulating, to reinforce the idea that the company is constantly evolving. Here is the Statesman article.

RIP Steve Jobs, Recalling an Austin visit

markmatson — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 02:57:28 +0000

The sad news of the passing of Steve Jobs was shocking, despite our knowledge of his failing health. It’s impossible to estimate his impact on the business and creative world.

In 2007, he, along with Michael Dell and Ross Perot, spoke at an Austin event that explored the connection of technology and education. What a remarkable trio of business leaders it was. Seeing Jobs and Dell visiting and laughing together off stage before the event was amusing.

RIP Steve Jobs. You will be missed.

Click to view slideshow.

Boy Scouts Dedicate New Facility

markmatson — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:53:57 +0000

Eagle Wall Dedication

The Capitol Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America recently celebrated the opening of its new training and service center with a day of fun family activities. The day concluded with a dedication of the Eagle wall, which lists the name of all scouts from the council who have earned the rank of eagle. To see more images, please click here.

Writer & Cyclist Andrew Tilin

markmatson — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:00:38 +0000

Writer Andrew Tilin’s controversial book, The Doper Next Door, explores the use of performance enhancing drugs in amateur cycling races, through his personal experience. My photos accompany an AA-S article http://www.austin360.com/recreation/in-the-doper-next-door-cyclist-takes-testosterone-1876100.html?page=2

Trigger Point

markmatson — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:40:40 +0000

I enjoyed meeting Cassidy Phillips, a fitness enthusiast and CEO of TriggerPoint. His sports performance and therapy company recently acquired Cool Palms, an Austin company that marketed a product to help runners maintain their core temperature. TriggerPoint is expanding and is planning to add more employees.

http://www.statesman.com/business/austin-based-trigger-point-widens-its-product-base-1830155.html

2011 Rodeo Austin Scholarship Awards Ceremony

markmatson — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:47:26 +0000

The 2011 Rodeo Austin Scholarship Award Winners

Thursday August 11, 2011, Rodeo Austin awarded over sixty college scholarship to students from across the state of Texas. It was a pleasure to meet and photograph these deserving young people. Rodeo Austin is dedicated to providing scholarships and promoting western heritage. It’s an honor to work with such an organization.