recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Grapevine, TX (episode)

The Phase 3 Grapevine, TX episode of North Texas Explorer featured attractions an events in the city of Grapevine, TX. Devin introduces various segments from the Grapevine Opry and other downtown locations. The first segment covers the annual Grapefest Wine Festival which highlights Texas-made wine and includes an interview with Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau director Gayle Hall. Part of the festivities involved a grape stomping competition between local city mayors hosted by meteorologist Rebecca Miller.

The next segment is the Murder Mystery on the Tarantula Train, an interactive performance where passengers attempt to solve a whodunnit-style mystery. Historic information is relayed by Devin as the storyline plays out.

After a break, Devin interviews local blacksmith Jim White who does a demonstration on the craft, The next segment explores the geology of the Woodbine Sandstone and nearby Grapevine Lake. This leads to a brief segment on the Grapevine Bass Pro Shop.

The final section of the episode features several interviews at the Adventure Team Outdoor Expo.

## Background Information

* Interviews from the Adventure Team Outdoor Expo ended up in multiple North Texas Explorer episodes.
* Portions of video from the Grapevine Lake segment of Trains, Tigers and Rocks were used in this episode.

## Media Links

* Grapefest - Texas Wine Festival on YouTube
* Murder Mystery on the Tarantula Train on YouTube
* Devin Talks to a Blacksmith on YouTube
* Woodbine Sandstone on YouTube
Last Chance Forever

Last Chance Forever is a raptor rehabilitation organization in San Antonio, TX that cares for sick and injured birds as well as conducts educational, outreach programs. They were featured at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in the Phase 3 Flying through McKinney episode of North Texas Explorer.

A pre-Phase 1 segment about Last Chance Forever, produced at the University of North Texas. Was included in The Heard Phase 2 episode of North Texas Explorer.

## Media Links

* Last Chance Forever at The Heard Wildlife Sanctuary on YouTube
Old City Park (episode)

Old City park is the first episode of Phase 3 of North Texas Explorer. Unlike most episodes, it utilizes a "tour guide" format that takes visitors through the facility in a mostly linear fashion.

The episode begins with Devin summarizing the area history. Information about specific buildings at the park is relayed beginning with 1845 Miller Log Cabin and then progressing forward in time. At the 1861 Living Farmstead the character"Erastus Rausch" is interviewed as he does a blacksmithing demonstration. Additional building are discussed as well as the history of the railroad in the area.

After touring all the buildings and ending up in the main street section of the park, Devin discusses other features and events at Old City Park that are available to guests.

## Background Information

* The "tour guide" format used in this episode was used again in the Fossil Rim episode and then largely abandoned.
* This is the only North Texas Explorer episode that mentions the next episode. This one teases the Fort Worth Stockyards episode.
* There were multiple shoots involved in producing this episode.
* Footage of the Tarantula Train from the Grapevine episode was utilized in this episode.
* Special permission had to be procured for "Erastus Rausch" to fire his musket for this episode.
Fast Food

Fast Food is a 2003 documentary short by Todd Kent filmed concurrently during production of North Texas Explorer. It featured several promotional product mobiles and was produced at multiple locations around north Texas.

#### Featured Vehicles

* The Hershey's Kissmobile
* The SpamMobile
* The Mew Mix Mobile
* The Pepperidge Farms Goldfishmobile
* The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile

#### Filming Locations

* Fair Park
* The Science Place
* Six Flags Over Texas
* The Women's Museum

#### Awards & Honors

* Official Selection Dallas Video Festival
* Official Selection deadCenter Film Festival
* Official Selection San Antonio Underground Film Festival
* Official Selection Spindletop Film Festival
Lake Mineral Wells State Park

Lake Mineral Wells State Park is a natural area in Mineral Wells, TX. It is known as one of the few places in the north Texas region where rock climbing can be done.

It has been featured in multiple Esteem Educations productions including a Phase 1 episode of North Texas Explorer.

Filming at the Penitentiary Hollow trailheadGetting shots of the rocks
## Media Links

* Geo-Walk: Lake Mineral Wells State Park on YouTube
* Geo-RoadTrip Short Trips: Lake Mineral Wells on YouTube
Paul Beard

Paul Beard was the managing director of Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, TX. He appeared in the short documentary Standing Tall: Lone Star Statues.

He left Bass Hall in 2008 to go to the Pearl Brewery Complex in San Antonio, TX and eventually to the Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas, NV.

1. ↑ https://news.pollstar.com/2008/05/28/beard-exits-bass-hall/
Mississippi Delta Blues

Mississippi Delta Blues was a GeoAmerica short that focused on the scientific and ecological issues surrounding the Mississippi Delta. Researchers from the University of New Orleans collaborated with a group of students from the University of Oklahoma to explore the issue. Sites along the Mississippi River, including the Old River Control Structure, were featured.

## Media Links

* GeoAmerica: Mississippi Delta Blues on YouTube
Cedar Hill State Park (episode)

Cedar Hill State Park was a Phase 3 episode of North Texas Explorer that highlighted the park's various features and activities. The episode format was that of a camping trip where Devin sets up his campsite as he introduces each segment. After a quick overview of the park, the first segment follow's a tour of the park's historic Penn Farm. Park specialist Linda Dunn leads the tour and offers information about the Penn family and what life was like in they area when they settled.

Next, William Feick from the park shows various types of snakes from the area and talks a little about their biology. Joe Pool Lake is featured in the next segment with information from park specialist Dana Lewis and local guide Les Pratt. From there a segment about mountain biking trails leads into information about local geology.

Cap Carter from DORBA, the Dallas Off-Road Biking Association talks about how the group maintains the bike trails at the park and how erosion and local land features effects their work. This leads Devin to go into information about the Mountain Creek Escarpment including the Austin Chalk and Eagle Ford Shale.

The final segment is about the Hi-Tec Adventure Racing series, a physically demanding competition that took place in the park.

## Background Information

* Additional footage for this episode was provided by Octagon TV.

## Media Links

* Penn Farm Agricultural History Center on YouTube
* The Snakes of Cedar Hill State Park on YouTube
* Joe Pool Lake at Cedar Hill State Park on YouTube
* Mountain Bike Geology at Cedar Hill on YouTube
Ron Sitton

Ron Sitton was a cowboy and historian who facilitated photo ops with his longhorn steers at the Fort Worth Stockyards. He appeared on the Stockyards Phase 3 episode of North Texas Explorer and where he spoke about area history.

He was honored by having his hat displayed at the White Elephant Saloon.

At the White Elephant
James Coverdale

James Coverdale is an historical reenactor and educator. A member of the Kiowa tribe, he his the great-great-grandson of Kiowa Chief Two Hatchet and the great-great nephew of Kiowa Chief Dohasan.

He was featured in an Esteem Education short video wherein he shows and describes various Native American tools and artwork. It was filmed during an event at Palo Duro Canyon.

## Media Links

* Native American Tools & Artwork on YouTube

1. ↑ https://www.thc.texas.gov/public/upload/publications/red-river-war.pdf>
2. ↑ https://deadconfederates.com/2014/07/24/remembering-the-first-battle-of-adobe-walls/
Bayou Bob's Brazos River Rattlesnake Ranch

Bayou Bob's Brazos River Rattlesnake Ranch was a roadside attraction in Santo, TX run by "Bayou" Bob Popplewell that featured thousands of snakes on display to visitors. It was the focus of a Phase 2 episode of North Texas Explorer. It closed down around 2011.

Outside the RanchBob & Devin at the sluiceSnake skins on display
## Media Links

* Devin & Bayou Bob Feed the Snakes on YouTube
* Devin & Bayou Bob Find a Snake on YouTube
American Airlines Center (episode)

The American Airlines Center was the focus of the Phase 3 episode of North Texas Explorer and featured multiple events. The episode Begins with a brief overview of the facilities. Architect Bryan Trubey from HKS Inc. offers insights into the design of the building while Devin provides scientific information on some of the stones used as building materials.

The next segment covers Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban as he works as a referee for a Harlem Globetrotters game. Historic information of the Globetrotters is given and Matt Fitzgerald from the Mavericks promotional department talks about Cuban's participation in the event. This leads to additional information on the Dallas Mavericks and their involvement with the American Airlines center including a brief interview with Dallas Mavericks player Adrian Griffin. Architect John Hutchings, also from HKS talked about the efforts made to construct the facilities to the team's specifications.

After a break, the episode features the inaugural Texas Stampede, a multi-day concert and rodeo event. Roy Gene Evans, from the Stampede, explains some of their work that goes into putting on such a large event. Singer/songwriter Robert Earl Keen is briefly interviewed and expresses his love for the sport. Information about the charity element of the rodeo is then covered, including a partnership with Bassett Furniture Direct as they raise funds by touring the World's Largest Chair.

More charity work is covered in the next segment which features the The Ticket Challenge on Ice. Radio DJs and local celebrities compete in a hockey game to raise money for charity. Interviews with radio personalities George Dunham and Craig Miller are included.

## Background Information

* Footage from the Fort Worth Stockyards episode is used in this episode.
* This is one of the few episodes that feature Devin without his hat.

## Media Links

* American Airlines Center Architecture on YouTube
* Mark Cuban Referees the Harlem Globetrotters on YouTube
* Robert Earl Keen at the Texas Stampede on YouTube
* World's Largest Chair (Not Really) on YouTube
* SportsRadio 1310 The Ticket Charity Challenge on Ice on YouTube
Reptile Day

### Locations

Dallas Museum of Natural History, Women's Museum, Cedar Hill State Park, African American Museum, Battleship Texas

### Educational Topics

Herpetology, culture, geology, history

Reptile Day is a Phase 2 episode of North Texas Explorer that has a primary focus on an event at the Dallas Museum of Natural History but includes several other segments at different Texas attractions.

The episode begins at the Reptile Day at the Dallas Museum of Natural History as Devin interviews museum CEO Steve Runnels. Runnels speaks about the events and various exhibits at the museum including "Texas Dinosaurs." From the museum, Devin introduces the next segment about the geology of Cedar Hill, TX.

At Cedar Hill State Park, Devin Devin discusses the natural features of the area, the history of the formation of the rocks, and how those rocks effect the landscape in the modern day.

After the break, the episode returns with a brief cameo by legendary Texas singer/songwriter Willie Nelson. This leads into a short segment about the Battleship Texas State Historic Site in La Porte, TX. Next, the episode gets back into the Reptile Day event as Devin interviews Barry Allen who shows off a bearded dragon.

A few short segments at some Fair Park museum follows. Devin interviews Bea Booker of the Women's Museum who gives an overview of the museum and its mission. This is followed by a similar segment at the African American Museum. Kendall Ferguson speaks speaks with Devin about the museum's goals and various programs.

Back at Reptile Day, Devin gets to know a boa constrictor as Barry Allen continues with various reptile facts.

## Background Information

* This episode is a precursor to a few Phase 3 North Texas Explorer episodes. Concepts and footage were repurposed for the Dallas Museum of Natural History episode and Cedar Hill State Park episode.
* The segments on the Women's Museum and African American Museum were filmed on the same day at the Day at Fair Park event
* The Battleship Texas segment was filmed during production of the Houston Animal Roadtrip episode as Tropical Storm Allison was beginning.
Fort Worth Stockyards

The Fort Worth Stockyards is an historic district that contains entertainment establishments including museums, shops, restaurants and recreational activities. The stockyards were the focus for a Phase 3 episode of North Texas Explorer.

## Notable Stockyards Attractions

* The White Elephant Saloon
* Billy Bob's Texas
* Cowtown Coliseum
* Cowtown Cattlepen Maze
* Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive
* Livestock Exchange
* Stockyards Museum
* Stockyards Barnyard Petting Corral
* Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame

## Notable Stockyards Associates

* Ron Sitton
* Pam Minnick
* Hub Baker
Glen Rose

Glen Rose is a a city in Texas known as the "Dinosaur Capital of Texas" due to multiple dinosaur tracks found in the area.

## Notable Place in Glen Rose, TX

* Dinosaur Valley State Park
* Dinosaur World
* Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
* Shoo-Fly Soda Shop
* Stone Hut Fossil Shop

## Notable Individuals Associated With Glen Rose, TX

* Morris "Buz" Bussey
* Adam Eyres
* Mary Jo Stearns
* Robert Summers
Grapevine, TX

Grapevine is a city in north Texas. Several attractions in the city were featured in a Phase 3 episode of North Texas Explorer.

## Notable Places in Grapevine

* Grapevine Lake
* Grapevine Opry
* Tarantula Train

Torian Log Cabin9/11 MemorialDevin explores downtownOutside the train depot
## Media Links

* Grapevine, TX Glockenspiel: The Would-Be Train Robbers on YouTube
* Devin Talks to a Blacksmith on YouTube
Fair Park

Fair Park is an historic area of Dallas that has contained multiple venues, museums, and attractions over the years. Esteem Education has produced extensive content within Fair Park and many of its features have been a part of North Texas Explorer including

* The African American Museum
* The Age of Steam Railroad Museum (moved)
* The Dallas Children's Aquarium
* The Dallas Museum of Natural History (now closed)
* The Hall of State
* The Old Mill Inn
* The Science Place (now closed)
* The State Fair of Texas
* The Texas Discovery Gardens
* The Women's Museum (now closed)
* The Woofus

## Media Links

* The Berlin Bear Statue at Fair Park on YouTube
* The Chromosaurs at Fair Park on YouTube
* The Woofus at Fair Park on YouTube
Joseph King

Joseph King was an architect, rancher, and historian. He appeared in the documentary short Standing Tall: Lone Star Statues where he discussed the Sam Houston Statue in Hunstville, TX. He passed away in 2014.

1. ↑ https://www.itemonline.com/obituaries/joseph-marcellus-king/article\_6ccb6b98-817a-11e4-bd15-0bc11c93bb0a.html
Barbara Barton

Barbara Barton was the director of the Gaston Museum in Joinerville, TX. After the town had stopped appearing on offical state maps, Barton was instrumental in returning the town of Joinerville to newly printed maps. She appeared in the Black Giant episode of GeoAmerica.

1. ↑ https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/dateline-texas-2121512.php
Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country

The Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country is a science and history museum located in Canyon Lake, TX. The land on which the museum is located has several preserved dinosaur tracks visible for visitors to see. The museum was featured in the documentary RockHounds: The Movie.

Getting shots of the dinosaur tracks for RockHounds: The MovieFilming a fossil hunt with Dinosaur GeorgeDinosaur track
Jack McKinney

Jack McKinney was the Executive Director of the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco, TX. He appeared in the Phase 3 Waco episode of North Texas Explorer where he spoke about the museum exhibits and the history of Dr Pepper. He had previously worked at the Science Place in Dallas and the Don Harrington Discovery Center in Amarillo.
Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum

The Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum is an historic facility in Greenville, TX dedicated to the dual purposes of chronicling the life of war hero turned movie star Audie Murphy and the history of the cotton industry in the area. It was featured in an Esteem Education produced short video.

Audie Murphy statue outside the museum
## Media Links

* Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum on YouTube
Old Fort Worth Fire Station No. 1

Old Fort Worth Fire Station #1 was an historical museum in downtown Fort Worth that was maintained by the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. It was featured in the Phase 1 Urban Fort Worth episode of North Texas Explorer. It was permanently closed in 2016.

Devin checks out an exhibitFort Worth was known as "Panther City"
Louis Tussaud's Waxworks/Ripley's Grand Prairie

Louis Tussaud's Waxworks/Ripley's Grand Prairie, formerly known as the Palace of Wax is an attraction location in Grand Praire, TX that features lifelike wax figures and Ripley's Believe it or Not specimens from the Robert Ripley collection.

It was featured in Hollywood in Texas, a Phase 3 episode of North Texas Explorer.

## Notable Individuals Associated With Ripley's Grand Prairie

* Stuart McCallum
* Robert Ripley
* Sonya Vasquez
Age of Steam Railroad Museum

The Age of Steam Railroad Museum was a educational facility in Fair Park that that chronicled railroad history. It was featured in the Phase 2 Trains, Tigers, and Rocks episode of North Texas Explorer.

In 2012 the museum relocated to Frisco, TX where it was renamed the Museum of the American Railroad.

Filming an interviewExploring the train cars
## Media Links

* [Archive Video - 2001] Age of Steam Museum in Fair Park on YouTube

1. ↑ https://www.historictrains.org/collection/the-big-move
Legends of the Game Museum

The Legends of the Game Museum was dedicated to sports history and memorabilia. It was located in the former Ballpark in Arlington in Arlington, TX and was featured in the Phase 3 Arlington, TX episode of North Texas Explorer. The museum closed in 2009.

## Media Links

* Legends of the Game Baseball Museum on YouTube

1. ↑ https://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h2821.html
Old Mill Inn

The Old Mill Inn is the second-oldest restaurant in Dallas, TX. It is located in Fair Park and its stone facade differs from other art deco buildings of the park. It has appeared in Esteem Education productions.

## Media Links

* [Archive Video - 2001] Ed Campbell of the Old Mill Inn & Restaurant on YouTube

1. ↑ https://www.dallasnews.com/food/restaurant-news/2022/05/24/whats-next-for-the-old-mill-inn-one-of-dallas-oldest-restaurants/
Route 66

Route 66 is an historic highway that stretches from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California.

Several attractions along the road have been featured in Esteem Education productions including:

* The Big Texan Steak Ranch
* The Blue Whale of Catoosa
* The Cadillac Ranch
* The Golden Driller
* Pops 66
* Rock Cafe
* Round Barn of Arcadia
* RT-19
* Worlds Largest Catsup Bottle
Robert Ripley

Robert Ripley was a cartoonist and world traveler who searched for, collected, and chronicled the oddest and most bizarre stories of the world. Many of these were featured in his comic strip Ripley's Believe it or Not! The strip was later adapted into television series and a chain of attractions that feature various oddities.

Ripley's Believe it or Not! museums have been featured in a few Esteem Education productions.
Cedar Hill State Park

Cedar Hill State Park is an 1,826-acre state park in the DFW metroplex. It offers multiple outdoor activities and includes Joe Pool Lake on its premises. It was featured in the Phase 2 Reptile Day episode of North Texas Explorer and was the focus of the Cedar Hill State Park Phase 3 episode.

### Notable Features of the Park

* Penn Farm Agricultural History Center is the historic home of settler John Anderson Penn and his family. It features old structures like the farmhouse, barn, tornado shelter, and various antique farming equipment. Tours are offered by the park.
* Joe Pool Lake is a 7,740 acre reservoir that is popular with park guests for fishing and recreation.

### Notable People Associated with Cedar Hill State Park

* Linda Dunn
* William Feick
* Dana Lewis
* John Anderson Penn
* Les Pratt

Joe Pool LakePenn Farm
## Media Links

* Penn Farm Agricultural History Center on YouTube
* The Snakes of Cedar Hill State Park on YouTube
* Mountain Bike Geology at Cedar Hill on YouTube
* Joe Pool Lake at Cedar Hill State Park on YouTube
Fossil Rim (episode)

Fossil Rim was a Phase 3 episode of North Texas Explorer that featured Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, TX. The episode begins with Devin giving a brief overview of the natural history of the area which leads into information about what makes the land hospitable to wildlife from different areas of the globe. Several of Fossil Rim's accomplishments are listed just before Devin begins the tour.

Devin points out several of the animal inhabitants as he travels through the park. Information about gazelles, zebras, giraffes, and other animals is relayed as the tour progresses. After a quick stop at the wolf enclosure, Devin points out an Acrocanthosaurus footprint on display at the park's overlook.

After a break there is a segment on the cheetah conservation program. Carnivore Curator, Mary Jo Stearns talks about the work Fossil Rim does to care for the big cats and to encourage breeding.

After another break, Devin speaks with Animal Care Specialist Adam Eyres about the rhinoceros breeding program. Eyres shows off the newest rhino calf who is happy to run and play for the camera. This leads to a trip behind the scenes to the rhino care facility where Devin sees firsthand what kinds of work goes into keeping the rhinos clean, fed, and healthy.

## Background Information

* This episode was filmed over a period of months. Multiple shoots were required.
* This episode briefly incorporates the "tour guide" format that was occasionally used, but ultimately dropped, in the series

## Media Links

* Geo-Walk: Fossil Rim on YouTube
* Rhinoceros Breeding Program on YouTube
Dublin Bottling Works

The Dublin Bottling Works is a soda bottling company in Dublin, TX. It was known for making original recipe Dr Pepper with pure cane sugar until it was discontinued in 2012. The facility was featured in the documentary short Standing Tall: Lone Star Statues.

### Other Notable Features

#### Bill Kloster Statue

Former Bottling Works CEO W. P. "Bill" Kloster was known as "Mr. Dr Pepper." A statue of him stands outside the building.

### Notable Individuals Associated With the Bottling Works

* Cindy Jones
* Mark Kloster

## Media Links

* Dr Pepper Bottling Plant in Dublin, TX on YouTube

1. ↑ https://www.houstonpress.com/restaurants/dublin-dr-pepper-officially-no-longer-exists-but-cane-sugar-sweetened-dr-pepper-still-does-6417028
Barry Allen

Barry Allen is a Water Programs Specialist who was involved with the North Texas Herpetological Society. As a part of the Reptile Day event at the Dallas Museum of Natural History, he appeared in the Phase 2 Reptile Day episode of North Texas Explorer and the Phase 3 Dallas Museum of Natural History episode.
California

California is the 31st state in the United States. It has been featured in a few Esteem Education productions including the Death Valley Geo-RoadTrip.

## Notable Locations in California

* Death Valley National Park
* Fossil Falls
* La Brea Tar Pits Museum
* Lone Pine Rocks & Gifts
* Mount Whitney
* Museum of Western Film History
* Randy's Donuts
* Vasquez Rocks
Dan and Libby Midgley

English immigrants Dan and Libby Midgley were farmers and world travelers who settled in Enid, OK. Over their travels, they acquired a large collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils. Their home and collection eventually became the Midgley Museum which was featured in Oklahoma Rocks! and Unique-lahoma.
Joe Stine

Joe Stine was a geologist, wholesale rock dealer and the owner of the Timberlake Rose Rock Museum in Noble, OK. Upon his retirement, the shop was closed.

He appeared in the documentaries RockHounds: The Movie and Oklahoma Rocks!

1. ↑ https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2000/05/05/rose-rocks-are-full-time-business/62199576007/
2. ↑ https://www.normantranscript.com/news/noble/nobles-timberlake-rose-rock-museum-shop-slated-to-close/article\_ba98d533-c0e4-57b5-a610-b63290598a3b.html
El Camino Real de los Tejas

El Camino Real de los Tejas is an historic pathway used by early settlers that goes from Natchitoches, LA through San Antonio, TX and farther southwest. It was the topic of an Esteem video short.

## Notable Places Along the El Camino Real

* Caddo Mounds State Historic Site
* Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site
* Los Adaes State Historic Site
* Mission Dolores State Historic Site
* Mission Tejas State Park

## Media Links

* Traveling the El Camino Real on YouTube
Dinosaur Valley State Park

Dinosaur Valley State Park is a natural area in Glen Rose, Texas known for a proliferation of visible dinosaur tracks in the bed of the Paluxy River, which runs through the park.

It was the setting of the first episode of Phase 1 of North Texas Explorer.

## Other Notable Features

### Dinosaur Statues

The park is home to two large dinosaur statues originally created for the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. They were featured in the 2007 documentary short Standing Tall: Lone Star Statues.

## Media Links

* The Dinosaurs of Dinosaur Valley State Park on YouTube
Mark Cuban

Mark Cuban is a Texas entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks. He appeared in the Phase 3 American Airlines Center episode of North Texas Explorer as he worked as a referee for the Harlem Globetrotters.

In addition to his various business dealings, he has appeared in multiple films and television projects including Walker, Texas Ranger and Dallas.

## Media Links

* Mark Cuban Referees the Harlem Globetrotters on YouTube
American Airlines Center

The American Airlines Center is an indoor arena in Dallas, TX and is home to the Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Stars. It was designed by HKS Inc. and was the focus of the Phase 3 American Airlines Center episode of North Texas Explorer.

Dinosaur eventAt a hockey gameThe crowd at a basketball game
## Media Links

* American Airlines Center Architecture on YouTube
Ken Luza

Ken Luza was a geologist with the Oklahoma Geological Survey. He appeared in the documentary Oklahoma Rocks! where he discussed the seismograph at the Meers Store and the nearby Meers Fault. He passed away in 2014.

## Media Links

* The Meers Fault in Oklahoma on YouTube

1. ↑ https://obituaries.normantranscript.com/obituary/kenneth-luza-745046642
Grapevine Vintage Railroad

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad, formerly known as the Tarantula Train, is a restored historic train that makes runs from downtown Grapevine, TX to the Fort Worth Stockyards.

It was featured in the Phase 3 Grapevine, TX episode of North Texas Explorer and footage of it was repurposed several times, including in the Old City Park and Fort Worth Stockyards episodes.

## Media Links

* Murder Mystery on the Tarantula Train on YouTube
Dallas Museum of Natural History (episode)

Dallas Museum of Natural History was a Phase 3 episode of North Texas Explorer that focused on the many exhibits and programs the museum offered. Beginning with an emphasis on dinosaurs, the episode begins by featuring the Chromosaurs, by artist Jack Kearney that once stood outside the museum. From there, a brief overview of the Native Habitat Halls.

The next segment involved Reptile Day at the museum as Devin interviewed Barry Allen from the North Texas Herpetological Society. The main subject of the interview was the live boa constrictor Allen had.

After a break, Devin explores some exhibits related to Texas dinosaurs, particularly those found in the Big Bend region, and then conducts an interview with Tony Fiorilla, the Curator of Paleontology at the museum. Fiorilla and Devin then tour the museum and talk about various specimens including a mosasaur, a sea turtle, and a mammoth. Afterward, Devin talks about glyptodons and shows off the museum's animatronic glyptodon.

After another break, various clubs that participated in the Day at Fair Park event are featured, including the Dyno-Rock Indoor Climbing Gym, Dallas Down River Club, and Oak Point Stables.

Next was a quick look at the museum's interactive cave exhibit followed by interview with museum volunteer John Tutor at the Adventure Team Outdoor Sports Exposition in Grapevine, TX.. Tutor showed off specimens from a rock collection and mainly focused on fossils while also discussing the museum's volunteering opportunities.

The final segment was an interview with museum employee Monica Contreras who discussed the Holiday Origami tree.

## Background Information

* Footage from the Phase 2 Reptile Day episode was repurposed for this episode.
* A few shots in the intro of the Reptile Day segment included footage from the Texas Reptile Expo from the Arlington, TX episode.

## Media Links

* The Chromosaurs
* Reptile Day at the Dallas Museum of Natural History
* Dallas Museum of Natural History Dinosaurs
* Dallas Gem & Mineral Society Specimens
* The Dallas Museum of Nature & Science's Origami Tree
New Mexico

New Mexico is the 47th state of the United States. It has been featured in multiple Esteem Education productions including GeoAmerica.

## Cities in New Mexico

* Albuquerque
* Carlsbad
* Hatch
* Lincoln
* Los Alamos
* Roswell

## Notable Places in New Mexico

* Capulin Volcano National Monument
* Carlsbad Caverns National Park
* The Derrick Floor
* El Malpais National Monument
* Jemez Soda Dam
* Million Dollar Museum at White's City (closed)
* Sitting Bull Falls
* Smokey Bear Historical Park
* Valles Caldera National Preserve
* White Sands National Park
* World's Largest Pistachio
Noble, OK

Noble, OK is a city in central Oklahoma that is known as the Rose Rock Capital of the World because of a unique proliferation of barite rose rocks in the area.

It is home to the annual Rose Rock Festival and was the location of the Timberlake Rose Rock Museum. It has been featured in multiple Esteem Education productions including RockHounds: The Movie and Oklahoma Rocks!

Filming a rose rock dig in Noble for RockHounds: The Movie
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is an educational facility in Fort Worth, TX. It's been featured in a few Esteem Education productions.

Old Fort Worth Fire Station No. 1, which was maintained by the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, was featured in the Phase 1 Urban Fort Worth episode of North Texas Explorer.

Jim Diffily, a paleontologist at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, was interviewed at the museum about the dinosaurs of Dinosaur Valley State Park for the documentary short Standing Tall: Lone Star Statues.
Arlington, TX (episode)

The Arlington, TX Phase 3 episode of North Texas Explorer featured several entrainment establishments and events in the city of Arlington, TX. The episode begins with a tour of the Ballpark in Arlington, home to the Texas Rangers at the time. Features of the exterior facade are initially pointed out. Inside the facilities, Devin is shown around the locker rooms.

Pausing from the tour, Devin introduces a segment on Dyno-Rock Indoor Climbing Gym. The segment includes an interview with gym manager Joshua Haynes and climbing enthusiast Lavon Weighall. Devin gets instructions on climbing technique and successfully attempts his own climb.

Back at the ballpark, Devin's tour proceeds to the Legends of the Game Museum where he sees the historic sports memorabilia on display. Afterward Devin checks out the educational exhibits at the Children's Center portion of the park.

The next segment is about the Texas Reptile Expo. Randal Berry, from the Expo, gives an overview of the event while Devin talks with some of the vendors and gets to know some snakes, lizards and other creatures.

## Background Information

* Radio personality Craig Miller appears in this episode. This is footage from an interview originally filmed for the American Airlines Center episode.
* An additional segment was filmed with Devin training with an Arlington-based group of Civil War reeanctors but it was cut for time. Devin teases it in the intro.

## Media Links

* Devin Tours Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on YouTube
* Devin Goes Indoor Rock Climbing on YouTube
* Legends of the Game Baseball Museum on YouTube
Gem & Mineral Shows

Esteem Education has done several productions involving Gem & Mineral Shows.

## Gem & Mineral Show Media Links

### Houston Gem & Mineral Show

* Rock Food Table at the Houston Gem & Mineral Show
* Knapping Demonstration at the Houston Gem & Mineral Show
* Polymers at the Houston Gem & Mineral Show
* Cabbing Demonstration at the Houston Gem & Mineral Show

### Arlington Gem & Mineral Show

* Overview of the Arlington Gem & Mineral Show
* Mobile Gem Mining Sluice at the Arlington Gem & Mineral Show

### International Gem & Jewelry Show

* International Gem & Jewelry Show in Dallas

### Oklahoma Mineral & Gem Show

* Oklahoma rocks at the Oklahoma Mineral & Gem Show

### Denver Gem & Mineral Show

* Grab Bag at the Denver Gem & Mineral Show
Joe Maranto

Joe Maranto was the owner of the Meers Store and Restaurant in Meers, OK near the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. He appeared in the documentary Oklahoma Rocks! and the documentary short Unique-lahoma. He passed away in 2023.

Interviewing Maranto at the Meers Store
1. ↑ https://www.beckerfuneral.com/obituary/joe-maranto
Devin Dennie

## Appearances

### Appears in

North Texas Explorer, Oklahoma Rocks!, RockHounds: The Movie, Geology Kitchen, What on Earth, Strange Evidence

Devin Paul Dennie, PhD (born March 25, 1977) is an American geologist, writer, television personality and science communicator. He is best known for his series of educational children's books from Penguin Random House and appearances on various Science Channel programming. Dennie was born in Dallas, TX and raised in Kaufman county.

## Education

Dennie's postgraduate work include completing an MS in Geology from Texas Christian University in 2001 and receiving his PhD in Geology/Geophysics from the University of Oklahoma in 2010.

## Esteem Work

Dennie is a founding member of Esteem and began utilizing video production to communication scientific concepts in college including television and documentary work. His work has included writing producing and starring in:

* North Texas Explorer
* GeoAmerica
* RockHounds: The Movie
* Oklahoma Rocks!
* Geology Kitchen

### As Narrator

* Fast Food
* Standing Tall: Lone Star Statues
* Unique-lahoma

## Non-Esteem Work

### Television

Dennie has also been a recurring guest on Science Channel programming What on Earth and Strange Evidence.

### Publishing

Dennie is an author of children's books that cover earth science topics.

* My Book of Rocks and Minerals (ISBN 9781465461902, 2017)
* Did You Know? Earth: Amazing Answers to more than 200 Awesome Questions (ISBN 1465479112, 2019)
* Why Does The Earth Need The Moon? (ISBN 024135837X, 2019)
* Rocks and Minerals Ultimate Handbook (ISBN 9780744085303, 2023)

## Media Links

* The Books of Dr. Devin Dennie on YouTube
Проклятый раб меча

Статус : занято

Позабыв свое прошлое, ваше иссохшее тело бродит по земле в поисках освобождения от проклятия. Уже давно вы должны были умереть, но загадочный артефакт поддерживает жизнь и заставляет биться сердце. В ваших руках лежит тяжелый цвайхандер - источник всех ваших невзгод. От меча, поблескивая красным светом на Солнце, по всему вашему телу проходят тонкие жилы мистического металла. Несмотря на все попытки сломать меч, единственное, что сломалось - это ваш дух. Каковы цели меча? Почему он поддерживает в вас жизнь? Сумеете ли вы избавиться от меча или от проклятия? Проклятый раб меча - универсальный воин, способный выдержать большое количество урона благодаря металлическим жилам, покрывающие поверхность кожи. Раб меча может быть вооружен лишь своим цвайхандером. Цвайхендер проклят и связан с вами, пока жив носитель. Любое другое оружие и металлическая броня за секунды покрывается красной ржавчиной и рассыпается пылью в руках. Носитель может легко поднять меч, несмотря на его большую тяжесть. Если другой игрок захочет поднять проклятый меч, то ему необходимо пройти проверку Силы (Сложность: 20). Если оставить меч, на расстоянии более 10 метров от владельца, то связь с мечом будет ослабевать, нанося ежедневно d12 урона. В мире может быть только один игрок этого класса, ввиду того что меч существует в единственном экземпляре. После смерти игрока, его место может занять следующий игрок.

Начальные навыки:

* Стальные жилы

Остальные навыки:

* Укрепление жил
* Поток ударов
* Прогнившая душа
* Потерянная душа
* Очищенная душа
Dallas Zoo (episode)

The Dallas Zoo was a Phase 3 episode of North Texas Explorer that featured the many exhibits and programs of the Dallas Zoo. The episode begins at the entrance of the zoo with some information about the large giraffe statue and the Endangered Species Carousel. Charles Siegel, Deputy Director for Animal Management, is interviewed and gives information about the establishment throughout the episode.

Devin begins exploring the zoo with a ride on the Monorail Safari in the Wilds of Africa exhibit and then heads to the Bird and Reptile Building. After a break the animals of Zoo North are featured followed by a segment on the Dallas Children's Aquarium at Fair Park. Afterward a brief segment on the Zoo's participation at the 2002 Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration at Old City Park.

The final segment focuses on the Children's Zoo section and involves Devin exploring the petting zoo, identifying rocks and minerals at the Discovery House, playing in the kid-sized naked mole rat tunnels.

## Background Information

* The rivalry between the Dallas Zoo Giraffe and Sam Houston Statue in Huntsville is briefly mentioned. It would later be a part of the Standing Tall: Lone Star Statues documentary.
* Footage of the Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration included cameos by Dallas mayor Laura Miller and Texas singer/songwriter Sara Hickman.

## Media Links

* Dallas Zoo: The Wilds of Africa on YouTube
* Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park on YouTube
* Dallas Zoo: Lacerte Family Children's Zoo on YouTube
Bessie Heard

Bessie Heard was a conservationist and and active community member in McKinney, TX for over a century. She is the founder of the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary.

1. ↑ https://www.countylinemagazine.com/destination-county-line/bessie-heard-built-successful-wildlife-sanctuary/article\_56594c5c-9ada-11ea-8d32-535fce2b8c9c.html
John Tutor

John Tutor was a volunteer the Dallas Museum of History and the Texas Discovery Gardens. He appeared in the Phase 3 Dallas Museum of Natural History episode of North Texas Explorer where he was interviewed about rock and fossil specimens. He also appeared on The Bug Episode where he handled a large scorpion for the camera during an interview with Gail Eila of the Texas Discovery Gardens.
Chromosaurs

The Chromosaurs are dinosaur sculptures by artist John Kearney made from car chrome, his usual medium. They were originally outside the Dallas Museum of Natural History at Fair Park but have moved to the Palace of Wax in Grand Prairie.

A Chromosaur outside the Palace of Wax
## Media Link

* The Chromosaurs - Chrome Dinosaurs on YouTube
Rock Food Table

The Rock Food Table is a traveling exhibit of rocks that look like different types of food. It usually appears at Gem & Mineral Shows at was featured in the documentary RockHounds: The Movie during its Houston Gem & Mineral Show appearance. It was created by Bill & Lois Patillo who travelled with it until their retirement.

## Media Links

* "RockHounds: The Movie" Clip - The Rock Food Table on YouTube
Bayou Bob's Rattlesnake Ranch (episode)

Bayou Bob's Rattlesnake Ranch was a Phase 2 episode of North Texas Explorer that featured Bayou Bob's Brazos River Rattlesnake Ranch near Santo, TX. The episode begins with a interview of Bayou Bob Popplewell, proprietor of the rattlesnake ranch. Popplwell gives an overview of his history and information about the attraction.

Next, Devin and Bob head out to the snake pits for feeding time. Bob discusses the work that goes into the care of thousands of snakes as he feeds live mice to many of his ranch residents.

After lunch, Devin and Bob head to his mining sluice where they discuss some of the local area geology as well as some of the more interesting specimens Bob has found on the grounds. This leads to a walk around the property where Bob catches a live, nonvenomous snake. They end up walking along the Brazos River where Devin finds a crinoid fossil. The episode ends with Bob relating some of his future plans for the establishment.
Oklahoma

Oklahoma is the 46th state in the United States and has been heavily featured in various Esteem Education productions like Oklahoma Rocks!, RockHounds: The Movie, and Unique-lahoma.

## Notable Places in Oklahoma

* Alabaster Caverns State Park
* Arbuckle Wilderness
* Beavers Bend State Park and Nature Center
* Boiling Springs State Park
* Blue Whale of Catoosa
* Cavanal Hill
* Certain Bison Kill SIte
* Goddard Youth Camp
* Golden Driller
* Heavener Runestone Park
* Lake Murray State Park
* Land Run Monument
* Little Sahara State Park
* Meers Store and Restaurant
* OK County 66
* Oklahoma History Center Museum
* Pioneer Coal Miner Statue and Memorial
* Price's Falls
* Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park
* Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
* Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
* Timberlake Rose Rock Museum
* Toy & Action Figure Museum
* Turner Falls
* Twister Movie Museum
* University of Oklahoma
* Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge
Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway is an historic route that goes from Natchez, MS, through Alabama, and ends near Nashville, TN. Much of the path was documented by the Esteem Education production crew for an unfinished GeoAmerica project.

#### Notable Locations on the Natchez Trace

* Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield
* Tupelo National Battlefield
Hody Porterfield

Hody Porterfield was the host and emcee at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, TX. Always dressed in his usual buckskins, he served as an ambassador to the restaurant patrons and would go from table to table entertaining guests, sometimes by demonstrating how to start a fire by using flint. He appeared in the Esteem video short wherein Devin & Wayne take on the 72 oz Steak Challenge.
Menger Hotel

The Menger Hotel is an historic lodging facility in San Antonio, TX which is known for hosting multiple presidents. Teddy Roosevelt was known for patronizing the hotel bar and recruiting his "Rough Riders" there. Today, visitors to the bar can still see bullet holes in the walls from some of the more rowdy patrons.

Historic bullet holesHistoric Marker
Iron Man

Iron Man is a comic book and movie character by Marvel Comics. A few Esteem Education productions have connections to the character.

* An Iron Man themed vending machine prop from a Dr Pepper commercial was on display at the Dr Pepper Museum.
* The Museum of Western Film History had costumes and props from the first Iron Man movie on display. It was featured in the Death Valley Geo-RoadTrip.
* Randy's Donuts in Inglewood, CA was a filming location in Iron Man 2 and was featured in the Death Valley Geo-RoadTrip.

**Note**: The Iron Man Memorial in Chisholm , MN has no connection to the character.
Christina Smith

Christina Smith, née Miller, was the Cultural Resource Specialist for the Natchez Trace Parkway. She was interviewed by Esteem Education for a potential GeoAmerica project on the Natchez Trace Parkway.

In 2013 she was awarded the Southeast Region Employee of the Year Award for excellence in cultural program leadership.

1. ↑ https://quadcitiesdaily.com/cultural-resource-specialist-receives-the-southeast-region-employee-of-the-year-award/
Arlington, TX

Arlington, TX is a city in north Texas situated between Dallas and Fort Worth. Footage was shot in Arlington for a Phase 2 episode of North Texas Explorer as well as for the entirety of the Phase 3 Arlington, TX episode. A portion of the documentary Fast Food was also shot there.

## Notable Places in Arlington

* Choctaw Stadium, formerly known as the Ballpark in Arlington
* Dyno-Rock Indoor Climbing Gym
* Legends of the Game Museum (closed)
* Six Flags Over Texas

## Media Links

* Arlington Gem & Mineral Show on YouTube
Dallas, TX

Dallas is a large city in north Texas that has been featured in multiple Esteem Education productions.

## Notable Dallas Locations

* The African American Museum
* The American Airlines Center
* Dallas World Aquarium
* The Dallas Zoo
* Deep Ellum
* Fair Park
* Giant Bowler Hat
* McKinney Avenue Trolley
* Old City Park
* The Perot Museum of Science & Nature
* Pioneer Plaza
* Southern Methodist University
* The State Fair of Texas

## Notable Individuals Associated With Dallas

* Mike Bradshaw
* Mark Cuban
* Craig Holcomb
* Craig Miller
* Laura Miller

## Media Links

* Babe’s African Market in North Texas
* Dallas Tennis Association Mini Mo Tournament
* Highlights from the 2011 Veteran's Day Parade
* McKinney Avenue Transit Authority's M-Line
Big Texan Steak Ranch

The Big Texan Steak Ranch is a restaurant along Route 66 in Amarillo, TX that offers the world famous 72-ounce steak challenge. If a patron can finish the steak, along with everything else the meal comes with, in an hour, they do not have to pay for it. Both Devin and Wayne attempted the challenge during a shoot in the Amarillo area but neither was successful.

## Media Link

* Devin & Wayne vs. the 72 Ounce Steak on YouTube
Salt

Salt is a common mineral and is the only rock that is regularly eaten. Salt has been prominent in several Esteem Education productions.

* The west Texas salt flats near Guadalupe Mountains National Park and the 19th century "Salt War" were featured in the Permian Reef episode of GeoAmerica.
* The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge was featured in the documentary Oklahoma Rocks!
* The structure of sodium chloride was made with marshmallows and grapes in the Episode 1 of Geology Kitchen.
* Rock salt was used as an example of an evaporite in Episode #5 "Chemical & Biological Sedimentary Rocks" of Geology Kitchen.
* Salt was used as an example of something containing sodium, an element making up feldspars, in Episode #13 "Feldpsarty" of Geology Kitchen.
* Table salt was used to represent the solar system's asteroid belt in Episode #24 "Fruit Salad Planets" of Geology Kitchen.
* The Strataca Underground Salt Mine is dedicated to education on salt and salt mining.
Neal Immega

### Affiliation

Houston Geological Society, Houston Gem and Mineral Society, Houston Museum of Natural Science

## Appearances

### Appears in

Oklahoma Rocks!

Neal Immega, Ph.D. is an active member of the Houston Gem & Mineral Society, Houston Geological Society, and a and master docent at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

He appeared in the documentary film Oklahoma Rocks! at an ammonite dig at Lake Texoma.
Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is a giant natural area, part of the Chihuahuan Desert, in west Texas. It has been featured in multiple Esteem Education productions.

An exhibit on dinosaur fossils from the Big Bend region was featured in the Phase 3 Dallas Museum of Natural History episode of North Texas Explorer.