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TX Citizen Volume 3 • Issue 28 • July 10, 2014

TRANSCRIPT

  • VOLUME THREEI S S U E 2807 . 1 0 .14

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    The Buoys are Back in Town | How to Get Pulled Over | Borders Without Borders

    VOLUME THREEI S S U E 2807 . 1 0 .14

    PLUS : 7 DAY NEW BRAUNFELS L IVE MUS IC GU IDEP LUS : 7 DAY NEW BRAUNFELS L IVE MUS IC GU IDE

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    2 AD SALES 830.358.2493

    table of contents

    8Citizen

    SoundcheckThe ONLY guide of i ts kindfor the NB/SM Metroplex!

    13

    12The County sMost WantedLook Mommy!Daddys in the paper!

    15 Last WordColby solves the border crisis.

    1st Word Somebody's going to get

    crushed at Stinky Falls. 3

    Letters Polit ical complaint backres.

    Results: Hilarious 5

    Hot inthe KitchenOur diva of the dish

    gets her cheesecake on.

    11Advice from

    Opa EselQuestionable counsel

    from Grandpa Karl.

    Cover StoryWe spook out with New Braunfels' Ghost Tours!4

    SportsThe Texas National Hot Dog Eating Championships6

    Sound Out of TownBecause Austin, San Marcos and San Antonio occasionally have live music too.

    10

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  • 2 AD SALES 830.358.24932 AD SALES 830.358.2493 TXCITIZEN.COM 3

    Well, this is a problem:

    Back in 2013, in order to dissuade the scourge of river piracy, City Council approved the installation of the buoys above Stinky Falls. Sure, there were arguments made for the safety features that accompanied the buoys, but if I remember the night they were approved, and I do, the major complaint from NBPD Chief Tom Wibert was that unsavory types would hang out at the falls, and help unsuspecting tubers over all the way over intentionally scattering aforementioned tubers belongings to the rivers bottom, where the pirate and his or her friends would almost instantly begin looting. Im sure there are some people that think those buoys are there for safety. Theyre not. In fact, now that river crowds are back to pre-disposable container ban levels, the pirate deterrents pose a pretty clear threat to safety.

    No EMT boats are getting through that mess, and should somebody stroke out, Im pretty sure the strokees lawyers will want to know why the City intentionally closed 95 percent of the right-of-way. Its like Manila down there.

    When the buoys were first proposed, the public was expecting standard public pool style buoys, not a military-grade barricade. But heres the important thing to remember about them: its perfectly legal to go over/under/past them. Theyre just there. But naturally, law-abiding people dont want to breech what appears to be an official obstruction. So now weve got a problem. Fortunately, were chock full of solutions. Here are the Citys options, as we see them:

    1) Remove the buoys, put a couple more officers or rangers on the clock, and go back to busting pirates. Perhaps Please Dont Help Tubers Flip Over signage might be in order. Put the bad guys on notice, so to speak.

    2) Keep the buoys, but make it clear that its ok to pass them. Signage and a ranger or two can probably make that work. Friendly rangers. Not scary ones. You want the scary ones wearing

    the Stay Alive Dont Litter t-shirts and handing out mesh bags. Yeah, our plan requires signage, but the City has never ever been shy about putting up

    signs. Dont whine about it now, City Hall.3) Maintain the status quo,

    and risk the consequences. Google The Who, Cincinnati, 1979 for an example of what to expect should we keep going in this direction. Remember, one of the main issues first responders had with the Last Public Exit is that they couldnt get through the crowd for heart attack and drowning victims and such. Hmm. Perhaps this buoy thing is intended to move the crowd to a more manageable area. Food for thought on that one. Chew on it. (The Police/Fire Departments are smart enough to have come up with that, but its advanced thinking for City Council. Not their wheelhouse.)

    The Last Public Exit is, in fact, too small to compensate for the size of the Prince Solms entry area into the river. Is that by design? The City sure makes getting out of the river more difficult than getting in. If Schlitterbahn made it that hard to get out of the water theyd have crowd-control problems too. How about some better steps and handrails and such? How about that? Maybe some rangers too. That might help. I mean, everybody that ever rode my Adventureland Jungle Cruise boat was helped both on and off. Kept people moving. Prevented problems but only because we didnt want any.

    Rockin R has a perfectly serviceable exit right before the Last Public. Ive never seen anyone use it in the four times Ive floated the Comal since 2005. Perhaps the City could rent that exit from Rockin R in exchange for not screwing with the tubing business anymore. Or cash. Im good either way.

    NEXT WEEK: Litter on the river is the hot story again, and its only fitting that since 2011s mathematical shenanigans with the trash figures essentially created this column, that wed have a look at the coverage this time around. Guess what? More shenanigans, and this time the out-of-town media outlets are playing along.

    \m/

    Mike ReynoldsPublisher/Editor-in-Chief

    WORD1ST

    TXC MOB

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  • 4 AD SALES 830.358.2493

    There is enough misery, madness and mayhem

    in New Braunfels history to make even

    William Faulkner wince. And you can learn

    all about this disturbing and fascinating past

    when you take the New Braunfels Ghost Tour.

    The walking tour is the brainchild of Lamar

    Elementary School teachers Anita Carrera

    and Kathryn Chapman (who say their school

    is haunted, as well). The goal of the tour is

    threefold: to have fun, to illuminate overlooked

    local history, and to encourage locals and

    non-locals alike to grow a new, albeit creepy,

    interest in the downtown area.

    Whether you believe in the haunt or

    not, if you love history, you will love the tour,

    Anita said.

    Carreras husband, Rick, agreed. I love

    our tour because its based upon history itself.

    These are all things that happened.

    The tour meets in front of Naegelins

    Bakery, and begins with its first stop at the

    Prince Solms Inn and finishes in front of the

    Faust Hotel.

    Along the way you will learn answers to

    the questions:

    Which two star-crossed lovers meet at the

    top of a staircase?

    Which former County Clerk wont leave?

    What crotchety old German settler still

    haunts New Braunfels Coffee Shop?

    What is 12-year-old Emma Voelcker

    doing now, even though she was murdered

    with an ax in 1874?

    Who is messing with people at the

    Phoenix Saloon?

    What hotel owner believes he is still in

    charge, even though he is long since passed?

    Did one mysterious little girl ever find

    her cat?

    And much, much more.

    While walking between the stops on the

    tour, groups are regaled with other tales about

    areas of the city not on the walk. Anita and

    Kathryn note, for example, how Coll Street

    seems to be the most haunted stretch in town.

    Its been so much fun to research, to learn

    about the buildings and the people, Kathryn

    said. I cant learn enough.

    Accurate research has been exceptionally

    important to the team.

    The two women say that at almost

    every tour, they learn something new or are

    presented with a new story to tell.

    There are so many stories, we cant tell

    them all, Anita said.

    Those who dont believe in ghosts will

    find an interesting insight to local lore and

    little known historical facts. One such piece

    of information is about the series of tunnels

    that run beneath downtown, which are now

    walled off. Those tunnels all seemed to have

    run to the Phoenix Saloon and were a boon

    to those who still wanted to grab a beer

    during prohibition. Another historical tidbit

    concerns the slaves who once built what

    is now Landa Park, which are supposedly

    haunting the area.

    The team aims to educate while entertain.

    We want the locals to know more about

    their town and its history, Anita said. We

    want the non-locals to know there is more here

    than just the rivers.

    Another goal for the group is to give a

    boost to downtown businesses by whetting the

    curiosity of hopeful ghost seekers.

    We want to promote local business,

    Anita said. We would like people to go into

    Henne Hardware, go into the Phoenix Saloon,

    go to the Faust Hotel or, next time theyre in

    town, stay at the Prince Solms Inn.

    And this is one of the beautiful parts of the

    tour: The stories are not just about local history,

    but the history of local businesses and the

    buildings that house them. Henne Hardware,

    according to the team, is the longest continually

    operating hardware store in Texas. Gephardts

    Chili Seasoning was made in the back of the

    Phoenix Saloon as way to make to chili a year-

    around rather than seasonal dish.

    The tour begins at 8 p.m. in front of

    Naegelins and runs about an hour-and-half.

    Tours are offered Thursdays through Sundays

    and the cost is $20 per person, but there are

    discounts for those who mention the Ghost

    Tours ad in the TX Citizen. There are also

    teacher and group discounts. Those who

    want to book a spot can go to the groups

    website at nbghosttours.com, or call 830-

    221-5221. Walk-ons are welcome if there is

    room. The team asks that those taking the tour

    be there at 7:45.

    While they are not firm on the age

    limit, New Braunfels Ghost Tours prefers

    guests be 12 years of age and older. The

    reason for this, as Rick notes, is so we

    dont have to sanitize the stories of suicides

    and murders.

    The maximum size of a preferred group is

    25. Any more than that, it becomes unwieldy

    and loses intimacy, Rick said. The group

    plans to keep the tour running yearly from

    March through Wurstfest.

    The Ghost Tour has already met great

    success. Their Facebook page already as more

    than 1,000 likes and the tours are filling up.

    New Braunfels Ghost Tours is also ready

    to begin a haunted pub-crawl on Saturday,

    July 25, which will be a three-hour tour of four

    bars. The pub crawl costs $25 (definitely no

    children) and will be in smaller groups of 10-

    15. Youll also get a koozie!

    The tour is also considering adding a

    Gruene addition next summer.

    While Anita and Kathryn are keen on the

    idea of a lockdown, there are no plans for

    such, as of yet. So, anyone wishing to yell at

    ghosts and challenge them to fights (as they do

    on the TV) will just have to wait.

    For those who dont believe in ghosts and

    whatnot, consider how the mature Immortal

    Jellyfish can turn itself back into an infant polyp

    stage and start its life all over again, or how

    the Golden Jellyfish feeds on sunlight. Thats

    weird and those are just jellyfish. When you

    look deeper into the quantum scale, things

    become even more bizarre. So, in a sense,

    ghosts arent the weirdest things around us.

    Besides, many would say the world is a more

    interesting place with ghosts.

    Still, you dont have to believe to enjoy

    New Braunfels Ghost Tours.

    We have people who say, I dont believe

    it. But they still come on the tour and they still

    enjoy it, said teacher Kathryn.

    I love history and if it takes a ghost

    story to teach history, then thats fine, said

    teacher Anita.

    COVER STORY: New BraunfelsGhost ToursCOVER STORY: New BraunfelsGhost ToursWITH NICK ROGERS

  • 4 AD SALES 830.358.2493 TXCITIZEN.COM 5

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    We Couldnt Agree MoreThe CitizenMr. Mike Reynolds, Editor Letter to the Editor

    Dear Editor,Texas law (The Texas Ethics Commission and TxDOT) requires that the

    display of political signs be limited to the 90 days before an election. The law further demands the signs be taken down and removed within ten days after the election unless the candidate is in a run-off. Most candidates try hard to observe these laws.

    The signs for Donna Campbell have remained posted all over Comal County since the March Primary election. People have brought this to her attention and to the attention of the Republican Party, but neither she nor they have not acted to remove her signs. In fact, new signs are springing up within the last week.

    These rules are enacted for good reasons. While an occasional sign may be missed, and left up too long, most candidates adhere to the law. It certainly appears that Campbell believes that she is above the law. Her behavior is a sign of disrespect for the law and the people of Comal County. This is not the only example of her disregard for others, but is certainly one that is easily observable and should be objectionable to everyone in Comal County.

    Robbi Boone, ChairmanComal County Democratic Party1610 FM 484Canyon Lake Ranch, Texas 78133210-240-6565

    It should be noted that Mrs Boone is not only the Democratic chair, shes also the wife of Dan Boone, who is running against Republican Campbell for the District 25 seat. It should also be noted that we took this photo of Mr Boones campaign sign on Tuesday, shortly after receiving Mrs Boones letter.

    While we appreciate Mrs Boones concern for the welfare of the communitys eyeballs, she would be well advised to hold her husband to the same standards as his opponent, lest her moral high ground be surrendered. She does seem like a very nice lady, though.

    Hey, at least Walnut is ohI challenge you to take a drive down S. Sycamore Ave., New Braunfels

    Texas 78130. Its a disgrace! Third world countries have better streets that this! Roads between Elliott Knox and San Antonio streets are Shredded! You have to own a 4 wheel drive inside the city limits just to get around. Pot Holes and patches fill the streets. Already I have had one front end knocked out due to the cities negligence. Please respond with a decision when S. Sycamore Ave. between Elliott Knox and San Antonio St. will be up for re-paving. You can start your drive right in front of my house and see the joy, 531 S. Sycamore Ave.

    As a footnote, S. Sycamore Ave. was used as a heavy equipment traveling street while paving the Walnut Street project. We experienced heavy pavers, dump trucks, and large bull dozers on our street daily. Other daily traffic also used this street as a detour. Beware, you should only drive less than 10 miles mph.

    Sincerely a concerned tax payer,L. Dee Smithey

    The TX Citizen, New Braunfels Puppy Playland, and the New Braunfels Theater Company want to thank the

    following for making Midway Madness a huge success:

    Major props go to The Phoenix Saloon - Courtyard MarriottTimeless Ink Tattoos - Freddy's Pawn and JewelryBosses Pizza - Gourmet Ice - Sparx Photography

    Schmackdab Entertainment - Le Strange Sideshow the Frito-Pie eaters, and all of our rockin' volunteers!

    We couldn't have done any of it without you!

    Mark your calendars now Midway Madness 15 is booked at the Phoenix for June 26 of next year.

    The TX Citizen, New Braunfels Puppy Playland, and the New Braunfels Theater Company want to thank the

    following for making Midway Madness a huge success:

    Major props go to The Phoenix Saloon - Courtyard MarriottTimeless Ink Tattoos - Freddy's Pawn and JewelryBosses Pizza - Gourmet Ice - Sparx Photography

    Schmackdab Entertainment - Le Strange Sideshow the Frito-Pie eaters, and all of our rockin' volunteers!

    We couldn't have done any of it without you!

    Mark your calendars now Midway Madness 15 is booked at the Phoenix for June 26 of next year.

  • TXCITIZEN.COM 7

    Kris Davis, coming off a painful defeat in last month

    's Texas National Frito-Pie Eating Contest at

    the Phoenix Saloon, redeemed himself by stuffing n

    early six hot dogs down his gullet in ten

    minutes' time at the Happy Cow on July 4. Seven eaters

    entered, but only 12 year-old Jack Reynolds

    came close to besting Davis in his quest for gastric g

    lory. Jack's parents were relieved with the

    results, as a win would only serve to encourage h

    im. Our congratulations to Davis, who will

    return to defend his title at next year's event, should

    he be hungry again by then.

    Photos by Katie Gomez

  • 8 AD SALES 830.358.2493

    Thu 7.10

    Adobe VerdeTyler Hadlock

    6pm

    Freiheit Country StoreDavid Selbo

    7pm

    Iron Horse GrillJesse Stratton

    8pm

    Oma Gruenes Secret GartenJam Night

    w/ Daniel Thomas Phipps, Matt Harlan

    6pm

    Phoenix SaloonJunior Nash

    5pm

    Rileys TavernPete Benz

    9pm

    AJs Ale HouseRock & Roll Sing Along Piano Bar Show

    9pm

    Concerts in the ParkTexanna

    7pm

    Gruene HallZane Williams

    7pm

    The Pour HausThe Vagabonds

    7pm

    Fri 7.11

    Adobe VerdeJJ Garrett Band

    6:30pm

    The Happy CowTBA

    8pm

    Iron Horse GrillTBA

    7pm

    Oma Gruenes Secret GartenArms Length

    6pm

    Phoenix SaloonShand Walton

    5pm

    Slim Bawb & the Fabulous Stumpgrinders

    9pm

    Rileys TavernAnthony Terry

    w/ The No Refund Band

    9pm

    AJs Ale HouseRock & Roll Sing Along Piano Bar Show

    9pm

    Alpine Haus RestaurantOff the Grid Polka Band

    6pm

    Billys Ice HouseNick Verzosa & Noble Union

    8pm

    Gruene HallBob Schneider

    8pm, $25

    The Pour HausMothership Connection

    8pm

    Vineyard at GrueneBennett & Hines

    7pm

    Vino en VerdeMatthew Aaron

    8:30pm

    Sat 7.12

    Adobe VerdeBrett Hendrix Band

    6:30pm

    Black Whale Pub2 Rivers Trio

    9pm

    The Happy CowJordan Minor & The Bottom Dollar Band

    8pm

    Iron Horse GrillBand Blue Shift

    7pm

    Oma Gruenes Secret GartenMonty Guitar Tyler Band

    1pm

    The Jamie Krueger Group

    6pm

    Phoenix SaloonThe Georges

    9pm

    Rileys TavernBilly Dee Band

    9pm

    YOUR LIVE MUSIC

    GUIDE

  • 8 AD SALES 830.358.2493 TXCITIZEN.COM 9

    AJs Ale HouseRock & Roll Sing Along Piano Bar Show

    9pm

    Gruene HallDanny Brooks

    1pm

    Dale Watson

    w/ Holly Williams

    8pm, $12

    NB Farm to MarketDan McCoy

    9:30am

    The Pour HausWhiskey Rodeo

    9pm

    Vineyard at GrueneBilly Snipes

    7pm

    Vino en VerdeAvalon

    9pm

    Sun 7.13

    Adobe VerdeJesse Stratton

    6pm

    The Happy CowT-Bone & the Bluetones

    4pm

    Oma Gruenes Secret GartenDeano & the Housejacks

    2pm

    Bare Fax

    7pm

    Phoenix SaloonLandmark Salon Cut-a-Thon

    w/ Javi Garcia

    12pm

    True Audio Outland

    7pm

    Geronimo VFW #8456Glenn Collins & Alibi

    3pm

    Gruene HallBret Graham

    12:30pm

    Jon Christopher Davis

    w/ Crystal Yates

    5pm

    The Pour HausThe New Vagabonds

    7pm

    Mon 7.14

    Rileys TavernSongwriter Showcase

    w/ John Whipple

    8pm

    Billys Ice HouseJonathan Garcia

    8pm

    Gruene HallTom Gillam

    7pm

    The Pour HausTony Taylor

    7pm

    Tavern in the GrueneCourt Nance Accident

    8pm

    Tues 7.15

    Watering Hole SaloonTBA

    8:30pm

    Comal Country Music ShowStacy Stark, Winston ONeal, Bob Appel

    6pm, NB KofC Hall

    Gruene HallAaron Einhouse

    1pm

    Two Ton Tuesday

    7:30pm, $5

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    Cheatham Street WarehouseRodney Parker & 50 Peso Reward

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  • 10 AD SALES 830.358.2493 TXCITIZEN.COM 11

    Dear Opa Esel: Whats up with the heavy law

    enforcement presence during the holidays, especially the large number of State Troopers? Whats going on?

    Paranoid Dear Paranoid:They are here to protect us from drunk

    drivers and those who have a propensity toward violence. To do that, some members of law enforcement believe they must harass you in order to protect you. To avoid harassment and be considered a good citizen, you must do your duty and follow a few simple rules:

    1). Stay indoorsA good citizen never leaves home. The

    only people who go outside are drug dealers, immigrant smugglers, hookers, terrorists and the underprivileged (and we know what kind of troubles the last group can get up to). If you venture outdoors, you deserve vehicle searches and anatomical probes. How is law enforcement supposed to know its done its job properly if people are going outside? If you leave your house, the terrorists have won.

    2). Dont have funFun leads to trouble, such as drug

    dealing, immigrant smuggling, prostitution and terrorism. Good citizens do not enjoy themselves, they know better. Just think what the world would be like if everyone went outside to have fun? You know what they call people who have fun? Satanists, thats what.

    3). You must haff ze papers in order, Herr Driver

    If you dont have all of your proper paperwork in order, including a written permission from the local government to be outdoors, you can expect to be questioned and probed. Without paperwork, civilization crumbles and anarchy ensues. If there were no paperwork, how could officials know if the neer-do-wells are being properly probed? Al Qaida doesnt care about paperwork either, buckeroo.

    4). Put some damn clothes on, you young hoodlums!

    As I look around town, I am stunned, stunned at the number of people wearing

    nothing more than swim trunks and bikinis. Good citizens do not go near the water. The water is bad. Unless you are being baptized, water belongs to the Devil. Thats why they dunked witches. I hear Bin Laden was great swimmer.

    5). Stop being poorAs we all know, drug dealers are poor

    people who drive 20-year-old cars, same as terrorists. You do not find young men in expensive cars dealing drugs. Never. They are our future bosses and government officials and would never stoop to such things. Never. If you think otherwise, then you must be high on the dope.

    6). Dont get caught being not whiteFor those who are of the minority

    persuasion, I just want you to know that while todays law enforcement officers are not racist, your non-whiteness confuses and frightens many of them. Best to lie low for, well, ever. For those who are white, please make sure to file the proper White paperwork before heading outdoors.

    7). Dont have long hairWhile we all know that hippies no longer

    dominate the drug and terror trades, the manuals they still use to train law enforcement were written in 1971. Regardless, put on some shoes you damn hippies!

    8). Dont be from somewhere elseYou know what the problem with tourists

    is? They come from strange parts. How much longer are we supposed to tolerate people from elsewhere flooding our local coffers with their ill-gotten loot? Stand with me, New Braunfels, and shout out so all can hear: Hey, tourists! We demand that you stop bringing us your money and keeping our local economy afloat! We are fed up with the large sums of cash you generously spend in our community!

    Liebe, Karl

    Karl Esel is a lifetime resident of our fair city, and is well known for his sage advice on a wide range of topics. If you find yourself perplexed with no one to turn to, send your question to Opa Esel at: [email protected]. Be sure to write Question for Opa Esel in the subject line of your email.

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  • 12 AD SALES 830.358.2493 TXCITIZEN.COM 13

    MOST WANTED

    $300REWARD

    COMAL COUNTY S

    MEDELLIN, JESSE RODRIGUEZMale 507 200 lbsDOB: 01/01/1976CHARGE: Possession of a controlled substance pg 1 under 1 gram and theft of property under $1500 with 2 or more previous convictions

    FUENTES,ENRIQUEMale 505 150 lbsDOB: 05/28/1968CHARGE: Motion to revoke probation- possession of a controlled substance

    GRABATIN,RODNEY JAYMale 506 130 lbsDOB: 01/21/1969CHARGE: Driving while intoxicated 3rd or more

    GUTIERREZ,ANTONIO SILVAMale 505 125 lbsDOB: 06/13/1960CHARGE: Motion to proceed with adjudication- possession of a controlled substance

    COLYER,BRIAN WMale 510 200 lbsDOB: 07/23/1974CHARGE: Theft of property over $1500 under $20,000

    HERNANDEZ,ANTONIO

    BERMUDEZMale 600 210 lbs

    DOB: 06/11/1942CHARGE: Driving while intoxicated 3rd or more

    HERNANDEZ,RUBEN JR

    Male 509 189 lbsDOB: 05/05/1969

    CHARGE: Motion to revoke - theft property

    over $1500 under $20,000

    REYES,BRIAN MICHAELMale 601 195 lbs

    DOB: 08/21/1973CHARGE: Credit card

    or debit card abuse

    REVOLTA,JESSIE ROLANDO

    Male 509 185 lbsDOB: 11/14/1984

    CHARGE: Assault public servant

    MOTT,JAMES LOUIS

    Male 507 220 lbsDOB: 10/14/1961

    CHARGE: Motion to revoke probation -

    intoxicated assault with vehicle SBI

    The names listed have been released in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act. This is a true and accurate account as of Monday, July 7, 2014 at 9:05 am and may not be current by the time it is read. Do not try to apprehend anyone. These are listings of criminal warrants with the Comal County Sheriff s Office and are not indicative of guilt or innocence. Officers are to verify the status of each warrant prior to making an arrest. Any person is innocent of wrongdoing unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST OF COMAL COUNTYS MOST WANTED. Callers will remain anonymous. 830.620.3400 - 24-Hour830.620.3411 - Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm

    FRIESENHAHN,RALPH ALFREDMale 600 220 lbsDOB: 07/14/1952CHARGE: Driving while intoxicated 3rd or more

    Enjoy Responsibly 2014 Shock Top Brewing Co., Shock Top Lemon Shandy Flavored Belgian-Style Wheat Beer, St. Louis, MO

    Brand: Shock Top

    Item #: PST201410573

    Job/Order #: 262167

    Trim: 5.06" x 11.31" Bleed: none Live: 4.81" x 11.06"

    Closing Date: 4/25/14 QC: CS

    Publication: TX Citizen

    By Gustavo Arellano

    Dear Mexican: I noticed that

    Mexican people dont generally smoke.

    Dont get me wrongIm not condoning

    smoking, but its interesting to see how

    some groups do or do no smoke, and I

    have yet to see a Mexican person smoke

    cigarettes. Does the tobacco industry

    not target Latinos?

    Fulminating Fumador

    Dear Gabacho Smoker: American Lung

    Association stats show that Latinos have the

    second-lowest rate of smoking among ethnic

    groups, with only 15.8 percent of Latinos

    smoking in 2008, compared with 21.3 percent

    of negritos and 22 percent of gabachos. And

    in the Latino category, Mexican immigrants

    had an astoundingly low rate of 11.6 percent

    (Chicanos, on the other hand, smoke at a 20.1

    percent ratego, assimilation!). And its not a

    new trendstudies going back to the 1980s

    cite the low smoking rate of Mexis. Reasons?

    Catholicism, mostly: the Church forbade

    smoking back when it ruled Mexico, and the

    stigma resonates to the present day. Besides,

    Mexicans need their lungs for the Reconquista.

    Our livers, on the otra hand? Meh

    Dear Mexican: Mexicans, birds, and

    ferrets all seem to be naturally attracted

    to shiny, sparkly things no matter how

    gaudy or tacky. If evolution is true, does

    this mean that Mexicans evolved from

    birds and ferrets?

    Fond of Frottage

    Dear Gabacho: No, were descended

    from jaguarsand evolution says well

    eat gabachos to extinctionor is that

    demographics?

    Dear Mexican: Hola! Im a long time

    reader, first time writer. I was thinking

    a long time about what to ask, because

    I dont want to ask a dumb question and

    embarrass myself. I finally decided to

    ask on something that tends to bother

    me a lot. Why do you think that the

    second and/or third generations of

    Mexicans born in this country dont

    know about their history? What makes

    parents not teach their kids?

    My father is Mexican and my mom

    is of Latino descent. When I was a small

    boy, I was always taught about my

    heritage and I embrace it. I know that it

    has to do with where I was brought up, but

    I was raised in a predominately Mexican

    area of Houston. When we moved away

    from there, I came to reside in an area

    with more gringos than anything. Now

    my brother, who is 13 years younger

    than I am, knows a small amount, if

    anything, about his heritage. Dammit!

    Im proud to be brown and I think that

    the younger generations should be too.

    Just so you know I am not some cholito

    with tattoos and a lowrider; Im just a

    regular guy in his twenties who happens

    to know where he comes from.

    El Nio Confundido

    Dear Confused Boy: Its not just the

    second- and third-generation Mexicans who

    forget their history; as you noted in your own

    family story, even younger siblings within

    familias forsake their traditions, even if they

    live in the brownest sections of town. But

    everyone in this country forgets, from the

    Know Nothings who are currently demonizing

    Central American and Mexican kids coming

    across the border with the same language

    used against their ancestors to Mexican-

    Americans who rail against new arrivals from

    southern Mexico despite being ms darker

    than pressure-treated redwood to the neocons

    who want us to invade Iraq anew. I wish I

    could end this answer on a funny note, but

    our collective historical amnesia is the biggest

    threat to the U.S.s future sincea yak in heat!

    Ask the Mexican at [email protected],

    be his fan on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @gustavoarellano or follow him

    on Instagram @gustavo_arellano!

    ASK A MEXICAN!

    !

  • TXCITIZEN.COM 13

    Enjoy Responsibly 2014 Shock Top Brewing Co., Shock Top Lemon Shandy Flavored Belgian-Style Wheat Beer, St. Louis, MO

    Brand: Shock Top

    Item #: PST201410573

    Job/Order #: 262167

    Trim: 5.06" x 11.31" Bleed: none Live: 4.81" x 11.06"

    Closing Date: 4/25/14 QC: CS

    Publication: TX Citizen

    Well, Im at the halfway point of my Alaskan culinary adventure, and I have been baking up a

    storm each day! Our guests have enjoyed seeing glaciers, bald eagles, orcas, and whales, and

    when they return to the boat after a long day of sightseeing and activities, we have dinner and

    dessert waiting for them. They have especially enjoyed the tastes of Texas that Chef April and I

    have brought along, including my Texas Chili recipe, BBQ ribs and chicken, and tamales I may

    even send them out fly-fishing with a Thermos of my homemade wassail this week! Many of our

    guests are on-board to celebrate a birthday or anniversary so the champagne and chocolate are

    in high demand! The following dark chocolate cheesecake is a big hit and we make it every

    week. I hope you make it at home for your next special occasion and enjoy it as well.

    Dark Chocolate Cheese Cake 24chocolatewafercookies

    1tblssugar

    cup(1/2stick)butter,melted

    10 oz high quality dark chocolate,

    chopped (I used Callebaut)

    4 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese,

    room temperature

    1cupsplus2tblssugar

    cupunsweetenedcocoapowder

    4largeeggs

    cupheavywhippingcream

    8ozmilkchocolate,coarselygrated

    1tblssugar

    Darkchocolatecurls

    For the crust:Preheat oven to 350. Butter 9-inch diameter spring form pan with 3-inch-high sides. Blend

    cookies in food processor until finely ground; blend in sugar. Add melted butter and process until well blended. Press crumbs evenly onto bottom (not sides) of prepared pan. Bake just until set; about 5 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool while preparing filling.

    For the filling:Stir chopped dark chocolate in metal bowl set over saucepan of simmering water until

    melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water; cool chocolate until lukewarm but still pourable. Blend cream cheese, sugar, and cocoa powder in food processor until smooth. Blend in eggs 1 at a time. Mix in lukewarm chocolate. Pour filling over crust and smooth the top. Bake until center is just set and just appears dry; about 1 hour. Cool 5 minutes. Run a knife around sides of cake to loosen. Chill overnight.

    For the topping:Stir whipping cream, 6 ounces chocolate, and sugar in heavy medium saucepan over low

    heat until smooth. Cool slightly. Pour over center of cheesecake, spreading to within 1/2 inch of edge and filling any cracks. Chill until topping is set; about 1 hour. This cake can be made 3 days ahead. Cover with foil and keep refrigerated. Release pan sides. Transfer cheesecake to platter. Top with chocolate curls. Let stand 2 hours at room temperature before serving.

    Until next time, Eat, Drink & Be Sherri!

    Sherri

    Copyright 2014 by Eat, Drink & Be Sherri. All rights reserved.Sherri Gallagher is a New Braunfels chef who grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she began cooking at the age of 8. This summer Chef Sherri will be sailing on the M/V Liseron which sails weekly from Sitka to Juneau, Alaska. On board, Chef Sherri will be preparing breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour hors doeuvres, and cocktails for her 20 passengers and crew, so get ready for some amazing new recipes! Chef Sherri can be contacted at [email protected].

    Hot in the Kitchen!with Sherri Gallagher

  • 14 TX CITIZEN 14 AD SALES 830.358.2493 TXCITIZEN.COM 15

    Borders.Imagine a world where your life is not as it is today. Imagine a world where you havent been able to find work, any work, for years. Imagine a world where your family is hungry or where theyre sick and you have no way to help them. Imagine that your ethnicity or your religion makes you an enemy of the state, that you are in real danger every day. Imagine that you live in a place where none of this will ever change.

    Most of the Democrats in Washington D.C. would have you believe that you already live there; the rest of the world knows better. They try to get into this country in droves. They give up everything they have and know to get here. They even risk their lives.

    Strangely, its Democrats, not Republicans, who seek to embrace these people. In doing so, Democrats give themselves a political edge over Republicans. This really neednt be the case. Its the Republican philosophy, even more so than that of libertarians, which really speaks to these people. Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. should be the motto of the Republican Party, not something they run away from.

    Because Republicans refuse to find a way to welcome these people, Democrats are able to paint Republicans as xenophobes. The truth is that most Republicans have specific and realistic concerns about immigration, but the Republican leaderships messaging on this point is so awful that the default assumption is that Republicans are bigots. Libertarians have long argued for open borders, and Republicans should consider adopting that position and working towards solutions that prevent them from supporting it.

    The foremost concern is one of security. In an age of terrorism, its a very real danger to have insecure borders. We need to know who is coming into the country and why. Open borders doesnt have to mean anarchy, though. The 9/11/01 attacks occurred under something similar to our current system. It wouldnt be difficult to have an open border system that required immigrant came through specific checkpoints to enter the country. This would allow for appropriate security.

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  • TXCITIZEN.COM 15

    Borders.Imagine a world where your life is not as it is today. Imagine a world where you havent been able to find work, any work, for years. Imagine a world where your family is hungry or where theyre sick and you have no way to help them. Imagine that your ethnicity or your religion makes you an enemy of the state, that you are in real danger every day. Imagine that you live in a place where none of this will ever change.

    Most of the Democrats in Washington D.C. would have you believe that you already live there; the rest of the world knows better. They try to get into this country in droves. They give up everything they have and know to get here. They even risk their lives.

    Strangely, its Democrats, not Republicans, who seek to embrace these people. In doing so, Democrats give themselves a political edge over Republicans. This really neednt be the case. Its the Republican philosophy, even more so than that of libertarians, which really speaks to these people. Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. should be the motto of the Republican Party, not something they run away from.

    Because Republicans refuse to find a way to welcome these people, Democrats are able to paint Republicans as xenophobes. The truth is that most Republicans have specific and realistic concerns about immigration, but the Republican leaderships messaging on this point is so awful that the default assumption is that Republicans are bigots. Libertarians have long argued for open borders, and Republicans should consider adopting that position and working towards solutions that prevent them from supporting it.

    The foremost concern is one of security. In an age of terrorism, its a very real danger to have insecure borders. We need to know who is coming into the country and why. Open borders doesnt have to mean anarchy, though. The 9/11/01 attacks occurred under something similar to our current system. It wouldnt be difficult to have an open border system that required immigrant came through specific checkpoints to enter the country. This would allow for appropriate security.

    Those entering into the country could be screened carefully, and because this would accommodate most legitimate immigrants, more resources could be applied to finding those trying to get into the country illegitimately.

    Immigrants arent the problem. By having an effective system for entry into the country we could address the actual problems. We could do background checks, screen for communicable disease, and even help immigrants find charitable services that might help them get started. In reality, this would be little different from what we have now. We would only need to get rid of specific quotas and guidelines for immigration that are outdated and based on racist principles of the past.

    Another concern is that a massive influx of immigrants will be a drain on our resources. This true in as far as it goes, but it doesnt have to be that way. This is only a problem because we have created a social safety net that is entirely too broad. If we were more careful to remove government subsidies that perpetuate poverty instead of alleviating it, or at least restrict access to those truly in need, this wouldnt be a problem. Once again its not the immigrants that are the problem but other aspects of our system. Why not correct the real problem?

    More importantly, immigrants can be a benefit to the system instead of a drag on it. Immigrant will take jobs, but they will create them too. Cheap labor will allow for greater innovation and will eventually add to the economy. Immigrants will add to the tax base, and in many cases, those coming to this country will be the very ones who become the most prosperous. And, prosperity breeds prosperity. If we look at past examples of immigration in this country, its easy to see that while there is an adjustment period, the end result is a net gain for our country.

    The last concern is the most disturbing. Many feel that a new wave of immigration will create a voting bloc for big-government Democrats. Statistically speaking, this holds up. Polls show that new immigrants lean heavily Democrat. Theres no reason why this should be, though.

    First, allowing people into the country does not automatically make them citizens. Theres

    no reason why entry into the country shouldnt be easy but citizenship hard. If immigrants come to this country with the intention of making it their home and contributing to the system, you can be certain that they will actively seek citizenship. In truth, we already have a pretty stringent process for becoming a citizen, but if there are lapses it should be easy enough to correct them.

    As to the possibility of non-citizens voting and skewing our politics, it seems to me that this is an issue of election law. Already Republicans have been working to ensure the integrity of our election system. It would be worthwhile to focus on this with a message that each citizens vote should be counted and not diluted with illegitimate voting. The idea that we, as one of the most developed and advanced countries on earth, should not have a system that includes fraud proof elections is insane. Secure elections should be just as important as secure borders.

    Immigrants arent the enemy; we want them. The people who seek out a better life for themselves and their families are the very ones we want. The tired, the poor, those yearning to be free, the souls who risk their all to get to this country are the ones who appreciate what it means to be an American. We could learn a lot from them ourselves. They dont come here looking for a handout; they come for a chance at freedom. They come to one of the few countries on earth where that is a real possibility.

    America is a country that was built on and by immigrants; we all came from someplace else (with a few Native-American exceptions). Were a melting pot, and our differences, ethnic and otherwise, have made us great. A system that allows for open immigration would allow us to continue to adopt the best ideas and best people from around the world. Republicans should consider this and act to legislatively remove the obstacles to a more open immigration policy. It would be good for them, and it would be good for America.

    Last WordWith Kelly Colby

    You can read more from Kelly Colby at yourfirstshrug.blogspot.com.

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