By: Gabriel Itzcoatl Luera
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – San Antonio’s west side artists and their art were on display Saturday night, as many came out to the city’s 2nd annual Una Noche de Gloria.
“It’s a great opportunity to come out and see the visual art and artists of the community and for them to showcase their art,” said District 5 Councilman David Medina, Jr.
Una Noche de Gloria was organized by the Contemporary Art and Literature Organization and co-sponsored by City Council District 5.
“It brings the community together. It’s a feeling of empowerment that all these young artists, and artists that are already established, can be vocal through art,” said Deputy Sheriff Sylvia Teran-Espino.
“The idea is that the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is our theatre and all these cars out here are their own galleries,” said Jimmy James Canales, co-organizer of the Pop Yo Trunk exhibit at Una Noche de Gloria.
Pop Yo Trunk was an open-air gallery along Guadalupe Street organized by Canales and Monessa Esquivel. It showcased custom autos from local car club, Texas Pushrods, some with trunks filled with local art for sale.
“The west side doesn’t see stuff like this, and for us to be able to bring a block party into this area and bring people from the west side and showcase their art and people who work in the community, it highlights an area of town that’s underrated ,” said local photographer Mari Hernandez.
“Jesse Trevino is here and I just saw Edmund Hernandez. Those guys are the pillars of Chicano art and have been painting since the sixties, when Chicano art wasn’t well known. The new artists are inspired by those guys and look up to them. They use their colors, their ideas. It’s very positive,” said visual artist Raul Servin.
“If you want to give an artist an award, buy their work,” said Trevino, whose art has been featured in the Smithsonian. CALO director Gabriel Velasquez said that was the driving force behind Una Noche de Gloria. Some artists intend to use the money they raised to give back to their community.
“I’m attempting to kick-start a photography program for local youth,” said Hernandez. Hernandez said she had a goal of $5,000 so she can buy equipment and allow organizations to host her workshop for free.
“I think these kinds of events have a calming effect on the neighborhood,” Deputy Espino said. Servin said it’s the Chicano flavor that makes all the difference.
“This is more of a barrio thing. It’s like having a jamaica. People know the barrio and respect it. I think that’s why we don’t have problems,” Servin said.
“We don’t go past one or two in the morning. This isn’t a party, it’s an art event. We’re just trying to show the community the new art that’s out here,” said Canales.
Photos by Gabriel Itzcoatl Luera.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Austin’s Biggest Block Party
by: Jessica Schoenfeld
SOCO
Austin-ites beat on homemade instruments on the street corner, while a small pigtailed girl marvels at her Hey Cupcake. Shoppers, young and old, weave through the plethora of vendors on South Congress Street searching for unique treasures. First Thursday offers locals an opportunity to relish in Austin’s electric culture through art, food and music.
First Thursday is a popular monthly event that takes place the first Thursday of every month along South Congress Avenue. Stores along South Congress stay open late and vendors set up tents to display their work.
ArtVendors such as Plaid Pigeon and Glassy Knoll presented various types of artwork ranging from blown glass, clothes, jewelry and plants.
“I love coming out to see all the cool art, there is always something new to see at First Thursday,” said Andy Boyle who is a student at Texas State University. Boyle enjoys coming to Austin for First Thursday every month and said he cannot wait to move to Austin so he can experience its culture on a day-to-day basis.
Food
First Thursday offers a smorgasbord of dining options. Sit down restaurants, such as Vespaio and food trucks, such as Hey Cupcake, are available to serve everyone’s culinary desires.
“I love coming to First Thursday because if I want a filet I can get a filet and if I want a corndog I can get a corndog,” said Clayton Hoover who is a student Southwestern University. Although Hoover traveled from out of town to experience First Thursday he said he “enjoys every bit of it.”
People
Many vendors that populate First Thursday bring out a variety of people to experience the Austin culture.
“I’ve been coming to First Thursday since I moved to Austin three years ago and my favorite part about it is the people,” said Blair Haralson a graduate from St. Edward’s University. Haralson said that Austin has a “unique culture that can be seen and experienced at First Thursday.”
First Thursday allows individuals to experience Austin’s culture through art, food and music every first Thursday of every month.
Interning with the Walt Disney Company
by: Lauren Newcomb
Erica Nowak, a recruiter for the Walt Disney World College Program, spoke at Texas State Monday evening on what she believed was an amazing way for students to start off in the work force.
According to Nowak the Walt Disney World College Program is one of the best internship programs currently offered to college students.
Nowak said she believes the Disney program is different from other internship opportunities because it gives students a chance to enter the working environment, under one of the largest companies on the planet, with little to no experience.
Abram Garcia, a senior at Texas State, interned with the Disney College Program in spring of 2008. Garcia worked asan entertainer and is now a campus representative for the Disney College program.
Garcia said interning with Disney looked great on his resume to potential new employers. "Usually the first or second thing I'm asked about at an interview is my Disney experience," said Garcia.
Garcia said it isobvious the program was of great benefit to him since he is now a campus representative for the program.
"I learned a lot about myself. The Disney College Program helped me figure out what I wanted to do for the rest of my life," said Stephanie Rohlfs, Public Relations major.
Rohlfs, also a senior at Texas State, said the Disney College Program pointed her in the right direction, career wise, after graduation.
All of the campus representatives said they agreed with Nowak’s claim that the internship benefits them in their job search.
Rohlf said the Disn
ey College Program taught her valuable skills, such as marketing and social networking, that she would be able to use in future career endeavors.
Kathleen Norris, a sophomore, said she believes the Disney College Program helped her become more confident in interviews because it boosted her self-esteem and made her feel better about how her resume looked to employers.
Jessica Smith, a sophomore who attended Nowak’s lecture, said she was a little skeptical of the program is now looking forward to applying.
Nowak said she hopes as many students as possible will take part in this opportunity by applying to the Walt Disney World College Program.
Erica Nowak, a recruiter for the Walt Disney World College Program, spoke at Texas State Monday evening on what she believed was an amazing way for students to start off in the work force.
According to Nowak the Walt Disney World College Program is one of the best internship programs currently offered to college students.
“The Disney College Program offers students the amazing opportunity to both live and work at one of our magical theme parks,” said Nowak.
Nowak said she believes the Disney program is different from other internship opportunities because it gives students a chance to enter the working environment, under one of the largest companies on the planet, with little to no experience.
Abram Garcia, a senior at Texas State, interned with the Disney College Program in spring of 2008. Garcia worked asan entertainer and is now a campus representative for the Disney College program.
Garcia said interning with Disney looked great on his resume to potential new employers. "Usually the first or second thing I'm asked about at an interview is my Disney experience," said Garcia.
Garcia said it isobvious the program was of great benefit to him since he is now a campus representative for the program.
"I learned a lot about myself. The Disney College Program helped me figure out what I wanted to do for the rest of my life," said Stephanie Rohlfs, Public Relations major.
Rohlfs, also a senior at Texas State, said the Disney College Program pointed her in the right direction, career wise, after graduation.
All of the campus representatives said they agreed with Nowak’s claim that the internship benefits them in their job search.
Rohlf said the Disn
ey College Program taught her valuable skills, such as marketing and social networking, that she would be able to use in future career endeavors.Kathleen Norris, a sophomore, said she believes the Disney College Program helped her become more confident in interviews because it boosted her self-esteem and made her feel better about how her resume looked to employers.
Jessica Smith, a sophomore who attended Nowak’s lecture, said she was a little skeptical of the program is now looking forward to applying.
Smith spoke to her academic advisor about the program and said that made her decision a lot easier. Smith suggests going to the Career Services and talking to an advisor for anyone considering the program.
Nowak said she hopes as many students as possible will take part in this opportunity by applying to the Walt Disney World College Program.
Food Bank Helps Families Fight Thanksgiving Hunger
by: Victoria Ontiveros
October marks the beginning of the Turkeys Tackling Hunger campaign where the Hays County Food Bank raises money to provide
Thanksgiving meals to hungry families.
Who it Helps
Donating to the Food Bank and thi
Donating to the Food Bank and thi
s campaign helps San Marcos families, but also Kyle, Buda and Martindale. Families who are in need of food sign up with the food bank starting in October. The poverty level has been on the rise all over America and it's effects have been seen in San Marcos and neighboring areas.
Donations
Since only a $20 donation buys an entire Thanksgiving dinner for a family, the food bank has also been publicizing to the college community.
"You never know who might want to do it," said Roman Asper, an Texas State student and employee for the school's Campus Activities and Student Organization. Asper thinks that the students could be very receptive to the flyers around campus.
"All we have to do is split the cost between me and my roommates and that feeds an entire family. We can do that," said Robert Gutierrez, a senior at Texas State.
Donations can be given online at the food bank website or in person at the Food Bank in San Marcos.
Goals
“We are definitely in
need of more donations this year,”
said Pat Tessaro, Public Relations Coordinator for the food bank. “The number of families in need that have signed up is already higher than the total for last year
and it’s only October.”
According to Tessaro, last year there were a total of 1400 people signed up and
According to Tessaro, last year there were a total of 1400 people signed up and
now, in the middle of October, 1700 families have already signed up.
“We have been publicizing the campaign better this year, getting the word out earlier and faster, we have no reason to believe that it won’t be just as successful,” said Tessar
o.
Tessaro said last year the campaign raised above their goal and $52,000 was donated. This year, their goal is $70,000 and they’re hoping this goal is blown out too.
Food Bank Flyer Photo By Victoria Ontiveros. Family Photo by University of Wisconconsin-Madison News
Austin Takes Action Against Coal
by: Kaitlin Heaney
At a rally against coal on Sunday Greenpeace Field Organizer Zack Waterman said he chose Austin to host the rally because it is a strong, green city that is filled with people who can help raise awareness of clean energy to Texas officials and other Texans.
Waterman said it doesn’t take a lot of people to get the word out.
Waterman said more than 7000 events in 188 countries are scheduled for today which is the largest environmental movement in history accomplished by 350 and many other partner organizations. Waterman said this years global theme was: Get To Work.
Flavia de la Fuente said she was glad Greenpeace chose to rally in Austin because the Austin City Limits crowd will provide more signatures for the petition for clean energy.
Waterman said he was proud to have the Director of Public Citizens Texas Office Tom Smith be a guest speaker at the event because it raises even more awareness of coal burning.
Why people care
“Texas is the energy state. It has a lot of potential to have a great impact, but it’s being left behind,” said Fuente.
“It’s an important issue for health and environmental reasons,” said Cisco Johnson. Johnson said many people don’t realize the full effects humans have on Earth.
“Thirty-five states have mercury in their water, and 70% of mercury pollution comes from coal. The Environmental Protection Agency has to listen at some point,” said Waterman.
Johnson said he doesn’t think people know about the full issue.
“I don’t feel like it’s a big issue. The city has other issues to focus on,” said Chelsea Gibson. Gibson said everyone uses coal products, and they need to realize coal helps us in everyday life.
Waterman said the organization is taking a picture at the end of the rally to show Texas officials how many people care about coal burning regulations.
At a rally against coal on Sunday Greenpeace Field Organizer Zack Waterman said he chose Austin to host the rally because it is a strong, green city that is filled with people who can help raise awareness of clean energy to Texas officials and other Texans.
“Now is the time for the new generation to stand up and take action,”said guest musician Bill Oliver.
Waterman said it doesn’t take a lot of people to get the word out.
Waterman said more than 7000 events in 188 countries are scheduled for today which is the largest environmental movement in history accomplished by 350 and many other partner organizations. Waterman said this years global theme was: Get To Work.
Flavia de la Fuente said she was glad Greenpeace chose to rally in Austin because the Austin City Limits crowd will provide more signatures for the petition for clean energy.
Waterman said he was proud to have the Director of Public Citizens Texas Office Tom Smith be a guest speaker at the event because it raises even more awareness of coal burning.
Why people care
“Texas is the energy state. It has a lot of potential to have a great impact, but it’s being left behind,” said Fuente.
“It’s an important issue for health and environmental reasons,” said Cisco Johnson. Johnson said many people don’t realize the full effects humans have on Earth.
“Thirty-five states have mercury in their water, and 70% of mercury pollution comes from coal. The Environmental Protection Agency has to listen at some point,” said Waterman.
Johnson said he doesn’t think people know about the full issue.
“I don’t feel like it’s a big issue. The city has other issues to focus on,” said Chelsea Gibson. Gibson said everyone uses coal products, and they need to realize coal helps us in everyday life.
Waterman said the organization is taking a picture at the end of the rally to show Texas officials how many people care about coal burning regulations.
Podium Training Prepares U.S. Gymnastics Team for 2010 World Championships
U.S. Gymnastics Team started their podium training at the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam, Netherlands for the 2010 World Championships due to take place from Oct. 16 to the 24.
Martha Karolyi, women's national team coordinator, said that there were some high and low points but after a few adjustments, they will be ready.
The seven girls set to compete for the United States include: Rebecca Bross, Mackenzie Caquatto, Chelsea Davis, Mattie Larson, Alexandra Raisman, Alicia Sacramone and Bridget Sloan.
Erin Williamson, President of the Texas State Gymnastics Club, said she is looking forward to seeing how the third gymnast from WOGA Gymnastics Club in Plano, Texas, Rebecca Bross, will do "in comparison to Olympic gold medalists Carly Patterson and Nastia Liukin."
Alicia Sacramone, seven-time-world-medalist, gave some advice to her fellow teammates competing in their first world championships. Sacramone said to be confident in their abilities and to stay calm, not letting nerves get the best of them.
Lauren Metcalfe said, "I am excited to see Alicia in action again after her devastating fall in the 2008 Olympics."
"I am looking forward to seeing how well the newbie girls do in comparison to the veterans Sacramone and Sloan," said Josh Higgins.
Starting with qualification rounds (women's on Oct. 16 and 17, men's onOct. 18 and 19) in team, all-around and individual event competitions; the top 8 teams compete on Oct. 20 (women) and Oct. 21 (men). The top 24 individuals will compete for the all-around title the 22nd (men and women) and finally, the top 8 will compete for individual events Oct. 23 and 24.
Nick Hunter said, "I love watching the worlds; its a glimpse into what to look forward to at the upcoming Olympics. It will be very exciting."
The 2010 World Championships also determine which 24 countries will advance to the 2011 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. This gives countries two opportunities to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games, either being one of the top 8 teams at the 2011 World Championships, or one of the top 4 at the 2012 Olympic Test Event in London, England.
A live webcast will be broadcast on Universal Sports and NBC Sports will broadcast coverage of the 2010 World Championships on Oct. 23 and 24.
More information on the event and photos of the gymnasts in action can be seen on the official USA Gymnastics website.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Austin City Limits: More Than a Music Festival
By: Randall Robinson 
Oct. 8-10 marked Austin City Limits’ 9th music fest. Austin City Limits, ACL for short, is a music festival held at Zilker Park with around 130 bands each year on 8 different stages. For some people going every year is a tradition, like local Austinite known as Batman.
“I honestly don’t go for the music. I love the people, the atmosphere, the overall experience, and to keep Austin weird!” said Austin local known as Batman. ACL provides more than just music. They have a homeground HOPE Farmers Market, an Art Market, and a place for children called Austin Kiddie Limits. Other people go to see their favorite bands.
“I’m a huge Muse fan… I go where they go,” said Daniel Culwell. Culwell said he didn’t care for the other bands, but seeing his favorite band was worth the money. ACL also gives some of the newer bands a chance to get their name out.
“I’ve been to a Blink-182 concert, but this was better because there were more bands; it helped me find new bands that I’ve never heard of,” Said Michelle Lynn. “I went to ACL for The Eagles, but now I’m in love with several bands like Miike Snow,” Lynn said. While there are more bands at ACL, some say there are more people than at a traditional concert, too many people.
“Too many people brought chairs,
set up camp, and then they didn’t even stay there. It was definitely over crowded because of this,” said Courtney Conner. Chairs are permitted at ACL, but some people believe this can make the park too crowded. Others say chairs are completely necessary.
“I’m not sure why people are always getting mad at us for bringing our chairs. Not everyone can stand for hours on end. I’m not as young as I use to be,” said Warren Damron.
Although ACL is over for this year, people can buy their tickets for next year as early as the week. Also, they have provided a way for people to stay connected with ACL until the next music festival through Facebook and Twitter.
Oct. 8-10 marked Austin City Limits’ 9th music fest. Austin City Limits, ACL for short, is a music festival held at Zilker Park with around 130 bands each year on 8 different stages. For some people going every year is a tradition, like local Austinite known as Batman.
“I honestly don’t go for the music. I love the people, the atmosphere, the overall experience, and to keep Austin weird!” said Austin local known as Batman. ACL provides more than just music. They have a homeground HOPE Farmers Market, an Art Market, and a place for children called Austin Kiddie Limits. Other people go to see their favorite bands.
“I’m a huge Muse fan… I go where they go,” said Daniel Culwell. Culwell said he didn’t care for the other bands, but seeing his favorite band was worth the money. ACL also gives some of the newer bands a chance to get their name out.
“I’ve been to a Blink-182 concert, but this was better because there were more bands; it helped me find new bands that I’ve never heard of,” Said Michelle Lynn. “I went to ACL for The Eagles, but now I’m in love with several bands like Miike Snow,” Lynn said. While there are more bands at ACL, some say there are more people than at a traditional concert, too many people.
“Too many people brought chairs,
set up camp, and then they didn’t even stay there. It was definitely over crowded because of this,” said Courtney Conner. Chairs are permitted at ACL, but some people believe this can make the park too crowded. Others say chairs are completely necessary.“I’m not sure why people are always getting mad at us for bringing our chairs. Not everyone can stand for hours on end. I’m not as young as I use to be,” said Warren Damron.
Although ACL is over for this year, people can buy their tickets for next year as early as the week. Also, they have provided a way for people to stay connected with ACL until the next music festival through Facebook and Twitter.
Photos by Randall Robinson
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