OCTOBER 31, 2012
Special Report: From Ex-Olympian to Judo Martial Artist
A Racer on the Rise: Morgan Bagley
PLUS T-Bone:
Presidential Debate Edition Music: J.B. and the Moonshine Band Art: NorthPark Center exposition
In This Issue
Contents
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR By Irving Marmolejo Editor in Chief
We are glad to be back. This issue welcomes our new staff members. It is fall and in this new edition we presented you a new section: restaurant and book review. Bestselling books and local restaurants are critiqued by our Managing Editor Haylee Story. We want to know your opinion about our editorial debate about religion. Let us know what you think. You will find a music suggestion in our feature section. It is followed by the NorthPark Center Mall art gallery. Our news section presents some analytical news stories about Caddo Lake and the Crim Theater. Of course, Brian Olson, who is on our cover page is a former Olympic athlete and a fitness professional. A local racer shares his life and how it is to live behind the wheel. Read the analysis: Presidential T-bone and a companion campaign editorial, for the upcoming elections.
Cover page: Olympic Athlete, Photo by Ariana Ridley
NEWS
6
2 • The Pine Curtain
Theater renovations could cost up to $4 million. “Just to occupy the Crim and make it safe for people to go in it and utilize it, we’re talking about $1 million to $1.5 million,” Chaffin said.
T-BONE
4
NEWS
6
ESPECIAL
9
FEATURES
10
ART
20
T-BONE
4
Take your average Tbone steak. Carve away the fat and the bone and the little that remains is meat. Take your average politician. Carve away the bluster and rhetoric and you just may find the truth…or not. In our TBone, we’ll look at political quotes that make us wonder where the meat is, closely examine their value and grade them just as a meat inspector might grade cuts of beef: Prime, Choice, Standard or Canner. Then we’ll serve it up to you for your consumption.
RESTAURANTS: STANLEY’S FAMOUS PIT BAR-B-Q. Most days, a line has already formed by the time they open. BOOKS: The Night Circus. It is not a circus in the traditional sense. No sweating vagabonds work the menagerie tending the animals, and the performers are more mystical than freakish.
SPECIAL REPORT During the Olympics, Olson was sponsored by 24 Hour Fitness. After the Olympics he worked as a fitness trainer and later as a martial arts instructor.
10
12 ART
A mall is an interesting place with its sideboards, shop windows and people coming and going. There is a store for everyone. You do not know what you are going to find and what is going to find you.
STAFF Editor-In-Chief
IRVING MARMOLEJO
Managing Editor
HAYLEE STORY
Video Editor
BIANCA SEE
Contributing Writers and photographers ARIANA RILEY KEVIN NGO JENNEE CLAY
JAKE WADDINGHAM
TRAVIS MCMILLAN KAYLEN BURGESS MATTHEW
CRAWFORD HANNAH HERVIEUX TAYLOR VALENTINE
BRADLEY THOMPSON
CHRISTIAN KEITT: SR. NEWS REPORTER
Advisor: DAVE WEINSTOCK Design Advisor: VANESSA JOYNER
Comments or questions can be directed to the.pine.curtain.mag@gmail.com The Pine Curtain Magazine is an online publication created by Communication students at the University of Texas at Tyler. Content may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from The Pine Curtain Magazine. ©The Pine Curtain Magazine 2012
October 31, 2012• 3
In This Issue
10
REVIEWS
T-Bone
“How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible,
Take your average T-bone steak. Carve away the fat and the bone and the little that remains is meat. Take your average politician. Carve away the bluster and rhetoric and you just may find the truth…or not. In our T-Bone, we’ll look at political quotes that make us wonder where the meat is, closely examine their value and grade them just as a meat inspector might grade cuts of beef: Prime, Choice, Standard or Canner. Then we’ll serve it up to you for your consumption.
‘Prime’ Truth: Top shelf—Grade A goodness.
‘Choice’ Truth: Mostly true, depending on the bull it came from.
‘Standard’ Truth: Run of the mill bull—more gristle than fat, less meaty than most.
‘Canner’ Truth: I wouldn’t eat that.
--During the second Presidential Debate, Tuesday Oct. 16th.
““[Romney] wants to spend $2 trillion on additional military programs even though the military isn’t asking for them.”
--President Barack Obama
The man speaks the truth. Mitt Romney’s website details his plan to increase the Pentagon base budget from 3.5 percent of GDP to 4 percent if he were to become president. According to CBO projections, the increase would cost $7.8 trillion over the next 10 years—$100 billion next year alone. President Obama’s 2013 fiscal budget proposal allocated $5.7 trillion over the next decade. After doing the math, we calculate a $2.1 trillion difference. We give it a Prime grade. 4 • The Pine Curtain
whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?”—
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes) The Sign of Four.
-In the Vice Presidential Debate, Thursday, Oct. 11th.
“Obamacare takes $716 billion out of Medicare to spend on Obamacare.” --Paul Ryan
--At the second Presidential Debate, Tuesday, Oct. 16th.
“The president said he would cut the deficit in half. Unfortunately, he doubled it.” --Mitt Romney Liar, liar, pants on fire.Yearly deficits are calculated on a fiscal year basis, Oct. 1st through Sept. 30th. When President Obama entered the White House in January, his deficit inheritance was $1.4 trillion from the fiscal year 2009.Until October, he was still operating under the Bush administration’s budget. The current deficit is $1.1 trillion, so where did this “doubling” action occur? The only way to calculate the deficit as double, is to use the 2008 deficit: $458.6 billion. This number doesn’t include the Wall Street bailout, enacted under Bush that added over $700 billion. Calculating the deficit increase using figures from before Obama was elected into office is manipulation of facts. Romney’s numbers are simply inaccurate. We will give him a few points though. Obama did not cut the deficit in half as promised. The reduction is closer to 8 percent. This statement is hard to digest. We call it a Canner. October 31, 2012• 5
T-Bone
Though the Affordable Care Act does reduce future Medicare spending, this statement is misleading at best. The Congressional Budget Office estimates from 2013 to 2022, the new healthcare law will reduce future spending by $716 billion. The current Medicare budget is not being cut. If left to its current spending level, Medicare will run out before its time due to the influx of retiring baby boomers. To extend the life of the program, Obamacare ensures hospitals and private insurance companies eliminate unnecessary administrative costs. Medicare beneficiaries will not be affected. The numbers are technically correct, but it’s all in the delivery.
Opinion
Church and State
“
Editorial
Whilst we assert for ourselves a freedom to embrace, to profess and to observe the religion which we believe to be of divine origin, we cannot deny an equal freedom to those whose minds have not yet yielded to the evidence which has convinced us, By Haylee Story
- James Madison,4th U.S. President, 1809-1817
Managing Editor
As a country that was not founded as a Christian nation, U.S. policy makers should stop creating Christian faith-based laws. The claim many lawmakers make that our country’s creation was based on Christian principles is entirely false. Most of our founding fathers were not Christians; nearly all of the few who admitted to any religion at all were Deists, which is more a philosophy than a religion. Deists believe humans--by means of observation and reason-- can determine the existence of a “creator.” They reject prophecy, miracles and the notions that God intervenes in human affairs and they do not believe in supernatural events such as Moses dividing the Red Sea or Jesus resurrecting and ascending to Heaven. Thomas Paine, The author of “Common Sense,” a pamphlet urging colonists to take up arms against the British crown, also wrote “The Age of Reason” after the American Revolution. In this pamphlet, he challenged organized religion and the legitimacy of the Bible. It advocated for the Deist belief. He wrote “all national institutions of churches... appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit.” He said his “own mind is [his] own church.” Thomas Jefferson is another Deist founding father. In his “Notes on the State of Virginia” he speaks against Christianity, calling it a supersti6 • The Pine Curtain
”
tion making believers fools and hypocrites. George Washington never spoke publicly about his personal state of spirituality. He attended an Episcopalian church with his wife, but never once took communion. Benjamin Franklin was also a Deist. He spoke adamantly about his disbelief in Christianity. “Early in life I absented myself from Christian assemblies,” he said. God is rarely mentioned in revolutionary or constitutional documents. The Declaration of Independence references “Nature’s God” and a “Creator,” two Deist terms. Our first document regarding laws and people’s rights is the Constitution. God or a religious preference is never mentioned in it. In 1796, The Treaty of Tripoli was created to promote peace between the new American nation and the pirates of Barbary. It is the plainest example of our country not being a Christian one. It clearly states, “the government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.” Washington’s administration drafted the treaty and it was later unanimously ratified by Congress and signed by the second U.S. President John Adams. More often than we’d like to admit, Christianity has been a tool of the oppressor. First there was slavery. The Bible makes many references to Continues on Debate Haylee pg 43
Debate
Church and State
Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on Him who has never yet forsaken this favored land are still competent to adjust in the best way all our present diffiBy Irving Marmolejo Editor in Chief
-1861 Lincoln delivered his first inaugural address.
To fully understand, first read Church and State Editorial. The United States was not founded as a Christian nation, but it was founded as a democratic nation. Democracy is government by the people in which everyone is treated equally. This definition is based on an Old Testament principle and Jesus’ second commandment: “love your neighbor as yourself.” These biblical words influenced the classless foundation our nation was built on. (Leviticus 19:18, Mark 12:31) Just as most of our founding fathers did, many Americans believe in a creator. The Bible is a manual about living in the best way possible. We are like children. If an elder tells us, “Do not touch the flame,” some of us will treat that advice as gospel. Others will choose to feel the pain to decide its rightness or wrongness. One of our country’s founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton, a married man, chose to experience the pain. We know he was quick-tempered and created one of the earliest sex scandals immediately after the Revolutionary War. Hamilton had an affair with a married woman, whose husband then blackmailed him. As a result of this scandal, Hamilton died in a shooting duel in 1804. Exodus 20:14 says, “Do not commit adultery” and verse 17 restates, do not desire someone else’s wife. This proves we cannot rely on everything the founding fathers said, especially when they
gave their opinion about God. Thomas Paine’s “The Age of Reason,” was just an opinion piece about national institutions of churches. It is not true, merely because he wrote it. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist pastor and leader of the African-American civil rights movement. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an institution of churches, supported him and the civil rights movement. This church support contradicts Paine’s opinion: “[churches are] human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind.” Thomas Jefferson called Christianity a “superstition, making its believers fools and hypocrites.” Some people call themselves Christians, but they do not live under the Bible’s standards. If a person claims to be a panther, it does not turn them into a black feline. Christian beliefs are full of power and many try to use the name to control and impose upon the weak. Everything that is corrupted is no longer pure and it contradicts its own foundation and as a consequence, will fall. The Bible talks about this in Luke 6:47. The Holy Inquisition—which was neither holy nor Christian— is a clear example of why Jefferson had negative things to say about Christianity. This campaign to root out the non-believers from the Spanish and Portuguese Middle Ages Continues on Debate Irving pg 44 October 31, 2012• 7
Opinion
“
Opinion
For fresh information
8 • The Pine Curtain
Courtesy Photo by Candidates’ web sites
October 31, 2012• 9
Opinion
Editorial Campaign
second only to California in its illegal immigrant population. Obama is an advocate of the “DREAMers”— young, undocumented immigrants, who came to the United States with their parents as minors. Under the Dream Act, which stands for “development, relief and education of alien minors,” these immigrants would be granted funding for higher education and six years to complete the process of becoming an American citizen. By Haylee Story The Dream Act is good for Texas. Managing Editor According to a Texas Tribune article analyzing the After a not-so-stellar performance in the first economic impact of the Dream Act, “granting legal presidential debate held October 3 at the Universtatus for the 2.1 million [young, undocumented] sity of Denver, East Texans seem to have forgotten immigrants in the United States would generate why Barack Obama is still the right choice for our approximately $329 billion... by 2030.” Texas’ bencountry. efit would be $66 billion. This election season is especially important be…Mitt Romney wants “illegal aliens” to cause the votes cast will impact many East Texans “self-deport.” in a very direct manner. By Romney pushing an agenda of deportation, Immigration, education and women’s rights will without exclusions for immigrant minors, he will likely be deciding factors for which box to check in effectively refuse Texas billions in economic dolNovember, and each deserves more analysis than lars. is being offered on the campaign trail. Higher education creates more opportunities for The Texas State Comptroller estimates that 16 students to earn higher wages in the work force, percent of the United States’ undocumented imwhich energizes the economy. So if everyone’s migrant population resides in Texas. Our state is children are Continues on Campaign pg 35
Opinion
Restaurant Review There’s a lot of hype around Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q, located just north of Trinity Mother Francis Hospital on Beckham Avenue. With two consecutive Texas Monthly “Best in Texas” wins, this barbecue joint has every right to slip “famous” into its name. Any true Tylerite will say, it is famous, and not just for its award-winning ribs. Virtually everything on the menu is finger-licking good. J.D Stanley opened the restaurant in 1958, and today Stanley’s is the oldest “mom and pop” barbecue in town. Only open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday, it’s a lunch spot. And if you want to be sure to get lunch, you’ll want to arrive on the front side of 12 noon The locals know to show up early. Most days, a line has already formed by the time they open the doors because everyone knows the Stanley’s staff only prepares enough in advance for the current day. It is not unusual for them to sell out of barbecue early. And when they do, there’s a dry erase board hanging at the door announcing what’s no longer on the day’s menu. The restaurant is modest. It is a small brick and wood paneled building, barely larger than a shack with a patio. If there’s one thing that’s wrong about this place it’s that it is painfully short of parking. Inside, the floors are dark-stained concrete and the walls are made of more rustic wood panelling. Scattered on the walls are portraits of “famous” rock legends like John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and B.B. King. 10 • The Pine Curtain
Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q By Haylee Story Mnaging Editor
The look of the place is more like some nook in Austin rather than in the heart of Tyler’s hospital district. It feels very urban, in the best, locally owned down-to-earth way-- far too cool for a small town. Once inside and in the ordering line, the menu is pretty impressive for such a little joint. All the basics are covered: brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, ham, hotlinks and turkey; but the pig reigns supreme. Fall-off-the-bone tender with a sweet, secret dry rub, the flavor stands on its own. No need for sauce on these ribs. One bite, and you’ll be a Stanley’s believer. It’s no wonder Texas Monthly handed over the trophy twice in a row. Then there is the ever-popular Brother-in-Law sandwich. A white bun stacked with chopped brisket on top of butterflied hotlinks and a slice of cheese is enough to make you loosen your belt a notch or two. It has just the right amount of sauce to make it moist, without dripping down your arms.
Photo byHaylee Story
Top: It is that good. On top of the counter the two awards earn by this establishment. A glympse to the kitchen, the place where the deliciousness is created.
The Night Circus By Haylee Story Managing Editor
the competition are relatively unknown to the opponents, and for many years they compete, unaware of how the challenge will end. The decades pass, as Celia pieces together the process by which she must win: her opponent must die. An unforeseen challenge arises for the master magicians when their opposing students fall in love at Le Cirque des Reves. The competition and burgeoning love of the opponents holds the balance of everyone involved in the circus in a precarious state of illusion and real danger. The first thing I noticed was the complex organization of Morgenstern’s work. It is set into five parts; within those parts: short descriptions of the Continues on Circus pg 36
Courtesy Photo by Regularrumination
October 31, 2012• 11
Opinion
Erin Morgenstern is by all accounts an artist. Her medium, all things fantastical. Before writing her debut novel, “The Night Circus”, her focus was predominately multimedia painting, largely fairy tale-centric. The leap from painting “once upon a time” themed pieces to writing them was not a difficult one. Instead, finding a representative to publish her work proved to be the challenge. Thirty literary agents turned down her manuscript before Morgenstern found a successful partnership with InkWell Management. Doubleday, a division of Random House Inc., finally published “The Night Circus” in September 2011. Conjured, as if by magic and without warning, is the nocturnal Le Cirque des Reves, “The Circus of Dreams”. Patrons wait in line for hours before the sun goes down, breathlessly anticipating the wonders that lie within the black-and-white striped tent. It is not a circus in the traditional sense. No sweating vagabonds work the menagerie tending the animals, and the performers are more mystical than freakish. Instead, there is an elegance that touches every thing and every person encompassed beyond the black wrought-iron gateway that serves as the entrance to the show. Each artist chosen, by hand, for his or her unique abilities. What patrons don’t know, is the circus is not merely for their entertainment. Set to action by dueling master magicians, it is simply an elaborate venue for an age-old competition. Two young students, Marco and Celia, spent years learning the ways of true magic, so that one day, their teachers might prove which methodology of magic reigns more powerful. The rules of
Book Review
Special Report
For the “ It’s not about me or the training anymore, its about focusing on my family and work. I give them the gold medal standard
”
Photos by Ariana Ridley
12 • The Pine Curtain
After Four Olympics
Glory of the Sport By Ariana Riley & Kevin Ngo Contributing Writers
offers classes for both children and adults. Being taught by an Olympian is a special novelty. Sensei Shayne Rust assists Olson with both classes. His two daughters have been in Olson’s class since the beginning. “My two girls were the first two students to be in his class,” said Rust. His daughters love the sport, and he likes the life principles encouraged through judo. “Judo teaches them to be mindful of people and respect others,” He said. Broadening his basic training, Rust gained more knowledge of the sport from Olson. He learned most of his advanced moves from him. Olson believes children need guidance from an early age, and works to give children the attention they need to succeed in life. “If a child comes in with a bad attitude or if they aren’t doing what they are suppose to do in school, they wont be able to get on the mat,” said Olson. Helping students and co-workers strive for the best both in class and in their own lives is Olson’s ultimate goal. “He goes over and under for his employees, gives us the set of tools to succeed and coaches us in anything we need. He makes sure we’re all happy,” said General Manger Loni Dubman. Going from a four-time Olympian, to a full time District Manager Continues on Olympics pg 37 October 31, 2012• 13
Special Report
The competitors grapple for possession. One false move is all it takes to render an opponent into submission. This match is a routine event for Brian Olson, exOlympian judo martial artist. Olson competed in four Olympics: 1996 Atlanta, USA, 2000 Sydney, Australia, 2004 Athens, Greece and 2008 Beijing, China. After competing in Bejing, Olson’s family started growing. He now has two young children Bryce and Camble. “The Olympics will always be a part of his life, but he is now focused on his family,” said his wife, Kimberly Olson. During the Olympics, Olson was sponsored by 24 Hour Fitness. The sponsorship led to a job position after his Olympic retirement. Olson briefly became a fitness trainer at 24 Hour Fitness in Colorado. “When the recession, hit [24 Hour Fitness] did some restructuring, so I left and moved down here,” said Olson. Olson is now the District Manager at Anytime Fitness in Longview, Texas. He also owns Olson’s Martial Arts Academy, which opened in June, 2012. Olson has been the district manager at Anytime Fitness for the past three years. He started teaching judo classes in June 2010 and
A Faith-Based Fi ness Business By Jenee Clay
Contributing Writer
It is Cune Peña’s thick, black goatee and shiny bald head that gets him noticed. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a strong build and tattoo covered arms, many things could be assumed about the former body builder.
We’re not going to ” “ change the world just
Features
on Sunday morning, we change it in places like the gym,
What people don’t see is Peña is a man of God. Those close to him say he continually seeks God’s knowledge so he might share it with others. Although Peña now describes himself as a “Jesus freak,” the owner of Premier Fitness didn’t always have a relationship with God. “A couple of my friends starting using drugs at 13 years old,” he said. Instead of joining them, he turned his focus to fitness. In Peña’s college years, he became a professional bodybuilder. During this time, his commitment to fitness evolved into vanity.Like many professional bodybuilders, he began abusing steroids and other drugs to feed his growing ego. 14 • The Pine Curtain
He struggled with a dependence on drugs until he reignited his love of fitness as a medium for health—not vanity. With a renewed commitment to fitness and health, his life turned around in spiritual aspects as well. Peña felt compelled to share his new-found faith and love of fitness, and opening Premier Fitness in Tyler in 1999 did just that. The Premier mission is glorifying God while providing quality fitness and strength facilities and programming. The regular clients of Premier Fitness praise the top of the line equipment and knowledgeable trainers; but it’s the atmosphere that keeps them coming back. It’s not unusual to see runners on treadmills blaring “How Great is Our God,”or bodies resting near a wall reading: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13. “The feel at Premier is just so positive,” said Bethany Olsen, a Premier Fitness member. “The staff is always so motivating...they really care about each client; it’s not just a job to them.” Strength coach, Lealon Gammel, is an example of the type of staff Olsen appreciates. “Cune always challenges and motivates us to see potential in our clients, as well as be proactive in maintaining excellence and integrity,” Gammel said. The challenge Peña faces is how to run a faithbased enterprise in which fitness-- not religion--
is the core business. But Peña’s mission of serving God is never ending. He believes Premier Fitness is his pulpit— that he is a “minister in the market place.” “We’re not going to change the world just on Sunday morning, we change it in places like [the gym],” Peña said. He believes he can reach more people with his gym than he could at a church because some people avoid churches entirely. Despite scrutiny over Peña’s outward expression
of faith being a business-growing gimmick in religious East Texas, Peña believes there is something for everyone at Premier Fitness. The tattooed man now holds public praise and worship services called The Tyler House of Faith at Premier Fitness every Friday night. “This is the calling God gave me,” Peña said. “I always want to be quick to hear where he wants me to go next.”
Features
Left: Part of the Staff from Premier Fitness. Bottom: Hard core training. Peña trains with a truck tire. Below: Peña at his Fitness center.
Photos by Jenee Clay
October 31, 2012• 15
Racer on the Rise By Bianca See & Travis Mcmillan
Features
Contributing Writers
From the second the door opens, the first thing that hits the nose is the smell of new rubber. Shiny black paint on a hard body glints against the clean white floor tiles. The white lights illuminate all kinds of makes and models. Their paint jobs shine immaculately under the lighting. There are no oil spills or old paint cans, no grease stains or hot metal. At least not today. But it isn't always this calm, clean and quiet. The shop is unusually quiet. In place of the expected sounds accompanying a body shop is the faint drone of a television and the rasping of the industrial air conditioning unit. This peaceful down time rare at the garage where budding race car driver, Morgan Bagley, prepares himself for competition. Fresh-faced and sturdy with dirty blond hair, the first thing you notice about Bagley are not his blue eyes, but his enthusiasm. He is easy-going, and upon first glance, you wouldn't expect him to be a professional race car driver. From a young age, the Longview native was fascinated by speed. The racing lifestyle comes with the Bagley name. His father owned a dirt track and raced himself up until Bagley was born. “I started racing go carts when I was 7 years old, and then I started racing cars when I was 16,” Bagley said. “My family’s always been involved 16 • The Pine Curtain
in racing.” His parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles all spent time on the track. As a teen, Bagley tried other sports, but nothing ever captured his heart like racing did. “The first sport I let go was baseball. I’d be in the outfield thinking about racing,” Bagley said with his signature twang. Bagley wanted to commit to racing exclusively, but not everyone had faith in the young hopeful. “There were a lot of people telling me I couldn’t
“
He drove in, wide open, slid up and slammed me. I just turn the steering wheel and did whatever.
”
do it,” he said. “That made me want to do it more.” Bagley began racing on local tracks until his dedication got him noticed. In 2011, former racer and car enthusiast Wayman McMillan decided to support the fledgling racer’s future endeavors as his car owner. "I picked Morgan,” McMillan said, “Because I was comfortable with him and he takes care of
the equipment better than some of those other haphazards I've seen." In his first season as a professional driver, Bagley won seven races. Because of his success, he received both Rookie of the Year and the Southern United Professional Racing Series [SUPR] Points Championship. His victories spurred him to take on a more challenging circuit and move to a national racing schedule, bolstering his position as a professional racer. Bagley won four races in 2012. He is proud to be a winning and precise driver. He does not wreck often or destroy many cars, but even a cautious driver is sometimes forced to face dangerous obstacles during competition. During a preliminary race, Bagley encountered a reckless driver. The only way he could win the was was by “dirty racing.”
Instead of participating in the risky driving, Bagley contented himself with fourth place. The car behind him didn't have"the same respect” for clean driving as Bagley did, and attempted a ‘slide job’ on Bagley. "He drove in, wide open, slid up and slammed me." It sent the driver’s car crashing into the wall. Bagley's car careened towards the same wall, and he feared his car might flip. Fortunately, Bagley utilized his instinct for saving cars. "I just turned the steering wheel and did whatever,” he said, “I ended up finishing fifth.” When the race ended, Bagley returned to the pits recounting his near-wreck with humility. "I really didn't do anything,” he said. “I was just holding on." According to McMillan, backing Bagley was a good investment; Continues on Racer pg 32
Features Photo by Bianca See
Morgan Bagley’s crew (above) gets his metal horse ready at the shop for its next competition.
October 31, 2012• 17
Invasive Species:
Caddo Lake Is ‘Going Green’
plants because it is not native to the United States News Reporter and can replace plants in the ecosystem. “The animals and insects that normally keep its Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s recent growth controlled do not exist in East Texas,” survey found treatments have lessened the overall he said. “Areas of a lake can end up with a lot of impact of invasive plants on Caddo Lake in Karhydrilla instead of a more desirable mix of native nack, Texas, but state aquatic biologists believe aquatic plant species,” he said. eliminating the plants will never be an option. Boaters and fishermen can see the effects of hy“Once invasive plants are allowed into a lake, it’s drilla on Caddo Lake. virtually impossible to eradicate them,” said Tim Hydrilla growth can become thick enough that Bister, a district fisheries biologist with Texas Parks predator fish, like largemouth bass, are unable to and Wildlife Department. “We just want to control feed efficiently on smaller prey. it so people are able to use boat ramps and navi“Even though many anglers like to fish areas that gate the lake.” contain hydrilla, sometimes the hydrilla is thick TPWD officials have waged a war against invasive enough that it is difficult to penetrate with fishing plant species like hydrilla, water hyacinth and giContinues on Caddo pg 40 lures,” Bister said. ant salvinia on Caddo Lake’s 10,366 acres for years. These invasive species grow rapidly and displace native vegetation species, leading to habitat degradation and a loss of biodiversity. “The thick mats formed by floating invasive vegetation disrupt the photosynthesis process and diminish dissolved oxygen essential for aquatic life,” said Chris Moret, natural resource specialist with the Inland Fisheries Division of TPWD. The hydrilla coverage, a rooted plant native to Africa, Australia and parts of Asia, had decreased 1,137 acres from 4,542 acres when TPWD conducted their last survey two years ago. “The species was introduced in the United States from the aquarium trade about 40 years ago,” said Dearl Sanders, researcher with Louisiana State University AgCenter. Hydrilla appeared in Caddo Lake in 1993. It covAbove: salvinia weevils feed only on the destructive water ered about 5,000 acres within the first four years. Bister said hydrilla can out-compete native aquatic plants of the same name, making them an effective biologi-
Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
News
By Christian Keitt
cal control.
18 • The Pine Curtain
Rebuilding Crim Theater By Christian Keitt News Reporter
“ The Crim was once a grand,
opulent movie theater that our community took great pride in, Left: The Crim Theather stands out from all the other buildings around Longview. If rebuild The Crim could become a main attraction, from the outside and inside,to the East Texas city.
Photo by Christian Keitt
”
Chaffin said the theater would also need a fly system, which alone costs about $1 million. “Those citizens who have lived in Kilgore for a long time would love to see the Crim come alive again since they have such fond memories of it,” said Raymond Caldwell, artistic director for the nearby Texas Shakespeare Festival. Although Chaffin’s committee has yet Continues on CRIM pg 38 to begin
October 31, 2012• 19
News
Despite having support from the Kilgore town council and area residents, a civic group looking to rebuild the city’s Crim Theater must overcome parking and nightlife problems to succeed. Clara Chaffin, Kilgore Main Street manager, is working to transform the Crim Theater, a historic downtown movie theater, into a modern venue.
The Crim Theater first opened its doors in June of 1939, but closed in the late 1950s. It was used as a movie theater, and was the first theater in the area with air conditioning. Chaffin said she wants to fully renovate the theater, as opposed to restoration. “Restoration is very expensive,” she said. “With renovation, you can do it to where it looks similar to what it did originally, but it’s less expensive.” Theater renovations could cost up to $4 million. “Just to occupy the Crim and make it safe for people to go in it and utilize it, we’re talking about a million to a million and a half,” Chaffin said. Additionally, the theater would need about $4 million worth of additions like dressing rooms and an extended stage to house the annual Texas Shakespeare Festival.
Meet J.B. and the By Jake Waddingham Contributing Writer
Features
T
he stage is drenched in bright light, casting shadows of excited music fans across the stage. Ears ring from cheers brought on by Radio Texas Live host Buddy Logan’s introduction to the East Texas State Fair. Lead guitarist, Hayden McMullen, is the first to take the stage. His fingers instantly go to work, fixing the guitar strap, adjusting the tuners on the headstock and striking a couple of cords. Chris “Flo” Flores follows, bass guitar in-hand, with new the new fiddle player, Scott “Skittles” Johnson trailing. Gabe Guevara slips in, almost unnoticed, behind the glass cage that surrounds the drum set. Then, in a measured stride for speed, James “J.B.” Patterson appears from behind the stage and takes his spot behind the center microphone. “This is not our hobby anymore,” Patterson said. “It is how we make our living.” Patterson gives a quick nod to his right, adjusts his acoustic guitar, and the band begins their set. Three short years ago, J.B. and the Moonshine Band didn’t have hundreds of fans singing their songs, and there were no singles climbing the charts. They didn’t have a label.
They weren’t even a band. After years working at Rosewood Recording Studios, Patterson was bored with recording other musicians’ work. Hearing music was becoming a chore. Tired of his job, he went back to school to study public relations at the University of Texas at Tyler. On the side, he opened an advertising agency to generate extra income. With a successful agency and only 12 hours left to graduate, Patterson started feeling the tug of music again. For years, he sent away his lyrics for other art-
Photo by Jake Waddingham
20 • The Pine Curtain
Photo by Kelley Connor
M
nshine band
not our hobby anymore. This “ Thisisishow we make our living ”
ists to record, but Patterson’s demos weren’t getting any attention. He decided the best way to get his music out was to sing the songs himself. Armed with his own songs, Patterson sent a Myspace blast looking for musicians to audition for his new band. The turnout was slim—only three guys showed up. The four musicians spent the afternoon playing, and by the end of the audition, J.B. and the Moonshine Band was formed. “Everyone in a band wants to be on the ra-
October 31, 2012• 21
Features
dio,” Radio Texas Live host Buddy Logan said. “They want to take the next step.” The first gig Logan saw J.B. and the Moonshine Band play was in 2009 at Down Under Pub and Grub in Tyler. He was just starting his radio show “Radio Texas Live” and at a friend’s suggestion, decided to check out the show. The new band barely drew in a double-digit crowd, but Logan was drawn to the lyrics and the group’s presentation. “There’s a difference in music that will appeal to friends and what will appeal to everybody,” Logan said. “When I heard J.B., I knew it wasn’t going to be just his mom and cousins thinking he’s awesome.” Guevara said the first time he met Patterson at the audition, he could tell he was driven. “That’s what attracted me to this whole thing– the drive–the ambition and the goals that are being set.” While assembling the band was easy, promoting songs, arranging shows and adjusting to travel schedules was a struggle. Patterson was in constant contact with song promoters, always working to secure radio time. Logan’s show was the radio debut of J.B. and the Continues on Moonshine pg 33
Art Gallery Art + Life
NorthPark Exhibition
22 • The Pine Curtain
It is fall and there is something for everyone at the NorthPark Center Mall in Dallas. I decided to check out what is for me this season at the shopping center. I was looking for some shoes or a nice looking shirt to stay in tune with fashion. Instead I ended up with a pumpkin flavored coffee, which was delicious. A mall is an interesting place with its sideboards, shop windows and people coming and going. There is a store for everyone. You do not know what you are going to find and what is going to find you. It may be a book, a gift for that special someone, or that fragrance you thought you would never find which is the perfect match for your personality. While at the mall, an art exhibition grabbed my attention. The drawings, paintings and sculptures are full of color and different techniques. These works of art are the creativity of local doctors, students, engineers etc. from East Texas and is shown next.
David Farrell Conference Call Work on canvas Good Fulton & Farrell, Inc
Art + Life October 31, 2012• 23
Right: Francie Abell Sketch by Jean Baptiste Gauze Work on paper Corgan Associatio, Inc.
Far Right: Sam Ivie Girl Works on paper University of North Texas.
Art + Life
Bottom: Beth Steinbauer Jane Work on paper Corgan Associatio, Inc.
24 • The Pine Curtain
Art + Life October 31, 2012• 25
Art + Life 26 • The Pine Curtain
Far Left: Carren O’Neil Catwoman Work on canvas Town of Addison
Left: Stephanie Waterman Freak of Nature 2 Black and white photography Ben E. Keith Company
October 31, 2012• 27
Art + Life
Michael Foster Desolation Black and white photography IBM
Right: Gayle L. Ormon Into the Light Work on Canvas American Airlines
Left: Robert Amsler Roadside Texas Bluebells, 104 degrees Color photography Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
Art + Life
Bottom: Julie Huval Eiffel Tower in December People’s choice Beck
28 • The Pine Curtain
Art + Life October 31, 2012• 29
Art + Life
Bottom: Ashley Subphamitra Tumble Color photography Ben E. Keith Company
30 • The Pine Curtain
Tammy Chambless Five senses Sculpture Good Fulton & Farrell, Inc.
October 31, 2012• 31
Art + Life
Presented by the Business Council for the Art, uniting commerce and culture. These drawings were part of On Your Own Time a regional competition highlighting North Texas talent. For more information or information on purchasing art on display contact Business Council for the Art at 972-991-8300, bca@ntbca.org or call NorthPark Center at 972-514-2099.
especially since he has more than enough good habits to him keep satisfied. “He’s particular about his upkeep on the equipment,” said McMillan. “He keeps it clean, keeps it maintained. Morgan is a conscientious racer, whether he’s on the track or in the shop.” These attributes make Bagley, not only a great racer, but a great leader. His crew members appreciate the time they spend with him on and off the track. “He’s down to earth with no drama, but he’s not afraid to tell you he doesn’t like something,” said Justin Headon, a member of the pit crew. “He’s conscious of what the others are feeling ,as far as their race attitude, and tries to keep them upbeat,” said McMillan. “We get along and work well together,” said Bagley's cousin and crew chief, Brandon Melton. But it is not a completely stress-free work environment. The team spends a large portion of their time during a race week traveling
Morgan Bagley(gray shirt) and his crew (Left) at the shop before for its next competition.
Photo by Bianca See
Features
Racer, page 17
long distances. Deconstructing and reconstructing the racing vehicles only takes one work day, but a routine trip for Bagley and his pit crew averages nearly 20 hours one way. “We probably spend 32 weeks of the year in the truck,” said Bagley, recalling the rigors of the racing schedule. The team drives to races in Arizona, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania and all over the Midwest, and the trips strain personal relationships at home. “The hardest thing about racing for a lot of people is the travel,” said Bagley. “We travel so much, it’s like I don’t have friends at home.” Even with the stress of the road, Bagley remains positive. “It’s really rewarding winning a race. I dreamed to be a race car driver, but no one told me the dream was going to be like this.” Bagley works closer to his dream of being the best driver he can be every time he is behind the wheel. “He wants to be the best, and he won't stop until he is,” said Melton.
32 • The Pine Curtain
Moonshine, page 21
Above: You know it, now you sing. J.B. Patterson interacts with the audience.Below: All I hear is the guitar’s echo. A guitar strike with his right hand, and Patterson and the Moonshine Band finish their performance.
Features
Moonshine Band. The band’s drive for perfection along with a new single, “Perfect Girl”, helped J.B. and the Moonshine Band work up the Texas country music charts. The debut of “Perfect Girl” stalled at number 20, but according to Logan, making the chart scored a large following. Fans of the song started calling in radio requests, and even people that didn’t know the title recited lyrics to get it on air. After opening for Colt Ford in March 2010, the band got their break. Ford’s label, Average Joes Entertainment, liked the country sound and signed the band to a record deal. In September, J.B. and the Moonshine Band dropped their first album, “Ain’t Goin’ Back to Jail.” To maintain a large, consistent following, the band constantly writes new music and plays shows all over the country. Today, the band is actively touring to promote the release of their sophomore album, “Beer for Breakfast.” The first single—of the same name— topped theTexas Country Music Charts. Their next release, “No Better Than This,” is currently at number 7 and climbing.
Photo by Jake Waddingham
October 31, 2012• 33
Features
Take a glimpse to the world glimpse to the world We are your window
A
34 • The Pine Curtain
Campaign page 9
Vote Texas
Make the difference in your country on Nov 6 October 31, 2012• 35
News
to succeed—American and alien offspring—they need a college education. With a Romney federal budget still a great mystery, including education funding, we must look to the only publicly announced GOP federal budget plan, touted by Romney’s running mate, Paul Ryan. He promises to decrease federal funding for education by 20 percent, causing Pell Grant and loan availability to fall, reversing federal student loan reforms that now benefit both two-year and four-year college students. This would drastically limit the opportunities of many students to receive benefits of a degree because of inability to pay. Under Obama’s administration, Pell Grant funding doubled, interest rates remained low and federal student loan repayments were capped at 10 percent of annual income. Romney thinks students should “borrow money from [their] parents” to pay for college. As for Planned Parenthood, Romney said: “we’re going to get rid of that.” Planned Parenthood is a leading provider of women’s health procedures including cancer screenings and contraceptives. It helps lowincome women to low-cost reproductive health treatment. It is largely federally funded, but does not use those funds to pay for abortions. The Hyde amendment, passed by Congress in 1977, denies the use of federal funding for abor-
tion. It cut funding 35 years ago, yet Planned Parenthood is still being attacked. It’s not enough that Planned Parenthood doesn’t use federal funding for abortions. Just the fact that they support abortion is cause to pull funding. Never mind the negative impact it will have on women who rely on these facilities for preventive health measures. And we won’t even mention his plans for the monumental Roe v. Wade. This is a critical election for many people in America, and with campaign promises muddled and flip-flops occurring daily, we sometimes can’t find the truth at all. But here’s the truth: a Romney ticket will just take us backward. It will not carry us into a promising future. Romney’s regressive policies toward Latinos, students and women will directly—and negatively-- impact the lives of many East Texans. Deporting immigrant children deprives Texas of $66 billion, reducing education funding dims students’ futures and attacking women’s health care hurts family planning capabilities. With President Obama, we know what to expect. He has worked tirelessly to brighten the lives of all: future Americans in the Latino community, students and women. He advocates for the good of the people, and that’s good for East Texas. According to 2010 U.S. Census data, Latinos make up 13 percent of East Texas’ population Romney said: “Planned Parenthood, we’re going to get rid of that.”
setting and not enough on her narrative or character development. The characters and their journeys are secondary-- an afterthought even-- used purely as a mechanism to showcase the impressive ability patrons’ experience of the circus followed by of Morgenstern’s imagination for magic. There is several short chapters. simply too much atmospheric detail, and it over Cloaked with mystery, the first section whelms the story. sets the tone and the rest of the story into motion When the two protagonists finally are in by introducing many characters and frequently a room together after only a handful of brief enjumping back and forth through time and councounters, readers are expected to believe there is tries. With the introduction of each new characenough connective tissue between them that they ter, the flow becomes harder to follow because are in love. Instead, their romance was so static, I of the brevity of the chapters. There isn’t enough could neither relate nor empathize. depth to the characters to keep them straight Ultimately, this book is not for the novice initially, especially with the skips in time. reader. It is so wordy that even avid readers will Unfortunately, I remained in the dark for feel tired. So many words with so little action or several hundred pages. My sense of confusion dialogue feels suffocating. My eyes constantly of the unknown was –almost-- a distraction to searched for a break in the page to rest, but often the flow of the story. With so many unanswered found no relief. questions, I found myself often frustrated. The This was Morgenstern’s first novel. Her only thing keeping me reading at times was my problem was she couldn’t get the dimensions deeply inquisitive nature. I hoped that eventually right: story first, enhanced by a vivid setting. Her my questions would be answered, though it was words paint a beautiful scene, but the characters always after wading through many chapters. are forgettable and under-developed. She is, after Despite the confusion I experienced, Morall, a painter first. genstern cleverly constructed a sense of intrigue Simply put, “The Night Circus” is imagithat kept me from putting the book down early. native, but mediocre at best. Without a solid In Morgenstern’s understanding of the storyline, Morgenstern’s circus is just not enough “power of atmosphere” lies both her talent and to keep readers hooked. naivety for storytelling. Each scene and individual location is vividly described in lush, almost poetic terms. While I respect her eye for details, ultimately she focused too much attention on
News
Circus page 11
36 • The Pine Curtain
Olympics page 13 and family man is hectic. But he employs the same standards used in Olympic training to face challenges of his daily life. “It’s not about me or the training anymore, its about focusing on my family and work. I give them the gold metal standard,” Olson said.
News
Right: You have to fight, gain and maintain control. Olson demonstrates the proper techniques for submission. Below : Grab his collar while you plan your next move for submission. Olson gives pointers to his students at the Anytime Fitness gym.
Photos by Ariana Ridley
October 31, 2012• 37
News
Crim page 19
renovations, other comparable theaters in the area shed light on what having a live, community theater in Kilgore might be like. The Tyler Civic Theater Center in Tyler offers a variety of plays, from comedies to children’s shows housed in two theaters. The main theater, Braithwaite, seats 330. The Crim’s seating depends on how the committee decides to renovate the building. “It originally sat 720 people in the lower area and about 520 in the upper area,” Chaffin said. “If we were to renovate the balconies, we might have more seating, but we might not put seating in those.” Sean Holliday, the Tyler Civic Theater director, said performances bring in out-of-town patrons, contributing tourism money to the community. “On average, 10 to 15 percent are from out of town,” said Holliday. “A lot of people will go out to dinner before they come, whether it’s nighttime or not.” The theater shares the same grounds as the Tyler Convention Center and the Tyler Rose Gardens, so Holliday said they have plenty of parking. “Usually it’s couples who come, so the theater probably uses about 100 parking spaces,” he said. “When they do children’s shows, more families come, so that decreases the number of parking spots needed.” According to Caldwell, parking could be an issue for the Crim. “We have adequate parking spaces for the festival at Kilgore College, but they are not all within easy walking distance for those patrons who are older or who need assistance,” he said. Downtown parking presents a similar problem. Caldwell said optimal parking would have it concentrated near the theater instead of its current 38 • The Pine Curtain
state of being spread throughout the downtown area. Kilgore mayor, Ronnie Spradlin, does not think parking will be an issue for the Crim. “Downtown is closed in the evenings, so I think there will be plenty of street and lot parking,” he said. While the nighttime parking opportunities may solve part of the parking dilemma, it also presents another problem: all those parking spaces are empty because the Kilgore downtown rolls up its sidewalks by 9 p.m. This puts a significant crimp in the plans of any theater-goers who might want to extend their evening out with a visit to a club after the play. “We do have restaurants downtown, but by 9 p.m., downtown is gone,” Chaffin said. “It’s kind of a dead zone.” Chaffin said she thinks the Crim could create a nightlife area and extend downtown visiting hours, encouraging merchants to stay open past 9 p.m. “I think renovating the Crim is an incredible idea, not only to help businesses, but just to help downtown in general,” said Kiersten Segall, Napoli’s restaurant manager A performance staple that could give the Crim a boost is the Texas Shakespeare Festival. The festival is currently held at Kilgore College in Van Cliburn Auditorium. “Although Kilgore College owns the Festival, we are unable to use the theater during the school year since it is used by the KC theater department,” he said. “We cannot have access to the college facilities until the spring semester ends, and we must close our operations in time for the college students to move back into the dorms in the fall.” Caldwell said the Kilgore College Board of Trustees would have to approve a move to the Crim. To perform Shakespeare, the Crim would
According to Spradlin, the best choice would be drawing funds from the city’s general fund, property tax and sales tax. “Most likely this would be from our economic development money, which comes from our half cent sales tax for economic development,” Spradlin said. “I would not be interested in increasing our tax rate in order to operate or renovate the Crim,” he said. “I believe the entire council feels the same way.” “All activities, Texas Shakespeare Festival, speakers, entertainment and dance recitals would provide some income,” he said. The city also would not have to go out of its way to add lighting for security downtown. “The Crim is downtown and part of a new entertainment district, so renovation of sidewalks, parking and lighting is planned on the Crim block, whether it is renovated or not,” he said. Overall, Spradlin said he hopes the Crim will help bring more life to downtown. “The Crim was once a grand, opulent movie theater and our community took great pride in it,” Spradlin said. “I believe renovating the Crim, as a destination for downtown events, entertainment and activities is crucial for our downtown revitalization.”
Photo by Christian Keitt
October 31, 2012• 39
News
need more than basic renovations. The theater would require a secondary performing space for lower-budget productions, rehearsal space, costume shop, prop shop and scene shop. Additionally, it would need offices, an indoor or covered paint area, makeup and dressing rooms, access to a sound recording studio and storage space for lighting and sound equipment. A top priority for Shakespeare-geared additions is a theatrical rigging system, called fly space. “Fly space is always an asset because it offers so many options for scenic spectacle,” Caldwell said. Chaffin and her committee are set to kick off fundraising efforts by converting the Crim into a fright house in October. However, Chaffin said money made from the fright house fundraiser will probably be spent on repairing the roof. “Any extra money we make from the fundraiser will be probably put into a fund to do detailed estimate of how much it’s going to cost,” Chaffin said. The committee is unsure when renovations will be completed. After renovations, operating the Crim Theater will cost about $250,000 a year. Pending the city council’s approval, funding for renovations could come from several sources.
reduced Caddo Lake to a historic low of 166 feet in October 2011. While the lake levels were down, TPWD officials reduced herbicide applications and several locaAreas thick with hydrilla also make outboard tions used as test sites for salvinia introduction boat motor operation difficult. It also causes were left dry. access problems at boat ramps and makes swim“It didn’t take long for salvinia to infest these ming areas unusable. areas in the growing season once the lake level Giant salvinia and water hyacinth also pose had been restored,” Moret said. problems for Caddo Lake. Both are floating Integrated vegetation management is the best aquatic plants native to South America. method of treating invasive vegetation to protect Michael Young, from Henderson, frequently enCaddo Lake’s ecosystem counters water hyacinth and giant salvinia while It involves educating the public on ways to kayaking on Caddo Lake. reduce the spread of invasive species, combined “The hyacinth is near impossible to paddle with manual removal of the plants, chemical through,” Young said. “You can paddle in the salcontrol herbicide applications and biological vinia as long as you can see a sign of water, but controls. when the salvinia looks like a nice green lawn it “TPWD has enhanced outreach and education is like paddling in syrup.” through the ‘Hello, Goodbye’ campaign on invaWater hyacinth has the lowest population of the sive species,” Moret said. invasive plant species on Caddo Lake. It covers Efforts include televised public service an389 acres, as opposed to 720 acres two years ago. nouncements, radio announcements and print Giant salvinia is the fastest-growing of the three advertisements in outdoor-themed publications. species, and is the only one still incrasing since TPWD personnel also perform seasonal aquatic TPWD’s last survey. It now covers 1,370 acres, a vegetation surveys on lakes across the state so an 765-acre increase from two years ago. infestation can be identified and treated before it Like hydrilla, Bister said these two species expands. were probably introduced to the United States “Nearly every state and federal agency is eduthrough the water garden trade. cating biologists and other stakeholders on the “Like hydrilla, they grow unchecked without the importance of preventing the spread of invasive control mechanisms that are present in their naspecies,” Moret said. tive locations,” Bister said. Costly herbicide treatments are another vital Giant salvinia first arrived on the Louisiana side part of TPWD’s integrated vegetation manageof Caddo Lake in 2006. By 2009, salvinia covered ment plan. 3,000 acres on the Texas side. Herbicide must be combined with a surfactant in These two species also concern fishermen. order to have the desired effect further increasWater hyacinth and giant salvinia grow in thick ing the cost. A surfactant improves the adhesion mats, blocking sunlight from penetrating into between plan surface and herbicide mixture, the water. The result is low dissolved oxygen levmaking it more effective. els below the water’s surface, not suitable for fish. Increased costs at the pump have not helped The invasive plant population took a hit when TPWD’s quest for invasive plant management. East Texas experienced a drought in 2011. It
News
Caddo page 18
40 • The Pine Curtain
“They have not been very successful, but it is thought that these weevils will reduce the amount of flowers that water hyacinth plants produce,” Bister said. Herbicide applications and biological control measures will need to be conducted several times during the growing season to minimize an infestation and reduce the risk of transportation to another water body. The herbicide applications take effect more quickly, therefore they are used to clear boat ramp and boat roads to maintain access and prevent the spread of invasive vegetation to other lakes or reservoirs. They are also used when there is a possibility that a local infestation can be eliminated. Biological controls, like weevils, are typically introduced to areas where herbicide application equipment cannot access. Other East Texas lakes have also struggled with invasive vegetation. “While it has not been seen as problematic in all locations, two reservoirs, Lake Tyler and Lake Jacksonville, have received a fair amount of hydrilla management,” Bister said. These three invasive plants exist in all southern states, said Mick Vann, horticulturist at the University of Texas at Austin. “Basically, it’s common in any state where the weather stays temperate enough for the plants to overwinter and survive,” he said. “The plants can be transferred to new bodies of water by flooding, on the feathers of aquatic birds or by boating equipment.” Other Texas lakes that have experienced these problems include Toledo Bend Reservoir, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir, Lake Texana, Lake Fork Reservoir, Lake Conroe Reservoir and Lake Houston Reservoir. “Nearly every lake or reservoir in Southeast Texas is susceptible to invasion by noxious aquatOctober 31, 2012• 41
News
Herbicide costs rise with the cost of fuel because both products are made from petroleum, raising application costs to more than $300 per acre. TPWD has also implemented multiple biological control methods in the form of insects, including water hyacinth weevils, hydrilla flies and giant salvinia weevils. “We have released some insects that are known to control the growth of these plants in their native locations,” he said. “These insects undergo rigorous testing to ensure they won’t be harmful to any other species of plant in the United States before being allowed to be imported and released.” TPWD is in the third year of a biological control program to raise, harvest and release salvinia weevils for the purpose controlling giant salvinia. Texas Water Resources Institute in College Station raises salvinia weevils at the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The salvinia weevil is the only proven biological control for giant salvinia and is especially effective in areas with warm climates. These weevils were first released in Caddo Lake in 2007. They feed only on salvinia and present no harm to native or “non-target” vegetation. Officials have also released hydrilla flies on Caddo Lake. The larval stage of the Asian species feeds on the interior of the hydrilla stem, killing the plant. Bister admits he’s unsure how successful the flies alone will be, but using the flies along with other control methods is common as an integrated approach to controlling invasive plants. “As with any insect as a control agent, it takes many years for their numbers to increase,” he said. They have also tried releasing water hyacinth weevils in Caddo Lake. The species originates from South America, and has a poor tolerance for cold weather.
Caddo Lake has never used this tactic. “I’m not sure if Caddo has a control structure at the spillway that would allow the lake level to be significantly lowered,” Moret said. Additionally, reservoir controlling authorities, property owners, anglers and reservoirbased businesses might not approve of a draw down. “If water is drawn down to a level that boaters cannot access the lake, I’m sure it would not be popular among users of the lake or those that make their living from business that occurs from lake visitors,” Bister said. Lake-goers play a major role in preventing the further spread of invasive plant species on Caddo Lake. People can help by cleaning and inspecting their boat, trailer and equipment when leaving any lake. “The lakes that have invasive plants at this time, will likely always have to find a way to manage that infestation,” he said. “Although they will never be eradicated, I hope we can prevent new infestations in the future.”
Photos courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
News
ic vegetation,” Moret said. Austin lakes experience similar problems with invasive plant species. “On a local level, we have seen hydrilla, particularly in Lake Austin,” said Clara Tuma, spokeswoman for the Lower Colorado River Authority. LCRA has also seen giant salvinia and water hyacinth in some area lakes. Over the summer, LCRA released more than 5,000 Asian grass carp, costing $30,500, into Lake Austin to help slow the spread of hydrilla. Other groups such as the City of Austin and the Friends of Lake Austin made separate, additional releases. Carp releases funded by LCRA, the city of Austin and the Friends of Lake Austin are part of a hydrilla management effort approved by the TPWD. “In addition, at the request of the city of Austin, LCRA lowers the level of Lake Austin for several weeks in the winter months to help combat invasive species,” Tuma said. The invasive vegetation left dry on the banks are killed by the cold. LCRA last lowered Lake Austin for this purpose in early 2011. It was not lowered in 2012 and will not be lowered in 2013 because of a drought.
42 • The Pine Curtain
Left: salvinia weevils feed only on the destructive water plants of the same name, making them an effective biological control. Below: salvinia weevils compared to a pencil
Debate Haylee page 6
Because moving pictures tell more than 1,000 words Check out our video at patriottalon.com October 31, 2012• 43
Opinion
servants and slaves obeying their masters, even through suffering. Doing what is “right” by their master, even when mistreated, is considered “godly” according to the Bible’s standards. (Ephesians 6: 5-6, Titus 2: 9-10, 1 Peter: 18-20) With passages like that, it isn’t hard to see how early Americans justified owning slaves. Once the Civil War ended, things didn’t get much better. Segregation and racism continued to be a widespread issue for decades. Organizations like the Ku Klux Klan orchestrated hate crimes against African Americans on their platform of defending “true Christianity.” Then came the women. The Bible tells Christians that a woman should be “submissive” and “silent.” Words like that undoubtedly promote inequality for women. (1 Corinthians 14: 34, Colossians 3:18, Titus 2:5) The women’s suffrage movement started in 1848 at the Seneca Falls Convention. The convention is seen as a revolutionary start to the struggle for women’s equal rights. After 72 years, women finally won the right to vote in 1920, but even today hold fewer government offices than men. With women only making 77 cents against every dollar men make, equal pay is still an issue too.
Historically, Christianity has been a deterrent for progress and human rights in our country, and we still face similar issues today. Many conservatives argue the laws against abortion and gay marriage they advocate would be backed by our “Christian” founding fathers. They quote Bible passages and tout untruths about the establishment of our country, hoping to promote these injustices. These kinds of issues should not be choices the government can make for its citizens, especially not in the name of organized religion. We have a constitutional right to equality: male, female, gay, straight, black or white and we have a right to privacy. Those two inalienable rights should be enough to take care of any questions we might have about gay marriage or a woman’s right to choose. Christian politicians try to tell us we don’t have those rights. They say “God’s law” calls them immoral. We are not a Christian nation, but our lawmakers like to use Christianity as an excuse for inequality. Our nation was founded without regard for religious principles guiding law making over 200 years ago. Our founding fathers had the foresight to protect us from injustices stemming from religion. Why would we take steps backward by limiting Americans’ equality and rights to privacy in the name of Christianity now?
Opinion
Debate Irving page 7
population resulted in as many deaths as The Holocaust did. Non-believers and Christians alike are not perfect. We make mistakes. Just because God is rarely mentioned in revolutionary or constitutional documents does not mean they were not based on Christian, Jewish or even Muslim beliefs. God is mentioned, and that is enough. Our nation may not be founded on Christianity but it was influenced by it. Many of the first Americans identified themselves as Christians. So many groups of colonists came to the Americas searching for the right to practice their religion without persecution. Between 1629 and 1642, more than 20,000 Puritans migrated to New England to flee religious persecution. In regard to the statement “Christianity has been a tool of the oppressor;” we could say this about every single religion. The use of the faith makes the difference. A man can use a gun to protect or to cause harm. It is the same tool, but used in a different way. How we use an idea makes the difference. Once mixed with other beliefs, the idea is no longer pure and its name has to change. I believe the statement should be: “corrupted Christianity has been a tool of the oppressor.” If “Segregation and racism continued to be a widespread issue for decades” was based on Christianity, Luke 10:27 preaches the opposite. If we based our laws on Christianity, we should have different laws for immigrants based on Leviticus 19:34 or Deuteronomy 24:17. According to these verses, reforms should be passed in favor of immigrants, whether they are illegal aliens or not. We have been tearing the Bible apart to fit our 44 • The Pine Curtain
own agendas. We criticize the Bible when we are standing in a nation founded on the its principles. When talking about slavery and citing Ephesians 6: 5-6 and Titus 2: 9-10, the real meaning is taken out of context because the verses before and after refer to social order. Ephesians 6: 5-6 sounds like it supports your argument—the Bible makes many references to servants and slaves obeying their masters, even through suffering. But you forgot to read Ephesians 6:9. It refers to the masters: “and ye masters do the same thing unto them, forbearing threatening” and, by consequence, forbids violence. Authority should be respected. We don’t want anarchy. When the Bible talks about slavery it is not because it is in its doctrine, but because it was a custom and a tradition to Hebrews, Romans and many other cultures of the time. Exodus 21 talks about God ordering his people to free a Hebrew slave after seven years. Abraham Lincoln, who enacted the Emancipation Proclamation during his presidency, read the Bible throughout his life, and often quoted and praised it. We could say the Emancipation Proclamation is founded on Christian principles. “Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on Him who has never yet forsaken this favored land are still competent to adjust in the best way all our present difficulty.” The Bible talks about a woman being “submissive” and “silent”. This is not exclusive to Christianity or Islam or Judaism. Being submissive does not take away your rights. Students must be submissive to teachers. Citizens have to be submissive to a judge because he presides on the court. It does not take their right away. Women’s opinions were not valid in a Jewish court of law. If Christianity is against women’s equality, it contradicts the fact that women were the first to see Jesus resurrected.
Opinion
The Bible also related that a woman gave birth to Jesus without the aid of a man. Colossians 3:18, is taken out of context because verse 19 says “Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.” It does not take their rights away. We cannot blame Christianity because women earn less. Lucy Stone, a suffragist and promoter of women’s rights, knew the Bible and joined a Unitarian church after being cast out because of her beliefs from a Congregationalist church. When talking about abortion, I believe it is taking a choice for a person who has not been born, someone who should have rights from the moment they are conceived. Every nation is influenced by the spiritual beliefs of its citizens because they are part of its culture and part of every individual. We can deny the influence of Christianity on our nation, but evidence tells something different. We are glad Christianity has an influence on our nation because it brings balance between liberty and oppression. In that same spirit, I decided to live under Christian principles, but I don’t impose them on others. I respect everyone’s opinions and decisions and hope they respect mine. If you want to share your opinion visit thepinecurtainblog.wordpress.com or send us an e-mail to pinecurtainmagazine@gmail.com. We want to know what you think.
Like us on Facebook
October 31, 2012• 45
Opinion
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 107:1 46 • The Pine Curtain