Rain revives local greenbelt

Located minutes from downtown Austin, rests one of the state’s best kept secrets, a scenic eight-mile trail known as the Barton Creek Greenbelt, which boasts hiking trails that run along the Barton Creek waters.

Some parts of the year as many as several thousand people will visit the greenbelt in a day. What makes the greenbelt so special is its diversity. People of all ages enjoying any number of outdoor activities. The trail has the regulars that jog, bike, kayak, swim, walk dogs, rock climb and meditate, then the spring crowd looking to beat the Austin heat by swimming in the abundant swimming holes.

Best of all, a day at the greenbelt is completely free, and with the economy slumping, “free” has replaced “please” as the new magic word. “My apartment complex doesn’t allow dogs by the pool, so here I am”, says new grandmother Toni Rideout. Thousands of Austinites can’t be blamed for choosing their dog, cigarettes, cigars and a couple of extra dollars in their pocket over the historic Barton Springs.

All of these perks come with a drawback, water only flows several months a year, depending on rainfall. Swimmers can expect water in Spring, but usually the ever increasing summer heat will dry the place out by Aug. All of the swimming holes and the creeks were dried up in the midst of the 2009 Central Texas drought, but 2010 looks very promising for this outdoorsy community.

Another disadvantage is dogs are supposed to always be on a leash and alcohol is prohibited. The alcohol ban went into effect in 1997 because the city had been cleaning far too much alcohol related trash. The attention has caused this community to be somewhat self –governing, so know many greenbelters will not tolerate polluters or will simply leave with more trash than their own. In 2006, Cambpells Hole was actually named “Best Place to Pick Up Litter” by The Austin Chronicle. “I’ve seen people ticketed for having a dog off a leash or for drinking beer, but not enough (times) to worry me”, says personal trainer Jason Mitchell.

The three main gathering places for people looking to socialize along the trail are named Sculpture Falls, Twin Falls and Campbells Hole. Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls are located at the hiking entrance near the Mopac South u-turn, just south of downtown. Dedicated greenbelters will take the two-mile hike to Sculpture Falls, which is the most intimate of the three locations due its accessibility. About one mile into that same hike greenbelters will come across Twin Falls, which is ideal for hanging by the water, but not necessarily swimming.

The main gathering spot along the greenbelt is easily Campbells hole, which is located on Barton Skyway. Most people choose this location because of its easy access. Finding a parking spot never takes long at Campbells Hole, a convenience store is next to the entrance so greenbelters can get food and water, and the hike is less than a half mile. “I went to Sculpture( Falls) last week and it was awesome, but today I was short on time so I came here (Campbells hole) instead," says University of Texas graduate Lauren Forbes.

With the summers seemingly getting hotter every year in Austin, the greenbelt provides a great escape from the sun and mainstream places such as pools and lakes. Austin was packed full of tourists last week for the annual South By South West Music Festival, and with Austin packed full of people, it’s nice to know that there are some tucked away spots that can remain Austin’s best kept secrets. Jason Brister, a 31-year old chef puts it best when he says,”I love South By(SXSW) but those crowds are paying hundreds of dollars a day, while this place is free.”

Tuesday is D&D Night

It is 10 p.m on a Tuesday night and a group of friends are gathered in the living room slaying dragons; not with a video game controller - as one would expect - but pens, paper, a multitude of colorful, multi-sided dice, and a whiteboard.
Contrary to what someone might think the players are not playing the newest video game, they are playing Dungeon’s and Dragon’s (D&D) - a fantasy role-playing game that is played entirely with pen, paper, dice, and the imagination. In D&D players create a specific character and venture out on imaginary adventures in a fantasy setting. The setting, story, and rules are overseen by a Dungeon Master (DM), who acts as referee for the players.
"D&D is a table top role playing game in which you are basically all collectively sitting around and creating a story together”, said Hank White, an avid D&D player, Dungeon Master (DM), and part of a development team of a new D&D system called Tephra.
White was introduced to D&D by his father who had been playing for years. White immediately fell in love with the game and has been playing ever since, constantly bringing in and teaching friends and new people the game.
“I am probably single handedly responsible for about 40 people playing the game, if not more,” said White.
When White came to Texas State he encountered a lot of fellow D&D players, and in particular, a lot more DMs. One of these DMs, Daniel Burrow, hired White to work as a developer for his company, Cracked Monocle, that was creating an entirely new D&D system called Tephra.
"I met Hank through mutual gaming friends and coincidentally Hank became my resident when I was an RA on campus,” said Burrow. “Following that I hired Hank for Cracked Monocle and then when he decided to start running a weekly game he asked me if I would join."
“It became a lot more convenient to have a weekly time so there are not conflicting games and fights over players,” said White.
“You very quickly learn in D&D that people want to play, but not a lot of people are good."
 This weekly session has continued ever since bringing in new and old players, but always growing. One of the older players, Kevin Walkup, met White through Burrow and the two quickly became fast friends.
“Since then we became roommates and I have been playing in almost every campaign he has run," said Walkup.
The weekly sessions attract other players as well, Jonathan Ellis is one such player. While not new to the game of D&D, Ellis is a new player to join in on the weekly event. He grew up over seas and started playing D&D with his brother.
“I lived where there wasn't a whole lot to do, but we had access to a lot of bookstores, and I started D&D when I was like nine,” said Ellis.
“It was an interesting world where you could change all the things about yourself you didn't like."
Given the constantly growing player base, and White’s natural talent for DMing sessions, the weekly Tuesday event shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
"Longest running campaign I have run has been 2.5 year and it is still on going,” said White.

Gov. Perry Responds to Violence Along Texas Border

With a reported 4,700 homicides since 2008, Juarez, Mexico, has been known to many as the most violent city in the world. Gov. Rick Perry recently activated his plan to prevent spillover violence into Texas.


On Tuesday, March 16 Gov. Perry enabled his secret spillover violence contingency plan to increase security along the Texas border. Perry has sent an unknown amount of helicopters to the border and has resources standing by which include Trooper Strike Teams and Texas Ranger Recon Teams ready to deploy based on the threat.


According to Perry's office, a porous border places Texas and the nation at risk from international terrorists, organized crime cartels and transnational gangs.


“With the growing threat of violence in Mexico spilling over the border, we have taken important measures to increase the law enforcement presence along the Texas border and have placed additional resources on standby to combat any potential situation,” Gov. Perry said.


There have already been incidents of drug-related crime spillover. According to the Rio Grande Valley's Sheriff's office, a 32-year-old Mexican national was shot north of the border town of Weslaco, Texas. Investigators found out the man worked for a drug gang and was sent for a debt collection.


Alex Vela, a musician in Weslaco, thinks the violence just adds on the already tense situation.


"My parents cross into Mexico all the time to shop; that is scary enough." Vela said.


Gov. Perry has repeatedly urged the federal government to play a more active role in border security. According to Perry's office, the day before unraveling his secret spillover violence contingency plan Perry wrote a letter to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. The letter urged for the approval of predator drones in Texas. There are only three active predator drones along the southern border, all which are in Arizona.


According to Perry, a pregnant American woman was killed with her husband early March in Juarez, Mexico. He believes the effort of the federal government plays a key role in the level of border violence.


“Over the weekend, more innocent people fell victim to the increasingly ruthless Mexican drug cartels... How many Americans will have to die before our federal government takes serious action along the Texas-Mexico border?" Perry asked.


Christopher Washington, a student at Texas State University, admits he does not know much about the spillover violence. After being shown some recent border stories his opinion on the subject changed.


"I live as far south as San Antonio and we never hear all of this. The things those drug cartels are doing is sick," Washington said.


Cynthia Ramirez, student and resident of Brownsville, Texas, feels that these incidents of spillover violence in border towns are not being exposed enough on a national level.


"We hear about drug-related kidnappings and murders on the local news almost every day. The border wall is there but it hasn't stopped much," Ramirez said.


The construction of the border wall began in 2008. The objective was to create a solid wall along the border that could not be climbed. There are still many large gaps along the wall and other sections require simply a ladder to climb over.


The location of the wall is not actually on the border, but can be found about one mile north of it. This decision left some houses on the southern side of the fence, as well as many farmers with crops between the new quasi border and the official Texas-Mexico border.



Jeff Loop, owner of Loop Farms in Brownsville, Texas, thinks the border wall has been ineffective and has put a burden on local farmers.


"It feels like a no man's land out there. It is also a hassle to travel back and forth every day," Loop said.


With spillover violence on the rise and lack of federal assistance, Gov. Perry feels that the state government must take action. Juarez, Mexico, is one of the most violent cities in the world and is a walking distance from our border.

A Celtic Spring Break

The 28th annual North Texas Irish Festival opened its doors at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas Friday, March 5.

Home of the Texas State Fair, Fair Park leased its building for the festival during the weekend in their efforts to showcase one of North Texas’s many faces.

This year, the festival celebrated the importance of animals to the Irish culture, notably the spirit of the horse.

Along with equestrian events, the festival became pet-friendly and allowed attendants to bring their pooches as many animal rescue groups like Metroplex Mutts and the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas enrolled in the festivities.

In effort to show their Irish and Scottish pride, many artisans and performers from around Texas opened booths and connected with their Celtic neighbors.

Sean Klinksiek brought his family to the festival and opened a small booth for his lim

estone masonry near Fair Park’s reflecting pool.

Klinksiek’s wife, Tami, said her husband began carving functional sculptures like coffee mugs and unique wine racks from limestone through his family’s trade.

“He started this five or six years ago. He learned this from his great uncle who’s a master mason,” Klinksiek said.

New businesses surrounded the reflecting pool while familiar faces returned to the festival in hopes of connecting with old friends and possible new customers.

Heather Taylor, founder of Heather’s Vibrant Tantalizing Sensations, sold her handma

de soaps, feathered fans and loomed hats for over 15 years on the renaissance fair circuit and remained an active volunteer at the North Texas Irish Festival for many years before opening her own booth.

After spending years on the festival’s waiting list, Taylor transformed her craft into an online business and purchased an area to present her goods.

“This is my second year. I’ve tried for five years and finally made it in,” Taylor said.

The festival also included musical numbers and dance routines by the North Texas Caledonian Pipes and Drums, the Jackson Irish Dancers and many small local schools devoted to the Scottish and Irish arts.

Danielle Robinson was one of the many aspiring new harpists who performed alongside award-winning harpist Rebekah Passmore on the Urchin Street Stage.

“Rebekah Passmore is my sister, so I grew up playing with the band,” Robinson said. “My sister was my teacher since I was about 15 years old.”

Dancing and singing filled the air as one of the festival’s sponsors, Guiness Beer, provided the merriment for their attendants.

Doug Jacobs, Guiness’s beer coordinator, worked with the festival for over 25 years.

Jacobs joked that he got “suckered into” his position with Guiness Beer after attending the festival as a guest for years.

“It’s like putting the fox in the chicken house, but it works,” Jacobs said.

College students flock to spring break destinations, officials warn of lurking dangers

Spring Break Danger Zone

Every enrolled student in college has the opportunity to take advantage of their spring break usually falling in the month of March. Many spend weeks and even months preparing for this week by hitting up the gym and using their tanning membership at the local salon. However, it is not necessary to discount some students who may choose to spend their week at home relaxing and unwinding from their stressful school semester.

At the same time, many college students are forewarned of the dangers of crossing the border into hot spots such as Cancun and Acapulco. Students still decide to make the trek to these popular destinations to "get their party on" and enjoy the endless nightlife these tropical places have to offer. Alcohol and drugs are serious factors that can lead to detrimental problems for spring breakers especially when Mexican authorities get involved. Alcohol alone can cause arrests, accidents, crimes and even death for some students who go a little too far with their partying habits while on Spring Break. Not to mention the bizarre stories told about the treatment of American citizens while in Mexican territory by the Mexican authorities.

"There is no telling what could happen when you’re in that situation," said college student, Kendra Rhodes. "My friends and I used the "buddy system" while we were on spring break in Cancun," said Rhodes. "We always knew exactly where each of us was at any time."

Unfortunately, not all college students exemplify the same type of attitude toward taking the proper safety precautions, and consequently, suffer the consequences. In the year of 2005, Natalee Holloway, a high school graduate, took a trip with her friends to the Caribbean country of Aruba. As Holloway and her friends enjoyed the nightlife at a popular club, she met a local young man who would ultimately change her life forever. In the end, the outcome of this tragic story left Natalee Holloway dead, and to only think, this incident could have been avoided if the proper precautions had been taken.

"It's important to get the word out and educate students and spring breakers about the dangers of being in a foreign country," said Erin Johnson, mother of two. "I know when my children grow up, I'm not going to want them to go anywhere too crazy for Spring Break."

The harsh reality of the present day drug-related violence that occurs in Mexican territory and other non U.S. areas is another reason to be especially cautious during any traveling times by students. It's vital that travelers exercise common sense when visiting these countries.

Ashley Stricklin, Texas State University senior said, "I felt safe going to Mexico for Spring Break because I traveled with a big group of friends and we always stuck together," said Stricklin. "There were times that I put myself in vulnerable situations though, probably because I was just caught up in the moment of spring break,” said Stricklin.

Texas State officials informed students, faculty and staff prior to the week of spring break in an email warning not to travel to Mexico for spring break. It's evident that the violence along the border has caused some students to change their plans this year.

Whether crossing over the border or not, spring break students are urged to follow all safety guidelines and recommendations. We certainly want to avoid any bad incidents from occurring, and educating vacationers beforehand will likely aid in avoiding this from happening.

"You just never know what could happen when you’re down there,” said Josh Melnar, Tomball College freshman. "It's scary to think there is always that chance of not returning home."

Setting Up Camp for Spring Break

When spring break rolls around, most students head out to the first glamorous beach they can find. Others, however, would much rather spend their week of freedom in a tent.

Camping is an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages and is a way for people to experience a simpler way of vacationing. Lake Whitney State Park, for example, offers a variety of attractions such as hiking, boating and, of course, camping. Noted as an excellent fishing spot, Lake Whitney centers the Hill Country camping experience on that large body of glassy-blue water.

Adam Radliff, a 24-year-old Texas State business major, was introduced to camping and all of its intricacies at an early age. While others may go sunbathing or hit the trails, Radliff learned to love carrying around a tackle box and a pole, ready to head out to the lake.

“My favorite thing to do while camping is fishing,” said Radliff. “My papa taught me to fish, and the time we spend together doing that is just really great.”

Courtney England, a school counselor, agrees that family has a way of drawing you into the great outdoors. Now 26 years old, England reflects on both her past and present memories of camping.

“I used to camp a lot when I was a lot younger, but that sort of died down when I got into high school,” said England. “My husband kind of rekindled that for me. He really loves to camp!”

Being from the city, England thinks that she’s often too caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, and fully appreciates the simpler moments spent while camping.

“It really feels like we’re getting away from normal stuff, like electronics and ovens and stuff,” said England. “I like the challenge it all brings and the fresh air.”

Jamie Aitken, a clerk for Lake Whitney, has worked at the State Park for a year and still loves her job. One of her favorite parts of the day is greeting the newcomers to the park.

“I like saying hi to all of the people coming here who are on a vacation. They’re all so happy to be here and ready to get started!” said Aitken.

Still, Aitken laments that sometimes she has to spoil the fun for some visitors who try to take advantage of the park’s privacy.

“Sometimes we have problems with drinking and loud music at camp sites with college kids,” said Aitken. “One of the park rangers will have to drive down there and take care of it.”

Greg Bentch, a Texas State political science major, isn’t concerned by the politics of camping; he’s much more interested in the price.

“Camping is definitely cheap,” said Bentch. “I mean, if I had gone to South Padre for spring break I would have spent like $400 or $500. Here it’s only like $100.”

Still, Bentch says that the best part about camping doesn’t include numbers.

“I always go camping with my friends,” said Bentch. “I mean it’s just fun, and that right there is priceless.”

Houston Police bust unexpected underage drinkers at the Houston Rodeo during spring break.

Year after year the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo attracts hundreds of thousands of people and for most it’s not their first time. Sandra Burton, 40-year-old Houstonian, has been to the rodeo more times than she can count.

“I’ve lived in Houston my whole life,” Burton said, “and I’ve been coming to the rodeo for as long as I can remember, sometimes a few times a year, and now I even bring my kids.”

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo brings people of all ages and all different walks of life. Spring Break is one of the rodeo’s biggest weeks and attracts all ages of students including college kids who come to town to see old friends from home and have a few drinks. This spring break was no exception with concerts like Eli Young Band and Brad Paisley.

Spring break at the rodeo also means a heightened alert for the Houston Police Department. More students mean more concern for underage drinking. Police officer JK Burton said this year was one of the worst he’s seen in awhile.

“In the past two nights I’ve been out here, I’ve personally busted 17 underage drinkers, and a few of those were taken to jail.” Burton said.

So where did these kids get alcohol? Burton couldn’t say, but with alcohol venders at every corner selling $8.00 beers and $12.00 margaritas there’s plenty of suspicion. Bags and purses were checked at the gate to prohibit any outside food or beverage coming in.

Randy Lim, a 22 year old junior from University of Texas at Austin, was almost one of Burton’s unexpected victims. Lim met a girl early on at the carnival and naturally offered to buy her a drink.

“One of my buddies is dating her friend and all the girls she was with were 21, so I assumed she was too,” Lim said. “I offered to buy her a beer and she took it. I had no clue she was only 19 or I wouldn’t have bought it for her.”

Officer Burton confronted Lim and the underage girl as soon as he handed her the beer. He asked for her ID and the embarrassed 19 year old immediately started crying.

“I didn’t even know what was happening when she started crying, then the officer came up to me and asked if I’d bought the beer,” Lim said, “Then I knew what was happening.”

Burton only gave him a warning, but wrote the crying young girl a ticket. A Minor In Consumption ticket can leave you a hefty fine and a suspended license, but a ticket for providing for minors can put you in jail. Lim got away lucky, and said he’ll definitely be more careful with who he offers a drink to next time.

Laurin Hoffpauir wasn’t so lucky. She used a fake ID to buy several beers while inside the rodeo. It wasn’t until her and her friends got back outside to the carnival that she got busted with her own MIP ticket. Burton got two for one when he found the girls.

“I’ve been using my fake for like two years and never got caught,” the 20 year old from Houston said, “I’m only a few months away from 21 so it sucks that I got caught now.”

Two of her friends also got MIPs at the same time, one of whom also had a fake ID. The girls used the fake IDs to buy their third friend a margarita. The IDs were taken away, and they left right after that.

There are consequences for underage drinking, and the rules are being strictly enforced at the rodeo.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will continue to run until the last weekend of March, ending with Justin Bieber.

Kite Festival Soars Into Town this Spring Break

Hundreds of kites flew overhead at Zilker park Sunday, March 14 during Austin’s 82nd annual Kite Festival.

Organized by The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department and The Exchange Club, the popular festival usually takes place the first Sunday in March, but was postponed this year due to rain. Although the wind was not very strong, thousands of people came to enjoy the competitions, food, music, and fun.

Katie Hammen, senior at Texas Tech, stared into the sky kite with her kite string in hand.

“ I am not very good at this, but I love coming every year to see everyone else’s kites,” said Hammen.

Every year the festival holds a homemade kite flying competition, open to anyone who wants to enter. Events include steadiest, strongest pulling, most unusual, smallest and largest. Participants have to follow one basic rule; nobody is allowed to cut another's kite strings.

Erin Todd, fourth grader at Oak Hill Elementary, brought her homemade kite to the festival Sunday.

Unfortunately the low wind conditions took a toll on Erin’s blue and yellow paper kite.

“ It flew once before, but today I can't get it off the ground,” said Todd.

For those who did not bring a kite there was plenty of other activities to enjoy. Ruthanne Shobe, mother of three, watched as her children play on the moonwalk.

“This festival is a great opportunity to spend time as a family,” Shobe said, “And we can be here all day without spending too much money.”

Free admittance to the festival seemed to be popular perk among the crowd.

“This year I didn’t have enough money to go to the beach for spring break, so I have just been enjoying Austin events like this,” said Hammen, “SXSW is next on the list for me.”

Each year since 1929 the Austin Kite Festival has entertained Austinites and inspired creativity in children, with hopes to do so for many years to come.

Spring Break at home can still be fun

Spring break translates to trips to Cancun, Acapulco, and South Padre for many college

students, while for others it translates to a trip back home.

Spring break is a time where all students can relax and not worry about the hassles of schoolwork and exams. Some students take this opportunity and go somewhere fun and exotic, while others head back to their hometowns.

Although the connotation of going home for spring break sounds dull and uninteresting, many college students find ways to make a simple trip home full of fun activities.

Texas State University graduate Taylor Kleimann found ways to make her spring break a memorable one even though all she did was go home.

“I took my boyfriend and my best friend home with me to my ranch in Willis,” Kleimann said. “Watching my best friend fish for the first time was an experience I’ll never forget.”

Now not everyone lives on a ranch where not only can you fish, but ride horses as well, so others had to find more creative ways to have fun.

Texas Christian University sophomore Spencer Requa was invited to a color themed party thrown by one of his high school friends.

“Each person invited to the party had to wear a specific color and there were games and contests to see who would win the rainbow jar of jelly beans,” Requa said. “It was so random, but I had tons of fun.”

Many times the choice of student’s spring break destinations depends on their available funds, and in the present economy those funds can be hard to find.

Kailin Bennett, sophomore at Texas Women’s University, knew that a trip for spring break was not a feasible reality this year.

“I’m actually saving my money for a mission trip to Cuba this summer, so I didn’t have any extra money to go towards taking a trip for spring break,” Bennett said.

Other students decided to work over the break to make some extra money that could be used for trips later on.

Even with the responsibility of having to go to work, students found ways to make the most of the little time they did have to relax and have fun.

Katie Stapleton, sophomore at Texas State University, worked for most of her break, but was still able to find little things that brightened up her break.

“My mom and I visited the Fort Worth Zoo and the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens,” Stapleton said. “Just being able to go do things that I hadn’t done in a long time made it feel like I was on vacation somewhere else.”

Spending spring break at home with family might not sound like the best college experience, but there are always things you can do to have fun wherever you are.

Lake Amistad Welcomes Spring Break Anglers

It’s a mild march weekend in Texas. Spring break has started for many and there is no doubt college students are migrating to Texas’ many beaches and lakes. That’s a pretty easy prognostication to make. However, Spring Break welcomes more than just students ready to have a good time and enjoy their week off, it starts off some of the largest bass fishing tournaments in the country, bringing in hundreds of fisherman ready to catch big fish for big prizes.

According to March always produces more big Texas largemouth bass than any other month, a function of the fishes’ physiology and the bass anglers’ behavior. Most of the heavy fish are more commonly females. As spring approaches and water temperature begins its steady climb from winter lows, female largemouths that spent the winter developing eggs that add to their heft, begin moving out of their deep-water winter quarters and into warmer shallows to lay them. This means fishing time for bass anglers.

About a 200-mile drive from San Marcos, straddling the Mexican and American border, lies a true gem in the desert, Lake Amistad. With over 850 miles of shoreline and 68,000 acres of sparkling water, it's one of the largest and most popular lakes in Texas. According to www.nps.gov, boaters and fishermen at Amistad enjoy one of the longest and warmest lake seasons in the country with a boating season that starts earlier in the spring, and goes later in the fall than most other lakes in the US.

“It's just plain warm and wonderful most of the year,” said local business owner Debbie Hunter. "Lake Amistad's lake level is currently the highest it has been in 17 years, so all the businesses and visitors are loving the high waters,” said Hunter.

Lake Amistad boasts some of the best lake snorkeling and scuba in the state, the best bass fishing in the world, and one of the largest collections of archaeological sites anywhere. According to the U.S. Department of Interior on their website, “The Amistad National Recreation Area is home to dramatic 4,000 year-old rock art.” These mysterious paintings adorn rock shelter walls in the upper reaches of the Amistad Reservoir. Boaters can usually access Panther and Parida Caves, depending on lake level, and hikers can go on a guided tour at nearby Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site. University of Texas A&M Corpus Christi student, Anna Bruns, was asked about the cave paintings

“I camp here almost every year with my family for spring break! Lake Amistad provides a lot of historic areas that were inhabited tens of thousands of years ago and it is just hard to find place like this often with such beautiful surroundings.”

It is an appealing occasion for spring breakers. But most importantly for locals and newcomers alike, is the start of the annual Bass Masters tournament. Bass Masters welcomes different fishing clubs to participate in a largemouth bass fishing tournament with the top three places receiving cash and gift prizes.

When asked about the tournament, fisherman Ronald Carter had this to say. “I come every year to try and win this thing; even if you don’t win the heaviest fish gets its own $500 prize, fat cash for fat fish I like to say,” said Carter.

Many other tournaments for different groups are held as well. There are so many that the press is always on location ready to film and reveal results. In an opinon piece on Amistadbass.com, BASSMASTER Magazine writer, Tim Tucker blogged about the lake,

“It is simply the hottest big bass lake in America,” said Tucker.

With everything from world-class fishing, miles of shoreline dotted with private coves, ancient rock art sites and seemingly endless water sports, it's tough to choose just how to spend your spring break here at Lake Amistad whether you are an angler or a student.

The Tanning Fever

Spring break cries bikinis, flip-flops, short skirts and of course a matching deep dark tan to go along with it all.

Students were packing the salons the week before spring break, trying to get their last minute preparation in for the holiday week. At the local San Marcos tanning salon called Darque Tan the lines were out the door all week long.

Session numbers for the salon were anywhere between 200 to 300 people a day and with only 12 beds in the entire store.

“It was slammed! 30 to 45 minute waits for a bed, these kids wanted a tan and they were not leaving until they got it,” said Katie Davis, one of the employees at Darque Tan.

With session counts climbing, the employees said they welcomed the profit of last minute lotion sales and upgrade bed purchases.

The district manager Nicole Lieser commented that it is one of the busiest times of the season and one of the most profitable ones.

“People want to get that extra kick of color right before bikini time so let the kicking begin,” Lieser said.

Students appear to be going the next mile during this time to get their beach look down just right.

One tanner named Liz Alborne said she was going in for a “cocktail”. Now before the Texas Department of State Health comes busting down Darque Tan’s doors, a cocktail is not an alcoholic beverage. It is a combination of a UV tanning session and a Mystic Tan; a cosmetic spray to give the appearance of a real tan.

Alborne added that she had been so busy with last minute mid terms and papers that she was doing everything she could to get tan and fit right before the holiday.

“If you can’t tone it, tan it,” Alborne said was her philosophy.

Tanning has the ability to give some people more confidence about their bodies. Having tan skin has become like putting on makeup for some women.

“You don’t feel like a pasty ghost, you feel sexy and good about yourself, that’s what this industry is all about,” Davis said.

However, indoor tanning has long been a controversy with the accusations of the links of UV light to skin cancer.

This past year UV light was labeled a carcinogenic. A new law was even put into effect to ban tanning for all ages 16 and a half and under.

“It’s ridiculous. They are putting natural sunlight that you get every day in the same category as arsenic and mustard gas,” Lieser said.

The tanning industry has definitely been put on the “hot seat” and taken a hit to business since all of the recent negative press, but spring break has proven that there is still high demand for what is behind Darque Tan’s doors.

So if you want to get “that extra kick” Darque Tan is located right off Edward Gary Street and offers a free week to new customers. For more information, check out their web site at www.darquetan.com.

Greek students raise money for St. Jude

Texas State Greek students helped raise money for St. Jude by participating in the annual Texas State Four Square Tournament on Sunday.
The 90 teams were made up mostly of Greek Students. According to Ryan Spencer, director of recruitment, the number of teams has tripled since the tournament began in 2003.
Each team paid $20 for the entrance fee. the tournament raised around $2,000 just from these entry fees alone.
The Greek community at Texas State is very involved in philanthropy events. Cassie Richards, president of Chi Omega, notes that the whole purpose of the Greek system is to support one another and to help with great causes.
"We jump at every chance to help out someone in need," Richards said. "While we didn't win the tournament we did win most spirited and that means more than anything."
Sigma Nu won for the men's division, and Delta Zeta won for the women's division.
Pi Kappa Alpha member Blake Shorken agrees with Cassie and also believes that there is nothing more exciting than being part of a community.
"It is important to be involved in other philanthropy events because it helps you build chracter, and it gives you a sense of community and belonging," Schorken said.
Donta Gonzales, also a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, draws attention to the fact that it is not just about helping other Greeks, but also helping the San Marcos community.
"We also help with school sponsored events, and other non-Greek community service projects," Gonzales said. "The biggest one is Bobcat Build which is school wide."
Brittany Pennick, an Alpha Delta Pi member, points out that people don't realize that Greek students are dedicated to philanthropy.
"We help out with every philanthropy event we can," Pennick said. "From Make-A-Wish to the Susan G. Koman race for a cure, you name it and we are there."
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, located in Memphis, Tennessee, "is one of the world's premier pediatric cancer research centers", according to the website. Most research is directed at understanding diseases in children; identifying cures for those diseases, and promoting prevention for diseases.
Cassie Richards knows that most philanthripy events could not be successful without the help of other Greeks.
"I truly believe that this event was so successful because of the wonderful support system we have here," Richards said. "It makes me proud that I am Greek."

STORY 4: The Good and Bad of Lake Travis

It is March and spring break 2010 is here, the boats are out once again to ride the waves of Lake Travis, after a long drought kept many of the lake lovers running for the hills.

Located northwest of Austin, Lake Travis’ last public boat ramp closed Aug. 2009, which led to growing concerns about one of Austin’s main water supplies.

Karen Bondy, Lower Colorado River Authority’s manager of Water Resources Management, is in charge of the operation of Highland Lakes, which includes Lake Travis and providing water to Austin, industry and farmers.

Bondy received public and political pressure from the surrounding communities as the lake levels dropped to dangerous levels, the third lowest in the lake’s almost 70-year history.

“I would say the biggest ones were the communities around the Highland Lakes that had to spend money to reach the water level with their raw water intake. They didn't like how their lake levels were dropping because it was costing them money. The second one was the farmers,” said Bondy.

Unfortunately, for the ones who don't have direct access to the lake, such as Lake Travis resident and boat owner Ryan Zonana, there was no other option but to wait patiently for the lake levels to rise.

“The drought definitely impacted my ability to take our boat out. For starters, our cove was no longer full, and along with the rest of the ramps on the lake, ours was all dried up. But that didn’t stop me, luckily I know some people with boats on Lake Austin, which is right next door and is a constant level lake,” said Zonana.

Luckily for retired couple Tommy and LeAnne Worsham, having Lake Travis in their backyard gave them more opportunities to go out on the water despite its low levels.

“Well, in a sense, it was kind of better for us. So, there are pros and cons about living on the lake,” said Tommy Worsham.

Appreciating the beautiful weather spring brings is now here, Tommy couldn’t wait to take his boat out for a ride.

“Yeah, how about today!” said Tommy Worsham commenting on a day full of sunshine.

Recent heavy spring rains granted Worsham’s wishes. Lake Travis is officially back in action for locals and vacationers alike to relax, have some fun and explore what the lake has to offer.

Twenty-five-year-old Ryan Penny as well as many other Lake Travis residents seemed eager to get back on the lake after tolerantly waiting for the lake levels to stabilize subsequent to Austin’s most recent drought.

“I was definitely not expecting the lake levels to be were they are now. It’s a miracle! I am certainly looking forward to going out on my friends’ boats and wake board again,” said Penny.

To all vacationers, locals and spring breakers in Austin, now is the time to take advantage of one of the most popular recreational lakes in Austin!

Links:

lcra.org

laketravis.com