CC

OCCUPY CCWHATS NEXT

THE YEAR OF SWAG20 QUESTIONS WITH JACK SWAGGER

FREEI Will Choose

Will

January 2012MAGAZINE

Clean BurningEnvironmentally Friendly

Natural Gas is

How BIG is your carbon footprintDecrease it by converting your home to

Natural Gas

Clean BurningEnvironmentally Friendly

DomesticAbundant

Natural Gas is

Contact the Corpus Christi Gas Department today and find out how easy it is for you to convert your existing electrical appliances to Natural Gas You may qualify for up to $750 in rebateshellip and you will be doing YOUR part to conserve our planet

4225 S Port Ave CC Tx 78415 (361)885-6910 wwwcctexascomgas

copy Copyright 2011 all rights reserved CC Publishing LLC reserves the right to edit rewrite amp refuse editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy errors omissions or consequence arising from it CC magazine shall be held harmless indemnifi ed against any third party claims CC Publishing LLC accepts no claims made by agents contributors or photographers Opinions expressed by contributing writers or columnists are not necessarily those of CC Publishing LLC or its affi liates Advertisers appearing in CC magazine present only the viewpoint of the advertisers CC magazine is printed in the USA We assume no responsibility for advertising claims made in this publication All correspondence to this publication becomes the property of CC magazine Publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without express permission of the publisher and author(s)

Samantha Koepp Susan Giesing Daniel Lucio Georgia Griffi n Ronnie Narmour

Lenz Photos Courtesy of Tony Martinez amp thecrushgirlscom Miles Merwin Jan Rankin Dale Rankin Ronnie Narmour

Georgia Griffi n Max Strycharske

JEFF CRAFTPublisher

JCRAFTCCMAGONLINECOM

PHOTOGRAPHY

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CC I think as a city we should make a resolution for 2012

Letrsquos listen to each other

Politics is like sports with consequences we root for our team and overlook its shortcomings while magnifying the faults of the opposing team I have never met any serious person who is anti-business but thatrsquos a term thatrsquos often thrown around at people like the Occupy Corpus Christi group On the other side nobody who lives here wants our town to be a polluted wasteland but industry does create pollution as well as jobs We have to balance whatrsquos good for the economy right now against our future How much pollution per job should we accept Where the line is drawn is a question that should be up for rigourous debate but if one person draws the line a little different from someone else that doesnrsquot make him a communist or an earth-murdering fascist

This month we invited Daniel Lucio to give us an insiderrsquos view of Occupy Corpus Christi Its been several months since the Occupy Wall Street movement began and the idea of an American Spring is still inspiring people to take to the streets around the country There has been a lot of negative press about the Occupy Corpus Christi group I even heard someone break out the C-word (I mean communist not the other C-word stop being so fi lthy) so I invited Daniel to tell us what its really like There are problems here in Corpus Christi that we need to take a serious look at and if the people pointing it out are standing on the street with signs that should be an indication that the problems are serious enough for us to do something about it not just call them names and ignore it

Wersquove got real problems to solve and cranking the rhetoric up to 11 isnrsquot going to help We live in a beautiful place and should protect it but lets start by getting all the trash up off the ground Does seagrass need protecting Maybe but so do fi shermen so lets discuss our future be passionate about what we believe and leave the name-calling in the schoolyard

So welcome to 2012 We may have only 12 short months until the end of the world predicted for December 22nd by a civilization that came to an end hundreds of years ago Maybe they werenrsquot so good at predictions If yoursquore old enough to remember 2012 a space sequel yoursquoll understand why Irsquom disappointed that I donrsquot have a job on a spaceship but I do have a computer that talks to me and sometimes acts insane Unfortunately (or perhaps fortu-nately) all that computing power is confi ned to a telephone I wonder if Siri ever wishes she was on a spaceship

MAGAZINE

Jeff Craft

JAN PARK-RANKINAdvertising Director Co-publisher

ADSCCMAGONLINECOM

From the Publisher

CONTACT CC 3619497700

3614432137

505 S Water St Suite 545Corpus Christi Tx 78401

3619497700ADVERTISING

Corpus Christirsquos Entertainment News Sourcewwwfacebookcomcrushgirls

wwwtwittercomthecrushgirls

Occupy CCThey come from all walks of life single parents college students professionals business owners unemployed under

employed retired homeless servicemen and women veterans Republicans Democrats Libertarians Independents They are the occupiers citizens fed up with the state of our nation and the political rhetoric of the day What began as a call for reform on Wall Street has grown into our own version of the Arab Spring and spread to hundreds of cities across the United States including here in Corpus Christi

12The CanvasHaving been a banquet waitress and

a restaurateur in Illinois Becky Smith shifted gears and started earning her living from art and art related work full time when she moved to Corpus Christi 30 years ago

162012 Year of SwagThree days before Christmas and the ldquoAll-

American Americanrdquo Jack Swagger is driving through a Five Guys for the ultimate American meal a burger and fries We talk over the phone about losses personal vendettas alliances fans and keeping it fresh Swagger style

06 Healthy Living

10 Inside the Center

11 Art Scene

14 STARS Events Page

15 Live Music tonight

18 Dining Guide

21 Night Life amp Club guide

21 Personal Services guide

23 The Lenz

12 16

0810

Residential

Auto

Commercial

Well January is here and itrsquos time to buckle down watch what I eat exercise and in generalhellip GET HEALTHY As I start to mourn the loss of my calorie and cholesterol laden tortilla chips I started to think about metabolism Working out is a great way to boost your metabolism but in addition to working out regularly I was curious as to which foods might help jump start my metabolism

Irsquom not one for believing all the ads on TV about various cocktails of pills that are going to speed your metabolism they generally charge a lot and donrsquot really work Or I should say they donrsquot work on me Irsquove tried several and in general spent a lot of money for no result

So I decided to see if there were foods that naturally would speed the metabolism Some of these were no brainers but a couple surprised me

1 Water ndash Yes I said water Researchers in Germany found that water increased metabolism by 30 and itrsquos a great natural appetite suppressant

2 Green Tea ndash Green tea extracts boost metabolism and may also aid in weight-loss

3 Grapefruit ndash Try eating frac12 grapefruit with each meal yoursquoll find that itrsquos packed in vitamin C which will reduce insulin levels promotes weight loss and boosts metabolism Just make sure to check with your doctor before mixing grapefruits will prescriptions to avoid any adverse reactions

4 Lean Turkey ndash Turkey is great for speeding up the metabolism

5 Hot Peppers ndash This is my favorite metabolism booster The Capsaicin in the hot peppers stimulates your body to release more stress hormones which in turn speeds up your metabolism Nowhellip If I can just eat the peppers without putting them on top of my tortilla chips

Some of the things on this list surprised me some not but served as a good reminder to me

Exercising for Healthy LivingMetabolism boosting exercise in my mind any exercise would boost

metabolism however according to most fitness gurus strength training will really keep your metabolism moving after resistance training

If you are interested in doing some resistance training at home try this one

Bridge Flye

This metabolism boosting exercise targets your chest core triceps shoulders and hamstrings Fitness magazine advises you to lie on your back with knees bent and feet hip-width apart Extend your arms straight to the ceiling above your shoulders while holding an 8- to 12-lb dumbbell in each hand Have your palms facing in Rise up to a bridge pose by pushing your feet into the floor and lifting your hips and lower back up Lower your arms by bending your elbows until your upper arm and elbow reaches the floor in a T-shape and press back up for one repetition Do a total of eight to 12 repetitions

HealthyLiving

By Susan Giesing

Residential

Auto

CommercialIt Takes Tea

Tango Tea Room505 South Water Street

361-883-9123

To Tango

Real Satisfying food prepared just for you from fresh ingredients

Huge Vegetarian Vegan amp Gluten-Free Friendly Menu Fresh Non-veg stuff too

Dozens of Hot Teas Vegan Chili

Warm yourself up with good hot food thatrsquos

good for you too

News stand inside

OCCUPYCORPUSCHRISTI

08

Itrsquos a chilly Sunday night in Corpus Christi and a mixed bag of citizenry is slowly filing into the living room of a tiny two story house at 413 Waco Street Across the street you can see shadows in the window of the county jail inmates lining up for an evening check or something Itrsquos a stark reminder to the people attending tonightrsquos meeting of the problems we face as a nation Indeed to some the people at this meeting are criminals already and belong across the street But these people are here for a purpose greater than themselves they are here for the General Assembly meeting for Occupy Corpus Christi and tonight there is much to discuss

They come from all walks of life single parents college students professionals business owners unemployed under employed retired homeless servicemen and women veterans Republicans Democrats Libertarians Independents They are the occupiers citizens fed up with the state of our nation and the political rhetoric of the day What began as a call for reform on Wall Street has grown into our own version of the Arab Spring and spread to hundreds of cities across the United States including here in Corpus Christi

The occupation of Corpus Christi kicked off on October 15th Corpus Christi Police had undergone a riot exercise earlier in the week in preparation of what was to come But when only about 150 people showed up to peacefully demonstrate outside of City Hall it became clear that Occupy Christi would be something different than the occupations we were finally seeing on the nightly news To the disappointment of some this was not a thousand people flooding Zuccotti Park or shutting down the port of Los Angeles But 150 people is a decent sized crowd and enough to get coverage by the local media outlets Unfortunately for the occupiers having so few media outlets meant that a few people controlled the fate of how this story would reach the masses of our ldquotiny fishing villagerdquo

Some very inaccurate reporting by local news outlets would downplay the size of the occupation and also wrongfully link the local movement to a nationwide socialist orga-nization Possibly because of this local ldquoRed Scarerdquo local union officials backed out of supporting Occupy Corpus Christi for fear of being perceived as socially progressive despite the widespread support and endorsement by unions all around the state For those who remember where these unions stood on the proposed corporate-backed pet-coke burning facility Las Brisas this came as no surprise Some unions in our area are less concerned about worker rights and more concerned about securing contracts So Occupy had a hiccup and some new strategies would have to worked out tonight

The meeting began with a call for topics to be placed on the agenda and an explanation of procedures that would ensure everyone had an equal voice at the table The group chose a neutral facilitator to help stay on the agenda and discussion quickly ensued

The focus for tonight what to do about the actual occupation For those in the know itrsquos a common scene played out in many cities where a hard occupation is complicated by lack of resources The question in essence is should the group continue trying to occupy for the sake of challenging the concept of public space and free speech despite the fact that it is draining resources without a clear path to victory in sight The answer for tonight No we would have to employ other tactics to draw people into the struggle and away from the comfort of their armchairs and sofas

Itrsquos a difficult proposition for a community where the poverty and problems are well hidden and easily ignored But make no mistake this community has HUGE problems For example Corpus Christi suffers from high asthma and birth defect rates related to industrial pollution but at city hall responsibility becomes defused and any movement toward change quickly becomes a stagnant status quo

By Daniel Lucio

OCCUPYCORPUSCHRISTI

09

Daniel R Lucio is a community organizer and incoming chair of the Progressive Populist Caucus of the Coastal Bend He has served as facilitator for the General Assembly of Occupy Corpus Christi but does not represent the Occupy movement in an official capacity

Corruption or at best the appearance of corruption is an issue in our local government A city council member with a personal stake in the outcome of a vote is rarely told by the legal department to recuse him or herself

So to sum it up there is a need for a fundamental change in Corpus Christi There is a need for a change in the conversation from ldquodoes a problem existrdquo to ldquohow can we fix these problems nowrdquo There is a need to Occupy Corpus Christi

The meeting ends with a good amount of positivity and everyone recounting why it is that they chose to come tonight Everyone leaves on the same page in order to move things forward we need to get to the root of the problems in the community An occupation of city hall may not be the best tactic but perhaps some creative movement building in 2012 will get this community back on track toward progress The next event is planned for January 20th coinciding with a national call to action by Move to Amend a community concerned with the growing influence of corporations over elections

Until then Occupy Corpus Christi becomes occupy Facebook Twitter and email For more information about the occupation on Facebook or at OccupyCorpusChristiorg

A Few Items Of Note For December

TH

E

INSIDE THEenter

by Samantha Koepp

Make your new yearrsquos resolution for more family fun starting with the Shrine Circus this month January 20-22 at American Bank Center Arena

If you are part of a family with many siblings itrsquos probably diffi cult to plan a family outing that all will enjoy Trying to force everyone together usually results in more trouble than itrsquos worth What you need is something that offers a variety of entertainment in one place that the entire family will enjoy the Shrine Circus is the perfect event for all ages

Either from your own childhood memories or

those you hear from others you may associate the Shrine Circus with clowns riding around in toy cars Americarsquos original 3-ring circus has changed since its early days and today features some of the most skilled performers from around the world With elephants tigers lions acrobats aerialists motorcycles a human cannonball clowns and synchronized performers- therersquos enough excitement for the entire family

One of the best experiences of the Shrine Circus is the opportunity to be up close to majestic animals that would probably run you down in the wild Elephants are a staple of the circus world and they take the spotlight with the largest performing elephant in the world as their leader Mighty Bo who can perform more than 60 tricks Renowned

Three Rings of Fun for Everyone

Polish trainer Bruno Blaszak showcases the talents of his tigers and lions that leap and rollover so gracefully that yoursquoll forget theyrsquore from the jungle

There are also many skilled human performers that take the circus rings European acrobatic duo The Marinofs fl y through the air amazing the crowd without a net below At times they are hanging only by their feet or toes- a sight not to be missed Also in the air aerialists perform spiraling acrobatic spectacles with balance and precision

Skillful rope work elaborate dancing and synchronized routines is delivered by the International Georgettes The motorcycle madness will keep you on the edge of your seats with their gravity defying stunts Yoursquoll never think of a cannonball the same after you see the human cannonball soaring through the air And of course it wouldnrsquot be a true circus without the antics of rambunctious clowns

In addition to all of the excitement during the show one hour prior to showtime all ticketholders are invited to a pre-party in the circus rings for a chance to meet the clowns and performers For the kids or the kids at heart you can purchase tickets to ride an elephant or a pony get your face painted take a photo with one of the clowns or performers and jump around in a bounce house

There really is something for everyone at the Shrine Circus Get the family together for a day of excitement and start 2012 with an experience like no other

Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets online at ticketmastercom or charge by phone at 361-881-8499 American Bank Center is Corpus Christirsquos premier event center providing unprecedented guest experiences For more information visit us online at wwwamericanbankcentercom

coastal crushbeach shop

10338 South Padre Island Drive(Suite E in Gateway Center on

Waldron Rd)Corpus Christi Texas 78418

(361) 822-0031wwwcoastalcrushbeachshopcom

custom arts amp crafts hand made fromitems found on local beaches

Locally Crafted Hemp amp Bead JewelryBeautiful Gypsy Rose Clothing

Offering Art Classes in OilsCommissioned Artwork Available

OCCUPYCORPUSCHRISTI

09

Daniel R Lucio is a community organizer and incoming chair of the Progressive Populist Caucus of the Coastal Bend He has served as facilitator for the General Assembly of Occupy Corpus Christi but does not represent the Occupy movement in an official capacity

Corruption or at best the appearance of corruption is an issue in our local government A city council member with a personal stake in the outcome of a vote is rarely told by the legal department to recuse him or herself

So to sum it up there is a need for a fundamental change in Corpus Christi There is a need for a change in the conversation from ldquodoes a problem existrdquo to ldquohow can we fix these problems nowrdquo There is a need to Occupy Corpus Christi

The meeting ends with a good amount of positivity and everyone recounting why it is that they chose to come tonight Everyone leaves on the same page in order to move things forward we need to get to the root of the problems in the community An occupation of city hall may not be the best tactic but perhaps some creative movement building in 2012 will get this community back on track toward progress The next event is planned for January 20th coinciding with a national call to action by Move to Amend a community concerned with the growing influence of corporations over elections

Until then Occupy Corpus Christi becomes occupy Facebook Twitter and email For more information about the occupation on Facebook or at OccupyCorpusChristiorg

A Few Items Of Note For December

TH

E

INSIDE THEenter

by Samantha Koepp

Make your new yearrsquos resolution for more family fun starting with the Shrine Circus this month January 20-22 at American Bank Center Arena

If you are part of a family with many siblings itrsquos probably diffi cult to plan a family outing that all will enjoy Trying to force everyone together usually results in more trouble than itrsquos worth What you need is something that offers a variety of entertainment in one place that the entire family will enjoy the Shrine Circus is the perfect event for all ages

Either from your own childhood memories or

those you hear from others you may associate the Shrine Circus with clowns riding around in toy cars Americarsquos original 3-ring circus has changed since its early days and today features some of the most skilled performers from around the world With elephants tigers lions acrobats aerialists motorcycles a human cannonball clowns and synchronized performers- therersquos enough excitement for the entire family

One of the best experiences of the Shrine Circus is the opportunity to be up close to majestic animals that would probably run you down in the wild Elephants are a staple of the circus world and they take the spotlight with the largest performing elephant in the world as their leader Mighty Bo who can perform more than 60 tricks Renowned

Three Rings of Fun for Everyone

Polish trainer Bruno Blaszak showcases the talents of his tigers and lions that leap and rollover so gracefully that yoursquoll forget theyrsquore from the jungle

There are also many skilled human performers that take the circus rings European acrobatic duo The Marinofs fl y through the air amazing the crowd without a net below At times they are hanging only by their feet or toes- a sight not to be missed Also in the air aerialists perform spiraling acrobatic spectacles with balance and precision

Skillful rope work elaborate dancing and synchronized routines is delivered by the International Georgettes The motorcycle madness will keep you on the edge of your seats with their gravity defying stunts Yoursquoll never think of a cannonball the same after you see the human cannonball soaring through the air And of course it wouldnrsquot be a true circus without the antics of rambunctious clowns

In addition to all of the excitement during the show one hour prior to showtime all ticketholders are invited to a pre-party in the circus rings for a chance to meet the clowns and performers For the kids or the kids at heart you can purchase tickets to ride an elephant or a pony get your face painted take a photo with one of the clowns or performers and jump around in a bounce house

There really is something for everyone at the Shrine Circus Get the family together for a day of excitement and start 2012 with an experience like no other

Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets online at ticketmastercom or charge by phone at 361-881-8499 American Bank Center is Corpus Christirsquos premier event center providing unprecedented guest experiences For more information visit us online at wwwamericanbankcentercom

coastal crushbeach shop

10338 South Padre Island Drive(Suite E in Gateway Center on

Waldron Rd)Corpus Christi Texas 78418

(361) 822-0031wwwcoastalcrushbeachshopcom

custom arts amp crafts hand made fromitems found on local beaches

Locally Crafted Hemp amp Bead JewelryBeautiful Gypsy Rose Clothing

Offering Art Classes in OilsCommissioned Artwork Available

A Few Items Of Note For December

TH

E

INSIDE THEenter

by Samantha Koepp

Make your new yearrsquos resolution for more family fun starting with the Shrine Circus this month January 20-22 at American Bank Center Arena

If you are part of a family with many siblings itrsquos probably diffi cult to plan a family outing that all will enjoy Trying to force everyone together usually results in more trouble than itrsquos worth What you need is something that offers a variety of entertainment in one place that the entire family will enjoy the Shrine Circus is the perfect event for all ages

Either from your own childhood memories or

those you hear from others you may associate the Shrine Circus with clowns riding around in toy cars Americarsquos original 3-ring circus has changed since its early days and today features some of the most skilled performers from around the world With elephants tigers lions acrobats aerialists motorcycles a human cannonball clowns and synchronized performers- therersquos enough excitement for the entire family

One of the best experiences of the Shrine Circus is the opportunity to be up close to majestic animals that would probably run you down in the wild Elephants are a staple of the circus world and they take the spotlight with the largest performing elephant in the world as their leader Mighty Bo who can perform more than 60 tricks Renowned

Three Rings of Fun for Everyone

Polish trainer Bruno Blaszak showcases the talents of his tigers and lions that leap and rollover so gracefully that yoursquoll forget theyrsquore from the jungle

There are also many skilled human performers that take the circus rings European acrobatic duo The Marinofs fl y through the air amazing the crowd without a net below At times they are hanging only by their feet or toes- a sight not to be missed Also in the air aerialists perform spiraling acrobatic spectacles with balance and precision

Skillful rope work elaborate dancing and synchronized routines is delivered by the International Georgettes The motorcycle madness will keep you on the edge of your seats with their gravity defying stunts Yoursquoll never think of a cannonball the same after you see the human cannonball soaring through the air And of course it wouldnrsquot be a true circus without the antics of rambunctious clowns

In addition to all of the excitement during the show one hour prior to showtime all ticketholders are invited to a pre-party in the circus rings for a chance to meet the clowns and performers For the kids or the kids at heart you can purchase tickets to ride an elephant or a pony get your face painted take a photo with one of the clowns or performers and jump around in a bounce house

There really is something for everyone at the Shrine Circus Get the family together for a day of excitement and start 2012 with an experience like no other

Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets online at ticketmastercom or charge by phone at 361-881-8499 American Bank Center is Corpus Christirsquos premier event center providing unprecedented guest experiences For more information visit us online at wwwamericanbankcentercom

coastal crushbeach shop

10338 South Padre Island Drive(Suite E in Gateway Center on

Waldron Rd)Corpus Christi Texas 78418

(361) 822-0031wwwcoastalcrushbeachshopcom

custom arts amp crafts hand made fromitems found on local beaches

Locally Crafted Hemp amp Bead JewelryBeautiful Gypsy Rose Clothing

Offering Art Classes in OilsCommissioned Artwork Available

A Few Items Of Note For DecemberA Few Items Of Note For DecemberA Few Items Of Note For DecemberA Few Items Of Note For DecemberA Few Items Of Note For DecemberA Few Items Of Note For DecemberArtArtArtArtArtArtArtArtArtArt SceneT

HE

Art Center of Corpus Christi100 Shoreline BlvdCorpus Christi TX 78401Tel 3618846406Fax 3618848836ArtCenterCCorgHours10a ndash 4pEveryday except MondayMonday CLOSEDAdmission is always FREE

Encaustic Works by Michelle Belto

Nationally acclaimed encaustic artist Michelle Belto from San Antonio uses hand-made paper and molten beeswax to create contemporary paintings so rich in texture and luminosity that is hard to describe Michelle will also lead a workshop in January on how to use wax and resin to create glowing textural paintings

State of the Arts CCISD Middle ampHigh School Art

Itrsquos hard to believe that many of these students are taking art for the fi rst time Each studentrsquos personal expression is valid and in order to have their opinions considered they must be consider-ate of othersrsquo points of view Art is a powerful teacher

Rockport Center for the Arts902 Navigation CircleRockport Texas 78382Tel 3617295519Fax 3617293551RockportArtCentercomHoursTuesdays ndash Saturdays 10a ndash4pSundays 1p ndash 4pClosed MondaysAlways Free Admission Currents amp MiniaturesOn display through January 28th

All Member ArtistsThe annual all-member exhibition highlights our family of artists and provides a chance to stand out as a Merit Artist the following year An invited juror will chose fi ve Merit Artists and a sixth is selected by popular vote Work on display through January 28th 2012

Currents Juror Tracy Saucier DirectorBeeville Art Museum

Art Star amp Hot SpotThese galleries are dark for the month

Art Museum of South Texas1902 N Shoreline BlvdCorpus Christi TX 78401 Tel 3618253500Fax 3618253520STIAorgHoursTues - Sat 10a to 5pSundays 1p to 5pClosed Mondays amp HolidaysAdmissionAdults $6Seniors (60 and older) $4Active Military $4Students (12+) $2Free- All members- Children under age 12

- Texas AampM University-CC students

Art of the Dive Portraits of the Deep

January 20th through March 11th 2012

The exhibition features 62 paintings sculptures and photographs by marine painters and sculptors who portray underwater life forms and habitat

ldquoFan Dancerrdquo copyRonnie Willford 2011

Free Day at the Art Museum

January 5th 2012 from 10am - 5pm

Family Day

January 29th 2012 from 1pm - 3pm

Check the museumrsquos website event calendar for Momsamp Tots and other events throughout the month

Festival of the ArtsThe Merriman-Bobys House

1521 North Chaparral StreetCorpus Christi Texas 78401CCFestivalArtsorgBy Appointment OnlyAlways Free Admission

Something NEW

Festival Of The Arts welcomes you to their new permanent home

Open House Party on First Friday December 2nd 6p to 9p

Join us for Art Music amp MORE

K Space Contemporary415 D Starr StreetCorpus Christi TX 78401 3618876834KSpaceContemporaryorgHoursWed-Sat 11a ndash 5pFree Admission

First Friday ArtWalkJanuary 6th 2012 530-9 pm (ArtWalk)Saturday12 to 4pm and Sunday 2 to 6 pm

Main Gallery

Constructed Realities Sculptural WorksJoshua Goode ampLesli RobertsonThese two artists from Dallas using construction materials in their work will be giving gallery talks at 10am on Saturday January 7th at 10 am

Treehouse Art Collective LLC309 North Water Street Suite DCorpus Christi TX 784013618824822TreehouseArtCCcomHoursTue-Sat 11andash 8pSunday Noon to 6pFree Admission

Featured Artist Diane Weiner

Well known for her polymer clay jewelry Dianersquos wall pieces are very interesting handmade paper collages with paint objects and more

Opening Reception First Friday January 6th 6p to 9p

11

TreehouseArtCCcom

Exposing Local ArtistshellipBy Georgia Griffin

Becky Smith

CanvasThe

ldquoIrsquom from Illinois I lived in Peoria and in Chicago a little bit Peoriarsquos actually a very pretty city When I moved away you know I wanted out of there lsquocause I was younghellip but when I go back I look around and say lsquoWow This is prettyrsquo Here we were supposed to seed the countryside you know that was Lady Birdrsquos idea Here it fried for one thing but there itrsquos all floral Itrsquos all very pretty Peoriarsquos in a valley so itrsquos green itrsquos got little hills and the riverrdquo

Having been a banquet waitress and a restauranteur in Illinois Becky Smith shifted gears and started earning her living from art and art related work full time when she moved to Corpus Christi 30 years ago ldquoI do faux painting and paper like right now Irsquom hanging murals over at McDonaldrsquos Today we hung like 12 panels When I hang murals thatrsquos not my own work but the faux painting is and I have one coming up in Januaryrdquo

Her home is a work of art unto itself I havenrsquot seen the like since the apartment of our brilliant neighbor the late Stella Waitzkin back in NYC Becky has a studio supply room crammed so full of delights that it makes me drool Eventually these items find their way into her artwork but the room is so full she mostly creates her works in the kitchenThough she has recently been doing works on canvas the majority of her work isassemblage Consisting of a quirky cluster of dolls toys household +or other childhood items theyrsquore pulled together with some unique twist conveying an underlying idea or message

The foundation for Beckyrsquos interest in art comes fromhellip ldquoMy mother and my grand-mother but mostly my grandmother because she had the time She always did art in the house and took the time to show me howAnd then when I was in school I just always had to do itrdquo

Like many other successful artists including yours truly Becky has no real secondary education in art ldquoI would take a class once in a while like I took a Del Mar class for pottery but I didnrsquot really like it because all day long Irsquom filthy and I gotta work in the clay and Irsquoll stay that way so Irsquoll be like that for 12 hours and get up and do it again I had an ldquoArdquo when I quit it wasnrsquot like I wasnrsquot doing ithellip but I think I more wanted to make little monsters or something and we were doing the wheel I donrsquot knowhellip (she laughs) It didnrsquot seem like I was going to get any better either So that was my only little higher education I guess was a class like thatrdquo

MonstersldquoWell I think itrsquos dolls I have a

thing about dolls Irsquom kinda getting known for it itrsquos kinda scary Look at (William) Wilhemi[of Wilhelmi-Holland Gallery on South Chaparral] hersquos got his little monsters That was my favorite thing that he did When he got into

the boot thing I thought ldquoNice but I miss those little monstersrdquoWilhelmi has his archives and they have the monsters and everything Irsquoll take you sometime Ben Holland also knows me ndash he sent me an invitation to a show a while ago ndash when I went he said lsquoHey therersquos BeckyrsquoI thought it was so sweet of himrdquo

Looking at a piece Beckyrsquos currently working on we compared notes on some of the challenges of assemblage work ldquoThis isnrsquot quite finished the leg fell off I canrsquot find paste that wants to hold metal to wood Irsquove got all these elements that I need to work with I had put it all together then I came in the next morning and it was all laying apart with the leg off I used Liquid Nails thatrsquos what fell off so then I went back to the 6000 I think itrsquos gonna holdrdquo

Beckyrsquos a marvel at toying with different materials and taking an unexpected turn Encaustic is a wax medium generally used on canvas But in Beckyrsquos handshellip ldquoI had some encaustic (pieces) but I sent them off to one of my sons ndash because they were so light I took some Styrofoam I got from one of the construction workers and itrsquos a block so itrsquos solid I smashed it up and it looked heavy well it looked heavy after it got painted I spray-painted it black and then I worked on it with encaustic I put encaustic on in three or four colors and

12

Exposing Local ArtistshellipBy Georgia Griffin

Becky Smith

CanvasThe

ldquoIrsquom from Illinois I lived in Peoria and in Chicago a little bit Peoriarsquos actually a very pretty city When I moved away you know I wanted out of there lsquocause I was younghellip but when I go back I look around and say lsquoWow This is prettyrsquo Here we were supposed to seed the countryside you know that was Lady Birdrsquos idea Here it fried for one thing but there itrsquos all floral Itrsquos all very pretty Peoriarsquos in a valley so itrsquos green itrsquos got little hills and the riverrdquo

Having been a banquet waitress and a restauranteur in Illinois Becky Smith shifted gears and started earning her living from art and art related work full time when she moved to Corpus Christi 30 years ago ldquoI do faux painting and paper like right now Irsquom hanging murals over at McDonaldrsquos Today we hung like 12 panels When I hang murals thatrsquos not my own work but the faux painting is and I have one coming up in Januaryrdquo

Her home is a work of art unto itself I havenrsquot seen the like since the apartment of our brilliant neighbor the late Stella Waitzkin back in NYC Becky has a studio supply room crammed so full of delights that it makes me drool Eventually these items find their way into her artwork but the room is so full she mostly creates her works in the kitchenThough she has recently been doing works on canvas the majority of her work isassemblage Consisting of a quirky cluster of dolls toys household +or other childhood items theyrsquore pulled together with some unique twist conveying an underlying idea or message

The foundation for Beckyrsquos interest in art comes fromhellip ldquoMy mother and my grand-mother but mostly my grandmother because she had the time She always did art in the house and took the time to show me howAnd then when I was in school I just always had to do itrdquo

Like many other successful artists including yours truly Becky has no real secondary education in art ldquoI would take a class once in a while like I took a Del Mar class for pottery but I didnrsquot really like it because all day long Irsquom filthy and I gotta work in the clay and Irsquoll stay that way so Irsquoll be like that for 12 hours and get up and do it again I had an ldquoArdquo when I quit it wasnrsquot like I wasnrsquot doing ithellip but I think I more wanted to make little monsters or something and we were doing the wheel I donrsquot knowhellip (she laughs) It didnrsquot seem like I was going to get any better either So that was my only little higher education I guess was a class like thatrdquo

MonstersldquoWell I think itrsquos dolls I have a

thing about dolls Irsquom kinda getting known for it itrsquos kinda scary Look at (William) Wilhemi[of Wilhelmi-Holland Gallery on South Chaparral] hersquos got his little monsters That was my favorite thing that he did When he got into

the boot thing I thought ldquoNice but I miss those little monstersrdquoWilhelmi has his archives and they have the monsters and everything Irsquoll take you sometime Ben Holland also knows me ndash he sent me an invitation to a show a while ago ndash when I went he said lsquoHey therersquos BeckyrsquoI thought it was so sweet of himrdquo

Looking at a piece Beckyrsquos currently working on we compared notes on some of the challenges of assemblage work ldquoThis isnrsquot quite finished the leg fell off I canrsquot find paste that wants to hold metal to wood Irsquove got all these elements that I need to work with I had put it all together then I came in the next morning and it was all laying apart with the leg off I used Liquid Nails thatrsquos what fell off so then I went back to the 6000 I think itrsquos gonna holdrdquo

Beckyrsquos a marvel at toying with different materials and taking an unexpected turn Encaustic is a wax medium generally used on canvas But in Beckyrsquos handshellip ldquoI had some encaustic (pieces) but I sent them off to one of my sons ndash because they were so light I took some Styrofoam I got from one of the construction workers and itrsquos a block so itrsquos solid I smashed it up and it looked heavy well it looked heavy after it got painted I spray-painted it black and then I worked on it with encaustic I put encaustic on in three or four colors and

12

Becky Smith

13

I made three of them Irsquod go to hand it to someone theyrsquod go lsquowow I thought it was heavyrsquohellip so I sent lsquoem to my son thatrsquos in Washington because theyrsquore light weight The whole box is heavier than the Styrofoam encaustic pieces Wersquoll see if he likes it One of my friends said lsquoWell what does someone want to do with thosersquo I said lsquoItrsquos artrsquordquo

There are a lot of challenges when you choose to make a career in art finding your voice ex-perimenting with media are the fun parts creating and exploring then there are finding and approaching

the right galleries and other venues gaining an audience making a name Even after 30 years Becky deals with the same hurdles facing other less established artists

ldquoI had some of my lamps in Austin but the place closed down because of back taxes It was a co-op but they were trying to make the artists pay the taxes on it but we couldnrsquot do that Irsquove shown those around here too like at K Space (where we met) and Flour Bluff ndash but theyrsquore selling jewelry and when people go in to buy jewelry theyrsquore not looking to spend $250 on a lamp They might buy a piece of jewelry for that but theyrsquore not there to spend it on the artrdquo

ldquoPeople say this (house) is a shop I had a couple people come in they were buying things but I donrsquot like it They would offer you less for one thing People expect you to give them things Then there was somebody represent-ing a store and they wanted to show peoplersquos art they had no idea how to handle art They had them all piled on top of each other in their car I found out it was over by K Space and when I went by they had it just on the ground I hadnrsquot given her one but I wanted to say lsquoGeez you donrsquot do thatrsquo Therersquos no respectrdquo

Becky started out her local art experience at the Art Center and still belongs ldquoYoursquore into the whole thing for selling actually If itrsquos not written up and no one even knows itrsquos down there itrsquos not good At the Art Center itrsquos all open and people come through I like showing thererdquo

I donrsquot know all the artists aroundhellip I just stated going down to K Space a few years agohellip I know a few like Wilhelmi and Helen Williams but no I donrsquot know a lot of the artists around townA lot of people here do seascapes and things like that Irsquod like to be able to do it but thenput my own little twist on it What I think I need to learn well a lot of things but Irsquod like to learn to bring in lightrdquo

Thatrsquos a little amusing because itrsquos true Beckyrsquos work is a bit dark Itrsquos dark with a humor though with a lilt to it As human creatures we go there sometimes itrsquos the nature of things but in Beckyrsquos work you can usually find

a smile and a way out of the darkness

We talked about some of the challenges showing artwork around town ldquoI hear the art scene is improving I hear it is but then when I actually go there Well when I went to K Space on that First Fridayin September (ldquoShockingly Spectacular Super September Salon and Art Salerdquo) I was surprised how many people were there (750) A lot of them are coming for the drinks and the food and the bus ride but at least they are exposed A lot of galleries around town they didnrsquot make itrdquo

Live Music TonightThe Coastal Bends Most Complete Live Music CalendarCompiled by Ronnie NarmourEvents Page

Every Saturday 1000am - 0200pm

Art Center of Corpus Christi Family Art Time

Bring the family walk the bay front and visit your local Art Center to participate in ldquoFamily Art Timerdquo This free ongoing series of art activities geared towards families is graciously sponsored by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation as part of their

30th Anniversary Celebration

artcenterccorg

Treasure HuntCorpus Christi Museum of Science amp History

Every Saturday 130pm - 0215pm

Winners will be awarded ribbons and all other participants will be recognized

For more information about the dayrsquos theme please visit the Musuemrsquos website wwwccmuseum

com or Phone (361) 826-4667

Free for Members non members free with paid admissionadmission

Saturday January 7th

The Annual Boarrsquos Head and Yule Log Festival

celebrates the meaning of Christmas in music drama and dance

Christmas spills over into the cool quiet days of early January when First Christian

Church 3401 Santa Fe stages its gift of pageantry to the communities of South

Texas

Doors open an hour before the 500 and the 700 pm performances on Saturday

and Sunday at First Christian Church 3401 Santa Fe

While admission is free donations of non-perishable foodstuffs are accepted on behalf of the ldquoGood King Wenceslasrdquo fund The goods are donated to the Food Bank

Shrine CircusJanuary 20-22

Americarsquos original 3-ring circus has changed since its early days and today features some of the most skilled performers from around the world With elephants tigers lions acrobats aerialists motorcycles a human cannonball clowns and synchronized performers- therersquos enough excitement for the entire family

Friday Jan 6 Through Sunday Feb 19Little Shop of Horrors

auroraartstheatrecomBy Howard Ashman Seymour Krelbourn is a poor young man working at a run-down fl ower shop on skid row when he encounters a miracle He discovers an alien plant after a total eclipse of the sun After bringing the plant to the store he gains fame fortune and love The only defect is that the plant feeds on human blood Seymour and the plant make a deal that if the plant continues to bring Seymour positive attention he will in turn continue to feed the plant human bodies

Through Sunday Jan 15 2012 ndash Faculty members in the Department of Art at

Texas AampM University-Corpus Christi will display their recent works during ldquoThe Art of Workrdquo exhibition on view

through Sunday Jan 15 2012 at the Art Museum of South Texas Participating artists include Jack Gron Greg Reuter

Barbra Riley Louis Katz Joe Pentildea Ryan OrsquoMalley and Amanda Garcia The

Art Museum of South Texas 1902 N Shoreline Blvd is affiliated with Texas

AampM University-Corpus Christi For more information call 3618253504

TIDE TURNERSJanuary 3 | 10am - Noon

I am OHMazingDive in and join our FREE Tide

Turners Kids Club designated for kids ages fi ve and under

Join us for our monthly Tide Turners events on the fi rst Tuesday of every

month at the Undersea Childrenrsquos Play Area Wersquoll have yoga for youth arts

and crafts cookie decorating with Great American Cookies and more

lapalmeracom

Roger Creager will be at Brewster Street Ice House Thursday Jan 26th

Art of Work

2012 Beach Parking Permits

The new year means its time to get a new parking sticker Any local with a 2011 sticker will be ignored by all the cool kids after January 20th They are on sale now at area retailers Do your part and help maintain our beaches

Seventh Annual Fairy Tale Ball Saturday January 28 2012 0700pm - 1159pm

Solomon P Ortiz CenterWish Upon a Star at Fairy Tale Ball 2012

Honoring past presidents of the Junior League of Corpus Christi Each ticket includes valet parking heavy appetizers entertainment by

The Sophisticates drop box bid board amp silent auction and lots of fun add-ons at the event For $100 itrsquos definitely the BEST fundraiser ticket

in townContact Betsy Herring or Helen Tarrance for more information at Fairytaleballjlccorg

Live Music TonightThe Coastal Bends Most Complete Live Music CalendarCompiled by Ronnie NarmourEvents Page

Every Saturday 1000am - 0200pm

Art Center of Corpus Christi Family Art Time

Bring the family walk the bay front and visit your local Art Center to participate in ldquoFamily Art Timerdquo This free ongoing series of art activities geared towards families is graciously sponsored by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation as part of their

30th Anniversary Celebration

artcenterccorg

Treasure HuntCorpus Christi Museum of Science amp History

Every Saturday 130pm - 0215pm

Winners will be awarded ribbons and all other participants will be recognized

For more information about the dayrsquos theme please visit the Musuemrsquos website wwwccmuseum

com or Phone (361) 826-4667

Free for Members non members free with paid admissionadmission

Saturday January 7th

The Annual Boarrsquos Head and Yule Log Festival

celebrates the meaning of Christmas in music drama and dance

Christmas spills over into the cool quiet days of early January when First Christian

Church 3401 Santa Fe stages its gift of pageantry to the communities of South

Texas

Doors open an hour before the 500 and the 700 pm performances on Saturday

and Sunday at First Christian Church 3401 Santa Fe

While admission is free donations of non-perishable foodstuffs are accepted on behalf of the ldquoGood King Wenceslasrdquo fund The goods are donated to the Food Bank

Shrine CircusJanuary 20-22

Americarsquos original 3-ring circus has changed since its early days and today features some of the most skilled performers from around the world With elephants tigers lions acrobats aerialists motorcycles a human cannonball clowns and synchronized performers- therersquos enough excitement for the entire family

Friday Jan 6 Through Sunday Feb 19Little Shop of Horrors

auroraartstheatrecomBy Howard Ashman Seymour Krelbourn is a poor young man working at a run-down fl ower shop on skid row when he encounters a miracle He discovers an alien plant after a total eclipse of the sun After bringing the plant to the store he gains fame fortune and love The only defect is that the plant feeds on human blood Seymour and the plant make a deal that if the plant continues to bring Seymour positive attention he will in turn continue to feed the plant human bodies

Through Sunday Jan 15 2012 ndash Faculty members in the Department of Art at

Texas AampM University-Corpus Christi will display their recent works during ldquoThe Art of Workrdquo exhibition on view

through Sunday Jan 15 2012 at the Art Museum of South Texas Participating artists include Jack Gron Greg Reuter

Barbra Riley Louis Katz Joe Pentildea Ryan OrsquoMalley and Amanda Garcia The

Art Museum of South Texas 1902 N Shoreline Blvd is affiliated with Texas

AampM University-Corpus Christi For more information call 3618253504

TIDE TURNERSJanuary 3 | 10am - Noon

I am OHMazingDive in and join our FREE Tide

Turners Kids Club designated for kids ages fi ve and under

Join us for our monthly Tide Turners events on the fi rst Tuesday of every

month at the Undersea Childrenrsquos Play Area Wersquoll have yoga for youth arts

and crafts cookie decorating with Great American Cookies and more

lapalmeracom

Roger Creager will be at Brewster Street Ice House Thursday Jan 26th

Art of Work

2012 Beach Parking Permits

The new year means its time to get a new parking sticker Any local with a 2011 sticker will be ignored by all the cool kids after January 20th They are on sale now at area retailers Do your part and help maintain our beaches

Seventh Annual Fairy Tale Ball Saturday January 28 2012 0700pm - 1159pm

Solomon P Ortiz CenterWish Upon a Star at Fairy Tale Ball 2012

Honoring past presidents of the Junior League of Corpus Christi Each ticket includes valet parking heavy appetizers entertainment by

The Sophisticates drop box bid board amp silent auction and lots of fun add-ons at the event For $100 itrsquos definitely the BEST fundraiser ticket

in townContact Betsy Herring or Helen Tarrance for more information at Fairytaleballjlccorg

Live Music TonightThe Coastal Bends Most Complete Live Music CalendarCompiled by Ronnie Narmour

Live Music Tonight

15

Sponsored by Hours

Sun Tues-Thurs

1100AM till 1000PM

Closed MONDAY

Fri-Sat 1100AM-Midnight

Live musicFriday Saturday Sunday

Burgers Seafood Salads Sandwiches

520 S ShorelineCorpus Christi TX 78401

361-726-3533

check us out on Urbanspooncom

check us out on Facebookcom

If your venue or show isnrsquot listed let us know wersquoll get your dates in the next

issue

The Coastal Bendrsquos Most Complete Live Music ListingsRoger Creager will be at Brewster Street Ice House Thursday Jan 26th

Catch Switchblade Jesus Friday the 13th at House of Rock with Venomous

Maximus and Bertha

Friday Jan 27th

Ray T amp the City Crew Flats LoungePacifi ca Quartet Wann-dar Tan House of Rock

Saturday Jan 28th

Burlesque Show House of RockThe Other Side of Wonderland House of Rock

Sunday Jan 29th

Open Electric Jam w Rockinrsquo Ricke Tarpon Ice HouseTumble Dry Low Berniersquos Beach House

Monday Jan 30th

Open Jam w Antone Perez Dr RockitsAcoustic Night w Art Barrera House of Rock

Tuesday Jan 31st

Antone amp Atomic Blues Band Dr RockitsOpen Mic w Rev Matt Martinez House of RockScarecrow People Executive Surf ClubClarissa Serna Revolution Bar amp Grill

Sunday Jan 1st

Tumble Dry Low Berniersquos Beach House

Monday Jan 2nd

Open Jam w Antone Perez Dr RockitsAcoustic Music w Art Barrera House of Rock

Tuesday Jan 3rd

Antone amp Atomic Blues Band Dr RockitsOpen Mic w Rev Matt MartinezScarecrow People Executive Surf ClubClarissa Serna Revolution Bar amp Grill

Wednesday Jan 4th

Open Jam w Wolf Jaw Flats Lounge PA Rockers Berniersquos Beach HouseMedicare Band Moby DickrsquosBeer amp Berto Show House of Rock

Thursday Jan 5th

Bleu Edmondson Brewster Street Ice HouseFallujah Aegaeon Fall House of Rock

Friday Jan 6th

Ray T amp the City Crew Flats LoungeSpazmatics Brewster Street Ice HouseThe Shakedown House of Rock

Saturday Jan 7th

The Roast of Roman House of Rock17th Annual Rockport Gospel Music Festival

Sunday Jan 8th

Open Electric Jam w Rockinrsquo Ricke Tarpon Ice HouseTumble Dry Low Berniersquos Beach House17th Annual Rockport Gospel Music Festival

Monday Jan 9th

Open Jam w Antone Perez Dr RockitsAcoustic Monday w Benny Perez House of Rock

Tuesday Jan 10th

Antone amp Atomic Blues Band Dr RockitOpen Mic w Rev Matt Martinez House of RockScarecrow People Executive Surf ClubClarissa Serna Revolution Bar amp Grill

Wednesday Jan 11th

Open Jam w Wolf Jaw Flats Lounge PA Rockers Berniersquos Beach HouseSongwriters Contest Flatbroke House of RockMedicare Band Moby Dickrsquos

Thursday Jan 12th

Ballabajoomba Poetry Slam House of Rock

Friday Jan 13th

Ray T amp the City Crew Flats LoungeVenomous Maximus Bertha Switch-blade Jesus House of Rock

Saturday Jan 14th

2nd Saturday Sing-Along Piano Show Brewster Street Ice HouseLuke Nelson amp Promise of the Real House of Rock

Sunday Jan 15th

Aaron Lewis Selena AuditoriumOpen Electric Jam w Rockinrsquo Ricke Tarpon Ice HouseTumble Dry Low Berniersquos Beach House

Monday Jan 16th

Open Jam w Antone Perez Dr Rockits

Tuesday Jan 17th

Antone amp Atomic Blues Band Dr RockitsOpen Mic w Rev Matt Martinez House of RockScarecrow People Executive Surf ClubClarissa Serna Revolution Bar amp Grill

Wednesday Jan 18th

Open Jam w Wolf Jaw Flats Lounge PA Rockers Berniersquos Beach HouseLed Zepplin 2 Brewster Street Ice HouseBeer amp Berto Show House of RockMedicare Band Moby Dickrsquos

Thursday Jan 19th

Mattrsquos Local Showcase House of Rock

Friday Jan 20th

Ray T amp the City Crew Flats LoungeAnother Level Brewster Street Ice HouseFriends and Lovers Art Show House of Rock

Saturday Jan 21st

Metal Shop Brewster Street Ice HouseKeith Sykes 3rd Coast Theater

Sunday Jan 22nd

Open Electric Jam w Rockinrsquo Ricke Tarpon Ice HouseFranken Bike 1 House of RockTumble Dry Low Berniersquos Beach House

Monday Jan 23rd

Open Jam w Antone Perez Dr RockitsAcoustic Monday w Benny Perez House of Rock

Tuesday Jan 24th

Antone amp Atomic Blues Band Dr RockitsOpen Mic w Rev Matt Martinez House of RockScarecrow People Executive Surf ClubClarissa Serna Revolution Bar amp Grill

Wednesday Jan 25th

Open Jam w Wolf Jaw Flats Lounge PA Rockers Berniersquos Beach HouseBeer amp Berto Show House of RockHOBO House of RockMedicare Band Moby Dickrsquos

Thursday Jan 26th

Roger Creager Brewster Street Ice House

copy2011 Anheuser-Busch Inc Michelob Ultrareg Light Beer St Louis MO bull 95 calories 26g carbs 06g protein and 00g fat per 12 oz

WHATS YOUR ULTRA LIFETELL US AT FACEBOOKCOMMICHELOBULTRA

For some the Ultra life is a friendly game of softball a weekend bike group or searching for that perfect round of golf In the end its all about having fun With 95 calories 26 carbs and one exceptionally smooth taste Michelob Ultra is the superior lightbeer perfectly balanced for your life

Ad Name MU Ultra Life IconicItem PMU201110010

Order 235680

Trim 8 x 105Bleed 9 x 115Live 75 x 10

Closing Date 122111QC LDPub CC Mag

Three days before Christmas and the ldquoAll-American Americanrdquo Jack Swagger is driving through a Five Guys for the ultimate American meal a burger and fries We talk over the phone about losses personal vendettas alliances fans and keeping it fresh Swagger style

Q What is Jack Swagger looking forward to in 2012

A Well some could say 2011 was a disappointment- I had wins but lots of losses Irsquove been to the top and I am not going to be happy until I become the WWE Champion and even more than that the United States Champion Therersquos lots of good stuff to expect this year that should be entertaining This year will be the Year of Swag

Q With the recent losses would you say yoursquove been holding back to give fans something big for 2012

A I would not say Irsquove been holding back Irsquom still evolving as a wrestler still getting better I didnrsquot accomplish what I wanted to in 2011 and Irsquom a little pissed off Itrsquos like putting gas on a fire itrsquos a scary thing Irsquom a former world champion so I want to be back on top

Q What do you think of Mark Henry flying off the handle recently

A Well Markrsquos an X factor being the worldrsquos strongest man Hersquos on an impressive title run with his hotstreak and revamping his image He hit me on the back with a metal chair during the last Raw in order to make a statement to Big Show

Q Did you take that personally

A Yeah I took it personally I will get an American flag chair and make my own statement but itrsquos all about timing You donrsquot take down the king in front of no one you take him down in front of his kingdom

Q Your alliance with Ziggler is it just business or more of a brotherhood

A We are both former Division I athletes so we have a natural bond Wersquove been

2012

The Year of Swag

through the same regimen and have similar goals Vickie Guerrero is who the real alliance is with Ziggler gets to reap the benefits of teaming with the Swagger

Q Do you see continuing the team with Ziggler this year

A Anything is possible We donrsquot always agree but we are the best tag team in the WWE When we look at each other in the ring we know what we are going to do itrsquos very dangerous

Q You have quite a few signature moves are you working on introducing anything new

A I am always looking for new things The WWE is a revolving door that is always expanding and you have to have an arsenal ready As a wrestler you always have to be adapting- everyonersquos styles are different Stagger always has to stay fresh

Q Do you go out in the cities you visit Do you get recognized by people a lot

A I get mobbed by the ladies all the time- lookingrsquos for free but touchingrsquos gonna cost you your ankles I try to get out in the cities we visit being from a small town in Oklahoma the WWE has given me the opportunity to experience different cultures Fans are who we do this for and itrsquos great when fans get so excited over just an autograph

Q You became interested in wrestling at a very young age and you now have a newborn son Are you going to try and get him into wrestling

A Yeah wrestling is the greatest sport in the planet no matter what style you get into it makes you better at everything you do Whether in athletics or in the classroom in all walks of life wrestling will make you successful

Q What can your fans in Corpus Christi expect on January 9th

A Last time we were in Corpus Christi me and Rey Mysterio took a dip in the Gulf of Mexico and someonersquos going to take a dip this time Corpus Christi fans do a great job and we really try to give them extra They really give us fuel to do everything even better We are going to keep you on the edge of your seat

16

by Samantha Koepp

copy2011 Anheuser-Busch Inc Michelob Ultrareg Light Beer St Louis MO bull 95 calories 26g carbs 06g protein and 00g fat per 12 oz

WHATS YOUR ULTRA LIFETELL US AT FACEBOOKCOMMICHELOBULTRA

For some the Ultra life is a friendly game of softball a weekend bike group or searching for that perfect round of golf In the end its all about having fun With 95 calories 26 carbs and one exceptionally smooth taste Michelob Ultra is the superior lightbeer perfectly balanced for your life

Ad Name MU Ultra Life IconicItem PMU201110010

Order 235680

Trim 8 x 105Bleed 9 x 115Live 75 x 10

Closing Date 122111QC LDPub CC Mag

copy2011 Anheuser-Busch Inc Michelob Ultrareg Light Beer St Louis MO bull 95 calories 26g carbs 06g protein and 00g fat per 12 oz

WHATS YOUR ULTRA LIFETELL US AT FACEBOOKCOMMICHELOBULTRA

For some the Ultra life is a friendly game of softball a weekend bike group or searching for that perfect round of golf In the end its all about having fun With 95 calories 26 carbs and one exceptionally smooth taste Michelob Ultra is the superior lightbeer perfectly balanced for your life

Ad Name MU Ultra Life IconicItem PMU201110010

Order 235680

Trim 8 x 105Bleed 9 x 115Live 75 x 10

Closing Date 122111QC LDPub CC Mag

bull NEW menu selections - Lunch specials starting at $599bull Spectacular sunsetsbull Scenic view of boats barges and wildlife bull Live music Friday amp Saturday nights by local artistsbull Large ldquosea-levelrdquo patio for parties and events

Intracoastal Waterfront Dining

Open Daily 11AM3619496744

Located on Padre Island Under the JFK Bridge

13309 S Padre Island Drwwwdocsseafoodandsteakscom

Like us on Facebook

Voted Best Full Service Restaurant 2011 Taste of the Island

Dining GuideDining GuideDining GuideLOS CABOSCafe amp Cantina

939-8300 Phone939-8302 FAX9601 SPID

Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Los Cabos Cafe amp Cantina in Flour Bluff serves authentic Mexican cuisine made from the freshest ingredients We have an outdoor patio (smoking allowed) and a full bar

Live entertainment Thursday through Sunday

15 discount for seniors and military with proper ID

Kids Eat Free

Funtrackers

Los Cabos

Flou

r Blu

Driv

e

SPID

With 30+ years of German baking experience and tradition in Germany owners Juergen amp Brigitte Kazenmayer have brought the original tastes aromas and joys of German breads pastries pies and cakes to Corpus Christi Texas Committed to maintaining the highest German standard every product is handmade following age-old German traditions and recipes There are no short-cuts at JBrsquos Every product is made from scratch We want you to experience the best of Germany in Texas

15137 SPIDOn the Island

361-949-5474Open Tues - Sat 7 am - 7 pm

Sunday 8 am - 6 pm

c

Yin Yang Fandango amp Tango Tea Room

The Tango Tea Room brings a taste of Austin to Downtown Corpus Tango serves a variety of Mediterranean and world cuisine including some of the best vegetarian and vegan fare you can fi nd in Corpus We also specialize in vegan and gluten-free desserts cupcakes and muffi ns Come on down and get your hippie on

505 S Water Street in downtown Corpus Christi

361-883-9123Tangofandangocom

Holiday Hours10-3 Monday through Thursday

10-9 Friday amp Saturday

12-6 Sunday

TangoTea Room

LibationsAmusements

18 holes of miniature golfOpen 11 am - 2 am

Kitchen Closes 1 am2034 State Highway 361361 749- Taco (8226)

Town amp Country Cafe has great breakfast and lunch specials every day offering great food at a fair price Town amp Country Cafe is a great location for business meetings and client luncheons and there is no charge for the use of the meeting room

4228 South Alameda

Corpus Christi TX 78412

(361) 992-0360Locally Owned and Operated

Dining GuideDining GuideDining Guide

Coffee Waves Port A1007 State Hwy 361 Port Aransas

361-749-0825Open 6am-Midnight

Live Music Art Shows

Buy One GelatoGet One FreeOnly in Port A

Gi

Snoopyrsquos and ScoopyrsquosSnoopyrsquos Pier was literally a product of the

Redfi sh Wars a battle over commercial fi shing rights in Texas Ernie Buttler realized the Redfi sh Wars signaled the beginning of the end of the commercial fi shing industry in Texas So Ernie decided to give up trying to catch fi sh and shrimp and start cooking them instead In August 1980 Ernie and his wife Corliss purchased a small bait stand and burger joint with a fi shing pier on the Intracoastal Waterway Over time the place was transformed with a lot of hard work and patience into a family-friendly seafood restaurant Special attention is given to providing local harvested quality seafood at affordable prices

Scoopyrsquos was opened by Erniersquos wife and features home made soups salads and sandwiches using only Texas products Scoopyrsquos is proud of their shrimp salad known by locals as the best in town They also have great house made desserts and ice cream by the scoop

13313 SPID Corpus Christi(361) 949-8815 snoopyspiercom

cC Bar

C Bar offers organic gourmet coffees artisan level espresso fresh-baked pastries assorted panini sandwiches frozen fruit smoothies and gelato In addition to Cof-feeWavesrsquo popular menu C Bar has a full premium bar featuring microbrewery beer an extensive wine list and super premium liquor Taking advantage of this unique combination C Bar serves fresh fruit gelato daiquiris and pintildea coladas and coffee Baileyrsquos with gelato C Barrsquos signature drink Martini Floats

361-749-0704165 Social Circle in Cinnamon Shore

5009 Hwy 361in Port Aransas

LibationsAmusements

18 holes of miniature golfOpen 11 am - 2 am

Kitchen Closes 1 am2034 State Highway 361361 749- Taco (8226)

Taste The DifferenceThe Gourmet Pizza

Our famous Padre Pizza dough is handmade daily Our sauces are created from the

freshest tomatoes and seasoned with our own Chefrsquos blend of natural herbs and spices Our lasagna made from scratch daily is the

most tasty and delicious you will ever try and our salad selections are prepared to order

using the freshest produce available

14993 SPIDOn the Island 949-0787

11 am - 4 pmTry Our Daily Specials

18 Holes of

LibationsAmusements

Miniature Golf

361 749- Taco (8226) 2034 State Highway 361

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Open 11 am - 2 amKitchen Closes 1 am

Located at Ennis Joslin amp Ocean Drive

Featuring a buffet seven days a week twice daily Dine-in amenities include Big Screen TVs Free WiFi Daily Beer Specials Texas AampM Sand Dollars acceptedMilitary Appreciation on Tuesdays Visit pizzastatecom for daily specials and online coupons College Student and Senior Discounts

6133 S Alameda Corpus Christi Tx 78412(361) 993-3283

Located on Padre Island Island Italian has been serving the community since 1987 A family friendly restaurant Island Italian also serves beer and wine and is available for private parties of up to 53 people Flat screen TV and DVD VHS for meetings Delivery on Padre Island after 5pmDaily Lunch and Dinner Specials

Hours of OperationMonday - Thursday 11am to 930pm

Saturday 10am to 10pmSunday 5pm to 930pm

949-7737 15370 SPID- On the Island

All you can eat shrimp Wednesdays

are back

Thursdays Prime Rib with Twice Baked Potato

Night Life

Night Life

Live Music

801 Tarpon Port Aransas

TX 78373Open 2pm to

2am Every Day361-749-1990

Itrsquos not the oldest bar in Port Aransas but it IS the coldest Always entertaining The Flats is where the ldquolocalsrdquo hang out Pool darts juke box and live music on the weekends Itrsquos never too slow and itrsquos never too busy get to know the bartenders by name and yoursquoll never wait for a drink Say hi to owners John and Lynda and meet some new friends

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Club GUideClub GUideClub GUide

Personal ServicesPersonal ServicesPersonal Services

Our goal at The Islandrsquos Edge Hair Salon is to educate our clients The focus will be on enhancing balancing amp maintaining a realistic hair lifestyle Owner Stylist Roni has 19 years experience as a stylist in elite salons and earned 2nd place in a prestigious national color competition

15201 SPID Suite 110On The Island

Call for reservations949-0794

theislandsedgehairsaloncom

Roni OwnerStylist

Gi

NFL Sunday Ticket Big 10 Network on 6 Big Screens

Happy Hour Monday - Friday 3-7pm

Live Music Never a Cover

Book your holiday party birthday or special event now

In Ace Hardware Strip Center

1023 Hwy 361 Ste ApORT aRANSAS tx

361-749-joes

STARS VIP Dinner amp Lady Antebellum Concert

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High Heels For Hope Mansion Royal

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Coastal Bend Fashion Showcase American Bank Center

25

Coastal Bend Fashion Showcase

Craft Training Center

Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend

7433 Leopard StreetCorpus Christi TX 78409

(361) 289-1636Toll Free (866) 237-5455

WeldingPipefitting

Instrument FittingCrane OperationsIndustrial PaintingScaffold Building

Field Safety Safety Tech

Coastal Bend Employers Need People Trained in the Following Trades IMMEDIATELY

The Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend works with local employers to ensure they have

the skilled workers they needYou can have a rewarding high-paying career

and be in high demand for years to come

Find out how Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend can help you achieve your goals

Call today or visit wwwctccborg

Welding Night Classes at Ingleside ISD beginning Spring 2011

Call CTC for details

The Sewing Ladiesamp Clothing Resale

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720 Dallas bull Portland

EmbroideryMonogramsSisterChicks

Embroidery-Monograms The best prices in the area for your

Embroidery amp Monogram needs No minimums

Call SisterChicks 361-853-3240

Carpet Cleaning

King Service CleaningWindow Cleaning Service

Commercial Residential amp New Construction Clean-Up

Free Estimates

25 percent offfor first time customers

We do windows inside outside screens sills paint removal and up to 4 stories

worth of work

MarketplaceTHEThe only Limousine Service

located on Padre Island Serving Corpus Christi Padre Island Port Aransas and Surrounding Areas

Available for any and all occasions

Party Rentals to Port A and CorpusLeave the driving to us

(361) 949-1161(361) 877-LIMO (5466)wwwccparadiselimoscom

15201 S Padre Island Dr Suite 250Corpus Christi TX 78418

PARADISE LIMOUSINESWelcome to Luxury in Paradise

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make the connectionJOIN THE CO-OP

NEC Retail is a division of Nueces Electric Cooperative You do not have to buy NEC Retailrsquos products to continue to receive quality distribution services from Nueces Electric Cooperative

855-NEC-RD4U | wwwnecretailcom