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AUGUST 4-17, 2014
Editor’s Note
I don’t really understand the selfie. You know, that pic you take of yourself using your phone or more hilariously, your iPad or professional camera rig. It seems that with the evolution of social media sites like Myspace and now Facebook, people just love taking pics of themselves and posting them online with captions like, ‘Ready to start the day!’ or ‘Don’t hate’ or whatever. And yes, it’s usually the women that have their Facebook timelines chock full of pictures of nothing but themselves.
I’ve been asking myself this for years now and it seems the only way to figure it out is to do it myself. Every day for the month of August I’ll be taking a selfie (uhg, that word makes me shudder) and see if I can possibly get a grasp on what makes them so popular and why there is no end in sight.
Who knows what I’ll learn or what insights to the human brain I will discover but I’ll do it and then let you all know what happens. Maybe I’ll be a changed man. Maybe I’ll Why not just turn the camera around and keep on posting pictures of myself making shoot something else? dumb faces that I think are attractive. Who What do you get out of posting pictures knows. But soon we shall find out. of yourself? The only ones that comment I started the project already so you can folon them anyway are your friends and famlow my progress at Instagram.com/stxscene ily and people like me just skip past them, and facebook.com/stxscene. or better yet, just stop following you or Hopefully this will all end well and I won’t unfriend you. It’s an annoying occurrence be dumber for giving it a go. But it’s for scithat happens way too often so I finally just need to know the answer to the universal ence, right? question: – Paul Gonzales Why? Editor
contributors PAUL GONZALES
DAPHNE GARCIA
JENN LEWIS
CATE GRIMES
Paul does things and then writes about them. That’s pretty much it. Now, sometimes, he gets to do really fun stuff and still manage to have a job when he returns to his office. Maybe they’re just not on to me yet?
Daphne has been playing video games since her mother bought her an Atari when she was 4 years old. When not killing zombies or raiding caves, Daphne can be found creating weapons and clothing for her Steampunk character.
Artsy, sassy, a little classy, with hair that looks brassy, I’m beyond 32 flavors... My passport has way more stamps than Johnny Depp’s been the main character in Tim Burton’s movies. I’ve been a teacher, radio DJ, and an art director in the past amongst other professions.
Cate spends most of her time doing whatever she wants to do. This includes long walks on the beach, miming shadow puppets and having them fistfight each other to the death, and throwing pasta noodles against the wall to see if they stick (if they do, it’s ready!)
Day #1
Day #2
editor Paul Gonzales email Paul@stxscene.com phone (361) 343-5207 website stxscene.com twitter @stxscene facebook facebook.com/stxscene Published bi-weekly by Beeville Publishing Co.
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comics
From Movies to Comic Books 2 film sequels get the funny book treatment
story by Paul Gonzales
It’s been 18 years since the novel Fight Club was published and 15 years since the film came out. And though they were both not huge successes upon initial release, they have now become as much a part of our culture as Mickey Mouse. But now the deranged alter ego of the unnamed narrator from both the film and novel has returned. Tyler Durden is back, ladies and gents, but this time in comic book form. Author Chuck
Palahniuk, who penned the novel, had always said he’d never make a sequel or even bother with continuing the story of the narrator or especially Tyler Durden. So why are we talking about it now? At last year’s New York Comic Con, he accidentally let a loose idea slip. “I messed up and said I was doing the sequel in front of 1,500 geeks with telephones,” Palahniuk said. “Suddenly, there was this big scramble to honor my word.”
edward scissorhands IDW Publishing is bring back an unlikely cinematic character this October. Edward Scissorhands will be getting his own ongoing comic book series with Kate Leth (Adventure Time) on writing duties and Drew Rausch (Haunted Mansion) handling the interior art.
with a crew of top cover artists who are not only exceptionally worthy of the task but are bringing something completely fresh and relevant to the table.” At the end of the film, Kim (Winona Ryder) who is was an old woman telling the story of Edward, is asked by her granddaughter, “How do you know he’s still alive?” to which she replies, “I don’t know. Not for sure. But I believe he is.”
“Edward Scissorhands is one of those dream projects that only pop up once in a lifetime, so any new story set in its universe demands to be treated with love and reverence,” The story continues two said IDW Editor Sarah decades later to answer Gaydos. that very question. “We’ve found a team “We’re taking the story in Drew and Kate, along forward in time and tell-
The 10-part comic book series from Dark Horse Comics takes place 10 years after the events of the end of the novel, not the film. The narrator has married Marla Singer, fathered a young son named Junior and is suppressing the Tyler Durden personality with the help of drugs. He’s struggling to become a decent father and eventually heads back to the fight clubs and the anarchist group he founded, Project Mayhem. “He tries to go back and reclaim that phase of his life and is just a pathetic failure,” Palahniuk said recently to Rolling Stone.
“He’s not that person anymore. But beyond that, it’s what the organization has grown into in his absence and what he’s pulled back into.” Art duties fall upon award-winning comic book artist Cameron Stewart. “The thing I find really liberating about it is that, because it’s a sequel to the novel, not to the film, we have a little bit more freedom to play with the visuals,” Stewart said during an interview with theverge.com. “It’s a good thing, and it’s a bad thing, because the film is so ingrained in popular culture that the image of Tyler Durden is ing a bit of a girl detective story— one of my favorite genres—a bit closer to modern times but still with that eerie, anachronistic touch,” series writer Leth said. “It’s a bit creepy, a bit scary, but always full of wonder. Drew and I have so much love for the film, and we like to think it shows. Keep your eyes peeled for Easter eggs and plenty of spirals…” You see, to Kim’s granddaughter, Edward is just a myth. But when strange things begin to happen in her sleepy little neighborhood, she decides it’s time to
Brad Pitt—and we can- and what all the characnot make it look anything ters have been up to these like Brad Pitt for various days. legal reasons.” We will have to wait a With or without Pitt’s bit though, as the comic likeness, it’s still pretty book series won’t be hitexciting to see where ting comic book store Durden takes us this time shelves until next May. discover the truth about the mysterious man with scissor hands who may or may not still be lurking in his dilapidated house on the hill at the edge of town. “I keep having to remind myself that this is happening—but if there was ever a team made for telling the further tales of Edward Scissorhands, it has to be Kate and I,” said series artist Drew Rausch. “No—seriously, IDW just built us a few months
ago from some parts they had lying around. It’s been a little weird. We’re still getting the hang of all this ‘living’ stuff, but we promise to deliver a story that’s just as perfectly timeless, chilling and heartwarming as the original—cross our cookie hearts!” So if you ever wondered what happened to Edward after the film ended, now’s your chance to return to the beloved character and his world.
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AUGUST 4-17, 2014
film review Another thing that sets this film apart from other revenge flicks is the pace and visuals. Writer/director Jeremy Saulnier used locations familiar to him from childhood that causes him to really introduce the audience to a world that feels real and lived-in. Saulnier also brings his keen cinematographers eye to fill the frame with beautifully and carefully designed shots that continue the story even when no dialogue is present.
a dish best served cold
R
by Paul Gonzales
evenge stories are an entire genre to themselves, not to mention popular. Liam Neeson has made a career killing foreign baddies who have kidnapped his family. Mel Gibson has made a few revenge flicks full of bullets and blood on pretty sizable budgets. The thing that sets “Blue Ruin” apart is the fact that it tells the basic story a completely different way. It’s honest and brutal with a tough of irony and humor. The plot revolves around Dwight, who we’re introduced to looking disheveled with long hair, scraggly beard and dirty clothes. He basically looks like a homeless bum and lives in his car by the beach. Eventually, we learn that the man who killed his parents is being released from prison, and he decides to go and seek revenge, eye-for-an-eye style. The set-up is simple enough. But it’s the fact that Dwight isn’t Neeson or Gibson, and this isn’t a multimillion dollar
Hollywood film. Dwight’s a real guy living in the real world. He doesn’t own a gun. He’s probably never even been in a fight. But he’s hellbent on killing the guy he thinks ruined his life. And I can say, without giving away anything, that once he succeeds, the movie only truly begins. Dwight isn’t an idiot per se, but he’s pretty inept at the whole killing thing. And that brings with it the afore mentioned humor element. Macon Blair portrays Dwight with an everyman goofy charm and embraces the fact that he
in no way, shape or form should be killing anyone. And that’s what makes the whole film work. He’s set on this path that veers dangerously close to the cliffs of horror and brutality, and it’s a fun ride. One of the standout actors in the film is Devin Ratray, who some may remember as Macaulay Culkin’s older brother Buzz in the “Home Alone” movies. He plays Dwight’s childhood friend, Ben, whom Dwight seeks out for help. He’s charming and sincere, has grown to be a great actor and steals the show whenever he’s present.
This being his second feature film, and most successful to date (see sidebar), I can’t wait to see what he’s got up his sleeve as a follow up. “Blue Ruin” is a fascinating portrait of hard reality of what we face when our direct actions result in dangerous repercussions and how we, the regular Joes of the world, would most likely deal with them. It’s a well done, thought provoking piece of cinema that will warrant multiple viewings. “Blue Ruin” is out on Blu Ray, DVD and VOD.
Nearly Ruined:
the making of a revenge movie The making of “Blue Ruin” should be a movie in itself. Writer and director Jeremy Saulnier’s 2007 feature debut with his pal Macon Blair (who he’s known for more than 30 years) was called “Murder Party”, and it turned out to be a popular film festival hit. After getting a distribution deal, they were certain that fame and fortune would follow. Then nothing happened. Saulnier, who is a father, ended up taking cinematographer work for corporate videos and indie film shoots to pay the bills. He was writing a lot, but none of the projects were gaining any traction, and he was having trouble securing financing for any of his projects. T h e n “ B l u e R u i n ” came to him. He figured the only way to make another film is if he did himself. And with another child on the way, he decided he needed to get it done as fast and as cheap as possible. So his wife cashed in her retirement. He maxed out his Amex card (to the tune of $180,000). He even started a last minute Kickstarter campaign to get the rest of the funds. He lied to actors auditioning and took meetings with producers, bullsh*tting them until they signed on.
One way or another, the film was going to get made. And after the film was in the can, they decided to send a work in progress print to the Sundance Film Festival and were quickly rejected. The entire crew, Saulnier included, were floored. They quietly returned to their day jobs and began editing on the weekends. Just for the hell of it, they submitted to the Cannes Film Festival, and a few weeks later they got the confirmation of their acceptance for the Directors’ Fortnight. And before they knew it, they were in France, and Saulnier watched the film for the first time in another country with wellknown journalists and filmmakers in the audience. Afterwards, they signed the paperwork, and their little film that could was sold. Reviews came out and were really good. All of a sudden, everyone wanted to know these guys, and scripts came rolling in. Saulnier says he’s on a hiatus from his corporate gig because you just never know what will happen in this industry. And now with three, kids he’s taking his time finding the right project to make sure he can turn this into a career.
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local music
Summerfest returns to Beeville once Pat Green will return to Beeville to again, and it looks to be bigger and bet- close down the show at 10:30 p.m. ter than last year’s. Summerfest has become a huge draw Summerfest, for the uninitiated few, for Bee County as music lovers travelis an annual music event held at the ing from all over Texas for two nights of Bee County Expo Center and is split Texas music. The Bee County Chamber of between two days, Friday, Aug. 8, and Commerce also has hotel package deals Saturday, Aug. 9. for those looking to make a weekend Friday is Tejano night featuring fan out of the event and can be reached by favorites Siggno headlining with Ricky calling (361) 358-3267 or visiting www. Naranjo and Luna y Sol Mariachi open- experiencebeecounty.org where tickets ing up the show starting at 8 p.m. can also be purchased. Saturday is Texas country night So, why not say goodbye to summer with the Dave Rukkus Band and Cory with a bang and a couple of nights of Morrow kicking things off at 8 p.m. awesome music?
Make it a Summer to Remember August 8th & 9th
SIGGNO - Aug. 8th The Tejano band Siggno were founded in 2000 and have since exploded all over the world. They’re smooth, sincere love ballads have caused girls to swoon and their upbeat dance tracks have been shuffling boots for years.
spawned the hit single “Pero Hablame” which led to a second album on Crown Records, Por Amor, in 2002. In 2005 Siggno subsequently signed to a new record label, Serca Music, and released the Siggno made their full- album Caminando. The length album debut with band then signed to yet Al Principio in 2001 and another label, Freddie
Records in Corpus Christi and released their fourth album, Amor y Dolor, in 2006. The album contained the hit single “Mejor Dimelo.” 2007’s Capitulo 5 and 2008’s Six Pack were both released on Freddie Records and were nominated for Latin Grammys.
Pat Green - Aug. 9th
throughout his career. It’s called “Pat Green’s Dance Halls & Dreamers.”
Jesse Turner, lead vocals and accordion player, is a young and energetic guy who leads Siggno in to explosive live shows with impressive bravado.
his belt, he’s had 15 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, of which the highest-peaking is the No. 3 “Wave on Wave” from his gold-certified album of the same name. He’s toured the country with the likes of Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson and Kenny Chesney and, in 2008, released a cofGreen has been a fee table book containTexas country staple. With ing photos of dance halls 10 studio records under that he had frequented
The book includes interviews with musicians Willie Nelson, Jack Ingram, Cross Canadian Ragweed and Robert Earl Keen and features Texas locations such a Gruene Hall, Luckenbach and Floore’s Country Store. Though hitting Nashville for a stint and gaining a national audience, in 2011, he announced his return to Texas and independent music.
BEE COUNTY EXPO CENTER Friday is Tejano Night Siggno 10:30pm Ricky Naranjo 9pm & Luna Y Sol Mariachi 8pm Saturday is Texas Country Pat Green 10:30pm Cory Morrow 9pm & Dave Rukkus Band 8pm Doors open at 7pm
Presale Tickets $12 pick up at
1st National Bank, Texas Champion Bank, Pantry Stores, Bee County Expo Center, Chamber Of Commerce
Tickets are $15 at the door
Tickets available online at www.experiencebeecounty.org Make a weekend out of it! Contact the Bee County Chamber of Commerce for great hotel packages @ 361-358-3267 or any other questions
Experience Bee County!
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AUGUST 4-17, 2014
cover story “It feels know.”
right,
you
Then, add to the mix Matt Noveskey, bass player for the rock band Blue October, who came in to produce their debut album “Wreck Me.”
can’t slow down
Cody Bryan Band
H
onestly, I had no idea who the Cody Bryan Band was when their management team emailed me to let me know they were going to be in town. In their publicity shots, they looked just like every other “Texas Country” band that I get emails from wanting some press. And, of course, they’re also from Austin. What band isn’t these days? I clicked on the attached link, which was a video for their new single, “When We Were Made,” and I immediately became a fan. The Texas Country music scene is severely saturated at the moment with every guitar picker from here to Tucson moving to Texas and waving the “Texas Country” banner around wildly. And to stand out among the slew of shaggy haired young guns taking over the country (and pop) charts is pretty damn near impossible. “It’s definitely is a little bit tricky. I feel like it
has a different spin on things,” Cody Bryan said, talking about their debut album released last May.
will say, but it’s a blast.’
The aforementioned a laugh. “guys” are none other The bass player ended than Bryan’s band whom up being Miles Barker, he met playing music. who joined the band, with Bryan recalled, “I ended Zach Lynch bringing up up getting rid of my drum- the rear a few years later. mer that I played with my Together, the musifreshman year of college cians formed the alternaand picked up this guy tive rock band Aimless named Casey Conway, Gun and played around sort of just a friend of a the Austin area while friend.” attending college. But “He started playing country music was never far from his mind.
“This was his first country album he’s ever produced,” Bryan said. “He had a different take on things. It was fresh for him, and it was fresh for He soon accompanied us as well because this Noveskey to one of Hoge’s was our first real country live shows and was comalbum.” pletely transformed. Bryan cites Grammy-
nominated American singer, songwriter and story by Paul Gonzales musician Will Hoge as a huge influence on the “Basically, if you lis- debut record. ten to the lyrics and the chords that I always played and kind of the structure of the song, it’s always been country style music. Everything I’ve ever written has had that ‘country style’ to it.
drums for us, and he knew Miles, who was a bass player. My dad was still playing bass for us “It’s a different take at that time, and Casey than those other Texas was like, ‘Dude, I know Country guys. I think this guy; I’ve been in a a lot of that has to do couple of bands with him, and he’s a really great with the guys’ rock backbass player. He’s a lot “Casey and Miles ground, so if you listen to better than your dad’,” always fought the counthe record it still has a Bryan remembered with try thing. They grew up very rock feel to it.” listening to rock and roll; ‘It’s definitely been a change Metallica, Tool, stuff like that. And I’d come in here of pace. We haven’t ever toured with a country song, and come into it comlike we are now. Every weekend they’d pletely rock minded, so we’re going out, playing differ- they fought the country thing in the Aimless Gun ent cities. It’s fun. It’s tiring, I band.” Eventually, the band decided to simply go with the flow and embraced Bryan’s country aspirations. They changed their name to the Cody Bryan Band, wrote some new tunes and hit the ground running. “I feel like everyone in the band agrees that it was the right move,” Bryan said. “Really, within the past year and a half, we’ve progressed more than we did as Aimless Gun in four years.
“I heard about him from a couple of my songwriting buddies, and they said I needed to check him out. And I kind of just shrugged it off. Then another guy told me about him so I went, all right, I heard it from two people, so I’m going to give this guy a listen. I went and checked out his records online and found out this guy was awesome.”
“His whole style, the way his drummer played, everything about him. It was a big influence on me.”
Cody and the Crow
During a slot at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Cody Bryan had an unexpected spectator in the crowd during his set.
“I thought, ‘That looks a lot like Adam Duritz from Counting Crows.’ And then he gets a little bit closer, and I thought, ‘Holy cow. That is Adam “One time we were Duritz right there.’ And playing a show out at we had just played his Salt Lick BBQ, which is song. a really great barbecue “I wonder how he place here in the Austin would’ve felt if he heard area. We were playing out there for one show, us play it. Would he have and we had just cov- liked it? Would he have ered a Counting Crows come up and told us song called “Holiday in to stop playing it? Like, Spain.” About 10 min- ‘You’re degrading my utes later, I look up and song!’” Bryan mused I see this guy with huge with a laugh. dreads. Sort of, like, “But that was pretty fro/dreadlocks,” Bryan recalled with a laugh. cool.”
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cover story As we spoke over the phone, Bryan was prepping new tracks for Cody Bryan Band’s sophomore effort.
been achieving spills out over the phone lines. He’s genuinely excited about the shows, the fans, the venues, recording new tracks – everything.
“We just started preproduction last night for these new songs. I’m super pumped up. Our producer, Matt Noveskey, came in last night. He’s producing the next few songs, and he said, ‘Man, I’m really pumped to work on these tunes. I can really tell you guys have been out on the road and busting your chops. It’s showing.’” It has been a wild year and half as the band has been all over the map getting their name out there and playing show after show for an evergrowing audience. “It’s definitely been a change of pace. We haven’t ever toured like we are now. Every weekend we’re going out, playing different cities. It’s fun. It’s tiring, I will say, but it’s a blast. “I think all of us are really enjoying getting out and getting to play for new people, playing new venues. It’s always fun stepping up on a new
“We were driving up to Lubbock this past weekend, and I was passed out in the back of our Suburban, and I hear the DJ say, ‘...and here’s the Cody Bryan Band.’ “I asked myself, ‘Did I just hear that?’ I was still half asleep, and then I hear the beginning riffs of our song (mimics the tune over the phone), and I said, ‘Hey, AJ, turn it up!’
‘It’s cool to hear your song on the radio. It’s one of those things – it’s crazy. Still not quite used to it.’ stage and feeling it out. “We made up to North
Texas and West Texas this weekend. “I saw a tumbleweed as big as a car,” Bryan said with a laugh. “It’s been fun.”
“It’s cool to hear your song on the radio. It’s one of those things – it’s crazy. Still not quite used to it.”
check them out here
Cody Bryan Band Thursday, Aug. 14
Brewster Street Ice House 1724 N. Tancahua St. Corpus Christi, TX doors open at 7 p.m. His early days included playing his first show solo for a high school pep rally. “I was nervous as could be. I played in front of probably four or five hundred kids, just me and my guitar. I was shaking, I was all nervous, but it turned out well.” Later, he graduated from UT in Austin
with a civil engineering degree. “I have that piece of paper hanging on my wall. We’ll see if I ever have to use it one day.” Yet, Bryan’s story is getting bigger and better with every passing moment. He understands that with hard work and dedication, nothing can stop his band at this point. “It’s really just about the new record right now and touring. It’s just spreading the word about who we are and getting on the road and playing our butts off. “That’s it.” You can hear tracks and see where they’ll be next at codybryanmusic. com and www.facebook. com/CodyBryanBand.
And it seems to be working, as their album has been slowly, but surely, making its way up the charts. Chatting with Bryan over the phone, his sincerity and complete sense of wonderment about the success his band has
Upon first listen to Cody Bryan Band’s newest single, “When We Were Made,” it immediately took me back the golden good ol’ days of ’90s country music when names like George, Garth and Clint ruled the radio. “I agree with you,” Cody Bryan said of the song. “Here’s the thing— I was a ’90s kid, too. I grew up in the ’90s, so that influenced a lot of the music. The ’90s alternative stuff, too, like Matchbox 20’s Rob Thomas, and I did listen to guys like
Garth Brooks and George Strait because my mom would listen to them and go see them in concert and come back and tell me how awesome these concerts were. “And I’d be sitting in the back of the minivan, and she’d be jamming George Strait or Garth Brooks. There’s a reason why it probably has that vibe to it.” The single also has a gorgeous video set at the end of the world. You can check it out at codybryanmusic.com
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AUGUST 4-17, 2014
music
2 Live Crew: Keeping it ‘Nasty’ after all these years
story by Cate Grimes • photos by Micah DeBenedetto
PIMPIN’ AINT EASY 2 Live Crew were in town to promote their newest single ‘Take It Off’ with a performance at club XS Ultra Lounge in Corpus Christ. They stopped by Disc Go Round to meet some of their fans before heading out for the night’s gig.
O
n Friday, July 18, the baddest boys of the rap scene, 2 Live Crew, brought all their “Nasty As They Wanna Be” music and antics to Corpus Christi, playing a show at XS Ultra Lounge for their “Kingz of Twerk“ tour. The “2” remaining members, Mark “Brother Marquis” Ross and Chris “Kid Ice” Wong Won, joined Disc Go Round for a pre-show signing of their latest single “Take It Off” which is spinning on radio stations as we speak. Luther “Luke” Campbell, David “Mr. Mixx” Hobbs along with Brother Marquis and Kid Ice originally formed the band in California in the ’80s. After their songs
became popular in Miami, they relocated to the Sunshine State where their success started to skyrocket. And we’ve been shakin’ our booties to them ever since. In 1989, 2 Live Crew released their third album “As Nasty As They Wanna Be” and quickly became the target for many rightwing conservative lawsuits for obscenity. One AFA (American Family Association) lawyer even went so far as to try have them completely banned in the United States. After a district court judge ruled the album obscene and illegal to sell, record store owners and radio stations were warned that distributing any of 2 Live Crew’s music would result in criminal
But with such great hits like “Me So Horny”, “Pop That P***y”, and charges which also result- “Hoochie Mama,” who can ed in some of the group’s members being arrested really blame us? during their live perforIt’s that kind of conmances. troversial content that But all is fair in free- makes the group so great. dom of speech, and after the group was acquitted, the obscenity ruling was overturned, and the band blasted back with their 1990 release “Banned In the USA,” which permissively sampled Bruce Springstein’s “Born in the USA.” 2 Live Crew was the band you went out and secretly bought behind your parents’ back and abruptly turned off if they happened to walk into your room while you were listening. And by “listening,” I mean inappropriately twerking all over the place.
They dared to say things at a time when no one else did. And today, while still vigorously gyrating our tushies, 2 Live Crew are the rappers we can get down to even more.
been quoted simply saying, “We make party music.” So whether you’re totally offended by and hate them or celebrate a good butt workout and love them, that’s something everyone can agree Brother Marquis has on.
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health & fitness
A
Finding the YOUga inYoga
ll too often, the stereotypes of yoga prevent what could be a life-changing experience that could permanently improve a person’s life if done regularly. Imagine if weight loss, relaxation, and an overall sense of happiness were part of your everyday life and all you had to do was embrace the principles of yoga... Contrary to popular belief perpetuated by TV shows about trophy wives who practice yoga or the even more common stereotype of the “treehugging hippie” who is yoga-obsessive, yoga is for everyone. Period. There is no requirement to be a “Sex and the City” ex-cast member out of Manhattan and you don’t have to be naked, howling at the moon to be able to do it. It is an art and a science for health that is available for anyone who is open and willing to try it out. Lindy Burns, owner of Youga Yoga, shed some light on the reasons why yoga is so effective: it stim-
story by Jenn Lewis ulates blood flow throughout the body and thus it sends blood to the thyroid which regulates emotion and metabolism. “Asana” (which can be defined as a physical yoga posture or position that is designed to help master the body and enhance the body’s functions) tones and realigns the body; whereas a lot of physical fitness exercises deplete, misalign, compress and dehydrate the body. Crunches, she explained, can cause wear and tear on the spine which perpetuates tension. “People are queuing into the health benefits of yoga. It’s undeniable; people are experiencing it and sharing it with friends. That’s how asana has grown so
much in the West,” Lindy said with a confident smile. Yoga according to Lindy, unlocks health and vitality fitness. “It heals the body and returns to its natural blueprint so we begin to create strength and agility with every step that we take vs. perpetuating wear and tear with every step.” In addition to blood circulation and toning muscles, “yoga helps the body to excrete that which is not needed and to better absorb vitamins, minerals and nutrients which are needed,” Lindy explained. Getting rid of toxins through stimulation of digestion is important as Lindy commented, “yoga helps to relieve our body of toxins and when our bodies are less toxic, it then resonates and cleans and clears the body, making the hair and skin more radiant.” “Think of it like squeezing a sponge – loosening our organs and helping toxins move around and move out of ‘lock-down’ mode. Yoga exercises every single part of our body – head, spine, feet, all of it; that blueprint helps with tone, balance, and alignment and reverberating that balance throughout the body.” There are other elements to yoga like the emotional and psychological responses one experiences. “You could have the best diet, best physical
activity in the world but if you do nothing to address your stress that can only do so much,” Lindy continued. s“Yoga awakens consciousness to train the mind and body to become better partners, creating a long-term shift of the trajectory of the individual. Science of yoga is the birth of modern medicine and psychology, so it begs the questions: why do I hurt physically and mentally? It helps us to face illusions and move through them and understand reality.” And some may be stepping out of your “real comfort zone” – BAREFOOT – it’s the only way to start! So you might want to revert to or gravitate towards such “Summer of Love circa 1969” visuals but for only just a moment; you’ll get used to it. It’s vital since being barefoot helps to strengthen a foundation and stimulate digestion. Lindy is no stranger to the importance of community outreach and how useful yoga is in various elements of our society. Besides being a yoga therapist, she’s a community outreach therapist, has a master’s in clinical psychology, and has worked with numerous programs like CCISD, Bluecross/ Blueshield, Texas Juvenile
Justice Department, City Hall, and the Science and History Museum, just to name a few. With about a 1,000 hours of training and experience under her yoga pants as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), she has been practicing for about 14 years and teaching for 10. Not to mention she is also a roving professor at local universities and, so to say, her approach is diverse is an understatement, as Lindy said “group dynamic – that’s how I serve my community on a larger scale.” “My mission is to carry out the science that I have found in all the different domains, by working with providers and who they seek to serve. We make it applicable to them. We educate the community on why yoga is effective – why it’s phenomenal for weight loss, mental health, for child bearing, rehabilitation, etc. It’s about community enhancement through personal enrichment.” Adaptable and passionate, Lindy is the lady to speak to if you have any questions about the world of yoga. And she is planning a visit to Sinton soon to share her knowledge and one of her donationbased classes with you all. Look for more infor-
mation on this event in upcoming editions. There are also regular classes at her Youga Yoga studio in downtown Corpus Christi. So if twisting and stretching helps to massage organs to help detoxify the body, and we can shift our sympathetic nervous system (or flight vs. flight) mode to “rest and digest” mode, as Lindy referred to it, and at the same time tone muscles and gain more flexibility, and perhaps a sense of peace also, then trying out yoga might very well be the best idea you could add to your next to-do list. Sustainability is the key, and Lindy wants to help. “We are here to help people engage their own practice and to teach them the mechanisms for their own integrative, holistic approach, based on their own lifestyle and needs. Our intention is to uphold the science which unlocks the beauty within you, the innate organic beauty is nothing that you can buy. No surgery, no product can bring forth the light in your eyes, expansion in your heart, and healthier digestion for healthier skin, hair, eyes and wellness.” Namaste.
Going on tour? Let your fans know where you’re going to be. Tue. Mar 18 - Vancouver, BC with the Boondocks
Wed. Mar 19 - Seattle, WA with Wildlife & Peter Rabbit
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AUGUST 4-17, 2014
gaming
Confessions of a Co-op Gamer By Daphne Garcia
There is nothing that I like more than enjoying good company while playing video games. Sharing and working towards a common goal with friends in order to succeed is what makes co-op gaming so great. Bonding and fun times; that’s what it’s all about. Now, not to sound boastful, but I like to consider myself a great co-op partner when it comes to co-op shooters like “Left 4 Dead.” I make sure to always have my partners’ back. I rescue them when they get in over their head, heal them when they are low on health or make the noble sacrifice to ensure their continued success. I know I will just respawn at the next checkpoint. Never leave a member behind. That is my normal creed when
playing these games. But on occasion, co-op games seem to take a much darker and sinister tone around me. One small word will send my co-op gameplay into a “bloodbath”. Collectibles. What would you do to ensure you get a level’s collectibles? Those little gems or bubbles that, once collected, will unlock hidden treasures and costumes in the game. The collectibles will drive me to kill my fellow companions. Let the carnage begin! One franchise I am notoriously known for offing my travel companions is “Little Big Planet.”
“Little Big Planet” is a family-friendly platforming game where players can dress up their little Sackboy in fanciful costume and even build their own levels. It’s a fun game to play with children of all ages. But it has collectibles in the shape of bubbles. Theses bubbles contain costuming and scenery that can be used in your own level creations. Some bubbles are easy to get, and others take a little more finesse. Both of these type of bubbles I can obtain myself with a little time and practice. Then there are the hard to reach bubbles or the ones that require up to four players to unlock the secret compartment. That’s when my eyes grow large, and the mayhem starts. “Oh look, that bubble is over some deadly fog. I could possible make it if I jump” or, plan B, if I throw someone they will definitely get the bubble. I will go with plan B. This is normally followed by “Sorry. At least we got the bubble.” Another game that will shed me of my humanity is BattleBlock Theatre. This is another great little platform that I recently came across. This game has multiple settings that a person can play solo, with friends or have battle arena matches with up to seven other people.
Playing in the arena, you are rewarded gems based on winning. However, it’s the story mode that leads to my Gollum-like demeanor, trying to get those precious gems. The collected gems during the level will determine your final level score. OK, I didn’t collect all the gems and got a B. Not thrilled, but I will live. Then comes the gift shop where your gems are used to free prisoners, essentially unlocking different heads for your character. I must collect them all! And now I sound like a Pokemon trainer. The most unfortunate
part—the more heads you collect, the steeper the price of them gets. In a recent playthrough with a close friend, I had obtained wings; she did not. Next came a series of platforms containing spikes. She was carefully landing on the perilous platforms in order to avoid the spikes. My wings only had so many button pushes before they would disappear, but I still needed them to get a gem above some water. I couldn’t waste them, so I slammed her down on the spikes to save those precious wings. She was still in a state of shock while I flew to retrieve the gem and reach the next checkpoint. Once I was safe and my gem secure, I couldn’t stop the maniacal laughing while I was bombarded with: “You killed me,” and “You had wings.” So, why, if I am so deadly while playing games that dangle sparkles in my face, would anyone in their right mind still play with me? According to DeadbyDay,
“I play with you because it’s fun. It’s also fun to watch your slow decent into madness as we play.” Oh, good, I provide entertainment. “Not to mention it rubs off, and we become just as obsessed,” DeadbyDay slyly added afterwards. Well, at least I am in good company as I descend into madness— all because of pretty little shinies developers add to their game. So, there you have it: confessions of a gamer and the lengths to which they go in order to obtain those little doodads thrown into a game. Now, go forth and game on.
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Thurs., Aug. 7 • Twin Peaks Party at Disc Go Round: Dress in your Twin Peaks best and hang out with other Twin Peaks lovers, and if you’re over 21 feel free to bring your favorite beverage and don’t forget your I.D. It kicks off at 8 p.m. 5734 Mcardle Rd. Ste. A in Corpus Christi. • Black Flag at The House of Rock: Cinema Cinema will be opening the show for America’s favorite punk rockers Black Flag. Doors open at 7 p.m., and it’s only $20 to catch the legends in action. 511 Starr St. in Corpus Christi.
Fri., Aug. 8 • Summerfest at Bee County Expo Center: The two-day summer music bash kicks off Friday at 7 p.m. with Tejano Night featuring Ricky Naranjo and headliners Siggno. Tickets are $12 at the door. 214 S. FM 351 in Beeville. • Avenue Rockers at Boneshakers: The Avenue Rockers are back from their East Coast tour and ready to bring the punk rock back to Corpus Christi. It’s a free show so make sure to show up and welcome the boys back home. 6314 4522 Weber Road in Corpus Christi.
Sat., Aug. 9 • Summerfest at Bee County Expo Center: The two-day summer music bash ends with Texas Country Night at 7 p.m. featuring Dave
Goliad.
Fri., Aug. 22
Rukkus Band and Pat Green. Tickets are $12 at the door. 214 S. FM 351 in Beeville. • Cliff House Records at Disc Go Round: Cliff House Records brings the music with performances by Electronic Meditation Program, Shayna Sands, Enter/Exit, and The Blind Owls. The whole thing starts at 8 p.m. and ends at midnight. B.Y.O.B. with proper I.D. 6314 Yorktown Blvd., Suite 106 in Corpus Christi. • Metalachi at Brewster Street Ice House: Your favorite heavy metal mariachi band is back at Brewster Street. It’s $10 pre-sale and $15 at the door. The music starts at 9 p.m. 1724 N. Tancahua St. in Corpus Christi. • Asleep at the Wheel at Schroeder Hall: The nine-time Grammy winning country artists are coming back to Goliad with Lone Star Swing opening the show. The doors open at 8 p.m., and tickets are $30 at the door or $25 if you head to their website schroederdancehall.com. 12516 FM 622 in Goliad.
Sun., Aug. 10
• 361 Photographers Meet and Greet at Tatum’s Lounge & Grill: Makeup artist Dolly Munster will be featuring four to five different models for a theatrical art, beauty- and blood-themed shoot. And if you’re a model and want to meet photographers, this is the place to do it. 6314 Yorktown Blvd., Suite 106 in Corpus Christi. • Corpus Christi Songwriters at The House of Rock: Are you a songwriter and want to meet other musicians? This is where you should go. The format is simple: each songwriter is allowed to perform two original songs. Once everyone has shared their songs, stories and inspirations behind them, the cycle will begin again. The whole deal starts at 7 p.m. 511 Starr St. in Corpus Christi.
Mon., Aug. 11
• Hawthorne Heights at The House of Rock: Rock band Hawthorne Heights will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of their breakout album “The Silence in Black and White” along with New Empire, Cupid’s Victim and An Everyday Tradition. Doors open at 7 p.m., and it’s just $12. 511 Starr St. in Corpus Christi.
Thurs., Aug. 14 • Casey Donahew Band at Brewster Street Ice House: The Cody Bryan Band will be opening the show for the Casey Donahew Band for 94.7’s Texas Throwdown Thursdays. Tickets are $20 at the door. 1724 N. Tancahua St. in Corpus Christi..
Fri., Aug. 15 • Chris Kattan at Chuckles Comedy Club: You’ve seen him on Saturday Night Live.
You’ve seen him in Night at the Roxbury. And now you can see him live. Kattan will be at Chuckles performing from Friday thru Sunday. All shows start at 8 p.m. Grab your tickets online at chucklescomedyclub.ticketleap. com. 615 N. Mesquite St. in Corpus Christi.
Sat., Aug. 16 • Josh Grider at Schroeder Hall: Josh Grider bring his mellow country presence back to Schroeder. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the music kicks off at 9 p.m., and it’s just $10. 12516 FM 622 in
• Manic Drive at New Life Church: New Life Church will be rocking in the new school year with Manic Drive, and the event is free for anyone who wishes to attend. The event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. 4622 US 181 Business in Beeville.
Sat., Aug. 23 • Dog Days End at Paisano Ballroom: Celebrate the end of summer with some live rock and roll music. Punk band TSS from Victoria will be headlining the show with Beeville locals Ded Leevz opening up. More bands will be announced soon. 300 W. Hefferman St. in Beeville. Need your awesome event listed? Drop us a line at Paul@stxscene.com or send us a Facebook event invite at facebook.com/stxscene.
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“When I started working, I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, in that I was just wandering around, hoping that I could succeed. Then after I got a little under my belt, it took me about 25 years to feel like I knew what I was doing.” – James Garner (1928–2014)
AUGUST 4-17, 2014