Galveston Wizard, Volume #10: Unity Begets Discovery

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G’Wiz

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Galveston Wizard

Vol.. #10

Free-to-the-reader, funded by Advertisers-funded-by-readers

Your Y You our fi first firs rst rs st is issue? ssue sue ue ? Read up! Back Back issues online!

“Unity Begets Discovery”

Crazy Little Thing Called Love Page 8

Making Mardi Grow

Page 9

Sheeple Page 13

More!

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DiBella’s Unity U nity B Begets egets D Discovery iscoovery y

G’Wiz: Galveston Wizard

31st and Ave P Galveston Island , TX

Lunch

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Tuesday-Friday From 11am - 2pm

Set on a corner in the middle of residential Galveston, on a one way street on an island in the Gulf of Mexico, one wouldn’t expect to find one of the world’s best restaurants. Think again. For over 18 years, DiBella’s Italian Restaurant has been where locals go to enjoy top quality Italian Food, to see and be seen, and to enjoy a great time. Tourists in-the-know also soak (or resoak) up the scene and delicious quisine whenever possible on thier visits. Come enjoy DiBella’s daily lunch and weekend night specials, or catch traditional favorites like the Filet and Pasta, a favorite of Greg Goodwin (at left). Who might we find at DiBella’s tonight? We hope it’s you!

Dinner Tuesday-Sunday From 5pm - 9pm* *Open ‘til 10, Friday and Saturday

409.763.9036 Reservations Recommended

       

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Down & Down Alternative Comforters

Becci King Personal Consultant 409.939.8483



[email protected]

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Unity Begets Discovery

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3

A Wizard Is Nothing Without His Staff

G’Wiz: GalvestonWizard Periodical, Volume #10, Book 1. “Unity Begets Discovery”. Design by Isaac Almaguer and David Torkelson. Special Thanks to Danny, Larry and Luz at Morgan Studios for the assistance with the costumes. Great Costumes for any occasion. Look for the “Behind the Curtain” of Volume #10’s Cover in our next issue. Enjoy the fruits of our labors.

Publisher/Editor/Design/ Layout/Photography/ Content: David Torkelson Quest: Put the puzzle together.

Advertising/Design/Layout/ Editorial/Photography/Content/Duties as Assigned: Linda Sivy Quest: Be myself and no one else.

Assistant-to-the-editor/ Photography/Content: Baconious Quest: Millionaire Webmas-

Advertising/Promotions: B. Baughn Quest:

girl Baughn girl Baughn

ter, laughing like they do in Hudsucker Proxy.

Art Direction/Design/ Layout/Editorial/Photography/Content: Isaac Almaguer Quest: Be Professionally Awesome.

TM

Beach Apparel

?

Role(S): Your Name Here Quest: You tell us.

Contributors Thomas Graves M. Phillips The Outsider Scott Field Cree Photography The Imagician Calvin Werle

Marie Chuck George Douglas Lee Andre Robert Taylor/Nick Saum Julie Brown Arlessa Wise

Advertising David Torkelson Linda Sivy Rick Bacon Chance Weatherly Arlessa Wise Steven Kelley Johan/Vicki Distribution David Torkelson Jason Gorham Linda Sivy Baughn Mike Silkscreen Wizard Press Gorilla Rick Bacon Steven Kelley Web Wizards David Torkelson Isaac Almaguer Xpress Web Pages

Dry your eyes Volume #10 has arrived. Each and every volume of the Galveston Wizard is layered like an onion. You skip it, you miss it! You are not a super-speed reader, take your time, and view previous volumes online.

www.galvestonwizard.com

What’s in a Staff? That blinding, piercing light, draining energy from all wizards on the cover, united in one cause is the birth of something, Anything! Unity Begets Discovery. Bearing quests all your own, you bring with you a set of skills, knowledge, understanding, and experience completely unique from every other person in the world. Still, there is only one of you. Just as the Galveston Wizard is nothing without it’s staff, so are you lacking in strength in areas essential to your goals. Working together with others, seeing and understanding more clearly the goals of your fellow human, and sharing those of your own, creates the possibility to work together towards even greater possibilities than first imagined! “Help me help you help us.” Part Newspaper, Part Magazine, Part FAQ...A Periodical ‘til the rubber leaves the runway. Join us in our quest to bring you more events, bring more customers to your door and bring your voice to the people!

ONE of our ccover stories, Marc Phillips’

“Sith Lord Speaks in Galveston” someho missed the final binding of volsomehow ume #9! #9 Boo! So sorry! More Marc, page article online now. 24, uncirculated unc

Subscribe/Newsletter Loo to be able to subscribe to fuLook ture cool articles from the Galveston Wizard archives, delivered right rig to your email inbox. More info inf at our Web sites soon!

Many of you may have caught (literally) literally) our Galveston Island Mardi Gras as 2008 souvenir shirts. We know 199 other ther people who did too, many of them em from places like Wisconsin, NY Y City, LA and anywhere in between! Check our Web site for future souvenir or r&m shirt possibilities! Special ial thanks to Isaac Almaguer for thee design, and our sponsors!

who

sponsored? T.F. Hippie’s, DiBella’s, Tropical Taxi (x2!), Taco Cabana, The Poop Deck, Squeaky Clean Windows, Premiere Cinema, Gulf Coast Bail Bonds, and Galveston Liquor.

contact information:

Web site: www.galvestonwizard.com Email: [email protected] MySpace: www.myspace.com/galvestonwizard Phone: 409.621.2864 Mail: P.O. Box 3467 Galveston Texas 77552-3467

Disclaimer

(or, claimer that we’re not dissin’)

The views expressed in each Galveston Wizard are those of the authors and in no way represent the viewpoint of Galveston Wizard Periodical, it’s advertisers, affiliates, friends or relatives. It is just that, a viewpoint. What do you do with that? Well, properly hearing it out is a start. Driven to rage? Upset? How or why? Feel free to let us know of any views, ideas, suggestions, or clarifications you have and we’ll make every effort to relay those to your fellow reader as well. Discussions end ignorance and increase tolerance and understanding. The Galveston Wizard serves as a mirror. One in which you can see many viewpoints.

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Unity Begets Discovery

G’Wiz: Galveston Wizard

Letters to the Galveston Wizard Periodical Hi! I work with the Zak Perry Band, based in Austin, TX. They will be playing about once a month from now through the end of summer. I was wondering who to talk to about getting a write- up about the band in the Wizard. Maybe with interviews of the band members , etc... G Wiz has cracked us up on many drives home from Galveston and we would be honored to have a story in there! Thanks so much! ~Sherry www.zakperry.com ***** Hello, I was just wondering how the wizard is doing. And also, for some story ideas, what kind of story or editorials are you looking for? Is there specific kinds of photography or specific events you are looking to photograph? -shon day ***** Wiz, I like your idea. I’m going to sleep on it, talk with my partner tomorrow, and I’ll put together an add tomorrow for #11. Any chance of meeting for coffee tomorrow so we could talk more? Email me in the morning, or if you’re a night dude, write me back tonight about what time you could meet. Talk to you soon, Bear ***** The aircraft is down for maintence. GG ****** Hello G’Wiz, Thank’s for thinking of us, but the GAC’s ArtWalk ad dollars are committed through the end of the year. You might like to contact the others participating in ArtWalk, perhaps they have some advertising dollars in their budgets that haven’t been spoken for yet. -Robin ***** First of all, you guys were a great asset to our party- It was a blast for me too, What I am suggesting is that we do more pens for you at 10% over our cost- you will get a really good deal and we can help you. Would you want to do this? As always, I want to tell you how much I admire what you have done and accomplished-Amy Brennan. ***** I have not yet been able to get a commitment from anyone about an ad, however, I’m still looking around. Things are certainly looking up for me and by next time, I may be running some ads myself to promote my various ventures. I will be in touch, and thanks David, you always respond to my notices! -glee ***** Please join us at Java’s 213 on Saturday, March 15th for “Acoustic Ground”, Java’s newest musical event. Singer/songwriters

welcome, acoustic jamming encouraged. Hope to see you all at the Java! (The next World Famous Java Jam, plugged in and turned up, will be announced ASAP!) ****** I’m sorry, I’m running birding trips in Costa Rica and can’t deal with this right now. js ***** You’re just trying to trick me into putting the word “Wiz” in my story, and I won’t do it! Ha. haven’t seen a copy of the Wizard since December I think. One of the ladies at Di Bella’s had a copy. Well, good luck with your next Wizard! I’m up in the Texas City office, so I’ve been out of the Galveston loop for a while. -DMeeks ***** Hey G’Wiz, What’s the story? You guys ready to get this finished? Did you get the photos? I am now working a side job with the theater dept. making masks for their UIL play. My time is absolutely shot now. Let me know. -Thomas ******* Hi David, I am Danny Pickett, the artist who met you at the Bill Clinton Rally yesterday. It was nice to speak with you. Good job on your website,

and I have read your paper. Check out my website at www.dannypickett.com Maybe we can do a project together sometime. Lets meet for coffee when you are free. Danny ******* Thank you David… do you all do public service articles or only through advertising? God bless, Mark Davis ****** Let me know if I can help you - if you have space to fill, etc. and I will shoot you something. I will pass the rate sheet on for consideration. Thanks, MJ ***** I would love to do the half page and I like your ideas, after march I think we could do something. ****** HI I GOT ONE OF YOUR T SHIRTS LAST NIGHT AT FAT TUESDAY AND WENT TO THE WEB SITE TODAY. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE SEEN YOUR PAPERS BEFORE AND HAVE ENJOYED READING THEM. WE LOVE TO FIND NEW OR DIFFERENT PLACES TO EAT OUT. I ESPECIALLY ENJOYED THE ARTICLE BY THE LAWYER GIVING ADVICE. THANKS AGAIN FOR THE T SHIRT.

-Velinda Love ****** David, I enjoyed meeting you at the United Way of Galveston luncheon. I appreciate your comments on GuidryNews.com. Good luck with your business. Jim ****** just wanted to say thanks for friday night it was very cool and very fun....i appreciate it alot...and could i get the dimensions for the article so i can start to put it together....and i am almost done with the shirt i should have it done soon...hope all is well...holla! -HOY ***** Big D, Alright, I’ll make a homage to Galveston just to see you. Forget the Mardi Gras bs, you are reason enough to make the long journey. Yeah, I’ve been wondering for quite some time how I was going to get in touch with you, then I saw your first edition of the Wizard. That got me thinking and I looked you up on the web. It looks like you are becoming the entertainment guru in Galveston. I’ll call you next week to plan a trip to the coast. I hope you’re doing well. See you soon - Little John Except for in the Belly and in the Pants.

A special thanks to Nic Noblique Studios and all of those that made it to the Christmas Party advertised in our previous volume. We appreciate the opportunity to help bring good times and good people together and look forward to seeing you all “where it’s at” in the future.

photos by the Imagician. www.imagician.zenfolio.com

You owe us a letter! That’s right, you owe us a letter. For the tenth time we have brought you a FREE edutainment guide to Galveston Island and we now demand to know what you think. What do you think about volume 10? What more can we do for you? What do you think we could do to improve the lives of everyone in our community? Don’t be fooled, the title “Wizard” does not infer that we can read your minds. You have the “wiz”dom, now share it with us and your fellow readers. Let us know what you think? What affects you? Unity Begets Discovery, there’s worlds to share! Send your Letters, Art, and Ideas to us at

[email protected]

Galveston Wizard Sticker Contest Our Phase 1 stickers we printed were pretty sweet. And we’ve gotten requests for even more! This is one we’re going to put right back in your inbox, readers! In addition to the satisfaction of a job well done, the best sticker idea we like will also get an hour massage from Thom at Mind-BodyWorkers.

Unity Begets Discovery

www.galvestonwizard.com

Greetings From The Galveston Wizard, Our quest to bring you through the realm of Galveston continues, brave reader. Much has happened since we last met. Having braved the dawn of 2008, and endured the cold winds of February, we find that the horizon looks brighter and sunnier than ever. Possibilities surround you, and as the the weather changes, and minds become more aware of their true potential, even more can be learned together. We have been knocking. We understand that your time is very important, just as ours is very limited. There is much to see and do, much to guide our readers to and through. When we meet you in the realm, our request for your time and support is for your benifit, ours, and ultimately, our readers. Our time, limited, is invested squarely in you. The readers seek edutainment on their realms of possibilities on the island and beyond. As each of our strides becomes more swift with your support, we can guide and edutain you, our reader, quicker and better. Become a pro at being active. Follow those instincts and ideas through. You never know what secrets you may uncover. Follow your quests through to the end, for it is there that you will find your prize. Even the best instrument is rendered uesless if no one takes the time to use it. Make time to teach and encourage others in your world, and don’t be afraid to accept criticism and encouragements. Take the time to better yourself each day, and look for ways to better your world. A special thanks for all of the support that the Galveston Wizard has received, we look forward to continuing to be of service. We look forward to seeing you out in the realm.

-Galveston Wizard Visit our Web site at www.galvestonwizard.com to browse previous issues and more.

Wm. Scott Field, AIA Restoration Architect and Firm Principal

PARKINSON FIELD ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTURE

MOBILE 1815 URSULINE www.parkinsonfield.com

PRESERVATION

512. 426. 0802

GALVESTON TX 409.765.5232

24/7/365 77550 - 4743 USA

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Unity Begets Discovery

G’Wiz: Galveston Wizard

Welcome to

Galveston Island Be the “X” that our readers spot. We’re working to help readers pinpoint where it’s at, where they need to be, and what’s out there. What ideas and suggestions do you have for our realm map? Want to find your business on our realm map? Contact us at [email protected] or (409)621.2864 for ideas, suggestions and more for our map. Locals, got a unique spot or place that you’d like others to know about? Let us know. The legend will continue in Volume #11. Be sure to learn more about our upcoming Scavenger Hunt from our Web site at www.galvesotnwizard.com

Quests: (Things to Do) What is there to do in Galveston? Where is there to go? Where do we start? The realm of Galveston Island and Beyond are open for you to explore. A great place to begin your quest is to search our publication for advertisers, people out there trying to reach you. At the same time, we are also out there trying to find people like you, looking to do cool, interesting, and fun things just like you! Where are they? Why not check out restaurants, shops, galleries, bars and businesses featured here in this issue? Where can likeminded people like you find where it’s at? View the list of events page 17, sponsored by Galveston.com. Check out the Web site for full list of current events. Book travel, invite friends? Our quest continues to bring you quality edutainment from the realm. Feel like you’ve already mastered the realm? Treat yourself to a cruise through Galveston Cruises.com Page 15. Inspire and support those that are helping us inspire and support our readers!

The Galveston Wizard

1st Annual Scavenger Hunt We, at The Galveston Wizard, are seeking serious advertisers to participate in our 1st Annual Scavenger Hunt. Our mission is to obtain eager business owners who would like to partake in the festivities at a fantastic rate. Full page and half page COLOR ads are needed to make this endeavor memorable. Promote your business, gallery, restaurant, bar, studio, retail shop, bar or bar, etc, by advertising in Volume 11 and mark your spot on our Island map. Volume 11 will be available shortly after we come visit YOU. Each advertiser will hold a “clue” to the next location of the hunt. (Provided by us) This is a great opportunity to entice local shoppers into your establishment. Not only will they receive a “clue” there, one may shop there too!!! For more details: Contact me, Linda Sivy at [email protected] or (My Wizard) at [email protected] or call (409) 621.2864 and tell us where to go. Rate sheets available at http://galvestonwizard.com/Advertising%20Rates.htm Full page color ONLY $ 750.00 (1 month) Half page color ONLY $ 400.00 (1 month)

Unity Begets Discovery

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7

Phase II Next Volume

L.A. Florer Map Co. Street Locator For Galveston County

Map Translation by Isaac Almaguer

281.482.3689

$2 OFF MEAL WITH THIS COUPON 4 Large Drinks FREE Valid only at 2221 Market St. Galveston Hrs: Mon-Fri 11:00 to 8:00 pm, Sat and Sun 11-3:00pm. Not valid on delivery orders. This original coupon must be surrendered when ordering. Limit one coupon per person per visit. May not be combined with any other offer or coupon. Taxes not included. Expires 5/30/08.

Hrs: Mon-Fri 11:00 to 8:00 pm, Sat and Sun 11-3:00pm.

One coupon per customer per visit.

Valid only at 2221 Market St. Galveston

8

Unity Begets Discovery

G’Wiz: Galveston Wizard

Crazy little thing called love by Cupid I have been distributing a highlyaddictive, mind-altering, euphoric, all-consuming addiction for thousands of years. I administer it to anyone, regardless of age, race or even species. I cannot be stopped, I am essential for love, I am Cupid. And my arrows do my talking. It was a textbook situation, A couple wandering awkwardly in the park. Take steady aim, let the arrow fly, and bam! It happens, I leave. Curtain closes, Who’s next for this cure-all arrow?!” Happily ever after. Somehow, in getting lost in the monotony of my work this particular day, the unthinkable occured. I missed the target, the guy, who would have then fully accept and return his co-walkers’ love with this arrow (they never seem to be quite balanced until I put an arrow in a reluctant shoulder or glute, then, with both parties

involved, the relationship blossoms...it’s quite simple actually). This particular arrow bounced off a park bench some ten feet past it’s mark, then went sailing back towards me off of a light post and then again off of something behind me. Thunk! This can not be good. I had to think fast. Being immortal, the next few moments are crucial. Luckily I see you, reader! I would LOVE to tell you that all that happens next is a trip to the emergency room, a band-aid and eternal bliss. That the piercing white light or subtle creep of what comes next won’t inspire and elate every fiber of my being. You are who you love, not who loves you. Show love and kindness to everyone you meet, for no particular reason at all. I’ve got more arrows, so love yourself and love what you got, ‘cause dispite a few mis-hits, I’m a pretty good shot.

The cap on the toothpaste theory by A Man Who Has Been Married A Very Long Time You get mad every time the the toothpaste. Now are you going to cap’s off the toothpaste. You always put the cap on or are you going to put the cap back on the toothpaste, leave. they always leave the cap off. It’s learning how to live with Now, you can get mad about the things that bug the hell out of you it, and fight about it. But the next about your loved one’s that makes morning, that cap’s gonna still be on for relationship success.

Relationship Survival Tips Paid for by Baconious with blood, sweat and tears Never disrespect friends and fam- have to know where and what they ily, no matter how they speak of are doing every minute of the day) them Dont overuse “I love you” Don’t drop ultimatums No Babytalk Dont talk about “it” (It being the Don’t Speak for them relationship) Don’t speak as we (Use “I was Don’t be clingy either physically or thinking...” , “Are you cool any other way. The movie Good with...?”) Luck Chuck is a perfect example of Don’t repeatedly apologise for anythis) thing, they will either forgive you Jealousy is bad or they wont Stalking is stalking even if they are K.I.S.S. ( Keep It Simple, Stupid) “yours” (Cheaters almost always And the Ultimate Lesson, Don’t give themselves away, you don’t ever, ever, ever, ever expect forever.

Happy Valentine’s Day – The Single Way … Single and Self Satisfied So, some of us may not have a sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. Or either your sweetheart is a thoughtless, inconsiderate, lazy, cheep slob. No biggie. Here are some ideas for YOU to enjoy the St. Valentine’s Day hoopla. Buy YOURSELF some stupid flowers. They smell good and you can get them at any local grocery store, Kroger’s tent, flower shop or street vendor who may be selling them. Get YOURSELF some chocolate. Chocolate is good and when you buy it yourself you can choose the kind you really like. Read through the Valentine’s Day cards at Wal-Mart and laugh YOURSELF silly. Some of them are funny. Go to Gordon’s and buy YOURSELF that gosh darn diamond necklace they keep showing over and over again on TV. It only cost $199.00. Call YOUR ex and wish them Happy VD Day. Make them wonder and be polite. Take YOURSELF to lunch or dinner. It’s cheaper and you can order anything you want and you don’t have to pretend that you’re special or something. Help YOUR kids make hand made Valentine’s Day cards for their classmates instead of buying those fonky little fold over things they sell now. Kids like it when you help them. Adopt YOURSELF a new pet. No, wait. Never mind. Fill YOUR bathtub with warm bubbly scented water, light candles, grab a bottle of wine and soak. You can even pluck the head off one of you flowers you bought and sprinkle it in. Read that novel YOU have been dying to get to. It won’t read itself. Treat YOURSELF to a movie. Sneaking wine into the movies is fun, but not allowed. Eat your own popcorn and don’t get caught. Drive YOURSELF anywhere you want to go. Turn up the radio and roll down the windows and let the wind fill your cheeks. I like chunking the rear view mirror onto the back seat when I go. Call one of YOUR friends who are probably sitting at home sulking over not getting anything for Valentine’s Day and ask them how their day went. Wish them a Happy Valentine’s Day, anyway. Visit YOUR mother. My lists are endless. I read somewhere that a person must learn to become selfish and when you learn to love YOURSELF first, you will have no problems being loved. It works for me. And you never know, you could meet the love of your life while your out and about. Happy St. Valentine’s Day.

I Need... by Marie from The Poop Deck, from her book Wild Flower Freedom I Need A Companion I Need A Good Friend

I Need Something Real Like My First Communion

I Need Something Special Not Something Pretend

And My Needs Are So Simple They Can Be Only Human

Unity Begets Discovery

www.galvestonwizard.com

9

Making Mardi Grow... Together We can.

photo Credit: Calvin Werle. More at clwphoto.com We were given the awesom possibility of promotiong this year’s Mardi Gras in our previous volume. Spreading the word about upcoming events, ideas and people is what we’re all about. The 2008 Mardi

Gras was met with much anticipation and wonder. Locals and those in-the-know (or trying to learn) had many thoughts and speculation about what a “no cover charge” would do to downtown’s celebration, how fun

was this year was for the ever-evolving function? Too fun! Two seperate bundles of beads hang in the office as a passport reminder of where we went, who we met, and just how much fun we had. With all

of the people out at this year’s Mardi Gras, and with local businesses, city officials, and entertainment organisers looking to make next years’ even better, we know we have much reveling to look forward to next year.

Photography Galleries Why fight about it? Though fun, Covering Mardi Gras Madness was no easy task! The people have a right to know!

What the...? Eww!

Heard and saw many menacing revelers this year, and few less looking for trouble. Perhaps those few should practice fighting with each other, instead of strangers. Then you will be able to see and feel how painful your blows are to others, (and you can learn the same.) days, perhaps weeks after your patented right hook connects. If you bore with that, you can begin fighting yourself. Punch yourself out of possibilities and block all opportunities to change things from breaking bones to breaking $20’s at Mardi Gras....

Show Respect. (it’s the best way to earn it)

former and forever z-krewe

queen and king with Wiz’s!

...or not. Where is the beef? If it’s someone else’s beef, feed em to the pigs and get back to enjoying yourself like you should. Nobody likes a rat, and we like li ke sewage and trash less. Thank goodness we were covered on trash cans this ke yyear. ye ear ar. Next year’s celebration will be even better and more harmonious!

she loves it! sponsored in part by...let’s throw some beads!

Purple/Green* Pu

Celebrating life, having fun, and meeting new and interesting people is what Mardi Gras is all about!

*(when we’re full color)

These lovely ladies loved our souvenir shirt!

We sure were Krewe’sin’ for a bruisin! Special Thanks to Z-Krewe, Krewe of Aquarius, Krewe Babalu and the Krewe de Bren Brennan’s for the great hospitality an and new friendships formed!

Any balcony will do for bead showering!

(depth (d (de de perception!)

10 Unity Begets Discovery

G’Wiz: Galveston Wizard

Texas Tidal Wave

indoor football teams and their Galveston, get ready to rumble on the seawall, starting in March. affiliates, and is not involved or associated with any other league The Galveston Texas Tidalwave led by Head Coach Anthony Gal- involving indoor or outdoor football....As a fan-friendly loway will join the organization, the IIFA is DFW Doom, Kaufman committed to making the County Crunch, Harris fan experience second to County Militia, Corsinone and providing famicana Thunder, Collin lies the opportunity to County Wranglers, enjoy professional footTexas Rough Riders, ball without professional East Texas Express prices. Ticket prices will and Bay Area Buccaneers in the inaugrual I.I.F.A. Commisioner average about $12.00, Clayton Banner showing a commitment to season of the IIFA. an affordable and excit”The Independent ing football product...*” On FebIndoor Football Alliance (IIFA) ruary 6th the Tidalwave signed is a professional developmental indoor football league designed to it’s first players Joseph Blanco, deliver fast-paced, action-packed George Henley Jr, Terrance Blaine, Riley Simmons, Branfootball to markets where it can be enjoyed by fans that would not don Sweeny, Erik Gibson, Rodotherwise have a professional in- ney Artmore and Chris Faison. door football team. It is a league *source “http://iifafootball.com/ aboutus.aspx” designed for all independent

Bill Clinton Gets Volume #9 Yup, there’s a 66% chance that Bill Clinton thumbed through his first volume of the Galveston Wizard Periodical on his way back to Houston recently. Turned out he was going to be delivering a speech from the back of a friend-of-a-friends’ truck in front of the Justice Center the next day at 8:30 am. We’re there! After the speech, he took to the task of signing autograph’s for people, kissing babies, etc. We asked a highly-trained secret service agent (Below) if he could give Volume #9, “Spreading Your Wings” to Bill for his drive home. He nodded in agreement. When the cars, campaigners and rally-ers had all departed, we had to laugh. It’s refreshing to be reminded how real this process is and how your vote really does count in all of this! Don’t forget to send us an email, Bill!

Unity Begets Discovery 11

www.galvestonwizard.com

Homeless in London

(congrats, you two!)

by Thomas Graves In my last article I spoke of my first mistake. Leaving the country with only $2000 to last for what would become 2 months, was a HUGE mistake. It all started once I landed in London. I was happy to be there, but after the flight, I was exhausted and a bit bewildered. I first had to find the right place to buy my train ticket. When I got to the ticket counter they rejected my debit card. I didn’t know that you had to notify your bank that you were leaving the country. So until I could do this, my debit card was useless. I had $50 cash in my pocket. So I had that converted to pounds and paid for the tickets in cash. Luckily when I had made my reservations online I went ahead and paid for my room. So I had that covered. I took the tube (subway) to the station that I was told. When I walked out onto the street I guess I expected to see Big Ben or something. But it was a residential/commercial street with nothing in sight to let me know that I was in London. I walked a few blocks in the sweltering summer heat with a back pack on my back, a suit bag on my shoulder, and pulling two suit cases. If you ever happen to go on a trip overseas, I recommend not taking more than two bags. One large back pack if you can manage. It was so difficult taking those bags up stairs, down escalators, up and down streets. But I found my hostel and checked in. I got to my room and it was so bad. No ceiling fans, no A/C. Just a bed next to a sink. I completely rejected the notion of saving money and sleeping in a room with 12 other people, but now I know better. When I had come over to London, I didn’t account for how the dollar stacked up next to the pound. So I really had only brought over $1000. So things were tight. This is when my diet of bread, cheese, peanuts, and water began. For the next 6 months, I rarely broke away from this diet unless someone was providing me with a meal or if it was a special occasion. Call it starvation, but it was survival in my eyes. The next day I met with the teaching agency, and the day after that, I took a train back to the airport to fly to stay with my Belgian friend David, in the south of France for 2 weeks. I planned on taking a train to Belgium after that, but now I was seeing that my plans had to change

due to my lack of funds. The fact that I was running out of money, had me so worried that I began to panic. The more I panicked the lonelier I felt. From time to time I would start to cry and then quickly pull my self together. At the airport I almost had a nervous breakdown because the woman at the agency recommended that I should start looking for a place to live and a part time job until the school season started. It was only a month but I could see that it was becoming important for me to make some more money. So I had a dilemma. Should I stay and take care of my responsibilities? Or should I go and see the friend I hadn’t seen in five years. I decided to stay. So I called David and left a message explaining the situation and that I wouldn’t be able to make it. I went to the desk to request a refund on my ticket and they said that they couldn’t do that unless it was the airlines fault. So I couldn’t get the money back for the ticket, or the money that I spent to ship all of those damn bags. So I decided to just go ahead and fly to Montpellier. I called him again to say that I was going but I got his voicemail again. I told him that I was coming and what time I would be landing. He didn’t get that message. I waited outside the airport under the Mediterranean sun, in July, for 7 hours. I broke down and even fished a half full bottle of water out of the trash for something to drink. I bought the cheapest phone card that I could and after many failed attempts, I finally got a hold of David. He told me to take a cab to the city center and to wait there until he could meet me. My French isn’t that good but I managed to get the point across to the driver. The cab driver drove me to this grassy bluff right on the edge of Montpellier. I got out and immediately started searching the faces of everyone hoping that I would see David. It was this moment that I realized that I had forgotten my flip flops in the cab. So I was now bare foot, hot, and completely lost and alone. I sat down in the grass and fished another pair of shoes out of my bag. I waited for 30 minutes, breaking into tears periodically. Finally out of desperation I got up and approached a guy and said in French, “Excuse me sir?”. Who do you think it was? David! This goes down as one of the happiest moments of my life. He immediately

took two of my bags and walked me down to this rave in the middle of the city surrounded by replicas of greek statues and palm trees. He had a six pack of cold beer in his back pack and suddenly I was in heaven. For the next two weeks I got to explore the south of France and meet dozens of great people. For sake of space, I have to cut a lot out. So I’ll jump to taking the train back to London. Instead of flying I decided to take the Chunnel from France to England. I arrived in London and called for directions to my new hostel, Palmers Lodge, which was located in the north of London. I found it on hostelworld.com, where it was listed as the best and cheapest hostel in London (only 10 pounds a night (the price has since increased)). It took me about a week, but I started making friends in the hostel and I went to talk to the agency that supplied me with my work permit and they provided me with hundreds of job leads and a facility to check my emails and type resumes. Two guys that became really good friends of mine were these two Australian guys, Wade and Benny. Benny was from Melbourne, and Wade was from Perth. The three of us were in London for the same reason and stuck in the same place. So began our friendship. It was getting to be about 2 weeks, and I still didn’t have a job. Suddenly I was without money and no way to pay for another night in the hostel. I stored my bags in the lockers downstairs and set out on foot to find a place to sleep for the night. The more I walked the more I realized that I wasn’t going to find any place that was safe or comfortable. So I headed back to the hostel and snuck past reception to the bathrooms. I locked myself in one of the bathroom stalls and curled up around the toilet and slept there for as long as I could. I didn’t get much sleep. The next night I tried to sleep on a couch in the lounge, but the night guard kept waking me up and telling me to go to my room. So I would have to return to the toilets. Every morning the hostel served a free breakfast of toast, cereal, and coffee. This was my main meal of the day. This went on for about another week and a half before things would get any better. But just as things would get better, things would get much, much, worse.

Researchers find efficient process to draw energy from waves by Riden Thuwave

Over the past several months, the gulf waters of Galveston have been the home of a very exciting and innovative experiment. Independant Natural Resources, Inc.

(a minnesota based company that specializes in “green” or alterative enery solutions), has been conducting tests in conjunction with Texas A&M University on a remarkable machine

that actually uses waves to generate power. This remarkable machine is the SEADOG(tm), a “point absorbing” wave energy converter that uses buoyancy to convert the energy of the waves into mechanical energy by using a moving volume of water to pump gas, liquid and combanations of both. The resulting energy that is generated by the pump can then be converted to electricity or utilized to provide such things as potable water, aquaculture habitats, and pressurized air for multiple uses, such as cooling and running turbines or equipment. Now it’s quite an interesting little story of how this amazing experiment came to my attention. During one of my usual days of photojournalist/ advertising rep/assistant editor running about town, Kevin from Riptide surf shop told me that the “strange rig or barge”

that had been sulking in the gulf near the beaches just happened to be right of of the pier at the Flagship. I happened to be headed to the ground breaking ceremony at Menard Park for the new McGuire-Dent Recreation Center and had a half an hour to kill before that event began. With an open mind and a copious amount of curiousity, I arrived at the Flagship to find the SEADOG floating a few hundered yards away and a man posted up with video and surveying equipment... Bingo! Bill Forster (Project Facilitator for INRI) was more than happy to sate my curiousity and even pose for some shots. Thanks Bill. For in-depth information, the nuts and bolts of how the SEADOG works, and contact information visit www. inri.us

12 Unity Begets Discovery

G’Wiz: Galveston Wizard

En Garde! By : Gordon Haire

The Galveston Fencing Club began a new session of fencing lessons January 7. The classes, which are free of charge, are held at the Wright-Cuney Community Center at 41st Street and Avenue H.. Classes are structured so that a new student may begin at any time and not wait for a new session to begin. The classes will begin with 10 minutes of warm-ups and footwork at 7:00 PM. After footwork, a thirty minute foil class will be held, followed by a thirty minute epee class. Fencers may participate in either or both. Fencers not taking a class may enjoy free fencing in the gym. For more information you may email the club at gfencing@ gmail.com or visit the website at The Galveston Fencing Club http://galvestonfencing.2itb.com/ The Galveston Fencing Club provides foils, epees, masks, jackets and gloves, on loan, to students for use in the class. For more information you may email the club at gfencing@gmail. com or visit the website at The Galveston Fencing Club http:// galvestonfencing.2itb.com/ photos by the Imagician. www.imagician.zenfolio.com

photo Credit: Calvin Werle. More at clwphoto.com

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Unity Begets Discovery 13

www.galvestonwizard.com

Sheeple by Cree

There are a startling number of facts that fall into the special “ You Don’t Want to Know How They Know That” category. One such fact is that a human male can actually impregnate a female sheep. Pregnancies, reportedly, do not come to term and resulting fetuses are spontaneously aborted by nature. Mother Nature, that is. Additionally, it is impossible for such cross species fertilization to occur in any other man/animal combinations. Considering this easily researchable fact, has forced me to make the following conclusion: There ARE Sheeple among us. One need only to notice the daily happenings in these socially and politically tense times to realize that some Sheeple have been born, raised, and assimilated into mainstream society. Now don’t get me wrong, I was all for diversity in the community until I realized that these beings actually have influence and, horror of horrors, they vote.

bring your family closer together, increase your health, wealth and vitality, and it probably even removes warts and unsightly blemishes. 2. Talk to your neighbors. Sheeple would have you hudddled, frightened, in your own compound, growing fatter, more apathetic and more disconnected from the world around you daily. Get out and meet your neighbors before their house is forclosed on and they move the the ghetto and become my neighbors. 3. Research something that interests you, be it creative, political, medical, or whatever subject strikes your individual fancy. Sheeple hate the spread of information and knowledge. 4. Hug your children. Sheeple don’t know how, having lost genuine affection in a genetic tradeoff to whiter, brighter teeth. 5. Vote with your concience, not your fears.

Perhaps you too have noticed the quiet, almost indiscernible immersion into apathy that our minds are being lulled into, thanks to the effects of Sheeple Power. Here are some suggestions to help reopen your heart and mind to what is in the best interests of your family, your community, and our world. 1. Turn off the TV. The majority of what you see is crap anyway. Make your own entertainment the majority of the time. You will be amazed at how this one action will

On that last note, for information on registering to vote, contact the Voter Registration Division of Galveston County Tax Assessor/Collector’s Office at (409) 766-2280. To register, fill out a voter registration card at state agency buildings, county court annexes, public libraries and marriage license offices. Or download a registration form at the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office Web site — “http://www.tax. co.harris.tx.us” — and mail it postage-free.

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14 Unity Begets Discovery

G’Wiz: Galveston Wizard

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Phase 1 Ph P 1.5 5

Phase 2.0 you want to look important, ( Ifyou’ve ) got to dress important. (Also, want to book a cruise? Check out GalvestonCruises.com at right.)

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Hours:

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Unity Begets Discovery 15

www.galvestonwizard.com

Braces can correct most any bite.

Hop on over and let us take a look! Kenneth Gluski D.D.S., P.C. Family Dentistry

Orthodontics

(409)765-9190

25th And Ave K On the West End, Where the Seawall Ends.

16 Unity Begets Discovery

G’Wiz: Galveston Wizard



    

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The NUMBER 1 visited website in the world.


 




Web Savvy

For those of you whose eyes glazed over at last issues fundamental article on “Setting up an Email Account”, we urge you to note the sliding scale of difficulty for this cool “urls” at bottom right.

Sending an attachment with an email. Those of you who now have a new email address after last issues article, come along. Now that you know how to set up an email account and send an email, we want to make sure you know how to send an attachment. That way you can send us that awesome Galveston picture from your camera. You do have a camera, don’t you? Make it a digital one, and a good one! Take and Keep pictures of families, friends, enjoying themselves on the island. All you have to do is click on the paper clip icon and find your file and attach it to the email! Send us artwork, poetry, editorials, and anything else we can display for our readers. Your silence is deafening.

Driving home buyers to view your home.




ke
ound. Hands on agent, working hard to meet your goals.

Jan Jan McGovern McGovern

409-419-0784 The Power of the Rock!

JohnTwelveHawks.com

www.tctexas.org

Beginner

www.psychiatrist.healthyminds.org www.kidswishnetwork.org Intermediate www.pandora.com www.powertochoose.org GSA Federal Citizen Information Center

www.pueblo.gsa.gov

www.govbenefits.gov

www.newgrounds.com

flash game and movies...fun place to check out.

Full-on Nerd

Unity Begets Discovery 17

www.galvestonwizard.com

GALVESTON.COM, GALVESTON.ORG, & GALVESTONCRUISES.COM

Spend the day at a sun-filled beach, venture into a tropical rainforest, splash in a year-round waterpark, experience life on an offshore rig or explore a World War II naval display. Do all this and much more on Galveston Island. Galveston offers a wide variety of activities for every age and is a great place to spend a Sunday afternoon or weekend. For your complete guide to Galveston Island, visit Galveston’s website for early spring fun at Galveston.com!

Strand Theatre “Lost in Yonkers”

Lone Star Triathlon Festival

March 21 - April 13

Friday thru Sunday, March 28-30, 2008 Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Play, Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers recounts the tenmonth stay of two brothers in the apartment where their father grew up above the family-owned candy store in Yonkers, New York. Under the watchful eye of the meanest old woman within 100 miles, the brothers come to understand the dominating influence of Grandma Kurnitz. All trolleys stop in front of the theatre; covered parking is available at the nearby Moody Parking Garage at 24th and Harborside. Theatre concessions, beer, and wine are available with the show. Call the theatre at (409)763-4591 for info.

Easter at Moody Gardens

Lone Star Triathlon Festival, Moody Gardens: The much-anticipated Lone Star Triathlon Festival returns to Moody Gardens March 28-30, 2008. Lone Star promises to be a world-class triathlon event. Nearly 2000 athletes from all over the country have registered for the three-day festival, which begins Friday evening with the Expo at Moody Gardens, a First-timers Seminar, Open Water Swim Clinics and Open Water Swim presented by Galveston Beach Patrol, and a Carbo Load Dinner under the stars with Simon Lessing.

FeatherFest

Sunday, March 23, 2008. 11am - 3pm Galveston residents and visitors are invited to grab the kids and their baskets and hop over to Moody Gardens this Easter for a free non-stop, fun time Sunday, March 23rd from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check out the petting zoo and play games for prizes at the Oleander Bowl. Two Easter Egg Hunts for children 12 and younger are scheduled for noon and 2:00pm. Families can even have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny inside the Moody Gardens Hotel. Special Easter Weekend rates available by calling Moody Gardens Hotel Reservations at 1-888-388-8484. In addition to all of the fun and excitement outdoors, Easter Buffet feasts will be available at both the Garden Restaurant and the Moody Gardens Hotel on Easter Sunday. The buffet at the Moody Gardens Hotel Ballroom is $32.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors, and $17.95 for children. Seating is available from 11:30am - 3:00pm. Reservations are required; please call 409-741-8484, ext. 4465. The buffet at the Garden Restaurant in the Visitor’s Center is $23.95 for adults, $19.95 for seniors, and $11.95 for children. Reservations can be made for 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm and 3:00pm by calling (409) 683-4238. Walk-ins are also welcome. For more information about Moody Gardens, call 800/582-4673 or visit www.moodygardens.org

Galveston Farmers’ Market

Thursday thru Sunday, April 3-6, 2008 FeatherFest, Events throughout the Isle: The theme of FeatherFest 2008 will be “change and adaptation” and our theme bird is the Crested Caracara, a striking symbol of “change and adaptation” as it has gradually extended its breeding area northward through Texas, from its historic range throughout Central and South America

Galveston.com Podcast Weekly Subscriptions Now Available Galveston.com & Company is pleased present Podcast Galveston, an audio show offering event information, advice, and trip planning assistance. Produced weekly, this audio program is the ultimate insider’s guide to what’s going on in and around Galveston Island, and is the first convention & visitors bureau-related show of its kind in the entire world.

April thru December. Second Saturday of Every Month

Be sure to visit www.galvestoncruises.com

Farmers Market, Saengerfest Park: The Galveston Farmers Market is located at Saengarfest Park (23 Street & The Strand) in the Center of Galveston’s Historic Downtown District. The Market is held April thru December on the 2nd Saturday of each month. The Galveston Farmers’ Market offers a variety of regionally grown and produced goat cheese, eggs, fruits, vegetables, fresh Gulf shrimp and catch of the day.

For a complete list, visit our Calendar of Events at www.galveston.com/calendarofevents

18 Unity Begets Discovery 

G’Wiz: Galveston Wizard

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www.galvestonwizard.com

Come On Change… (part 2) - Linda Sivy

“Things will be great in 2008” is my selected slogan for this New Year. Why? I resolve it to be. I overheard some people commenting about resolutions for the New Year. One said he was going to lose weight. Another said she would give up smoking. One chuckled, held his head, and said he needed to give up drinking. Someone asked me what my resolution was going to be. I stopped, thought for a moment and said, “My resolution is not making a stupid resolution”. Not one like that. Heck, I’m still trying to resolve July – December of 2007. Did I go through a time warp or something? And, am I really required to come up with some new resolution for this New Year? I think not. If I’m to do any resolving, it should be to complete what I’ve already begun. I am still undergoing my face transformation. I’ve convinced my loved ones that I know what I’m doing. I keep thinking

“glowing healthy skin”. The Pythagorean within (his notion that my boundless self begins on the far side of my limits…or somewhere inside an isosceles triangle, I’m not sure) scoffs at the mere three weeks to complete my wellness treatments. The blink of an eye. And so says Candy Lockhart with West Isle Wellness. Candy’s been right so far. I have not experienced any discomfort whatsoever. A few layers of scars have peeled away. My insides are tweaking pleasantly, working themselves out. My loved ones still recognize me and love me for who I always was. And time keeps on ticking. Not such a bad thing to discover what we can be, at any age, come to find out. What has to be awful is hating who we are. Bad Britney, Poor Paris and Looney Lindsay make me giggle. Oh to be young, blessed with untarnished sheen, time, wealth and waste. Such a life. I look forward to watching them all survive (or not). I want to see them at age to 50 or 60. How

interesting it will be to see if they ever “get it”. I’ll be into my 70’s by then, having gotten it, enjoyed it, and still thinking fondly about it. When you’ve paid the check for half a life of fun wherever you could find it, change in the form of wellness takes time. Not as easy as an offhanded resolution toasted with Champaign. It takes perseverance, conditioning, and often the help of somebody who knows what she’s doing. But it aint rocket science, and it’s cheaper than psychotherapy. So, work hard, eat right, get plenty of exercise and stop doing whatever it is that bugs you about yourself. Whether you keep your resolutions, change

them or forget you ever made them, 2008 will be great. Trust me on this. West Isle Wellness is located at 6019 Avenue S ½, and 911 22nd Street - (409) 996-3166. Look for my before and after photos in our next issue of The Galveston Wizard or visit our web site at www.galvestonwizard.com.

We just stopped in a minute... Many of you may know about Minuteman Printing on the corner of 53rd and Stewart. We know, they know, and now you know the importance of getting yourself out there in front of people. What do you do? How do I reach you? Bam! Hit ‘em with a business card. Now they’re calling you and wanting to team up on a function. Bam! Hit the general public with a poster, flyer or brochure of the upcoming event. “The British are Coming!” Remember that the best printing or any other work that you put your hands to is best accomplished if you plan ahead for what you want and need, map it out, and go after it. What do you need next? Call Minuteman Printing at 409.744.7500, or stop by for information on planning your next promotional attack! Our Phase 4 business cards, printed by Minuteman, have been quite a hit with those polled so far. Now it’s time to get some previous Volume cover posters made. You want one? We’ll have them available soon!

20 Unity Begets Discovery

G’Wiz: Galveston Wizard S: Good question. Next question. CC: How long have you been in

Faux Interview with Galveston City Mangler “Sneaky Steve” LeBlank (first in a three-part series of four installments) By George Douglas Lee Note: Due to a lack of effort to schedule an actual interview with Galveston City Manager Steve LeBlanc by press time, writer George Douglas Lee a.k.a C.C. Concerned Citizen has fabricated this interview that didn’t actually occur, but probably should have. “Sneaky Steve” LeBlank has been Galveston City Mangler since shortly after the great storm of 1900. He survived by clinging to an inflated government buy-out. Steve took time out of his busy schedule of cover-ups, pushing tax increases, whining for dollars, free contractor lunches and doubletalk to be subjected to this fantasy interview, which could have taken place somewhere on a Tuesday in November. Let’s say that Mr. LeBlank and I, Concerned Citizen, met at Mr. Ferttita’s San Louis Steakhouse, for an inexpensivewell-within-the-ethics-flexible rules lunch, made to order by on-again-off-againpart-time-full-time Galveston Planning Commissioner and sometime resident Kelly Sullivan. Sneaky Steve arrives wearing golf togs and a polo shirt emblazoned with “Marquette - This is a good thing” slogan above the pocket. He carries a Mont Blanc pen with the inscription “to a valued friend of the Friends of Business”. His cap is embroidered with “TAX” in large red letters. Steve shakes my hand. While checking to see if all my fingers are still there, he pulls out the John Campbell municipal judge chair for me. We sit down for some stimulatin’ chit chat about our little island’s city government, if such a thing is possible. Before he takes his seat, he looks up and notices a sprinkler head above him. He quickly moves his chair a few feet to one side and motions me to follow. S: Can’t be too careful with those things. I saw a couple of police officers in here earlier. Don’t want any flooding, do we? CC: Uh no, guess not. Good morning Mr. LeBlank. I’d like to thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions. S: No problemo. Shoot. CC: What is it you do? What are your responsibilities?

office? S: Good question. I was in my office earlier today looking at plans for a 200 story condominium complex in the last remaining wetlands at the west end. CC: How do you feel the city fared with the Marquette Project? S: Marquette was a great project; these folks really know how to serve a meal! That’s a good thing. Naturally, we made up our minds before the public hearing, but of course, it was in the best interests of our best interests, not to mention, our special interests. How did the city fare? We’re thinking of raising bus fares, trolley fares, but to be fair, we think that’s fair. It’s a good thing. A sustainable development and one heck of a tax revenue base. (For some reason, he takes his “TAX”cap and holds it above his head) CC: Excuse me, why are you doing that? S: I’m raising the cap. You can see right on the front, it’s a TAX cap. Gotta keep raising it. CC: Any more you’d like to say about development in Galveston? S: Well, a lot of it depends on the free lunches and the dinners. Super Bowl tickets too. CC: Pardon? S: Food. The developers who serve the best food get the green light. That English Bayou condos, see, not good, not tall enough either. Everybody knows they use cat meat in Vietnamese food. So, zip on that project. CC: Speaking of cats… S: If you’re gonna bring up that feral cat problem, all I can say is that there’s only one Jim Stevenson and not enough Vietnamese chefs. CC: What’s your favorite local restaurant? S: DiBella’s, of course, y’know, when Taco Bell is closed. CC: Alright. Let’s move on. What’s the status of the Menard Park Recreation center? S: We’re breaking ground on the big skate park slab. CC: Is it true that you are going to restore the band shell? S: That band shell has been an

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enormous pain in the you-know-what. Just caused me a ton of grief. CC: Is it true that the City is going to tear it down? S: No, let me make that perfectly clear. We would just pave it and put a new building over it. Some concerned citizen spilled the beans to the Texas Historical Commission before we could get the bulldozer fired up. CC: How’s that going? S: No problemo. We only need another million to finish it. CC: Finish it? S: Oh, little things. We feel people will be more likely to use the gym if there’s equipment in it. Of course, we’ll need electricity, landscaping and running water. We saved some money on landscaping but we still have to deal with those 81 palm trees. CC: Did you go to Mardi Gras this year? S: Every year. Love it! Love the beer and beads. Great overtime for the solid waste department too. The really tremendous event is motorcycle weekend, the noise drives all those pesky locals right out of town. CC: Can we help with entertainment next year? S: Maybe. Do you do security? Maybe play in a band? CC: We know you want successful, well-run conventions for the tourists and locals to enjoy, how is the city working with event organizers and how does it work? S: It’s simple. First I say, show me the money. Then I say – give me the money. And most important for any mega-event, will there be overtime for city employees? CC: How’s working with the Mayor and Council? S: Great, no problemo. Piece of cake. The Chamber, Friends of Business, big developers, they tell me what they want the city to do. Now this is strictly off the record. The press is always misquoting my quotes out of context just because I said it. CC: Don’t worry, I won’t say a thing ‘til it’s printed. S: That’s different. So the way it works is, either I or staff tell the Mayor and council what to do, they nod their heads yes. Yeah, great system. It’s a good thing. CC: How about that Police

Department? S: The police department can solve a murder quicker than flooding the courthouse – that was just bad timing, you know. If they’d held off till hurricane season, nobody would’ve noticed the high water. One of the benefits of living in a storm prone area, you just blame the weather for things. CC: How about that fire department? S: Do a great job. Terrific cooks too. Just don’t let them walk away from the kitchen. Get a little smoke damage if you know what I mean. And we don’t want to upset Councilman Danny Weber with any bad press about the fire department. CC: What are your feelings about the City’s tax cap? S: Need more money. Never enough. That’s why I wear this hat – it’s a reminder. Gotta keep raisin’ that TAX cap, get it? We do everything we can to bring the big mega-events to town to generate more sales tax. CC: Is it true some merchants complain, especially downtown? S: Those pesky local merchants, always whining! You’d think our closing the streets for weeks at a time hurts their business! We bring a dozen people to town for these events, sometimes two dozen and they spend money. Is it our fault that the tourists can’t slip through the 20 foot barricades? And who wants any of that stuff anyway. Jeez, we’re overloaded with t-shirts already. CC: What do you see for Galveston’s future? S: We are going to have terrific views. Much better view from a high rise. CC: Do you follow the Galveston Wizard? S: Hey. I’m a leader, not a follower, y’know, if it’s OK with the Mayor. I’m just glad we’ve done such a good job getting voter turn out down to eight percent. Next election, we’re shooting for two. CC; One last question. I’m very curious about the green tights you wore at Christmas last year. S: I’m wearing pink this season. CC: Hope they don’t clash with your TAX cap. Look for more illuminating interviews in upcoming issues of The Wizard.

Flea Market discovered in Land of Pears “Are you gonna go, or not?” We decided, why not? It was a sunny Saturday, and we shelved our million excuses. Great friends and open road on the drive to Pearland. Almost everything you can imagine was on sale there. Cell phone cases? Got it. Cool SpinnyRing? Got it. Get your teeth whitened, do your taxes, buy a lawnmower, purchase a machette and hack your way through all of the cool sights and sounds. Park your car for a buck, and shop for unique items all day long if you want. Thanks again, Freddie!

Unity Begets Discovery 21

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“What a wonderful evening.”, is all that seems to remain, when I reminisce about my time at The Hotel Galvez’ “New Orleans Nights” event. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it had two of my favorite things in the universe: Food and Music. How could it get any better? I will start with the food. Delicious. I had my fill of authentic New Orleans style food. I loaded up on Blackened Chicken, Rice, and Shrimp. For dessert, I went straight for the Strawberry Trifle. The setting, I must say, is a little on the classy side compared to the places where I usually dine out. (I.e., I.H.O.P.) It reminds me of scenes from James Cagney movies. I do not think I would have been surprised to see Ava Gardner walk right in, and sit right next to me. The only evidence that you are in the present is all of the historical ambiance decorating the hotel lobby. That, and all of the people talking on cell phones and wearing modern attire. While eating you can hear the sound of smooth, live jazz playing in the background, provided by “The Joe Sewell Trio.” They were incredible. Giving jazz make-overs to such songs as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “When the Saints Come Marching in.” As with many things in Galveston Island, I had no idea that such events like these were happening. The Hotel Galvez hosts this event annually, during Mardi Gras. I highly recommend it. At 24 dollars a person, it’s a steal. If you want a fun night out, or a romantic evening, you will definitely not be disappointed. Trust me.

What?

Where?

Hotel Galvez Presents:

The Hotel Galvez (409) 765-7721 2024 Seawall Blvd. Galveston, TX www.galveston.com/galvez

New Orleans Nights Celebrating Mardi Gras Every Friday through February 1st From 5pm - 10pm Live Jazz by The Joe Sewell Trio

Stay current on upcoming events and happenings with the Galveston Wizard. Also check out Galveston.com for up to the minute island happenings. Planning an event or have an idea? Let us help promote it and relay it to our readers!

Why Not? Invite us to your events...

(thanks for all of your help, Gordo!”)

“Size isn’t everything.”

Or better yet, invite our readers first, then us! Call us at 409.621.2864 or email details and directions to [email protected]

photo by the Imagician. www.imagician.zenfolio.com

22 Unity Begets Discovery

G’Wiz: Galveston Wizard

Isle Style 2nd in a series, presents

Our Italianate Victorian Beauts! by Scott Field

Continuing our ‘take another look’ column, there is a Victorian house type on the Island which is somewhat rare here….the Italianate Victorian style. It was popular from 1850-1880 throughout the United States. Ashton Villa (1859), the first of the Broadway palaces, is perhaps the reigning granddaddy of this style in Galveston. Very up-to-date at that point in time. But, styles change, and later palaces on our main drag were designed in other, more-current styles. Characteristic elements of Italianate include: lowhipped roofs; elaborate cornices with brackets, usually paired; hooded windows; projecting bay windows; heavilybracketed entry canopies; and overall verticality in proportions. Very conservative and restrained, compared to the later incarnations of Victorian architecture! Of your interest may be the three other Italianate houses still standing here. Check out 1121 33rd Street, 3518 Avenue M, and 2217 Broadway. All are beautiful and rare! And, we are proud of having such gorgeous homes on the Island…that is what makes Galveston unique in the world.

Wm. Scott Field, AIA, is a restoration architect with over 25 years of experience with Victorian building restoration. Inquiries may be sent to the editor or to wsfi[email protected].

SUBJECT: GALVESTON READ GROUP MEETS TO SHARE STORIES ABOUT AFRICAN AMERICAN INCARCERATION OF MALES

This year Galveston Reads sponsored the book by Earnest Gaines entitled A Lesson Before Dying. The book tells the story about a young, African American male in Louisiana who is victimized by Jim Crow laws, incarcerated, and eventually receives the death penalty by the electric chair. On February 7, Galveston Reads hosted an event at the Central Cultural Center to dialogue about the incarceration of African American males by the criminal justice system. There was a panel of speakers moderated by Jason Glenn of UTMB. The panelists came from both sides of the issue—those who were formerly incarcerated and those who had sons or loved ones in jail. Panel members were Yoni Benson, Leah Fanuiel, Linda Ferguson, Robert Caraway, Charlie Baldwin, and James Dennis, Understanding and healing comes through sharing and hearing our stories. In this way, we develop empathy and compassion as members of the human race. As some of the panelists mentioned telling their story wasn’t easy or pleasant, but thankfully they

had the courage to do it for themselves and we who listened. As a listener, it gave me more empathy for the lives they have lead, journeying with a loved one through the labyrinth of the justice system. These stories are very important for all of us to hear since it opens a window of intercultural dialogue and understanding. A number of the panelists are on a committee that is formulating and planning a re-entry program for those getting out of prison. Jason Glenn mentioned that about thirty people are released and come back to Galveston each month. The re-entry program—Sobriety High—won’t just begin when someone is released from prison, however. It will begin when a person is sentenced to prison so this is really an early intervention, transitional program. It was also emphasized that this isn’t a half-way house project, but this is a skill-building, transitional program to assist folks so they can better their lives in the free world. Their aim is to help people become employed as soon as possible, and to contribute to society in a very

positive way. inmates may not know how As the old African proverb to define faith, but the need to says ‘it takes a village to raise a survive and hope is faith as well. child.’ It is hoped that community To find out more on members will get involved in how you can get involved or to any way they choose to with get more information you can Sobriety High. As some of the reach Jason Glenn through the mothers on the panel expressed UTMB Office of Diversity and it, they didn’t condone what their International Affairs. The main children had done to put them in UTMB number is: 409-765-3300. jail, but as mothers they would continue Communication makes things better. to demonstrate unconditional love to their sons and daughters. Those returning from jail need unconditional love, life skills, and above else a non-judgmental community who really cares. Galveston can rise to this challenge. The role of faith was important in the conversation, too. The panelists shared their It’s teaming up, cutting those putting forth effort in on the acdefinitions of faith, tion. Let’s make sure our island guests and longtime locals have a good time and want to come back or remain. If an event and how it helps makes a mess or causes damage, how can we fix that? If an them deal with event brings a crowd, we can try to make it as easy as possible to operate, run and see to it that the proceeds benefit the their journey. One island, it’s locals, it’s tourists, and it’s future. Communication is audience member good. Meeting to discuss the Lone Star Rally allowed local businesses to voice concerns, possibilites. Unity Begets Discovery. stressed that

Unity Begets Discovery 23

www.galvestonwizard.com

The Galveston Island Gourmets Robert Taylor & Nick Saum discover exciting and unique island dining options. Be sure to tell them the Galveston Wizard guided you!

Pho 18 Set back just about two blocks off the seawall is Galveston newest entry in the Vietnamese food eateries . Pho 18, owned and operated by Hao and Rose Ngo, offers traditional Vietnamese cooking including many different types of soups such as beef, chicken and vermicelli. One of the times I visited pho 18 I invited some co-workers from Galveston

College, Jimmy Newell and Joe Conti. Both of them had variation on the chicken soups could hardly finish the huge bowls. They felt that for price and the quality, they would defintly be making return visits. I had one of their many different rice with pork dishes; its so good it seems that every I go back I gravitate back to C3, rice with charcoal broiled pork

chops over rice. If you visit for lunch, make sure you arrive early as seating is limited. If you’re pressed for time, they do offer meals for take-out. Pho 18 is located at 704 Holiday drive 409 762-8849 Mon-Sat. 10 am - 7 pm Closed on Sunday

EATcetera If you are looking for a exciting new Galveston eatery with character and great food look no further than EATcetera located at 408 25th between Market and Postoffice Streets. Owned and operated by Andera Hunting, EATcetera is a lunchtime must for the downtown crowd and serves up some of the finest soups, sandwiches and Panini. Using some of the freshest ingredients’ such as tender asparagus, Kobe style roast beef, and a variety of fine cheeses, Andrea and her staff prepare some of the finest Panini sandwiches in the entire

Houston area. For those of you who are not familiar with Panini, they are an Italian sandwich which is assembled, very lightly buttered on the outside and then grilled in a press. If you’re in the mood for lighter fare, we highly suggest one of their signature salads. I recommend the smoked Norwegian salmon, I’m certain you will not be disappointed. Make sure to top off a great meal with one of their fine, homemade desserts. Nick and I split a Crème Brûlée cheesecake and we both agreed that was the best part of the meal. The rich and creamy cheesecake is topped with

toasted nuts and a thin layer of hard caramel, which is created by burning sugar with an intense heat source such as a blowtorch or broiler. The bicycle group that I ride with E-Street Riders are planning to do some rides that originate from EATcerta. I invite you to join us for some great food and a cool bike ride around Galveston sometime in the spring when the weather warns up. See Ya there. Nick and Robert EATcerta 408 25th Street 409 770 0778 Tues-Sat 11-7 Sunday 10-4

Know of a restaurant, diner or other gourmet jewels yet to be discovered by the masses? Tell us about them and why they should be seen, and we will seek them out. Email us at [email protected] or call us at 409.621.2864

I want to thank all of the supporters and readers of the Galveston Wizard for helping make us feel like we are doing everything right. Your support is amazing! I wouldn’t have this column if it weren’t for all of you! Thank you so much for allowing me to reach out to you! Yall Rock!

Q: Dear Arrr, I’ve recently lost over sixty pounds and I look like a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT person. All of the sudden I am meeting new people and getting more attention from the ladies. I guess, I just don’t know how to handle all of it because I still feel like the “dorky fat guy” who doesn’t know how to act. How do I change this? -Dorky Fat Guy A: Dear Dorky Fat Guy, First and foremost, I want to say congrats on the weight loss! That is an amazing accomplishment! Think about it, if you created the self motivation to make such an amazing

transformation, then why can’t you take all of that energy and let it drive your goals for your inner transformation. You aren’t the dorky fat guy anymore. Trust the person you are to come out and not be afraid to make new friends and enjoy the attention from he ladies. Enjoy your accomplishment and reap the benefits! You deserve it! –Arrr

forever and proposed and now he wants to tell me because he wants us to start our marriage on a clean slate. My problem is that I never suspected this and I thought everything was perfect. I’m hurt, I’m confused, and would really love to get passed this, but it is so hard. How can I speed up the forgetting process and move on? -Hurting

Q: Dear Arrr, My fiancé of nine months recently sat me down and admitted that he had cheated on me a few months before he asked me to marry him. He said he realized when he did that, that I was who he wanted to be with

A: Dear hurting, Yikes. Ok. Honesty is by far the most important in a relationship of any kind. With your situation, you can’t walk into a marriage with no trust, which is in my opinion, marriage is a step you take when you are ready, there is love, there is honesty,

there is trust. Marriage doesn’t fix problems. If you make the choice to go through with your life forgiving and forgetting, then you need to make sure that you are willing to do exactly that. It’s so easy to say ok, I’m over it. That isn’t as easy said as done. It’s not fair to you to be dealing with this, but you need to remember it’s not going to be fair to him if you say you forgive and throw it back in his face. You have to work together, it’s going to be tough because you were betrayed in one of the worst ways when in a relationship, but be strong and let your love work you through this and do what you know in the long run will be better for you! - Arrr

Also, check her out at www.myspace.com/askarrr or e-mail her at [email protected]

24 Unity Begets Discovery

G’Wiz: Galveston Wizard

Generally Speaking: Dictionary lies with forked tongue erriam-Webster asserts that a synonym is “a word having the same meaning as another word”. On reading this, immediately I thought I could be carrying around far too many words, like excess baggage. For instance, I could give up love in favor of attachment, a term I need to keep for other applications anyway. “Honey, I’m really attached to you,” I’d say, something every attaché longs to hear. In fairness to Merriam, the entire definition is rather long and does mention subtleties and connotations, but the gist is: these words are substantially the same as that word. Mother always said, “We don’t hate.” Oh yes, I thought, we do, but I learned to keep my mouth shut back then. I lacked vocabulary. Had I known that I could abhor divorce, loathe mother’s new thieving husband, detest daddy’s cult-worshiping girlfriend, and execrate that greasy delinquent who spat at me on the school bus – all without violating her dictum – I could’ve expressed myself and avoided the spankings. Because all those words were supposed to mean the same thing. Because I swallowed what they fed me about synonyms. Because I knew no better. Thirtyplus years later, with one divorce under my belt, I no longer have the requisite energy to hate, but I do despise beef tongue.

M

It occurs to me these days that the phrase I most commonly hear in any argument is, “That’s not what I mean.” Whereupon, the speaker will choose better words to get across what he does mean. I say to myself, had you done that to begin with, you might not be in an argument.

stupid – as opposed to windy and hammerheaded, which, in certain hands, it can still be. Moreover, if I’m robbed of precision in my language, I might as well grunt. By the way, it’s worth mentioning that only carving forks and a few others have two tines. Most have three or more. Even the patented

Versus

As a result, I’ve lost my faith in synonyms. I say faith because I mean faith. It’s not that I now think the definition of synonym is incorrect. I think the thing doesn’t exist and never did. Merriam claims that, including love, I can choose among five suitable terms for the way a mother feels about her child. That confounds me. Would that my mother were here to argue

e Rock at th

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otherwise, as I am certain there was but one word that bound us. A friend told me once that she needed a dictionary to understand me sometimes. I told her to be careful with that book. “Why?” she wondered. “Because,” says I (and all right-minded people

10 pm - ?

everywhere), “irregardless is in there and that just isn’t a word.” I took her hint, though, this friend of mine, and I gave it serious consideration. Were I to use more common words, people might better understand what I say, but they would not know what I mean. If our words are interchangeable, the language of Shakespeare and Hemingway is redundant and

Spork (above right). The word is bī-fər-kāt-ed: That snake has a bifurcated tongue. So, say the Native Americans, does the white man. And, according to the Merriam-Webster thesaurus, synonym has no synonym. How pompous. Irregardless, it’s something on which to think about. Grammar, next issue... along with proper use of ellipses. ~M. Phillips

It was a beautiful day in Bolivar. We made a mid-afternoon trip across the bay on a a sunny Wednesday afternoon. We used the ferry to bridge the gap to this growing peninsula to revisit a new horizon. In Volume #6, we recorded to our Readers our first Quest to Bolivar. One can learn a lot from a peninsula in one afternoon. Very friendly businesses and people greeted us along our journey, as we to remind people in Bolivar of our Quests for edutainment for Galveston Island and it’s neighbors. Kara at the Bait Camp was our first stop, a welcome introduction. We stopped by Rancho Carribe and talked with Sandie, lots of tournaments on the way. Mark made Beach Rock Cafe an awesome stop. Their prewave ad at right ensures hundreds more issues, interest and readers to the Bolivar side. (Be sure to show them your support, and get a discount on good food!) Locals know the value of a wooden nickel. Next it was to meet the Bills at Pirate’s Grill. Cherie at Remax was very helpful and friendly on our quest. She guided us to The Big Store. Scentchip smell and new readers acquired, we carried on our quest. Word of Sharky’s Steaks returning March 1st reached us quickly. Andrea at The Dollar Store there is already thinking “vendor” for next year’s Mardi Gras. A Shipment of 1000+ balloons was scheduled for delivery that day. We were off down the road again. The Gary Green Realtor ladies were awesome, and our final liquor store stop was all business. We got some wings and a few cold beverages to strengthen our return voyage to the island. If you haven’t been to Bolivar, it’s worth the trip! Galveston’s neighbor across the bay is just a short sea voyage away. We look forward to exploring this realm further. Use your coupon!

Unity Begets Discovery 25

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Disc Golf sightings anticipated on island

Local disc golf fans, visitors, seeking island course curb cravings at Jack Brooks Park course About 15 minutes out of Downtown Galveston is a Disc Golf Course. Many islanders disc golf, and still thousands more constantly seek a course worth testing their abilities on. It took a visit from disc golf enthusiast and allaround-cool-guy Ryan Beisner of

Pratt Kansas to force us to make a trip. We’ve got a lot of work to do as plans for an island disc golf course unfold. Will it be in our State Park, Realtor/Developer assitance? And what would a PDGA approved course require? What do you want? We need your support!

“...and you should throw it thusly...”

Press Gorilla captured in his natural environment. Stuck in a tree. Friend offers support. (Above Right): Clockwise from upper-left, Jason Gorham, David Torkelson, Ryan Beisner, and Rick Bacon laugh with photographer Mike Carrillo.

(Above) Ryan Beisner shares some hard-earned disc golf knowledge with Mike Carrillo

bourbon&rum&coke

Check out the Pratt Course Web site, www.phatplastic.net

The Carrot, the Egg, and the Coffee Bean A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up! Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water & placed each of them on a burner and turned up the heat. Soon the pots came to a boil. In the first one, she placed carrots. In the second, she placed eggs and in the last one she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word. After about twenty minutes, she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, “Tell me what you see.” Her daughter answered, “I see carrots, eggs and coffee!” Her mother asked her to feel the carrots. When she did she noted that they were “SOFT.” The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the “HARD BOILED EGG.” Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, “WHAT DOES IT MEAN?” Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard & unrelenting. However, being subjected to the boiling water, it “SOFTENED & BECAME WEAK.” The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became “HARDENED.” The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had “CHANGED THE WATER!!” “When adversity and hardships come, which are you?” she asked her daughter. “How do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?”

Call from friends Pepper and Q led us to Poor Michael’s for a Billie Bourbon’s cd release party. Some cool guys told us about their Web site, www.redpub.com. Another guy told us about Ramora fish, and how they will never, never be extint. (open a book, people! Google it.). Doria was an intelligent, great writer. A great live show and a d*mn good time. And that’s a direct quote from a good friend. Keep on rocking. Check out Billie’s Houston Texas Music Internet Radio show at www.texastopforty.com. And when are we getting our island radio station(s) going? Guess we’ve gotta make some more. Don’t touch that dial!

“With over 70 years of pet experience!”

26 Unity Begets Discovery

G’Wiz: Galveston Wizard

It was a Friday night. Another fun week of work/ play at the Wizard. We were getting close to needing a break and found ourselves wondering what we were going to do. As if to answer that question, we received a phone call from a reader, inviting us to come over and help them drink some Shiner keg beer and meet some cool people. Having met our reader friend Mario at DiBella’s, we knew we were going to meet some cool people. We grabbed our camera, several volumes of our most recent issue, and made the trip. The group of people invited us in like we’d been friends forever. A chiminea fed by former curbside Christmas tree provided Batmobile exhaust -like show. We imagine that their band, Dirty Sock, rocks too. We’ll do our best to let you know when they play next. Thanks for inviting us to your party, Mario! And what are YOU doing this weekend?

Unity Begets Discovery 27

www.galvestonwizard.com

Politics by Julie Brown Try Explaining immigration T rreform to a 6-year-old. “Mommy, w what does this mean?” I hear him say from the kitchen as I refill my “Sun-Kissed Orange Soda” ;) and I return to the living room to help him figure it out. I see my Dec. 10th issue of Time magazine open on the last page I was reading, a Joe Klein article. ...The Statue of Liberty, an image that’s branded from kindergarten and on into our minds is Most kids couldn’t tell you how she got there, the year, the architect or why she stands, only that she must be something great to be so big and so familiar. This particular image, on this hazy, warm December afternoon, was fully executing the Second Amendment with her big...black...cold tool of death, and around the bot-

tom of the image ran barbed wire. I proceed to explain the opinions of the people who the picture is referencing. “Son, some people are very angry that people from other countries are living here and working and growing their families here, and want them to leave and also keep out the others who want to come here and do the same thing.” I don’t get much time to explain before my free-thinking, little skateboarding 6-year-old interrupts, “Like the Pilgrims?” he says to me...I see the innocence of truth in his eyes gleaming with a familiar inquisitive fire, so I tell him “Yes. Our great, great, great, great, great grandparents and their families came to America a long time ago,

son. They wanted to have a better place to live. The mommies wanted to make sure their babies had an awesome time and this was an awesome place.” He stares off to the side and I can see that he’s confused and in another place in his mind, and he quickly turns back to the magazine and takes the black

pen from my hand and makes a bold, very dark “X” through the entire picture. When I ask why, he shoots me a sort of “Hellllooooo, were you just listening to what you said?” look on his face and he says “The Indians didn’t shoot us and make us go back. They taught us how to grow corn.”

Book recommendation: Who Will Tell The People? The Betrayal of American Democracy by: Howard Zinn

90 percent of Success is just showing up We caught word of the 2008 Annual Meeting of the United Way of Galveston January 15, scheduled to be held at the Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and convention center. The United Way’s goal of raising 1.35 million in campaign funds was a success! Each table represented groups of powerfull organizations and groups heckbent on making a difference in the community. The United Way, eager to best serve it’s communities, also allocated funds for organizations to defirne their own efforts to benefit the community ion the ways it best saw fit. UTMB raised over $700,000 bucks, A&M and Galveston College set records, and GISD donations were up 20 percent.We look forward to bringing you even more word as to United Way works in the volumes to come! Have an organization or service we can advertise to our readers? Tell us about it. How can our fellow readers get involved?

Met Jim Guidry from Guidry News and Pat Welsh from MH&T Advertising agency at the event. Check out GuidryNews.com for up to date news and event coverage.

Shannon Payne (white shirt) welcomes guests and participants to the event.

Learn more about United Way services at their Web site at www.unitedway.org. or call 409.762.4357 for more information.

28 Unity Begets Discovery

G’Wiz: Galveston Wizard

Works By Andre IRS

Time Travel

The committee’s position is that clouds moving across state lines do so with intent to evade and the sun in the red and clouds in the black

committee members came knocking on my door with their hoof-shaped hands, faceless under their bishops’ hats. I moved from square room to square room

create taxable events says the agent. When I start to speak, he puts a burning coal on my tongue. I dream of autumn, burning leaves,

and thought I would like to sit forgotten on some Ferris wheel, my feet 100 feet above ground. I don’t want an army of lawyers, I just want to be lucky.

corn fields stretching wide and trees bending slowly under a cold Indiana sky. Clouds start to ponder

The committee wants to audit my death. I start to read: The committee’s position is that clouds moving across state lines...

their next winning move. A white castle wraps itself around a black queen, part of her face drifts in the wind. I want to lock myself in my room, my head turned away from the window so as not to see the queen’s torn face slowly drifting East. Many nights, I would lie awake in my bed,

When I leave, I pay two years of deadman walking plus ten miles of borrowed dreams and the change I get is two nights sinking into my coffee cup, seven winds rising from one forgotten name and half a rainbow streaming down my window’s myopic eyes.

Guilt Traveling from village to city and city to village, we sought other jails. We ignored prisons that were not highly spoken of. We knew there was no need to go through the formal procedure of an arrest. We could just walk in from the cold and exercise our right to be

judged. The judge would be there in a matter of days and on request hand out the strictest sentences. We were all shook up inside, you know what I mean? We didn’t ask for all of what was happening to us. It was all those crazy days, small pieces of a puzzle

When you dream in your star-shaped room and clocks stand by your bed like widows that remember and images sink in the whiteness trailing an eraser’s path and the ceiling leans toward you paler than a geisha’s face, then cloud by cloud you assemble the sky waiting for it to open like a curtain to applause for the drama of your life. When the dead speak you listen, awkward words of absence brushing gently against the dark pages of your draft.

that never made sense. Some of us sentenced themselves to death by living and others just sat there in limbo. Those who died watched the living wait for Monday, Tuesday, then Wednesday and then for Thursday, Friday and Saturday and Sunday so they could start again, at the

end of the week to wait for Monday, Tuesday and so on you know what I mean? Those long processions of days all dressed up in dark, awkward like employees of a funeral home on their way to the burial of some wealthy client, all of a sudden realizing they had lost their way.

Artwalk turns to Artrun, later Artstumble

It was Saturday night, the sun was going down and it was time to layer up. Periodically (with the next one being April 12th, 409.763.2403 for more info), a large group of artists have found a forum to promote themselves to still larger groups of people armed with a map of participating galleries, shops and boutiques (and hopefully thier checkbook and sense of philanthropy) set out to check out what goods the artists’ got! We’ve all got to make a living, right? We set out on this quest to see what it was all about! We began at Nic Noblique studios, where auction items were helping to Float the Artists Boat! Thanks participants! We lingered at Buchanan Gallery, investing time at each one of Phyllis Hand “Succulent” larger than life photography (you can too! Page 16 for more information!) The organized event was to end sharply at 9! Time was of the essence and it seemed we had barely scratched the surface of this fun quest! (Our final tally was 9 stops and galleries, you know who you are!) We could resist the complementary wine at each stop just as easily as the artists could resist their critiques and questions....grudgingly, but at every turn. Sure is a lot of talent on display! Impromptu dinner with powerhouse couple David and Heidi Bloom at Cafe Madrid, and it was off to Gravity Bar (see their ad, next page!) to catch Dru of SoulFire’s show. Boo! Just missed it, but his new shirts are cool. Worn and weary from our travels, we relaxed with a refreshing beverage, enjoyed some songs by Fiel, and shared in many long overdue hugs, hello’s and “how are you’s?” We decided it was time to return home, our evenings’ end at hand. Many quests completed, others’ postponed. There will be more Artwalk opportunities, (we hope) but we were glad to have caught this one. Life is like an art gallery. Not everyone knows what they like, but nearly everyone thinks they know what they don’t like. It’s full of praise, critics, and criticism, but true artists and all self-expressionists display and express themselves regardless. Eventually they may even make money doing what they love. Sound like you? What gifts, talents, hobbies or passions do you have to share with your fellow reader? We want to know. Share your world. Inspire us.

Unity Begets Discovery 29

www.galvestonwizard.com

On Climbing Your Pyramid Apparently you are already a gogetter with a real can-do attitude! (Hey, you found us, didn’t you?) Now all corny catch phrases aside, we want to encourage you all to keep out there and keep moving up your pyramid towards self actualization! (See Maslow, right). What in the H, E, double-hockey sticks are we talking about? We’re telling you that you’ve got to get up and out there and help yourself! Assume that no one will help you. You create and determine your fate. You are resourceful, how much so probably determining your current state...but you can get better at it. Go get it, go get the very next

thing you need. Clear your inbox. Hang the picture you’ve had sitting there. Mow the yard. Pay back your friends all the money you owe them. Keep clearing the inbox, searching for ways to make things easier and better for you and those you care about. What hinders you? Take a good look in the mirror and consider that the only person you really have to answer to is yourself. What do you want? How will you get it? It will not be overnight. Far from it, It is a long, arduous process, but if your intentions are pure, your resolve strong, and your goals in sight, you cannot fail.

As Maslow’s Heirarchy of needs at right indicates, before you take time to ponder the universe, you’ve first got to be NOT worried about other, more fundamental needs. Progress takes time. Don’t give up! Rah, rah, rah! Go you!

See Upcoming Job fair, pg 31, sponsored by Galveston College, The Rotary Club of Galveston, and The Worksource. Mark your calendar, go dressed to impress, bring copies of your resume, and it’s “Hello possibilites!”

What to expect when taking a drug test by the Outsider Going in for a drug test can be scary if you don’t know what to expect. I recently got a job that required a drug test. I don’t use drugs and I was nervous about taking it, so I can’t imagine how a person that uses drugs would feel. So if it will help, It goes a little something like this…. Walk in and sign in. When you’re called go in the back, give the person your I.D. or license. Empty your pockets and wash your hands. You will get a cup with a red line about three quarters of an inch from the bottom. Go in to the bathroom and fill cup at least to the red line. Very important: Do not

flush or wash your hands. Come out of the bathroom and give the person your cup. (try and keep the pee jokes to a minimum.) The person will take the cup and test it with some kind of card with tabs on it. This takes about a minute. Wash your hand please. Soon you say cool or damn. Then you go to work or go home. That’s it. I hope you don’t but if you do have to test, this might help you feel more at ease or be better prepared for your journey. Remember the attendant just works there and they have to handle others’ pee all day so give them a break.

30 Unity Begets Discovery

G’Wiz: Galveston Wizard

“The only excuse I have is nothing.”

R Reader

Who among you knows a business owner? A realtor, a bar owner, anyone wanting more exposure? Got an awesome idea or event and looking to put it out there? We are looking to be that guide to those people and those ideas. Tell your friends about us and together we can grow into more possibilities together. Unity Begets Discovery. Show our Advertisers that you see them and show your support! How may we be of service to you?

We’ve got to build it together.

“When’s your next issue coming out?” Help us bring you child-like joy quicker! H As this complicated graph below shows, A the t th h more support we get from you, the more frequent we can come out! m

support

Take Aim.

frequency

Adapting to your environment

HELP WANTED The Galveston Wizard Needs YOU. Description: Are you outgoing and energetic? Do you enjoy talking to people face to face or on your phone? If so, join our Sales Team and experience the realm. We, at The Galveston Wizard are seeking serious sales persons to work from home or/out and about on/or around our adventurous tropical paradise. Your call. Requirements: Confidence High Energy & Enthusiasm Positive Attitude Good Communication Skills, Ability to work with crowds Obtain: Ad sales and contracts Qualifications: High School or Equivalent Sales, Marketing, or Have Confidence, Must have reliable transportation, Ready to work immediately,Must be able to work weekends from home or whatever Full and part time positions are available. Please send resumes to: www.thegalvestonwizard.com or call (409) 621-2864 or (409) 795-8248. This position offers 20% commission on all final sales and contractual agreements. An attractive benefits package is available for those who qualify. (You “might” get a Press Pass, T-Shirt, and bragging rights.)

Ask your favorite business when the next issue’s coming out. What would you do with some space in the Galvseston Wizard? Let our design team make it real.

Graphic Design

$30/Hr

Still ppaying y g dues after f all this time Call your friends, family, favorite businesses about us. Pledge to tell 5 people about the Wizard. Send em to our Web site at www.galvestonwizard.com. Remember, You are word-of-mouth,, makingg yyou essential to our ggrowth. YOU rule.

Distribution D istribution Listt S Sampling ampliing for Volume #9

LamestLeaveExcuses Lam we’ve heard yet. a detailed message and we’ll call you back.

Overflow headed to the Bolivar, the mainland. Texas City, Hitchcock, La Marque, Dickinson, Houston, Select Regions in College Station, Kansas, and whoever got one from our Web site. Ove

Business

We re lookin We’re looki looking ki for businesses to promote to our Growing readership! But it isn’t alwayss easy explaining th tthe benefits of putting your business in front of thousands of readers. Below find the

We’ll advertise when we get more customers. We plan our budget at the beginning of the year. We’ve been here for 60 years. The decision maker is out of the country. W We’re not going to do anything for at least...um....five months. We are non-profit. We don’t believe in advertising. We get enough business without having to advertise. Might be interested when “summer” editions go out.

Wise and Kind businesses, people and organizations have invested money so that we could get to you, an and br bring themselves to you as well. Let them know that you appreciate their support by showing showin some som support of your own. The Galveston Wizard is Free to the Reader, Funded by Advertising Funded by Readers. How can we help you reach other readers?

by Isaac Amaguer So, you want to be in a band but never bothered to learn how to play an instrument,whatsoever ? Don’t worry. The

O Older/Wiser City Hall C TSO T Moody M Gardens G DiBella’s D Hottie’s H Tanning T Galveston G Raquet R Club C Scholes InS ternational te Airport A Pirates’ P Cove C Country C Club C Wal-Mart W

Galveston Liquor rosenberg Library Cajun Greek Moody Bank Tylka Law Firm Buzbee Law Firm IHOP Park Board of Trustees Maceo’s Spice

Younger/Hipper Wal-Mart Galveston. comChamber of Commerce Justice Center Bail Bondsman Texas First Bank Municipal Building Randall’s Press Box La Moda Spa

HARMONIX team has got you covered with its installment of Rock Band. I’m sure you have heard of it by now. If you have not, then it’s time to get with the program! You can experience one of the 3 systems it has released. At a retail price of a whopping $169.99 it’s a solid investment. It can be fun for everyone. I also believe that this game could almost certaintly help the music industry because you have to pay to play. All songs are formatted specifically for each console. So there is no bootlegging

Del Papa American National Cruz Cortez Clothiers Michael Burger Tremonte Realty Argos Jewelry Your Mom/ Dad’s House Blockbuster

CVS Quiznos Slices Jack’s Market Str. Tavern Hooters Balinese Room T.F.Hippies Ramada Inn Island Tattoo Bob’s Grocery SkyBar Cafe Ma-

drid Oysters Slices Molly’s OCB Buskers Connolly’s Corner Gravity Bar Mario’s Party Both Weekends of Mardi Gras (promoted Web site) Yaga’s Tsunami

Cocktails 21 Rosie’s O’Malleys Boomba’s JuJu’s Old Acoustic Quarter Cafe Hastings Washateria Broadway Freedom Fashions Mod Java 213 Ya’Bon Valero 39th

Arlan’s Market Total Fitness Dutch Kettle Texas Dairy Charlie Burger Apartment Locators Coastal Community Credit Union Your Buddy’s House

allowed. Harmonix Realleases new songs each week, exposing this new “I-Generation” to songs thoat would have just been listend to as background noise. Either way, this game just might save the music industry...maybe. For more info visit www. rockband.com Thanks for the help nene!

Unity BegetsOver Discovery 31 Galveston College, The WorkSource 50 employers and exhibitors will and The Rotary Club of Galveston

www.galvestonwizard.com

Present

be on the Galveston College campus.

This is the perfect opportunity to meet potential employers, fill out applications and provide them with resumés.

Thursday, April 10 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Galveston College’s Hermes Fitness Center 4015 Avenue Q Local Address

Local ddress Local Address 409-741-2800 000 0-0000 (000) 000-0000 (000) (000 000-000-0000 Local Address Local ddress s6225 Local Stewart Address Road L Local AddressLocal sGalveston, Local000-0000 Address TX 77551L0 ddress 0-0000 (000) (000) 00-0000 000-000-0000 000-000 Join Curves with a friend today and you can split the service fee plus get a chance to win a three-night spa vacation for two. You’ll build muscles, burn up to 500 calories every workout and maybe even get a relaxing massage. No other 2-for-1 deal will ever feel so good.

Free and open to students and the general public For more information call 409-944-1220.

Sponsored by:

*Offer based on first visit enrollment, minimum 12 mo. c.d. program. Not valid with any other offer. Only at participating locations through 04/26/08. No purchase necessary. Open only to legal residents of 50 U.S./D.C. and Canada (excludes Quebec), 18 or older. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes ends 4/26/08. Subject to Official Rules, available at www.curves.com/spacontest. ©2008 Curves International, Inc. 20040133

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Without You... ...there can be no Galveston Wizard.

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