The Skyline Newspaper

Photo by Bonnie Wunderlich

Likely Land Sale May Hurt State's Long-Term Interests

By MaryAshley P. Gredell
Skyline Reporter

The imminent destiny of the Christmas Mountains in south Brewster County will likely be decided long before this Christmas comes to the Big Bend.

Despite the clear desire of the land's original owners, the R.K. Mellon Foundation, the property is headed for auctioning to private ownership early in November. Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson has chosen to ignore a plea from the National Park Service to put off the sale so that they can look further into the possibility of acquiring the land, which is adjacent to Big Bend National Park.

The Mellon Foundation donated the land to Texas under the impression that it would be used as state or federal park land, and thus be accessible to the public. Wanting the land to remain as pristine as possible, they secured conservation easements on the property, which restrict the kinds of development and use it can be subjected to.

"Looking at the conservation easement on the Christmas Mountains, the land can't be developed," said Jeff Francell, the Director of Land Protection with the Nature Conservancy based in Austin. "[That land] is not threatened with a subdivision or fragmentation, so it will be okay whether its in private hands or with the park service."

"The real problem I see is that the General Land Office accepted a donation, and the donors wishes were that that land remain public, and it's important, at least for our organization, to respect the donor's wishes," continued Francell.

Making the land donors happy is a good policy for the long-run, as well. For the state to continue to acquire lands for public use or protection, it would seem logical to respect the wishes of the private entities who may choose to donate or sell their properties in the future.

"The National Park Service could make the donors of the land happy, and the General Land Office ought to explore that," said Francell.

In an interview broadcasted on KRTS Marfa (93.5 FM) on Oct. 1, "Talk at Ten," John Waters, the publisher of the Big Bend Gazette, discussed the GLO's other responsibilities.

"The main function of the GLO now is to manage the over 20 million acres of state land in the GLO portfolio for the benefit of the school fund. When the commissioner is trying to sell the land, he is fulfilling that mandate," said Waters.

However, the responsibilities of the state's land office and the intentions of the land's owners could fit and function together neatly, with the proper negotiation.

"[The Mellon Foundation] came up with the money to give the money to the state of Texas," said Waters.
"My conclusion is that they gave the property to the sate of Texas with the desire that those properties would eventually end up either as a state park or part of a national park."

Becoming or being added to a national park takes time which is a situation not immediately beneficial to the side of the National Park Service. Despite formally showing interest in the property, the NPS would need to receive the go-ahead in both houses of Congress and presidential approval to add national park land, and Commissioner Patterson wants the Christmas Mountains sold now.

The valuable resource of public land in Texas needs nurturing and growth to preserve the future interests of Texans. Arguably, it may be too late for the Christmas Mountains, but the lessons learned will hopefully stay in the state's collective mind set for years to come.

Chili World Champ To Be Crowned This Weekend

By Madeleine Cantu
Skyline Reporter

Word has it that Texas' Original Terlingua Chili Cook-off Championship started 41 years ago as a joke between two New York journalists. The two men, Frank X. Tolbert and Wick Fowler, decided that Terlingua, which was a ghost town back then, would be the best place to have it.

It is said that the first year, there was no winner because, acting as their very own judges, they burned their taste buds with their chili concoctions, therefore rendering themselves unable to make an honest judgment. The second year, it is said that they had a couple of men ride up on horseback, take the secret ballot box, and drop it down a mine, so again, no winner. There were pranks of chili made with road kill, possum, rattlesnake, and anything else you might run over on a drive down the highway. Word got around, and gradually the joke turned into a serious hobby, drawing entrants as well as enthusiasts from all over the world to the annual chili cook-off.

Last year, there were approximately 105 chili-cooking entrants for the event, and 1,500 spectators. The Terlingua Chili Cook-Off Championship is considered by many "chili-heads" to be the most prestigious of cook-offs in the U.S. All participating chili chefs had to have won in previous chili contests to cook in this year's championship.

The chili is submitted on Saturday at noon, and just like most contests, goes through quarter- and semi-finals until the best chili wins.

"The cooks have a lot of fun, but it's also very competitive. These cooks take their chili seriously," said one of the judges, Wilson Moore.

Moore has been coming to the Terlingua Chili Cook-off for seventeen years, and has been a judge for fifteen.

"This chili is not the kind you would sit down and eat a whole bowl of. You take one bite, and the taste is enough. You just eat a spoonful. That's how it's judged, one spoonful at a time."

The cook-off has some serious sponsors, too. Sam's Club and Bud Light are just two examples. Other big-name brands have been attracted to the area, as well: in 2000, Chevrolet filmed a commercial during the event advertising their new Suburban, and in 2004, The Food Network filmed a special on the chili being prepared.

There is a $20 entry fee for spectators to the event. The proceeds are split between the EMS and Fire departments, the Terlingua School District, and the entertainers who provide music.

Kathleen Tolbert Ryan runs the cook-off now, after her father. It starts November 1st, and runs until the 3rd.
For more information or directions, visit the cook-off's website at www.bowlofred.com.

Zombie Review: Day for the Dead

By David Johnson
Skyline Contributor

Although Halloween is now safely behind us, today is "Dia de los Muertos" or "the Day of the Dead," a time when the deceased rise from their graves and wander about country, looking to devour the brains of the living until lulled back to sleep by their descendants' love and costumed dancing.

In this spirit, today's column concerns itself with the walking dead, or at least several zombie-related forms of cheap entertainment worth checking out.

Psst... "John Dies at the End." Actually, that's not a spoiler, it's the title of a book written by PointlessWasteOfTime.com's David Wong.

What's nice about this book is that it's very cheap, so cheap it can be found for free in its entirety at JohnDiesAtTheEnd.com. A printed version is also sold, but besides actually costing money, the book was originally written in a web format, taking full advantage of the medium, and is probably best read that way.

It's a very long book, you see, consisting of several considerably lengthy story arcs. The basic plot involves the narrator, also named David Wong, and his best friend as they do battle against a supernatural evil only they and a select few others,can see. When the story begins, however, they've been doing it for so long it has become mundane.

Author Wong does a wonderful job throughout the story of mixing elements of humor, action, drama, and some of the most genuinely creepy, disturbing passages ever written. As long as the story is considered in its totality, Wong keeps the actual reading fresh, easy, and entertaining. At worst, the fragmented nature of the composition shows in that the effect of some arcs are lessened by subsequent ones, but this may be intentional because his work is a loving parody of the horror genre, known for franchises with multiple sequels. Like all good parodies, though, this one stands well on its own as much as it pokes fun at anything else.

A movie that accomplishes the same thing, albeit in much more obvious and specific parody, is "Shaun of the Dead," a film about a zombie apocalypse set in Britain. It's a very British comedy, but like the later police-themed parody "Hot Fuzz," by the same people, is an excellent movie on its own merit. Like "John," "Shaun" is a mix of everything you want in a movie, humour, action, romance, and really gruesome death scenes.

These are classic Romero-zombies ("Night of the Living Dead," "Dawn of the Dead")-- stupid, slow moving, and disposed of with a strong thwack on the head or decapitation. "Shaun" answers the nagging question of why no one in those movies just grabs a blunt object and goes around smacking the clumsy undead with impunity.

The movie has been showing on Comedy Central the past few days, and the library has a copy, so watch it for free if you get the chance.

Of course, you could always participate in your own zombie apocalypse instead of just watching one. How would you survive, or if not, what would you do once you became a cannibalistic, shambling member of the undead?

If you'd like to see the answer to that question, you might try the free massively-multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) "Urban Dead," found at UrbanDead.com. It's text-based and limits each character to 48 Action Points per day (that is, one AP per half hour, with a maximum of 50), but with roughly fifty-thousand active players and little time demands, it's a fun way to spend five minutes of your day.

So, what if vampires were around for a zombie apocalypse? (I know; I'm stretching for segues now.) They need human blood in order to survive, so if zombies are killing off the human population, how would vampires react?

That's the premise behind the online (i.e. free) graphic novel "Last Blood," at LastBlood.net. Vampires have come to protect a small rural town in North America in order to feed off of them because it's one of the last human populations on earth that hasn't been devoured or necrofied by the billions of zombies still around.

It's an ongoing story, and may end up totally sucking by the time it's all said and done, but it's basically the most awesome premise for a story ever, has more than serviceable artwork, and has been generally entertaining through the 90 pages published thus far.

Like the other three free options, it's also a good way to spend your time indoors in safety while you wait for the undead to return to their graves and eternal slumber.

At least until this time next year.

Bramhall Blues Rocks The SR House

By Robbie McDaniel
Skyline Reporter

Doyle Bramhall turned Marshall Auditorium into the "House of Blues" Thursday evening, Oct. 25, playing to a near capacity crowd of students and community members. The singer, songwriter and percussionist was accompanied by guitarists Casper Rawls, Nick Curran, and Charles "C.C." Adcock.

The crowd was immediately energized by the opening number, "If the House is Rockin', Don't Bother Knockin'." Bramhall announced between songs that he and his wife came out to this area several years ago and loved it so much, they decided to make Alpine their home. The music continued with a selection from Bramhall's new album, "Is It News," entitled, "Lost in the Congo," a hand-clapping rock number, followed by "Change It." This bluesy number was written by Bramhall and made famous by blues legend, Stevie Ray Vaughan on his 1985 album, "Soul-to-Soul." Vaughan and Bramhall were band mates, songwriting collaborators, and friends, prior to Vaughan's tragic death in 1990. Bramhall's rendition of his song was very close stylistically to Vaughan's, with a visceral vocal quality, reminiscent of Don Henley and Steve Winwood.

"Is It News" was released in September 2007 by Yep Roc records. As Bramhall stated to "The Austin Chronicle": "I wanted to make an all-original record that was big, energetic, intimate, and unpredictable."

To co-produce the album, he chose long-time friend and collaborator, Louisiana swamp-rocker Charles "C.C." Adcock. Appearing on "Is It News" are Bramhall's son and guitar master Doyle II, band mates from the past Denny Freeman and Jimmie Vaughan, as well as Adcock, Mike Keller, Mato Nanji, bassist Scott Nelson, and keyboardist Billy Etheridge, among others. "Is It News" features 12 songs written over the course of Bramhall's personal and musical life. The idea for the album title came to Bramhall one day when he repeatedly passed by his television, and heard the same stories running over-and-over.

Bramhall stated midway through the performance that the two wooden platforms in front of the stage were "intended for our go-go dancers, who didn't show up!" He encouraged audience members to come up and take advantage of the makeshift dance floor, if the spirit moved them to do so. During the remainder of the concert, several inspired dancers did just that. This impromptu display of local talent added an entertaining element to the already energetic musical show.

At the conclusion of the concert, the band was coaxed back on stage for an encore by a standing ovation from the crowd and shouts of "More….more" and "Bram-hall….Bram….hall." Following the final number, the band signed autographs in the foyer and offered music, posters and drumsticks for sale to fans.

Thanks to the "Ira Blanton Folklore Endowment, Department of Languages and Literature," for bringing this concert to campus. The Endowment would like to thank Doyle Bramhall and Barbara Logan for their long-term, continued support of the folklore program at Sul Ross State University.

This concert is another fine example of the great entertainment offered by Sul Ross and the community of Alpine. To learn and hear more from Doyle Bramhall, Yep Roc records, and fellow musicians, visit: www.myspace.com/doylebramhall1 or www.doylebramhall.com.

"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

By The Masked Reviewer

Have you heard? Broadway has arrived in Alpine! After attending the opening night performance of the Sul Ross Department of Fine Arts production of the award-winning musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," I know that we don't have to travel to New York City to experience the finest in world-class musical theater. In this stunning production, various students are virtually "transformed" into the characters we all enjoy in the "Peanuts" comic strip, originated by Charles M. Schultz. The musical's book, music and lyrics are by Clark Gesner.

On opening night, the portrayals were outstanding. Charlie Brown, as played by Jackson Brownfield, was sensitive and poignant, evoking numerous murmuring reactions from the audience, in sympathy with his wistful optimism and shy longing for the "red-headed girl" to notice him. Lucy Van Pelt was effectively enacted, revealing Kourtney Graves' "star quality" acting and vocal talent, which should bring success in her future career.

Addie Bencomo was effervescent as Sally Brown, exhibiting a remarkably energetic stage presence, as well as a lovely singing voice. Schroeder offered many amusing moments, with effective singing and dancing sequences well-performed by Jacob Cole McClurg. Thumb-sucking Linus Van Pelt, with his security blanket, was amusingly portrayed by Omar Pattillo, who possesses an excellent singing voice and a convincing flair for comedy.

But, it was Snoopy who stole the show as he shared his philosophy from the top of his doghouse. Costumed and made-up as the famous dog, Rey Hatch once again has shown his great versatility as an actor. He continues to amaze and impress everyone by his convincing portrayals, just as he has done in previous theater productions. I must say that I missed my favorite "Peanuts" character, Woodstock. Though it would be difficult to portray a bird, I am sure the part could be convincingly written by the talented writer-composer Clark Gesner.

The colorful set was cleverly constructed by Jay Sawyer and his crew, with portable back-drops smoothly converted, as required for each scene. The sound design was impeccable under the direction of Dr. Keith West, assistant professor of communication.

Kudos are in order for every person who assisted in this production!

An instrumental ensemble, expertly directed from the keyboard by Dr. Justin Badgerow, assistant professor of music, provides the musical setting. Composer Clark Gesner's innovative use of many famous classical themes delights the listener, as the familiar melodies of Beethoven, Grieg, and Tchaikovsky are woven into the musical fabric of the score. An amazingly full orchestral sound is achieved by Dr. Badgerow's masterful playing, with assistance from Betty McGehee on violin, Michael Lippard on woodwinds, and J.D. Leyva on percussion. Expert bass player Steve Bennack was absent on opening night due to a death in his family.

Vocal director Dr. Donald C. Freed, associate professor of music, continues to bring excellence to all things musical at Sul Ross University as he selflessly spends endless hours training and coaching young singers involved in musical productions. The well-trained singers who performed are a testimonial to his expertise.

The production staff is to be congratulated for another outstanding demonstration of talent and coordination, which consistently brings to Alpine the very best in musical and dramatic entertainment. As director, Dona Roman, associate professor of theatre, has once again demonstrated her remarkable talent and creative energy.

Are the citizens of Alpine aware of the outstanding talent in the Sul Ross Fine Arts and Communication Department? I realize it more with each musical and dramatic event I attend on campus!