Deer Corn Denied

With the start of hunting season upon us, many men will be postponing their honey-do lists in exchange for trips to get hunting supplies, time at the shooting range, or trips to the lease or ranch. Many wives just don't seem to appreciate our fall excursions.

A word of advice: Don't give your wife the combination to the gun safe.

CORPUS CHRISTI -- Police took over the 4700 Block of Odem Street Sunday afternoon as a woman barricaded herself inside her home.

Officers say she had a five round pistol with her that she aimed at her husband earlier in the day. Lt. Nancy Lee said, "She shot at him with the pistol, he hid behind the green truck over there, the truck was hit twice."

That's when the husband called police.

As officers arrived they blocked off the street and covered the house at every angle.

Eventually, police called in the SWAT Team to help get the woman out safely.

After about an hour she surrendered, slowly walking out of the home, barefoot and looking confused.

Police say the woman has a history of mental illness and when her husband wanted to run some errands today, she lost it.

Lt. Lee said, "He said he was going to Sun Harvest to buy some corn to feed their deer out on the ranch and apparently she didn't want him to leave. Like I said she's got some mental problems and I guess it was just the last straw or something, I don't know."

The standoff ended peacefully though.

A hostage negotiator got a hold of the woman on her cell phone and talked her out of the home.

It's an ending that eased the anxiety of everyone in this neighborhood, fearing the worst.

Lt. Lee said, "Everybody's fine, looks like we did it without any injuries and no officers injured."

Police arrested the woman and charged her with aggravated assault.

Officers say she may also make a trip to the hospital for a mental evaluation

Hat tip to my wonderful and understanding wife who never gets angry at my mojo purchases, stockpile of ammo, or frequent hunting trips.

To read the whole story, click on the blog post title or copy and paste this: http://www.kristv.com/news/swat-standoff-ends-peacefully/

Alcoholism At Its Finest

Ahh, weekends in Corpus Christi. I guess this would classify as a "bottoming out" experience.

Woman Stops To Relieve Self, Falls Off JFK Causeway, Corpus Christi Police Say: Husband Flags Down Police To Help After 15-foot Fall

CORPUS CHRISTI — A 42-year-old woman was taken to the hospital Thursday after falling off the JFK Causeway during a bathroom break, Corpus Christi police said.

An officer driving east on the causeway about 1:18 a.m. saw a man frantically pacing next to a car parked on the westbound side of the road.

The 52-year-old man said his 42-year-old wife had fallen more than 15 feet off the side of the bridge.

The man told police his wife had been drinking and asked that he pull the car over so she could relieve herself.

The woman climbed over the railing and fell onto some rocks, landing in about four inches of water, police said.

Officers climbed down to assist the woman and found her unresponsive.

Emergency responders brought the woman back up onto the road using a backboard and a long extension ladder.

She was taken to Christus Spohn Hospital Memorial for injuries that were not life-threatening, police said.

Oh, Happy Day! Now For Act 2

It is still unbelievable. After nearly a decade of incompetent leadership and an absence of vision, the Memorial Coliseum is finally coming down.

Memorial Coliseum Roof To Come Down Monday

CORPUS CHRISTI — The remaining part of Memorial Coliseum — its iconic arched roof — will begin coming down piece by piece at 9 a.m. Monday.

A heavy shearing tool that is able to tear through the roof’s iron frame will be delivered to the demolition site this weekend, city engineer Jerry Shoemaker said.

Once the scissor-like tool cuts the frame, the roof will collapse onto the empty concrete floor, starting with the section on the front northern corner, he said.

In the meantime, private developers have completed major development on our city's south side and completed many wonderful renovations of downtown properties. "Slow motion" is an understatement.

Now is when the real excitement begins. After reading numerous articles and hearing many news interviews, it is obvious that no one in our City's leadership has a clue of what to do on the vacant property. I have traveled to many cities around the country and witnessed where many once-delapitated areas have been transformed into wonderful and profitable projects--for both devlopers and tax payers.

By the way, does anyone else notice how every plan to re-develop the downtown includes plans to "re-route Ocean Drive" and/or add some sort of wading pool? Someone--probably some consultant--has got council members convinced that more curves need to be put along the bayfront. Obviously, moving roads and changing traffic flow fulfills certain power trips held by certain city leaders. The whole wading pool thing is mysterious as well. Do council members visualize hot and tired tourists and pedestrians flopping in the water after a long day of shopping and strolling? These high maintenance, water-wasting fountains simply function as kiddy pools and result in garbage cans overstuffed with dirty diapers and empty Happy Meal containers. How many days out of the year are the CC Water Garden down for maintenance?

Just sit back now and watch the second act of the comedy begin. This act should take at least another decade.

To read the whole Caller Times article on the final phase of the Memorial Coliesuem demolition, click the blog post title or copy and paste this: http://www.caller.com/news/2010/jun/18/memorial-coliseum-roof-to-come-down-monday/

I Have The Power

I have the power (long) sound bite  He-Man and the Masters of the Universe sound bites

We finally got our power restored about 11:00 AM Sunday morning. Yayyyyyy!

Four days without electricity makes me an unhappy camper.

No Power In Corpus Christi

We lost power at our house around 11:00 Wednesday evening. As of now (Saturday AM), we are one of the approximately 7,000 homes without power.

I moved all the frozen foods out of my freezers and into the freezer at my in-law's house. Also, I thoroughly cleaned our refrigerator--removing some items and throwing others in the garbage. Both freezers and the refigerator are spic-n-span. Thank goodness we had a place to move the stuff. I cannot imagine a severe hurricane hitting our area.

Probably, the fact that Corpus Christi has had no severe storms in recent years have allowed trees and limbs to get too big and entangled in lines or above lines in many neighborhoods. Thus, our current situation. We are inconvenienced but happy to have no injuries or damage.

To get the latest Caller Times story click on the blog post title or copy and paste this: http://www.caller.com/news/2010/jun/04/aep-continues-work-coastal-bend-outages/

Connie Crashes In Lamborghini

Connie apparently broke her back--but not bad enough to put her in the hospital. No news on the Lambo. I wish Connie and Mike all the best. And, I hope that she beats Abel Whats-His-Face this November so she will by my representative.

CORPUS CHRISTI — Republican Texas House District 34 candidate Connie Scott and her husband Mike Scott are recovering from injuries sustained in a Friday night car wreck that left Connie with a broken back.

Mike Scott was driving the couple's Lamborghini onto Interstate 37 near Calallen, when a semitrailer began steering into their lane, Connie Scott said.

Scott, who is challenging state Rep. Abel Herrero, D-Robstown, in November, said the trucker apparently did not see their car.

"I yelled, and Mike sped up and tried to miss him and we shot across three lanes and hit the concrete median," she said.

The car slid along the top of the concrete median before landing back on the freeway. Connie Scott was taken to Christus Spohn Hospital-Memorial's trauma unit and later released. Mike Scott, a prominent Republican businessman, refused treatment, but visited a local doctor Monday for X-rays and further testing.

The Scotts were not ticketed. Connie Scott said the injury would not affect her campaign.

Local Baptist Fued

This takes the concept of a Baptist feud to a new level:

CORPUS CHRISTI — A local Baptist preacher and community leader is accused of shooting a preacher from Cuero after a construction contract dispute, law enforcement officials said.

The Rev. Mark Stewart, 49, the pastor at Rising Star Baptist Church, was arrested about noon Thursday in Cuero on suspicion of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the shooting of John Jackson, 59.

Police were called to a Cuero home for shots fired, police said. Jackson was found walking with a gunshot wound to his right side, Cuero Police Capt. Steven Ellis said.

Jackson accused Stewart of shooting him and told police he was in a blue Dodge truck around the corner, Ellis said.

Jackson was flown to Christus Spohn Hospital Memorial where he remained in fair condition in intensive care Friday, hospital spokeswoman Sherry Carr-Smith said.

Police detained Stewart and another man near where the shooting occurred, Ellis said. Police found two handguns in a nearby field, Ellis said. Police believe one of the guns was used in the shooting. Stewart also was arrested on tampering with evidence. . .

. . . Stewart is free on bail totaling $75,000 Friday, Zavesky said

Attempts to reach Stewart were unsuccessful.

"The facts are sketchy at this point," said Ed Sample, the chairman of the deacon board at Rising State Baptist Church. "We are not dealing with perfect knowledge, so I cannot comment on something I don't know."

Stewart serves as parliamentarian on the Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce, according to the organization's website.

This should be good for Rising Star's attendance.

To read the whole Caller Times, click on the blog post title or copy and paste this: http://www.caller.com/news/2010/may/21/local-baptist-preacher-accused-of-shooting/

DEMOLITION

George Clower vows to keep fighting to save the MC even after its been torn down??? Delusional or opportunist?

George Clower, a director with Friends of the Coliseum, a group trying to prevent demolition, said his group won't give up its fight.

"I'm not sure we're going to give up, even when it's gone," he said.

But, he said, they're not sure of their options.

The group still may file an appeal request with the Texas Supreme Court or ask the appeals court for a rehearing. There is another option they're also considering, but Clower wouldn't disclose what that is.

The Texas Historical Commission will consider an application to list the building on the National Register of Historic Places at the state review board's meeting Saturday in Beaumont. Part of the board's consideration is the structural integrity of the building.

Clower said he believes the city is purposely fast-tracking demolition so the designation isn't awarded.

I SAY TEAR THAT PUPPY DOWN.

To read the whole Caller Times article, click on the blog post title or copy and paste this: http://www.caller.com/news/2010/may/12/memorial-coliseum-walls-begin-to-come-down/

Las Donas and Low Riders

I attended the 2010 Buc Days Illuminated Night Parade. There is no doubt that the entire event gave specators the fullest flavor of Corpus Christi. From the Los Donas debutantes, to the Tina Turner look-alikes, to the oodles of customized low riders--only in Corpus Christi could one experience such a combination of sights. This once-in-a-lifetime experience improves every year

CORPUS CHRISTI -- Thousands turned out for this year's Buc Days Illuminated Night Parade.

After weeks of preparation, the parade route was filled with folks out to enjoy the show. The people with the best spots to see the parade had been camped out since yesterday. The parade started at Buc stadium and ended at Coopers Alley.

Illuminated floats wowed the crowds and several bands from around the area performed.

Corpus Christi Is FAT

A survey by Mens Health magazine ranks Corpus Christi, TX as "America's Fattest City." This article is embarassing for our city:

Go to Google Maps, type in "United States," and you'll be reminded of just how big Texas is. But what you can't see is the size of the state's citizenry: Five Lone Star cities are among the nation's fattest, with Corpulent Christi at the top.

To arrive at our rankings, we calculated the percentage of people who are overweight, the percentage with type 2 diabetes, the percentage who haven't left the couch in a month (CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System); the money spent on junk food (Bureau of Labor Statistics); and finally, the number of people who ate fast food nine or more times in a month (Mediamark Research).

I know, I could stand to drop a couple dozen pounds myself.

To see all results of the survey, click on the blog post title or copy and paste this: http://www.menshealth.com/fattestcities2010/?cm_mmc=MagURL-_-May2010-_-metrogrades-_-FattestCities2010

The GI Forum's Temple

Luke 21:6 "As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down."

Unless there is a miracle, this building is never coming down. For the entire Caller-Times article click on the blog post title or copy and paste this: http://www.caller.com/news/2010/apr/07/coliseum-spared-lease-45-days/

Spring Break 2010--Update #5

I have been thinking we might avoid a spring break shooting this year. I spent some very nice days up in Port Aransas. The beach experience has been quite pleasant except for the traffic near the JP Luby Park access roads. However, early this morning, we had our first shooting of Spring Break 2010.

Apparently, one psycho was jumping up-and-down in another psycho's truck bed. The driver began blasting his 9mm, apparently hitting his "friend" in the neck. The dispute was over a woman. Apparently, the shooter and his girlfriend had been living homeless in the pick-up.

Click on the blog post title for the Caller Times article or copy and paste this: http://www.caller.com/news/2010/mar/19/man-shot-mustang-island-beach-overnight/

Spring Break 2010--Update #4

News. No dogs allowed on the beach between Beach Acces Road 3 and Zahn road. Leash or no leash and regardless of size--NO DOGS ALLOWED. (Click blog post title for KRIS-TV story.)

Spring Break 2010--Update #3

So far, the biggest problem at the beach seems to be some loose sand and stuck vehicles. The police have only issued several citations for public intoxication. (Click the blog post title for the Caller-Times article.)

I actually drove out to Port Aranasas after a Friday evening wedding. There were at least a dozen police officers between JFK Causeway and Port A. Many were hiding and several vehicles were pulled over.

The beach in Port A was beautiful. The sun was out and the light NNW wind made for near-perfect conditions. There seemed to be more winter Texans out than spring breakers. I headed back to Corpus Christi by early afternoon. The traffic heading out to the beach from town was getting heavier. A friend of mine told me that by 3:00 PM, the traffic was backed up from Access Road 3 all the way to the JFK Causeway bridge. The right lane, however, was still moving for those wanting to go south of Bob Hall Pier or to the Padre Island National Seashore--the more sane places where decent folks go.

The weather somewhat deteriorated on Sunday. It got a little cooler and the wind picked up and changed direction. Be sure to take a jacket if you decide to head out. And watch out for drunk drivers and police--there are lots of both of them.

Spring Break 2010--Update #2

No news of violence, death and/or destruction yet from the beach. I have faith--it will come. Hopefully it will not be too bad or harm any innocents.

Keep checking back for frequent updates.

Spring Break 2010--Update #1

(Click the blog post title for the related Caller-Times article.)

Sun is coming out and temperatures are heading into the 80's. Spring Break is ready to switch into high gear. Hang on to your hats.

Keep checking back for frequent updates.

Spring Break 2010--Death Watch

I intend to blog on all deaths, injuries, and acts of assault and other violence associated with the Coastal Bend's 2010 Spring Break on Padre Island.

So, pull up your beach chair and let's have a barbecue in the backyard until the spring breakers have had their fill of switchblades, pit-bulls, and debauchery.

I'll see you on the beach when it is safe to come out--in April. Be sure to check back for frequent updates.

Congratulations Joe McComb

What an upset by Joe McComb, winning the Republican race for Nueces County Commissioner, Precinct #4!!! I give a lot of credit for the win to this nice lady holding the sign.

Click on the blog post title for election results or copy and paste this: http://www.kristv.com/pages/march-2nd-2010-primary-election-results/

Memorial Coliseum: Save the Roof???

www.caller.com/news/2010/feb/22/keeping-memorial-coliseums-roof-only-would-cost/

Anyone interested in keeping the roof of the coliseum in tact to provide an open air pavilion? The cost to keep the roof is $3.7 million. The cost to demolish the coliseum and clear the site is $861,500.

TEAR IT DOWN! PLANT GRASS! KEEP GRASS MOWED!

Jessica???

Jessica Puente-Bradshaw is running in the Republican primary for US Congressional Seat--Texas #27. There will be several opportunities to meet Jessica in the Coastal Bend in the near future. She is worth checking out.

Upcoming events can be found at her website:

www.texansforjessica.com