MIXER MAGAZINE

August 2011 Issue 1

PREMIERE ISSUE

LAREDO’S

CROSSFITTRAINING...

NOT SO HIDDEN

IS McALLEN THECITY OF THE FUTURE?

A LOOK ATBARIATRIC SURGERY

IS IT APPROPRIATE FOR THE NOVICE?

TREASURE

READING INTOTHE COMMUNITYBOOKSTOREWARS?

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Contributors Dana AndradeJose EsquedaBeto Gutierrez

Evelyn HartSam Lozano

Acerina MadrigalJoe Molina

Emily Marie Sanchez

Mixer Magazinewww.mymixermag.com

editor’s noteWow!This is big. What you hold in your hand, dear reader, is an example of the American Dream. Sounds corny, but let me explain.It started with an idea. Carlos Delgadillo, a former classmate of mine and a well-known local photographer, comes up to me one day and says, “You know what this town needs?”If you say “water park” I’m going to smack you, I reply.“No, no. This town needs a magazine. One that’s not just filled with pictures of girls in big dresses. Not just social pages. A magazine with real writing.”Real writing, I thought. He had a point. Laredo’s filled with social pages. Most reporting, be it in print or on television, is event coverage. There’s scarcely any commentary about the community and its problems, something we can chalk up to Laredo’s legendary sensitivity, even hostility, to any criticism no matter how reasonable or fact-based. My father dealt with this in the 80s as publisher of the Laredo Morning Times, an era referred to as Laredo’s “newspaper wars” by long-time Texas Monthly writer Paul Burka. In a 1984 piece called “The Sheets of Laredo,” Burka writes that my father made the Times more “journalistically aggressive” and published front-page columns confronting Laredo’s problems. The rival paper, the Laredo News, tried to play on Laredo’s pride by claiming the Times was disrespecting and dividing the community. Even today, public figures play the community pride card in order to gain favor and brush away any opportunity for honest dialogue about community issues. Now, what you hold in your hand represents our attempt at contributing to that dialogue. We want to cover not just Laredo, but South Texas, and we want to do it with style. In this inaugural issue, you’ll find our founder Carlos Delgadillo exploring the growth of McAllen. Joe Molina, a self-professed dreamer, writes a touching vignette about a carnival worker, and fitness guru Sam Lozano discusses a growing fitness trend. For my own small part, I discuss the possible future of a struggling small business, Escape Again Bookstore. What started as an idea in one person’s head is now ink and paper in your hands. Nothing is a more basic expression of American initiative. Times are tough, and it’s not kosher anymore to call this the American dream, but I can’t think of a better term. I haven’t woken up.

Mike Herrera IV, Editor

On the cover: Kayaking the Rio Grande, photo by Jesus M. Garcia. Add’l. Photography Credits: Page 9, Mayor Cortez, photo by Carlos Delgadillo. Page 10-11, Escape Again, photos by Mike Herrera IV. Page 13, Types of surgery, graphic provided by The Mayo Clinic. Bariatric surgery photos provided by interviewees. Pg 16, Carnival, stock photo. Pg 17, Chef, photo provided by Beto Gutierrez. Food photos by Carlos Delgadillo. Pg 19, Picketer, photo by The PanAmerican. Pg 21. Pullup guy, stock photo. Pg 22. Food photos by Carlos Delgadillo. Exterior of restaurant, photo by www.burguesa.com.

Copyright 2011 © Mixer Magazine. All rights reserved. August 2011, Volume 1, Number 1. Published monthly by Mixer Magazine, 9652 McPherson Ave #1, Laredo, Texas, 78045. www.mymixermag.com.PROUDLY PRINTED IN TEXAS.All views expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mixer Magazine.

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Story by Carlos Delgadillo | Photography by Jesus M. GarciaLAREDO’S NOT SO HID DEN TREASURE

Perhaps within the perpetual redundancy of the phrase “There’s nothing to

do” is a person not willing to search for something to do. Excitement may very well be reserved for the go-getters in life. Or maybe it’s a simple matter of putting in a little effort, a little elbow grease, to find it in your own backyard.

The Rio Grande is most likely not on anyone’s list of “things to do,” or “places to go.” Still, along a six-mile stretch of the river edging the banks of Laredo runs a kayaking trail that can be a formidable physical challenge and is undoubtedly fun. Eric Ellman heads the Big River Outfitters from a quaint office inside the Rio Grande Plaza, a towering hotel situated by the river. Ellman, a kayaking enthusiast and former teacher, is passionate about many things. Paddling down the river, he constantly points out environmental issues affecting the area. He speaks of projects he’s trying to get off the ground, and awes over the natural landscapes trailing along the way. One project in particular he discusses is the educational value the river has.

“We’ve secured two grants to create and implement outdoor learning curricula that will demonstrate that the best place to prepare a kid to

pass his TAKS is under the clear blue sky,” Ellman said. One of the multiple intelligences educators sometimes use is the Naturalistic one, which involves taking students outdoors and relating the environment to their corresponding topic of study. However, South Texas is no stranger to extreme temperatures, climbing upward of 100 degrees at times. In fact, the area lacks seasons. It’s hot most of the year. This may be one reason some people opt to stay indoors and play video games instead. Ellman is fully aware of this.

“South Texas is home to some of the fattest people in the country,” said Ellman. “We’ve got triple the national diabetes rates, failing schools full of kids who can’t make a connection between what they study in books and the natural world, and who know more about animals in Africa than in their own backyard. And their parents let them get away with playing video games instead of going outside because they think it’s too hot.”

The grants have been awarded to the Big River Foundation, a non-profit organization that Ellman points out has raised thousands of dollars for local charities. The foundation’s goal is to bring awareness of the river’s educational and environmental benefits as well as the fitness

alternative kayaking provides. Ellman elaborated: “In just six months, we’ve introduced over 200 customers to their river and gotten the city of Laredo to endorse creation of an official Texas Parks and Wildlife Paddle Trail Department.”

Skeptics will point out the ongoing border violence. While there is no doubt of the recurring turmoil in Mexico, little has spilled onto the Texas side. Yet, various media conglomerates have negligently reported that Laredo is as dangerous as its sister city. Still, no related incidents have been reported by kayakers. Ellman is as alive and free as the river he loves.

LAREDO’S NOT SO HID DEN TREASURETHE RIO GRANDE: IT DOES A BODY GOOD.

ERIC ELLMAN INSTRUCTS ON PADDLING TECHNIQUES

7

McAllen is a city that both begs and dares you to visit her. One of several linked

municipalities comprising the Rio Grande Valley, McAllen is the second most populated and one of the most progressive cities in the nation and, undoubtedly in South Texas.

At the forefront is no-nonsense Mayor Richard Cortez, now in his second term. In his office hang three Picassos near a paper-laden desk and an assortment of typical office wares. The décor is a culmination of the man’s personality: classy, blue-collared, and Texan. He is relaxed yet intense and has been described as such. His aged eyes stare in content.

“I am intense. Anytime I take something on, I take it on with a passion. If you don’t approach it that way, why even have it as a goal,” Cortez said.Among the projects presently at work are the building of a new public library, the expansion of a shopping mall, improvements to sporting facilities, and the relocation of the

Boeye Reservoir. Additionally, the revamping of 17 Street, a club-lined strip, has further developed an already thriving nightlife. Cortez attributes this to the healthy economy the city has been able to maintain.

“We’ve invested a lot in lifestyles and beautification. Plus, our population has grown twenty-two percent while our budget grew by fifty percent in the past decade,” he remarked. “It has helped us develop a good quality of life for our citizens.

While retail is clearly prominent in the city, there is no shortage of recreation for families and individuals. Teams such as the Central Hockey League’s Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees and the NBA’s developmental Rio Grande Valley Vipers provide an entertainment option.

It’s hard to imagine any city thriving during a recession, and Cortez concedes it hasn’t been easy.

“We have three dominant industries: retail, government, and healthcare. The recession affected retail, but we’ve been blessed to have enough attraction to survive,” he said. Cortez further said the aid of strong tourism and a solid marketing plan, including the new website exploremcallen.com, will soften the hit to these industries. It is evident why McAllen is ahead of its time. It offers a grand diversity in retail, dining, and recreation that is comparable to the large metropolitan cities in Texas. Most impressive, however, is the fact that McAllen is experiencing great progress even though the city is landlocked.

Story by Carlos Delgadillo

Mayor Richard F. Cortez

There’s a woman on the cover. Barefoot and amazonian, she rides a horse while wearing the kind of dress

a Native American might wear in a cartoon (think Disney’s Pocahontas, only skimpier). She is Juana, says the cover, a beautiful, dynamic woman in the early days of Central Texas, and her book sits on a rolling cart amidst Bad Beats and Lucky Draws and Insect World.

“I call that the miscellaneous section,” says Eddie Cardenas, owner of Escape Again Bookstore as he points to the cart. “It’s for the stuff I don’t know where to put. There’s some wild stuff in there.”

The ring of a bell signals a new person walking in the store, the first in the last hour. It’s a Friday, so this locally owned and operated business should see about 14 walk-ins. A busy day.

“Fridays are a little busier because I get a lot of people heading to Mexico for the weekend who stop and buy their kids something to read on the drive,” Cardenas says. A life-long reader who used books as a safe form of entertainment growing up in a rough Chicago neighborhood, Cardenas opened Escape Again in the spring of 2010, as Laredo reeled from the much-publicized loss of B. Dalton, which seemed to embarrass the city. Community members started a campaign around the slogan “Laredo reads”; schools circulated petitions asking B. Dalton to stay,

and city council members promised that readers live in the gateway city to support a bookstore. But that was never the issue. Laredo wasn’t the only big city losing a B. Dalton. The entire B. Dalton chain was being scrapped as struggling parent Barnes & Noble focused on megastores with couches and baristas. Yet when the story went national, MSNBC and the Wall Street Journal cited the national downfall of B. Dalton but also mentioned lack of educated consumers, limited English proficiency, and low socioeconomic status. The WSJ reported national surveys estimating as much as half of Webb County’s adults lack “basic literacy” skills. No city wants this reputation. As can be expected, city leaders and activists took up the “Laredo reads” mantra and ran with it. By doing this, however, they committed the same conflation as the WSJ: mixing business and educational concerns. Should we be concerned about literacy in Laredo? Absolutely. Does it matter when courting a new corporate bookstore so as to save face? Not really. Nobody expects the illiterate to make or break a bookstore any more than they expects the literate with disposable income to go through withdrawal without one. Literacy as a community issue went almost ignored because getting a “big box” store to set up shop only required restating what B. Dalton told us: whether or not Laredo reads, it buys.

Somewhere in between these business and educational concerns lies the less defined issue of Laredo’s reading culture, an issue perhaps reflected by the progress of locally owned indies like Escape Again. These are different. Different stock, different vibe, different atmosphere. At Escape Again, jazz plays in the background, and the spines are cracked. The same guy answers the phone, rings you up and bags your merchandise, and he doesn’t have a uniform. Indies are mom-and-pop shops, and they often serve a customer base as varied as a cartload of miscellaneous books. So what, if anything, does the tiny sample of Escape Again’s customers tell us about Laredo’s reading culture?

READING INTO THE COMMUNITYBOOKSTORE WARS?

Story by Mike Herrera IV

10 MIXER MAGAZINE

“A lot of parents only buy AR books. The schools really push the kids to rack up those points,” he says. “One mother wanted to buy War and Peace for a sixth grader because he didn’t have many points. The school was giving a prize or something. I told her I don’t know if he’ll like it. But because it’s a huge book, it’s worth a ton.”

Just this month Mall Del Norte finalized a deal with Books-a-Million, a southeastern company. No word yet on when Books-a-Million will arrive, but it raises an interesting question: can a corporate book chain, which will be able to offer those new titles at a cheaper price, and an local used bookstore coexist in Laredo? It didn’t work out in the 90s when Bookmark Books closed its doors after a brief stint. Of course that was before the current struggles of companies like Borders, which declared bankruptcy this year. Jack McKeown and Don Linn in their piece “Will Independent Bookstores Seize the Day?” believe the current industry environment can be a boon to local sellers. Keeping it local

is one mission of the IndieBound movement, a small-business project of which Escape Again is a member. One of its selling points is that more money spent at a local business remains within the community.

“Books-a-Million will do things like bring more jobs,” says Cardenas. “But of course most of their dollars are going outside the city. Most money spent at my store stays in town.”In the end, however, this is not as simple as a corporate David versus local Goliath. The big boxes and the indies coexist all over the place because they engage in a cycle. Once readers buy from the big box, they later visit the used store to trade the new titles in exchange, for something else, maybe an author off the mainstream, or something rare not carried by the big box. The used store now has new titles it can sell at a lower price than the big box, attracting the customers who want to save by buying used. All the while the used store also gets the bibliophiles seeking first editions and books out of print. This is an ideal.

As a store, Escape Again isn’t yet at that level in terms of inventory, and it can only get there if Laredo has enough and the right kind of readers to create the buy-read-trade cycle, in other words, if Laredo “reads” the way other cities do. First, however, Escape Again has to get through the first months of Books-a-Million. If this turns out to be a zero-sum game, we might need to revise that slogan. Afterthought: Readers struggling with their new addiction to e-books might be glad to know IndieBound recently established a partnership with Google. Readers can now shop local for e-books by visiting the website of a local IndieBound affiliate. The books are available for various devices. Cardenas says Escape Again’s site will be up soon.

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*NOTE: SINCE THE ARTICLE, BOOKS-A-MILLION HAS OPENED FOR BUSINESS AND ESCAPE AGAIN HAS CLOSED.

The weight loss craze has lived up to its moniker. With

revenues hitting nearly $50 billion, the industry sells Americans everything from miracle diet pills to home exercise equipment. Yet still, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 out of 3 Americans are overweight. Such a multitude of options

and low rate of success might lead many to consider more drastic options. With a hefty price tag upwards of $10,000, bariatric surgery has become an increasingly popular trend for South Texans, with some even crossing into Mexico to get the procedure. But as an expensive, risky surgery with potential after effects, is it really right for everyone? As with any other surgery, there are risks involved, so one looking for this medical alternative must undergo several steps. Patients are first pre assessed by their primary physicians to assess their candidacy for any of the various types of bariatric procedures. A visit with the surgeon covers an overview of the patient’s surgical options and then the patient is sent for a psychological evaluation. Once cleared for surgery, he or she must prepare for it both mentally and physically.

Preparation Insurance companies mandate that bariatric surgery patients lose between 5-10% of their body weight before being admitted. This is important for a couple

of reasons: it shows that the patients are actively interested in losing the weight and, more importantly, because it reduces the size of the liver. The football-

sized organ sits above the stomach and the surgery involves a flexible fiber optic surgical tool called a laparoscope. The laparoscope can move easier around a smaller liver. To reduce the risks involved during surgery, prospects need to avoid aspirin-containing medications for their blood-thinning properties. Alcohol consumption and smoking are to be ceased at least eight weeks prior to the procedure date as their effects may cause complications during and after surgery. Prospects must also maintain good hygiene with special emphasis on keeping the skin clean and dry around the operational site. Skin deterioration or breakdown can delay the surgery.

What to ExpectRecovery periods average 3 to 6 weeks, during which time strenuous activity is limited. Movement, however, is important as it prevents blood clots from forming in the legs. Side effects such as vomiting, dehydration, flatulence, diarrhea, hair loss, loose skin, etc. may occur in some patients, but are also preventable or manageable at best.Now that the stomach can only intake a cup’s worth of food, post operatives must be mentally prepared to eat less. That delicious cheesecake is no longer an option. Liquids and soft foods regulate one’s diet for the first weeks. Tougher, chewable foods are gradually introduced later. Water, protein, and multivitamins are

also essential for hydration, lean muscle preservation,

and replenishment of essential minerals and vitamins.

A dietitian, often referred by the primary physician

or surgeon, can guide the post operative to proper

nourishment. While exercise is strongly recommended,

Story by Carlos Delgadillo

12 MIXER MAGAZINE

AdjustableGastric Band

(AGB)Roux-en-Y

Gastric Bypass(RYGB)

Vertical SleeveGastrectomy

(VSG)

BiliopancreaticDiversion with a Duodenal Switch

(BPD-DS)

not everyone will have the will power or the knowledge

to exercise properly or effectively. A personal trainer

can help balance the body’s weight loss with muscle

toning while constantly motivating one to achieve weight loss goals.Patients with certain medical conditions may find that their newfound weight loss has benefited them two fold. Not only has it made the recipient lose weight, but certain medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, among others, may fade away. Besides cosmetics, this is one of the major contributing factors that motivate people into having the surgery. Think of the mother of two who wants to see her children grow up, to be able to go outside and play with her kids.

The Myth Bariatric surgery is sometimes seen as an “easy way out” especially by those criticizing the procedure. However, this is hardly the case. Those seeking to get it must be prepared for the challenge. It is a change of lifestyle, a new way of thinking. The surgery is probably best described as a tool. Some patients have tried exercise and diet and have failed for whatever reason. Overweight people may be battling genetics, depression, medical conditions, unhealthy habits, psychological issues (self-

image, for one), etc. and are, therefore, fighting a losing battle. Bariatric surgery then becomes a tool that they can use to aid them with their weight loss goals. Still, it is a tool like any other; it must be used properly in order to be effective. Don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s a guaranteed weight loss method.Dr. Michael Morris of Lone Star Surgical says that he admits patients when “they have tried everything else and their backs are against the wall. My patients have to be informed and ready to make this decision.” Obese people may find difficulty in the simplest of physical tasks (e.g. tying shoes) so workouts at a gym, jogging, or even walking could very well be a distant thought. The reason for one’s obesity is as important as their desire to correct it. Yet it may not be that simple. Dr. Morris states that “environmental stressors, fast food ads, and people’s customs” are all factors that “overwhelm” someone’s attempts at weight loss. He points out that “food is different than any other addiction. Drugs you can live without. Alcohol and smoking you can live without. But food, you need.” Reprogramming one’s entire mindset is very difficult. So when the question “Why don’t you just go to the gym?” comes up, it is not as easy as it seems.

Working out requires plenty of motivation, self-motivation to be exact. Getting dressed and driving to the gym requires motivation. Continuing going to the gym requires motivation. For some overweight people with restrictions on their movements, this may not be an option. Dieting, too, not only requires motivation and discipline, but knowledge in correctly nourishing your body, which most diets turn out to be flawed in anyway.There is a bit of irony in this, however. Post operatives need discipline, motivation, and knowledge in order to prevent relapsing into old habits. Dr. Morris’ practice, Lone Star Surgical, for example, offers support group meetings to assist those with the lifestyle readjustments patients encounter. These may include negative feedback from family and friends, psychological issues with food, dealing with excess skin, getting accustomed to new eating habits, etc. Any of these concerns can mislead patients back to where they found themselves pre surgery.

Stephanie Gonzalez At first glance, Stephanie seems like a happy-go-lucky type of person, with a warm smile and glittering eyes. After meeting with her, it’s apparent that her joyful appearance befits her equally pleasant disposition. One wouldn’t know that she’s gone through a series of stressful tribulations, especially when it comes to her weight. At age 30 she’s already gone through two surgeries with hopes that this second one isn‘t as problematic. In 2009, Stephanie had a gastric banding procedure and experienced a weight loss of 90 pounds before complications occurred. About six months after the surgery she began feeling weak and occasionally vomited mysterious black gobs. Attributing it to common side effects, Stephanie braved on. It wasn’t until the pain and weakness were unbearable that she finally went to see her physician. A hernia was the culprit and immediate repair was necessary. By this time, Stephanie had already lost an additional 10 pounds from the stress alone. Still, there was more to come. Repair of the hernia proved successful, yet, her symptoms hadn’t gone away. “They found out that my band had slipped. They needed to remove it at once,” she recalls. Previously, Stephanie tried losing weight on her own, following the same old familiar road others have taken. Dieting and exercising were a good start, but it was a series of visits to Mexico that helped

her lose the weight she wanted. With injections of metabolism boosters, Stephanie found herself 40 pounds lighter, but as is the case in most stories about diets, it was all too good to be true. Two years later, she was back at her original weight, now looking for an alternative way to rid herself of the weight loss albatross. Concern over the difficulties from the first surgery was always present. With her three boys and husband by her side, however, Stephanie decided to try once more. “I did it for my health,” she says. “My family has a history of diabetes and I don’t want to be another one to have it. I want to be able to play with my three sons outside; Playing football and chasing them around.” Nearly a year after the band removal, a second surgery was performed. This time, she opted for a gastric sleeve resection, a procedure that is quickly becoming the most popular among bariatric surgeries. Although she finds comfort in her family and friends‘ support, Stephanie still attends support group meetings for extra motivation. “I have had co-workers talk badly about my weight loss. They’ve said it was an easy way out, but they have no idea. The surgery is only a start. I know I have to diet and exercise in order to achieve my goal. I prepare for everything now. Before going out with my husband to dinner parties, I drink plenty of water and take my own food since I know that there will probably be beer and stuff I can’t eat there.” Stephanie’s goal is to reach and maintain a toned body at 150 pounds. Presently she is a tad over 200 pounds.

Diana Monsivais As I sit and chat with Diana, a karaoke singer echoes in the distant background. It is Alex, her husband. They both love to sing karaoke. Today she sits across me to discuss a personal matter that she holds dear to her heart - her weight.

Before

After

14 MIXER MAGAZINE

She, like most who have tried diets, has yo-yoed up and down. In June of 2007, a 23-year-old Diana weighed 330 pounds. Her obesity typically brought upon insecurities that limited the things she could and wanted to do. It was enough to motivate her to get a roux-en-y procedure done and help her gain some confidence back. More importantly (at the time), she was going to look good. It may have started purely cosmetic, but in the months to follow, the success she encountered elevated her self-esteem and confidence. Working with school-aged children became an easier, more manageable task without the excess weight of a poor self-image hanging from the waist. A burden was gone, and so her 150-pound loss symbolized hope, a hope that manifested into the minds of her family members, including her brother, sister, and mother. They, too, had the surgery and shed away the years of the type of oppression obesity tends to carry. “I did my research,” says Diana. “My family supported me and that was very helpful.” Ironically, diets were counterintuitive as they required consistency, basically a lifetime of following strict eating habits. “I had to stick to them. They didn’t work,” she recalls. After the surgery, however, Diana was obliged to follow a strict diet; a lifetime supply of healthy eats. This wasn’t good. It is said that the first three years after surgery is the “honeymoon” period. Surviving the 1,095 days is a great reward, mostly knowing that you’ve grown into your new lifestyle. The third year, some say, determines the rest of your success. For Diana, it didn’t turn out so well. As a karaoke enthusiast, singing and lounging about at bars, the 27-year-old quickly found herself skidding downhill, away from her goals. Liquor, sodas, and other carbonated drinks are readily available at bars. The late hours also (sometimes) makes the stomach beg for food. Eating at fast food joints at 3 am with a pop and fries on one hand and a burger on the other isn’t exactly a dieting technique. So the nightlife and outside pressures led Diana to sway from her vision of beauty and into bigger sized pants as she saw her weight rise another 40 pounds. Now, 4 years after the surgery, Diana is armed with a newfound dedication in life. She’s become a gym rat, of sorts, and is back to following an acceptable diet. Alex is her fitness partner. He, too, is losing weight, looking for a healthier, thinner future with his wife. I guess it’s true when they say that “those who play together, stay together.”

Jorge Gutierrez, Jr.A fully grown male lion can weigh over 400 pounds. It is, after all, the king of the jungle, majestic and proud. For a fully grown man, however, this weight is a health hazard. A life threatening accumulation of bad habits. There is no pride in it. At 426 lbs., Jorge Gutierrez had those bad habits. Late night binging, frequent fast food eating; smoking; drinking; irregular sleeping pattern; all of these led to an uncontrollable weight gain. It is a bit surprising, then, to find him barely able to finish a small cup of yogurt. In October of 2010, Gutierrez underwent a gastric sleeve resection at the age of 41. “I was afraid that one day I couldn’t get out of bed,” he mentions when asked why he finally opted for surgery. “I was diagnosed with diabetes. I’ve seen others be taken piece by piece from it,” he continued. It is clear he is a confident man. He answers my questions honestly, boldly, and without hesitation. “George,” as he is also called, has a wife and a 6-year-old son he strongly considered before the operation. “I questioned my mortality. I didn’t want to leave my son without a father. I wanted to be able to go outside and play with him; to chase after him…keep up with him.” George undoubtedly took this to heart and now while analyzing his previous relationship with food, he looks down at his feet and he is able to see them. In the 280s with over 140 pounds lost, he can bend over to retrieve a napkin off the floor, play with his son, and is more energetic. He only suffers a bit from heartburn, a common side effect. But George has put a lot of effort into his weight loss. It was months before he finally felt ready to go through with the procedure. “ I lost 16 pounds before the surgery, more than was required. Got ready mentally and physically. I knew I was going to have to adjust to a new way of life, but that’s what I wanted.” George views the surgery as a mere tool. “I’ve lost weight before and gained it all back. I needed a tool to help me go beyond losing a few pounds.” Indeed, he has used this tool effectively and recently learned he is diabetes-free. With a strong support system including his family, friends, employees, and support group meetings, George might be dwindling down to the size of a mere man, but he has retained the heart of a lion.

Before

After

15MIXER MAGAZINE

NAZARENE PRINCEWATCHES OVER HIS NEON LIT KINGDOM

Story by Joe Molina

A hurricane of people circle the carnival grounds on a Thursday night, and the air is pregnant

with the screeches of rides and passengers. In the middle of this storm of shrieks and cotton candy lies the High Strike. For this game, participants raise a red and yellow mallet, which looks like a prop from Looney Tunes, and slam it down on a pedestal attached to a tower of rainbow-colored light bulbs measuring their strength. “Harder you hit, the bigger you hit,” announces Rick Prince, the game’s operator. His bald scalp reflects the blue, yellow, and orange lights of the High Strike, and behind his silver glasses are Nazarene eyes. “That’s the color of goat shit.” He smiles as he raises his microphone to his mouth. “Kids

win every time,” he declares to the swirl of people around him.

Nobody approaches, and Rick places his microphone down and, like a silver back gorilla overlooking his domain, leans against the red railing.A yellow roller coaster clank-clanks in the background.

“The excitement is long gone,” he sighs as the roller coaster drops and screams fill the air like confetti. “I haven’t been on a ride in fifteen years. Been doin’ this since I was sixteen; put three kids through school with this job, but it’s a livin’,” he chuckles. His eyes dart to a food stand bursting with the smell of pepperoni. “Thing I miss the most about home is the food, especially lasagna,” he says as he scans the river of people around him for his next customer.

“I joined this show a few months ago and will be with it until November,

but I keep in touch with my mom and three kids through email and phone calls.” A smile spreads across his face. His eyes linger on the Zipper, spinning like the wheel of a tank.

“Been all over this country, but every town I’ve been to is the same since the carnival is all I ever see, but I won’t work shows in Mississippi.” His eyes scan the Zipper again. “This one day there was a boy and girl arguing in front of me. Then the boy pulled a pistol out and shot the girl in the head.” He stares into the night sky, reliving the bloody scene. “I ran for my life.”

Rick inhales. “Well I better get my butt back to work.”

The flood of people whittles down to a trickle, and as the carnival empties and the shrieks fade away, this Nazarene Prince ends the night by leaning against the red rail, so he can continue to watch over his neon lit kingdom.

Grilled Summer Corn with Cilantro Lime Butter6 Ears of corn8 oz Butter (Room Temp)2 oz Chopped Cilantro4 oz Queso fresco1 Lime (juiced)1 Bottle of Asian Hot Sauce ( Sriracha )

1. Brush Corn with canola oil and season with salt and pepper2. Grill over low heat about 10 minutes, turning the corn so it won’t burn3. Mix cilantro and lime juice with the butter4. Serve hot corn with prepared butter on the side and guests can help themselves5. Garnish with hot sauce and queso fresco

Leg of Lamb “Churrasco Style”1 boneless leg of lamb

Chimichurri Sauce1 bunch cilantro1 bunch flat leaf parsley6 cloves of garlic3 shallots1 bunch spring onions 1 cup canola oil1 cup extra virgin olive oil

1. Butterfly leg of lamb, place on a serving tray 2. Blend rest of ingredients in the blender on low speed. The mixture should be slightly chunky.3. Pour sauce over leg of lamb, let marinate overnight.4. (Next day) Over medium heat gently lay lamb on the grill, cook for 4 to 5 minutes without moving the lamb. Keeping the same side down, rotate lamb 45 degrees and cook 4 to 5 minutes more. Then turn lamb over and repeat. 5. Take lamb off the grill, place on a platter and top loosely with foil. Let rest 5 minutes. Slice and serve. Lamb will be medium rare to medium. Top with more Chimichurri sauce.

CHEF BETO GUTIERREZ, ZARAGOZA GRILL

BY CHEF BETO GUTIERREZ

17MIXER MAGAZINE

It’s another hot day in the valley. The sweat drips down my face as the four members of Conquest of Bread make

themselves comfortable on the couch. I sit on the floor with the drummer’s two-year-old son playing nearby, and not even he seems to mind that there is no AC running. The living room walls are covered in artwork that I can only assume was created by talented friends. Three of the band members along with other friends live as the G Collective. As I take in the stress free feel of the environment I realize furniture is on an as needed basis. And, no, there is no television set. But who needs that kind of generic entertainment when you live with musicians, artists, writers and activists? They are an interesting bunch, all in their twenties with

their own style and personas. They ooze coolness without trying and have a great sense of humor. They have been longtime friends with humble backgrounds who enjoy making music together. Will Brasher plays the guitar and trumpet and states that for him playing in the band is all about the art of music itself. He enjoys a variety, between punk and reggae. Geoffrey Waters, who plays the bass, and sings lead vocals adds, “It [music] makes me harness something larger than myself and provides an avenue to get out a lot of these angry feelings and sad feelings and replace them with hope and something that can be uplifting to make me feel good.” He has a mischievous look in his eyes but a charismatic smile that matches his personality. The feelings he speaks of are not the same preoccupying most guys his age. There are no broken heart ballads here. Their lyrics cover a diverse range of social issues from the lack of critical thinking in education, the murder of female maquiladora workers in Juarez, Mexico to the most current, crucial and

controversial topic of immigration reform.

In “Yellow

Stars and Green Cards,” he sings “Where is it a crime to look the way you do?” The song continues “Lawmakers in Arizona pull the gun on our fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters.” This song refers to Arizona’s SB1070. Anton Ruiz on guitar and vocals sports a handle bar mustache that adds mystique, and he tells me he is an atheist as are the other band members. Choosing his words carefully he simply tells me that religion is harmful for mankind. I can’t disagree. Sometimes as humans we are given such a guilt trip about not believing in a god that we fail to see how religion can be a form of oppression. We are lead to think that we must accept our miserable plights because that is what “God” wants and only he has the power to change that. When in reality we should be getting off our knees and being active participants to make the world a better place. Greg Rodriguez plays drums and along with Geoffrey writes lyrics for the band. He is a working father and, when money allows to pay his dues,

he is affiliated with the Industrial Workers of

the World.

Story by Emily Marie Sanchez

As they talk with me, there are people coming in and out asking questions. Within an hour they will be demonstrating in solidarity with the Student Farmworker Alliance (SFA) from UT/PANAM. There is excitement in the air, the type of excitement that can only be created by youth and rebellion. Today’s target is Quiznos. The protest begins with a bike ride from a local park down to one of the sandwich shops. They are joining the SFA to help spread awareness about Quiznos’ unwillingness to improve working conditions and provide a living wage to tomato farmers. Solidarity is the key to successful union work. Aside from creating and playing music, these laid back, simple-looking guys are also students pursuing degrees in anthropology, history, music and art. However, they admit that they haven’t had any significant professors in their educational experience. They believe education today does not allow for individuals to think on their own or express their thoughts but rather it teaches to follow strict rules. Public education demands that students do as they’re told and in the process creates future corporate slaves. Greg, the only band member not in school, is an avid reader and it is a book in his collection that gave birth to the band’s name, Conquest of Bread by Peter Kropotkin.They took this name because of its symbolism. The conquest of bread metaphorically describes the working man’s

struggle to obtain a better life with the use of people power. So standing on the street, chanting and holding up a sign under the merciless South Texas sun seems like a small price to pay for everything there is to gain. Greg and Geoffrey agree that the south Texas region is the perfect setting for revolutionary change because of its significant level of poverty and cultural diversity. In Greg’s opinion, “As a borderland you got all kinds of cultures coming together. I think where culture is greater you have a better chance of defeating or overcoming institutions that dominate our lives.” I have no problem rocking out

to a band with they’re level of social awareness and with lyrics that can get people to question the world we live in. Later that evening I get to do just that. The type of music is unique to only them but it can be classified as hardcore. At Newman’s Restaurant and Bar I experience what fans in the crowd describe as the “chaos and randomness” that makes Conquest of Bread. Will picks up his trumpet and blends in a distinct sound that makes the music that more powerful. Indeed diversity makes a difference.

Love. A simple yet complex four letter word that can be used in a variety of ways. Characteristically speaking, love has the capability to be multicultural

in nature and spread like an airborne epidemic, universally affecting all. Often times lost in translation between genders, love has a tendency of being understood and misunderstood. From the first kindergarten “puppy love” emotions that fill stomachs with butterflies, to those that have blossomed over the course of many years like a giant sequoia with deep rooted feelings of affection for that special person. To those that are single, love is complicated, unpredictable and for some, a game of strategic game planning that in most cases ends in defeat. When stuck in a rut looking for the one, we can feel love and lust tangle themselves into knots like a six- year-old’s unbrushed hair. For the other half of individuals in committed relationships, they find themselves in a comfort zone they can only hope will be everlasting. It is crucial to understand that relationships have a tendency to fluctuate between different levels of love. Robert Sternberg’s triangular theory of love attempts to elucidate what some relationships lack, what others have too much of, and tries to find the perfect balance. There are three main levels of love: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Each category contains a corresponding smaller sublevel and every relationship moves at different rates and points within the triangle. Ideally, consummate love is what all relationships strive for, the spontaneous bathroom escapades or movie theater acts of love when no one seems to be looking even after fifteen years of marriage, and the longing to forever be with one another that burns like a passionate wildlife fire with no end in

sight. And, although maintaining a consummate love may be more difficult than getting there, it’s the relationship’s journey though those difficulties that will keep it stronger than ever. “The eyes are the gateway to the soul,” says the cliché, but it’s partially true. Research has found that the patterns of gazing stem from our likeability and attractiveness for others. What we perceive initially established by judgments created by our personal schemas given the environmental stimuli presented. The gaze, as a non-verbal form of language, cues others of our intentions and the resulting behavioral proclivities. To gaze at a particular object, in essence, triggers a pattern and type of engagement the person has towards it. We either engage in a pattern of gazing due its attractiveness or disengage because we wish to move on to the next interesting thing (object or person). So the next time you walk into a bar, actually consider looking at the person’s eyes and see if you can capture his or her gaze. After bearing in mind that first impressions are detrimental especially to those seeking out a rendezvous or a serious relationship, choosing a scrupulous ensemble could make it or break it. Therefore, ladies, if a potential guy has partaken in any of these deal-breakers be sure to disengage and look elsewhere.

15 DEAL BREAKERSIf he:1. Wears your skinny jeans2. Wears makeup3. Takes longer in the bathroom than you4. Has a spray tan5. Uses sunglasses at night or indoors6. Has a wardrobe full of Ed Hardy, Affliction, or other stupid tees7. Wears socks with sandals8. Pays more attention to his car instead of you9. Carries a murse or satchel10. Keeps money with a rubber band11. Constantly talks in text12. Publicly crop dusts / farts13. Refers to himself in the third person14. Wears tighty whities or Speedos15. Carries cell phone at waist or uses BlueTooth

Partly based on the article “The Look of Love: Gaze Shifts and Person Perception” by Mason, Tatkow and MacRae. Copyright 2005.

The signs are all over town, white boards on fences or staked into the ground encouraging Laredoans not

to simply get fit, but Crossfit. As a personal trainer, I’m often asked the same questions about this program. “Will it help me achieve my fitness goals?” “What if I have injuries?” “Is this workout fun?” So, I tried it out.

As an athlete, the moment I entered Crossfit, I was pumped. The music, the hard bodies, the energy and camaraderie of the participants got me in the zone. The workouts consist of high-intensity yet functional exercises designed to strengthen your body and turn your core into the powerhouse it was meant to be. It’s tough and quick, and that’s how I like it. But, I wondered, is it appropriate for the novice, the new mom, or my (sorta) fat brother who wants to start working out after twenty years of inactivity? To find out, I spoke to the owner of Unified Crossfit gyms, personal trainer Noel Scott.

“Crossfit is by nature scalable,” said Scott, “and therefore all our workouts can be done by any level of athlete.”

According to Scott, the weight used or the number of repetitions is scaled back for a novice athlete, but that doesn’t

mean the challenge is gone. “They are not relieved of doing the movements all others would do because the movements create the desired result.”

Bottom line, I believe Crossfit is a terrific option if you’re looking to start a lifestyle of fitness or change your current fitness routine. As always, consult a doctor before starting any exercise regime, and if you’re given the okay, check it out for yourself. I always advise my clients to shop around before you hand over any money. Not all gyms provide the same services. Insist on well-informed, experienced trainers.

Get movin’!

GET MOVIN’CROSSFIT TRAINING

7MIXER MAGAZINE

Story by Sam Lozano

W I L L I T H E L P M E A C H I E V E

M Y F I T N E S S G O A L S ?21MIXER MAGAZINE

Las KekasNicolas Bellizzia came to Texas with a dream. That dream is now a quaint restaurant in Laredo, serving some of the most delicious Mexican food in South Texas. Opened in October of 2010, Las Kekas, meaning a “Mayan Secret,” offers a diverse culinary experience with “guisados” representing the various regions in Mexico. These same guisados are also served up as Kekas, a fried (but not greasy) treat with your filler of choice. About the size of an average taco and topped with cheese, sour cream and veggies, one can easily fill up with three of them. And at a price ranging from $1.50 to $2.50 per Keka, they are just that much more appealing. The homemade salsas, including my favorites, tomatillo and tamarindo, are an excellent complement to any of the entrée’s Bellizzia cooks up. If you’re looking for some place to take a date, Las Kekas’ entire menu is very moderately priced. For six Kekas and two large lemonades, our tab added up to less than $15 including tax. Additionally, Bellizzia makes it a point to carry soups like Menudo and Pozole everyday, not just on special occasions. Appetizers like the Molletes con refrito cargado and desserts like their homemade Tres Leches are just an added joy of flavor to completely satisfy anyone’s dinner plans.

Besides founding and publishing Mixer Magazine, Carlos Delgadillo has over two decades experience in the restaurant and bar business. Now, he uses his expertise to help South Texas decide where to get its munch on.

Burguesa BurgerTwo years ago a new and exciting concept in restaurants opened its doors in Dallas. The concept? The Mexican Burger. While these were not entirely new to border cities, Jeff Sinelli took the concept to new heights. Now with three locations already in the valley, Burguesa Burger boasts a one-of-a-kind burger, La Monumental.Two beef patties with cheese, then ham, a crispy tostada with refried beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, and avocado come together for this feast. Finally, Burguesa’s amazingly addicting special creamy sauce tops off this gi-normous burger. We mustn’t forget the optional fried egg either. All this for just $6.00. Don’t worry if you can’t eat that much, there’s a Jr. version too for $5. Burguesa Burger offers what you come to expect from a fast food restaurant, but without the fast food taste. Their food is best described as “lunch hour gourmet.” That is, it’s made fast; it’s made to your liking; it’s creative; and it’s incredibly tasty, much better than any of the familiar burger chains. Teaming up with Mexican products such as Bimbo, Jarritos, and my favorite hot sauce, Cholula, make the experience that much better. Burguesa Burgers also offers their “real cane sugar” soft drinks in three different flavors. However, their heavenly drinks are definitely the LimeAid and Iced Tea. If you’re in or around McAllen or Mission, this is a must for anyone who’s hungry.3914 McPherson

Laredo, Texas 78041

Open Everyday from 10am - 10pm

(956) 568-5936

www.laskekas.com

3 locations in Valley

Open Mon - Thu 10:30am - 9pmFri and Sat 10:30am - 10pm

www.burguesa.com

Contact us at [email protected] for more information.

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