The United States is the land of opportunity, the land of dreams. The resources available outside of its borders pale in comparison to those within them – especially in underdeveloped nations.
In 1492, European explorers unintentionally discovered what would become the United States of America. Children are taught across the country the story of Columbus’ discovery. Usually told with great zeal and pride, it fails to impart that America is stolen land. Native Americans occupied this continent long before it was colonized by Great Britain and the formation of the original 13 colonies. The United States of America is a nation built upon the dreams of those who immigrated here centuries ago.
Texas legislators will consider approximately 15 immigration bills in its upcoming session, which begins days before the start of the next semester. Both chambers will convene noon Jan. 11, 2011 at the state capitol.
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed into law the Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act April 23, 2010. The law, most commonly referred to as Arizona State Bill 1070, is touted as the broadest and strictest piece of legislation aimed at preventing illegal immigration in recent history. S.B. 1070 makes it a misdemeanor at the state level for certain aliens, already federally required to do so, to not carry identification and registration documents. Continue Reading
I usually sleep in late on Black Friday and dream about the crazy people who have been up since 3 a.m. However, this year, I was up early watching the comedy show that is my husband and his parents trying to put up their new 12-foot Christmas tree.
While decorating the tree can be a joyous occasion that brings the family together, it can also be a disaster when the tree is too tall and ornaments have disappeared or been damaged. Though I enjoyed the show, I would recommend that they do what I do with my tree – just leave it up throughout the year.
Yes, you read that right. In December 2009, I decided that removing the decorations, taking down the tree, trying to fit the tree back into the impossibly small box and repeating the process in 2010 was entirely too much work.
However, I didn’t want to leave the tree in its special Christmas spot all year. That would just be lazy. So, I moved it to the corner of the room.
At first, my husband wasn’t in love with the idea of leaving the tree up all year, but he got over it after a few months.
At one point, my husband even suggested covering it up with a sheet. While I am comfortable with leaving a Christmas tree up for an entire year, I quickly shot down the idea of covering it with a sheet. That’s just tacky. Continue Reading
Texas City, TX-The South Side Roller Derby House of Derby presents the 2010 Golden Skate Championship featuring Las Muertas and The MobStars.
Broadcast Reporter: Travis Smith
Videographer: Britta Gamino
The Signal reporter Melissa Waller created a photo slideshow of the battle between Las Muertas and The MobStars in the 2010 South Side Roller Derby championship game.
Las Muertas take on the defending champions The MobStars in the 2010 Golden Skate Championship on Nov. 20, at The House of Derby. Photos by Melissa Waller.
Brad Denison
The Signal
This is the 2010 Golden Skate Championship, Las Muertas vs. The MobStars.
Ladies and gentlemen, for those of you just joining us, welcome to Texas City and The House of Derby, home to South Side Roller Derby.
The sport is experiencing a major comeback. This is the fifth operating modern day bank track in the nation and the fastest in the world.
The first half of the game saw a number of injuries; most surprisingly the undefeated defending champion MobStars only had the lead in the game for one jam. They are not accustomed to this kind of game.
Donkey PuncHer is taking on Las Muertas co-captain D-Vious, and both skaters take it through a competitive pack with half the players taking a serious spill, allowing the most points in one jam for the night so far – 10 points total: 7 MobStars, 3 Las Muertas. Continue Reading
UHCL accounting major Mary Jo Gould, better known as “Mojo” to her team The MobStars.
Photo courtesy of Meg Hamlett Photography.
Better known as “Mojo,” UHCL accounting major Mary Jo Gould’s teammates all think she rocks like Slayer.
“You rock like Slayer” is another way to say “I love you” among MobStars teammates in the local world of roller derby.
As the original captain for The MobStars since its creation in October 2006, Mojo makes sure her team of 10 female skaters practice three to four times a week for two hours; while she trains four times a week and lends a helping hand to skaters who need to improve their technique.
“[Mojo] welcomes new people in, helps them and encourages them to try even if they don’t feel like they are doing very well,” said Marcy Bieber, aka Malibu Vader, one of Mojo’s teammates.
To fully prepare to lead her team, Mojo attends boot camps and finds ways to communicate strategy to her team during the week. This process eats up valuable studying time.
“I’m more passionate than obsessed for the sport,” Mojo said. “It’s not that school interferes with training; it’s more the other way around.” Continue Reading
Erick enjoys a boat ride just days before he is diagnosed with acute lymphoid leukemia.
Photo courtesy of Diana Cotter.
Diana Cotter
The Signal
It was one of those perfect Sundays. An August afternoon spent with family while we watched my 13-year-old nephew Erick Cotter play soccer. The crowd was cheering, and Erick was running as fast as he could to get to the other side of the field. He was determined to help his team win this game.
About halfway through the game Erick collapsed on the ground, his vision blurred. His mother took him home thinking that all he needed was a good nap, but what happened to Erick was more serious than just simple fatigue.
The next morning, Erick noticed some strange bruises that felt and looked like bumps; he also noticed little brown spots on his arms and legs. Erick ended up being rushed to the Texas Children’s Hospital emergency room for tests.
The results revealed his blood was thickening from the over-production of white blood cells. And just like that, my nephew was diagnosed with leukemia.
“LEUKEMIA, the possibility just seemed impossible,” said Gladys Cotter, Erick’s mother. “It all seemed like a nightmare to me, but this was all real.” Continue Reading
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