Haven on Earth

Nestled in the great Northwest of San Antonio sits a sprawling wild animal sanctuary, called the (WAO) Wild Animal Orphanage. It is located on Leslie Rd. and 1604. It is an ideal location with easy access. It was established in 1983 through the efforts of Carol Asvestas. It started with her nursing a bird back to health. She saw the crucial need for an animal sanctuary in the area. It is through her determination and great efforts that this sanctuary was made possible. She is the founder and is still the acting director. This facility houses 150 animals at this time. Guided tours are offered to schools in an effort to educate children that wild animals do not make good pets.



This is an excellent facility. On my arrival, I was impressed with the openness of it. My granddaughter and I took a late tour on an ideal day. Terry Minchew, our friendly tour guide, was very informative as she walked us through our tour. I told our guide that I am from Palo Alto college and I am writing a story for my Humanities class. She was open to any question that we had. On this day there were many lemons in the various cages. Our guide explained that Whole Foods grocery had donated the lemons. I asked her who they received many of the donations from and she said occasionally they receive donations from various agencies and from Target, HEB, and Wal-Mart. We saw that one of the monkeys was hitting a water spigot and would hold the lemon under the running water. He would then proceed to suck on it. The bears were also wetting the lemons then sucking the fruit. Terry said, “They are making lemonade”. The monkeys loved the attention and were putting on a show for us. We met a red tiger Trina, and Senura, a white bear. Two brown bears Boris, from Washington and Natasha were paired off. We saw many exotic birds, lions, panthers, cougars, sugar gliders, and domestic cats, up for adoption. There were so many more that I can’t even list.


The most unusual were the ligers. This is a cross between a lion and a tiger. The mother was a tiger. The two there were referred to as Beauty and the Beast. They had a lion's head with a stripped body. I was able to take a few pictures that I hope will show this. Terry said that this is not a normal occurrence in the wild. This was done in captivity, and intentionally. Another practice that has occurred is when a cross between a lion and a tiger results in a tigon. The mother was a lion. They didn’t have any of those at the refuge.


I interviewed Carol Asvestas and she told me that there are two facilities. The other location on Tally Rd., houses 450 wild animals. She said that they do not have any volunteers due to liability issues. They do however, use court appointed community service volunteers. These workers help maintain the grounds under supervision and instruction and also build structures as needed. The organization relies solely on donations. The veterinarians do not donate their time but do offer their services at a reduced rate and are on call 24/7.



I asked her if there has ever been an escape. She said there was a tiger cub about five years ago who got out. It wasn’t officially an “escapee” because a visitor let it out. It was eventually recovered. I asked her if there was a danger of any infected animals escaping since their location is in close proximity to a residential area. She said that there wasn’t a possibility of that ever occurring.



I asked her if any animals are ever rehabilitated for release to the wild. She said none of the animals are ever released back to the wild because their defense mechanism has become unlearned. They would perish. They become lifetime residents to live out the remainder of their life. The organization is contacted by agencies who have come in possession of wild animals and need to find a home for them. The rescue facility has to pay for expenses for retrieval of these wild animals. They are called from many states. Some of the animals have been rescued from abusive situations, the entertainment industry, roadside zoos, and some have been involved in breeding and rescued. Some have been used in labs and are retired from lab/research testing facilities or are old pets. Most (80%) are in critical condition and in poor health upon arrival and fortunately have a remarkable recovery rate.



I posed the delicate question about the horrible allegations brought up by their organization's former vice president Kristina Brunner. Carol Asvestas said that this disgruntled employee went after people that had had animals formerly confiscated from their abusive or negligent care. She conspired with these people and formed a website to personally attack her. Carol Asvestas said, “What led to her dismissal on this particular occasion, was Ms. Brunners entered an infected area without protective equipment. I told her to get out and she became confrontational, and was dismissed“. Further more she stated,” If we’re such a bad organization, people wouldn’t be coming to this so called Hell Hole”.

According to an article on the website, US Animal Protection .ORG., Ms. Brunner states that the poor conditions and negligence of monkeys, resulting with at least five of them consequently freezing to death, was her reason for leaving. Since leaving her position, Ms. Brunner has filed numerous complaints against the WAO.

Reportedly both the state (TCEQ) Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the (USDA) United States Department of Agriculture have the (WAO) under pending- investigation charges. The TCEQ has two sites under investigation concerning the burial remains of potentially infected animals, without proper permits. A trouble shooter for WOAI, Tanji Patton , obtained a letter from WAO to the state that the orphanage had relocated remains from a site that had been in a"potential flood plain", to a permitted landfill. Still other allegations from the San Antonio Lightning are allegations of pot- bellied pigs gone missing and the burial of pit-bulls who although euthanized, and bodies still warm, may have been buried alive. These proposed charges are still under investigation. You draw your own conclusions.


I recommend that if you get a chance to visit this fine refuge, you will find it enjoyable, memorable and well worth your time. For those of you who do not know, they do have house cats up for adoption.

The Rhythm of the Heart

The Rhythm of the Heart

In Songs of the Heartland by Hector Galan, we are introduced to the origin of our Spanish and Tejano ancestor’s passion for music. Music was a big part of the migrant workers. I was fortunate enough to have had this experience. We would follow the crop so to speak, and in our traveling from one place to another, we were exposed to this music.

My parents used to listen to play music on the stereo of a group called Los Relampagos del Norte. I loved this music. I remember the popular station they listened to back then was KCOR. I can understand why the button accordion is called the “heart of music”. The sound produced when playing a waltz is so flowing. Narcisco Martinez is considered the father of conjunto music.

Last October I went to the Pan American located on Southcross on the southside here in San Antonio. It was a wonderful night of dancing to the music of Los Fantasmas del Valle. They are a conjunto group from the valley. Like in Songs of the Homeland they follow the circuit of the migrant workers. They tour to Corpus Christi, Robestown, Brownsville, Alice, San Carlos, Rio Grande City, Seguin, Carlota, George West, Port Aransas, Weslaco, Mc Allen, Santa Rosa, Zapata, Roma and make many bookings here in San Antonio. I have found that many people who attend these dances, follow Los Fantasma’s music circuit to these little towns, to enjoy the group’s lively music and dance. The atmosphere is so electric yet relaxing. Some of their popular hits are El Troquero, La Curva, Contigo.

Rodney Rodriguez is about 20 and the youngest of the group. He is the accordionist. The lead singer is Hector Barron who plays bajo electrico. The bajo sexto is played by 2nd voice Julian Figueroa. The drummer is Cruz Gonzales.

Whether the rhythm is an upbeat two-step or the waltz, we enjoy the enthusiastic sounds of Tejano music that is a part of our heritage.

Hidden Treasures

Hidden Treasures

Hidden away on Jones St. in San Antonio is the San Antonio Museum of Art. It has four floors of different cultures, periods of time, and a variety of colorful art. There are not only oil pieces, but sculptures and treasures of artifacts to see. My granddaughter accompanied me to the museum. We were even fortunate to see the Classic movie, Cleopatra, starring ; Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Rex Harris in the theater.

The sculpture in the Contemporary Art section called “Moon,“ 1992 captivated me. It is a fairly large size metal frame cage, with a television set on its back, and the screen facing up . The television is entrapped in the framed box, showing whatever happens to be playing in real time. There is a bronze or copper colored bear standing on top of it. A ball and chain is attached to the base of the cage. The ball has a smiling face etched on it. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the bear is made of belts, gloves, ties shoes and holsters.

This sculpture was created by Ken Little, a native Texan, born in 1947.His work introduces a metaphor of our society’s obsession with television. The cage houses our controlling media with heavy exposure to commercial advertising and political commentary. While it entertains us, it also serves to influence both our conscious and unconscious activities and decisions. The bear astride represents a surrogate for the average South westerner. The ball and chain attached to the base of the cage, with the face of the moon, represents dreams and imagination.
I was captured by the color and the artist’s imagination in which he brought it all
together. I admire the message he is projecting and understand the concept he is trying to impress upon us.

In the Graphic Instructions section, one piece in particular caught my eye. A framed letter written by Joseph Lindon Smith was sent to his brother.(1863-1950)
In this letter he drew a self portrait and sent it to his little brother. He instructed him to take the two dollars from under the arm of the sketched figure (he had made a slit in the sketched figure’s underarm and inserted the dollars) and give them to their father. To the right of the sketch he wrote “I-O-IT-2-Him”. He sent this letter to clear a debt.

Mr. Smith expressed ingenuity and humor in his letter. This is quite a creative form of art.
There is a freshness to his creativity. He used a lot of lines and the richness of texture is evident in the illustration.

There are impressively large religious paintings and statues. The Egyptian slabs with their etchings tell interesting stories. Right now there is a wonderful exhibit of animal portraits giving ironic examples of oppression, greed, and industry.

Experiencing these wonderful exhibits in person greatly outweighs the perception
in comparison to seeing them on the internet. We spent quite a bit of time at the museum and found art that provoked both our tastes.

Haven on Earth

A Myriad of Color

A







Myriad of Color

The Daniel F. Sullivan Carriage House was built in 1896. This Is located on the property now known as the Botanical Gardens. It was built in the European Gothic style with a huge archway to allow carriages to enter. It has several stables and the upstairs area was the hayloft. The structure shows a rhythm in the repetition of the side by side stables and symmetry in the peaks angled in the roof. There is a balance evident in the two side off setting the main archway entrance. It was built behind the Sullivan house on Broadway and Fourth Avenue.

In the 1960’s the house and carriage were split and sold separately. The Hurst Corporation bought the Carriage House and donated it to the San Antonio museum association with the option for improvements. They in turn offered it to the Botanical Society.

In 1988 the Carriage House was moved by skilled stone masons who disassembled it . They cleaned and marked each limestone block and painstakingly reassembled it on its present site. Through much funding of trusts, organizations, societies, donations, and through funding of many private individuals, it was finally completed and opened in early summer of 1995.

The Botanical Gardens has a vast array of display gardens each distinctive in arrangement but each one blending in with the next. The gardens have so many aromas intermingling.
My favorite exhibit was the Lucille Halsell Conservatory. The orchids have such vivid colors. The exhibit has a myriad of strange plants. I felt like I was in a tropical rainforest. The Carriage House was a beautiful addition to the Botanical Gardens and has a steady stream of visitors, many of which are tourists visiting our city of San Antonio.

Port of Call, Calling All Birds

commentary on AGUA speaker

Gracie Teniente
October 21,2007
Humanities 1301

Commentary on guest speaker Elizabeth Earnley

Elizabeth Earnley has a genuine passion for her job. She works as a field assistant for AGUA ( Aquifer Guardians in Urban Areas). Her beliefs are evident in her motivation to inform us of the urgency of our water situation. I felt she presented us with vital information regarding our water system. I appreciated the background information we discussed in class prior to our talk. It helped to simplify the element of our discussion.

The City Council shoulders a big responsibility for our city. They meet with the Zoning committee, Planning, and Engineering Departments, to review proposed plans for development. They must decide if the building of a said proposal will comply with city ordinance codes. They also meet with the SAWS (The San Antonio Water System). One concern is how this construction will affect The Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone.

Many factors have to be taken into consideration in the developing of a pristine area. Besides destroying the natural beauty of the land, many developers want to obliterate all trees and plants with reckless disregard to how this will effect wildlife and surrounding residents. More importantly, how will this will affect our water resources? This is called progress.

AGUA helps regulate how much impervious cover will be sectioned off in the proposal of a particular project up for construction. They make sure the proposal meets with the WQA (Water Quality Ordinance) of 1995. The AGUA Commission is kind of a neighborhood watch dog. They are looking to protect the community of San Antonio and other areas affected in the preservation of our valuable water system.

map for Neighborhood project

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Feeling Good in the Neighborhood

Gracie Teniente
Humanities 1301
Oct. 14, 2007

Feeling Good in the Neighborhood

I reside with my daughter Jessica, my son-in- law Carlos, and two of my grandchildren David 14, and Tyler 9, in the Great Northwest area. There are several sections of the “Great Northwest” , ours is the Silver Creek subdivision. It is outside Loop 410 and between 1604. We are sandwiched between Culebra Rd. and Bandera Rd. We love it here because it is centrally located with convenient access to important businesses.

We have been here for three years. Our cul-de-sac is very quiet and we have wonderful neighbors. At the top of our street is my friend Melissa Butts. She is a former realtor but now works as an administrator in the public school system. She has two sons. Her husband’s work takes him out of town where he has to commute back and forth. Our neighbors to the left of us Jim and Christina Gonzales have four children ages six to fourteen. Julia age nine is Tyler’s close friend.

The Reeve’s, our neighbors to the right of us, recently had to move. They have three sons all out of high school. One son is in the service. One son is a boxer. He works out and runs every day to keep in shape. The other son is a musician. We sat outside and jammed to the beat when his friends played up a storm in the garage. I really miss the music.

There is a family of five who recently moved in next door. The dad Lupe, works with an air conditioning company and Elizabeth is a substitute teacher. She is going to Texas A. & M. and is working on her Bachelor’s Degree. She will be graduating soon. They have a young daughter Zoila twelve, a son Candido seven, and Lupe Jr. six. They also have a cute hamster called Ginger.

The man to the right of them, recently lost his wife. He has a grown daughter who visits him regularly. He has three huge dogs that he sometimes keeps in the front yard. I am terrified of dogs, so you know I keep away from that side. The man seems friendly enough though.

At the very end lives Tyler‘s friend Drew. His father is a carpenter. He has a little sister named Lily and they have a dog named Carmel, who looks like Pluto.

Across the street lives Julia’s grandmother so our next door neighbors are constantly zigzagging back and forth across the street. She works in a bank. To her right is Marilyn. Her husband had a terminal illness and succumbed to it last year. Julia’s grandmother and Marilyn are best friends.

We have a great view behind our house of the soccer field and the community clubhouse, swimming pool, and tennis courts. Most nights there is some type of activity going on and those stadium lights provide great lighting to our back yard.

Across from the soccer fields is the Silver Creek Manor which houses many short- term and long- term residents. When the community center holds its annual Easter egg hunt, many of the residents volunteer to fill the plastic eggs with candy eggs. They show excitement watching the children in their mad scramble to find the coveted eggs. My church group sometimes takes lap blankets for the residents and provides music on some Fridays. We encourage the residents to join in the singing.

Across the street from the community center is Tyler’s school, Timberwilde Elementary. About three weeks ago they held a community action drive. Students, parents, and faculty volunteers went all over our neighborhood to paint over graffiti on fences, buildings, and signs. We separated into two groups. The only incidents we had occur was Tyler’s friend Briana managed to get paint in her eye and a problem with ants. It was fun but towards the end my car battery died out.

Behind the school the city built a children's kid’s park called the Oscar Perez Memorial Park. It has a playground and a skateboarding recreational area. I think this is useful because it gives the youths a place to hang out and feel connected. It keeps them out of gangs and mischief. Here they are out in the open and having a great time. When I drive by there, I see these young adults in deep concentration trying to master some death-defying moves.

The Great Northwest Library is to the left of the school on the next block, off of Grissom Rd. We go there quite a bit.

I attend services at Prince Of Peace Catholic church on Grissom Rd. My SOLOS (singles openly loving our savior) group gets together and we plan many functions there for fun. It is less than ten minutes away, and the best part is, everyone lives in the Great Northwest community. When we get together out of church, some of us just go across the street for a get together. It is usually a potluck affair. We watch a movie, sing karaoke, dance, play a board game, exchange ideas and just hang out.

Across the street on the library’s left side is a small shopping mall which includes our neighborhood HEB Grocery Store on Grissom Rd.
Culebra Rd. intersects with Grissom Rd. at this point. My grandson David attends school at Communication Arts High School (a magnet school), which is adjacent to Taft High School on Culebra Rd. . It is less than ten minutes away.

Across the street from HEB is the CVS Pharmacy. On the side of HEB is Tezel Rd., also connecting to Grissom Rd. Tezel has a series of restaurants and fast food places, including a Radio Shack that we frequent.

I’ll ask my grandchildren if they want to go for a ride. I tell them I’m going to make an “O” . That is, I’m going in a circle to run some errands and they know it is just in our immediate area. I appreciate the fact that everything is so convenient in regards to the ridiculously high gas prices.
I think there is a great potential for growth in the area. The Christus Santa Rosa Hospital that is under construction by Sea World will have a tremendous impact in this area. This is less than ten minutes from here. Although we have Northwest Vista Community College close by, my daughter and I choose to attend Palo Alto College. We both attend on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It is a good twenty five to thirty minute commute. I really spend all my week there because on Tuesday and Thursday I am in a work-study program. The people I work with are very supportive and give me guidance with my studies.

I feel a sense of belonging in my community. I know many people and have great friends. Everyone is friendly and watches out for each other. It is surprising to find that most places we need to get to are less than ten minutes away. I think the name Great Northwest is appropriate for this area and am including a small scale map of my neighborhood, and a larger scale map, both from MapQuest Inc.

Commentary Diana Lopez

Gracie Teniente Humanities 1301 10/11/07

Commentary; Diana Lopez

I had the wonderful opportunity today to attend a book talk/reception with Author, Diana Lopez. It was held in room 206 of the Ozuna Building. She is the author of Sofia’s Saints. I believe an arrangement was made for her appearance, since this is Spanish Heritage Month.
She discusses the hardships she encountered while she was in a creative writing program at Texas State University. To be accepted, she had to submit a portfolio consisting of fifty pages. There were no Hispanic women in her class. There were seven men and one highly strung Anglo woman. She wrote many short stories only to find each and every one of them highly criticized by the group. Her self confidence hit an all time low. She felt she wasn’t making the grade. Her mentor, Digilberto Gil, advised her to take a year off. She complied and started writing for herself.
On her return, her peers applauded her work and noted that the work she submitted had more of herself in it and wondered what brought on the change in her writing style.
She has written several books. The Daily Good Friday is about her experiences at the Community Chest Hospital on New Braunfels Ave., here in San Antonio. New Texas Journal Hot Day at Cool Crest, is about the miniature golf course here in San Antonio. Sofia’s Saints has to do with her Hispanic cultural and religious beliefs. Her book Confetti Girl, ( about the traditional confetti filled eggs) is geared toward the Junior High school crowd, is scheduled to be released in 2009.
Diana Lopez said, “Culture is content- to culture is context.” She went on to say, “The Hispanics purpose is to show who we are, their culture is their content.”
Mrs. Lopez teaches Latin American Literature and Composition at St. Phillips College.

Commentary Heywood Sanders

Gracie Teniente
Humanities 1301
October 10,2007

Commentary on Heywood Sanders

Mr. Sanders has some very colorful views on the history and development of San Antonio. His dynamic expressions made me see San Antonio in a new light, to say the least. Although I don’t agree with all he says, he brings out some good points as to why we have been so slow in our progress, in regards to other city growth. At one point I felt he depicted our city leaders, as close to being backwards hillbillies as you can get. He appears to be a highly educated skeptic with some very strong point of views.
He expressed his views as to where our city tax dollars are being spent and wasted. Some of his concerns, and everyone’s really, is the problem with culture clashes, the grim reality of below minimum wage jobs, The unending problem of water drainage, and increasing concerns of our water resources.
Over all he made me feel proud to be part of San Antonio. I felt a tremendous overwhelming sense of oneness with our city. I love the beauty of San Antonio and the fact that is so multicultural. There are endless places to explore and visit here. My perspective on our fair city isn’t as cynical as Mr. Sander’s is which I am glad because this allows me to still have a shred of hope for our future. I can still see San Antonio through my rose tinted glasses.
I know Mr. Sanders is a busy man and the fact that he could come out and enlighten us, is a wonderful gift to us. I really appreciated it, and his genuine passion for our great city.

The Alamo Divided

Gracie Teniente
October 09,2007
Humanities1301

The Alamo Divided

There are two well known films about the Battle of The Alamo. They both portray the events leading to the siege in San Antonio, on that fatal day in 1836. The film is titled; The Alamo. The original version was made in 1960 and is directed by well known actor John Wayne. Both films are centered on the characters of William Barret Travis commander of the Alamo, entrepreneur-adventurer James Bowie, and Tennessee Congressman David Crockett. The other film was released in 2004 and is directed by John Lee Hooker. They are both well written and closely follow the events in history.

In the original movie Sam Houston orders William Travis to be in charge of the unit and Travis doesn’t seem to want to accept the position but Sam Houston convinces him that the men will take his lead. Although James Bowie is older and has more experience, he is still just a volunteer colonel. William Travis held a regular army commission but was unknown, so the Alamo’s volunteers resented him and this made it difficult to get along with him. He shows an animosity towards James Bowie , who is depicted as a drunk in this film. William Travis shows no respect or patience for him. This version shows James Bowie fighting his last battle from bed due to a leg injury.

On the other hand, the remake seems to make a mockery of William Travis command by the way in which James Bowie interacts with him. James Bowie tends to take William Travis’s commands as a joke , compounding Travis’s attempts to gain a foothold of respect from the soldiers. James Bowie was going through a divorce in this version and it also brings to light that he is very ill with typhoid pneumonia and pretty much falters at the end. This version has him fighting the battle on his death bed.

In the original version Davy Crockett is portrayed by Director John Wayne. He is
portrayed as macho, a strong yet gentle man, taking everything in stride, keeping calm and just an undercurrent of being mischievous. If he saw a problem, he fixed it. He was a leader who had a great following in his men. He was dedicated and had a humorous side to him.

On the other hand , in the remake, there was a different take on Davy Crockett. Actor Billy Bob Thornton brought a wilder shade to his colorful character. He was insightful as to what was going on and to the seriousness of the situation. He is daring , showy, with a hell be damned attitude. He arrived from Tennessee with a group of American volunteers who showed great faith and respect in him. He died with true courage and valor, and as in life, he died with a an outcry. Historians stipulate that the remake is more accurate as to the order of events leading to and at the siege.

In showing the similarities, Sam Houston went to get the much needed help. In both films he failed. In both versions, the men fought for a something they truly believed in and fought a great fight. Both films depicted the tragedy that befell the men at the Alamo. Both films captured the horror of the monstrosities demonstrated by Santa Ana and the men under his command. Finally, in both films you will agree that they both insure that it would be a great injustice to these heroes and all the other heroes under their command, if we didn’t “Remember the Alamo.”

The Alamo, DVD, Director, John Wayne Video,1960,2 hours and 42 minutes.
The Alamo, DVD, Director, John Lee Hooker Video, 2004, 4 hours and 37 minutes.

homeland security

Humanities 1301 essay # 2 option 2
October 01, 2007

HOME LAND SECURITY

Many European settlers, Tejanos and Mexicans on the Texas frontier, developed a sense of country and honor with firm conviction that their purpose was in defense of Texas at the front line. They felt caught between the United States and the oppressing control Mexico had over them. These brave heroes engaged in a heroic battle that would shape Texas and future generations. Among the 187 courageous defenders, were 13 native Texans, 44 to 45 European Immigrants and 11 Tejanos fighting for Texas‘s liberty.

On march 6, 1936 and after enduring 12 days of unending onslaught of hits, The Alamo lay defeated, and in ruins. According to historians, this final act on the 13th day, took about ninety minutes. There were no survivors. Only the Innocent and blameless were spared by Santa Ana. Women and children and indentured servants were considered blameless.
.
Many historical events led to the decision of the heroes to stand firm, protecting the line of defense at the Texas frontier. These brave men, led by Colonel William Barrett Travis from South Carolina, Colonel David Crockett from Tennessee, Colonel James Bowie from Kentucky, James Butler Bonham from South Carolina, Almeron Dickinson from Tennessee, and the men under their command, proudly believed in defending the Alamo compound at all costs. They wanted to prevent the hostile take-over from the tyrannical dictator General Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana.

Undaunted by the fact that they were significantly out-numbered by Santa Ana’s troops. Unwavering and with great expectation, Their leader, Colonel Travis waited each day for re-enforcements that unfortunately never came.

Historians have written many accounts of what transpired. There was one famous woman among the survivors. The wife of Almeron Dickinson, Susana and her Infant daughter Angelina were given safe passage out of the carnage at the Alamo. Mrs. Dickinson traveled to the town of Gonzales. There she gave an account of the fall of the Alamo to General Sam Houston. This specific account was given by Dr. Winters at the Historical Alamo site in San Antonio, where I had the opportunity to visit. A bibliography: Handbook of Texas, and the movie version The Alamo, directed by John Wayne also re-count this story.

Other stories also correlate with the fact that General Santa Ana sent forth a petition for the defenders. It advised they give up their hold on the Alamo and in return, their lives would be spared. In response, Colonel Travis fired a cannon on Santa Ana’s troops.(Hey, bring it on!)

In comparing the two movies written about the Alamo. The older version directed by John Wayne shows the final battle fought in the daylight and the brave defenders waiting in expectation of the final assault. In the more recent version it happens in the shadow of darkness, although the men still lying in wait. According to Dr winters they were basically ambushed in the dead of night.

In comparing both movies of The Alamo, to the actual events, given by Dr. winters and facts researched, I find the newer version of 2004, truer to form.

In defending the homeland of Texas many courageous men fought a tremendous battle against all odds because they believed in a cause. They are the true defenders of Texas homeland security. They are true dedicated leaders who formed our mighty nation. With all due respect we need to, Remember the Alamo.

Dr. Winders, Curator of The Alamo at San Antonio, Texas
Tour of The Alamo

Bibliography: Steven L. Hardin
Handbook of Texas online, S.V.,
(NOTE: “S.V.” stands for sub verbo, “under the word”.)

The Alamo, DVD, Director, John Wayne
Video, 1960, 2 hours and 42 minutes.

The Alamo, DVD, Director,John Lee Hooker
Video, 2004, 4 hours and 37 minutes

Convictions Of Our Fathers

Humanities 1301 /Field Blog 3/ The Alamo
Gracie Teniente/09/25/07

Convictions of our fathers

The first mission on the San Antonio River was San Antonio de Valero. It is commonly called The Alamo. It was founded in 1718. Since its existence, it has withstood countless transgressions and fallen in many hands. Initially the Spaniards had control of Mexico.

In 1821 Mexico achieved their independence from Spain and wanted a type of monarchy government, Texas wanted a federalist government to have more control over their selves.
There was such turmoil that Mexico created the state of Coahuila y Tejas to appease the Tejanos. The capital of Texas in Saltillo, was 400 miles away from San Antonio de Bexar. It caused much discord, with the Tejanos. The Europeans, Tejanos and Mexicans in San Antonio loudly voiced their opposition. In 1824 Santa Ana, a Centralist dictator, retaliated by suspending the Constitution of Texas.

The whole time, Texas was changing and despite the cultural, economic and religious differences, the Tejanos of the remote frontier always has a sense of perseverance. They had a firm conviction of God, country, and honor. Their belief of defending their community had a strong impact in the events leading to their defeat at The Alamo.

In 1836 Santa Ana, a ruthless dictator, led his troops to over- run The Alamo and took no prisoners. Among the 187 courageous defenders on this monumental day were 13 native Texans, 44 to 45 European immigrants, 11 Tejanos, and Mexicans defending the liberty of TexasAlthough a few key figures are glorified, All lost their lives and play a vital part in our history.

Ironically, at the same time in history, the signing of the constitution for Texas Independence was taking place.

Today, caught between the United Stares and Mexico at one time, Texas has triumphed over exigent conditions. I will remember the Alamo as the birth of my Nation.

Word count #316

Mission Accomplished

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

I attended a very memorable church service on Sunday, the ninth of September. Located in the South of San Antonio, stands A glowing legacy of our proud forefathers. Mission San Jose is one of the (still living) churches serving the surrounding community.

Established in 1720, this impressive compound served to protect the village from the onslaught of enemy attacks by the Apache and Comanche Indians. I feel so small standing inside these imposing walls. Seemingly reaching the heavens, Mission San Jose (Mission San Jose`y San Miguel de Aguayo) is famous for its impressive size, enthralling greenery ( lawn, plants, trees) and of course the serene ambiance. In this respect, it has been referred to as "Queen of the Missions." The intricate architecture of the church portrays the high craftsmanship of the skilled artisans. This splendid work is also notable in the famous Rose Window.


Entering the church at noon, I noticed a few large statues carved on the outside wall. I was anticipating a large church and surprisingly, (once inside) it impressed me as being much smaller than I had imagined, but the high vaulted ceiling with unusual curved archways presented an entirely different view. There is a fairly large group in attendance but the church isn't filled to capacity. Up in the front of the church is a colorful Mariachi band facing the congregation and waiting expectantly.

Father welcomed everyone from the community and any visitors. His captivating sermon was in English and the mesmerizing songs were in Spanish. I appreciated how both languages were incorporated. I am undoubtedly captivated by the blend of music and song and the rising crescendo of rhythm, both peaking in unison, the roaring of the trumpets, the throbbing vibrations of the guitar and enticing sounds emanating from the violin, all pulling on the strings of my heart. I feel recharged.

The grand finale is when Father requests that all those sharing birthdays and anniversaries, converge to the front of the church where he asked them, one by one, their ages and number of years married; most were children who leaped at the chance for their five minutes of fame in the limelight. Quite a few couples have been married for many years. Some of them looked humbled and obviously proud. It was a very touching moment. When the Mariachi and choir broke out in song, and proceeded to play Las Mananitas, EVERYONE joined in with enthusiastically. The mood was genuinely electric. This is a beautifully orchestrated song embracing the day with the coming promise of rebirth.

With Father's parting words, "Mass is ended, go in peace." I experienced an euphoric feeling as I left ... in peace.

San Antonio Missions, National Historical Park Texas/National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior: San Juan , "Queen of the Missions"

A Spanish Legacy

Humanities 1301 Field Blog 1 / Missions
Gracie Teniente

In a remote area of south San Antonio, stands Mission San Francisco de la Espada. It is the first mission built on the banks of the San Antonio River and it, along with the other missions remain the largest concentration of Catholic missions in North America.
Fearing the French would seize their land and become empowered, the Spanish built a chain of missions in the northern part of East Texas. The Spaniards encountered the Tejas Indians , for whom Texas is named. Mission Espada was established in 1690 and originally named San Francisco de los Tejas. It is the oldest of the East Texas missions.
Due to prevailing conditions of disease, drought, and discord with the French, the Spaniards relocated San Francisco de los Tejas, along with other missions to the banks of the San Antonio River. Re-established on March 5th, 1731, it was renamed San Francisco de la Espada; of the sword.

For the success of the missions, the Spaniards along with the Indians, constructed seven gravity flow ditch systems (acequias).This included five dams and several aqueducts, along the San Antonio River. This insured a continuous flow of water into the system. Mission Espada has the best-preserved system and the oldest Spanish aqueduct in the United States.

On this day, the atmosphere here is serene. Looking around I see the standing remaining structures appear ancient yet strong. I see the reflection reminiscent of European style in the archways and design of the church. It has the original entry and entails a story of its unusual broken arch over the doorway. Still a mystery, possibly a mistake? Undoubtedly a beautiful structure that transcends time. Espada is the only mission where bricks were made and the only structure that has so many bricks.

The primary function of the mission was to teach religion to the Coahuiltecans (kwa-weel-teken) Indians, in conjunction with the men being taught crafts of; construction, masonry, woodcutting, the weaving loom and spinning. The women and girls were taught to cook, sew, and make soap and candles from tallow, enabling them to become economically self sufficient.

Despite the Spaniards diverse ways of religion, speech and encroachment of their ways, the Indians welcomed the protection and steady food supply that Mission Espada offered them.
Inside these walls was the hum of activity with the community echoing with the energy of teaching, learning and incorporating two cultures of language, values and faith into a mix of one that shaped a new culture and formed my future.

In the middle of an uncivilized wilderness, a light of hope for future generations, stands Mission Espada. It is the heart of a great community, still a living church and its bell still tolls. A legacy of our ancestors, The Spaniards and Native Americans.