SoB News
3.31.2006
Your Opinion is Requested
The 2006 Season of LIGHTHOUSE Establishment Cinema PREMIERS June 30th @ 9:30 P.M. - and you get to help decide which movies will be shown.
Click here to cast your votes!
Click here to cast your votes!
girls - and boys! - going wild
"Why don't they mention the men that go on spring break, drink to the point of oblivion and have random sex? It's a universal problem -- not just one that affects women. Is it because women should be warned about the consequences of this behavior? Or is it because women shouldn't be 'allowed' to be promiscuous? And why is it that women 'flip out' when given freedom? What does this flipping out consist of, aside from behavior that men participate in as well? Clearly, spring break 'bad' behavior encompasses both sexes, not just women."
3.30.2006
NASCAR Mexico City CIE Foundation
Check out the billboard above the kids in the background! Its Christy the Clown! I'm told this was at a Nascar event in Mexico City. The billboard in the background is about THIRTY FEET WIDE! Guess you could say Christy made it big! (groan here)
CIE-Billboard
This is a copy of the original artwork for the billboard! This photo of Christy the Clown (& friend) was taken at a CIE event at a Children's Hospital in Mexico City when Christy was there performing with Ringling Bros. Circus in 2005.
most excellent ice sculpture
Aaron Costic -- an ice/sand carving buddy headquartered in Cleveland -- sent a couple of photos and this message:
Send your request toaaron@elegantice.com if you would like to be added to my group list for the future photos.
Aaron Costic -- an ice/sand carving buddy headquartered in Cleveland -- sent a couple of photos and this message:
I am starting to make a few sculptures precisely to photograph. This is the first of many. Please forward this to anyone you think may enjoy looking at them.
Send your request to
Field Trip to South Padre
What would a field trip to South Padre Island be without a Sons of the Beach Sand Castle Lesson? The American School of Reynosa, Mexico came to the Island this week for a two day educational tour of SPI. Their trip included Sea Turtle Inc, The Sea Life Center, lunch at Blackbeard's, this sandcastle lesson with Christy, loads of fun and much more!
Tis the season to book your lesson! Contact the SOB's to book yours today! En Espanol tambien!
What would a field trip to South Padre Island be without a Sons of the Beach Sand Castle Lesson? The American School of Reynosa, Mexico came to the Island this week for a two day educational tour of SPI. Their trip included Sea Turtle Inc, The Sea Life Center, lunch at Blackbeard's, this sandcastle lesson with Christy, loads of fun and much more!
Tis the season to book your lesson! Contact the SOB's to book yours today! En Espanol tambien!
3.21.2006
Spring Break, South Padre Island Texas
bong.... this is the best week to be here.... we don't miss you Texas..... we love Texas....
Last Huuurrah at coke beach!!!!
eeeeeee hawwwww... fun in the sun! Spring Break 06 is alive and well into the fourth week of march....
3.19.2006
on the downward slide - but not over yet
I was supposed to meet my parents at D'Pizza Joint in 10 minutes when I got a call from my mom:
"Cin? We're going to be a few minutes late. We... oh my -- there's a naked guy on the balcony --
Anyway. We'll be there about 20 after, okay?"
While Texas week is over and my neighborhood (north side of town) is looking quite ghosttown-like -- the blowing trash and overturned portopotties are all part of it -- it sounds like spring break is still ripping at the Saida where the parental units reside.
Lucky them.
I was supposed to meet my parents at D'Pizza Joint in 10 minutes when I got a call from my mom:
"Cin? We're going to be a few minutes late. We... oh my -- there's a naked guy on the balcony --
Anyway. We'll be there about 20 after, okay?"
While Texas week is over and my neighborhood (north side of town) is looking quite ghosttown-like -- the blowing trash and overturned portopotties are all part of it -- it sounds like spring break is still ripping at the Saida where the parental units reside.
Lucky them.
3.18.2006
Coast Guard Setting Down at Sunset
Coast Guard Chopper at South Padre Island, Texas... fortunately there have been no calls for rescues this year.....
3.17.2006
Travel Channel Crew Clowns Around
Sheryl (PA), Gary (sound), Mark(camera), Christy the Clown (PA but not this day) and Phillipe (producer), some of the gang that is on the Island from Discovery. The Travel Channel is here doing a documentary on SPI and what happens to the town during Spring Break. It's gonna air on the TC in Jan/Feb of 2007. They are planning a six, 1 hour series. It should be cool! Will keep you posted!
SPI Visitor's Center Castle
Have you seen this Castle?? CHECK IT OUT! It's even better in person!
Built by Amazin Walter and Sandy Feet with a little help from Christy. This castle stands inside the Visitor's Center on South Padre Island TX. If you are down for Spring Break stop by and see it!
Built by Amazin Walter and Sandy Feet with a little help from Christy. This castle stands inside the Visitor's Center on South Padre Island TX. If you are down for Spring Break stop by and see it!
3.15.2006
Spring Break in the News
Club owners in Matamoros wonder where the crowds are -- link
Anonymous vandal makes good on broken windshield -- link
There is a good reason why hotel management is so anal about occupancy limitations - link
Anonymous vandal makes good on broken windshield -- link
There is a good reason why hotel management is so anal about occupancy limitations - link
3.13.2006
Grumpy Police - Helpful Kids
I was noticing the police. The large numbers, variety of agencies and means of transportation they were using. This officer drove his vehicle into a crowd and promptly got stuck. He did what every novice would do, simply spun the wheels resulting in getting stuck even deeper. I could feel his embarrassment. I almost enjoyed it. Not so, the first group of guys that came along. They simple asked if he wanted help and literally lifted the vehicle out of the hole. The officer was so eager to depart the scene that I think he forgot to say thank you. Kids are great. Us older kids can learn a lesson from them.
I was noticing the police. The large numbers, variety of agencies and means of transportation they were using. This officer drove his vehicle into a crowd and promptly got stuck. He did what every novice would do, simply spun the wheels resulting in getting stuck even deeper. I could feel his embarrassment. I almost enjoyed it. Not so, the first group of guys that came along. They simple asked if he wanted help and literally lifted the vehicle out of the hole. The officer was so eager to depart the scene that I think he forgot to say thank you. Kids are great. Us older kids can learn a lesson from them.
Dance like everybody's watching and clicking!
Dance like everybody's taking pictures and putting them up on the internet....
Spring Break
Don't forget the sunscreen... "i came on the Bannana Boat"...she said... to no one in particular... at least she came....
Spring Break
Where the #%&@ are you?.... where the *&$# am i?... it's easy to get lost on coke beach....
Spring Break
Maybe a few more guys than girls... it's hard to tell cause i pay a lot closer attention to the girls.... it does my old heart good... i read where it is like getting 30 minutes worth of cardio exercise looking at pictures of womens breasts... i must have a strong heart!
Spring Break
Show us your beads.... Coke beach is heating up.... thousands of spring breakers were there today....
Leading the boys around by the balls....
See... it works! This girl ha what it takes to attract the boys.... yep!... a football! and following along behind is a guy with an ice chest.... and they seem to know how to get beads too... life is good!
crossing the blvd...
Look Both Ways... and run real fast... crossingthe blvd is getting harder and more dangerous as more traffic forms in the afternoons... remember your mother told you to be careful!... i know she did....
Megan, Megan, and Pino
The Discovery Channel is "On The Island"... filming for a documentary about how our sleepy beach community turns into a small college town every year for a few weeks.... As for me i enjoy seeing everyone havin' a lot of fun!... i was young and stupid once... everyone has their chance at it... don't waste yours!
3.11.2006
On Being Good
. . . and a bit more serious note, Lucinda!
Often as I left the house my dad would end our conversation by saying 'Be Good.' Since I really didn't understand what that meant it was very easy to say . . . 'Don't worry dad I'm always good.'' Which, of course, was a real stretch.
I wonder how many parents left those words with their sons and daughters as they departed for spring break. Two examples of what I think parents meant have already surfaced.
It's very tempting to throw objects from an upper balcony into our parking lot. A beer bottle sails nicely and makes a huge noise as it pluges through a windshield. A 'left over' Winter Texan told me of this happening to him. He was resigned to getting it fixed at his expense. A day later he found two one hundred dollar bills on his seat with this note: "I'm very sorry . . . this should cover it."
These three guys were leaving the beach and decided to empty their cooler . . . into the trash can. 'Worth a picture,' I said. ' Just being good,' they responded.
My dad talked to me a lot about religion. I don't think he was talking church religion, I just think he was talking about being good.
. . . and a bit more serious note, Lucinda!
Often as I left the house my dad would end our conversation by saying 'Be Good.' Since I really didn't understand what that meant it was very easy to say . . . 'Don't worry dad I'm always good.'' Which, of course, was a real stretch.
I wonder how many parents left those words with their sons and daughters as they departed for spring break. Two examples of what I think parents meant have already surfaced.
It's very tempting to throw objects from an upper balcony into our parking lot. A beer bottle sails nicely and makes a huge noise as it pluges through a windshield. A 'left over' Winter Texan told me of this happening to him. He was resigned to getting it fixed at his expense. A day later he found two one hundred dollar bills on his seat with this note: "I'm very sorry . . . this should cover it."
These three guys were leaving the beach and decided to empty their cooler . . . into the trash can. 'Worth a picture,' I said. ' Just being good,' they responded.
My dad talked to me a lot about religion. I don't think he was talking church religion, I just think he was talking about being good.
just follow the bead stands
I drove to the Island from Harlingen yesterday and can understand why people trying to get to SPI are getting lost. Road construction and closed exits have made a mess of the intersection of 77 and HWY 100.
Thank goodness all those fireworks stands have temporarily transformed themselves into bead stands with signs like "Girls Flash More Than Smiles!" and "Grin and Bare It!" helpfully pointing the way to spring break nervana....
Construction work and temporary exits are causing many Spring Breakers to get lost on their way to the Island
I drove to the Island from Harlingen yesterday and can understand why people trying to get to SPI are getting lost. Road construction and closed exits have made a mess of the intersection of 77 and HWY 100.
Thank goodness all those fireworks stands have temporarily transformed themselves into bead stands with signs like "Girls Flash More Than Smiles!" and "Grin and Bare It!" helpfully pointing the way to spring break nervana....
3.10.2006
Out of Place
We are accustomed to an orderly life.
Boats are not supposed to nestle deep in a pine Forrest, sea gulls are supposed to have two legs and bull riding is not supposed to take place on the beach. Forces of nature brought on the first two and efforts of the National Guard to attract attention brought on the third!
We are accustomed to an orderly life.
Boats are not supposed to nestle deep in a pine Forrest, sea gulls are supposed to have two legs and bull riding is not supposed to take place on the beach. Forces of nature brought on the first two and efforts of the National Guard to attract attention brought on the third!
3.09.2006
What Else We are Reading Today
They're Selling - Are you Buying? Link
Think You Might Want to Run for Public Office Someday? A Cautionary Tale
Reservations for Texas Week Down Link
Give that Tattoo Some Thought Before You Walk into Peggy's - Link
Think You Might Want to Run for Public Office Someday? A Cautionary Tale
Reservations for Texas Week Down Link
Give that Tattoo Some Thought Before You Walk into Peggy's - Link
"Crazy Coeds"
And another take on the subject here:
• One in five respondents regretted the sexual activity they engaged in during spring break, and 12 percent felt forced or pressured into sex.
• An overwhelming majority (84 percent) of respondents thought images of college girls partying during spring break may contribute to an increase in females' reckless behavior.
• An even higher percentage (86 percent) agreed these images may contribute to dangerous behaviors by males toward women.
Imagine you’re watching TV late one night when, between presentations of a micro-sized, indestructible blender and a multipurpose screwdriver, you come across an infomercial featuring you and your friends in compromising positions. You had just come back from spring break believing the mantra that what happens there, stays there, only to find that your alcohol-induced, spontaneous actions have made it to the screen — for family, friends and strangers everywhere to see.
And another take on the subject here:
• One in five respondents regretted the sexual activity they engaged in during spring break, and 12 percent felt forced or pressured into sex.
• An overwhelming majority (84 percent) of respondents thought images of college girls partying during spring break may contribute to an increase in females' reckless behavior.
• An even higher percentage (86 percent) agreed these images may contribute to dangerous behaviors by males toward women.
3.08.2006
It's 768 Miles From Pass Christian, MS . . .
. . . To South Padre Island, TX. Shorter as the crow flys.
Pass Christian is in the midst of removing the debris from thousands of homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
The Raddison beach stage has been constructed on SPI. This bird's eye view shows the early festivities that will reach a crescendo this weekend with the invasion of thousands of Texas Spring breakers ushering in that annual college ritual called spring break.
Had the weather system of August 29, 2005 moved just a few degrees to the West the roles might of been reversed.
. . . To South Padre Island, TX. Shorter as the crow flys.
Pass Christian is in the midst of removing the debris from thousands of homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
The Raddison beach stage has been constructed on SPI. This bird's eye view shows the early festivities that will reach a crescendo this weekend with the invasion of thousands of Texas Spring breakers ushering in that annual college ritual called spring break.
Had the weather system of August 29, 2005 moved just a few degrees to the West the roles might of been reversed.
Off the beaten spring break path
Today's lesson: great deals being offered by great SPI businesses you probably haven't heard of - Vol. I (Tell 'em SOBnews sent you!)
De Luna (on the bay, half a block from Tequila Frog's) - relatively new restaurant on the waterfront has a (not entirely undeserved) reputation for being pricey -- but the downstairs grill (burgers, fish, pizza, pasta, etc.) is quite reasonable and the view is fabulous. For those who don't care to eat the cheapest stuff on the island but are still watching their pennies, De Luna's Spring break specials include a bunch of $9.99 entrees and 50% off every bottle of wine they have in stock. You can even check your e-mail while you are dining - they offer free wi-fi.
Kohnami (next to Blockbusters in front of Saida) is SPI's only Sushi Bar and is featuring the "Sake bomb" (I don't know what's in it but the presentation does make some impressively creative use of chopsticks.) Their spring break special of chicken teriyaki, fried rice and crab puff for $4.95 should be a welcome break from Mickey D, hey?
Speaking of McDonalds - I grabbed some breakfast over there the other day and was amazed at how fast that drive through fast food is. The employees there are so efficient it's scary....
Dirty Al's (south end at the Sea Ranch Marina) has the yummiest fried shrimp in a _very casual setting -- you can buy bait and fresh seafood there as well. Check out .25 oysters on Monday nights.
Garcia's (okay, this one is in Mexico, a five minute walk from the bridge) has drugs for whatever ails you -- Antibiotics! Albuterol for asthma! Metformin for diabetes! Acyclovir for herpes! If you like to self-medicate, those helpful pharmacists at Garcias are there for you!
De Luna (on the bay, half a block from Tequila Frog's) - relatively new restaurant on the waterfront has a (not entirely undeserved) reputation for being pricey -- but the downstairs grill (burgers, fish, pizza, pasta, etc.) is quite reasonable and the view is fabulous. For those who don't care to eat the cheapest stuff on the island but are still watching their pennies, De Luna's Spring break specials include a bunch of $9.99 entrees and 50% off every bottle of wine they have in stock. You can even check your e-mail while you are dining - they offer free wi-fi.
Kohnami (next to Blockbusters in front of Saida) is SPI's only Sushi Bar and is featuring the "Sake bomb" (I don't know what's in it but the presentation does make some impressively creative use of chopsticks.) Their spring break special of chicken teriyaki, fried rice and crab puff for $4.95 should be a welcome break from Mickey D, hey?
Speaking of McDonalds - I grabbed some breakfast over there the other day and was amazed at how fast that drive through fast food is. The employees there are so efficient it's scary....
Dirty Al's (south end at the Sea Ranch Marina) has the yummiest fried shrimp in a _very casual setting -- you can buy bait and fresh seafood there as well. Check out .25 oysters on Monday nights.
Garcia's (okay, this one is in Mexico, a five minute walk from the bridge) has drugs for whatever ails you -- Antibiotics! Albuterol for asthma! Metformin for diabetes! Acyclovir for herpes! If you like to self-medicate, those helpful pharmacists at Garcias are there for you!
3.06.2006
a cautionary tale
I was heading into the Saida Royale to drop off some prescription meds for my mom (and catching a quick pic of coke beach on my cellphone camera) when I saw the ambulance and firetruck in front of the building.... Some worried looking breakers hovering nearby as the medics worked on their buddy.... Heard the words "alcohol poisoning" mentioned....
I don't know the guy's name or his story but I can tell you what I do know:
1. he is going to miss the wet t-shirt contest tonight
2. he is not going to dance, flirt or get laid tonight
3. unless he has real good insurance someone (he or his folks) is going to have to pay for that ambulance ride, and those rides are not cheap
You guys know the drill: drink water with your beer; eat something once in a while and watch out for each other. If you see a friend over-indulging insist that s/he take a break from the booze and get out of the sun for a while. You really do not want to spend any part of your vacation in the hospital - especially when something like this is so preventable.
End of lecture.
I was heading into the Saida Royale to drop off some prescription meds for my mom (and catching a quick pic of coke beach on my cellphone camera) when I saw the ambulance and firetruck in front of the building.... Some worried looking breakers hovering nearby as the medics worked on their buddy.... Heard the words "alcohol poisoning" mentioned....
I don't know the guy's name or his story but I can tell you what I do know:
1. he is going to miss the wet t-shirt contest tonight
2. he is not going to dance, flirt or get laid tonight
3. unless he has real good insurance someone (he or his folks) is going to have to pay for that ambulance ride, and those rides are not cheap
You guys know the drill: drink water with your beer; eat something once in a while and watch out for each other. If you see a friend over-indulging insist that s/he take a break from the booze and get out of the sun for a while. You really do not want to spend any part of your vacation in the hospital - especially when something like this is so preventable.
End of lecture.
3.03.2006
Keep the longnecks in the condo....
....... or you will likely have to have a chat with this gentleman.
He and his compadres are looking for code violations and bringing glass to the beach is a big no-no.
....... or you will likely have to have a chat with this gentleman.
He and his compadres are looking for code violations and bringing glass to the beach is a big no-no.
BadaBing Bagels
You can ride the wave.... get off at the museum.... or the light house.... walk down garcia street a couple of blocks... BadaBing Bagels.... send your designated driver... tell Mark and Andrea that the Sons of the Beach sent ya!
You can ride the wave.... get off at the museum.... or the light house.... walk down garcia street a couple of blocks... BadaBing Bagels.... send your designated driver... tell Mark and Andrea that the Sons of the Beach sent ya!
Average Spring Breaker spends $800 in 5 days on SPI
Brownsville Herald Article on first crop of breakers. Some hotels say that bookings are up over last year.... city predicts 85,000 students to visit over month of March.
3.02.2006
