bay area houston magazine february 2012

February 2012T H E B A Y A R E A ’ S F A V O U R I T E P U B L I C A T I O N

• 2012 Chevy Silverado Texas Edition

• SW International Boat Show

• Buzz in the Bayou City

• Community News & Events

• CLICK!

UPSCALE EVENTSElegant Surroundings and

Full Services For Receptions, Weddings, Private Parties, and More

features

11 Dental Health The Golden Age of Dentistry

18 2012 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Events Calendar and Entertainer Lineup

20 Oral Health - Heart Health What is the relationship?

21 Chest Pain Center Recognized for Outstanding Care Memorial Hermann Southeast

24 Kick Off the 2012 Boating Season in Texas The South West International Boat Show

26 Di Amici Upscale Events Offering Elegant Surroundings and Full Services

32 Vintner’s Corner The Quarterly Newsletter of Clear Creek Winery

34 Amadeus Drink, Dine and Dance the Night Away!

36 Bay Area Houston for Habitat Winners of the Extreme Makeover Website Edition Contest

37 Mardi Gras Galveston 2012 Events Calendar

38 Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence The Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce

40 Money Matters Budgeting

42 Financial Focus How to Insure a Great Valentine’s Day

columns

16 The Buzz in the Bayou City Western Civilization

17 CLICK! Space Shuttle in Retrospect

18 In Wheel Time Chevy Silverado Texas Edition, Toyota Tundra Texas Edition

22 The Admiral’s Log Why is it said that Ten Percent of the Fishermen Catch Ninety Percent of the Fish?

30 Texas Meditations Sacred Cows

in each issue

10 Advertiser’s Index

23 Lakewood Yacht Club News and Events

50 Events Calendar

Chairman/PublisherRick Clapp

President Rob Kumar

Creative DirectorBrandon Rowan

Vice President of SalesPatty Kane

Sales & MarketingPatty Bederka

Lillian HarmonColleen MartinAmber Sample

Graphic DesignerVictoria Ugalde

VideographerMichael Palm

PhotographyBrian Stewart

Community Affairs DirectorLillian Harmon

Bay Area Houston Magazine is produced monthly. All rights reserved.

Material may not be reproduced by any means whatsoever without written permission.

Advertising rates are available upon request.

Please address all correspondence to:Bay Area Houston Magazine

P.O. Box 1032Seabrook, TX 77586

[email protected]

281.474.5875

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ON THE COVER

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February 2012

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2012 8

Bay Area Houston Magazine is always looking for motivated, self-reliant professionals to add to our sales team. If you are interested in becoming part of our family please call our office at 281.474.5875 or send inquiries and resumes by e-mail at [email protected].

The Go Texan Committee NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Trail Bosses with Paula Holland, Cindy Saunders and Lynn Revak of Di Amici Upscale Events. Photo by Brian Stewart.

It makes me proud to see our players doing well on the field but also contributing to society and keeping their noses clean. We should recognize the many teams and players who have played for a Houston professional sports team and the good

they have done for our great city of Houston!Just look back to a few years ago and see the great

teams and winners created in Houston such as the old Oilers, Rockets, Astros, University of Houston teams, Rice baseball, Dynamos and the Houston Aeros! Also, note the many former players who have made Houston home. They have done so much for our community as business leaders and coaches and helped our non-profit organizations thrive. These are high profile individuals, owners, and players such as Bob McNair, Nolan Ryan, Greg Biggio, Dimeco Ryans, Andre Johnson, Clyde Drexler and Bum Phillips just to name a few. Also, many more athletes have made large contributions and have not sought the limelight.

Needless to say, as a young boy growing up I pulled for the winning teams and their stars like the Yankees, Cowboys, Colts, Celtics, Cosmos, Dolphins and guys like Maris, Mantle, Czonka, Greise, Roger Staubauch, Johnny Unitas, Bill Bradley, Pele, etc… I thought that not only were these teams awesome but, I wanted to visit these great cities and their stadiums. I could care less about Detroit, Cleveland, New Jersey, Philadelphia or Pittsburg. At that time their professional or college teams played poorly and I perceived their city as being the same. Old and run down with no energy or glitz! Like they say, “Image is everything.”

Everyone loves a winner. Winning is contagious but so is losing. In real life there is only one winner, the rest are losers. Winning your division and or conference and going to the “Big Dance” puts you on a pedestal. Winning the whole enchilada is ecstasy!

Each time one of our teams wins it means so much to our city and surrounding communities. The money, jobs and opportunities that come from our teams are incredible! Look what could have happened to downtown Houston if NBA Basketball was canceled. Lots of jobs and businesses would have closed and it would have cost our city close to a billion dollars in lost revenues.

These teams, whether you like it or not, represent our image and identity around the country and beyond. Having well-mannered but tough talented players on our various teams creates a “winning image” and makes people root for us locally and beyond. When our teams travel, look good, play hard, and win with no incidents, people take note and learn to appreciate our teams and the city they represent. Let’s not be envious or put them down for the money they make but appreciate them for what they do to make our lives better.

So, the next time you go to criticize one of our highly paid owners, players or coaches, take a moment to remember how much they spend and bring to our city, how many jobs and businesses they support and create each season, not to mention all of the money these players help to raise for the non-profit organizations. Our teams are vital to our economy, image, identity, morale and the support of our local charities.

Our sport teams keep us civilized. During poor economic times they are vital because they enhance morale, create jobs, businesses and more.

Let’s salute all of men on those teams that have played hard, sacrificed their bodies, contributed to our economy, given back to the non-profits and behaved like real pros on and off the field. Thanks for the memories. May the city of Houston and our teams enjoy the “spoils of victory” this year and in years to come.

God bless,

Don ArmstrongIn Wheel Time

Zach TateMusic

Betha MeritTravel/Food/Wine

Dr. Ed ReitmanNourishing the Mind

Michael GosTexas Meditations

Andrew JeffriesBay Area Bandstand

Kathleen StathamBack Bay Barker

Captain Joe KentFishing

Pat PattonClick

Roseann RogersThe Buzz

Writers

FEBRUARY 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine 9

To the Winner Go the Spoils of Victory

Rick ClappPublisher/Chairman

First of all, how about those Texans and University of Houston Cougars! We should all thank Texans owner Bob McNair and all of the U of H coaches and their athletic director for building and producing championship teams as well as law-abiding individuals with good character.

Advertiser’s Index


Accents, Petals & Metals Page 41

Alan’s Swampshack Page 29 www.theswampshack.com

Allegria Wine Bar Page 35 www.allegriawinebar.com

Amadeus Page 34 www.kemahcitylimits.com/amadeus

American Heart Association Page 20 www.heart.org

The Arms Room Page 35 www.thearmsroomtx.com

BAHRMA Page 35 www.bahrma.shrm.org

Back Bay Boutique Page 14

Bosone Auto/Wrecker Page 35

Boudreaux’s on the Bayou Page 37 www.boudreauxsonthebayou.com

Buccaneer Page 45 www.buccaneerconstruction.com

Bungalow Dry Goods Page 37

City of Dickinson Page 14 www.ci.dickinson.tx.us

City of La Porte Page 42 www.laportetx.gov

Claudio’s Page 15

Clear Creek Winery Page 32 www.clearcreekvineyard.com

Clothes Horse Page 41

Coastal Plastic Surgery Page 39 www.tadammd.com

College of the Mainland Page 14 www.com.edu

Cullen’s Page 4 www.cullenshouston.com

Dickinson BBQ Page 28 www.dickinsonbbq.com

Digitex Page 43 www.digitexcorp.com

Dr. J. Derek Tieken Page 25 www.tiekensmiles.com

Edward Jones/Mickey Maddox Page 42 www.edwardjones.com

First Baptist Church Seabrook www.fbcseabrook.org

Floyd’s Cajun Seafood Page 13 www.floydsseafood.com

Fondren Orthopedic Page 2 www.fondren.com

Ginger Snaps Page 41

Gulf Coast Palapas Page 36 www.gulfcoastpalapas.com

Guidry News Page 44 www.guidrynews.com

Hair 21 Page 43

Harbour Plastic Surgery Page 48 www.harbourplasticsurgery.com

Houston Metro Page 7 www.Ihatehoustontraffic.com

Island Furniture Page 31 www.islandfurniture.net

Jeter Memorial Funeral Home Page 34 www.jeterfuneralhome.com

Kemah Boardwalk Page 12 www.kemahboardwalk.com

Las Haciendas Page 35 www.lashaciendasgrill.com

Life Fellowship Church Page 10 www.lifefellowship.me

MD Anderson Page 3 www.findyourMDAnderson.com

Mamacita’s Mexican Restaurant Page 29 www.mamacitasmexicanrestaurant.com

Martha Turner Properties Page 47 www.marthaturner.com

Mediterraneo Market & Cafe Page 42

Memorial Hermann Page 5 www.memorialhermann.org

Mommie Chic & Me Page 41 www.mommiechicandme.com

Men Who Cook Page 44

Oasis RV Park Page 30 www.ronhooveroasis.com

Oasis Salon and Spa Page 33

Opus Bistro Page 15 www.opusbistro.net

Roman Delight Pizzeria Page 28

Salon La Rouge Page 35 www.salonlarouge.org

Schlitterbahn Page 6 www.schlitterbahn.com

South Shore Grille Page 38 www.soshoregrille.com

Southern Sophistication Page 15

SW International Boat Show Page 24 www.southwestinternationalboatshow.com

Spine Center Page 51 www.texasspinecenter.com

Star Toyota Page 49 www.startoyota.com

Stylin’ with Linda Page 35 www.stylinwithlinda.com

Testarossa Motors Page 45 www.testarossamotors.com

Texas First Bank Page 40 www.texasfirstbank.com

Unicare Dental Page 52 www.drnoie.com

Victory Marine Page 24 www.govictorymarine.com

DENTAL HEALTH

The Golden Age of Dentistry


Originally, the field was limited to extracting the teeth that were causing severe pain. This function was

performed by various local merchants, such as the blacksmith. Over the last century dentistry, along with medicine, transformed itself from a crude and nearly inhumane pulling of teeth with household pliers to the height of scientific achievement and recognition.

Around the beginning of twentieth century it became clear that extracting infected natural teeth may alleviate pain in the short term but will have significant local and systemic repercussions in the long term. That knowledge was followed by a closer attention to: 1) the aseptic practice of dentistry, 2) preservation and restoration of the damaged teeth as the treatment of choice as opposed to pulling them, and 3) replacing the lost teeth with removable and fixed appliances to maintain function.

As the link between diseases and pathological bacterial invasion became clear, dental surgeons as well as medical surgeons took measures to control the spread of microscopic pathogens through a more stringent infection control protocol. The discovery of antibiotics provided a major defense against post-operative infection and helped surgeons achieve more predictable results.

As dentistry advanced, the dental profession placed more emphasis on preservation and prevention as opposed to removal of damaged teeth. The introduction of x-rays and effective anesthetics around the same time made root canal therapy more predictable and more comfortable for

the patient. Endodontics grew quickly as technological advances proved the safety of root canal treatment, allowing patients to save teeth that otherwise would have been lost to extraction. Root canal therapy however never became completely predictable. Nationwide, they still fail at a rate that I find unacceptable. I must add that the recent incorporation of 3D CT scan image has made root

canal therapy even more predictable. My own success rate on root canal therapy jumped to 98% since I began taking pre-operative CT scan of the teeth to be treated endodontically.

Root canal therapy however, does not preserve all grossly damaged teeth nor alleviate the pain associated with them. Some teeth may be fractured or broken to a point of becoming non-restorable. Some practitioners may even go too far to save non-restorable teeth by practicing what I call “Hero-dontics”.

Even though I don’t personally approve of Hero-dontics, in the past I empathized with their good intentions because all the traditional alternatives for replacing natural teeth are significantly inferior to them. Removable teeth usually feel uncomfortable and over time damage the remaining teeth. They need to be removed and kept in a glass of water at night and retention is always a concern. Fixed bridges also have their major drawbacks. In order to replace a missing tooth, dentist has to grind down two

otherwise healthy teeth and connect the teeth together. We now know that there is a limit to what extent fixed bridges can be used. Long span bridges usually fail within a few short years and cause the loss of anchor teeth, making the missing area even larger. Many conscientious dentists refuse to replace multi-missing teeth spans with fixed bridges because of their poor prognosis. Besides, neither option can prevent the bone loss and shrinkage that takes place almost immediately after loss of a tooth.

When dental implants came along the golden age of dentistry began. Not only did dental implants replaced the missing teeth, they also replaced their roots. Therefore the jawbone continues to get stimulated and stays dense around them with use. Today even medical insurances have begun to acknowledge the devastating effect of bone loss due to lack of stimulation provided by the natural tooth and are beginning to treat it as a systemic disease.

Dental implants however are very technique sensitive. Their placement requires a thorough understanding and competency in both surgical and restorative fields, two fields that in traditional dentistry were not related and had been performed by two separate dental professionals, oral surgeons and restorative dentist. Traditional dentistry has attempted to divvy up the treatment into a tag team system. While the skill concerns have been addressed, still, total understanding and experience in both fields by each team member is required for predictable results. That is because surgical and restorative parts of dental implants are very closely integrated, especially these days where implants can be placed and restored on the same day. I look forward to the day when the dental association requires the dental implant dentist to be competent and trained in both surgical and restorative phases of dental implant placement. A revolutionary treatment option like this deserves nothing less.

The ultimate goal of dental profession is to maintain and restore the patient’s mouth to normal feel and function. It did not start off that way.

“Over the last century dentistry, along with medicine, transformed itself from a crude and nearly inhumane pulling of teeth with household pliers to the height of scientific achievement and recognition.”

M A R K E T P L A C EBay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2012 14

M A R K E T P L A C E JANUARY 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine 15

Western CivilizationThe Inn at Dos Brisas features

five new casitas which are defining luxury lodging. Nestled away on a wooded hillside in historic Washington, Texas, with unobstructed views of the meadow and hills, the casitas offer 2,950 square feet of private space, a personal outdoor plunge pool, an outdoor shower and large covered patio complete with a hammock for two. Outdoor activities include horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing, and skeet shooting along with wine/cooking/gardening classes.

For more lavish affairs, Dos Brias offers a beautiful private dining area with a large wine cellar, outdoor, heated patio and pool area and even the equestrian center arena for bigger events. For more information, call 979-277-7750 or visit dosbrisas.com.

Wine Cellar ChicGot wine but nowhere to store it?

Texas now has its first ever wine service for serious collectors. The innovative endeavor is the brain child of Brent Sloan at NCV Wine Management. It is the only team in the state that offers a full range of services for those seeking service for their wine collections such as helping to manage

collectors’ inventories, packaging or transporting wine, helping developing collectors with personal buying or offering individuals and companies space for wine tastings. Wine collectors can store and enjoy their wines at Nos Caves Vin, which is also owned by Sloan. Nos Caves Vin is located at 2501 Wroxton in Rice Village. For more information, call 713-524-2554 or NCV at 832-409-4632.

Setting the Stage for the New YearSt. Germain Lofts is more than a living space – it now offers a one-of-a-kind

backdrop for meetings and special events at The Capitol. The new use of St. Germain

is the vision of veteran and commercial real estate brokers Randy Fertitta and John Nguyen. The space at St. Germain is comprised of 8,400 square feet, including a mezzanine level, which was previously the Zula restaurant. Stripped of its Vegas-inspired vestiges, The Capitol at St. Germain now highlights its original architectural details such as decorative marble columns, intricate moldings and soaring ceilings. The Capitol at St. Germain is located at 705 B Main Street. For additional information, call 281-402-1288 or visit thecapitolhouston.com.

New Year, No FrizzMaybe this is a New Year’s Resolution you can keep – no

more frizzy hair! Two new products have hit store shelves that you may want to try. The new Ouidad Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo ($18) and Conditioner ($20) are both designed to help balance hair’s humidity and resist and control frizz! Both are available at Sephora.

Valentine’s DayThis Valentine’s Day

don’t worry about making reservations. Get creative and celebrate a little late. Glazed Over in Memorial will have a class on how to make two beautiful glass 8” dessert plates. The place known for its ceramics has now branched out into fusing glass art. They’ll provide you with all the necessities you’ll need to create your plates and even dessert. You’re invited to bring your favorite bottle of champagne or wine! Reservations are required for the February 17 event, which will be held from 6-9 p.m. The cost is $70 per couple and space is limited. To make reservations call 281-497-7272.

What could possibly be sweeter than a box of chocolates? How about Sprinkles’ XOX box full of cupcakes just in time for Valentine’s Day! Topped with XOX and heart sugar decorations, each box contains the perfect mix of flavors for your special someone – Valentine’s Day favorites red velvet and chocolate marshmallow, as well as classics like dark chocolate and vanilla. Every box contains a dozen cupcakes and is sealed with an XOX Kisses and Cupcakes sticker. These sweet treats are available February 3-14 at Sprinkles in Highland Village.

Picture PerfectWant to get good and creative

use out of your pictures now or for a celebrated holiday? Artist Andrew Miller creates a one-of-a kind collage portrait with an array of your own photos. Miller uses your images and re-creates one of your favorite pictures. Collages start at $1,000 and increase depending on how many images are used and how big a portrait you want. For details, visit andrewmiller.com.


The Space Shuttle in Retrospect program, held at the University of Houston Clear Lake (UHCL) on Thursday, January 5, 2012, was a huge success. The program was interesting, informative, and entertaining, with a great question and answer session that made the evening a very memorable event.

Glynn Lunney, flight director during the Apollo 11 and Apollo 13 missions, introduced the speakers: Space Shuttle program manager John Shannon, and NASA chief flight director John McCullough.

John Shannon was the Space Shuttle program manager from 2008 to the end of the program last August. Prior to that John was a flight director for ten years.

John McCullough has over 6000 hours in the Mission Control Center as a flight director. He has been the chief flight director for the last 4 years, and a flight director for 12 years.

The space shuttle was an amazing vehicle, clearly an incredible leap in technology from the expendable rocket and capsule return days. The shuttle docked to the International Space Station (ISS) 36 times. The shuttle program opened up new opportunities for women, all races, and other countries to participate in the program.

The Johnson Space Center (JSC) has a vibrant set of ongoing missions with the amazing ISS, a 950,000 lb. international space vehicle built and operated daily under the leadership of JSC. ISS has over a 150 experiments onboard going on at different times. 2012 looks brighter for JSC. The ISS is complete, contractors are promoting science and utilization, and JSC is working with commercial companies developing rockets for logistics and eventual crew transport.

Currently, options are being assessed within NASA to work with their international partners for an outpost 40,000 miles on the other side of the moon. This will push our frontier, providing a flexible architecture for access to many future missions including the far side of the lunar surface, near Earth objects (NEOs), Mars Moons, and eventually Mars itself.

The Space Shuttle in Retrospect program was a UHCL Association of Senior Program (CLASP), which are free and open to the public. For more information about CLASP, please visit www.uhcl.edu/clasp, call 281-283-2021 or email [email protected].

Space Shuttle in Retrospect

Space Shuttle Program Manager John Shannon.

Joyce and Owen Morris.Joseph and Dianne Ace.Cherri House and Roemehl Dewey.

Charity Ellis, Mindi Funderburg and Katie Johnson - UHCL.

Pat Patton and Gina Barron.

Glenn Luney

Space Shuttle

Flight Director

John McCullough.

Stephen Jones.

Christopher Davila and Irene Chan.


By Don Armstrongin wheel t ime

There isn’t a better way to say rodeo than owning a Silverado. And the 2012 Texas Edition has proven so popular with its light duty version that Chevrolet decided to offer it

in its Heavy Duty lineup too. That means the cow pokes around these parts don’t have to worry about pulling the 30-foot Sea Ray out of Clear Lake once their rodeo chores are done.

The Texas Edition is a trim package that is added to its most popular mid-level LT model and includes 20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels, trailering

package and automatic-locking differential, dual-zone climate control, six-way power driver seat, CD player with USB port, steering wheel controls, Bluetooth connectivity, power camper mirrors, fog lamps and an EZ-Lift tailgate to name a few.

There are several V-8 power plants available in the 1500. Step up to the HD models and the Duramax diesel becomes an option. We’d suggest giving a lot of thought to what you’ll want your bucking bronco to do before picking one out of the herd. Axle ratios, engine selection and transmission should all play a part in selecting the right one.

The Texas Edition adds $3695 to the LT 1500 2WD Crew Cab base of $31,850.

Gittin’ ready for the 2012 edition of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo wouldn’t be complete without a Texas-style ride, so we picked a couple for ya to chaw on before ya hit the dealerships.

BBQ/Chili CookoffFeb. 4, 2012Houston Metro Go Texan event

Kick Off DanceFeb. 4, 2012Houston Metro Go Texan event

Steak Dinner and DanceFeb. 4, 2012Houston Metro Go Texan event

Rib SaleFeb. 4, 2012Houston Metro Go Texans event

Pre-sale Briksets and RibsFeb. 4, 2012Houston Metro Go Texan event

Boot Scootin’ BallFeb. 4, 2012Houston Metro Go Texan event

Bowling TournamentFeb. 11, 2012Houston Metro Go Texan event

Boots and Buckles DanceFeb. 11, 2012Houston Metro Go Texan event


Steak Dinner and DanceFeb. 11, 2012Houston Metro Go Texan event

Rodeo Kick Off Dinner and DanceFeb. 11, 2012Houston Metro Go Texan event


Wranglers and Rhinestones DanceFeb. 18. 2012Houston Metro Go Texans event

Skeet ShootFeb. 18. 2012Houston Metro Go Texan event

Go Texan ParadeFeb. 17, 2011 , Feb. 18, 2011 , Feb. 19, 2011Special Children’s Committee event


Now what could be more Texas than a truck built in Texas by Texans? –Did you know that the Toyota Tundra is built in San Antonio?

Now we know what you’re thinking, “A Japanese truck, really?” Hey, when it comes to light duty half-tons, the Tundra may have more to offer than you think.

As for niceties, Tundra can get all spruced up too, just like the other guys.

The Texas Edition Package includes a 20-inch tire upgrade along with diamond cut alloy wheels, chrome oval step tubes, chrome billet grille, stainless exhaust tip, custom carpeted floor mats and Texas Edition badging.

Hats off to Toyota for their 5.7-liter direct injection V-8 engine. Producing 381-horsepower and 401-lb-ft of torque, this is one of the smoothest-running power

producers in the country. The only transmission is a slick six-speed automatic affair. Depending on the model and when appropriately equipped, the Tundra is rated to tow up to 5 tons.

Toyota offers regular, double and CrewMax cabs and, like the others, gobs of options.

MSRP for the Tundra Crewmax starts at $30,085.Incentives of some form or another seem to go

hand in hand with trucks, as well as discounts on leftovers from the previous model year, so be sure and do your homework, you could save a bundle.

We would be remiss if we didn’t include Ford, Ram & Nissan, but space limits us. We promise to have another trucking issue soon where we’ll give you the lowdown on the other big guns in town.

Go rodeo!

Top Hands Horse ShowFeb. 19, 2012

Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup and Best Bites CompetitionFeb. 21, 2012

Rodeo Roundup 2012Feb. 21, 2012Houston Metro Go Texan event

Trailriders Dinner/DanceFeb. 24, 2012

Go Texan DayFeb. 23 - 25, 2012

World’s Championship Bar-B-Que ContestFeb. 25, 2012

Downtown Rodeo ParadeFeb. 25, 2012

ConocoPhillips Rodeo RunFeb. 25, 2012

Professional Bull RidersFeb. 29, 2012

Armed Forces Appreciation DayMarch 10, 2012Go Tejano event

Mariachi InvitationalMarch 11, 2012Go Tejano event

Mariachi Invitational SemifinalsMarch 11, 2012Go Tejano event

Mariachi Invitational FinalsMarch 11, 2012Go Tejano event

Go Tejano DayFeb. 23, 2012 - March 18, 2012

Houston Horse ShowFeb. 28. 2012 - March 18, 2012Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Visit the HLSR website for more information.

www.hlsr.com


Periodontal disease is one of the of the most prevalent diseases of human kind. The World Health Organization shows that periodontal

disease affects more than 85% of adults. Most adults do not follow adequate home care but even for those who regularly brush and floss, they still have a problem with plaque control. The fact is that there are more bacteria living in one person’s mouth than the number of people that live on earth. Inflammed and unhealthy gums are diagnosed by a dentist or dental hygienist upon your dental visit. They measure the pocket depth between the gum and the tooth. Healthy gums do not look red or swollen, nor do they bleed. If this exists in your mouth, know that your body is not healthy.

There are numerous diseases that have been linked to having an unhealthy mouth. Diseases can range from arteriosclerosis, diabetes, arthritis, respiratory infection, kidney disease and pancreatic, head and neck cancers. Cardiovascular disease is one of the top illnesses associated with gum disease. Arteriosclerosis has been recognized as an

inflammatory disease that in association with plaque formation with the artery, is one of the leading causes of death around the world. Researchers have been able to identify the bad bacteria present in a deep periodontal pocket is also found in the plaque removed from clogged arteries. Blood samples have been taken and these were found to be identical to the oral bacteria. Medical researchers now know that the bacteria in periodontal disease invades the rest of the body by entering the blood stream. These oral bacteria (pathogens) also result in an inflammatory process. This inflammatory process affects the coronary system leading to cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Since the mouth is part of the body, it is important to remember that oral diseases also have an impact on other parts of the body. Oral health is in fact body health. When was your last dental cleaning and examination? Unhealthy gums are not the only issue in the mouth, cavities and decayed teeth also create bad bacteria. Recently, Dr. Mehmet Oz said that the most important visit to a healthcare provider should be your dentist.

Oral Health - Heart Health“What is the relationship?”


If you come to the hospital with chest pain, you care about only one thing: getting the right care as quickly as possible. Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital’s Chest Pain Center was

designed to provide faster, more accurate diagnosis and treatment of heart-related problems.

It is this level of cardiac specialization that earned Memorial Hermann Southeast accreditation by the Society of Chest Pain Centers. The accreditation certifies that the best facilities, procedures and clinicians are in place to provide the highest level of cardiac care. “Our Chest Pain Center provides a framework for diagnosing patients with chest pain quickly and accurately,” says Periyanan Vaduganathan, M.D., chief of the medical staff and a cardiologist affili ated with Memorial Hermann Southeast.

“It ensures that even patients who don’t have normal heart attack symptoms will be properly treated and diagnosed.”

Any patient entering the Emergency Center with chest pain is transferred to the Chest Pain Center and placed under the direct care of a cardiologist. Patients also have the benefit of a dedicated team of nurses specially trained in cardiac care. This specialized attention often leads to faster diagnosis and treatment of heart problems. That can translate directly to improved chances of surviving and fully recovering from a heart attack.

“Our Chest Pain Center model is the gold standard of care for patients experi encing chest pain,” says Dr. Vaduganathan.

Hospitals undergo a rigorous evalua tion process to become an accredited chest pain center. They must demonstrate a strong track record in cardiac care and have on staff board-certified cardiologists and physicians on staff. Hospitals also must have procedures in place to “fast track” patients with chest pain to a cardiac care team. “This accreditation demonstrates the hospital’s strong commitment to cardio vascular medicine and to the patients in our community,” says Dr. Vaduganathan.

Chest Pain Center Recognized for Outstanding Care

“Our Chest Pain Center provides a framework for diagnosing patients with chest pain quickly and accurately.”

Dr. Vaduganathan specializes in cardiology.

www.memorialhermann.org


Which Color?Selecting which color lure to use can be an overwhelming experience for those new to fishing with artificial lures and soft plastics. Here is a crash course in matching your color to the conditions and clarity.

Natural colors closely mimic baitfish or shrimp and work best on sunny days with very good or excellent water clarity.

Multi-use colors usually combine a neutral body with a bright tail and work well in stained water or cloudy weather.

Bright colors catch the attention of fish in off-color or dirty water during sunny or mostly sunny weather.

Use dark colors at night or during bad water clarity conditions.

Visit www.TexasTackleFactory.com for a detailed chart and more information concerning color selection.

TTF Killer Flats Minnow XL in Liquid Shrimp

Norton Bull Minnow in Pumpkin/Chart.

Berkley Gulp! Swimming Mullet in Chart.

TTF Hackberry Hustler in Morning Glory

Natural

Multi-Use

Bright

Dark

If I had to say why the haves prevail over the have-nots, it would come down to three things: first and foremost, experience, then comes equipment and finally skills.

Those three areas are what separate fishermen from catchermen.

During my 15 years of guiding, I have observed just about all levels of fishermen and can speak with experience when it comes to identifying problems that keep individuals from catching fish.

I mentioned earlier that experience is the number one factor. By experience I am referring to the length of time people spend fishing and how serious they are about the sport. Anglers that focus on a given area, say one of the bays such as Trinity, West Bay or East Bay, are going to learn that body of water and the movements of fish therein. Knowing where the reefs are located, bottom contour and depths of a body of water give a good head start.

While becoming educated with the traits of a bay or other aquatic location is important, equipment is the next item that needs attention.

A properly matched rod and reel along with fishing line suitable for the size of fish and type of surroundings are vital to success. There is no universal rod and reel, meaning that you need different equipment for various types of fishing. Let’s use some examples. If you wade or drift fish with artificials, a long accurate cast is vital to covering as much territory as possible while working your way across flats or deep-water reefs. For anglers preferring popping corks with live shrimp for the same type of fishing, a slightly heavier rod and stronger line is needed.

For surf fishing, a longer rod is required with a heavier reel that holds more line than conventional casting reels or smaller spinning reels.

If I were asked my opinion on the number one problem that keeps bay and jetty fishermen from catching fish, I

would say it is casting skills. Too often I have seen anglers trying to cast and they just could not get their bait very far from the boat and better than half of the casts ended up in a backlash that took time away from fishing to correct. Some of this had to do with the equipment they were using; however, a good part of the problem was their lack of experience in casting.

Now, if you are in that so-called 90 percent category of fishermen, here are some pointers that should improve your results.

To begin, you should commit to making a serious effort to improving your skills. Find the proper rod and reel for your type of fishing and start practicing casting. Practice makes perfect.

While you may be interested in catching every type of fish the bay system has to offer, start out by focusing on one species such as trout. Choose an area that is convenient to get to and that is known for producing that fish.

If you are not seasoned at using artificial baits, start with live shrimp and then work your way into soft plastics or hardware. Once you have brushed off some of the handicaps to fishing and have a comfortable feeling about your casting skills, hire a fishing guide to take you to the areas you plan to fish. Be sure the guide is well known for his expertise in that particular body of water.

Once you get some pointers from a guide or alternatively another experienced fisherman, fish your area as often as possible.

If you follow these pointers it should not take long before you join the 10% of anglers catching 90% of the fish.

By Capt . Joe Kent

That Ten Percent of the FishermenCatch Ninety Percent of the Fish?

Why Is It Said

Search “Capt. Joe Kent” on YouTube for fishing videos taken all across the Galveston Bay complex.

% of fish caught

The old adage in the title of this article may be a bit exaggerated; however, it does refer to the fact that a small group of fishermen catch the majority of the fish. Now, let’s take a look at why this select group comes away with most of the fish and others go home with sparse catches.


News & Events

2012 CLUB EVENTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Lakewood Yacht Club race committee chair Gerhard Wittich has announced that the 2012 Bay Cup I will be held on Saturday, March 3.

This race is open to the public and race registration can be handled online at Lakewood’s web-site: www.lakewoodyachtclub.com under the racing button.

“This is the first of a two race series which features long distance racing in Galveston and Trinity Bays,” explained Wittich. Bay Cup II will be held on Saturday, August 11 with both races having multiple legs which total about 8 to 20 nautical miles. Overall trophies will be presented for the two race series at the conclusion of the Bay Cup II in August.

Wittich related that the club will continue the cruising non-spinnaker (classic canvas) and cruising poleless spinnaker classes as they were popular with racers last year. Other classes will include PHRF spinnaker and non-spinnaker, short-handed offshore sailors (SOS), multihull and possibly one-design. A minimum of four boats constitutes a class.

In addition to the long legs which will take boats into Trinity Bay, the course will present a navigational challenge.

The entry fee of $70 will include post-race activities the evening of Saturday, March 3, with a dinner by the pool and musical entertainment in the club’s lounge. Photos of the day’s race will be shown on the lounge’s plasma television for all to enjoy.

The entry deadline for Bay Cup I is Wednesday, February 29, 5 p.m. There will be a skippers’ meeting in the Lakewood Yacht Club Ballroom, 2425 NASA Parkway, Seabrook, on Friday, March 2, 7:30 p.m. where all skippers are urged to attend for last minute regatta updates.

Wittich would like to remind racers that Bay Cup I is made possible by the support of its Silver Sponsors: Bay Access and DonQ Rum.

For questions, please e-mail Lakewood Yacht Club at [email protected].

J/105 Fleet Captain and Lakewood Yacht Club racer Bill Lakenmacher has announced that Lakewood will host the national J/105 Mid-Winter Championship Regatta to be held March 9 – 11 on Galveston Bay.

“We are very excited to have this regatta come to the Houston area for the first time,” related Lakenmacher. “In the past, the J/105 Class Association held the Mid-Winter Regatta in Key West.”

Hoping for 15-20 J/105 participants from around the country, race organizers are looking forward to three days of “as much racing as possible” said J/105 racer Bee Bednar. It will be a windward/leeward course with the first gun at 10 a.m. all three days.

Cost for the regatta will be $300, which entitles racers to a free crane to splash their boats into the water, a Saturday night dinner and party along with the Sunday awards ceremony following the last race.

For further information and to register for the regatta, please check Lakewood’s website at www.lakewoodyachtclub.com under the racing button.

LAKEWOOD TO HOST BAY CUP I ON MARCH 3

LAKEWOOD TO HOST J/105 MID-WINTER CHAMPIONSHIP


South Shore Harbour Marina once again play host to the largest and most exciting in-water boat show to come to the

Lone Star State – the South West International Boat Show, taking place March 22-25, 2012

For 2012 the organizers are excited to announce two major partnerships; GEICO, the presenter and title sponsor of the event, and the endorsement of Sail America as part of the prestigious Sail America Boat Show program – making the event not only the largest in-water and onshore display of new and brokerage powerboats in Texas but also THE sailing show for Texas!

GEICO’s presence at the show will include the Miss GEICO Racing Team, led by Throttle Man, Scotty Begovich, who will be signing autographs and be available for photographs. GEICO will also be exhibiting two of their offshore powerboats, the CAVEMAN and Miss GEICO - which is one of the fastest offshore powerboats in the world.

In addition to this, the Miss GEICO Racing Team will be offering some exciting giveaways and drawings, including a chance to drive replica Miss GEICO remote-controlled powerboats each day in a race against Scotty Begovich, and registering to win one of the actual remote-controlled powerboats at the end of the boat show. There will also be an opportunity to enter to win a Miss GEICO golf cart and a trip to the World Championships taking place in Jupiter, Florida, in October.

Sail America’s endorsement provides the opportunity to expand the display of sailboats already at the show, which currently number over 40 vessels and include Jeanneau, Beneteau, Lagoon, Catalina, Hunter and Leopard, as well as to introduce the new “Sail America Village” with a full range of marine electronics, products and accessories. Sail America will also offer a comprehensive seminar program taking place at the South Shore Harbour Resort Hotel, interactive demos, and free Discover Sailing sailboat rides.

Over 400 boats will be in-water and onshore, with pre-season savings and boat show specials; bay boats, ski boats, sailboats, sportfish, powerboats and luxury yachts all on display with many ready to demo!

Add to this the newly created fishing area, Fishing HQ, the latest water toys, sound systems, wakeboard towers and navigational equipment and a wide variety of products and services alongside exhibits of jewelry, art and spas.

Kick off the 2012 boating season in Texas at the South West International Boat Show


By Betha Merit

Some of the best creations are a result of someone’s dreams, talents, and hard work. All three were combined to birth Di Amici Upscale Events, which

was the vision of Paula Holland, lifelong Bay Area resident. Opened in December 2011, they held their Open House to the public in January, and are booking everything from weddings and receptions for up to 250 people in their main ballroom to business meetings for up to 50, held in their small banquet room. If you are planning a gathering, and want a

full service venue, complete with catering, planning, and all services in one place, then Di Amici Upscale Events will knock your designer socks off.

Di Amici Upscale Events is 8,000 square feet of warm, Tuscan-inspired elegance. Co-owner and event planner Paula Holland has 14 years experience in interior design and loves making people’s dreams come true. “Now I have the opportunity to decorate one place, design for individual events, and still work with people. I don’t want to sit at a desk,” says

Holland. Lynn Revak, co-owner, and father-in-law to Holland is involved on the business end. Revak tells the story of Holland pitching him the idea for an event center, “After an hour and a half, of hearing her business plan, I was so impressed with her research, how she had covered every scenario and could answer any question, that I responded, ‘Let’s do it!’” Revak has lived and run successful businesses in the Bay Area for 45 years.

Cohesiveness is evident throughout Di Amici, from the teamwork spirit to the design and flow of the rooms and décor. Cindy Saunders is their event coordinator, and a longtime friend to Holland. Their

kids went to junior high together locally and they took joint family vacations. As I waited for Holland to finish a meeting with a couple, planning their wedding event, Saunders gave me a tour. From the hand painted murals and balcony, to the chandeliers and matching wall sconces, I was enchanted. What bride would not feel like a princess in the multi-crystal accented bridal suite? What great vision to have a “man cave” for the groom and his attendants, complete with flat screen TV and shuffleboard. Later, Holland told me

the man cave idea was inspired when her sons told her, “Do something for the guys!”

Holland and Revak both gave huge praise for Blu Shields Construction, who did Di Amici Upscale Events’ renovation. “Working with them was super easy,” says Revak. “They were one of the best crews with whom I’ve ever worked,” says Holland, “the renovation was completed in only two and a half months.” Holland also gives kudos to her catering company, Melange, who has been in the business for over 25 years. They provide exceptional cuisine, tailored to the client, presented with class and efficiency by uniformed waitstaff. The name, Di Amici, was inspired by the Italian word, friends, and is applicable to how Holland treats her vendors and clients alike. Yes, it is a business, but there is a personal flavor that permeates her dealings.

For weddings, clients can book the whole property, complete with the outside terrace, family room, bridal suite, man

cave, and formal areas for the wedding and reception. The location is convenient for a weekend wedding where guests can enjoy the local sites such as the Kemah Boardwalk, NASA, and Galveston. Additionally, Di Amici Upscale Events books events for anniversaries, sweet 16 parties, Super Bowl extravaganzas (they have 4 flat screen TVs), business conferences, graduations, and retirement celebrations. Whatever event you have in mind, they can design a party, and deliver it with class.

Located at 2300 Nasa Parkway, Seabrook, TX 77586, phone 281-254-9137, Di Amici Upscale Events’ website is www.diamiciupscaleevents.com.

Offering Elegant Surroundings and Full Services For Receptions, Weddings, Private Parties, and More


When you hear the words “Rodeo” and “Go Texan” you think fun, concerts, and cowboy stylin’. Those are valid associations, but they

don’t quite get to the heart of the matter. It is about education, and encouraging education, and providing the funds for education. In the Bay Area, there is a force behind the momentum, and he has a name.

Gene Hollier (pronounced O lee A) is a lifetime director and current member of the Speakers’ Committee for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He began his career with the Rodeo about 28 years ago serving on various committees. As a lifetime director, he has worked enough hours to gain his title yet has no volunteer requirements. However, “Now I work harder than I ever did,” says Gene.

A guiding vision for Gene is the education of our youth, and his involvement has implemented growth in both scope and dollars throughout his years of service. His partner, Emmeline Dodd, is also a lifetime committee member with the Rodeo and shares Gene’s vision for education. She is a former university professor and still works on the Rodeo Merchandise Committee. “Education is a huge part of our lives,” says Gene.

In 1999 Gene organized the Trail Boss Program for the NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Go Texan Committee. NASA was added to the Go Texan committee name, which traditionally is named for the school districts that are receiving Rodeo scholarships, because NASA was already a huge supporter. It was a natural step to combine fundraising efforts.

As liaison between the various presidents of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the directors of Johnson Space Center (JSC) for 15 years, Gene is instrumental in keeping communication and involvement flowing between the huge organizations. Today, he sits on a couple of boards at JSC, to represent the Rodeo.

In 2011, total educational support generated by the Rodeo was $8.8 million. At any given time, there are over 2,000 students in Texas schools on these scholarships. The NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Go Texan Committee’s contribution to the scholarship amount has grown to at least six-$16,000 four-year scholarships awarded every year. A minimum of one student per each high school in the represented districts receives the award. Most years they award between nine and eleven scholarships.

Gene’s background as an air force fighter pilot, and then as military attaché to the country of Thailand and other diplomatic duties has given him a breadth of experience and cemented his love of education and the opportunity it affords. This translates into a creativity that he has applied to his involvement with the Rodeo. When Gene began work with the Go Texan committee, he had an idea for raising seed money towards the scholarships. He approached 300 businesses, asking for a donation of $5,000 up front. Seven businesses said yes. Four of those original seven are still active. Gene created the name “Charter

Trail Bosses” for those donors and “Trail Bosses” for additional donors at that level. The second tier of donors gives $2,500 each year. They are called “Ranch Hands.” This year there are 13 Trail Bosses and 17 Ranch Hands for the NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Go Texan Committee.

The benefits for Trail Bosses and Ranch Hands include tickets to Go Texan fundraising events, such as the Go Texan Fashion Show (now in its 46th year), and free advertising. Some donors give service and goods and these are called “in kind donations.” Cash donors receive donor badges that provide access to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo events.

Since 1999, the NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Go Texan Committee has raised $1.3 million towards the support of scholarships for Bay Area youth. Gene says one of his highest privileges is to be present when the Metro scholarships are presented at the high schools. Aside from full ride scholarships offered by the military academies, the Go Texan scholarships are often the highest amount awarded. Gene also gives his time at the local elementary schools. Thirty times a year, a group of 25 speakers will show up at a school, by appointment, and make presentations to the various classes. Clowns, animals, and anything youth capturing is employed to inspire the students. “It’s all about the Rodeo,” says Gene.

Two other projects that Gene mentioned were the Longhorn Project and the Texas Aerospace Scholars program. The Longhorn Project is a joint effort between NASA, Clear Creek I.S.D., the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and the Texas Longhorn Breeders Gulf Coast Association of America. It includes a 53-acre site on Johnson Space Center property that allows students to learn all aspects of science, agriculture, and animal care. The Texas Aerospace Scholar program allows Texas students to study online and apply for a one week internship at Johnson Space Center to learn while rubbing shoulders with astronauts and aerospace engineers.

Gene is also involved in other scholarship and education fundraising events. The Clear Creek Education Foundation Board for Clear Creek I.S.D. raises funds for various teacher projects not funded in their budget. The Board presents these awards by a “Surprise Patrol” that arrives with a giant check and a group of smiling board members to Clear Creek I.S.D. teachers. Last year they awarded $65 thousand in grants.

An interesting anecdote about Gene is that he went from military work to the business world quite successfully, in the home security business. While living in Hawaii, after being promoted to running and developing his business there, he was approached to appear in the television series, “Magnum, P.I.” He had an eight year run with the show in consistent guest appearances where he often ended in a gun fight with the star, Tom Selleck.

Gene Hollier is a man who believes in education and promoting education, and he lives this out in real time.

By Betha Merit

Go Texan Committee NASA/ Clear Creek/ Friendswood Supports Scholarships and Education

Trail Bosses with the owners of Di Amici’s Upscale Events: (left ascending) Dayni Alba, Michele Wilkinson, Greg Ploss, Rick Clapp, Daniel Costello. (right descending) Joe Schrodi, Dan Swartwood, Joan McKinney, Tracey Escamilla, Cindy Saunders, Paula Holland, Lynn Revak.

Ranch hands with the owners of Di Amici’s Upscale Events: (front row left to right) Lynn Revak, Sandy Records, Bonnie Lem, Angela Sharp, Alex Mead, Paula Holland, (second row left to right) Robert Swint, Todd McEntire, Jennifer Vogel, Mark Hesse, David Skinner, (rear left to right) Mark Legge, Jeff Moore, Mayor Timothy Paulissen, Cindy Saunders, Mitchell Dale, Kyle Rogers.


By Michael Gostexas meditat ions

Sacred Cows

Comstock, Texas

When you are heading west on 90 out of Del Rio, the town of Comstock is where the desert begins. There is not much out here. The population of the entire

area called Comstock is 375 but that covers a huge amount of territory. What you see from the highway

looks more like a town with a population of 10. It has one tiny combination restaurant and bar and that’s it. There is a café building down the road a few hundred yards and what used to be a gas station, but both look like they were abandoned years ago.

I was on my way back from photographing the pictographs in Seminole Canyon and was hungry. The permanent sign said “Jim Holley’s Place.” There was also a portable sign that said “J and J Holley’s Place.” The indecision on the name seemed consistent with the building itself. From the outside, it looked like a real

dive, but it was the only place in town and it was a long way to Del Rio, so I pulled in.

The toilet bowl planter outside set the stage for what lay inside. I opened the door a bit and looked in. The mismatched plastic tablecloths covered three small, different sized tables. No two chairs in the place were alike. Jam-packed, the place might seat 10. It was a

dump, but I was hungry and some of the best burgers and Mexican food I’ve had have come from places like this, so I went all the way in and shut the door behind me.

All the tables were full—a good sign. As I walked up to the counter to look at the menu board, one group of diners got up to leave. I waited as the woman running the place came out, made a cursory wipe of the table and asked what I wanted to drink. It was January, but I had done a long hike down into the canyon and back in 80-degree weather. Beer was in order.

A few minutes later, she came back with my Lone Star and I ordered a cheeseburger with jalapenos and an order of fries. She disappeared into the tiny kitchen and went to work.

I sat down and took a few minutes to look around the room, and out the window onto the road and the desert beyond. The Chihuahuan Desert has a beauty you either get or you don’t. I’ve always gotten it and I love being out here. In fact, I wouldn’t mind relocating here if I could find a way to make a living. But the options are few unless you want to run a restaurant or bar—and towns like Comstock can barely support one.

By the time she brought my lunch the place had pretty well cleared out. The lunch rush was over. She had nothing else to do so she stood in the doorway between the kitchen and the dining area and we talked as I ate.

She told me she and her husband had come to Comstock for the weather and had bought the diner when they realized no local businesses or agencies would hire them because they didn’t speak Spanish. She said it wasn’t a requirement that you speak English to get a job in Val Verde county, but Spanish was mandatory.

We talked briefly about how that could happen in America where English is the native language. I asked her if anyone ever complained about it or tried to determine what series of events led up to that circumstance. She said it was never talked about. It was just one of those things that no one discussed in public.

I understood what she meant. I work in an environment where we have lots of restrictions on speech. People often see college as a place where ideas are discussed freely, but nothing could be further from the truth. The American college probably imposes the greatest restrictions on speech of any institution in our country. In the college environment, it is generally understood that only certain political ideas may be discussed. Students with differing values are often shocked to discover that their ideas are not only unwelcome but can, in some cases, result in punishment if verbalized. While most colleges have well-understood but unwritten policies on this, some go so far as to codify them into speech codes written in the student handbook. Others limit the expression of unpopular ideas to certain “free speech zones” on campus. Like the lady in the restaurant, we don’t discuss or debate these things; they just are. They are off-limits—sacred cows.

When we label a subject “sacred,” just what are we saying? Is it holy? Revered? Or are we really saying that it is unchallengeable? I suspect it is that last one. When

we deem something to be sacred, or sacrosanct, we remove it altogether from the realm of discussable items, or at the very least, we set limits such that only certain things can be said about it. My white lab is a sacred subject with me. Don’t you dare say anything bad about my beautiful little Maggie Mae!

If you think about it, the result of elevating something to sacred status is to control the speech, and even the thinking, that takes place regarding that subject. Not seeing Maggie in the way I insist you see her is unacceptable behavior on your part. I have set up a situation where, if you say something negative about her (perhaps that she is a bit pudgy), it is you who are the problem, not her weight.

When we do attempt to discuss something deemed sacred, we feel uncomfortable trying to talk about, or even around, the topic. Bring up the subject and you immediately feel like you are walking on eggshells, stepping carefully to avoid the hidden land mines. Because we find that situation so uncomfortable, we generally opt out—choose not to discuss it at all. When that happens, the system has worked.

Don’t get me wrong—lots of things are very important and need to be treated with respect. Promises made should be kept—most of the time. But sometimes situations change and promises need to be broken or revised. They are not sacred.

Then there are matters of character. Sometimes we are forced to do things we define as wrong according to our own moral codes because things happen that force us into those decisions. I once agreed to meet with a university in Arkansas regarding a job offer. They asked for a chance to convince me why I should work for them. They offered to pay all expenses for my travel and wanted only one day of my time. I agreed to meet with

them and hear them out. But as the meeting date drew closer, I realized my soul would never let me leave Texas. So I violated my own moral code and did not fulfill a commitment I had made. I canceled the meeting. Clearly, fulfilling that commitment wasn’t something I found sacred.

While the world and the people around us define countless things as sacred, many do so only to control our thinking and the subsequent discussion that might take place—to limit our options and to regulate our behavior. If we accept these limitations, we accept limits on our freedom of choice.

But then is nothing sacred? The answer to that is a resounding “no!” I passed on the Arkansas interview because it wasn’t the right place for me. I was violating one of society’s sacred cows (always fulfill your commitments) to accommodate another, truly sacred idea—Texas is the only place for me. Why is the second idea undeniably sacred while the first is merely a control device? Because the second comes from the only place that really matters—my heart.

There are lots of things that deserve our respect and people of good character honor those things whenever possible. But there are very few things that are truly sacred. What it comes down to is this: nothing is sacred but the integrity of your own heart. Be true to those things your heart tells you are right and take the rest with a grain of salt.

Of course, the lady in the restaurant could have taken a few months to learn Spanish and get a job with the county or one of the utilities. She chose instead to follow her own heart—to live by her own sense of right and wrong. As a result, that day I had one of the best cheeseburgers I’ve ever tasted.



The City of Kemah offers a large array of entertainment, eating and drinking establishments which are geared toward

families. It also is home to one of the finest Italian restaurants and piano bars on the Texas Gulf Coast. You can enjoy a good meal, drinks, dancing and have music under one roof. No need to bar hop when making Amadeus your destination.

Amadeus is located only walking distance from the popular Kemah Boardwalk at 700 Kipp Street. This romantic jewel offers Italian and

continental cuisine and provides a warm friendly bar as well as an entertainment area and dance floor for their patrons.

Italian food is their specialty and serving only the freshest local seafood is their order of the day. All of their seafood and pasta dishes are beyond good, they are excellent! If you like spicy, tell the waiter you want the “Diablo.” It will be sure to warm up your dining experience.

House favorite entrees include their mouth-watering sea bass, snapper, salmon and sole meniere. For the beef eater, try one of their prime cut filets that just melt into your mouth. If you are a vegetarian they will even custom make a tasty entrée for you to enjoy. All entrees are served with two side orders.

For the diner that prefers something on the light side, they offer a variety of salads, a soup du jour and a delicious appetizer such as calamari

served with a marinara sauce. They also make a killer Caesar salad and a mixed green with sliced steak salad.

Next, try a decadent dessert and then enjoy drinks and dancing. Good choices are the crème brule, berries and crème (in season), cheesecake, or a nice smooth tiramisu combined with your favorite coffee.

As you continue your evening out, experience the music by one of the Bay Area’s best performers; Abel. He is known for his soft romantic music that will even get the novice dancer tapping their toes. On Wednesdays Abel

conducts Open Mic Night. The bar and wait staff is attentive and friendly.

The eclectic Amadeus is a great place to meet local singles and couples as well as those from beyond the Houston area. The bar is always lively and good drinks are poured by local favorite award winning bartender Renee. Ladies, mark your calendar every Monday as it is Ladies Night and each Wednesday is Half Price Night on drinks and appetizers. This venue is perfect for special events and occasions.

Finally, Amadeus is a great place to have a drink, appetizer, meet people, and enjoy the music as well as to “people watch.” The dress is casual to chic and prices are moderate to expensive. As they say, “You get what you pay for.” You will not be disappointed. To make reservations call (281) 334-3311.

“Experience the music by one of the Bay Area’s best performers; Abel.”


They have won the Grand Prize worth over $10,000. The winnings include a free custom website makeover with e-commerce, marketing/branding

consultation, a custom Facebook business page, press releases, custom designed newsletter and email, business cards designs, and more!

The contestants submitted their entry via the Big Splash Web Design Facebook page, and appealed to their networks to vote for them. It was a close race! The team at Bay Area Houston Habitat for Humanity (BAHFH) put in a lot of work to garner the most votes; they even created a video specifically for the contest to encourage more voting. They were very excited when they received the news, and we thank them for their enthusiasm and grace! Their current site can be viewed at www.bahfh.org; we will send a formal announcement when the newly designed website is up and live!

From the team at BAHFH: “When we first heard about this website contest

we knew we had to give it our best shot! We have been desperate for a new website for some time now, especially after the past few years of growth. We are building more homes, partnering with more families and making more community contacts than ever before. Allocating our financial resources to serve families to full capacity has always been our first priority. However with the word about Habitat rapidly spreading, we increasingly see the need to keep up! We are so thankful to Big Splash Web Design for giving us the resources to do so, where we could not.”

We thank all the contestants for entering! Keep a look out on Big Splash Web Design’s Facebook page for the next opportunity to enter!

Congratulations to Bay Area Houston Habitat for Humanity for Winning the Extreme Makeover Website Edition Contest!

Courtesy of Big Splash Web Design and Bay Area Houston Magazine!

www.baygroupmedia.com

www.bigsplashwebdesign.com


1/28 - 8pm Krewe of Aquarius Mardi Gras Ball & Pageant San Luis Resort5222 Seawall Blvd.

2/3 - 7:30pm Treasure Ball Royal Pageant Moody Gardens Convention Center1 Hope Blvd.

2/10 - 5pm PARADE: Party Gras! Procession The Tremont House2300 Mechanic

2/10 - 7pm PARADE: George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Parade Strand Historic District

2/10 - 8:30pm PARADE: Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade

Strand Historic District

2/10 - 10pm PARADE: Krewe da’ Yaga’s Parade Strand Historic District

2/11 - 12pm Official Mardi Gras! Galveston Balcony Party Jockusch Building21st and Strand

2/11 - 12pm PARADE: Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Mardi Gras Kick Off Parade 1900 Seawall Blvd.

2/11 - 1pm PARADE: Zaniest Golf Cart Parade Strand Historic District

2/11 -3pm PARADE: 103.7 FM Radieaux Krewe Parade

Strand Historic District

2/11 - 4pm PARADE: Mardi Gras Art Car ParadeStrand Historic District

2/11 - 6pm PARADE: Krewe of Gambrinus Parade 2300 Seawall Blvd.

2/11 - 8pm PARADE: Art Car Glo ParadeStrand Historic District

2/12 - 1pm PARADE: Sunshine Kids Parade Strand Historic District

2/12 - 3pm PARADE: Shriner’s Hospital for Children Parade Strand Historic District

2/17 - 8pm PARADE: Krewe Babalu “All Krewe Parade” Strand Historic District

2/17 - 9pm PARADE: Danny Weber Memorial Fire Truck ParadeStrand Historic District

2/17 -10pm PARADE: Cruise Krewe Parade Strand Historic District

2/18 - 11am PARADE: Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Parade 2700 Seawall Blvd.

2/18 - 1pm PARADE: Z Krewe 18th Z Processional Strand Historic District

2/18 - 3pm PARADE: Houston Chronicle 2012 Parade Strand Historic District

2/18 - 6:30pm PARADE: Knights of Momus Grand Night ParadeStrand Historic District

2/19 - 12:15pm PARADE: Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade 2700 Seawall Blvd.

2/19 - 2pm PARADE: Mardi Gras Children’s Parade 2700 Seawall Blvd.

2/21 - 6:30pm PARADE: Mystic Krewe of Aquarius “Fat Tuesday” Parade Downtown Galveston


2012 is the 50th Anniversary of our Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. What a tremendous milestone

and achievement! Our Chamber, like America’s human space exploration program led by NASA’s Johnson Space Center, has grown substantially over that time contributing to our quality of life and our economic prosperity.

There are a lot of factors that contribute to the success of a Chamber, a community and a space program, but the word that comes most to mind is “investment”. People invest their time, talents, energy and financial resources to build a legacy of achievement and excellence that will last for generations to come.

Fortunately, the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce has had the good fortune of people, companies and organizations that have willingly made just those kinds of investments. (Check out our “50 Years, 50 Faces, 50 Stories” project on the Chamber’s website to read about some of these outstanding individuals: www.clearlakearea.com )They have joined

their efforts together to do what no single individual or entity could have achieved alone. They have extended a vote of confidence in our community and our future.

There are a variety of reasons people support the space program. Some do it because they believe U.S. leadership is important for our security. Others are fascinated by the adventure of space and see exploration pushing the bounds of innovation and technology. Many understand that space has greatly benefited and changed our lives here on Earth. And some owe their very livelihoods to

the space program for their jobs and careers. No one explanation by itself serves to explain the broad public support that exists for America’s space program.

Likewise, people and companies join and participate in the Chamber for a variety of reasons. They invest because they enjoy and/or expect a return on that investment in the form of business growth and opportunity. Those who decide on a business growth/opportunity basis recognize that their chances of success are greatly magnified when they fully engage in what the Chamber has to offer in the form of networking, branding, sponsorships and professional development. The higher the level of

direct engagement, the higher the prospects for direct business return on investment.

Many Chamber members see the benefit of adding their individual investment to the resources brought to bear by the full scope of members in order to magnify the value of that investment to our community overall. In other words, there is strength and impact gained by a group of relatively small investors joining together as one to accomplish significant goals on behalf of our community.

These investors may personally get involved in Chamber activities or they may simply let the Chamber work on their behalf for the greater good, thereby creating business opportunities for all as we build a vibrant local economy and promote a fantastic quality of life environment that serves to retain existing enterprises and attract new businesses and jobs.

The bottom-line stays the same whether we’re talking about U.S. leadership in space or our Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, the investments we make are sound with multiple payoffs in the form of a prosperous, competitive nation and community and an ever-improving quality of life that benefits all our citizens.

We salute our Chamber members. We thank them for their support. We celebrate our 50th Anniversary. And we welcome all to join our ranks in building the best place for our businesses and our families to live and thrive.

By Joe MayerChairman, Board of DirectorsClear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence


A budget is a plan for your future income and expenditures that you can use as a guideline for spending and saving. Although

many Americans already use a budget to plan their spending, the majority of Americans also routinely spend more than they can afford. The key to spending within your means is to know

your expenses and to spend less than you make. A good monthly budget can help ensure you pay your bills on time, have funds to cover unexpected emergencies, and reach your financial goals.

Most of the information you need is already at your fingertips. To create or rework your budget, follow the simple steps outlined below to get a clear picture of your monthly finances. You can also use our free online budgeting calculators below to budget for certain specific purchases or events.

1. Add Up Your IncomeTo set a monthly budget, you first

need to determine how much income you have. Make sure you include all sources of income such as salaries, interest, pension and any other income–including a spouse’s income if you’re married.

If you get a salary, be sure to use your take-home pay rather than your gross pay. Taxes are usually taken out automatically, but if they’re not, remember to include them as another expense. If you receive money from somewhere not listed, enter the source along with the amount under “other income.”

2. Estimate ExpensesThe best way to do this is to keep

track of how much you spend for one month. The worksheet below divides spending into fixed and flexible expenses. Fixed expenses are those that generally do not change from month to month, such as rent and insurance payments.

Flexible expenses are those that do change from month to month, such as food or entertainment. If some of your expenses for one or more categories change significantly each month, take a three-month average for your total.

3. Figure Out The Difference

Once you’ve totaled up your monthly income and your monthly expenses, subtract the expense total from the income total to get the difference. A positive number indicates that you’re spending less than you earn--congratulations. A negative number indicates that your expenses are greater than your income. This means you will need to trim your expenses in order to begin living within your means.

Well done–you’ve created a budget. The next step is to track your budget over time to make sure you’re sticking to it. If you find you aren’t able to follow your budget successfully, it may mean that your plan isn’t flexible enough. It can take revisiting your budget a few times to find the balance that works for you.

This article is brought to you by a partnership between Visa and Texas First Bank and was authored by Jason Alderman, who directs Visa’s financial education programs. For more information, follow Texas First Bank on Facebook, Twitter and You Tube or visit us at www.texasfirstbank.com.

BudgetingBy Jason Alderman

“You can also use our free online budgeting calculators below to budget for certain specific purchases or events.”


Shop for the OneYou LoveUnder the Oaks in League City


FINANCIAL FOCUSBrought to you byHow to Insure a Great Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. To celebrate, you may want to present your loved ones with chocolates, flowers or any number of other traditional gifts. But if your valentine also happens to be your spouse or your life partner, you also might want to show your love in another way — by making sure you have adequate insurance.

Just consider some of the things that life insurance can do for you and your family:

Pay off your mortgage — With sufficient life insurance, your family can remain in their home should anything happen to you.

Educate your children — College is expensive, and it seems to get more costly every year. If you were to die prematurely, your life insurance proceeds could help pay for your children’s education.

Help fund retirement — Term insurance consists of just a death benefit. But “permanent” insurance policies, such as whole life or universal life, a tax-advantaged savings component that could help pay for your retirement and help keep you financially independent — which means you won’t have to worry about being a “burden” to your grown children. Furthermore, proceeds from your life insurance policy could help your surviving spouse retire more comfortably.

Help protect your business — If you’re involved in a family-owned business enterprise, you can structure a life insurance policy to help preserve the business or transfer it to the next generation.

Pay for estate taxes — If your estate is sizable, it could generate estate taxes. Life insurance proceeds can help your heirs pay these taxes.

Clearly, life insurance offers a variety of benefits. But how much do you need?

And what type do you need? You might hear that your coverage should be worth around seven or eight times your annual salary. But there’s really no one-size-fits-all formula. In determining how much life insurance you require, you should consider your age, your income, the size of your family, the amount of your mortgage, whether your spouse has a retirement account, your financial goals and other factors. Your financial advisor can help you assess these variables to determine the appropriate level of coverage.

One final word on life insurance: Don’t wait too long before purchasing a policy or upgrading your existing one. Your life insurance premium is based, in part, on your age, so the sooner you act, the better. Also, the time to buy life insurance is while you are healthy, because poor health could prevent you from obtaining coverage.

As important as it is, life insurance isn’t the only protection you and your loved ones may need. During your working years, you are actually more likely to become temporarily disabled, due to injury or illness, than you are to die. If you weren’t able to work for a while, you could help your family maintain its lifestyle if you had an adequate disability income insurance policy. Your employer might offer you some coverage as a benefit, but it might not be sufficient, either in terms of income or the length of the disability covered. Consequently, you may want to explore an individual disability insurance policy.

When you think of romantic Valentine’s Day presents, “insurance” probably doesn’t pop up right away. Yet, by making sure you’ve got all the coverage you need, you may actually be giving your loved ones the greatest gift they’ll ever receive.


The Seabrook Association’s mascot, “Parkie the Pelican” made a guest appearance on the Channel 11 talk show, Great Day Houston, and gets a celebrity kiss from local TV star Deborah Duncan.

TAKE HOME A MIRACLE

TAACCL ACCEPTINg POrTFOLIO SUBmISSIONS FOr INVITATIONAL PHOTOgrAPHY ExHIBIT

Miracle is a 7-year-old female who has already used four of her nine lives. She was burned as a kitten, rescued from shelter death row twice and endured an untreated eye infection, which left her eyes cloudy. Now her soft fur covers the burns, her eyes are clearing with medication and her purr-motor is set on high volume. Rather than dwell on the past she remains very sweet, loves to be brushed and will tell you all about her day while you pet and love on her. One of her favorite pastimes is to curl up in her soft pink kitty bed where she can knead to her hearts content. Miracle is social and gets along fine with other kitties and calm dogs. Visit Miracle at Petco (Bay Area Blvd. near Space Center Blvd.) on Saturdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact SCP at [email protected] or on the web at www.secondchancepets.org.

The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake (TAACCL) currently is accepting portfolio submissions of photographic work for its upcoming show, Fresh from the Bay—Invitational Photography Exhibition. Scheduled for March 22 to April 5, this show will feature works of any subjects that employ either traditional or non-traditional photographic techniques.

Longstanding photographers with extensive backgrounds and portfolios, relative newcomers and student artists with a few strong works and even works that previously have been shown are welcome for review. Photographers can submit from three to 20 jpg files of their work by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 17, either by emailing files to Debra Kendrick, TAACCL curator, at [email protected] or mailing a CD with jpg images to Debra Kendrick, TAACCL, 2000 NASA Parkway, Nassau Bay, Texas 77059. Questions can be directed to Kendrick via email or by calling 281-335-7777.

The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake is a non-profit organization that presents, enriches and promotes the visual, literary and performing landscape in Houston’s Bay Area. By engaging more than 50 non-profit arts organizations, including educational institutions, dance and drama theater, guilds of basket weavers and quilters, writers’ leagues, choral groups, musicians, photographers and artists using many different media, TAACCL brings the arts together. For more information, visit www.taaccl.org or call 281-335-7777.


Best BurgerMiller’s Café

Best CaféClassic Café

Best BrunchSouth Shore Grill

Best CajunFloyd’s Cajun

Best SeafoodPappas Seafood Kitchen

Best Asian888 Bistro

Best SteakCullen’s Upscale American Grille

Best BBQDickinson BBQ

Best SushiIchiban

Best PizzaMario’s Seabrook

Best Family RestaurantDickinson BBQ

Best PubBoondoggles

Best ItalianFrenchy’s

Best MexicanMamacita’s

Best Margarita La Brisa

Best Local EntertainerClaudio Sereni

Most Romantic RestaurantOpus Bistro

Best BartenderRenee, Amadeus

Best Contractor/RemodelerBuccaneer

Best Realtor/AgentKimberly Harding

Best Car DealershipAlex Rodriguez Mercedes

Best Entertainment SpotKemah Boardwalk

Best Plastic SurgeonTodd Adams, Coastal Plastic Surgery

Best Gift ShopGlass Mermaids

Best Ladies BoutiqueClothes Horse

Best Home BuilderBayway Homes

Best DentistDerek Tieken

Best Physician 3 Way TieDr. Gina RizzoDr. Dorothy MerrittDr. Jack Janoe

Best Federal Credit UnionJSC Federal Credit Union

Best BankTexas First Bank

Best Hair StylistLisa Cook

Best Hair SalonExpressions Hair Salon

Best BreakfastClassic Café

Best HotelSouth Shore Harbour & Resort

Best SpaOasis Salon & MediSpa

Best Yacht ClubLakewood Yacht Club

Best Wine Bar/WineryClear Creek Winery

Best Health ClubLA Fitness

Best Automotive RepairSpace Center Automotive

Best MarinaSouth Shore

Best Furniture StoreIsland Furniture

Best Bed & BreakfastClipper House Inn & Vineyard

Best Vision CenterCoastal Eye

Best City to LiveLeague City

Best Police DepartmentSeabrook

Best Fire DepartmentLeague City

bay area houston magazine february 2012

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