C H A M P ION
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T H E
SM A L L
B U S I N E S S .
S HOP
B AY
A R E A
F I RS T.
October 2011
Dr. Robert L. Burke Fondren Orthopedic Group,L.L .C.
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features
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ON THE COVER Dr. Saqib Siddiqui, M.D. of the Houston Spine Center. Photo by Brian Stewart. See Story on page 30.
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Chairman Rick Clapp President Rob Kumar Creative Director Brandon Rowan Vice President of Sales Patty Kane Sales & Marketing Patty Bederka Whitney Parks Amber Sample Claudio Sereni
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Graphic Designer Victoria Ugalde Videographer Michael Palm Photography Lina Mesa Brian Stewart Community Affairs Director Lillian Harmon
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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.
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Appreciating the Manned Space Flight Program
Going Boldly
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Multispecialty Center and Stark Diabetes Clinic
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Legends of Clear Lake Tribute Concert and Benefit
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Photos, Articles and Letters From Our Elected Officials
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Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Comes to the Bay Area
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Volunteers Help Repair the Non-Profit’s Headquarters
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Supporting Interfaith Caring Ministries
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Will 2011-12 be the Breakout Season?
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On the Water With the Lagoon 380
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Announcing a New Restaurant and Commemorative Wine
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Don’t Let Downgrade Deter You From Investing
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Tips to Help Students Handle Credit Wisely
UTMB Opens New Clinic in League City CLICK! Celebrating 30 Years of the Space Shuttle Clear Lake Welcomes Siddiqui Rebuilding the Atlantis Foundation AMOCO Gives Back, Gets Ready for Holidays Texans Training Camp Enjoy the Fine Art of Sailing Kemah’s Clear Creek Winery Financial Focus Money Matters
columns 20
What’s Hot Right Now
The Buzz in the Bayou City
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Lady Luxury
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The Running of the Bulls
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The Flats Season of Summer Comes to a Close
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The Hero’s Journey
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Making a True Difference
In Wheel Time The Admiral’s Log Galveston Surf Check Texas Meditations Back Bay Barker
in each issue
Please address all correspondence to: Bay Area Houston Magazine P.O. Box 1032 Seabrook, TX 77586 www.baygroupmedia.com R.Clapp@Baygroupmagazines.com 281.474.5875
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Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2011
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Advertiser’s Index
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Lakewood Yacht Club News and Events
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Our Donations
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Events Calendar
SEPTEMBER 2011
“The Ears Must Match the Eyes”
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his month, I have chosen to write about people who come in and out of our lives; some remain as friends and others move on. Like they say, some people are in your life for a day, month, season, year or a lifetime. Recently, I met someone who seemed to have potential to be a good friend and business associate. The individual needed help as he had lost his job, did not have savings, and had other problems. He was down on his luck and even told me he had problems and was damaged. I believe the best in everyone so I extended myself and advised him that I would help him get back on their feet. Success comes easy if you do the right thing and stay disciplined. I shared with him the importance of selfesteem and positive self-talk and spoke to him in positive ways. I always encouraged this individual to move forward and evaluate successful people. As I mentioned earlier this person had it all on the outside – well groomed, attractive, smart, and a good personality but something was not right. However, believing the best, I moved forward to help and establish a relationship by listening, mentoring, feeding, loaning money and even providing a career opportunity. But then, I noticed this person’s stories did not match and he constantly made wrong turns each day that he got up in the morning – always a problem and a victim. Then the day came that he was supposed to go to work and he did not show up. He said he was coming in at noon, then called back to say that he was sick, and then called back and said that they were going to work out and then come in. He never showed up. What is wrong with this picture? Why would someone say one thing and do something else? This behavior made no sense to me. I did not hear from him again until three days later. He texted, asking me to call him, which I did. He never answered nor did he give me the courtesy of a telephone call. To this day I do not know what happened to this potential friend. I hope and pray he is okay. My philosophy about people is, if the ears do not match the eyes, be careful. That simply means if the outward behavior does not match with what they say, RUN! Fortunately, my experience, knowledge and gut instinct told me to do the right thing. I am not jaded by the experience—just a little wiser about who I allow in my precious circle of friends or colleagues. If my philosophy of “the ears must match the eyes” helps you then please put it to good use. This will save you a lot of wasted time, effort, money and possible heartache. Life is not easy. God Bless everyone that packs their own parachute first and then helps others that legitimately need help. Unfortunately, today so many individuals believe life is all about them but they rarely succeed or are happy. Like amoebas, they float through life with no guts or backbone, just gelatinous material. They look to attach themselves to a host like a parasite and drain the host. These individuals feel they are entitled to success, happiness and prosperity without working for it or earning it. Nor do they appreciate all of the people that helped them gain success. These self-centered folks have not learned that you do not succeed until you give and pay the price of success and thank those that got you there (parents, teachers, friends, mentors, etc.) The key to success and happiness is giving. Donate your time to worthwhile people and organizations and they too will give back to you support, love, accolades and appreciation.
Life is about accountability. Taking responsibility for, and accepting the consequences of our actions is what we all need to do. Finally, if you are feeling low or depressed, get your mind off of yourself and volunteer for the organizations such as Bay Area Turning Point, 2nd Chance Pets, The Jesse Tree or your favorite non-profit organization.
God Bless America! Rick Clapp Chairman, The Bay Group
Don Armstrong In Wheel Time
Michael Gos Texas Meditations
Captain Joe Kent Fishing
Andrew Jeffries Bay Area Bandstand
Betha Merit Travel/Food/Wine
Jill Michaels The Big Picture
Whitney Parks
Galveston Surf Check
Pat Patton Click
Dr. Ed Reitman Nourishing the Mind
Roseann Rogers The Buzz
Kathleen Statham Back Bay Barker
Zach Tate Music
P.S. Also, vote this month for your favorite hair salon, restaurant, doctor, pub, etc. in the 2011 Best of the Bay Awards (see below).
2011
BAY Vote Online NOW at www.baygroupmedia.com
Best Cafe Best Bank Best Hair Salon Best Hair Stylist Best Bartender Best Pub Best Local Entertainer Best Brunch Best Seafood Best Steak Best Sushi Best Pizza Best Italian Best Mexican Best Cajun Best Asian Best BBQ Most Romantic Restaurant Best Family Restaurant Best Burger Best Margarita
Best Contractor/ Remodeler Best Car Dealership Best Police Dept Best Fire Dept Best Trainer Best Health Club Best Spa Best Realtor/Agent Best Clothing Store Best Entertainment Spot Best Ladies Boutique Best Yacht Club Best Marina Best City To Live Best Massage Therapist Best Vision Center Best Gift Shop Best Home Builder Best Wine Bar or Winery Best Furniture Store
OCTOBER 2011 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
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Advertiser’s Index
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Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2011
DENTAL Dentistry Goes Virtual HEALTH
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ew technologies have consistently improved the quality of dental care that patients receive. Once upon a time, dental care comprised of little more than a bottle of whiskey, a strong burly man holding a pair of pliers, and many nightmares that followed. Today, thanks to modern pharmaceuticals and equipment, we enjoy a more effective (and far less painful) dental experience. Historically, many committed dental surgeons have been frustrated with limitations that traditional two dimensional radiographs presented. We live in a three dimensional world and treat three dimensional people. Information obtained from radiographs plays a very crucial role in reaching proper diagnoses. We have always relied on radiographs to diagnose dental problems and develop appropriate treatment plans. Radiographs also help verify the quality and accuracy of dental procedures performed. The interpretation of three-dimensional anatomical structures from standard two-dimensional x-rays on film, however, requires a certain degree of imagination, a good deal of experience, and sometimes, even luck. There is also a danger of an imprecise or incorrect diagnosis. The older 2D technology limited the possibilities of detecting detailed anatomical information because they lacked depth. CT scans unlocked the vital third dimension. Thanks to such precise 3D imaging, diagnosis and treatment planning is more precise, faster, and less dependent on the experience of the dentist. Above all, it enables a doctor to obtain accurate measurements in real spatial contexts, which is extremely important for oral surgery and more complex cases. The images are not produced on x-ray film as is the case with standard x-ray imaging but instead mathematically calculated and depicted in the finest detail. Today there is a new generation of CT scans called Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT). This technological marvel provides doctors with even a more accurate 3D imaging technology. CBCT combines classic x-ray technology with a computer system that processes the information obtained. A significant difference between cone beam CT and classic CT is that the patient is subjected to lower doses of radiation. This is because in cone beam CT scanners the x-rays do not disburse in a fan shape - as in classic CT, but in a narrower conical bundle of rays. The object can therefore be depicted during a single circulation. The bundle of rays is captured on a sensor similar to that used with a classic CT device. Algorithms are then used to convert individual levels into a three-dimensional image.
Overall, the new cone beam CT scan technology needs only a fraction of radiation that old 2D technology and medical CT scanners need. Additionally, a cone beam slice can be as little as 76 microns versus 1000 microns (one millimeter) for traditional CT Scans. That means the resolution is enhanced more than twelvefold.
Virtual Surgical Procedures The entire process of assessment, treatment planning, selection of implant devices and final restoration products is achieved “virtually� before treatment even begins. Patients benefit from being able to fully visualize the current state of need and final outcome possibilities, based on their choice of restoration components (types of crowns, abutments, shape, color shading, size, etc). This technology also
has allowed experienced dental professionals to perform implant dentistry, root canal therapy, or complex reconstructive dentistry with stunning accuracy. As most dentists and dental specialists have learned in recent years, dentistry is not entirely about filling cavities anymore. Advent of dental implants has revolutionized the dental field and changed the accepted standard of care and quality of life for dental patients. Digital 2D X-rays were a significant technological advance and they are now being used by the majority of dentists in practice today. The introduction of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology is rapidly changing the diagnostic landscape, allowing dentists to diagnose in three dimensions. In my opinion, 3D CBCT technology, in addition to magnification (Loups) and illumination (high powered head lights) have given doctors superhuman capabilities and have made what was once considered impossible a reality. Doctor Noie has maintained a private practice in Bay Area since 1996 with an emphasis on cosmetics, dental implants, and orthodontics. He is among a very rare group of dentists that is proficient and skilled to perform both surgical placement and restoration of dental Implants. He also has incorporated the new cone beam technology into his practice and offers it to all his patients free of charge. For a complimentary consultation with Dr. Noie please call his office at (281) 332-4700 to schedule an appointment. OCTOBER 2011 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
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College of mainland
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Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2011
M A R K E T P L A C E
M A R K E T P L A C E
OCTOBER 2011 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
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Christina Hernandez
One of Houston’s rare female firefighters (100 out of 4,000 men) fights more than just flames. Photos and story by Zach Tate. Hair and Makeup by Lisha Coleman
hristina Hernandez can’t explain her desire to help people in need - she just does it. Growing up in Southeast Houston’s Second Ward, Christina never wanted to be a firefighter, a paramedic, or an Olympic hopeful in boxing (she’s also a boxing instructor for young girls and boys, and women interested in the sport) but it’s what she’s spent most of her adult life doing. “I wanted to be an Olympic gymnast when I was a little girl. I didn’t want to be a firefighter or a boxer. With firefighting and EMS (Emergency Medical Services) I think God just put me there. I’m just that type of person. If I see a person in trouble I want to help.” It’s not uncommon for people inspiring others and performing acts of courage to be humble. But Hernandez knows she’s not your average woman and sees her mother, Araceli Valdez, as a big influence on her own personal strength. “As kids we didn’t know how hard it was for my mom having to work two jobs and raising three kids. I think that’s where I learned you just have to get up and do what you have to do.” Running into burning buildings isn’t what everyone has to do but to Hernandez, it’s all in a day’s work. One of just over 100 female firefighters in Houston (nearly 4000 men) Hernandez admits it takes a certain kind of courage to enter into a male dominated profession (never mind a blazing inferno) and hold your own. “I have to prove myself everyday. Anxiety kicks in for everything, going into a new station or getting ready for a fight. It’s not something that’s going to go away. That probably brings more stress than anything – the anxiety of people accepting me more than knowing whether I can do my job. I know I can do the job. I just do what I have to do.” Being a firefighter might be enough of a challenge for most people but not for Hernandez. Her other passion in life is boxing and from day one she faced criticism and skepticism because she is a woman.
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Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2011
“At first, the man who was assigned to train me was reluctant, but after he saw how dedicated I was he changed his mind about me.” Hernandez was always very athletic and while working as a warrant clerk in Houston in 2001, with no boxing training, was signed up by a co-worker to participate in a charity boxing tournament. “I always thought I’d like to hit the bag and I loved working out. I was fascinated by what I could do and stuck with it. Learning that you can block a punch and avoid being hit was very interesting to me. At first you take it personally when you get hit but then you learn, it’s just part of the sport. Now it feels odd not to get hit.” Christina Hernandez was looking forward to qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games when female boxing was excluded at the last minute. Women have been boxing in the Olympics since 1904 but the committee in charge of the Beijing Games decided the sport didn’t have merits worthy of international competition, despite there being over 30,000 female boxers in 120 countries. Women’s boxing has been reinstated to the 2012 London Olympic Games. At 32 years of age Christina Hernandez has had her share of disappointments and setbacks (a broken jaw as she was about to begin training for the 2012 games derailed her Olympic dreams) and she realizes her athletic clock is ticking. As boxing in the Olympics (technically for amateur athletes) is looking less likely, Hernandez is considering turning professional. “I want at least one pro fight. There’s something there that I still need to do.” With her trademark smile and determined eyes you can bet that when Christina Hernandez says she has something she has to do – she’s going to do it! Christina Hernandez trains boxers at various gyms around South Houston and can be contacted through Facebook at www.Facebook.com/badgirlboxing.
Passion and Personality Behind The Scenes of Space Travel By Betha Merit
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ou can come up with many words to describe the people involved in space travel. Smart, dedicated, educated, driven, and focused, for example. However, after talking with Paula Korn of the Boeing Company, in addition to all of those words, the one that defines her very essence is passion—passion for all things space-related. And passion to explore life wherever it leads. “It turns out I always had this thing about space,” says Korn, Boeing’s senior manager for communications, space exploration. “I used to go out in my backyard as an elementary-aged child to see Sputnik in the middle of the night, checking the local paper for its time schedule.” Additionally, Korn carried a transistor radio to school during the early years of the space program to follow the progress of Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo launches. “I needed to know that the missions were going okay,” says Korn.” “I told my teachers that I had to stay in touch with mission control.” Creative is another descriptor for Korn. She employed her budding interest in photography to set up a tripod in front of the family television, a month in advance of the Apollo 11 moon landing in July 1969 to take photos. “I wanted to get the lighting just right for the time of day. Korn’s path, growing up in Providence, Rhode Island, steered her to study science, given her aptitude for all things technical. However, Korn followed her own star (pun intended) and gained her degree in broadcast and film production from Boston University (she later earned a master’s of education in instructional technology from the University of New Hampshire). For 12 years, Korn worked as a producer, director, reporter, and anchor for television stations in New England, as
well as the Financial News Network (now part of CNBC). She also served as press manager for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and for Brown University. Korn covered several space-related events and projects while working for the Financial News Network. It became evident that her passion for space had not dimmed. So much so, that her news director suggested that she should be working in space. So Korn embarked on a new career, taking her finely honed communication skills and inherent creativity into the world she loved. Space exploration grabbed Korn’s heart at a young age and never let it go. “I just surrendered to it,” says Korn. For 10 years, Korn worked for NASA and other space-related organizations and businesses in Washington, D.C. as an independent consultant on a variety of assignments. She describes nights where she would awaken at 3 a.m. unable to sleep another moment, in excitement to get back to her project. Her projects included writing reports for congress and the business community on topics such as earth observing systems on satellites, what they would do, costs, benefitsetc. Her understanding of technology, and ability to integrate the complex into an understandable format to educate and stimulate interest was a huge bonus. “I think outside the box, more globally than linear,” says Korn. All those years of interviewing, investigating and communicating were now being applied to her passion. This created a win-win situation for helping NASA gain financial support from White House and the U.S. Congress. It
later helped her promote Sea Launch, an international venture that launches commercial communications satellites to orbit. Another creative outlet for Korn is that of actress. Korn still keeps her SAG (Screen Actors Guild) membership active. This benefits her work in the space industry also. Yes, she understands technical concepts, and communicates from the viewpoint of a film presentation, crafting what her audience will see and how they might respond. She paints the picture in the first part, explains in interesting detail in the second, and then wraps it up in a succinct and accessible style at the end. “It’s best to try out things you can do, even if it might be a one-time only event. It just might lead to a career or enhance one. Also, it is really fulfilling to see what you like to do, even if it’s only a taste,” says Korn. Currently with Boeing, Korn serves as division spokesperson and is responsible for the direction and oversight of the Space Exploration division’s communications team, including its executive, external and internal work, strategic planning, integration with business development and marketing, and coordination with corporate group and segment management. Prior to this position, she served as director of communications for the Sea Launch Company, an international commercial launch venture, of which Boeing was the managing partner, until a recent reorganization. Before joining Sea Launch in 2000, Korn supported its early development and operations as part of her communications responsibilities with Boeing’s Space and Com-
“It’s best to try out things you can do, even if it might be a onetime only event. It just might lead to a career or enhance one.”
munications Group. She joined Boeing in 1997, as internal communications manager for Boeing/ Rocketdyne Propulsion and Power. Paula Korn While based in California, with Boeing and Sea Launch, Paula spoke to students at schools in Long Beach, Calif., as part of their career education. “My biggest message to the kids was to find their passion,” says Korn. “You can always shift gears. I am what I am, and I did what I did. There was no one for me to follow, and no mentor. In many ways I am a maverick,” says Korn. So what’s next for Paula Korn? Aside from her demanding and fulfilling ongoing work in the space industry, she still loves exploring. She explores the Earth by hiking mountainous regions, and the heavens by observing constellations in the sky. Her newest creative art is painting on canvas with acrylic paints, although she wants to eventually use oils and favors the 19th century impressionist style. Photography is an ongoing passion, usually of the countryside and scenery discovered in her travels. “I love the Earth,” says Korn. The message learned from speaking with a Renaissance woman like Paula Korn, is to follow your passion, do everything you love one time or 100 times. Watch how this interjects distinct threads into your life. All the different disciplines and experiences will weave a tapestry of your life with a passion that blends who you are with what you do.
OCTOBER 2011 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
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“Inspiration is All Around You.” - Randy Meadows evening aboard the now infamous, ‘Willie Nelson tour bus’. “I kept telling myself to not say something stupid. I was, as one might think, a little overwhelmed but I wasn’t too awestruck as to not enjoy the moment.” Hanging out with stars, at the height of their popularity, Randy was bitten by the music bug, though he’s quick to point out that he was already a Willie Nelson fan before getting on the bus. Within a year he was writing songs and performing. “My dad told Willie, ‘This is my boy Randy. I gave him a guitar a year ago now he’s making more money than me.” Randy Meadows is a happy-go-lucky kind of guy with an impressive music career, having made a living solely by playing music, both solo and in numerous bands. He’s recorded and toured with Billboard country music charting artists, Doug Supernaw and Willie Nelson, among other notables. Despite his father’s associations in music, Randy never felt pressure to live up to expectations. His positive attitude is reflected in his straightahead country music where, even when writing about painful moments in life, his melodies remain optimistic. From Deep Whiskey’s title track:
It was the early 1990s and a Houston theatrical production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas needed a narrator who could play the guitar, sing and had the quintessential Texas accent. Randy Meadows got the job. The accent may be the first thing you notice about Randy Meadows but his passion for music will be the thing you remember. Although Randy was born into music royalty (legendary Texas pianist and guitarist, the late, Bucky Meadows, was Randy’s father) he didn’t end up writing songs or playing the guitar because of it. In fact, Randy didn’t get to know his dad well until he was about 18 years old, and at the time, had his sites set on professional baseball. Randy’s parents were divorced when he was 4 and his mother took him to live in California. His relationship with his father was distant, but in 1978 Randy sought to get to know the man who was his father a little better. In the process he discovered who Bucky Meadows was and the impressive circle of interesting people that were his friends—people like Leon Russell, Willie Nelson and Dickey Betts (Allman Brothers) to name a few. Randy’s new website (www.RandyMeadows.net), promoting his latest CD, Deep Whiskey, includes a blog that details his official indoctrination into the music business in 1979, at 19 years of age via one star-studded
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“I’m drowning in deep whiskey Soaked from my head to my toe Drowning in deep whiskey And the current won’t let me go” Randy smiles while quoting his father about stability in the music business: “The only thing certain about the music business is uncertainty”. Randy’s ability to articulate what keeps him motivated comes with the same good nature. “Inspiration is all around you… You can be tired, though, and not want to hear more music, but then you hear Frank Sinatra and you say, ‘I want to hear music again’, or you hear Jerry Reed doing Amos Moses and you say ‘I want to hear music again!’ There’s always music to inspire me.”
Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2011
A longtime Bay Area resident, in 1995 Randy formed the Bay Area Songwriters Association. Early members included Kelly McGuire, Big John Mills, Van Buchanon and other local songwriters, but in 1998 he left the organization to care for his dad. Bucky Meadows died in June of that year (lung and brain cancer) leaving behind a legacy in music that stretches from the 1950s, touring with Les Paul and Mary Ford (a child prodigy at 13 years old) to his last days recording with Willie Nelson. As a tribute to his dad’s love of jazz music, Randy produced Fastest Fingers In The West in 2001 featuring eleven of Bucky’s compositions. Recorded in 1975 for Willie Nelson’s Lone Star Records, the master tapes were lost in a studio fire, but Randy was able to reproduce a surprisingly high quality recording from cassette tapes of the all-instrumental jazz tunes. Randy Meadows released Deep Whiskey in June of 2011. Beautifully produced by Meadows and Doug Deforest, the CD holds seven nicely crafted country songs about girls, Jesus, honky-tonks and heartache, all featuring Meadows’ deep, southern, built-for-countrymusic voice. Stellar banjo, mandolin, and fiddle playing by Tim Crouch and impressive steel guitar work by Robby Springfield blend in for a warm, familiar, country sound. Throw in the Jimmy Buffett inspired Laying Low In Mexico and you’ve got an all-round good listening experience. For more dates, music and information visit www. RandyMeadows. net. Watch the video interview and see a live performance of Deep Whiskey at www.ZachTate. com.
i n wheel t i m e
by Do n A r mst rong
Ford Taurus SHO Ford’s 2012 Taurus SHO is one of this decade’s nicest automotive surprises. This well healed, fullsize sedan is a far cry from the original Taurus that debuted in 1986. With sleek body sculpting, a stylish twin-cockpit dash, cavernous trunk, sporty ride, stout handling and gobs of power, the Taurus SHO is capable of out-gunning some of Europe’s best.
To earn SHO badging, this model gets a substantial horsepower gain over the base Taurus. The twinturbocharged EcoBoost V-6 spools up 365 horsepower, that’s 102 more than the base engine. Mated to a sixspeed automatic transmission that turns a full-time all-wheel drive system, the SHO returns impressive fuel economy numbers, 17-city and 25-highway. The interior of the Taurus SHO deserves special recognition too. The high belt line of the body and
a tall, wide center console create the cozy feel of the cabin. Deep-set gauges keep the sun from obscuring the all-important tach along with the other readouts. Ford’s Sync system makes audio, climate and navigation control feel like a cool bay breeze. You’ll be the talk of the yacht club when you roll up in the new Ford Taurus SHO. Pricing begins at $38,155.
BMW 528i The 6th generation of the BMW 5 Series is much easier on the eyes than the outgoing model, a bit more conservative with a closer visual bond to the rest of the lineup. Of course, it wouldn’t be a BMW without the classic twin-kidney grille that resides between sculpted headlamps. New contour lines run through the door handles and at the bottom of the doors creating a sportier appearance. The 5 Series dash comes from the no-nonsense school of design, clean and straightforward, an understated touch of elegance and style. Yes, the iDrive interface knob is still located on the center console behind the shifter, but its functionality has improved significantly. “How?” you say. A few audio and climate control knobs and buttons have returned to the center stack, so as to ease our pain a bit. Four models are included in the 5 Series, the 528i, 535i, and 550i, with increasing engine output relative to the displacement nomenclature. The normally aspirated 528i gets 22 mpg-city and 32-highway. XDrive is the all-wheel drive variant and is available on the 535i and 550i as is a manual transmission. However, we’ll take the new 8-speed automatic. Pricing starts at $45,050. OCTOBER 2011 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
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Th e Buzz Lady
EllipiGO Now that you’ve got the clothes, what about the workout? Well, you may want to try the new EllipiGO 8S bike ($2,499) now available in Houston. The new fitness device creates an exercise experience like running outdoors but without the impact on your joints. ElliptiGO performance has been compared to that of any high-end road bike. For cold weather, there is even a stationery trainer accessory available so you can ride the bike indoors. EllipiGO is available at Bike Barn and Busy Body Houston locations.
Apron Flings Everyone knows that the hostess with the mostest must always look the part when throwing a party, no matter what the occasion. So Jan Cancila has applied her passion for design and entertaining into the creation of Apron Flings. These fun and most definitely festive aprons are finely crafted from sensational satins and gorgeous organza. The aprons even come with titles such as The Baroness, Snow White and Tickled Pink. Talk about a great ice-breaker, the minute your guests arrive there’s already tons to talk about! Aprons retail for $29.00 - $39.99 and are available online at sales@linehouse.com
Sweat in Style When it comes to play and workout clothing, gone are the days of baggy shirts and ratty shorts or even skin-tight leggings and cropped tank tops. Now, it’s important to look the part when you’re exercising. Pure Body Studio, which specializes in Pilates and Yoga offers slogan t-shirts to inspire and motivate you, along with comfortable tops and pants. Brands include Be Present, We Pilates and Prana, and coming soon Peace, Love and Mom.
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Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2011
Wings Over Houston High-flying action is once again in store for the 27th annual Wings Over Houston air show taking flight October 15-16 at Ellington Airport. Special guests include The Canadian Forces Snowbirds which will thrill audiences with an aerial ballet of high-speed jet passes. Returning favorites include the Tora! Tora! Tora! Reenactment of the World War II power attack on Pearl Harbor and a firepower demonstration with the Korean/Vietnam era aircraft. Advanced tickets are $17.50 for adults and $4 for children. Tickets can be purchased by calling 888-4-FLYSHOW or by visiting wingsoverhouston.com.
(Top Left) The cover of Green Beans and Guacamole. (Above) Chef Austin Hanson. (Left) Last year’s The Bash, A Halloween Happening. (Below) From left to right, Michelle Smith, Auction Chairman for the 2011 Signature Chefs Gala and Elizabeth Petersen. Elizabeth and her husband Gary are 2011 Signature Chefs Gala Community Honorees.
Green Beans and Guacamole
Green Beans and Guacamole is a new book that just hit store shelves featuring the finest Houston chefs and restaurants. Fifty Houston restaurants including Sorrento’s, Tony’s and Mockingbird Bistro share their delicious recipes inspired by the book’s title. Austin Hanson who has intellectual disabilities wanted to throw a party for his mom and he insisted green beans and guacamole be on the menu – the two favorite foods of his mom, Belinda Hillhouse, who also happens to be the book’s creator. The book benefits ARC, which has been a part of Austin’s life since he was 9 years old. ARC works to create opportunities for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities to live a productive life in the community. For more information on the book go to greenbeansandguacomole.com
Signature Chefs Gala March of Dimes’ Signature Chefs Gala promises to deliver Houston’s most original and largest culinary affair yet on October 13 at the Hilton Americas. Thanks to the 2011 Culinary Honorees, restaurateur Tony Vallone and his wife Donna, this event will
satisfy any craving, while helping support healthier babies. For tickets and more information, visit signaturechefshouston.com.
A Halloween Happening Who doesn’t love a great costume party and contest? The Bash, A Halloween Happening benefiting the Cerebral Palsy Fund of Easter Seals Greater Houston, will feature an evening of wall-to-wall dance music, tasty treats, an open bar and, of course, a unique costume contest. Come knock on the door at The Corinthian from 8 p.m. -1 a.m. on October 29 for plenty of treat. www.houstonbash.org.
OCTOBER 2011 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
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n Sunday, September 18th, I attended Scout Bar in Webster to see Aperture perform for the weekly Texas Buzz show hosted by AD from 94.5 The Buzz. Opening for Aperture was Spastic Fit. With Cory Klein on vocals, Darrell Steinkuehler on drums, Tryp Williamson on bass, and Nick Arlan on guitar. Spastic Fit offers up a highly intense traditional punk experience. Short, fast songs and a few covers thrown in make for an entertaining performance that gets the audience pumped up for more.
Aperture is a 5-piece progressive rock band originating from Austin, Texas. Their lineup includes John Thevenot on bass, Jared Mears on guitar, Michael Proctor also on guitar, Nathan Alvarado on vocals, and Justin Frary on the drums. In April of this year, Aperture released their EP titled Now That You’re Awake, which can be downloaded at aperturesounds.com. I very much enjoyed the show Aperture put on. The first things I noticed were the absolutely massive sounding guitar arrangements and the instantly recognizable articulation and use of odd rhythms
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ith football season finally underway, Texan’s fans are expecting a lot out of their team this year. Playoff hopes have never looked better with a weaker than usual AFC South. The Indianapolis Colts signed quarterback Kerry Collins after Peyton Manning’s neck injury turned out to be far more severe than expected. Collins retired from the Tennessee Titans just last year and was picked up by the Colts less than a month before their season opener against the Houston Texans. The Texan’s defense and offense were relentless in their week one match up against the Colts and their white-bearded, fresh out of retirement quarterback. Applause should be given to the Texans for going out there and doing exactly what they were supposed to do. The Colts seem to be picking up a lot of quarterbacks from their AFC South competition these days. They also signed Texan’s former third string quarterback, Dan Orlovosky, after the Texans cut him in the off-season.
associated with modern progressive rock from Frary on the drums. The bass lines from Thevenot were melodic and challenging in a captivating way. Alvarado’s vocals were somewhat reminiscent of Dredg’s Gavin Hayes’ with a unique flavor that became very aggressive yet sustained at times. When the whole band would come together for a chorus, it was massive and hard hitting.
They very often made use of odd meters which is strongly reflective of their progressive rock influence, but a very strong beat combined with the able string section offered up a very thick, driving force throughout the set. Mears would often take the lead on guitar with dark, progressive melodies spanning from trance-like repetitions to all out reckless abandon while Proctor would provide the thick backing required for a full and polished sound, but the two guitarists would also trade roles throughout the set, creating a wide range of styles and soundscapes. Thevenot’s work on the bass melded the lower range of the band together quite well whilst simultaneously delving into a melodic corner of its own. The style was somewhat reflective of a fusion influence combined with the modern progressive metal intention. Frary’s drumming reminded me of Tool’s Danny Carrey at times with heavy, articulate strikes and odd placement of beats even in common meters. As a fan of progressive rock, I was very entertained by the challenge of the groove created by the drums and strings working together and against each other throughout the songs. Alvarado’s vocal style was very dire and emotional. Often he would sustain for a long time demonstrating his talent as a singer. My only complaint is that he maintained an almost constant register, which mismatched the rest of the band’s emotional dynamic and created a static feel after just a few songs. Having said that, as a fan of progressive rock in almost every sense of the genre I felt that Aperture presented a very honest, genuinely enthusiastic, and talented approach to a style of music that is already loved by many.
“With all of this shuffling of quarterbacks in the division, it looks like the power has finally shifted from the Colts to the Texans.” The Jacksonville Jaguars might also face problems this year with their shaky quarterback situation. Just days While other teams in the before the season started, AFC South shuffled to find a quarterback, it was business Jacksonville cut their as usual for Matt Schaub and starting quarterback David the Texans this year during Garrard and went with training camp. unproven quarterback Luke McCown in week one. Blaine Gabbert, a rookie quarterback, will be his back up. The final team in the AFC South, the Tennessee Titans, also has an uncomfortable quarterback situation. Matt Hasselback, a 12-year veteran, is the starting
quarterback for the Titans after not being re-signed this offseason by the Seattle Seahawks. Hasselback will also serve as a mentor for Tennessee’s first round draft pick, Jake Locker. With all of this shuffling of quarterbacks in the division, it looks like the power has finally shifted from the Colts to the Texans. The Texans are the only team with a stable, long-time starting quarterback that is completely comfortable with their offense. Let’s hope that Matt Schaub stays healthy, and can lead his team to their first ever playoff appearance. OCTOBER 2011 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
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Clear Creek Winery’s New Restaurant is Now Open
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hite table cloths… elegant… warm… inviting. These are all words to describe Tabella, the new restaurant located at Clear Creek Winery in Kemah. Atmosphere combined with a menu unmatched for culinary excellence makes Tabella legendary! This premier restaurant is in the old D’Vine Wine building at 709 Harris Avenue in Kemah and is the best thing that has happened to dining in the Bay Area in a long time. David Skinner, owner of Clear Creek Winery, had in the initial design for the winery complex a new concept in dining for the bay area. His chef decided not to move to Kemah and as luck would
have it Madeleine Griffin and her son Christopher were looking to start a new restaurant. Together they have created a unique restaurant with great service and “d’vine” cuisine! Chef Jose Galvan brings to your table a menu offering farm to table selections that change from week to week depending on what is the freshest and seasonal. Weather permitting, Tabella also offers the option of outside dining where you can enjoy the cool gulf breeze. Old world atmosphere and the most succulent steaks, seafood, lamb and side dishes combine to make Tabella a dining experience extraordinaire. And then there is the final touch…desserts so delicious you must save room for a sampling. The selection is vast which
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makes it difficult to decide which one to choose! The restaurant is open Tuesday thru Saturday 4 pm to midnight, with plans to expand the hours to include lunch and Sunday brunch in mid October. Clear Creek Winery and Tabella will be hosting some very special events in the months to come.
Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2011
Saturday, October 29 is a date to save for celebrating “Oktobayfest”. Reservations are necessary so make them now. Guests will dine on traditional as well and innovative German dishes with wine parings for each course. Welcome fall with a festive, fun evening starting at 7 pm. Price per person is $125 and includes a five course meal, fine wine, and of course those famous Tabella desserts! Two more events to put on your calendar are the annual Grape Stomps held at Clear Creek Winery, 709 Harris Avenue in Kemah on October 22 and the D’Vine Wine Grape Stomp, 2110 Strand Street in Galveston, on October 29. These are fun events for the whole family to enjoy. The holidays are just around the corner and the Winery is taking reservations for all your holiday celebrations. From casual cocktail parties in the winery bar to formal wine dinners in Tabella or the Barrel Room, you will not find a more inviting, elegant and festive atmosphere to celebrate with family, friends and employees. For reservations at Tabella, “Oktobayfest”, or to reserve a date for parties and events, call 281-334-8300.
OCTOBER 2011 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
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SE A FOOD R ECIPES
Red Snapper Key West 2 Fresh Red Snapper Fillets 4 Key Limes, juice ½ C. Panko Salt/Pepper to Taste 2 Tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2 Tbs. Butter, melted 1 Avocado, sliced Salsa Preheat oven 350 degrees. Rub the Snapper Fillets with olive oil. Lightly cover fillets with panko. Bake fillets for about 7 minutes at 350 degrees. Add salt and pepper to taste, and butter combined with lime juice. Cook another 7 minutes or until done. Top fillets with slices of avocado and a dash of your favorite salsa. Serve with fresh asparagus and rice pilaf. A watermelon salad can accompany this dish: Diced watermelon Feta Cheese Fresh Basil Chopped Pine Nuts Dash of Chili Powder Squeeze of Lime Juice Serve with a chilled Kendall Jackson Chardonnay.
West Bay Butter Baked Flounder Fresh Southern Flounder Fillets Fresh Lemon 1 C. Panko Bread Crumbs Sea Salt/ Pepper Grinder Spice Islands Herb Grinder Eggs 1 Tbs. Cornmeal Melted Butter Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Pat dry flounder fillets and rub each side with a pinch of sea salt. In one bowl combine the panko and cornmeal, in a second bowl whip together two eggs and in a third bowl, melt butter with herbs. Coat each fillet with egg and shake in the breading mixture. Take a foil-lined baking tin and coat with the melted herb butter. Place the breaded fillets in the tin, season with cracked pepper, more herbs and brush the fillets the remaining butter. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve generously amongst good friends with fresh squeezed lemon and a fine Texascrafted brew of your choice.
Pasta al Gambas Favorite dish of Rafael Nadal, Spanish Tennis Champion 1 Dozen Fresh large Gulf Shrimp 1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 Box thin Spaghetti or Linguini Salt/Pepper to taste
2 fresh Garlic Cloves, minced 1 Tbsp. Butter 1 Lemon Hungarian Paprika to taste
Cook pasta until al dente. Clean and devein the shrimp. To butter and oil add minced garlic and shrimp. Cook 5-7 minutes or until shrimp are pink and firm. Add salt, pepper and lemon juice. Add pasta to the shrimp mixture. Add paprika to taste. Serves 3. Accompany with salad greens mixed with goat cheese, walnuts, purple onion, and Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing. Serve with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Chenin Blanc. Total cooking time: 15 minutes.
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Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2011
by Capt . Joe Kent Get hooked on Joe Kent’s weekly video fishing forecast and report at www.baygroupmedia.com. (Right) Floyd Cheatham with an October red. (Center) Capt. James Plaag and his son Cameron with a nice catch of fall trout. (Left) Grandfather and grandson with a large fall flounder. SEND US YOUR FISHING PHOTOS! We love to see how you’ve done on your fishing trip. Please send us your images to art@baygroupmagazines.com before the 15th of each month to have them published in the Admiral’s Log.
October: The Best Month For Fishing the Bays
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eptember, which is known as a transition month for coastal fishing, eventually gives way to October, one of the best, if not the best month for fishing the bays. The water temperature begins to drop and, with it, fish start moving. The cooler water and shorter days send a signal to just about every species to start gaining weight for the winter. Crabbing is usually outstanding in October as well. Areas that were dormant during the hot summer months, such as the shallower back bays, come to life and offer some of the best action of the year. Trout have moved from the jetties and beachfront back into the bays where many will make their winter home. Reds will take their place at the jetties and a number of offshore fish will make a final run along the rocks and beachfront before departing farther south for the winter. Bull red activity at the jetties and along the beachfront is usually at its peak this time of year. October is one of the best months for wade fishing the bays, as the fish start feeding in the shallower waters along shorelines and in the marshes. Also, conditions for wading are quite comfortable too. Trinity Bay is at its best during October and November with large schools of trout roaming the
“The cooler water and shorter days send a signal to just about every species to start gaining weight for the winter.” shorelines and shell reefs looking for food. Upper West Bay will begin to show signs of life as the popular wintertime fishing area starts to attract trout, reds and flounder. By mid-month, flounder will begin moving toward the passes and the period between the full moons of October and November is one of the best times to find large concentrations stacking up around Pelican Island, Cold Pass, Rollover Pass and other outlets into deeper water. October is the time when the big golden croaker run usually gets underway. Large croaker, also known as bull croaker, make their way out of hiding and follow flounder to the deeper waters for the winter. Back Bays that begin their prime time fishing include Christmas, Chocolate, Greens Lake, Swan Lake, Moses Lake and the marshes, bayous and inlets along the south shoreline of both West Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula.
Anglers in mid-Galveston Bay that found good action last summer around the spoil banks of the Houston Ship Channel off of San Leon will switch to the shorelines from San Leon to Sylvan Beach. The mouth of Dickinson Bay and Moses Lake will be drawing a number of them as well. Mid-bay reefs and shell pads in the upper reaches of Trinity and East Bays will turn on with a variety of fish including the big three, trout, reds and flounder. Artificial baits are quite popular and productive during the fall. This is a welcomed change for waders who struggled to keep shrimp alive while fishing during the warmer weather. With artificial baits taking the pressure off of using live shrimp, bait supplies at the camps are more plentiful and dependable than during the summer months. While October is one of the best months for fishing and the most pleasant to be on the water, the crowds are thinned out by other activities competing for their time. Hunting season along with football games keep large numbers of anglers away which results in less competition and more space for those able to hit the water. Give it a try during October and you may find yourself hooked on fall fishing in the Galveston Bay Complex.
OCTOBER 2011 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
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News & Events
25th SAILING OF
THE HARVEST MOON REGATTA OCTOBER 13-16
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id you ever wonder if any of those beautiful looking sail boats you see when you visit Seabrook or the Kemah Boardwalk ever venture beyond Galveston Bay? Well they do! Some
250 yachts 30’ to 65’ head to Galveston every October on the full moon to enter the United State’s largest off-shore regatta called the Harvest Moon Regatta. Starting from Galveston late afternoon just off the Flagship hotel they sail offshore to Port Aransas. Most usually cover the 150 nautical mile non-stop course in 24 to 30 hours through the night, wind permitting. Watching the start of the HMR could be a lot of fun from Murdock’s back porch or just sitting on the seawall. Good viewing starts about 1:30 p.m.
Thursday October 13. Even more fun is heading to Port Aransas to catch the racers heading up the Port A ship channel to the finish line. There is great spinnaker viewing all along the jetties and fishing piers as the racers give it their all to win the coveted Bacardi Cup for the overall winner. This real action can start mid-morning and run through to late evening on Friday, October 14. If you do decide to take in Port A, stay for all the entertainment starting with recording artist Kelley McGuire at 1:00 p.m. followed by the band, Hanna’s Reef. Port Aransas is a great little island to spend your weekend fishing, shopping or just laying around on the beach. Check out the web site. www. harvestmoonregatta.com.
HARVEST MOON SKIPPERS MEETING SLATED FOR OCTOBER 7
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akewood Yacht Club’s Harvest Moon Regatta Co-Chairs, Andrea Todaro and Past Commodore John Broderick have announced that the skippers’ meeting for the 25th Annual Harvest Moon Regatta will be held on Friday night, October 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the club’s ballroom, 2425 NASA Parkway in Seabrook. “Since this is a highly attended Harvest Moon Regatta Port Aransas Docking Committee Chairman Don Mitchell event of up to several explains to over 300 racers and crew the hundred people, we are proper docking procedures when they arrive at Port Aransas’ City Marina after the encouraging racers to race. Harvest Moon Regatta 2009 Chairman come early to pick up Tom Collier stands behind him. their skippers’ packets at 6:30 pm,” Todaro related. “Then they will have time to review the sailing instructions before the start of the meeting.” The packets can be picked up in the Chart Room which is down the hall from the ballroom. T-shirts and race paraphernalia can be purchased from volunteers in the ballroom lobby. “The skippers meeting is a critical one for racers to attend,” stated Lakewood’s Fleet Captain Tom Collier, “as additional information will be addressed such as expected weather conditions, any changes to the racing
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rules or the dockage in Port Aransas.” The Harvest Moon Regatta is a 150 mile race from Galveston to Port Aransas which will be begin on Thursday afternoon, October 13, and end at the race finish in the channel at “Port A.” As of Sunday, September 18, about 130 racers have already registered and paid for the regatta, which, according to Todaro, is ahead of the count at this time last year. Racers will be arriving in “Port A” at varying times on Friday, October 14, depending on the wind
Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2011
conditions over the Gulf of Mexico. The popular Welcome Sailors Rum Party will take place on Saturday, October 15, during the late afternoon at the City Pavilion. After a barbeque buffet, an awards ceremony will be held where race winners will receive their trophies and the overall winner of the famous Bacardi Cup will be announced. The regatta is a Category 3 Open Regatta for all racing cruising spinnaker and non-spinnaker sailing yachts with a minimum length of 27 feet. Over 200 boats are expected to race this year with close to 2,000 racers, friends and family attending the awards ceremony. The regatta is organized by Bay Access, a charitable organization supporting amateur racing. It is hosted by Lakewood Yacht Club. Sponsors include the founding sponsor Bacardi Rum U.S.A., Nautic Yacht Sales, West Marine, Banks Sails, Sea Lake Yacht Sales, Texas Coast Yachts, the City of Port Aransas and Houston Magazine. New sponsors this year are O. J.’s Marine and KO Sailing. “Through the support of these enthusiastic sponsors, we are able to provide a first-class event for our racers,” explained Todaro.
Texas Yacht Show & Jazz Fest to Celebrate the Good Life
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espite the economic worries and the daily media condemnation of the economy, the Kemah area yacht dealers and brokers are seeing a positive trend in the local marine industry. Dealers are stocking brand new sailboats and motor yachts. Manufacturers have also started hiring employees to start building new boats. There is simply a shortage of good, clean pre-owned yachts since the slow down, so if a buyer does want a lightly used boat, the yacht is simply not available due to the lack of boat building over the past few years. The Texas Yacht Show will showcase brand new yachts from over 14 different yacht builders of boats 30-55 foot range. In an effort to bring the industry together to promote yachting in Texas, Kevin Kaiser, the CEO of The Nautic Group, Inc. will be producing what is sure to become one of the most popular waterfront outdoor events in the South. “We are adding new elements to the traditional boat show”, says Kaiser. The event will not only feature millions of dollars worth of brand new yachts, Kaiser is incorporating luxury RVs, airplanes, exotic cars and more importantly live Jazz. There will be something for everyone at the event being held on November 1113, 2011 at the Kemah Boardwalk Marina. Advanced tickets and more information can be found at www.texasyachtshow.com. In addition at this time there are a few exhibiting spaces available should your product qualify. Contact Kevin Kaiser at kevin@texasyachtshow.com for more information.
The Kemah Boardwalk
is proud to announce the newest addition to their fleet, the Boardwalk FantaSea, a 149 passenger, 117 foot yacht. The FantaSea is available for dinner cruises, weddings, corporate events and more! Check out our web cast covering the Boardwalk FantaSea’s Media Grand Opening at www.BayGroupMedia.com
Dr. Robert L.
Burke by Rod Evans
Africa’s fabled Mount Kilimanjaro may be thousands of miles away from Houston, but for orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robert L. Burke, it represents a tangible challenge. “I have visited there (Tanzania) several times and I love the area and the people,” said Burke. “I plan to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in the next two to three years. It’s one thing I really look forward to doing.” Setting goals and then reaching them is nothing new for Burke, a specialist in sports medicine, Burke, 50, used his early love of sports and a desire to help people as a springboard to forging a successful career as an orthopedic surgeon. With offices located in Pearland and Pasadena, the Fondren Orthopedic Group has established a reputation as one of the finest orthopedic surgery facilities in the Houston area. Patients ranging from elite athletes to baby boomers turn to Burke and his team of professionals to help them alleviate pain and recover from injury.
“Burke was a linebacker on the football team and played basketball at his Virginia high school before competing in the decathlon at the University of Virginia.” A native of Northern Virginia, Burke has been in practice since 1993 after coming to Texas in the 1980s to serve his medical residency at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Virginia, where he also competed as a decathlete on the school’s track and field team. However, an injury suffered while in high school proved to be the catalyst to launching his career in orthopedics. “I suffered a head injury while playing football,” Burke recalls, “and I was not all that keen about the medical care at that time. I swore to myself that if I were ever in a situation to help that I would treat people a little differently.” From there, Burke set out on a course that would eventually see him become one of the foremost authorities on joint replacement surgery and in treating trauma and sports injuries. A member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, Texas Sports Medicine Society, Texas Orthopedic Association, Arthroscopic Association of North America and the Alamo Orthopedic Society, Burke has helped countless patients regain physical strength and mobility while also serving as a frequent speaker on orthopedic surgery to physician groups. Burke was a linebacker on the football team and played basketball at his Virginia high school before competing in the decathlon at the University of Virginia. While football was his first love, Burke simply enjoyed the process of preparing to compete and the exhilaration of playing. His sporting palette has expanded over the years. He now enjoys skiing, snowmobiling, hunting and fishing and mountain climbing. You’ll also find him going to the gym three to four times a week for strength training and cardio training sessions. Maintaining strong cardio health is also vital for achieving his
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Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2011
goal of reaching the 19,341-foot summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Having previously climbed Wyoming’s Grand Teton range, Burke describes mountain climbing as the ultimate adrenaline rush. “It’s a view that few people get to see. You get to appreciate the grandeur of everything you’re surveying,” he says. Burke passed on his affinity for athletics to his daughter, Sam, a freshman this fall at Baylor University, who played soccer and competed in gymnastics throughout high school. Burke maintains close ties to his Alma mater, but he also enjoys spending fall afternoons following University of Alabama football. But while Burke enjoys participating in sports and getting together with friends to watch college football games, helping athletes recover from injury has become both a professional and personal passion. Describing his practice as equally divided between sports medicine and joint replacement surgery, Burke says his patients run the gamut in terms of age, occupation and background. “We’re treating lots of meniscus tears, ligament tears in the knee, shoulder instability and rotator cuff pathology,” he says. “We’re starting to see more overuse injuries, especially in younger players, and concussion syndrome is much more prevalent.” New research exposing the possible long term health risks posed by frequent concussion has forced coaches, athletic trainers, doctors and officials in sports organizations ranging from Little League Baseball to the National Football League to view head trauma in a far more serious light than in the past. Given his personal history with head injury, Burke is sensitive to the dangers posed by concussion, especially in contact sports such as football and soccer. He says the new found focus on preventing and treating concussion is caused by a variety of factors. “It’s a dual edged sword. On the one hand, the typical high school athlete is bigger, stronger and faster than his counterpart 10 years ago, so the injuries are much more violent. Also, incidences of concussion are more realized than before. People used to ‘get their bell rung’ and go right back out there. People are now realizing that that is probably not a good thing,” Burke said. He says the key to effective treatment of concussion is initial recognition of the condition and determining the appropriate time to allow the player to return to contact sports. Burke says his practice also treats a high number of female soccer players coping with knee injuries. He says research indicates the anatomy of the female knee, coupled with possible hormonal factors, could make female athletes more susceptible to non-contact injuries than men. “Prescribing regular resistance weight training is helpful in preventing knee injuries in women, as is working with them on teaching them how to land properly from a jumping position,” Burke said. He says injuries among junior high, high school and competitive cheerleading participants are also on the rise. “The formations and jumps they’re doing are much higher than in the past, so the potential for injury is greater,” Burke said.
Among non-athletes, Burke says he’s treating far more arthritic issues related to the shoulder, knee and hip areas than years ago. “We’re seeing people, some as young as their early 40s, who are having difficulty living the type of life they would like because of pain and disability.
The first treatment option is generally non-operative intervention (prescribing anti-inflammatory drugs or an exercise regimen), but if the patient doesn’t respond to that, we look at joint replacement,” he says. While members of the baby boomer generation are now in their 50s and 60s, many of them want to maintain the active lifestyle they’ve grown accustomed to, but are limited by physical restrictions. “Lots of my patients want to hit the retirement years able to enjoy themselves and not be inactive,” he says. “Many want to keep up their activity level for general well being or have diabetic conditions where exercise can help them to metabolize sugar and insulin.” But whether he’s treating an up and coming athlete or a grandmother of three, one thing that doesn’t change for Burke is an appreciation of the trust that his patients place in him. “It’s a privilege doing what I do,” he says. “It’s a unique relationship in which patients give you the opportunity to cut into them in the hopes of making them better. Despite all the griping and moaning about healthcare these days, helping patients get better is truly a privilege that I don’t take lightly.” OCTOBER 2011 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
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his is the time of year most Texas surfers have been waiting for. October brings some of the Texas coast’s first cold fronts and cold fronts bring surf. After a long summer of little to no surf, this is a welcomed relief. We experienced the first taste of some of this fall surf on the weekend of September 11th. While most people were at home, remembering 9/11, and watching football, the Texas coast was experiencing its first round of ground swell in quite a while. The water was clear and green with thigh to waist high waves and this made
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for awesome conditions. People say that surfing can be a spiritual experience and on days like this, I would have to agree. It was a beautiful tribute to such a tragic day in our country’s history. Another positive thing that Texas surfers appreciate about this time year is that it’s not quite full on wetsuit season yet. Even though colder weather means more surf, it’s nice to experience moderate temperatures for once while still being able to enjoy the freedom of surfing Seabrook local without the Austin Kiser restrictions ripping it on the awesome surf on of your September 11th. wetty. Enjoy it while it’s here though guys, because we Texas locals know all too well that our days of nice weather and moderate temperatures are unfortunately, numbered. Even those days in the winter when it’s not too cold outside, you can bet the water will be!
Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2011
So this is what we have to look forward to this fall: cooler temperatures, a bump in the surf, another month without a wetsuit, and hopefully some more of this beautiful green water. Sounds good to me! I’ll see you guys in the water.
OCTOBER 2011 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
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texas m e d i tat i o n s
by M i c ha el Gos
Socrates or Glaucon? Eckert, Texas
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ne of the places I enjoy when I’m in the northern part of Hill Country is the Knot in the Loop Saloon near the old ghost town of Eckert. Once a booming town, today, the only part of Eckert that remains is the old cemetery. Most people drive by and aren’t even aware there was once a town there. A short distance down a side road, surrounded by woods and open fields, lies the saloon. It is really out in the middle of nowhere. You can’t see it from the road so no one stumbles on it by accident when driving by. It is not easy to find. If you turn up here, it is because you set out to come here. I had been in the area for about a week and had stopped here almost every day during that time. It’s a regular watering hole for me when I’m in the area. It is a convenient stop on the way back from Cooper’s Barbeque in Llano, from Enchanted Rock and from the Willow City Loop. But spring break was just about over and it was time to think about heading back to the Gulf Coast. “When are you coming back?” the bartender asked. “Don’t know. Probably May at the earliest.” She gave me one of those looks. You know the one—like I gave the wrong answer. “I’ll miss you. You’re my favorite regular. We can gab for hours.” She paused. “And you never hit on me. Why is that?”
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“I am married, you know.” “Trust me. That doesn’t matter. If they think they won’t get caught, nothing’s off-limits.” She came out from behind the bar and gave me a hug. “Hurry back.” “I will.” I turned and made my way out to the grass and gravel parking lot, thinking about what she had said. S In his treatise, The Republic, Plato has a dialogue between the characters of Socrates and Glaucon. They discuss what it is that makes a person behave “virtuously.” Glaucon argues that it is only the fear of punishment or scorn of the community that makes us behave. If there were no risk of either, there would be no limits on our behavior. Socrates, on the other hand argues that we behave well when we understand what is right and what is wrong. He says, “to know good is to do good.”
Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2011
“We have in us a moral compass that determines what we truly believe is right and wrong...”
As is the case in many of his dialogues, Plato would have us understand that Socrates’ position is the correct one (in real life, Socrates was Plato’s teacher). But incidents like the one I was just a part of at the bar make me less convinced that Plato is right. I think Glaucon is absolutely correct in his assertion that, if we take away the fear of reprisals, we are much more likely to violate societal norms. How many times have you driven five to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit because you were confident the police wouldn’t stop you for such a minor offense? Maybe a better question would be how many times did you do that today. We do that because we don’t believe driving faster than an arbitrary limit is morally wrong. If we are confident we won’t get caught, we might stretch that to 15, 20 or even 30 miles over the speed limit. It
is because of this tendency in all of us that the radar detector industry flourishes. Okay, so speeding is only a minor violation. What about more serious offenses like stealing, assault, or even murder? Is Glaucon still right? Would we do these things if there were no chance of getting caught? Would we join the criminal in his activities if we knew we were safe from consequences? Here it gets a little murky. On the other hand, we have Socrates’ assertion—if you know what is right and wrong, you will always do what is right? In Socrates’ view, the criminal who knows he is doing wrong will change his behavior and act virtuously. Is that what happens? Or does the criminal simply attempt to hide his actions, so as not to get caught? I think the real question is, does the criminal really know that he is doing is wrong? I think not. The criminal certainly realizes that society views his actions as wrong, so he hides them. But he himself sees nothing immoral or unethical about his behavior—just as you and I see nothing immoral in going a couple of miles over the speed limit.
Let’s assume for a minute that we live in a society where it is perfectly legal to steal or murder. I believe most of us would still refrain because we know it would be wrong. There is no pressure from potential punishment, no scorn from the community, yet we still wouldn’t do it. We believe in our hearts it is wrong. Does that mean Socrates is right? Contrary to Plato’s belief that Socrates’ position is the correct one and Glaucon is wrong, I think they are both right. We have in us a moral compass that determines what we truly believe is right and wrong and, as Socrates points out, we act accordingly. But there are also a lot of behaviors that we control because society or the law may deem them to be wrong, even though we ourselves don’t believe them to be so. When we encounter those, we act more like Glaucon predicts—we cheat if we think we won’t get caught. Because of that internal moral compass, I haven’t done anything at the bar to embarrass myself or make anyone else uncomfortable. There is a comfort in knowing I’ll be welcome here on my next trip. S It was sad to be leaving, but it was time. I pulled out of the lot, drove down the country road a ways and then turned south on highway 16. I was really anxious to get to my next destination, dinner in Blanco. Sometimes I wish I had a radar detector.
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BACCHUS OKTOBERFEST
OCTOBER 2011 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
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nourishing t h e mind
by D r. Ed Reit man
I Love You, I Hate You, I Want You Most people would describe Audrey as intimidating, controlling and bossy. Her children saw her as excessively involved, angry, hysterical and a victim. None of these observations are very positive or pleasant. Yet, ironically, they’re all accurate. The sad fact is that to judge her on these outward behaviors is not to know her at all.
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n reality, Audrey grew up with a mother who criticized everything she did. No matter how much Audrey achieved, she heard, “If you had studied harder or hadn’t slacked off, you could have done better. You look good, but if you wore the other blouse you would have looked better.” It’s no surprise then that, despite the fact that she was intelligent, attractive and articulate, her self perception was, “I’m not good enough.” As a result, every relationship Audrey developed, whether with her husband, her children or friends, started out in an excessively positive fashion. In every instance, she over-indulged others, hoping it would get her the acceptance she desperately needed. But it was never fully reciprocated. Even if it had been, it probably would never have been enough to fill the hole inside her. Meanwhile, the lack of reciprocation served to reinforce her notion that she wasn’t good enough. Consequently, she tried harder, to the point that she felt the martyred victim, i.e., the good, kind person who was used by
others. Her reaction to her own assumption was to become vitriolic, accusatory and hostile. Audrey’s overindulgent behavior is easy to understand. It was her way of compensating for the treatment she received as a child. There was no way she could afford to be the fault-finding individual her mother was. She was unaware, however, that the opposite ends of a continuum are the same. Both behaviors, though overtly different, are typically demonstrated by individuals who feel insufficient and unlovable. Without realizing it, she actualized her greatest fear. She became her mother’s daughter and recreated the “loving” relationship she had with her mother with everyone she cared for. Years later, she found herself estranged from those she loved and had overindulged. She felt angry and resentful for the way they treated her. What she failed to recognize was that her situation was of her own making. By virtue of her initial coping behavior, she allowed and even taught others to take advantage of her, to have
BAHM COVER PARTY
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“Am I saying, doing or acting this way because I’m trying to buy someone’s love, because I’m angry with them because they don’t love me, or because I want to get even?” expectations of her and to see no need to return the involvement she displayed. Then when out of the blue, her behavior shifted to the vindictive, demanding person she could become, they rejected her because they felt controlled by her generosity, demeaned by her anger and sure that she’d be back, trying to purchase their love and desperately wanting them to care again. The question that arises is, can she change? The answer is, most definitely, yes, but only if she comes to value herself—only if she realizes that she is the one who has to alter her behavior. She also has to learn to set limits and boundaries, because there’s no way to value self when people run over you, threaten you or abuse you. Similarly, she has to govern her own reactions. She has to recognize she can’t control, intimidate or force people to love her. Her goal has to be to have her actions reflect that she sufficiently values herself to warrant others valuing her, as well. I know that many of you feel and behave in a manner similar to Audrey. You see yourself as the victim, experience depression and view yourself as rejected by individuals you love, cherish and tried to give to all your life. I’m also aware that you hurt and
feel justified regarding your resentment over their lack of reciprocation. But you can learn from Audrey’s story by taking two specific steps that may alter your present position. One: ask yourself this question every time you’re about to do something you’re uncertain of, or that causes other people to become uneasy or edgy, “Am I saying, doing or acting this way because I’m trying to buy someone’s love, because I’m angry with them because they don’t love me, or because I want to get even?” This will take a great deal of honest introspection, but I promise you it’s the only way to dig yourself out of the emotional trap you’ve created for yourself. Two, don’t do anything for anyone else unless you acknowledge you’re doing it out of selfishness, i.e., a rational form of self-interest. If you’re doing it to impress, to prove you’re good enough, or to buy someone’s affection, stop. This is an even more difficult task. Why? Because you’re apt to lie to yourself and see you as doing things out of the goodness of your heart, because you’re a good person who cares for others who aren’t half as caring as you. This thought will sound good and feel good and you’ll want to believe it. But, please, honestly look beneath your
surface. Then, only act with regard to your own selfinterest. When you do, you eliminate any justification for being angry because what you did was “selfishly” motivated. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if others appreciate, applaud or respond. It’s a positive approach, although it won’t feel that way at first because, when you take responsibility for your decisions, you give up your right to complain. Hear me. I want you to be a person who thinks you’re worthy of love and I promise you, you’ll get the love you feel you’re worthy of. Let me reiterate, however, real love can’t be bought, purchased or gained through intimidation or threat. It only comes about when you have something inside of you, such as your own happiness, good humor and positive emotions to share with others. Those feelings are only evident in individuals who have a capacity to face reality, act honestly and set limits on both their own reactive behaviors and the way they allow others to treat them. That capability adds an inner sense of worth and selfrespect that enables them to share love without expecting anything in return. It follows that angry, victimized or inadequate-feeling people who have a limited sense of self-worth have little real love to give. If this article fits you or someone you know, it won’t feel comfortable or be easily accepted. Nevertheless, I ask you to think about it, because it can help to make your interpersonal relations loving and meaningful, as opposed to ridden with conflict and depression. To learn more about Dr. Reitman, read more of his articles, or to obtain copies for family or friends, please visit his website, dredreitman.com.
BAYWAY HOMES
OCTOBER 2011 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
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B a c k Bay Barker
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don’t know whether to envy or to skeptically wonder about people who claim they never remember their dreams. How is that possible? Apparently it is, because my husband Ed is one of these amnesiacs. Among dense shadows during wee morning hours, I’ve heard him sigh, whimper, and then kind of snarl once or twice, which usually sparks a quiver throughout his body. (He’s like the two Jack Russell terriers lying at the foot of our bed; at certain times, you simply know they’re chasing squirrels or possums during sleep. Maybe their dreams are infecting Ed’s.) At any rate, I’ve immediately awakened him to tell me about what he just experienced, and invariably his slurred, drowsy response is, “What dream? Didn’t have one. I dunno. Let me go back to sleep.” And he does, without recalling a thing. I not only remember most of my dream long after getting out of bed the next morning, I also can’t distinguish between my sleep and awake states, at least not right away. Ed says he’s had to use some pretty dramatic measures to bring me out of my mid-air swatting of goblins and other nightmareinduced slug fests, or my eerie, nonstop giggling, or the screeching and cursing coming out of me, scary enough to make a Catholic pray for an exorcist. My undaunted life partner shakes me every which way, yells in my ear, flips me over, spritzes me with the water spray-bottle we keep filled and close by, or does all of the above before I rouse, exhausted, from deep REM. When Ed turns on the light to further boost me into the here-and-now, his stare indicates that I look like I did undergo an exorcism: eyes all bugged out, chest heaving, tongue wagging (I guess the dogs are also rubbing off on me), my eyelids, armpits and foot soles pouring sweat. Comes the tender moment of cradling and “There, now, sweetie, it was just a bad dream.” Ed’s more than happy to coo and lull me back to slumber because he’d really rather not hear details. More than
once, my dream has cast him as the villain, I don’t know why. Adding salt to his wound, I’ve had the nerve to pout at him for the entire day afterwards. Poor Ed! What if I’d actually punched him or had a sleepwalking disorder? Thankfully, neither has happened (yet), but I’ve given Ed permission to straightjacket me and toss me into the bayou if I’m ever that unbridled. Many of us who do remember our id-driven, nocturnal adventures keep some form of record about them. Dream material is great for artworks, party jokes, Halloween costumes and bedtime stories for kids of all ages. As curious creatures, ever since we first grunted around the fire and painted on cave walls, we sought meaning from dreams. After all, dreams inform our
wakefulness; they infuse daily survival needs with hope, daring, precaution and joy. So powerful is their influence that dreams occupy our conscious language: we “dream” of social unity, of finding that one, true love, of building the most cost-effective, eco-friendly and efficient infrastructures, and of Congress finally getting its act together and solving the country’s pressing problems. The interpretation of dreams is a huge business, evidenced by vast numbers of psychics, palm readers, tarot card dealers, astrologers and the like. It is also a formal study, originating from psychologists’ theories based on clinical observations and case studies. Sigmund Freud, for example, claimed that our dreams combine actual events in our lives (“day residue”) with latent, repressed wishes, primarily sexual in nature (ironically fitting, since Freud emerged from the upright, uptight Victorian Era). Carl Jung saw dreams as the key to understanding the unconscious through certain symbols, or “archetypes,” that hold the same universal meaning
for all people. Fritz Perls, the founder of Gestalt therapy, believed that dreams are the “royal road to integration.” We are integrated only after we identify with all the pieces of the dream--objects as well as the various human characters--since they represent fragments of ourselves. I happen to believe we already possess the basics for understanding our dreams. It’s about quietly sitting with our dreams, staying open and accessible to whatever might surface. We are like detectives, assembling clues provided by our emotional self-knowledge, personal histories and the dreams themselves. But it helps to remember the darn things, and I’ve got no instruction manual for that—except to bring out the video recorder, mount it on a tripod and set the switch to “here goes.” Thanks to all you readers. Please also view Baygroupmedia.com for our online webcast, additional content and many other local happenings.
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The Big P i ct u re
by Ji l l M i c ha els
BOEING NAMES JOHN ELBON SUCCESSOR TO RETIRING BREWESTER
The Other Cape
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uring my first visit to New England, in the summer of 1999, I rode the ferry from Boston to Cape Cod. The Cape Cod Lighthouse near North Truro enthralled me, so I chose to take the slow ferry (three hours) instead of the fast ferry (two hours) back to Boston Harbor. Since that made time tight, I had to jump in a water taxi to Logan International Airport to not miss my flight to New York City. In 2008, I spoke with Steve Bowen for his hometown newspaper in Cohasset, located on Boston’s South Shore. During that interview (the first of many since then), we joked that the familiar NASA phrase “the Cape” really meant Cape Cod. Cape Canaveral was therefore “the other Cape.” I remembered these Massachusetts anecdotes when I tagged up again with Dan Burbank. NASA held the Expedition 29 preflight news conference less than a week after STS-135, the final space shuttle mission, concluded. A retired Coast Guard captain, Dan considers Yarmouth Port, on the north shore of “the Cape,” as his adopted hometown. Describing it, he told me: “There is a beautiful old antique sea captain’s house. There’s a beach nearby. We sail boats and take our kayaks out on the water. It’s one of those rare places, at least in the continental United States, where it’s so distinct (from orbit). There’s no missing Cape Cod and the islands,” Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Dan then related an orbital anecdote: “On my second shuttle mission, I was in the middle of transferring and prepping for my spacewalk. I planned to take pictures of Cape Cod, but never had the opportunity. I happened to float back up into the shuttle, looked out the window, and there was the most spectacular view of Cape Cod, highlighted in what we call the sunglint, so the reflection of the sun was directly on the Cape back towards the window.” He continued: “I didn’t even have time to think about it. I was there for just a couple seconds, grabbed the first camera within reach, and just got off one shot. It ended up being this really, really pretty shot that not only depicted Cape Cod but also you could
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Sunlight on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. (Photograph taken during Expedition 29 astronaut Dan Burbank’s first space shuttle mission, STS-106 Atlantis.)
see the structure of the various currents and eddies in the water around it.” Earlier this year, Steve Bowen described to me his unscheduled STS133 flight and two spacewalks as “a model going forward” for International Space Station astronauts. He explained how astronauts are now trained for skills-based, instead of task-based, spacewalking. Since Dan is the first U.S. astronaut launched to the ISS after shuttle’s retirement, I asked him during his press conference to expand on Steve’s comments. Dan replied: “That’s a great point, Jill, and Steve said it well. The way we approach training on the shuttle is very different than the way we can reasonably approach training on the space station. On space station, you’ve got almost a million pounds of hardware. The ground, to a much greater degree, is actually directly controlling the systems, more so that they have on the shuttle. We try to give the crew a toolbox of skills. With that skills set, they can apply it and quickly learn through on-orbit training, where we can uplink files or simulators, and then go out, perhaps next week or the week after, and be able to do maybe a
Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2011
very complicated series of EVAs. Or we could repair a piece of hardware that maybe we never saw in pieces on a bench in front of us. We can teach ourselves—with the ground’s help— how to do things, and skills-based is really the practical way to do it.” Later in the press conference, Dan told Reuters that capturing and docking SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft to the ISS falls under that umbrella of skills-based training. He revealed that he is the prime station astronaut for track-and-capture of this Dragon demo flight, scheduled for early December. The surprise failure of Russia’s unmanned Progress resupply spacecraft on August 24 has nixed the Expedition 29 crew’s original launch date of September 22. In his August 16 show, Stephen Colbert asked the STS-135 shuttle crew about the cost of buying a Soyuz round-trip ticket from Russia for each U.S. astronaut launching from Baikonur, Kazakhstan (currently serving as NASA’s other Cape). Atlantis Commander Chris Ferguson replied that the price tag of each ticket is $63 million. Colbert deadpanned: “Have you tried Priceline?”
The Boeing Company has announced the retirement of Brewster H. Shaw, vice president and general manager of the Space Exploration Division. Shaw has contributed to aeronautics and astronautics with significant accomplishments as a combat pilot, flight instructor, test pilot, shuttle pilot and commander, as well as his senior leadership roles in the Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs with NASA and Boeing. Shaw has led all of Boeing’s civil space programs since 2006. John Elbon, space exploration vice president and program manager of Commercial Programs, will succeed Shaw in leading the Space Exploration Division. Recently, Elbon managed Boeing’s efforts on NASA’s Commercial Crew Space Act Agreements, including the first two phases of the Commercial Crew Development Program. He has gathered innovations and capabilities in the development of crew transportation systems that will support NASA and commercial customers in accessing destinations in low earth orbit. Before Elbon’s position with Commercial Programs, he served as Boeing program manager for NASA programs including Constellation, ISS, and the Checkout, Assembly and Payload Processing Services contracts. He has also served as Boeing vice president of systems integration for the Future Combat Systems program. He holds a bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. “As NASA identifies new approaches for human space exploration, Brewster has continued to influence America’s space program, ensuring the path forward for the nation’s next human spacefight program beyond Earth’s orbit.” said Boeing Network and Space Systems President, Roger Krone. “Throughout his career with the U.S. Air Force, NASA and Boeing, Brewster has been dedicated to the nation’s national security and aerospace prominence. I thank him for his years of service. I also thank John Elbon for taking the helm of our Space Exploration programs. I am confident he will be successful in charting our course as the space industry continues to evolve.”
Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas Offers Innovative, State of The Art Varicose Vein Procedures By Betha Merit
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t has been called the most modern surgery in America. Endovenous laser therapy (ELT) has dramatically revolutionized the treatment of varicose veins, and is covered by all insurance companies. Can you imagine walking home with no stitches immediately after having the ugly, painful, bulging veins in your leg corrected? This is not a dream, but a reality for patients at the Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas, and Mark Skellenger, M.D., F.A.C.S., R.V.T. Dr. Skellenger has patients who travel from all over the world, including Dubai, the Caribbean, Florida, New Mexico, and Washington state, for example. He also trains other physicians in the ELT procedure, and they have traveled from as far away as India to learn. “Egypt just called,” said Kila Frazier,
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R.N., B.S.N., who works with Dr. Skellenger, referring to the latest request for physician procedural training. What is unique about Dr. Skellenger, is that he is both a board certified vascular surgeon, and is also a Registered Vascular Technologist (R.V.T.) on the equipment used during the minimally invasive procedure. He is the only physician with this double qualification practicing in the Houston/Galveston area. Dr. Skellenger completed his surgical training under renowned cardiovascular surgeon, Michael E. DeBakey, and remains a clinical faculty member in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery in the Texas Medical Center. Dr. Skellenger has performed the ELT procedures longer than any physician in the Houston/ Galveston area, and has treated literally thousands of patients for varicose veins utilizing ELT. Endovenous Laser Therapy (ELT) requires no general anesthesia or stitches and is performed in the Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas office. Under local anesthetic, a small laser fiber is inserted into the vein by catheter, using guided ultrasound technology, to seal the leaking valve. Once the vein is sealed, the laser and catheter are removed and the patient is now pain free and can walk out of the office and return to normal activities immediately. Varicose veins are large, twisted, rope-like veins on the leg, which can cause pain, swelling, and itching. Sufferers endure aching, swelling Kila Frazier, R.N., of the ankles, skin B.S.N. and Dr. Mark discoloration, hard Skellenger, M.D., F.A.C.S., R.V.T. to heal ulcers, and
Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2011
more. The old style of treatment is called vein stripping, and requires incisions in the upper thigh and all along the affected vein, which is then pulled out of the leg completely. With ELT, you have no stitch marks, no general anesthesia. The Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas offer more than treatment for varicose veins. The Center is well designed, and stylishly decorated to suggest more of a spa atmosphere. They also specialize in spider vein treatment for legs, nose, and face, using a laser to clear the veins, almost like an eraser. Botox and Juvederm therapies are also available. In addition, there are various laser skin treatments for age spots or other skin imperfections. Even the most stubborn rosacea can be treated. The staff is extremely personable, and genuine. You want to walk with them to the nearby Starbuck’s to chat after a few minutes of their time. Kila Frazier, R.N., B.S.N., is one of the highly qualified medical personnel you will meet at the Center. She and Dr. Skellenger are more than colleagues and plan a fall wedding. Physician friends of both recommended nine years earlier that they should meet, but it didn’t happen. As it turned out, they actually met by chance and figured it out for themselves. “Some people can actually live and work together,” said Dr. Skellenger. As part of the spa retreat environment, the waiting room has
several glass wall cabinets that display Kila’s high-end jewelry pieces. She designed and made each and all are offered for sale. Her business, Pucci Pearls A’More, deals in Swarovski crystals, beads, and fine gems jewelry for necklaces and leashes for dogs and one of a kind gold or silver accented ensembles for their owners. Her website is www. puccipearlsamore.com. With so many cosmetic centers and physicians in the Houston area offering laser treatment for veins, Dr. Skellenger has some advice. “Be sure the doctor you select for any procedure has the experience in that particular procedure,” said Dr. Skellenger. As stated above, Dr. Skellenger has performed the ELT on thousands of happy patients. In addition, he is a board certified vascular surgeon. This experience explains why patients come from around the world to have him do their operations. Dr. Skellenger and Kila are greatly involved in the Bay Area community. They donate extra surgical supplies to Second Chance Pets, a local animal welfare organization. Additionally they enjoy the Clear Lake Shores and Galveston area water sports including sailing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. Visit their office today at 445 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77058 or visit online at www.cosmeticveincenters. com or call 281-990-8346 for more information.
Sonosite Recognizes Memorial Hermann Healthcare System for Patient Safety Excellence and Leadership SonoSite, Inc., the world leader and specialist in bedside ultrasound for pointof-care medicine, congratulates Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, one of the nation’s largest non-profit healthcare systems, for its excellence in delivering the highest level of patient safety by achieving “inspiring” safety results previously never thought possible. Four years ago, Memorial Hermann instituted a network-wide patient safety initiative as a part of its “journey to providing high reliability healthcare” and to meet national patient safety goals. To reward safety success stories, the healthcare system created a “Certified Zero High Reliability Award” acknowledging facilities that achieved a zero complication rate for a full-year or more for certain events and procedures. By introducing new safety protocols, including the integration of ultrasound guidance for central line placement, several of Memorial Hermann’s hospitals have successfully prevented and/or eliminated adverse outcomes and reduced costs from complications. One significant complication is an iatrogenic pneumothorax, or a collapsed lung. This serious and potentially lethal complication can easily occur with a misguided needle during the placement of a central line or thoracentesis. Remarkably, multiple Memorial Hermann facilities were able to attain a zero complication rate for iatrogenic pneumothoraces for more than a full-year. Raising the standard for hospitals around the globe, the following facilities received the “Certified Zero High reliability Award” for zero iatrogenic pneumothoraces: Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and eight community hospital “emergency departments” that receive more than 370,000 patient visits per year and place more than 100 central lines per month. “Two years ago, we set the expectation that all central line insertions by our emergency physicians be performed with ultrasound guidance,” said David C. Pelini, MD, senior vice president, regional medical director, TeamHealth West, Emergency Services- Memorial Hermann Healthcare System. “We then developed and implemented an ultrasound training program to ensure all physicians acquired the skills to completely utilize ultrasound for central vascular access. As a result, our department has an excellent success and safety profile and many of our physicians commented that ultrasound has made complex vascular access easier and increased their confidence under various difficult circumstances.”
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Before the use of bedside ultrasound, physicians would traditionally perform needle-placement procedures blindly by using physical landmark techniques, which unfortunately can lead to a higher risk of complications or potentially lethal outcomes. Real-time ultrasound guidance allows the physician to have full visualization of the needle trajectory, which increases procedural success while ensuring that critical structures are avoided. In fact, a recent study illustrates the safety and economic benefits of using ultrasound visualization to guide a thoracentesis, further proving that bedside ultrasound can lower the risk of complications (pneumothoraces), and as a result, reduce costs caused by complications and length of stay in the hospital. Spearheading the patient safety initiative and the integration of bedside ultrasound at Memorial Hermann is M. Michael Shabot, M.D., the healthcare system’s chief medical officer, “We are pleased to change practices and behaviors whenever we have an opportunity to improve safety. As our governing board has clearly stated, ‘Safety is our core value’.” Dr. Shabot continued, “There is overwhelming evidence in the literature and from our own hospitals that central lines should not cause a pneumothorax, so this can no longer be considered an accepted complication of line placement. The integration of ultrasound guidance has been essential to the success of our facilities’ zero complication rates for iatrogenic pneumothorax and we simply could not have achieved those goals without it.” “We are very proud of our excellent outcomes and feel very confident that with consistent use of ultrasound guidance, we can continue to keep our rate of iatrogenic pneumothorax at zero,” said Mayank C. Patel, M.D., chair of Critical Care Medicine, Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital. “Memorial Hermann’s experience is further corroboration of the value that ultrasound can have in patient safety and healthcare,” said Kevin M. Goodwin, SonoSite president and CEO. “We are motivated by the success of their hospital network and are excited to honor them with the SonoSite ‘Star Award’, a new initiative developed by our company to recognize health systems for reaching tremendous patient safety goals that were thought to be unattainable. Memorial Hermann is the first hospital to inspire the SonoSite ‘Star Award’ and we look forward to congratulating more networks for their leadership and contributions to patient safety.”
BAYWAY HOMES TO HOST GRAND OPENING FOR THE COVE ON TODVILLE
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ocation, location, location are known as the key words to describe desirable real estate and The Cove, Bayway Homes newest development on the corner of Todville and Hammer in Seabrook, is a prime example of great location and affordable price. If you want a lifestyle with access to the lake and bay and spectacular water views from your front porch, The Cove s the perfect place to call home. The first two Cove homes are complete so plan to attend the open house party and home tour on Saturday, October 15, form 4 to 7 pm. There will be door prizes, refreshments, a wine tasting and live music. Bayway Homes owner, Jon Skeele wants to introduce everyone to the relaxing lifestyle of living by the bay. The Cove in Seabrook has it all…..quality, beauty, and affordable prices. Jon Skeele founded Bayway Homes in 1997 with a plan to build well built homes at affordable prices and after fourteen years in the business his dream is still a reality. Bayway Homes has been named Builder of the Year by the Bay Area Builders Association three times! Skeele’s motto is “Built Better” and he has proved that motto to be true with the construction of more than one thousand homes in twenty communities.
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Bayway chose Seabrook as a community to build in based on its unique location and numerous amenities. Nestled near the Shores of Clear Lake and Galveston Bay, Seabrook has 15 parks and 10 miles of hike and bike trails, including a water slide pool, skateboard & tennis courts, playgrounds galore and a 900 ft. fishing pier in Pine Gully Park. Seabrook children attend exemplary schools in the CCISD. Just minutes away from The Cove are great restaurants, Kemah Boardwalk and an abundance of fresh seafood markets. Living in Seabrook gives you the perfect combination of smalltown friendliness and urban access. Skeele’s philosophy is “We fit into the communities we live and work in and want to provide quality homes for our neighbors. This is a very different approach from larger developers that build the same floor plan across the country or region and hope the buyer likes the product. We try to listen to what the community needs
Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2011
and build what works for that community.” Mike Duckett, senior vice president of Sterling bank says, “Jon, in my opinion, is a cut above the average builder. He goes to the trouble to educate himself, to study the latest building techniques, and knows what he’s doing.” So mark your calendars and come by The Cove for the grand opening to see for yourself the one and two story floor plans, the spacious balconies with water views, and all the other amenities that make The Cove the best in bayside living. For more information call Eloise at 281-942-9112 or visit us at www. baywayhomes.com.
OCTOBER 2011 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
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FINANCIAL FOCUS Brought to you by Do Men and Women Invest Differently? Several years ago, a book titled Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus was quite popular. As the title suggests, the book argues that men and women are vastly different from each other, particularly in their emotional needs and in the way they communicate. While not everyone agrees with the notion that men and women might as well be from different planets, most of us would probably concur that the two genders frequently behave differently — and this divergence in behavior may also show up in the way that we invest. In fact, various studies and anecdotal evidence suggests these differences in the way that men and women invest: Men tend to trade more often than women. Men seem to buy and sell investments more frequently than women. This difference could result in an advantage for women investors. For one thing, if women do trade less, they may incur fewer commission charges, fees and other expenses, all of which can eat into investment returns. Also, by holding investments longer, women may be able to take better advantage of market rallies. During the 2008-2009 financial crisis, for example, men were more likely than women to sell shares of stock at market lows, which led to bigger losses among male traders — and fewer gains when some of the stock values began to rise again — according to a study by Vanguard, a mutual fund company. Men tend to invest more aggressively than women. Perhaps not surprisingly, men seem to be more willing to take risks with their investments. This trait can be both positive and negative. On the positive side, risk is associated with reward, so the more aggressive the investment, the greater the potential for growth. On the negative side, taking too much risk pretty much speaks for itself. Ideally, all investors — men and women — should stick with investments that fit their individual risk tolerance. Women are more likely to look at the “big picture.” Although both men and women investors want information, women seem to take a more “holistic” approach — that is, instead of focusing strictly on performance statistics, they tend to delve deeper into their investments’ background, competitive environment and other factors. This quest for additional knowledge may help explain why all-female investment clubs have achieved greater returns than all-male clubs, according to a study by the National Association of Investors Corp., which represents thousands of investment clubs across the country. Men may be more optimistic about the financial markets. Some studies show that men are more optimistic about key economic indicators and future stock market performance. Optimism can be a valuable asset when it comes to investing; if you have confidence in the future, you’re more likely to invest for it, and to continue investing. On the other hand, false optimism may lead to over-confidence, which can have negative results for investors. Neither men nor women have a monopoly on positive investment behaviors; each gender can probably learn something from the other. Ultimately, of course, it’s your decision-making, not your x- or y-chromosomes, that will determine your ability to make progress toward your long-term goals. So educate yourself about your choices, and get the help you need from a financial professional, as you invest through the years.
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Battle of the badges
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The Power of Compounding By Jason Alderman
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wish I had learned about the power of compounding a long time ago. As a kid I walked dogs in the neighborhood, earning $5 a week. If I’d started investing that weekly $5 from age nine until 65, it would have grown to $254,000, assuming an 8 percent return. Unfortunately, I didn’t catch compounding fever until much later. I missed out on maximizing my first few years of 401(k) contributions, which would have made a huge difference at retirement.
“So what is compounding? Basically, it’s where you put aside money – whether in savings, a retirement account or the stock market – and then essentially leave it alone.” But on a positive note, my 11-yearold son learned from my mistakes and socks away his $10 weekly newspaper delivery salary, which he earns in addition to his allowance. My wife and I sweeten the pot by matching his savings in a Roth IRA we opened for him. So what is compounding? Basically, it’s where you put aside money – whether in savings, a retirement account or the stock market – and then essentially leave it alone. As your account earns interest or dividends, you continually reinvest those profits, thereby generating (compounding) additional earnings at an accelerated rate. Numerous interactive calculators are available online to help you estimate potential savings under different scenarios. I used several from the website Dinkytown (www.dinkytown.net) in the following examples. Using Dinkytown’s “Compound Interest and Your Return” calculator, you can estimate how quickly a one-time investment will grow at varying interest rates and periods of time. For example, a $10,000 investment earning 8 percent compounded quarterly would be worth $22,080 after 10 years; $48,754 after 20 years; and $107,652 after 30 years. If you can set money aside every month, your savings will grow even faster. According to Dinkytown’s “Cool Million” calculator, if you began saving
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$100 a month at age 21 and earned 8 percent interest, by 65 your account would be worth about $447,000. Increasing the monthly contribution to $200 would double that to about $893,000. The riskier the investment, the greater your potential gains – and losses. For example, regular savings accounts typically offer very low interest rates in exchange for very low risk of loss. On the other hand, investing in the stock market can potentially earn double-digit investment rates over long periods of time. (Of course, stocks can be a risky short-term investment.) So why not simply park your money in a safe haven? Simple: inflation. If your money is earning 2 percent interest but the inflation rate is 3 percent, you’ll actually net a 1 percent loss. Using the “Cool Million” $100-a-month example above, if you expect to earn 8 percent interest but factor in a 3.1 percent expected annual inflation rate (the overall average rate since 1925), your account balance at age 65 would be worth more like $117,000 in today’s dollars, versus $447,000 unadjusted for inflation. The longer you delay saving, the harder it is to catch up. According to Dinkytown’s “Don’t Delay Your Savings!” calculator, if you save $200 a month at 8 percent interest, after 30 years your account would be worth $283,522. But wait only two years to begin saving and that balance would shrink to only $238,612 – that’s $44,910 less. A five-year delay would knock it down to only $182,968. The bottom line: Don’t procrastinate on starting to save. And get your kids on the compounding bandwagon as well; they’ll thank you once they reach your age.
This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It’s always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation. 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.
BUCCANEER
ISLAND FURNITURE
OCTOBER 2011 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
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Lunar Rendezvous Ken and Nedra Gurry, Janet and Charles Schumacher, Mary and Terry Williams at the Lunar Rendezvous Festival’s Dining with the Stars evening held at Tommy’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar.
Dear Rick Clapp, We just can’t thank you and the entire staff at Bay Group Media enough for all the hard work and devotion toward pulling off what we thought would be the impossible. Please convey our gratitude to Lily Harmon, Michael Palm, Hal Bushnell, and Whitney Parks. As you know, a house just across the street from your office was once home to several very special Atlantis Foundation program participants. In 2008, their home became nothing more than a shell, completely devastated by Hurricane Ike. Our continued attempts to rebuild failed as the economy worsened, state and federal funding was slashed, and charitable giving hit an all-time low. Enter “Team Depot,” the volunteer arm of Home Depot, the Home Depot Foundation, numerous charitable vendors, contractors, local partners from our own community and Bay Group Media...all heeding the call for help. On July 27th, the transformation of that house into a warm, inviting and completely restored home was nothing short of a miracle. The outpouring of generosity and community spirt stands to remind us of just what can be accomplished when we band together...a determined crew on an honorable mission. Never in our 15 year history have so many come together to beat such insurmountable odds. Please know that our very special neighbors are all moved in and are truly enjoying their brand new home. On behalf of everyone at the Atlantis Foundation, and especially those we serve, please accept our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude.
Kemah Aquarium Donates to Elementary School The Kemah Aquarium recently delivered a learning fish tank to La Vace Stewart Elementary to kick-off their partnership in the School Adoption Program. With the help of experienced biologists and hands-on activities, students will learn how to run and maintain their school aquarium. This new partnership will make for an exciting year of field trips, school programs, concerts and fundraisers at La Vace Stewart Elementary. Students
will have unique opportunities to meet animals from around the world; enjoy visits from Sharkey at pep rallies and special functions; earn certificates of achievement through various tasks; and benefit from educational tours.
Ballunar Liftoff: One Event You Don’t Want to Miss
Sincerely,
Thomas J. Hennen Executive Director
The Re/MAX Ballunar Liftoff Festival is set for October 21-23 this year and is sure to please with its familyfriendly pricing at only $10 a car. “No matter what economic conditions, parents still want their children to be entertained and educated at the same time, without it costing an arm and a leg,” said festival co-founder Steve Lombardi. “The RE/MAX Ballunar Liftoff Festival scores on all three of these points.” There will be a focus on education at the event with aeronautical displays to get children interested in everything that goes into the science of flight. The event will also host the “Shuttle Rendezvous,” a navigational competition. You can also look forward to the mesmerizing evening
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glows, and adrenalin inducing skydiving exhibitions. AMOCO Federal Credit Union has partnered with the City of Nassau Bay and will be presenting the festival’s attendees with a mass ascension and flight of more than 50 full-size hot air balloons over NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Hot air balloons are the oldest form of powered flight. Put this in contrast against how far we’ve come with all of NASA’s aeronautical technology and this makes for an interesting venue for the 2011 Re/MAX Ballunar Liftoff Festival. The event opens Friday, October 21 at 6 p.m. with festivities continuing throughout the weekend.