CELEBRATING & DISCOVERING LIFE’S FINEST
Super Bowl Trivia Quiz January Happenings Calendar Southern Colloquialisms UltraMagTexas.com
UltraMagTexas.com
PUBLISHER Juliet Hubbell
EDITOR Tamara Abel
ASSISTANT EDITOR Nancy Moreland
January 2017
ART DIRECTOR Adra Stafford
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Ann Greer
CONTRIBUTORS Byron Barclay Karen Bunch Julia Davila Newt Harlan Ahmad Khan Bobby McCallitt Anice Shelton Susan Scott Watts Reader correspondence, editorial submissions and advertising inquiries are welcome.
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@UltraMagTexas.com
CONTENTS CALENDAR
SPORTS
HUMOR
PETS
Let Us Hear From You! editor@UltraMagTexas.com
Local Happenings
4
Check out all the Fun January Events
Super Bowl Trivia Quiz
Bobby McCallitt Gets You Ready for Houston’s Super Bowl
Honest Lies and Other Misguided Thoughts Newt Harlan Explains Southern Colloquialisms
The Vital Role of Veterinary Technicians
Texas A&M Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Five Tips for Settling an Estate
BABY BOOMERS Smart Strategies to Settle a Loved-One’s Estate
FOOD
HEALTH
LEGAL
2
Bon Appetit
Anice Shelton’s Recipes for Healthy or Not-So-Healthy Soups
New Year’s Resolutions You can Keep Resolutions for a Healthier New Year
Pre-Divorce Activities
6
8
13
14
UltraMagTexas.com
We encourage our readers to support our advertisers. Have an event that you would like to let ULTRA readers know about? To be considered for publication, the information must be received two months prior to the issue date. Please email the 100-word write up to editor@UltraMagTexas.com. Be sure to include the event name, date, time, venue, cost and website information. Please send high-resolution jpeg photos in a separate email.
15
17
19
Financial “Cheating” and Asset Hiding
ULTRA Magazine is published monthly. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced by any means whatsoever without written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. The magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented. Advertisers and their agencies assume all liability for advertising content.
Ultra Magazine Texas
UltraMagTexas
@UltraMagTexas
Forty years of f irsts
in Texas. The Woman’s Hospital of Texas is the first hospital for women in the greater Houston area. We’re also Houston’s first baby-friendly hospital and the first choice in Texas for pregnant women to deliver. For 40 years, our first priority has been to provide the expertise and excellence women and babies deserve. While you focus on your baby’s happiness, we focus on yours. Welcome to The Woman’s Hospital of Texas.
7600 Fannin | Houston, TX 77054 | 713.790.1234 | WomansHospital.com UltraMagTexas.com
LUXE Décor
by Karen Bunch
H
ULTRA CALENDAR
appenings
By Nancy Moreland
WAUGH DRIVE BAT COLONY
January 6th and 20th Waugh Drive Bridge between Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway Houstontx.gov/parks/batpage
single day multicultural events in the U.S. held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and in commemoration of the MLK national holiday. “There is but One Race, and that is The Human Race.” This message was articulated very clearly by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The parade originates on San Jacinto Street at Elgin Street. The mile-long parade route can be found on their website at www.mlkgrandeparade.org. This year’s theme is “Committed to Excellence and Community Service.” Register to volunteer on the website.
MAGICAL WINTER LIGHTS & LANTERN FESTIVAL
Your Home from a New Point of View Rearrange and edit your existing furnishings Design rooms and select new items Select color schemes for paints, fabrics and flooring Suggest new ways to achieve your vision
Call today to schedule an in-home consultation.
Karen Bunch 713.823.8934
klcbunch@sbcglobal.net
The Houston Area Bat Team offers free, educational “Bat Chats” at the Waugh Street Bridge Observation Deck the first and third Fridays of every month. The Waugh Bridge Bat Colony lives in Houston year round. Every evening at sunset, 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from underneath the bridge as a group to feed on area insects creating an impressive sight. The cloud of bats is so immense that when they emerge, the Waugh Drive Bat Colony can often be seen on weather radar. Located in Buffalo Bayou Park, the bat colony can be seen by crowds from a variety of good vantage points. The bats prefer to emerge from the east side of the bridge, often in a whirling vortex to gain height, speed, and as a group to deter predators. The bats tend to emerge after sunset but as a natural event, it isn’t always predictable. Temperatures below 50° or rain sometimes delay or prevent the emergence.
23RD ANNUAL MLK GRANDE PARADE January 16th 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Midtown Houston
The MLK Grande Parade is one of the largest 4
UltraMagTexas.com
Ends Jan 8th Gulf Greyhound Park MagicalWinterLights.com
The 2016 Magical Winter Lights and Lantern Festival will return to Houston at Gulf Greyhound Park from November 18, 2016 to January 08, 2017 including all holidays. This year’s festival will feature six fascinating themed sections including Magical Wonderland, Holiday Market Square, Dinosaur Land, Mystery of the East, Man and Nature, and Landmarks of the World. There will be an expanded interactive dinosaur exhibit with dinosaur rides, 3-D art installations, acrobatic performances, arts and crafts created by skilled Chinese artisans, amusement rides and games, and live entertainment.
EIGHT WINTER ATTRACTIONS
Ends January 8th Moody Gardens Various ticket options available. MoodyGardens.com As one of the largest holiday celebrations in the region, Festival of Lights has become a holiday tradition for families and groups alike. Enjoy more than one million lights within 100 sound-enhanced animated light displays and nightly live entertainment. You can also skate around on the area’s only outdoor ice skating rink, try out our Arctic Slide and take pictures with Santa. Another attraction is ICE LAND Ice Sculptures, A Caribbean Christmas. A skilled team of master ice carvers has charted your course for the ultimate Caribbean Christmas! Embark on a breathtaking undersea journey made of two million pounds of ice!
WIESENTHAL
January 14th 8:00 p.m. The Grand 1894 Opera House wiesenthanltheplay.com
unbelievable dedication and tenacity over decades is honored in this play, which gives equal weight to his wisdom and wit during his long, purposeful life.
ZOO LIGHTS
Ends January 15th Houston Zoo Tickets required www.HoustonZoo.org
SUPER BOWL LIVE FESTIVAL January 27th – February 5th Discovery Green
TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights, which takes you on a journey throughout the zoo to see all the holiday displays and lights. The zoo will be illuminated with more than 2 million lights. Stroll through the front plaza and around the Reflection Pool, where musical performances and the majestic oak trees covered in lights set to holiday tunes will delight your senses. Next, follow the trail through the Enchanted Forest, the African Forest, the Watering Hole and all the magical displays. You’ll wind up back at the Reflection Pool for another chance to enjoy this majestic area. There’s so much to discover along the way, including plenty of photo opportunities! The zoo is closed December 24th and 25th. Check the website for “Family Value Nights” with reduced ticket prices.
DEGAS: A NEW VISION Ends January 16th The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Ticket required www.mfah.org Tony Award winner Daryl Roth and Karyl Lynn Burns present the New York premiere of Wiesenthal, the award-winning play written by and starring Tom Dugan. Filled with hope, humanity and humor, Wiesenthal is the riveting true story of Simon Wiesenthal, an ordinary man who did extraordinary things. Nicknamed the “Jewish James Bond,” he devoted his life to bringing more than 1,100 Nazi war criminals to justice. Intelligent, funny, flawed and noble, Wiesenthal was a universal hero. His
Degas (1834–1917). The reputation of this celebrated French artist has often focused on his ballet imagery, and yet Degas’s rich, complex, and abundant oeuvre spans the entire second half of the 19th century and the first years of the 20th. The MFAH is the only U.S. venue for this exhibition, which assembles some 200 works from public and private collections around the world.
Degas: A New Vision offers the most significant international survey in nearly 30 years of the work of Hilaire-Germain-Edgar UltraMagTexas.com
The free festival will welcome over 1 million football fans to Houston for 9 days leading up to Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium on February 5. Super Bowl LIVE will offer free music concerts, Houston’s acclaimed food scene, NFL experience fan games (tickets required), and many other attractions. Host Committee President and CEO Sallie Sargent said, “Super Bowl LIVE is an opportunity for everyone in Houston, as well as visitors, to enjoy a great Super Bowl experience and be a part of the excitement.”
CELEBRITY SUPER SLAM BASKETBALL GAME
Feb 3rd, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Joe. K. Butler Sports Complex *See ad on page 23. Antonio Brown, wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, will host “DraftKings Antonio Brown Super Slam Celebrity Basketball Game” on Friday, February 3rd of Super Bowl weekend. Partial proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston. “We are grateful that Antonio has chosen to give back to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston through his charity basketball game” says Tiffani Wesson, Corporate Outreach Manager for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston. continued on page 11 5
SUPER BOWL Trivia Quiz ULTRA SPORTS By Bobby McCallitt
The Super Bowl will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston on February 5th. To get ready, how about a bit of Super Bowl trivia? I don’t mean those super-hard questions that no one would ever know the answers to; I mean some questions that you actually think you might know. Or at least some facts that will allow you to impress your friends…. With that in mind, here we go.
RANDOM SUPER BOWL FACTS:
6
F F F
Eight million pounds of guacamole will be consumed
F
Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest day of the year for pizza sales; typically about 44% higher than a typical Sunday
Almost 15,000 pounds of chips will be eaten Beer sales will increase by over $18 million during Super Bowl week
F F F
The average number of people at a Super Bowl party is 17
F
Antacid sales increase by over 20% on the Monday following the Super Bowl
F
35% of people who attend the game will write it off as a corporate expense
UltraMagTexas.com
One out of every 12 people only watch for the commercials 6% of Americans will call in sick the Monday after the Super Bowl
1. 2.
Why is the Super Bowl measured in Roman numerals?
3. 4.
Which was the first team to win five (5) Super Bowls?
5.
Previously a common sight at the Super Bowl, September 11, 2001 saw the end of this Super Bowl staple. What was it?
Which four (4) players have won both the Heisman Trophy and the Super Bowl MVP?
Americans consume more food on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day except one. Name it?
6.
Super Bowl VIII was played in Houston at Rice Stadium on January 13, 1974. Which two teams were playing and who won?
7.
Who is the only player awarded Super Bowl MVP from the losing team?
8.
Which Super Bowl quarterback, when asked if he preferred grass or Astroturf, replied: “I don’t know, I never smoked Astroturf?”
9.
What four (4) current NFL teams have never played in a Super Bowl?
10.
What was the last Super Bowl played in Houston, Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004, most widely known for?
11.
Can you name the only three (3) men who have won the Super Bowl as both a player and head coach?
12.
Which team won back-to-back Super Bowls with different head coaches? Name the team and the coaches.
13.
Who coached the Oakland Raiders to their first Super Bowl victory on January 9, 1977?
14.
Who was the first Super Bowl winning quarterback to start the tradition of players saying “I’m going to Disney World?”
15. 16.
Who was the MVP of last year’s Super Bowl 50? Which three (3) teams are tied for the most Super Bowl appearances, playing in the big game eight (8) times?
17.
See how close you can get to guessing the face value of a ticket to the three (3) Super Bowl’s held in Houston – Super Bowl VII in 1974, Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004, and this year’s game, Super Bowl LI in 2017?
18.
Two (2) cities have hosted the Super Bowl ten (10) times each. One of these cities will take the lead as host for the 11th time when it hosts Super Bowl LIV in 2020. Name the city.
19.
Only one day each year sees more drivers involved in alcohol-related accidents than on Super Bowl Sunday. Can you name the day?
20.
Who will be the halftime entertainer for this year’s Super Bowl?
How many footballs will the NFL use during the Super Bowl?
TRIVIA ANSWERS:
7. Chuck Howley, Dallas Cowboys in their loss in Super Bowl V loss to the Miami Dolphins.
1. Because a football season runs over two (2) calendar years, it was decided way back in 1969 that this was a good way to keep track.
8. Joe Namath.
2. Roger Staubach (Navy, Dallas Cowboys), Jim Plunkett (Stanford, Oakland Raiders), Marcus Allen (USC, Oakland Raiders), Desmond Howard (Michigan, Green Bay Packers). 3. San Francisco 49ers. 4. Thanksgiving. 5. The Blimp. 6. The Miami Dolphins beat the Minnesota Vikings 24-7 in front of 71,882 fans.
BONUS QUESTION:
9. Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, and your Houston Texans. 10. Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction.” 11. Mike Ditka – played for Dallas Cowboys, coached Chicago Bears; Tom Flores – played for KC Chiefs, coached Oakland Raiders; Tony Dungy – played for Pittsburgh Steelers, coached Indianapolis Colts. 12. San Francisco 49ers. Bill Walsh, Super Bowl XXIII and George Siefert, Super Bowl XXIV.
14. Phil Simms. 15. Von Miller of the Denver Broncos. 16. Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New England Patriots. 17. Super Bowl VII - $15, Super Bowl XXXVIII $400, Super Bowl LI - $2000. 18. Miami. (New Orleans & Miami are currently tied, having each hosted 10 times.) 19. St. Patrick’s Day. 20. Lady Gaga. Bonus Question: 72
13. John Madden.
UltraMagTexas.com
7
ULTRA HUMORIST
Talking Southern Honest Lies and Other Misguided Thoughts By Newt Harlan
I'm sure y’all have noticed that although we share a common language with folks of the northern persuasion, commonly known in these parts as Yankees, the brand of English we speak is about as different from theirs as it is from our British friends. Here are a few words and phrases that we use daily, which most Yankees have no idea what they mean, or if they do, they sound strange attempting to use them.
Get-along - Only Southerners and their animals possess this
Conniption fit - You throw a conniption fit when someone does something that physically hurts you or aggravates an existing injury. For example, Louis Thomas throwed a conniption fit when Paul Jack poked him in his broke ribs.
unknown body part and its only known purpose is to impede progress when hampered by a hitch. For example, I could barely make it from the house out to my truck this morning because I had a hitch in my get-along.
Directly - Strictly Southern concept. I can be there directly in
Yonder - When I tell you something is over yonder, you know just
know when something is tacky. While men sometimes recognize it, women are usually the arbiters of tackiness. My aunt, Jonnie Mae, was probably the world’s foremost authority on tackiness when she was living.
about where it is and if I say way over yonder, you know it’s a pretty good piece off. You even know where down yonder is when I say something is down yonder, by the rodeo pens. Most Yankees will have no idea where you’re talking about.
Hissy fit - A hissy fit is throwing a tantrum when you don't get your way. Southerners know that you don't just have a hissy, but pitch one. 8
My Aunt Emma could pitch the best hissy fit you ever saw over little or nothing, but then again she was a rich old lady and could get away with it.
two minutes, two hours or two days and it'll still be directly and you'll know what I mean, but Yankees won't.
Tacky - Do you know what tacky means? I don't either, but I
Precious - Southern ladies, to pay a high compliment, use this term, “She looks just precious in her new rodeo outfit.” Precious is often used interchangeably with darlin’ and lovely, however beware
UltraMagTexas.com
when Southern ladies call someone or something “nice” or “cute” as these terms are usually only used to appear complimentary when they’re actually being tacky.
aacleaningservices.com
Act right - This term encompasses much more than just behavior. To act right means to conform to a certain norm as ascertained by the individual giving the admonishment. Such as: If you'll promise to act right, I'll introduce you to my cousin, Jerrie. She thinks you’re cute. Or, if you kids don't start actin’ right and stop pulling that old dog’s tail, I won't stop him when he bites ya.
281-489-8614 residential & commercial
Actin’ up - Means simply misbehaving in general. You can be
$20 OFF FIRST CLEANING!
actin’ right and still be actin’ up...a Southerner understands this.
Cuttin’ up - Cuttin’ up has nothing to do with actin’ up or actin’
JOIN OUR TEAM
right. Cuttin’ up means teasing and playful aggravation accompanied by lots of laughter and light touching. You can cut up and still act right or cut up and act up at the same time. Southerners understand this too, especially mothers of teenage daughters. Of course, if a horse you’re riding or one in a trailer or chute starts cuttin’ up, that’s a horse of a different color. In that case cuttin’ up means being nervous and doing some mild kicking and throwing its head and maybe a little pitch or two. Used this way cuttin’ up is the same as actin’ up.
WRITERS PART-TIME ADVERTISING SALES Want to join our professional and fun team? ULTRA Magazine is the place for you! Email your resume today.
Like to have / might near - These terms are used interchangeably to illustrate extremes when the word “almost” isn’t strong enough, as in, I like to have died of embarrassment and old Lonnie might near passed out when the preacher mentioned right there in the church house, that he’d seen our trucks down at the Dew Drop Inn on the Saturday night before.
Favors - Bearing a striking resemblance. Susie sure favors her mama, bless her heart; I bet by this time next year you won’t be able to tell ‘em apart. (“Takes after” can be used interchangeably with favors.)
Carry - We carry our lunch and carry our girlfriend to the parkin’ spot and carry our friends to the beer joint. We take medicine and we take a bath.
Liable to - Might do something. As in, I’m just liable to show up
info@UltraMagTexas.com
since 1968… nurturing young minds emphasis on individuality respect for students
focusing on academics
over at your table around dinnertime a-lookin’ for some lunch. I could probably sit here for a right smart while longer thinking of examples. We didn’t even talk about y’all or fixin’ to, tump or the lunch-dinner-supper controversy or any number of other Southern words, terms and usages, but I reckon there ain’t no sense whippin’ on a dead horse. By now, it’s plain to see Yankees truly don’t speak the same brand of English we do. Backtracking a bit...the contents of the foregoing article apply only to recent arrivals or “fresh Yankees.” Those who have remained down here long enough to be considered for permanent visas have become semi-fluent in Southern speech over the years and this article mostly doesn’t pertain to them. Happy New Year Y’all!
ALEXANDER-SMITH ACADEMY An extraordinary college preparatory high school
UltraMagTexas.com
713.266.0920 | alexandersmith.com
9
Let the Magic Begin...
SGI Photography
grand extravaganza or intimate chic event
Weddings, Receptions, Beautiful Indoor & Outdoor Spaces, Celebrations, Galas and Corporate Events
visit
THE
BELL TOWER
ON 34TH Excellent Events.
THEBELLTOWERON34TH.COM | 713.868.2355 UltraMagTexas.com
H
appenings
MUMMIES OF THE WORLD: THE EXHIBITION Ends May 29th Houston Museum of Natural Science 5555 Hermann Park Dive www.hmns.org
continued from page 5
CELEBRITY SUPER SLAM BASKETBALL GAME Feb 3rd, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Joe. K. Butler Sports Complex
“Our organization strives to continue being a positive place for kids. Antonio’s work is doing just that by making an impact on our Houston community” Fans will enjoy an electric atmosphere at the game as NFL superstars, Hollywood celebrities; music and reality stars come together for a fun filled game of hoops for a great cause. Invited celebrities include NBA legend Tracy McGrady, rapper Snoop Dogg, reality star Vanessa Cole of E! TV W.A.G.S, NFL players Jarvis Landry of the Miami Dolphins, Pierre Garcon of the Redskins, Lavonte David of the Buccaneers, former Raven Samari Rolle, former Cowboys Roy Williams Jr., Marlins player Dee Gordon and many more to be confirmed.
ENCHANTED PROMENADE Ends Feb 19th Discovery Green www.DiscoveryGreen.com
Discovery Green® captivates downtown visitors this winter with Enchanted Promenade, ten colorful, giant peony bouquets by TILT, a French light and art design studio. Enchanted Promenade is set along the majestic Brown Promenade. Enchanted Promenade comes to life through color-changing LED lighting. At night, the stamens grow brighter with a blazing red light that emanates through its petals and scatters warm light throughout. Below the soaring stems of the plant, diffused lighting subtly enhances an inviting seating area for visitors to lounge and enjoy the view. Illuminated from dust to 11 pm, however hours are subject to change during Super Bowl LIVE Festival. See that listing for dates.
Mummies of the World: The Exhibition presents a collection of mummies from Europe, South America and ancient Egypt-some 4,500 years old. Go behind-the-scenes and learn about mummies and mummification through state-of-the-art multimedia, interactive stations and 3D animation, highlighting advances in the scientific methods used to study mummies, including computed tomography (CT), ancient DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating, all of which allows us to know who these mummified individuals were, where they came from and where they lived.
Among the mummies on display are the Vac Mummies, an entire mummified family from Hungary believed to have died from tuberculosis; the Burns Collection, a group of medical mummies used to teach anatomy in the early 19th century; an Egyptian priest named Nes-Hor who suffered from arthritis and a broken left hip; Egyptian animal mummies including a falcon, fish, dog and baby crocodile, many of which were deliberately preserved to accompany royals for eternity; and MUMAB, the first replication of Egyptian mummification done on a body in 2,800 years. Have an event that Ultra readers want to know about? To be considered for publication, the information must be received two months prior to the issue date. Please email a 100-word-maximium synopsis to editor@UltraMagTexas.com. Be sure to include the event name, date, time, venue, cost and website. Please send highresolution jpeg photos in a separate email. Email Your Event to Editor@UltraMagTexas.com UltraMagTexas.com
11
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
FRITZ KENNEL
THE
DR. GREGORY PALMER, D.M.D.
WHERE YOUR PETS ARE TREATED LIKE ROYALTY
Our new CEREC technology allows us to
DOG & CAT BOARDING
create custom crowns and veneers right in our office.
Large & Small Dog Day Care | Dog Bathing
• Digital impressions
Thank you for supporting a Veteran owned business.
• No temporary crowns • Custom, perfectly matched shades
Come by for a tour today!
• High quality and convenience that you expect and deserve
DR. GREGORY PALMER, D.M.D.
713-464-9852
9113 Stella Link Road. Ste 1 | Houston, Texas 77025
9513 Yupondale Dr. Houston, TX 77080
713.375.1777 | www.gpdmd.com
WWW.FRITZKENNEL.COM
Creating Beautiful...
OUTDOOR SPACES
POOLS | SPAS | PATIOS | PERGOLAS | OUTDOOR KITCHENS SPRINKLERS | IRRIGATION | LANDSCAPING & DESIGN
Lindsey Schultz DIAMOND CONSULTANT
Uptown Diamond 832.646.0232 lindsey@uptowndiamond.com Houston 713.574.0058 | info@TerrysLandscape.com
T E R RYS L A N D S C A P E .CO M
12
New York
Official jeweler for Texas A&M University, University of Houston, Rice University, Texas Christian University and University of Texas.
UltraMagTexas.com
THE
Vital ROLE OF
Veterinary Technicians College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University
ULTRA PETS
be trained on the job by shadowing a veterinarian, the landscape of the profession is changing. Whaley said many practices are hiring formally educated technicians over those without training or education in veterinary medicine. “In order to receive a degree in veterinary technology, one must attend and complete an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited technician program,” Whaley explained. “Many of these programs are offered at junior or community colleges. Some programs even offer a ‘2+2’ program in partnership with a four-year college so that the student is able to earn a bachelor’s degree in animal science. After completing the veterinary technology program, the student can take a national exam and a state exam to earn the title of licensed or registered veterinary technician.” Though Whaley said there are many things she loves about being a veterinary technician, her favorite aspects of her job include a challenging and fast-paced work environment, interacting with patients and finding the best treatment options, and obtaining diagnostic samples. Additionally, Whaley enjoys interacting with Texas A&M veterinary students. “Since I work at a teaching hospital, my situation is pretty unique,” she said. “I enjoy working with our senior veterinary students on the best ways to train future technicians. I also like developing long-term relationships with patients and clients. Snuggling with puppies and kittens is a pretty great part of the job as well.”
Most pet owners have visited the veterinarian’s office at least once. Although veterinarians play an important role in treating and caring for pets, they are not the only people involved in pet care. Veterinary technicians, the people who provide the technical support for patient care, assist veterinarians with many responsibilities. D’Lisa Whaley, veterinary technician at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, explained her responsibilities as a veterinary technician. “Veterinary technicians have such a wide
range of responsibilities such as restraining a patient for a physical exam, checking vital signs, administering medications, obtaining diagnostic samples, monitoring a patient under anesthesia, or assisting a veterinarian during a surgical procedure,” Whaley said. Technicians are also trained to operate and troubleshoot all of the equipment in a veterinary hospital or clinic, including monitoring equipment, anesthesia machines, and radiology equipment, Whaley said. Although veterinary technicians can UltraMagTexas.com
Although veterinary technicians help provide care for furry patients and save animal lives, there are challenges veterinary technicians may face, such as comforting an owner about their sick pet. “One of the most challenging aspects of being a veterinary technician is compassion fatigue,” Whaley said. “Whenever our patients are in pain, we do everything we can to help make them more comfortable. When we lose a patient or comfort an owner as they make the difficult decision to euthanize their beloved pet, we grieve along with the family.” Despite this challenge, Whaley said, “The great things about this job far outweigh the bad, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” 13
5 SMART STRATEGIES to Settle an Estate ULTRA BABYBOOMER
1. GET ORGANIZED. Keep a seemingly endless to-do list manageable by writing everything down. Create a system for prioritizing each task and if there are others who are willing to help, delegate what you can. Establish categories such as bills to pay and other outstanding debts, accounts to close, agencies and organizations that need to be notified of the death and so on.
2. KNOW YOUR LIMITS. Some estates are simple and straightforward: There’s a basic will, few assets, known heirs, and it’s easy to grasp what happens next. Others are far more complicated. If you find yourself in over your head, seek help from an expert such as an estate attorney who can guide you through the legalities and paperwork.
3. FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS. Remember that even the most seemingly hopeless situations can turn out well if you remain open to exploring solutions. When Karen Jones’ mother passed away, she and her four siblings were left with a house that needed a lot of repairs none of them could afford before it could be sold. Jones learned about HomeVestors from a sister and the two scheduled a free consultation with a local independently owned and operated franchise. An option such as HomeVestors.com offers cash payments and quick closing, which can be helpful in settling an estate. In many cases, homes can also be sold as-is with no repairs and with unwanted contents still inside.
4. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. It may come in the form of a change in the will or old letters stashed in a closet, but it’s a safe bet that in settling the estate, you’ll come across something you weren’t expecting. Add this to the emotional simmer you’ve been holding steady and this may be the tipping point to boil you over. Simply put the new information on the back burner for now and return to it later, when you can deal with it more rationally and avoid letting a surprise stain your memories.
5. TAKE BREAKS. In the aftermath of a loss,
When a parent passes away, it’s usually left to their offspring to manage and disperse the remaining estate. In the wake of such a loss, emotions can run high, and the sheer amount of work can quickly become overwhelming. If you’re in the throes of settling an estate, whether by yourself or with the assistance of your siblings, consider these tips to help chart a smoother course. 14
UltraMagTexas.com
many survivors switch to autopilot, not only to distract their minds from the loss but also to regain some sense of control in a situation that can feel helpless. While this coping mechanism may answer a short-term need, be sure to allow yourself time to properly grieve and avoid taking on so much that you neglect your own physical needs, such as food and sleep. Settling a loved one’s estate isn’t likely to be easy, but taking it all one step at a time will help you take care of business while you make sure you’re still taking care of yourself. (Family Features)
Happy 2017 Ultra Readers!
ULTRA FOOD
Bon Appétit THREE DELICIOUS SOUPS
Did 2016 go by too fast for you? It did for me...and here we are again at the start of a new year. And like every year (and like I said in this column last January), one thing most of us do is to make a resolution to eat healthier in the coming year. I say it every year. I start out with good intentions and then chicken fried steak happens! And then prime rib happens...and then cheesecake happens...well, you get the picture… I’m heading into 2017 with that same resolution so I want to share some of my favorite easy soup recipes that can be healthy --- or not! Some can be vegan or vegetarian or you throw in the bacon and be just as happy. The recipe I give you is for the “nice” or “clean” version and then I will give you the alternatives to make it a little bit “bad” for you but oh so tasty!
by Anice Shelton
Hopefully, you saved the bones from your holiday meals and made some good stock that you can use in these recipes. If not, buy the best quality boxed stock you can find and try to get the low sodium version so you can control the salt. First up is a Cherry Tomato Soup. I made this soup for a sweet friend who is vegan and as a way to enjoy the summery taste of tomatoes when we are deep in winter. This soup comes together in minutes. This recipe does not have any exact measurements because I want you to be able to easily adjust it to your taste and how much soup you want to make. continued on page 20
Opening Early 2017 Call now to schedule your personalized tour! (832) 308-3150 Retirement Living Redefined
WatercrestShadowCreekRanch.com
UltraMagTexas.com
15
PERSONAL SERVICE AVAILABLE IN HANDSHAKES AND HANDHELDS.
frostbank.comƫ
Take back your family time. Keep homework at school.
Ready to be done with homework battles? At Fusion, all homework is completed in our Homework Café® with the help and supervision of a teacher. Leaving homework at school allows your family to enjoy time together and end the nightly battles.
Fusion Houston Galleria 5060 Westheimer, Suite 840 Houston, TX 77056 713.963.9096 FusionHoustonGalleria.com
MEMBER FDIC
Apple, the Apple logo and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
LANDSCAPE LIGHTING
• • • • • • •
Dramatic Uplighting Delicate Moonlighting Low Voltage Lighting LED Lighting Mercury Vapor Lighting Mosquito Misting Maintenance
LANDSCAPE ILLUMINATION 713-861-2000 FREE design & estimate • residential & commercial • over 30 years in business 16
UltraMagTexas.com
www.roberthuff.com
Ring in 2017 with healthy resolutions that you can stick with. Contrary to popular belief, overall health is more than just being free of disease or chronic illness. Other factors, such as access to fresh foods, neighborhood walkability and public safety, to name a few, can help cultivate a healthy lifestyle.
New Year Resolution FOR A HEALTHIER YOU ULTRA HEALTH Respondents to an Aetna Foundation survey said local aspects have a large effect on their health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also acknowledges that a person’s zip code is a good indicator of an individual’s health and longevity. However, there are small, everyday steps you can make for a fresh, healthy start this year, such as these five easy resolutions. INCORPORATE 30 MINUTES OF EXERCISE. Forty-nine percent of Americans say they exercise to improve their overall health, according to the survey. To beat the rush, head to the gym early in the morning. Although it can be difficult to visit your local gym or recreational center before sunrise, getting at least 30 minutesof physical activity each day can not only start your day off strong, but also help you feel more energized and aid you in maintaining a healthy weight. Other ways to get daily exercise include taking part in sports, riding your bike on a path close to home or walking in Pearland’s many parks. DRINK MORE WATER AND PLAN MEALS. It’s easy to splurge on food and drink during the holiday season, but the New Year is a good time to swap your candy canes and pumpkin pie for fruits, vegetables and water. Planning your meals ahead of time can help you incorporate healthier food options into your diet. Drinking water throughout the day instead of sugary sodas and juices helps your body regulate temperature, lubricates and cushions joints, protects the spinal cord and sensitive tissues, and helps prevent weight gain.
STEP AWAY FOR SMALL BREAKS. Your overall health also includes your emotional health and well being. More than eight out of ten Americans surveyed said their mood and stress level has an equal impact on their health as the food they consume. Life can get busy and overwhelming as you jump back into a post-holiday routine, but simple acts like taking a few deep breaths, standing and stretching or taking a walk can help calm the mind and relieve stress. PUT YOUR SMARTPHONE AND BODY ON SLEEP MODE. The amount of sleep you get can have a direct impact on your mood and health. Sixty-four percent of respondents said they need at least eight hours of sleep to have a healthy day. Add reading a few new books to your yearly goals to help you unplug from electronics an hour or more before going to bed, and ensure you’re getting the rest you need. GET INVOLVED. More than nine out of 10 Americans said they are willing to take action to create a healthier environment, according to the survey. Using a strong support system of friends and family, you can help each other ensure 2017 is a healthy year. Organize ways to stick with your resolutions as a group, such as scheduling a weekly walk, planning a neighborhood recycling contest, registering for a fitness event or signing up to volunteer. More than what happens in the doctor’s office impacts your health. Incorporating these small changes can help you achieve your goals and lead to a healthier and happier 2017. (Family Features)
UltraMagTexas.com
17
BIOGRAPHY & DISCLAIMER
Byron K. Barclay is a Houston, Texas attorney and Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Personal Injury Trial Law. In addition, Mr. Barclay handles estate planning matters and is regularly appointed to serve various courts in Harris County as an Attorney Ad Litem for the estates of persons who have died without a will. Mr. Barclay also handles commercial litigation, divorces, family law and child custody issues. The foregoing article is offered only as a public service to this community and does not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. This site and column should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney licensed or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. You should always consult a suitably qualified attorney regarding any specific legal problem or matter. The comments and opinions expressed on this site are of the individual author.
BYRON K. BARCLAY BKBarclay@lawyer.com www.BarclayLawFirm.com 713.224.2334
Nothing in this column or on any website where it may be published is intended to create an attorney-client relationship and nothing posted by Mr. Barclay constitutes legal advice. Should you have questions, you may forward them via email to Mr. Barclay at BKBarclay@lawyer.com. Questions may be edited for length or clarity. Mr. Barclay will choose questions submitted for brief answers and possible publication. Mr. Barclay reserves the right to choose which questions to answer, and submission of a question does not guarantee that he will provide an answer.
NOW ENROLLING FOR MID-TERM
CHALLENGE YOUR SON TODAY
SO HE CAN SUCCEED TOMORROW. At Marine Military Academy, challenge leads to excellence, and excellence leads to success. By providing a college-preparatory curriculum in a structured, disciplined setting, our young men rise to their full academic, physical and moral potential. Armed with focus and leadership skills, our graduates not only have an edge in college, they have an edge in life. ENROLL YOUR SON AT MMA ... TODAY.
MMA-TX.ORG
»» 956.423.6006
MMA »» A College-Prep Boarding School for Young Men in Grades 8-12 »» 320 Iwo Jima Blvd. / Harlingen, TX 78550
18
UltraMagTexas.com
Financial Cheating
household budgets. The important thing here is to communicate. Ask questions about these things, and see what kinds of answers are provided in response.
(and other pre-divorce activities) Courtesy of Byron K. Barclay
A recent New York Times article by Nicholas Confessore provided a fascinating story of a spouse who hid more than 400 million dollars in a
ULTRA LEGAL
labyrinth of offshore accounts, created by “lawyers, accountants and private bankers, operating out of a global archipelago of European principalities, former British colonies and Asian city-states.” Read “ How to Hide $400 Million,” NY Times Magazine, November 30, 2016. The interesting thing about this particular cheating spouse is that without a fantastic lawyer who specialized not only in family law, but also worked for the federal government investigating white-collar crime, this aggrieved wife might have been cheated out of her fair share of community assets earned during her fourteen year marriage.
“Cheating” is a word one often hears in the context of divorce. It is easy to presume that the word refers to an affair, however allegations of financial cheating almost always accompany allegations of romantic cheating when the subject of divorce arises. It is important to recognize the warning signs to avoid being caught flat-footed, and to avoid losing important community assets of the marriage.
Of course other signs, like extravagant purchases of cars, vacations or paying rent or a mortgage for a third party are red flags for financial cheating, and certainly should not be ignored. An experienced judge will likely allow evidence of these kinds of gross financial mismanagement/ cheating, requiring the community estate to be repaid by the cheating spouse for the squandered monies.
If a couple has regular meetings to discuss their finances, and bank and credit card statements are freely shared, it becomes much more difficult to cheat The first step in discovering financial cheating is to investigate it. If you suspect it, it is probably going – either romantically or financially. on. Paying close attention to bank and credit card statements is a good place to start. Having said that, Good relationships are built on trust, don’t forget that there may be hidden accounts, so pulling a credit report on your spouse, if it can be however “trust, but verify” can go a long done, may also reveal additional accounts (and debts). Remember that in Texas, a “community property” way towards guaranteeing your peace state, many assets earned, purchased or amassed during the marriage belong to both spouses however in of mind. And as always, there is no similar fashion, the same can be said of debts amassed during the marriage. Getting a good view of the substitute for an experienced attorney entire financial landscape can be eye opening. to help guide you through these kinds of problems. Better to learn the bad news Email notices that a password has been changed for a bank account, or an online credit account may early, and protect the remaining assets be a sign of financial cheating. So can increased cash withdrawals noted on a bank statement. A spouse than to find out there is nothing but debt working longer hours at work, without an increase in wages, may be a sign, as can anxiety and stress about to divide. ADVERTORIAL UltraMagTexas.com
19
Bon Appétit continued from page 15
Butternut and Kale Soup
I like to use a variety of tomatoes so I usually get some golden ones, some larger ones, and the sweet little ones. I add Roma tomatoes if I have some on hand as well.
1 package butternut squash (or peel and cut one whole) 3-5 large kale leaves 1 box vegetable stock (or 32 ounces of homemade) ½ large onion, fine dice 2 cloves garlic, minced Olive oil Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes
Cherry Tomato Soup 2-5 “boxes” or “bags” of cherry or grape tomatoes Olive oil Agave nectar Salt and pepper Heat up a large pot or Dutch oven and add in a few TBS olive oil. Add in the washed tomatoes and turn the heat to medium. Let cook until the tomatoes are bursting and giving off their juices, stirring occasionally. Once they are cooked and the juices released (about 10 minutes or so), take your stick blender (or use a traditional blender) and blend until smooth. Add 1-2 TBS agave nectar to sweeten it and then season with salt and pepper. You can also season it with a splash of soy sauce (to keep it vegan) for added flavor.
Variations for Cherry Tomato Soup: To make it a bit “naughty”: use butter instead of olive oil and/or add a ¼ cup cream after cooking and blending. For maximum flavor: add a good splash of wine in while cooking (the wine cooks away but leaves a tasty flavor), throw in some roasted garlic, or season with cayenne or red pepper flakes. And if you aren’t making it vegan, I use Worcestershire sauce in place of the splash of soy sauce. To “dress” it up: add dollops of pesto and/or sour cream, top with bacon or boiled shrimp, toss in croutons or fried onions. Now, a recipe that was challenging for me. I am NOT a fan of kale. Not at all. It’s a really healthy green and I know a lot of people are fans, so I decided to develop a soup that could help me find my love for what might be the only vegetable I don’t like. I use butternut squash that is already peeled and cubed from the produce section at the grocery store to make this soup a snap. I may not love kale but I do really like it in this delicious and healthy soup!
20
UltraMagTexas.com
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat up olive oil until it shimmers and add in onion. Cook over medium heat until onion is soft. Then add in minced garlic and cook 2 minutes longer. Add in butternut squash and stir to allow it to start to caramelize for a few minutes then turn up heat to medium high and add in stock. Cook until squash is soft.
Remove stem from kale and roll leaves together and cut into small ribbons and then cut again into smaller pieces Add into the soup and cook until the kale pieces soften. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
cool so you can cut it into bite size pieces. While turkey is cooling, add in rice and cook for the recommended amount of time on rice package. Once rice is soft, add in the cut up turkey meat and simmer until the meat is warmed through again. Season with salt, pepper, and I like some red pepper as well. Place ½ cup raw spinach in serving bowl and then top with hot soup. The soup will cook and soften the spinach.
Variations for Butternut and Kale Soup To make it “naughty,” use chicken (or turkey) stock and add in cooked chicken meat (or turkey). You can cook the vegetables in butter for a richer flavor.
Variations on Turkey & Wild Rice with Spinach Soup You can make this with chicken instead of turkey or use a roasted chicken or turkey breast and just omit the cooking of the meat and add it in after the rice is cooked.
To be truly “naughty,” render out a few chopped pieces of bacon and then add them to the soup when cooked (use the rendered fat to cook the vegetables).
To make this “nice” or vegan, omit the turkey meat and stock and replace with good quality or homemade vegetable stock.
I’m going to flip this for the last soup recipe and give you the “naughty” or non-vegetarian version first but then tell you how to convert it to a tasty meatless soup.
Turkey & Wild Rice with Spinach Soup 1 package of turkey breast meat--one or two halves of breast as desired 1 box turkey or chicken broth or 32 ounces homemade 1 cup onion, diced 3 carrots, fine diced 3 stalks celery, fine diced 3 cloves garlic, minced ½-1 cup wild rice or wild and brown rice mix or brown rice Salt and pepper Spinach (raw) Red pepper flakes (optional)
In a Dutch oven, heat up a few TBS of olive oil until it shimmers. Add onion, celery, and carrots and cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Then add the stock and the whole turkey breast (it will cook faster if you quarter it but leave it in large chunks so it doesn’t become rubbery) and simmer until the breast meat is cooked. Remove turkey and allow to
UltraMagTexas.com
Enjoy these soup recipes that will warm you up, fill you up, but keep the scale from moving up! They all freeze well so make an extra large batch to have on hand for those nights you don’t want to cook and want something healthy to eat. Be sure to follow me on Instagram at @UltraCookingWithAnice and be sure to share your photos cooking my recipes by tagging me! I love seeing your culinary creations!
21
THE MARKETPLACE CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Budgeting and Forecasting Computerized Bookkeeping Financial Planning Payroll Tax Reports Periodic Business & Operational Reviews Tax Planning Tax Preparation
Please call us for a complimentary consultation about your plans and goals.
281.440.4865 ONE STRACK PLAZA 4715 Strack Road, Suite 114, Houston, TX 77069
thecolourbar
B. R. Pitcher, P.C.
Arthur Barnes has 16 years of experience and extensive training in luxury hair care and is conveniently located in the Sola Salon studios. Color
Brazilian Blow Out
High Lights
L’Oréal Professionnel
Reparative Treatments
Balayage
5836 N. Main Street | Houston, TX 77009
Book your appointment:
281.770.8215 | vagaro.com/thecolourbar Tuesday - Friday 10am – 7pm | Saturday 10am – 5pm
shirts
hats
team apparel
bags
promotional items
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK
EE 2
Largay Travel
e2ehouston.com Houston’s Finest Designers, Crafstman, Suppliers and Artisans
Exclusive Suppliers and Exacting Designers. Elegant Craftmanship and Eloquent Production. Extraordinary Standards and Exceptional Construction.
Carol Brant: carol@largaytravel.com For all of your luxury travel needs, (713) 824-3120 www.largaytravel.com
e2ehouston.com BARCLAY FINANCIAL SERVICES
New Year + New Advertising = NEW CUSTOMERS!
Advertise Here and Get Results!
RHONDA BARCLAY, CRPC® Financial Advisor, LPL Financial 713.874.0001 Office | 713.254.3443 Cell
Rhonda.Barclay@lpl.com www.LPL.com/Rhonda.Barclay
Call TODAY for information or to schedule a consultation Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC
Advertise Your Business Now. | Ads@UltraMagTexas.com | 713-806-5201 22
UltraMagTexas.com
UltraMagTexas.com
23
Helpenstill
CUSTOM HOMES AND REMODELING
Helpenstill
Construction, LLC
CUSTOM HOMES
REMODELING
Locally Owned Family Business
281-900-4781 helpenstills@gmail.com UltraMagTexas.com