CELEBRATING & DISCOVERING LIFE’S FINEST
I’ll Take That Bet Gumbo for Mardi Gras A Schoolyard Game of Marbles UltraMagTexas.com
UltraMagTexas.com
PUBLISHER Juliet Hubbell
EDITOR Tamara Abel
ASSISTANT EDITOR Nancy Moreland
February 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
CONTENTS CALENDAR
SPORTS
HUMOR
ads@UltraMagTexas.com
Let Us Hear From You! editor@UltraMagTexas.com
Local Happenings
Read About All the Fun Things to do in February
I’ll Take That Bet
Bobby McCallitt Gets You Ready to Watch the Big Game
Honest Lies and Other Misguided Thoughts
Newt Harlan Reminisces About Playing Schoolyard Marbles
Cold and Flu Season has Arrived
TRAVEL
VOLUNTEERS
FOOD
LEGAL
2
6
8
10
BABY BOOMERS Important Tips to Stay Healthy
PETS
4
Micro Chipping for Horses, Ferrets, Dogs and Cats Texas A&M Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Houston, Here We Come!
13
14
The Super Bowl Fans are Coming to Texas
Volunteering for Super Bowl Week
Ten Thousand Volunteer to Assist Visitors to Houston
Bon Appetit
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. 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.
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Gumbo Recipes Just in Time for Mardi Gras
Mediation and Arbitration
Two Common Legal Terms That Have Very Different Meanings
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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
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H
ULTRA CALENDAR
appenings
By Nancy Moreland
SUPER BOWL LIVE FESTIVAL January 27th – February 5th Discovery Green DiscoveryGreen.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 5th. 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.”
HOUSTON BIKE SHARE January 27th – February 5th Free bbvabright.com/freerides
The Crawford Island station will be the 14th downtown location for BCycle and the third station surrounding Discovery Green, offering 4
easy access to Super Bowl Live events and the NFL Experience at George R. Brown Convention Center. Through the “BBVA Compass Free Rides” program, individuals can receive free Houston BCycle rides for the 10 days leading up to the Super Bowl, January 27 through February 5, at all BCycle stations around Houston. The program is designed to help alleviate increased traffic congestion and support BCycle's role as an official transportation partner for Super Bowl LI. Every ride will be free after the rider reserves the bike with a valid credit or debit card, and provides an email address or mobile number at checkout. After the Super Bowl, Bcycle will continue to promote healthy living with “Bike Share Free Fridays” from February 10 through March 31, 2017. Riders are encouraged to post photos to their social networks using the hashtag #WeAreMobile.
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 Washington Redskins, Lavonte David of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, former Baltimore Raven Samari Rolle, former Dallas Cowboy Roy Williams Jr., and Florida Marlin baseball player Dee Gordon and many more to be confirmed.
SUPER WEEKEND CONCERT Pearland Town Center February 4th 7:00 p.m. Free visitpearland.com/super
CELEBRITY SUPER SLAM BASKETBALL GAME Feb 3rd, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Joe K. Butler Sports Complex genesismp.com
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. “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 UltraMagTexas.com
Gear up for a Pearland Super Weekend celebration as the Big Game approaches at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 5. Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville recording artist RaeLynn headlines a Super Concert on Saturday, Feb. 4 with Two Tons of Steel as the opening act during the free, outdoor concert at 7 p.m. at the Pearland Town Center, 11200 Broadway Street. In addition to the Saturday night Super Concert, visitors can get a taste of local cuisine by riding trolley car shuttles during the super weekend promotion between participating Pearland hotels and restaurants offering special incentives from noon until 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4 and Sunday, Feb. 5.
Several local restaurants including Pearland’s microbrewery and winery are offering special incentives for visitors who opt to visit by riding the trolley car shuttles. Currently, there are twenty-two stops along the route through the heart of Pearland available for a $1, one-way fare. Check the website for routes and details.
ENCHANTED PROMENADE Ends Feb 19th Discovery Green DiscoveryGreen.com
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.
LUXE Décor
by Karen Bunch
MUMMIES OF THE WORLD: THE EXHIBITION
Ends May 29th Houston Museum of Natural Science 5555 Hermann Park Dive hmns.org
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 colorchanging 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 dusk to 11 pm, however hours are subject to change during Super Bowl LIVE Festival. See that listing for dates.
WAUGH DRIVE BAT COLONY
February 3th and 24th Waugh Drive Bridge between Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway Houstontx.gov/parks/batpage 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
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 what to know about? To be considered for publication, the information must be received two months prior to the issue date. Please email a 100-wordmaximium 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. UltraMagTexas.com
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
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5
e k I'LL Ta
THAT BET! By Bobby McCallitt
ULTRA SPORTS
6
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S
aacleaningservices.com
UPER BOWL LI will be played Sunday, February 5th in NRG Stadium, and while it is extremely popular worldwide, no
one loves the big game more than Las Vegas. More money is bet on the Super Bowl each year than any other single sporting event - and it's not even close! And while wagering on who will win the big game is what most are familiar with, there are dozens
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of proposition or "prop bets" that can be made.
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In fact, the various things you can wager on is quite amazing. Want to know the outcome of your bet immediately without having to actually watch the game? Then wager on which team will win the coin toss. Or how long it will take to sing the national anthem. (Depending on the performer, usually established at over or under around two minutes.
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In 2012 Kelly Clarkson completed the song in a mere one minute, 34 seconds, while Alicia Keys took two minutes, 35 seconds in 2013.) Will Family? None of the above? There are odds on all of the choices. But maybe you don't even like football that much. All you are really the singer forget or omit at least one word of the National Anthem? interested in are the commercials or maybe the half time entertainer. No
You can bet on it.
problem, as there are prop bets for you too. Will the first commercial shown Only interested in part of the game? You can bet on who will win the
include an animal - yes or no? Will the first ad at half time be for a beverage
first quarter. Or which team will be the first to score. Will that player's
product? What will be the first song performed by the half time entertainer?
jersey be an odd or even number? What will that score actually be - a touchdown, field goal, or even a safety?
If you ever wonder what the likelihood of something happening during the game – no matter how crazy it might seem – chances are some
Will the first touchdown be scored by a run or a pass? Or will it be a defensive or special team score? Will there be a field goal kicked from over or under 40 yards? Will a field goal be missed in the game? And if so, will the miss be to the left, the right, short, or blocked? Will any kick bounce off of an upright during the game? I know, it’s crazy! If you want to be kept in suspense, try your hand at things that might take a bit longer to determine. How many passes will the quarterback throw? How many completions? How many yards? Will his longest completion be over or under 35 yards? Will he threw an interception? Will he run for a first down? Will he run for a touchdown? How often will he be sacked? Will there be a roughing the passer penalty? Will either quarterback have to miss a play because he got injured?
bookmaker will have odds on it. A successful prop bet is typically made very clear by the casinos, thus there has been little controversy over what a winning bet is and what isn’t. However, there was a bit of a hubbub over the national anthem wager back in 2011. Christina Aguilera was well on her way to the “over” one minute, 50 seconds established, when she skipped a verse. Her performance resulted in a “no bet” or “push” for anyone who bet on the song length, and all bets were refunded as nobody had noticeably flubbed the lyrics in that manner before. Alas, Aguilera’s rendition resulted in the addition of the wager on whether the singer will miss a word. It’s a lot pressure – over 100 million people are watching – and a lot of money is riding on you! These are just a few of the multitude of prop bets available each year
Will there be a two point conversion in the game? An on-sidekick?
during the Super Bowl. With so many viewers watching one single
A fake punt? You can even bet as to whether or not the overhead sky
sporting event, Vegas clearly wants to take advantage of every way
camera will actually fall onto the field during the game. No kidding.
possible to pry some money from your hand. None of the prop bets are
So you are a diehard and will watch every play right to the bitter
available until after the participants are determined. Unfortunately (or
end. Maybe you will want to wager on who will be the game's MVP?
maybe fortunately) in this country you can only legally bet on sporting
Will the game go to overtime? (It’s never happened.) Or the color of
events in Nevada or New Jersey.
Gatorade poured on the winning coach? Who will the MVP mention first in his post-game interview – teammates? God? Fans? Coach?
Good luck, enjoy the game, and I hope all your bets are winners!
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7
ULTRA HUMOR
A GAME OF
M
arbles
Honest Lies and Other Misguided Thoughts By Newt Harlan
Back when I was in elementary school,
The first shooter, knuckled down at the
We all carried various kinds of marbles
around 65 years ago, it seems like we spent
outside of the ring and using the marble he
Everyone had a special shooter that was
a lot more time before and after school, and
called his “shooter” propelled it, using force
usually a smidgen larger than the other
during recess periods playing playground
from his thumb and index finger, to hit one
marbles and, for one reason or another, was
games. Not only were there always football
of the marbles in the center of the ring and
better to use when shooting. In addition to
and softball games in season and games
knock it out of the circle. That meant the
the shooter, our cache included marbles with
such as red rover, tag and dodge ball, but
shooter won that marble and got to shoot
names like: bowlies, cat eyes, spirals, swirls
also games of jacks (mostly for the girls) and
again. This continued until the shooter failed
and blackies, plus an assortment of unnamed
marbles (mostly for the boys) in progress no
to knock a marble from the ring or his shooter
common marbles which we used to “Annie-up.”
matter the season.
marble went out of the ring, which meant he lost his turn and the next shooter was up.
If you remember playing marbles in elementary
several good luck and show marbles such as
school the chances are pretty good you’re well
The best scenario was when the shooter failed
“aggies” which were true agate stone or fired
past 40-years-old. Nowadays, the various kinds
to knock a marble from the ring AND left
clay marbles that were probably antique,
of marbles that we used to carry in our pockets
his shooting marble in the ring. That way
even back then, “steelies” which were ball
and Bull Durham tobacco sacks to play with
the next player had a chance to knock the
bearings of various sizes, plus any number of
before and after school and during recess are
shooter marble from the ring or “kill” it. If
other small, round objects which could be
more likely to be found displayed in the glass
you were fortunate enough to do that, you
considered marbles.
cases of collectors.
got to keep his shooter or he had to pay you
There were several different kinds of marble
5 marbles. Anyway, that’s the basics of the
Our games were mostly played for keeps, that
game of marbles as we played it.
is, you kept the marbles you won.
games, but our favorite was called “ringers.” We started "ringers" by drawing a circle 3 or 4 feet in diameter in the dirt. Each player then placed a certain number of his marbles in the center of the circle, either in a cross shape or a straight line. Our term for this was “Annie-up” -- we had no idea what the word “ante” meant.
8
In addition, each of us usually carried
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The religious fundamentalists who ran our
To make a long story shorter, I decided that
“N-n-no sir, I don’t think I do,” I replied
school back in those days considered this to
I just had to have that “eye marble,” so that
honestly, since it hadn’t occurred to me that
be gambling, and it was strictly prohibited. Of
afternoon I proposed a marble game to Ronald
the “eye marble” might be a real, honest-to-
course, that meant if anyone ever asked, we
in which I’d wager all my marbles against his
goodness glass eye.
were just playing “funsies,” and usually there
eye marble. It took a little persuading and
were 2 or 3 “funsies” games being played by
I think I had to throw in a Sky King secret
Ronald piped up, “Yes you do, too, it’s the ‘eye
younger, less skilled players.
decoding ring, but he finally went for it.
marble’ and my mother wants it back right now.”
I was never very good at marbles. I shot good
It was a cakewalk. We each “Annied-up” five
Suddenly, I was really scared. I’d never even
enough to win in the “funsies” group, but when
marbles. He went first and missed, leaving his
seen a real glass eye before and here I was
I got into “keeper” games, I usually finished
shooter in the ring. I “killed” his shooter, so I
walking around with one in my pocket! All
with far fewer marbles than I had at the start.
got to take five marbles out and then knocked
kinds of thoughts started going through my
However, there were a few boys whom I could
the remaining five out of the ring without a
mind. Thoughts such as was it poisonous or full
beat fairly consistently and when my marble
miss. The “eye marble” belonged to me.
of germs or could I catch polio or some other bad disease from just having the eye in my
cache got thin, I’d con them into a quick game to build it back up. Ronald Stockman and
The win was bitter sweet. I had the “eye
pocket? I immediately went into panic mode.
Bobby Mixon were two whom I could always
marble,” but everyone had already seen it,
I quickly went over to Mr. Daniels and said,
count on to get my supply pumped up. Luckily,
so all I could do the following day was take
“Yes sir, I think I do have that thing right here
they rode the same school bus I did and if I
it from my pocket and admire it every now
in my pocket,” and tugged open the top of my
lost during the day, I could cover my losses
and then. In addition, Ronald told me that
pocket so he could extract the abhorrent glass
in the afternoon while waiting on the bus to
afternoon I had to give it back because his
eye. Instead, he made me reach my hand in my
ride home. This eventually would lead to me
mother told him to bring it home.
pocket, pull the loathsome thing out, and hand it to Mrs. Stockman. Then had me apologize
getting into a heap of trouble! Had I been a little smarter and just given the
to her for making her worry and causing her
One morning Ronald showed up with a very
“eye marble” back to Ronald, he could’ve taken
trouble, and then to Ronald for taking his
unusual looking marble. I was the first to see
it home and everything would’ve been fine.
marbles and playing for keeps.
it and it was very impressive. It was about 1
Unfortunately, I wasn’t blessed with either the
½” in diameter and not quite round, a solid
wisdom or foresight to do this. Besides, I’d won
white color with what looked like a blue iris
the “eye marble” fair and square in a game
right in the center.
of keepers and if I returned it this time just because he said his mama told him to bring it
Ronald showed it to just about every marble
home, every time I won marbles from him in the
player and even a few girls that morning and
future, all he’d have to do is holler “mama said.”
everyone was impressed. Even Miss Gandy,
Needless to say, I didn’t return the “eye marble.”
old lady Gooch, and some of the other teachers looked at it and remarked how much
Ronald wasn’t on the bus the following
it looked like a human eye, which led to us
morning and shortly after I arrived at school,
calling it the “eye marble.”
After all that apologizing, I thought I was finally finished, but then Mr. Daniels reminded me of the punishment for playing marbles for keeps… six licks with his highly polished, one quarterinch-thick, genuine hickory paddle. My bottom hurt for a week. Actually, make that two weeks, because I got the same thing from my daddy when I got home for getting in trouble at school. I never played marbles again.
I was called on the loud speaker to report to Mr. Daniels in the principal’s office. I dawdled a bit on the way, because a summons to the office usually meant you were in deep doodoo. When I finally knocked on the door and entered, I discovered I was positively in really deep doodoo. There sat Ronald, teary eyed and looking really scared, alongside his mother, Mrs. Stockman. I looked from them across the desk to Mr. Daniels, who immediately asked, “Young man, do you have Mrs. Stockman’s brother’s glass eye?”
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9
Don’t Miss Out This
Cold and Flu Season ULTRA BABY BOOMERS
B
eing sick isn’t fun, but missing out on family vacations or parties for the big game because you are sick is even worse. It has jokingly been called FluFOMO, the fear of missing out because you are sick!
two weeks, barring any complications. Anyone can get the flu virus, but young children, pregnant women, adults 65 years and older and people with lung disease or weakened immune systems tend to be more susceptible to more severe or longer-lasting symptoms.
FLU V. COLD
Getting a flu shot, washing your hands frequently and disinfecting hard surfaces are just a few things you can do to avoid getting sick.
Like the flu virus, the common cold is a viral respiratory illness. Many different viruses can cause the “common cold.” Cold symptoms can mimic flu symptoms, but a cold is generally less severe than the flu virus. Cold symptoms may begin with a sore throat and usually include a runny nose and congestion or a cough. Colds tend to resolve in about a week.
Additionally, Clorox partnered with epidemiologist Dr. Stephen
COLD AND FLU PREVENTION TIPS
Morse, a professor at Columbia University, to share some basics about
1. VACCINATE: The first and most important step in flu virus
the flu virus.
prevention is vaccination. You can’t get the flu virus from the vaccine, but the vaccine takes about two weeks to work, so don’t delay. The
WHAT IS THE FLU VIRUS?
Centers for Disease Control recommends a yearly flu virus vaccine
Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a contagious
for almost everyone 6 months and older – even when the viruses the
respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. Symptoms can include fever,
vaccine protects against are the same as the previous season.
chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.
2. KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF AND AWAY FROM YOUR FACE: Germs are often spread when someone touches his or
Most people who get the flu virus tend to recover within a few days to 10
her eyes, nose or mouth after coming in contact with a contaminated
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surface. Wash your hands often, including after using the bathroom and before preparing or serving food. 3. DISINFECT HARD SURFACES: To prevent the spread of germs in your home and beyond, the CDC recommends disinfecting frequently touched, hard surfaces, such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, light switches and faucets, with an EPA-registered disinfectant like Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. They help kill 99.9 percent of germs that can live for up to 48 hours on hard, non-porous surfaces.
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4. AVOID CLOSE CONTACT WITH SICK PEOPLE: So that you don’t miss out on anything this flu season, try to avoid people
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who are, or were recently, infected with the flu virus. Also remember to cover your coughs and sneezes.
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5. STAY HOME WHEN YOU’RE SICK: Take a few days off from work or school if you come down with the flu virus to help avoid spreading it to others. On average, someone with the flu virus spreads
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it to two people, so staying home can make a difference. Most adults and children can infect others with the flu virus a day or so before symptoms develop and up to a week after becoming sick. Missing out is never fun, so help stop the spread of germs and protect yourself and your family this flu season. (Family Features)
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11
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Micro Chipping
ULTRA PETS
For Horses, Dogs, Cats, Ferrets and Other Mammals College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University
If your new year includes adding a furry friend to your family, consider micro chipping your new pet to help locate them if they ever get lost. Dr. James Barr, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, said micro chipping is one of the newest ways to locate and identify lost animals. A microchip is a glass-encased device that bears an identification number unique to every marked animal. Once the microchip is inserted under the animal’s skin and registered with the device’s company, the microchip can be activated with a scanner at a veterinarian’s office or local animal shelter. With no batteries or power source required to activate a microchip, this device will provide a permanent identity for your pet that will last their entire lifetime. While many owners protect and identify their pet with a personalized collar, there are many strong advantages to micro chipping your pet. For instance, pet collars may fall or slip off and personalized tags may become unreadable after several years. Microchips do not face any of these challenges and have no chance of being removed, no matter where Fido wanders. “The biggest advantage is that a microchip can’t be lost,” Barr said. “It allows access to detailed information about the pet and its owner with a quick phone call to the device’s company.” Barr also added that most microchips can be conveniently installed at veterinarian offices and sometimes even spay and neuter clinics. He further explained that the process of installing a microchip is quick and does not hurt the animal, contrary to what some might incorrectly believe.
“A microchip is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades using a needle and plunger, which is similar to a syringe,” Barr said. “The needle is a rather large needle comparatively to what would be used for a vaccine, but it usually does not require sedation and is only transiently uncomfortable for the animal.”
Microchips, which are about the size of a grain of rice, can be installed into dogs, cats, horses, ferrets, and most other mammals.
If you are considering micro chipping your pet, consult your local veterinarian to see which micro chipping companies are most commonly used in your area. Some chips are more universally read than others, so it is important to consider which microchips your local veterinarian and animal shelters can read. Finally, do not forget to register your chip to your name and phone number. If you move to another address or change phone numbers, you will be required to update this information with your microchip’s company. A microchip will only bring your pet home if your contact information is kept up to date. Though personalized collars have been traditionally used as a method of identification in pets, micro chipping is on the rise of becoming the modern solution for lost animals. To help prevent your new furry companion from becoming lost this year, consider a microchip that is registered to your name and updated contact information.
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13
ULTRA TRAVEL
Houston, Here We Come! The teams are set for Super Bowl LI as the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots will face off here in Houston on February 5th. Kickoff is slated for 5:30pm local time at NRG Stadium.
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A
trip to the Super Bowl may seem like business-as-usual for the Patriots as they have been annoyingly great for many years. In fact, no coach has coached in seven Super Bowls and no player has played in seven Super Bowls – until now. Super Bowl LI will be the 7th appearance in the big game for both coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. Conversely, the Falcons have made only one Super Bowl appearance in their franchise history. Atlanta lost Super Bowl XXXIII back in 1999 to the Denver Broncos. Expect lots of fan to descend on our fine city starting as early as a week prior. There will be events, festivities, and parties galore as the Super Bowl is a week-long celebration of football’s grandest stage. Many fans will make the trip with absolutely no intent on actually attending the game. The opportunity to soak up the atmosphere – and the fact that tickets are extremely expensive and hard to find – is too much for die-hard fans to pass up and enough to coax even casual fans to make the trip. It’s been nearly 13 years since the largest city in Texas hosted the Super Bowl and much has changed in Houston. In 2004, 200,000 people took part in the festivities surrounding the Super Bowl in Houston. This year, more than 1 million people are expected to take part in activities surrounding the big game. Many of these fans will be attending Super Bowl Live, a fan festival that runs from January 28 through February 5, centered in downtown Houston in and around Discovery Green. The multi-day event with food, music, entertainment, attractions, and more will allow everyone to experience the Super Bowl even if they aren’t attending the
game. This area of the city will serve as the epicenter of all the action at Super Bowl LI. It’s amazing to think that when Houston last hosted the Super Bowl in 2004, Discovery Green did not even exist. This year’s stadium for the Super Bowl rivals all other venues in their quest to be regarded as most spectacular. NRG Stadium offers features that include a retractable roof, the NFL’s second largest video screen, and a seating capacity expandable for 80,000 patrons including 197 luxury suites. Aside from the venue, Houston’s February weather will also play a major role in boosting the economy for businesses throughout Harris and surrounding counties. Good weather allows fans the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities including golfing, biking, eating, and shopping. In addition, hotel capacity has nearly doubled since 2004, from 44,000 rooms to approximately 84,000 rooms. The city is definitely ready to play host. Our proximity to other major cities passionate about football, including Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and New Orleans allows many fans access to enjoy the festivities. In addition, Houston’s proximity to Mexico, one of the most thriving non-U.S. markets for NFL football has given fans south of the border the ability to be closer to the action. While the ramifications of hosting the big game extend far beyond the week of action leading up to the NFL’s biggest event, Houston is gearing up to use the Super Bowl as yet another opportunity to showcase just how great Texas truly is!
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SUPER BOWL LI Volunteers
The eyes of the world will be on Houston during Super Bowl LI early this month, including all the accompanying events and festivities involved with hosting the big game. The Houston Super Bowl Host Committee has been hard at work ensuring everyone has a spectacular experience and enjoyable trip to Houston by recruiting volunteers to assist visitors. During the 10-day lead up to Super Bowl LI, our city will welcome more than 1 million visitors. The volunteer team will often be the first point of contact for visitors. All the varying events could not be possible without the help of over 10,000 volunteers. Volunteers will staff over 30,000 shifts across the approximate 50 venue locations that include hotels, airports, and various locations around Super Bowl LIVE and downtown Houston. The selection process for volunteers was very rigorous.
Here are a few fun facts about the volunteers for Houston’s Super Bowl: F F F F F F F
Over 32,000 applications were received for the 10,000 available positions. Applications were received from 23 states outside of Texas. Applicant’s ages range from 18-88 years. Volunteers must commit to working at least three 6-8 hour shifts. Out of the 10,000 volunteers selected, 65% are women, 35% men. 62 languages other than English are spoken within the group of selected volunteers. 97.5% of the volunteers are from Texas.
Super Bowl LI will be a 10-day celebration of Houston and will draw interest from around the globe. Be sure to thank the volunteers when you see them in their red volunteer jackets. What a neat way to showcase our great city to all the visitors!
Official Volunteer Program Partner of The Houston Super Bowl Host Committee
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t i t e p p A Bon UMBO HOMEMADE G n by Anice Shelto
ULTRA FOOD
Laissez le bon temps rouler Let the good times roll
Happy Mardi Gras Y’all! I am a South Texas beef cattle rancher’s daughter but I sure do love a big bowl of anything Cajun--especially if that bowl contains gumbo! To me, a bowl of rich gumbo is not just a treat but comfort food at its best. It’s warm and rich, full of delicious things, and it’s served over rice. It can be spicy or mild and you can make so many types of gumbo. I love them all: shrimp gumbo, seafood gumbo, turkey gumbo, chicken gumbo, sausage gumbo…you get the picture...I just love gumbo! I order it all the time at restaurants. On a cold day, there is nothing that warms me up more. Notice I said “order it” and this is a cooking column… I think most home cooks have a few dishes that scare the heck out of them and for me, gumbo was pretty much it. What was I scared of? THE ROUX! Then one day, I was faced with a turkey carcass and leftover meat and a 17 year old boy who requested some turkey and andouille gumbo.
ROUX INGREDIENTS: ¾ cup flour ¾ cup vegetable oil or butter
BLONDE ROUX
So, I decided to tackle the dish I feared. I was going to
I’m certainly no expert on gumbo making, but if you
make gumbo and get over my fear of it and the roux.
follow the recipes below, I think you might find that you end up with a pot of yumminess that is definitely
Roux can be found in many forms. You can
worth the time and effort. I do not choose to put okra
purchase pre-made roux, make it in the oven, or
in my gumbo---otherwise no one in my family would
stir it up on the stove. And you can use various oils
eat it. If you like okra, I have been advised to use
to make your roux. There really is not a “right” or
frozen sliced okra to prevent sliminess. We prefer to
“wrong” way although most purists would agree
add a dash of gumbo filé to our bowls after cooking. It
a homemade roux is best. I’m going to give you
thickens it and adds flavor. I was told not to add filé
directions for a slow-stirred homemade roux but if
to the pot, so that’s how we roll in my house. I’m a
you want a short-cut you can easily buy pre-made
rancher’s daughter---I don’t question Cajun wisdom
roux at the local grocery store. Also, there are
when it comes to their food. Another word of wisdom
instructions for making roux in the oven found on
I received was that a veggie stock is preferable to a
the internet---I suggest you follow Alton Brown’s
fish stock in a seafood gumbo unless you like a strong
method if you want to go that route.
seafood taste. I like to let the flavors of the seafood I add shine so I use a veggie stock that I easily make in
I called up a Louisiana-born friend whom I know
my stockpot.
is an excellent gumbo cook and asked her advice. Here is what she said:
I like making roux with butter (which may not be traditional but my oh my it’s good) but if this is your
“Pour yourself a glass of wine, find a movie or
first attempt at a roux, I would definitely go with oil
football game on tv, pull up a stool and stir!”
because butter is much easier to burn. Regardless of what kind of gumbo you make you will need the
It was great advice. I opted for a beer instead, but
“holy trinity” of vegetables (one part celery, one part
the rest was en pointe.
bell pepper, and two parts onion) and a good stock. Make a homemade stock---it’s totally worth it
A good roux requires patience, plenty of stirring, an extra set of hands in case you get tired, and a whole
continued on page 20
lot of love.
In a heavy bottomed pot (I like to use my enameled cast iron dutch oven) stir the flour (go ¼ cup at a time) into the oil or melted butter over medium heat. I like to stir the flour in with a spiral whisk and then alternate stirring the roux with the whisk and a silicone spoon. Keep your heat low and never higher than medium. Stir constantly. Drink your beverage of choice and stir. Watch the movie and stir. Talk to your family and stir. STIR! It will go through several color changes, starting with a light blonde roux like you would make for a bechamel and eventually moving to a light then dark caramel color and eventually you will be rewarded with a rich dark chocolate color. That’s what you want. I’m not going to lie---it’s going to take at least an hour maybe longer. You have been warned. It takes patience but is worth it.
LIGHT CARAMEL ROUX
MEDIUM CARAMEL ROUX
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DARK CARAMEL ROUX
DARK CHOCOLATE ROUX
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Let Us All Eat Cake... Each and Every One of Us Help Give Our Homeless Youth
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“A Piece of the Cake and The American Dream”
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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. 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.
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Mediation
V E R S U S
Arbitration
TWINS WITH DIFFERENT MOTHERS ULTRA LEGAL Courtesy of Byron K. Barclay Mediation and arbitration are important terms that can touch the lives of anyone involved in a legal dispute. What is the difference between the two, and why should you care? Although both are tools for resolving legal disputes without a trial, the fundamental rules for mediation and arbitration are very different, and therefore a successful strategy for navigating arbitration can be very different than engaging in mediation. Of the two, arbitration is significantly more formal, with rules that, in some circumstances, can be outcome determinative. Often arbitration is also compelled, or forced, by
virtue of a contract between the two parties. If one has entered into a contract that requires arbitration, in almost every instance there will be no trial by jury or judge on any issue between the parties. Arbitration is the trial, though instead of a judge or jury, the decision maker will be the arbitration panel, which is usually comprised of one or three people (so that any final decision does not end up in a tie). Like a trial, an arbitration is usually conducted with lawyers, and allows presentation of evidence, (including testimony by witnesses) and a final presentation/argument to the panel. Though technically possible, it is extremely rare for a party to engage in an arbitration without legal counsel. The arbitration panel will render a decision, sometimes weeks or months later, and there is rarely an appeal available from that decision, win or lose. Mediation is essentially a settlement conference between parties in a dispute, with a moderator or facilitator who helps the parties discuss their dispute and often come to a resolution. The mediator is often an attorney, frequently a retired judge, with significant experience in handling litigated matters. Like an arbitration, each party will make a presentation, although most importantly, the ADVERTORIAL UltraMagTexas.com
mediator does not make any decisions about the outcome of the dispute. Instead, after a presentation by each party, the mediator will separate the parties into different rooms, and then go back and forth between the parties with offers of settlement terms. Mediations are sometimes four hours long, though they can last eight hours or more. If the parties are close to a resolution, they can last longer, and sometimes the mediator will dismiss the parties without a settlement but continue to work with the attorneys for each side to settle the case in the days or weeks following an unsuccessful mediation. Judges like mediations very much, because many, many cases have been settled in mediation without the need for a trial. For this reason, it is very rare for a case to go to trial without the judge forcing the parties to engage in a mediation. By comparison, the only time a judge will force the parties to engage in an arbitration is if the parties have previously agreed to do so, in writing, which is usually part of a written contract between the parties. Like most situations, an experienced attorney can help guide you through the maze that litigation and settlement can present to you. 19
continued from page 17 SEAFOOD GUMBO
CHICKEN/TURKEY AND SAUSAGE GUMBO
1 roux recipe 1 cup diced celery 1 cup diced bell pepper 2 cups diced onion 2 TBS minced garlic 6 cups veggie (or seafood) stock 1 TBS Worcestershire sauce 2 bay leaves 1 TBS chopped fresh thyme or ½ TBS dried thyme cayenne pepper to taste salt and black pepper to taste Seafood of your choice
1 roux recipe 1 cup diced celery 1 cup diced bell pepper 2 cups diced onions 2 TBS minced garlic 6-8 cups chicken or turkey stock (homemade preferred) 1 TBS Worcestershire sauce 2 bay leaves 1 TBS chopped fresh thyme or ½ TBS dried thyme cayenne, salt, and black pepper to taste Poultry meat (see note above) 1 lb andouille or smoked sausage, sliced into thin rounds
Note: I have not specified what seafood because this is where your tastes come in...I like shrimp, crab, oysters and crawfish tails. I usually add one 8 oz container of shucked oysters and the liquid, a lb of peeled and deveined shrimp, 1 lb crawfish tail meat, and a cup of crabmeat. Just add in what you wish. Andouille sausage is also a nice addition. Whatever you choose, buy the freshest and best quality you can get. Remember a good gumbo and roux can’t be rushed so plan on this taking a minimum 3-4 hours… Make your roux...when it has reached a dark chocolate color carefully add in your chopped veggies and garlic. Turn your heat down to low and I like to cover my pot and let it barely simmer so the veggies soften and almost melt into the roux. Stir frequently (I give it a stir about every 5-8 min) and let it go for about an hour. I like to warm my veggie stock so it will incorporate faster so heat it up and add about a ladle at a time to the veggie/roux mixture. Add slowly and stir. It’s going to look like it is going to separate but trust me if you add it in slowly and keep stirring it will smooth out. Once you have added in your stock, add the herbs and Worcestershire. Season it and let it gently simmer for another hour. About 15 minutes before serving, turn the heat up so that you have a good simmer (but not a boil) going and start to add in the seafood: I start with shrimp, then add in oysters, then crawfish and crabmeat. Cook for about 2 minutes between each addition. Serve over rice with filé gumbo on the side. I also like to top it with some chopped green onion and a little Tabasco. 20
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Note: this is a very flexible recipe. You can use fresh chicken or a rotisserie one or use turkey or even duck for a “gamier” gumbo. My preference is to use fresh, boneless, skinless, thigh meat because breasts tend to just be dry and lack flavor. If you use fresh chicken, just cube the thigh meat and brown it in the sausage drippings before adding to the gumbo. As for how much you need, I use about 6 boneless skinless thighs (8 if they are small), or about 3 cups of cooked leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken meat. You can add more or less depending on how “meaty” you want it to be. Make your roux...when it has reached a dark chocolate color carefully add in the vegetables and garlic. Turn your heat down to low and cover the pot and let it barely simmer for an hour or so until the veggies are very very soft. Be sure to stir it frequently. Warm your poultry stock and add it in about a cup at a time to the veggie roux and stir until it is completely combined. It may look like it won’t come together, but as it warms, it will mix. Add in the Worcestershire, herbs, and seasonings and gently simmer for an hour. After an hour, in a separate skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced sausage until it begins to brown and render out the fat. Add to the gumbo and if using raw chicken, saute the raw cubed chicken meat in the drippings and season with a touch of salt, black pepper and cayenne if you wish. Cook until browned but not thoroughly cooked. Add to the gumbo and simmer gently for another hour or so. If using cooked meat, add it with the sausage. Be sure you simmer the gumbo with the meat and sausage for an hour so that the flavors mingle. Adjust your seasonings to taste. Serve over rice with some green onions on top. Offer gumbo filé, Tabasco or hot sauce on the side.
SEAFOOD GUMBO
VEGGIES AND SAUSAGE ADDED
STIRRING THE GUMBO AFTER ADDING STOCK
GUMBO WITH SAUSAGE AND TURKEY
SO THERE YOU GO...GUMBO BASICS.
The beauty of gumbo is that like any good soup or stew it can be made with whatever you have on hand as long as you have good stock and a roux and your “holy trinity” of celery, onion, and bell pepper. I’m definitely not a gumbo expert, but these basic recipes should give you a start in your gumbo making exploration. Just work your roux slowly and gently and give your gumbo plenty of time to simmer to let the flavors develop and you can’t go wrong. Don’t be afraid of what only seems complicated...you will be rewarded with the ultimate comfort food for a cold winter’s night and the perfect dish to serve for your Mardi Gras celebration! UltraMagTexas.com
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