Ultra Magazine Houston

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CELEBRATING & DISCOVERING HOUSTON’S FINEST

10 Insanely Clever Gardening Tips Fast and Fun Cooking Honest Lies and Other Misguided Thoughts ULTRAmag.media

July 2015


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Healthy Teeth at Any Age

COURTESY OF Dr. Audrey M. Boutros, D.D.S., M.S. Many people associate braces with teens, but

There is no such thing as “too old” to

Call our office today to schedule your

getting braces as an adult is becoming much

straighten your teeth. In fact, nowadays about

more common. Teeth can shift with age - some

one out of every five orthodontic patients

complimentary orthodontic evaluation.

adults find that their previously straight teeth

is an adult. This is mostly due to the rise of

have become crooked and overcrowded and

less visible options like ceramic braces and

AUDREY M. BOUTROS, DDS, MS

want to regain their straight smile. Other adults

Invisalign. Ceramic braces or “clear braces”

member of the American Association

get braces because they’ve always had crooked

are made out of ceramic alloys and blend in

of Orthodontists

teeth, but they weren’t able to have braces when

with the teeth making them less noticeable.

they were growing up. Finally, some people say

Invisalign is a series of clear plastic aligners

they’re just finally getting around to it, or that

that are removable which allows you to

they want straighter teeth for a new career. A

continue to brush and floss as normal. These

great looking smile can boost self-confidence and

newer appliance options no doubt have

studies have shown that orthodontic treatment

contributed to the increase in adults seeking

can enhance an adult’s career opportunities and

treatment. So remember that when it comes

social life. There is also a potential health benefit,

to straightening teeth, there is no age cutoff.

as misaligned teeth can be harder to clean,

If a better smile is something you really want,

which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

schedule a consultation with an orthodontist

Straightening teeth can also make chewing

to discuss your treatment options. As the

more comfortable. So there are many reasons to

saying goes, it’s never too late!

consider orthodontic treatment at any age. 4

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Honest Lies & Other Misguided Thoughts by Newt Harlan MAMA’S LIST There must be a mama school somewhere or maybe some organization that gives every mother a list of things that she is responsible for passing on to her children. I know my mama surely had one and my wife must have passed it on to my daughters since they have successfully indoctrinated the grandkids. I’m talking about things like: “Be sure to wear clean underwear in case there’s an accident.” Somehow every mama knows these things and is constantly doing her duty of passing on the wisdom. Here are some of the things my mama passed on from her list: “If you read in dim light, you’ll surely go blind.” I know I worried the hell out of my mama on this one, since as a child and even as a teenager, I was a prolific reader and if I could see the print, that was plenty enough light to read. She was probably right though because I had to get reading glasses when I was around 55. There was another admonition about sitting too close to the TV while watching would affect your vision. I didn’t often hear this because I was almost grown by the time we had a TV at home. I did hear my sisters told this several times a day.

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it would clog up your innards and likely cause

Rue the day if you were swimming and got called

appendicitis. Also, when eating fruits with

in for lunch. You can bet that you wouldn’t get

seeds, she admonished us to be careful not to

to return to the water for a full hour after eating.

swallow the seeds because they’d sprout in your

To do otherwise was foolhardy because everyone

belly and the vines would grow from your bodily

knew that to swim on a full stomach could cause

orifices, except if you were a girl and happened

cramps and all your muscles would seize up and

to swallow a watermelon seed, then everyone

you’d just sink to the bottom and drown. This

knows the outcome.

was true even if you were only in a 12” wading pool. That had to be the slowest hour in the

Then there was knuckle cracking. This wasn’t

world. Especially if your friends’ mothers either

too high on the mama list for boys, but girls were

hadn’t gotten the word or were foolhardy enough

absolutely forbidden to crack their knuckles at

to ignore a proven safety rule.

It’s a wonder we didn’t all catch pneumonia at

the risk of catching arthritis and growing up to

least a half dozen times every year because no

have hands that looked like some Neanderthal

Crossed eyes or lazy eyes were much more

matter how much mama tried to teach us, we’d

football player with knurly knuckles. Other than

common when I was young, because many folks

always go round with our jackets unzipped, or not

the arthritis concern, it was a little less important

lacked the assets for corrective surgery or lenses.

wear undershirts, or go outside without a coat.

for boys because they weren’t really expected

No matter the reason, when we’d see a person

I’m sure this all gave mama a large share of gray

to have dainty hands. Truthfully, after all these

with crossed eyes, just as soon as they were out of

hair before she was able to check it off her list.

years I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone who had

earshot, mama would be sure to remind us that

enlarged, arthritic knuckles caused from cracking

that was the consequence of crossing one’s eyes

Of course, mama was always careful to caution

them. Now that’s not to say it doesn’t happen, I

and acting a fool. I really didn’t have to worry

us when chewing gum, not to swallow it because

just haven’t seen them.

about it because, try as I might, I could never

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HONEST LIES & OTHER MISGUIDED THOUGHTS CONTINUED... cross my eyes. My sister Pam could though, and my other sister Linda and I had her convinced one day that she had actually crossed them for good. We told her it was too horrible looking and wouldn’t let her look in a mirror. Finally, after many tears and worry on her part, when it was close to time for our parents to return home from running errands, I had her concentrate on looking at the tip of my finger and told her that I had cured her.-- She still told on us. We always had to eat all our carrots to improve our eyesight, our greens for digestion, and all servings of vegetables for our health in general. Back then, it was considered healthy to clean your plate completely since there were kids in Europe, China, Africa, (fill-in-the-blank) who were starving to death. I don’t know how our stuffing ourselves was supposed to remedy the starving, but that was on mama’s list. (I’ve carried that admonishment with me and until this day I completely clean my plate and my waistline shows it.) Of course, these aren’t all the rules on mama’s list, it would take a book the length of a small novel to include them all and I’m pretty sure each mama adds her own rules that fit her particular situation, but I think by now you’ve remembered some of the rules from your mama’s list and agree with me, these rules are every mama’s legacy and duty. ULTRAmag.media

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PUBLISHER Juliet Hubbell

EDITOR Nancy Moreland

ART DIRECTOR Adra Stafford

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Ann Greer

CONTRIBUTORS Byron Barclay Audrey Boutros Newt Harlan Bobby McCallitt Anice Shelton

Reader correspondence, editorial submissions and advertising inquiries are welcome. ADVERTISING INQUIRES:

CONTENTS

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EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

Healthy Teeth at Any Age

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Braces aren’t just for kids anymore, but adults too!

Honest Lies and Other Misguided Thoughts

6

Wisdom passed on by Mama

2015 Color of the Year by Pantone

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20 24

We encourage our loyal readers to support our advertisers. Printed on recycled paper.

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Ingenious garden ideas even the kids can enjoy

The Certainties of Life

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Preparing for the legal aspects of life changes

Local Golf Pros Agree to Disagree

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The bunker rake placement debate

Keeping Fido Safe Be smart and keep your pet safe in the summer months

Bon Appetit! Expressing ourselves with food

PLEASE RECYCLE.

Skin Cancer on the Rise

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One in five Americans expected to develop skin cancer in a lifetime

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We offer complimentary mailed subscriptions for zip codes in our coverage area. Just send us your address and request ULTRA Magazine be mailed to your home each month. ULTRA Magazine Houston 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.

Add elegance to any room with this rich and welcoming hue

10 Insanely Clever Gardening Tips and Ideas

info@ULTRAmag.media

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2015

COLOR OF THE YEAR

MARSALA by PANTONE

Pantone®, the global color authority, recently announced that a wine red called Marsala is the color of the year for 2015. Soon it will be showing up everywhere, including in makeup and home decorating. This year’s selection “enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability,” according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. Marsala is a full-bodied color that is strong enough to be used alone as a statement color, or as an accent to other complementary colors like blues, greens, off-whites and browns. Marsala exudes warmth and comfort in its surroundings. Pantone recommends Marsala be 10

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A HEARTY YET STYLISH TONE

“Add elegance to any room by incorporating this rich and welcoming hue in accent pieces, accessories and paint. Marsala’s plush characteristics are enhanced when the color is applied to textured surfaces, making it an ideal choice for rugs and upholstered living room furniture.”

PANTONE.COM

considered for textured surfaces such as rugs and furniture when incorporating it into a room design. It is also a great color to use as an accent in the kitchen and dining areas, since it is both hearty and nurturing. The Pantone Color Institute names a top color annually, which in turn prompts multiple industries to use it.

Last year’s top color, Radiant Orchid, proved to be popular immediately and Eiseman is hoping the same will be true for Marsala. Marsala, she said, can be incorporated into anything you already have in your closet or in your home. You can use it just as an accent or go all-out with the color.

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INSANELY CLEVER GARDENING TIPS & IDEAS 1. PINCH YOUR HERBS – Pinch the upper portions of your herb plant stems off (basil in particular) to encourage new leaf growth. Herbs have a natural instinct to stay alive and multiply, so when they are pinched, they send a signal to the dormant leaf buds to grow. It’s strange how this works, but it’s true for most plants. 2. PACKING PEANUTS AND POTS – Because packing peanuts still allow for good drainage, they are perfect for lightening the load in large flower pots. They are also cheaper than soil, so now you can justify a $4 cup of coffee while you get the job done. Just be sure to add a layer of landscape fabric over the top of them so that the soil doesn’t slowly sink to the bottom. 3. EGGSHELL STARTERS – Get your garden started early by planting your seeds in eggshells indoors before the weather 12

permits outdoor growth. There are several reasons why eggshells are the perfect pot for this, but the biggest is that they are cheap (free really), full of calcium to give your seedlings that extra boost, and easy to plant in the garden when ready (the shell can stay on!). 4. LINE POTS WITH COFFEE FILTERS – This is a great idea for indoor plants! Every time you water them in the sink, you tend to lose a lot of the soil down the drain, not to mention the mess it makes under the pot. Coffee filters allow the water to still drain, but keep the dirt contained. 5. RUBBERMAID CONTAINER GARDEN Just because you don’t have much of a yard doesn’t mean you can’t have a nice little garden going! Rubbermaid storage containers are lightweight and just the right size to get you started. Fill the bottom with ULTRAmag.media

packing peanuts and a layer of garden fabric to keep them easy to move. This could even work on a small apartment balcony! 6. DIY MINI GREENHOUSE – Get your seedlings off to a good start with their very own little greenhouse! The bottom 3/4 part of a plastic soda bottle makes for the perfect little dome to cover your little pots with. This would be a fun project to get the kids involved with. 7. EPSOM SALT IN THE GARDEN – Epsom salt has so many uses, including aiding in a beautiful and healthy garden. It’s rich in magnesium and sulfate which are crucial to plant life. For potted plants, mix a couple of tablespoons of the salt into your watering can once or twice a month. You can also sprinkle it in your garden’s soil to help your seeds germinate better. Tomatoes and peppers benefit the


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most because they both tend to have a magnesium deficiency. Add a tablespoon or so in with the soil when first planting, and then sprinkle more into the soil once mature. 8. FERTILIZE YOUR PLANTS – Save your vegetable cooking water! The water has a lot of nutrients that your garden thrives on. Wait for the water to cool down first, and then use it to “fertilize” your garden or potted plants. This makes for a green and happy garden! You could also drink the stuff, but who wants to do that! 9. SEEDS & CITRUS – Start your seedlings in a citrus peel, and not just because it’s really cute; It will compost in the soil and nourish the plants, so you can just go ahead and plant the whole thing once it’s ready. Don’t forget to poke a hole in the bottom for drainage. 10. CINDER BLOCK GARDEN BED – Not all of us have the skills to build a raised garden bed out of wood, and that’s when cinder blocks come to the rescue. We love how they have all the holes so you can easily separate your herbs. For a smaller space, you could even take out 2 or more of the block to create a narrower bed. After you’ve got a level place to start your garden, the rest is pretty simple! MORE GARDENING TIPS LIKE THESE CAN BE FOUND AT LISTOTIC.COM ULTRAmag.media

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The Certainties of Life by Byron K. Barclay Benjamin Franklin famously said there is nothing certain in life, except death and taxes. While the subject of taxes is better left to accountants and tax lawyers, the subject of death is one which finds everyone, sooner or later. From a legal standpoint however, there are some things we can, and should do to prepare for this inevitable eventuality. A recent (2014) survey by an online legal resource found that more than half of Americans age fifty-five to sixty-four don’t have a will. The number gets higher as the age drops, with 62% of those age forty-five to fifty-

who were friends of the decedent but who

documents which provide for a guardian for

four lacking this most basic of estate planning

are not entitled to receive anything from the

minor children, a guardian for yourself should

tools. The reasons for not doing so are about

decedent’s estate. Imagine how hard it is to get

you be significantly injured and unable to care

what one would expect: 57% “just haven’t got

a friend to help you move some heavy furniture.

for yourself, a medical power-of-attorney, which

around to making one,” while 22% felt that

Now imagine someone trying to get one of your

appoints a trusted friend or family member to

making a will “wasn’t urgent.” A smaller group

friends to come to court and be questioned by

make significant health care decisions should

(17%) believe that they don’t need a will, while

a lawyer in front of the judge about you, your

you be unable to do so due, and finally the

14% “don’t want to think about death.”

marriage(s) and your children, if any. Good luck

statutory power-of-attorney, which enables a

with that one.

similarly trusted person to carry out business matters on your behalf should you have a similar

Make no mistake: just as we all will die someday, it is a certainty that if you die without a will,

There are many resources available to

you are leaving a headache and a handful of

preparing a will, from the cheap, online

problems to your loved ones who survive you.

varieties ($50-$100) to the expensive, estate

There is no substitute for good legal advice,

The probate process, for someone who owns

planning lawyer variety, which can range from

and in the estate planning area, an experienced

any kind of property (land or houses or vehicles,

$500 up to more than $1,000, depending on

estate planning attorney can be worth her

even simply furniture, jewelry, etc.), and who

how complex your assets are and how many

weight in gold. More importantly however,

dies without a will (the legal term is “intestate”),

beneficiaries you have. Compare those costs

you should remember that taking care of your

requires the appointment of a dependent

to the $2,000 - $5,000 or more it can cost for

loved ones, and making sure that you leave

administrator, who must be overseen by the

a lawyer to handle probate of the estate of

them more than just a headache and a legal

Probate court. In addition, the legal heirs of

someone who dies without a will.

bill, is not only the responsible thing to do, but it is also a task that will help you sleep

the decedent, (the person who has died), must

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injury or incapacity.

be established in court, usually in the same

In addition to a will however, there are a

better at night, knowing you can check that

court procedure, and the court will require the

number of other documents that a good

task off your list. That kind of peace of mind is

testimony, at the courthouse, of two witnesses

estate planning lawyer can prepare, including

certainly worth every penny of the cost.

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# BeYou

# BeTrue

# OwnIt

Byron K. Barclay BIOGRAPHY AND 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

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Local Golf Pros Agree to Disagree by Bobby McCallitt

As summer approaches, it’s a great time to get outdoors – and perhaps enjoy a relaxing round of golf. If you’re like every other golfer, it’s inevitable you will at some point hit your golf ball into a sand trap. After playing your shot, you then rake the sand so as to leave it in pristine condition for the next poor soul who happens to find the same hazard. So when you’re finished raking the bunker, what do you do with the rake? It seems one never knows whether to leave it inside or outside of the bunker. It’s a common and logical question that seems to have no right answer as regardless of where you leave the rake, it will still be in a position to influence the next golf ball that comes rolling its way. Are there guidelines that cover the placement of rakes? What’s the rule? Well, believe it or not, there is no rule, which leads to the confusion. The Rules of Golf state that ultimately it is left up to the golf club or course to decide where it wishes its rakes to be placed. Clearly there is no perfect answer. Most feel that rakes left outside the bunker cause less likelihood of a player gaining an advantage or disadvantage. Todd Eccles, PGA Teaching Pro at Memorial Park Golf Course prefers rakes be placed outside the bunkers, as does Ian Alexander, Head Pro at River Oaks Country Club. “Our policy at River Oaks is rakes always out”, Alexander says.

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Sure, a rake outside of a bunker may cause

bunkers more efficient if the rakes don’t have

a ball to ricochet into the bunker, but a rake

to be picked up.

already in the bunker may cause a ball to bounce out. Maybe a rake outside the bunker

Some courses employ what they feel are the

keeps a shot clearly headed for the sand from

best of both worlds. Ken McDonald, Head

rolling in; while a rake inside the bunker may

Golf Pro at Braeburn Country Club, says they

very well keep the ball from rolling to a flat

put rakes inside the bunker, teeth down, with

part of the bunker, thus creating a much more

the handle resting outside the bunker, thus

difficult shot.

keeping the shaft elevated above the sand. “This way, the rake has very little impact on

At Hermann Park Golf Course, they prefer rakes

any shot” McDonald contends. “Any shot

be left inside the bunkers, according to Teaching

rolling into the bunker would pass under the

Pro Ben Castaneda. While at Wildcat Golf

rake.” The other option, McDonald says,

Club, Head Golf Pro David Munday also prefers

would be putting rakes as far from the bunker

rakes be left in the bunkers. “It just makes more

as possible, but as he notes, “the problem with

sense”, Munday says.

that is no one would rake the bunkers after use.” Tim Jaquez, Head Golf Pro at Koasati

From a maintenance perspective, placing rakes

Pines Golf Course at Coushatta Casino Resort

inside the bunkers is probably preferred for

feels the same way. “Our policy is rakes in,

daily play as it makes mowing around the

teeth down, handles out” Jaquez says.

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LOCAL GOLF PROS AGREE TO DISAGREE – CONTINUED. Regardless of bunker rake placement, if your golf ball comes to rest against a rake, you are allowed to move the rake. However, if the ball moves once the rake is removed; The Rules of Golf require that the ball be replaced “as close to the original position as possible”. This is fairly straightforward if the rake is outside the hazard but replacing a ball on a steep bunker slope is not always possible, and could cause problems. Chances are your golf club or course has a policy on rake placement. Check with the pro shop before your round, and if they have one, simply follow that policy. Of course if you simply avoid hitting your ball into the sand, where the rakes are located will be of no concern to you. Good luck and enjoy your round!

ULTRAmag.media

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Keeping Fido Safe in the Summer Heat Many people take advantage of summer’s warm weather by making resolutions to get themselves and their pets in shape. However, when participating in outdoor activities like walking or running during these high temperatures, extra precautions need to be taken to ensure your pet’s safety. Dr. Mark Stickney, clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says that humans are not the only ones who need to be cautious when exercising during higher than average temperatures. “Animals do things they normally wouldn’t do to stay cool, which is an important thing to remember when outside,” Stickney said. “If they are all riled up and having a good time, they may forget how hot it is, so it is important to always monitor them.” Anytime you are outdoors or doing something active during the summer, it is important for you and your pets to take plenty of breaks. Although you may be used to handling the heat and are aware when you need to stop and rest, your pet, especially if they have a thick coat, may not fare as well in the summer months. “Keep in mind that if you’re thirsty, your pet is most likely thirsty,” Stickney said. “Animals need plenty of access to fresh water. You can even try putting ice cubes in it to make it colder and more refreshing.” However, the warm summer temperatures don’t mean you shouldn’t participate in 20

outdoor activities with your pets. If you and

“If your pet does accidentally overdo it in the

Fido enjoy long walks to the neighborhood

sun, there are signs you can watch out for,”

park, for example, just be sure that he has

Stickney said. “Panting, unresponsiveness, red

access to plenty of water throughout your trip.

whites of their eyes, and bright reddish gums

Bringing along a water bottle and bowl for him

can mean that your dog is overheated and

to drink from is always a good idea.

needs a break.”

“Also keep in mind that pavement can get very

If you notice that your dog is beginning to

hot in the summer,” Stickney said. “If your

exhibit any of these symptoms, stop activity

dogs don’t have thick foot pads, they could

immediately and allow them to get a drink and

develop burns on their feet. Letting them walk

cool off indoors or in the shade.

on the grass instead of the concrete can help keep their foot pads from blistering.”

Overall, be smart and safe when going on outings with your pets during the warm

Any summertime activity that involves the

summer months. Monitor your pets closely,

water is good to partake in with your pet.

and be prepared to step in at the first sign of

Getting adequate exercise, while also being

heat stress. They may be enjoying your time

able to cool off in the water, is a perfect

together so much that they don’t realize how

outdoor activity for Fido. However, keep in

hot and tired they really are!

mind that they will still need to have clean drinking water available, as well as a shady

Pet Talk is a service of the College of

place to rest once out of the water. Swimming

Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences,

for a long time can be draining on a dog not

Texas A&M University.

used to that type of physical exertion.

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Bon appetit! by Anice Shelton

Americans are in the midst of a food obsession...not just eating either. Cooking is now more than something we do to feed ourselves... it’s become a way to express ourselves and in the case of celebrity chefs... gain fame. My Instagram and Facebook feeds are full of photos of restaurant meals and what my friends have made for dinner (#guiltyofthatmyself). There is Pinterest which I feel exists to make us feel bad about how little we have accomplished with our lives---but I still do it and I have 24 boards devoted to food and drink..but have only cooked about 30 things that I have ever pinned. We have not one but two networks devoted solely to food and cooking, and many of the other networks have at least one cooking show. There are competition shows, shows about specific cuisines, and shows that make you want to run to the kitchen and 24

fry a twinkie... although I have never fried a

The beauty of this dish is that it doesn’t have a

twinkie or eaten one.

specific list of ingredients, but is really based on what you have in the pantry and fridge. And it

I’m personally a fan of all types of cuisine.

really doesn’t matter if it’s wine, or even what type of wine, or if all you have is beer. Better

When I was a child the only cooking show on

yet, you can make it and serve within about an

television was Julia Child. She showed the

hour and a half or you can make it and throw

American housewife that she could learn to

it in the crockpot or in the oven for a slow

cook Coq a Vin like a very worldly woman.

braise and eat it later.

Coq a Vin is just chicken and wine but how

So here’s how you do it: Take some chicken

very glamorous and French it all seemed.

(if it’s whole, cut it up) and salt and pepper it and brown it in a couple of tablespoons of

I am a fan of Coq a Vin but during the summer

olive oil in a dutch oven (or skillet if you plan

it seems like such a heavy dish. I really don’t

to use your slow cooker). Get it nice and

want to sit around and babysit the “lardons”

brown. Remove the chicken and then throw

(that’s bacon pieces to the rest of us normal

in about 2 onions (peeled and quartered), 4

folks) and watch a braise. So I have an easy

- 5 peeled and smashed cloves of garlic, some

little dish I like to call “Chicken and Veggies

small potatoes (or chunks of a couple of larger

and a Little Booze” that serves as my “I have

ones), some carrots (cut into a few pieces)

chicken and veggies and, oh yeah, a ½ bottle of

and whatever else sounds delicious you want

wine and I need to cook dinner at noon not at 6

to put in. Mushrooms, parsnips, celery...

in the evening” meal which you can do too.

whatever you like.

ULTRAmag.media


Brown the veggies (add oil if needed) and then

If you don’t have fresh herbs you can use dried

Be sure to have some crusty bread to sop up

add the chicken back in.

ones or just salt and pepper...I promise it will be

the juices …and if it is late enough in the day

good either way. And if you are using white

when you put this together, be sure to enjoy

wine, a little lemon is also a tasty addition.

some of that extra wine from the bottle for

Here’s the fun part...this can go very “French”

yourself...you have earned it!

if you add wine and some fresh thyme...or it can become a Mexican style dish if you throw

Now stick that pot in the oven to braise (or

in a bottle of Mexican beer, some cilantro and

leave it to barely simmer on the stove). As for

Take some photos and share on Instagram...

maybe a jalapeno for some heat. Or skip the

the temperature, if you want to eat it within

your friends will be jealous...and tag me in

wine and beer and just use stock. I usually put

an hour or so, go with 350 degrees. If you

(#UltraCookingWithAnice) so I can tell you

in about 12 ounces of wine or beer and another

need to run the kids to swim team practice and

how amazing it looks.

12 ounces of stock. Or just roll with stock and

you have time, just set your oven at 225-250

add a few TBS of soy sauce and you have an

degrees and go away for a few hours. Or throw

Asian twist to it...

it in the crockpot on low and let it go all day…

Bon Appetit!

SRK POWER-WASHING

info@klkreations.com 832.569.5010

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25


Skin Cancer on the Rise Family Features With the sunny July days, it’s good to remember that temperatures aren’t the only thing on the rise. Skin cancer rates continue to increase and cause more deaths each year, with one in five Americans expected to develop skin cancer in a lifetime. Despite progress in the fight against cancer, it is clear further education on skin cancer prevention and treatment is still needed. The U.S. Surgeon General’s recent “Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer” study is a promising step in urging cooperative action to help advance the national goal of preventing skin cancer. These reports show tanning bed use remains common, and teens use less sunscreen now than they did ten years ago. More people develop skin cancer because of tanning than develop lung cancer because of smoking. It may take years for prevention to begin reversing the upward trend in skin cancer incidence and deaths, therefore, making strides in treatment will be essential – especially for people diagnosed with advanced forms of the disease. Unlike cases caught at the early stages that are generally curable, these advanced cases are incurable because the tumors have grown too large or spread to other parts of the body and can be deadly or disfiguring. Fortunately, progress in treatment has rapidly accelerated in the past few years due to an improved understanding of how skin cancer forms. It began at the turn of the century when scientists identified proteins that play a critical role in how skin cells multiply and grow. • In basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, scientists learned that 26

damage to skin cells caused by UV radiation

medicines that activate the immune system to

can lead to mutations in a group of proteins

fight the cancer.

important for cell growth. As a result, excess signals among these proteins cause the cells

These important discoveries and a greater

to rapidly multiply, ultimately forming a

understanding of the disease have led to the

cancerous tumor. In rare cases, basal cell

development of several new options for advanced

carcinoma can become advanced by invading

skin cancer approved by the U.S. Food and Drug

surrounding tissue or spreading to other parts

Administration (FDA) since 2011. Prior to this

of the body and cannot be treated with surgery

time, medical breakthroughs in skin cancer were

or radiation. Doctors now know how to use

measured in decades, not months. Through

medicines specifically designed to block the

science, skin cancer treatments have evolved

excess signals occurring in cancer cells in

from inadequate or non-existent to promising

nearly all of these advanced cases.

medicines targeting the exact makeup of cells in advanced skin cancer.

• In 2002, scientists discovered a mutation in a protein responsible for half of all advanced cases

As seasons change and UV rays grow stronger,

in melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.

it is essential for preventative measures

In just ten years after this discovery, medicines

to mirror the recent strides in treatment

targeting this mutation were approved by the

development. On both fronts research presses

FDA. Recently, other medicines have also

onward, aiming to reverse the rising tide of

become available to reduce the likelihood the

this deadly disease. Read more about the real

cancer will stop responding to treatment, and

dangers of skin cancer at www.gene.com.

additional research has produced promising ULTRAmag.media


LH2 Architecture, LLC Bellaire, Texas

LH2 Architecture, LLC 5959 West Loop South, Suite 175 Bellaire, TX 77401

713.664.2938 www.lh2architecture.com ULTRAmag.media

27


at Home

W I T H

J O H N

D A U G H E R T Y,

R E A L T O R S

Established 1967

713.626.3930 速

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