CELEBRATING & DISCOVERING HOUSTON’S FINEST
Human Treats Poison to Pets Autumn Casseroles Creative Decor for Doors and Patios UltraMagTexas.com
Complimentary
63rd Annual
Theta Charity Antiques Show Shopping enthusiasts and antiques aficionados will be able to peruse the best of antiques from dealers from around the world. Over 50 premium dealers will be showing antique furniture, rugs, jewelry, art, silver, collectibles and more. This year’s show presents a line-up of speakers such as Robert Edsel, Bettie Pardee, Rebecca Rabinow, and Cynthia Brumback as well as six prominent Houston design professionals offering intimate tours of the Show. GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS ARE JUST $15 General Admission and Special Event Tickets are purchased online at
ThetaCharityAntiquesShow.com 2015 SHOW DATES AND TIMES Friday, November 13th - 10 AM to 6 PM Saturday, November 14th - 10 AM to 6 PM Sunday, November 15th - 11 AM to 5 PM
PREVIEW PARTY Thursday, November 12th - 6 to 10 PM
BOBBY SUE SMITH COHN FORUM SPEAKERS Cynthia Brumback - The Art of the Monogram Bettie Bearden Pardee - Gilded Age Newport: The REAL inspiration for Downton Abbey Rebecca Rabinow - Leonard A. Lauder Curator of Modern Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, introduction by Gary Tintertow Andre Derain, London and the Thames, 1905-06
MARY FRANCES BOWLES COUPER SPEAKER Robert Edsel, author of The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History
DESIGNER’S WALK HOW TO INCORPORATE ANTIQUES INTO YOUR LIFESTYLE Small group tours of the show led by a Design Professional. View the website for tour leaders and times.
2015 BENEFICIARIES OF THE THETA CHARITY ANTIQUES SHOW Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Child Advocates, Inc. Texas Children’s Cancer Center “Give to Lead, Give to Learn” Theta Foundation Endowment Campaign Bridges to Life CCSC - Martha’s Way Freedom Place The Harris School The HAY Center L.I.F.E. Houston TUTS - The River Performing and Visual Arts Program 2
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LH2 Architecture, LLC Bellaire, Texas
LH2 Architecture, LLC 5959 West Loop South, Suite 175 Bellaire, TX 77401
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PUBLISHER Juliet Hubbell
EDITOR Nancy Moreland
ASSISTANT EDITOR Tamara Abel
ART DIRECTOR Adra Stafford
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Ann Greer
CONTRIBUTORS
C
Byron Barclay Tammy Bateman Audrey Boutros Karen Bunch Newt Harlan Bobby McCallitt Anice Shelton
ONTENTS
PETS
Susan Scott Watts
Human Treats Poison to Pets
6
Surprising food that is toxic to your four legged friends
HUMORIST
REAL ESTATE
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
Honest Lies and Other Misguided Thoughts Holiday Traditions
10
ads@UltraMagTexas.com
Talk to Tammy
11
EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS
Addressing Real Estate in Houston
editor@UltraMagTexas.com
FOOD
Bon Appetit
12
DESIGN
Creative Decor
14
HEALTH
Why an Orthodontist
16
SPORTS
What Makes a Good Rivalry
18
SENIORS
Caregiver 101
23
LEGAL
Are You Hip(AA)
24
Autumn Casseroles
Decorations for Patios and Doors
They are specialists in moving teeth and aligning jaws
Making the sport such an exciting and emotional game
Information you should know before you hire
Medical authorization
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ULTRA PETS
Human Treats,
POISON TO PETS College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University
There are a number of things around your house that can be deadly to your cats and dogs, some you may know, and some may be surprising. Some are even in your kitchen cabinets and refrigerator. Dr. Dorothy Black, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CVM), shares some enlightening information about common food items that may be toxic to your pet. According to Dr. Black, the following foods can be particularly dangerous to cats and dogs. “These foods may not necessarily cause toxic reactions in every case of ingestion, but it’s just a good ‘rule of thumb’ to keep these items off your kitchen counters and under no circumstances feed these foods to your pet,” Black said. Grapes and raisins possess an unknown toxic substance that can lead to renal failure by an unknown mechanism. Toxic doses have been reported after ingesting just one to two grapes or raisins. Not all animals suffer kidney failure after grape/raisin ingestion and it appears to be an idiosyncratic reaction. Nevertheless, it is best to avoid this food for your dogs and cats. There is no known antidote, only supportive care and renal dialysis to support kidney recovery. “Grapes can be particularly tricky for dogs, because many actually like to eat grapes, so you have to be especially aware,” Black said. “Our pets are amazing creatures, but they can really get into dangerous situations with human food very quickly.” Chocolate is commonly known to be bad for pets. It contains two ingredients known to be toxic to dogs and cats, caffeine and theobromine. Dark chocolate is particularly harmful because it has a higher concentration of toxic metabolites than milk or white chocolate. Clinical signs of distress seen after chocolate ingestion include: anxiety/anxiousness, hyperactivity, urination, elevated body temperature, seizures, and irregular heart rhythms. There is no antidote, but supportive care is usually successful for recovery. 6
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Xylitol is a common sugar substitute now used in many home kitchens. It is associated with a severe decline in blood sugar levels and liver failure if ingested by pets. The exact mechanism of the toxicity is unknown and there is no antidote. Supportive care is typically successful for treatment of hypoglycemia, however, liver failure may still occur and prognosis is guarded. “It is important to remember that if you cook or use xylitol in your foods, that those foods should not be fed to pets,” Black said. “It is still toxic if used in cooking or baking.
Onions, garlic, and chives are also toxic to pets. They contain the toxin allicin, which is released upon crushing or chewing the plant. Allicin damages the hemoglobin in red blood cells leading to anemia (such as Heinz body anemia and methemoglobinemia). Cats are especially susceptible to this toxin. There is no antidote, however, supportive care is typically successful. While cats are particularly affected by onions and garlic, dogs are especially susceptible to macadamia nut toxicity. An unknown toxin in the nut leads to difficulty walking, high body temperatures, depression, and vomiting within one to two hours after ingestion. While no deaths have been reported to date, supportive care in the hospital is often required.
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Human Treats Poison To Pets “Supportive care, which is the usual treatment for food toxicity, often works to recover pets who ingest these foods,” Black said. “But these supportive treatments to get pets back on their feet are often very costly for the owner, and difficult for the patient. In cases that require dialysis, pets have a difficult road to recovery.” The foods mentioned here should be kept off countertops and out of reach of pets, and under no circumstances fed to dogs and cats. Preventing your pet from ingesting these items is the best way to keep them safe. But if they do ingest these foods, Dr. Black recommends contacting your veterinarian immediately.
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ULTRA HUMORIST
TRADITIONS Honest Lies and Other Misguided Thoughts
With the holidays approaching, we are all starting to dig into attics and storerooms for decorations and the other trappings we only use at this time of the year. While we are at it, I’m sure most of us are rooting around the attics, closets and junk drawers of our memories and soon will be dragging out the family traditions that go along with the decorations.
By Newt Harlan
Of course, every family is different and in some families the holiday menu is a somewhat sacrosanct tradition-- you can change a bunch of things, but on Thanksgiving and Christmas, you serve what you’re supposed to serve. Our family is like that.
Holiday food is probably as big a part of those traditions as the controversies on whether to open Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve or wait until Christmas morning, or should Santa’s gifts be wrapped or unwrapped? Holiday food is probably the single most important tradition that makes the holidays the holidays. First, there’s the turkey. Of course, turkey is standard fare for Thanksgiving, but should the Christmas meal be a repeat performance only a scant month later, or should you maybe have a roast goose or chicken for the centerpiece? Or perhaps Christmas should be special, and have no fowl at all, but roast beef or fish or tamales or something like that. What about stuffing? Should the bird be stuffed before roasting or should the “stuffing” be prepared as a side dish and baked separately and called “dressing” as most of us do in the South? Should it be made from cornbread or white bread or both? Then there are the side dishes, does anyone make sweet potato casserole with those little bitty marshmallows melted on top or green bean casserole topped with those canned french-fried onions, for any meal during the year except at the holidays?
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Of course we always have the requisite mashed potatoes, giblet gravy, green beans, sweet potatoes, broccoli and cheese and other side dishes. One dish I introduced which has become part of the family tradition is a shrimp salad made with lots of shrimp and sugar peas, chopped celery, chopped onion, and boiled eggs, lightly dressed with mayonnaise and sweet relish. Then there are desserts -although I don’t care for them, pumpkin pies are king around our place and Miss Edie usually makes at least a half dozen of them. Hell, I’ve got a couple or three grandsons who can polish off a pumpkin pie by themselves, and I’m talking about after two or three trips through the food line.
You can bet Thanksgiving is always going to be at least one turkey and one cured ham, and the turkey will be stuffed with a light bread and sage stuffing. Growing up, we always had turkey with cornbread dressing on the side, but when I married Miss Edie, I had to acquire a taste for what we considered the “Yankee” style, with the bird stuffed. Over the years she has occasionally allowed me to make my cornbread dressing, but it is an addition and not a replacement. Of course, when you cook two or three turkeys like we do for our clan, it’s usually fairly easy to add in another side dish.
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My favorite dessert is cherry cheesecake or lemon meringue pie, but I’m usually so full after eating turkey and trimmings that it’s often the next day before I can handle it. I think there are two traditions that we all share at Thanksgiving, while we may not all have the same dishes, and if we do they may be prepared differently in different families, but you can bet on these two things: there’ll be a bunch of food and we’ll all be thankful…at least on this one day. I hope all of you have a Happy Thanksgiving!
TALK TO TAMMY Welcome to my new column TALK TO TAMMY, where Mustang (my mascot) and I will talk about real estate and real estate-related topics for your education and enjoyment. With the holidays upon us, one of the top questions seems to be: Should I wait to put my house on the market after the first of the year? Well, during the holiday season, the real estate market is not as quiet as you may think! This last quarter is the time when not only sellers and buyers are serious, but realtors are too. FOR THE SELLERS: The home has been “spiffed up� for relative visits and seasonal parties. There are usually wonderful holiday scents. I recommend that you take your professional photos for the listing before putting up your decorations so that the pictures do not become dated to the season. FOR THE BUYERS: Many are serious because they have been transferred and need a house or need to change schools over the winter break. They are also looking to close on the home purchase before December 31 so that they may take advantage of the homestead exemption right away. Additionally, many companies pay bonuses at the end of year making them stronger buyers. Now the Realtors are looking to finish their year out as top producers, so they are working even harder to close transactions in the last quarter. If that is not enough motivation, think about
Have a Real Estate Question for Tammy? 713.461.7070
the mood people are in during the holidays. Most are joyous, feeling good and celebratory and looking for a change. If you are looking to see what your home is worth, please contact me. Tammy Bateman Properties, Inc. is a full-service boutique firm delivering exceptional service. We would love to hear from you!
TAMMY BATEMAN PROPERTIES tammy@tammybateman.com | www.tammybateman.com
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´ t i t e p p A Bon SEROLES AUTUMN CAS n by Anice Shelto
ULTRA FOOD November finally feels like fall doesn’t it? The air is crisper, Thanksgiving is upon us, the holidays are right around the corner, football is in full swing and we are tired… So.Very.Tired. At this time of year I crave something hot, bubbly and cheesy that is easy to put together and that I can double up and freeze. I want something that I can make quickly and pop in the oven and serve for dinner that is even better leftover the next day. I want a casserole. Yes, I said “casserole”. It’s not a bad word, but to some cooks it is...and to some children it might as well be as awful of a word as “homework”. But I have a couple of casserole recipes that are easy, quick, freeze beautifully, and can be made with chicken or turkey (you will have some of that leftover at the end of the month---and this is an easy way to use it up without having to make something with 30 ingredients that the cooking shows will tout all month). One is super-versatile---I call it my “as you like it chicken casserole” and the other is my Upscale Chicken Spaghetti that is elegant enough to serve to company. For both, I use a grocery store roasted chicken (or leftover turkey or even cooked ground beef) and for both I cook the pasta in water seasoned with 2 cubes of Knorr Chicken Stock (or an equivalent 12
chicken broth base). It flavors the pasta and makes a broth to use in the sauces.
AS YOU LIKE IT CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
Let’s start with the kid friendly and “adjustable” Chicken Spaghetti. It’s easy to put together and for the most part you don’t have to go to the grocery store for anything special---it pretty much uses pantry staples. I call it “adjustable” because that’s what it is---you can adjust it to suit your family’s tastes and what you have on hand. If you want a plain creamy chicken spaghetti, just use the cheese and the cream of mushroom soup. If you have kids who would rather have to watch your wedding video than eat a mushroom, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead. If you like a kick, add in a can of medium Rotel (use the mild flavor if you are wary of spice). Use two cans of Rotel if you like it very spicy. When I add in the Rotel, I call it “King Ranch Chicken Spaghetti” because it is basically King Ranch Casserole with spaghetti instead of tortillas. (If you want regular King Ranch Casserole then pour the “sauce” over corn tortillas and layer it with cheese). And if you want it less cheesy (I won’t judge) then use less cheese... Heat the water for the pasta with the chicken stock base and cook the pasta for 1 minute LESS than the package directions say for the least amount of cooking time (it will finish cooking when you bake it). In a Dutch oven or large pot, cook the onion in a few tablespoons of butter over medium heat until it is soft
1 roasted chicken (skin and bones removed, chopped or shredded) butter 4 cups of shredded Velveeta milk or half-and-half (1.5-2.5 cups) 1 can cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup (I love Progresso for this) 1 onion, finely chopped 1 package spaghetti 2 cubes Knorr chicken stock OPTIONAL: 1 (or two) cans of Rotel (tomatoes and green chilies) crushed tortilla chips (this is a great use for those broken bits at the bottom of the bag!)
and translucent. Once the onions are soft, add ½ cup of the pasta water to the onions and then add in the chicken pieces. Add the can of cream soup and if using Rotel add in a can or two now. Pour in a cup and a half of milk or half and half. Stir in 2 cups of cheese and let the cheese melt. Basically you have made a creamy queso with cheese (resist the urge to dip chips in and eat it all). Add in the cooked and drained pasta (reserve a cup of the broth in case you need to thin down the sauce some). Now at this point, you will think this is a crazy recipe because you should have a very wet pasta...a thinner sauce than you think you should have, but that’s ok--the pasta will absorb it! If you need to thin it further, use the reserved chicken stock water from the pasta or add in more milk. At this point you can add in another cup of cheese if you like it really cheesy (in other words you should!). continued on page 21
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ULTRA DESIGN
Creative Decor
FOR DOORS & PATIOS By Karen Bunch
The front entrance to your home is the first hint as to what awaits inside. It’s your home and your creativity should shine. The entrance may not be inviting and interesting but can be with a little creative design work. Shake your doubts away and put on your big girl gloves and get to work! It may take a couple of tries, but adding and adjusting items just makes it better. Splurge on the focal-point items and visit resale shops or garage sales for the rest. Ribbon tells its own story. Inexpensive ribbon is great to add to wrapped packages but not for a mantle, entry, tree, chandelier, or patio. If it’s a piece you want to stand out, then take it to the max with beautiful ribbon. Designing your entrance or patio enhancements takes time and effort but is well worth it because you will enjoy seeing it every single day. Once you have decided it is time to change or take down your handiwork, take some photos so you can refer to them the next time you want to put up the decorations. This will help you remember what you really liked and what brought you pleasure every time you entered the home. Pack everything away in clear plastic tubs. You will be organized for the next time!
TIP Grapevine or greenery can be used. Use gloves to protect your hands when unrolling, twisting and cutting the grapevine or greenery. This is a very time-consuming and tedious process but if done properly only has to be done once. It is much easier with two people. It’s helpful to unwind the grapevine a day or two before the installation to relax the coiling. If you want to paint it rather than leaving it natural, do it at this point. Glitter can also be added at this point.
TIP Natural colored grapevine with clear lights and muted ribbon colors and burlap can be kept up all year long! It is beautiful at night and creates a welcoming entrance or patio.
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{
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SUPPLIES 1. Wire cutters 2. Pruning shears 3. Fabric scissors 4. Floral Wire 5. Work gloves 6. Small nails 7. Screw in eye hooks 8. Glue gun with glue sticks 9. Extension cords 10. Drape cloth 11. Broom 12. Trash bags 13. Ladder or step stool
{
PREPARATION
1. Collect all your decorating materials (even the ones you’re not sure you will use or like).
2. Take the tags off everything and dust if necessary.
3. Lay out the drop cloth and spread all the materials out so you can see everything.
4. Plug all the lights in to check they work.
5. Roll each strand of lights into a ball
starting with the male plug end and ending with the female end on top.
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ULTRA HEALTH
Why An
Orthodontist? Courtesy of Dr. Audrey M. Boutros, DDS, MS
Your smile is the most striking part of your face. Do you think your smile (or that of your child’s) can be improved? Many people ask themselves this question. Orthodontists are specialists in moving teeth and aligning jaws. Orthodontists are uniquely qualified in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of orthodontic problems. They dedicate their professional lives to creating healthy, beautiful smiles in children, teens, and adults. There are three steps in an orthodontist’s education: college, dental school, and orthodontic residency program. It can take 10 or more years of education after high school to become an orthodontist. After completing college requirements, the prospective orthodontist attends dental school. All orthodontists are dentists first. Out of 100 dental school graduates, only six go on to become orthodontists. Only dentists who have successfully completed this advanced specialty education may call themselves orthodontists. Only orthodontists are accepted for membership in the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Selecting a member of the AAO for orthodontic care is the public’s assurance that they are selecting an orthodontist. You trust your heart to a cardiologist, your skin to a dermatologist, and your knees to an orthopedist. Like these specialists, orthodontists have in-depth experience in orthodontic care. They use their knowledge and skills to help you get the best results possible. There are a lot of treatment options these days, from clear aligners to high tech braces. They each have their uses, but only an orthodontist has the specialized knowledge to identify and plan for all the variables in your mouth. Orthodontists take your unique needs and wishes into consideration too when recommending the right treatment option for you. Orthodontists have knowledge of the full range of orthodontic appliance “tools”. They know what to use and when to use it because they work with these “tools” every day. Sure you want a winning smile and your orthodontist wants that for you too. You deserve the best - a good bite and a healthy beautiful smile. Consult an AAO member orthodontist for your life, your health, your happiness, and your smile! Call our office today to schedule your complimentary orthodontic evaluation.
AUDREY M. BOUTROS
Call our office today to schedule your complimentary orthodontic evaluation.
DDS, MS
Member of the American Association of Orthodontists
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713.218.8338 | BOUTROSORTHO.COM Located in the Frost Bank Building 6750 West Loop South, Suite 150, Bellaire, TX 77401
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Items that may work for your seasonal garland and wreath:
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Creative Decor
FOR DOORS AND PATIOS
continued from page 15
DESIGN TIPS 1. Vintage items from a resale shop 2. Children’s toys
1.
Clean up as you go. Clean up as you go. Clean up as you go.
3. Dollar Store & Target items
2.
Screw in the small eyehooks around the area for the garland to be hung.
4. Decorations no longer in use or showing a little wear 5. Old centerpieces that can be repurposed 6. Slightly chipped and non-working
Use plenty of hooks to hold the finished weight of the garland and decorations.
3.
if it works in a certain spot.
4.
8. Ornaments
well for a specific design.
5.
leaves, acorns, flowers, berries, gourds)
Start with three of the largest decorative items, then your favorite pieces. Attach the items using the floral wire or ribbon. These items can usually be larger than
9. Figurines 10. Natural elements (pinecones,
Generously wrap with the lights. Better to have too many lights than not enough. Clear lights can remain in place as decorative items change. Colored lights work
items 7. Used and new fabrics
Hang the bare garland using wire to attach it to the eyehooks. Use the small nails
you think.
6.
Continue choosing the decorative items to hang based on descending size.
7.
Step back every so often to take a look and make adjustments to the placement and spacing.
8.
Group smaller items in bunches or glue a group together to give them impact.
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ULTRA SPORTS
What Makes a
Rivalry? by Bobby McCallitt
Rivalries are just one of the many things that make sports like football such an exciting and emotional game. But what makes for a good rivalry? Although some rivalries come and go, the truly deeprooted ones all have several things in common. Typically the rival schools are in close proximity to each other, thus the students know each other. Local pride is involved. In addition, the schools involved will play each other every year as to not only help create a level of familiarity but strong feelings toward each other. This allows for annual bragging rights. Finally, they should ideally play in the same district so something such as a district title or playoff spot may be on the line. Beating your rival produces more than just good feelings for your side, it actually includes negative consequences for the other guy.
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With the growing population, several new high schools have recently opened all around Houston. These new schools have caused a shift in what used to be storied rivalries. Many traditional rivals now find themselves not only in different districts, but different size classifications as well. While they may meet in an early non-district game, it typically is not the same intensity as having a playoff spot or district championship on the line. HISD for example, which used to have all 24 of its high schools in the same size classification, now finds itself with schools in 4A, 5A and 6A. There are four different districts within HISD.
St. John’s – Kinkaid is another of the biggest local rivalries. These private schools play in the South Zone of the Southwest Preparatory Conference and the games are always intense. Since 1979, the game has been played at Rice Stadium. Many of the students and families know each other and have played against each other since they were very young, adding to the intensity. Recently, these elite schools were both listed as two of the smartest schools in the nation, based on composite SAT scores for each. With St John’s at 2081-2130 and Kinkaid at 2080-2130, the scores were virtually identical, which only fueled the rivalry.
One HISD rivalry that has survived the shifting of districts is Bellaire – Lamar. Both teams play in District 20-6A and have been in the same district with each other for as far back as anyone can remember. The schools are located relatively close to each other and many of the students from each school went to middle school and elementary school together. It doesn’t just pit district rivals against one another, it often pits neighbor against neighbor.
One rivalry affected by the shift in school size classification is the Memorial – Stratford rivalry, a game that has always been intense. This rivalry has produced many historic games over the years as these schools not only played in the same district, but also historically faced each other in the last game of the regular season, UltraMagTexas.com
typically with a play-off spot on the line. Now, Memorial plays in District 18-6A while Stratford plays in District 19-5A. They do still play each other in a non-district game early in the season, which has kept the rivalry alive. So while the game no longer has any significance to either teams’ play-off chances, it remains as fierce a rivalry as the city has to offer. Rivalry games are sure to produce strong feeling on both sides and provide lifelong memories. A victory over your rival can make (or break) a season. The trash-talking and verbal barbs can, and often do, go on indefinitely. It’s the one game that is circled on the schedule every year and the one that everyone looks most forward to. Rivalries are fierce, they are nerve-wracking, and they are intense, but mostly they are a lot of fun.
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Dish Society Frank’s Chop House Heights General Store Local Foods Revival Market Karbach Restaurant and Patio Pax Americana Canino Produce Food Town Foodarama
Artichokes Beets Blackberries Broccoli Brussel Sprouts Cabbage Cantaloupe Carrots Cauliflower Collards Corn Cucumber Eggplant Green Beans Hot Pepper Kale Leek Lettuce Mustard Greens Okra Onions Peas Peppers Radish Spinach Squash Strawberries Swiss Chard Tomatoes Turnips Watermelon UltraMagTexas.com
´ t i t e p p A Bon SEROLES AUTUMN CAS n by Anice Shelto
ULTRA FOOD continued from page 12 Bake covered with foil or the lid at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, then uncover and top with a cup or so of crushed tortilla chips mixed in with the last cup of Velveeta (or just use the cheese). Bake until hot and bubbly…uncover and top with a cup or so of crushed tortilla chips mixed in with the last cup of Velveeta (or just use the cheese). Bake until hot and bubbly… Now for the “Upscale Chicken Spaghetti”. When I make this, I always invite my friend Julie over to eat and I always send her home with some for her hubby Ed. Ed loves it so much that he has been known to eat it straight from the container for breakfast. It’s THAT good. I invented the recipe for a friend who claimed he never liked chicken spaghetti and thought he never would...he ate 2 helpings…and asked to keep the leftovers. Skin and debone the chicken and shred it. Reserve the jelly-like
drippings in the bottom of the
and drained pasta and stir until
container it came in. Heat the water
combined. It should be a fairly wet
for the pasta with the chicken cubes
sauce...if it is not fairly “soupy” then
added in and once it is hot but not
add more cream or milk and adjust
boiling, reserve a cup of the broth
seasonings. The pasta will absorb
to use for the sauce. Cook the pasta
the sauce---especially if you let it sit
until it is a minute or two short of the
overnight in the fridge before heating
shortest cooking time recommended.
through. Heat covered until it starts
While the pasta is cooking, sauté the
to bubble (this will be 20 minutes if
onion in the butter and olive oil over
you go straight from stove top or 40
medium heat in a dutch oven or large
if it was refrigerated). Top with the
pot until softened. Add in the minced
topping of your choice and cook until
garlic and cook until both are soft,
very hot and bubbly and browned...
taking care not to burn the garlic. Add in the thyme, Worcestershire,
Both of these will freeze well. When
chicken, and red wine. Let the red
I freeze them, I usually bring them
wine reduce for 2 minutes over high
back to life in the crockpot and add
heat, stirring constantly and then
in a bit of milk or stock to freshen it
reduce heat to medium high and
up. Frozen foods usually need a touch
add in the cup of reserved chicken
more seasoning as well, so check and
stock (use it to warm up the jelly-like
adjust your seasonings before serving.
drippings in the chicken container--good flavor there!). Add the milk
If the last time you had chicken
and cream and once hot, add in the
spaghetti was when someone gave
shredded cheese. Check for seasoning
you “chicken tetrazzini” in the school
(I usually add pepper but not much
lunch line, then I pray you will try this
salt, if any). A dash of cayenne (just
and put the past behind you...
a touch) and perhaps another TBS of Worcestershire will give you a nice
Let “casserole” become a happy word
rich creamy sauce. Add the cooked
in your house...it is in mine...
UltraMagTexas.com
UPSCALE CHICKEN SPAGHETTI 1 roasted chicken (or leftover turkey meat) 1 lb crimini (Baby Bella) mushrooms, sliced 1 TBS olive oil 4 TBS butter 1 lg onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 TBS Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves 1 ½ cups red wine 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup milk ½ large brick of Velveeta, shredded 2 cubes Knorr chicken stock 1 package pasta (spaghetti, linguine, pappardelle, rigatoni) Optional toppings: crushed crostini toasts, or toasted bread or panko crumbs mixed with a bit of butter...my favorite is crushed rosemary sea salt French rounds from Fresh Market. Or you can use more cheese...
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ULTRA SENIORS
Caregiver 101: Information You Should Know Before You Hire
When looking for the perfect caregiver, many families don’t know where to begin. Though the Internet offers a quick solution for finding caregiver information, it can also be a misleading source. Whether looking for a babysitter for a few weeknights or a full-time nanny, knowing the history of your caregivers is vital. In fact, according to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, babysitters are responsible for 4.2 percent of criminal acts against children under six years of age. Though this is a small percentage, some believe these types of crimes could have been prevented with the appropriate information up front. When conducting a background check, there are two main types to choose from: live court research and online database searches. ONLINE DATABASES: With an affordable price tag and a quick turnaround with information, many people turn to online sites when looking for the appropriate caregiver for their family. Though many of these sites tout that their applicants are ‘mom recommended,’ many are simply electronic databases with little investigative reporting on applicant history. Though they do report major offenses, such as felonies, these sites often miss the mark on reporting minor crimes and misdemeanors. These are the types of crimes that speak volumes about an applicant’s character and past.
LIVE COURT RESEARCH: In addition to a traditional online search, you should also conduct the more thorough option of live court research. Though a more costly choice, live court research extensively searches current and past court records, both state and federal. Look for a screening company with the most up-to-date information, such as Validity Screening Solutions, who has more than 1,600 record researchers that cover all jurisdictions in the United States, to offer the most current and accurate information. For more information, visit www. validityscreening.com. Create a caregiver checklist “A thorough screening includes live court research in addition to an online web search,” said Darren Dupriest, president and CEO of Validity Screening Solutions. “Make sure your search includes an all-encompassing look at an applicant’s verifications, records with federal and state agencies and other personal assessment screenings, which are all important determinants when choosing the best caregiver for your family.” Before choosing the appropriate background check, make sure it hits all the important marks listed below: CRIMINAL RECORDS: A thorough search will identify any felony or misdemeanor criminal convictions. This search should be current enough to include any pending cases involving the candidate.
UltraMagTexas.com
SEX OFFENDER REGISTRIES: A criminal record search alone does not include significant sex offender information because each state has its own stand-alone registry. Be sure to look for a screening company that offers a multi-state check. DRIVING RECORDS: For caregivers required to drive on the job, a thorough check of their driving history is essential. This includes the possession of a valid driver’s license, and ensuring it has not been suspended, revoked and the applicant has no objectionable moving violations. VERIFICATION: A proper check will ensure that past employment, certifications and references are verified through the original source. A complete review of a potential caregiver ensures you are entrusting your family to the safest, best care possible. It also provides peace of mind while you are away from them, which, in itself, is priceless. (Family Features)
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ULTRA LEGAL
BIOGRAPHY & DISCLAIMER
Medical Authorizations
ARE YOU HIP ? (AA)
Courtesy of Byron K. Barclay
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act was passed in 1996, and is a surprisingly important piece of legislation for anyone who might ever get sick or want to share their health information with another person. Among other things, HIPAA requires healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, dentists and hospitals to keep health information private, and imposes fines on individuals, firms and organizations which fail to do so. While there were few fines imposed for many years, in 2012 a hospital was fined $50,000 for the loss of a laptop computer, which had health records on 441 patients. As a consequence, the healthcare industry and others who deal with healthcare records are very sensitive to protecting this information. Why is this important to you? The HIPAA authorization, signed by you, is now almost universally required by healthcare organizations when you consent to any medical treatment. You may authorize the sharing of your private information, and MUST authorize the sharing of this information if you want any other person, including your spouse, your child or your parent to have access to your health information. As a consequence, smart estate planning lawyers who suggest a medical power of attorney (see October issue of Ultra Magazine Houston), or a Directive to Physician will also suggest a general HIPAA authorization for you to sign allowing access to your private health information to anyone that you have designated in your Medical Power of Attorney or Directive to Physician. Those of us with college-aged “children,� 24
BYRON K. BARCLAY BKBarclay@lawyer.com www.BarclayLawFirm.com 713.224.2334
(over 18) will similarly benefit from a HIPAA authorization from our children to allow you to access their healthcare information. This is particularly important for college students who attend college in another city (or state) than where you live. Having an emergency situation to deal with is stressful enough without having to weed through administrative red tape to get access to healthcare information on a loved one, particularly a child who has been hospitalized due to an accident or illness. Similarly, if you are in a trusted relationship with another person, but not married, a HIPAA authorization will be extremely important to facilitate communication with a doctor or nurse who is treating your loved one, and if the injured person is unable to communicate, you may go hours (or days) before you can be apprised of the healthcare status of your injured friend. Obviously, if a patient is conscious they can authorize the doctors or nurses to communicate with you. Without such authorization however, and with the increasing likelihood of prosecution and fines imposed over the unauthorized sharing of private healthcare information by not only doctors, nurses, chiropractors, dentists, but any other person who may have access to private healthcare information, the privacy of your healthcare information will not only be zealously protected, but you may also have significant difficulties in gaining access to the same information about your loved one. Better to be HIP(AA), and know what it means, than to be shut out. ADVERTORIAL UltraMagTexas.com
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. Nothing in this column or on any website where it may be published is intended to create an attorneyclient 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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ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES info@UltraMagTexas.com
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