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content
COVER 09. Cover Achiever: Matt Pitts
10.
36. Feature: Love at First Bite
INTEREST
16.
Hottest Job in Texarkana - Jessika James
20.
Toughest Job in Texarkana - Everett Clinton
24.
Jobs. How to get one. How to Lose One.
26.
Thrill of the Ride - David B. Steward
30.
No Small Feet - Katie Feeback
32.
Fang Phenomenon - Everett Clinton
57.
Creepy Conversation with the Boggy Creek Monster
44.
Meet Trey Johnson
45.
Arts, Culture, & Community - Event List
46.
Kinghat
50.
Guide to Grilling - Justin Turner
ENTERTAINMENT
pg 6
Poll Results: Top 5 Best Burgers
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Cover photography by brian jones publisher expressive marketing, l.l.c.
fashion coordinator lynn morris
editors mallory cleghorn cyenthia page
sales heather morris sergio sencion
proof editor danielle willet
staff writer katie feeback
graphic designers marjorie matthews beau shoulders photographers jeff cross (jeffcrossphoto.com) brian jones
PO BOX 6592 Texarkana. , TX 75505
appealtexarkana@gmail.com
Advertising Sales: (903) 200-6006
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people | appeall
cover-achiever by katie feeback
Matt Pitts
“What time does TLC open? I need a chili cheeseburger. “ With a lifelong love of great burgers, Matt Pitts, was the ideal choice for our cover shoot this issue. After working for the Department of Defense in Iraq for
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two years, Matt returned home to Texarkana in 2009. At the young age of 21 this entrepreneur recently began a business with his sister, Bria Howe. Always looking for an adventure, Matt spends his days creating t-shirts for clients and friends. Lasterday Tees, the name originating from a friend’s inability to say “yesterday”, is an innovative alternative to screen printing in Texarkana. An avid tennis player, Matt spends a couple days of the week at Texarkana Country Club teaching kids how to swing a racket. When not at one of his two jobs, Matt can usually be seen riding his motorcycle around town. A playful entertainer since childhood, his ease behind the camera can easily be seen on the other side. Working just a door away, the Appeal staff is always pleased to share a laugh and a burger with this unique guy.
pg. 9
pg 10
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intrigued enough to try them all.
212 E. Broad St Texarkana, AR
870.773.0200 jackieohsdowntown.com
Jackie Oh’s Being open for just four short months, Jackie Oh’s has already established itself by serving what Appeal readers voted to be the best burgers in the Texarkana area. Interestingly enough, this downtown restaurant did not originally intend for burgers to be their focus. Starting out as a catering company, the positive feedback from customers inspired partners Jackie, Karen, Cathy (known by diners as Baby Granny) and Jean to perfect a burger recipe. They start with all-natural beef raised locally by partners Steve and Norma, add a secret blend of seasonings then grill their patties over an open flame. With daily creations and a build your own burger, the options are endless. It is obvious by the packed dining room that the public loves a burger that tastes “like the ones you used to have in your backyard.”
Green Tomato
2902 South Lake Dr. Texarkana, TX
903.792.9169
Trial and Error. Like any great inventor, the owners of Green Tomato took their time in perfecting a burger recipe. So it comes as no surprise that their effort paid off. Voted by readers as one of the top five best burgers in Texarkana, this year-old establishment credits having fun with food and keeping it interesting as what makes them unique. With a special blend of spices and cooked to juicy perfection, their burger selection quickly went from four to 18. And customers keep coming back for more. A second location, opening this summer, will have a different kind of atmosphere and larger menu, but the concept of great food will still be there. The Green Tomato claims to have “the best burger that ever lived,” and many Appeal readers certainly agree. www.appeal-mag.com
Txk.’s Top Five Best Burgers
the top five best burgers around. You probably have a favorite, But we hope you are
pg. 11
Txk.’s Top Five Best Burgers
poll | appeal
4101 N. Kings Hwy. Texarkana, TX
903.223.8616
Seven years ago a recipe was created in hopes to revive Road Runner convenient store deli. The reviews of the unsuspecting burger spread rapidly. Texarkana quickly came around to the idea of picking up restaurant-quality food along with their newspaper and pack of gum. The success of their burger is attributed preparation and seasoning. The patties are marinated overnight, then are seasoned with secret spices. With their products made fresh daily, the small menu brings in big numbers. Customers all over town flock to the 24-hour deli to satisfy their burger cravings. And the employees know what makes their creations so special. “We put in a lot of love.”
TLC Burgers & Fries
201 E. Broad St Texarkana, AR pg 12
Road Runner
870.773.9316
TLC can add another award to its shelf of notables. This 27year-old downtown burger joint, has developed an unstoppable patronage from all over the Ark-La-Tex area. Their delectable burgers are cut fresh every morning and prepared the same way they were when they opened their doors in 1982. According to the manager, Validean Sims, or Ms. Val as her employees call her, what sets their burger apart is that they “put a lot of love in it.” This love doesn’t just go into the burgers, but exudes into the family-like environment that keeps the community coming back. When asked what the TLC burger means to them, every employee had the same answer, “family.” Their renown burgers and committed employees have helped TLC Burgers & Fries sustain the test of time and become a staple in Texarkana. www.appeal-mag.com
127 Central Mall Texarkana, TX
A newly opened restaurant in Central Mall, Brick House Burgers has quickly become one of the city's favorite places to grab a gourmet burger. Chef Jeff Loving opened this establishment with fresh food and great service in mind. Loving credits great flavors and a bit of flare as what makes Brick House a reader favorite. Along with creative sides like fried green beans, jalapeno caps and sweet potato fries, this first business venture for the chef is sure to draw food adventurers. Special toppings like habanero ketchup, olive tapenade, garlic ranch, horseradish mayo, and fried eggs make Brick House Burgers a unique burger-dining experience.
903.832.7958
BRICK HOUSE B U R G E R S
A TOP 5 BEST BURGER AROUND!
Local Appeal Magazine polls are not intended to be a scientific sample of local opinion. Instead, they are a way for readers to share their preferences, raise curiosity and awareness, and support local businesses. Respondents are not randomly selected, but select themselves to vote on a specific question.
In addition, while Local Appeal Magazine polls are designed to allow only one vote per user, savvy users may find ways around this limitation. For these reasons, the polls are not presented as presentative of the opinion of the general population of our readership areas or the region.
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Txk.’s Top Five Best Burgers
Brick House Burgers
127 CENTRAL MALL TEXARKANA, TX 903-832-7958
pg. 13
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pg. 15
pg 16
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people| appeal
Hottest Job in Texarkana by jessika james photography by brian jones “It was kind of a frosty welcoming,” she remembers. “No one was ever mean to me, or rude, but you could tell that I made them uncomfortable.” You’ll find it hard to run across a person that is head over heels in love with their job. Most of us have a hard time getting out of bed when the alarm makes itself known in the early hours of the morning. But this is not the case for 48-year-old Virginia “Ginger” Lee, who describes her profession as “the best job in the world!” Ginger has worked as a firefighter with the Texarkana, Ark. Fire Department for the past 19 years and was also the first female firefighter in the Texarkana area. Once she starts talking, you automatically know that this is a woman who is completely infatuated with what she does. “It’s such an adrenaline rush,” she says. “You get to drive fast, kick in doors and spray water!” However, this wasn’t always her dream job. After graduating from the U of A in 1980, Ginger attended paramedic school and was working toward her goal to be an EMT. Before she could work on an emergency unit, she would have to become a firefighter. While training at the fire academy in
East Camden, she quickly realized that this was the work she wanted to do. According to her, “fighting fire is just way more fun.” During her eight weeks of training, Ginger was taught procedures, shown how to drive the truck and even had to run drills inside of ‘fire houses’. “You learn how to kick in the doors,” Lee said. “I was amazed at how simple that actually was.” But her job hasn’t always been simple. Being the first woman on the crew was trying at times. “It was kind of a frosty welcoming,” she remembers. “No one was ever mean to me, or rude, but you could tell that I made them uncomfortable.” There also weren’t many changes made around the station to accommodate a female crewmember. For example, she still sleeps in the same dorm as the rest of her crew. “But they did add locks on the doors of the bathrooms. Before, they never had locks, so they got the ring and hook kind that snap once they are in place. ‘Ginger Snaps’,” she laughs. “That’s what continued on next pg >
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pg. 17
the boys started calling them.” Ginger works a 24-hour shift, beginning at 7 o’clock in the morning. Within the first 30 minutes, she has to exchange information with the ranking officer that she is relieving. Such as what the previous crew did, what equipment needs cleaning, if there were any runs the previous night, etc. By 7:30 am they have ‘radio checks’. This is where they get up, check their gear, their equipment and the lights on the rigs, wash the trucks, and sweep/mop the bay area. Mondays through Wednesdays they have Ladder Classes, which are just refresher courses covering procedures. By 5 o’clock most of their duties are done and they are waiting for calls. Ginger explains that everything is in such order that when they do get a call, the response time is “a minute or less from the time the call comes in to the time the truck is rolling out.” After 19 years on the job, Ginger eventually worked her way up to Lieutenant and in 2000 she became Battalion Chief. The youngest of her five children, who is 21, just started working at the station in February. While in training at the academy, one of her female colleagues jokingly informed him that he “wasn’t half the firefighter that his momma is.” Ginger giggles, “There aren’t many times someone would get the chance to say that!”
pg 18
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We Cater
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people| appeal
The Toughest Job
Joey Hackett - R o d e o C lo w n
by evertt clinton
L ike countless others across the city, Joey Hackett has a job he must attend to. On any given day he could wake up with a slight fracture, bruised rib or some other injury that most would deem a reason to stay home from work. But instead of reaching for the phone, Joey reaches for his keys and prepares for another day at the office. Once he arrives, the aromas of livestock and dirt blend seamlessly with the powdery taste of the dust clouds that never seem to fully settle. It is in this setting that the hindrance of a slight fracture could lead to much more severe injuries for oneself, as well as others. No matter the odds, Joey prides himself on being a bullfighter for the Professional Bull Riders Inc., and would not have it any other way.
For those not familiar with the term, bullfighting in this case does not refer to the Spanish matadors armed with red capes and swords. Here bullfighters are the ones responsible for engaging the bull once a rider has been thrown off. Sometimes outfitted with overly flashy gear and face paint, the practice is known as “clowning” by those in the sport. With the tagline of “toughest sport on dirt,” professional bull riders definitely fit the bill for being all-around tough guys. Hackett’s own definition of tough consists not only of the physical wear and tear, but the mental and emotional strains of his job as well. However rugged these cowboys might be, there’s also something to be said about those responsible for their safety. “Those riders are up there in good faith that you have their back. They depend on you,” Hackett said.
About the artist: Neil Howell has spent most of his life painting. His passion for art has taken him all over the world and he has produced over 600 unique and flawless paintings. Howell is a retired businessman of one of the world’s largest offshore drilling companies. He and his wife Irene reside in his hometown of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
pg 20
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Rodeo Clown Neil Howell
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pg. 21
On any given day Joey Hackett could wake up with a slight fracture, bruised rib or some other injury that most would deem a reason to stay home from work. The word “miraculous” comes to mind when such injuries are overcome, and Hackett believes his recovery to be nothing short of a miracle.
Growing up in the Redwater area, it is not uncommon to cross paths with a bull- either by way of livestock sales or sport. During a bucking session, one of Hackett’s friends got tangled up with the animal and required assistance to escape certain bodily harm. Driven by reaction he dove in and distracted the wild beast long enough for his buddy to clear out. It wasn’t until 1999, at a police pg 22
benefit in Naples, that Hackett knew for certain he had found his calling in bullfighting. Present only as a backup, he saw his first piece of real action that night when a fighter failed to show up. At the age of 34 there has been talk of him possibly “losing his steps,” due simply to the physical demands of the job. Hackett shrugs off the notion by not only stating that he feels the same www.appeal-mag.com
as he always has, but more importantly by continuing to rise above his setbacks. In July 2007, a rider was involved in a hang-up that left him at the mercy of a rampaging bull. On cue, Hackett stepped in to divert the animal’s focus from rider to fighter. Joey suffered kicks to the chin, neck and head and was left with an unpleasant parting gift: a fractured C4 vertebrae. Bluntforce trauma to the head and neck in addition to a spinal injury would render a victim paralyzed in most cases. The word “miraculous” comes to mind when such injuries are overcome,
and Hackett believes his recovery to be nothing short of a miracle. Within six short weeks the pain and soreness of the bull’s thrashing were no more. “The power of prayer is what got me through all of that,” he says. Even doctors were baffled by the lack of evidence that his C4 had ever been touched. Just like any real cowboy, Hackett dusted himself off and got back in the ring like it never happened. As with any true calling in life, inspiration played a major role in the birth of his career. Ronny and Donny Sparks are two local legends of the PBR who are still active in the circuit today. Years before he would ever fight a bull, young Joey Hackett gained entrance backstage at a Sparks’ show. It was there that he was able to meet his heroes, certainly a once in a lifetime chance for any bright-eyed youngster. He cherishes that moment and has since studied the Sparks’ style, incorporating some of their moves with his own. “They knew what they were doing,” he remarked, in reference to how the Sparks boys handled themselves on the dirt. With a new sponsor in Hardcore Rodeo Company, Hackett will continue to do what he loves and hopes to one day make an appearance at the PBR Finals. He was recently involved in the Ronny and Donny Sparks Championship Bull Riding event held at our very own fairgrounds this past April. Following his personal advice of never letting anyone say “you can’t”, the determined cowboy will hang up his gear only when his body says its time. www.appeal-mag.com
made you look! (Just like an ad should.)
expressive marketing, l.l.c.
(903) 293-2508
pg. 23
to land you the opportunity for a face-to-face interview, it’s basically an advertisement for yourself. Below are a few tips on what-to-do and not-to-do on your resume.
1. Create a unique cover letter. Grab
the attention of the person shuffling through the resumes.
2. Try to keep all the information on one page, two if needed, but no more.
Jobs.
3. Summarize your qualifications at
the beginning. HR people normally receive hundreds of resumes, having your summary at the beginning will tell them if you are a good fit right away.
How to Get One.
4. Don’t
just state your former responsibilities … tell what you did and how you made improvements. Show action. Show your value. You are selling yourself !
How to Keep One.
5. Don’t lie! Did you know that an
by Cyenthia Page
estimated 60% of people lie on their resumes? Employers will check references and verify degrees, so please don’t try it.
6. Only put your GPA on the resume if
it is a great GPA, at least 3.7 or better.
7. Last but not least, if you are emailing Let’s face it, finding a job can be tough, but keeping your job can be just as difficult during a slow economy. Without even considering layoffs or recessions, did you know that most states are ‘at will’ employment, meaning you could potentially lose your job with little to no reason at all? The job market is extremely competitive. If you think you have what it takes to land that perfect job, you had better think again. There are endless
pg 24
possibilities for higher education through online classes, MBA programs, and hundreds of certificates or licenses to upgrade your qualifications. However, we are going to talk about the basics, the extra tips that will put you in the top 10% of job applicants. The Dreaded Resume- This little piece of paper can make or break your chances at getting picked among the stack of 130 resumes sitting on top of the HR desk. The purpose of a resume is not to get you the job, but
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your resume, make sure that it is in the right format. 8. Investing in the latest Microsoft Office is probably a good idea, because sorry to tell you, but word perfect just doesn’t cut it anymore. If your resume won’t open, it gets deleted!
So you got an interview? Maybe it has been awhile since you had a job interview or maybe you are looking for ways to stand out among the rest. The face-to-face interview can make or break your chances of landing a job. First of all there are obvious expectations of interviewees: show up early, be prepared, dress professionally, and have a positive attitude. However, doing those minimum things will not get you employed at the end of the day. Here are a few tips that will help differentiate yourself and impress your soon-to-be boss. • You may need to ‘out-sell’ 1020 other interviewees. The interviewer is trying to see what you will do in the future, based on things that happened in the past. • Don’t regurgitate your resume; instead highlight your accomplishments with action verbs that show your value. Present a problem and what you did to solve it. • Ask questions. Ask the interviewer questions about the position, the company, the
Ways to lose your job. goals, etc, all while quickly using the information to sell yourself as a solution to the company’s needs. Again, show your value.. • Don’t ramble on about personal hobbies, club memberships, or general personal lifestyle choices; this could lead to conflicts in personal opinions. Tip: don’t mention political or religous affliations unless it is perninant to the job. • If you are a college grad with limited work experience, then talk about how you plan to succeed. In fact, combining real world experience with goals on how to succeed is the best route to take. The interviewer is looking to see how you set goals, how you think, and how you problem solve. • Present your background and career goals within two minutes. Ditch the elevator pitch and differentiate yourself. After a few interviews, you could easily start sounding like Charlie Brown’s teacher to the interviewer. Remember you are the product! Show your value and sell yourself! www.appeal-mag.com
Think twice before doing these. • Calling all slackers and moochers... Do you want to lose your job? Good luck working the system. Here are a few ways to get canned: • Spend most of your time on Facebook while you should be working. Be sure to update your status every hour detailing your disdain for your job. • Every time you leave your desk, unhook your keyboard and take it with you. • Arrive late and leave early... while your at it, take a 2 hour lunch. • Call in sick one more time. Bring a sick note from your mother.
• Insubordination of your boss or co-workers. The boss loves to be embarrassed in public, trust me. • Sleep on the Job. Sleep in the break room. Sleep at your desk. • Have a beer at your desk while reminiscing about yesterday’s wild night out. Insist that you saw your boss’s wife dancing on the pole. • Play “Mary had a little Lamb” on the overhead speaker by touching the numbers 321-2333-222-333321-2333-321-321. Do this before every announcement.
pg. 25
jared russell photography by tanner spendley
pg 26
www.appeal-mag.com
interest| appeal
Thrill of the ride by David B. Steward Photography by Tanner Spendley
Oddly
enough, I can’t recall anything about the morning or early afternoon of what would become one of the defining days of my life. I’m sure I did something to pass the time, probably watched cartoons or played in the backyard. I may have even taken a nap. At 4 years old, my world revolved around my Dad and his workshop. He was my best friend and that little garage was a magical place. Dad came home every day around 4 p.m. and after spending a few minutes with Mom our time together began. We didn’t go to the garage right away that day; instead, I followed Dad out to his old pickup and saw something that changed my life. There in the bed of the truck was a tiny, yellow, “just my size” motorcycle that Dad was going to repair for a friend. Dad worked his magic on the little bike while I held the light and handed him the wrong wrenches. When he was done, he crouched his six-foot frame over that tiny machine and www.appeal-mag.com
awkwardly positioned the toe of his size 10 work boot on the child-size kick starter. After a few kicks, a couple of “special” words and a minor adjustment to the carburetor, the sound of success sputtered from the exhaust pipe. It was then that he uttered the words that make me smile to this very day. He looked at me, trying to hide a grin of his own, and said, “I’m too big to ride this thing, son. Do you think you could do it for me?” After some pre-flight instructions and a quick look to make sure Mom wasn‘t within view, I was no longer just Dad’s little helper- I was a motorcycle rider. Naturally, my life is nothing like it was then, but some things do endure the passage of time. Dad is still my best friend, and I am still riding motorcycles. Almost four decades have seemingly flown by since that fateful day during which I’ve grown to understand the complexity of life with motorcycles. The reasons for owning a motorcycle are as varied as the motorcycles pg. 27
themselves. The rarest of riders, sometimes called “hardcore bikers” ride everywhere they go, no matter the season or weather conditions. Many riders do not even have another form of transportation, and if they do they refer to it as “the cage” and it sits idle, seldom used. Then there are those that have a bike for strictly financial reasons. They commute to and from work on an inexpensive model to save on fuel costs. It’s just good economic sense. For some, a motorcycle serves solely as a catalyst for pleasure. Their bikes are an escape from everyday pressures and routines. These riders vacation on their bikes, attending motorcycle rallies and taking riding tours of the scenic highways and byways of America. And then there are others, like myself, that ride for a combination of reasons. I occasionally ride to work or take my bike to the store, if my need is small enough to fit into my travel pack. But mostly I ride for the pure pleasure of riding. Now I can’t speak about what goes through other riders’ minds while they’re on a long ride- that’s their world- but personally I find that my daily life just melts away. I’m not contemplating the pros and cons of my wireless provider or if I’ll ever meet that perfect woman. I’m enjoying the scenery, checking my gauges, and listening to the tunes provided by Harley Davidson Motor Company. It’s a very romantic endeavor. Not loveydovey romance, but romance in the archaic sense. The sense of free-spirited idealism pg 28
that, in its truest form, ties mankind to nature. I imagine it must be akin to being on a cattle drive in the Old West. Well, except for the hard work, wild animals and such. Each ride is a medley of sensations unlike anything you can imagine. At the age of 42, I still get a sense of excitement before a ride that reminds me of that restlessness I felt as a child on Christmas Eve. My mind is racing with thoughts of past rides and the ride ahead, making sleep an elusive endeavor. I awaken with that same fervor, unaware of any effects of the shorter-than-normal night’s sleep. Before the sun makes its presence known to my little neighborhood, I strap my travel pack to the luggage rack and make some final safety checks. No ride is enjoyable if your bike isn’t in top condition. The first notes from the exhaust are like “Reveille” blasting from a cavalryman’s bugle. It excites my very soul and puts my whole being on full alert. I ride out just before dawn for the sole purpose of seeing the sunrise on what will undoubtedly be a great day. The first leg of my journey is usually just a few miles to meet up with other riders and decide how far we’ll ride before stopping for breakfast. I may be riding a familiar route, but I always seem to see new things, even if that “new thing” is a 200- year old oak tree in small town square somewhere off the beaten path. I prefer to travel the back roads. The real America isn’t on the interstate. Whether it’s the autumn leaves in the Ozarks, the seemingly endless fields of cotton www.appeal-mag.com
in Alabama or spring’s rebirth in Louisiana, nature is an amazing entertainer. There often exists a competition between the act of riding and draw of the scenery. With no set timetable and no watch on my wrist, the scenery seldom loses this battle. Although I’m not actually riding the bike, stops at Arkansas’ Grand Canyon or the World’s Largest Ball of Rubber Bands are undeniably an integral part of the ride. No less important is the time at the end of the day when the engines are allowed to cool and the feeling starts to return to certain numb body parts. Bikers seem to gravitate to the same destinations, so there are always like-minded people with whom to share time. Stories and legends are traded among friends, old and new. Invariably, a true “character” will show up. Last year, I met a Cajun name Conrad who was larger than life with five alligator heads mounted on his chopper. I don’t think I could ever forget someone like that. Then there’s the impromptu bike show; bikes are as unique as their riders and I always like to see what others have done to their bikes and maybe pick up an idea or two for my own. Owning and riding a motorcycle has long been an important and enjoyable part of my life. It is the catalyst which has allowed me to see and appreciate much of America and to forge the bonds of friendship with people I wouldn’t get the chance to meet in my daily grind. I hope that I have as many miles ahead of me as I have behind me. Thanks, Dad, for that tiny, yellow, “just my size” motorcycle.
longview:
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TICKETS: 903.831.STAR texrep.org
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pg. 29
people| appeal
No Small Feet by katie feeback
photo by Kaycie Petty
pg 30
www.appeal-mag.com
Very few people found out their passion before becoming an adult, but Dr. Glenn Gregg Petty knew at a young age that flying planes was his. Taken high above a cornfield by a seasoned pilot in Ohio at the age of 10, Petty felt his first rush and was hooked. “We went up in this tiny two-seater,” Petty said. “He tried to scare me, but I loved it.” Growing up in Massilon, Ohio, the future podiatrist did not have the desire for football like the rest of the town. “My high school, Massilon High School, has had more professional football players graduate from it than any other high school,” Petty said. “But sports were not my field.” A graduate of the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, the upbeat and friendly doctor has flown on and off for the past few decades. Officially getting his private license in 1998, Petty has owned different planes throughout the years but recently purchased the kind of
aircraft that pilots dream about. “Peter Lynch, a retired racecar driver, spent a lot of time and money perfecting a Beachcraft Bonanza,” Petty said. “He added autopilot, 24k-gold flecks throughout the exterior paint and prop, a Leer Jet interior, extra luggage space, a faster engine and more. He then decided to sell it after the tail was scratched for only a fraction of what he put into it.” A Sunday school teacher and supporter of missionaries across the world, in addition to being a doctor, Petty says just thinking of being in the cockpit helps the stresses of the office and operating room melt away. “When a patient comes in with a devastating problem or I have a difficult surgery, I just think of how I will soon be up in the air,”
Petty said, “and the anxiety goes away.” Along with the thrill of flying, Petty and his family also enjoy the gift of time. “It changes a 17 hour drive to a three hour flight,” Petty said. “We can go on vacation or to a medical conference and not have wasted a day and a half on travel.” Just as functional as it is enjoyable, this pilot’s plane is an extension of himself. Whereas most private plane owners have someone fly for them, Petty enjoys flying himself and getting to go when and where he pleases. “I love being able to get up in the air to travel and relax,” Petty said. “But as a podiatrist I always say that you are only as good as your foundation on the ground.”
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pg. 31
trend| appeal
Fang Phenomenom Just in case you’ve been living under a rock for the last two years, here’s a
newsflash: vampires are officially the “in” thing now. by everett clinton
F
rom books to movies to fast food toy endorsements, the seductive beasts have infiltrated the mainstream and are getting quite comfortable in the spotlight (wink). Unlike most sudden crazes of this past decade, there seems to be something different about this following that has given it substantial staying power. No matter the reason, it appears that we will be seeing more pale skin and fangs, at least for the immediate future. Anita Blake, The House of Night, the Sookie Stackhouse Novels and of course Twilight are just a few of the book series’ that have sparked the imagination of kids, teens and adults of all ages. At the heart of these fictitious scriptures are tales of love and intrigue that captivate the reader until a sense of vicarious excitement builds into genuine suspense. pg 32
Even though today’s generation of vampire enthusiasts might seem like the new hip thing, people were getting their bloodsucking fix long before Team Edward was around. In 1897, a man by the name of Bram Stoker gave the ladies of the Victorian era something to fantasize about. During a time of strict sexual prudence, a novel involving a demonic force seducing women via biting and sucking on their neck was as R-rated as situations got back then. The parallels between Dracula and the lack of intimacy during that time period were as obvious to scholars as the connection between females and Brad Pitt in his now infamous “interview”. Fast forward about 100 years and we find Susan Sarandon and David Bowie sharing the big screen in the flick The Hunger. These two powerhouse thespians www.appeal-mag.com
brought even more attention to the creatures of legend with their good looks and Hollywood charm. Clearly the 1980s were a time of various revolutions, but the fact remains that people have always had a special place for these mythical beings. The main difference in today’s tales of vampirism is that the stories are geared more toward a younger audience, with less focus on the adult oriented content. “I want those powers.” These are the words of Books-AMillion employee Jennifer Pasley. But the idea secured within that thought belong to millions more. The powers of immortality, superstrength and seduction are enough to entice just about anyone, perhaps explaining the recent obsession. Escapism and fictional reading go hand in hand. When an author has the ability to influence the reader to want to
inject themselves into the story, success has been achieved. Pasley understands the line between fiction and reality; nevertheless, the allure of the imagined world is a well-received force for her. Described as “paranormal romance”, the usual plot setup borrows a little from both science fiction and love stories, as the name implies. “Everyone wants to experience that love that lasts forever,” says Pasley. “There’s a certain deep and dark passion about them.” That combination of mysticism and esoteric relationships appears to be a winning recipe as noted by the accomplishments of Charlaine Harris. Seven of her Southern Vampire
Mystery books have been simultaneously listed on the New York Times Best Seller list, a first for any author. No matter how much notoriety this current trend attains, there will almost always be those who choose not to take part. From the uninterested average Joe to religious groups critical of worldly nuances, there www.appeal-mag.com
is a wide range of individuals who are not swayed by clammering peers “There are those whose religious beliefs keep them from reading those kinds of books and then there are those who simply can’t tell reality from make-believe,” the Books-AMillain employee informs. “It was the same with Harry Potter.” pg. 33
From the uninterested average Joe to religious groups critical of worldly nuances, there is a wide range of individuals who are not swayed by the clamoring of their peers. “There are those whose religious beliefs keep them from reading those kinds of books and then there are those who simply don’t want their kids getting too deep into it where they can’t tell reality from makebelieve,” Pasley informs. “It was the same with Harry Potter.” The relevance of being able to discern what’s real and what’s not is an issue worth noting as not even fashion is safe from the pg 34
clutches of the re-emerging obsession. Most commonly referred to as “goth”, all-black clothing, makeup and unusual accessories have found a home among teenagers and young adults. The fashion statement itself seems pretty much harmless, but the attention drawn by these individuals unfortunately balloons into beliefs of cults or other similar activities. The explanation could be as simple as life imitating art, but the reverse of that statement also holds true. Pasley believes there are more elements of everyday life to be found in these new www.appeal-mag.com
books than most realize. “You can add a vampire here and put a werewolf there and there’s your story, but when you open your eyes and really look, you see its the real world.” The ability to charm and possession of abnormal strength are two of the talents of vampires. It would seem these mythical powers have transcended the pages of fiction as scores of fans across the country have found themselves falling heavily under the charismatic spell. Only time can tell if the immortality aspect will hold up as well.
DID YOU KNOW? use math this summer!
The largest summer learning losses for children occur in MATH. www.appeal-mag.com
summer + math success pg. 35
interest| appeal
photo by steven lippman courtesy of HBO
pg 36
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interest| appeal
Love at First Bite
Magnolia-based author Charlaine Harris entices the world by vamping it up.
by katie feeback
S photo by Steven Lippman courtesy of HBO
omeone once said, “write what you know.” Most writers would agree. But for Charlaine Harris, a warm, funny mother of three living in southern Arkansas, what she knows is not even reality. Harris’ upbringing on the Mississippi Delta has certainly contributed to the atmosphere of her works, but her characters and storyline are of her own creation. Starting out writing poetry, plays and short stories, Harris has now become one of the bestselling authors of fiction novels this century. www.appeal-mag.com
With bragging rights as the only person to ever have seven books on the New York Times’ Bestseller List at once, she still feels a need to expand and improve. “Writing is a variable art; I guess I am still trying to find the best way to do it,” said Harris. Fans might disagree, with online sites dedicated to Harris calling her writing “perfection.” The Sookie Stackhouse series, a playful look at a telepathic waitress’ sultry adventures with vampires and other creatures, has become a worldwide phenomenon. pg. 37
And if the books weren’t bestsellers to begin with, HBO has taken what Harris created and tweaked it for the masses. True Blood, an enormous hit after just two seasons, is what most avid fans of the books would call a loosely based translation. But Harris is ecstatic with what creator and director Alan Ball has done with her vision. “One of Alan’s geniuses is in his casting and I am fan of the show,”
said Harris, “I love being surprised by what he does, it could really be boring for me if I knew what was going to happen.” Not working with the show on a regular basis because of a demanding schedule and book deadlines, Harris gets to enjoy what Ball has done, without her own words being affected. And with 10 novels already published, the timeline is in her favor. “I am so far ahead of the show,
Magnolia, Ark. native,
Charlaine Harris
writes the books that brought
vampires to HBO.
that it doesn’t influence what I do with the book series,” said Harris, “and we (Ball) are both so busy that we don’t get to see each other much to discuss ideas.” A first for Harris last summer, and true testament to the popularity of the show and book series, was her visit to ComiCon with Ball and the cast of True Blood. “Appearing with the cast was a big deal at ComiCon,” said Harris, “they had to add extra security for the 5,000 fans that showed up. It was so crowded and stressful, but still fun. I am happy to be returning this year.” And with her own comic book being published, Harris might have to get used to crowds and fans of the convention. “I was approached about having my Harper Connelly books turned into a comic,” said Harris, “I am excited about what the people at Dynamite are doing.” An entertainer at heart, this author does not try to hide meaning or symbolism in her work, she just tries to have fun with the supernatural. “I wanted to write about a woman Charlaine Harris on the set of True Blood. photo by doug hyun/courtesy of HBO
pg 38
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in the real world who was dating a vampire,” ever remember spending too much time on one said Harris, “the other-worldly creatures just [novel].” seemed like they would be the most fun.” This writer is truly creative in that her characters But she does notice that the people’s do not come from people she knows, they come from obsession with creatures not from our reality within her mind. stems somewhat from serious issues. “Sometimes I might use someone’s physical “I think that in depressed economic times, appearance, but none of my characters are based on people always want to read something from the anyone in real life, “ said Harris. supernatural scene, it’s much more of an escape. So the terrifying back stories and unnerving I think that’s a big part [of the craze].” experiences in her novels are a horror she has never seen, This kind of escape is everywhere. Not just only imagined. America’s society, but around the world. And the only haunting visual influence around Harris recently wrapped up a European book when she writes are photos of cemeteries in the Big Easy. tour and is spending the month of May promoting “My work space is just an apartment near my home her eleventh Sookie with gifts from fans, awards I wanted to write about a woman I have won, posters from the Stackhouse novel in the States. (Her in the real world who was dating show, and a few pictures of New humorous travel Orleans tomb art,” said Harris. a vampire, blog can be read But horror is not the main on charlaineharris. focus of Harris’ work. Humor com; the site also has recommendations of authors stands out in her novels, as well as the sexual component and titles that she personally enjoys.) that goes hand-in-hand with vampires. A fan of Jane Austen and Edgar Allen Poe And that is exactly what she is going for, since childhood, Harris wanted to mix romance an entertaining mix of it all. with horror, with humor. “I just don’t want to be bored, I like to “Urban fantasy [is what I write],” said keep it exciting and different,” said Harris. Harris, “I couldn’t write just romance; it has to One would think Harris is unaware of her fame keep me interested as well.” and influence when speaking with her about success, Not spending too much time on each novel awards and personal method, but it simply is her humble helps keep the ideas fresh and focused. attitude and humorous demeanor that make her “The shortest time it has taken me to such a likable writer. Keeping it light is part of write a novel is six months, with the longest her charm. probably being 10 or 11,” said Harris, “I can’t “On occasion, I can be entertaining!”
“
”
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photo by Steven Lippman courtesy of HBO
pg. 39
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people| appeal
Meet Trey Johnson by katie feeback
photo by brian jones
pg 42
An intelligent and thoughtful musician, Trey Johnson knows that the audience is not clueless, and he refuses to treat them that way. “We as musicians do not need to dumb down our music for the audience,” Johnson said. “We know the covers they want to listen to, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t want to hear something new and exciting.” Not picking up an instrument until college, Johnson has had 14 years of experience writing, singing and playing for the band Pail alongside Chad Morris and Garron Helm.
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In the past few years, the guitarist and harmonica player has added quite the list to his musical resume. Working on his first solo album now, as well as another with acoustic partner Dave Almond, Johnson barely has time to perform for his expanding group of fans. “I also recently started playing in a band with the Josh Lawrence Trio (Russell Roberts, Dan Colquit and Josh Lawrence) called The Droppers,” Johnson said. Growing up in Prescott, Ark., Johnson lost his father at a young age, but his legacy lives on through the musician today.
Culture & Nightlife Guide Per for ming Arts TexRep presents “Grease” May 7-9 and 14-16 Fri & Sat shows @ 7:30pm Sunday shows @ 2pm Stillwell Theater, TC campus Poetry Thursday Nights Skyward Jazz Lounge
22nd Annual Juried Regional Exhibit @ TRAHC 06.26 to 08.21 Oil Painting on Canvas May 11-27, TRAHC Call for specific dates and times, 903.792.8681
Community May 8th NE Texas C.O.P.S. presents 1st Annual Police Memorial @ Spring Lake Park, 5pm
Nightlife & Entertainment Team Trivia Nights Hopkins Icehouse May and June Sunday nights @ 9pm
May22nd Craws for a Cause @ 3rd & Wood, Hopkins Icehouse Bugs, beer & bands: 4pm to midnight Visual Arts
May 1st Radio Edit @ Shooter’s
18th Annual Juried Student Exhibit, ends 06.05 @ TRAHC
Dueling Pianos @ Hopkins Icehouse, Fundraiser $10
Live music @ Hopkins Icehouse May 7th Ms Mac Acoustic @ Lee’s Catfish Chasing Rita @ Hopkins Icehouse May 8th The Inside @ Roadmap
May 20th Dave Almond & Trey Johnson @ Fat Jack’s
June 07th Matt Plessner @ Hopkins Icehouse
May 21st Greg Batterton @ Lee’s Catfish
June 12th The Droppers @ Timothy’s
Dean Agus @ Hopkins Icehouse
The Droppers @ Timothy’s
May 27th Matt Plessner @ Hopkins Icehouse
May 14th Dave Almond & Trey Johnson @ Lee’s Catfish
May 28th Rich Walker &Windy Windham @ Lee’s Catfish
Recession Proof @ Hopkins Icehouse
John Calvin Brewer @ Hopkins Icehouse
May 15th Ms Mac & the Groovetones The Droppers @ Fat Jack’s @ Fat Jack’s Ms Mac & the Groovtones May 5th, Cinco de Mayo @ Hopkins Icehouse Robert St. John @ Shooter’s
May 29th Jason & Aaron @ Hopkins Icehouse Teazur @ Fat Jack’s
“I didn’t really get a chance to get to know
Friday of the month), Club Next and Hopkins
him,” said Johnson, “but everyone that tells me
Icehouse ensure that no matter where his fans
stories about him always touch on how he loved
go, they can find him.
to entertain, as well as be entertained. I guess that is where I get it from.” Always flattered by a compliment, Johnson believes that interacting with the crowd is one of the most important elements of a live show. “Leaving a show, after feeling like you are part of it, makes you want to come back and have that experience again,” Johnson said. “It’s great for me to form that kind of relationship; it’s what makes me enjoy entertaining so much.” Frequent stops at Timothy’s, Fat Jacks, Shooters, Top Rail, Lee’s Catfish (every second
Ji Calicott Band @ Sullivan theatre June 17th Dave Almond & Trey Johnson @ Fat Jack’s June 18th John Calvin Brewer @ Hopkins Icehouse June 19th Pail @ Fat Jack’s Recession Proof @ Hopkins Icehouse June 26th Jason & Aaron @ Hopkins Icehouse
“I play pretty much anywhere in town that will have me,” Johnson said. “I still travel to Hot Springs, El Dorado and Little Rock for shows, but since I’ve gotten older, I like to stay closer to home.” Passionate about every aspect of his career, Johnson knows that the music and his audience are what makes doing what he does so enjoyable. “I guess at the end of the day, everybody has to be happy with what they’ve done,” Johnson said. “I love what I do and the audience can tell. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
www.appeal-mag.com
pg. 43
people| appeal
by katie feeback photography by jeff cross
While practicing with his band, Strangelove, drummer Greg Lynch attempted to name a Depeche Mode song that they were covering, but couldn’t think of the title. “Isn’t this the song where the video shows a guy walking around in a king hat?” Lynch’s band-mates, Curt Richardson and Mark Braley, looked at him and said, “You mean a crown?” The group had a good laugh and the name King Hat was born. Richardson and Braley share vocal and guitar duties, with Lynch’s father, Jesse, on the bass. Playing shows around town since 2004, King Hat
pg 44
has become a local favorite, despite only playing about 10 shows a year. And that’s not including the few weddings and private gigs. “We tend to go over better in a club setting where people are there to listen to music,” said Lynch. With the bulk of their performances at Fat Jack’s, these guys have been able to gain a different fan base than bands they have been a part of in the past. Braley and the younger Lynch have been playing together for the better part of two decades, with Richardson joining them in 1998 on Strangelove, which plays mainly 80s pop music.
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They all have been part of several different bands together over the years, including Rowan, 7th Street, and Red Nek Hippies. All with varied musical backgrounds, this group plays to have a good time, but with a unique sound. Very few songs they cover are played by other bands in the area, which may have something to do with their electric musical tastes. “I actually picked up a guitar because of Eddie Van Halen,” said Braley, “but I am inspired by innovative guitarists who tinker in irregular sounds like Jeff Tweedy and Nels Cline of Wilco.”
Growing up with music in the home, Greg Lynch gained influence from some of the best in the Four States. “[My parents) were in a band with local talents Bubba and Scotty Wray,” said Lynch, “Bubba (Colin Raye) went on to have a successful country music career and Scotty is currently the guitarist for Miranda Lambert.” But as far as Lynch’s inspiration on the drums, local talent Burt Joyner has had the greatest influence. “He is wonderfully talented and played in bands with my mom and dad for years,” said Lynch, “I
would spend hours watching and studying every move he made behind the drum set; he really shaped the way I play.” Never taking themselves too seriously and playing their own musical interpretation of songs help to keep the crowd interested. “We’re probably a bit looser than some of the other cover bands in the area,” said Greg Lynch, “we don’t necessarily play it exactly like the original version, we like to add our own flavor.” And that flavor is what keeps their fans coming back for new material. Never playing a set just like
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the last, King Hat gives something different to the Texarkana music scene, which is something they are proud to be a part of, but not without looking to the future. “I would like to see a theater or hall large enough to draw bigger name and acts to town,” said Braley, “like the Granada in Dallas, with around 800 seats.” As the city begins to grow and bring in new business, the music venues are sure to be built as well, and the big names will follow. One day, fans all around will look to see King Hat’s name on the marquee.
pg. 45
3:00 Meeting?
Aimee Pearson shoes - BCBGirls blouse -T a k a r a jacket - Soulmates
pg 46
]-
Dillard’s
pants - C i t i z e n necklace
]-
Abby Gayle’s
Lindsey Gamble
]-
shoes-VincentCamuto suit - Gianni Bini Dillard’s blouse - Takara
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]-
glasses -Brighton Abby Gayle’s ring
fashion | appeal
The Great Escape
photography by Jeff Cross p h created for
o
www.appeal-mag.com
appeal
lynn morris -fashion coordinator t o magazine. pg. 47
leisure | appeal
guide to
the greatest steak
grilling
by justin turner
photo by brian jones
There may be no other protein as decidedly American as red meat. From the all-American burger, to the German-born chicken fried steak, there is an argument for beef being the most versatile meat in the butcher case. And, like most things, there is but one kind of cut that rises above the rest. I’m speaking, of course, about the meal of self-respecting gentlemen (and ladies) everywhere. The staple of many a dinner, and even breakfast menu. The one and only... Steak. Say it. “Steak.” It even sounds definitive; nay consummate. Which is pg 48
why I get so angry when franchise restaurants over-season their food, then smother sauces or veggies or what have you all over the top. How could anyone hope to taste a steak in there? And who would want to when this junk is butchered, frozen for mechanized cutting, thawed while cutting, individually vacuum sealed, and refrozen before ever properly aging, all in the name of low cost to the provider. But not to worry, for this is my mission: Reaffirm steak’s position on the totem pole, and “learn summa you kids a thing or two” along the way. So, if we’re all game, then let’s get started.
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Butcher Report Card
We begin where most meals do: the land of dreams, a world of infinite possibilities or, for those of you who aren’t complete dweebs like myself, the supermarket. I’ve taken the liberty of investigating several local butcher cases: Being one of the few locations that actually allow you to see inside the fabrication room, among other things, Sam’s Club was the clear champion. That is, if you don’t mind the $40 membership fee. But if you’ve got a different, favorite joint for meat shopping or
lea
c
ess
n nli
n
tio
ec sel
lity
a qu
Wal-Mart, Texas
A-
A
B+
Albertson’s on 7th
A+
A-
A-
Super 1 Foods
A
B+
A-
Sam’s Club
A+
A+
A+
Rehkopf’’s, Wake Village
A-
C+
A
want to try a new one, just make sure it follows a few guidelines. The display case must be clean and neat, or I’d start wondering how stuff looks back there where you can’t see. If there isn’t a thermometer on the case, ask the butcher, or carry your own, like me. Anything below 42 F is smooth sailing. So, now that we know where we’re going, what do we get? I know you want to go right for that T-Bone, the bone daddy, but consider this. On one side of the bone, you’ve got the fatty New www.appeal-mag.com
York strip and on the other, a filet. “What’s the problem?” you might ask. Two different meats means two different protein structures, means, you guessed it, different cooking times. For my money, I’d skip the filet or strip all together and spring instead for the old Ribeye. The Cowboy cut (ribeye) provides my favorite fat to muscle ratio in most cases. I also prefer charcoal grilling with a handful of soaked mesquite chips. Try it, you won’t be disappointed. pg. 49
leisure | appeal
party on the patio by vincent senatore
Great wines and spirits will add to the pleasure of entertaining on your patio. Here are some fun ideas utilizing both. There’s nothing like the change of the seasons to spur a change in our eating and drinking rituals. Share a comfortable summer day on the patio with a tart cocktail and a friend. Or enjoy an evening meal and array of libations between neighbors.
pg 50
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Lunchtime on the patio or by the pool can be really festive with a chilled bottle of Riesling or Gewurztraminer. Riesling is especially good with some fried chicken or spicy sausages and Gewurztraminer is the wine of choice with Cajun and Tex/ Mex flavorings. Try serving a chicken or tuna salad sandwich on 7-grain toast garnished with some roasted red peppers and a crumble of Beecher’s Cheddar with these wines and make it a gourmet event.. Another afternoon fun drink is the mimosa or the bellini. Both made with sparkling wine, the bellini (created with peach nectar), and the mimosa (made with orange juice) are wonderful brunch drinks. Try a peach bell-
ini with a ham and Swiss omelet served over some grilled asparagus. It’s Fuggetaboudit!!! The matching flavors and the silky smooth texture of the bellini is a wonderful pairing with your favorite omelet. You can also try the bellini with a capful of peach schnapps for a little extra zing. The mid-afternoon is a great time for the fruit flavored (peach or strawberry) margarita. This delicious libation is gaining springtime popularity because of the tart flavors and the citric overtones that blend well with fresh fruit and salty snacks.
1.25 oz spiced rum 12 mint leaves 1 tbsp sugar 0.5 oz lime juice 2 oz soda
mojito
Place mint leaves in bottom of glass. Add crushed ice, Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, sugar, and lime juice, and muddle. Add soda water and garnish with mint leaves.
continued on next pg. >
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pg. 51
grilling
Pizza Dough Homemade ½ cup warm water Grilled Pizza 1 envelope instant yeast 1 ¼ cups water at room temperature 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 cups bread flour 1 ½ teaspoons salt Dissolve warm water and yeast. Add water and oil and stir to combine. Pulse flour and salt in food processor while pouring in the liquid ingredients. Continue to pulse until a ball forms and dough is smooth and elastic, about 30 seconds longer. Knead to form a smooth, round ball. Let rise until doubled in size, 1 ½ to 2 hours. Press dough to deflate. Separate into 5 balls. Roll each ball out thinly on floured wax paper. Quick Homemade Tomato Sauce for Pizza 1 (28oz.) can diced tomatoes 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 large garlic cloves, minced or pressed through a garlic press Food process tomatoes, add to garlic and olive oil over medium heat in saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Carefully transfer rolled out pizza dough rounds to a pizza peel that has been lightly sprinkled with flour. Lightly brush one side with olive oil. Place oiled side of pizza dough onto cooking grate of grill. Grill until lightly crisp about 2 minutes. Lightly brush top side while dough is on the grill. Remove crust from grill with a large spatula. Place grilled side up on pizza peel. Spread grilled side with pizza sauce and top with your favorite toppings. Return pizza to grill and cover with grill lid. Grill about 6 to 8 minutes until pizza crust is cooked and cheese is melted. Serve immediately. Topping Suggestions: Browned Italian sausage, sliced grilled chicken breast, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, artichoke hearts, good quality mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.
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continued Party on the Patio
Another afternoon favor-
ite is the bloody mary. There are many variations of the bloody mary, however there is one unique Bloody Mary mix that especially piques the interest of the Tex/Mex crowd. Daily’s Salsa Bloody Mary mix offers a really flavorful salsa fix. Add a jalapeño pepper to this bloody mary and you will feel the Cancun surf in your backyard. In the heat of the afternoon, one more fun beverage is the “sea breeze”. Start this refreshing beverage by filling a glass with ice (I like mine crushed); mix 1 part vodka (use the good stuff) with 2 parts cranberry juice, 2 parts grapefruit juice and finish with a slice of lime. Or, float the grapefruit juice for a more tart flavor. A fun drink that can take you well into the evening is the Wine-A-Rita. In a blender filled with ice, add an inexpensive Merlot or Sauvignon Blanc to the
Grilled Fruit with Bourbon Glaze
Win-A-Rita mix and you are going to “rock” with the best. Let’s not forget the “suds.” People may want to sample some of the hand-crafted beers that have become so popular this year. I’ve found the wheat beers to be rich and refreshing and there are a slew of pale ales that have recently landed on a palate or two. Crafted beers can be a very nice accompaniment to a grilled favorite like hot dogs and brats. At the close of a great night, the slightly chilled Tawny Port or Amontillado. Sherry is the perfect way to ensure a good night’s sleep. Try a bite of chocolate with your port. It could change your life… Have fun… and be safe!
1/4 bourbon 2 sticks butter, softened 2 cups light brown sugar, firmly packed 2 lemons, juiced 1/2 cup water Assorted Fruit, cut in halfs or sliced (pineapple, peaches, plums)
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Bring bourbon to a boil in a medium saucepan and let boil for one minute. Add butter, brown sugar, lemon juice and water and bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Let simmer for 5 minutes, letting it thicken as it cools. Toss fruit in glaze and set on grill, turning after light grill marks appear. Serve with ice cream and remaining glaze.
fashion | appeal
dress by Hannah S. available at Reed’s Bridal
jacket by Stoosh available at Dillard’s
Blending In photography by Jeff Cross p created
h for
lynn morris -fashion coordinator o appeal www.appeal-mag.com
t
Jessica Campbell - model o magazine. pg. 53
gorilla suit: Allison’s Party Supplies 1433 College Drive (903) 793-1355
pg 54
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local | appeal Fabricated horror stories about the Boggy Creek Monster led the elusive creature on a mission to clear his name. Our very own Cyenthia Page sat down with BC and actually found him to be kind, and surprisingly techie - he even has a Facebook page. Here is the story, straight from the beast’s mouth. photography by brian jones
Conversation CP: What’s your real name? BC: Chester Copperpot. Just kidding. I actually don’t have a real name. As weird as that may sound, I don’t actually recall being called anything other than “OH GOD WHAT IS THAT?” I don’t remember my parents or anything from my early childhood. CP: How old are you? BC: I am 58 years old. But being born on a leap year (perhaps I am younger). or so says the piece of wood that I found near where I am apparently from. I found a small board with an inscription on it while I was still quite young. I kept it with me in the woods, unable to read until I was almost 25, the words written on it, were always a mystery to me. It reads, “You were born on February 29, 1952. Please stay hidden. I am sorry. You are scaring your mother.” CP: What do you eat? Any favorite dish while living off the land? BC: Hot Pockets. Although, I love a good neighborhood dog, especially the little yipping ones. My digestive system doesn’t break down hair very well, but I can’t
resist a Silky Terrier or a Min Pin CP: Do you have any living relatives? BC: My “uncle” is all I know of. He says there are others like us, but I haven’t met them. I have been thinking about making a trip to search around, but honestly I can’t seem to get too far from my mud hut, and prime time television. Lately, I am consumed by American Idol, and looking forward to the new season of Breaking Bad. CP: People call you the “Boggy Creek Monster”, but where do you actually reside? Surely not in a creek…especially one that’s “boggy”. BC: Actually, yes, I live in Boggy Creek. Deep in the creek. CP: Have you made yourself intentionally known to anyone or a select few individuals throughout the years for friendship/companionship? If so, do you find that most people do a good job at keeping your whereabouts and existence a secret? BC: I have tried several times to find a woman. I know that sounds pathetic, but I haven’t had much luck. I think women can’t get past the body hair. Plus I eat house dogs.
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pg. 55
CP: Did the release and showing of the movie “The Leg- public know about you, your kind, your actions, etc. end of Boggy Creek” draw more attention to you than that we have not covered here? This is your chance what you would have liked or did you appreciate the to address the public and let them know how you truly feel and/or to educate them on you and your activities attention? BC: That movie made me out to be an insane idiot kill- here in our area. BC: If I could tell the world er. Dumb. Awful movie, almost anything? Man, I only have as awful as The Blind Side. one thing to say, read more CP: Do/did you get royalties off If I could tell the world anything? Whitman. of the movie? Man, I only have one thing to say, CP: Would you be willing to BC: I tried but without a social read more Whitman. have your photo taken so security number and a bank the public can see one and account I couldn’t do much. for all? First of all, it would CP: What do you actually think squash any rumors or misconceptions about your apof the movie? pearance and two, we have been anxiously awaiting BC: I didn’t like it, at all. CP: Where in life do you see yourself in the next 5-10 an opportunity to actually capture your true essence to preserve for eternity. years? Any specific goals you’d like to achieve? BC: I want to reread Ayn Rand’s The Fountain- BC: I would love a photo shoot. There are tons of blurry head again, and maybe try to finish this process of as hell photos out there. Maybe he can make me look sexy. Couldn’t hurt my chances with the ladies, huh? body hair removal. CP: Is there anything you’d like to personally let the
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