Shopbrazos

MAY 2012

Simple steps to make your backyard the envy of the neighborhood 5 delicious, must-try recipes for any summer cook out Downtown Bryan boutique offers its ‘favorite things’ at great prices

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WHAT’S INSIDE

Jenny Downing (979) 731-4660 Internet Sales Director Thursday, May 17, 2012____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

jenny.downing@theeagle.com Billy Mau Editorial billy.mau@theeagle.com Eric Aguirre Layout & Design eric.aguirre@eveningpostinteractive.com ON THE WEB www.shopbrazos.com facebook.com/shopbrazos twitter.com/shopbrazos youtube.com/shopbrazos foursquare.com/shopbrazos gplus.to/shopbrazos shopbrazos.com/deals Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the management of the publication. ©2012 GATEHOUSE MEDIA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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An individual, multiple families, charity organizations or even an entire neighborhood may host the sale.

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...the success of Downtown Bryan has been just as exciting as the success of her own business...

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“

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serving others not only benefits the community but can enrich family life and spark deep discussions.

AGGIE

owned

AGGIE

operated Thursday, May 17, 2012____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

Need Call W help movin g ildcat Mover ? s at 979-2 5 5 -75 wildca tmove 50 rs.com

3201 Earl Rudder Frwy. in College Station

979-690-0500 www.allseasonsstorage.us

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We’ll Come Get You... Free!

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YARD SALES

Thursday, May 17, 2012____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

By Randall Stokes SPECIAL TO THE EAGLE

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On the A

hunT 5

Tips for finding and getting the best deals at yard sales

yard sale can be a treasure trove of great deals for the savvy shopper.

Yard sales typically feature pre-owned items such as clothing, toys, furniture and household goods. An individ-

ual, multiple families, charity organizations or even an entire neighborhood may host the sale. At some yard sales, you can find crafts and homemade goods, as well as new or unused items.

YARD SALES

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Find the best sales homes in more affluent neighborhoods. The goods at these sales may be of better quality and less used because the sellers are more likely to be holding a sale

to get rid of things they simply no longer want. In addition, fundraising yard sales, such as the type held at churches or schools, often are larger than individual home sales and offer a wide selection of items, especially clothing. Most of the items are donated, and the organization hosting the sale has one goal — to raise as much money as it can.

Therefore, items may be priced lower than goods found at an individual’s yard sale.

Cash is preferred

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Cash is the preferred method of payment at yard sales. Some sellers may be will to take a personal

Visit a block sale

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If you are going to spend a day at yard sales, you can save travel time by visiting a neighborhood

check or money order, but most will only

sale where you can shop several sales

deal with cash transactions. When pur-

within only a few blocks. When neighbor-

chasing a larger item, such as a snow

hoods, subdivisions or entire towns host a

blower for $100, the seller may be willing

yard sale day, deal-seekers can find great

to take a personal check and hold your

buys. The more people participating in the

check until you can return with cash. After

area-wide yard sale, the more selection

you return with the cash, the seller will give

and competitive prices shoppers will find.

Thursday, May 17, 2012____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

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The University of Florida Extension Office suggests you consider sales hosted by

your check back and you can tear it up.

Negotiate price for the best deal

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It’s OK to haggle over prices at yard sales. The exception is when the sale has posted a sign that

states, “All prices firm.” In this case, the

Deals on secondhand items

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Yard sale shoppers typically can find good deals on secondhand items such as clothing, toys, fur-

niture and books. If you find a sale with a

seller may not want the hassle of negoti-

“Fill a bag, any clothing for $5” sign, take

ating, but may have priced things cheaper

advantage of the bag space. You can fit

so they sell quickly. When negotiating, be

more clothing in a bag if you roll the cloth-

polite. Scoffing at the price set is not the

ing instead of folding or cramming the

way to get on the seller’s good side.

items into the bag.

New yard & garage sales posted Friday-Sunday on

shopbrazos.com/garagesales

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Thursday, May 17, 2012____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

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BACKYARD BEAUTY

Backyard beauty Four simple steps to a gorgeous yard

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gorgeous yard — with thick green grass, waves of colorful flowers and well-pruned shrubs — is the perfect backdrop for backyard barbecues, games of tag and daydreaming. Follow these yard and garden maintenance steps now so you’ll have more time this summer to relax and enjoy your outdoor slice of paradise.

Water wisely Look at plants carefully before you water. “Wait until they show signs of wilt, then water thoroughly,” advises Ed Lyon, director of Allen Centennial Garden at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

To help prevent diseases, water plants and lawns early in the day so the foliage dries before sunset.

Add mulch

Shape shrubs

Boost flower power

Mulch flowerbeds with wood chips or finely shredded leaves to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Some plants benefit from specific types of mulch.

“Put a quarter-inch layer of crushed oyster shells or white turkey grit under lavender and sage plants,” says Rose Marie NicholsMcGee, owner of Nichols Garden Nursery in Albany, Ore. “The white mulch bounces warm, dry air up through the plant to prevent fungal diseases and enhance growth.”

Mulch tomato, pepper, eggplant and cucumber plants with flattened sheets of used aluminum foil for insect control and to hasten ripening. Light reflected from the foil kills whiteflies, aphids and thrips on the underside of plant leaves and focuses more sunlight on fruits.

Remove dead blooms and prune to shape spring-blooming shrubs such as lilac and forsythia. Prune summer-flowering shrubs after they bloom, too.

“Use hedge shears or hand clippers and take off 2 to 4 inches of growth all over the plant, not just the top,” says gardening expert Nellie Neal of Jackson, Miss. “This haircut will push out new growth, thicken it up and keep the plant looking good into fall.”

Neal also recommends pruning hedges and straggly evergreen shrubs to rejuvenate them.

Save large twigs and small branches as you prune; they make great stakes for floppy delphinium, iris and lilies.

Remove spent flowers to encourage annuals to produce more blooms. Deadheading also encourages some perennials, such as coreopsis, black-eyed Susan and phlox, to bloom again.

“Fertilize annuals after each flower flush so they have the nutrients to sustain a long blooming season,” Neal says.

Pinch the tips of chrysanthemums every two weeks until July 4 to force plant growth into a wide mound with plenty of flower buds.

To encourage bigger gladiola flowers, spray leaves, before buds form, with one tablespoon of Borax dissolved in a quart of warm water.

Pinch off the top bud to force open the rest of the buds at once.

— By Sherry Phillips, Special To The Eagle

WANT LOWER ELECTRIC BILLS? Foam InsulatIon Is tHE answer!!!!

• Approx. Savings 30 - 50% In Existing Homes

FOAM OR RADIANT BARRIER? This question is often asked.

(The best way to reduce attic temperatures and insulate your home)

Well if we asked the Neil family in Houston, their answer was after spending all that money on radiant barrier, I still had a hot attic and a high electric bill. Mrs, Neil said she never noticed a difference.

Rock-Crete has been in the foam insulation business for several years. The people that sell radiant barriers, must not be very comfortable in their product, as they always recommend more insulation and power ventilators. The problem is the the power ventilators, (fans) pull the dust from the cellulose insulation up, and it ends up sticking to the radiant barrier and thus causing the performance of the radiant barrier to cease. Radiant barrier shiny surface has to remain shiny for it to reflect the heat.

It can also fall down. When it is working, it is reducing an attic’s temperature by about 15 degrees. That still leaves a very hot attic. Not a permanent solution. Now power ventilators can help, but building science says if you have one, unplug it, because it depressurizes your home’s interior. It may be cooling the attic, but it often uses the cool air from inside the home to do so.

What about Radiant Barrier Paint? Most in the industry consider this to be an outright farse! After talking with many people that have had this done, most will tell you it was a waste of their money. Do you really believe that spraying a gray paint on your roof deck is going to reduce your attic temp?

What are we really trying to do? Reduce the attic temperatures! Does 15 degrees excite you? Does 115% or 125% excite you? It is better than 140-150%, but foam solves all of that. Foam gets the temperatures in the attic down to between 77-85o, from 3-10 degrees to what you have your thermostat set on. Is it cheap no! But it is very effective. Radiant barriers are not cheap either, but for the difference, foam insulation will actually reduce those temperatures and correspondingly your Electric bill. The difference in price is often only 10 percent.

Thursday, May 17, 2012____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

• Approx. Savings 70% In New Homes

Example 1: Missouri city, Couple had a 5 year old home, had additional cellulose sprayed in attic. They noticed very little difference in their electric bill and still had a hot upstairs and a very hot attic. We sprayed the foam insulation on the underside of the roof deck, and they immediately noticed their upstairs was comfortable and the attic was also. They reported a 30 percent savings.

Example 2: Their neighbors had a 25 year old two story, and after we sprayed it they were not only much more comfortable in the summer but did not use their heat on that cold winter till December. They reported over a 50% savings.

Example 3: Mr. Cruz moved into a new spec home in Dove crossing, Mr. Cruz summer and winter bills were $650.00; Quite high for an 1800 sq. foot home. We talked to him in 2010 about foam insulation, but he delayed, in 2011 he talked with an air conditioner technician which convinced him to zone his upstairs and that would solve his problem. $5000.00 later, he is still uncomfortable and his bill is still $650.00. He had another contractor come out and say that for $3500.00 he could install some radiant barrier and some fans, and guarantee his temp on a hot day to be 10 degrees less. I just had to chuckle, seriously? 10 degrees? He said he finally figured out that we knew more than all of these other guys, and he had us foam his attic. He is already noticing a difference, and can’t wait for the hot months. We are not afraid, his bill will probably be close to 50% less, and his attic will be nearly the same as his house.

If you have a challenge or a challenging question, we are here to help. Save that $5000.00 save that $3500.00 and come to us first. If we can’t help you we will tell you who can. We are constantly recommending other contractors that do good work and do not try to make excessive profits at your expense.

At Rock-Crete we are experts at foam insulation, and experts on correcting two story homes and all problems associated with a poorly insulated structure. Call us at 936-399-4674 1-888-FOAM HOMe(362-6466) or Greg 979-229-3493

Also the only way to effectively cool a metal building or a 2 story house

www.rock-cretefoam.com

1-888-FOAM-HOMe (362-6466)

Greg

979-229-3493

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SAINT JIM.N.I MICHAEL’S BOUTIQUE

Thursday, May 17, 2012____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

Shopping the downtown Bryan way

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Jim.n.i Boutique’s unique items and charm fit right in with the Downtown scene

By Billy Mau The Eagle

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fixture in Downtown Bryan for the last four years, Jim.n.i is a store that has grown and evolved much like the neighborhood around it.

When Earlene Butcher retired from her career in Louisiana real estate, she new she wanted to open a boutique that carried her favorite things. The problem was that she wasn’t sure exactly where. On a trip to Bryan/College Station for a ballgame, the Butchers found their where.

“When I came here, I wanted to find the heart of the town,” Earlene said. “When we came to town for that ballgame and I saw what was going on here, I said, ‘I think I can open a shop in downtown, things are getting ready to happen there.”

So far things have gone even better than she had hoped.

Downtown Bryan is developing into a popular scene with both locals and visitors, and Jim.n.i

has been an active member in that development through First Friday participation and through its unique shopping experience.

Jim.n.i offers a wide range of clothing, jewelry, accessories and gift items. The variety is especially impressive given the cozy dimensions of the downtown shop. In order to make the most of her available space, Earlene goes straight to

her customers when it comes time to bring in new stock.

“I do my best to listen to my customers,” she said. “I enjoy finding out what they like and making sure that I order things in the colors and styles they want. I do some custom buying sometimes, which is important because there aren’t a lot of stores that do that anymore.”

Earlene’s customers have shaped the store into what it is

today. When she first opened, she specialized in clothing and gifts for college-age women, expecting that to be her main audience. After she opened, she found out the community was much more diverse.

First she expanded into styles for older women, then got into baby and kids items.

Neither were things she expected, but the demand was there.

Now women of any age can

OP ZOS OM

JIM.N.I SAINT MICHAEL’S BOUTIQUE

ation between her fellow merchants. Situated near Mr. G’s, Village Café and Downtown Uncorked, Earlene has been able to develop a great relationship with the area restaurants.

“The restaurants get busy and people want to do something while they’re waiting for a table,” Earlene said. “It’s great being right here because people coming to eat stop by

here to shop and people coming here to shop stop by there to eat.”

Jim.n.i is also active in the First Friday activities. Earlene stays open late for the First Friday visitors, often not closing up until just about everyone is gone. She hosts artists and craftsmen either inside the store or out on the sidewalk/ patio area. Working with the

local artists and giving them a venue is another thing that Earlene really enjoys about having her business downtown.

Much like her relationship with her restaurant neighbors, working with the artists and musicians is something she sees as a win-win for all involved.

“We’re interested in what’s going on in Bryan/College Station with the artists and crafts people,” Earlene said. “Everything in Downtown Bryan is all about Bryan/College Station and we love that. It’s a community down here. We’re all neighbors.”

To learn more about Jim.n.i and the products Earlene carries, visit www. jimnishop.com, or better yet, go downtown and see for yourself. The store is located at 202A W.26th Street in Downtown Bryan.

Thursday, May 17, 2012____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

find something in the store whether it’s clothes, bracelets, scented candle or decorations.

For Earlene, the success of Downtown Bryan has been just as exciting as the success of her own business, and her involvement in the downtown business community has made Jim.n.i a solid part of the Downtown Bryan landscape.

She said the spirit of cooper-

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SUMMER RECIPES

Thursday, May 17, 2012____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

Grilled Eggplant Pita Sandwiches

Fresh Summer Ratatouille

Ingredients

relish.com

Ingredients • 3 1/2 pound eggplant, trimmed, peeled if desired • 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar • 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce • 3 tablespoons peanut butter • 1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger • 1 tablespoon peanut oil • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional) • 1 1/2 cups baby spinach or torn mixed greens • 6 (6-inch) pitas, warmed • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro • 6 tablespoons chopped peanuts

Preparation

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Zesty Lime Fish Tacos

Prepare grill.

Slice eggplants crosswise into 1/2-inch discs.

Stir together vinegar and soy sauce. Divide mixture between two small bowls. In one bowl, add peanut butter; stir well. In second bowl, stir in ginger, peanut oil and crushed red pepper, if using.

Brush ginger mixture on both sides of eggplant slices.

Grill over medium heat until just softened and slightly charred, about 5 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with ginger mixture.

Layer eggplant and spinach over each pita. Add cilantro and peanuts. Drizzle with peanut butter mixture. Makes 6 servings.

— David Feder, Relish magazine

• 1 pound tilapia fillets (about 4) • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (2 to 3 limes), divided

• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup all purpose flour • 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal • 1 (16.3-ounce) can Pillsbury Grands! Homestyle refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (8 biscuits)

• 6 tablespoons canola oil • 1 1/2 tablespoons chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (from 7-ounce can), finely chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• 1/2 cup salsa • 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cabbage

Preparation Heat oven to 200 degrees. Cut each fish fillet lengthwise into four strips. In shallow glass dish, mix 7 tablespoons of the lime juice and garlic. Add fish; turn to coat. Let stand while preparing biscuits.

On work surface, mix flour and cornmeal. Separate dough into 8 biscuits. Press both sides of each biscuit into flour mixture, then press or roll into 6- to 7-inch round.

In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of the oil over medium heat. Add two biscuit rounds; cook about 1 minute on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Place on cookie sheet; keep warm in oven. Cook remaining rounds, adding 1 1/2 tablespoons oil to skillet for each batch. Wipe skillet clean.

Heat same skillet over medium-high heat. Add fish and lime juice mixture, chiles, salt and pepper; cook about 5 minutes, turning fish once, until fish flakes easily with fork.

In small bowl, mix salsa, sour cream and remaining 1 tablespoon lime juice.

Using slotted spoon, remove fish and divide evenly among biscuit rounds. Top each with cabbage and 1 to 2 tablespoons salsa mixture. Fold biscuit rounds in half over filling. Serve with any remaining salsa mixture. Garnish with lime wedges, if desired. Makes 8 tacos.

— Kellie White of St. Louis, first place in the Dinner Made Easy category of the 44th Pillsbury Bake-Off

relish.com

Ingredients • 1 medium fennel bulb, with stems and leaves • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 1 large sweet onion, cut into thin wedges • 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds • 1 1/2 pounds eggplant, peeled and cut into large cubes • 1 large orange bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces • 2 zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and sliced • 4 cloves garlic, chopped • 2 large tomatoes, cut into wedges • 1/4 cup dry red wine • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil • 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper • Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (optional)

Preparation Trim fronds off fennel and cut off all but 3 inches of stalks. Peel bulb and cut with remaining stalks into irregular pieces.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add fennel and onion; cook and stir until onion is lightly browned.

Add fennel seeds, eggplant and bell pepper; cook about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add zucchini and garlic; cook, stirring, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, wine and salt. Cover and reduce heat; simmer until tomatoes just begin to break up, stirring occasionally, 10 to 15 minutes.

Stir in basil and black pepper. Top with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, if using.

Makes 8 servings.

— David Feder, Relish magazine

SUMMER RECIPES

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta Toss

Lemony Asparagus and Chicken Pasta Toss

relish.com photos

Ingredients • 1 package (8-ounce) cheese and roasted garlic tortellini • 2 tablespoons butter • 1/4 cup chopped red onion • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 cup fresh corn • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil • 12 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved • 4 tablespoons crumbled ricotta salata or grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Preparation Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.

Melt butter in a large skillet. Add onion and garlic; sauté 5 minutes. Add corn; cook 5 minutes, or until tender Add basil, cooked pasta and reserved pasta cooking water to skillet. Cook until thoroughly heated. Top with tomato halves and cheese. Makes 4 servings.

— Relish magazine

Ingredients Ingredients • 12 ounces bow tie pasta, cooked • 1 pound medium cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil • 1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese • 1 can (15-ounce) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained • 2 cups halved yellow cherry tomatoes • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt • Coarsely ground black pepper

• 2 cans (14-ounce) reduced-sodium chicken broth • 12 ounces frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 8 ounces uncooked short pasta (rotini or penne) • 1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces • 1/2 cup prepared pesto • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 1/8 teaspoon salt • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Thursday, May 17, 2012____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

Corn and Tortellini Toss

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Preparation Preparation Combine hot pasta, shrimp and remaining ingredients; heat thoroughly. Makes 6 servings.

— Relish magazine

In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, bring broth to a boil over high heat. Add frozen chicken. Return to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer 22 minutes.

Remove chicken from broth, cool and shred.

Increase heat to high and bring broth to a boil. Stir in pasta and continue to cook, uncovered, 6 minutes. Add asparagus and cook 2 minutes or until asparagus is tender.

Drain pasta mixture and return to skillet. Add shredded chicken, pesto, lemon juice, salt and pepper; toss gently.

Makes 4 servings.

— Nancy Hughes, Relish magazine

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Thursday, May 17, 2012____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

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VOLUNTEERING

Ways to give back Volunteer opportunities for families

By SHeRRy PHIllIPS | SPECIAL TO THE EAGLE

o

ne of the best ways to bond as a family is to volunteer together, says Jenny Friedman, author of “Doing Good Together: 101 Easy, Meaningful Service Projects for Families, Schools and Communities.”

Most of the giving that families do doesn’t involve the children, says Friedman of Min-

neapolis. “Parents often write a check and they’re done,” she says.

While monetary donations always are needed, Friedman says serving others not only benefits the community but can enrich family life and spark deep discussions.

“Parents and kids talk about things they wouldn’t have talked about without the experience,” she says. “It’s an opportunity to discuss values and what’s important in life.”

a leaRnInG eXPeRIenCe Whatever you do, make sure you reflect with your child afterward.

“Don’t consider this a task to be checked off your to-do list,” Friedman says. “Talk about who benefited, how you made a difference, why it mattered, and why part of life is giving back.”

She suggests that parents talk about being a giver and a receiver.

“We all have something we can offer,” she says. “And we all need help sometimes. It’s good for kids to see and be part of both sides.”

Volunteering also can help dispel stereotypes.

“Kids get a chance to spend time with people they might not interact with on a regular basis — people of a different age, ethnicity or income level,” Friedman says.

“Through their experience, they often learn that deep down these people aren’t that different than they are.

It’s a way to teach kids compassion, kindness and empathy for others.”

Volunteering as a family can have benefits for generations to come.

“Kids who volunteer are more likely to become adults who volunteer,” Friedman says.

Here are some goodwill activities that families can do together: • Make artwork or greeting cards and deliver them to a nursing home or a children’s or veterans hospital.

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• Organize a cereal drive for homeless shelters or drives for toys or baby items for women’s shelters.

lemonade stand, and give the money to a charitable organization.

• Visit a nursing home or an assisted living center and have lunch with or read a book to a senior.

• Volunteer to clean up a local park, trail, stream or roadside.

• Make fleece blankets for Project Linus, an organization that distributes them to children’s hospitals.

• Walk dogs at an animal shelter or serve as a foster family for animals awaiting adoption.

• Organize a community garden and give the harvest to homeless shelters.

• Hold a fundraiser such as a backyard carnival or a

Friedman suggests parents let kids take the lead when choosing a volunteer project.

“If kids do something that matters to them, they will find more meaning in it and will be more likely to stick with it,” she says.

KIDS

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Thursday, May 17, 2012____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

Friend or foe?

Are your children’s friends a bad influence?

By Randall Stokes | SPECIAL TO THE EAGle

A

s a parent, there may come a time when you question the influence of your child’s friends. It may happen early when your child is still in grade school, or more typically during the middle and high school years. It is likely your child’s friends are going to influence him in one or more ways. Some influences may be good, but others may be negative and even place your child in dangerous situations. To help diffuse bad influences, you must be aware and proactive.

If you suspect When children new friends concerns? begin to develop Observe are a bad influence on your child, look friendships, they often adopt styles

from these new friends. Be alert to changes in clothing preferences, hairstyles, makeup and even music. A switch from jeans and T-shirts to micro-minis may be a red flag. Ask about the new outfit and if she really believes it is appropriate for school. Ask your child to tell you about his new musical tastes. Where did he find this new artist? Why does he like this artist?

for the red flags. How is your child changing? Has he become disrespectful to you, his siblings and his old friends? Does he still hang out with or talk to his old friends? Is there a drop in grades? Has he quit his favorite activity or dropped out of a sport he’s always loved? If any of these red flags come up, it’s time to consider removing the bad influences from your child’s life.

At any Parage, ents Safety first Talk & listen your children’s health, safety and easily can fall into the trap of talking overall well-being is your first priority. A new friend with no curfew and few parental restrictions may seem fun and exciting to your child, but this freedom can put him in danger.

Always ask where your child is going, whom he is going with and what is planned. Make sure your teen knows you will follow up when he assures you that parents will be supervising the party. No parental supervision, no party. You may get defiance, tears or a combination of both, but you have to stand your ground.

at their children instead of having a conversation. Dr. Larry D. Rosen, a psychology professor at California State University advises, “Communication is the crux of parenting. You need to talk to your kids or, rather, listen to them. The ratio of parent listen to parent talk should be at least five-to-one.

Talk one minute and listen for five.” If you suspect your child’s new friend is a bad influence, sit down and talk to him about the friendship. Really listen to your child’s responses, and from there you can determine if this is a relationship to cause worry.

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STAY SAFE IN THE HEAT

Thursday, May 17, 2012____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

Summer safety Heat exhaustion or heat stroke? How to tell the difference

By Randall Stokes | SPECIAL TO THE EAGLe

H

eat stroke and heat exhaustion are related conditions. Both involve the body becoming overheated; however, the severity, treatment and symptoms vary. Understand the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke to properly manage the condition.

What is heat exhaustion? When the body is exposed to prolonged high temperatures, humidity and physical activity, it’s possible to develop heat exhaustion. If left untreated, life-threatening heat stroke can follow.

What’s the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke? Heat exhaustion is the first step on the way to heat stroke, according to the Mayo Clinic. The symptoms of both conditions are similar, but with heat stroke, the symptoms are more acute.

With heat stroke, the body temperature is much higher; the skin is hot, not cool; and passing out or coma are the result of untreated heat exhaustion. Both conditions require immediate cooling of the body to prevent a progression of symptoms. See a doctor for

proper care of heat-related illness.

What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion?

These signs can come on suddenly or progress more slowly. Symptoms include: • Sweating heavily • Rapid but weak pulse • Cramping of muscles • Nausea • Headache • Dizziness • Low blood pressure • Damp, cool skin

What is heat stroke? Continual or protracted exposure to heat, humidity and physical activity can advance from heat exhaustion to heat stroke — a potentially life-threatening state.

What are the symptoms of heat stroke? Signs of heat stroke include: • Body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or above • Cessation of sweating, despite body temperature • Skin that feels hot to the touch • Headache • Mental confusion • Nausea and vomiting • Flushing of the skin • Shallow rapid breathing • Racing heart beat • Unconsciousness and even coma • Muscle weakness and cramps

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DAILY SPECIALS

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Stay connected with specials across the Brazos Valley

Good Time Charley’s 201 S. Main Bryan Tuesday, 3 - 9 pm $3 quarter pound burger with fries

Harvey Washbangers 1802 Texas Ave. S. College Station Monday, 6 - 10 pm 45¢ wings

Tony Roma’s 980 N. Earl Rudder Frwy.

Bryan Thursday, All Day Pulled pork BBQ sandwich for $7

KIDS EAT FREE

Casa Rodriguez 300 N. Bryan Ave. Bryan Tuesday, 5 - 9 pm Kids eat free from kids menu with purchase of adult meal

Lupe Tortilla 813 Texas Ave. College Station Weekdays, 3 - 6:30 pm $2 pints, $4 house margaritas and $14.95 buckets

C&J Barbeque All Bryan and College Station locations Wednesday, 6 - 9 pm 1 kids meal from kids menu, with purchase of adult meal

Casa Rodriguez 300 N. Bryan Ave. Bryan Thursday, 5 - 9 pm $1.99 12 oz. margaritas

Shipwreck Grill 206 E. Villa Maria Dr. Bryan Sunday, 11 am - 9 pm Kids eat free from kids menu with each adult meal purchased

Thursday, May 17, 2012____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

FOOD

DRINKS

POETS Billiard’s 1637 Texas Ave S. College Station Tuesday, 5 pm - 2 am $2 wells, domestic bottles, frozen margaritas and $3 Mexican bottles

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Add your favorite special to ShopBrazos. Submit a daily special for your business or restaurant by finding it on ShopBrazos.com and clicking “Add Special.”

All specials subject to change, see business/restaurant for details. facebook.com/shopbrazos twitter.com/shopbrazos foursquare.com/shopbrazos

Thursday, May 17, 2012____________shopbrazos.com____________The Eagle

our favorite things

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Gifts | Clothing | Accessories | Home Decor | Jewelry Come Visit Us, and discover your new favorite things!

202A W. 26th Street | Downtown Bryan | 979.823.8000