SWAGRR 1301 by SWAGRR Magazine

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RDSON A H IC R T T E L RLAND ROW A G D N A LIE SACHSE WY

JANUARY 2013 � ISSUE 1301

new Year

Resolutions Why we make them, and how we can keep from breaking them

Food Review: Burger Island If we had to be stranded on an island... we pick this one!

'Simple Country Boy' Our Interview with Wylie's rising country music star,

CHRIS ALLen Miss Millie Advice Column  Most "Awww-dorable Videos  Community News  At The Movies  Live Events

of 2012 Calendar

In This Issue Welcome to SWAGRR Magazine! Every month, this magazine will help uncover and discover all of the hidden gems in the SWAGRR area. Great food? Favorite local music? Best places to shop or do business? We cover it all -- along with offering our readers interesting information and useful advice on topics such as health, beauty, fitness, money matters, and relationships. Join the SWaGRRsation and tell us your stories! Find us on the web, email, or social media. s Email: Readers@SwagTheMag.com  Facebook/Twitter: @SwagTheMag  Online: www.SwagTheMag.com

A Message From the Editor's Desk

Thank You for reading SWAGRR Magazine.

Candace

If your family is like mine, you probably spend alot of your time (and your money) all throughout the Sachse, Wylie, and Garland, Rowlett, Richardson area. I have lived in Garland for nearly 20 years. My family shops for groceries at our favorite Kroger off Hwy 78 in Sachse. We eat at the Jimmy John’s on Beltline in Richardson so often that they might eventually name a sandwich after us (fingers crossed)! On hot Texas afternoons, you can find us on the waters of Lake Lavon in Wylie. For watching live sporting events, Nick’s Sports Grill in Rowlett is the perfect spot for hot wings and cold drinks!

Candace Brown, Editor-In-Chief editor@swagthemag.com

For us, SWAGRR is one community, that offers something different and special for everyone--and meets all of our shopping, dining, and entertainment needs. Our motto: Live Here. Shop Here. Dine Here. Play Here. Be sure you do it with SWAGRR!

SWAGRR Magazine is a FREE monthly publication and is distributed both publicly and by direct mail. To be added to our subscriber list and receive your free issues by mail, email your mailing address to: readers@swagthemag.com. Advertising: Is your business interested in advertising with SWAGRR? Contact Sales for ad sizes, specs and rates: sales@swagthemag.com.

January 2013 · SACHSE WYLIE AND GARLAND ROWLETT RICHARDSON

Sealed With A kiss There you are: the countdown has started. It's December 31st at 11:59:57 and in three, two, one... muuuuah!

#2013 Resolutions Resolutions? There's an app for that! From time-tested advice to high-tech solutions, here are our tips to help you reach your 2013 goals!

Movies and Live events Grab your popcorn and join us on the front row! Our summary of the live and local coming attractions.

'Simple Country Boy' Our interview with Wylie's rising country music star, Chris Allen.

Jan 2013

SWAGcodes What they are. How they work. What they do.

hroughout the magazine, you will notice these special 2D barcodes. We like to call them SWAGcodes! SWAGcodes help to make SWAGRR Magazine interactive, by seamlessly taking you from the pages inside of the magazine to related content on the web. The most popular phones, tablets, and digital devices (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, etc) each have FREE apps that are able to scan and read these barcodes. Our recommended app is ScanLife, but are free to use the QR code reader of your choice.

Using the SWAGcodes is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

12 Hypnosis

Does hypnosis really work? We take a look at how and why.

Review: Burger Island We're pretty sure that name comes from the fact that their oversized burgers are the size of small land masses.

14 Community Interesting stories from the Sachse, Wylie, and Garland, Rowlett, Richardson area.

52-Week Money Challenge The simple, painless way to save nearly $1400 in just 52 weeks!

How To Invest $1000 Now that you have saved money, time to make your nest egg grow!

The Most Adorable Videos of 2012 Watch the videos that put the "AWWWW..." in adorable!

19 Directory

1 2 3

Visit your app store and download the free ScanLife app Using ScanLife and your device’s built-in camera, line up the SWAGcode in the viewfinder ScanLife will then read the code and display its content.

With SWAGcodes, you can:

LISTEN: to select mp3s

WATCH: videos or movie trailers

SAVE: on special SWAGRR-only offers



READ: content from your phone or tablet

SWAGRR Magazine · ft @swagthemag

#2013Resolutions Believe it or not, the first New Year's resolution was not made by an overweight smoker wanting get out of debt and spend more time with their family. Resolutions are thought to have started over 4000 years ago in ancient Babylonia. Since the start of the farm year coincided with their New Year, Babylonians used as the time to promise the gods that they would return all farm tools borrowed from neighbors.

Where did making

New Year's Resolutions come from?

he New Year hasn't always started on January 1st; in fact, it doesn't begin on that date everywhere today. It begins on this date only for cultures that use the 365-day Gregorian calendar. While differing cultures may have different dates for when they start their new years, what many share is a tradition of making New Year's Resolutions.

Romans and Resolutions Even before the Babylonians, Romans would begin the new year by making promises to Janus, the 'God of Beginnings' (and for whom the month January is named). On this day, it was also customary for Romans to exchange words of cheer and well-wishes, along with gifts such as dates, figs, and honey.

The Chinese Clean House

Every new year, the Chinese resolve to reconcile personal relationships, forget all grudges and sincerely wish peace and happiness for everyone. Lasting fifteen days, the Chinese

January 2013 Âˇ SACHSE WYLIE AND GARLAND ROWLETT RICHARDSON

New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Chinese calendar. As part of their observance, families thoroughly clean house in order to sweep away the previous year's bad luck to make their home ready for good luck. After the cleaning, floors are not swept for days as not to sweep away the new good luck.

Medieval Times

Each year after the Christmas season, knights of the realm were required to take the "Peacock Vow" by placing their hands on a peacock and reaffirming their commitment to chivalry.

Resolutions Today

From promises and well-wishes to vows and oaths, most now recognize the New Year by making committment to selfimprovement. Some commit to lose weight, stop smoking, get out of debt, or spend more time with their families. Me? I suppose now would be a good time to go next door and give back the combine harvester I've had since May. ď Ž

Traditions

In some Western cultures it is traditional to kiss at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve.

Tiur sitatur, simincte lacessin eos adi quae quam. Ibus doloreped magnam num.

Sealed With A kiss

New Years Eve: an end of the old and beginning of the new; a chance to start over for the whole world. There you are, the ball is about to drop. It's 11:59:57 and in 3...2...1...muuuah!

uropean folklore contends that the New Year's kiss originated from masked balls held on New Year's Eve. Masks were worn to represent the evil spirits of the old year. At midgnight, masks were removed and everyone kissed as a way to purify the New Year. A kiss has always been about strengthening relationships you wish to maintain in the future, whether those relationships are

romances or friendships. Regarding the tradition of the New Year's kiss, in various cultures it is believed that the first person you encounter in a new year (and the nature of that encounter) sets the tone for how the rest of your year will go.

An omen for romance? If a couple celebrating together has issues with a New Year's kiss, it could signal larger issues in their relationship. For single people, there's a superstition that not kissing anyone portends

#InspirationalQuotes: "When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot & hang on." -FDR

Some hold the superstition that failing to kiss someone on New Year's Eve ensures a year of loneliness.

a year of staying single. Whatever your relationship status, New Year's is a holiday best celebrated with good people in an environment where everyone feels safe and comfortable. Some people (both coupled and single) prefer greet the stroke of midnight with a peck from their children, a close friend, or a beloved pet. No matter how you ring it in, the start of a new year always offers a chance show love to someone really special...yourself! ď Ž

SWAGRR Magazine Âˇ ftď&#x20AC;ş @swagthemag

Smart phone, Tablet, or pC.

Technology

Whether for Android or iPhone, tablet, or PC, there are apps available to help you keep your resolutions.

Resolutions? are apps for that! NewThere rules for leasing It’s the time of the year when we make resolutions--with the honest intent of keeping them. This time, be proactive and use technology to help you change bad habits, track your workouts, or encourage you to excercise more. There are several apps to choose from, we've listed our favorites.

THe CARROT AnD THe STICk

www.Gym-Pact.com Have you ever bought a gym membership and barely used it? This app gives you a cash incentive to ditch the excuses and get to the gym! Earn real money when you show up for your workouts — paid for by those who missed theirs!

CHAnGe FOR CHARITY: A WIn-WIn

www.21Habit.com

Need to stop smoking? Want to get to the gym more? This app is works from premise that it takes 21 days to establish a new (better) habit. Create your own 21 day challenge and fund it with a $21 deposit. Each day you you are successful, you earn one dollar. On days you don't succeed, one dollar is donated to charity.

www.HabitForge.com Rated #5 on the list of "Awesome Cloud Services You've Never Heard Of" by PC World and CIO.com, this habit-app operates on the same 21 day principle, but without making a $21 deposit.

[Note: GymPact is now integrated with RunKeeper] TRACk, MeASURe, AnD IMpROVe

www.RunKeeper.com

Like a personal trainer in your pocket! Track your runs, walks, bike rides, and hikes using your device's GPS. RunKeeper records your stats and coaches you with audio cues. Compete against yourself or against other RunKeepers.

www.MyFitnessPal.com A PC Magazine and Wired Magazine "Editor's Pick", this app and its extensive food database help you count calories and monitor your fat, protein, calorie, and carb intake. The fitness tracker tracks both cardio and strength training, and also records your weight and measurements for motivation.

Use Social Media Too You can use social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ to help with your resolutions. Share your goals and your progress. This public accountability can also result in gaining support and encouragement from your friends and family. What's your resolution? Tell us on t or f @swagthemag #2013Resolutions

January 2013 · SACHSE WYLIE AND GARLAND ROWLETT RICHARDSON

www.CharityMiles.com

Just pick a charity and start moving! When you walk, run or bike the app tracks your miles and you earn money for charity (cyclists earn 25¢ per mile; walkers and runners earn 10¢ per mile). Get fit while you raise funds for charities supporting cancer and autism research, education, hunger programs, and more!

Commit to your goals in writing Writing your goals down and keeping them in view makes it feel official and tangible, and therefore you’ll be less likely to break it.

A New Year You! People who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who do not.

Make this your year! make it happen

This is the year you’re finally going to make your resolution stick. Whatever your goal is, keep yourself motivated with these helpful tips.

This year, resolve to succeed! Many New Year's resolutions are abandoned after only a few weeks. Developing a realistic plan with simple steps can go a long way in helping you stay on track finally be successful.

Set SMART Goals

Gather support

One step at a time

tip "Lose weight" is a wish. "Lose 1-2 pounds per week" is a plan. Plan your goals, note how you will measure their success, and set realistic timetables to each.

tip Research has shown that women who make their goals public and receive support from their friends and family are 10% more successful achieving them.

tip You only have so much willpower and energy to go around. Pick the one habit or behavior you most want to change and conquer it before moving on to the next one.

Did you know?

40% to 45% of US adults make one or more resolutions each year.

#InspirationalQuotes: "Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail." -Charles Kettering

64% of those maintain their resolutions for at least one month.

Don't Beat Yourself Up tip Changing behavior is hard work, so don’t allow small setbacks to make you feel demoralized. Instead, forgive yourself and refocus on reaching your goal.

46% of those maintain their resolutions for at least six months.

SWAGRR Magazine · ft @swagthemag

Watch Movie Trailers

At The Movies NOW SHOWING Opened 12/14/2012

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Hobbits, and dragons, and dwarves...oh my! Bilbo Baggins, journeys with a adventurous group of Dwarves to reclaim a treasure stolen from them by the dragon Smaug. Directed by Peter Jackson. Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen , Andy Serkis, Elijah Wood, Hugo Weaving, Orlando Bloom and Cate Blanchett. [ TRIVIA ] Tobey MacGuire, Shia LeBeouf, James McAvoy, and Daniel Ratcliffe were considered for the role of Bilbo Baggins.

Opened 12/21/2012

This is 40 In the comedy hit 'Knocked Up', we were introduced to husband and wife, Pete and Debbie. Five years later, we meet them again in this funny, yet unflinching, look inside this couple's relationship as both careen toward the 11th anniversary of their 29th birthdays. Directed by Judd Apatow. Starring: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Megan Fox, Albert Brooks, Jason Segal, Lena Dunham, Melissa McCarthy, Chris O'Dowd, and John Lithgow.

Opened 12/21/2012

Jack Reacher Film adaptation of 'One Shot', the ninth book in the popular Jack Reacher series from writer Lee Child. Tom Cruise stars as Reacher, a homicide investigator working to solve a case involving a trained

Whenever you see a SWAGcode in movie a summary, you can use your digital device to watch the movie's trailer (courtesy of Moviefone.com). For how this works, see page 3.

military sniper. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie (The Usual Suspects, Valkyrie). Co-stars: Robert Duvall and Richard Jenkins. [ TRIVIA ] Brad Pitt, Hugh Jackman, Jaime Foxx, Vince Vaughn, and Will Smith were all considered to play Jack Reacher before Tom Cruise was cast.

Opened 12/25/2012

Djano Unchained Oscar-winner Quentin Tarantino directs Oscar-winner Jaime Foxx, Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz, along with Oscar-nominated Leonardo DiCaprio, Oscar-nominated Jonah Hill, and Oscarnominated Samuel L. Jackson in this film about a slave-turned-bounty hunter who sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner. [ TRIVIA ] Lady Gaga was considered for the role of Lara Lee Candie-Fitzwilly (DiCaprio's sister).

Opened 12/14/2012

Parental Guidance Old-school grandfather Artie (Billy Crystal) and his eager-to-please wife Diane (Bette Midler) agree to look after their three grandkids when their type-A helicopter parents need to leave town for work. Cute kids, uptight grandparents, a softball game, and the obligatory baseball bat to the family jewels. O' the hilarity! Also stars: Marisa Tomei, Tom Everett Scott and, from the #whateverhappenedto files: the guy who played Long Duk Dong in '16 Candles'.

COMING SOON Opening 1/4/2013

Texas Chainsaw 3D

Um. No.

January 2013 路 SACHSE WYLIE AND GARLAND ROWLETT RICHARDSON

Opening 1/11/2013

Gangster Squad This all-star crime drama, set in the 40s and 50s, chronicles the LAPD's fight to keep East Coast Mafiosos out of Los Angeles. Starring: Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Nick Nolte, Emma Stone, and Sean Penn.

Opening 1/11/2013

Zero Dark Thirty

Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelo (Hurt Locker) directs an account of the decadelong manhunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden and his death at the hands of the Navy SEAL Team 6. [ TRIVIA ] The movie was originally about the unsuccessful decade-long manhunt for Osama bin Laden. The screenplay was completely re-written after bin Laden was killed.

Opening 1/18/2013

The Last Stand

'Memba way back before governating and nanny shenanigans, when Ah-nold was just a muscle-bound action star, armed only with his small arsenal of weaponry and an unintelligible accent? This movie is your reminder. Schwarzenegger stars as a small town sheriff, leading his inexperienced law force against the leader of a drug cartel.

Opening 1/25/2013

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters

After getting a taste for blood as children, Hansel (Jeremy Renner) and Gretel (Gemma Arterton) become revenge-seeking vigilantes. In this dark spin on the classic fairy tale, these siblings are bounty hunters, tracking and killing witches.

Want us to consider listing your event here? It's FREE! Simply email the details of your event to: events@swagthemag.com

SACHSE Library: Preschool Story Time

Childen aged zero to 6 can hear stories, make crafts, play games, have snacks and meet new friends at the library Thursday mornings (during the school year) at 11 am. @ Public Library, 3815 Sachse Rd, Bldg #C c Every Thursday, 11:00 am-12:00 pm # FREE i www.cityofsachse.com

WYLIE

 Wylie Recreation Center

January is full of activities at the Wylie Recreation Center. From dance lessons (ballet, tap, line and ballroom), fitness (boot camp, mountain biking and step aerobics), to lessons (sewing, archery and guitar) there is something for everyone in your family! @ 300 Country Club Rd, Building #200 c Various. Contact staff for details # Various. Contact staff for details i www.wylietexas.gov/recreationcenter

GARLAND N Soiree Boutique Bridal Show

Live & Local Events

Concert: Daniel Del Pino, Pianist RICHARDSON The Garland Symphony Orchestra is proud Beatlemania Now: A Live to welcome internationally renowned Spanish concert pianist, Daniel Del Pino. The GSO will perform Wagner’s Prelude to Parsifal and Strauss’ Don Juan. Del Pino will perform Falla’s Nights in the Gardens of Spain. @ Granville Arts Center, 300 N Fifth Street c Friday, January 18, 8:00 pm # $15, $25, or $35 i www.GarlandSymphony.org

ROWLETT  Young Artist Contest

Students K thru 12 are invited to enter this exhibit recognizing talented young artists, and their art teachers. Artwork (in 2D and 3D categories) and entry forms will be accepted at the Rowlett Public Library on January 19. All entries will be displayed at the library until February 9. Winners will be presented with proclamations at the Feb 19 City Council Meeting. Sponsored by the Rowlett Arts and Humanities Commission. @ Rowlett Public Library, 3900 Main Street c Saturday, January 19, 1 pm - 3 pm # FREE i www.ci.rowlett.tx.us

Popular wedding venue, The Atrium in Garland hosts this bridal event. Come out and enjoy, sips & bites, fabulous wedding professionals, a fashion show, door prizes and valuable give-aways! The winner of Toby Keith's "Red Solo Cup" competition, Blaine Mitchell sheduled to perform.

The Rockwall High School Fine Arts Department presents The Who's Tommy, a rock musical based on The Who's 1969 double album rock opera Tommy.

@ The Atrium, 300 N Fifth Street c Sunday, January 13, 11 am - 4 pm # FREE i www.soireeboutiquebridalshows.com

@ RHS Theatre, 901 Yellow Jacket Lane c Thurs, January 31 - Sun, February 3rd # To Be Announced i www.rockwallisd.com

RHS Presents: The Who's Tommy

Onstage Tribute to The Beatles

Beatlemania Now" is the concert experience that recaptures the excitement, the look, and the music from when the 'Lads from Liverpool' changed the face of music. Labeled "The Magical Symphony Tour", Beatlemania will perform accompanied by the Richardson Symphony Orchestra. Roll up for the Symphony Tour! @ Hill Performance Hall, 2351 Performance Dr c Saturday, January 5, 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm c Sunday, January 6, 3:00 pm # Prices range from $34 to $65 i www.beatlemanianow.com



Richardson Human Society Adopt-A-Pet Events

Come to meet and fall in love with the newest member of your family! Held each Saturday at various locations. @ 1/5: Petco, 1401 E Spring Valley Road @ 1/12: Collin Creek Mall @ 1/19: Petco, 1401 E Spring Valley Road @ 1/26: PETsMart, 16821 N Coit Road, Dallas c Saturdays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm i www.richardsonhumanesociety.org

Concert: Video Games Live

An immersive concert event featuring music from the most popular video games of all time. This performance will feature the RISD All-City Orchestra and Chorus performing along with synchronized lighting, electronic percussion, and unique interactive segments to create an explosive one-of-a-kind entertainment experience. @ Hill Performance Hall, 2351 Performance Dr c Saturday, January 26, 7:00 pm # Prices range from $38 to $56 i www.videogameslive.com

SWAGRR Magazine · ft @swagthemag

Listen Up MP3 SAMPLE: "On That Backroad" from the CD, Simple Country Boy ORDER THE CD: on iTunes or online http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/chrisallen32

Wylie's Chris Allen

"Simple Country Boy"

hen you speak with Chris Allen, the first thing you'll notice is that he possesses all of the traits that you'd expect to see in a small-town country boy (Chris is from Wylie). With his easy laugh and his distinctive southern drawl, Chris speaks confidently, but without cockiness. He references his faith in God without an ounce of hesitation or embarrassment. Chris is exceedingly polite and true to his country roots, he answers questions with a “Yes Ma’am” or “No Ma’am” –– a sure indication of a young man who was “raised right”. As soon as the conversation turns to country music, Chris lights up; it's extremely evident that this is his passion. This love of music, along with his immense talent, are on full display in his self-produced, sophomore CD, titled ‘Simple Country Boy’.

SWAGRR’s editor, Candace Brown, caught up with Chris Allen for an interview as he worked to put the finishing touches on his latest project, which is now available for purchase on CDBaby.com and iTunes.

Chris, this started for you at age 12, when your grandfather gave you his old hand-me-down guitar. Did your grandfather or anyone else in your family have musical ambitions?

but he didn’t pursue music because Grandmother was sick. My dad, on the other hand, is a music connoisseur. He listens to everything: classic country and classic rock. My dad has been very influential on the style of my music. He turned me on to Hank Sr., Conway Twitty, Mearle [Haggard], and David Allen. His record collection is ridiculous! Dad was real big on sitting down and listening to music with me. He would always make me listen to the words of songs, and then he'd ask me to tell him what I thought they meant. That helped to show me that the words of a song are just as important as the music itself. I didn’t really realize how much he taught me until I started writing songs myself.

My grandfather played guitar; he was the only one who played. It was fun just to sit and watch him. He was a typical traditionalist, musically, and he taught me quite a few things.

He didn’t show his feelings and he didn’t talk about it much, but I found out after he passed that he was once going to play or open for Bob Wills [hailed as the King of Western Swing],

I am a Texas music fan in general. Man, that is so broad! [Laughs] I do like mainstream country, and I like Texas country music (also called Red Dirt Music)

January 2013 · SACHSE WYLIE AND GARLAND ROWLETT RICHARDSON

Your list of musical influences are a who’s-who of classic country legends. Are there any contemporary artists who inspire you?

www.ChrisAllenLive.com Visit the web for more info about Chris and his band, including performance dates. Follow on f /Chris-Allen-Music

All Photos Jason Honea Photography

Local Music I believe that you are only as good as the guys behind you, and I’m blessed with great guys. These guys put up with a lot – all the time that we work, being away from their families. I tell their families ’thanks’ an awful lot! The biggest thing I can say is that most bands don’t stay together for long. I think that says it all.

Do you write all of the songs or is it a collaborative effort?

I am the sole songwriter and I produce them too. The guys put up with taking orders from me, but they are very flexible. They back me up but they also add their own flavor to it. Making this CD has been a real eye-opener for how I want my music out there. It’s a big deal when you’re the one producing it and it’s your money. You are constantly thinking, 'I hope it’s the right way to go.' You just have to go with what your heart is saying, trust that instinct and run with it. I remember these dreams when me and my best friend were sitting on a tailgate and stealing beer from my dad [laughs]. This thing has gotten bigger than I ever thought. It’s surreal to hear your own voice on the radio.

and I like a lot of the local musicians like: Aaron Watson, Wade Bowen, Jason Boland—he’s big on the Texas music scene—and, of course, Charlie Robison. There are so many out there who are really good. It’s just really cool to see anybody who is making it happen in this area of music. As far as styles of music, I prefer Texas country music that has that raw feel, and it not ‘doctored up’ or polished. When I was in high school, Texas Country, or Red Dirt Music, was just becoming popular. But now it has come a long way, and it is amazing to be a part of a field that has come so far.

Tell me a bit about how you and your band came together.

We all came together by chance. I ran into Terry and he knew Robert from another band. I’ve been with the bass player [Robert Blake] and my drummer [Terry Knoblock] for almost four years. Billy [Weaver, lead guitar] has been with us for about a year. All of the guys in the band are older than me. Playing with older guys, sometimes I get ‘that look’ from them [laughs]. But these guys bought into my system. They bought into what I was doing. They want to help get me to that next level. I’ve never met that before.

We sound a lot better live than we sound on the first CD. It was a really poor CD, but, the fans who supported me were so excited to buy it and they were telling their friends. Considering what I had to work with, I did better than I thought I would. The new CD will be accessible online and it will be sold at the shows we play.

s we concluded our interview, I thanked Chris for his time. He immediately responded, “No Ma’am, thank you. I am just grateful for the opportunity.” And there it was again: the hard-todeny evidence that this ‘simple country boy’ was indeed “raised right.”  UPDATE: Since this interview, Billy Weaver has left the band. Daren Watkins replaces him as lead guitarist. -ed.

[On writing songs:] One day you’re writing about your own life, or a friend, or just some random thing, and next you see people and they relate to what you wrote. That’s the biggest thing. When we’re playing a show, singing something and I back off the mic--you can hear the crowd singing along. They actually know the music! Man, that will drop you to your knees. The fact that they’re spending their hard-earned money is especially humbling when I know how hard times are. My fan base, my close friends, and my family keep me grounded and humble. It’s a great support system. My music has only grown because God has allowed it to grow and I am thankful for it all.

This is your second album. Your first, you produced the music and sold from the back of a truck (and actually did well). How is the music on 'Simple Country Boy' different? My first album was acoustic. It was very underproduced and I actually kinda threw it together and put it out there. In ’08, I didn’t have a lot of money to do anything special, plus I didn’t have a band. This new CD has a full band...that makes a big difference! It has some of the same songs from the first CD, along with new ones. When you listen, you can expect to get a good taste of how my music has grown from then to where it is today.

SWAGRR Magazine · ft @swagthemag

Bruce N. Eimer, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.

#2013Resolutions

Does

Hypnosis Work? Most of us are guilty of this. The New Year rolls around and we resolve to make an improvement in our life, and we pledge that this time will be different. This time, we will succeed. So, why is that even when we consciously decide to do one thing, we seem to do the opposite?

Our Two Minds Explaining the reason why starts an examination of the word "habit": hab·it (hāb'ĭt) n. A recurrent, often

unconscious, pattern of behavior that is acquired through frequent repetition. This definition suggests that it is the unconscious mind that controls our behavior. Some turn to hypnosis to overcome this. Hypnosis is a very effective tool for changing unwanted habits. You may consciously want to change, but feel stuck and unable to stop self-defeating behavior patterns. The unwanted habit seems to have a mind of its own. As a result, unwanted habitual behaviors are repeated automatically, often with little conscious awareness. The subconscious part of your mind is not as easily communicated with as is the conscious mind. So, the subconscious may not know that it needs to change the behavior that it controls. The self-defeating

January 2013 · SACHSE WYLIE AND GARLAND ROWLETT RICHARDSON

Book Author, Speaker, Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Hypnosis Specialist

Hypnosis Dallas www.hypnosisdallas.com 972-599-7040 Dallas Hypnosis Uptown www.dallashypnosisuptown.com 972-673-0110 Hypnosis Downloads www.hypnosisdownloads.com Online only

behavior may have originated long ago, and through repetition, became imprinted in your subconscious.

How Hypnosis Works Through the use of hypnosis and hypnotic language, we can communicate with your subconscious mind and help it to understand that the unwanted habit is no longer needed because there are other choices. Once your subconscious understands and accepts this information, it cannot ignore it. It has to act on it and begin to change the behavior that you want to consciously change. In the hypnotic state, with your permission and cooperation, the doorway to your subconscious is opened and it is possible to provide information that your subconscious needs to have to change the behavior that you want to change. Many simple habits that have no real payoff (e.g., nail biting, thumb sucking, and in some cases, smoking) can be effectively changed in one session with hypnosis. More complex habits (e.g., dieting, exercising) typically require several sessions. The key is that you must decide to change and want to change. Hypnosis cannot make you do something you do not want to do. With hypnosis, you simply learn better self-control. 

Restaurants

* NOT Actual Size (They' re 100x bigger!)

Burger Island

If we had to be stuck on an island, this one gets our vote. Resolve to eat one of these!

No Man Is an Island, But This Burger Is We're pretty sure that name 'Burger Island' comes from the fact that their oversized burgers are the size of small land masses and come served surrounded by an ocean of seasoned fries.

Their half pound, hand-formed, choice Angus beef patties are topped with fresh vegetables and made-to-order with the add-ons of your choice: jalapeños, mushrooms, bacon, and chili. Serving sizes are very generous. How they accomplish this when the average combo (burger, fries, drink) rings in at about 8 bucks is beyond us.

Welcome to the Jungle (Burger)

The Jungle Burger is a colossal creation boasting nearly every ingredient in the cupboard: sautéed onions, mushrooms, jalapeños, green bell peppers, mayo, ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, hickory sauce, and American and provolone cheeses.

Mushroomcheeseburgers. Try one of these, or create a burger masterpiece of your very own!

Sandwiches, Starters, Sides and Salads They've perfected the burger, but the deliciousness doesn't stop there! They also have a full line signature sandwiches: like the Jungle Chicken, Spinach Chicken, Island Club or Chicken Philly, plus hot and cold subs served on fresh hoagie rolls.

The list of appetizers and sides is almost as long as the list of burgers! Start your meal with a classic like chicken strips, mozzarella sticks, or nachos...or try something different, like fried pickles, clam strips, or stuffed jalapeños. On the side, pair your burger or sandwich with onion rings, chili cheese fries, or tater tots. Waistline-friendly salads are available. Choose a dinner salad, a Chef Salad, grilled chicken or shrimp, the Beef Salad or a Caesar. All salads include lettuce, tomato, onions, bell peppers and mushrooms.

If a single patty doesn't sound quite big enough to conquer your hunger, make it a double for one full pound of 100% Angus beef! (Warning: to avoid injury, be sure to lift with your knees when picking up the double jungle burger from the serving counter).

Room left for dessert? How about apple pie topped with a scoop of ice cream? Or a thick, creamy shake? Or a decadent slice of cheesecake? So many choices; all of them delicious.

Along with the Jungle Burger, there are several other speciality Island Burgers options that are sure to please: The Big Island, Double Deluxe, Jalapeño, Pizza, Hawaiian, Chipotle, Guacamole, Chili, Hickory, or

Dine inside, carry out, or take advantage of free delivery. For great food that will fill your stomach, without emptying your wallet, we promise Burger Island is an island that you will want to visit again and again and again! 

#InspirationalQuotes: "You can never plan the future by the past. -Edmund Burke"

"Yays!" from Yelp.com Sachse: 5848 Hwy 78

 "They're so good that my husband and I had them cater for our wedding rehersal dinner!" - Teresa T., Sachse

Garland: 1250 Northwest Hwy

 "I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised at how great the burger is. Huge burgers with plenty of toppings..." - Drew M., Garland

Garland: 1529 W Buckingham

 "Very good burgers. Price is good and portion sizes are very large." - Mike R., Garland

Richardson: 525 W Arapaho Rd

 "Now that I know the gutbusting high-value goodness that awaits me, I will make the trip again.....maybe after several trips to the gym..." - Glenn S., Dallas

Rowlett: 8809 Lakeview Pkwy.

 "If you are a fan of big ole, greasy, gooey, everything on it burgers...Welcome home kid." - Lance H., Dallas

Other Burger Island locations:

Rockwall: 2927 Ridge Rd Medquite: 1515 N Town East Blvd Carrollton: 1208 E Belt Line Rd #104, Irving: 2500 N Story Rd Dallas: 9410 Walnut St # 100 Dallas: 14999 Preston Rd Colleyville: 3930 Glade Rd # 101

SWAGRR Magazine · ft /swagthemag

Have a Question? She Has An Answer. Send your questions or comments to: MsMillie@swagthemag.com or tweet to @swagthemag #msmille

Ask Ms. Millie

Dear 'Just A Friend', It is very easy for romantic feelings to grow from a long term, close friendship. But it seems to me (from what you write) that your feelings might be one-sided. If it is so obvious to others that you are in love with your best friend, then it must also be equally as obvious to him.

Dear Ms Millie, My best friend is someone that I have grown up with since elementary school (we are in both in our early 20s now). We’ve gone through everything together -- but, just as friends. Problem is, I am so in love with him! I know he is absolutely the only one for me. I have felt this way for years, and have even lost boyfriends in the past because they can automatically see how much I am into him whenever we all hang out together. What should I do? How do I tell him that I love him and want us to be more than best friends?

In all these years, the fact that he has not acted towards you as if he shares your feelings (even as you have entered into and ended other romances), indicates to me that he does not share your romantic feelings. If he did, he could have made it apparent to you by now. You should move on and focus this energy into pursuing your dreams and possibly finding a person to love who will love you back. My advice to you is to keep your best friend as just that...your best friend. Value the relationship that you have with him, instead of longing for one that does not exist.

Signed,

He Says He's Just A Friend Garland

Scan the code next to your zodiac to read your daily horoscope Courtesy of www.Horoscope.com

January 2013 · SACHSE WYLIE AND GARLAND ROWLETT RICHARDSON

Millie Daily Horoscope

news From the Area We welcome your submissions of area news that you think would be of interest to our readers: staff@swagthemag.com.

Community

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DART Expands Light Rail ROWLeTT After 27 years, light rail finally comes to Rowlett! The five mile Blue extension now connects both Rowlett and Garland downtowns to all points of the metroplex. Save fuel, money, and stress by using rail to commute to work, shopping, entertainment venues, and (soon) both airports. 

History Found in 'Storage Wars' Shed GARLAnD On the A&E reality show spin-off "Storage Wars: Texas", buyers Moe Prigoff and Mary Padian stumbled upon a significant piece of history when a Garland storage unit, purchased for $800, contained an original Chicago Tribune newspaper with the famously incorrect headline announcing the winner of the 1948 US Presidential election. 

Richardson and UT Dallas Honored RICHARDSOn The city and the college both received the Dream Study Award for their UT Dallas North Campus Transit-Oriented Development master plan. This award recognizes projects that display sustainability efforts in the planning process. The honor was given by Greater Dallas Planning Council at the annual Urban Design Awards event. 

New DPS Mega Center Opens In Garland GARLAnD Garland officially opened the state's newest DPS Drivers License 'Mega Center' on 4445-A Saturn Road. The facility is 24,000 square feet with 22 customer service stations, and will be staffed by 45 full-time employees. This mega center will have the the capacity to process more than 900 transactions per day. State-of-the-art technology allows customers to reserve a spot in line before getting to the office! Using their cell phones, a customer can queue themselves in line, and push back their arrival if they run late. Walk-ins can also save time by starting the process at self-service kiosks. 

Maczka, Omar Announce 2013 Mayoral Bids RICHARDSOn For the first time since 1956, Richardson voters will elect their mayor (previous mayors were selected by the city council). At this writing, two candidates have declared their intent. Current Mayor Pro Tem, Laura Maczka and current City Councilman (Place 7), Amir Omar both plan to run in 2013.

In 2011, Macza was appointed Mayor Pro Tem. The same year, Amir Omar secured his council seat with 63% of the vote. 

#InspirationalQuotes: "You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do." -Henry Ford

SWAGRR Magazine · ft @swagthemag

Save $1 here, save $2 there... Start by saving pocket change during the first months. The next few weeks, maybe give up a movie or two. In the later weeks, skip a couple of trips eating out. Small sacrifices will add up quickly!

Balance Week# Deposit lance Ba t i pos De # Week $3 78 .00 27 $2 7. 00 00 $4 06 .00 $1. 0 $2 8.0 $1. 00 28 1 .00 $4 35 .00 $3 00 9. .00 $2 $2 29 2 $3 0.0 0 $4 65 .00 $3 .00 $6 .00 30 3 .00 $4 96 .00 $10 $4 .00 $3 1.0 0 31 4 $5 28 .00 $15 .00 00 2. .00 $3 $5 32 5 0 61. 00 1.0 $5 $2 00 3. $3 $6 .00 33 6 8.0 0 $5 95 .00 $2 00 .00 4. $7 $3 34 7 $6 30 .00 $3 6.0 0 $8 .00 35 $3 5. 00 8 00 66 .00 5. $6 $4 0 $9 .00 36 $3 6.0 9 03 .00 5. 00 $7 $5 00 .00 7. $10 $3 37 10 0 41 .00 6.0 $7 $6 0 .00 8.0 $11 38 $3 11 0 80 .00 8.0 $7 $7 $12 .00 39 $3 9. 00 12 $8 21 .00 $9 1.0 0 0 .00 0.0 $13 $4 40 13 $8 61. 00 $14 .00 $10 5. 00 41 $4 1.0 0 14 0 03 .00 0.0 $9 12 �$ $15 .00 42 $4 2. 00 15 6.0 0 $9 46 .00 $13 00 3. .00 $4 $16 43 16 $9 90 .00 $17 .00 $15 3. 00 44 $4 4. 00 17 0 1.0 $10 35 .00 $17 00 .00 5. $18 $4 45 18 81. 00 0 $10 0.0 $19 0 6.0 .00 $4 $19 46 19 .00 00 28 10. $11 $2 00 $2 0.0 0 47 $4 7. 20 76 .00 31 .00 $11 $2 0 0 8.0 1.0 $4 $2 48 21 $12 25 .00 $2 2. 00 $2 53 .00 49 $4 9. 00 22 .00 $12 75 .00 76 $2 $2 3. 00 50 $5 0.0 0 23 26 .00 00 .00 $13 $3 00 0 4. 1.0 $2 $5 51 24 78 .00 !! .00 $13 25 $3 00 00 2. $2 5. 52 $5 25 .00 51 $2 6.0 0 $3 26

TOTAL savings for 1 year

$1,378

The 52-Week Money Challenge Take this yearlong challenge to start building your savings: one week at a time, one dollar bill at a time. Using this system, you can grow your savings from $1 to over $1300 in 2013.

here is an old saying, "You fill a bucket one drop at a time". The 52 Week Money Challenge is the financial variation of that adage. Instead of trying to fill a bucket with water, we propose this challenge as a way to fill your savings account! The first $1 dollar drop in your 'bucket' is hardly noticeable. Over the following weeks, your next small contributions of

will barely seem to make a difference. But eventually, with a steady drip, drip, drip of weekly deposits--those dollars will accumulate, until the bucket of savings is full and overflowing!

How it works It is very simple and relatively pain-free: you set aside $1 at the end of the first week, $2 at the end of the second week, $3 at the end of the third, and so on and so forth for an entire year. By week 52 (with your final deposit of $52), you will

January 2013 · SACHSE WYLIE AND GARLAND ROWLETT RICHARDSON

have set aside $1, 378.00. We suggest using a shoebox or a piggy bank for the first few weeks. After about five months of saving you should have enough to open a savings account with your bank. After that point, make it a habit to transfer or deposit money into the account and continue the challenge. If your resolution for 2013 is to start saving more money, take this challenge to improve your financial well being. 

Make your nest egg grow Just $1,000 invested annually at a modestly projected annual return of 5% could grow to $44,865.18 in twenty years.

Money Matters

Best Ways To Invest $1000 Per Year So, you took the 52 Week Money Challenge and succeeded in saving nearly $1400 in just one year. You might want to consider these ideas to make your nest egg grow.

Discount Brokerage Account

Cut Down On Your Debt

Invest In Your Home Or Yourself

STOCkS It used to be that you couldn’t open a brokerage account unless you had $10,000 to $25,000 to invest. Those days are long gone. With the proliferation of online discount brokers like Scottrade, Trade Monster and Zecco, you have access to an incredible amount of investing tools and trading platforms.

DeBT This is a great choice for those with student loans, a mortgage or any other long-term debt.

FUTIRe Your Home: The housing market is battered, but many experts believe a recovery is under way. If that's true, one of the best investments you can make right now is to fix up your home with the expectation of boosting its resale value.

Of course, if you put your money into an index fund, you won’t need all of these tools. But if you plan on being more aggressive with your little nest egg, you will have everything you need to analyze company fundamentals, stock charts and trade flow, right at your fingertips. -LearningMarkets.com

Since paying down even a small amount of your loan early can drastically reduce what you'll pay down the road, you can consider a bigger principal payment an "investment." Example: If you have a $1,000 balance on your credit card with a 10% annual interest rate, you are "earning" 10% by paying it off now and avoiding the interest accrued in carrying a balance for a year. -InvestorPlace.com

Yourself: Turn a talent or interest into a business. Aside from the satisfaction of being your own boss (even on a parttime or occasional basis) you may find this to be the most profitable long-term investment you've ever made. If you build a successful business from scratch, nobody is there standing between you and the profits! -MSN Money

#InspirationalQuotes: "Never be afraid to do something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic." -Anonymous

SWAGRR Magazine · ft @swagthemag

Fun Features 3 OMG-Facts

The Most Awww-dorable Videos of 2012

ScAN TO reAD Why

1 2

THE FAT EARTH

The Earth gets about 220 pounds heavier every day due to cosmic dust!

Cute: 9 month-old twin boys dancing to music. Cuter: their reaction when the song ends and starts again.

Dear everybody, We're over. After 5 years together, Ivory and Jonathan release a catchy song with music video explaining their breakup to friends, family, and entire Interwebz.

Dog watches table tennis

Gimme the ball! Gimme the ball! Gimme the ball! Gimme the ball! Gimme the ball! Gimme the ball! Gimme the ball! Gimme the ball!

Caine's Arcade

ScAN TO reAD Why

9 year-old Caine built a DIY arcade with cardboard and tape. Each day, he worked and waited, hoping for just one customer. Then this happened...

APPLE A DAY

Apples can wake you up better than coﬀee!

Baby ﬁghts going to sleep

Lullaby and good niiii....wait, he's awake! Aaaand now he's out! Oops, he's awake! Now zzzzzzz...

From cute pets, to cute couples, and even cuter kiddos--the clips that tugged at our heartstrings or just made us smile. Here are our picks for the videos of 2012 that put the "Awww!" in adorbs.

ScAN TO reAD Why

AT FIRST SIGHT It only takes 1/5 of a second to fall in love.

(Really)

CLAYTON, IDAHO POPULATION

Synchronized babies

January 2013 · SACHSE WYLIE AND GARLAND ROWLETT RICHARDSON

I Think I Wanna Marry You

Elaborate proposal with 60 dancing friends and relatives, headphones, laptops, Bruno Mars, and a moving Honda CRV.

Small Town, USA

When compared to large cities like Dallas or Fort Worth, the cities of SWAGRR might seem like small towns. This made us wonder, “What are some of the smallest towns in America?”

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2010 Census: Total population is 7 (made up of four households, two families). This number is down from the 2000 Census total population of 27.

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in Custer County, ID on State Hwy 75 where the number of cows is greater than the population of people.

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Clayton was founded in 1881. ClaytonIdaho.org calls Clayton, "The town that refuses to die".

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Live Here. Dine Here. Shop Here. play Here. That's not just our slogan, it is the focus of SWAGRR magazine. If you would like your advertisement to appear in our directory section, contact us at sales@swagthemag.com.