Ten West Living by Dante Klar Media Group

January/February 2013

Hot Eats

Inside the SA Cuisine Scene

Let’s Rodeo

Saddle Up and Hold on Tight

Spectacular Snowmass

Aspen’s Sleepy Sister is Waking Up

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Traci Burton Director of Sales & Catering (210) 293-6110

Melanie Planas Sales & Event Manager (210) 293-6113

245 E. Commerce, San Antonio, Texas 78205 www.rioplaza.net Photos cour tesy of Caitlin's Creations Photography & Design, and Images & Memories Photography

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land

just got totally boring

SAN ANTONIO

the voyage begins

THE 2013 FUN CARD. Pay for a day. Play all year. Unlock every door of the deep, when you pay for a day to play all year. From our thrilling Great White roller coaster to our awe-inspiring animal encounters, when you have the 2013 Fun Card, you can go whenever you get that feeling in your bones. 2013 SeaWorld Fun Card includes admission to SeaWorld San Antonio on scheduled operating days for the 2013 season. Does not include admission to Aquatica, other restrictions apply. ÂŠ 2013 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

seaworld.com/sanantonio Ten West Living

CONTENTS

2013 JANUARY/FEBRUARY

DINE WITH THE WORLD AT YOUR FEET

FOR THE LOVE OF CHAMPAGNE

SADDLE UP AND HOLD ON TIGHT

WELCOME TO 4K

FASHION FORECAST 2013 GOING GREEN

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SHORT GAME MAGIC

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE

SPECTACULAR SNOWMASS

C OF INSPIRATION

EYS ROCKS BOERNE

DATE BOOK

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he start of a new year always finds us pondering this journey we call life. The process usually begins by conducting a personal inventory about the accomplishments and failures of the year past, finding gratitude for where you are today, and making new resolutions and intentions for the year ahead. This year is no different, except the list appears to be a little longer and a lot broader. We find ourselves pondering how we’d like to see our city, our country, the world we live in, change in 2013. We are big believers that as individuals we have the power to make profound changes in the world. Even the smallest steps we take to create a more sustainable life can have a profound impact on our country when multiplied by the millions of us that call it home. On a deeper level, however, sustainability isn’t just about going “green”, it is also about elevating our consciousness and opening our hearts enough to care, not just about our own future, but about the future and well being of everyone living in this country. Interestingly, love has a lot to do with sustainability. After all, it is love for our families, our communities, and our country that drive us to want to protect them. It is love for ourselves that drives us to seek healthy alternatives to keep us vital. It is that love that helps us to form our values, which in turn determine our priorities and strengthen our resolve to prosper. To be truly sustainable, we must come from a place of love, for it is the love we carry within us that ultimately affects the world around us. It’s been said that love heals all wounds. Given that truth, love has incredible potential to heal our country. On behalf of all of us at Ten West Living, may your resolutions be sustainable, and may your 2013 be happy, healthy, prosperous and filled with love! We would like to invite you to brag on your children. Please send in your pictures and their accomplishments, big or small, and we will feature them each issue. We begin this new feature by highlighting the Boerne ISD orchestra students and their Electrify Your Strings concert with Mark Wood.

January/February 2013

Volume 2 • Issue 2

PUBLISHERS Patrick Klar patrick@tenwestliving.com Bill Dante bill@tenwestliving.com

EDITOR Patrick Klar patrick@tenwestliving.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erich Lynch erich@tenwestliving.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Vernelle Lynch vernelle@tenwestliving.com

ADVERTISING Bill Dante bill@tenwestliving.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John Griffin, Jennifer Broome, Bjorn Dybdahl, Cesar X. Chavez, Eden Morris, C.W. Roskelley, Jim Barker, Lisa Dante, Cathy Cardenas, Vernelle Lynch, Steve A. Martinez Jr.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Al Rendon, Luis Gutierrez Advertising, Editorial and General Inquiries info@tenwestliving.com 210.807.3860 110 Broadway, Suite 530 San Antonio, Texas 78205 Subscribe www.tenwestliving.com/subscribe.html Ten West Living is published bi-monthly by Dante Klar Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Copyright ©2012. Reproduction of Ten West Living is prohibited without the expressed, written consent of Dante Klar Media Group. Unsolicited material cannot be returned. Ten West Living reserves the right to refuse to publish any advertisement deemed detrimental to the best interests of the community or that is in questionable taste. Ten West Living is delivered bi-monthly to homes on the IH 10 corridor. Subscription rates are $12 per year.

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Ten West Living sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable way. This issue was printed on recycled paper using inks containing a blend of soy bases. Our printer is a certified member of both the Forestry Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards. When you are finished with this issue, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it. We can have a better world if we choose it together.

by John Griffin • photos by Al Rendon

or 45 years, having dinner at the top of the Tower of the Americas has been a real treat for San Antonians and tourists alike. The view from the rotating restaurant, far above even the tallest of the nearby high-rises, provides a panoramic display of the city that stretches from the Hill Country in the north to ranches beyond the south side.

the quality of product used or the friendly service.

Many locals have grown up and marked birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions at the Tower while watching the city’s landscape grow and change over time. Yet, while the view has been valued as a second-to-none treasure, the dining room has had a history as up and down as the elevator that transports thousands each day to the top and back again.

So, many who enjoy the Chart House don’t even realize that it’s at the top of the Tower, while others wanting to dine in the rotating restaurant don’t realize they will be visiting a Chart House, says Carlton Quick, managing director of the restaurant. “Some people still think this is a place where chicken-fried steak is served,” he says, referring to some past menus of dubious culinary merit. “They have no idea that a Chart House was in town.” Chef Derek Lomax agrees. “For the Chart House, this is a really unique location,” he says. “People who know the Chart House are pretty much familiar with ocean-front views. They didn’t think there’d be one up here.”

In the last six years, however, the food quality has definitely been on an upswing. That’s because Landry’s has taken over the kitchen and installed a Chart House, its flagship line of restaurants known on the coasts for its seafood specialties as well as its prime rib. The Chart House’s history actually stretches back further than the Tower of the Americas’ tale. It goes back to 1961, and over the years, it has developed a national group of followers who value its consistency, whether it’s

For diners, the special nature of a meal 600 feet above the city begins the moment you enter the elevator for a swift ride to the top. The city below can be seen almost immediately from the top, and it continues its hold, no matter where on the circle you sit. Quick suggests arriving about an hour before sunset, so you can watch over dinner as the landscape changes from natural light to electric light, thereby enjoying the sights of the city in two different, but equally memorable ways.

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Previous Page: Australian Cold Water Lobster Tail served with baked potato, Prime Rib 10 oz. cut; This Page: Chef Derek Lomax; Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail

Lomax and his staff work hard to make sure that your meal is the equal of the view. Otherwise, it’s like going to a musical and whistling the scenery, not the score, on the way out. The whole evening, not just one element, should be special. That’s why fresh seafood from all over the world arrives daily at the restaurant. It could be Cooper River salmon from Alaska, lobster tails from Australia or red snapper from the Gulf of Mexico. The lineup of fish varies, depending on the time of year, as do the presentations. “We always make our toppings vary with the season,” Quick says. There are a few constants that diners can enjoy year-round. They include, among appetizers, a generous portion of fried calamari with a duo of sauces, citrus chili and marinara as well as a jumbo shrimp cocktail. A pear and saga blue cheese salad refreshes, no matter what time of year you order it, while lobster bisque and clam chowder are regular soup offerings. Macadamia-crusted mahi mahi conjures tropical memories of the Hawaiian Islands, while seared Chilean sea bass arrives with a lobster and crab topping. For those who prefer turf to surf, the Chart House’s juicy prime rib, available daily, has its solid fan base that continues to grow.

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Lomax recently served it to 25 visiting pharmaceutical representatives from China in town for a convention. They had a choice of chicken or fish, but every last person opted for the prime rib, he says. It was a taste of Texas that they took with them. The restaurant’s most popular dish is neither fish nor fowl. It’s the Hot Chocolate Lava Cake that’s offered for dessert, Lomax says. The decadent treat takes 20 minutes to prepare, so servers will tell their guests early enough, and just the image of cutting into a cake with a molten chocolate center is enough to ensure diners save room. A promise of Heath bar crunch and vanilla ice cream on top can’t hurt, either. Word has gotten out around town about the quality of the Chart House, and local business has increased steadily over the past six years, Quick says. “This is still the space to spend your special occasion,” he says. But locals also take the ride to the top of the city when they want a good meal out. In addition to serving the throng of diners that fill the main dining area, the Chart House also hosts everything from small birthday dinners to wedding receptions as well as private parties both great and small. The

This Page: Pear and Saga Salad - baby greens, red onions, Bosc pears, tomatoes, Saga blue cheese and glazed pecans; Calamari & Friends lightly fried calamari & more, served with citrus chili sauce and marinara

Chart House can handle big when it comes to catering, Lomax says, citing a party during the 2011 Alamo Bowl when the restaurant fed 5,000. That many didn’t come up to the restaurant; they partied in the HemisFair Park plaza at the base of the Tower. The demand for catering services has grown to the point where the chef is treating it as “another restaurant” with its own staff. “We really have no limits,” Lomax says. “If somebody says they want to host a party for 10,000, we can handle that.” Reservations are recommended but “are not absolutely necessary,” Quick says. If the dining area is full, patrons can get a pager and then explore the rest of the grounds. They might want to go to the observatory above the restaurant, where they can feel the open air breeze past them. The property includes two Starbucks as well as a gift shop on the ground level and Stars Over Texas, a 4-D theater ride. There might also be space in 601, the bar that’s named for the number of feet it stands off the ground. The bar space, however, does not rotate, though the view is still breathtaking.

was younger,” he says. After years of cooking in Houston and elsewhere, he returned to town six years ago and is glad he made the move back. “What I see in San Antonio is that, with more culinary schools now, people are becoming more savvy about different food trends. I like the growth,” he says. Both Quick and Lomax love reporting for work every day, because of the thrill of being on top of the Tower brings. If he ever takes it for granted, Lomax says he only needs to find himself in an elevator ride with at least one wide-eyed child, in awe of watching the city unfold before him, to recapture the excitement his job provides. “There’s nothing like it,” he says. Chart House Tower of the Americas 601 Tower of Americas Way (210) 223-3101 www.chart-house.com

Lomax originally came to San Antonio when he was 4 years old as part of a military family. “And the Tower, for me, was something I did when I

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Chart House

RECIPES

Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi

Hot Chocolate Lava Cake

4 Each. 8 oz. Mahi filets

Ingredients

Macadamia Crust 3 cups Macadamia Nuts - diced 1 cup * Panko (Japanese bread crumbs) ¼ cup Rice flour 1 cup melted butter

10 oz (w) Bittersweet Chocolate Chips 10 oz (w) Butter (salted) 1Tblsp Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

Peanut Sauce 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut butter 1 tsp. * Sambal chili paste ½ tsp Salt ¼ tsp Black pepper ¼ cup * Seasoned Rice Vinegar ¼ cup Soy sauce (light) ½ cup Coco Lopez (Cream of Coconut) ¾ cup * Coconut milk 2 Tbsp. Cilantro - chopped 1 ½ cup water Mango Relish 1 lb. Mango, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks 1/2 C. Red Onion, diced 1/2 C. Cilantro, diced 1/4 C. Red Bell Peppers, diced 3 Tbsp. Lemon Juice 2 Tbsp. Seasoned Rice Wine Vinegar 1 each Jalapeño Pepper, seeds removed and minced 1/8 tsp. Kosher Salt 1/8 tsp. Black Pepper PREPARATION Prepare macadamia crust. Combine diced macadamia nuts, panko, rice flour, melted butter and mix well. Prepare Peanut sauce. Combine all ingredients – mix well. For the mango relish, combine mango, red onion, cilantro (diced), red bell peppers, lemon juice, rice wine vinegar, jalapeno, kosher salt and black pepper. Take 4 each, 8 oz. Mahi filets. Place on baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Lightly coat fish with macadamia nut crust. Place in 350 degree oven. Bake for 16 minutes. To Plate Place 3 oz. of peanut sauce in center circle of the plate. Place the Macadamia nut crusted Mahi in center of the plate. Place the Mango relish over the top. Squeeze Teriyaki glaze in a wave over the top*. * These items can be found in the specialty/ethnic foods section

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¾ cup ¾ cup

Egg Yolks Whole Eggs

10oz (w) Powdered Sugar 5 ¼ oz (w) All Purpose Flour As needed As needed As needed As Needed As Needed As Needed

Pan Spray Butter (salted) Sugar (granulated) Bittersweet Chocolate Chips Hershey Syrup Heath Toffee Topping

Melt bittersweet chocolate chips (10oz) and butter (10oz) over a double boiler. Add the Godiva chocolate liqueur and stir to melt. Turn off fire and hold for next step. Place eggs and egg yolks into a mixer and beat on low speed while pouring in melted chocolate. Combine powdered sugar and flour in a sieve, sift into the egg and chocolate mixture. Mix into mixer at high speed until well blended (approx. 1 minute). Light spray an 8oz ceramic soufflé cup with pan spray. Then lightly coat with butter and dust with sugar. Using a 3oz scoop, portion 1 scoop of batter into each prepared soufflé cup. Place a several bittersweet chocolate chips on top. Place another scoop of batter on top of the bittersweet chocolate to cover. Cover with plastic, date and refrigerate until ready to cook Cook on low speed, fan on low @ 325 for 18 – 20 minutes … once done, rest for 5 minutes then flip lava cake over on top of a serving plate, make sure that cake is fully cooked or it will fall apart. Once plated place a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and finish with Hershey chocolate and heath toffee topping.

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by Cesar X Chavez If you are reading this article, then it means we have survived the “end of the world” Mayan calendar and we can look forward to another 5,000-year cycle. Also if you are reading this, my contemporaries and I have already celebrated the 12-21-2012 with a fabulous Champagne/Sparkling wine dinner. Yes, we drank about 5 different Champagnes and 2-3 different sparkling wines along with food from our favorite Thai restaurant (best food in town) but shall remain nameless. By now you have probably guessed that this is a Champagne article, and rightly so. Christmas and New Years 2013 is past, so why is he writing about the bubbly stuff now? Well my dear fun-loving drinking amigos, Champagne is not just for celebrations such as New Years, weddings, birthdays and graduations- it’s for any occasion that you want to make festive. That’s why a beautiful Sunday Brunch with a bottle or two of that delectable fizz is so popular now, was and always will be. I am not going to bore you with talking about Dom Perignon and how he invented Champagne, he did not, or how he uttered that famous line “I am drinking the stars”, he never said that either. It’s a nice story but someone somewhere just plain made it up. What Mr. D.P. was more concerned about in those days was how to keep the bottles from exploding due to the 5-6 atmospheres the CO2 created during the second fermentation. I also will not bore you about why all Champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wines are Champagne. If your sparkler is from California, Spain or Italy, it’s just that- sparkling wine. In Spain, they call it Cava, which is it’s own appellation which interestingly enough if your wine is from Champagne it only says that on the bottle, no need to mention appellation status on the label- the mere fact that it is labeled Champagne is enough to confirm it. I shouldn’t bore you with the fact that you should always use flute stem glasses for your sparkling wine or Champagne (if you’re drinking Andre or something like that, it doesn’t matter). Those bowl-like stems with the large surface area that seem to be so popular at weddings make the bubbles dissipate right away, so you don’t get to enjoy the true flavor and character of the wine.

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I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that it is not cool and groovy to pop the cork and spray everybody in the room unless you’ve just won the Super bowl or Grand Prix and you been hanging out with the big Lebowski and all those dudes. Champagne needs to be treated with respect, you remove the foil, the cork and then holding the cork with a waiters towel over it with one hand, you gently twist the bottom of the bottle (not the cork) until you here that pleasant “whoosh” sound saying “I AM ALIVE”! Well, let’s get down to business, I’m here to recommend some really good Champagnes and sparkling wines for you to try and enjoy. Being that I happen to live in the San Antonio area, I will name wines that are available in wine-oriented stores. If you don’t happen to see the recommended brand you want to try, just ask your wine consultant to order you some-he/ she will be more than happy to fulfill your request.

Champagnes to check out Pol Roger Brut Reserve ($35) Good medium bodied, well-balanced wine from a small producer that has always produced value. Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve ($55) Here is a full-bodied wine with great complex flavors and a particular favorite of mine. Should be easy to find. J. LaSalle Imperial Pereference N.V. ($60) Very appetizing, complex layers of various fruits and a touch of caramel with a long crisp finish. Paul Bara Brut Reserve Grand Cru N.V. ($75) Full bodied, great flavor, with a touch of freshly baked bread, an overall richness and well-balanced finish

Sparkling wines Nadal Cava Avinyo Brut N.V. ($18) Form Spain, probably one of my favorite Cavas, this wine has a taste of apples, lemons, with a hint of toastiness on the palate and a great smooth finish. Rack & Riddle Brut N.V. ($21) Here is a new sparkler from Mendocino California that I find quite good showing some Champagne characteristics. Beautiful green apple aromas with nice fine bubbles and a long finish. La Maison du Cremant Brut NV ($21) From the region of Burgundy, France, this sparkler is made of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (just like Champagne). Pears, pineapple, fresh and yeasty, a fantastic buy without the Champagne price!

Well, that pretty much sums it up for 2012 and my recommendations. We are still standing and breathing on this great planet and the Mayan predictions proved to be naught. I leave you with some notable quotes from famous people throughout the years that felt that without Champagne, their lives were not complete. HAVE A WONDERFUL YEAR! “ In success you deserve it, and in defeat, you need it” Winston Churchill, English Prime Minister and Statesman. (1874-196) “Champagne is the only wine that leaves a woman beautiful after drinking it” Madame de Pomadour, chief mistress of Louis XV. (1721-1764) “Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right” Mark Twain, American humorist, author (1835-1910) “Champagne, if you are seeking the truth, it is better than a lie detector…” Graham Green, British writer (1904-1991) “My only regret in life is that I did not drink more Champagne” John Maynard Keyes, American writer (1883-1946)

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by Steve A. Martinez Jr. • photos provided by the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo is one of the premier rodeos in the nation, named the Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year for eight consecutive years. Production of this 2-plus week long event requires over 5,000 volunteers to execute all of the details that make it one of the largest events in San Antonio. The San Antonio Rodeo draws in over a million people each year, and has become a staple event for Rodeo-goers. The rodeo is run by the San Antonio Livestock Exhibition Executive Committee, or SALE, “a volunteer organization that emphasizes agriculture and education to develop the youth of Texas.” Since the association implemented the scholarship fund in 1984, it has committed over $123 million dollars through scholarships, grants, endowments, cattle auctions and other means. Not only is the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo one of the most entertaining events of the year, it has made its mark on Texas by supporting the youth and contributing to the future of agriculture. Gather up your restless posse of cowboys and cowgirls and head our way for the unforgettable San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo from February 7th - 24th this year. There are plenty of events, so be sure to take advantage of our complete guide so you reckon’ to make it to all your favorite events. Ten West Living

History In 1854, in an emerging Texas cattle town, history was made when one of the first ever Texas Agricultural Fairs was held in San Antonio. In the following years, many other fairs and expositions came to San Antonio and all encountered the same problem, inadequate facilities to accommodate their needs. It was evident South Texas was in dire need of facilities to serve as a showplace for a livestock exposition. This cry for greater accommodations was heard in the early 1940s by Joe Freeman, the man who began the movement, which eventually gave birth to the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum. Freeman’s two prime interests were youth and the agricultural and livestock industries. His dream was to build a coliseum to be used for a number of events, but specifically, a livestock exposition for the youth of Texas. After assembling a number of volunteers, ranging from cattlemen to sports-minded citizens, the movement began

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to construct this multi-purpose coliseum. The years of gathering support and money paid off when construction began in January of 1948. In the following September, the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum was opened to the public. On February 17, 1950, a landmark event took place with the first Annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The first exposition met with unequaled success, entertaining more than a quarter of a million visitors, an unheard of record for an opening show. In 1984, a very forward thinking SALE Executive Committee began to think about encouraging 4-H and FFA high school students to continue their interest in the agriculture industry by majoring in agricultural-related studies in college. So the SALE Scholarship Fund was born, which awarded fifteen, four-year scholarships totaling $90,000 to students entering Texas colleges in the fall of 1984.

2003 was another milestone year in the history of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. For the first time since 1950, the rodeo & concert performance was not held in the Freeman Coliseum but in the brand new, state-of-the-art facility, the SBC Center, located right next door (The SBC Center is now known as the AT&T Center). The Freeman Coliseum then became the home to hundreds of commercial vendors providing the perfect venue for rodeo patrons ready to shop. Since SALE’s inception in 1950, the Stock Show & Rodeo has grown to be one of the largest and most prestigious, single events in San Antonio with over one million visitors entering the grounds each year.

Rodeo The rodeo consists of seven PRCA events as well as a Grand Entry, Mutton Bustin’, Calf Scramble and Xtreme Bulls. Mutton Bustin’ is a huge crowd pleaser and one of the most popular

events. During each rodeo performance, a few lucky kids get to climb on the back of a dashing sheep and hang on for six exciting seconds. The Calf Scramble, also during the rodeo performances, is when 24 4-H and FFA members compete to catch, halter and coax one of 12 calves across the winners line. Xtreme Bulls, back for the 7th year in a row, is the most intense bull riding competition in professional rodeo. It takes place on the final Saturday of the show, February 23rd at 1pm. The tradition of pairing Xtreme Bulls with electrifying musical performances continues this year with an appearance by Justin Moore.

Ranch Rodeo Finals Rising in popularity, Ranch Rodeos are a throwback to the old west and the beginnings of modern day rodeos. The modern Ranch Rodeo puts real life working cowboys to the test. These real-life cowboys, representing the ranch they work on, compete against each other in events similar to the tasks they face. Events include steer loading, branding, steer tying, hide race, rescue race, and the milk race. And yes, you read right, the milk race is where the cowboys must wrangle a wild cow and milk it to complete the event. Ranch Rodeos are unique in that they are team competitions, unlike modern rodeos. The six teams competing qualified based on performance in circuit rodeos through out the year. The six teams are the best in the west, and are invited to compete at the South Texas Ranch Rodeo Finals at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Prizes are awarded to the Top Hand (not unlike a football game MVP), the winner of each event, and to the top two teams of the running average. The first place team also earns coveted custom belt buckles, the South Texas Ranch Rodeo Championship title, and bragging rights for the rest of the year. Tickets are $25, which includes grounds admission. Seating is not assigned, so be sure to arrive a little early for the best seats. Tickets are available through the Rodeo Ticket Office, for more information call 210-225-5851 and visit www.sarodeo.com.

Carnival The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is proud to welcome one of the largest carnival providers in the United States, the Wade Show Carnival. Thrilling rides including the Turbo Force, Italian Twister, Slingshot, Tango and Force Ten provide hours of fun for everyone. Challenge a friend and test your skill level at any of the games and win one of the many prizes. Li’l Partner Land is the perfect spot for the lil’ ones, specifically designed to meet the needs of parents with small children. Last, but not least, top off your good time with a taste of the mouth-watering foods served on the Midway, such as funnel cakes, tur-

key legs, candy apples and cotton candy.

Ticket Center.

Family Fair The Family Fair is an area that provides a wide variety of interactive activities and attractions geared towards family fun and education and live musical entertainment. This is the ultimate in family entertainment where the kids can be kids and the adults can act like kids. With everything from petting zoos, educational exhibits, great food, and even pig races everyone is sure to be entertained.

Clay Walker

Thursday, Feb 7th at 7pm

Eli Young Band Friday, Feb 8th at 7:30pm

Lee Bride

Saturday, Feb 9th at 1pm The Family Fair Hours Sunday - Thursday 10am-9pm Friday-Saturday 10am-10pm

Texas Star Marketplace The Texas Star Marketplace, located in the Freeman Coliseum and the Two Step Marketplace, located in the Exhibit Hall directly behind the Freeman Coliseum, showcase products from some of the United States, Mexico and Canada’s finest commercial vendors. Over 650 handselected vendors showcase items such as home furnishings, accessories, leather goods, custom boots, clothing and jewelry. From shabby chic to old west, there is something for all tastes! You can also find other vendors located throughout the Stock Show grounds, in front of the barns along Freeman Blvd and on Bickett, adjacent from Family Fair. These vendors feature agriculture related items such as tractors and horse trailers, fencing, hay bailers, irrigation systems, horse pens, cattle scales, animal feed and a wide array of agriculture supplies. Marketplace Hours Sunday through Thursday from 10am - 8pm Friday from 10am - 10pm Saturday from 9am - 10pm

Music The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo attracts some of the biggest names in music. Each performance begins with a rodeo, which lasts just under 2 hours. After the rodeo there will be a brief intermission (about 20 minutes) followed by the concert.

Toby Keith

Saturday, Feb 9th at 7:30pm

Austin Mahone Sunday, Feb 10th at 1pm

Reba

Monday, Feb 11th at 7pm

Casting Crowns Tuesday, Feb 12th at 7pm

Gary Allen

Wednesday, Feb 13th at 7pm

Thompson Square Thursday, Feb 14th at 7pm

OneRepublic

Friday, Feb 15th at 7:30pm

Lady Antebellum

Saturday Feb 16th at 1pm & 7:30pm

Kip Moore

Sunday, Feb 17th at 1pm

La Original Banda El Limon Sunday, Feb 17th at 7:30pm

Dierks Bentley Monday, Feb 18th at 7pm

Jerrod Niemann Tuesday, Feb 19th at 7pm

The Band Perry

Wednesday, Feb 20th at 7pm

Tickets are available at a variety of price points. All seats are reserved. When you purchase your ticket you receive admission to the grounds, rodeo and concert.

Brantley Gilbert

Tickets may be purchased by visiting the AT&T Center Box Office, calling Ticketmaster at 1-877-63-RODEO (1-877-637-6336), online at www.ticketmaster.com or at any Ticketmaster

Friday, Feb 22nd at 7:30pm

Thursday, Feb 21st at 7pm

REO Speedwagon Justin Moore

Saturday, Feb 23rd at 1pm

Darius Rucker

Saturday, Feb 23rd at 7:30pm Ten West Living

January is Get Organized Month! Let Sort It Out get you organized for 2013!

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AT FOUR TIMES THE RESOLUTION, IT’S LIKE YOU’RE THERE by Bjorn...just Bjorn

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he holidays are over, you have filled your house with loved ones and filled your belly with delicious treats, now it is time to fill your media room with the clearest picture, pixel popping 3D and immersive sound all combined to create 84 inches of TV watching pleasure. The Sony BRAVIA 4K Ultra HD TV not only fills your field of vision, it is like experiencing the action in real life. As of June 2012, there were over 13,000 Sony 4K digital cinema theaters. Now, Sony brings the full 4K digital experience into the home with stunning picture quality and spectacular sound. With four times more resolution than Full HD, the 84” 4K screen contains no less than 8 million individual pixels. Advanced picture processing ensures that every one of those pixels displays images with superb quality. Sony has thought of everything, widening the viewing angle to 60˚ for a closer, more comfortable viewing distance. The newly-developed 4K technology even upscales HD (or lower resolution) images by analyzing and refining images from all sources. Everything you see is restored with beautiful, natural detail, richer color and stunning contrast.

highs while mid-range units and four sub-woofers fill the sound field with dramatic bass. S-Force® Front Surround 3D simulates 5.1 sound, with an enlarged sweet spot that everyone in the room will enjoy. Although there is currently no content available to buy in 4K you can watch 4K Ultra High Definition movies now. When you purchase your 4K Ultra HD TV from Sony you will be loaned a server containing 10 movies in brilliant 4K. Experience game-changing resolution with the first ever collection of films mastered in 4K. You can also take advantage of the endless entertainment of the Sony Entertainment Network, where thousands of movies, TV shows, online videos, games and music are always at your fingertips. By simply connecting to the internet, you can access Full HD 1080p entertainment, 3D content and a variety of made-for-TV apps. Experience the next generation of TV technology, in giant, ultra clear resolution with earth shattering sound. Go ahead, your media room is calling.

There’s 3D, then there’s 3D with 4K. Larger than life images emerge from the massive 84” screen with realism that will make your heart race. The level of detail is absolutely stunning. It is the closest thing to a 3D theater in your living room. Light, comfortable, passive 3D glasses offer superb image quality and a noticeable step above anything else you have ever experienced. What is a big screen without big sound? This is another feature that Sony has hit on the head. Totaling 50W, the front-facing, 2-way, 10-Unit speaker system directs the sound right at you. Soft dome tweeters deliver crisp Clockwise from Top Left: 2-player games with no split screen, Access to full HD 1080p entertainment, 3D content and made-for-TV apps, 50W 10-Unit speaker system

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233 East Houston Street 210-226-7256

THE ORIGINAL COOL

thepalm.com/San-Antonio

SINCE 1926.

Hours of Operation Lunch Served: Monday – Friday, 11:30 am – 3:00 pm Dinner Served: Monday – Thursday, 3:00 –10:00 pm Friday, 3:00 –11:00 pm Saturday, 5:00 –11:00 pm Sunday, 5:00 – 10:00 pm Ten West Living

by Lisa Dante

Make them green with envy with this stunning multi-gemstone necklace...Available at Saks Fifth Avenue at North Star Mall.

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rum roll please…..we’re talking about Emerald. It’s the official 2013 Pantone color of the year. Often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious. Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the color of beauty and new life in many cultures and religions. It’s the color of growth, renewel and prosperity. No other color is more predominant in nature and conveys the power of regeneration. The calming and universally appealing tone translates easily to fashion.

MIXED GREENS AND FLORALS Appropriate for every occasion, Emerald is the perfect complement to peaches, pinks, and roses. Also, florals are back with a bang. They are even seen in pants, from wide trousers to the more popular skinny jeans. Dresses have belted waists; colors and designs are romantic, flowing and ladylike. Other patterns resemble seemingly random brush strokes on a canvas with large splotches of bright near-neon colors.

WHY THE IMPORTANCE OF COLOR? Many people might ask if we really need to know what the color of the year is? How does it rank in the matter of importance in our lives? In a world with so many serious and important issues, the truth is fashion is not merely a matter of aesthetics. It is undeniably a way to communicate important personal characteristics. After all, the right look can help a person convey his or her professionalism, energy, spirit, and cultural awareness, making a powerful statement without ever saying a word. How does the saying go…..”You only get one chance to make a good first impression.”

This Page: Digital Print Dress with Emerald Accents by Piazza Sempione. Faceted Stretch Bracelets available at Ann Taylor at The Shops at La Cantera. Ten West Living

This Page Clockwise From Top Left: Psychedelic Dress by Roberto Cavali available at Saks Fifth Avenue at North Star Mall. “Frame of Mind“ chandelier earrings and “West Chelsea Bag”, both by Kate Spade. Emerald fitted jacket with deep violet Skinny jeans available at Khol’s.

STAYING ON TREND WITH BOLD ACCESSORIES You don’t have to invest a lot in new pieces every time the fashion color forecast changes. Sometimes a splash here and there of the color of the season is all you need. Green is a powerful color, try adding a bold green necklace to a neutral toned outfit, such as black and white or beige. Suddenly, you feel more trendy and in the know without breaking the bank. Refresh, renew, revitalize, re-group… all with color….sounds like a good plan to lead us into this new year.

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by Jim Barker

good short-game is very important if you want to shoot lower scores. After thirty-years of teaching people to play golf with the goal of helping them to shoot lower scores, there is one truth that continues to ring true—improving your short-game is the fastest and easiest way to lower your score. I don’t know about you, but I have even more fun than usual when I shoot a lower score. So, let’s talk about short-game. Most golfers will hit only three to eight greens in regulation per round. With the bulk of greens missed, that leaves the short-game playing a critical role in the golfer’s success. The good news is that short-game stroke is far less complex than a full-swing and is, therefore, easier to master. The short-game shots we are considering here are from within thirty-yards of the edge of the green. We will discuss two parts of short-game, technique and strategy, both critically important to master.

Technique Follow these two basic truths of technique and your efficiency around the green will vastly improve. Keep in mind that this article is written for righthanders, so left-handers will have to reverse the terms of right and left. First there is your stance. Put your feet about six-inches apart with the ball

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played in front of the instep of your right foot and your head, with your hands and weight on your left foot (about seventy-percent). Second, your stroke. For the backswing leave your weight on your left foot and allow your right elbow to hinge (not wrists) causing an ascending movement of the hands and club away from the ball. During the throughswing allow the club to descend to and through the ball, bumping the ground just after the ball, while your eyes and chest turn to face the target. That’s right, you will be striking the ball on the down-swing (not trying to lift it), and you should not keep your head down which will stop you from getting through the ball. You will be able to control how far you hit the ball by the length of your backswing and how forcefully you rotate your body to face the target. It is very important and should be noted that the stance and stroke described above is completely counter-intuitive to most all golfers. Most golfers put their weight on the right foot and try to scoop the ball up into the air. This is the cause of both fat and bladed shots. As the wise man wrote: “There is a way that seems right to a man but it only results in failure.” As it is in life, so it is in golf.

Strategy Now that you have an idea of what to do in your technique, let’s talk strategy. A great general once stated that, “Good execution without strategy is just the sound you hear before defeat.” So it is in short-game. Strategy is crucial if you are to have any chance of success. Players on the PGA Tour, when approaching any short shot around the green, will always follow the same exact procedure. The player first makes a decision that will define the entire shot. This first decision is where to land the ball. This tells the player two things, what club to use and how hard to swing. Most golfers never think about where to land the ball and, consequently, don’t know how hard to swing. The last thing most golfers look at before hitting the shot is the hole. As a result, the player makes a swing big enough to hit the ball to the hole and then has to decelerate to keep the ball from going too far.

the green. The other ten-percent is short of the green. Standing behind the ball, look at your desired landing spot and pick the club that would give the ball the right amount of roll to reach the hole. The less roll desired, the more loft you would need; the more roll desired, the less loft you would need. Next, take a practice stroke feeling the club bump the ground with just enough force to hit your landing spot. Then put the club behind the ball, look at your landing spot, return your eyes to the ball and make your stroke. Combine good technique and good strategy and, like a David Copperfield magic show, watch strokes disappear from your scorecard. Jim Barker is the PGA Director of Instruction at the Quarry Golf Club. For Information on Tee Times or Lessons Call 210-824-4500 and visit them online at www.quarrygolf.com

The big question then is where to land the ball. Over ninety-percent of the time, the best landing spot is between three and ten-feet past the edge of Ten West Living

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3.6 million people attend Fiesta® making it the second largest festival in the nation.

by Eden Morris While the rest of us were decking our halls, sending Christmas cards, making sugary delicacies and adding to the holiday hustle and bustle, those behind the scenes of the internationally awarded Fiesta San Antonio festival are working hard and gearing up for this year’s celebration. At the head of this century old “Party with a Purpose” is the ‘Fiesta® Commission’. Before you jump to any conclusions, this is no underground spy operation in San Antonio with agents that use single initials or numbers as their monikers. But make no mistake. The Commission is no less synchronized and the members no less dedicated to bring the best out of and to San Antonio. Ten West Living

The legacy of Fiesta® is in the honoring of heroes of San Jacinto. Through the various charitable events held by a select group of nonprofit organizations, people can come together in a way that makes every participant a hero. The Commission strives to keep itself aligned with the rich history of San Antonio by keeping the spirit of Fiesta® their top priority. It takes a lot to pull off a party of this magnitude. The Commission is made up of over 100 nonprofit and military organizations that put on about 110 events during the 11 day run of the festival. These events range from parades, concerts, art exhibits, sport events, pageantry, military and patriotic observances. Each organization sponsors an event based on the size and capacity of support, and is in charge of executing it. Each year, the Commission accepts new organizations to sponsor different events. The Commission oversees everything from scheduling, event check lists, sponsorship support, marketing, P.R., city logistics and promotions. In 2012, the Commission allocated $385,000 to organizations to help them jump start their event. What makes the Commission’s structure unique is the volunteer leadership. Each Participating Member Organization, or PMO, sends a representative to have a seat on the board of commissioners. Joining them are 30 elected commissioners, primarily from the community. Adding to that is the Executive Committee with its 6 officers. Each of these volunteers dedicating hours to fulfill the vision of Fiesta®. Already, the excitement is building for the 125th Anniversary coming in 2016.

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Half Chamber of Commerce and half United Way, the Commission and Fiesta® has both a charitable and economic impact. 3.6 million people attend Fiesta® making it the second largest festival in the nation, only under Mardi Gras, and top 3 overall event in the state of Texas behind the Texas State Fair and the Houston Rodeo. With that kind of recognition, Fiesta® has a 284 million dollar economic impact to the city of San Antonio. Fiesta® also benefits over 100 nonprofit organizations. During those 11 days in April, many organizations raise enough funds for their yearly operation budget while others raise scholarship money for local students.

benefits. You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and by joining the mail list. Create a buzz when you wear you Fiesta® merchandise. It’s through the excitement and passion of the fans combined with an understanding of what drives the Commission to put on this festival that will carry the spirit of Fiesta® all year long.

With a mission statement that encourages and promotes education, diversity, culture and celebration, Commission CEO, John R. Melleky, CFRE wants to take the Fiesta® spirit to every branch of the community to be felt all through the year. “Getting the word out,” says Melleky,” will allow us to gain more local, national and international attention and thereby bring in more revenue for these organizations.”

So mark your calendars, buy your T-shirt, and tell your friends Fiesta®San Antonio will be held April 18-28, 2013. As you walk the streets with your family, taking in all that Fiesta® has to offer, remember that this is for you and your community. Remember the legacy of honoring the heroes past and present. Celebrate the diversity around you. Remember the reason and responsibility behind this “Party with a Purpose.” It belongs to your neighbors, friends and those you have yet to meet. It belongs to you as you attend and support the 100 plus nonprofit organizations and programs throughout the community. “Fiesta® showcases the fabric of our community in San Antonio.” Melleky adds,” That’s what makes it so special.” You are the story. You are the heroes. You are Fiesta®.

Fiesta® fans play a major role in Melleky’s goal. You don’t have to be a nonprofit to be involved in the Fiesta® magic. For all the events Fiesta® uses a volunteer force of 75,000. One can be a Commission volunteer or a nonprofit volunteer. Donations are accepted through the Commission or to a specific organization. People can become sponsors or members. By becoming a member, one becomes eligible for invitations to special events throughout the year, social opportunities, discounts on Fiesta® merchandise, recognition in the Fiesta® Magazine and other

And what’s not to get excited about? “There’s something for everyone and that’s something truly unique.” explains Melleky. From food connoisseurs to music lovers, art enthusiasts to sports fanatics, Fiesta® San Antonio strives to create a safe family friendly environment for everyone to enjoy and all for a good cause.

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photo by Jeremy Swanson

by Jennifer Broome

Known for its wide-open groomed spaces and miles of powder, Snowmass, Colorado, is a skier’s or boarder’s dream. With 4,406 vertical feet and 3,362 acres of skiable terrain, Snowmass is the second largest ski area in Colorado. You have your choice of cruisers, steeps, glades, terrain parks, and half pipes. The acreage almost equals Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk Mountain combined. There are expansions and renovations happening on-mountain and in the village. It seems Aspen’s sleepy sister is waking up.

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photo by Jeremy Swanson Above: Snowmass Winter at Night

On the mountain, there is almost 230 additional acres this season to ski or board in the newly developed meadows and glades on Burnt Mountain. The new terrain features rolling, low-angle meadows and glades allowing you to soak in spectacular views of the valleys between Snowmass Mountain and Buttermilk Mountain. With the massive windows, elegant stonework, and curved ceiling, Elk Camp is a $13 million dollar venture that opened for the 2012-2013 season to give you not just on-mountain dining, but truly an on-mountain dining experience. Organic and locally harvested foods are on the menu at the rotisserie, pizza, panini, salad, and soup stations. The salad bar features everything from ‘ready to eat’ grains to protein powerhouses like salmon. There are diet specific options like gluten-free pizza. Even the comfort foods are elevated to a new standard with items like the Milagro Grass-Fed Beef Chili and the Ultimate Grilled Cheese Panini with Roasted Tomatoes. I tried the grilled cheese and it was ooey gooey goodness. When I ordered the House-made Chips, I was told,” They’re crisp. They’re delicious. They’re addictive.” I can attest, they are just that.

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Don’t miss Ullr Nights when Elk Camp is transformed into a nighttime winter wonderland. The fun is in honor of the Norse God of Snow, Ullr. Make it a night under the stars with old-fashioned winter outdoor activities like visiting Ullr’s snow castle or Viking sledding hill, ice skating on Rayburn’s pond, or toasting s’mores and sipping hot chocolate by the bonfire. Enjoy an a la carte culinary experience while listening to live music. Ullr Nights are every Friday night 5:30-9:30pm through March 29th. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Now that’s a fun and affordable family Friday night that will certainly be a memorable one. Westin Snowmass Resort is in the heart of Snowmass Village. The 254 rooms and 17 suites of the resort offer incredible slope-side views. It offers ski-in/ski-out access to Snowmass Mountain. In fact, you can even ski-in and ski-out directly from some of the suites. Westin Snowmass Resort was the old Silvertree Hotel. Right next-door is Wildwood Snowmass, formerly Wildwood Lodge. The $55 million dollar total renovation of both properties resulted in the style, luxury, and elegance that you would expect in a Westin and a funky, casual, and hip experience in Wildwood Snow-

photo by Jeremy Swanson

Clockwise From Left: The Telluride Gondola; Downtown Telluride; Suite at Hotel Telluride; Hotel Telluride Exterior photo by Dave Amirault Clockwise From Top Left: Westin Slopeside, Walking the Dogs in Snowmass, Powder Skiing, Snowmass Kitchen in the Westin

mass. It truly is two different experiences within one resort. The Westin Snowmass Resort offers convenient access to mountain recreation, along with the luxuries and amenities you would expect from the Aspen/Snowmass area. In true Westin fashion, they bring the outdoors in with natural elements like wood, stone, glass and of course the mountain throughout the resort. Part of the Westin brand is focus and attention on wellness and well-being. In addition to beautiful spacious rooms, the Westin Snowmass Resort experience includes two new restaurants, a slope-side pool, hot tub and sun deck, private ski valet, Westin Kid’s Club, a first-class Westin spa, and Westin WORKOUT fitness center overlooking Snowmass Village. If you forget your workout clothes, the Westin can loan you some in their partnership with New Balance. The goal of the Westin Snowmass Resort is that you feel better when you leave than when you arrived. In the spa, you will find treatment after treatment that will relax and rejuvenate you like the Altitude Adjustment that utilizes oxygenated vapors to increase your oxygen levels and help your body acclimate to the altitude or the Heavenly Soak to help you unwind and de-stress.

Snowmass Kitchen is an unforgettable slope-side dining experience. The vision of the restaurant is to create a culinary landscape that elevates all senses using locally produced, in-season, and healthy ingredients. Watch folks grab first chair while you enjoy breakfast of Huevos Rancheros or Granola with Local Honey. Pop in for a quick lunch with the ski-in/ski-out access or have a romantic dinner for two. Vue is the Westin Lobby Lounge. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, après ski, or casual evening dining. Vue features unusual handcrafted cocktails like the Cucumber Cooler. They also have local microbrews, an extensive wine list including some exceptional wines by the glass, and sharable appetizers. From Vue you get sweeping views of Snowmass Mountain and the Roaring Fork Valley. The Westin Snowmass Resort is also able to accommodate weddings, meetings, conferences, groups, and special events with new meeting or event space including a 60-seat theater space.

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Clockwise From Left: Skier Jumping, Elk Camp, Inside of the Wildwood Snowmass

For a completely different resort experience, next-door is the 151-room Wildwood Snowmass. There is a fun vibe to the eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings. The design firm, Reunion, did the radical design and colorful décor of the rooms and public spaces. Some of the quirky yet fun touches in the rooms include framed collage pictures like you would expect to find in a ski condo in the 1970s and a wilderness survival guide. The rooms are cozy chic. Each of the six suites is done in a different design. The Ski Radical suite features some bright colors that will throw you back into the 1980s or early 1990s. The Bar at Wildwood is a lively bar that features an eclectic full menu. You can pair your food choices with 10 taps of New Belgium beer direct from the brewery’s “Liquid Center” in Fort Collins, Colorado. The party is always on at The Bar. In the Wildwood you’ll find numerous areas with module tables that can be added to as your group grows. With loads of board games it’s a fun area for families or friends. Go on the hunt to find the animals native to the area scattered throughout the lobby and lounge

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seating area and see if you can find the secret bathroom that is hidden in the walls. Buffet style breakfast is served in the Canteen Kitchen. Wildwood Snowmass truly incorporates the best of a classic mountain lodge with funkiness of an uber contemporary hip hotel. In one resort property, you get two very different hotel personalities of relaxing luxury in one and life of the party coolness in the other. You will also find shopping on the resort property including the brand new Patagonia, North Face, and for that coffee break, Starbuck’s. The dining options in the resort complex are now up to six new restaurants and bars, including a collaboration with New Belgium Brewing Company at the slope-side Ranger Station. Yes, Aspen’s sleepy sister is waking up and ready to show you an unforgettable skiing or boarding adventure while you stay in world-class style of luxury, dining, and fun.

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C of Inspiration Tu r n i n g L e m o n s i n t o L e m o n a d e by Cathy Cardenas and C.W. Roskelley elcome San Antonio friends to a New year! A new year full of hope, change, opportunity and new beginnings. During the Holiday season I have been pondering on my life and topics I should discuss in 2013. There are so many great things that need to be highlighted but, due to some recent tragic events in 2012 I felt the first topic I needed to write about was depression. When it is ignored or untreated, it can truly lead to heartache and tragedy. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been thinking about the mass shootings this past year, from Movie theaters to the most re-

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cent loss of beautiful innocent children in Connecticut. So many of us in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world suffer from some sort of depression at some time in our life. Most of the time, it is never as extreme as these recent shootings but may still be extreme in other ways if gone ignored or untreated. It is not easy living in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world and some of us may not cope with problems as well as others and may become more depressed. Depression and mental illness can sometimes lead to loss of job, family, friends and tragically sometimes life. I felt so strongly about discuss-

ing this topic that I have seen destroy lives that I wanted to bring our readers an expert on the matter. C.W. Roskelley is an author and leading expert on depression. His book shares his own tragic story of depression and how he overcame it with God, Change of heart and mind. For the first time, I am bringing in a guest writer to share his story and give us advice on how we can make changes in our lives to help us to stop the suffering that depression may cause.

Depression and the Incredible Power of Directed Thoughts: Turning Lemons into Lemonade All sorts of information filters through my email. Most of it is deleted but some is enjoyed over and over again. One of my favorite video series is of babies and their expressions as they have new experiences such as holding a puppy or tasting a new food. One video in particular always brings a smile and a laugh as I watch the facial expressions of babies who taste, for the first time, a slice of lemon. Their eyes squint, their chubby cheeks elevate, their mouths pucker and often they get the uncontrollable head shake and shimmer, like I get when I take volatile tasting cold medicine. After watching a few of these babies and watching their reactions I not only laugh and smile but I find that I also begin to squint and pucker my lips. My salivary glands contract and I must swallow repeatedly. I even seem to have the flavor of lemon in my own mouth - a similar physical, mental and chemical reaction as the babies, but without actually experiencing a real lemon. Just thinking about it, you also likely had some of the same symptoms as I. Interesting, isn’t it that just our thoughts can create for us a very real reaction, as if what we are thinking about is actually happening to us. With the previous example it is not surprising that modern psychology has determined that the way we feel mentally, emotionally and physically is dictated by a very delicate balance of hormones, enzyme systems and neurotransmitters, known as a “chemical set point” and that each individuals chemical set point is influenced mostly by the things we allow on the stage of our minds. Holistic, hopeful and optimistic thoughts create for us a healthy and happier physical experience, and degraded thoughts, hopelessness and pessimism creates a chemical set point which, if persisted upon, leads to unhappiness and ultimately toward mental and emotional disease. One of the most recognized psychologists of our time, Dr. Martin Seligman writes in his book Learned Optimism, “Depression results from lifelong habits of conscious thought.” He explained that antidepressant drugs are among the most prescribed medications in advanced cultures. Dr. Seligman suggests that depression is an epidemic and antidepressant drugs an inadequate means barely holding back the prevailing flood. Modern psychology has determined that the great depressants are thoughts of distrust, fear, unforgiving, selfishness, hopelessness, disdain, holding a grudge, regret, despair, anxiety, pride and anger-essentially all pessimistic thought patterns. The frequency of these thought patterns seem to be increasing in our selfish and

godless society where the dominant media and commercialism promote and exaggerate the baseness of mankind and morality. These thought patterns create a chemical change which results in degraded mental, emotional and even physical health. Prolonged uses of these thought patterns become our permanent reality-mental and emotional disease. There are many forms of therapy used to combat mental and emotional disease: Cognitive therapy from a benevolent therapist is intended to change thinking patterns of clients. EEG or neurofeedback is intended to positively change brainwaves toward a more healthy state. All forms of mental and emotional therapy are intended to effect positive improvement by altering conscious thought patterns. Having experienced and authored descriptions of several therapy types I feel all are beneficial in the navigation toward wholeness; however we can do much in the way of effecting positive change for ourselves by understanding, recognizing and changing our own damaging thought patterns. Modern psychology has also discovered thought patterns which improve the effectiveness of neurotransmitters, they influence youthful hormones for our benefit and elevate human physiology for our healing. The great discovery of the most effective anti-depressants are exercise, good diet, love, compassion for self and others, forgiveness, charity, service, gratitude and trust. Research has shown that the last three are potent, life changing, antidotes for depression: Find a way to serve a greater cause like humanity, country or God. Actively look for reasons to be grateful for life, employment or family. And most important search to find your divine origins and come to trust that God loves you and exists only to make you whole and happy-That His or Her success and contentment is dependent upon yours. The USS Iowa is a battle ship which weighs over 55,000 tons. The rudder which steers the direction of this massive ship is very small in comparison (less than .05% of the total weight/volume), but that small director sets the intention of that great ship and navigates its course across the vast oceans under all conditions. So it is with us, only a small change in our thought patterns will result in a significant difference in the course we experience in life and how long it takes us to reach our holistic harbor. Instead of saying “I am fat, tired and stupid” a small change in thinking and a more optimistic approach would be to replace those thoughts with “I can improve my physical appearance”, “I will feel better after…”, and “ I do not know, only because I have not yet been educated in that subject.” We need to have a more optimistic outlook and the result will be more joy and peace in our lives.

We can reverse the effects of mental and emotional disease and set a course for warmer, calmer waters by: 1. Avoiding damaging thought patterns like holding a grudge and judging others. Ignore the media barrage of death, doom and a powerless God. Spend less time tuned in to the negative volley of the world we live in and more time exposed to good literature. 2. Recognizing and taking personal responsibility for the thought patterns which make you feel ill. 3. Look for the possible good in all difficulty. Look for solutions and look for personal growth opportunities. Stop looking at your problems as permanent and pervasive (impossible to overcome), there are always helpful solutions, you just need to look for them. 4. Serve the common good. Serve others, community, country or God. 5. Distract yourself from damaging situations by doing something active like exercising, going for a walk, a bike ride, dancing, or reading a wholesome book. 6. Look for reasons to be grateful. Write down 5 things you are grateful for each day. Research has shown that gratitude is one of the most potent antidepressants. 7. Trust in God, that he loves you and wants you to be successful and happy. Trust is very powerful and removes anxiety and worry. In summary: Human experience is an effect. Human thought is the cause. We think, and with those thoughts we create our world that we experience. It goes beyond influencing, shaping or guiding. We establish our own happiness or misery, we harvest in life, only and exactly what we sow in our minds. Take full accountability for your thoughts so you may turn those lemons into lemonade-something sour into something beneficial.

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ROCKS BOERNE! by Patrick Klar â&#x20AC;˘ photos by Luis Gutierrez

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ark Wood stepped into the Champion High School auditorium, his patented electric violin in hand. The kids knew immediately, this was no ordinary music lesson. But Wood, with his rock-star hair and warm smile, dazzled them, as he delivered lessons typically untaught in school. Wood’s groundbreaking music education program, Electrify Your Strings! teaches kids improvisation, self-expression and technique. Mark Wood spent two days working with the schools’ orchestra directors and students to custom-design a rock orchestra makeover. Wood performed with the students on his handcrafted 7-string fretted electric Viper violin as part of his “Turbo Tour - Igniting Potential and Inspiring Passion.” The concert transformed 250 Boerne ISD string musicians into a full-fledged rock orchestra. The students rocked out in front of a sold-out crowd. The students were from Cibolo Creek, Currington, Fabra, Fair Oaks Ranch and Kendall Elementary Schools, Boerne Middle School North and South, Boerne and Champion High Schools performed in a live concert alongside the creator of the revolutionary Viper electric violin, SV Stringray violin, and Cobra cello. The concert featured some of Mark Wood’s original material and music from the 70’s and 80’s, including performances of

Queen’s “We Will Rock You”, the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine”, Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train”, Cream’s “Sunshine of My Love”, Cold Play’s “Viva La Vida”, the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” and Journey’s “Any Way You Want It”. To end the show, all 250 string musicians gathered on and around the stage for an emotional performance of Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Carol of Bells, and were rewarded by a standing ovation. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our students to work with a world renowned artist,” said Rebecca Shudak, Orchestra Director at Boerne High School and its feeder schools. “We were so excited to be able to showcase our students through this exciting event! Mark Wood is the owner of Wood Violins, the premier manufacturer of electric orchestra string instruments worldwide. He studied under Maestro Leonard Bernstein and is a Juilliard-trained violinist, an Emmy-winning composer and a founding member of theTrans-Siberian Orchestra. Wood has worked with Celine Dion, Lenny Kravitz, and Billy Joel, just to name a few. Now, Wood doesn’t simply teach music. He aims to save music education. “Giving back is an important part of our responsibility,” Wood said. Through his “Electrify Your Strings” program, he travels to 60plus schools annually. In the last ten years, he’s worked with more than 100,000 students, raising upward of $1 million for music education programs.

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DATE BOOK

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

2013 FAMILY

Shatner’s World

Diana Ross

January 9

January 29

Monster Jam

Majestic Theatre

January 12-13

224 East Houston Street

Alamodome

www.majesticempire.com

Aaron Watson

Matchbox Twenty

January 11

January 30

WWE

Cowboys Dance Hall

Majestic Theatre

January 15

3030 NE Loop 410 at IH 35 800-745-3000

224 East Houston Street

AT&T Center

www.ticketmaster.com

www.majesticempire.com

Justin Bieber

Radney Foster

January 12

February 1

Harlem Globetrotters

AT&T Center

Gruene Hall

January 31

One AT&T Center Parkway

AT&T Center

www.ticketmaster.com

100 Montana Street

800-745-3000

210-226-3333

1281 Gruene Road

830-606-1281

New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com

800-745-3000 Pat Green

www.ticketmaster.com

January 18

Joe Ely Band

Freestyle Motocross: Nuclear Cowboys

Cowboys Dance Hall

February 2

3030 NE Loop 410 at IH 35 800-745-3000

Gruene Hall

Alamodome

www.ticketmaster.com

1281 Gruene Road

100 Montana Street

210-226-3333

800-745-3000

www.ticketmaster.com

One AT&T Center Parkway

224 East Houston Street

800-745-3000

www.ticketmaster.com

One AT&T Center Parkway

210-226-3333

New Braunfels, Texas

800-745-3000 Lisa Lampanelli

www.ticketmaster.com

830-606-1281

www.gruenehall.com

January 25 Lila Cockrell Theater

MUSIC

200 East Market St. Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular

Alejandro Escuvedo 800-745-3000

www.ticketmaster.com

Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road

January 5 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street www.majesticempire.com

210-226-3333

Roger Creagor

New Braunfels, Texas

January 25

www.gruenehall.com

Floore’s Country Store 14464 Old Bandera Road Helotes, Texas www.liveatfloores.com

Ten West Living

February 8

210-695-8827

830-606-1281

DATE BOOK

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

2013 Bob Schneider

San Antonio Symphony presents

Charlotte Bobcats

January 30

February 22

Brahms Festival

Washington Wizards

February 2

Gruene Hall

February 8-10

Phoenix Suns

February 27

Majestic Theatre

AT&T Center

1281 Gruene Road

830-606-1281

New Braunfels, Texas

224 East Houston Street

www.gruenehall.com

www.majesticempire.com

www.spurs.com

Bellamy Brothers

San Antonio Symphony presents

San Antonio Rampage AHL Hockey

February 15

Brahms Festival

Peoria Rivermen

January 4

Cowboys Dance Hall

February 15-17

Peoria Rivermen

January 6

Majestic Theatre

Lake Erie Monsters

January 10

Lake Erie Monsters

January 11

Texas Stars

January 25

Rockford IceHogs

February 1

3030 NE Loop 410 at IH 35

800-745-3000

www.ticketmaster.com

210-226-3333

224 East Houston Street

210-226-3333

www.majesticempire.com

PERFORMING ARTS

One AT&T Center Parkway

210-444-5050

Memphis

AT&T Center

San Antonio Symphony presents

February 19-24

One AT&T Center Parkway

Garza plays Mozart

Majestic Theatre

www.sarampage.com

January 11-12

224 East Houston Street

Majestic Theatre

www.majesticempire.com

LOCAL FLAVOR

SPORTS

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

224 East Houston Street

210-444-5050

210-226-3333

www.majesticempire.com

Clay Walker

February 7at 7pm

San Antonio Symphony presents

U.S. Army All-American Bowl

Eli Young Band

February 8 at 7:30pm

Symphonie Espagnole

January 5

Lee Bride

February 9 at 1pm

January 25-26

Alamodome

Toby Keith

February 9 at 7:30pm

Majestic Theatre

100 Montana Street

Austin Mahone

February 10 at 1pm

Reba

February 11 at 7pm

Casting Crowns

February 12 at 7pm

San Antonio Spurs NBA Basketball

Gary Allen

February 13 at 7pm

San Antonio Symphony presents

Philadelphia 76â&#x20AC;&#x2122;ers

January 5

Thompson Square February 14 at 7pm

Pops Goes to the Movies

Los Angeles Lakers

January 9

OneRepublic

February 15 at 7:30pm

February 1-2

Minnesota Timberwolves

January 13

Lady Antebellum

February 17 at 1pm

Majestic Theatre

Memphis Grizzlies

January 16

La Original Banda El Limon February 17 at 7:30pm

Golden State Warriors

January 18

Dierks Bentley

February 18 at 7pm

New Orleans Hornets

January 23

Jerrod Niemann

February 19 at 7pm

Phoenix Suns

January 26

The Band Perry

February 20 at 7pm

224 East Houston Street

210-226-3333

800-745-3000

www.ticketmaster.com

www.majesticempire.com

224 East Houston Street www.majesticempire.com

210-226-3333

Ten West Living

DATE BOOK

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

2013 Brantley Gilbert

February 21 at 7pm

San Antonio Boat & Travel

Fredericksburg Trade Days

REO Speedwagon February 22 at 7:30pm

Trailer Show

February 15 - 17

Justin Moore

February 23 at 1pm

January 24-27

355 Sunday Farms Lane

Darius Rucker

February 23 at 7:30pm

Alamodome

Fredericksburg, Tx 78624

AT&T Center

100 Montana Street

One AT&T Center Parkway

210-444-5050

800-745-3000

830- 990- 4900

www.fbgtradedays.com

www.ticketmaster.com

www.spurs.com

33rd Annual Fine Wine & Luckenbach Blues Festival

Cuisine Tasting

Bridal Extravaganza

January 26

February 17

January 6

412 Luckenbach Town Loop off RR 1376

Alamodome

HBG Convention Center

Luckenbach, Texas

100 Montana Street

200 E. Market Street

210-599-0336

830-997-3224

210-270-9000

www.luckenbachtexas.com

www.sawinefest.com

Drumline Live

26th Annual Asian Festival

2nd Saturday Art & Wine

January 30

February 16

January 12

Champion High School

Institute of Texan Cultures

Galleries throughout Boerne 830-833-0621

201 Charger Boulevard

www,secondsaturdayartand wine.com

www.boerneperformingarts.com

www.texancultures.com

Boerne Market Days

Boerne Chocolate Walk

Celtic Nights

January 12-13

February 9

February 23

Main Plaza

Shops in Downtown Boerne

www.saweddings.com

100 North Main

830-331-9079

830-249-9511

210-844-8193

www.boernemarketdays.com

801 E. Cesar Chavez Bvd.

Champion High School 201 Charger Boulevard

The 5 Browns

210-458-2300

830-331-9079

www.boerneperformingarts.com

February 9 San Antonio Cocktail Conference

Champion High School

January 17-20

201 Charger Boulevard

Multiple locations in

210-245-6964

Hill Country Optimists Antique Show 830-331-9079

www.boerneperformingarts.com

Downtown San Antonio Boerne Market Days

Boerne,Â Texas 78006

February 9-10 Fredericksburg Trade Days

Main Plaza

January 18 - 20

100 North Main

355 Sunday Farms Lane

www.boernemarketdays.com

www.fbgtradedays.com

Ten West Living

Kendall County Fairgrounds 1307 River Rd.

www.sanantoniococktailconference.com

Fredericksburg, Tx 78624

February 23

830- 990- 4900

210-844-8193

830-995-3670

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Ten West Living