EL PASO MAGAZINE
17 JUNE 2013 PRICE $2.95
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FASHION · HEALTH · TRAVEL EL PASO MAGAZINE
June 2013
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shelley Mozelle shelley@thecitymagazineelp.com
business and EVENT COORDINATOR Josh Sanchez josh@thecitymagazineelp.com
copy editor Vanessa Juarez vanessa@thecitymagazineelp.com
EDITORIAL DESIGN COVER: UTEP Head Coach Sean Kugler Special thanks to the Larry K. Durham Center for hosting The City
BluePanda Design Studio
web producer/Staff writer Daniel Bell daniel@thecitymagazineelp.com
Magazine crew for photo shoot.
aDVERTISING EXECUTIVES Jacqueline Ramsey
PHOTOGRAPHY BY:
jackie@thecitymagazineelp.com
Dav Anmed
Lisa Carrejo lisa@thecitymagazineelp.com
STYLED BY:
Christian Uribe
Josh Sanchez
christian@thecitymagazineelp.com
Henry Quintana henry@thecitymagazineelp.com
WARDROBE PROVIDED BY: Dillard's Sunland Park Mall
SENIOR STYLE DIRECTOR Yubia Fierro / OTTO
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Felipa Solis, Ladonna Apodaca, Michelle Wilson, Jannet Bustillos, Grace Neuhaus, John del Rosario, Michelle Cromer, Adrian Vaquera, Patrick Martínez, Candace Vasquez, Adair Margo, Andrés Rodríguez, Cassie Jean Johnson, Daniel Bell, Meagan Kinley, Kyle Alvarado, Josh Sanchez, Michael Graham.
PHOTOGRAPHY David Anmed, Mario Arizpe, Joe Louis Aguirre, Robert Corral, Junior Miranda, Bernie Maese “THE CITY” El Paso Magazine welcomes your comments. Please send letters to “Letters to the Editors” 661 S. Mesa Hills, Suite 204, El Paso, Texas 79912, or email the editors. Phone number: (915) 500-5730. Fax: (915) 500-5732. Letters addressed to THE CITY El Paso Magazine become the property of the magazine, and it owns all rights to their use. Letters may be edited for space.
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All rights to the contents of this magazine are owned in full by the magazine and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the Editors in Chief. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ownership or management of the magazine. All rights reserved.
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Distribution Manager/ CONTRIBUTING AD DESIGNER Nate Meyer
CREATIVE SUPPORT Theresa Guerra, Ibrahim Sánchez
IntErn
Cassie Jean Johnson
June, 2013
CONTENTS
20 THE CITY
in and out
All About Men By CASSIE JEAN JOHNSON
24 MEN’S GROOMING
His Prerogative For Hardworking Fathers By ADRIAN VAQUERA
26 THE CITY
WATCHES OF THE FUTURE
Discover the Smartest Timepieces By JOSH SANCHEZ
34 THE CITY
Toys for Grown-up Boys
The Newest Gadgets on the Market By JOHN DEL ROSARIO
28 TRAVEL
Take a Mancation Deep-Sea Fishing and Vegas Golfing Courtesy of
WWW.TRAVELCHANNEL.COM
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THE LOOK
Weekend Getaway Vacation Must Haves for Men By THE CITY
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WINE
Real Men Drink Rosé
Add this Refreshing Wine to your Summer Menus By VIC POULOS
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THE CITY
The Gentleman’s True Tobacco
An Intro to the Culture of Smoking Cigars By JOHN DEL ROSARIO
54 FOOD
Grill On!
Master the Barbecue Pit Courtesy of
WWW.TASTEOFHOME.COM
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THE CITY
THE CITY
Old Glory Memorial
Manly Mixology Become Cocktail King
It Takes a Village to Raise a Flag
By JOHN DEL ROSARIO
By KYLE ALVARADO
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THE CITY
A Celebration and a Reunion
The Grand Opening of the G.W. Bush Library By ADAIR MARGO
This summer, elevate your game.
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*Plus tax. $10 Resort fee added per night. Offer valid Sunday-Thursday only, June 3- September 30, 2013. Offer code: GLF13AS. Standard room included. Upgrades are available for an additional charge. Blackout dates on hotel and golf apply. Limited or no tee times available during golf tournaments. Golf is weather permitting (rain checks available). Tee times are not guaranteed. Not available to groups or attendees. One offer per visit. May not be combined with other offers. Credit/debit card preauthorization or $100 cash deposit per night required upon check-in for incidentals. Must be 21 or over to reserve room. No pets allowed. Management reserves all rights. The Mescalero Apache Tribe promotes responsible gaming. For assistance, please call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).
June, 2013
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THE CITY
Zuill Bailey on ‘Diversity’ Album
THE CITY
THE CITY
Twenty-Something, Profitable and Awesome
EPSO Conductor Bohuslav Rattay
The NEXT Generation of El Paso’s Businessmen
Local Cellist Collaborates with Emily Bear By THE CITY
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By KYLE ALVARADO
LOVE & ROMANCE
By PATRICK L. MARTINEZ
Dating Tips for Men from a Woman
104 SPIRITUALITY
Ace the First Date
Find Your Inner Warrior
By MAGGIE
ASFAHANI HAJJ
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HEALTH & FITNESS
Here’s to Mud in your Eye!
There’s a New Maestro in Town
Men and Meditation
6 Steps to Stress Reduction By MICHELLE CROMER
By JANNET BUSTILLOS
106 FATHER’S DAY
The Power of a Father’s Words
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PROFILES
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Men in Business
My Story of Forgiveness and Reflection
Daniel Hernandez is in London, England
By THE CITY
By CHRIS ORQUIZ
By MAGGIE
ASFAHANI HAJJ
138
THE CITY
Keepers of the Classics By ANDRÉS
RODRÍGUEZ
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LOCAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Real Madrid
Steven Madrid of WSTRN PLYLND BY RYAN HEAPE
THE CITY FEATURES
UTEP’s New Head Football Coach Sean Kugler By MICHAEL C. GRAHAM 6
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INVESTMENT
Healthcare Reform Replacing Myths with Facts
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MEDICAL
Liquid Facelift By MARCO A.
GONZALEZ, M.D
By BOBBY BLANCO
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Connect with Us:
June, 2013
Ella Blu Boutique • Gifts • Bridal
5410 N. Mesa • El Paso, TX 79912 • 915.881.9999 www.ellabluboutique.com • www.ellablubridal.com
June, 2013
EDITOR'S LETTER I N T H E C O M PA N Y O F M E N
"I, with a deeper instinct, choose a man who compels my strength, who makes enormous demands on me, who does not doubt my courage or my toughness, who does not believe me naive or innocent, who has the courage to treat me like a woman." ~ ANAIS NIN
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t is a particular pleasure, as a woman, to get to edit a men’s issue. In fact, it is the great pleasure of the magazine world — and by extension of being a reader — to be able to step outside one’s own feminine world and dive into the man’s world. This month we feature a wonderfully diverse array of men, all admirable and distinct in handsome ways. This month it’s a man’s world, you won’t hear me say that often, and we dedicate the entire issue to you men. Enclosed you will find everything an El Paso man needs. We’ve enlightened you in watches of the future, those that let you know when you’ve missed a call, another that allows you to pay for lunch with the wave of a wrist, and of course the solar powered. Replacing retired UTEP Head Football Coach Mike Price, who spent eight years with the Miners, Sean Kugler has some big shoes to fill and since he wears a size 15 that redefines the cliché. I have a secret crush on Mike Price and I fondly remember the day in March of 2005 that we shot Coach Price for the cover of the El Paso Magazine. If you’ve ever spent time in the magazine office, you are familiar with my constant remark of “well, back in the day…” I wanted my only football magazine cover memory to be preserved, like fine wine, reverently framed on my office wall never to be replaced or removed. But as time moves forward, and life changes we welcome another football coach to UTEP, Head Coach Sean Kugler. In person, he’s mammoth, a giant. He’s one of those six-footers who carry themselves a shoulder taller than any of my friends, with a confidence that makes
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Vin Diesel look insignificant. He’s got a nice air about him. He’s the kind of man who, if you were neighbors, you’d stop by for a lawn chat and a cold drink. He’s easy going, strong in his beliefs, stands 6’4” and has shoulders that fit nicely into a 4X shirt (I know this because I accompanied Josh, our male fashionista in the magazine’s office, as he shopped for Kugler’s clothing for the cover shoot). Kugler is one of those men we refer to as “The Big Boys,” but still a gentle giant. His piercing blue eyes welcome your communication, but make no mistake, when it comes to football; he’s not the gentle giant anymore. His direction is clear. Over a month ago I attended the Price’s Give ‘Em Five event where Coach was the guest speaker. There were over 200 in attendance and as he spoke without notes it was clear that his speech wasn’t practiced, it was lived first-hand. His style and direction is about integrity, leadership and accountability. He realizes the responsibility that has been placed on him from every parent that loans him their young man for a short time. They expect him to give their sons a fair chance at football, strict discipline, but most importantly an education. It’s the same expectations he has of the coaches who will now teach his two boys in their college football careers. Head Coach Sean Kugler comes highly decorated with a list of accomplishments that include three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and a trip to the Super Bowl. He acknowledges that he’s had the opportunity to work with some of the best coaches in the business. Kugler must have
learned something from all of them because Boise State head coach Chris Petersen said of him, “There’s absolutely no question that he’s the best football coach I’ve ever been around.” With open arms, we welcome him and his family to our city. Unless you live under a rock, everyone is familiar with the Mitchell Marcus Senior Night, Coronado vs Franklin Basketball Story. Some would have called the moment a “turn over”, but those of us close to the story know that it’s really an “assist”. This story is so monumental and allows the world, since all went viral, to familiarize themselves with the quality of high school athletes El Paso parents raise. Each month we wanted to have our own voice about the story, but it never ended. There was always a...'did you hear'...and 'guess what else' that we seemed unable to find a timely wrap up if you will. Enjoy gentlemen,
this issue is for you
April 2013
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The
Contributors
| By THE CITY |
1. GRACE THE PSYCHIC LADY-Grace is
with others through her current endeavors. Ad-
had a love affair with the movies since she
a native El Pasoan who has been a practicing
ditionally, Grace is back on the El Paso airwaves
could walk and writes a weekly article about
psychic and metaphysician for over twenty five
every Thursday morning on 92.3 the Fox with
film, “Felipa’s Picks,” for the El Paso Times
years. Her insight and abilities have helped
Double Trouble in the Morning with Jojo and
and KOFX Radio every Thursday. Her father,
many people gain a better sense of direction
Victor Cruz. Grace has a Bachelor’s Degree in
the late choreographer Antonio Triana took his
and understanding of their own lives.
Metaphysical Sciences and is currently pursu-
daughter to soundstages all over Hollywood.
ing her Master’s Degree in Divinity.
She traipsed down Hollywood Boulevard with
She is able to provide insight into areas such
him and nothing was more enticing than a
2. FELIPA SOLIS - Felipa has more than
bag of popcorn and a movie at the Grau-
finances, and personal growth and spirituality.
30 years of broadcast experience working
mann’s Chinese Theater or the Pantages. Her
Grace is known for her honesty and down-to-
at KTSM TV Newschannel Nine, the NBC
mother, Rita, continues the dance tradition,
earth approach. Today, Grace gains a sense of
affiliate in El Paso, Texas. A member of the
and teaches the art of Spanish Dance at the
personal fulfillment from sharing her insight
Broadcast Film Critics Association , she has
University of Texas at El Paso.
as romance and relationships, career direction,
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April 2013
CONTRIBUTORS
Along with a love of films and dance, Felipa
Texas. He remained with this firm for 19 years.
Tribune, The Messenger, Fever Magazine,
takes tremendous pride in El Paso. She vol-
In private practice Vic has tried over 100 jury
Lady Gent Code Magazine, City Beat Maga-
unteers for a number of community organiza-
trials and is a member of the State Bars of New
zine, and What’s Up Magazine. He writes in
tions. Most importantly, she is “Mom” to
Mexico and Texas. He subsequently formed
the space between punchline and epiphany,
21-year-old Gabriel, a senior at Loyola Univer-
his own firm and has been a member of the
and describes his style of writing as “pro-
sity, in Chicago, Illinois. The family is excep-
firm of Volk Poulos & Coates LLP from 1997
phetic.” He sees love as an act of civil diso-
tionally proud of the Miguel Solis Scholarship
to present. Vic has also been an owner in
bedience. He is a lover.
through the El Paso Community Foundation,
several local businesses to include Saturn of
in memory of her late husband .
El Paso, Spira Shoes, Untied Bank of El Paso, Momentum Interactive, and a previous local
8. ANDR ÉS RODR ÍGUEZ
- Andrés
Rodríguez, a native El Pasoan, is currently a
3. CANDACE VASQUEZ- Fostering an in-
restaurant named Renelli’s. He has served on
student of Spanish and English and American
satiable wanderlust and a genuine love of aes-
numerous civic boards to include, the El Paso
literature at UTEP, where he’s part of the
thetics, native El Pasoan, Candace Vasquez,
Zoo Society, The El Paso Club Board, The Paso
Student Publication’s editorial staff. Andrés
attributes her love of design and trend to the
del Norte Group, the El Paso Police Foundation
enjoys photography, writing, reading and
stacks of Vogue and Architectural Digests
Board, and the Texas Wine and Grape Growers
all things film and television. He is also ob-
that seemed to accumulate in her home as a
Association Foundation Board of Directors. In
sessed with collecting books and visiting
young girl. Aside from time spent lusting over
2000, Vic planted grapes on 10 acres of land
art museums. Upon graduating, he hopes to
beautiful real estate, sample sales, and exotic
in Canutillo, Texas, and subsequently built
continue writing while teaching high school
getaways, Candace spends her time soaking
Zin Valle Vineyards winery, which produces
Spanish.
in family life with her tall, dark, and handsome
over 1,300 cases of wine per year. Vic is also
husband and precocious and verifiably ador-
an importer of French and Italian wines and
able 1-year-old son. On the cusp of obtaining
lectures extensively on wine. Vic writes a bi-
home with a single mother, my sister and I
a BA in Business Marketing, Candace hopes
weekly column for the El Paso Times on wine
were always taught to express ourselves. My
to give back to this city which has so fully
as well. His current hobbies include writing,
mother’s rule was to be confident, no matter
enriched her life in so many ways.
fly fishing, and restoration of antique aircraft.
what. We have always been comfortable talking
He enjoys aerobatic flying.
to our mom about everything. There’s no filter
4. ADRIAN VAQUERA - Tenacious, dedicated,
9. JANNET BUSTILLOS - Growing up in a
in our home, which is why I’m so free-spirited.
6. DAVID ANMED - Contributing Photog-
I love expressing myself and telling it like it
rapher David Anmed hails from Chihuahua,
is. I enjoy sex and living life to its fullest. I’m
or classified, Adrian has been referred to as a
Chihuahua, where he was born in 1975. After
flattered to be able to write and teach others
complex individual by his social group - someone
obtaining a college degree in marketing, David
about having a healthy sex life.
that you must get to know to understand. A
went on to join the workforce in the business
refined gentleman and successful member of
world, but along the way, he developed a
the corporate world, Adrian provides a unique
passion for photography. In 2009, David took
look into the world through the marriage of his
the leap and began shooting his own portraits
exhibiting over 400 artists from a dozen coun-
traditional, yet avant-garde perspective.
full time. David’s work can be seen throughout
tries. She became especially devoted to the
this issue of The City Magazine El Paso, includ-
artist and writer Tom Lea, founding the Tom
5. VICTOR POULOS – Victor Poulos was
ing the cover shot.
Lea Institute in 2009. Adair is the author of
ed the University of Kansas and law school in
7. JOHN DEL ROSARIO - John Del Rosario
served as Chairman of the President’s Com-
is a product of American imperialism. He
mittee on the Arts and the Humanities during
was in the Army Judge Advocate General’s
hails from the island of Saipan in the North-
the presidency of George W. Bush. She was
Corps from 1977 -1980 and assigned to the
ern Mariana Islands. The Northern Mariana
awarded the Aguila Azteca from Mexican
!st Cavalry Division at Ft. Hood, Texas as a Trial
Islands list his wit and charm as their second
President Felipe Calderon in 2007 and the
Counsel prosecuting felony criminal cases.
and fifth largest exports, respectively. He is
Presidential Citizens Medal from George W.
a senior Print Media major and Philosophy
Bush in 2008.
and driven, Adrian Vaquera Silva is a force to be
reckoned with. Not someone to be categorized
In 1980, Vic Left the Army and entered private
minor at the University of Texas at El Paso.
practice with Mayfield & Perrenot in El Paso,
He has written for Borderzine, the El Paso
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
the Adair Margo Gallery from 1985-2010,
books on Tom Lea and Jose Cisneros, and
born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He attendTopeka, Kansas at Washburn University. Vic
10. ADAIR MARGO – Adair Margo owned
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CONTRIBUTORS
April 2013
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11. PATRICK L. MARTINEZ - Patrick L. Martinez is a native of El Paso and is currently
a Personal Trainer at New You Fitness & Yoga Studio on EL Paso's west side. His certifications include: Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Association Certified MMA Conditioning Coach, International Sports Sciences Association Certified Fitness Trainer, and a National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association Certified Heart Rate Performance Specialist. Patrick is currently serving his twelfth year in the military
with every shot bringing myself closer to that perfection I live for. Digital photography has been a part of my life for a long time now and my experience has given me the opportunities to capture models, nature, corporate events, musical artists, weddings, and more recently for the past three years journalism, all the time striving to become a professional in my field and bring an artistic touch to my work. In the long run I plan to be part of a prominent publication that will allow me to travel the world and do the thing I love most.
the fashion business. Fierro was later called to work for CH in the PR department and helped organize the fall 2009 fashion show. Yubia returned home and established her own company, OTTO Fashion Event Coordinator Fashion PR - Fashion Styling.
14. MICHELLE CROMER - Michelle Cromer
grew up in Texas, but no longer has big hair. A wife and mom, bestselling author, salsa dancer in training, Michelle conducts workshops in which participants learn how to tap into a deep
and has incorporated his passion for fitness into
13. YUBIA FIERRO - Yubia Fierro studied
well of spirituality, serenity, and purpose. A
Fashion Design in the prestigious Istituto
woman of contradictions, Michelle believes
and creating fitness challenges with students
Marangoni in Milan, Italy. She continued her
that spirituality and capitalism can co-exist, that
and faculty. His clients range from boxers,
education with a Fashion Marketing degree at
you have to sit still to get somewhere, and that
mixed martial artists, high school athletes, and
the Art Institute of Phoenix and later returned to
– despite her best efforts – there are some ques-
parents of all ages.
Milan to follow her passion for fashion styling
tions for which the answers only come when
through an Image Consultant course. While
you stop asking. She lives with her husband and
studying, she interned at Carolina Herrera living
two boys in El Paso, where you can’t walk to
in NYC for a semester where she learned about
the mailbox without stumbling into a mountain.
his job as a military recruiter. He is working with various area high schools in training athletes
12. ROBERT CORRAL - For over twelve years I have been practicing and polishing my skill
15. MICHAEL C. GR AHAM , J.D., CLTC, AIF® President, Graham Capital Strategies, LLC.Owner, The Graham Law Firm, PLLC - After graduating from Coronado High School in El Paso, Texas, Michael graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a major in English. He then served five
years on the U.S. Navy as a nuclear power trained surface warfare officer, during which time he served in the guided missile destroyer USS Scott (DDG 995) and on the carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 72). After his active duty service, he attended Texas Tech University, where he cocreated the nation’s first joint degree program in law and financial planning, becoming the first graduate of the program in May of 2002.
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CONTRIBUTORS
April 2013
He is married to his beautiful wife Heather,
that his purpose in
and they have five children.
life is to help others in whatever line of
16. NOE A. LOPEZ M.ED, LPC - Noe is a li-
work he chooses.
censed psychotherapist in private practice in
He returned home
El Paso, Texas. under New Leaf Counseling.
to share the stories
He practices with a pragmatic and eclectic
of local El Pasoans
approach with a realistic ideology. He is a
to inspire and initiate
single father that knows how to balance life
change.
as a parent and life as a single guy. Originally from Denver, Colorado, but raised here in El Paso, he is very loyal to his city and those
18. BOB NITZBURG
- Nitzburg spent 25
closest to him. He can be contacted through
years as a TV Sports director for KVIA-TV
his website, newleafcc.com or by email at
and KDBC-TV. He was also the TV “voice of
noe@newleafcc.com.
the Miners,” at UTEP football and basketball games. Additionally, Bob worked for ABC's
17. DANIEL BELL – Born and raised in El Paso,
Wide World of Sports and the CBS Sports
Daniel currently works as an intern for The City
Network. For the past 20 years, Bob has been
Magazine. After graduating from El Dorado
a TV-Radio Account Executive/Political Director
High School, he went on to study Engineer-
for Entravision Communications-El Paso. He
ing at Columbia University in New York City.
also does “The Miner Minute” twice daily on
During his time in The Big Apple, he experi-
KOFX-FM “The Fox”.
enced a world unlike any other and realized
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19. CHRIS ORQUIZ - was born and raised in El Paso, Texas and has been a lifelong musi-
cian and writer. He has played in many local bands, most notably with a punk rock band called Stressed Out. During the 90s he spent many years video documenting El Paso’s underground punk rock scene, always making sure to keep the footage as raw and real as possible. While he continues to write and play music, what he most enjoys is being a father and spending time with his family and 7-yearold son.
CONTRIBUTORS
June 2013
22. MEAGAN KINLEY is from Little Rock,
Arkansas in the deep heart of the South. While working on her English education degree from the University of Central Arkansas, she spent her free time running Division I Cross Country and Track as a UCA Bear. After graduating, she moved
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here to El Paso with her husband and two lovable German Shepherds. She loves traveling, art, volunteering and exploring. 23. KYLE ALVARADO - A burgeoning
20. CASSIE JEAN JOHNSON- El Paso
now resides with his lovely wife and
native Cassie Jean Johnson has returned
daughter near Detroit, Michigan. After a
to El Paso after graduating in December
couple of years in the automotive industry,
dictions to reading, Louis C.K., and the
from The Fashion Institute of Design and
Jerry launched JVDA Photography and
comma. A recent graduate from UTEP,
Merchandising in Los Angeles and now
covers all major automotive events in the
he earned his degree in English and
works at The City Magazine in El Paso.
‘Motor City.’ These events have included
American Literature, with a minor in
She is a visual designer and enjoys trave-
a number of major auto shows, the Dream
Communication Studies. Splitting his
ling, having fabulous dinner parties and
Cruise and even a Gumball Rally. Jerry
time between writing, career hunting,
spending quality time with her family.
specializes in automotive and street pho-
and powernaps, he hopes to turn his
tography and is excited to share photos
passion for writing into a professional
from a recent trip to El Paso in this issue.
career one day.
21. JERRY VILLAGRANA is an El Paso native and proud UTEP graduate who
professional, Kyle must confess his ad-
we make
better websites
and
design video www.commonpeoples.com
By Cassie Jean Johnson
June, 2013
IN AND OUT
For men, this is the summer of style and detailed clothing statements. Take a chance with brightly colored, patterned shirts to freshen up your wardrobe and look! IN: Spot-Diamond, Bandanna
OUT: Sad, Solid-Colored Shirts
Printed Shirts
For men, this is the summer of style and de-
Add some trend and playfulness to your ward-
tailed clothing statements. Solid-colored shirts
robe by trying out these quirky and tasteful but
are out, and make a boring fashion statement.
fun patterns for spring and summer. Different
Take a chance with brightly colored, patterned
shades of cobalt blues for shirts are a must
shirts to freshen up your wardrobe and look! To
have this season for men’s attire. To really make
make an even bolder sophisticated statement,
an impression, add a pair of brightly colored,
pair your look with classic loafers. With new
sleek trousers to complete your look. Be bold
elongated silhouette loafers, any outfit you
by stepping out with this fun summer trend.
have will be escalated to casual but polished.
IN: Bow Ties Bow ties are a summer must have and are replacing regular ties this season. Bow ties are certainly making a come back with a fresh, new approach. Look for bow ties that show off various patterns, designs and shapes. Adding a bow tie to your suit, as opposed to a regular tie, transforms your look from average, to spiffy and sophisticated. Add even more color and interest to your suit by including a matching, bright handkerchief to pull the whole look together. OUT: Tired Ties Ties have been around forever, and always seem to be a hassle to put on. Yes, ties look very sophisticated and are work appropriate, but it’s nice to have different attires to choose from when dressing for work or an evening out. Drab ties are certainly not creating any interest for your outfit. Bow ties are fun, yet elegant at the same time, and you don’t have to be overly dressed in a suit to wear one. All you need is a nice dress shirt, a matching jacket and slacks to make it a complete look.
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IN: Messy, Yet Dressy Hair Professional, put together looks doesn’t necessarily mean sleeked backed hair weighed down with gobs of gel. If you are tired of the same look at work, try a new a style with your hair. Ever so slightly tousled hair is in for men, and sure to redefine your summer style and look! Give your hair a little lift and texture with a volumizer, which can be found at any local drugstore. Don’t forget to complete your new look by keeping your clothing professional and tailored, so your overall image isn’t untamed or messy. OUT: Sleek, Perfectly Combed Over Hair Having a perfect, polished look doesn’t mean having slicked-back hair. This hairstyle has been an everlasting trend amongst men, especially in the workplace. Change is exciting and essential, so why not take less time to get ready every morning, but still maintain a handsome, classic look as well.
IN: Scotch
ing clients at work or you home, take it up a
What better way to entertain clients or guests
notch and show your decadent side. By doing
at your home, then kicking it old school and
so you are showing you have sophistication,
conversing over a nice glass of scotch? Scotch
while not being overbearing about it.
is an empowering drink, that some of the most elite men in history were seen drinking. It is not only a sign of power, but shows you mean business as well. There has always been something significant about seeing a man holding a glass of scotch, showing his stature in the world and that empowering confidence. OUT: Boring Beer Having a brewski among your guy friends is
Scotch is an empowering drink, that some of the most elite men in history were seen drinking
always a good time, but it’s important to have a professional drinking side too. When entertain-
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www.thecitymagazineelp.com
in an d out
IN: Outdoor Family Time Now that summer is here, it’s time to take it outdoors! Whether it’s a family trip to the zoo or camping out in your backyard, there are endless summer activities to choose from. Be active this summer with sports like backyard volleyball tournaments and softballs games that are perfect for outdoor family barbecues! Remember, you can never go wrong with a nice, relaxing pool party followed by movie night with the kids. OUT: Couch Potato This summer, make an effort to enjoy more fun in the sun! Teach your kids how to play fun sports or work on your child’s pitching arm. Try Frisbee or just playing catch with your kids for an afternoon full of fun and excitement! It will prove to be a blast for you, the kids, and can function as a workout too. It’s a win-win situation for all involved. Drawing with chalk on the sidewalks and blowing bubbles are always a must for sunny days. Make this summer break one full of wonderful memories.
| By Adrian Vaquera |
24
June, 2013
This month's grooming product selection is dedicated to the hardworking fathers who understand that family comes first.
T
his month, the products selected
Shave: Baxter of California
RECOMMENDED FOR: Every. Single. Man.
serve as the perfect gift to oneself
Super Close Shave Formula
The refining correction intensifier can turn the
or that special man in your life. This
Baxter of California launched its Super Close
oldest of prunes into the ripest of grapes.
Father's Day, give them the ability to indulge
Shave Formula to provide just that - a super
themselves, turning an otherwise mundane
close shave! This products works by provid-
and exhausting grooming regimen into a relaxing and enjoyable process.
Hair: Davines Hair Detox Scrub
ing a protective and hydrating cushion
With active natural ingredients like artichoke
between your skin and your blade,
"phytoceuticals," jojoba oil and silica parti-
allowing your razor to glide free-
cons, this formula concoction is rich in an-
So before you go buying that
ly across your face for a close
tioxidants and helps regenerate the scalp.
man of yours another necktie he
and comfortable shave. In ad-
This shampoo is more of a detoxifying scrub
will never wear or a power tool
dition, the botanical extracts
that is intended to provide a gentle and deep
that he can only use to do more
such as tea tree oil and witch
cleansing of the scalp removing pollutants,
hazel provide antiseptic proper-
while protecting against free radicals. You de-
ties that help to extinguish razor burn
tox your body through cleanses and diet, why
back-breaking work, choose to cater to him in a different way - one that will yield benefits for him and for yourself - espe-
and replenish moisture, while the pepper-
not detox your head? After all the count-
cially if that man is your significant other. After
mint and menthol refresh and soothe the
less gels, waxes hairsprays and hair teas-
all, who wouldn't like a more polished and re-
skin long after the morning butcher rou-
fined looking gentlemen on their arm?
tine. ($16; baxterofcalifornia.com)
ing you put your head through, a little detox can go a long way. To use, simply lather, rinse and repeat if necessary. ($30; davines.com)
Facial Cleanser: TwinLuxe Daily
RECOMMENDED FOR: all men who
Detox Face Wash & Mask
want a close and comfortable shave
This multi purpose formula serves as
that invites the closest of touches, but
RECOMMENDED FOR: those junk-
a professional, deep-cleansing, bacte-
don't want to shave off six layers of
ies who had put their hair and scalp
ria-fighting face wash, and as a detoxi-
their skin to achieve it.
through years of chemical abuse and brush mistreatment. It’s Betty Ford for your head.
fying, pore-cleansing mask that helps balance your skin all in one bottle. To
Skin Refiner: Biophotonic Brad
use as a face wash, simply work into a
Essential Elixir Pore-Tightening Serum
Fragrance: Gentlemen
lather and apply onto your skin in a cir-
Brad Essential Elixir Pore Tightening serum is
Only by Givenchy
cular motion, avoiding contact with
more of a refining correction intensifier that
A modern homage to the
the eyes and rinse. To use as a mask, apply
addresses a shopping list of facial woes in-
Givenchy
a generous amount to your face, allow-
cluding aging, lines, wrinkles and sagging,
launched in 1974, this classic
ing the product to penetrate and break
dryness, oiliness, acne and breakouts, hy-
fragrance is designed for the
Gentlemen
first
through the dirt and oil, nourishing and
per-pigmentation and dark spots, large
man of today. Composed of Vetiver, Patchouli
soothing the skin as the perfect pre-
pores and dullness. The ingredients to
and leather notes, this fragrance provides a
shave preparation with two uses that
this formula are packed with alpha and
woodsy undertone or background with dancing
produce amazing results, this one solu-
beta acids that help skin look smooth,
hints of spice provided by the primary scents
tion is the perfect addition to any man's
radiant and visibly tightened. To use,
of green mandarin, pink pepper, nutmeg and
grooming regimen. ($38; twinluxe.com)
all you have to do is smooth over your
birch leaves. This reinterpretation of the classic
face and neck with your fingertips after
cologne is meant to inspire and awaken the
cleansing twice a day. This simple ad-
refined gentlemen qualities within the most
dition to your daily routine will help fade
barbaric of men. ($59 for 1.7 oz; Sephora.com)
RECOMMENDED FOR: the men who live by the idea that killing two birds with one stone is best. This is one product with
the appearance of spots, scarring and discol-
two separate usages that both yield fantastic
oration, while facilitating healthy cell turn over
RECOMMENDED FOR: men who want a fra-
results. Simply said, its magic in a bottle.
and regeneration amongst a million other ben-
grance to match their simple, sophisticated
efits. ($95; bradskincare.com)
and adventurous characteristics.
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
25
WATC H ES | By Josh Sanchez |
26
June, 2013
1
3 2
M
4
5
6
arty McFly may have time-traveled to the future, but had he traveled to the year 2013, he would have found an age of social media, technology-driven, information savvy, inter-webbed modern living. His watch alone would have seemed ancient compared to the watches that are out there today. Watches that go beyond tell-
ing time, that are designed for our modern-day needs, and aimed to make our lives easier and us faster, better people are all around us. Here is a look at a variety of men’s watches that are taking technology and modern-day living to another level, whilst making men’s wrists look good. Functionality and modern technology meet style and sleekness, without breaking the bank.
OF THE
FUTU RE
1. THE WATCH THAT PAYS RUMBATIME PERRY GO WATCH
3. THE WATCH MEANT TO BE TOUCHED
5. THE WATCH TO GET LOST WITH
(starting at $50)
KENNETH COLE RUBBER
COLUMBIA SWITCHBACK ($125)
This stylish watch allows for you to forget
STRAP TOUCH SCREEN ($125)
This watch is a great piece for the hiker. With
your wallet and debit card at home. The Perry
Not only are smartphones touch screen now,
Trakbak technology it automatically reverses
Go comes with a unique eight digit VITAnum-
so are watches. Check out the sleek Kenneth
your coordinates 180 degrees with the push
ber that you can use to establish a contact-
Cole Rubber Strap Touch Screen Watch. It’s all
of a button, telling you exactly how to get back
less payment account. Once setup you will
the functionalities of today’s modern watches
to your starting point. Never get lost again with
be able to pay for lunch or gas with the wave
with touch-sensor technology.
the amazing GPS functions of the Switchback.
4. THE WATCH POWERED BY THE SUN
6. THE WATCH THAT LETS YOU KNOW YOU MISSED A CALL
of a wrist.
2. THE WATCH THAT KEEPS YOU HEALTHY
G-SHOCK ARRAY (starting at $99)
METAWATCH (starting at $179)
NIKE+ FUELBAND ($149)
Casio watches with solar technology, receive
Get the watch, download the app on your iP-
The Nike+ FuelBand goes beyond the use of
thermal and electrical energy that recharges
hone or Android, connect and start. Let your
a regular watch and uses a sports-tested ac-
the watch batteries through solar panels on
watch tell you who is calling without having
celerometer to measure your movement in
the face of the watch. Casio G-Shock watch-
to reach for your phone. You can even see
NikeFuel, a universal metric of activity. Set
es offer a variety of selection from “Classic”
what song you are listening to on your watch
daily goals, see your progress, connect with
to “Aviation,” all with a variety of solar tech-
and find out when your phone’s battery is low
friends and live a healthy, active lifestyle.
nology. Never have your watch run out of bat-
with a simple glance at your wrist. The ben-
tery again.
efits? Save time and phone battery.
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
27
June, 2013
Take a Mancation Gather up your bros and spend some quality guy time with either one of these great vacation ideas. Are you looking for dirtunder-your nails, bravery-testing adventure on the high seas or laid back luxury on the greens and fairways of Sin City? Well, we have something for the adventure seeker and the pleasure seeker.
( If you're a pleasure seeker, see page 31)
Deep-Sea Fishing Experience the Lure of this Exhiliarating Sport | By MATT VILLANO, courtesy of WWW.TRAVELCHANNEL.COM |
W 28
hether it's the dramatic thrill of
pastime has increased in popularity, a num-
the hunt or the constant heave
ber of U.S. fishing outfitters have put togeth-
of the ocean, few sports are as
er full-service (this means tackle is included),
exhilarating as deep-sea fishing - even for an-
multi-night charters to some of the deepest
glers who have fished rivers for years. As the
water around. Here's a sampling.
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
June, 2013
T R AV E L A large galley (which guests must use on their own) boasts a coffee maker, toaster, microwave oven, gas stove and electric frying pan. There's also a large kitchen table and spacious bathroom; the boat carries adequate fresh water for showers once a day. After the trip, rent snorkel gear and dive the vibrant Key West Marine Park where even first-timers can spot colorful tropical fish and tiny briny lobsters. Cap the night with a pub crawl along historic Duval Street, home of the original Margaritaville CafĂŠ. Supergun Charters WHERE: OXNARD, CALIFORNIA
Close to the mainland of Southern California,
Gulf of Alaska
yet seemingly worlds apart, Channel Islands National Park encompasses five islands and
Alaska Sea Adventures
Back on shore, take a day or two to explore
some of the best deep-water fishing in the
WHERE: PETERSBURG, ALASKA
Petersburg -- a town so obsessed with its
Pacific Ocean. One of the best ways to get
With halibut the size of motorcycles and
Scandinavian heritage that some call it "Little
there is on a two-day chartered fishing excur-
salmon that can weigh as much as small
Norway." Food options here are slim, but the
sion with Supergun Charters.
children, the Gulf of Alaska is a deep-sea
Northern Lights Restaurant near the marina
fisherman's dream. Perhaps this is why the
has the basics covered. After dinner, head to
Supergun's 46-foot Bertram Flybridge Sport-
six-night, seven-day Silver Salmon Fishing
the Harbor Bar for a pint of - what else? -
fisher departs Channel Islands Harbor in Ox-
excursion with Alaska Sea Adventures is
Alaskan Amber beer.
nard and heads due west until it's directly
one of the most popular fishing trips in the Northwest.
over thousand-foot canyons that run close to Andy Griffiths Charters WHERE: KEY WEST, FLORIDA
shore. Here, crew members catch some live squid for bait and encourage guests to use it
The adventure leaves from Petersburg, a
When Highway 1 ends in Key West, Florida,
to angle for everything from white sea bass,
small fishing town on the Inside Passage.
the only way to continue west is by boat.
calico, yellowtail bass and halibut.
Aboard the 60-foot M/V Alaska Adventurer,
That's where Andy Griffiths Charters comes
the crew heads west, powering through the
in handy. The outfitter runs two and three-day
At night, from the aft deck, the view of the
whale-infested waters of the Icy Strait and
overnight fishing charters from Key West to
pock-marked heavens on a clear night is
into the gulf for some serious fishing. When
Dry Tortugas National Park.
spectacular. Downstairs, relax below deck
the water's calm, the depths teem with all
in two spacious staterooms before emerg-
manner of sea life, from halibut to black cod.
Most of the fishing in the Tortugas revolves
ing for a home-cooked dinner and a movie on
When the sea rages, the crew heads east to
around coral reefs and shipwrecks. With bait
the 28-inch digital flat-screen surround-sound
the passage, where salmon abound.
supplied by the outfitter, guests angle their
system. The boat also boasts two heated
own rods for snapper, grouper, cobia, amber-
showers and a decent-sized bathroom.
A gyro-stabilized fishing platform on the
jack, kingfish, sharks and barracudas. Some-
boat's aft deck is just a few steps from a com-
times, in up to 200 feet of water, the captains
Before heading home, stop back at the harbor
fortable salon, dining table, large freezer and
choose to troll, in an attempt to catch mahi
and grab a meal at The Whale’s Tail, a seafood
a fully-stocked refrigerator. Down below, four
mahi, sailfish, wahoo or tuna.
restaurant with legendary lobster taquitos,
private staterooms, three bathrooms and
and a stellar view of the marina. Another diver-
two hot-water showers provide inn-quality
All six of Griffiths's 43-foot motor vessels
sion: the Maritime Museum, which celebrates
accommodations.
sleep only six, making the bunk-style accom-
the art of model shipbuilding and displays the
modations seem spacious for those onboard.
life's work of master modeler Ed Marple.
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
29
Gloucester harbor, Massachusetts Channel islands, Oxnard, California
Yankee Capts
lions of cod, pollack and hake. Provided the
wHErE: glouCEsTEr,
weather cooperates, two days here yields at
MassaCHusETTs
least 20 hours of good fishing.
movie "A Perfect Storm" knows how much
The ship itself is old but cozy. Renata Salva-
New England fishermen revere the fish-filled
dor grills up eggs and hamburgers in the gal-
waters around Georges Bank in the Gulf of
ley's kitchen like at any greasy spoon. Luxury-
Maine. Yankee Capts, an outfitter in Glouces-
seekers, take note: to call accommodations
ter, Massachusetts, leads two-night, two-day
barebones would be, at best, an understate-
fishing charters to the wrecks in this area all
ment. Still, for those seeking an authentic,
summer long.
boat-bunk experience, the berths work fine.
The trips depart from West Gloucester Har-
Celebrate the big catch in Gloucester at Al-
bor. It's an eight-hour ride to the Banks them-
chemy Bistro, an upscale spot that serves
selves. There, Capt. Greg Mercurio angles
wood-fired pizzas and, of course, fish. Then,
the M/V Yankee Capts over secret shipwrecks
in homage to the fishermen who've died at
that lie in anywhere from 60 to 300 feet of
sea, head to the Crow’s Nest, a watering hole
water. These spots are home to literally mil-
that just might be saltier than the sea itself.
Anyone who's read the book or seen the
30 30
Celebrate the big catch in Gloucester at Alchemy Bistro, an upscale spot that serves wood-fired pizzas and, of course, fish. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
June, 2013
( If you're an adventure Seeker, see page 28)
The Ultimate Golf City The Fairways of Las Vegas
| By BRIAN HURLBURT, courtesy of WWW.TRAVELCHANNEL.COM |
I
n Las Vegas, it’s easy to get blinded by the
Plus, when you add the golf experience to
bright lights, superstar names, and green
everything else that defines Las Vegas, you
felt tables and forget about the emerald
get what golf insiders like to call the World’s
green fairways and greens of the city’s many
Ultimate Golf City. And thanks to a still-shaky
golf courses. But don’t fall into that trap (golf
economy, there may not be a better time to
pun intended). More than 60 golf courses
stay and play in the entertainment capital of
stretch from the area around the Strip to
the world. Here is a range of options for dif-
such other Nevada cities as Mesquite (77
ferent budgets.
miles north), Boulder City (30 miles south) and Laughlin (90 miles south).
High Rollin’ The high rollers live on these courses, many
The biggest and most-respected names in
times earning comp rounds due to large
golf have twirled golf design magic in Las Ve-
gambling credit lines, but each is also open
gas, including such master architects as Tom
to the public with some restrictions. Golf/
Fazio, Pete Dye and Rees Jones, and player/
room packages are available, and fees to play
designers like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer,
start at $225.
Billy Casper and Raymond Floyd.
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
31
T R AV E L Cascata features a stunning clubhouse com-
Wynn Las Vegas Golf and
plete with a “river running through it” and
Country Club is located in
a Rees Jones course to match. The course
the shadows of the Wynn
weaves through desert mountains and of-
and Encore resorts, and
fers a private journey on each hole. Groups
only those staying there
find themselves isolated from other golfers.
have access to this course,
In a 2009 ZAGAT survey, Cascata earned
an oasis located seconds
top-ranked status among all golf courses
from the bustle of the Ve-
in America. Rio Secco Golf Club is a sister
gas action. It features lush
course to Cascata and was also designed
trees, a jaw-dropping wa-
by Jones.
terfall on the 18th hole, and
June, 2013
Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort
conditions that are PGA Shadow Creek was once called the “World’s
Tour-ready.
St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Royal Troon among others. The Postage Stamp hole from
Best Golf Course” by the Robb Report, a respected luxury publication. Golfers leave
TPC Las Vegas has hosted PGA Tour events.
Royal Troon makes you feel the same shiver
stunned at this secluded and secretive course
The course features canyon holes and long
down your spine as the pros standing on a
that was seemingly plopped down from Car-
carries over rough desert gorges.
tee during a British Open. And the Road Hole from St. Andrews features a replica Open
olina (pine trees, lakes, lush vegetation) into the barren Vegas desert. Recently, Michael
Themed Courses
scoreboard and thick rough. Desert Pines
Jordan held a star-studded tournament here
Three themed courses operated by Walters
comes complete with pine trees and wa-
and called it one of his favorite courses in the
Golf pay homage to the many themed hotels
ter holes in the middle of the desert. Bear’s
world. Those staying at an MGM Mirage hotel
along the Strip. Bali Hai Golf Club features
Best Las Vegas features 18 of Jack Nicklaus’
can play here where the rate includes a limo
tropical golf from the South Pacific. Royal
favorite holes from courses that he has de-
ride to the course.
Links Golf Club provides replica holes from
signed from around the Southwest.
Cascata Golf
Bali Hai Golf Club
T R AV E L
Shadow Creek
Value Rollin’ Las Vegas provides alternatives for those unwilling to spend too much on a round, with rates starting at $59. Three Pete Dye-designed golf courses at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort are known for a deal that includes range balls, lunch and 50 percent off rental clubs. The three courses feature a kinder, gentler Pete Dye. Still, some of Dye’s dastardly design can be found at the par 3, 15th hole on The Wolf Course; it’s similar to the infamous 17th at TPC Sawgrass.
SECTION
June, 2013
By JOHN DEL ROSARIO
F
rom a watch that can tell you who’s calling to the world’s smallest and lightest DSLR camera, these hot, techy gadgets will make any man’s eyes grow wide with wonder.
When it comes to toys, guys never grow out of them. The toys just get more sophisticated and more imaginative. Some guys dig cars, some play guitars and most of us, regardless of specialized interest, just plain love gadgets. Here's a list of what’s new and groundbreaking in the high-tech world for Father's Day or a surprise late graduation gift.
34
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
June, 2013
TOYS FO R G ROWN-UP B OYS
Pebble
console (at least anytime soon), all games
Canon EOS Rebel SL1
In the age of the smart phone, it is natural
are free to try so you never have to buy
Advertised as "the world's smallest and light-
that other things get the "smart" treatment.
blindly again. The variety of games is remark-
est DSLR camera" (clocking in at about 14
Enter Pebble, the Kickstarter-funded watch
able and will only grow as the system gains
ounces), this camera is great for the beginner
popularity. At around a third of the
photographer or the casual vacationer who
of the future that connects to any smart phone via Bluetooth.
When it comes
cost of a brand new big-name con-
simply wants to up the ante on the quality
Once connected, you can view
to toys, guys
sole, it's a rather small investment
of pictures taken. Specs include a newly-de-
incoming calls with ID, email
never grow
in entertainment, but more impor-
signed Canon 18.0 Megapixel CMOS (APS-
notifications, the weather and
out of them.
tantly, a big investment in the fu-
C) sensor, Canon DIGIC 5 Image Processor,
ture of gaming.
an ISO range of 100-12800, a 3.0" Clear View
alerts from Facebook and Twit-
LCD monitor II and Full HD Movie Mode. For
ter. It's a great way to keep informed when your hands are full. It's also perfect for work-
Tylt Vu
those who don't speak "camera," suffice it
ing out, as you can switch songs playing on
Only time will tell if wireless chargers will be
to say that it's pretty darn impressive. High
your phone without having to pull out your
the future or a cute little experiment in wire-
quality and high portability, it is a great place
phone. You can also monitor your pace, dis-
less technology. But for the time being, while
to start for any aspiring photographer.
tance and speed while cycling and running
the novelty is still fresher than a CNN news
with built-in apps. The watch face is also
story before they fact check their sources
Philips Fidelio HTL9100 Soundbar
customizable with around a dozen options to
and eventually report the contrary, they're
Surround sound doesn't have to come with
choose from. The rechargeable battery lasts
the future. The Vu by Tylt is a fresh take on
all of that complex wiring any longer if you
anywhere from two to seven days, depend-
the wireless smart phone charger coming in
pick up this nifty system by Philips. The Fide-
ing on usage. And, like every good watch, it's
four colors (as opposed to the boring black
lio HTL9100 Soundbar is the first sound bar
waterproof.
and metallic colors of other chargers) and
to feature detachable battery-powered wire-
even has the ability to hold your device at a
less surround speakers that, when removed,
Ouya Gaming Console
45 degree angle for ease of viewing. With a
switch the system from virtual surround
For the gamer in your life, this new gam-
soft touch surface, you don't need to worry
sound to 5.1 channel surround sound. Placed
ing console, which will be released late
about scratches on your phone. Its multiple
either horizontally or mounted on a wall, the
this month, is an incredibly affordable re-
inductive charging coils allow you to place
system's intelligent orientation sensor picks
imagination of what gaming could be. The
your phone on it at any angle and still get
up on its positioning and adjusts the sound
console, itself, is about the size of a Rubik's
a charge. The super new device was avail-
for optimal performance. With two HDMI
cube with a controller the size of any nor-
able for pre-order in April and ships out this
ports, it can connect to any media system or
mal gaming controller. Powered by the An-
month. Be one of the first to get your hands
game console. Also, for music it can connect
droid platform, all games are downloaded,
on this charger, which also makes for a sleek
wirelessly to any Bluetooth-enabled device.
so you'll never have to buy an expensive
desk ornament, with or without your phone
physical copy of a game again. Though most
charging.
big-name games will not be available for the
35
| By the city |
T
his summer, be prepared for every trip you take with a suitcase full of pieces that will make you look good and put together. Great pairs of jeans and chinos is just the foundation; do not be afraid of some colorful bottoms this summer. Keep it simple and layer tees, wovens, knits, and jackets for an interesting mix. Add a pop of bright neon to elevate an outfit. Sometimes it’s easiest to work with solid colored pieces, but don’t be afraid of a nice, printed woven. Gentlemen, invest in a modern satchel and watch to really complete your summer look.
Model: ALEJANDRO HERNANDEZ (Wilhemina Bazaar Model) Wilhelmina Bazaar Model Photographer: DAV ANMED Stylist: YUBIA FIERRO Hair: DAVID PULIDO at Hunter Quartermane Salon Skin: CLAUDIA CASTILLO
36
Special thanks to the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in the heart of downtown El Paso for hosting The City Magazine’s crew for our Weekend Getaway fashion shoot.
shirt: sTONE ROsE Jeans: diEsEL iNdUsTRy Belt and shoes: sALVATORE FERRAGAMO satchel: BURBERRy Watch: MiChAEL KORs
w E E K E N d G E T AwAy
shirt: hUGO BOss Pants: 7 FOR ALL MANKiNd shoes: LACOsTE
38
Knit Top: BURBERRY Pants: 7 FOR ALL MANKIND Shoes: LACOSTE 39
W E E K E N D G E T AWAY
Shirt: ROBERT GRAHAM Jeans: 7 FOR ALL MANKIND Shoes: LACOSTE
40
Shirt: LACOSTE Jeans: 7 FOR ALL MANKIND Shoes: LACOSTE
41
T-Shirt: ROBERT GRAHAM Jeans: HUDSON
W E E K E N D G E T AWAY
Sweater: KENNETH COLE REACTION Polo: CALVIN KLEIN JEANS Shorts: PERRY ELLIS Shoes: SPERRY
43
W E E K E N D G E T AWAY
Jacket: CALVIN KLEIN JEANS T-Shirt: KENNETH COLE REACTION Pants: TOMMY HILFIGER Shoes: CONVERSE
Jacket: CALVIN KLEIN JEANS T-Shirt: KENNETH COLE REACTION Pants: AMERICAN RAG Shoes: CONVERSE
45
| By ViC Poulos | What is it about rosÊ that makes people think of cheap, pink swill that's primarily designed just for women? Is it the color? Is it that most people (DEPENDING on your age) have less than fond memories of Mateus, Tj Swan, Boone’s Farm, Bartles & james or Reunite?
46
WINE
June, 2013
W
hether you're male or female, if you've never tried a good, dry rosé, you're truly missing out –
particularly in the summertime, when they offer a refreshing counter to the outside heat. Over the last decade or so, dry rosé wine is becoming more and more popular among wine drinkers across the country, and it's even gaining some popularity among men and the same wine connoisseurs who once snubbed it. As consumers enjoy rosé more and more, winemakers are also taking notice and producing more types, or varietals, of rosé. Now you can find a good, dry rosé on just about every fine restaurant wine list you come across.
What is a rosé?
When a rosé is made through “bleeding,” the
Rosé denotes neither a grape varietal nor
winemaker removes most of the pink juice
a grape region, and in some countries it's
at an earlier stage and ferments it separately
called rosado or rosato. In France it is called
from the large batch of “must,” which is a
rosé, after the “flower of romance,” which is
substance containing grape juice, skins and
the rose, of course. Rosés are usually pink
other parts of the grape.
in color, but depending on the grape varietal used and the wine-making techniques, a
The final method to make rosé wine is by
rosé can range from a pale orange to a vivid,
simply blending a red wine with a white
near-purple.
wine. This method is seldom used and is generally frowned upon by most win-
The most popular type of rosé however, is
emakers. The exception to this is rosé
white zinfandel, but that's not what we're fo-
champagne, which can be very good, and
cusing on here – we're focusing on dry rosé.
is my favorite type of sparkling wine or Champagne!
How is rosé made?
There are three main ways to make rosé wine
Rosé can also be made from many
– through skin contact, bleeding or blending.
different types of grapes, but the most common are zinfandel, syrah, grenache,
In the skin contact method, red grapes are crushed and their skins are left to remain in contact with the juice for a period just long enough to turn the juice pink – typically just
pinot noir, mourvedre or cinsault.
When do I drink a rosé?
One of the big draws of a rosé is that it can
two or three days. Then it all goes through
possess some of the hearty characteristics of
the pressing process, by which the skins
a red wine and the lightness of a white wine.
are discarded.
'Refreshing' is the word I hear most often when someone tries a rosé for the first time.
Most importantly, the skins of the grape contain tannin, which is a major factor in the final
Rosé is finding its spot “in the sun” as a
taste of dryness in a rosé.
summer wine. Many people describe the fla-
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vor or finish as being very mineral-like. While “minerality” is a controversial word in wine, the finer rosés from the Tavel or Bandol regions of France are often described based on their minerality. Regardless of the proper descriptor, its crispiness and lightness make it a great wine to have by the glass in hot weather. Call me a wine “sissy” if you want, but truth be told, real men are starting to enjoy rosé! I enjoy a good rosé even in the cooler months, when paired with the right food.
47
June, 2013
Locally-Owned Businesses August 2013 Don’t Miss This!
D!!’! !!!! !!! L!!!!!!!!w!!d Bu!!! !!!!!! !r!fi!! !!!!!! !! !!! Au!u!! !!!! I!!u! !f !!! C!!! !!!!!!!!! Adv!rti!!!! d!!d!!!! f!r !!!!u!!!! !! !!!! !!!!!!! !d!ti!! !! Ju!! !! !! !!!! !!!! u! !!d!! !! w! !!! d!!!u!! !!!!!!!!! !r!!!!d ju!! f!r !!u! Rosé denotes neither a grape
!!!! !! !!! !!!!!! f!r !! !!!! !r!! bu!!!!!!!! !! f!!!ur! !!!!r !!!d!! !!rv!!!!! !!d !!!r!!!! R!!!!r!! !!!w! !!!! r!!d!r! !!!d !! u!! !!!! !!!! !f !ub!!!!ti!! !! ! !!r!!u! r!f!r! !!!! !u!d! w!!! d!!!d!!! w!!r! !!!! !!k! !!!!r bu!!!!!!! A!!!!! !!!! !!r!!!!d !ub!!!!ti!! w!!! !!v! !!ur bu!!!!!! !!!! v!!!b!!!!! !! r!!d!r!! !ur !!!! !f d!d!!!!!d !!!!! r!!r!!!!!!tiv!! !! !!!k!!! f!rw!rd !! w!rk!!! w!!! !!u !! !r!!!! ! !u!!!! !dv!rti!!!!!! !!!! !!!!! !!ur !!!d!!
varietal nor a grape region, and in some countries it's called rosado or rosato.
Food pairings
When it comes to pairing food with rosé, try to remember this – just like rosé is neither red or white wine, it's also neither “fish nor fowl” but actually pairs well with both! My personal favorite pairing with rosé is shellfish and salads, but here are some other options: • Antipasto • Goat cheeses • Prosciutto with melon or fruit • Lobster • Clams
Contact The City Today! Co !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• Chicken cacciatore A wonderful selection of rosé wines can also be found at Spec’s here in town. The price is usually between $10 and $15. Try a Loire Valley or southern Rhone rosé from France, or a nice rosado or rosato from Spain or Italy. Greece is producing some excellent rosé as well.
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ND | By JOH
50
R EL ROSA
June, 2013
IO |
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THE GENTLEMAN'S TRUE TOBAC C O
June, 2013
“Cigar smoking is akin to enjoying a nice fine wine,” said Pastor Crespo, owner of La Casa del Puro Cigar Lounge at 216 W. Franklin Avenue. “Cigars are smoked to savor the flavors. When you take a draw from a cigar, you allow the smoke to billow and roll through your mouth so you can absorb all the flavors of the cigar.”
A
ccording to a 2009 survey by the Substance
out of places like the Dominican
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administra-
Republic, Ecuador and Nicaragua
tion, there are over 13 million cigar smokers
make these cigars, mostly by
in the country, generating $8 billion in retail sales in the
hand in a time-consuming and
U.S. alone. If you’re not already a part of that over 13
labor-intensive operation.
million, then let this be an introduction into the art and culture of cigar smoking.
But with all the variety, how to choose one? “I like to match the
If you’re already curious about trying it out, there is a
individual’s palate with the cigar,”
chance you may have been a smoker at one time or
Crespo said. “One of the first things
another. Cigar smoking, though, is an entirely different
I ask them is if they’re a cigarette smoker.”
beast unto itself from cigarette smoking. “Premium ci-
If you’re a heavy cigarette smoker, you’re going to have
gars have natural nicotine levels in the leaves,” Crespo
a pretty hardened palate which means you’re not going
said. “It does sedate you. But cigarettes are made for
to be able to enjoy the flavors of a nice, mild cigar.”
one purpose: to be a nicotine delivery device.” The sheer variety of cigars is astounding. The different One may have trouble wrapping his or her head around
shapes they come in and their varying strengths will
the idea of pleasure derived from savoring the flavors
each affect your overall experience. Though several cigar
of a cigar, hidden in its smoke, as opposed to a more
periodicals like Cigar Aficionado or Cigar Press
direct end of light-headedness from cigarettes. Never
may give reviews of cigars, the only opinion
inhaling? Tasting smoke? That sounds more like dealing
that matters is that of the smoker, Chavez
with the air quality in urban China.
said. Both Tobacco Tin locations carry an impressive stock of cigars from all around the
“I am not advocating that cigars are any healthier for you
world, most notably Davidoff cigars, which
or that it is a better option,” Crespo said. “People smoke ci-
are often lighter in flavor and are what
gars on occasion. They enjoy them moderately. One to two
Chavez would recommend to the first
cigars per week are the average cigar smoker’s intake.”
time smoker looking to play it safe. The Tobacco Tins are the only shops in
“Cigars are true tobacco,” said Geraldo Chavez, co-
town that carry them and there
owner of Tobacco Tin on both 745 S. Mesa Hills Drive
are only less than 200 that do
and 1021 Airway Boulevard. “I’ve never inhaled. I bet my
in the world, according
lungs are cleaner than your average cigarette smoker.”
to Chavez.
Cigars are made from layers of aged and fermented tobacco leaves that are tightly rolled. Companies based
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HOY FOX LEXUS (4.75x10.5) 5.13.pdf
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5/21/13
2:27 PM
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June, 2013
In the music video for his 1998 hit, “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” Will Smith sported a cigar in his mouth proclaiming, “I just bite it for the look. I don’t light it.” What a chump. As for Crespo’s La Casa del Puro, it is the city’s only cigar lounge. “I’m here to promote the cigar culture–the camaraderie amongst cigar smokers,” Crespo said. “This is what I call a cigar smoker’s refuge. It’s a place to escape the harsh elements of El Paso like the extreme heat or spring winds.” The lounge provides customers a place to smoke
2013 RX 350 $399/MO
right when they buy their cigar. With a monthly membership fee, one can even join the club, which allows access to the upstairs lounge complete with comfortable chairs, a number of flat screen TVs, a game room, bar and fridge. You may also enjoy weekly stand-up comedy showcases and the company of like-minded individuals. The Tobacco Tins and La Casa del Puro are not the only cigar carriers in the city. With several spread across the city, including a mammoth such as
Mon.- Sat. 8am-7pm VISIT US@HOYFOXLEXUS.COM
Spec’s, there is no shortage of reasons not to pick one up, or a few, to try or celebrate a triumph.
11165 Gateway West – El Paso, TX 79935 (915)598-0007 – (888)238-5997
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MASTER THE BARBECUE PIT WITH THESE MOUTHWATERING SELECTIONS Recipes courtesy of www.TasTEoFHoME.CoM
54
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June, 2013
foo d
Become King of the Backyard this Father’s Day by showing the family your skills on the grill. Put aside the typical hamburger and hotdog recipes for these selections that put a twist on traditional grilling foods. You’ll have the entire family wondering when you managed to become a grill chef with all of the other tasks on your plate. These recipes can be served together as a barbecue junkie’s dream meal or stand on their own. To all the manly men out there, fire up the barbecue pit this summer and get your grill on!
Grilled Potato Skins
The word “barbecue” actually comes from the indigenous Taino people of the Caribbean, who would smoke or dry meat over a frame made of green sticks.
Directions
Just about everyone loves these delicious
1. Cut each potato lengthwise into four wedg-
appetizers. They’ll make a great sidekick to
es. Cut away the white potato portion, leaving
serve outside over a grilled meal with friends.
¼ in. on the potato skins. Place skins on a mi-
This recipe yields 4 servings or 8 appetizers.
crowave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered,
Total time to prep/cook: 30 min.
on high for 8 to 10 min. or until tender. 2. Combine the butter, rosemary, salt and
Ingredients
pepper. Brush over both sides of potato skins.
2 large baking potatoes
3. Grill potatoes, skin side up, uncovered,
2 tbsp. butter, melted
over direct medium heat for 2 to 3 min. or un-
2 tsp. minced fresh rosemary or ½ tsp. of
til lightly browned. Turn potatoes and position
dried rosemary, crushed
over indirect heat; grill 2 min. longer.
½ tsp. salt
4. Top with cheese. Cover and grill 2 to 3 min.
½ tsp. pepper
longer or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
bacon and onions. Serve with sour cream.
3 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled 2 green onions, chopped
Nutritional facts: 1 serving (2 each) equals
Sour cream
327 calories, 16 grams of fat, 35 grams of carbohydrates, 12 grams of protein
Directions
Fresh food tip: Compared to
1. In a small bowl, combine
the more firm texture of most
These colorful mushrooms are so satisfying
the grape tomatoes, mozza-
commercially produced moz-
they’re almost a meal in themselves. They
rella cheese, basil leaves, ol-
zarella, fresh mozzarella is soft
can also be served with a small garden salad
ive oil, salt and pepper; cover
and moist. The flavor is mild,
or as a hearty side dish. This recipe yields four
and chill until serving.
delicate and somewhat milky.
servings. Total time to prep/cook: 30 min.
2. Spritz mushrooms with
Fresh mozzarella is usually
cooking spray. Using long-
shaped into balls and stored in
Ingredients
handled tongs, moisten a
brine. After buying fresh moz-
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
paper towel with cooking oil
3 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
and lightly coat the grill rack.
3 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
3. Grill mushrooms, covered, over medium
2 tsp. olive oil
heat or you can also broil. Grill mushrooms
Nutritional facts: 1 serving equals 133
¼ tsp. salt
for 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until tender.
calories, 8 grams of fat, 9 grams of
¼ tsp. pepper
4. Spoon ½ cup of tomato mixture into each
carbohydrates and 7 grams of protein
4 large Portobello mushrooms (4 to 4 ½ in.),
mushroom cap.
Grilled Portobellos with Mozzarella Salad
zarella, it should be refrigerated in the brine and eaten within a few days.
stems removed Cooking spray
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55
FOOD
June, 2013
Ribs with a Kick The meat just falls of the bones of these slowly barbecued spareribs. This recipe yields five to six servings. Prep time: 30 min. Grill time: 2 hours, 5 min. Ingredients 2 medium onions, chopped 2 tbsp. butter 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup water 1 cup spicy ketchup 3 tbsp. white vinegar 3 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp. Liquid Smoke, optional 2 tsp. ground mustard 2 tsp. chili powder 1 tsp. paprika ½ tsp. cayenne pepper 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. onion salt ½ tsp. garlic salt ½ tsp. pepper 5 to 6 lbs. pork baby back ribs Directions 1. To make the sauce, sauté onions in butter until tender in a large saucepan. Add garlic and cook 1 minute longer. Stir in brown sugar, water, ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Liquid Smoke, mustard, chili powder, paprika and cayenne. Bring to a boil. 2. Reduce heat; simmer for 10-12 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat. 3. In a small bowl, combine the salt, onion salt, garlic salt and pepper; sprinkle over ribs. 4. Grill ribs, covered, over indirect medium heat for 1 hr. and 45 min or until tender. 5. Set aside 1 cup of barbecue sauce for serving. Brush some of the remaining sauce over ribs. Cook 20 minutes longer, turning ribs occasionally and basting with sauce. Serve with reserved sauce. Nutritional facts: 1 serving equals 889 calories, 55 grams of fat, 54 grams of
After World War II, the outdoor patio grill created a new kind of space for American families. It associated food with recreation and relaxation. By the 1950s, family dynamics and parenting attitudes were changing, encouraging fathers to spend more time at home with their family – in their new suburban backyards. The new, outdoor grilling space defined a special role for men in meal preparation - while they “manned” the grill to cook the meat for the main course, the women worked primarily in the kitchen to make the side dishes. And that’s why the grill is usually dad’s terrain!
carbohydrates and 43 grams of protein 56
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FOOD
June, 2013
Zesty Grilled Corn This recipe is a definite crowd-pleaser at summer gatherings. It’s easy to make the day before and just pop on the grill during the picnic. This recipe yields six servings. Total prep/cook time: 30 min. Ingredients
2. Place each ear of corn on a 13 in. x 12 in.
1/3 cup of butter, cubed
piece of heavy-duty foil. Drizzle with butter
2 tbsp. prepared mustard
mixture. Fold in edges of foil and seal, leav-
2 tbsp. prepared horseradish
ing space for expansion of steam.
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
3. Grill, uncovered, over medium heat for
¼ to ½ tsp. lemon pepper seasoning
five to six minutes on each side or until
6 ears of sweet corn, husked
corn is tender. Carefully unwrap foil. Enjoy!
Directions
Nutritional facts: 1 serving (1 each)
1. In a small saucepan, melt butter; add
equals 173 calories, 11 grams of fat,
the mustard, horseradish, Worcestershire
8 grams of carbohydrates,
sauce and lemon pepper seasoning.
3 grams of protein
10630 Montwood at Lomaland 915-629-7707 | www.milansalonandspa.com
June, 2013
SECTION
Become Cocktail King with these Recipes for the Man’s Man
| By
What makes a cocktail inherently "manly?"
H
ere are some questions to consider: Does its name end in "-tini" but doesn't begin with M-A-R (See:
James Bond)? Would your grandpa never be caught alive with it in his hand? If you ordered it at a country bar, would the band screech to a halt, prompting everyone to turn your way in suspicion of your motives right before a cartoonish chase sequence? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then the drink in your hand probably reeks of a girly, flower-inspired fragance. 58
JOHN DEL ROSARIO|
Another good criterion would be if it was
igate this drink territory very carefully. These
based off of one of the more "manlier" spir-
may put hair on your chest... which isn't a
its: whiskey, tequila, gin and vodka. Now,
very savory look on women, in general.
what makes those spirits manlier than the rest? The answer: mostly an historical asso-
Whiskey
ciation with the men in its country of origin.
Lynchburg Lemonade - Named for the
Vodka in Russia is legit, but in America, it's
home of the Jack Daniel's distillery
only as manly as LMFAO songs get, which
1 part Jack Daniel's Tennessee whiskey
isn't saying much.
1 part sweet and sour mix 1 part triple sec
Whether you've got a fully-stocked home bar
4 parts lemon-lime soda
and are looking to switch it up or are looking to get adventurous on a night out, allow The City to make some suggestions of classic
DIRECTIONS: Shake all ingredients with
ice and strain into a glass.
recipes and fresh takes on old ones for your next foray in manlier hard liquors. Ladies, navwww.thecitymagazineelp.com
M A N LY M I X O L O G Y
June, 2013
DIRECTIONS: Shake all ingredients and
pour the entirety into a glass. Mexican Martini The Taco Bell of cocktails 2 oz. tequila 1 1/2 oz. orange liqueur 2 oz. sweet and sour mix 1 oz. lime juice 2 oz. orange juice 1 splash lemon-lime soda 2 olives Lynchburg Lemonade
Manhattan
Mexican Martini
DIRECTIONS: Shake all ingredients with
ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with the Hole-In-One - A spin off of the Manhattan
Billionaire's Margarita -
1 3/4 oz. Scotch whiskey
If you're feeling opulent
3/4 oz. vermouth
5 oz. crushed ice
Gin
1/4 tsp. lemon juice
1 oz. tequila
Spicy Sandstorm - For the daring
1 dash orange bitters
1/2 oz. Grand Marnier
1 oz. gin
2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
1 oz. Scotch whiskey
1 lime wedge
Splash of Tabasco
DIRECTIONS: Shake all ingredients with
ice and strain into a glass.
The Manhattan - The classic that you probably haven't had in a while, if at all 2 1/2 oz. bourbon whiskey 3/4 oz. sweet vermouth 1 dash Angostura bitters 1 maraschino cherry 1 twist orange peel
DIRECTIONS: Stir in vermouth, bourbon
and bitters with two to three ice cubes. Strain into chilled glass with cherry placed in it. Twist orange peel carefully over the drink to release essential oils into the drink and use the remainder of it as garnish. Tequila Italian Margarita - A new take on an old classic 1 oz. amaretto almond liqueur 2 oz. sweet and sour mix 1/2 oz. tequila 1/2 oz. triple sec
DIRECTIONS: Shake all ingredients with
ice and strain into a glass.
2 olives.
A few pinches of ground pepper
M A N LY M I X O L O G Y
DIRECTIONS: Shake all ingredients with
ice and strain into a glass.
June, 2013
Vodka Harvey Wallbanger Old-fashioned cocktail from the 1950s
Typhoon -
1 oz. vodka
A classic preparation for a classic spirit
1/2 oz. Galliano herbal liqueur
1 oz. gin
2 oz. orange juice
1/2 oz. Anisette 1 oz. lime juice
Negroni
Harvey Wallbanger
Gin
Espresso Martini
DIRECTIONS: Mix ingredients with ice
Chilled Champagne
cubes and strain into glass.
DIRECTIONS: Mix all ingredients, exclud-
Bold Ginger -Tart refreshment with kick
ing the Champagne, and shake. Pour into
1 1/2 oz. vodka
glass and fill the rest of it with Champagne.
3/4 oz. lime juice 3/4 oz. ginger syrup
Negroni -
Ginger ale
Espresso Martini - Why mix with energy
On the fancier side of gin cocktails
5 mint leaves
drinks when you have espresso?
1 1/2 oz. gin
1 1/2 oz. vodka 1 oz. cold espresso
1 1/2 oz. Campari
DIRECTIONS: Muddle mint leaves and
shake with vodka, lime juice and ginger syr-
1 1/2 oz. Kahlua
Orange slice or twist for garnish
up. Pour into glass and fill the rest up with
1 oz. white creme de cacao
1 1/2 oz. sweet vermouth
ginger ale.
DIRECTIONS: Shake all ingredients with
ice and strain into a glass.
DIRECTIONS: Shake all ingredients with
ice and strain into a glass.
June, 2013
SECTION
|
By KYLE ALVARADO |
Located on the corner of Diana and Gateway North stands a 180-foot flag pole, on a patch of land known as Old Glory Memorial, where the stars and stripes sway proudly in the desert sun. The site, maintained by Jimmy Melver and his all-volunteer group, is dedicated to educating American citizens about the importance of the flag, while serving as a monument to those who have lost their lives in past wars.
“I’m very proud of what that flag symbolizes. My stepfather was a GI, who married my mother in Japan,” Melver said. When he and his family moved to America in the early 1950s, he didn’t speak English. That, along with his Japanese origin, caused trouble for him in school. “Everyone picked on me, I was beat up, tripped, spit on—you name it. They called me a ‘dirty Jap.’ I told my mother to never speak to me in Japanese again.” After becoming a naturalized citizen and being drafted for the Vietnam War, Melver, a deeply patriotic man, worked with El Paso Natural Gas Company for 30 years. Unfortunately, Melver was let go six months shy of retirement. As fate would have it, he would later get a job at the YMCA, a few minutes from his home. After the September 11 attacks, when emotions and patriotism were at a high, two men who knew Melver asked him to help raise funds to put a flag pole on the northeast side of El Paso. It took about two years for Melver and four others to raise the funds, secure the land, construct the flagpole, and purchase two flags. “After leasing the land from El Paso Community College, we
had to level out the land—it was on a steep slope coming off the freeway. After putting a call out to the community for their excess dirt, we slowly leveled about six acres of land.”
62
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June, 2013
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Select photographs courtesy of www.elpasoflag.com "If it wasn’t for our generous contributors, Old Glory Memorial would not be the site it is today. It’s in the generosity of our contributors over the years that have also given Old Glory the various monuments to our fallen heroes in past conflicts."
But the donations didn’t stop there; almost everything on
On all major holidays, the flagpole bears a 5,000-square-foot
the site has been donated or purchased through generous
flag and surrounding the perimeter of the pole, are flags
donations. From the dirt donated, to the concrete donated
representing all fifty states and the six territories.
by Stanley Jobe that supports the pole, to the RV that
Melver has two big projects he hopes to get funding for:
Melver operates out of on the site, the community has
The first is to pave the area that surrounds the site, and the
embraced Old Glory and wants it to succeed. “If it wasn’t
second is to install a monument dedicated to those who
for our generous contributors, Old Glory Memorial would
served or lost their lives during the Vietnam War. However,
not be the site it is today. It’s in the generosity of our con-
it’s his dream to have a building at the site to showcase
tributors over the years that have also given Old Glory the
the awards that Old Glory has received since its inception.
various monuments to our fallen heroes in past conflicts.” Aside from a variety of fundraising activities—at the time, Over the years, people have donated generously to the site,
Melver was selling raffle tickets to help pay for much needed
and what was once a plot of land now has the signature
light renovations—the Fourth of July party at Old Glory
flag pole and monuments to World War I, World War II,
Memorial is the site’s biggest fundraiser. “We have food
the Korean War, victims of the September 11 attacks, and
and games and at night, families can see the firework
a monument to fallen women warriors.
display from Cohen Stadium."
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63
"Most importantly, it creates a place for families to celebrate America’s great holiday,” Melver said. Melver admits that maintaining the site and the search for a major sponsor is hard work, but the sense of pride that the flag brings to him, and the patriotism that the flag sends through the El Paso community is more than worth it. “My volunteers are on the older side, and we realize that young people are busy, so we work with local ROTC groups, the Border Patrol and the JP office to arrange for help,” Melver said. “However, we’ll accept anyone who wants to help with open arms. Old Glory Memorial is a small way to thank those who give us the freedoms we enjoy, but it serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives protecting our freedom. The flag means everything to me.” On Flag Day, which takes place June 14, the Old Glory Memorial will display the 5,000-squarefoot flag, the 50 state flags, the six Armed Forces Services flags, and the six territorial flags. To witness the stars and stripes in all their glory, take a trip out to the Old Glory Memorial at Highway 54 North (take Exit 28) and Diana Drive.
| By ADAIR MARGO |
The Opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Center The opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum felt like a big family reunion – and not just because five living presidents were there. Several thousand guests were mingling on the lawn of Dallas Hall when Dee and I arrived on the SMU campus, where the presidential library and museum is located, the evening before the dedication. We’d come to know many of the guests there since meeting the Bushes in 1994. 66
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Maggie and John Hager were there. Like Laura and George, they’re the new grandparents of Margaret Laura “Mila” Hager. Maggie smiled as she pointed out that Mila was born to Henry Hager and his wife, Jenna Bush Hager (the Bushes’ daughter), before Prince William and Kate Middleton’s child, who isn’t expected until July. Former Michigan Governor John Engler and his wife, Michelle, talked about their triplet girls now in college. I recalled visiting their state with Laura in 1999, watching a star shower on a cold November night in Frankenmuth.
Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold. Ann Johnson, who headed the Art in Embassies Program for the State Department, introduced us to His Excellency Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait, who was there to pay respect to both Bush Presidents since “41,” George H.W. Bush, freed his country from Saddam Hussein. Marci Armstrong, Associate Dean of SMU’s Cox School of Business, shared her surprise at seeing women in hijabs on campus until she realized they were Fellows at the Bush Institute’s Women’s Initiative. They were there to gain leadership skills they could use in their own countries during the Arab Spring, a wave of popular uprisings that has swept the Arab world in recent years.
T
Yes, it was a reunion of family and friends, but with a re-
here were family members like Robert Welch,
frain - Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and
Laura Bush’s cousin, who filled me in on the draw-
the other gold.
ings by late El Paso artist Jose Cisneros that he has
hanging in his home. We also saw close friends like Jan
George W. and Laura Bush walked on stage to enthusiastic
and Joey O’Neill, who introduced Laura and George Bush
applause on the eve of the dedication, introduced by their
for the first time in the back yard of their Midland home.
friend and former Commerce Secretary Don Evans, who now heads the George W. Bush Foundation.
Joey lent former President Bush the W.H.D. Koerner painting “A Charge To Keep,” which depicts a man on horseback
George was excited and grateful - excited about the dedi-
called to duty, charging over a hill. It hung beside his desk
cation of a beautiful building designed by a great architect,
in the Oval Office for eight years, as did El Paso artist Tom
Bob Stern, and grateful for the more than the 300,000 do-
Lea’s painting “Rio Grande,” a reproduction of which now
nors who helped pay for it all – up front. “An unusual ac-
hangs in the museum’s re-creation of the Oval Office.
complishment in these times!” he said.
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67
He thanked everybody for coming, noting too many foreign dignitaries to recognize them all. “I wouldn’t know how to pronounce their names anyway!” he said, then hesitated before blurting out “Okay, SAAKASHVILI,” referring to former Georgian
his overriding belief is that every human being longs to be free and that freedom is a gift from god.
was expected. He couldn’t have led without a great first lady, one the world had come to love and whom he loved, too. He said he did not miss the politics of Washington, D.C. though he wanted to stay involved in issues important to people’s lives
President Mikheil Saakashvili. have a dad who taught him how to be a man
– economic prosperity, education, global
Then he announced he’d heard “41” was
and a mom who taught him the confidence
health, the environment. His overriding belief
there. “Where are you, Dad?” he asked, spot-
to speak his mind – “sometimes getting both
is that every human being longs to be free
ting his father seated in his wheelchair toward
of us into trouble,” he quipped.
and that freedom is a gift from God.
the edge of the tent. “I LOVE YOU, MAN!” He was thankful to have been given the
A centerpiece of the new library is Freedom
He talked about the values he learned from
chance to lead a great nation, as one to whom
Hall, where a lantern is raised high above the en-
two loving parents and how lucky he was to
much had been given but from whom much
trance of stone columns and a trinity of paned
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The View offers a newly revitalized menu, ensuring phenomenal bursts of avor coupled with stunning views of the Sun City. Stop by and see for yourself why we call it the “Terrace in the Sky”. glass bays. It shines like a beacon against the sky, yet remains of human scale. It is modern, but reflects the classical past. As Laura Bush said, the Bush Library and Museum are about “looking to the past to engage the future.” The morning after the dedication, Condoleeza Rice spoke to visitors drinking coffee before a tour of the museum began. She shared that before she left Washington, she asked for a personal tour of the National Archives, a benefit of serving as Bush’s secretary of state. After reading the familiar words at the top of the Declaration of Independence, she said: “It is an angry, raised fist document, and those who are already calling the Arab Spring an Arab Winter forget the struggles our own country went through.” Encouraging a “long view of history,” she admitted the difficulties ahead in the world. Those fighting for their freedom need friends. “And,” she said, “there is no better friend than George W. Bush.” www.thecitymagazineelp.com
4201 Camelot Heights | El Paso, TX 79912 | www.viewatthemix.com | (915) 351-2660
June, 2013
Sean Kugler is UTEP’s New Head Football Coach
O
| Interview by Michael C. Graham | Photography by DAV ANMED |
n Monday, May 20, the new head football
served as the assistant head coach
coach at UTEP, Sean Kugler, took some time
and offensive line coach during
out of the never-ending off-season job of re-
Boise State’s magical 2006 sea-
cruiting to visit with me about being back in El Paso,
son, which culminated in the
college football in general, and how his previous expe-
undefeated Broncos defeating
riences have shaped him into the coach he is today. As
the Oklahoma Sooners in the
this issue is focused on men’s issues and concerns,
Fiesta Bowl, on a game-ending
we felt a feature about the new man steering the ship
“Statue of Liberty” 2-point conver-
at UTEP would be a great fit.
sion; a play that would later win play of the year at the 2007 ESPYs. He
For those of you that don’t know much about Coach Ku-
then returned to the NFL, spending
gler, let me fill in some blanks. He played football here
three seasons with the Buffalo Bills,
at UTEP, and was part of the 10-win season Coach Bob
and three seasons with the Pitts-
Stull put together in 1988 that went to the Independ-
burgh Steelers, including a trip to
ence Bowl. After a few high school coaching stints, he
the 2011 Super Bowl.
began an eight-year run of coaching in various capaci-
70
ties, before departing for the NFL and five years with
He has two sons that play foot-
the Detroit Lions, coaching the tight ends and offen-
ball, Robert and Patrick. Robert is
sive line. During that period, Coach Kugler served first
currently a center for the Purdue Uni-
on the staff of Marty Mornhinweg, and later with Steve
versity Boilermakers, and Patrick will
Mariucci. He left the NFL after the 2005 season, and
be graduating high school in a couple
June, 2013
SECTION
I do believe that when football is going strong, that the energy brought to the university is second to none.
of weeks and will play on
Coach’s answer to my comment, however,
Michael Graham: Let me start with the obvi-
Saturdays for the Univer-
provided a succinct insight into him as a man,
ous question: How is it being back in El Paso,
sity of Michigan. Once
and as a coach. He said, “Really not much
what changes have you noticed, and have you
graduation is complete,
to my story, Mike…it is all right there like an
had any opportunity to come back at all since
Coach Kugler’s wife,
open book.” It is more than a little refreshing
you left in 2000?
Patsy, and his daughter,
to find someone who lives in the public eye
Kali, will join him here in
(in any capacity) to have such a candid and
Coach Sean Kugler: I haven’t been back in
frank attitude.
13 years, since I left in 2000. So much has
El Paso.
changed throughout El Paso, especially here I mentioned to Coach Kugler
And that certainly spilled over to our con-
by the university. The campus transformation
that I purposefully did not do
versation, particularly about football. I can’t
itself is amazing. The area around campus,
much research into his personal
tell you how many games they will win this
on Mesa, all of the restaurants and bars, it
life, as I prefer to only write about
year, or any other year, but I can absolutely
just seems that everything is thriving and
what he, or anyone else that we
say this. Coach Kugler is committed to build-
flourishing, which really caught me off guard
interview, is comfortable shar-
ing a football program, with kids of character
a bit. When I left, they had not even begun
ing. I had found numerous stories
that play the game with discipline, and play
construction on the Larry K. Durham [Center]
about his sons’ high school athletic
it fiercely. They are going to be physical, and
yet, so this was my first opportunity to see it.
careers and their accolades, but
they are going to come right at you. I, for one,
I of course had followed UTEP football very
wanted to simply write what Coach
am excited to see them play, and can’t wait
closely, but to come back and see how every-
for the season to start.
thing had changed was really neat.
wanted to say about his family.
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June, 2013
SECTION
We are going to go out there and fight for it each week.
MG: So, you probably know better than most
2000, when we won the conference champi-
tain set of standards, and if they don’t, they
coming into this job that the perception is
onship when I was coaching, it was the same
aren’t going to be a part of this program. We
that UTEP is a basketball town, primarily
thing. I am just a supporter of UTEP athletics
are hoping that translates to wins on the field.
since Coach Haskins was here and built a tre-
in general, in all sports. But I do believe that
mendous legacy. Consistent football success
when football is going strong, that the energy
MG: So, staying strictly with football, have
has been missing. We have good seasons,
brought to the university is second to none. I
you had a chance to look at the conference?
and then we have not very good seasons,
have seen it first hand.
Teams going out, teams coming in, and it looks like the brand of football may be chang-
and year-to-year consistency has been tough to find. What do you see as the key to build-
MG: What do you feel the key pieces are for
ing...perhaps following the trend of going
ing a consistent program; what are those key
UTEP going forward?
wide open on the offensive side of the ball. How do you view that element?
pieces of the puzzle? SK: Well, from our standpoint, the program is SK: Well, first of all, I don’t ever feel like we
going to be based on discipline and account-
SK: Well, the conference make up is definite-
compete with the basketball program. I am a
ability. We are going to try to get the types of
ly different than when I was coaching here
big supporter of the basketball program, and
players that we feel will be successful on and
last. When I was last here, we were in the
I think that when all of UTEP athletics is suc-
off the field, and we are going to try to devel-
Western Athletic Conference (WAC), with a
cessful, we help each other and we feed off
op those players while they are here. It is an
whole different group of teams. There are
each other. I know when I was here as a play-
old fashioned approach, recruiting high school
only a few teams that carried over. But, no
er, the season we went 10-2 and went to a
players and developing them, but that is what
matter what conference you are in, those are
bowl game, the basketball program was roll-
we are going to do here. While the players are
the teams you have to play, and you have to
ing and we were rolling and it was exciting. In
here they are going to have to adhere to a cer-
develop new rivals within that conference.
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73
June, 2013
SECTION
So, if you look at teams like North Texas and
approach. We are going to be a physical, two-
UT San Antonio, there is an opportunity to
back team. We are going to play a little old
develop new rivalries in areas that we recruit.
school football, and right now that is not the
I am not going to sit there and worry about
norm [in college football]. Again, we are hop-
what conference we are in, or how it is devel-
ing that approach gives us an advantage.
oping or where it is going. We are going to play whomever we are going to play, whether
MG: If you look around the college football
we stay in this conference or if we switch
landscape, over the last ten years or so, the
conferences down the road. I am excited to
number of perennial powers running tradition-
be in Conference USA, and I think it is a very
al, pro-style, west coast offenses, is getting
strong conference right now, and if things
smaller and smaller. It seems even traditional
change in the future we will just roll with the
schools, Michigan for a period, and Ohio State
punches.
with Urban Meyer at the helm, are opening up the offensive side of the ball.
MG: You have tremendous experience at the college level and in the NFL. How have you
SK: The spread is the trend, but if you look at
seen the college game change over the last
last year’s national championship game, the
10 to 20 years?
two teams in it were the two most physical teams: Alabama and Notre Dame. If you look
74
SK: Wow, quite a bit. Since the last time I
at the NFL and at the last Super Bowl, the two
was in the college system, there are more
teams in it were the two most consistently
spread offense teams, more zone-read of-
physical teams: San Francisco and Baltimore.
fense teams, and more option teams. The
Football is still a physical sport, and the tough-
transformation of the quarterback position
est team still wins. If you play with strong de-
from a pro-style position, to a running quar-
fense, sound special teams, and you are able
terback, has been dramatic. We are going to
to run the ball, that is still a recipe for winning,
buck the trend, again, with an old-fashioned
so we are going to take a different approach. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
June, 2013
SECTION
MG: Has the family moved down yet? How
MG: Those schools, Purdue and Michigan,
do they like El Paso?
and the Big 10 in general, seem to line up with your coaching style and philosophy in
SK: My family doesn’t get here until mid-
general.
June because my youngest son does not graduate high school until then, and then he
SK: That is their style. My sons had most of
goes off to the University of Michigan, and
their formative years when I was coaching in
once he is all settled in there my family will
Detroit, and every game on television was
move down. I have two sons that play foot-
Notre Dame or Michigan or someone from
ball. My oldest son Robert is the center at
the Big 10. From a young age they grew up
Purdue, and Patrick will be headed to Mich-
saying they wanted to play in the Big 10, and
igan as a center as well. They both have
they both fulfilled their dreams, and I am
strong football backgrounds and have
proud of them for that.
had a lot of success, winning three state high school championships.
MG: As far as UTEP goes, what do you see
They are well rounded, on and off
as the biggest challenges in getting the pro-
the field. They are both excel-
gram to a success level that you want? What
lent students, and really
are the two or three biggest hurdles?
represent the types of players we are
SK: Well, anytime you have had a string
to
of losing seasons, you have to change the
be look-
mentality so that players expect to win. The
ing for
only way to do that is win. We have to go
here.
out there and produce. To change a culture
M
y
or a mindset, you just have to do it through
daugh-
experience and hard work, so that is what
going
ter Kali is
we are going to do.
twelve, and it will be her and my wife Patsy and I. This will be the first time I will be
MG: Are the athletes excited about the new direction and opportunities?
without my boys, which will definitely be a transition for me.
SK: The ones that want to work are. The ones that didn’t respond to the work ethic
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
75
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we expect, or the ones that didn’t respond to the standards we set on and off the field, are no longer with the program. But that is normal, anytime a new coach comes into a program you have to set your own standards. We have set those standards and the guys that have responded are very excited. MG: How about your staff? All set and happy with how that worked out? SK: Yes, we have an outstanding staff. All are high-character people with strong football back-
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grounds, a lot of experience, and are excellent teachers. We have a good mixture of some youth as well, and I am very pleased with the staff and what they have done this spring. MG: What is on your mind? Anything you want to share with the community? SK: Well, we are just working really hard on a day-to-day basis to put a team out there that
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El Paso will be proud of and will respond to. El Paso is a blue-collar town. This is my third time back here, including playing and coaching, and I respect the El Paso work ethic, and we are going to try to respect that mindset. We are going to be a blue-collar team. We are not going to talk and make promises, we are just going to roll up our sleeves and get after it week to week, and do our best to win every game. How many wins that translates into I don’t know, but we are going to go out there and fight for it each week.
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
June, 2013
SECTION
Kugler played football here at UTEP, and was part of the 10-win season Coach Bob MG: You have some great experiences working with
learn the right way to do it, sometimes you learn how
and for some great coaches, at all levels. What have
not to do it. But you try to draw from every experi-
you tried to learn from those experiences?
ence, and mold your own way of coaching and your own philosophy. I have done that, and I don’t try to be
SK: You try to learn something from every experience
anybody else but me. But I have had the opportunity to
that you are in. As a coach, I have tried to learn from
work with some of the best in the business, and I have
every coach that I have been with. Sometimes you
certainly tried to take away things from all of them.
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77
| By JOHN DEL ROSARIO |
78
| Photograped by RO BERT CORR
AL |
T H E H EROES O N T HE C O URT W I T H MI TCHE LL MARCU S
June, 2013
If you were decked out in purple the evening of February 12 at the high school basketball game between west-side rivals Coronado H.S. and Franklin H.S., the final play, initiated by Jon Montanez’s final inbound pass, would have been viewed as a turnover. the box score may have called it a turnover, but in Montanez’s heart, it was something greater than the willing surrender of the ball to the opposing team. It was an assist in more ways than our little west Texas town could have ever imagined.
T
he story went viral once CBS got a hold of this life-affirming act of sportsmanship and has since gained international attention. For those of you who
have been living under a rock for the last few months, allow me to catch you up to speed. With around a minute and a half left to play in the final game of the regular season, Coronado led it's rival Franklin by 10 points. Willing to take a chance on losing for his favorite player to shine, Coronado head coach Peter Morales put in team manager Mitchell Marcus who he had told to suit up before the game. Marcus, a player with a learning disability, had been team manager for three years and this was his first time playing a game with his team. Marcus’ Thunderbird teammates kept trying to give him opportunities to score passing him the ball from down court to where he was waiting on the opposite end just beyond the paint. He shot, he missed. He shot again and
calling out to Marcus, graciously tossed
“It’s a big rivalry,” Montanez said. “It’s an
missed once more. The final throw to Marcus
him the ball to pointing at the rim to shoot
all-out battle whenever we play. We get re-
was especially heartbreaking as he let it slip
it. At long last, Marcus shot and the crowd
ally physical because no one really wants to
away from him as it went out of bounds.
watched with excitement as it finally went
lose.” So physical, in fact, that minutes before
into the basket. The game ended as fans
Marcus was put on the floor, double technical
With around 13 seconds left to play, Marcus
from both teams rushed the floor, chanting,
fouls were called on both teams. “But when
was instructed to get in an open spot to shoot
“Mitchell! Mitchell! Mitchell!” while hoisting
they put Mitchell in the game, I didn’t know
near Montanez’s inbound pass. Montanez,
Marcus up on the crowd’s shoulders.
he was going to be suiting up. I found out he
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79
“When Mitchell told me that the coach told him to suit up for the game he said, ‘I get to play. I’ll probably be in the first quarter. I just hope that I’m the one who scores and it’ll be in the paper”
was put in, it caught my eye and I kind of got
the first thing we do the next morning is look
While in Los Angeles for the Ellen Show,
teared up because I knew of Mitchell.”
at the scores in the paper and see who is
Justin Bieber’s manager was able to get
the high scorer. I’d give him the stats and he
both Marcus, Montanez and their families to
Though they met a number of times having
would double check to see that I gave him
a Clippers-Thunder game where they were
been members of the rival teams, their con-
the right stats.”
able to meet the stars from each team. The duo was even honored by City Council and
nection actually goes as far back as before their middle school days. “I saw him at some
He made it to the paper alright... and CBS,
at the Texas Senate floor at the hands of El
UTEP basketball camps,” Montanez said of
all over Facebook and Twitter, the Ellen Show,
Paso’s Senator Jose Rodriguez.
Marcus. “I thought that he deserved this.
and countless other media outlets who
He’s been on the team three years and just
picked up on this bright ray of sunshine to
Marcus was even able to receive an auto-
to see him suit up, I felt proud and excited
emanate from the Sun City.
graphed miniature car from NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon, an autographed jersey from
for him.” The exposure even caught the attention of
Minnesota Timberwolf Kevin Love and even
The news of suiting up for the game was
some pretty big names that led to some
a letter from Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
especially meaningful to Marcus, a lifelong
cool perks for Montanez, Marcus and their
of Staff, General Martin Dempsey. The Mar-
fan of the sport. “When Mitchell told me that
team mates. Both the Franklin and Coronado
cus family has even received paintings from
the coach told him to suit up for the game
teams got to meet and speak to Dallas Mav-
a painter from Ireland who heard about this
he said, ‘I get to play. I’ll probably be in the
erick Vince Carter before heading to Dallas to
story and was compelled to paint scenes
first quarter. I just hope that I’m the one who
watch some of the Sweet Sixteen and Elite
from the game. Marcus’ mother said she still
scores and it’ll be in the paper,’” Marcus’
Eight college basketball games.
has a dining room table filled with gifts.
mother Amy explained. “After every game,
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www.thecitymagazineelp.com
His following internationally may have been impressive, but it was his following on Facebook that led to the larger attendance at games. That game, the usual 10 or so people there for Marcus grew to around 50 with the knowledge that he was suiting up. Marcus regularly posted announcements for games encouraging people to come out to watch. “After every game, people would know they won because he would post, ‘Sleep like a winner,’” Mrs. Marcus said. “If he didn’t post it, it wouldn’t be good news.” The good news has been coming from all around. “A lot of people come up to me, tell me that what I did was awesome and that I should be proud of what I did,” Montanez said. “Older people have told me that there is hope left in the youth. For them telling me that, it’s just been a blessing.” With such a sincere act of sportsmanship in a story that rivals Rudy-levels of compassion and heart, you better believe that everyone who caught wind of the story, with faith in humanity restored, all slept like winners.
By Felipa Solis
By The City
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June, 2013
MUSIC
EL PASO PRO-MUSICA’S ARTISTIC DIRECTOR COLLABORATES WITH 11-YEAR-OLD PRODIGY EMILY BEAR
lywood Bowl. The gifted young lady com-
World-renowned cellist and Artistic Director
Music Festival, Bear travelled to El Paso to
of El Paso Pro-Musica Zuill Bailey has been
record four of the songs with Bailey. They
an exclusive artist with Telarc/Concord Mu-
spent a day at the El Adobe Recording Stu-
sic Group since 2008. Six albums later, Bai-
dios, where they recorded "Northern Lights,"
ley was approached to record songs com-
"Tutti Cuore," "Italia," and the title song, "Di-
posed by Quincy Jones’ prodigy, 11-year-old
versity." Emily, accompanied by her moth-
pianist and composer Emily Bear. Bear's
er, Andrea, decided to stay an extra day
background is impressive, as she began to
to perform during "Bach's Lunch,"
play the piano at the age of 3 and started
the free weekly musical inform-
composing soon after. She has been fea-
ance sponsored by United Bank
tured five times on the "Ellen" show, and has
and the El Paso Museum of Art.
performed at the White House and the Hol-
The museum was filled to capacity.
posed 13 new songs, and the incomparable Quincy Jones mentored and inspired the youngster for this first jazz album released on the Concord Label. "Diversity" was recorded in Los Angeles, and it was decided that the songs needed the powerful sounds of the cello. In January, during the El Paso Pro-Musica Chamber
June, 2013
"DIVERSITY" WAS RECORDED IN LOS ANGELES, AND IT WAS DECIDED THAT THE SONGS NEEDED THE POWERFUL SOUNDS OF THE CELLO. "Diversity" was released in May 2013, and Bailey travelled to Los Angeles to participate in the release concert at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. Quincy Jones introduced his prodigy, Bailey performed and “Diversity� immediately rose to the top of the jazz charts. Bailey also travelled to New York City for the east coast premiere of the album. The performance there was held at the cool nightclub "Le Poisson Rouge." Bailey performed there before, including in a solo concert to release his Bach Cello Suites album, which soared to the Number 1 spot on the classical billboard charts. Zuill Bailey has other recordings planned for release in the next year on the Telarc/ Concord label. In the meantime, he is heading up the Sitka Summer Music Festival in Sitka, Alaska, which is held on the beautiful Island each June, and is also the Artistic Director of the Northwest Bach Festival in Spokane, Washington.
84
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Formerly known as The West Texas Food Bank El Paso Branch
16 years in El Paso
1 distribution center in El Paso
Member of Feeding America
2012 YTD 4,011,877 pounds Distributed
YOU are invited!
On Thursday, June 20, El Pasoans Fighting Hunger is going to team up with the new Cappetto’s Italian Restaurant at 2711 Stanton St. (near Cincinnati) for one day. Come and check out your old Italian favorite in its new location on this day and
50% of their sales will go to our Food Bank for those El
Pasoans who cannot afford to enjoy their favorite meal. We look forward to seeing you there!
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger 9541 Plaza Cir, El Paso, TX 79927 | (915) 298-0353 | Hours: Thursday hours 7:30 am–5:00 pm
Sponsored by:
By KYLE ALVARADO, Photograped by bernie maese
86
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J.J. Childress works at raymond James by day and his business, Proper Printshop, by night.
Speak to j.j. Childress, Stephen Flores, Chris Alcantar, or Bernie Maese - all young, handsome twentysomethings - and you’ll be immediately disarmed.
O
n the surface, these guys - for they
As an undergrad, Maese
aren’t men yet - exude that youthful,
worked with Abercrom-
devil-may-care demeanor that usu-
bie & Fitch, but he eventually
ally reduces the twenty-something’s cred-
parted ways to focus on jobs in
ibility to zero. But, dig a little and ask them
his field. However, he ran into a prob-
about their business (you might be shocked
lem almost all college grads hit. Nobody
that they own one) and you’ll find yourself
was hiring and those that were, wanted ex-
engaged in a discussion fully demonstrat-
perience. “I searched for jobs in my field, but
ing that beneath those unwrinkled faces, are
none were hiring or I didn’t have the requisite
brains constantly humming with creativity
‘professional’ experience—despite my ex-
and astute business savvy.
perience running the podcast,” Maese said. “That’s when I decided to start off on my
“I like freelancing,” said Bernie Maese, 26,
own, freelancing, which led to the creation of
founder of Hawk & Hero Productions. “I’m a
Hawk & Hero.”
night owl, so most of my editing - which takes time - is done late at night when distractions
Since starting Hawk in June 2011, Maese said
are non-existent.”
that freelancing was tough at first, but he fell into a natural rhythm as referrals trickled in.
Hawk & Hero Productions, Maese’s one-man
“It was small jobs at first; I didn’t have the
photography and video production company,
necessary equipment. But life crept in and
evolved out of interests he developed and
bills made it hard to save for equipment,”
studied as an undergrad at UTEP. “I created
Maese said. “I began to sell a lot of things
the PayDirt Podcast, a weekly podcast show-
here and there to stay afloat but it was fine
casing UTEP by illustrating what the students
because I appreciated being able to stay fo-
miss out when heading home after class.”
cused on moving forward.”
Maese wrote, shot, edited and created the website for the podcast. “It was a labor of
Jump ahead to 2013 and Maese has steady
love that was supported all out of pocket
work with UTEP Athletics, where the majority
and I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it,”
of his work comes from, and has also worked
Maese said.
with BMW of El Paso, Hybrid Fitness Gym, 87
Bernie Maese, 26, is the founder of Hawk & Hero Productions.
“We hold the keys, it’s not
the Cathedral Alumni Association
and
the
After a slow start,
someone above us - our fate is in
Central Business Association, to name only a few. Uti-
client
our hands. We set the bar for what we want to earn”
lizing his eye as a photographer, Maese was asked to photograph the guys for this article. The slow start to Hawk & Hero Productions reflects the same stilted beginnings that Insite founders
loyalty,
refer-
rals and expansion have helped their business grow. “We hit some roadblocks at the start, but we’ve had some solid cli-
ents and some great referrals. Recently, we’ve signed a celebrity makeup artist based in Hollywood, and we’ve just signed a client based in Seattle, I spoke with him on the phone
Stephen Flores, 26, and Chris Alcantar, 25, faced when
for a few hours and exchanged some emails - and now
they began their business in January of 2013.
he’s a client,” Alcantar said.
Insite Strategic Group, a small business specializing in
Insite Strategic Group seeks to stretch the client’s dol-
web marketing and advertising for other businesses in El
lar far by utilizing cutting-edge research, targeted demo-
Paso and throughout the country, utilizes the Internet and
graphics and the unique insight (get it?) that Alcantar
the team’s creative and critical research abilities to ex-
and Flores bring to the table. “Companies don’t take
pand a businesses reach outside of traditional marketing
the time to invest in online marketing, and when they
endeavors. While they have clients outside El Paso, they
do, they rarely update - that’s where we come in,” Al-
admit that the El Paso market is their bread and butter.
cantar said. “We make sure they’re on the front page of Google and that their money is spent in a clear and
Alcantar, who is also Flores’ cousin, said that there are
concise way that garners results.”
some limitations that the Internet has, namely, a lack of physical contact. “The Internet will never allow you to
Echoing Maese’s difficulty, Flores, who recently com-
shake someone’s hand, and physical contact is a part
pleted his MBA, also ran into the experience issue that
of business. But the reach and voice it gives a growing
plagued Maese. “Businesses want people with experi-
business is incredible.”
ence, but they also want fresh minds, it’s a Catch 22,”
88
June, 2013
T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N O F E L PA S O B U S I N E S S M E N
Flores said. “Before Insite Strategic Group, I applied to dozens of places throughout the world with no luck - it was a challenge overcoming the real-world experience employers seek.” Flores said that starting a business gave him freedom and short-circuits the experience issue, but it comes with a few drawbacks, namely, a lack of sleep. “We hold the keys, it’s not someone above us - our fate is in our hands. We set the bar for what we want to earn,” Flores said. “It’s interesting holding your future and your livelihood. Having said that, I can call Chris at three in the morning and I know he’ll be up working -
Chris Alcantar (left) and Stephen Flores (right) own Insite Strategic Group.
Similar to Insite Strategic Group, The Proper
walked out with a home screen-printing kit.
Printshop, a screen-printing business located
Little did they know that that decision would
Alcantar thinks that El Paso is a great place to
near the downtown area, seeks to grow in El
grow into the flourishing creative force that
start and cultivate a business. “We feel there’s
Paso and spread its roots abroad by tapping
there business is now.
a great opportunity for small businesses to
into the unique culture.
we’re always working.”
“We kind of stumbled upon it,” Childress, 23,
take root in El Paso. There’s also the opportunity to help established businesses grow online
In 2009, J.J. Childress and his friend, Ste-
said. “We were making shirts for friends and
and expand. It’s an exciting precipice seeing
phen Escarzaga, walked into a Hobby Lobby
took small orders. Once we realized there’s
where El Paso was and where it’s going.”
for craft supplies, namely glass beads, and
a demand for it, we started reinvesting our
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89
profits into new equipment, adding capacity, and better capabilities,” Childress said. “At the time, I had no idea what I wanted to do. But because of my education background, I knew whatever I did, I had to run it as a business in order to be profitable.” Since the birth of Printshop, Childress finished his undergraduate studies in accounting and finance. He recently completed his MBA, where he shared a class or two with Flores, and now works as a financial advisor at Raymond James. “It’s numbers during the day and this creative outlet in my free time,” Childress said. Childress believes that creating Proper Printshop and the effort put into cultivating a business from seed to tree, improves his work at Raymond James. “Printshop makes me a better financial advisor because I understand the concerns, it’s not just a portfolio - it’s someone’s hopes and dreams,” he said. Aside from taking orders, from custom oneoffs to large orders for businesses, Childress and his partners work to diversify and expand on the services offered by Printshop. One such diversification project is “Keep El Paso Loco.”
“We want to start different conversations,
skill set is needed and those skills need to
bring different voices into the community,
be cross-applied. In some ways it’s a paradox,
and trigger interactions through ‘Keep El Paso
but it’s beneficial.”
Loco,’” Childress said. It’s this paradox that the guys are tapping It might come with the territory of youth,
into. Through education, past experiences
but these guys believe that adding to their
and do-or-die action, they are leading the way.
already robust skill set, makes them even
It’s funny to think that conversations with the
more versatile in the 21st century business
guys frequently vacillated between high-brow
world. Small examples: Maese keeps an
business concepts, marketing strategies and
eye on tutorials and inspirations to keep his
development plans, to obscure “Arrested De-
craft in tip-top shape, Insite Strategic Group
velopment” references, the notorious web-
is taking Photoshop certification classes
site 4chan, and “Iron Man 3.”
to add a level of creativity to their deep “With ‘Loco,’ we tell small business own-
research abilities, and Proper Printshop is
However, at the end of the day, one thing is
ers’ stories. We realize starting a business is
looking to take sewing classes to add to
certain: These men - for they aren’t guys any-
a struggle. It’s not easy, but it’s rewarding,”
their rapidly growing repertoire.
more - are the future of business in El Paso, partaking in ventures that simultaneously
he said. Childress has big plans for “Loco,” he hopes to expand and spin it off as its own
“You see it sports-wise,” Childress said.
seek to generate revenue while being artisti-
501(c)(3) nonprofit, to fuel ideas and connect
“Choose a sport, pick a position, and master
cally fulfilling.
artists, businesses and El Pasoans in a mean-
it. But the pace that technology and the econ-
ingful way.
omy is moving, that needs to change, a vast
Barnett BMW Motorcycles of El Paso 8229 BURNHAM RD EL PASO, TX 79907-1524 915-592-6599
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June, 2013
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By MAGGIE ASFAHANI HAJJ Photographed by ROBERT CORRAL
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June, 2013
“ My dad is a musician, my uncle is a musician, my grandfather was a musician. They put you on an instrument when you’re four years old and you don’t really have a choice. It just sticks with you the rest of your life. ”
F
or those who expect a symphony con-
I applied, and something clicked. And you go
destined. “It was chosen for me,” he said. “My
ductor to embody the intense musical
through all the process, you have to send your
dad is a musician, my uncle is a musician, my
genius of the great composers with
resume, you have to send DVDs, and they call
grandfather was a musician. They put you on
the charm of an international man of mystery,
people around to check up on you. I got lucky
an instrument when you’re four years old and
Bohuslav Rattay does not disappoint. That is, if
to be invited, one of the last five, and came
you don’t really have a choice. It just sticks with
one imagines a baritone James Bond playing
here in October (2012) and did the concert and
you the rest of your life,” he said with a smile.
the bassoon and being partial to motorcycles
it seemed like I clicked with the orchestra.”
“I don’t think that I’d be good at anything else anyway, so it’s probably for the best.”
and table tennis. Rattay’s excitement about his three-year conAfter a grueling, two-year search involving
tract with EPSO is palpable. “I’ve been guest
After completing his studies at the Prague
applications, interviews and auditions, The
conducting quite a bit, so I’ve been on the road,
Conservatory of Music, Rattay came to the
El Paso Symphony Orchestra has found its
kind of living out of my car, so I’m finally looking
U.S. in 1993 as a graduate student, study-
Maestro in Bohuslav Rattay. The 40-year-old
toward something that will feel like a home,”
ing at Rice University and the Peabody Insti-
Czech native will become the seventh conduc-
he said. “I know this is a big organization and
tute of Music. He has become known for his
tor in the symphony’s 82-year history.
I can help them fundraise money. The people
groundbreaking concert programs, which have
are cool and nice. It’s a cool city; it’s small but
featured visual elements and audience discus-
big. It’s kind of the gem of West Texas.”
sions. The Maestro will continue to conduct
“We as conductors, running around the world
symphonies in Midland, Michigan and Lake
or United States, scan the applications and see what’s opening, and it’s usually chairs
As a little boy in Prague, a city known for its love
moving from one to another,” Rattay said. “So
of music and the arts, Rattay’s path was pre-
94 94
Charles, Louisiana during his tenure in El Paso.
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June, 2013
T H E R E ’ S A N ESW STRO IN TOWN E CMT A I OE N
Rattay is curious to see how the El Paso audience will react to his programs, and takes great interest in the public’s input.
“Every community is different, and some communities will enjoy more contemporary music, some don’t, and that takes time to learn all that,”
he said. “You can do research, you can do all that, but
you have to go through the process to find out. Some communities will say, ‘Don’t bring any modern music to us, because we just don’t want to listen to that crap,’” he said with a chuckle, remembering feedback he has received in the past, saying for the most part, the criticism tends to be polite. “Some people will come backstage and say the orchestra played it really well, but it’s not our cup of tea to listen
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to.” As for the type of music that he listens to himself, Rattay is open to almost anything, including freestyle jazz and Latin rhythms, although he jokingly draws the
95
June, 2013 line at Justin Beiber. “I’m a romantic at heart, and I grew up in Czech (Republic) and Eastern European music is mostly Romantic music,” he said. “Russian, Eastern European, Czech, Tchaikovsky, Dvorák, I love these composers. If it’s good, I find appreciation for it.” Rattay is looking forward to El Paso becoming his home, and has been searching for a house with his girlfriend. “She’s pretty excited,” he said. Rattay is confident that his Indiana-bred partner will have no trouble acclimating to their new surroundings. “She’s a singer, an operatrained soprano. She’s bilingual - she speaks Spanish pretty fluently,” he said. “Even though she’s American, she got a degree in Spanish as well. She loves the Latino culture.” Although symphony performances are seen by some as stuffy and boring events catering to a select few, it would be hard to pin those assertions on EPSO’s new Puma-wearing conductor. “For those that have never been to a symphony, just come and check us out,” Rattay urges.
“We’ll have some really cool stuff coming up this season.” And don’t be afraid to let him know what your impressions are, he says. “I like to chat with people afterwards; it’s fun to hear what their thoughts are. I welcome everybody to come backstage to say hello. Tickets aren’t expensive. Come at least once. Who knows? You might like it.”
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“is man's
Lights, Camera, Action
will be music to your business' ears” - D/S
VALENTIN SANDOVAL
(915) 694-8863
MULTIMEDIA-VIDEO PRODUCTION
SHOOTING-EDITING-COPY-BRANDING WWW.DEANSANDOVAL.COM
PHOTO BY: CHRIST CHAVEZ | DESIGN BY: DESIGN OLLIN
| By Patrick L. Martinez, Certified Fitness Trainer |
T
he warriors stand ready in formation.
into ice-filled pools
The war paint drips from their face
has gained immense
as the blazing sun glares down upon
popularity
over
the
them like a mother who just caught her child
last couple of years.
stealing from her purse. Their bodies tense
From
from nervous excitement as they await the
“warrior” to “mudder,”
unknown. What army or mystical creature will
these events draw huge
they be forced to do battle with? From a dis-
crowds, participants and
tance, the brightly-colored armor worn by var-
revenue.
“gladiator”
to
ious tribes creates a variegation that would scare even the most deadly of adversaries.
I
myself
recently
par-
They await the battle cry. 3…2…1…GO!
ticipated in the Gladiator Dash in Las Cruces. This
Find Your Inner Warrior
Ok, so there is no army or mystical creature
was the first time I par-
to face. But that doesn’t stop the weekend
ticipated in such an event
warriors from forming their own armies
and I was impressed with
with a team, but you still have to challenge
with their own uniforms ready to do battle.
the turn out and even more impressed with
yourself to overcome fatigue as you maneu-
This new craze of running miles of obstacle
the experience. While there are thousands
ver through obstacles and still find the intes-
courses, swimming through mud, jump-
of people participating, the only competition
tinal fortitude to inspire your teammates to
ing over fire, climbing towers, and jumping
you have is yourself. You may choose to run
do the same.
98
FITNESS
June, 2013 Events like these have become part of the
this, I would recommend running two to
evolution of fitness. I embrace the change
three times per week, alternating between
and so should you. As men, we biologically
street running and trail running to train your
have a competitive nature and what bet-
legs for uneven terrain. If you don’t run of-
ter way to feed that need than to compete
ten, then start off with one mile at a time
against yourself. The true test of a man is not
at a slow pace. These events aren’t sprints
to expose the weakness of another man, but
so you really don’t have to worry about the
to expose the weakness in
speed for now. Most of the obstacle courses
himself. I speak from experi-
require upper body strength so train by do-
ence by saying that we tend
ing bodyweight exercises such as pushups
to stick to what we’re good
and pull-ups. If you’re already in peak physi-
at. We do the same routine in
cal condition, then challenge yourself to fin-
the gym because it’s com-
ish the course in record time. Either way,
fortable. We say, “Hey, I
you’ll get a great workout, you’ll challenge
look good in a t-shirt, so
yourself to doing something new, and you’ll
I must be doing some-
have a great story to tell at work on Monday
thing right.”
morning. So take a break from the gym and get muddy. Get your warrior on!
I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone with events like this one. We will never attain perfection and we can only hope to maintain progression. So don’t be afraid to try one of these events. You will be surprised how much it will test you mentally and physically, while being enjoyable at the same time. Whether you’re a bodybuilder, CrossFit athlete, runner, or biker, these events will challenge your aerobic capacity and muscular endurance. I myself run three times a week, but I was tested because I had to run in sand and, at times, uphill. So what did I learn? I should alternate between street running and trail running. I found a weakness in my training and now I know what I need to do to improve. Still, it’s not wise to go into an event like Gladiator Dash or Tough Mudder without being physically prepared. To train for an event like
99
100
June, 2013
DATING TIPS FROM A WOMAN TO ALL MEN
| By JANNET BUSTILLOS |
Do you keep going on first dates that never lead to a second date? Have you asked yourself more than once what went wrong? Let's face it, first dates can always be nerve racking and most men could use some helpful tips when it comes to dating. For all the single men out there, here’s a helpful guide of dos and don’ts, from a woman’s perspective, to ace the first and second and third dates. DON’TS:
1. Ex who? This is definitely one of the cardinal rules in the dating world. Don't EVER talk about an ex! I can't emphasize this enough. Talking about the ex on your first date can be so uncomfortable, and nobody
"NO WOMAN WANTS TO DATE A
thought, if he's asking me, how many other
ABOUT BEING WELL OFF. THERE
great, you can make the move for a peck, but
JERK WHO CONSTANTLY BRAGS IS NOTHING SEXIER THAN A GENEROUS, HUMBLE MAN"
women is he asking? If the date is going absolutely no tongue. 5. Don't be cheap: Dating a cheap man has to be one of the biggest turn offs. If you can't
wants to hear why your last relationship didn't work out. If the topic is brought up,
"the truest characters of ignorance are vanity,
afford to go out then re-schedule, but don't
steer away from talking about it, and change
pride and arrogance."
be cheap. Please don't be the one asking what the drink specials are or leaving less
the subject ASAP. 3. Put the phone down! There is nothing
then a 20 percent tip.
2. Arrogance: Don't be arrogant. I know there
more disrespectful than being on your phone
is a fine line between being confident and
while having dinner. You're trying to impress
6. TMI: Please try to stay away from TMI (too
cocky, but make sure you know not to cross
this person, and whatever it is, it can wait.
much information). It's understandable that
it. This goes hand-in-hand with talking about
If it's that necessary to answer your phone,
you might be nervous but becoming too chat-
money. Nobody cares how much money you
excuse yourself and go to the restroom.
ty can make you reveal too much. This can make it awkward for your date, and you don't
make or what kind of expensive habits you have. No woman wants to date a jerk who
4. Going home together Never ask a wom-
want to reveal all of your dirty laundry within
constantly brags about being well off. There
an to go home with you after your first, sec-
the first 10 minutes. You should try asking
is nothing sexier than a generous, humble
ond or third date. Any kind of heavy sexual
some of the questions instead.
man. As English novelist Samuel Butler said,
comments is a terrible first date idea. I always
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101
LOVE
7. No sticky subjects: Refrain
from
talking
about
politics, religion and moral issues. It's just common courtesy to not speak about
June, 2013
"WE LIKE TO FEEL
4. Dress to impress: Make
FLOWERS AND OPEN
Leave the Crocs (which no-
SPECIAL, SO BUY HER
sure you dress to impress.
THE DOOR FOR HER."
body should ever own), and your holey jeans at home.
this, especially on a first date. These topics
First impressions are everything. I have girl
can be very touchy subjects and make people
friends who primarily take note of a man’s
uncomfortable to speak about.
shoes and have rejected him just based on that first, bad impression.
8. Don't be negative: Ugh! There is nothing more annoying than having a “Negative Nan-
5. Listen: When you're getting to know your
cy” in the room. Make sure you're not com-
date, make sure you're not prepping the next
plaining or have something negative to say
thing to say while she's talking. Instead, ask
about everything. Listen, we all have things
her a question to get her to expand on what
that frustrate or overwhelm us, but talking
she was just talking about. This will let her
about it on your first date is not the ideal time.
know that you're interested and paying atten-
I can guarantee you that a girl will run at the
tion to her.
first sign of negativity. 6. Ask her out: If you feel that the date has DOS
gone great, don't hesitate to ask her on a
1. Be sober! Do everyone a favor and please
second date. Say, "I had
do not get drunk. Having a couple of drinks
a great time tonight,
can be acceptable, but once you start ap-
and I’d like to see
proaching tipsy, it becomes a blunder. If you
you again." Don't
are the driver, you put your date in a very
let the idea of re-
awkward position. Make sure you think be-
jection intimidate
fore you drink. Hopefully you're over your frat
you. If she rejects
boy days.
you, oh well. At least you did your
2. Always, always be a gentleman: I don't
part in trying to see
know what is going on with society nowa-
her again.
days, but chivalry got lost somewhere along the way, which is why I have to emphasize how important it is for a woman to meet a gentlemen. We like to feel special, so buy her flowers and open the door for her. You will be surprised how far these small gestures can get you. 3. Think outside the box: Don't be afraid to have a non-traditional first date. While going to the movies and dinner can be nice, it can get old. Just make sure you let us know what your plans are, so we can wear the perfect outfit.
102
By Michelle Cromer
104
T
he typical American man works an average of
Like learning any new skill, meditation takes practice.
8.73 hours per day and according to a new study
Here are a few simple steps that will have you on your
published in The Lancet, most men are also un-
way to meditating:
der “job strain” or stressed out. The findings also showed that men who experienced job stress have a 29 percent
1. Find a comfortable place to sit. Make sure
greater chance of developing heart disease. Stress, which
that your back is straight and upright so that your attention
increases your blood pressure, could lead to a long list of
can be on your practice and not on the pain in your back.
other heart-damaging side effects, researchers explained. 2. Set a time period. Like learning any new skill, mediIf you can’t control your workload, you can beat the harmful
tation takes practice. Try five minutes a day at first, then
effects of stress by developing a simple meditation practice.
after a few days increase your meditation practice to 10 minutes, then 15. Twenty minutes is proven to be enough
People who meditate have fewer doctor visits and can
time for the stress-reducing benefits of meditation.
lower their blood pressure, cholesterol and stress hormones. They have less heart disease, less depression,
3. Eliminate distractions. Turn off your phone,
and increased confidence. They are calmer and for rea-
computer, and distance yourself from anything that will ask for your attention. 4. Set your focus. It is important to have a solid focus point, like your breathing. Have a word that you breathe in and a word that you breathe out. For example, breathe in to the word “so” and breathe out to “hum.” It really doesn’t matter what word or mantra you focus on, but you need
sons still unknown, meditation seems to slow down the
to have something to return to when your mind gets hi-
aging process.
jacked with thoughts, and you will get hijacked.
Meditation is essentially deep relaxation. It’s a distinct way
5. Begin. Close your eyes, set your focus, breath in and
of learning how to be present from moment to moment
out to your mantra. When your mind gets hijacked, re-
and offers us a way to turn inward to find a calm and quiet
lease those thoughts and return to your breath.
place. Meditation is the awareness of the flow of reality, space and time. Unlike philosophy, which strives to achieve
6. Develop a practice. Schedule meditation into your
order through mental reasoning alone, meditation looks for
busy schedule and honor that daily appointment.
a deep acceptance - a knowing that comes from the mind.
105
June, 2013
| By CHRIS ORQUIZ | Father's Day is celebrated throughout the United States
and it's a day that can take on a different meaning for each person. On this very special day, most will get to
I
remember waiting for my dad to walk
and aunt. My father decided we should walk
through the door to visit with my grand-
and talk outside in the visitor’s courtyard to
mother, my aunt and myself in the lobby. We
get some sun. I remember climbing up on one
sat on one of many tables in that fairly large
of the cement benches that were out there
will not have the opportunity. Many that are far from
visitor’s room. The room was filled with so
and then calling out to my dad to make sure
home might have to settle for a phone call to wish their
much clatter I couldn’t even really hear myself
he saw me jump off with out getting hurt. I
dad a Happy Father’s Day, while some of our fathers
when I spoke. I asked, “When is he going to
was feeling really proud of my little dare
are no longer with us, though their advice and memory
get here?” My grandmother gave me a serious
devil achievement.
will always be.
look and said she'd give me some change to buy something from the snack machine if I sat
After a while, the guard, looking
With Father’s Day coming around the corner, I’d like to
spend time with their beloved dads but sadly, others
patiently. I tried my best to obey but I could
like someone incapable of ever
share my story – one of a father who was a great man,
hardly contain myself. I missed him so much.
smiling, came out to tell us visit-
reminded of one particular hardship my family went
though he had his own flaws. Reflecting on him, I am
ing hours were almost over. As When the guard brought him through the door,
the time to say our goodbyes
through and how it affected me. What’s more important
I launched at him like a missile. It felt good
drew closer, we walked
though is how we overcame that, eventually bringing
to finally see and hug him. I must have been
back into the lobby and I
my father and I even closer together as I allowed myself
about four or five years old.
grabbed my dad's hand
to forgive him. As you read on, I hope you will take some
I had so much to tell him,
so he could leave with
time to appreciate your dad this Father’s Day.
as did my grandmother
us. I didn't know he
106
June, 2013
didn't have the freedom to just leave that place. He had a hurt look on his face when he told me he had to stay but would be looking forward to our
[
[
"I loved my father dearly and I know I will never forget him."
Thoughts were racing through my mind like cars in the Indy 500, “No! No! We are going the wrong way! We need to be driving back toward the place where
next visit. As the guard walked him behind the grey metal door again,
my dad is! Why…why can't he come home
my dad turned to look back at me through a
with us?” I sulked down in my seat and just
small window on that door. He had this look
held my head down, not saying a word the
of uncertainty in his eyes, then he smiled, and
whole drive home. In fact, no one else in the
then he was gone. It was as if, at that very
car really said much either. The memory of that
moment, when I saw him look back at me
day haunted me the rest of my life like a ghost
through the glass, time stopped and a pho-
of many regrets.
tograph was snapped and that small window was the picture frame.
Years later when my dad got out of jail, my mother was no longer married to him but my
I didn't really grasp the concept that we were
sister and I would visit him some weekends at
in a federal prison and that he wasn't going to
my grandmother's house. Not once did I bring
be coming home for a while. Confusion quickly
up his time in prison. I never asked him why
took over my mind and as happy as I was just
he was sent there or how it felt to be there.
moments before, now I was overcome with
I just never built up the courage to talk about
sadness and I felt as if the tears would soon
it and he never talked about it either. Life just
pour out of my eyes. I fought very hard to hold
went on and my father’s time in prison seemed
them back. This place, I found out years later,
forgotten, like a chapter in a book that was
was a prison for people who had committed
erased, like pages ripped right out from the
white-collar crimes, but all kinds of criminals
middle of a novel.
transferred through and to it. We drove down the road away from there and then made a
Fast forward to many more years after that.
right turn onto the main highway. I got up on
I was about to become a father myself and
my knees in the back seat of the car to look out
was worried if I'd be a good one. Financially,
the back window. I kept my eyes on that crude-
things were not going well for my girlfriend and
looking structure for as long as I could until it
we worried about where we would live and if
grew smaller and smaller and then eventually
we'd be ready for the day my son would be
just faded out of sight. Although the prison
born. For the first time in my life, I began to
was no longer visible, the image of it would
have anxiety attacks. During an attack I would
be forever etched in my memory.
feel the air escape from my lungs and not
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June, 2013
T H E P O W E R O F A FAT H E R ' S W O R D S
often say when he greeted someone. That was practically his trademark. I’ll never forget the way he looked down at my son and how my son looked right back up at him. That would be the first and last time my son ever saw his grandpa because a couple of weeks later my dad died in a terrible car accident. Now, I'm a pretty jaded jerk sometimes who finds it hard to cry for a lot of things, but when I got news of his death, I cried like I was four years old again. When the heart and mind take a debilitating jolt like that and you are thinking only of the massive loss, it is possible to forget where you are or what you were doing right before. It’s almost like a vinyl record skipping during the play of a song, the heart missing a beat, or like watching a poorly-edited film where very crucial parts were cut out. In that instant of sadness and pain I didn’t even realize that I be able to breathe. Rooms would shrink and
During one of our face-to-face conversations I
walls would start closing in as if to crush me.
finally brought up that day I visited him in prison
Once, while taking a shower, I suddenly felt
and told him about how it really hurt me for a
as if I was drowning and I had to quickly turn
long time that he was out of the picture. I told
the water off.
him that I had lost him once as a kid and I never wanted to lose him again. His eyes became
A once brave man, I had now become a little
teary and he apologized for putting my sister,
scared child. I couldn’t stop asking myself, “Will
my mom and I through that. Then he said he
I be a good father? What if I can’t do this? What
thought about us every day he was locked up.
if I let them down?”
It felt good to get all of that off my chest and I'm sure it did the same for him. It was like a
For my sanity, I made desperate phone calls
huge boulder that I was pinned under for so
to those closest to me, asking for help when I
long was finally lifted off of me.
felt an anxiety attack coming on. I was embarrassed to admit I was feeling weakness and
About four months after that conversation,
needed help, but it was necessary. I would call
my son was born. Having my girlfriend and
my girlfriend, or my mother but I found myself
newborn son both at home with me was the
also calling my father a lot for advice. I would
happiest time in my life. It was an exciting time
ask him if he ever felt the same way when
because we were starting a new chapter in our
he first got news my mother was pregnant
lives. Those terrible anxiety attacks took a train
with me (I was the first born and my parents
out of town and never came back.
were both 19 years old
at the time).
He always gave me a
positive per-
My father came over to visit a couple of days
spective and assured
me that
later with a thousand smiles and so excited
everything would
work out
to see his baby grandson. That night, my dad
fine. Somehow
hearing
spent some time carrying my son and playing
that from him
really
with him at our house. I remember him saying
seemed to help
calm me.
to my son, “Welcome to El Paso!” as he would
108
had fallen to the ground and had to be helped back up to my feet again.
"Will I be a good father? What if I can’t do this? What if I let them down?" I often think of that conversation we had a few months earlier, all the good advice he had given me and the closure we had both received to a painful memory. It’s almost like we were getting things off our chests that we held in all those years because his time here on Earth was coming to an end. I needed to have that conversation. He also needed to have that conversation. I loved my father dearly and I know I will never forget him. This Father’s Day, maybe it is time for you and your father to talk about and release past hurts or laugh and smile over great memories you have shared. Either way, cherish your dad this Father’s Day because life is too unpredictable not to. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
HERSHEY ROBERTSON
Hoy Fox Mercedes-Benz
“integrity is not just doing the
offered by Mercedes-Benz so that they can
honesty, loyalty and integrity. “I have learned
right thing when people are
make an informed decision.
over the years that integrity is not just doing the right thing when people are looking, but
looking, but choosing to do the right thing when you know you
As a sales consultant for Hoy Fox Mercedes-
choosing to do the right thing when you know
can do the wrong thing and get
Benz, Robertson has a strong belief in providing
you can do the wrong thing and get away with
away with it.”
an elite customer service experience to his
it,” Robertson said.
clients. “I love being able to talk and interact
T
he average American goes about six to
with people from every social status, race and
eight years in their car before deciding
belief. The most rewarding part about serving
HERSHEY ROBERTSON Mercedes Benz Sales Consultant 1122 Airway Blvd El Paso, Texas 79925 O.915-778-5341 x 333 C.915-355-4156 F. 915-772-0545 www.hoyfox.com
to purchase a new one. This means
the people of El Paso would have to be helping
that looking for a comfortable, reliable and
them get the vehicle they want and making
suitable car for your needs is more important
sure it was a great experience every step of
now than ever. Hershey Robertson at Hoy Fox
the way,” Robertson said.
Mercedes-Benz serves the people of El Paso by providing them with a, “relaxed and hassle-
Buying a car is not simply a transactional occur-
free buying experience…” He says that he is
rence, and Robertson realizes this. He puts a
able to provide his clients with the knowledge
lot of time into making sure that his clients and
of the different models and packages that are
potential clients trust him to treat them with
110
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
crobertson.hoyfox@gs.reyrey.com
110 By DANIEL BELL photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
JOHN SANCHEZ
Hoy Fox Infiniti
“[Achieving] the #1 Customer
Since 1988, Sanchez has been managing
is able to provide an unmatched customer
Service Index was hard work and
service in the automotive industry – starting
service experience. “[Achieving] the #1 Cus-
even harder to maintain, but it’s
out in a Goodyear in Southern California. “From
tomer Service Index was hard work and even
the challenge that I’m willing to
that point, I’ve lived by the words ‘be the best at
harder to maintain, but it’s the challenge that
take in order to keep it that way.”
what you do,” Sanchez said. At Hoy Fox Infiniti,
I’m willing to take in order to keep it that way.
he has truly lived up to that phrase. He was
Customers’ word of mouth is our greatest
magine this, you’re running 10 minutes
recognized by the Better Business Bureau for
advertisement, and I treat everyone the way I
late to work with coffee in one hand and
superior customer service in 2012 . For the last
would like to be treated at his or her place of
briefcase (or purse) in the other and you get
17 months, the dealership was number one
employment,” Sanchez said.
I
into your car only to find out that something is
in customer satisfaction out of 200 dealers.
wrong. Well, if you are driving an Infiniti from Hoy Fox, then the first person you would be
As a devoted husband and father of four,
calling is John Sanchez. John Sanchez is the
Sanchez’s passion for cars extends beyond
Service Manager for Hoy Fox Infiniti and deals
his work and into his personal life. He is widely
with car care, repairs, detailing and much more.
known for his custom car building expertise
As a part of the Hoy Fox team, Sanchez is
and was featured in Lowrider Magazine for
devoted to delivering superior customer care
his 1981 Lincoln Mark VI. With a deep under-
to Hoy Fox Infiniti car owners.
standing of his customer’s needs, Sanchez
By DANIEL BELL photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
JOHN SANCHEZ Infiniti Service Manager 7200 Viscount Blvd El Paso, Texas 79925 D.915-771-5023 O. 915-775-8585 F. 915-781-1500 www.hoyfox.com
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
111
By MEAGAN KINLEY photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
112
CHARLES J. RUHMANN
Ruhmann Law Firm
“I personally represent my clients. I do everything I can to help them. My job is about helping to put the client’s life back together.”
I
n today’s chaotic world, disaster can strike at literally any moment. In their everyday lives, people are hoping everything will turn out alright and, most of the time, things are okay. But for those who have experienced tragedy, injury or loss, the emptiness and desperation can be all-consuming. For times like these, having an attorney with compassion and integrity can make a huge difference for the individual or family left in the wake of a lifechanging event such as a car wreck. Charles Ruhmann is a lawyer with these attributes and more. He truly cares about the people who come to him for help. “When my clients meet with me, they meet with me. I am not a just a figurehead. I am actually the one in the courtroom representing them in court.” Ruhmann, a graduate from Baylor University, received his doctor of jurisprudence from St. Mary's School of Law in San Antonio, Texas. He met his wife in law school and together they moved to El Paso in 2004. Since then, he has been practicing law and representing clients for almost a decade and is licensed to practice in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. He has two offices, one in El Paso and the other in Las Cruces. Charles is an active member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and El Paso
County Trial Lawyers Association where he has served as president in 2009 and 2013. He is also affiliated with the El Paso Bar Association, where he is currently serving on the board. “My practice is about the client. I am here to provide help and hope for those in need of legal assistance. These people often do not have anybody to help them. When a person or a family has lost a loved one or their main provider, their lives are literally destroyed,” Ruhmann said. “My job is to protect and help these people who do not know what to do or where to turn. I can sleep at night because at the end of the day I know I am doing everything I can to help them.” "My hand will always be extended to help. I believe that if you are in a position or have the ability to help someone, then it is your moral duty to do so," Ruhmann said.
RUHMANN LAW FIRM EL PASO 5915 Silver Springs, Bldg. 6B El Paso, Texas 79912 Phone: (915) 845-4529 Fax: (915) 845-4534 Toll: (888) 357-4529 LAS CRUCES 827 N. Armijo Las Cruces, NM 8805 Phone: (575) 526-4529 Fax: (575) 526-4534
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
113
GENTLEMEN’S GEAR
by Steve Russell
Functional elegance – a space
ficient. Trying to find the tie that he wanted
viable business on its own and he has plans
saving cabinet designed for fine
became a game of hide and seek. “I wanted to
to develop more luxury items for the active
timepieces.
try to organize my ties in a way that I could see
business man. With the watch and accessories
them all, because I could never find the one I
cabinet as it’s flagship product, Gentlemens
atches rank amongst the top three
was after.” Steve said. He soon realized that
Gear is poised to become a name brand in
most recognized things about
this idea applied to men with many watches
men’s luxury products, and Steve Russell couldn’t be happier!
W
men. What they wear on their
and other accessories as well. The Gentlemens
wrists says a lot about them. But just because
Gear watch and accessories cabinet is a multi-
they wear one watch doesn’t mean they can’t
functional storage unit that provides an elegant
admire the rest. Gentlemens Gear by Steve
and efficient solution to that problem. Steve
GENTLEMEN’S GEAR
Russell has released its cornerstone product
recently applied for a patent on his unique
Visit our website for the local retailer near you
that stores fine watches, neckties, pens, and
cabinet design.
gentlemens-gear.com gentlemensgear@att.net
cufflinks in a stylish and unique manner. With the help of Chuck Bain (facing page), After garnering a collection of more than 70
Steve realized that his idea for Gentlemens
neckties, Steve realized that the conventional
Gear products could mean that his ambition
way of storing them was unrealistic and inef-
to organize his own items could become a
114
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
114 By DANIEL BELL photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
BAIN DESIGN INC.
Turning ideas into reality
“One of the most rewarding things
The creative mind at the helm of Bain Design
the Soniclean vacuum has been awarded 11
is when my clients become suc-
Inc. is Chuck Bain. In college he studied In-
patents and has 7 pending. It is sold nationwide
cessful because of my work. That’s
dustrial Design at the University of Illinois.
through dealers and retail outlets.
how I measure my success."
“Industrial design is like architecture but for products. I loved it and as a result I made it my
Bain attributes his success to the trust that his
veryone has an idea, but not all of those
life’s work," Bain said. “My job is to take ideas
clients place in him to take their ideas and turn
ideas come to fruition. Bain Design Inc.
and make them happen. It’s a unique blend of
them into something real. “One of the most
serves to transform ideas into reality
art and engineering.” Steve Russell’s product
rewarding things is when my clients become
on the preceding page is an example.
successful because of my work. That’s how I
E
by providing professional design services to
measure my success,” Bain said. Above all,
individuals and industry. Founded in 1981 in West Dundee, Illinois, Bain Design Inc. has
The latest product from Bain Design Inc. is
Chuck is an advocate for building and maintain-
since been designing and developing products
Soniclean, the world’s first vacuum that uses
ing creativity in kids, noting that it starts at
in the consumer, industrial, medical and trans-
a patented sonic technology in the vacuum
home and, in his case, lasts a lifetime.
portation fields. Bain Design Inc. has worked
platform. By vibrating at 12,000 vibrations per
with brands such as PaperMate®, Sharpie®,
minute, the Soniclean vacuum is able to loosen
BAIN DESIGN INC.
Swingline® and others, turning ideas into actual
more dirt and particulates in carpeted floors and
5919 Mira Hermosa Dr.
products that are sold worldwide.
clean up to 400 percent better than traditional
El Paso, Texas 79912
vacuums. Completely designed in El Paso,
(915) 760-8632
By DANIEL BELL photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
115
DR. EDWARD R. GOMEZ, M.D.
Vascular Surgeon
“It’s my passion and dedication
As the only practicing vascular surgeon in El
“I try to have a very laid back and relaxed ap-
that sets me apart. I really enjoy
Paso, Gomez is a true expert in his field and
proach to life—inside my office and outside it
taking care of my patients. My
has written more than 40 publications on the
too. It’s my passion and dedication that sets
team and I commit ourselves en-
science of vascular medicine.
me apart. I really enjoy taking care of my patients. My team and I commit ourselves
tirely to them.”
E
Gomez takes his practice seriously but what xcellence in medicine carries a whole
entirely to them.”
he loves most are his patients.
new meaning in Dr. Edward R. Gomez. His more than 30 years of practicing
“I love interacting with my patients. Getting to
DR. EDWARD R. GOMEZ, M.D
medicine and his commitment to the El Paso
work with them on a daily basis is truly what I
VASCULAR SURGEON
community has made him one of the most
love about my job. I am a specialist, but I’ve had
1700 N. Oregon Suite 550
beloved doctors in the city.
patients approach me and ask me to be their
El Paso, Texas 79902
primary care physician,” Gomez said.
(915) 532-7804
Gomez began his career as an Army Surgeon at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Brooke
When he has time off, Dr. Gomez enjoys nothing
Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston.
more than returning home to his cattle ranch
After 21 years of service he returned home to
and spending time with his wife Elizabeth, his
El Paso and has been perfecting his work as a
son Patrick, and his daughter Lacy. Together,
vascular surgeon for the last fourteen years.
they raise registered Black Angus cattle.
116
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By MEAGAN KINLEY Photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
SECTION
June, 2013
ARMANDO MEDRANO “We are known for our experience
Medrano said. "We ensure that Jewel Gallery
The Jewel Gallery offers everything you could
and for excellence in customer
is run with integrity, competence, loyalty
want or need from a jewelry store and more.
service”
and prestige."
Medrano and the Jewel Gallery invite you to
B
come and experience the jewel of a lifetime, orn, raised and educated in El Paso,
Jewel Gallery, also aptly referred to as El Paso's
located in the heart of El Paso - the Jewel of
Armando Medrano has worked to earn
Galleria for Fine Jewelry, seeks to serve and
the Westside.
a reputation of having a strong work
meet a multitude of needs. "We carry the finest
ethic in his role as co-owner of El Paso's very
bridal lines and fine jewelry," Medrano said.
Member of the El Paso Chamber of Commerce
own Jewel Gallery. A graduate of UTEP and a
"We will soon be introducing Verragio Bridal
A+ Rating With El Paso BBB
diamond graduate of the prestigious Gemo-
sets, a beautiful bridal line, along with pieces
logical Institute of America (GIA), Armando,
by Parade Jewels In Design, which was more
JEWEL GALLERY
alongside his wife, Linda Medrano, built
recently featured in Elle Magazine and movies
7134 N. Mesa
Jewel Gallery from the ground up and upon
such as ‘The Vow’ and ‘The Odd Life of Timothy
Colony Cove II
a foundation of hard work, dedication and a
Green.’” Jewel Gallery is also partnered up with
El Paso, Texas 79912
sincere love of the industry and the city they
Nominations Italy, a beautiful sterling silver line,
(915) 845-7740
call home. "We are known for our experi-
which was the jewelry of choice for the 2013
www.facebook.com/jewelgalleryinc
ence and for excellence in customer service,"
Academy Awards ceremony gift bags.
www.jewelgalleryelpaso.com
By CANDACE VASQUEZ photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
117 117
THE HERRERA GROUP
Ernesto Herrera
“our friends become our clients
services company in marketing insurance
and our clients become friends.”
and investments. After meeting the girl of his
El Paso?' We can live and do business pretty
dreams, the current CFO of The Herrera Group,
much anywhere but have decided to call El Paso
he Herrera Group, located in the historic
Nora Herrera, Ernesto decided to stay in El Paso
home. Being based in El Paso has allowed us
El Paso building at 1011 N. Mesa, is
for only one year to get married and save up
to find the balance in life… Working with our
a boutique firm dedicated to helping
for law school. However, through his work he
friends has provided us the ability to find time
their clients (privately-held businesses and suc-
realized that El Paso was underserved in the
for our family as well as giving back to the El
cessful professionals) make financial decisions
areas that he now works in. As a result, he
Paso that has given us so much in return.”
regarding their legacy planning, tax minimiza-
decided to open The Herrera Group. Herrera
tion, and assisting them in planning for one of
would make the biggest sale of his life that
their biggest decisions, exiting their business
would define a major turning point, convincing
ERNESTO HERRERA
or careers. This is all done while maintaining
his wife to leave her cushy, salaried job to run
The Herrera Group
their family governance and values.
the financial side of their company.
1011 N. Mesa St.
T
nesses and dreams. [Most people ask], ‘Why
El Paso, Texas 79902 CEO of The Herrera Group is Ernesto Herrera,
Herrera said that the most rewarding part of his
a UTEP graduate with a degree in finance and
career is, “[The fact that] our friends become
economics. After college, Herrera immediately
our clients and our clients become friends. I
started working with a Fortune 100 financial
work for the well being of their families, busi-
118
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
(915) 351-9696
By ERNESTO HERRERA photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
STRATEGIC WEALTH ADVISORS
BOBBY BLANCO | AGUSTIN MONTES | HENRY GALLARDO
“We enjoy, most, the relationships
The firm was founded on the belief that El
under an independent advisor platform allows
we are blessed to cultivate with
Paso has a need for a wide range of ser-
SWA the opportunity to place the client’s in-
our clients and genuinely assist
vices and expertise for wealth management.
terest before the company’s – a model that
them with the challenges that life
Every member of their team is instilled with a
differentiates them from other firms in town. At
brings that affect both their per-
strong service model philosophy that enables
SWA, the most rewarding part of serving their
sonal life and financial goals."
them to develop meaningful relationships
clients is, “the ability to see them achieve their
with their clients and their families. By doing
goals one step at a time as they help shape
trategic Wealth Advisors (SWA) was
so, Strategic Wealth Advisors is able to more
the growth of this community.”
founded in 2008 as a wealth manage-
intimately understand the financial goals and
ment company serving the people of El
objectives of their clients, noting that, “We
Paso. Since then, Strategic Wealth Advisors has
enjoy, most, the relationships we are blessed
STRATEGIC WEALTH ADVISORS
been providing financial services that help their
to cultivate with our clients and genuinely
Terrace Gardens Office Park
clients generate and grow their wealth during
assist them with the challenges that life
600 Sunland Park
their careers. In addition, SWA works with their
brings that affect both their personal life
Building One, Suite 100
clients to make sure that the distribution of
and financial goals.”
El Paso, Texas 79912
S
(915) 532-8885
their wealth upon passing happens in the most tax efficient way. Among the wealth manage-
With over 80 years of experience in various
bblanco@sw-advisors.com
ment services that SWA offers are investment,
sectors of the financial services field, SWA
amontes@sw-advisors.com
financial, tax, insurance and estate planning,
can serve their clients in multiple disciplines
hgallardo@sw-advisors.com
distribution of estate and asset protection.
of wealth management. Choosing to operate
www.sw-advisors.com
By DANIEL BELL Photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
119
BOYS AND GIRLS
Club of El Paso
Caring for the
Clubs of El Paso to graduate from high school
All clubs have the low fee of $4 a year and
youth of the city
with a plan for their future. The use of the
do not turn kids away because of an inability
“success equation” that combines academic
to pay. Currently, 1,200 children and youth
or nearly 85 years, Boys & Girls Clubs
achievement, character and leadership develop-
are served through the after school programs
have been providing the children of El
ment, and healthy lifestyles education helps the
and an additional 1,000 children and youth are
Paso with an environment where they
clubs achieve their mission: “To enable young
served through outreach activities by the hard
can have fun, be safe and learn outside of their
people, especially those that need us most, to
work of the Clubs of El Paso.
homes and schools. The first club was estab-
reach their full potential as productive, caring,
lished in 1929 as The Boys Club. In 1990, the
and responsible adults.”
F
ERIK BARAY MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Boys & Girls Clubs of America opened to girls and now offer youth development programs
Erik Baray, Marketing and Development
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF EL PASO
for both boys and girls.
Manager of the Boys & Girls Club of El Paso,
801 S. Florence
helps make this mission a reality. If you
El Paso, Texas 79901
All youth, ages 6-18, are welcome with a special
would like to know how you can make a
(915) 532-7410
focus on children and teens from struggling or
difference by volunteering or sponsoring a
ebaray@bgcelpaso.org
disadvantaged circumstances. Their goal as
child, please contact Erik at Boys & Girls
www.bgcelpaso.org
a community-based organization is for every
Clubs of El Paso at (915) 532-7410 or visit
young person who comes to the Boys & Girls
www.bgcelpaso.org today!
120
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By ERIK BARAY Photograph by ROBERT CORRAL SPONSORED by
120
SAUL FRANK
Benny’s Pawnshop
“I have a passion for my business.
intrigued by the pawn business. He started
has taken Benny’s to new heights by opening
I've been working at this for 40
from scratch…and worked very hard to build
new stores all over the city. Together with his
years. I've seen a lot of changes
the store,” said Saul Frank, Benny’s son and the
brother-in-law, Don Glickstein, and their 55
as we've grown from one store
current owner of Benny’s Pawnshop.
employees, the Benny’s team works everyday to offer El Pasoans the services they need.
to seven…I wake up every morning and can't wait to get to work.”
Benny Frank spent many years building Benny’s Pawn Shop before retiring in 1983. “When I
“Our customers are like family. Our employees
or 67 years, Benny’s Pawnshop has
was a little kid, I used to go to the store with
will greet customers by their first names. It's
been a fixture in the El Paso commu-
my dad…While he would go through his books
more than just business,” Frank said.
nity. Started by Benny Frank in 1947,
and paper work, I would pick up instruments
when he returned home to El Paso after
and ask questions. I grew up with the pawn
BENNY’S PAWN SHOP MAIN OFFICE
serving in the U.S. Army, Benny’s Pawnshop
business in my blood…I decided to carry it
Phone: (915) 532-1182
is a family-operated store serving the El Paso
on,” Frank said.
Fax: (915) 532-9551
F
4030 Montana Ave.
community by offering quality merchandise and short-term loans, as well as community out-
Today, Saul manages and oversees the financial
El Paso, Texas 79903
reach and service. “My father had always been
end of the business. From 1983 to today, Saul
www.bennyspawn.com
By MEAGAN KINLEY Photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
121
CARLO QUINTANA
Lariat Builders Group
“I will go to great lengths to
company that offers an unparalleled service
Quintana’s dedication to quality, service and in-
make sure that every one of my
to our customers. When it comes to handling
tegrity is evident in many ways and his effort to
customers is treated like a million
insurance claims, we truly are the experts,"
stand apart from others is notable. “Our satis-
dollar customer.”
Quintana said.
faction as a company comes from rebuilding people’s lives, financial reward is just a byprod-
H
aving worked as an insurance execu-
Quintana and his team are continuously faced
tive for one of the area’s largest and
with catastrophic situations, and as a group,
most prestigious insurance brokers,
they pride themselves on feeling rewarded
CARLO QUINTANA, GENERAL MANAGER
Carlo Quintana’s experience and efforts paid
when they can rebuild a life that has been af-
LARIAT BUILDERS GROUP
dividends the day he formed Lariat Builders
fected by unforeseen tragedies. “We have an
11394 James Watt Ste. 614
Group in 2010. The company is a roofing and
unwavering commitment to ensuring that our
El Paso, TX 79936
reconstruction contractor that specializes in
customers have the most positive experience
915-599-9898 Fax
damage reconstruction for residential and
they could possibly have when going through
915-256-5890 Phone
commercial properties that have suffered de-
these tough situations, it’s our job to ensure the
struction caused by fire, wind, water, hail, and
customer feels as comfortable and informed
other unexpected catastrophes. “My extensive
as possible each and every step of the way,”
insurance background allowed me to create a
Quintana said.
122
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
uct of doing a good job for our customers.”
www.lariatbuildersgroup.com
122 By MEAGAN KINLEY Photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
MASSEY JOHNSON
Associates
“I learned early in my career to
Associates from Herlin Equipment and has con-
A mainstay in El Paso for decades, Massey
always do what you say you are
tinued to build the legacy. Since then, Massey
Johnson, Associates have been, and continue
going to do. Business success is
Johnson, Associates has added offices in both
to be, securely anchored by their deep El Paso
that simple.”
Albuquerque and Denver, in addition to their
roots. “You have to be willing to change what
local office in El Paso.
you do to survive because business always gets
M
harder…it never gets easier,” Johnson said.
assey Johnson, Associates was officially founded in 1974 by Winston
“The products we sell are more often found
“But I learned early in my career to always do
Johnson and Billy Massey after
in hospitals and schools,” Robert Johnson
what you say you are going to do. Business
merging with Herlin Equipment, whose pres-
said. “We are manufacturer’s reps for about
success is that simple.”
ence in El Paso dates back to the 1920s. Acting
30 companies all across the United States.”
on behalf of manufacturers, Massey Johnson,
Representing and selling products from various
MASSEY JOHNSON, ASSOCIATES
Associates began to make a name for them-
large manufacturing firms including Elkay,
6923 Industrial
selves amongst those in the world of manu-
Raypak and Zurn Industries, Massey Johnson,
El Paso, Texas 79915
facturer’s representatives. Propelled by their
Associates specializes in diversity and sells
(915) 774-0040
commitment to excellence, and fueled by the
everything from water coolers, stainless steel
knowledge and experience of their founders,
sinks and cooling towers to boilers, to plumbing
Massey Johnson, Associates continued to
wholesalers and mechanical contractors found
grow. In 1989, Robert W. Johnson, Winston
in and around the area.
Johnson’s son, purchased Massey Johnson,
By CANDACE VASQUEZ photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
123
CHEF ERNESTO GUZMAN
Sofrito Personal Chef and Catering
“Food is my passion. My art in
In 2007 he decided to close his pool business
for adults and children. Guzman's international
cooking is making people happy.”
and got a job at different corporate restau-
cooking classes for children teach kids every-
rants in the city. In 2009 he got a job at Café
thing from math, reading, and instruction skills
o many of us food is means to an
Central with Chef Armando Pomales, who saw
to the history of the food itself.
end, but to international Chef Ernesto
Ernesto's true potential.
T
“My style of cooking is taking what I know
Guzman it is art. Guzman has worked
all over El Paso and the Americas from Mexico
“I dedicated myself to my work. Work was
and making it my own—still keeping it simple
to the far-reaches of Canada, learning and fine-
school for me. I didn't have time or the option
with presentation and seasonings that El Paso
tuning his unique style of cooking that concen-
to go to Culinary School. After work, I would
knows. I try to combine different flavors. That's
trates on a fusion of culture.
read cook books and magazines to do anything
my style.”
I could to get more practice.” ERNESTO GUZMAN
Guzman got his start owning a pool business and working as a pool technician and builder.
Since then, Guzman has worked in dozens of
SOFRITO PERSONAL CHEF AND CATERING
“I used to cook and grill for my pool clients in
prominent restaurants around town holding po-
sofritocatering.com/Gourmet_Fusion.html
the summer. I would do it for free just because
sitions like executive chef. Today, Chef Ernesto
(915) 996-3133
I enjoyed cooking. One time one of my clients
owns Sofrito Personal Chef and Catering and
On Facebook, search for “SofritoCatering”
told me I should charge because he just loved
works with The View Restaurant, which holds
the food,” Guzman said.
cooking classes Sunday through Wednesday
124
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
124 By MEAGAN KINLEY Photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
INNOVATIONS BY EMILIO
Salon Totale
“My success is owed to always
After opening his salon in 1983, Emilio Ortiz
tion comes from their customers’ face when
educating myself in the complete
Jr. traveled the world learning the newest
they see their personal transformation. “It’s
beauty industry with the most up-
and most popular trends in the industry. “My
all about loving your job and not seeing it as
to-date techniques and products."
success is owed to always educating myself in
work!” Ortiz said.
S
the complete beauty industry with the most up-
alons are a dime a dozen, but it’s not
to-date techniques and products. (This allows
Celebrating 30 years of business is an achieve-
everyday that a salon celebrates it‘s
me) to be able to provide our clients with their
ment to be proud of and Innovations by Emilio
30th anniversary. Innovations by Emilio
best look,” Ortiz said. “To me, what I do is not
attributes their success to their devoted clien-
is celebrating this incredible milestone as one
just a job, it’s being a complete artist designing
tele. “This journey will continue for many more
of the best full-service salons in El Paso. Of-
from head to toe.”
years to come, as the internal passion still lives in my heart!” Ortiz said.
fering services from traditional haircutting and award-winning color formulations (which he
With a creative and talented staff, Innovations
brings from his master classes in Europe) to
by Emilio is proud to serve not only the city
INNOVATIONS BY EMILIO SALON TOTALE
resurfacing facials, oxygen treatments, four-
of El Paso, but also loyal customers from sur-
3800 N. Mesa, Suite C-5
layer facials and much more. Innovations by
rounding areas such as Juárez, Las Cruces,
University Hills Plaza
Emilio has what you need for your complete
Chihuahua City, Mexico City and other places
El Paso, Texas 79902
makeover including his own cosmetic line -
like New York, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Dallas
P: (915) 544-5054
D’Emilio cosmetics!
and Albuquerque. Their passion for what they
F: (915) 544-0767
do translates into their work. Their satisfac-
www.innovationsbyemiliosalon.com
By DANIEL BELL Photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
125
STOGNER AUTO SALES
Premium Used Auto Dealership
“The thing I love most about our
Leading the effort to putting El Pasoans in
about our business is the kind words we hear
business is the kind words we
the car of their dreams is Rod Stogner. He at-
from each customer. After every purchase
hear from each customer. After
tributes the success of Stogner Auto Sales to
they say the same thing, ‘this has been the
every purchase they say the same
the bond created between their knowledgeable
easiest car buying experience I have ever had!’”
thing, ‘this has been the easiest car
staff and the customers. “Fifty percent of our
Stogner said.
buying experience I have ever had!’”
business each and every month is from repeat buyers or referrals,” Stogner said. According
Stogner Auto Sales thanks their dedicated
urchasing a car can be a stressful ex-
to Stogner, Experian has ranked Stogner Auto
and hard working team as well as the whole
perience for some people, and that
Sales as the fastest growing new or used car
city of El Paso for their support and continued
stress is amplified even more when
dealership from El Paso to Las Cruses. With a
business.
considering a used car. However, Stogner Auto
user-friendly website and a free CARFAX with
Sales is defying all stereotypes of the typical
every vehicle, Stogner Auto Sales makes it
STOGNER AUTO SALES
used auto dealership by giving their custom-
easy to find an affordable premium used car
5192 Doniphan
ers a stress-free car buying experience. As a
suited for your needs.
El Paso, TX 79932
P
(915) 581-9955
premium used auto dealership, Stogner Auto Sales specializes in imports along with a variety
At Stogner Auto Sales, they invest a lot of
of other vehicles. They can honestly say that
time into checking the vehicles they purchase.
they have cars in excellent condition because
They realize that treating their customers with
they believe, “it’s not how you sell something,
honesty and integrity makes the car buying
it’s how you buy it.”
experience enjoyable. “The thing I love most
126
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
www.stognerautosales.com
126 By DANIEL BELL Photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
RICK BUSTILLOS “I love seeing people succeed, lose weight and become healthy.”
L
Hardcore Fitness Center gym members, Hardcore Fitness Center has
Starting Hardcore Fitness Center allowed
something for you!
Bustillos to continue to do what he loves most – health advocacy for the El Paso com-
osing weight and being healthy is
Rick Bustillos, owner and founder of Hardcore
munity. With the help of many mentors, small
hard. Anyone that has tried knows the
Fitness Center, worked in the medical field for
gyms, personal trainers and friends, Rick has
struggle that comes with changing your
13 years and assisted surgeons on intricate
created a space that allows people to trans-
habits for the better. At Hardcore Fitness
surgeries for the past six years. After hurting
form and live healthy lives. “I love seeing
Center, your well being is their number one
himself at one of his old gyms, Bustillos went
people succeed, lose weight and become
priority. With a determined team of trained
through countless procedures until finally his
healthy. Seeing my clients sweat, work hard
professionals, your dream of getting healthy
doctors suggested placing rods and screws
and push through and then come to me and
and fit is within reach.
in his back to get him functioning again. His
say, ‘I feel great, Rick!’ is my greatest satisfac-
experience in the medical field had taught him
tion,” he said.
Hardcore Fitness Center prides itself on pro-
the repercussions of this route and after much
viding personalized training with some of the
thought and consideration, Bustillos decided to
HARDCORE FITNESS CENTER
best trainers in El Paso. They offer a diverse
forgo the intensive treatment and rehabilitate
4400 N. Mesa, Suite 7
range of training techniques that include circuit
himself. “I’m in the best shape I have ever
El Paso, Texas 79912
training, power lifting, aesthetic training and
been, and my back doesn’t bother me one
(915) 355-6246
"Simply Fit" weekly meal plans by the Nu-
bit,” Bustillos said.
trition Kitchen. From first timers to veteran
By DANIEL BELL photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
127
JEFF RAY
RVMJ Law Firm
“Its gorgeous mountains, land-
as among the best firms for trial attorneys,
tation, and employment litigation. “By operat-
scapes, community pride and kind
quality, and value.
ing four fully staffed offices in Texas and New Mexico, our lawyers are able to better service
people made choosing El Paso as As a highly experienced trial lawyer, Jeff Ray has
our clients by engaging in the representation
increasingly taken on cases that are large and
and trial of civil lawsuits throughout Texas, New
he choice to open his first legal practice
complex in several states. Jeff strongly believes
Mexico and the southwest.”
in 1989 in the Sun City was appar-
that “with the utmost will and devotion, it is
ent for Jeff Ray. On the eve of its
possible to uncover even the most remote detail
25th year anniversary, the law firm of Ray,
in a case.” He has obtained many successful
Valdez, McChristian & Jeans and some of its
jury verdicts for his clients. Most recently, the
members, continuously hold the highest rank-
firm made the highly coveted nation’s Top 100
ings among law firms by the major national
verdict list for 2012. Jeff is recognized by the
rating services for many consecutive years,
National Law Journal for his successful efforts
including the AV Preeminent Peer Review
in obtaining a $20 million dollar verdict, which
Rating, Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register
is the #1 Fraud Verdict in Texas.
a home an easy choice for me.”
T
of Preeminent Lawyers, Best Lawyers of America, Texas Super Lawyers, and American
Jeff embraces the challenges he undertakes
Board of Trial Advocates. The firm has been
as trial counsel in many complex cases in the
recognized by its clients and organizations
areas of product liability, commercial, transpor-
128
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
EL PASO 5822 Cromo Drive El Paso, TX 79912 PH: (915) 832-7200 ALBUQUERQUE 6605 Uptown Blvd. NE Ste. 240 Albuquerque, NM 87110 FORT WORTH 101 Summit Ave. Suite 705 Fort Worth, TX 76102 SAN ANTONIO 1250 NE Loop 410 Suite 700 San Antonio, TX 78209 www.rvmjfirm.com
By BLUEPANDA DESIGN STUDIO Photograph by ALVARO AVILA
DIAGNOSTIC OUTPATIENT IMAGING DIAGNOSTIC OUTPATIENT Imaging
times the human element is lost. “We’ve gone
With high report delivery times, you can expect
believes in “treating patients
to great lengths to make our facility a beautiful
most exams dictated and faxed the same or
the way we would treat our
place and hire nice people," Dr Boushka said.
following day. With high quality services and
family..."
Making their patients feel comfortable is a
dedicated staff, Diagnostic Outpatient Imaging
number one priority for this dedicated and
is here to ensure that you have a good experi-
Since its inception in 1999, Diagnostic Outpa-
skilled team. Among the services that they
ence at their clinic.
tient Imaging has been providing El Pasoans with
provide are 1.5 Tesla MRI, open MRI, 16 slice
quality radiological imaging services. As a full-
CT, ultrasound with 3D, digital mammography,
service imaging center, owned and operated by
digital X-ray, bone density and in November of
DIAGNOSTIC OUTPATIENT IMAGING
radiologist, Dr. William M. Boushka, Diagnostic
2013 they will be the only private practice in El
6065 Montana Dr., Suite A-6
Outpatient Imaging believes in “treating patients
Paso to provide 3 Tesla MRI.
El Paso, Texas 79925 Office: (915) 881-1900
the way we would treat our family…” Remaining true to their values, Diagnostic Outpatient
With all El Pasoans in mind, Diagnostic Outpa-
Imaging is dedicated to serving El Pasoans
tient Imaging is centrally located on Montana
with high quality work done with high quality
across from Bassett Place, just 15 minutes
equipment and a personal touch.
away from most places in El Paso. With ex-
Fax: (915) 771-9345
tended evening hours and Saturday appointDiagnostic Outpatient Imaging realizes that the
ments available, patients have plenty of time
radiology field is so technology driven that many
to schedule their radiological imaging needs.
By DANIEL BELL Photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
129
AY CARAMBA
Carlos Aguirre
“We are proud of our food and
"Throughout the years, Ay Caramba has set
also planning to offer franchise opportunities.
service and most importantly, the
itself apart by being one of the first Mexican
"We are extremely proud of our restaurants,"
community of El Paso that has
restaurants to also introduce Mexican seafood
Aguirre said. "We are proud of our food and
given us the opportunity to serve
dishes," explained Carlos Aguirre, owner of Ay
service and most importantly, the community
them…”
Caramba. "Our delicious Coctel de Camaron
of El Paso that has given us the opportunity
(shrimp cocktail) has been a favorite since it
to serve them and continue delivering the Ay
y Caramba, as its name implies,
was introduced in 2000. Since then, lovers of
Caramba experience."
offers an environment filled with
Mexican seafood frequently visit our restaurant
A
excitement, surprise and happiness.
for other seafood items, such as seven mares
To join their customer list and to receive infor-
Founded in 2000, Ay Caramba provides an
soup, a traditional seafood soup, fish fillets
mation about weekly specials and coupons,
inviting family environment punctuated with
prepared with garlic, spicy diabla sauce, or
please visit www.aycarambafood.com.
traditional Mexican and festive decor. It is also
even sautéed vegetables for a lighter option." AY CARAMBA
worth noting that each of their three locations offer well-stocked bar areas for guests that are
Having grown from one location to three since
www.aycarambafood.com
looking for a relaxing place to unwind after a
its inception, Ay Caramba has been serving
(915) 533-3377
long work day.
El Paso food lovers for over thirteen years.
8001 N Mesa St.
Along with plans to expand to the far eastside
1926 Montana Ave.
of El Paso and the northeast, Ay Caramba is
6874 Doniphan Dr.
130
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
130 By CANDACE VASQUEZ photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
DR. KEITH JOHNSON, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgeon
“I try to be on the cutting edge
Dr. Johnson returned to El Paso in 2003 and
"There are two aspects of medicine. There is
of medicine and practice the best
worked in a couple of different work environ-
the science and then there is the art. I try to
techniques that medicine has to
ments.
set myself apart in both aspects: good bedside manner when serving patients as well as in
offer.” “I discovered large groups of doctors weren't
the actual technical aspect of diagnosing and
hen searching for an orthopedic
for me because it was like working for a corpo-
performing surgery. What sets me apart is my
surgeon, you want the best. Dr.
ration and it was very difficult to get anything
skill and my desire to continually get better for the patients I serve,” Dr. Johnson said.
W
Keith Johnson is one of the city's
done. In 2008, I actually left and started my
foremost doctors, offering years of experience
own practice. It's been a huge learning experi-
and cutting edge technology. A native El Pasoan,
ence. In medical school, you learn everything
Johnson graduated from the University of Notre
about medicine and nothing about business.
DR. KEITH JOHNSON, M.D.
Dame in 1994 with a degree in biochemistry
It takes a lot of resilience and determination
1300 Murchison Drive, ste. 310
and went on to study medicine in Nashville,
to be successful in both,” Dr. Johnson said.
El Paso, Texas 79902 (915) 838-3888
Tennessee at Meharry Medical College. When he realized he wanted to become a surgeon,
Dr. Johnson is more than your average M.D.
he returned to his home state of Texas and
Outside of giving every patient 100 percent, he
completed his orthopedic specialty training at
tries his best to be friendly and compassionate.
the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA). By MEAGAN KINLEY Photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
131
MIGUEL AND SUSAN GUERRA TOTAL ORTHOTIC AND PROSTHETIC SOLUTIONS, INC. “We want to make a difference one person at a time.”
W
hen El Paso native Miguel Guerra was in his last semester at the University of Texas at El Paso he knew he wanted nothing more than to open his own business. But when a chance encounter with an orthotic and prosthetic specialist walked into Guerra’s life and offered him a job, Miguel’s career trajectory was changed forever. After just a short time working in the orthotic and prosthetic field, Guerra knew that he had found his life’s calling. He quickly signed on for another semester at UTEP, completed the remaining credits and graduated a semester later with a bachelor’s in business administration and was accepted to the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas to study orthotics 132
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
and prosthetics, where he received a bachelor of science degree. After returning to El Paso, Miguel and his wife Susan opened their own business. “He has always wanted to own his own business. We applied for a loan, and with an abundance of faith and a lot of hard work it all came together,” Susan said. Today, Miguel and Susan’s dream of Total Orthotic and Prosthetic Solutions, Inc. has been in business for nine years and has two locations. In 2008, Miguel was even awarded the Small Business Person of the Year award by the Small Business Administration. Total Orthotic and Prosthetic Solutions is a family-operated orthotic and prosthetic
business in the city. Miguel is also a unique specialist because he both sees his patients and works in the lab to personally make the orthotics and prosthetics. “Our patients feel at home here. We take that extra step to make our business personal.” TOTAL ORTHOTIC & PROSTHETIC SOLUTIONS, INC. 900 E. Yandell Dr. El Paso, Texas 79902 Phone: (915) 541-8677 Fax: (915) 541-8678 1393 George Dieter, Suite C El Paso, Texas 79936 Ph:915-595-0730 Fax: 915-595-0732 www.totalorthoticandprostheticsolutions.com
132 By MEAGAN KINLEY Photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
DAVID ACOSTA
Real Estate Group
“The real estate business is always
and big client base.” Acosta and his team are
Houston and San Antonio within the next 16
changing; my team and I do every-
committed to serve their clients’ needs and
months,” Acosta said.
thing we can to change with it. We
povide great customer service. Their focus
understand our clients’ needs."
is helping any client buy or sell a home and
In ten years David and his team have built a
recently he opened a commercial property divi-
business that specializes in helping the people
elebrating 10 successful years in
sion. They also stay up to date with the latest
of El Paso with any real estate need. “People
business, David, his staff and team,
technology using their website, Facebook,
like the service we provide. The real estate
continue to help families and individu-
video conferences, text messages, and more
business is always changing; my team and I
als accomplish their goal of selling and buying
to stay connected to their clients and offer them
do everything we can to change with it. We
residential and commercial real estate.
as much information as possible.
understand our clients’ needs.”
David Acosta began his journey ten years ago
Today their business is expanding.
DAVID ACOSTA
C
www.david-acosta.com
when he to the United States from Juarez, Mexico.
“We began helping clients buy new construc-
ERA Real Estate
tion and now we help them sell it and buy their
780 N. Resler
Acosta started from scratch. “When I first
new one. Most people who choose to sell their
El Paso, Texas 79912
started in El Paso, I didn’t know anybody.
property, they refer us continuously and text us,
915-842-1400
Networking is such a big part of this job, but
email us or send us a Facebook message …
davidacosta@sellersbuyers.com
through a lot of hard work we have built a solid
we are now in an expanding phase to Austin,
By CANDACE VASQUEZ photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
133
THE NETWORK
Where professionals come to play!
"El Paso is my home, and I want to
Fitted for DJs, bands, comedy acts, art shows
a unique space that combines fun, food and
grow with El Paso. This city is on
and even poetry readings, The Network is
networking. “El Paso is my home, and I want
the cusp of being recognized na-
always delivering a good time. You can leave the
to grow with El Paso. This city is on the cusp
tionally and I strongly believe its
blazer in the car, loosen up your tie and prepare
of being recognized nationally and I strongly
because of the talent and culture
yourself to enjoy an evening with friends, food
believe its because of the talent and culture it
it offers with today’s artists, musi-
and tons of socializing. Planning a big party or
offers with today’s artists, musicians and young
cians and young entrepreneurs,”
event? The Network is happy to provide you
entrepreneurs,” Montes said.
with a private room for you and your guest. The
D
owntown El Paso offers great business
Redroom is perfect for your special evening of
THE NETWORK
opportunities, professional develop-
celebration, but reserve it fast as their ultimate
317 E. Mills Ave.
ment and, best yet, fun and entertain-
goal is to turn this space into a coffee shop
El Paso, Texas 79901
with breakfast and Wi-Fi.
www.thenetworkep.com
ment! The Network, a new downtown hotspot, is providing a relaxed and cool venue where the professionals come to play. With great food and
Spearheading this exciting venture are owners
an amazing staff, The Network is the perfect
Angela Feathers, Frankie Montes and Joe Her-
place for your lunch or after-work happy hour.
nandez. With the help of close friends, hard work and perseverance, this trio has created
134
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By DANIEL BELL Photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
QUARTERMANE SALON "It's the ambitious drive to not be
each of the stylists have tested their skill in
QUARTERMANE SALON
mainstream that sets this place
other markets such as California, Texas, and as
apart"
far off as Hawaii. Although all of this makes the
El Paso, Texas (915) 581-1227
A
salon quite unique, it's the ambitious drive to fter nearly a quarter century in the
not be mainstream that sets this place apart.
image industry, Quartermane shows
DAVID PULIDO JR. (915) 999-0620
no signs of slowing but instead is
David Pulido Jr., who is also lovingly known
bringing a dramatic new conceptual twist to
as "David Paul," has been a prime example of
QUARTERMANE SALON
his industry. The concept is called "Utmost," a
an ingenious stylist whose accolades are too
spiritual cultivation process that unifies those
numerous to count. David is a true Star Stylist
The Woodlands, Texas (281) 401-9471
who work within the salon "leaders," as Quar-
of Quartermane Salon, and most importantly,
termane calls them, to become the utmost
a proponent of this "Utmost" concept. With
and the best that they can be in all aspects
leaders such as David, the concept hopes to
of life. What makes Quartermane Salon stand
birth another salon in El Paso, along with a
alone isn't its boutique atmosphere, the many
salon in The Woodlands, Texas and concepts
exceptional stylists it boasts, or the fact that
for two other major Texas cities.
By CANDACE VASQUEZ photograph by ROBERT CORRAL
www.hunterquartermane.com
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
135
Hernandez graduated from Eastwood H.S. in 1987
Hernandez with Nancy O'Dell of "Entertainment Tonight"
Hernandez working on the set with Christina Aguilera.
Where Are They Now?
Daniel Hernandez is in London, England
A serendipitous journey has led this Eastwood High School grad to work with celebrities, actors and performers from the Golden Coast to way across the pond in London, England. By MAGGIE ASFAHANI HAJJ
Daniel Hernandez, who originally hails from
and “Dude, Where’s My Car?” Though his life
the Sun City and graduated from Eastwood
may seem one of glamour and excess, Her-
or most people, the opportunity to jet
High School, has been a wardrobe stylist for
nandez is ever thankful for his blessings, and
around the world doing the job they
artists and personalities such as Pink, Nancy
never strays far from his roots.
love while hobnobbing with celebrities
O’Dell of Entertainment Tonight, Ricky Mar-
in the process is nothing more than a fever
tin, Christina Aguilera and No Doubt. He has
His path to success was an unusual and not
dream fueled by too many hours of reality TV
also has worked as a costume designer on
particularly well-planned one, but Hernandez
programming. For one El Pasoan, however,
a wide variety of films, including “The Girl
found serendipity to be a friend. “I had just
that dream has become true.
with the Dragon Tattoo,” “Wedding Planner”
finished school at UTEP and I had applied to
F 136
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Hernandez in Barcelona, Spain.
with film and TV production. After receiving a
"I never saw myself as leaving El Paso. I love El Paso.”
MFA in painting, Hernandez’s original plan of taking on minimal projects while working on his art fell by the wayside. “I was really blessed to work nonstop,” he said. “One thing led to another, and I got these amazing projects. I got on with the right people. I just had to say yes to everything, and say yes to the people I felt were the right people for me as well. It turned out to be an amazing experience, and I got to
grad school,” Hernandez said. “I was working
meet amazing people and travel the world
at GECU as a bank teller, and it was a lot of
and see things that people never see.”
fun. I was making like $8.50 an hour and I was like, ‘Woo hoo! That’s a lot of money!’”
Along the way, Hernandez even spent a sum-
As much as Hernandez enjoyed his work,
mer at Yale University as part of the Norfolk
something bigger called out to him.
Summer School of Art and was a visiting student at the Akademie der Bildenden Kunste
“I never saw myself as leaving El Paso. I love
in Munich, Germany.
El Paso,” he said enthusiastically. “I wasn’t
Hernandez on the set of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" in London.
“You are always changing, and should always be changing. That’s how you progress.”
one of those people that said ‘I want to get
Hernandez knows that he is lucky, and al-
out of this place.’ I thought, ‘I’ll just try to go
though he might not readily admit it, he is the
to grad school and see what happens.’” Her-
architect of his own charmed destiny. “I am
Hernandez may not have had a specific life
nandez grew up in a family that valued hard
so blessed,” he said. “I just take the opportu-
and career plan, but he is sure of what moti-
work over anything else, so his decision was
nity that is in front of me. I don’t know how I
vates him. “I grew up in a fear-based house-
not straightforward. “I grew up fairly simply,”
started to do that.”
hold. I have to counteract that fear by saying,
he said. “It wasn’t about dreams or anything.
‘yes,’” he said. “I never used to try. I put in
It was, ‘Get a job.’” With the encourage-
Now living in London with his partner, Her-
about half an inch of effort into all that work,
ment of mentors at UTEP, Hernandez ap-
nandez is focusing on the creation of a new
and it just came to me. In the 14 years I was
plied and was accepted to UCLA on an 80
line of T-shirts and hoodies to be sold through
in L.A. doing that work, the most I ever had
percent scholarship.
his website, dannyhernanny.com. As with
was one month off of not being able to find
everything he does, Hernandez brings a posi-
work, which is almost unheard of. It all just
Even as a grad student, his strong work ethic
tivity and exuberance to this next phase in his
flowed to me; it all just came.” Hernandez
was evident. Although his professors and fel-
adventures. “A large part of my life is now as
learned to live life to the fullest with the help
low students derided him for it, Hernandez
a househusband, which I never would have
of a simple motto. “You could always quit, or
quickly found a job at the Beverly Center Mall
thought [would happen],” he said. “You are al-
they could always fire you,” he said. “But if
to offset the tuition not covered by his schol-
ways changing, and should always be chang-
you don’t try, nothing’s going to happen.”
arship. He began in the Studio Services office
ing. That’s how you progress.”
of Bullocks (Now Macy’s), which was involved www.thecitymagazineelp.com
137
| By Andrés Rodríguez|
138
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
June, 2013
KEEPERS OF THE CLASSICS
Lloyd Bohn is standing by his red 1966 Oldsmobile 442 talking about how four years ago he became involved with the Southwest Classic Car Club, El Paso’s only car club that focuses on original and unmodified cars, when a man approaches him to ask if he’s sold his “jag.” “I haven’t,” Bohn, the club’s membership chairman, says as he continues to talk about cars. It’s the morning of the second Sunday of May, and at the Coronado Shopping Center parking lot on Mesa Street they are all talking about cars. A group of original car aficionados gather every month for Caffeine and Octane, an event that Bohn, an MRI technologist, helped put together in 2010 along with Charles Roybal. “He was building a Cobra in his garage and I stopped by and I said, ‘I thought that was a Cobra” and we started up a conversation. Between the two of us we hatched this,” Bohn said. “This concept started in California where they call it Cars and Coffee and they do it in Las Cruces also. I just changed the name and I send the flyer every month. This is what results.” “When I see a father and son together and a father is showing his kid what these older cars are like, that makes it worth while”
Many of the car owners present at Caffeine and Octane are members of the Southwest Classic Car Club as well, which besides hosting the monthly event also holds monthly meetings and organized driv-
‘70s.” However, not all of the members have
ing tours. “(We tour) just about anywhere. We took a run up to Sparky’s in Hatch (New Mexico) here recently. Once a year we have what we call our Run to the Mountains where we go up to Ruidoso,” Bohn said. “Recently, Darrel here took us to St. Clair Winery & Bistro in Mesilla.” The SCCC began in 2005 when some members of the Horseless Carriage Club broke off to begin a different club with the mission to collect, restore and drive cars with historical
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cars, all they need is to have an interest in value
them, Bohn said. “Our membership is ec-
in their original condition.
lectic, we do all kinds of stuff,” Bohn said.
According to SCCC Webmaster Bob Docken-
“We’re all kinds of people and it’s multi-
dorf, the club currently has 40 members and
generational. We have kids who have grown
over 150 collector cars in pristine and driva-
up with the club and go on out to be adults.”
ble condition. Dockendorf says it’s important that these cars are in their original condition.
Larry Lunsford, SCCC member, joined the
“(It’s) the way they would have been seen in
club because of his love for Mustangs. “I
their days of glory,” he said. “Our members’
have an old Mustang and I wanted to be part
cars run generations from the early 1900s
of a car club and this is a pretty cool club,
through the ‘20s, ‘30s, ‘40s, ‘60s and even
it’s a lot of friendly people. We do a lot more
139
2013 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE
than just hang out with the cars,” Lunsford said. Ken Whitmire, SCCC secretary, drove his ‘68 Plymouth Satellite to the gathering. He bought it from a cop in Carlsbad, New Mexico. He owns six Old Classics and he does all the mechanical work himself. “It’s something you enjoy. Something you enjoyed as a kid, fast cars, fast women and you couldn’t get out of that habit,” Whitmire said, jokingly. Mark Kaplan, a SCCC member and owner of a ‘69 Pontiac, sees the club and the events they put together as an opportunity to educate younger generations. “It’s great to have the opportunity to be around classic gentlemen in their classic cars. For me, what’s fun about these shows is having the opportunity to have younger kids stop by and learn about classic cars,” Kaplan said. “When I see a father and son together and a father is showing his kid what these older cars are like, that makes it worth while.” Bohn concluded that although members of the club might have their jobs to take care of, they make time to also care for their cars. “Some people play golf, some people take vacations, we just work on cars,” he said. For more information, visit swclassic.org.
140
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Local Artist Spotlight
REAL MADRID El Paso native Steven Madrid is the fearless face of one of the city’s most exciting young bands | By rYan HEaPE |
A
mong the Lowbrow Palace’s many
next 30 minutes, this seemingly of-its-time
as Madrid and bassist Danny Alcantar come
charms is its capacity for the theatri-
local band shows off something rare in 2013:
across in conversation, they aren’t afraid to
cal. Its pyramid-like stage is intimate
ambition. But it’s not something their front-
cut loose with their live set. “There are some
man, Steven Madrid, will readily admit to.
punk ethics involved too,” suspects Alcantar.
enough to host unknowns, while bringing
“That comes from our background.”
dancers and moshers alike closer to each other. But the pit-and-rafters arrangement lends
Madrid, a 22-year-old El Paso native, is a de-
itself well to a band as sonically immense as
cidedly eccentric performer. “We really just
Madrid and Alcantar grew up, like many El
the post-"Battle Born" Killers, who played a
don’t want to be that band who bores eve-
Pasoans of their generation, spending many
(not so) secret show there on May 6 right after
rybody,” he said during the late-night phone
afternoons and puppy love-blessed evenings
a set at the Abraham Chavez Theatre.
conversation we had. When Madrid started
at the old Western Playland amusement
WSTRN PLYLND during his time in Austin,
park near Ascarate Park that was dismantled
Naturally, it is at Lowbrow on a brisk March
Texas, he manned the bass guitar as part of
and moved to another location in 2008. “It
night that I see El Paso four-piece WSTRN
a duo. He returned to El Paso last summer,
was somewhere we all went as kids,” Ma-
PLYLND for the first time. Three of the four
and fleshed out the band as a four piece with
drid remembers. “Now that we’re all old
members prime the crowd with synth rushes
Madrid keeping only the mic for himself. On
enough and we’ve been to other cities and
and reverbed guitar at first, and for a local in-
stage, he moves like a drunk cross-pollination
seen bigger and better things, it’s weird to
die band, everything seems to be proceeding
of Julian Casablancas and Ian Curtis, leaping
think about Western Playland. First off, it’s
as expected. And then a double-denimed wild
off of drum sets while alternating between a
a silly name for a theme park. Naming the
person hops on stage, grabs a mic and for the
strained punk snarl and a softer alto. As chill
band WSTRN PLYLND was kind of a joke—
142
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Photo cou
rtesy of V a
nEssa
rEYEs
an inside joke we have with El Paso kids. But there’s absolutely a lot of nostalgia there for us.” The current roster in WSTRN PLYLND has held together for two months now, and though Madrid is pleased with the rapport forming, he still considers their sonic ideal a few iterations away from realization. “It’s nice because we finally have a direction now, but we’ve got a long way to go to get that specific sound we want for ourselves.” Their only recorded song, “Bahia Kino,” which has been on YouTube since last September, is three minutes of wavy, intricately-textured pop that channels New Order by way of Smashing Pumpkins and Wild Nothing. Through the reverb and delay, impressive details emerge—hypnotic guitar winds and billows as the thick bass rumbles and balances Madrid’s woozy and forlorn (and tastefully unintelligible) vocal. It is promising and thoughtfully-crafted music from a young band, but it reveals a small fraction of their personality. When asked about the www.thecitymagazineelp.com
b a n d ’s inspirations, Alcantar fumbles various genres and descriptors. “Right now we’re listening to everything from classic punk to recent punk to postpunk to some new wave and dark wave stuff. We’re reluctant to confine even a single song to just punk or just post-punk. I think everybody in the band gravitates toward rougher garage sounds and, like, 'wavy' stuff,” Alcantar said. I walked away from their show that night at Lowbrow with just “vaguely punk rock, danceable synthgaze” scribbled in the notes I wasn’t yet aware I would need. The puzzling variety of traditional descriptors in play suggests a band unsure of itself. That WSTRN PLYLND are nothing if not convinced of their musical facility and dedicated to playing memorable live shows trivializes such a concern. Sometimes their sound is a melting pot (“Bahia Kino”); on “What You Are,” it’s a mosaic of driving punk chords sharing space 143
June, 2013 with towering synth melodies. As they continue to grow, their identity is becoming less a spattering of influences and more hinged on a distinct personality—Vampire Weekend will agree that’s a feat seldom accomplished in the indie world.
“PEOPLE NEED TO KEEP SUPPORTING LOCAL SHOWS AND EMBRACE A WIDER TASTE FOR MUSIC" Madrid also plays in local band Lake Of Fire, a spot he filled when their bassist and beloved local Richard Molina passed away last December. WSTRN PLYLND were among the many bands that played at the benefit show to honor the memory of Molina, considered by many to be one of the most influential (and adored) people in El Paso’s budding music scene. Molina’s passion was not lost on Madrid. “People need to keep supporting local shows and embrace a wider taste for music. Sometimes kids here get too comfortable with what they like. Right now, it’s easier to be in a band in El Paso and be original than in say, Austin. It has that going for it, but people have to stay open-minded.” Alcantar shares that cautious optimistism: “We’re all hungry for new faces and new bands and different kinds of bands. There have been a lot of good shows in the past year—I’m pretty proud of that—but it can be so much better.” It’s clear WSTRN PLYLND is a band with a healthy consciousness of their audience. Madrid explains his time in Austin on the brink of his 20s curtly. “I wasn’t going to school or anything. I met a lot of rad people. I started a band.” Don’t let him fool you if he doesn’t appear to be asking much from this music game. As soon as he scrambles up to the stage, pausing a moment to take in the crowd before jumping off of whatever platform is in reach, Steven Madrid can’t hide it any longer—he and his band have exciting plans for you. 144
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June, 2013
The City Agenda June, 2013 JUNE 1- JULY 27
1
Dancing in the City The fourth annual outdoor dance concerts series takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturdays at Arts Festival Plaza and features local and regional performers. Dance lessons are always from 7 to 8 p.m. with the dance party beginning right after. Info: 541-4481 June 1: Sobredosis del Sabor (Merengue) June 8: Alan Evans Trio (Funk) June 15: Azucar (Salsa) June 22: Texas Gypsies (Swing)
7-9
2-3
JUNE 1-23
El Paso Diablos Baseball
JUNE
The American Association minor league team’s regular home game time is 7:05 p.m. (Sundays at 6:05 p.m.) at Cohen Stadium in Northeast El Paso. Info: 755-2000 or diablos.com June 1-2: Gary Southshore Railcats June 7-9: Grand Prairie Air Hogs June 10-12: Amarillo Sox June 20-23: Sioux Falls Pheasants
1st Annual Great Futures Golf Classic All proceeds from this golf tournament and auction dinner will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of El Paso and will be held at the Coronado Country Club. Info: bgcelpaso.org
7-9
JUNE
Billy the Kid Festival San Elizario Art District Guild hosts the 4th annual festival named for the infamous outlaw at the San Elizario Historic District. The event celebrates Billy the Kid’s visit to San Elizario in 1876 to break out a friend from the old El Paso County Jail. Info: 851-0093 or billythekidfestival.com
JUNE
Academy Sports & Outdoors Sun Bowl International Soccer Tournament The 14th annual youth soccer tournament for boys and girls is June 7-9 at various fields throughout El Paso. Info: 533-4416 or sunbowl.org
JUNE 7-SEPT. 27
Alfresco! Fridays
The 11th season of free outdoor concerts are at 6 p.m. at Arts Festival Plaza in downtown El Paso. For info: 534-0665 or alfrescofridays.com June 7: Fungi Mungle (‘70s) June 14: La Guira (bachata) June 21: Rod Crosby & The Intruders (classic rock)
Must see 9
JUNE 9-AUG. 11
Music Under the Stars 8
JUNE
PrideFest 2013
The annual parade and festival in honor of National Gay Pride Month is noon to midnight at Cleveland Square, with the annual parade, “Hollywood Style!” at 10 a.m., traveling from Houston Park at 900 Montana, to Pride Square, 500 N. Stanton. Info: elppride.org. 146
The 30th summer concert series features local and international performers from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Sundays at the Chamizal National Memorial amphitheater, 800 S. San Marcial. Admission is free. Info: 541-4481 or elpasoartsandculture.org June 9: Frontera Bugalu June 16: Desert Noises June 23: La Magiztral Sonora June 30: Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds
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THE CIT y AGENdA
June, 2013
14
8-9
16
jUNE
jUNE
Big daddy Car show
El Paso Psychic Fair The fair is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hawthorn Inn, 1700 Airway. Admission: $5 for both days. Free admission with active duty military I.D. Info: 345-6245 or elpasopsychicfair.com
Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino will host the annual Father’s Day event. Events include a car and motorcycle
jUNE 14-AUG. 10
‘Viva El Paso!’
The summertime pageant returns to McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, 1500 McKelligon Canyon Drive, for its 36th season Fridays and Saturdays. The outdoor musical extravaganza highlights the four major cultures of the region: Native American, Spanish Conquistadors, Mexican and Western American. Showtimes and tickets TBA. Info: viva-ep.org
15-16
jUNE
Elephant Festival
The annual elephant festival that honors the El Paso Zoo’s biggest residents is from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano. Info: 521-1850 or elpasozoo.org
14th Annual Bowl for Kids’ sake
21-22
jUNE
16-30
jUNE
Zin Valle Free Music sundays
Zin Valle Vineyard, 7315 Hwy 28 in Canutillo (3/4 mile north of FM 259), hosts free live music 1 to 4 p.m. on selected Sundays. Enjoy wine tastings and music! Info: 877-4544 or zinvalle.com June 16: James Springer June 30: Greg Gonzalez
Must see
Miss El Paso UsA The pageants for Miss El Paso USA and the Miss El Paso Teen USA will be held at UTEP’s Magoffin Auditorium. The pageants are the official preliminaries to the Miss Texas USA, Miss Texas Teen USA and Miss USA Pageants. Info: Laura’s Productions at 845-2894 or laurasproductions.com
22
show. Food and beverage booths, beer garden and live music also featured. Admission is free. Info: (575) 874-5200
Big Brothers Big Sisters’ charitable bowling competition will take place at Bowl El Paso, located at 11144 Pellicano. For more info and registration: 544-4203 or bbbsep.org/bowl/
jUNE
Color My Cause 5K Erace 3 hosts the 5K “color” run/walk allowing participants to choose their own cause through five color zones. The run/walk will be held at 6900 Delta at Ascarate Park. Packet pick up begins at 6 a.m., run begins at 8:30 a.m., walk begins at 9 a.m, color party begins at 10 a.m. Charities to choose from include Child Crisis Center, Rio Grande Cancer Foundation, Paso Del Norte Children’s Development Center and Border Aids Partnership. cost: $45-$60. Info and registration: erace3.com
22
27
jUNE
‘dancing Backwards in high heels’ The Women’s Business Border Center of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce presents the 9th annual Women’s Business Symposium from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wyndham El Paso Airport, 2027 Airway. Info: 566-4066 or ephcc.org 147
28-29 JUNE
Downtown Street Festival The event encompasses the entire El Paso Convention Center area, including the Abraham Chavez Theatre and the Union Plaza District, with stages of live music, food, games and fireworks at 10 p.m. Tickets: $20-$35 Info: 544-9550 or klaq.com
148
June, 2013
HEALTH CARE REFORM:
Myth: The ACA provides subsidies to illegal immigrants Fact: The ACA specifically defines who is eligible for federal payments, credits, and subsidies. Only U.S. citizens or nationals, and aliens lawfully present in the United States may receive federal payments, credits, or cost-sharing re-
Replacing Myths with Facts
ductions applicable toward the purchase of
| By BOBBY BLANCO, WEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVISOR |
through a state-based Exchange or Medicaid,
health insurance. Undocumented immigrants in the United States may not acquire insurance nor are they eligible for federal subsidies for health insurance.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) passed in 2010 is incredibly broad in scope, so it's probably not surprising that there's a good deal of confusion about it, and a number of inaccurate and misleading claims that have been circulated. Here's some information to help separate fact from fiction.
Myth: You'll have to give up your current health insurance
Myth: Individuals have to pay taxes on their
Fact: If you have health insurance through
health benefits
your employer, or you have private insurance,
Fact: Nothing in the health-care law requires
you'll most likely be able to keep your present
individuals to pay income taxes on their health-
coverage. In fact, plans in existence on March
care benefits. Starting in 2018, an excise tax is
23, 2010, that haven't changed significantly
assessed to insurers of high-cost, employer-
are considered "grandfathered," meaning that
sponsored health plans with aggregate expens-
Myth: The health care law cuts basic Medi-
those plans are treated as qualifying health
es exceeding $10,200 for individual coverage
care benefits and services
insurance. But even if your plan is grandfa-
and $27,500 for family coverage. The tax does
Fact: Just the opposite is true. The ACA man-
thered, you'll benefit from some of the provi-
not apply to insured plan participants.
dates that no guaranteed Medicare benefits are
sions of the healthcare law. For instance, all
Other taxes that are part of the ACA include:
cut. In fact, the ACA expands Medicare benefits
plans, including grandfathered plans, must
• A tax of 10 percent on the amount paid for
to include a free annual wellness assessment.
allow coverage for adult dependents to age
indoor tanning services
Many important preventive screenings and vac-
26 and remove any lifetime dollar cost limits.
• A 20 percent tax (increased from 10 percent)
cines are now offered free of charge, including
Moreover, your insurance can't be cancelled
on distributions from a health savings account
screenings for colorectal cancer, cholesterol,
if you become sick, and your plan cannot
or an Archer medical savings account that are
and diabetes; mammograms, flu and pneu-
refuse to insure you if you have a pre-existing
not used for qualified medical expenses
monia vaccines; and counseling for smoking
medical condition.
• An increase in the Medicare Part A tax rate on wages by 0.9 percent (from 1.45 percent
cessation and nutrition therapy. The ACA also attempts to slow the increasing cost of Medicare
Myth: All small businesses have to provide
to 2.35 percent) on high-income individuals
premiums and ensure that Medicare will not
insurance to their employees
• An excise tax of 2.3 percent on the sale of
run out of funds. To help achieve these goals,
Fact: If you are a small business owner (meaning
certain medical devices
the health care reform law specifically targets
you employ fewer than 50 full-time equivalent
• A tax on large employers (more than 50 full-
Medicare fraud and wasteful overpayments to
employees), you are not required to provide
time equivalent employees) that do not offer
insurance companies, coupled with some cuts
health insurance to your employees. The "insur-
affordable health insurance to employees, and
in Medicare spending. If you're a participant in
ance mandate" applies only to large employers
• A tax on individuals who do not have qualify-
the Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan,
having at least 50 full-time employees. On the
ing health insurance (many exceptions apply)
the ACA attempts to close the "donut hole"
other hand, if you're a small employer and you
in which plan beneficiaries pay full price for
do offer health insurance coverage to your
Myth: The ACA promotes end-of-life deci-
prescription drugs after exceeding a gap in
employees, you may be eligible for a tax credit.
sions for seniors
the annual coverage. The ACA provides a $250
The credit is available to employers that have
Fact: While early drafts of the law allowed
rebate and offers a variety of discounts and
25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees with
Medicare to reimburse doctors for talking to
federal subsidies through 2020, at which time
annual wages averaging less than $50,000 per
older patients about advance-care planning, no
participants will pay no more than 25 percent
employee, and that pay at least 50 percent of
such provisions made it into the final version of
out of pocket for most prescriptions.
the health plan costs.
the law. Nothing in the ACA forces seniors to
150
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June, 2013
have consultations about end-of-life choices.
Myth: The health care law will lead to
On the other hand, the Medicare Modernization
government takeover of health care
Act of 2003 allows Medicare to pay for doctor's
Fact: While provisions of the healthcare law
visits with seniors in the first year of joining
place some responsibility on the government
the program, during which time patients may
to ensure that qualified insurance is available to
voluntarily discuss end-of-life planning as part
most individuals, there is nothing in the law that
of their visit. The ACA does provide Medicare
directly promotes government takeover of our
participants with free annual wellness visits
healthcare system. For instance, many mistak-
and personalized prevention plan services.
enly believe that state-based health insurance
These provisions afford Medicare participants
Exchanges sponsor only government-provided
an opportunity to discuss important issues
health insurance. In fact, these Exchanges are
such as hospice, home care, and additional
intended to provide a marketplace that brings
services available to seniors. However, the
together consumers looking to buy health
ACA does not mandate these discussions, nor
insurance with insurance companies looking
does it tell doctors what options to discuss
to sell health insurance.
with their patients. Beware of health care scams Myth: The ACA taxes all real estate sales
Probably due to the complexity of the law, many
Fact: This misstatement is somewhat under-
unscrupulous individuals are trying to scam
standable based on the applicable part of the
people based on the uncertainty of some of
law. Beginning in 2013, the ACA imposes a tax of
the law's provisions. For instance, you may get
3.8 percent on certain net investment income of
a call, e-mail, or visit from someone claiming
individuals, estates, and trusts that have income
that if you don't have health insurance, you'll
above the statutory amounts. As it relates spe-
go to jail. These same scammers may claim
cifically to home sales, the tax applies only if
to be government officials and offer to sell you
you have modified adjusted gross income over
qualifying health insurance. Their goal is to get
$200,000 (individual), or $250,000 (married, filing
unsuspecting and frightened individuals, particu-
jointly), or $125,000 (married, filing separately),
larly seniors, to divulge personal information. To
and it would apply only to any taxable gain that
protect yourself, never buy insurance without
results from the sale of your home. Since most
checking with your state insurance department
people are able to exclude $250,000 ($500,000
to be sure the seller is licensed and the policy
in the case of a married couple) in gain from the
is legitimate. Don't give out your credit card or
sale of a personal residence, the application of
bank card information, and don't give your Social
the tax is limited.
Security number to anyone you don't know.
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Bobby Blanco
Partner & Director of Insurance & Estate Planning Wealth Management Advisor Strategic Wealth Advisors Terrace Gardens Office Park 600 Sunland Park, Building One, Ste 100 El Paso, Texas 79912 (915) 532-8885 Office (915) 842-9532 fax (915) 588-7897 cell bblanco@sw-advisors.com www.sw-advisors.com Views and opinions expressed are those of Bobby Blanco and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. The tax information contained herein is general in nature, is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Securities offered through Investors Capital Corporation, Member FINRA, SIPC Advisory Services offered through Investors Capital Advisory The views and opinions expressed in this article are soley those of the original author. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of The City Magazine.
151
MEDICAL
June, 2013
LIQUID FACELIFT Full Injectable Correction for the Cosmetic Surgery Virgin | By MARCO A. GONZALEZ, M.D |
MARCO A. GONZALEZ, M.D. 5407 N. Mesa El Paso, Texas 79912 (915) 845-3223 (FACE) www.plasticsurgeryelpaso.net
M
ore subtle but extremely effective
For those wishing to fill in cheeks that have
facial rejuvenation can be achieved
begun to appear hollow or gaunt, Sculptra®
without having to go under the knife.
is very effective at adding volume to sunken
A liquid facelift is often the term ascribed to
cheeks. The popular BOTOX® Cosmetic can be
renewing the skin of the face and reducing
used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and
the appearance of rhytids (wrinkles) and other
crow’s feet, and options such as Juvederm®,
signs of aging by using a combination of cos-
Restylane® and fat injections can add fullness
metic injectable treatments. Dr. Gonzalez at
to the lips as well as other facial features.
Plastic Surgery Envy Aesthetic Center offers
Before Juvederm
After Juvederm
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a variety of liquid facelift options that can fill in
Duration of results varies depending on what
lines and wrinkles, add volume to facial features
areas are being treated and which inject-
for better contour, and augment the lips for a
able cosmetic enhancement is being used.
fuller, more sensual appearance. Dr. Gonzalez
However, most injectable treatments provide
directly administers injectable treatments in a
results that last anywhere from five to 12
safe, medical environment. Dr. Gonzalez has
months or more and in some cases much
been trained and educated at one of the most
longer. The effects can typically be maintained
respected plastic surgery institutions in the
with follow-up treatments. Generally, there is
world, and our number one commitment is to
no recovery time associated with injectable
your safety. Please contact the Plastic Surgery
filler procedures, and patients are often able
Envy Aesthetic Center to schedule a consulta-
to get back to their normal, daily routines im-
tion for a liquid facelift with Dr. Marco Gonzalez.
mediately after the procedure.
Before Liquid Face lift
After Liquid Face lift
After Liquid Face lift with make up
153
ASTROLOGY FOR MEN The Masculine Traits of the Signs
| By graCE THE PsYCHiC ladY |
Leo (july 23 to August 23) signs are generous, warm-hearted, faithful, loving, ambitious, dominant and gracious. Leos love luxury, pleasure and the spotlight but dislike laziness and criticism. Woody Harrelson and Arnold Schwarzenegger are Leos. Virgo (August 24 to September 22) signs are detailed, precise, tidy, observant, shrewd, loving, nurturing and devoted. They love equality, perfection and being active, but
Aries (March 21 to April 20) signs
Gemini (May 22 to june 22) signs are
dislike tardiness, vulgarity and hypocrisy. Sean
are enthusiastic, individualistic, outspoken,
adaptable, intellectual, witty, logical, sponta-
Connery and Richard Gere are Virgo men.
alert, ambitious, candid and adventurous.
neous, lively and inquisitive. They love flexible
They love action and spontaneity but dislike
thinking and fun but dislikes possessiveness
Libra (September 23 to October
waiting around. Timothy Dalton and Harry
and jealousy. Johnny Depp and Clint East-
23) signs are objective, intellectual, independ-
Houdini are Aries men.
wood are both Geminis.
ent, respectful, tasteful and charming. They
Taurus (April 21 to May 21) signs are
Cancer (june 23 to july 22) signs
distasteful things and bad behavior. Michael
patient, loving, reliable, warm-hearted, per-
are sensitive, caring, nurturing, protective,
Douglas and Charlton Heston are Libras.
sistent, gentle and loyal. They love security
love to be at home, and supportive. They
and routine and dislike risks, cheating and
love security, routine and family but dislike
Scorpio (October 24 to Novem-
waste. Jack Nicholson and Al Pacino are fa-
being away from home. John Cusack and
ber 22) signs are strong-willed, intense,
mous Taurus men.
Tom Cruise are Cancers.
deeply emotional, complex, lusty and percep-
love beauty and elegance but dislike conflict,
154
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
June, 2013
tive. They love mystery, secrets and privacy, but dislike surprises, deceit and being questioned. Richard Dreyfuss and Bill Gates are Scorpios. Sagittarius (November 23 to December 21) signs are impulsive, independent, talkative, outgoing, optimistic and charming. They love freedom and taking a risk, but dislike jealously, possessiveness and control. Kirk Douglas and Walt Disney are Sagittarians. Capricorn (December 22 to january 20) signs are attentive, ambitious, focused, honest, logical, patient and dependable. They love financial stability and security, but dislike flightiness, bossiness and playing games. Kevin Costner and J. Edgar Hoover are Capricorns. Aquarius (january 21 to February 18) signs are spontaneous, open minded, caring, tolerant and understanding. They love independence and good conversation, but dislike predictability, bores and tackiness. Paul Newman and John Belushi are both Aquarians. Pisces (February 19 to March 20) signs are enchanting, mystical, creative, easy going, instinctive and unselfish. They love feeling appreciated and needed but dislike noisy scenes, and having no sense of structure. Bruce Willis and Kurt Russell are Pisces. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
The City Magazine MAY Issue Launch Party at The Sushi Place on Sunland Park | Photographed by JUNIOR MIRANDA
The City Magazine and Envy Aesthetic Center present
GIRLS NIGHT OUT Nip & Tuck in The City
With Lyle D. Weeks, M.D. & Marco A. Gonzalez, M.D. at the double tree hotel Photographed by Mario Arizpe
El Paso's YWCA Luncheon Fundraiser with guest speaker
SUZE ORMAN at The El Paso Convention Center Photographed by JOE LOUIS AGUIRRE
Millie Amaya Memorial Golf Tournament at The Coronado Country Club Special Thank You to Steve Fox | Photographed by Joe aguirre
7th Annual Braden Aboud Run/Walk at Zach White Elementary School | photographed by Joe Louis Aguirre
June, 2013
Carnitas Queretaro 1451 N. Zaragoza | 9077 Gateway 4001 N. Mesa | 6516 N. Mesa
Carnitas Queretaro is El Paso’s place for great Mexican Taste. It all started with a delicious pork recipe so successful that the owners decided to open a restaurant by the name of Carnitas Queretaro. The Carnitas are cooked in a large kettle and made fresh every day. Our objective is to serve great Mexican food. Customer satisfaction has been the main priority of this business. Carnitas Queretaro will continue to provide the best Mexican food and great customer service. We assure you our friendly staff will make you feel as if you were right at home.
The Rib Hut 2612 N. Mesa | 915.532.7427 ribhutelpaso.com Famed for its slow-cooked, mouth-watering barbeque. Try the big, beefy ribs or baby-backed, mesquite-smoked pork ribs. The brisket is always lean, smoked, and thinly sliced. The sausage is spiced perfectly and always juicy. The chicken fried steak is the best in the south west. Rib Hut also offers a tempting selection of steaks deliciously grilled to your liking, as well as the half-pound Angus steak burger, which is served with your choices of toppings and ice cold beer. The atmosphere is relaxing and the staff is friendly. The Rib Hut can cater any size party or event. Come see why Rib Hut has been El Paso’s favorite.
ITALIANS
The Italian Kitchen West 450 Thorn Ave. | 915.842.0775 theitaliankitchenelp.com
The Italian Kitchen West uses the finest homemade, gourmet ingredients to make your dining experience a real pleasure. Chicken Marsala, a local favorite for many years, is one of the finest Italian chicken dishes on our menu! It’s a real southwest food flavor fusion of Mexican-style green chile chicken wrapped in our world-famous pasta and topped with gourmet cheese. Of course never forget our signature dish, Meat Lasagna, a true blue ribbon dish of the Italian Kitchen for many years. The Italian Kitchen West caters large or small events and offers a private party room.
Opus World Bistro 7128 N. Mesa | 915.585.2221 opusworldbistro.com Welcome to Opus World Bistro on El Paso’s West Side. Opus World Bistro appreciates fine dining and aims to entice your palates with Chef Michael Ross’s elegant, eclectic, and delicious menu creations. We offer a romantic and relaxing atmosphere, along with an elegant fine wine selection and superb service. Private party room, takeout menu and catering are all available. Prime Rib Father’s Day Brunch. Reservations suggested Please join us for Sunday Bunch with Endless Mimosas. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
ITALIANS
AMUSE
5380 N. Mesa St. Suite 110 | 915.400.4550 www.italianselpaso.com
5860 North Mesa, Ste. 130| 915.585.6888 elpasoamuse.com
Italians offers authentic cuisine with a friendly and elegant environment for all occasions. We offer a delicious lunch menu ranging from $7-10. Enjoy Pasta al Pesto Italian pasta with a botanical blend of basilico, garlic,olive oil and pine nuts sauce all paired with $4 pours of house wine every day during lunch. Dinner offers the romantic setting for a perfect night out with that special someone. Chef Keeley’s masterful creations and beautiful presentation will certainly impress your pallet. Made fresh every day, nothing canned, Italians is the experience. Italians does it fresher!
SUSHI | STEAK | SEAFOOD
Amuse offers an enchanting atmosphere with a unique experience for every age with a restaurant bar and sushi lounge area. We offer an ambience that is new to El Paso with remarkable cuisine and impeccable service accompanied by alluring sounds. Great choices from either the sushi bar or full-fusion progressive American French-influenced kitchen. Join us every Tuesday for select $5 sushi rolls and Amuse burgers and every Wednesday for jazz night with select half-price wine bottles. We also present Saturday night soirees featuring Dj Mathew on the Rocks. Join us at 5860 N. Mesa Mon. 11-3 p.m. and Tues. -Thurs. 11-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday 11-3 p.m. and 5-2 a.m. 168