Contempo CULTURE / BUSINESS / POLITICS / FASHION / TECHNOLOGY / TRAVEL
OCTOBER 2010
BOUTIQUE STYLE
top models and their picks for season trends
WOMEN’S COUNCIL of Realtors hosts styleshow fund raiser
SACRED HEART’S Centennial begins for mother parish
THE MEDICAL APPROACH
to Weight Loss
CONTEMPO TRAVELS Off The Beaten Path Crystal in Greece
FAJITA COOK-OFF Smokin Since 76’ Awards & Entries
McALLEN @ DOWNTOWN
Farmer’s Market the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
page 1 ContempoMag.com
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We
got a little heavy on the pics this month but I couldn’t help it. As I said last year, this is my favorite season. The mild climate is perfect for outdoor activities, so we go easy on the eyes with this month’s feature content.
Contempo CULTURE / BUSINESS / POLITICS / FASHION / TECHNOLOGY / TRAVEL
OCTOBER 2010
BOUTIQUE STYLE
top models and their picks for season trends
WOMEN’S COUNCIL of Realtors hosts styleshow fund raiser
Great weather always gears up the buying senses for festive wardrobes. Here, we continue our fashion series on local boutiques where trends are set with a keen eye for Valley styles and preferences. If you are a good Contempo reader, you will find in these pages, our (special guest) Male Mystery Model. Tell us who he is with an entry on our Contempo Magazine facebook page and get a chance to win a dinner for two at a fine area restaurant!
SACRED HEART’S Centennial begins for mother parish
THE MEDICAL APPROACH
to Weight Loss
CONTEMPO TRAVELS Off The Beaten Path Crystal in Greece
FAJITA COOK-OFF Smokin Since 76’ Awards & Entries
McALLEN @ DOWNTOWN
Farmer’s Market
BOUTIQUE STYLE with top models and their picks
Ralph Magaña-Publisher
6
VALLEY LAND FUND 14 youth photo contest SACRED HEART’S centennial begins for mother parish
18
WOMEN’S COUNCIL 21 of Realtors hosts styleshow fundraiser THE MEDICAL APPROACH TO Weight Gain
Contempo is a publication of Contempo Magazine Inc. All opinions represented are of the authors & not necessarily the views of the publisher. The publisher makes no representations regarding advertising content. Contempo Magazine is a trademark of Contempo Magazine Inc. All rights reserved. All content published and constructed by Contempo Magazine is the property of Contempo Magazine Inc. Permission for reprint shall be granted only upon written request and authorized release from Contempo Magazine Inc.
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CONTEMPO TRAVELS 30 Off The Beaten Path Crystal in Greece
President / Ralph Magaña Aisha Rodriguez / Copy Editor Business & Latin American Affairs / Tony Magaña Guest Contributor / Dr. Darryl Stinson Guest Contributor / Grant Ellis / Art Travel & Culture / Crystal Felici Photographer / R. Magaña Ad Sales Ralph Magaña 467.7880 Chanel 212-4879 / SPI Christina 433-1440 Distribution / Rosa Lopez Co-founder & Webpage Editor / Tony Magaña
956.467.7880 e-mail: wmagana@rgv.rr.com web site: www.contempomag.com
FAJITA COOK-OFF Smokin Since 76’ Awards & Entries
32
BREAKING 80 Cimarron’s Moody NO. 8 Par Three
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McALLEN Downtown 36 Farmer’s Market
2210 Sabinal St. Mission, Tx 78572
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Fashion Boutiques Hold the Edge in Style, Personal Service & Value Three Top Valley Models from
Missy’s Modeling share their distinctive Fall & Winter selections, chosen from popular fashion boutiques here in the Valley. Contempo Magazine, in this our second installment, takes a look at these unique independent retailers who are now capturing a significant share of the fashion market.
Here and worldwide fashion boutiques help to set the trend for new fashions to succeed with their independent buying power. That is, what they select at regional and national apparel markets, in aggregate, gives choosey shoppers bountiful variety in taste, styles and sizes. And, because they offer the up and coming brands to a growing number of distinctive buyers, their margins allow for competative pricing for their customers. page 6 ContempoMag.com
Individual preferences can be seen in their lines and styles offered by boutiques, since they don’t rely on bulk orders or delegate to others, their purchase orders. Instead, it is usually the boutique proprietor who goes to fashion markets where they can choose, without limitation, their seasonal inventories. As seasons pass, boutiques are in a unique situation to respond to their customers requests and make adjustments to their lines and sizes on a personal basis to the new season arrivals.
Models by Missy’s Modeling of McAllen (from left to right) Lilliana Bradford, Mirna Garcia & Erika Cavazos
Fashion Boutique Model Bios:
We Start From Scratch For Your Good Taste!
Mirna Garcia
Missy’s Modeling / Instructor Local commercials for Channel 5, Univision & Telemundo. Titleist-IMTA international modeling competition in New York. Lead roles in: America Most Wanted, “Boys Like Girls” MTV music videos-Boys Like Girls, Kumbia Kings, and Bobby Pulido. Roles in Short Films: Toothpaste”, “The Spot”, “A Haunting”.
Erika Cavazos
Mon-Fri 11am-9pm Sat 12pm-8pm
Missy’s Modeling Grad. Melrose National Campaign National Campaign Pink Pewter Las Chicas Wrangler Calendar Glamore & Latina Magazine Runway shows for: Macy’s, David’s Bridal, Dillards Showroom modeling: New York City and Los Angeles: Tyte Jeans, Agent Red, and German designer Rundholz. . TV set Nickelodeon-True Jackson Currently signed with Wilhelmina Brown in Austin
Lilliana Bradford
Two year modeling career. Grad. Missy’s Modeling TV commercials for The Boot Jack, Ad Shoots for Cache, Macy’s, Betsy Johnson, Pineda Covalin, Santana Textiles in Brazil. Pink Pewter National Ad Campaign
city café and catering
City Café and Catering is your full service caterer and event planner for Corporate Parties, Business Luncheons, Dinners and Private Parties in the Rio Grande Valley. City Café and Catering offers only complete satisfaction, delicious menus and prompt professional service for your organization or business meetings. We will custom cater the perfect menu for your company and your guests – whatever the occasion. Complete satisfaction, delicious food and prompt professional service is our commitment to you and your guests. You can count on us to design your entire event down to the last detail including flowers, party rentals, service staff, decor and more.
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Dresses. Tops. Denim, Plus Sizes, Handbags and Accessories, A style to match your attitiude!
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Art Wall
2010 VALLEY LAND FUND
YOUTH PHOTO CONTEST
Gabriela Paola Astorga 1st Place / Birds / Division I
The Valley Land Fund’s 2010 Southern Exposures youth photo contest may have ended in August, but the event is still being talked about. “This year’s youth photo contest was an incredible success,” said Jim Tabak, Valley Land Fund President. “The goal of the contest is to inspire children of all ages to get outside, explore nature, and document what they see in photos. The number of entries and the quality of images submitted this year far exceeded our expectations.”
Sabina Sanchez 1st Place / Conecting Ppl. & Nature / Division I
Gabriela Paola Astorga 1st Place / Other Wildlife
page 14 ContempoMag.com
Natasha Hartman 1st Place / Humor / Division I
Daena Ciomperlik 1st Place Birds / Division II
Adam Tabak 1st Place / Landscapes & Plant Life / Division II
This year’s youth photo contest attracted over 600 photo entries from 95 student participants. The contest was the largest youth photo contest held by the Valley Land Fund in 10 years, and was a big hit with students and parents alike. “We are very proud of our daughter Gabriela for her efforts in this year's photo contest,” said Lizbeth Astorga, mother of winning photographer Gabriela Astorga. “She worked very hard in getting good images to enter. She was up very early
Ty Hume 1st Place / Humor / Division II
Ty Hume 1st Place / Digital Art / Div II
Joshua Scanlan 1st Place / Water Features for Wildlife / Division II
the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
page 15 ContempoMag.com
in the morning to go with her dad to the ranch. She learned about the wildlife that comes in to the pond during the hot summer months and after a few visits she was actually able to differentiate between some of the different bird species here in South Texas. We believe that this is an experience that she will always cherish in the years to come.” Students were divided into three age divisions and were encouraged to submit photo images in eight different categories. Each student received a free t-shirt for participating. All photos submitted had to be taken in the Rio Grande Valley during the timeframe provided by the contest rules and guidelines. Judges for this year’s event included local nature and wildlife photographers Esperanza Chapa, Larry Ditto, and Marilyn LaMantia.
Illyana Bocanegra 1st Place / Conecting Ppl. to Nature / Division III
On Thursday, August 19th, the Valley Land Fund held its awards ceremony for the youth photo contest winners at Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen. HEB offered up refreshments for the crowd, and music was provided by local band Ensemble La Misión. A complete list of the winners and their images is currently available on the Valley Land Fund website, and a video DVD featuring a variety of contest images submitted from students throughout the Valley is available for purchase. We hope you’ll take time to visit the website and enjoy these wonderful images. The Valley Land Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust whose mission is to preserve, expand, and enhance the native wildlife habitat of the Rio Grande Valley through education, land ownership, and the creation of economic incentives.
Nathan Bradford 1st Place / Digital Art / Division III
by Grant Ellis Director-Valley Land Fund The Valley Land Fund has been serving the Rio Grande Valley for over 20 years. If you are interested in volunteering for future photo contests, or would like more information about the youth photo contest, please contact us at (956) 686-6429, or visit our website at www.valleylandfund.com. If you are interested in land conservation, or would like additional information about ways the Valley Land Fund assists landowners, contact Grant Ellis, at (956) 686-6429. page 16 ContempoMag.com
Isabela Smolarski 1st Place / Landscapes & Plant Life / Division III
Kaitlyn Ciomperlik 1st Place / Other Wildlife / Div. III
Rebecca Alaniz 1st Place / Humor / Div. III
SUPPORTS THE VALLEY LAND FUND CONGRATS! TO ALL THE CONTESTANTS Mission 583-9688
Angie Figueroa 1st Place / Mammals / Div. III
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the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
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Founding Parish
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Readies for Centenial Kick-Off October 29th page 18 ContempoMag.com
Sacred Heart Church original chapel built in 1911 Sacred Heart Catholic Church will start it’s 100 year Centennial celebration beginning on October 29th, 2010 that will culminate with a finale one year later on the date, 2011. The Church, known for it’s unique status over the years as Hidalgo County’s Mother Church because, once established, it sponsored other local catholic churches in the area. The Parish actually purchased the land for other local churches to be established including the property where Our Lady of Sorrows Church now stands.
St. Genevieve School built in 1924
With a suitable chapel, school and rectory in place, it was decided that as of January 1, 1916 Sacred Heart Church would become a parish. Father Dupassieux, by then compassionately referred to as “Padre Francisco”, was appointed as the first pastor of the parish. In 1918 the church was refurbished resulting in a doubling of the size of the chapel. Also constructed were a small office and a sacristy. The enlarged chapel took the shape of a cross with side alters dedicated to the Virgin Mary and to St. Joseph.
Sacred Heart’s roots stem from the historic La Lomita Chapel in Mission that served as a way-station in the late 1800’s for Oblate priests who traveled on horse-back to reach ranches along the Rio Grande River bank. Beginning in 1908 at a ranch house in McAllen owned by Mr. & Mrs. John H. Fink and later on, in public school rooms, Rev. Paul Hally OMI would celebrate mass once a month after traveling from La Lomita to McAllen over a period of three years.
Disaster struck the Parish the night of October 28th, 1924. A fire completely destroyed the church and rectory, leaving nothing but the south wall of the priest’s residence intact. Plans were immediately drawn up for a new church and rectory. Father Dupassieux traveled to New York to solicit funds at Msgr. Connolly’s parish. The new rectory was completed in 1925 and the new church was dedicated 1926 with a bell from one of King Richard’s steamboats that once navigated the Rio Grande River from Brownsville to Roma. At the Father J.M.F. Guennegues served as the first pastor time the church had over 3,130 parishioners. to the little frame chapel built with funds from the parish membership, the Oblates, and from a grant of Between 1940 and 1943 the statues of the Blessed the Catholic Church Extension Service. In all $1,673 Virgin and Sacred Heart were added to the fronts were raised to construct the 26 X 50 foot frame piece as well as the marble alters donated by the structure. Later, in 1913, Father Guennegues, with Dario Guerra Family that were installed in the sanctuthe help of the Extension Society, Built Our Lady of ary. Also in 1940, it was established that, with the Guadalupe Catholic School. In 1915 Father Francis growing number of Catholics in the McAllen area, a A. Dupassieux OMI was assigned to the area and second parish later known as Our Lady of Sorrows set out to renovate the original chapel by installing a Church would be founded on property donated by ceiling and having the interior painted. the Sacred Heart Parish. Thus began Sacred Heart’s legacy of being a Mother Church. Over the years, the In June of 1916 two chaplains of the U.S. Army, little McAllen church continued to help establish other 12th and 69th Regiments, Monsignor James Con- churches throughout the Upper Valley. noly and Father Francis Duffy met with Father Dupassieux to consider building a new chapel. With there Father Thomas Luczak now serves as Pastor at Sacred help, and those of the Extension Society and the pa- Heart. He is a member of the Order of St. Francis rishioners, St. Margaret chapel was built in 1916 and Astasis and will oversee the centenial celebration. dedicated on Monsignor Connolly on December 3rd of that year. Then, at Mid-Night Christmas Mass, Learn more about Sacred Heart’s Centennial Celebration the townspeople and soldiers presented Father Dupas- on-line at: www.sacredheartchurch-mcallen.org sieux with $2,224 to build a rectory. The rectory was completed on Feb. 6th, 1916 just one day before Father Dupassieux left for Europe and World War I. the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
first pastor / Rev. Francis Dupassieux 1917
page 19 ContempoMag.com
Intergovernmental Affairs Committee.
EXPERIENCE WE CAN TRUST, FOR THE SECURITY WE NEED. Veronica Gonzales Chair of the Border & Intergovernmental Affairs Committee.
Veronica Gonzales at the signing of the Border Security law that appropriated millions of state dollars to beef up local law enforcement. Veronica Gonzales at the signing of the Border Security law that appropriated millions of state dollars to beef up local law enforcement.
Vote early October 18-29 Vote early October 18-29
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page 20 ContempoMag.com Pol. Ad. Paid for by Veronica for Texas House Campaign - P.O. Box 1416, McAllen, TX 78505 - C. Wesley Kittleman, Treasurer Pol. Ad. Paid for by Veronica for Texas House Campaign - P.O. Box 1416, McAllen, TX 78505 - C. Wesley Kittleman, Treasurer
Women’s Council of Realtors McAllen Chapter Annual Fundraiser at the Club at Cimarron / Chairman Robby Valadez Apparel by: Joyce International Boutique Hair & Make-up: Illusions Hair Salon Modeling Instruction: Missy’s Modeling Benefit: Mujeres Unidas of Hidalgo County
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LEADING MEDICAL RESEARCH POINTS TO FATTENING HORMONE AS THE PRINCIPAL CULPRIT OF HUMAN OBESITY by Darryl Stinson M.D.
In the last 20 years there has been an unprecedent- many calories there are in the food we eat. Well, ed spike in obesity in America, yet during this same in the last thirty years most food is labeled with the time period there has been more public information amount of calories per serving and we have more about nutrition and weight loss than ever before. In- nutritionists counseling people than ever before. Strong evidence indicates that today most deed, more has been spent to promote weight loss than any other time in our history. The obesity epi- Americans looking for an answer to their weight demic is coupled with a diabetes epidemic are oc- gain problems have just given up in frustration for curring in much younger age groups than previously lack of results. And when they do have success losing weight, more ofseen. In fact, type II diabetes in was very “Strong evidence indicates that ten than not, it is a short term effect rare in American until most Americans looking for leading them into the the 1990’s. So what has hap- an answer to their weight gain category of the “yoyo dieter.” In fact, pened? The popular explanation is that problems have just given up in even the medical has given Americans are leadfrustration.. And when they do community up, proof of which is ing a more sedentary lifestyle and that our have success losing weight,... it’s the fact that radical solutions have been kids are playing too much video games a short term effect leading to the accepted as appropriate treatments. Be and don’t go outside the yo-yo dieter syndrome.” it from giving patients and play. I won’t argue that we now live a much easier life and our daily addictive amphetamines to removing sections of the activities require much less calories than let’s say the stomach and intestine, such options were deemed 1960’s, but over the last twenty years moms have too dangerous for most obese patients only two been hauling their children to soccer practice and decades ago. Despite all our advanced technology and highly other activities like never before. Another common explanation currently being used by many so-called educated experts in health, the obvious cause had experts blaming the fast food or “junk food” culture. been overlooked. It was by accident in 2000 that But the American diet has been, for over 50 years, the cause of the American obesity epidemic was a meat and potatoes affair. And then there’s the discovered in the form of a human hormone called argument about the public’s lack of knowing how “ghrelin.” This newly discovered hormone was depage 26 ContempoMag.com
“It was by accident in 2000 t obesity epidemic was discov hormone called “ghrelin.” Th was designed to prevent star times of famine.” signed to prevent starvation of the human body in times of famine. And humans aren’t the only species that produce ghrelin. Most if not all mammals also have ghrelin. So what does a hormone that prevents death by starvation have to do with the cause of America’s obesity epidemic? I’ll start explaining first by telling you about ghrelin. The place in the body where ghrelin is made is in the lining of the bottom part of the stomach. When the stomach produces ghrelin it is delivered into the blood and taken to a part of the brain called the pituitary gland. During sleep there is no ghrelin produced, but within the first hour of waking up the stomach will start to pump a steady flow of the hormone until food is eaten. Only a small amount of food is needed and the type of food makes no difference. The effect is totally reliant on solids–as liquids have no effect on ghrelin production. The blocking effect of food on the production of ghrelin lasts for about three hours, after which the steady flow of ghrelin will start all over again until the next time food enters the stomach. This goes on all day and night until sleep occurs. So the two things that stop ghrelin from being made are food and sleep. There are six functions of ghrelin that are important to know in dealing with why ghrelin’s effects are the cause of the obesity epidemic. The first is that ghrelin causes the body to store most of what you eat into fat. So, even if you eat “good” food like broccoli the body will turn it into fat if ghrelin is present. The second function of ghrelin is that it blocks the body from burning fat by inhibiting gluconeogenisis. Gluconeogenisis is the process that turns fat is into glucose (sugar) so it can then be used as fuel. The thirdly, ghrelin can cause insulin resistance. This means that despite having plenty of insulin in the blood, your body will have a hard time lowering the glucose (sugar) levels. The fourth function of ghrelin is that it allows the stomach to take in 30% more food during a meal before the body senses a feeling of fullness. The fifth thing ghrelin does is it slows down metabolism by affecting the thyroid gland. And the last significant function of ghrelin in causing obesity involves a mental condition that inhibits the mind-set of being able to push away from the table and to make “smart” food choices. These six functions of ghrelin lead to what is called the metabolic syndrome. Interestingly, the metabolic syndrome was described years before the discovery of ghrelin. People who have this condi-
that the cause of the American vered in the form of a human his newly discovered hormone rvation of the human body in tion tend to accumulate fat in the gut area, which can eventually lead to the development of type II diabetes and all of it’s complications. The question of why there has been such a sudden increase of the metabolic syndrome in America requires us to connect the science of medicine and social studies. Why does the body make ghrelin? Mankind has been on earth for about 10,000 years according to creationists opinion or about 4 million years according to academic researchers opinion. Either way, we have been here surviving the elements long before the earliest civilizations existed. Back then humans had to defend themselves from the environment similar to today’s wild animals. A great danger threatening our survival was starvation. Drought and sever winters produced long time periods when humans had a difficult time finding any food to eat. Starvation was probably one of the biggest killers at the dawn of mankind. Ghrelin is the chemical that helped prevent death from starvation during those times. The trigger for ghrelin, the starvation prevention hormone, is not having food enter the stomach for more than three hours. When the food supply was plentiful for pre-civilized humans, they would eat frequently in small amounts. This is evident today in observations of animals in the wild, with the most obvious example seen with bears. During the spring and summer months bears are very lean and active whereas, in the fall they gain weight and then hibernate. The difference in the two states of bears is that the food supply is available in abundance when they are lean, and is low before they hibernate. Another indication that humans were frequent eaters is how our newborn babies feed. All you moms know that their internal clock is set to demand a feeding every three hours, unless of course, they are sleeping. So, under famine-like conditions, if humans had a dwindling food supply and only ate once or twice a day, their bodies would produce ghrelin almost continuously causing the levels of ghrelin to elevate. The body would then convert and store all they ate into fat, and the elevated ghrelin would complete the cycle by conditioning them to eat much more food anytime it became available in abundance. At the same time it is blocking fat from being burned easily, slowing down energy burning metabolism, and raising the body’s blood sugar levels. It is easy to understand the benefits of having a stored supply of fat energy available to a starving
body, but the problems of elevated blood sugar requires an understanding of human physiology. To be simple, the brain needs a constant level of blood sugar or you will faint. Fainting all the time would not be good if you were desperately hunting for food. Now consider how society has changed in America during the last thirty to forty years as it relates to eating habits. The industrialized era did produce an abundant food supply and an increase in sedentary lifestyles, but the obesity epidemic did not start until the late 1980’s, well into the industrialized age by decades. I put the blame on the domination of the academic and progressive influences that have changed our culture in daily life. For one thing, we have been focusing on nutritional values of food and we have abandoned the traditional ways of eating adopted from European culture. This change has led us to believe that if we get enough of a well balanced meal, we don’t really need to eat as many times per day. For adults, food in the workplace has become off-limits in an effort to achieve higher productivity as workers compete for jobs in a tighter economy. For children the problem is worst. Parents are no longer demanding that their kids eat breakfast while, at school breakfasts, there is no one there to say, “finish your milk, sweetie.” The results indicate that we no longer eat more than three times a day, and those suffering from the metabolic syndrome are eating only once or twice a day. Certainly, these represent the societal changes that are most responsible the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
for American obesity. Ghrelin-a starvation prevention hormone, combined with the societal habit of infrequent eating has created this epidemic-an epidemic that can’t not be solved with diet gimmicks that don’t take into consideration current medical research. For a few, the above explanation is all you need. But most Americans need a systemic approach like the one I have been teaching for the past three years. The objectives of this book are to help you understand why you have gained weight and to help you reverse that condition, and to help you develop new habits for the rest of your life that will keep you free from obesity. For most of those who suffer from Type II diabetes their condition will improve and for some it will offer a complete cure. Hypertension will be prevented or improved for many as well. Most of you with sleep apnea will be cured. And for all, the risk of cancer and complications from infections will be lowered dramatically by following the model eating behavior I present that also presents an ideal exercise routine that doesn’t require you to buy any equipment. HEALTH BENEFITS The benefits of reversing the metabolic syndrome by lowering your ghrelin levels occur both immediately and over a long period of time. The younger you are, the worse your prognosis is with the metabolic syndrome, which is why America needs to urgently correct this problem for our youth. But every age group will have their health improve after starting page 27 ContempoMag.com
this program. In this chapter you will learn how metabolic syndrome negatively affects your health and how lowering your ghrelin can reverse these changes. The two quickest benefits of following these recommendations are: weight loss and improved metabolism. Depending on the individual, within two to six weeks, there will be a noted improvement in these two areas. And the best part of early weight loss is where it occurs. Inches from your waist come off first and by two months you will need to tighten your belt or buy clothes two sizes smaller. The improvement of your metabolism is noted first by a feeling of enhanced energy, better muscle tone, and increased strength. Gone will be the days of littleto-no results from time spent exercising alone. For those of you who follow the celebrities, you will remember the shockingly thin bodies many of the women got a few years ago. What happened was they started following a diet consisting of eating seven times a day (which lowered their ghrelin levels) while still keeping their extreme workout regimens. Before, they had high ghrelin levels and needed several hours of intense exercise with professional trainers just to avoid gaining weight. Their improved metabolism allowed the rewards of such exercise to occur much faster than they expected causing those anorexic looking photos. The reason for the waistline to slim-up first is because the gut is where your body prefers to store fat. This may be because of it’s proximity to the digestive tract with it’s tremendous blood supply. In fact, many people who exercise while on the program have little or no weight loss after six weeks on the program yet lose two or more inches from their waist. And, since you no longer allow your ghrelin levels to rise again, the weight loss and smaller waistline is permanent. Other weight loss programs don’t take this critical factor into account. Another reason for the initial waistline decrease without significant weight loss is due to an increase in muscle mass together with a decrease in fat. This takes you from a “Mr. Potato” body to a more athletic body. Muscle actually requires calories just to be idle, whereas fat needs hardly any calories. This change in mass (from fat to muscle) gives you an additional way to burn calories! From a medical perspective, with more muscle mass, you will have improved strength, which we know lowers the risk for injury and will decrease joint and low back pain. The digestive tract is responsible for taking in the food you eat and delivering it to the bloodstream, so any system that involves food must have the cooperation of the intestinal tract. One way for the body to maximize the weight gaining effect of food absorption is to slow down the speed which food passes through the digestive tract. The majority of people with the metabolic syndrome complain always of being constipated. Having regular bowel movements is one of the things my weight loss patients are very happy about. Chronic constipation is associated with diverticulosis and hemorrhoids page 28 ContempoMag.com
Well intentioned or just stacked with gimmicks, many weight loss plans don’t take into account established medical research and miss the point of lowering Ghrelin levels. which are serious problems leading to many complications that are at times, life threatening. Colon cancer hits Americans harder than any other society in the world and it does not discriminate by race. One of the common conditions seen in patients with this deadly cancer is a history of chronic constipation. So, by reversing ghrelin induced chronic constipation you will decrease your risk of getting this cancer. Perhaps the most impressive benefit of lowering ghrelin is described in how type II diabetes is affected. After learning that ghrelin causes insulin resistance, it instantly made sense to me why a starvation prevention hormone would have to raise the blood sugar level to keep the body from fainting. It was believed that once you had type II diabetes that it was permanent and progressive. In other words, there was no cure and no hope to ever stop diabetes from getting worse. I have discovered that by lowering my patients ghrelin levels, all of them have improved their diabetes condition, and some have been completely cured. The list of diabetes complications is full of our most feared health enemies so by lowering your ghrelin you will be preventing all of them. Another deadly chronic illness that is improved by lowering ghrelin through this program is hypertension (high blood pressure). By decreasing belly fat there is less pressure on the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, which will lower the type of hypertension where obesity is the cause. And by losing weight you will improve or cure sleep apnea. From a medical perspective this is important because sleep apnea has been shown to raise blood pressure which we know can cause brain strokes and heart attacks. Reversing the metabolic syndrome returns the immune system to its normal state. It is well known how diabetes and obesity cause a higher risk for chronic infections, poor healing of wounds and injuries, and a higher risk to die from cancer. This is due to a malnourished immune system since the body, with high ghrelin, is storing the food you eat instead of distributing nutrition to the other areas such as the immune system. It is your immune system that protects you from infections and cancer, so any way to prevent a weak immune system merits a serious effort both from the individual and our health care system. Finally there are the psychological benefits of
lowering your ghrelin. For one thing the frustration of not being able to lose weight will be gone. Obesity will no longer be an issue you will struggle with ever again. The feelings of pride, self-esteem, confidence, optimism, and more energy do not show up on the vital statistics data, but for you, they will be priceless. I note in patients another psychological benefit that is also priceless. I see them sharing their success and accomplishment with their friends, that is in itself, is a great reward and vital in helping them sustain their own success. LEARNING TO LOWER GHRELIN ONE of the problems most people have today is doubting anything is possible to lose weight. This is perhaps due to so many false solutions that were presented to the public which have had a primary objective of making lots of money. I not saying that all previous diet plans were for profit only, in fact the majority of weight loss programs are sincere and do have successes. However, too many popular diet plans are just gimmicks or are well intended but their advise actually creates a worsening of obesity. This is why it is an important part of this program to explain the cause of the metabolic syndrome and how to reverse it. By understanding why there is success, you will be able to adapt a long term program to your lifestyle and maintain it. You will also be able to correct yourself if you stray from the program should some bump along the road happens. If you are the type that just wants to follow a plan without having to worry about the details then this plan also works very well. But, once there is success along with knowledge, you will forever be able to control your weight without looking for more solutions.
Dr. Darryl Stinson has practiced medicine in the McAllen area for 20 years and is developing an e-book on the subject. He is the treating physician of choice for the McAllen CISD and pioneered “The Doctor Stinson Weight Loss Program.” He can be reached at: dstinson@rgvpci.com
Our Mission: As personal trainers, our objective is to give you the knowledge and necessary tools to live a healthy lifestyle. We will help you understand how exercise and dieting can greatly improve your overall quality of life. We stress the importance of strength training for improving performance, and self confidence. Our main goal is to create effective exercise routines that compliment an individualís hectic lifestyle. With our help you will improve your overall fitness, sports performance and self image. Through proper goal setting and motivation, exercise will become more than just another day at the gym. It becomes an attitude that affects every aspect of your life.
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Beach view / Elektra Palace Hotel / Thessaloniki, Greece
ON LOCATION OFF THE BEATEN PATH with Crystal Felici in Greece
photos by Crystal Felici
I visited Greece almost a decade ago as a philosophy stu-
dent trying to keep up with my ivy league, over-achieving peers. Back then, I visited all the famous historical sites where the world’s greatest philosophers like Aristotle and Socrates lived and taught. But while cramming for exams, falling asleep on trains, and following a rigorous itinerary for 6 months through Greece and Europe, I had but a glimpse of what real, modern Greece was like. After finishing school, I returned to Europe twice to live, learn Italian, and experience the European way of life, however I never took the time to know the locals and truly immerse myself in their culture. And so, I have returned again to Greece to explore this wonderful place up-close. Greece, a country that is comprised mostly of islands, is one of the smallest countries in the European Union. Despite it’s size, it is considered one of the top destinations by Europeans and other nationalities due to its endless natural beauty and carefree lifestyle the Greeks are known for. Although the Greek Islands and Athens are the most recognized, the charming city of Thessaloniki is well worth a visit. Off the beaten path, this city along the water might hold just what you’re looking for.
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Thessaloniki is one of the oldest European cities and has produced, for Greece, some of its greatest musicians, artists, poets and thinkers. Known as the “hippest” city of Greece, it has some of the country’s most interesting beaches, hotels and restaurants. Home to the Thessaloniki Film Festival and the International Trade Fair, Thessaloniki is a city that hosts some of the largest events in Europe, yet is still a well kept secret among Greeks.
Where to Stay: Elektra Palace (30 2310-294000) This is Thessaloniki’s most charming hotel. Situated on the water at the center of the city, it has a pool and a million dollar view from the terrace on the top floor that offers guests an impressive view of the city.
Where to Visit: The White Tower: The city’s most famous monument houses an incredible museum exhibiting relics of the city’s past and present. To reach the top you must ascend 96 stair steps, but it’s well worth the climb Greece is known all over the world for having an ex- to enjoy the breathtaking views. tremely laid back attitude, and Thessaloniki is far from an exception. At cafes that line the Thermaikos Gulf, HALKIDIKI Greeks sit for hours having café frappés, chatting with Aristotle’s birthplace, Halkidiki, is a hidden gem below friends, and enjoying the beautiful ocean view. Younger Thessaloniki in Northern Greece. It is a three fingered hipsters dress in the latest casual trends and go to bars peninsula of extraordinary beauty that Greeks and Euto hear live music, where they party through the night. ropeans would like to keep for themselves. A short 45 Cafes, bars and restaurants stay open until dawn. There minute drive from Thessaloniki, Halkidiki is bordered with are delightful little courtyards like “Aristotle Plaza,” where crystal clear water and long beaches of fine grade sand. Greek music and melodies are played. And, if you need Along the beach there is dense vegetation and forest, a bit of cosmopolitan flare, Athens and the Acropolis are making for a truly unique beach-side experience. just a 50 minute flight away. The shallow water allows for all kinds of water sports from
Cliff view / Elektra Palace Hotel / Thessaloniki Beach water canoeing, to water skiing, and parasailing. If the beach and sun aren’t your pleasure then visit the Greek marinas. These picturesque waterways shelter some of the most expensive yachts in the world. The marina is bristling with exquisitely chic restaurants to choose from and trendy shopping alternatives. Where to Stay: DANAI BEACH This is an exclusive 62-suite resort where, behind the security gates, tanned blondes and oligarchs putter through manicured gardens on their golf carts. There are 15 different room types, all with inspirational interiors: Missoni drapes, Fendi pillows, Bulgari toiletries. The St Barth’s spa is decorated with marble deities. The best of the five restaurants is Squirrel, where the molecular menu features nitrogen foam with lime and green tea and ‘Pina Colada’deconstruction. SANI BEACH CLUB 63077 Kassandra, Halkidiki(00 30 23740 99500) Most guests don’t bother to leave this immaculate resort. There’s a crèche club so frazzled parents can make the most of a dozen restaurants, three spas and sandy beaches. Families favour the uncluttered bungalows of the Sani Beach Club; couples prefer the ritzier Asterias Suites, overlooking a marina where Salonika’s socialites come for sushi at Sea You Up or seafood at Alexis.
White Tower Museum / Thessaloniki The high season from June to August is extremely hot, very busy and also a bit expensive. April/May and September have the best weather with the best travel rates.
Once here in Greece, you will be amazed at how many activities are completely free. A boat ride in Thessaloniki from the main port in the “city center” is free of charge and offers some of the best views of the city. Greek food is delicious, healthy, and also very reasonably priced. While sitting at any restaurant on Nikis St. you may be What to Do: serenaded by live music or hear one of the many profesPearl nightclub is the place to see and be seen. Dancing sional artists that perform often in the city. All beaches in the open air club with a DJ that spins the best of Eu- are accessible to anyone and public transportation such as ropean dance and electronic music into the early morning ferries or trains are safe and reliable. hours is a favorite of Greeks and Europeans. Come and explore the lush beauty of Greece. Don’t Traveling on a Budget: come with a modest bundle of expectations. Instead, Since the adoption of the Euro, Greece has become a come with an open and positive mind. Be ready to be little more expensive; however, with proper planning a blown away by the beauty and charm of Thessaloniki trip to Greece is very achievable. and Halkidiki. the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
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The Fajita Cookoff At Palmfest Boasted 27 Entries. & For Some, Bragging Rights On A Tradition Dating Back To 1976. photos by Ralph Maga単a
Team Budweiser takes 1st Place in the Traditional Category
Los Charros took 2nd in Traditional
Team Boggus Ford 3rd in Traditional
Team RC Truck Brokerage of Pharr takes 1st in Booth Competition page 32 ContempoMag.com
Life insurance premiums are near historic lows. Term life insurance premiums have dropped to levels not seen in years. Do you have enough coverage to support your loved ones? Now is a good time to provide more protection for your family. Call today for a free, no-obligation life insurance review. This review is not, in any way, intended as an invitation to replace your existing policy coverage. Such an exchange is often not suitable due to such factors as surrender charges on your existing contract, the surrender charge period on the new contract, transaction costs associated with the exchange, the values of the new contract versus the old contract, and the various fees and expenses associated with the new product. Therefore, replacing an existing policy should only be considered after a careful evaluation of these factors as well as a thorough review of your existing coverage. Insurance products are offered through nonbank insurance agency affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company and are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies.
Melissa Magana & Laura Magana Laura Magaña
Financial Advisors 4900 North 10th Street, Building D1 McAllen, TX 78504 956-345-3530 (956) 343-0736 melissa.magana@wfadvisors.com . laura.magana@wfadvisors.com (956) 687-7211 Investment and Insurance Products: X NOT FDIC Insured X NO Bank Guarantee X MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2009 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. 0609-0683 [76811-v1] 06/09
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BREAKING EIGHTY They say visualizing is the key to any sport as it is for golf. But, seeing the wrong shot well won’t produce a round below 80. “Game management can be an easy way to shave the strokes when applied with reason”, according to Will Borowski, assistant professional at the Club at Cimarron.
Cimarron’s Par 3 / #8
170 yard / par 3 from the Championship Tees. / Water center and left. Two bunkers protecting green. Prevailing wind right-to-left head wind. / Trees protecting left approach. / Out of bounds to the right. Difficult pin placements put hazards well into play. Long putting surface favoring downhill puts. Hole management involves proper club selection that will vary with wind velocity and target selection based on pin placement. For this testy par 3 course management is everything for player who is trying to break 80 on the score card, specially with a pin placement around the center of the green. From the tee box, the green on #8 looks to be wider than it is long, but a view from above reveals it’s true elongated nature. Also, the green, as do most, slopes to the water. That should provide some kick from left to right once the ball is on the surface. The other critical factor is proper distance. Because the green is flanked at angle by a water hazard certain pin placements require an accurate club selection. Here, the moderately low handicapper should probably aim slightly left of center to protect against a miss-hit right or a an unintended fade and, since the green slopes a bit right, it is likely a well struck ball will kick to the pin from this line. If the shot draws left of the green there is a soft landing area under the large green-side tree that is easy to chip from. Wind direction for this drive is almost always a head-wind so, clubbing up should be accounted for. Hitting long into the rear bunker is a much better alternative to hitting a third from the tee box after a pond shot.
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McAllen’s Downtown Farmer’s Market McAllen's first downtown community based farmers market is up and running every Saturday morning at Alhambra. The market provides public access to the same local, sustainable, organic produce, meats and artisan products that local restaurants use on a daily basis according to Chef James. “All on display are from local growers, ranchers, and fisheries that use sustainable practices in their every day operations.” The first two events attracted hundreds of families from 10:30am to 1:30pm, the hours of the “The Market”. It is held at 519 south 17th Street in downtown McAllen on the patio at Alhambra every week on Saturday. There will be live music and cooking demonstrations by some of McAllen's top chefs as well as samplings of wine and foods supplied by our local vendors. Some of our vendors include Big river greens (the only carbon foot print free supplier in McAllen), Buckeye farms (supplier of locally raised chicken, eggs, best lamb in the country, quail, pork, and beef), House. Wine. (purveyors of fine wines and locavore advocates), Lozano's cakes unlimited (organic cake builders), Rodriquez farms (beautiful heirloom tomatoes and herbs), Idelma's urban oasis (one of the hottest backyard growers in town) Nick's picks (Chef and urban grower), Aieda's backyard lime lot (this lady can grow some organic limes) as well as many other vendors.
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Colossus-The Price of America’s Empire by Niall Ferguson explores the American experience as the World’s first unspoken empire. Drawing on comparisons to the Greeks, Romans, Ottomans and others, Ferguson argues well the idea that the best model for American is the British Empire and it’s culture for long spans of foreign service. He makes a compelling argument that America’s best examples of success follow the British experience while most of our other exploits were failures. This is a good read for those looking to understand why America’s strength and greatness aren’t enough to make the world see things our way, although according to Ferguson, they should. Although written several years ago, the book reflects on current events in Iraq, Mexico, China, South America and the European Union with remarkable accuracy. It is available at Barnes & Noble.
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o Tri g n l i tur e Gril a e u F enq l a P
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