Contempo CULTURE / BUSINESS / POLITICS / FASHION / TECHNOLOGY / TRAVEL June
2009
THE DUKE 15 YEARS ON HARRIS TOP TEN LIST LIVING THE AMERICAN DREAM
MISSY’S SPECTACULAR MADI GRAS FASHION SHOW
GREAT DEALS ON TRAVEL MEXICO L.A.’S LORENA HERNANDEZ SURVEYS VALLEY BANDS
SKEET SHOOT TO BENEFIT EASTER SEALS ACCELERATE PC HARD DISK SPEED
GUN CONTROL ON THE BORDER the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
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Contempo June
2009
CULTURE / BUSINESS / POLITICS / FASHION / TECHNOLOGY / TRAVEL
Greetings everyone. I hope you enjoyed the unusually cool weather last month while it lasted. After living here for over 46 years it seemed that the “cool fronts” puckered out much later this Spring than they usually do and I found myself spending more time outdoors–not necessarily engaging in any particular outdoor activity but just sitting back and smelling the gardenias. I didn’t do this kind of thing much before but I found myself liking it. Just observing nature and smelling the gardenias (I have a 7 foot shaded plant). Closing my eyes I discovered the sweet sound of birds and the rustle of gentle wind on tree limbs and tall grass. That’s it. I’m out like a light. Hours pass in tranquil slumber. This has not been a common pass time for me but I start to take a liking to the serenity of it and looked forward to another such encounter. There really is much more to the familiar anecdote as we grow in years, I think. Certainly we are always welcome to the idea of things that we can look forward to as we age among those that we would rather not, and for me this is one of them. So let’s keep on the quick about those little things we can look forward to. Write to us about your thoughts on “things you look forward to” as we get older. And, by the way, don’t try to interpret my age based on how long I said I have lived here or you will miss the whole point. I was just trying to trip you up. Really! It was a real honor to do our feature story of the month on the Spring Fashion Show by Missy’s modeling students. The kids had a lot of fun, gained valuable experience and raised enough food to help feed over 7,000 families living in poverty. I’d say their performance was perfect and demonstrates the strength of our valley culture and character. They are a powerful and needed inspiration to generations of other kids that follow and in my book that makes them all leaders too. Congratulations Missy for the sold-out performance and for being a great inspiration to thousands of Valley kids over the years. 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.
President / Ralph Magaña Editor / Raul Cabrera Computer Technology / Michael Bilyeu Business & Latin American Affairs / Tony Magaña Women’s Medicine / Dr. Carlos Almaguer Fashion / Vanessa Valente Culture & Travel / Crystal Felici Personal Finance / Melissa Magaña City Beat / Shaine Mata Ad Sales / Adriana Fernandez 960.2453 Beatrice Casas 569.3134 / Ralph Magaña 467.7880 Chanel Riviello 305.394.7153 Distribution / Rosa Lopez Co-founder & Webpage Editor / Tony Magaña 956.467.7880 e-mail: wmagana@rgv.rr.com web site: www.contempomag.com Suite B, PMB#170, 2403 N. 10th. St. McAllen, Tx 78501
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IN THIS ISSUE The Duke, John Wayne Makes Top Ten List Again Valley Fashion Focus–Showing Skin Tastefully Missy’s Spring Fashion Show A la Madi-Gras On Medical Funding–A Quality of Care Issue? Living the American Dream How You Would Describe the Menstraul Cycle Valley Medical School Draws Closer in Trade-Off Legislation Looks to Improve Curriculum Standards Culinary Master, Jimmy De La Cruz on Dinner for 400! Best Mexico Travel Deals after Flu Outbreak Subsides Gun Control Agenda Jambs Border with Mimimal Results Securing Your Home in Time for Tough Times Skeet Shoot Tournament to Benefit Easter Seals Upper Valley Pioneers Break New Ground Lorena Hernandez Brings 70’s Pop Back to the Valley Pushing the Limits for Hard Drive Speed
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Contempo
Contempo May
2009
CULTURE / BUSINESS / POLITICS / FASHION / TECHNOLOGY / TRAVEL
CULTURE / BUSINESS / POLITICS / FASHION / TECHNOLOGY / TRAVEL June
2009
MISS RGV USA PAGEANT 2009 MCALLEN TEA PARTY SPARKS AT ARCHER
LIVING THE AMERICAN DREAM
TEXAS MAKES GIANT SOLAR ENERGY MOVE ARE YOUR TEENS PROTECTED FROM HVP? BRAZIL’S IGUAZU FALLS
MCALLEN MUSIC FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS HYPERMILING FOR VALLEY COMMUTERS
Contempo The Lifestyle Variety Magazine for the Upper Valley
June 2008
THE DUKE 15 YEARS ON HARRIS TOP TEN LIST
TV, Movies & what’s Next for UV Girl,
Shannon Sauceda
MISSY’S SPECTACULAR MADI GRAS FASHION SHOW
Major Avila U.S. Marine Views Washington from Above
GREAT DEALS ON TRAVEL MEXICO L.A.’S LORENA HERNANDEZ SURVEYS VALLEY BANDS
SKEET SHOOT TO BENEFIT EASTER SEALS ACCELERATE PC HARD DISK SPEED
GUN CONTROL ON THE BORDER
Men’s Wear The New Meaning of BLACK TIE Detection=Prevention Medical Advances in Preventative Care
Protect Your Computer from Electrical Storms
Contempo March
2009
UPPER VALLEY CULTURE / BUSINESS / POLITICS / FASHION / TECHNOLOGY
In This Issue
Cover: The lead models for Missy’s Modeling appear after their Spring Fashion Show. Many of Missy’s students hold state and valley pageant titles and are seen in national fashion campaigns. Read more about Missy’s Modeling at www.contempomag.com
STYLISH FOOTWEAR for the Latina Employee Free Choice Act Impact on Valley Business BUILDING Relationships in a STIFF MARKET Sharpen Your Selling Skills with PCA Diversified Portofolios in Turbulent Times UTPA Planetarium
Border Security Do We Need the Military? UTPA Folkloric DANCERS ON STAGE Contempo Pioneer
Gabrela Uresti
On Politics Hard Shift Left? DEALING with IDENTITY THIEFT e mails & docs BOOK REVIEW Cover photo-Gabriela Uresti at the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse
Contempo September 2008
The Lifestyle Variety Magazine for the Upper Valley
Readers Forum
We invite your comments and suggestions. Do you like our articles? What should we cover? Do you have someone in mind as a Contempo Pioneer? Some recent posts from our readers– Dear Contempo, I enjoy your penetrating articles but you should do more on Valley historical sites. There are many around but no one seems to take much interest. Great website, do you charge for the Ads? Emily Rodes, San Antonio
Thanks Emily, we keep the site updated everyday so visit as much as you like for new Valley topics. You are right about the histo-sites. I don’t see much on them either. Look for something in the next couple of months. Great idea.
UV Pioneer Jamie-Lynne Brown on Higher ED ACCESS
Dr. Trey Fulp First S. TEXAS
Best of Show
Boomer Income Strategies
Hibiscus
Fashionable Fall Tops
Valley Life after HR 4088
THE ULTIMATE South Texas Home Series VALLEY TREASURE
The Old Hidalgo Pump House
Adult Stem Cell Back Surgery
The Eager Nostalgic HOLDING AN ON-LINE CONNECTION & VIRUS UPDATES FINE DINNING GUIDE
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Contempo Pioneer Brittany Rodriguez Valentine’s Day, Where it all Started Mexico City’s Chapultepec Castle Will Texas Democrats make a Comeback? Tequisqiapan Revisited Contempo Woman of the Year, Alida Hernandez
UTPA Spotlight Marianella Franklin Recovering Deleted Photos Fashion The New Latina Nidia Quintanilla & Christian Pop Diversity in a Turbulent Market Keeping Our Senior Drivers Safe
Your take on culture is the perfect shot in the arm for the local media industry. The Valley should certainly represent our excellent cultural mix. Indeed, the area has attracted many hispanics from around the world. Please take the opportunity to publish on these treasures. Daisy
Dittos. A piece on Columbian Quensenyeras is in the works. We were asked to attend one such event recently that was very impressive. They are quite lively and immerse you into a “Carnival” like experience. It will be in our July edition. We certainly want to explore the mix of cultures that make up the Valley. Thanks.
What to Look For Next Month: Western Valley Treasures Exploring the South Texas Brush Country Send your comments and suggestions by e-mail to: ralph@contempomag.com
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The Duke Makes Harris Top Ten List Again & Again S
everal months ago, the Harris Poll released its annual list of our ten most popular movie stars. Notably absent from the list were Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, and Brad Pitt (though Angelina squeaked on for the first time, tied for last place with Morgan Freeman).
boys, like Gary Cooper and Jimmy Stewart. Other bigger stars like Clark Gable and Gregory Peck played soldiers. But around the world, whenever John Wayne played a cowboy or a soldier, he was America. Wayne's persona- its bigness, roughness, but also its decency- literally came to define our heritage. And to a surprising deRanked ahead of current box-office draws gree, it still does. Tom Hanks and Johnny Depp, and just behind Denzel and Clint at the top of the Wayne himself would never have predictheap, we find John Wayne. Notably, his is ed the longevity of his image, and would the only name from Hollywood's Golden be incredulous if he knew about it. During Age, and the only name that has appeared his lifetime, he was no stranger to setbacks on every top ten Harris list over the past and self-doubt. After a failed early shot at fifteen years. stardom in 1930's "The Big Trail", the Duke had to toil in "B" western potboilers for On May 26th, John Wayne would have nearly ten years before director John Ford turned 102. Though he's been gone thirty gave him another chance at the big time. years, his movies-and his outsize character- refuse to fade. And then- even when he'd made it, over the years he was repeatedly told by Ford, Not surprisingly, the Duke is more popular his frequent collaborator and mentor, that with seniors over sixty, and he plays best he simply couldn't act. He took the abuse in the West, and among Republicans. But stoically. Though his range was limited, he still...think of all the great actors from that could indeed act, and after Wayne's memvibrant period when Wayne was making orable performance in "Red River" (1949), pictures: Bogart, Grant, Brando, Newman, even Ford had to admit it, though not to his to name just a few. In their own time, it face. could be argued that each of these names were hotter than Wayne's, and yet, they One might reasonably assume that Wayne's don't make the list. They seem part of the right-wing politics would also work against past, while the Duke stubbornly lives on. the popularity he still enjoys. Although (ironically) he accepted Gary Cooper's What accounts for this actor's uncanny en- Oscar in 1952, Wayne supported the Mcdurance? Other better actors played cow- Carthy Communist witch hunt, and railed page 8 ContempoMag.com
against the classic "High Noon" for being un-American. (Indeed, several years later, Howard Hawks and Wayne would make "Rio Bravo" as a "patriotic" response to the earlier film). By the time he won his sole Oscar for 1969's "True Grit", he was still an outspoken hawk, openly defending the Vietnam War, and to prove it, starring in 1968's chest-thumping "The Green Berets". Predictably, he was distinctly old-fashioned in his views on gender and race as well. But there was an open, bluff quality to Duke Wayne that made people forgive and even respect him. He was principled without being self-important, supported the right of others to differ with him, and mellowed considerably after his first serious brush with cancer in 1964. He even had a well-concealed sensitive side. His lifelong friend Claire Trevor, who co-starred with him in "Stagecoach"(1939), once showed me a touching poem he'd written on the death of her step-son, with whom he'd been unusually close. The verse was heartfelt and moving, the work of a man capable of deep feeling. I have never forgotten reading it. For someone who reputedly couldn't act, John Wayne certainly made a lot of great movies. I'm going to list a few of his lesserknown titles that are personal favorites of
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tion in lustrous technicolor, with a trim story brought to life by a luminous Page in her film debut, and Ward Bond (Duke's reallife crony) as Hondo's friend. Also look for James Arness in a pivotal role- he'd soon make his career in Westerns on TV's longrunning "Gunsmoke"- and Wayne himself would introduce the first episode. Hatari! (1962)- Sean Mercer (Wayne) heads a group of game-hunters in Africa who capture animals for zoos. Sean's sense of order is upset when his trusted driver (Bruce Cabot) gets hurt, and even more so when chic female photographer Dallas (Elsa Martinelli) arrives to shoot a magazine spread. Will Sean keep Dallas safe till she can take her pictures and go home?
mine. Please add your own top Duke picks, stoic Brickley, with Duke an ideal counteralong with any thoughts you have on what point as the rough-around-the-edges Ryan. keeps his star burning so bright. Donna Reed also makes a bewitching love interest as the nurse who falls for Rusty. The Long Voyage Home (1940)- After the success of "Stagecoach", John Ford was She Wore A Yellow Ribbon (1949)- In this eager to display his new find again. Here, second of John Ford's Cavalry Trilogy, Wayne plays simple Swedish seaman Ole Wayne ages considerably to play Captain Olsen, who finds himself on a merchant Nathan Brittles, a career frontier officer ship at the start of World War 2, surround- facing imminent retirement, a prospect ed by a nervous crew. The ship is carry- that fills him with dread, as his only family ing badly needed ammunition to the Brit- is the army. However, one last mission conish, making it a highly desirable target for fronts him: an Indian uprising is brewing, German U-Boats. There may also be spies and with a small team, Brittles must escort aboard. his superior's wife (Mildred Natwick) and niece (Joanne Dru) out of harm's way. Boasting stunning cinematography from Gregg Toland, who'd go on to collaborate "Ribbon" still registers, thanks to an emowith Orson Welles on "Citizen Kane", Ford's tionally layered performance from Wayne, film generates tension mixed with a subtle combined with Victor McLaglen's comic melancholy. Anchoring this unheralded turn as a tippling top Sergeant, and color sea picture is the brilliant Thomas Mitchell cinematography that turns Monument Valas old salt "Drisk" Driscoll, ably supported ley into an animated Remington painting by character actors Barry Fitzgerald and (netting cinematographer Winston Hoch John Qualen, among others. an Oscar). A young Ben Johnson also stands out as Sergeant Tyree, a brave soldier very They Were Expendable (1945)- Director much in the Brittles mold. Ford again delivers a powerful human tale of hope barely sustained during the dark- Hondo (1953)- The best John Wayne westest days of World War 2. This is the story ern not directed by John Ford or Howard of the PT boats during those tough, early Hawks, "Hondo" showcases the Duke in his days in the Pacific. Skipper John Brickley prime. Hondo Lane (Wayne) is a cavalry (Robert Montgomery) and his right hand rider who encounters Angie (Geraldine man, Rusty Ryan (Wayne), have difficulty Page) and her young son homesteading convincing the navy brass of the PTs' value near Apache territory. Hondo warns her to the war effort.Eventually, these nimble that the Apaches are on the war path, but craft play a vital role in turning the tide, she refuses to clear out. When Hondo reallowing General MacArthur to keep his turns, hostilities have started, and he must promise to return there. protect the family, while holding a terrible secret. Montgomery (father of Elizabeth from "Bewitched", and an actual decorated PT boat Helmed by John Farrow (Mia's dad), the skipper) is superb as the embattled but film is stunningly photographed on locapage 10 ContempoMag.com
Good-natured Howard Hawks outing was a nice change of pace for Wayne, with its jocular tone and gorgeous on-location shooting. (Don't miss those thrilling wild animal chases.) "Hatari" boasts deft ensemble playing from Cabot, Red Buttons, and Hardy Kruger, who make up Mercer's core team. And we can well understand how Martinelli's Dallas would get under Sean's thick skin. A catchy Henry Mancini score completes this exuberant, diverting picture, ideal for all ages. The Shootist (1976)- For his swansong, Wayne teamed with "Dirty Harry" director Don Siegel for this elegiac story of a dying gunman who longs for a noble end, but must contend with vultures intent on feeding off his reputation and gloating over his impending demise. Renowned for his sixshooting prowess and high body count, J.B. Books (Wayne) rolls into Carson City to look up trusted friend Doctor Hostetler (James Stewart), who confirms Books has terminal cancer. Hoping to end his days quietly, Books retreats to a boarding house run by widow Bond Rogers (Lauren Bacall) and son Gillom (Ron Howard). But with Books's violent past, can this old legend go gently into that good night? Here the aging star is by turns courtly, stoic, and world-weary playing off Bacall's rigid but ultimately sympathetic widow. And from that opening montage of old Wayne films, you realize you're watching a movie not just about the demise of the Old West, but also about the end of one actor's legendary career.. Thus, "The Shootist" can't help but be poignant. Predictably, the Duke does it proud...to the very last shootout. by John Farr
C
A featured movie blogger on The Huffington Post, John Farr lectures on timeless films and is editor of http://www.bestmoviesbyfarr.com, a website and blog that celebrates over 2,000 of the best features ever made, old and new, domestic and foreign.
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Valley Fashion Focus
with Vanessa Valiente
Show Skin Fashionably & in Good Taste Skin is in! For the ladies with smooth complex-
ions, soft skin and defined limbs, showing off your epidermis is a must, but proceed with caution. Exposing your flesh can go from in to inappropriate if executed without taste. Particularly younger women are caught committing skin faux pax by making that one mistake: listening to that adage “If you’ve got it, flaunt it.” There is a piece of fashion advice that can be used time and again to create a stylish and desirable appearance. Balance your look. Whether you are displaying your décolletage, showing off your stems or baring your back you must remember not to reveal all in one sitting. Generally, you want to choose one area to showcase. When presenting your chest in an outfit you don’t want to offer an overload of cleavage. Your bust should tempt, not invite. Tops that should be avoided are deep U and V neck t-shirts or halter tops that lack any redeeming detailing. Instead of these styles with diving necklines explore strapless numbers, sweet heart necklines and tops that have built in support so you can skip a bra.
The maxi dress is a superb choice to show off your décolletage. The strapless version as well as the alternative is both sexy without going over the top. Another option that creates that wonderful balance of hidden legs and exposed chest is the in vogue jumpsuit. Both pieces can be worn with key is to have the perfect fit. When showing off flats or heels as well as casually or for evenings your legs, or your cleavage for that matter, steer out. away from tight. Think breezy fits or structured looks to join your mini skirt. If you feel the urge to combine a low neckline with a short hem try a dress with long sleeves. Choosing a mini skirt this season will be an aweThe contradiction of conservative sleeves with some deed with all the incredible styles available. bust baring and leg showing will create a shock- Voluminous, pleated, feathered or bejeweled, ingly sultry but stylish appearance. the skirts are not only short but robust as well. Pair it with loose tops that have cap sleeves, tank Legs can be shown in a variety of ways while straps, longer sleeves or even a strapless blouse. sharing the spotlight with your other goods. The Shorts too are more than utilitarian through spring page 14 ContempoMag.com
and summer. The same details on mini skirts are being added to shorts of all occasions including dress shorts made of silk, linen or fine cotton. Once again a roomy top of any style will create a beautiful outfit with today’s shorts. When moving to short dresses continue the necessary balance. If you want to dazzle folks with your bare arms and long legs, don a dress with a conservative neckline. Seek out a boat neck, turtleneck or simply a higher neckline. You can also stabilize the look by choosing heels that veer
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to the trendier side versus sexy or opt for elegant boots. These set of suggestions also work for the casual version except instead of heels, think flats or casual boots that can work during the day.
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Similar to the legs, your back can combine with other delightful parts of your body and still make a suitably sexy image. A backless dress is consistently a chic avenue to sexual attention. When slipping into a frock of this type try a dress that has structure and well placed straps to avoid any bra peeks or malfunctions. If you want to show posterior skin but not worry about your dress or underwear misbehaving select a dress that has large cutouts of fabric opposed to the lack thereof. Going bare is divine but for the chicas who want to cover up a bit try something sheer. Translucent fabrics stormed down the runways last year and are now showing up in fashionable stores. A sheer back to your top or a sheer couple of inches at the end of your dress or skirt will make you feel brave without the fear of looking floozy-like. Sheer cap sleeves combined with a sheer neck would also give your outfit a little intimate edge. On the other hand, there are those that are dying to hear the exceptions to the appropriate rules. I can hear them begging, “Isn’t there a way I can show it all that still shouts fashionable?” A strapless romper in a fierce or cute print is capable of such a task. There are also some dresses that displays cleavage, dips low in the back and leaves only a few inches of leg to the imagination. This dress needs to be of a quality print and fabric, possess on-trend details and has an obviously voluminous skirt in order to say high style. It is also highly recommended that your form be in tip-top condition. Whichever way you choose to stay cool and feel sensual during the Rio Grande Valley’s warm seasons bear in mind one point. A stylish and appropriate female knows that flaunting your skin starts with the desire to feel the wind and warmth of summer uninterrupted by fabric. Be comfortable and confident in your own skin and the clothing you choose to cover it. C Editors Note: Vanessa Valiente is a noted costume designer for cinema, television, and stage. Her credits include the series, “FashionHouse”. She has been a personal stylist for many of Hollywood’s celebrities. Her column appears exclusively in Contempo Magazine .Her fashion blog for men and women is www.v-style.typepad.com. Her website is http://www.vanessavaliente.com/home.html See her movie credits on the internet movie database at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2378827/
Missy’s Spring Fashion Show
Raises Funds for Child Advocacy
W
hen it comes to modeling, no one else comes close to the high fashion catwalks of New York and L.A. like Missy's Modeling studio. Missy’s award winning modeling school and agency have become the recognized industry leader in the Valley and have become innovators in the field of modeling. On May 24th Missy's Modeling Studio presented the 4th Annual Spring Fashion Show, with over 150 models from around the Valley showcasing their colorful and dazzling MARDI GRAS fashions. Missy Vargas, owner, has been in the fashion modeling industry for 14 years and built quite a reputation, leading them
to work with companies such as Seventeen Magazine, YM Magazine, Tommy Hilfiger, Macy’s, Guess, Betsy Johnson, Marciano, and The Premium Outlets in Mercedes. In October of last year they appeared on the Island at the Peninsula, in a collaborative shoot with Contempo and Latina Magazines for Southpole Fashions. In addition, the studio has annually done shows for La Plaza Mall in McAllen, Valle Vista Mall in Harlingen, Sunrise Mall in Brownsville, Mall Del Norte in Laredo, and have been featured in a nation wide print ad for Wal-Mart. Missy's studio has also captured a share of the celebthe Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
rity shoots. They opened for Diana Ross, Donna Summers, Enrique Iglesias, Raven Symone, T.I. and Akon showcasing the latest styles from Joyce International Boutique at the Dodge Arena. The studio has traveled to Corpus Christi, South Padre Island and San Antonio to do bridal shows for David's Bridal. Although the studio has created an impressive resume, their main focus is a commitment to education and community service. The studio averages 150 students per week, but in order to continue with the program, the models must maintain a passing average in school to participate. In addition to the academic page 17 ContempoMag.com
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requirements, the models must dedicate time for community projects. Teaching these young men and ladies the importance of giving back is one of the things Missy's Modeling Studio takes pride in. The models for this event went out and sold raffle tickets to raise money for a local child advocacy program. They raised over $1,000 and donated toys. For the Food Bank they raised enough donations to help feed over 7,000 people.” All the models learn the importance of community service that has always been a hallmark of Missy’s work. The models have visited several Valley colonias during the holidays and donated over 250 gifts and many articles of clothing. More recently the models helped 100 students at a local elementary school by giving them new toys and clothing for Christmas. The models page 20 ContempoMag.com
also participate in the "Be Alive Youth Program" that offers free modeling classes to children and teens that come from a low socioeconomic background. All the young ladies who have passed through the doors of Missy’s Modeling know that it’s not all about beauty or physical appearance, but about being well rounded individuals who can present themselves in a professional and courteous manner. That’s the way Missy Vargas planned it and that’s the way it shall always be in her studio on North 10th St. at La Vista in McAllen. C by Ralph Magaña
A change proposed in the automatic admission of a student in the top ten percent of any Texas high school to public universities by state Sen. Florence Shapiro (R-Plano) is creating controversy
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In almost every state as the economy has declined the number of students who might normally have considered attending a private university has dropped while the number applying to instate public university has dramatically increased. The difference in tuition costs between the two can vary as much as $40,000 or more per year. Top rated public universities across the country are now becoming much selective and increasing their admissions standards in response to the increased quality of the applicant pool. Texas Senate Bill 175 (SB 175) was sponsored by the well known education reform advocate Sen. Florence Shapiro (R-Plano) at the request of the University of Texas which would change a rule about automatic admission to a Texas public university. Currently public colleges and universities in Texas are required to admit applicants who graduate in the top ten percent of the their graduating classes. This rule appertains to both public and private schools of all sizes and from any place in Texas as long as the school is accredited, the student has taken a recommended curriculum, and achieved a minimum college entrance test score.
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SB 175 would change the rule to allow universities to cap the percentage of those admitted by this measure to 50%. The reason for this is that the University of Texas at Austin has become so full of applicants by the top ten percent rule that no other criteria can be considered. Last year they filled up 85% of the freshman class by the top ten rule.
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Many traditional minority advocacy groups such as the NAACP, LULAC, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund say the measure unfairly would limit automatic admissions that were designed to increase diversity at higher education institutions and enhance opportunities for minority and low-income students, particularly at UT-Austin and Texas A&M. It also would penalize students who finished high school before the recommended curriculum was required.
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In many areas of the state there are poorer mostly minority high schools such as in the small Hispanic majority towns of South Texas or the African American communities in the Houston area. Typically even the best students there may not score as well on college entrance exams like the SAT or ACT as more affluent students from better suburban public or private schools. The ten percent rule guaranteed that at least the top students from poor minority high schools would get a chance to attend a tier 1 public university. (Texas has only two tier 1 schools, UT-Austin and Texas A&M, and one private tier 1, Rice University.
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I am forever grateful opportunity to so You can for Dothe More...even onhave Sunday.” attended Texas A&M University in the 70’s coming from South Texas. If you visit the campus today the diversity of students is much different than when I was there. Now the proportion of Hispanics nearly reflects their representation in
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page 21 ContempoMag.com
On Health Care Reform
with Sen. John Cornyn
THE CHALLENGE: GETTING A HANDLE ON HEALTH CARE COSTS & MAINTAINING QUALITY OF CARE
C
ongress recently began consideration of various proposals to reform health care – and our biggest challenge is to help make it more affordable. Health care costs have risen far faster than inflation in both good and bad times. Health care costs force many self-employed workers into the ranks of the uninsured. Americans now spend twice as much per capita on health care than do Canadians, Britons, and our other friends across the developed world.
Americans Pay $2 on $1
Paying twice as much for something is fine if you are getting twice as good a product, yet too many of our health care dollars are not buying higher quality care. A recent study found that high spending on health care does not guarantee high quality, and that some of the nation's best medical outcomes are delivered by lowcost providers. On the other end of the spectrum, too much routine care is being administered by high-cost emergency rooms. As the Statesman reported a few weeks ago, a single patient in Central Texas spent more than 140 days in the ER last year, and more than 500 days over five years. Our trauma centers will never be the most appropriate facilities to treat folks with chronic medical conditions.
“In Washington, it often seems that there's no constituency for lower costs, as every interest group tries to get the most they can from taxpayers.� doctors and patients, or by placing patients on waiting lists for months or years. The same thing could happen here in America through "comparative effectiveness" policies that allow government, not physicians, to decide which treatments work best.
Fraud, Waste & Focused Public Protection
The good news is that both government and the private sector have demonstrated that this approach can lower costs. Medicare Part D, which provides prescription drug benefits for seniors, is one of the few federal programs to spend less than anticipated. Unlike traditional Medicare, this program offers options for seniors entirely through private plans, and fosters competition for their business. As a result, program costs have gone down 37 percent, and more than 80 percent of seniors are satisfied with the program.
I believe there's a better vision to make health care more affordable. First, we can get a handle on federal health care fraud. Taxpayers pay up to $90 billion a year in fraudulent and wasteful medical bills, about two-thirds of that in the Medicare program alone. As long as fraud remains such a serious problem in Washington, growing government will never be the soluThe private sector has also helped empower tion to higher health care costs. patients as consumers, including right here Second, we can lower costs through lawsuit in Austin. Whole Foods has combined highreform. Every victim of medical malpractice deductible health plans with a personal wellshould have access to our courts, but our laws ness account that each employee can control. must ensure that patients receive reasonable Whole Foods reports that in one year, particicompensation without enriching their law- pating employees had fewer medical claims, yers. Texas can be proud of our record in this prescription drug claims, and hospital admisarea, as lawsuit reform has reduced insurance sions. The company's costs went down even premiums for providers, while still protecting as participating employees reported high satisfaction with the quality of their care. true victims of medical negligence.
President Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats have pledged health care reforms that will lower costs, but so far higher costs will hit the taxpayer in the near future. The budget Congress passed last week envisions Free Market Innovation & more than $600 billion for health care reform, and that's just the "down payment." More taxEncouraged Participation es or borrowing seem certain, while the cost Third, we can get better value for our health savings are pushed to the vague and distant care dollars by creating more choices for pafuture. tients through the free market. The free market is the best system ever devised for spurring inThere are two competing visions for making novation and delivering the services consumhealth care more affordable. One vision is to ers want at the most competitive prices posdelay or deny treatment to patients who need sible. Government's role should be to make care. In many nations, socialized medicine the system work for patients, by encouraging saves money by overruling the decisions of more providers to enter the market, and by page 22 ContempoMag.com
ensuring that they are motivated by consumer preferences rather than by government reimbursement rates.
In Washington, it often seems that there's no constituency for lower costs, as every interest group tries to get the most they can from taxpayers. But in Texas, I understand that affordability is the biggest issue for employers and employees alike. More government spending won't make health care more affordable. To truly lower costs, health care reform must create market incentives for providers to deliver the highest quality services at the most competitive prices possible. C
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Investments with Melissa Magaña LIVING THE AMERICAN DREAM Provided By: Melissa Magaña, Financial Advisor Wells Fargo Advisors Member NYSE/SIPC 4900 North 10th Street North Towne Center Building D1 McAllen, TX 78504 (956) 345-3530 People may have varying definitions of just exactly what constitutes “The American Dream,” but one very important component that most can agree on comes in the form of home ownership. While many of us aspire to own a home, it can be a challenge to select the appropriate financing solution to make this dream a reality, especially given the broad array of choices available. To help them understand how to choose from the many alternatives, smart investors turn to professionals for assistance in matching the best strategy with their individual situation. It will come as no surprise to hear that your home is probably your biggest asset. Most people take out a loan to buy a home and then make regular monthly payments over the term of the loan. Because those payments are made up of interest and principal payments, you actually build equity in your home as you pay down the principal portion of the debt. As an added bonus, if your property’s value increases, you gain that much more in equity. You may also benefit from tax incentives because mortgage interest is generally tax-deductible if you itemize.* As you can see, there are several benefits to owning your own home — aside from just having a roof over your head. To help you get an idea of how to go about making this important purchase, let’s take a look at some of the many financing options available. More traditional long-term loans were the standard in the past, but now there are newer and more innovative home financing solutions. Most lenders offer several types of mortgages, and each one is suitable for different situations. While you may be familiar with the standard options, following are just a few examples of other financing options that will help you fund more than just an ordinary existing home purchase. New construction loans. Many homeowners choose to build a home, literally from the foundation up. A lot can happen during the time it takes to complete a home construction project. For example, a rise in interest rates could potentially affect a homeowner’s monthly and annual budgets. Certain lenders offer specific loan types and programs that provide some protection against rising interest rates, giving you a little more peace of mind throughout the process.
Home renovation and remodeling projects. When you go searching for the perfect home, it’s possible you may not find it. Even though you like the location or style of a home, you may not be fond of all the trimmings that come with it. At the time of purchase, you may already know you will want an additional amount for renovations. One thing you’ll want to consider is whether the lender will base the loan amount on the value of your home as is, or the anticipated value of the home after renovations. Keep in mind that by combining the initial mortgage and the additional amount for renovation into one loan, you may be able to preserve the tax deductibility of the interest on both expenses. You may also be able to afford monthly payments that spread your renovation costs over time, and you can begin your renovations immediately through quick access to cash. Not all home buyers require the special attributes of construction or renovation loans. Traditional fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages may work well for your individual situation, but it’s important to understand what your options are before you make this important decision. By carefully examining your options, you can work toward making your goal of home ownership a reality. C *Itemized deductions, including mortgage interest deductions, are phased out at higher income levels. Consult your tax advisor for details. Wachovia Securities is the trade name used by two separate, registered broker-dealers and nonbank affiliates of Wachovia Corporation providing certain retail securities brokerage services: Wachovia Securities, LLC Member, NYSE/SIPC, and Wachovia Securities Financial Network, LLC (WSFN), Member FINRA/SIPC. Investments in securities and insurance products: NOT FDIC-INSURED/ NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE. Lending Services are available through banking and non-banking subsidiaries of Wachovia Corporation, including, but not limited to Wachovia Bank, National Association and Wachovia Bank of Delaware, National Association, separate affiliates of Wachovia Securities, LLC and subsidiaries of Wachovia Corporation. All loans are subject to credit approval. Wachovia Bank and Wachovia Bank of Delaware are equal housing and opportunity lenders. 0808-96851
Term and Permanent Life Insurance1 Business Retirement Plans (401(k) and Profit Sharing Plans) Stocks • Bonds • Mutual Funds IRAs • FDIC-Insured CDs2 Mortgages3 • Complimentary Review Melissa Magaña and Laura Magaña, Financial Advisors Wells Fargo Advisors 4900 North 10th Street North Towne Center - Building D1 • McAllen, Texas 78504 956.687.7211 Tel • 956.345.3530 Cell 956.618.4302 Fax • 800.356.9202 Toll Free melissa.magana@wfadvisors.com • laura.magana@wfadvisors.com Insurance products are offered through nonbank insurance agency affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company and are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies. Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC is a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. 2 Up to $100,000 per Institution 3 Lending and other banking services available through the Banking Services Group of Wells Fargo Advisors are offered by banking and non-banking affiliates of Wachovia Corporation, including, but not limited to Wachovia Mortgage, FSB, Wachovia Mortgage Corporation, Wachovia Bank, National Association, Wachovia Bank of Delaware, National Association, or Wachovia Financial Services, Inc. All loans and lines of credit are subject to credit approval, verification and collateral evaluation. Products are not available in all states. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. Wells Fargo Advisors is not a tax advisor. 1
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. 0509-4361 [76537-v1] 05/09 the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
page 25 ContempoMag.com
Women’s Health Front How Would You Discribe Your Menstrual Cycle By Dr. Carlos Almaguer
Most women have a menstrual period only
once a month lasting an average of 5 days. A typical menstrual cycle is 28 days in length consisting of 7 days of menstrual flow followed by 21 days of no bleeding before the onset of the next period. Hormones control the menstrual cycle. They are chemical messengers produced by glands in our body. Hormones can also be taken in the form of medications, such as birth control pills, natural products, and various other preparations. Primarily, the brain and the ovary produce the hormones that control the menstrual cycle. Ovulation must occur for the menstrual cycle to proceed normally. Lack of ovulation or improper hormone release by the brain and the ovary can cause a change in the menstrual cycle or even prevent it from occurring. Other conditions, which can disrupt the menstrual cycle, are infections, tumors, ovarian cysts, pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders, and the condition most feared, cancer. While treatment for an abnormal menstrual cycle may be as simple as taking several months of the pill, the diagnoses of the underlying condition requires expertise. The cause for abnormal bleeding should always be determined before initiating treatment.
powerful substances that can produce dramatic changes with even a slight alteration. For example, excess male hormone in women with a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome can produce secondary male characteristics such a beard, acne, balding, etc. Hormones also control a woman’s ability to get pregnant through a process called ovulation. This occurs when the brain signals the ovary to form a mature egg or follicle. About fourteen days after the first day of the period the follicle bursts. If a sperm is encountered, conception occurs. A disruption in the ovulation process can cause a cascade of problems for women. An astute clinician can usually find the cause and treat it.
Uterine infections are the second most common reason that women may bleed either irregularly or heavier than normal. Sexually transmitted infections and a number of bacteria that normally live in the vagina and intestine can be responsible for bleeding if they infect the uterus, tubes or pelvic organs. Infections are usually not implicated by some practitioners, because they may not routinely perform cultures, which is how infections are identified. Instead, birth control pills are usually prescribed without a proper workup. The Almost every woman experiences a change risk of taking this approach is that the infecin her menstrual flow at one time or another tion may progress and cause irreparable damin her life. Except for pregnancy, the most age to a woman’s reproductive organs. common reason for a change in the cycle is a hormonal imbalance. Hormones are extremely Tumors both benign and malignant can also page 26 ContempoMag.com
give rise to abnormal bleeding. Uterine fibroids are the most common non-cancerous tumors that can cause bleeding. They are detected by exam and visualized by pelvic sonography. Endometrial cancer is common and very curable when found early. It usually causes excessive bleeding and or bleeding between periods. Obesity and diabetes are risk factors. A biopsy of the endometrium is needed to diagnose endometrial cancer. Caner must always be excluded before treatment is begun. In summary, abnormal periods are common. Most menstrual changes will correct themselves after two or three cycles. Bleeding that persists more than seven days or is excessive should always be a cause for concern. A specialist in women’s health care must evaluate it. Our bodies have a way of telling us that something is wrong. One should not ignore the warning signs. Any treatment, including the pill, should only be given after a full and thorough workup. C Dr. Almaguer is board certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology; Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists; Residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston; Graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center Medical School Houston; Graduate of the University of Houston.
Carlos Almaguer, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Board Certified in OB/GYN
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page 27 ContempoMag.com
City, Valley and State UT HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER: MEDICAL SCHOOL FOR THE VALLEY by Tony Magaña
South Texas legislators Rep. Eddie Lucio (D-San
Benito), Sen. Juan Hinojosa (D-McAllen), Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) were successful in the passage of legislation in the Texas House and Senate which sets in motion the creation of The University of Texas Health Science Center-South Texas will house a medical school and other professional medical degree programs in the Rio Grande Valley. The legislation creating the medical school in a tough year for new projects given the economy and budget problems was enabled by the representatives and senators from South Texas agreeing to support a new law school in Dallas at the University of North Texas in return for which they received support for a South Texas medical school. The new system will operate under the University of Texas System Board of Regents and thus will be affiliated with the system’s other institutions in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. The Lower Rio Grande Valley Academic Health Center will be absorbed into the new system. This creates the entity which can now start to plan the medical school, hospital affiliations, arrange funding including bonds and donations.
The main campus and administrative offices must be located in Cameron County but allows facilities in Brooks, Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Kenedy, Kleberg, Starr, Willacy, and Zapata counties to operate programs and services as part of the health science center.
Several studies of veteran’s health care quality have shown that an affiliation with a medical school versus a stand alone facility has consistently resulted in better outcomes for America’s veterans. This increases the chance of the eventual establishment of Veteran’s Hospital in South Texas.
The board of regents has the authority to designate a teaching hospital either public or private, however, the bill specifically states that the hospital may not be constructed, maintained, or operated with state funds. This is an important step forward for the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas which will not only serve to improve the quality of health services but also, no doubt as a stimulus to the local economy. The presence of a top notch medical education facility will bring not only a higher quality of care to the South Texas community but will also foster the development of specialized services much closer to home for those with special medical needs like children, cancer treatment, and veterans.
This is only a beginning and now the community will need to roll up their sleeves.The local community governments, civic organizations, and hospitals will need to work cooperatively with the goal of what is best for the whole community in turning this dream into reality. Inevitably, there will be some conflicts about locations, affiliations, and contracts. This is an important step in the Rio Grande Valley rightly taking its place at the table of the other major metropolitan areas of Texas. The passage of the bill does not guarantee that the medical school will come true but instead requires much to be done and needing the full cooperation of the local community. C
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City, Valley and State Recent State Legislation May Improve Curriculum Standards In Texas Schools A change proposed in the automatic admission of a student in the top ten percent of any Texas high school to public universities by state Sen. Florence Shapiro (R-Plano) is creating controversy
In almost every state as the economy has declined, the number of students who might normally have considered attending a private university has dropped while the number applying to instate public universities has dramatically increased. The difference in tuition costs between the two can vary as much as $40,000 or more per year. Top rated public universities across the country are now becoming more selective and increasing their admissions standards in response to the improved quality of the applicant pool. Texas Senate Bill 175 (SB 175) was sponsored by the well known education reform advocate Sen. Florence Shapiro (R-Plano) at the request of the University of Texas which would change a rule about automatic admission to a Texas public university. Currently, public colleges and universities in Texas are required to automatically admit applicants who graduate in the top ten percent of the their graduating classes. This rule appertains to both public and private schools of all sizes and from any place in Texas, as long as the school is a tier 1 public university. (Texas has only two tier 1 accredited, the student has taken a recommended schools, UT-Austin and Texas A&M, and one pricurriculum, and has achieved a minimum college vate tier 1, Rice University. entrance test score. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have SB 175 would change the rule to allow universi- attended Texas A&M University in the 70s coming ties to cap the percentage of those admitted by this from South Texas. If you visit the campus today the measure by half. The reason for this is that the Uni- diversity of students is much different than when I versity of Texas at Austin has become so full of ap- was there. Now the proportion of Hispanics nearly plicants by the top ten percent rule that no other reflects their representation in the population. Even criteria can be considered. Last year they filled up more important, those Aggie values and Aggie net85% of the freshman class by the top ten rule. working rewards have now more than ever been adopted by the Hispanic community who are no Many traditional minority advocacy groups such as longer outsiders. I do not believe the new law will the NAACP, LULAC, the Mexican American Legal endanger this but rather may strengthen it. Defense and Educational Fund say the measure unfairly would limit automatic admissions that were At the same time we must be cognizant that not designed to increase diversity at higher education all high schools are the same. Even in areas like institutions and enhance opportunities for minority the Rio Grande Valley there are starting to be Inand low-income students, particularly at UT-Austin ternational Baccalaureate programs. McAllen ISD and Texas A&M. It also would penalize students graduated their first 23 students just last year from who finished high school before the recommended the Lamar Academy. There are likely many high curriculum was required. schools like these that are in the top 25% or even 50% of the class may be more qualified to attend In many areas of the state there are poorer mostly college than the top 10% from another school. This minority high schools such as in the small His- new measure will put pressure on school districts to panic majority towns of South Texas or the African develop more programs of excellence. American communities in the Houston area. Typically, even the best students there may not score It’s long been acknowledged that judging students as well on college entrance exams like the SAT or by their grades or college entrance exam alone ACT as more affluent students from better subur- without consideration of other factors is a poor preban public or private schools. The ten percent rule dictor of future achievement. President Obama was guaranteed that at least the top students from poor a B student in high school. Some time ago I was minority high schools would get a chance to attend involved on the selection committee of a scholarpage 30 ContempoMag.com
ship for disadvantaged students at Texas A&M where I observed that usually good students will have a triad of good test scores, good grades and community activities. Experienced educators at the college level need to have the ability to assess these three components for admission just as they do at my other school, Harvard. Those school districts that were relying on the ten percent rule to obscure their deficiencies should take this as a wake up call to make changes. Sen. Shapiro’s does a great public service in helping to expose this inequity and forcing a change. If Hispanics or African-Americans are not matriculating to the major tier 1’s under the new rule, the most likely cause will be an inadequate public school system rather than discrimination by these great universities. I also agree with the Dallas Morning News that with the large size of the state of Texas we need more public tier 1 spots, but also must opine that I have a strong feeling that Texas A&M’s prominence must be protected. Having too many Tier 1 schools could diminish the greatness of UT and TAMU who serve to a great extent to define what being a Texan means. The new rule has passed the Senate and now has been recommended for a vote by the Texas House after being passed by the House committee on Higher Education. C by Tony Magaña
FOOD and DINNING
Unforgettable Banquet Entrees
Lamb T-Bone for 400?
When it comes to BIG
banquet events the skill is always tested in the numbers. Can a party of 400 be served & catered to like a party of 40? One executive chef can do right for any sized group of dinner guests because he does it just about every weekend. He is Santiago, “Jimmy” De La Cruz, the Executive Chef for the Club at Cimarron. Jimmy is a special sort of fello who thinks of food as art that you can eat and he is constantly working on new pieces of this art form for his dinner guests to try. We spent several hours in the Cimarron kitchen one evening with Jimmy and his staff to see them prepare a banquet for a 400 plus dinner event. It is really something to see them work up from scratch amazing appetizers, entrees and desserts. I didn’t see them break open a single packaged item. This was clearly a lot of work but Jimmy would have it no other way. He in fact refuses to buy packaged herbs and rather, grows his own on the Cimarron herb garden out back behind the kitchen that he developed two and a half years ago, after coming to Cimarron. (It is right between the clubhouse building and the cart path coming from hole no. 5 tee box.) Fresh herbs are picked and placed as Jimmy tells us that they release richer flavors than do dried or grocery herbs. He showed me how one could smell a fresh herb bouquet from a distance of over five feet away while the scent of processed herbs were harder to detect until just about right under my nose.
a word was spoken among his staff–an excellent case of perfect delegation and execution! It Must be his perpetual attention to detail and tested culinary skills. One crew on the pastry ovens, another at the grill and so on that only a flawless performance could be expected from the spotless Cimarron kitchen that reFor this large gathering Jimmy prepared a six course mained spotless all evening. He also served a fresh dinner that included my all time favorite, miniature herb salad and pumpkin bisque with a crawfish Beignet Lamb T-Bones topped with Pomegranate Au Jus as that was presented in a miniature pumpkin shell. the entree served on a clear glass dinner plate. Too bad that I wasn’t on the list of dinner guests! The lamb The dessert (pictured above) was incredibly wonwas drenched in olive oil and fresh herbs in sparkling derful–delicious and light, everyone made room for it stainless steel vats for a specified period of time then regardless of their satisfactory circumstances. The preperfectly grilled till the sauce caramelized the surface. sentation alone gave no quarter for declination. It’s all All 400 chops were done the same way while hardly in the preparation and planning he tells me as his staff the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
shuffles out the last of the dessert. The real work of art is in his operational skills and the way he relates to his staff. As a class A, perfect planner Jimmy is in observation, direction and correction mode when all the food preparation is underway so that he can concentrate on a well timed execution, and have time to mingle with his quests and earn well deserved praise as a top valley chef. And so 40 to 400? It makes no difference for Executive Chef, Santiago “Jimmy” De La Cruz. C by Ralph Magaña
page 31 ContempoMag.com
VALLEY TRAVELER FLU SCARE SUBSIDES LEAVING GREAT TRAVEL DEALS IN MEXICO By Raul Cabrera
T
here is a projected general reduction in global tourism this summer due to the global recession, but its effects are felt with more force in those countries where this sector occupies an important share in the economy. Tourism is the third largest legal source of foreign income for the Mexican economy,—revenues from oil and remittances come as first and second, respectively—accounting for about eight percent of the nation’s gross domestic product. This sector generates more than 2 million direct jobs. Foreign tourism in 2008 alone brought Mexico $13.3 billion in economic activity. However, it is estimated that this year revenue from foreign tourists could fall by as much as $5 billion. Tourism to Mexico has plummeted since the influenza A (H1N1) virus outbreak was declared last April. A number of countries from the Americas, Europe and Asia advised citizens to refrain from traveling to Mexico. The perception of Mexico as the “epicenter of the swine flu pandemic” has thus carried negative consequences to an economy already hurt by the recession. Reports estimate that the Mexican economy could shrink by 0.7% in 2009 due to the epidemic alone. However, most of the economic costs will be a result of the preventive measures taken to control the spread of the disease coupled by the fear that extended among both nationals and foreigners. The latent presence of the H1N1 virus hence remains a deterrent especially for foreign visitors. Hotel occupancy at popular destinations visited by foreign tourists saw severe reductions. For page 32 ContempoMag.com
instance, according to the Cancun Hotel Association, the occupancy rate in Cancun was 77 percent just before the flu outbreak was announced on April 24. By mid-May, it fell to less than 25 percent. This world-renowned destination has posted losses of as much as $6 million a day, forcing as many as 17 hotels to close. Similarly, Mexico City’s Tourism Secretary reports hotel occupancy in Mexico City fell to about ten percent as the city shut down, losing an estimated $10 million a day. Though some believe this is not the best time to promote Mexico as a vacation spot, there are several reasons to place Mexico on the top of the list as a destination this summer. The Mexican government announced a program worth $2.2 billion to help the economy recover
from the aftermath of the flu outbreak. Nearly $500 million are being channeled directly to the tourism industry in the form tax breaks and loans for hotels and airlines, tax breaks for tourism-related businesses, and reductions in airport and port fees. Several individual states and localities are also shelving funds to complement what is expected to be an aggressive publicity campaign carrying the motto “Vive Mexico” to attract tourists back to Mexico. Hotels are hoping to restore their occupancy rates through a number of ways. Some hotels are offering deep discounts that go from thirty to as much as seventy percent off their regular prices for the next few months. Others prefer to give credits worth as much as $250 for food
and other amenities. But hotel chains are going well beyond discounting prices as a tactic to attract visitors. For instance, now some hotel chains offer a “flu-free guarantee.” These hotel chains will give up to three free vacations over the next three years to any customer who acquires the H1N1 virus while staying at one of such properties. Businesses are also offering great deals to woo tourists into their doors. Restaurants offer twofor-one dinners and bars two-for-one drinks. Artisan and souvenir shops have incredible bargains on many of their products, which are certain to be excellent additions to a home’s collectibles or gorgeous gifts for the loved ones. Now, for the fashionistas, one could simply pick
IN OLD MEXICO
up what is the latest trend in Mexican fashion: Countries that are rich in culture and nature a t-shirt with the new tourist cliché “I went to must embrace its visitors with arms wide open. Mexico and all I got was swine flu.” Mexico understands this, and it is taking important steps to promote and strengthen tourism Should you be scared about traveling to Mexi- back to the levels it had just before the global reco? If your concern is getting infected with the cession hit this important sector. The deals and H1N1 virus, then definitely not. The Mexican perks are there. Now it is up to those individuals government and its citizens seem to have taken who truly understand the value of visiting and responsible steps to controlling the spread of living Mexico who can take advantage of some the new epidemic—actions that have been rec- incredible packages being offered these days ognized by the World Health Organization. In (while they last). Your travel agent could build the end, the best way to avoid contagion of a you an excellent travel package to visit some of disease is practicing hygiene. Unfortunately, it the best destinations and attractions in Mexico seemed as if the world needed to be reminded for quite an affordable price. Perhaps you could of such common practices through the discov- even save enough money to buy an entire collecery of a new virus. tion of face masks—I mean those of your favorite lucha libre wrestlers. C the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
page 33 ContempoMag.com
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On Politics
with Tony Magaña
GUN CONTROL AGENDA CRIPPLES SOUTHBOUND BRIDGE TRAFFIC & COMMERCE By Tony Magaña
A new report that barely any guns or cash was
seized after 5 weeks of an intense program searching southbound vehicles from the U.S. to Mexico contradicts statements made by Sec. Napolitano last month of “unbelievable” quantities.President Obama and Homeland Sec. Napolitano accused Texans of facilitating the smuggling of 2000 guns per day into Mexico and severely punished our border communities trade economy with the Outbound Inspection Program (OIP).
From just Texas to Mexico more than 27 million vehicles cross the bridge each year. These crossings are vital to border cities like El Paso, Laredo, and McAllen ,Texas where millions of Mexican shoppers many from the prosperous city of Monterrey come to buy things in American retail stores. Millions of tonnage of commercial traffic vital to the economies of both countries also crosses these borThe $95 million dollar joint OIP being done along der checkpoints. the U.S.-Mexican border has completed the first month with little to show. Under pressure from Local businesses in Texas have reported significant Mexican President Felipe Calderon who claimed drops in sales for export and in retail from Mexithe majority of weapons used by the drug cartels can customers. No official reports are known about (2000 per day said the Mexican government) and what has been seized on the Mexican side but AP cash (up to $39 billion say U.S. drug enforcement observers reported their inspections were much less officials) were crossing into the Mexico from the rare than those on the U.S. side. U.S., President Obama started the (OIP). Hundreds of Border Patrol, Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and Custom’s agents were transferred to the border crossings to begin random checks of vehicles crossing from the U.S. into Mexico. Prior to this program southbound vehicles had only been inspected on the Mexican not the American side. The Associated Press reports that very little in the way of weapons or cash has been seized. Only 51 guns or parts of guns and $12 million in cash has been obtained. The Houston Chronicle listed these details According to CBP, between March 12 and April 30 officers seized:
This report of a lack of success seems to contraindicate the report given by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano who has officially released her comments at the Border Trade Alliance International Conference held just one month ago. At that time she was asked by a San Diego Chamber of Commerce official about the southbound inspections and had this to say about their effectiveness: ‘We’re looking for guns and bulk cash. We’ve already found in the two weeks that we’ve started this, I can’t tell you how much we have found. It’s unbelievable.”
The AP reports that they suspect smugglers may have lookouts ahead reporting if there is an inspecFifty-one pieces of ammunition, weapons parts and tion frenzy going on but this is a very subjective guns, a minuscule fraction of the 2,000 weapons the observation. Mexican government estimates are smuggled south every day. The lack of significant seizures suggests two possibilities. The announcement of the new program $12 million in cash, less than one-tenth of 1 percent was a major deterrent which caused the cartels to of the $17 billion to $39 billion the U.S. Justice Deimmediately stop sending cash and weapons across partment estimates is illegally sent to Mexico from the normal border crossings or that the amount of the U.S. annually, but more than the $10 million cash and guns actually smuggled directly into Mexseized in outbound checks in 2008. ico from the U.S. through border checkpoints was overly estimated. The statement made by Sec. NaSixty-one people on charges involving weapons politano of an “unbelievable” quantity was clearly or currency offenses and on outstanding warrants not the truth and at best a weak exaggeration. Why were arrested. did she not give the truth? C
Friends of Easter Seals
Friends of Easter Seals
SKEET SHOOT TOURNAMENT Saturday, July 11, 2009 SPONSORS
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. BBQ Banquet: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. 4E Ranch Skeet Range
SKEET SHOOT TOURNAMENT
21784 FM 490, Edinburg,Texas
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Take Hwy 281 North, exit FM 490, turn left going West towards McCook, take a right at the first red gate.
Team Sponsor ($2,500) receives the following:
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. BBQ Banquet: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. 4E Ranch Skeet Range
R-V
Five man team Team custom caps Company logo on newsprint thank you Ad Company recognition in news releases Company name on Event Banner
Recognition at the Banquet Plaque Unlimited clays Valet to skeet range Food and Refreshments
CONTRACTORS
1st, 2nd & 3rd place prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Team on an Annie Oakley shoot out.
21784 FM 490, Edinburg,Texas
Take Hwy 281 North, exit FM 490, turn left going West towards McCook, take a right at the first red gate.
Spectators Admission Fee/BBQ Banquet - $20 To register contact: Ray & Rosie Wilkinson (956) 607-2884 or email to Rwilknson@aol.com French & Amy Ellison (956) 383-2793 or email to Amy@4ERanch.com
VALLEY DISCOUNT
METALS
Proceeds to Benefit Easter Seals of the Rio Grande Valley METAL BUILDING COMPONENTS
Join the Friends of Easter Seals and become a Team Sponsor contact Ray or Rosie at 607-2884
This program has had major ramifications in that it has significantly damaged the local economies of the border cities by discouraging legal traffic between the nations. The Obama administration and the liberal media painted a false picture of South Texas as being an open gun supplier giving Mexican criminals 2000 guns a day. This was a misrepresentation that was clearly meant to scare the American public into accepting more stringent gun control. The accusations of the Mexican government that most of the weapons being used by gangs were being “legally” obtained in the U.S. must also now be questioned. This unwarranted paranoia came close to shutting off the border which would have dealt more than a severe blow to one of the few areas of the country, South Texas, which has avoided severe economic hardships up to now. One wonders if in the rush to put personnel, equipment, and financing on legal checkpoints, other potential routes of smuggling such as by sea, air, entry into Southern Mexico have been relatively ignored. Our borders must be secure all agree on that but concurrently nothing is more important than that our government must always give honest information about which threats are real and which are imagined. The Obama administration owes an apology to Texas and Texans. Hence forth, the administration needs to act responsibly in protecting our border trade and 2nd Amendment rights. C
Team Sponsor ($2,500) receives the following: Five man team Team custom caps Company logo on newsprint thank you Ad Company recognition in news releases Company name on Event Banner
Recognition at the Banquet Plaque Unlimited clays Valet to skeet range Food and Refreshments
1st, 2nd & 3rd place prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Team on an Annie Oakley shoot out.
Spectators Admission Fee/BBQ Banquet - $20 To register contact: Ray & Rosie Wilkinson (956) 607-2884 or email to Rwilknson@aol.com French & Amy Ellison (956) 383-2793 or email to Amy@4ERanch.com
Proceeds to Benefit Easter Seals of the Rio Grande Valley
To register contact: Ray & Rosie Wilkinson (956) 607-2884 or email to Rwilknson@aol.com. French & Amy Ellison (956) 383-2793 or email to Amy@4ERanch.com. REGISTRATION FORM Company Name: _________________________ Contact: ________________________________________ Mailing Address: _________________________City: _____________ State:__________ Zip:___________ Phone________________________ Fax: ___________________Cash: ___________Check :____________ Participant #1: _____________________________Participant #2: _________________________________ Participant #3: _____________________________Participant #4: _________________________________ Participant #5: _____________________________ Date: _________Received company logo ____& donation:____Received by: ________________________ Mail to:
Easter Seals of the Rio Grande Valley, P. O. Box 489, McAllen, Texas 78505-0489 (956)631-9171 Fax (956) 631-7566
Proceeds to Benefit Easter Seals of the Rio Grande Valley the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
page 35 ContempoMag.com
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Home Improvement
Security
through the wood around the lock. To better protect your door, get a 20-gauge metal plate to reinforce the lock area. A deadbolt with a lock area reinforced by metal, is virtually impervious to kick in attempts.
7. Reinforce your patio door. Most patio
B
urglars break into a home every 15.4 seconds, according to the FBI. It's the most common threat to your home's security. With some minor changes, you can protect your home from break-ins.
obvious to keep your spare key.
3. Beware of open windows. Don't windows open while you're not at home. A burglar can easily get in. If you leave windows open at night, only open them about six inches, and make sure Burglars want to get into a house quickly and they can't be opened further from the outside. quietly, so if you make your home difficult to And never leave windows near doors open, or break into, they'll usually move on. Here are the burglar could reach in and unlock the door. eight easy ways to make yourself less of a target 4. Reinforce any glass near or in a door. A and beef up the security on your home. window near a door is a prime target for bur1. Lock all windows and doors. This one may glars. A burglar could break the glass, then reach seem silly, but many burglars get into homes in and unlock the door. If you have a choice, because the owner forgot to lock their windows don't put windows within one foot of a door. If or doors. And don't just keep your windows and you already have windows near the door, or have doors locked when you're gone lock them at glass in or around your door, make sure the glass is tempered safety glass. This glass is four times night when you're asleep, too. stronger than regular glass, so a burglar won't be Some windows come with special interlocking able to break it easily. mechanisms designed to prevent burglars from slipping credit cards or similar items in and un- 5. Get a quality 1" deadbolt. Basic locks can latching the lock. If you have a window with this easily be picked or bypassed. Deadbolts, on the interlock system, make sure the windows are other hand, extend from the door into the dooraligned properly, or the lock won't protect you frame, creating a strong lock that's tough to beat. Multi-point locking systems, with several deadadequately. bolts spread up and down the door, provide even 2. Hide spare keys in less obvious places. greater security. Maybe you keep a spare key under the welcome mat. On top of the doorframe. In the garage un- 6. Protect your entry doors from kick-ins. der a paint can. In a stone turtle in your garden. Many doors are easy to kick in, even if they have a deadbolt. That's because the area around Burglars know to look for spare keys in these the lock is reinforced with wood. When a burplaces. Find somewhere more hidden and less glar kicks at the lock, the lock often rips straight the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
doors have latches, not locks. Burglars can force latches open from the outside. A simple way to enhance the security of your patio door is to put a wooden block or rod in the track, preventing the door from being opened from the outside. Burglars can also just lift the patio door off the track. Since patio doors are on rollers, they aren't actually secured to the track. To prevent this, make sure your rollers are working smoothly and your door isn't wobbly, as this indicates a burglar could easily pick the door up. The best way to protect your sliding patio door is with an auxiliary foot lock. Foot locks have metal rods that extend into the metal track, creating a deadbolt for your patio door. This prevents the door from being opened even if the latch isn't in place, and it stops the door from being lifted. 8. Get a timer for your lights. Burglars often case neighborhoods, looking for homes where the lights are out night after night. This tells the burglar that the owners are out of town or on a trip, and that their house is a potential victom for theft. Don't paint a target on your house. Get a light switch timer. These are available at most home improvement stores. They turn your lights on and off at a time you set. So you'll look like you're home even when you aren't. C
If you're looking for windows, entry doors, and patio doors to enhance the security of your home, visit Mr. Rogers Windows. at http://www.mrrogerswindows.com
page 37 ContempoMag.com
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
HERE FOR YOU WHEN YOU NEED US MOST WITHOUT THE LONG EMERGENCY ROOM WAIT
306 South 15th. Street McAllen, Texas
Mass Schedule Saturday: 5:00PM English Sunday: 8:00 AM Spanish 11:00 English 7:00 PM Spanish Monday & Wednesday: 8:15 AM English Tuesdays, Thursday, Friday 8:15 AM Spanish First Friday 8:15 AM Holy Days 8:15 AM & 7:00 PM
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Art’s Medical Equipment The “All in One” Oxygen Specialists Sleek, quiet and compact the Eclipse 2 @ Art’s. 3,000 ml. oxygen! The only single system with both continuous flow & a generous pulse-dose option.
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Sponsors Preview Skeet Shoot Benefit Tournament for July 11th at 4E Ranch
Front row from left: David Guerra, IBC; Keith Fox, Fox Packaging; Rosie Wilkinson, Wilkinson Ray Iron & Metal; Dora Brown, IBC and Joe Brown, Border Capital Bank. Back row from left: Robert Vecchio, RV Contractors; Mauricio Gudino, STS Sales, Co.; Sandra Vecchio, RV Contractors; Amy and French Ellison, 4 E Ranch and Ray Wilkinson, Wilkinson Ray Iron & Metal.
The Friends of Easter Seals
will be hosting a skeet shoot tournament at the 4E Ranch north of Edinburg on Saturday, July 11th. Benchmark sponsors held a trial run practice round last Sunday at the Ranch. Sponsors include International Bank of Commerce, Valley Discount Metals, Fox Packaging, R-V Contractors, andWilkinson Ray Iron & Metal, Inc. The Format will be Team Competition in an Annie Oakley shoot out with 5 member teams. The shoot out will be at the specially equipped, clay target range at the 4E Ranch and will include a BBQ banquet, food and refreshments and most important, unlimited clays. Unique to all of South Texas, the 4E is a ranch/ hotel that offers a range of hunting facilities surrounded by lush, brush country terrain. It has become a favorite for quick getaways, weddings and special events. All the action starts at 9am and at about 1pm awards will be issued for 1st through 3rd place finishes. It’s the perfect time to gear up for dove season so round up your buddies, put a team together and join us for some great fun. Proceeds will serve to benefit the Easter Seal Society and all the valuable work they do to help treat those with sever medical conditions. Team and individual registrants should contact Rosie or Ray at (956) 631-7352 for more info. C
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page 39 ContempoMag.com
Expwy. 83 RG Regional Hospital
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S. Cynthia
For Sale 3360 sf. medical office ready $336,000 call 467-7880
For Rent 3360 sf. medical office ready $1.00 per sf. low common maintenance
Medical area office suites with lots of parking near the hospitals South McAllen 2010 S. Cynthia
Alvarez Roofing
New Roofs & Roof Repair
the game is on at Cimarron.
Over 20 years exp. Professional Roof Repairs / All Types TPO Roofs Built-Up Roofs Modified Roofs Composition Shingles Concrete Tile & Clay Tile Roofs Cedar Roofs
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page 41 ContempoMag.com
Contempo Pioneers of the Month
From left to right are team members Crystal Flores and Misty Brown. Rear left to right are Dr. Teofilo Ozuna, team members Miguel Leal, Jose Lucio, Deanna Schneyer; and Dr. Penny Simpson.
Young Local Magician Entertains Worlds Best in LAS VEGAS At age 16, aspiring local magician, Fabian Moreno has already met 5 time Grammy Award winner John Mayer, and has had the pleasure of performing for him in Las Vegas. During one of his trips to the entertainment center of the world of Las Vegas magicians Penn & Teller and performing some of his own work for Teller. International Mexican music composer, Joan Sebastian has also been entertained by Fabian. On David Copperfields last visit to McAllen, Fabian also visited with Cris Kenner, the executive producer to David Copperfield, for an hour discussing some of the tricks of the trade. He has also received personal training from some of the best magicians in the world. Having been performing the incredible art of sleight of hand since the age of 6, Fabian is well known at McAllen Memorial High for entertaining not only his fellow classmates but his instructors as well. “The element of surprise is what astonishes my spectators” states Fabian. From reading your mind to vanishing your selected card, or changing a1 dollar bill into a 100 dollar bill before your eyes, is, something you don’t see everyday. Because it involves almost unseen hand movement and innate talent, sleight of hand is one of the most difficult talents to master. Although his magic performances are for the more mature audiences, he also loves to entertain the younger crowd who are utterly amazed. This past year he performed for the general public at the Arts and Literacy Festival at McAllen Museum, and at the Candlelight Posada in Archer Park receiving a resounding applause for his amazing illusions. He also performed his one man magic show at the Annual McAllen Memorial Student Directed Play, also bowing for the delighted audience.
UTPA’s Kinetics in Motion Marketing Students Win NASCAR national sports marketing competitition
Atlanta University, Central Michigan University and Winston Salem State University. According to NASCAR officials, UTPA’s win was based on the team’s creative and realistic nature of solutions to case studies they were presented during the semester-long program and the execution of a NASCAR Kinetics viewing party held April 5 (see related UTPA Web site story at http://www. utpa.edu/news/index.cfm?newsid=3714). Officials indicated that the UTPA students proved themselves “resourceful, creative and ingenious, therefore deserving of their win.” Program founder and director Talia Mark said the NASCAR Kinetics team from UTPA showed the most creativity through their use of online sources to provide feedback on their case studies. The case studies, given to the teams weekly, presented everyday challenges and opportunities that NASCAR administrators face. “While all of the universities gave great responses, UTPA’s use of the Internet helped them to stand out,” Mark said. The attendance of nearly 1,000 at the viewing party held at UTPA’s Wellness and Recreational Sports Complex was also cited by NASCAR as a factor in UTPA’s win. Each school was assigned a specific race to show at their school and given complete freedom on how to market the party to friends and the public. Visitors to the UTPA viewing party enjoyed a car show featuring 60 cars, live music, free food and drinks, and interactive activities for children while watching the Sprint Cup Series race on that date held at the Texas Motor Speedway in Dallas. The winning Bronc team will be flown to Charlotte, N.C. for the All-Star Race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway scheduled for May 16. Along with attending the Truck Series Race and the Sprint AllStar Race, UTPA students will take part in the AllStar weekend festivities including an O.A.R. (Of A Revolution) concert. The NASCAR Kinetics Marketing in Motion Program will continue again at the same five schools this fall 2009 semester. The program is open to all undergraduate students over 18 years old with an interest in marketing, sports studies, and public relations and advertising. Kinetics is focused on increasing awareness of NASCAR and the motor sports marketing industry among the college and youth market.
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) has announced that the fivemember Kinetics Marketing in Motion student team from The University of Texas-Pan American has won the national competition among five schools in the first year of the program designed by NASCAR to provide college students hands-on experience in sports marketing. The UTPA team – all marketing majors – included Team Captain Deanna Schneyer, Diamond Bar, Calif.; Misty Brown, Waxahachie, Texas; Crystal Flores, Edinburg; Miguel Leal, Edinburg; and Jose For engagements you won’t want to miss, Fabian can be reach Lucio, Alamo. The program was launched in Janu- For more information on the program at UTPA, contact the College ary 2009 at UTPA and Howard University, Clark of Business Administration at 956/381-3311. at 605-2203. page 42 ContempoMag.com
UTPA U.S. Army ROTC Program Recognized Among Nation’s Top Performers
Iraq war veteran, U.S. Army Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez (left) commissions three of the cadets from the program during the May 9 ceremony.
Pictured left to right at the Dining-In ceremony for UTPA and UTB/TSC ROTC cadets are Colonel (USAR) Christopher B. Rivers, UTPA assistant director of military science; United States Army Major General (Retired) William F. Garrison; UTPA Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Paul Sale; Cadet Bronc Battalion Commander Vanessa Randolph; and Lieutenant Colonel André Dean, professor of military science and commanding officer of the UTPA battalion. EDINBURG – The United States Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) unit at The University of Texas-Pan American was recently recognized among the top performers of the Cadet Commands’ 273 units nationwide for the school year 2007-2008. U.S. Army Major General Arthur M. Bartell from the Department of the Army Headquarters for the United States Army Cadet Command in Fort Monroe, Va., said the accomplishment exemplifies the hard work and dedication of UTPA’s cadets and cadre staff. “This achievement provides a superb reflection of the support The University of Texas-Pan American provides to the Army ROTC program. We appreciate this partnership for success, and we look forward to many more years of developing and commissioning young leaders for our Army and our nation,” Bartell wrote in a letter to the University’s administration. Lieutenant Colonel André Dean, professor of military science and commanding officer of the UTPA battalion, said the University has met its mission of producing the targeted number of commissioned officers in 2006, 2007 and 2008 resulting in increased funding, additional personnel and the opening of an ROTC program at The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College campus. “Of the 273 Army ROTC programs in the nation, only 10-15 percent achieve mission on any given year. We have made mission in 2006, 2007 and 2008. We are set to exceed our Army mis-
sion by 20 percent in 2009 and by 36 percent in 2010,” Dean said. This year the assigned mission for UTPA is eight officers and the program will commission 10. Dean credited the program’s faculty and cadets as well as significant support from the University’s administration for the program’s success. The University has established a central location on campus with a parade field for the program, a scholarship opportunity for free room and board for two to five cadets in each year group, and assistance in identifying donors and benefactors for the program Dean said. In 2007, the UTPA ROTC program won the General Douglas MacArthur Award as the “Best Battalion, USA,” for the first time in the University’s history. The ROTC program at UTPA began in 1980. In April 2009, Major General (Retired) William F. Garrison, a UTPA alumnus best known for his leadership in the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia chronicled in the film “Black Hawk Down,” made a trip to Edinburg to talk to this year’s cadets. On May 8, Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez, a South Texas native who went on to lead military units from 38 nations during the war in Iraq, presided over the spring 2009 commissioning ceremony for UTPA ROTC cadets. “The students on our campus are becoming recognized as a powerhouse of leadership for our nation,” Dean said. C For more information contact Dean at 956/381-3600 or via email at aedean@utpa.edu. the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
Hotel Villa Florencia
Pictured second from the left Major General (Ret.) William F. Garrison, a UTPA alumnus is best known for his leadership in the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia chronicled in the film “Black Hawk Down.”
Tequisquiapan, Qro. Mex. www.villaflorencia.com.mx 011.52.414.2733029 page 43 ContempoMag.com
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Conquering the Surf with a Custom Outfitted Platform by Kurt Watson Kurt Watson, a local resident of Mission, Texas has spent several years perfecting his design for a surf fishing platform that is lightweight, sturdy, easy to setup and comfortable to fish from. His custom design almost all aluminum and weatherproof plastic. It easily unfolds and is secured by the unique system of legs that Kurt has designed. It comes with a ladder and attachments for fishing accessories. Kurt, an avid surf fisher, first came up with the idea after trying out one flawed platform after another. The problem was often the platform stabilility and difficulty in setup. So he started building a prototype from scratch using his own ideas as a surf fisher. The first versions worked out fine but lacked durability with too many wood components. Later designs incorporated ligher metals, synthetic polymers and PVC piping to reduce weight but retain rigidity. The leg support design helps the unit to self-stablize in tough surf waters and currents. Amazingly, Kurt can carry the platform, fishing gear and a tow ice chest out to the surf in one trip because of the light weight and easy of surf assembly, giving him more time to fish. The platform can be adjusted to various heights with interchangeable legs and can support significant bodyweight. He has created a number of fishing accessories that can be attached or floated on a leash. Based on the photos he sent me, the platform has been a good investment in time and effort. You can have Kurt custom build a surf fishing platform just for you. Contact him at sitNfish@ yahoo.com. page 44 ContempoMag.com
Edinburg’s Veronica Garza didn’t Choose between Art & Science Veronica Garza, is a 3rd year Medical Student from Edinburg, Texas who didn’t make the all-too-common choice between art and science and overcame the stigma. She graduated from Edinburg High School where she excelled in academics, track and cross country running. Veronica was supposed to study architecture and began her college career in the arts to prepare for it but shifted to medicine and was awarded a B.S. in Biology at University of Texas–Pan American in 2004 and later earned a master’s degree. “My desire to study medicine is based on a strong conviction I have always had to help the community, but I still practice the arts in the form of traditional latin dance.” Veronica began studying dance at the young age of three and has been at it ever since. She specialized in flamenco but now instructs students in belly dancing, salsa, merengue, the cha-cha, and the basics of tango which helps her get through the expenses of medical school. She also keeps in shape by running 1 1/2 miles twice a week and in dance workout with her students.
Among all the Latin dance, Veronica really likes flamenco the most because of the way it capitalizes on expression. “It is a dance form that evokes passion, romance and power” she tells us. As one of the most famous Traditional Spanish dances, she feels that it should be more aggressively publicized in the Valley. She danced in the UTPA dance troop for several years and appeared in over 40 troop performances. She credits dance as a natural human body movement that is really something within everyone. Her instructions focus on that basic human trait to enhance the “feel” of dance. She plans to graduate in 2011 and is looking to do her residency in McAllen or somewhere close by her family in Edinburg and ultimately practice emergency medicine. But as an artist Veronica will always keep dance in her life.
Lorena Hernandez
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in the early 60s spurred the universal taste for pop music with immediate hits like “If I Fell in Love with You.” In the wink of an eye the Bee Gees, Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, Donna Summer, Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind and Fire and later, Huey Lewis and many others that followed inspired Boomers with Popular music. Lorena Hernandez, at a very young age developed a professional interest in singing that settled into Pop. Having spent much of her early years in Monterrey, Mexico, Lorena performed in theater productions of Beauty and the Beast, playing the part of Belle. and played the bar circuit with live bands. In 1995 she entered a national contest on the Valores Bacardi television show and won 2nd Place. “ It was an incredible experience performing with a live band in front of a live T.V. audience and exciting to work with national T. V. camera crews. We did studio recordings, magazine interviews and started working with producers and directors.”
ed my first U. S. demo including 4 original songs.” Shortly after, she auditioned for the Broadway Musical, RENT. Reaching the final cut over three days of further auditions and call backs, Lorena was awarded the lead part of Mimi in the play. Lorena performs both English and Spanish Pop and often combines them in her music. “I think there is more magic in music when things go bilingual.” Who could argue after the success of Chaquita and others who preceded like Vicky Karr. Her interests beyond music center around the fashion world that she developed after T. V. appearances. “My alltime favorites are Chanel, Lanvin, Rodarte, Blumarine, and Marchesa. C
“All roads lead to L. A. in the entertainment for performance arrangements contact: business so that’s where I headed. There, I record-
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Computer Corner
with Michael Bilyeu Push the Limit on Harddrive Speed with Device Manager
Windows Vista Fast File Organizer tired of control & shift click?
Pocket Jet 3 Portable
printer is ultra-light & hi-res
Greetings All,
Device Mgr / Properties / Power Ops Folder Options, View, go down the list to- tive networks. But it has an impressive colwards the bottom and click on Use Check lection of shows all in one place for your For More Speed
I have another little known way of speeding up your computer, this is only a good idea if you have a newer hard drive that can run at a higher rate of speed. Go to Device Manager, expand the list of disk drives, right click on your hard drive and left click on Properties. Then click on the Policies tab and click on Enable Advanced Performance. This will help increase the speed of your data retrieval. Also, check Power Options in Control Panel to set your option to High Performance. Along with Disk Defragmenter, these are a couple of quick steps for speed improvement.
Vista Ck Box vs. Shift Click to Move
Ever made time to clean up your hard drive only to get frustrated with selecting files with Shift or Ctrl Click? Windows Vista has the ability to show check boxes next to your files. That way you can check the boxes for all the files you want to move to different folders for categorizing. First in the folder view, hit the Alt Key which will display the Menu Bar. Then click on Tools, page 46 ContempoMag.com
Boxes To Select Items. Now you can check browsing and watching. all the files you want and cut-n-paste them to the appropriate folders. Pocket Jet 3 Portable Printer 300 DPI Those of you who need portable printOrganize Photo / Vista Pic. Gallery ing, Brother has come to your rescue. The Another nice feature of Windows Vista for Pocket Jet 3 has a battery, and weighs only organizing pictures is the ability to rename a little over a pound! It has USB, Wireless, large groups of files all at once. Say you IRDA, and optional Bluetooth connectivity have a lot of pictures all named “DSC001”, and has a vehicle adapter for your car! It “DSC002” whatever. By using Windows is not an incredibly fast printer though. At Photo Gallery you can check the boxes of about 3 pages per minute, you’re not going all the photos and then click File, Rename, to print War and Peace with it. However, and you can name them by event as a whole the portability far outweighs its speed. The group. Example, “Baby’s First Christmas resolution is at 200 DPI, or 300 with the 2008 01”, “Baby’s First Christmas 2008 02” Plus model. The battery is good for about etc. 100 pages! C
Hulu.com for TV Reruns
Ok, so you love to watch TV, but you never have time when your favorite re-runs are on. Well Hulu.com is for you! Need to see House, NCIS, or CSI? This is your place to see all of your favorite shows again, or ones that you missed. It is free, but you need to set up an account to see some shows. Some of the shows appear as links to their respec-
Ok, that is all for now, have fun and happy computing… Computer Doctor Michael Bilyeu Computer_doctor@myctsonline.com
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JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU
"I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image with the signature: 'Jesus, I trust in You.'" (Diary, 327) What God most wants of us is to turn to Him with trust. To trust God is to rely on Him who is Mercy itself. His mercy is always available to us, no matter what we have done or what state we are in, even if our sins are as black as night and we are filled with fears and anxieties. The message of mercy can be called to mind simply by remembering ABC:
Call 956-467-7880 / ralph@contempomag.com for more info.
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A
sk for His Mercy. God wants us to approach Him in prayer constantly.
Be Merciful. God wants us to receive
His mercy and let it flow through us to others. Completely trust in Jesus. God wants us to know that the graces of His mercy are dependent upon trust. "The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to my mercy." (Diary, 723) page 47 ContempoMag.com
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