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Gene LaraPublisher

Camey MaldonadoEditor

Eric MuehlhausenSenior Advertising Executive

Sammy QuintanillaAdvertising Consultant

Shana OrtegaAdvertising Consultant

GPu

CEdity

MAGAZINE

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AGAAMMMMMMAMMMMMMMMMMMAMMMMMCC

February is the month when Love is in the air. We are reminded this month to take time out to honor the people we love, to do something special and to look with a fresh set of eyes to see if we have taken all the actions that say, “I love you”. But before we can love others we must love ourselves. To do this we must start by taking care of ourselves.

Young children are great at knowing and asking for what they want. Of course, they usually do it incessantly. They are not yet concerned about appearing selfish. But in our attempts to teach our children generosity and being unselfish, we sometimes make them feel guilty for staying true to their own needs.

As grown-ups, we often choose to do things for others that we really don't want to do because we fear being criticized as selfish or uncaring. Acting out of duty or obligation isn't the answer. It usually leaves us feeling resentful. We need to do those things that revitalize us and give us the energy and clarity to be supportive of others. From this space we can offer our best.

I'm also convinced that people respect us more for valuing ourselves. Think about the people you know who always say yes to everything and everybody. Do you respect them? Now think of those who are selfish and self-respecting enough to not try and please everyone. Do you think less of them? I don't. They may not do all the things that I would like them to do, but I respect them. What I've found is that people tend to treat you about as well as you treat yourself. When you value yourself, people tend to value you more.

You owe it to yourself and those you love to take good care of your most valuable resource-you!

To advertise with us please call us at

806-231-0562www.mycitymag.com

Letter fromEditor

CITY MAGAZINEFebruary 2010

Contents06 Cooking Tips

08 Local Flavor

10 Heart Diease

14 Perfecting The Dive

16 Hoopla February 2010

18 Starting a Play Group

20 Pet Dental Health

22 Stocking The Bar

24 Red River

26 Valentines Gifts for Him

28 Poker 101

Camey

5BasicCookingTechniques

If toast is your only specialty, you might want to brush up on these basic cooking techniques. We can't promise you'll have

your own Food Network show anytime soon, but you won't set off the fire alarm quite as often.

Searing uses very high heat to quickly brown the exterior of a piece of meat, which forms an outer crust and seals in its juices. To sear on a stovetop: Set a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or olive, and heat until it shimmers and just barely smokes. Add the meat to the hot skillet and cook until the surface forms a brown, caramelized crust. Flip the meat when it has changed colors a quarter of the way up the side. Repeat sear on the reverse side.

Sauteing cooks food in a small amount of oil. To saute: Over medium heat, set a skillet or saute pan that’s large enough to fit all of the food in one layer. Add just enough canola or olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan, and heat until faintly smoking. Add the food to be cooked and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Brining plumps the cell structure of meat so that it stays moist and tender when cooked. To brine: Dissolve 3/4 cup of salt and 3/4 cup of sugar in one gallon of cold water for whole poultry or large roasts, or 1/4 cup of salt and 1/4 cup sugar in eight cups of water for smaller pieces (up to four chicken breasts). Make enough brine to completely submerge the meat in the liquid; place the container in the refrigerator. Allow the smaller pieces, like chicken breasts, to soak in the solution for up to one hour. Whole chicken or turkey can be brined 4 to 12 hours or longer, depending on the weight.

Roasting oven-cooks food, uncovered, at a high temperature to produce a browned exterior and moist interior in meats. This process is usually reserved for large, tender cuts of meat and whole poultry. To roast: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Season the meat and place it on a roasting rack or on top of a bed of chopped root vegetables, like carrots or potatoes.

Making a mirepoix (aka the holy trinity of onion, celery, and carrot) is a simple veggie medley that is the cornerstone of countless soups, stews, and sauces. Make a small dice of equal parts carrots, onion, and celery and saute in

oix

ll on,

8 - City Magazine

Hello again, allow me to reintroduce myself, since it was pointed out to me that I misspelled my own name in last month’s article. Ironically, that was the only thing I got correct on some of my school papers. For the record, I’m JoRge Veloz II. I spoke about “authentic” in the last article, today I’d like to chat about labels. When we arrived in Amarillo in 1988 to take over a dying café on the boulevard, Tacos Garcia, I noticed right

away that the term “tex-mex” seem to have a bad rap, and was frequently misused. Some places branded themselves as not being “tex-mex” when they were. You know your “tex-mex” when, your plates are covered with yellow cheese, or you smother something, put a chili con carne on the tamale, or the enchilada sauce has a gravy like texture. It’s as if it were something to be found in the frozen aisle.. After visiting San Antonio, the capitol of “tex-mex”, I found they celebrated the term, culture, and cuisine. I hope we have helped to restore some of that bad rap, and besides, who doesn’t enjoy hangin’ out on the river walk!! A competitor-friend of mine once asked if he offended me by putting “no tex-mex” on his ads, I told him I was not; he was just from a different neighborhood than I. Besides, it seems to me many menus are com-bining and blending together much like it seems impossible to find a Chinese- only restaurant as they have joined forces with Thai and Laos cuisine. Is anyone ready for a Chinese-Mexican food restaurant? I think an egg roll looks a lot like a chimichanga so let’s smother it with a queso dip……on second thought; my father tried that concept too!

“Authentic”

Jorge Veloz II

With 20 years of being Amarillo's cornerstone of fine dining, Marty's continues its dedication to their

dining patrons. With a Happy Hour Mon.-Thur. 4pm-7pm & Friday 4pm-8pm, with Free Pizza on

Friday's, Marty's also presents a casual dining experience for after work cocktails. Marty's also

features incredible lunch specials for only $6.99!!! CALL NOW TO MAKE YOUR VALENTINE'S DAY

RESERVATIONS & FOR YOUR CATERING & BANQUET NEEDS!!!!

34th & Georgia 353-3523

Try our famous margaritas... Or order food To-Go!!! We also have traditional Tex-Mex & New Mexi-

can Favorites!!! Our Lengua, Menudo, & Barbacoa are made

fresh daily!!! Family Owned, Family Operated.

1100 S. Ross 806-371-0411

Amarillo’s newest restaurant is known for the great taste of American cuisine. Amarillo Legends offer a large menu that offers something for everyone. At breakfast enjoy pancakes ands muffins. If you

want something hearty then try the farmhouse breakfast featuring our renowned ham and eggs.

On the lunchtime menu you can find various sandwiches, hamburgers and salads. Come by for dinner and you can order our healthy serving of

smothered steak.

2909 I-40. 3322-(food) 3663.

Wom

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Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. Almost 700,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. each year. Heart disease is not just a man's disease. Heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases are devastating to women, too. In fact, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women (AHA, 2009).

Though heart disease is the number one killer of women, many are not aware of this statistic. The majority of women still believe breast cancer to be the number one killer for women. Nearly one-third or 27% of all female deaths each year are from heart disease (WomenHeart, 2009). Of the 500,000 annual deaths from cardiovascular disease, 267,000 women die from heart attacks—six times as many women as will die from breast cancer (WomenHeart, 2009).

Women are less likely to be treated the same as men experiencing signs and symptoms of a heart attack and many times women put off seeking medical attention for symptoms due to fear, embarrassment and time constraints (many are too busy taking care of family to seek care for themselves). To further complicate scenario, women’s symptoms may vary from the typical or stereotype symptoms of men.

The most crucial point women need to be educated on is that women can significantly decrease their risk of heart disease if they have knowledge of the signs, symptoms, risk factors, questions to ask when seeking medical help and the steps required to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. A woman who is fully educated on the signs, symptoms and risk factors of heart disease is empowered to ensure they receive the medical treatment required.

The community of Amarillo and the surrounding areas are fortunate to have a dedicated facility that provides care for those who are at risk or have cardiovascular disease. The Heart Hospital of Northwest Texas opened its doors on October 1, 2003 as an addition to Northwest Texas Healthcare System. The additional beds were to be dedicated to those with cardiac disease as heart disease was becoming more prevalent in the United States and had surpassed all cancers as the number one killer. Statistical data also indicated that Texas had one of the highest rates of heart disease compared to other states.

The Heart Hospital is a 90-bed facility consisting of large private rooms and state of the art technology. The Cath lab equipment is manned with our specialized staff who have 73 years combined Cath lab experience. The Heart Hospital is the only facility in the region that is dedicated to caring for patient with cardiovascular disease. The staff in our Coronary Intensive Care and Cardiac Med/Surg floors is specially trained to care for the patient experiencing cardiovascular disease. All licensed staff is required to have Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training.

Symptoms of a Heart AttackPressure, burning, squeezing in the center of the chestDiscomfort in one or both arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, stomach or backShortness of breathFatigue, cold sweat, nausea, weakness

Less Typical Symptoms of Heart Disease in WomenPain in upper back, jaw, neck or shoulderShortness of breathFlu-like symptoms: nausea or vomiting, cold sweatsFatigue or weaknessFeelings of anxiety, loss of appetite, discomfort

Risks of Heart Disease Those that can be controlledHypertensionHigh CholesterolSmokingDiabetesObesityInactivity

Adopt a Heart Healthy LifestyleStop smokingBe physically active for 30 minutes a dayEat a heart healthy dietMaintain a healthy weightManage your blood pressureIf you have diabetes, control your blood sugarConsume alcohol in moderation

The Heart Hospital has carried on the tradition of community involvement that has been seen through the years by Northwest Texas Healthcare System. We are a community partner involved in multiple health fairs and educational presentations. One such community partner for the Heart Hospital is the American Heart Association, which brings educational programs like the national Go Red for Women Campaign. This event, which includes cardiac screenings and educational sessions, has grown to reach over 750 women in the community. This years event is February 17, with free health screenings and educational breakout sessions at 8:30 am to 11am and a luncheon at 1200 pm featuring motivational keynote speaker Sally Baskey. Please call 806-457-0090 for more information.

In addition, the hospital offers a free cardiovascular risk assessment for the community. Simply go to the northwest website at www.nwtexashealthcare.com and click on the HeartAware link to take your 7 minute risk assessment. If you are identified as a high-risk patient, you can choose to participate in a one-on-one educational session with our cardiac nurse. All of this is absolutely FREE to the community!

Diving is an art, a sport, a spectacle, and magic. We love to watch the divers on television. They are grace-ful, bold and they do it with such ease. Funny how in any sport we sit in our chair and believe we could have made that goal, pinned the opposition or made that dive. We love to fool ourselves. Truth is, it takes hours and hours of practice, discipline and support from people who believe in us or drive us. Why don’t these people quit? What drives them? What is it deep within that keeps them going?

Outcome; the completion of a goal. Reaching the unreachable. Self satisfaction. Oh I can already hear you, “I have never finished anything, it gets hard and I quit.” No you don’t. What we tend to do is set our goals too high and too quick. I wanted to dive I only had a summer to learn. I learned but I didn’t perfect it that summer, it took time. You put the weight on over years and you want it off in a month... once again fooling yourself.

I am on a journey here to be healthy. That’s the other problem most of us that are fat set out to diet not to change our lifestyle to be healthy. BINGO! We have visions of all that food being taken away from us. Nothing is farther from the truth. I make choices every single day about my life. I chose to get rid of unhealthy foods in my home. Did I give up everything…not at all. I am eating 6 meals a day with lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables and yes I go out to eat. The key for me was getting to the gym and drinking water, just like my Mom told me.

My son is an athlete. From the time he was small I kept him active. I was terrified that he would have a weight battle. He never did. This has taken him into the fitness realm. He has been a member at a gym since high school and he is a grown man now. I would watch him go off to the gym when he really wanted to be some-where else. I asked how he made himself do that. He said that he loved how he felt afterwards, that there’s nothing that compares to that. Outcome;

the completion of a goal.

When this journey began in October he was my driving force but then something magical happened. As I began to feel better and look better my sister Becky noticed. My younger sister Molly has worked out for a very long time and then her daughter Sarah

followed suite. Becky, my niece Kathleen and I were the holdouts about going to the gym. We complained that we didn’t have time it was too expensive and all the regular complaints. When you are doing something good you want everyone to have that. I brought Becky and Kathleen on board at the end of December. We have a network. It is wonderful. We encourage each other and show up for one another. On most Sundays Sarah or Molly become our hard nosed trainer pushing us to our limits. But we laugh and giggle and prod each other and I wonder what the other people at Gold’s must be thinking. I want you to know also that no one in my family has the weight problem that I have but we all have our health to take care of. Molly bought the three of us special water bottles and believe it or not I use that bottle to remind me that I have people that care about me.

PERFECTING THE

DIVE

14 -City Magazine

My son Heath has taught me about food values and what sugar does and how I can eat anything I want, but it has to be portioned. When I have complained he has said “Go ahead Mom, if it means that much to you then eat it.” Somehow what ever it was that I wanted so badly doesn’t have the attraction it once had. We some-times go out for lunch after church. Sundays had become my reward day for doing so well but I had to change that because I began to give myself permission for that to go on all day Sunday and I would feel terrible! Last week I hit the 40 pound loss. I stood there amazed and frightened. Do I tell anyone, what if I fail at this? I forgot, I am on a journey for a lifetime, one day at a time. I can only fail if I give up. Outcome; the completion of a goal. My intense workouts have started back with Tiffany and when the others showed up for the class I got a big dose of myself. They were intimidated and scared and ready to go to work on themselves. This time I got to be the encourager. How amazing is that???? ME!!!! This time I could keep up and I knew my limits and wanted to be pushed right to my edge. It takes my breath away just to say that. I go get on the bicycles, treadmills and I go to classes knowing I

may not be able to keep up with everyone but by gosh I am there!!! I may not look like all the trim and slimmed and muscle bound people there but I bet I feel almost as good as they do. Outcome; a goal completed. Someone asked me why on earth was I working out and putting myself through that. I told him that I loved bending over to tie my shoes, climbing stairs and having energy to do the things I wanted. I have a grand-son that I love to go fish with. He said to me “Nawnie if you get skinny enough maybe we can walk around the water looking for another place to fish.” Outcome; a goal completed.

I know better than anyone that some of you set your New Years resolutions on the first and you have already given up. That’s okay. The good news I have for you is that you can start over anytime. ANYTIME. Maybe you’ll just start by switching to water or going for a walk twice a week. Some of you will come looking for me at the gym, some of you already have. You will find me there on Tuesdays and Thursdays sweating and complaining and loving every minute of it! You touched my heart when you spoke to me or told me read my last article and I inspired you. I inspired you! Something I never expected but always wanted to do. Come do this with me. Outcome; a goal completed.

Alright I made a dive and I was frightened and embar-rassed. I came up to the top of the water and I looked around and realized I made it!!! Not only did I make it, the feeling of accomplish-ment is overwhelming. To see my family proud and participating is something I never dreamed. I’m not finished though. This time I stand straight up, chin up and a huge smile on my face, this time I add to my dive…I look to my right and there stands my family I look to the left and there you are up on your toes taking a deep breath we give each other the go ahead nod… Outcome; ?

City Magazine - 15

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 57;30PMKICKER MONSTER TRUCKSAMARILLO NATIONAL CENTER$15.00 PER PERSON

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3:00PM-8:00PMTHE PEDDLER SHOWAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERNORTH EXHIBIT HALL

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 69:00AM-6:00PMTHE PEDDLER SHOWAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERNORTH EXHIBIT HALL

6:30PMSYMPHONY BALL 2010AMARILLO CIVIC CENTERHERITAGE ROOM

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7;30PMKICKER MONSTER TRUCKSAMARILLO NATIONAL CENTER$15.00 PER PERSON

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 711:00AM-4:00PMTHE PEDDLER SHOWAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERNORTH EXHIBIT HALL

2:00PM & 6:00PMCIRCUS GATTIAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERCOLISEUM

MONDAY FEBRUARY 87:30PMBROADWAY SHOW “RIVERDANCE”AMARILLO CIVIC CENTERAUDITORIUM$20.00-$55.00 PER PERSON

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AMARILLO CIVIC CENTERAUDITORIUM$20.00-$55.00 PER PERSON THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1110:00AMTHE SLIM GOODBODY

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11:00AM-4:00PMANTIQUE SHOW & SALEAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERNORTH EXHIBIT HALL$8.00-$22.00 PER PERSON

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 266:00PM-7:30PMBRIGHT NIGHT HIKE$3.00 FOR ADULTS $2.00 CHILDREN & SENIORS

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Parents are always seeking activities to do with their children, and many parents often join or start a playgroup. If you want to start a playgroup, but you do not want to spend much money, here's a graduated step plan to get you -- and your kids -- on your way to playtime fun!

No money needed!You can start your own playgroup without spending a penny! First, make a few preliminary decisions about the kind of group that you and your child would like. Consider such issues as frequency and location of meetings, necessity of membership dues, and the age-range of the children.

Also, spend some time thinking about what you would like for the group to do, such as meeting for a social playtime or participating in structured activities. The materials for some of these activities may cost money, so consider them carefully. Second, you need to find other parents who want the same things from a playgroup as you do. This means getting the word out about your playgroup!

Advertise in the community calendar of your local newspaper. Most newspapers will allow an ad in the calendar section for free. Introduce yourself to other

parents you see with their children at the park or fast food restaurants. Invite your friends who are at-home moms with small children. Get friends, spouses and business associates to pass the word around. Rather than starting a neighborhood playgroup, you may want to consider going through the ministry of your church. Contact your church to see if they will finance a playgroup for church members and the community at large as a ministry to stay-at-home moms and their children. With the financial backing of the church, you can volunteer your services as the playgroup coordinator.

Starting a playgroup for about $5In addition to all the "free" suggestions mentioned above, invest about $5 and market your playgroup to other parents who may be interested in joining. Place posters in area businesses where parents with children are likely to see them, such as libraries, pediatrician's offices and parks. Compare prices for using copy machines at various locations, then print one master copy of your flyer on your computer, and make the necessary copies. If your spouse can use the copier at work for free, that's even better! You only need about 10 to 20 copies to start.

start a playgroupwith little or no money

What you can do with about $10After you have tried the above methods and if you have about $5 more to spend, use it on getting the word out about your playgroup. Distribute about 50 flyers in neighborhoods that seem to have a large number of families with children. To save on flyers, don't canvass the entire neighborhood. Be very selective put flyers at houses with toys in the yard, a minivan in the driveway, or a carseat in the car. After two weeks, if you don't hear from enough interested parents, distribute another 50 flyers in neighborhoods a little further out. Continue this method until your playgroup has the number of members that you want.

Another way to get the word out to a large number of people is to send a photo release to your local newspaper. Take a photograph of your child playing at the park or doing a craft. Write a short paragraph describing the activity and giving information about this new playgroup. Be sure to include your name and phone number. Most local papers are eager for photographs and information about local residents, and they will be glad to print your photo and story.

What you can do with about $20You can always join a local chapter of a national organization for parents, such as MOPS (Mothers of PreSchoolers) or MOMS Club (Moms Offering Moms Support) or Mothers and More. Some other clubs for moms are based on the Internet. Although nearly all of these national and Internet-based organizations charge membership fees, they are nominal and they cover a variety of extra services and benefits, such as playgroups. If the one in your area doesn't, you may meet other mothers who would be interested in starting one with you.

If there is not a local chapter of a national organization in your hometown, you may be interested in starting your own chapter. Many of the national organizations provide start-up kits for that very purpose. However, the fees for starting a chapter may prove prohibitively expensive, so check into it first. Instead you may want to investigate some Internet-based organizations that provide playgroup start-up kits without requiring additional fees or yearly memberships.

Other costs to considerThe costs involved in a playgroup are generally found in the beginning when you are trying to advertise your group. Once your playgroup has started, the only cost involved is the money that the hostess spends on snacks, and that' s something you can control.

February Love is in the air this February with a whole lot of kissin & smoochin going on. The one thing on everyone's mind is having ooh so kissable breath. This leads us on to the topic of dental hygiene. Valentines day is just one of the constant reminders of why dental care is so important.

So, while we are puckering up this Valentines season, whispering sweet nothings & sniffing our forget me nots. Don't forget too mark your calendar and celebrate, February is National Pet Dental Health Month sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

is National Pet Dental Health Month:

1. 80% of humans brush their teeth at least twice a day, but very few pet owners brush their pets teeth.

2. Signs of gum disease include yellow & brown build up of tarter around the gum line, inflammation & bad breath

3. One of the most common dental problems is broken or chipped teeth, some of which is caused by aggressively chewing on hard objects. Older & senior dogs are more prone to have this problem.

4. More then 80% of dogs & 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3, now that's a big deal in dog & cat years!!

20 - City Magazine

Here are some tips to keep your dogs pearly whites and gleaming for those family portraits.

1. Inspect their teeth on a regular basis. If your dog breath is unbearable and there is discoloration or tarter present these could be signs of serious health issues. Seek the advice of a vet ASAP.

2. When your dog goes in for his yearly checkup make sure you schedule a complete dental checkup as well.

3. Brush your dog’s teeth at least 2-3 times a week. Maintaining a daily teeth-brushing regime is the key to good health and prevention. Although it is best to develop & nurture a dental

routine at a younger pup age, don't worry it is never to late to get your older dog accustomed to regular brushing.

4. Chew toys and hard treats are a good start, but it should not be a substitute for brushing your dog’s teeth.

Stocking The Bar

A well-stocked bar is a valuable tool for entertaining guests, decorating the

house, or dealing with visiting in-laws. So here's everything you need to create

the ideal party tool/room accent/blessed sanctuary.

The BasicsLiquor: You won't go wrong with 750 ml bottles of moderately priced brands (no more than about $20, sometimes much cheaper) that have name recognition -- Jose Cuervo, Jack Daniel's, Absolut, etc. Wine: Have fun sampling several different kinds under $10 -- not all in one night -- then pick your two favorites and serve them as your house wines.

Advanced TouchSippin' Whiskey: This spirit has always been a hit with professional drinkers, but after years of being eclipsed by vodka, it's coming back into vogue. Single-malt scotches and small-batch bourbons (both are types of whiskey) are particularly desirable.

Mixers & Garnishes

The BasicsJuice: See? Drinking is healthy. Soda: Doubles as tasty drink accent and refreshment for designated drivers.

Maraschino Cherries: Get 'em with stems, since they're easier to pluck out of a glass. Plus, tying knots in them with your tongue is still one of the all-time great bar tricks.

Olives: No martini is complete without them (unless it's a Gibson, in which case you'll need a pearl onion).

Lemons and Limes: Slice them up beforehand to save time when company arrives.

Advanced TouchExotic additions: Feeling tropical? Feeling crazy? Then you probably have malaria. Still, you can't ignore your guests, who may be in the mood for a fruity island treat or an oddball drink that requires an unusual ingredient. Luckily, most can be found in any supermarket or liquor store. Some ingredients should be fresh -- impress guests by pulling mint straight off a plant -- while others can be bought well in advance. Accessories

The BasicsRecipe Book: The Craft of the Cocktail by master mixologist Dale DeGroff provides 500 illustrated recipes as well as cocktail lore that, unlike a great martini, is never dry.

Ice Bucket and Tongs: A bucket with a lid and a liner keeps

ice colder longer, and tongs

keep grubby mitts where they belong.

Cocktail Shaker: Buy a Boston shaker -- a glass tumbler

paired with a metal tumbler -- along with a Hawthorne strainer (the one with the coiled edge) instead of the more popular all-metal shaker. The setup is more versatile, gets colder faster, and makes you instantly look like a pro.

Glasses: Remember, people who drink tend to drop things, so there's no need to spend a lot of money.

Napkins: You don't want to find rings on your coffee table or olive pits in your plants.

Advanced TouchBar Tools: Find a good-looking set that contains everything you need. Then display it for people to look at in slack-jawed awe.

p , gmartini, is never dry.

Ice Bucket and Tongs: A bucket with a lid and a liner keeps

ice colder longer, and tongs

keep grubby mitts where they belong.

Cocktail Shaker: Buy a Boston shaker -- a glass tumbl

paired with a metal tumbler --along with a Hawthorne strainer (theone with the coiled edge) instead of themore popular all-metal shaker. The setup is more versatile, gets colder faster, and makes you instantly look like a pr

Glasses: Remember, people who drink tend drop things, so there's no need to spena lot of money.

Napkins: You don't want to find rings on your coffee table or olive pits in your plant

Advanced TouchBar Tools: Find a good-lookinset that containseverything you need. Th

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 6Torchlight Parade & FireworksA Red River Tradition. Come see the parade and fireworks at the Lift House Bar and Grill at 7:00 PM.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11- TUESDAY FEBRUARY 16Mardi Gras in the Mountains New Orleans too far? Come celebrate Mardi Gras in the Mountains...

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13- MONDAY FEBRUARY 15Presidents' Weekend What better way to spend a three day weekend than go skiing at your favorite mountain getaway!

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13Torchlight Parade & Fireworks A Red River Tradition. Come see the parade and fireworks at the Lift House Bar and Grill at 7:00 PM.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 20Torchlight Parade & Fireworks A Red River Tradition. Come see the parade and fireworks at the Lift House Bar and Grill at 7:00 PM.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27Torchlight Parade & Fireworks A Red River Tradition. Come see the parade and fireworks at the Lift House Bar and Grill at 7:00 PM.

SATURDAY MARCH 6Torchlight Parade & Fireworks A Red River Tradition. Come see the parade and fireworks at the Lift House Bar and Grill at 7:00 PM.

SATURDAY MARCH 13- WEDNESDAY MARCH 24Beach Weeks Forget the beach, its time to hit the slopes for Spring Break...

SATURDAY MARCH 13Torchlight Parade & Fireworks A Red River Tradition. Come see the parade and fireworks at the Lift House Bar and Grill at 7:00 PM.

GET OFF THE COUCH

Valentine’s DayThings a Guy

Really Wants for9Rock Band Whether he fronted a band in college or can’t even play the kazoo, every guy secretly dreams of being a rock star. Unfortunately, the pursuit of that dream would almost certainly result in financial ruin and total humiliation…for both of you. So buy him the video game Rock Band, which lets him be a guitarist, singer, drummer, or -- if he has serious self-esteem issues -- bassist in his very own virtual band. And don’t forget, he’ll be looking for a groupie after he finishes the encore.

A Guys' Night...With YouContrary to popular belief, the thing married men miss most about their bachelorhood isn’t the opportunity to go out and chase women -- it’s the opportunity to kick back with his bros and beers on a daily basis. So agree to schedule nights where he can rule the remote and eat chicken-fried bacon pizza...and you'll be right there with him.

Get-Out-of-Jail-Free CardHey, we all make mistakes. And unless those mistakes involve illicitly procured human organs, Interpol, or a second familia in Honduras, there’s no better gift you can bestow than unconditional amnesty. Simply tell him that he can redeem this card after a mild-to-moderate screw-up in the coming year. In return, you’ll forget it ever happened -- no questions asked. He’ll be grateful for your understanding, and you’ll be assured that he didn’t lie in order to escape your wrath.

An Outfit Worn for HimIt doesn't have to be an over-the-top Catholic schoolgirl outfit or a black patent leather zipper-crotch bodysuit…unless you’re into that sort of thing. Instead, try some sexy lingerie. Feel self-conscious? You won’t once you see him ogling you.

Less MakeupA little eyeliner and lipstick are great. But unless you’re a newscaster or an octogenarian, there’s no reason to cake your face with goopy foundation and -- sorry, but you’re not really fooling anyone -- patchy zit-hider. Up close, subtle makeup is always more attractive. Besides, guys appreciate women who look good au naturel. Take racecar driver Danica Patrick; when all made up for talk shows, she’s unremarkable. But when she’s at the track in her jumpsuit with her hair tied up in a ponytail, she’s the hottest thing on four wheels. He clearly thinks you’re cute -- so why conceal it under a bunch of, er, concealer?

Gift Ideas -- For YouIf you’re reading this, you know how difficult it is to find the right present for your spouse. So what better way to say you love him than to spare him from aimlessly wandering around a crowded mall until he buys you a woefully ill-advised gift at Hot Topic? If catching on to subtle hints isn’t his specialty, have a friend brief him on what you might like this year. He’ll feel like a genius, you’ll get exactly what you want, and you’ll both eliminate awkward trips to the store to buy, and then secretly return, crappy presents.

Driving SchoolMost males love to drive. But unfortunately, the kind of driving your guy typically does -- commuting through rage-inducing traffic or weekend runs to Bed Bath & Beyond -- isn’t enjoyable. So help remind him that he can have fun in a car by sending him to one of dozens of different driving schools held all over the country. Better yet, go with him to one like The Land Rover Experience at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. He can test the amazing SUV’s off-roading limits on the 8,000-acre property; you can explore the 250-room mansion, winery, and four-star hotel. Everybody wins!

Madden '09Madden NFL has been around for 20 years, so they must be doing something right. The ’09 version offers the “most complete NFL football package ever,” but all that matters to us is that it has a great two-player experience.

BoozeSure, his occasional intake of alcohol has indirectly led to an argument or two. But it’s a gift you can be sure he’ll use and enjoy. Rather than buying him a case of the beer he guzzles with buddies on Sundays, introduce him to something he may not have tried before. India Pale Ales (so named because the British sent the hoppier, more alcoholic beer to colonial soldiers in India), like Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, are becoming more and more popular. If he’s a spirits man, buy him an Irish whiskey -- a subtler cousin of Scotch -- like Bushmills 16 Year Single Malt. It’s so good, he’ll gladly stay home to go drinking.

Poker 101Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced poker player? It really doesn’t matter - keep these 8 tips in the back of your mind at your next poker game. Boost your poker performance and rake in the winnings that you have always wanted! Although beginners may find this more useful, we encourage you advanced players to also consider the following: Don’t Play while Drunk or Emotionally Distracted Sure, being drunk can spice up the game to be that much more exciting. But really, how exciting is it to throw away your stacks of chips? If you’re playing in a high stakes game, avoid the alcohol. If you’re with friends, then sure a drink or two is great. Remember that alcohol can impair your judgment, which is an essential skill to possess when it comes to poker. Similarly, you shouldn't bring your emotions to a poker game. If you’re at the poker table, then your only emotion needs to be your desire to increase your chip count, and not the things that have lead you to having a bad day. If you’re in a bad mood, then don’t play poker, because your rational thought processes will be disrupted by emotions. Similarly, if you lose a big hand, stand up, take a breather and calm down. Don’t Always Stay in the Hand Until the End Just because you’ve dumped a truckload of chips into the pot, it doesn’t mean you have to see the round to its end! A huge mistake that players make is that because they have put so much money into the pot, they decide that they can’t fold or else it will be all wasted. There are countless times where players put themselves in the feeling of a point of no return, where they simply depend on pure luck with low probabilities that they can win the pot on the river. If you have a bad hand, it’s best to fold or else your opponent may very well push you to dump double the chips that you’ve already put into the pot. Avoid the temptation to see your hands until the end, and fold! You’re losing more money that you think! Don’t Bluff Without Any Kind of Hand Bluffing has always been viewed as a risky move. It takes skill and precise execution to master the art of bluffing. Therefore to you beginners, don’t try this bluffing tactic. Chances are, your opponents will have you beat. They may very well pick out the flaws in your betting techniques that may uncover a wrong bluff from a right bluff. Play your cards as you see them. If you have a high hand, then it’s okay to raise since your opponents can never really determine your play style until your cards are revealed at the end of the round.

Top 8 Tips to Improve Your Poker Game

Don’t Always Be Aggressive Aggressive betting can backfire on a player, and this ties in with the bluffing idea. Again, play your cards as you see them. Remember that it’s not about the number of hands you win, but the number of chips that you win. In that regard, if you flop a solid hand (flush, straight, or full house), then you are in great shape to win the pot. If you aggressively bet early in the round, it will cause other players to fold, and the pot will not grow as much. The objective is to keep your opponents in the pot early on in the round, then weed them out as the round continues to the point where the pot has become large for you to win. However, consider that other players can get lucky to get a better hand on the river, so balance aggression with conservation. Pay Attention at all Times Always keep in mind the possible hands that can be held by your opponents. Always assume that someone can have a better hand than you. If a flop for a straight or flush appears and you don’t have that hand, then it can be possible that someone may have that hand already. In that case, play cautiously. If you flop a straight or flush then chances are, you probably have the best hand at the table. Also, just because you decided to fold and are out of the game, it does not mean you should take a snooze until the next round starts. Take these opportunities to observe your opponents, and identify their playing styles. Use the information portrayed by the players that are currently in the pot such as betting patterns to decide how you can play against them to better your chances of increasing your chip count. Know When to Raise There are two points in the round where it is best to raise. The first is being before the flop. If you have a pair in your hand to start, then you are in good shape initially. It’s only when the flop comes that other players may get a higher pair or set up for a good five card hand such as a full house, straight, or flush. Even though the pot is not big initially, every bit of winnings will significantly help you in the long-run. Raising before the flop will generally force other players to fold if they have a lousy hand. Bluffing from other players is a rare occurrence in such a situation. The second point in the game where raising can be considered a good move is after the turn. If you have one

of the best possible hands given the cards on the table, then force the other players to fold by raising. At this point, the pot should be decent to win. Don’t Always Call To See Another Player’s Hand A common mistake that people make is that even though they are pretty much beat, they’ll throw more money at the pot to uncover the other player’s bluff. Don’t put yourself in this situation. Remember that a highly skilled poker player will usually execute the tactics of bluffing. It is nearly impossible for a beginner to call someone out on a bluff. Again, fold when you know that the river cannot help you get one of the better hands. It is not worth throwing money at the pot to determine how “honest” the other player was playing. Play According to the Blinds and CheckThis is definitely worth mentioning. On numerous occasions, players fold when they start the round of betting. If you’re the big blind, and no one raises before the flop, why on earth would you decide to fold? You’ve already put your money in the pot to be dealt in the game, so check to see the flop. Again, this careless move is made when a player opens the round of betting. If you don’t want to put more money in the pot initially, then check. Sometimes all players in the game will check on the same round of betting. That gives you a chance to see the next card and better your chances of getting a worthy hand without having to put more chips into the pot, especially if you have absolutely nothing or setting up for a hand such as a flush or straight. Don’t be one of those careless players!

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OnCompany TimeCool websites to check out when the boss isn’t looking!

www.freerice.com

Play trivia and make a difference with FreeRice. Every time you get an answer right, the site donates 10 grains of rice to global hunger programs. FreeRice is run by the United Nations World Food Program and uses revenue from in-site ads to pay for the food.

www.givecoupons.com

Create fun personalized coupons for your friends & family, like for a romantic dinner, back rub, date, etc.

www.officehumor.com

Look over a list of pranks that you can play on your co-workers to spice up your day.

www.lyricsgame.com

Play a game where you try to fill in the missing lyrics.

Tic Tac Toe30 - City Magazine

Math Squares

Try to fill in the missing numbers. Use the numbers 1 through 16 to complete the equations. Each number is only used once. Each row is a math equation. Work from left to right. Each column is a math equation. Work from top to bottom.

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