Intown Magazine

People / 22_____________________________

Healing Sick ChildrenAn Interview with CEO Powerhouse Mark Wallace

Financial Focus / 16_____________________________

Protecting Your Retirement Investments

During a JobTransition

Houston Renovator / 20_____________________________

Remodeling forAccessibility

Options for the long run.

The GAME / 12__________________________________

The GAMEDebut

Top Sports radio hostsweigh in on the Texans.

September/October 2011

www.intownmag.com • Intown September-October 2011 1

2 Intown September-October 2011 • www.intownmag.com

CONTENTSPeople / 8

______________________________

Mark A. WallaceSince the age of 16, Mark A.

Wallace knew he wanted to be the CEO for a hospital. For the past 22 years he has done that, and much

more, as President and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital.

The Game / 14_____________________________

The GAMETop Sports radio hosts

weigh in on the Texans.

Renovator / 20_________________________

Remodeling for Accessibility

Today we enjoy a market filled with products to meet the demand for better designed living for people

with disabilities.

The Last Page / 28______________________________

That Wretched CatAn excerpt from author Toni Garcia

Carpenter’s new book“Domestic Commando

A Stay-at-Home (R)evolution.”

Editorial

Letters tothe Editor

People:Interview withCEO Mark Wallace

The GAME:Texans Offenseand Defense

The BUZZPart One

Financial Focus:Preparing for the Unexpected

Houston Renovator:Designing for Accessibility

The BUZZPart Two

Museums

Events

The Last Page:That Wretched Cat

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On the cover: 4 yr old Mark Scranton is led to Day Surgery to receive a cochlear implant Photo by Allen Kramer

MUSEUMS

Holocaust Museumwww.hmh.org

Ongoing-12/31 Passage to a New Life- highlights from the Collections of Holocaust Museum HoustonOngoing-12/31- Celebrating 15 Years of History at Holocaust Museum HoustonOngoing-12/31 We Fought Too-Jewish Soldiers in Americas’s Wars”Ongoing-12/31- Ours To Fight For: American an Jews in the Second World War8/5-7/22/12- The Impact of Racist Ideologies : Jim Crow and the Nuremberg Laws

The Menil Collectionwww.menil.org

Ongoing-8/28 Ancestors of the Lake Sentani and Humboldt Bay, New GuineaCurator Virginia Lee Webb has produced a catalogue that will accompany the nearly fifty works from the 19th century9/15- 1/8/2012 Walter De Maria: TrilogiesOngoing -9/15 The Whole World was Watching: Civil Rights Era Photographs form Edmund Carpenter and Adelaide de Menil9/23-1/15/2012- Seeing Stars: Visionary Drawing from the Collection10/21-3/18/2012 Imprinting the Divine- Byzantine and Russian Icons from the Menil Collection

Museum of Fine Artswww.mfah.org

Ongoing-9/18- Simpson Kalisher: The Alienated PhotographerOngoing -9/11 Charles Ledray workworkworkworkworkOngoing-9/25- Helmut Newton: White Women-Sleepless Nights-Big NudesFeaturing the entire contents from Helmut Newton’s three groundbreaking books these prints are as large as 8 X 8 feet. Designer Karl Lagerfield and Vogue editor Anna Wintour contribute to the exhibition catalogue available at the exhibit. Ongoing-9/25- Second Nature- Contemporary Landscapes from the MFAH CollectionOngoing-11/28 Working in the Abstract: Rethinking the LiteralOngoing- 1/29/2012 THE Spirit of Modernism: The John R. Eckel,JR. Foundation Gift to the MFAH9/11-11/27 Acid on metal: The Art of Etching and Aquatint9/17-1/29/2012 English Taste: The Art of Dining in the Eighteenth Century9/18-12/11 l Life & Luxury; The Art of Living in the Eighteenth-Century Paris 10/16-4/15/20012- Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs10/23-1/16/2012- Gifts of Sultan: The Arts of Giving at the Islamic Courts

Jackson Pollock | Untitled (Psychoanalytic Drawing), 1939–1940 (detail) | Colored pencils and graphite on blue paper, 6 x 7-5/8 inches© 2011 The Pollock-Krasner Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York | The Menil Collection, Houston | Photo: Paul Hester

Bill TraylorFigures, Animals, Guns (Exciting Events), ca.

1939–1942Crayon on cardboard

12-1/4 x 9-1/8 inchesThe Menil Collection, Houston

Photo: Paul Hester

Saint George and the Dragon2nd half of 16th century

Tempera and gold over gesso and cloth, on carved fruitwood panel w/ added frame

16 x 13-5/8 x 1 inchesThe Menil Collection, Houston

Paul Hester[85-057.14 DJ]

Walter De MariaBel Air Trilogy, 2000–2011 (detail)

Stainless steel rod with 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air two-tone hardtop

Rod: 4 inch (dia.) x 12 feet; automobile: 5 x 6 x 12 feet

(c) Walter de Maria. Courtesy Gagosian Gallery. Photography by Robert McKeever.

The Menil Collection

CalendarSeptember/October

Museum Of Natural www.hmns.org

Ongoing- 9/5 Texas! The ExhibitionOngoing-9/1 Ancient Ukraine Golden Treasures& Lost Civilizations10/14 Discovering The Civil War

Museum of Printing History www.printingmuseum.org

Ongoing-9-10 The Book Club of Texas

Blaffer Museum of Fine Arts www.blafferartmuseum.org

6/3-11/27- At the Back of the North Wind- An exhibition by Anton GinsburgThe exhibit is curated by Matthew J. W. Drutt and is a official participant of LA Biennale diVenezia’s Collateral program featuring a video, large scale sculptures, photography and paintings by the artist.

Children’s Museumwww.cmhouston.org

Open Monday through Saturday 10 am to 6pmFree Family Nights Thursday 5-8pmopen Sundays noon-6pm

Contemporary Arts Museumwww.camh.org

Ongoing-10/9 Perspectives 175: Marc Swanson: The Second Story- Free AdmissionThe artist’s newest sculpture exhibit inspired by a visit to Menil’s Cy Tombly Pavilion and the defunct Second Story gay bar in San Francisco10/1 Donald Moffett: The Extravagant Vein- Organized by CAMH Senior Curator Cassel Oliver representing the artists first exhibition showing work from non traditional material over a 20 year period.10/15 12/31 perspectives 176: Glen Fogel: With me …YouAnew five channel video installation with a

series of paintings and letters.


EDITORIAL

www.intownmag.comWEB EXCLUSIVES

Photos, Videos, Features

A TreatIt is not often that an interview or meeting with someone who has been hyped so much lives up to their billing. Such was the case with Mark Wallace of Texas Children’s Hospital whom I hadmet at a luncheon for the Houston Diabetes Foundation. His enthusiasm and passion about life and what he is doing and has done at The Texas Children’s Hospital is more than refreshing.How great would you feel every day if you were helping to heal the sickest of the sick children in the United States and the world? The day I met with Wallace at his office at Texas Children’she could hardly stand still. In fact he wasn’t. When I arrived he was literally running in place and saying how pumped up he was over all the things he had going on that day. I assumed this meant for a very short interview, but that was far from the case as you can see from the article. We kept it to an hour but I really wanted to know more about the guy who has helped transform the Medical Center into the world class facility it is today. Standing at maybe just under six feet tall, Wallace claims he could dunk a basketball in college. I would never bet against this guy. I left there thinking there cannot be any employment field more gratifying or worthy than healing sick children.

A TrickThose of us who voted for keeping the red light cameras on for the same reasons they were installed in the first place were glad when the judge and the mayor decided to turn the lights back on. Only now has the entire city council voted, sans sue Lovell, to help exculpate the mayor from this mess. When did a contract stop becoming a contract? This red light deal was for five years and it was done at the time, in good faith. There are and should be repercussions for breaking a contract. It looks like this is going to be an expensive lesson. Why do other cities like Dallas and Austin, among others, have these cameras with little or no backlash? Oh, that’s right, they receive money and it helps save lives. Enough of this, the city has bigger fish to fry.

Maybe we need to hire Michael Kubosh and the lawyer group that finally got these lights turned off to help us get a NASA Space Shuttle that is rightfully ours. Were not the first words out of themouth of two famous Apollo astronauts, Houston?

M.A. Haines

PublisherM.A. Haines

EditorLisa June

Production

Web Design:Melaroo

Art Director:E.K.Brown

Layout Design: Alona Preskovsky

Web Design: Jay Ford

ContributorsBuddy BaileyGracie CavnarMarene GustinKatheryn HoukBrenda JacksonNancy Kershen

For advertising ratesand information713.525.8607

[email protected] reservation deadline is 15

days prior to publication.

Intown Magazine is published bi-monthly by SNS Media.

Articles are welcome and will be given careful consideration

for possible publication. Intown Magazine does not assume any

responsibility for unsolicited materials. Materials submitted

will be returned if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. You can also e-mail [email protected]

Copyright 2011 by Intown Magazine. All right reserved.

Content may not be reprinted or reproduced with permission

from Intown Magazine.


Letters to the EditorGood night and good bye red light cameras.

A sneaky little revenue enhancer – not a safety enhancer, which gave a large chunk of the money away is now gone. Congratula-tions to our mayor and council members for backing the voters’ choice on this matter.

Paul D. SchragerSchrager Associates19 Briar Hollow Lane Suite 262Houston, TX 77056

I voted against (the light cameras) after being cited for taking a right turn in a right turn lane. I under-stand (like rational in wanting to cut down on the running of red lights but I think the city is taking advantage of certain situations. You should get a warning first or get to state your case. I received and had to pay the fine for a law I didn’t even know existed. By the way where is all the money go-ing? I might be more amenable if I knew where the money was going to be going to good use. Say schools… oh that’s right our public schools don’t need any help – WHATEVER

Stacey G

In reply to your editorial, urging the Mayor to implement the red camera light policy, you may want to consider the following:

At a time when we try to con-vince our kids to get involved and have their voice and opinion heard, you relay a message that says that one’s vote does not mat-ter and voting may be a waste of time since a judge may overturn the results.

If the referendum was invalid it should have been addressed before the vote.

No illegal activity or irregular vot-ing practices took place, which should be the only reason for a result reversal.

The same type of irresponsible or drunk driver who ran the red lights before and caused deaths will continue to do so regardless of cameras or penalties, this has been proven.

All debates have shown that this practice has not played a role in saving lives before.

If the red light camera practice was an effective method of reducing accidents drastically, it would mean that nobody runs red lights any more because of fear of getting ticketed but then no revenue would be produced. Obviously this is not the case and that is the reason why the company behind it wants to sue the city for lost revenue. Or, if the city expects to have a great in-come from this practice, it means that it is ineffective and that the expected results are that people will continue to run red lights, regardless.

Now, having said all that, if imple-menting a policy as such would create a mandate that frees officers from writing tickets and assigns them to crime preven-tion patrol duties (which the city lacks), I would be more support-ive of the practice, IF THE VOTERS APPROVED IT. I find it disturbing seeing the same three patrol cars parked under overpasses on 288, during heavy traffic hours where average speed is 35-40 MPH, every single day. They could be parked by a busy intersection or a school zone and “produce revenue” that way.

How about having the cameras in place not for ticketing but in the event that an accident takes place, FOR A FEE, the people involved get to use the footage as evidence in their case. Also drivers’ education classes could use the footage, again for a fee, showing the results to young drivers-to-be.

Remember, all the cameras in London have not help prevent crime, they only became useful identifying the people involved and methods used AFTER the event took place.

With All Respect,Vassili Magazis


Healing Sick ChildrenAn Interview with CEO powerhouse Mark A. Wallace

PEOPLE

In 1989, at the age of 36, Mark A. Wallace was appointed President and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital, which treats in excess of 2 million children annually and is consistently ranked among the best pediatric hospitals in the nation. He has directed the completion of two capital expansion projects, one totaling $149 million in facilities development [to add one million square feet] and an accompanying capital campaign of $67.5 million in 1991, and one totaling $345 million [to add 1.2 million square feet and increase the hospital’s bed capacity from 456 to 639] with an accompanying capital campaign of $80 million] in 2001. Currently, he leads Vision 2010, a third capital expansion project due for completion in early 2012 totaling $1.5 billion [including Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, Texas Children’s Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus and expansion of the existing Feigin Research Center [adding 2 million square feet of space] and an accompanying capital campaign of $400 million. Prior to his appointment at Texas Children’s, Mark was a Senior Vice President at The Methodist Hospital in Houston.

Honors and awards include: the ACHE Robert S. Hudgens Memorial Award as the “Young Healthcare Executive of the Year” (1992); the Texas Hospital Association Earl M. Collier Award for Distinguished Healthcare Administration (2005); Washington University School of Medicine

Julieanna Metcalf holds hospital picture of herself.

Since the age of 16, Mark A. Wallace knew

he wanted to be the CEO for a hospital. For the past 22 years he’s done that, and much

more, as President and CEO of Texas Children’s

Hospital.

All photos by Paul Kuntz and Allen Kramer


Health Administration Program’s Distinguished Alumnus Award (2006); Texas Pediatric Society’s Distinguished Service Award in (2010); and the Bo’s Place Houston Robin Bush Award (2011).

Mark holds degrees from Oklahoma Baptist University and Washington University in St. Louis. He is married to Shannon, and they have two children and four grandsons.

An Interview withMark A. WallaceWhat is the primary function of Texas Children’s Hospital and how did it all begin?

It all began in 1954 with the vision of Mr. Jim Abercrombie and Mr. Leopold Meyer in the 40’s and 50’s with our city’s leaders and the Texas Medical Center knowing Houston was going to grow very rapidly and they all wanted a great facility. One of the most important decisions they made was in the name. They decided on Texas Children’s Hospital, not Houston Children’s Hospital. So, even today, it serves all parts of Texas, the United States and the world. Every year, we take care of children from all 50 states and from 70 different countries.

You were elected president of the Texas Children’s Hospital at the ripe old age of thirty six. What in your background do you attribute to this rapid advancement?

I have wanted to be a CEO at a hospital since I was sixteen years of age. I grew up in Oklahoma City and in 1966 there were not that many formally trained hospital CEO’s in America. The people that ran hospitals in America were mostly nuns out of the Catholic system and other church denominations such as the Baptist, Methodist, and Episcopal hospitals. The field had not fully developed in those days. I was reading some career journals about the future of health care and hospitals and they were very bullish about the opportunities in the medical and healthcare sectors because Medicaid and Medicare legislation had just been passed in 1965 and enacted in 1966. The growth was to occur in hospitals and it was going to be a tremendous growth story. I also knew I wanted to major in business when I went to college and I knew that someday I wanted to get my masters, but at the age of sixteen in 1968, I felt I was destined to become a hospital CEO. What really got me ready to take that step at the age of thirty six was going to graduate school at Washington University in St. Louis and getting my Masters in health administration and, following that, having the great opportunity in 1977 to do my hospital administrator fellowship at The Methodist Hospital in Houston. In March of 1978 they asked me to stay on and be an assistant vice

Dr. Daniel Glaze and Rett Syndrome patient Rachel SeilerPhoto by Paul Vincent Kuntz


president. Two years later I was promoted to a vice president at the age of 26 and a senior vice president at 30. So I grew up in the Texas Medical Center at Methodist Hospital under the great leadership and mentoring of people like Ted Bowen, who was president of Methodist Hospital at the time, and later on, Ron Girotto, who is the current president and CEO. Also, preceding Ron was Larry Mathis, so I had great role models. It was a very rich leadership development environment and culture at The Methodist Hospital. At the time, Methodist Hospital was also the private primary adult teaching hospital for Baylor College of Medicine. It was then that I really developed a passion and my understanding for how a hospital relates to its medical school academic partner. I got to know the majority of the faculty and that helped prepare me for coming to the Texas Children’s Hospital in 1989. Also at that time, I was working with Dr. Ralph Feigin, who was physician-in-chief at Texas Children’s and the chairman of the pediatrics department at Baylor College of Medicine. So I would have to point to the Methodist

Hospital and the great opportunity early on in my career to become a better leader and to really develop an in-depth understanding of how teaching hospitals relate to their academic partners and create great programs in patient care in education and in research.

What is the one thing or the spark that led Texas Children’s to become the hospital it is today?I think it was the unique relationship between Dr. Ralph Feigin, me, the board, medical staff and the employees. The thing that really helped serve as the catalyst was the paired leadership model that we had begun in 1989 at Texas Children’s. Dr. Feigin and I began building a medical staff and management team. Dr. Feigin was brilliant and was passionate around academic medicine, quality, and particularly around taking care of sick children and families that needed and required the unique healthcare services of an organization like Texas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Feigin and I were always on the same page. We really never had a major disagreement about where we wanted to take Texas

Children’s. One of the fortuitous things about it was that Dr. Feigin and I already knew each other because, coincidentally, he came to the Texas Medical Center also from Washington University in the same year I came to Methodist Hospital. For twelve years we had known each other and he said if you will come over and be the CEO, you and I together, with the support of the board, the medical staff, our employees and, of course, the community, we can make Texas Children’s one of the preeminent children’s hospitals in the United States. I think that was the major turning point in the history of Texas Children’s Hospital. The great Dr. Ralph Feigin coming together with me and being on the same page, and building a team with a great example of executive and physician leadership coming together and truly creating transformational change and performance.

What is the largest percentage of your patients here for?Being one of the largest children’s hospitals, the majority of our programs and services are very large. Our cancer

1954

1972

1954 2012

Opening of initial three level facility

Abercrombie increases to seven stories

1977

Dr. Ralph Feigin arrives

1989

Mark A. Wallace arrives

1991

$149 million expansion: 12 story outpatient building Five story West Tower

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2000

2006

2009

2012

First TCPA practice

Top 10 in U.S.News & World Report

Top 10 in U.S.News & World Report

Added eight floors to Feigin Center Pavilion for

Women to open

1998

2010

2011

First Health Center

Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Institute opens

West Campus community hospital opens

2003

$345 million expansion: 15 story West Tower 16 story Clinical Care Center Feigin Center renovation


center is the largest pediatric cancer center in the U.S. If you look at our newborn center and our neonatal service section, where we take care of the sickest of the sick newborns and also house the largest newborn nursery in the U.S., we currently have 131 of our 467 beds dedicated just to neonatology. If you look at the largest service, it is taking care of neonates. We have been well known since the seventies for taking care of premature and low birth rate infants, when hospitals first invented the concept of a neonatal intensive care unit. Our cancer center and our heart center are some of the largest in the U.S. Led by Dr. Chuck Fraser and Dr. Dan Penny, our Heart Center does over 1000 congenital heart surgeries annually. Those patients that come to us travel some of the greatest distances for treatment. Cancer, heart, newborns, and the diabetes programs are large but the most common diagnosis for a child at Texas Children’s is an admission for a pulmonary problem such as asthma, or some respiratory infection, which is pretty typical of most children’s hospitals.

But, the profile of the children we take care of is a little different, mostly due to the acuity and caring for the sickest of the sick.

How do you decide where to spend your money and on what research projects do you focus?

That is a really good question. Because we all live in a world of finite and limited resources, we have to be very specific and myopic in terms of when we want to deploy resources, whether it is for patient care, education or research programs. We focus on our largest services like our cancer center, heart center, or newborn center and now our neurosciences area.


The area of neuroscience is gaining a lot of attention since, unfortunately, there are about 14 million children in the U.S. that have a neurological disorder such as autistic spectrum disorder, down syndrome or cerebral palsy, which is why we are investing a lot in this type of research. Basic science, translational and clinical research is behind the reason for forming the first comprehensive pediatric neurological research institute in the U.S., the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital. Because of all these daunting and complex neurological problems, children from around the world come here for treatment, and we don’t cure any of them. We treat their symptoms, but we can’t cure the diseases they have. For instance, along the autistic spectrum disorder, there is an array of problems we want to find a cure for. Because we are not curing but caring for these sick children, we want to put our research dollars into focusing on accelerating what we are doing in the basic sciences so we can some day find cures for those children and their families.

What is your relationship with the Baylor College of Medicine and St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital?The relationship with the Baylor College of Medicine is a spectacular one. Texas Children’s is really Baylor College of Medicine and Baylor College of Medicine is really Texas Children’s Hospital. We are conjoined twins at the hip, and it is important that we remain one of the top children’s hospitals and Baylor remains one of the top medical schools. Also, now with the addition of the new Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, we now can be a top institute for maternal/fetal medicine, infertility, maternal/fetal surgery, fetal intervention, obstetrics and in vitro fertilization. St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital and Texas Children’s were started at the same time. We are able to do what we do because of our relationship with St. Luke’s and an agreement signed six years ago that delegated to us all the OB/GYN and maternal fetal medicine programs for women and let us run that service for them. We have a great admiration and respect for St. Luke’s and their medical staff, particularly in cardiology through the Texas Heart Institute.

Texas Children’s has a Star product and a CHIP program for children. How do these programs work? If you look at the average child at Texas

Children’s, the majority are covered by Medicaid or the CHIP program (Children Hospital Insurance Program). In Texas, earning an annual income of up to $18,000 a year enables a family to qualify for Medicaid. About 45% of our patients are covered by Medicaid and about 3.5% by the CHIP program. Most of the children we take care of are poor and many from single parent homes, and this provides a unique challenge, one that we really embrace. We want to make sure we are a home and place of destination for all children regardless of their ability to pay. People ask me all the time if I am worried about the reimbursement levels of Texas Children’s patients due to so many being covered by Medicaid and CHIP. We are always hearing about declining Medicaid and CHIP program payments, but I am not worried about that because one of our founding principles and guidelines of Texas Children’s Hospital has always been to take care of children regardless of their ability to pay. The more children we are able to take care of the better we tend to do in raising money through great support from the Houston community. My goal has always been to do the right thing for children. The right thing is always to take care of that child in need and worry about how that works out financially later on, and it always has worked out.

How has the healthcare bill affected your hospital and what changes do you see in the industry overall?

We don’t know. There is a tremendous amount of doubt and uncertainty in

medicine and in healthcare throughout the U.S. I am not sure that our government and Congress understands the impact of the healthcare reform act. We do know we are going to have to do more with less in the future. Currently, we have about 2.5 million patient encounters per year at Texas Children’s, and over the next 20 years the child population is expected to grow by almost a third. We also have to continue to grow. We know that the volume is going to continue to grow and reimbursements are probably going to decline. The challenge is to find ways to enhance productivity and do more with less.

What can you tell us about the new Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women? It is one of the most exciting initiatives we have had in some time. We are expanding into obstetrics and gynecology with the goal of getting better outcomes for healthier children through better prenatal care. What better way to take care of mom by combining women’s services next door to the Texas Children’s Hospital. Trying and getting the very best outcome for a newborn by specializing in prenatal care, as well as having so many pediatric specialists available through Texas Children’s once a child has been born, is our ultimate goal.

I hear you are putting a stronger focus on the surgical programs at Texas Children’s. Tell me a little bit about that?Texas Children’s surgical enterprise is directed by newly appointed Surgeon-in-Chief Charles D. Fraser, Jr., M.D., whose vision is to build on the hospital’s


multidisciplinary strength as an educational and research leader for pediatric surgery and to grow that reputation nationally and globally. Last year, surgeons at Texas Children’s Hospital performed more than 22,000 procedures, ranging from routine outpatient operations to complex interventions on children with unique surgical problems. We have more than 100 surgeons representing multiple pediatric surgical subspecialties, and the hospital’s surgical service is known for its particularly excellent outcomes with complex surgeries, its creativity and its renowned multi-disciplinary strength and, again, as an educational and research leader for pediatric surgery.There are many, many pieces to put together when it comes to pediatric surgery—whether it’s a “simple” tonsillectomy or a potentially life-saving transplant. But with all the intricacies involved, we never forget who our patients are. They are children, and children are not simply small adults. Pediatric surgical needs and requirements are different, and we strive to meet those needs and fulfill those requirements in every way.

You are growing and hiring. What types of jobs should young people be looking for? One in six jobs in America is in the healthcare sector. Biotechnology and big pharmacy companies overall are doing well. Companies such as Amgen and Johnson & Johnson as well as Stryker, who makes hospital beds, are all doing well. We are adding 2.5 million feet of space and are still hiring but we will still have to be cautious. Critical care and nurses are still in high demand as there is a shortage of these people. We are aggressively recruiting people in these areas. I think there is a tremendous opportunity for young people in Houston in the medical field and specifically in the Texas Medical Center.

You have had a lot of accomplishments. What are you most proud of? Personally, hopefully, being a good husband and dad and now granddad. I have had a very blessed career at Texas Children’s and also a great family with my wife Shannon and two children, Ben and Emily, now our four grandchildren and a great mom and dad who are still with us. Hopefully, I have been as good a leader in my family as I have been in my professional life. My foremost priority is and has been my family.


The Texans OffenseWill Be Better This Season Because...

The

GAMEBrought to youby 1560 Radio

Foster, Schaub, and Johnson power the offense.


In 2010, the Texans had the best running back in football statistically, the best wide receiver in football subjectively, their quarterback threw for over 4,300 yards for the second year in a row, and they gained the third most yards in the National Football League. So with little room for improvement, how does an offense with that profile get better in 2011?

If you buy into total yards equating to offensive prowess, then the answer is “Finish first or second in yards.”

Here are four other reasons the Texans offense will be better in 2011:

1. Owen Daniels is healthy for the first time since 2009. If you remember back to the first half of 2009, the Texans tight end was on pace for a Pro Bowl season. Then he shredded his knee, suffered a setback in spring 2010, and then battled a hamstring throughout 2010. Now fully healthy and with a $22 million contract in hand, Daniels is ready to be a difference maker and the team’s number two threat in the passing game again.

2. James Casey at fullback has a chance to keep opposing defensive coordinators up nights. We all loved Vonta Leach but the only thing sillier than paying a blocking fullback $4 million per year (around what the Ravens gave him) was a blocking fullback finishing 63rd in the NFL Top 100 (which is where Leach finished). Casey appears to be at least a decent replacement blocking wise, but the fun begins with his versatility. A former quarterback and former baseball player (versatile, baby!), Casey can throw, he can split out wide and he can run the ball. As much as the team hated to see Vonta Leach go, Gary Kubiak has to feel like he just unlocked about fifteen different video game cheat codes on the fullback position. Indeed, James Casey may be the first ever “fun fullback to watch.”

3. Last season, the Texans “third best overall offense ranking was a bit of fool’s gold.” For as prolific as the unit was in piling up gobs of yardage, their inconsistency was maddening. Consider that last season the Texans averaged just over three points per quarter in the first quarter of their games last season, and in nine games they were shut out altogether in the first quarter.

Yes, the defense was rotten, some weeks historically so, but the offense didn’t do the team any favors by opting to move the start time for the game back roughly an hour each week for their unit. Much like the Texans defense as a whole, I think the Texans first quarter offense will be better largely because it can’t really get any worse.

4. You can see health being a recurring theme here. Maybe I’m getting giddy a little too early, it was only one preseason game, but Ben Tate going for 95 yards on nine carries gives me a very tingly feeling. A healthy Tate means (a) another backfield threat, (b) a fresher Arian Foster, and (c) the possibility of Foster and Tate on the field together (do it, Gary!).


Assessing theTexans Defenseby David Nuno

I get asked all the time why I am finally optimistic about the Houston Texans? The simple answer is, I finally have faith. For the first time in franchise history I believe the Texans not only have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs, I believe they will win the AFC South. The reason, DEFENSE.

Before you throw up in your mouth, I don’t expect the Texans defense to be like the ‘85 Bears, but I do expect major improvement. When you are as bad as they were last year, you can only improve. It is beyond that though. Houston had their best offseason ever, addressing most of their needs.

The offense should again be one of the best offenses in football.

Last year they played from behind so much, that sometimes, offensively the numbers were out of wack. A weak first half, was fol-lowed by a great second half. When your

defense is atrocious, no matter how good Matt Schaub, Arian Foster and Andre Johnson are, you are going to lose games.

This year though they have some swag, and it comes in the form of a man who has no swag physically, Wade Phil-lips. The new defen-sive coordinator may be an average head coach, but he is a stellar DC. Everywhere he goes, he makes the playoffs.

In his last four stints as a defensive coor-dinator, he helped San Diego, Atlanta, Buf-falo, and Denver all make the playoffs in his first year. The year prior, they did not. This year, the Texans change their defen-

sive scheme from a 4-3, to a 3-4. With that change, Mario Williams has moved from defensive end to outside linebacker.

Here is some more evidence that the de-fense will be much improved, the Gen-eral Manager is better. Rick Smith has improved on the job. This offseason, he not only brought the right man at D.C. he brought in some quality vets in the sec-ondary. The biggest deficiency for the Texans in 2010 was their defensive backs. Rookie Kareem Jacksonn struggled, and the unit overall got torched.

Smith brought highly coveted free-agent cornerback Jonathan Joseph to fill the need. The Texans did not stop there, they brought in another veteran in Chicago Bears free-agent Danieal Manning at safe-ty.

Rookie first round pick defensive JJ Watt will play defensive end and rounds out a stellar offseason by the Texans. Watt has the motor, that Texans fans covet from a defensive end.

Houston’s defense gets healthy too, with Connor Barwin and leader DeMeco Ryans returning to the field.

Bob McNair and the Houston Texans should be proud. They attempted to fix the biggest issue with the team, defense. Even if they did nothing, the Texans de-fense had to improve, they were that bad last year. But the great thing is, they actu-ally got it right. A new defensive coordina-tor, a new scheme, a new secondary and a new confidence has me believing the Tex-ans will own the AFC South.


Back to School with Search at The Tasting Room. More than $14,000 Raised for School Uniforms for Kids in Need!

1 Tiffany Collum and Phil Perry

2 Bill Boyar,Laura & Jerry Lasco and John Knox Jr

Houston Pet Set Fierce & Fabulous All-Star Soiree Kick-Off Party at Tootsie’s. 3 Chairman Shelby Kibodeaux, Underwriting Chair Elizabeth Allen and Chairman Bruce Padilla4 Cindy Griffin, Stacy Walker and Pet Set Chair Pam Radford5 Honorees Hershey Grace and John Moritz with Snickers the Cat

Ronald McDonald House Country Ball

6 Adam Lain, Ashley Bucher

7 Chris Scott and Sarah Neilson

8 Carolyn Klevenhagen, Ozzie Bauer, Debbie Bauer

9 The Guzzlers

10 Justin Wood, Melinda Wood, Nicole Needle, Ryan Anderson

The

BUZZby Roseann Rogers

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Photo by The PR Boutique

Photo by Todd Parker/STP Ima ges Photo by Todd Parker/STP Ima ges

Photo by Todd Parker/STP Ima ges



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FINANCIALFOCUSby Brenda R. Jackson

Some Basic Decisions

Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a key component of your retirement strat-egy. Because it represents a key source of future retirement income, it is important to carefully con-sider your alternatives for administering these as-sets. During a job transition, you will usually have three options: take a lump-sum distribution, leave your assets in the employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover IRA.

Taking a direct, lump-sum distribution—With this option, the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in a lump sum, which provides you with immediate access to your funds. Depending on your short-term needs, that may appear to be an attractive alternative. However, a distribution will likely result in substantial federal and state in-come taxes and a 10% IRS penalty tax, which can significantly reduce the amount of the distribu-tion. Because you will be receiving the distribution directly, the plan administrator must withhold up to 20% of the value of the distribution for federal income tax purposes. Moreover, you will lose the benefit of the tax-deferred status of these assets, which could reduce the amount ultimately avail-able to you at retirement.

The status quo option—You can decide to do nothing, leaving your assets in your former em-ployer’s plan. That will protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employer’s retirement plan that accepts rollovers. But you may be limiting your investment choices and con-trol because employer plans typically have a re-stricted investment menu and require the consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as a beneficiary.

Establishing a Rollover IRA—A Rollover IRA si-multaneously addresses the issues of taxation, flexibility and control, and may hold significant benefits for you as a result:• If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian, rather than to you, the Rollover IRA

Protecting Your Retirement InvestmentsDuring a Job Transition The current economic and market environment has prompted many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies. If you are experiencing a job transition—particularly if the transition is unplanned and unex-pected—such reassessment may be particularly important for you. While it may be tempting to focus more on your immediate needs, you should not lose sight of long-term goals, especially your retirement strategy.


eliminates the withholding requirement and penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution. • The entire rollover amount can be invested immediately, according to the strategy you specify. • Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals. • You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and more retirement planning and distribution flexibility. • You can name any beneficiary, including a trust, without needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may apply in community property states).

For example, investment products in an employer plan are usually limited to mutual funds and company stock. With a self-directed Rollover IRA, you can work with your financial professional to structure a portfolio using stocks, bonds, annuities and other investments utilizing an asset alloca-tion1 that is customized to help you meet your retirement investment ob-jectives. And your retirement strategy can be further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distribution choices.

Consider Consolidation

This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you may have opened over the years, and with account balances you may have left in the plans of former employers. Together, these assets may represent a signifi-cant sum. There are good reasons to consider consolidating them all in a Rollover IRA:• Comprehensive investment strategy—It can be difficult to maintain an effective investment strategy—one that accurately reflects your goals, tim-ing and risk tolerance—when assets are spread among multiple financial institutions. When you consolidate, your financial professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current financial situation and long-term retire-ment goals. • Greater investment flexibility—A self-directed IRA generally offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment products, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities and more. • Simplified tracking—It is easier to monitor your progress and investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place, because you will receive one statement instead of several. That simplifies your life while pro-tecting the environment. • Lower costs—Reducing the number of accounts may also reduce your account fees and other investment-related charges. Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies the distribu-tion process—including complying with complex minimum distribution rules when you reach age 70½. And you avoid the risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the account assets should your for-mer employer merge with another company or go out of business. Your fi-nancial professional can help you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on what’s best for you. You may find that this time of transi-tion holds benefits for your retirement assets.

Brenda R. Jackson – Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Galleria

1 Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. Individuals are urged to consult their personal tax or legal advisors to understand the tax and related consequences of any actions or investments described herein.

Article by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Courtesy of your Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Financial Advisor.

© 2010 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.


Designing for better accessibility is becoming the trend. Growing up in a household during the 60s and 70s where my father was wheelchair bound, our home was not the norm. It was designed and built so my father could have maximum mobility. Back then, there were no guidelines for accommodating structures for people with disabilities and very few products to pick from. He worked diligently with the builder to ensure it was built so he could independently function in his own home.

Today we enjoy a market filled with products to meet the demand for better designed living for people with disabilities. Better accessibility throughout your home is not just for disabled homeowners. Many of my customers are asking for modifications that will allow them to remain in their home throughout their retirement

years. Why pay for assisted living away from your home when you can remodel your home to accommodate you through your aging years.

Entry areas, hallways, bathrooms and kitchens; these are the major areas for considering future needs for maneuverability throughout your living space.

The AARP Bathroom checklist includes 9 items to consider in remodeling features for better accessibility in your bathroom. Let’s look at some choices for products that will give you luxury as well as better accessibility.

BathroomsA well-designed handicap bathroom allows an individual the ability to maneuver a wheelchair freely to access the sink, toilet and shower. The floor plan should allow easy access to all features of the bathroom. Personal care procedures can be done while sitting down with the proper modifications. There are many products to assist with personal care, raised toilet seats, walk-in bathtubs, roll-in showers, anti-scald regulators, handrails, hardware and more. The American Disability Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)

Remodeling Your Home for BetterAccessibility

HOUSTONRENOVATOR

Katheryn Houk’s Series on

REMODELING SCIENCEThe Art and Science of Style, Efficiency and Ambiance

Today we enjoy a market filled with products to meet

the demand for better designed living for people

with disabilities.


provides a universal design guideline for remodeling a handicap bathroom. If you are considering remodeling your bathrooms, replace your standard bathtub with a low threshold or roll in shower pan.

Bathrooms are the most requested remodeling project for better accessibility modifications. A simple and cost effective modification is to remove the bathtub and install a wheelchair accessible shower pan. There are a number of products that can be used to create your new accessible shower. From cultured marble to custom fabricated shower pans, these showers can be as upscale and trendy as you would want.

Comfort Height SeatA comfort height toilet with elongated bowl with seat provides the height of approximately 17” to 17 1/2” . This style will provide you another 2” in height compared to standard height toilets.

Consider your options by adding Kohler’s C3®-200 elongated toilet seat with bidet functionality and in-line heater. Installing this plumbing fixture will actually require an electrician. A GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) is installed on the wall behind the toilet to power the heater.

The sleek design is from Kohler’s Escale Suite. It features an extended access lavatory bowl for better accessibility including an easy to use single

A well-designed handicap bathroom allows an individual the ability to maneuver a wheelchair freely to access the sink, toilet and shower.


control lavatory faucet. This is for the homeowner who wants a current modern look.

Walk-in Tub Walk-in tubs are a hit with homeowners. There are more modestly priced options today than there were two years ago. For the ultimate in design and functionality look for a showroom that features this easy to access tub.

Kohler offers the Elevance ‘rising wall’ tub. The outside wall of the tub lowers for easy access. You can see one of these at John Moore’s showroom, at 10005 W Sam Houston Pkwy, N in

An anti-scald regulator with hand shower on an adjustable bar

is one of many modern options to consider when remodeling for

safety and assessibility.


Houston. Call ahead for your personal in-showroom or in-home consultation - 281-517-6199.

Anti-Scald Regulator with Hand Shower on an Adjustable BarThere are lots of choices in style and finish today for anti-scald or technically referred to as pressure balance valves. Changing out your old fixtures will almost always require replacing the wall tile. Check out John Moore Renovation’s 72 Hour Shower package. It includes a complete remodel of your shower, predesigned and efficiently installed.

Roll-in shower Roll-in showers in cultured marble can include a fold down shower seat and grab bars for better accessibility. A more upscale look can be achieved with tile and glass block splash panels with a built in corner seat.

Rocker-Style Light Switch Changing out your old toggle switches to the sleek design of this rocker-style switch gives you a great look as well as ease of operation. Again you will need an electrician to ensure proper installation.

Offset HingesSeveral modifications to consider for your front door and other doors throughout the house would include:

• Swing Clear Hinges• Threshold Ramps for

Exterior Entrances• Levered Handles

Retrofitting a door with Swing Clear hinges can be done for as little as $150 per door. The hinges themselves range in price from $15-$60 per hinge, depending on the finish selected. You will need a door specialist to install these in order to ensure optimum operation.

RampsAccording to the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG),” Thresholds at doorways shall not exceed 3/4 in (19 mm) in height for exterior sliding doors or 1/2 in (13 mm) for other types of doors. Raised thresholds and floor level changes at accessible doorways shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2 ratios.

Ramps can be built up with concrete or consider the installation of a factory made ramp such as this rubber threshold ramp. Depending on the design of your entry way, you may also need to install a hand rail.

For the best in style, quality workmanship and design to fit your personal needs, call John Moore Renovation to schedule a free consultation.

Katheryn Houk, CGR, CAPS, CGPGeneral Manager, John Moore Renovation LLCIs a certified Aging in Place Specialist


The

BUZZby Roseann Rogers

Women of Wardrobe’s annual “Summer Soiree” at Tootsie’s.

11 Allison Bagley, Kristy Junco Bradshaw, Featured Designer Whitney Port, Maria Vilchez12 Chairs Joy Sewing, Melinda Spaulding and Maggie Flecknoe 13 Jewelry Designer Whitney Port with ABC 13’s Sharron Melton14 Taylor Badeen, KPRC’s Hasti Taghi, Amber Willis, Marmar Kahkeshani, Sara Russell

Neiman Marcus Fall Trend Preview Party ,August 17, at Neiman Marcus

15Janet Hobby and Judy Nyquist16 Deborah Colton, Patrick Russey, Dr. Carolyn Farb, Fran Kaufman17 Amara DePaul

A Mayor’s Luncheon featuring Mayor Annise Parker was held at the Junior League Houston

18 Donna Vallone and Mayor Annise Parker19 Heather Hickman, Mary Grace Gray, Ray Guyton, and Gloria Parrino20 Sidney Evans, Jai Dagget, and Don Aaron of CenterPoint

Suzy B Bad Closing Ceremony forParty Girl Suzy Bergner.21 Top (r-l) Cindy Hide, Dr. Annette Gemp, Suzy Bergner, Joan Allen, Tonja Oria, Bridgette Bottone. Bottom (r-l) Kelly Anzilotti, Megan Bickel, Stephanie Talafuse, Jessica Younger, Jo Ann Petersen22 Suzy Bergner and Hotel ZaZa¬Managing Director Matthew Nuss

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The BUZZ

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Photo by Priscilla Dickson Photo by Priscilla Dickson Photo by Priscilla Dickson


MUSEUMS

Holocaust Museumwww.hmh.org

Ongoing-12/31 Passage to a New Life- highlights from the Collections of Holocaust Museum HoustonOngoing-12/31- Celebrating 15 Years of History at Holocaust Museum HoustonOngoing-12/31 We Fought Too-Jewish Soldiers in Americas’s Wars”Ongoing-12/31- Ours To Fight For: American an Jews in the Second World War8/5-7/22/12- The Impact of Racist Ideologies : Jim Crow and the Nuremberg Laws

The Menil Collectionwww.menil.org

Ongoing-8/28 Ancestors of the Lake Sentani and Humboldt Bay, New GuineaCurator Virginia Lee Webb has produced a catalogue that will accompany the nearly fifty works from the 19th century9/15- 1/8/2012 Walter De Maria: TrilogiesOngoing -9/15 The Whole World was Watching: Civil Rights Era Photographs form Edmund Carpenter and Adelaide de Menil9/23-1/15/2012- Seeing Stars: Visionary Drawing from the Collection10/21-3/18/2012 Imprinting the Divine- Byzantine and Russian Icons from the Menil Collection

Museum of Fine Artswww.mfah.org

Ongoing-9/18- Simpson Kalisher: The Alienated PhotographerOngoing -9/11 Charles Ledray workworkworkworkworkOngoing-9/25- Helmut Newton: White Women-Sleepless Nights-Big NudesFeaturing the entire contents from Helmut Newton’s three groundbreaking books these prints are as large as 8 X 8 feet. Designer Karl Lagerfield and Vogue editor Anna Wintour contribute to the exhibition catalogue available at the exhibit. Ongoing-9/25- Second Nature- Contemporary Landscapes from the MFAH CollectionOngoing-11/28 Working in the Abstract: Rethinking the LiteralOngoing- 1/29/2012 THE Spirit of Modernism: The John R. Eckel,JR. Foundation Gift to the MFAH9/11-11/27 Acid on metal: The Art of Etching and Aquatint9/17-1/29/2012 English Taste: The Art of Dining in the Eighteenth Century9/18-12/11 l Life & Luxury; The Art of Living in the Eighteenth-Century Paris 10/16-4/15/20012- Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs10/23-1/16/2012- Gifts of Sultan: The Arts of Giving at the Islamic Courts

Jackson Pollock | Untitled (Psychoanalytic Drawing), 1939–1940 (detail) | Colored pencils and graphite on blue paper, 6 x 7-5/8 inches© 2011 The Pollock-Krasner Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York | The Menil Collection, Houston | Photo: Paul Hester

Bill TraylorFigures, Animals, Guns (Exciting Events), ca.

1939–1942Crayon on cardboard

12-1/4 x 9-1/8 inchesThe Menil Collection, Houston

Photo: Paul Hester

Saint George and the Dragon2nd half of 16th century

Tempera and gold over gesso and cloth, on carved fruitwood panel w/ added frame

16 x 13-5/8 x 1 inchesThe Menil Collection, HoustonPaul Hester [85-057.14 DJ]

Walter De MariaBel Air Trilogy, 2000–2011 (detail)

Stainless steel rod with 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air two-tone hardtop

Rod: 4 inch (dia.) x 12 feet; automobile: 5 x 6 x 12 feet

(c) Walter de Maria. Courtesy Gagosian Gallery. Photography by Robert McKeever.

The Menil Collection

CalendarSeptember/October

Museum Of Natural www.hmns.org

Ongoing- 9/5 Texas! The ExhibitionOngoing-9/1 Ancient Ukraine Golden Treasures& Lost Civilizations10/14 Discovering The Civil War

Museum of Printing Historywww.printingmuseum.org

Ongoing-9-10 The Book Club of Texas

Blaffer Museum of Fine Arts www.blafferartmuseum.org

6/3-11/27- At the Back of the North Wind- An exhibition by Anton GinsburgThe exhibit is curated by Matthew J. W. Drutt and is a official participant of LA Biennale diVenezia’s Collateral program featuring a video, large scale sculptures, photography and paintings by the artist.

Children’s Museumwww.cmhouston.org

Open Monday through Saturday 10 am to 6pmFree Family Nights Thursday 5-8pmopen Sundays noon-6pm

Contemporary Arts Museumwww.camh.org

Ongoing-10/9 Perspectives 175: Marc Swanson: The Second Story- Free AdmissionThe artist’s newest sculpture exhibit inspired by a visit to Menil’s Cy Tombly Pavilion and the defunct Second Story gay bar in San Francisco10/1 Donald Moffett: The Extravagant Vein- Organized by CAMH Senior Curator Cassel Oliver representing the artists first exhibition showing work from non traditional material over a 20 year period.10/15 12/31 perspectives 176: Glen Fogel: With me …YouAnew five channel video installation with a

series of paintings and letters.


EVENTS

Art Events9/8 Gremillion & Company Fine Art hosts an opening reception or the venerable Gary Komarin whose public collections are located at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the Monclair Art Museum in New Jersey. www.gremillion.com

10/8-9 Bayou City Art Festival, Downtown bayoucityartfestival.com

10/20-23 Texas Contemporary Art Fair Fifty top contemporary art dealers from around the world showcasing projects and pieces focusing on energy and sustainability

Through October 31 Cavi Art Gallery-An exhibit by Surgeon turned photographer Dr. Valentin Gertsman transfiguring Houston’s most treasured monuments into dazzling metaphors

EventsGeorge Brown Convention Center9/3-9/4 High caliber Gun & Knife Show9/15-18 The Houston fine Arts Fair9/16-18 Hada (Houston Antique dealers Association) Antique Show9/22 Houston Minority Supplier Development Council Expo10/15 Adobe Photoshop Seminar Tour10/9-9 Big Texas Train Show10/15-16 High Caliber Gun & Knife Show10/20-23 Texas Contemporary Art fair -artMRKT10/29-31 2011 international Quilt Market11/2-6 International Quilt Festival Reliant Park9/16-18 Tatoo & Body Art Expo9/17-18 The Home & Garden Market

Pictured here: Art by Gary Komarin


8/17 Houston Comedy Explosion-9/18 High Caliber Gun & Knife Show9/25 Quince & Bridal Show10/4 Houston Chronicle Mega Job Fair Free Admission10/8 Battle of the Piney Woods 2nd oldest rivalry in Texas football between Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin10/15 Houston Musical Festival featuring Charlie Wilson, kem and more. 10/21-23 International Gem & Jewelry Show 10/29 Juvenile Diabetes research foundation Walk to Cure Diabetes TheaterAD Players Theatre9/7-1/16 FacesComedy of life’s ups and downs by Jeannette Clift George Alley Theatre9/9-10/9 Ether DanceElizabeth’s Egloff’s play centers on one of medical history’s greatest breakthroughs9/7-9/30 Dividing The estateBy the acclaimed late playwright Horton Foote the Estate is a Texas based satiric comedy Broadway Across AmericaMemphisWinner of 5 2010 Tony Awards.A white radio DJ who wants to change the world

Hobby Center9/2-3 Made In Argentina9/16 Vote- A New Musical9/23 Paradise Found9/25 Houston Symphonic Band9/27-10/9 Guys and Dolls9/30-10/9 The Musical Galveston10/13-15 Fall Mixed Rep10/13-16 What My Husband Doesn’t Know10/20-22 The Secondary Colors10/25-10/30 Memphis

10/28 Around the World With Musiga

Houston Grand Opera10-11/6The Barber of SevilleGioachino Rossini’s rousing comedic opera sung in Italian with English surtitles10/28-10-13Fidelio by Ludwig van BeethovenBeethoven’s only opera sung in German with translation

Houston Symphony 9/1-10 Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony9/2-4 Viva Italian 9/16-18 Brahm’s Violin Concerto 9/22-25 Richard Strauss’ A Hero’s Life 9/13-10-2 Watts plays Beethoven Emperor

Sports Astros 9/2-4 Milwaukee Brewers 9/12-14 Philadelphia Phillies 9/22-25 Colorado Rockies 9/26-28 St. Louis Cardinals

College FootballUniversity Of Houston 9/3 UCLA 9/24 Geogia ST. 10/8 East Carolina 10/23 Marshall

Rice 9/10 Purdue 10/8 Memphis 10/22 Tulsa 10/27 University of Houston (Robertson Stadium)

Houston Dynamo 9/4 Monterrey 9/17 San Jose Earthquake 10/1 Chicago Fire 10/23 LA Galaxy

Texans 9/11 Indianapolis Colts 10/2 Pittsburg Steelers 10/9 Oakland Raiders 10/3 Jacksonville Jaguars


TheLAST PAGE

Several years ago, I served as midwife to a young black cat that gave birth to six kittens in the bottom of my bathroom closet. She was a stray who had adopted us; and at some point in time, found herself in the family way. Imagine: six kittens in her very first (and only) pregnancy!

The first time we met her, it was Christmas Eve. She looked cared for, so we figured she and her family must have recently moved into the neighborhood. I assumed she was on an explore of the new surroundings as cats are inclined to do. Besides, we weren’t in the market for a new cat, as my old college companion, Cagney, was in her declining years. Introducing a new, young cat would not have been fair to her; so I was relieved that this cat seemed to have a home.

Several months later, we noticed the Christmas Eve cat spending more and more time in our backyard. We also noticed that her belly was becoming rounder and rounder. In a karmic changing of the guard, my sweet Cagney passed away and the sleek black stray with the burgeoning belly moved in. Hubby named her Lucky. After all, she found a family that wasn’t afraid of black cats and who were total suckers for an abandoned kitty in the family way.

A true feline, she was Lucky, but definitely not Grateful. For years, she slept at the end of our bed, snapping at my feet under the covers and even growling should I disturb her by rolling over or otherwise jostling the mattress.

I think I hate that cat.

But it’s not her sour-puss disposition that annoys me. Her infraction is much more serious than that. It borders on unforgiveable.

She has the best body I’ve ever seen.

Lithe and elegant, she loves to roll over and taunt me with her taught tummy.

No sagging, no stretch marks.

Just rock hard abs.

I hate that cat.

For me, one of the toughest parts about becoming a mom is what happened to my body; and I’m not talking about labor (although that deserves serious respect). The whole thing is summed up by the first time I weighed myself after giving birth. I was shocked to realize that although I could now carry my baby in my arms, most of the pregnancy weight was still on my hips, thighs and tri-fold tummy!

I was able to get pretty much back into shape by breast feeding and working out to television exercise shows. I maintained a comfortable weight for a good decade. Not skinny, but healthy.

And then, it happened. My metabolism disappeared. I misplaced it … or something. And my weight started to creep up. It was like watching Lucky hunt lizards. Crouching behind them and low-crawling until she was just close enough. Then POUNCE! Another lizard down for her, another pound up for me.

So, now my life is an exercise in moderation: trying to do some activity that’s good for my heart, helps burn calories, is beneficial to my bones and doesn’t hurt my joints.

And that wretched cat just rolls over and shows me her belly.

I really hate that cat.

Now available, Toni Garcia Carpenter’s new book “Domestic Commando.” Read more from Toni on her blogwww.DomesticCommando.com

That Wretched CatAn excerpt from author Toni Garcia Carpenter’s new book“Domestic Commando. A Stay-at-Home (R)evolution.”

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