In the Know
In the Know
In the Know
In the Know
In the Know
In the Know
In the Know
In the Know
In the Know
In the Know
DW Bistro – Better Late than Never
By Aly Wagonseller
As a general rule, I like to wait until a restaurant has had a chance to “settle in” before dining there. I guess in part because of the impending crowd factor, especially if it’s the newest, grooviest “it” place on the block, but more likely because even the most experienced restaurateur struggles with menu, kitchen and staffing issues when yielding the proverbial newbie knife fresh off the chopping block. So, even though I’d heard the buzz about DW Bistro, located at 6115 S. Ft. Apache Rd., #112, it wasn’t until Three Square’s Restaurant Week, and the prospect of sampling a three-course prix fixe dinner with partial proceeds going to this worthy cause, that I decided to give them a shot.
Located in an average strip mall along the empty banks of an area hit especially hard in the foreclosure department, DW is anything but downtrodden. Bright, modern décor with splashes of lively orange and green hues and vibrant artwork create an exciting vibe, with mesmerizing, chill music, eclectic touches of rustic wooden accessories, and exposed white brick wall coverings lending a yin and yang sensibility to the place. Interestingly enough, this same balance of electricity married with an innate hominess is mimicked in the food, a testament to purveyors with style and attention to detail, both front of the house and back.
Executive Chef Dalton Wilson has created a menu filled with bold flavors developed in the Caribbean and New Mexico Southwest, yet wisely keeps them on separate plates; a decision that prevents fusion from becoming a fussy Frankenstein of mismatched cuisine. Case in point, the Oven-Roasted Jerk Pork Shoulder ($12) is as true to its unique island culture as the New Mexican-style Slow-Cooked Pork with red chilies and an over easy egg ($12) is to its own, and they’re both simply delish. For Restaurant Week, DW offered some of their most popular selections, and it wasn’t difficult to see why. Starters included the DW Signature Salad ($9), a flavorful combination of peppery greens and creamy goat cheese brightened with citrus infused balsamic vinaigrette and sugary roasted pecans, as well as Oven Roasted Baby Back Ribs ($11), tender sticks of meaty dynamite generously rubbed with jerk seasoning made spicy with traditional Scotch Bonnet chilies and allspice. A nice slice of grilled pineapple is included to cool the heat, but maybe because of the smaller prix fixe helping, the homemade ranch listed in the menu description was omitted. A pity as it would have been a nice addition to the dish.
Sublime Braised Oxtail ($16) literally fell off the…well…cartilage…aptly accompanied by a delish Bordelaise sauce that balanced the richness of the meat quite nicely, although I would have loved to have more of it. Chunky mashed potatoes added a substantial base for the oxen, as well as for the Jerk Lamb Chops ($24), tender, full flavored chops that exhibited a pleasant, spicy finish without going overboard. One thing not on the prix fixe menu was DW’s Mac and Cheese ($8), and it’s a must. This is the stovetop version, super creamy, made with tiny shells that hold the sauce like little bowls of cheesy goodness. Add to this a helping of woodsy truffle oil (if you’re really jonesin’ for some serious mama love, bacon and mushrooms can be added for a small fee) and you’ve got a dish that’s just plain off the charts.
Our meal with a conscience ended with the perfect sampling of both carrot and red velvet cakes and a refreshing lemon lime pudding. The cakes were moist and flavorful, accompanied by a kind of homemade Rice Krispy dipped in white chocolate that added an unexpected crunch to the confection; another little detail that elevates this restaurant above the crowd. I love that DW Bistro participates in several charitable endeavors during the year too, serving their unique brand of home-style, eclectic cuisine to help people in our community. I’m just kicking myself for being tardy to the ball. For directions or hours, call them at 527-5200.
E for Effort – Solving the E-Waste Enigma
By Lisha Ross
E-waste isn’t just another clever e-word in an e-friendly world. As our reliance on computers, TVs, cell phones and iPods grows, so too does a massive 2.25 million ton per year heap of a two-fold problem. Not only do our discarded electronic items–as a nation approximately 300-400 million annually–overflow landfills, the toxic chemicals used to make them leach into the ground, poisoning our soil and underground water resources with lead, mercury, barium and the like.
While it may seem like no big deal to set just one end-of-its life PC on the curb on trash day, bringing down e-waste levels to a manageable level requires the participation of both big businesses and individuals, and it starts with recycling. Many large corporations like AT&T, Best Buy and Staples have already taken the first step; now it’s our turn to do the green thing.
It can be as simple as dropping off your old flat screen when you pick up your new one, or arranging a pick-up service. Some organizations offer services for free while others charge a nominal fee to cover recycling costs. Just make sure you call before you haul or check out each organization’s website to find a complete list of acceptable and unacceptable donations.
Relaxed Recycling
If you’re like most people, you probably have at least two or more inactive cell phones with chargers and accessories monopolizing space in a junk drawer. T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T and Sprint stores will take ‘em off your hands and send them to a recycle center, regardless of make, model, condition or carrier.
Best Buy will accept up to three items per household per day, including tube TVs and monitors up to 32”, flat panel TVs and monitors up to 60”, DVD players, home and car audio, cell phones, MP3 players and cables, desktop and laptops with hard drive removed, peripherals (keyboards, mice, printers, etc.) small electronics, fans and vacuums, all of which are sent for recycling. They do charge $10 for TVs and monitors but it goes toward a $10 Best Buy gift card.
With the slogan “Today’s tech trash is tomorrow’s results,” Office Depot’s Tech Recycling Services program asks you to box it up and bring it in. Ask an associate for a tech recycling box, small ($5), medium ($10) or large ($15), fill it with as many acceptable items as will fit and return it to the store. Likewise, Staples’ Eco Easy program recycles monitors, printers, desktop copiers and other electronic waste for a fee of $10 per item (Dell products are free). Smaller items such as peripherals, cell phones, PDAs and rechargeable batteries are recycled free, and if you recycle ink and toner cartridges you’ll get a $2 Staples reward card for each.
Reuse Free-for-All
You know what they say; one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and it may just help make our communities stronger.
The Public Education Foundation – Accepts in-kind donations of computers and peripherals in good working condition which will then be used to enhance classroom technology in our public schools.
The Blind Center of Nevada, Inc. – Refurbishes old electronics and sells them on eBay in order to fund programs and services to the visually impaired. They accept all manner of electronics, old or new, except for tube TVs. CRT computer screens require a $10 fee.
Goodwill of Southern Nevada – Accepts only functional electronics, including TVs, computers and mobile phones.
Computer Corps – Refurbishes and upgrades computer related items that are then sold at little cost or donated to other nonprofits, schools and individuals who would not otherwise be able to afford them. Unusable items are separated out and given or sold to recyclers.
Whether you recycle or donate, always remember that phones and computers contain sensitive, personal information about your life and finances, so it’s important to protect them. Most legitimate recycling and nonprofit organizations utilize standard practices for wiping out data, but it doesn’t hurt to make a preemptive strike. To delete a hard drive, use a wiping or erasing utility such as CyberCide, WipeDrive or DataEraser. If you don’t know how to delete personal contacts and info from your cell phone, you can download free instructions from www.recellular.com/recycling/data_eraser/.
Next time you upgrade to a newer, better this or that, get yourself and “E” for effort. Take advantage of all the local opportunities to preserve our natural environment, donate to those in need, and help save the biggest “E”–Earth.
Contact your local charity today!
The Public Education Foundation
799-1042
The Blind Center of Nevada
642-6000
Goodwill of Southern Nevada
214-2000
Computer Corps
732-2424
Back to School – Setting the Scene for Success
By Patricia Guth
It seems that one minute we’re celebrating the start of summer, and the next we’re preparing for the school year. Now that school has arrived, there are several things parents can do to keep their children on a path for success.
Food for Thought
There’s proof that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A Harvard University/Massachusetts General Hospital study found that students who ate breakfast had improved math grades, reduced hyperactivity, decreased absence and tardy rates, and improved psycho-social behaviors. Yet, 41 percent of kids skip breakfast at least once a week. Be it a nutritious breakfast or lunch, what your child eats is equally important as how much and when. Try these brain food suggestions from the experts.
Eggs and Nuts: Both contain choline, which is known to improve memory function.
Beans, Legumes, Fruits and Veggies: These foods contain brain-boosting antioxidants like vitamins A, C and E.
Tuna: The omega fatty acids in tuna may improve cognitive function, so a tuna sandwich once or twice a week is a good bet.
Whole Grains: One hundred percent whole wheat bread provides energy that can last throughout the school day, especially if consumed at both breakfast and lunch.
Go easy on the sweets! A small treat is okay, but excess sugars in candy and packaged baked goods amp up insulin levels and are used up rapidly, causing sugar crashes that make kids irritable and inattentive.
Rules to Study By
Even before the new school year begins, it’s important that parents review homework and study-related expectations. If you expect your child to do homework as soon as they arrive home, tell them so. If they will be given 30 minutes of free time after school before studying starts, make that clear. A chart on the refrigerator that outlines their after-school schedule is an excellent visual and reminder.
Set up age appropriate study areas. For younger children, a quiet place at the kitchen table or a desk in the living room to do homework is a good choice. Older kids can study in their bedrooms, but if you find they spend most of their time surfing the web, sending text messages and listening to iTunes, you may have to set usage rules or move their study space into an area you can monitor.
Encourage even younger children to keep careful track of what is due the next day and double check that all the work is complete. Don’t be afraid to ask your child if they need help, but resist the urge to stand over your teens. Part of being a high school student is learning to take responsibility for one’s own work. Experts note that as long as grades show that your older child is doing the work assigned, monitoring is probably not necessary.
A Little R&R
While it’s tempting to crack the proverbial whip and insist your child be a super student, a good night’s sleep is important for children of all ages. A study profiled in a 2005 issue of the journal Sleep noted that children who stay up late have more problems at school. ‘Just staying up late can cause increased academic difficulty and attention problems for otherwise healthy, well-functioning kids,’ reported researcher Gahan Fallone, P.h.D., associate professor at the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in Springfield, Mo.
Most experts agree that children between the ages of 5 and 10 need approximately 10-11 hours of sleep per day, with older children requiring between 8.5-9 hours. Unfortunately, younger children as well as teens often resist the need to sleep. Teens taking lots of advanced classes are especially susceptible to burnout due to lack of sleep, making it critical for parents to establish an effective sleep and rest ritual. Start by setting regular bed and wake up time, sticking with them as much as possible, even on weekends.
Other strategies for getting the kids to sleep include:
- Begin to lower the lights in your home as bedtime nears, turn off all media sources, including the TV, computers and cell phones and cease doing any vigorous activities.
- About 30 minutes before bedtime, help young children pick up toys and pack their backpack for the next day and get them into their pajamas. After they’ve brushed their teeth, tuck them into bed and read a story or two.
- Encourage teens to take a hot shower and read something pleasurable, aloud or to themselves, or partake in some other calming activity in the hour before bed. Even teens may benefit from being read to.
Whatever ritual you devise, stick to it, even if your child resists at first.
Stay Involved
Sometimes it’s tough to gauge how intrusive you should be when it comes to setting your child on the road to success, especially with older students. While it’s always wise to encourage independent growth for your children, regardless of age, it’s necessary to be a pro-active parent and watch for signs of trouble. Poor grades, emotional outbursts, behavioral problems and agitation could all indicate problems with a teacher or peer. If talking with your child doesn’t clear up problematic issues, don’t be afraid to reach out to their teachers, counselors and administrators to help handle any concerns.
Maestro, If You Please – The Las Vegas Philharmonic
By Lisha Ross
We got slots that jingle, jangle, jingle, but we wouldn’t exactly call it music. And until the Las Vegas Philharmonic delighted audiences with their first virtuoso performance on Independence Day 1998, few musical institutions existed to transcend the tinny sounds of the city. In the Phil’s humble beginnings they performed at a premier party for “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” hosted by 20th Century Fox and provided background music for the CineVegas International Film Festival screening of “Nosferatu”, but it was in May of 1999 when they officially established artistic credibility with a stunning performance of Gustav Mahler’s second Resurrection Symphony. In the years that followed they would solidify their presence performing alongside international stars such as Sarah Brightman, Placido Domingo and Andrea Bocelli. Now in its 12th year, the LV Phil has grown into an internationally recognized ensemble, bringing culture to the community through moving classical soundscapes.
Billed as the most ambitious season yet, the 2010-2011 line-up will continue the Phil’s legacy of brilliant musicality with Maestro David Itkin in his fourth season at the helm. These must-see events will include five Masterworks Series performances, three Pops Concerts, the Youth Concert Series and a special Valentine’s Day performance.
Ever the crowd pleaser, the Pops Series returns with a jazzy bang on October 2nd with “A Tribute to Frank Sinatra” featuring local favorite Clint Homes, followed by the intensely popular “A Christmas Celebration” on December 11th featuring “Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular” stars Kristen Hertzenberg and Bruce Ewing with the Las Vegas Mastersingers. “An Evening with Rogers and Hammerstein” rounds out the series March 26, 2011 with four fabulous soloists–Lynette Chambers, Derrick Davis, Larry Morbitt and Joan Sobel.
Internationally acclaimed guest artists from the world over join the Phil in the Masterworks Series. On November 20th, Masterworks II presents Laura Liu, violinist, performing Maz Bruch’s Violin Concerto, along with the Philharmonic performing Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4. Ringing in the new year on January 15th, the Phil is pleased to present Brahms Symphony No. 4 along with Aram Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto performed by Fabio Bidini. Cellist Zuill Bailey performs Dvorak’s Cello Concerto April 16th. The Master Series comes to a close May 21st with two faces, Mozart and Mahler. Those interested in learning more about the artists and music are invited to join Maestro Itkin before each performance at 7:15 p.m. for a pre-concert discussion.
As if Masterworks and Pops Series weren’t enough music for your ears, the LV Phil will also host additional events throughout the season, including two new Connoisseur Chef events and an entirely unique Cabaret Series complete with hors d’oeuvres, drinks and dessert. Details about these events are forthcoming and will be available soon.
While music makes the Philharmonic shine, it’s their commitment to youth music programs that makes them one of the brightest cultural treasures in Las Vegas. On November 13th, the Phil invites young musicians to compete for the opportunity to perform on stage with the Philharmonic during the Youth Concert Series. They’ve also welcomed Alexander Prior, a 17-year-old British conductor, who will present an evening of romantic music on February 12th. Through youth programs such as these, the Philharmonic seeks to enrich and inspire school-age children with the power of music.
Looking to get involved? The Las Vegas Philharmonic Guild is in its 8th year supporting the orchestra through volunteer service and fundraising events. Providing members with a culturally conscious community, the guild is involved in all of the Philharmonic events and is always looking for more members. Contact 258-5438 ext. 225 to learn more about becoming a member.
All performances will be held at the Artemus Ham Concert Hall at UNLV, 4505 Maryland Pkwy. For tickets, showtimes and info on upcoming performances, visit www.lvphil.com or call 895-ARTS. See you at the Phil!
Mary Jean Freeman
Durango High School
Class of 2011
Life’s valuable lessons are not lost on Durango High School Student Body President Mary Jean Freeman, for whom each day presents an opportunity to learn. Taking her daily instruction to heart, she focuses her intention on building personal strength and individuality, and making sound decisions while being mindful of the future. With cheerfulness and positivity at the forefront of her character, it is her dedication to self improvement, as well as a desire to be a positive role model that makes Mary Jean Freeman a standout in any crowd, and naturally – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.5
Sports/Activities:
- Varsity Cheerleading, 2007-11; Team Captain, 2009/10
- Swimming, 2007/08
- Varsity Track & Field, 2009/10
- Advanced Orchestra, 2007-09
- Clark Country Solo and Ensemble Festival, 2007-09
- Sophomore Class Historian, 2008/09
- Student Body Historian, 2009/10
- Student Body President, 2010-Present
- National Honor Society, 2009-Present; Secretary, 2010-Present
- Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum, 2010
- Broadcast Journalism, 2007/08
- Junior Counselor–Mid Level Conference
- Invisible Children United, 2009/10
- Southern Zone Student Council Conference, 2008-10
- Nevada State Student Council Conference, 2008-10
- NASC National Conference, 2010
Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:
- Student of the Month, 2009
- Most Inspirational & Most Motivated–Cheerleading, 2009
- Most Spirited–Cheerleading, 2010
- Community Graffiti Clean-up, 2009-10
- Three Square Foundation Canned Food Volunteer, 2008-10
- School Beautification, 2008-10
- Grant Sawyer Middle School Carnival Volunteer, 2008-10
- Frank Kim Elementary School Carnival Volunteer, 2008-10
- The Great Santa Run Marathon, 2007-10
- Grapplers Quest Volunteer, 2007-09
- Christ the King Feeding Families Volunteer, 2010
Goals & Aspirations: “My goal is to graduate with high honors in the top 10 of my class. I plan to study pre-med in college and hope to attend UCLA for medical school to become a pediatrician. I also plan to continue volunteer work and give back to the community. It would be my dream to help kids in other countries of the world.”
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of being involved in various activities throughout high school, especially student council. It taught me how to be a leader, not only in school but in life. I am proud to be the Student Body President and inspire my council to become leaders as well.”
Mary Jean is Successful Because: “I am successful because I always want to exceed people’s expectations by giving 110% in everything that I do. I’m constantly striving to push myself to become better not only in school but as a person as well. Most importantly, I’ve been surrounded by my family and friends with tremendous amounts of love and support.”
