Sarah Lucas

Odyssey Charter High School

Class of 2010

Odyssey Charter High School senior Sarah Lucas is taking the road less traveled, and she’s not afraid to make bold moves or even start from scratch to achieve her dreams. She did, after all, make a conscientious decision to leave public school for a charter school in order to pursue her passion for tennis. In doing so, she’s demonstrated that she’s a self-disciplined self-starter who’s not willing to neglect her studies in order to reach athletic fame. Whether negotiating for AP courses for the good of all her peers, or going from rookie to all-star in just a few years, she’s leaving her mark, making Sarah Lucas – A Step Above.

G.P.A.:  4.33

Sports/Activities/Community Service:

• Liberty High School Tennis, 2006-Present; Team Captain, 2009-10
• USTA Competitive Tennis, 2007-Present
• Las Vegas “No Quit” Tennis Academy, 2007-Present
• OHS Student Council Founder, 2009
• OHS Hispanic Society, 2009-Present
• Inspiring Children Leadership Program in Nevada, 2007
• Assistant to “Going Green” Las Vegas Rock Landscaping Company, 2008
• USTA Nevada Intern, 2008-Present

• Obama Campaign Volunteer, 2008
• Feed the Homeless Programs Volunteer, 2009
• Article for Inside Tennis Magazine, 2009
• Tony Bennett Fundraiser Committee, 2008/09

Scholarships/Awards:

• East Coast Leadership Tour, 2008
• Best Athlete Award–Hilton Tennis Academy, 2007
• 4-Time Liberty High School Athletic Award–Varsity Women’s Tennis, 2006-10
• 3-Time Nevada All-State Academic Award, 2007-09
• USTA Nevada Sportsmanship Award, 2009
• USTA Nevada Rudy Ruettiger Award, 2009
• Individual Competition Regional Finalist, 2009
• Women’s Tennis State Runner-up, 2009
• Athlete of the Month, 2006-09
• Varsity LHS Tennis Letters, 2006-10
• Carol Wolfington Heart Award, 2008
• National Society of High School Scholars, 2009

Goals & Aspirations: “My goals are to graduate high school with an honors diploma, straight A’s and the highest G.P.A. I can earn, and to get a college scholarship to play tennis for a women’s tennis team.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of my success in tennis and in school. Even though the odds were stacked against me because of starting later than anyone competing in a high level of tennis, I never gave up. I have come a long way since I started in 2007, and it has been the journey of a lifetime.”

Sarah Looks Up To: “I really do look up to my mom, Mary-Carmen. She was the only one of eleven brothers and sisters to leave her home town in Puebla, Mexico to live in the United States. With a lot of hard work and dedication, she learned the language, found a job and bought a small condo. My dad has a similar story. They have taught me many lessons of life from experience and wisdom, and I listen.”

Asli Kupoglu

Green Valley High School

Class of 2010

Green Valley High School Student Body President Asli Kupoglu is taking it all in stride. That’s not to say that she doesn’t apply herself diligently to all that she does, be it taking a leadership role, scoring on the athletic field or helping others through volunteer work. Nor does it mean that her curiosity, intelligence and ambition don’t propel her toward learning from life’s experiences and moving onward. It simply means that she doesn’t let the small stuff get in the way of her plan to live life to the fullest, always remembering to be thoughtful and respectful of others along the way, and for that, Asli Kupoglu is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 3.6

Sports/Activities:

• Varsity Cross Country, 2006-08

• Varsity Soccer, 2006-Present
• Band, 2006/07

• Student Council, 2009-10
• Student Body President, 2009-10
• Vegetarian Club, 2010

Awards/Community Service:

• Rotary Student of the Month, 2010
  JDRF Volunteer, 2009/10
• Canned Food Drive Volunteer, 2009/10
• Gators Give, 2009/10
• PB & J-a-thon, 2009/10
• TLC Nursing Home Volunteer, 2009/10
• Blood Drive, 2010
• Clark County Museum Guild, 2009/10

Goals & Aspirations: “Some of the many goals I have now are to get good grades, stay healthy and do one nice thing for someone everyday. Some of my future goals are to do well in college, volunteer as much as possible and travel the world.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of becoming student body president; I worked so hard in order to make this happen, and I love doing it.”

Asli is Successful Because: “I believe I’m successful because of my determination. When I want something, I don’t rest until I’ve achieved whatever it is. I’m successful now, and I will be successful in my future, too, because of this awesome drive I have.”

Asli Looks Up To: “I really look up to Ellen DeGeneres. She has such a playful attitude, but at the same time she does so much for others and the community. I’ve never once seen her sad or feeling sorry for herself. She understands that life can’t be taken for granted, and that it’s a celebration. I have that kind of attitude towards my life as well.”

Logan Bryan

Coronado High School

Class of 2010

Coronado High School valedictorian candidate Logan Bryan is a young man with his heart and mind right where they ought to be. His goals are of a simple sentiment, as he says himself, “to serve his fellow man.” To reach that end, he works on his own personal growth, appropriating his time to diligent study, honing his leadership skills and occasionally helping out global humanitarian efforts. Performing it all humbly and with great appreciation for the support of his family and the rewards of faith, Logan Bryan is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.8

Sports/Clubs:

• Track & Field, 2009-Present
• Football, 2006
• Orchestra Member–Savior of the World Production, 2008
• Student Body Treasurer, 2009-Present
• Junior Class Representative, 2008-09
• Sophomore Class Representative, 2007-08
• Freshman Class Representative, 2006-07
• National Honor Society, 2008-Present
• Varsity Quiz Team, 2008-Present
• Co-Founder of Underground Ping-Pong Federation
• Hip-Hop Club, 2009-Present
• Students for Soldiers, 2009-Present

Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:

• ACT Perfect Score (36; 2009
• Eagle Scout
• National Hispanic Scholar
• National Merit Scholarship Letter of Commendation, 2009
• AP Scholar, 2009
• Varsity Letter–Varsity Quiz, 2009
• Nevada Prize Exam Award Recipient, 2008/09
• Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA; 2009
• Principal’s Advisory Board, 2006-Present
• Smiles for El Salvador Humanitarian Mission Participant, 2009
• Tiny Tim’s Foundation Volunteer to Chihuahua, Mexico, 2007-08
• Cougars Care Volunteer/Participant, 2008/09
• Teen Advisory Group–Paseo Verde Library, 2009-Present
• PKD, Race for the Cure & Shade FoundationVolunteer, 2007-09
• Danny Gans Memorial Champion Run for Life, 2009
• Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, 2009

Goals & Aspirations: “My goal is to graduate as a valedictorian, attend Brigham Young University, serve an honorable mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and go to medical school. I hope to help people as a doctor, especially those with low incomes and no health insurance.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of my participation in the Smiles for El Salvador Humanitarian Mission.  The experience of performing dental and medical work for over 500 El Salvadorian teenagers was life-changing, instilling in me a desire to serve my fellow man.”

Logan is Successful Because: “I am successful because of the goals I set for myself. There are times when I fail or when I feel like I can’t do it, but I just look to the help of God and my family, and I get up and keep trying. In the end whatever happens, I know that’s what God had in mind for me.”

Part of the Solution: “Texting and Facebook is depersonalizing our world.  Young adults no longer have the guts to ask someone on a date in person, or to communicate in general.  I think communication is the key to an ideal society. Young adults need to learn how to step outside their virtual world and join the real world of face-to-face interaction.”

Kevin Dimond

By Callie Thomas

When using words like honor, integrity and tenacity to describe 89012 resident Kevin Dimond, you would think we, or rather he, lived in another century.  A bygone era as it were, from today’s fast-paced, “get it quick by whatever means possible” society.  But that simply isn’t so.  In fact, Kevin Dimond infuses a level of hospitality, ethics and class into our community today and every day, all the while mentoring others to do the same.

As General Manager of Aureole Restaurant at Mandalay Resort, part of the Charlie Palmer Group of dining outlets, Dimond utilizes his extensive hospitality and culinary skills which he gained at a very young age.  “I come from a hospitality and hotel family, so I grew up with conversations about the industry across my dinner table every night,” he said.  “I originally trained as a chef and learned the basics of the restaurant business. I went on [LR1] to the Culinary Institute of America, and later worked for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company for 14 years. traveling around the world with the organization.”

Even with all the constant moving, Dimond was engrained with the Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service philosophy and their unwavering commitment to service in their communities.  When Kevin arrived in Las Vegas in 2003 and was introduced to the Epicurean Charitable Foundation, it was as natural as breathing for him to become involved with the group.  “It is a great organization whose primary mission is to provide college scholarships for local area high school graduates that might not otherwise have the means to go to higher education,” Dimond said. This past fall, he was named executive board president.  In his role, he will continue the group’s mission by establishing college scholarships for local students seeking a career in the hospitality and culinary industries.

The Epicurean Charitable Foundation (ECF) was formed in 2001. It is comprised [LR2] of more than 40 top food and beverage executives who are dedicated to making a difference in the hospitality industry and the community through support of the local education system and related industry organizations, charities and associations.

For Dimond, the experiences he’s gained from his work with the Epicurean Charitable Foundation have been rich and rewarding on a variety of levels.  Foremost are the opportunities to meet and work with other industry leaders in the community.  “I really respect the members of our board and value the assistance I get from them.  I work with Adam Odegard in Mandalay Bay, who’s also an ECF member, and when I visit him on issues of the foundation, he always has time and meaningful advice for me.”

Dimond also enjoys his involvement with the generous donors and other community organizations that have incorporated ECF into the network of causes that help to make the community stronger.  But perhaps what remains paramount is the relationship that the foundation has with its scholarship recipients.  “We not only provide college scholarships for 100% of the student’s tuition, but we also provide them with a member of our board as a mentor.  We believe that this scholar/mentor relationship is an invaluable tool in making a real difference in our community and industry,” he said.

While Kevin has much to be proud of throughout his career and in giving back to the community, which includes acting with care, compassion, diversity and integrity, and building relationships that transcend the test of time, he is especially proud of his family, which includes his wife Kirsten and their three sons Paul, Clayton and Devin. [LR3] “Although I have seen and done many things, I have never felt more accomplished than when my son graduated from UNR, when I was coaching my son’s baseball team, playing with my youngest son and when my wife gives me a new tie.”

In the Know

Need ideas for family fun and friendly outings? Get your creative juices flowing at The Pottery Studio (9480 S. Eastern Ave., #160), a place where you, too, can make a memorable ceramic keepsake in just four simple steps: 1) Choose from over 300 pre-made ceramic pieces; 2) pick a design using stamps, stencils, sponges, paint and brushes; 3) select your colors; 4) create your masterpiece and have fun! The Pottery Studio provides everything, including inspiration from books, examples, and the space itself–a So-Ho inspired room with brick walls and hardwood floors that give off a distinctly artsy, warehouse/studio feel. Take advantage of their grand opening special: half price birthday parties until Aug. 31, 2010. Call 455-P8NT (7868) for info about birthday parties, bridal/baby showers, fundraising opportunities and more.

Sing a song of amore for Italian food made from family recipes! Owners of Annie’s Gourmet Italian (1716 W. Horizon Ridge, #100), a casual Italian restaurant specializing in DeFalco family recipes, wanted to create a place where their neighbors could enjoy good food, wine and feel like they are in the DeFalco home. The warm atmosphere welcomes all, with sounds of Italian love songs playing as guests sip on Chianti and enjoy a home-style meal. All food is prepared fresh daily by Chef Annie Payton, CPCE and her mother, Connie DeFalco, a.k.a. Grandma Cungie. Specialties include lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, chicken Mediterranean, baked artichoke stems and rice balls, all made with PollyO cheeses and the freshest ingredients. Call 254-FOOD, or visit www.anniesgourmetitalian.com for information on dine in, takeout or catering.

Relax, party, live, entertain, BBQ, all in your own, immaculate backyard. Let BDS Enterprises (3060 Business Lane) make your yard a “vacation at home.” For over 15 years, BDS has been in the business of designing, installing, cleaning, repairing and refurbishing outdoor kitchen islands, fire pits, patio furniture and more. With more than 25 years of combined experience, they’ve certainly got the background to get you exactly what you want. It’s simple; you select the components, BDS creates a design to your specifications, and your island is assembled and finished in your backyard rather than built in a factory and craned in. Working with only well-established and specialized contractors, BDS can also help with landscape, synthetic lawn, concrete, pavers, shade or utilities. Call 448-5600 or visit www.bdsenterprisesusa.com to discover the backyard of YOUR dreams.

Trying to keep that New Year’s resolution to be fit? You can keep up with the steady drone of the elliptical, eh. Or you can find a beat and dance at Jazzercise Fitness Center (1450 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy.), where fitness is made to be fun. Jazzercise is a group fitness class bundling moves from hip hop, yoga, Pilates, jazz dance, kickboxing and resistance training into 60-minutes of calorie blasting excitement. Every class combines cardio moves to enhance endurance and burn mega calories, strength training to define muscles and strengthen your core, and stretching to increase flexibility. All ages are welcome, the moves are simple, and you don’t need dance experience, just the motivation to get your body moving. For more information, call 461-2855 or visit www.jazzercise.com to learn about the latest specials and class schedule.

Get ready to experience the new face of flavor; refined Californian cuisine fused with Oaxacan Mexican flair. Sabor (594 N. Stephanie St.) likes to call it Cali-Oaxacan fusion. Oaxaca, a south-eastern region of Mexico, has garnered a worldwide reputation for its contributions to the flavors of the world. Vibrant, inventive and diverse, Oaxacan cuisine is justly famous, especially for its creative mole sauces–sharp, thick, sweet and complex with a hint of smoke and dried chile heat. With an inspired menu full of fresh fish, shrimp, roasted chicken, pasta and steak selections, Sabor gives Cali-Oaxacan fusion the face it deserves in a comfortable dining room and elegant lounge. Stop in anytime for creative food and refreshing cocktails. Call 473-5377 for info.

The dedicated teachers of the private Christian preschool Henderson Christian Academy (2750 Robindale Rd.) have many common beliefs, one of those is that a child’s education is an all-encompassing family endeavor. It is for this reason that the academy hopes to be of service to the entire family, regardless of background, education or economic situation. In addition to the technical aspects of education, they aim to provide a nurturing family atmosphere with enthusiastic teachers who have an intimate sense of each child’s personality and needs. The second educational endeavor by the owners of Angel Christian Academy, Henderson Christian Academy offers services for children ages six weeks through full day kindergarten, before and after care included in the price of tuition, and small class sizes to better serve the Henderson and Las Vegas communities. Call 270-2595 to learn more.

Lauren Lucas

Coronado High School

Class of 2010

If the number of steps a person takes in an average day could be used to calculate how far that person would go in life, then, hypothetically, Coronado High School senior Lauren Lucas might just go to the moon and back. A fiercely competitive track all-star and scholastic achiever, Lauren’s the kind of gal you won’t see standing still for long. Every movement has a purpose, every step is a carefully timed bound toward a triumphant finish, and every moment is a new opportunity to put her absolute best foot forward. Energetic, vibrant and commited to excellence, Lauren Lucas is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.67

Sports/Activities/Community Service:

• Varsity Cross Country, 2006-09
• Varsity Track & Field, 2007-Present
• National Honor Society, 2008-Present
• Broadcast Journalism, 2007-Present
• Student Council, 2009-Present
• Environmental Club, 2006-08
• Las Vegas Track Club, 2007-Present
• Chuck Norris A.P. Prep Club, 2008-09
• National Charity League, 2004-Present
• PB & J-a-thon Participant
• Cougars Care Volunteer/Participant
• Three Square Foundation Food Drive Volunteer
• Relay for Life Co-Captain
• Race for the Cure Participant
• Del Mar Gardens Volunteer
• Kids to Kids Book Cleaning Volunteer
• Hope Link, Camp Mend-a-Heart  & Meals on Wheels Volunteer

Scholarships/Awards:

• Presidential Scholarships–DePaul University; University of Portland; Northern Arizona University
• Regent’s Scholarship–University of the Pacific
• Dean’s Scholarship–University of Evansville
• Mark Twain Scholarship–University of Missouri
• Trustee Scholarship–Butler University
• All-State Second Team Cross Country, 2008-09
• All-Region First Team, 2008-09
• All-Division First Team, 2008-09
• Cross Country Overall Best Runner Award, 2009
• Athlete of the Week, Las Vegas Review Journal, 2009
• Cross Country Co-Captain, 2008; Captain, 2009
• Cross Country Legend, 2009; Sportsmanship Award, 2008; Top Underclassman Award, 2007; Best Newcomer Award, 2006
• City Wide Sophomore Cross Country Champion, 2007
• Four Year Cross Country State Qualifier
• Yellow Jersey Award, 2007-09
• Track MVP Distance Award, 2008-09
• Two Year NIAA All-State Academic Team
• Homecoming Duchess, 2007; Queen, 2009

Goals & Aspirations: “I plan to attend college where I will challenge myself and explore a field that I am passionate about.  I would also like to travel to foreign countries to experience different cultures in this diverse world.”

Lauren is Successful Because: “I have been successful because my parents have shown me the importance of hard work and determination.  They have taught me to never give up; that failure is not the worst thing but failure to try your best is. They taught me to follow my heart and chase my dreams.”

Lauren Looks Up To: “I admire my Aunt Kristina. She had a baby and was diagnosed with cancer in the same year, and she has never given up hope nor laughter.  She has taught me that things in life may happen that you never expect, but everything happens for a reason.  She has inspired me to live each day with a purpose and never have any regrets.”

Toasting the Holiday Season

The Gift of Wine

By Michelle Morey

Whether you are choosing wine for family gatherings or artfully selecting gifts for party hosts, be inspired by an unprejudiced palate and comforted in the knowledge that the “world of wine” is as broad as it has ever been. Ultimately, it is a nimble exercise in determining preference, quality and whether or not the wine is “splurge-worthy”; it’s simply a matter of taste and value.

Capture the imagination of romantics, poets and writers by offering a gift of sparkling wine. Almost every wine-producing country, as well as multiple regions within, lay claim to a representative bubbly. French Champagne, Italian Franciacorta and California exemplars are sure to please. Pol Roger NV Brut Réserve ($45.00/btl.) consistently reveals the true class and finesse of this esteemed Champagne house. Bellavista Franciacorta NV Brut Cuvée ($40.00/btl.), one of the finest sparkling wine producers from Lombardy, lauds delicately ripe fruit with a luscious mousse, and Domaine Carneros by Taittinger, Carneros Vintage Brut ($30.00/btl.) epitomizes winemaker Eileen Crane’s ability to adapt “old world” sensibilities to “new world” expressions in California. Start brushing up on your party toasts, for the wine will be flowing, and “if the aunt of the vicar has never touched liquor, look out when she finds the Champagne.” – Rudyard Kipling.

As the holiday season morphs from busy to hectic, an afternoon with friends and a healthy dose of play may be in order. Wines such as Kanu Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc ($10.00/btl.), a balance of bright melon, nectarine and honeysuckle, and Bethel Heights Oregon Pinot Gris ($16.00/btl.), an eruption of ripe stone fruit, tangerine and lime blossom, will delight a host and whet your appetite for further whimsy. Frank Family Napa Valley Chardonnay ($30.00/btl.) is another “play-worthy” selection; a full-bodied portrait of apples and pears with hints of vanilla and spice.

Wintry winds, a crackling fire and a pot of simmering goodness keep kitchen sages busy and appreciative of red wine offerings. Domaine Drouhin Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($37.00/btl.) sets the standard for Burgundian style greatness in Oregon. Beautiful structure betwixt red fruits and hints of spice proclaim Véronique Drouhin and family French royalty in the Pacific Northwest. Jean-Louis Chave Côtes-du-Rhône “Mon Coeur” ($18.00/btl.) is a multi-layered, Grenache based, brambly reflection of the Southern Rhône Valley that extols the happy partnership between renowned winemaker Jean-Louis Chave and Eddie Gelsman. Rao’s Napa Valley Merlot ($45.00/btl.), one of the Pellegrino family’s signature wines, pays homage to its namesake restaurants while honoring family tradition and dedication to quality. Velvety texture and dark plum musings contribute to this lovely California merlot; a perfect gift for any occasion.

If you want to garner grateful thanks from your holiday host, consider any number of rich and sweet wines: dessert style Sherries, Ports, Sauternes, Eisweins, just to name a few. Like sparkling wine, there is enormous range of selection, price, value, and quality in this category; explore with abandon.

As the holiday season unfolds, take time and rejoice in celebrations with gifts of wine, good will, laughter and blessings for the New Year.

Smart Phone Smarts

Fine-Tuning Your App Awareness

By Ashlee Verba

Okay…we know “there’s an app for that,” but what exactly is an app? We’ve been hearing the phrase since the release of the iPhone, but apps are still a relatively new and developing technology. For those who are completely unfamiliar with the term and/or function, “app” stands for application, which is a downloadable program for Internet-capable cell phones, specifically iPhone, BlackBerry and some Palm models. Aimed at both fun and functionality, apps provide quick, anywhere access to navigational tools, eBooks, games, stock tickers, Web pages and much more. To the not-so-tech-savvy, the prospect of joining yet another techy revolution may seem unattractive, at best, but in all actuality, apps are simple to download, user-friendly and can truly make one’s life easier. Here’s a crash course on how to get app-happy and stay that way.

Apps for All

There really is an app for everything. Need a quick recipe? Consult a chef application that can not only walk you through that Asian Salmon recipe, but can automatically add necessary ingredients to your shopping list, too. Lost in New York City? A navigation app can give you step-by-step directions for finding the subway that will get you where you want to go. For those who love Star Wars, the Light Saber app is great fun. Flick your phone down to release the colored light beam and listen to the “wherrr” “whaa” as you move your pseudo-saber like a Jedi. The Fake Call app allows you to create a fake contact and have “them” call you on-demand, perfect for interrupting your co-worker’s story about her infamous fruit ambrosia.

No doubt one or many apps will sound appealing to you, but there are a few things you might want to know before you jump head first onto the app-wagon. For starters, apps are device-specific, meaning that iPhone apps are only for the iPhone and BlackBerry apps are intended for BlackBerry phones. Depending on where you download from and what you want, the cost of an application can range from free to $30. (A few insanely advanced apps can cost quite a bit more.) To avoid wasting time and money, make sure you’re downloading for the right smart phone before you buy.

App-rehensions

Like all new technologies, users and programmers are learning that apps have glitches worth being wary about. The main concern with apps right now is the idea that they may be doubling as spyware, meaning they “phone home” with certain demographic information. The company getting the most flack for this right now is Pinch Media, Inc. Pinch apps give users the option to allow the company to use their geographic information to create statistics for Pinch. However, the user is not asked just once. It is a repeated question that essentially annoys the user into submission. Once the user finally hits “Allow”, the app then transfers that user’s geographical location to Pinch Media every single time the app is launched.

Doesn’t sound like too big of a deal, right? It wouldn’t be if that were all the information they got. If the phone is registered with Facebook or any other networking site, the app developer may be getting more than you agreed to, like your age, sex and birthday. Though it sounds like an intentional scam, Pinch is a reputable company whose intentions are only to analyze, which is why Apple still allows Pinch Media to upload applications to their app store. Since there aren’t any official tips on how to avoid a Pinch app in your phone, the best advice would be to always hit “Don’t Allow” when prompted with any question while running an app. If the program continues to pester you, uninstall the application.

Deletion Downers

Here’s another issue that’s got some users fired up: In the fine print, phone corporations reserve the right to veto and/or remotely delete apps from your phone at their discretion. This is usually done after a glitch is found, but sometimes the company doesn’t even need a glitch. Apple, for example, rejected an app called Eucalyptus because it contained the eBook The Kama Sutra, which Apple deemed to have “objectionable content.” The same issue occurred when unauthorized dealers released George Orwell’s 1984 in the app store. Both apps have since been re-admitted into the online store, but not before they were deleted from user’s phones. Though there’s truly no way to tell which apps companies will consider unacceptable, you can avoid the deletion of data from your phone by asking yourself if it could be potentially offensive to anyone before downloading it. If the answer is yes, you may want to skip it for the time being; or go old school and opt for a hard copy instead.

Third Party Threats

Any ol’ user can create and submit apps for download. Because they aren’t created by the actual software company, these “third party” apps can, in some cases, become an electronic nightmare. Apple does approve of and sell many third party apps in their online store; it’s the third party Web sites that require you to key a “jailbreak” code into your phone before downloading their apps that can be troublesome. CYDIA, for example, is a Web site that offers countless third party applications, but is NOT endorsed or sponsored by any smart phone provider, and therefore not scrutinized for inappropriate content or glitches. While it might be tempting to “jailbreak” your phone, some users have reported lost memory and data as well as depleted battery power after downloading in this manner. Use caution when downloading off of Web sites other than Apple (www.apple.com), BlackBerry (www.blackberry.com) or Palm (www.palm.com). Think Napster versus iTunes; would you rather download applications directly through Apple or try your luck with a random dot-com? You paid good money for that smart phone, always try to go with the more reputable site.

If you’re simply not the trusting type, Swebapps.com is an affordable alternative, allowing you to create your own app either for business or pleasure. Swebapps offers a few advantageous options such as AppTracker, which allows you to track and analyze data related to your app, like how many times it’s been downloaded and which buttons are used most.

Overall, apps most definitely have good intentions and purpose–there are just a few kinks that need to be worked out. But if you’re curious, shop around. With thousands of apps on the market, you’re sure to find at least one to serve some specific need. If only there were a guide to picking your perfect program…is there an app for that?

Top Tens

Although Apple’s AppStore offers thousands of applications, here’s a list of Time Magazine’s Top 10 Apps of 2008:

• Pandora Internet Radio: Music site that streams music it thinks you would like based on your already-built playlist.

• Around Me: Uses geo-location to locate you and places around you (gas stations, restaurants, hospitals, etc.).

• AP Mobile News Network: Essentially delivers all things reported in the news.

• Ocarina: A playable imitation of the ancient flute-like instrument.

• Wikipanion: Wikipedia made iPhone-friendly.

• Adrenaline Pool Lite: A virtual pool table.

• Instapaper: Consolidates bookmarked Internet articles that you are interested in but didn’t have time to read.

• NetNewsWire: An RSS reader–basically, a subscription to a Web page that automatically updates on your phone when the site does.

• iTalk: Voice recorder with options. (Perfect for journalists.)

Fake Calls: Allows you to enter a fake contact into your phone and have it call you on-demand.

Getting Back Your Groove Thing

How Finding Your Passion Can Keep You Sane

By Hana Haatainen Caye

Ever wake up in the morning and just want to stay in bed? You can’t put your finger on it–things aren’t all that bad–yet still, you just can’t get excited about facing another day in the craziness known as your life. Kids, the economy, laundry, rising grocery prices, work…all the things that must be dealt with. All the things that hijack your energy and keep you from being the vivacious person you used to be. There is no crystal ball, and you have very little control over the world around you, but you can do something for yourself. Something that will help you get your groove thing back while staving off depression, bitterness and unhappiness. It’s finding your passion. And whether you have time to indulge a little or imbibe a lot, plan on doing it for fun or choose to make your newfound activity a career, finding your passion can make a difference in how you look at life…and yourself.

A Recipe for Happiness

The hit movie Julie and Julia, a story that parallels the lives of famed chef and TV personality Julia Child and Julie Powell, a then obscure and slightly depressed blogger, illustrates just what can happen when you find a passion that’s life-changing and contagious. One that the movie’s producer Lawrence Mark proclaimed was “a passion for food that got them through tough or uncertain times.” They might not have known it when they started, but their exuberance for food turned into an exuberance for life; an avenue for finding out who they truly were, and a way to accept themselves in spite of their faults and failures. It gave them purpose.

You may not become famous like these two women, but finding your passion does have benefits that include:

• Reduced Stress – Becoming passionately engrossed in an activity takes your mind off stressful events, thereby reducing high blood pressure, fatigue and other stress related illnesses.

• Living in the Moment – When you engage in a passionate activity, the mind becomes so occupied that the past and future become non-existent. You are simply in the now, much like practicing meditation or mindfulness, but with a tangible outcome.

• Increased Self Esteem – You’ll find an amazing reserve of strength just behind that wall of fear you’re knocking down, as well as a renewed sense of accomplishment that helps to build confidence in all aspects of your life.

• Renewed Optimism – Because you enjoy what you’re doing and see positive outcomes, you believe you can succeed. You are in control and making things happen. This optimism translates to other areas of your life, helping you to cope when things are beyond your control.

Who Cares What Others Think

If finding a passion is so beneficial, then what keeps us from going for it? Aside from perceived time and economic constraints or just plain apathy, there are a number of roadblocks you must overcome to truly find your passion.

Fear

Going out on a limb is easier for some than others, but allowing fear to keep you from purposing your passion is, quite simply, giving fear entirely too much power. Try taking baby steps towards your goal. As you conquer small advances, take on greater ones, all the while justifying the risk with the reward. Ask only that you do your best and be happy that you tried. With each small triumph, you’ll empower your resolve, and fear will eventually diminish or be done away with all together.

Resentment

What good does holding onto the past do? So what if you’ve been wronged, suffered setbacks or aren’t in the best physical shape of your life. Letting go of “what ifs” and “if onlys” will serve to free up your energy to move on to positive, can-do scenarios. Moving forward in a passionate activity has a domino effect; one that focuses on where you’re going, not where you have been.

Conformity and Rationale

Our parents meant well, but times have changed. People don’t work the same job for a lifetime, retiring with a bank account full of money saved, a tidy pension and the free time to drink lemonade on the porch. Being laid off is a coin toss in our society, so finding something you love and making money at it may not be far fetched. Explore your options and move accordingly. You might not start out looking for a passion that produces a paycheck, but don’t discount it because it’s not the norm. Compliance doesn’t necessarily lead to happiness, especially when it means depriving yourself of what you were born to do.

Making it Happen

As Alan Alda stated, “You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself.” In order to discover your passion, you have to be ready to leave your “city of comfort.”

Brainstorming

Get started by getting to know what it is you really like to do. Find a spot where you will be undisturbed for about fifteen minutes and, without thinking, write about what excites you and makes you happy. Ask yourself, what job would I love to have or what did I love doing as a child? Focus on what makes you feel alive and stress free.

Continue the exercise by listing five to ten things you would love to do, then number them according to how much you would like to be doing them right now. The items that rise to the top of the list create a good springboard from which to execute a passionate dive.

Reel in Your Prospects

Look beyond your inner and outer obstacles and be suspicious of any limitations you set upon yourself, but be realistic! Blind people cannot be airplane pilots and senior citizens cannot run for Miss America or become major league baseball pitchers! Determine what it is you love to do, evaluate each activity from a pragmatic standpoint and act accordingly with the knowledge that this is a viable activity worth spending time on.

Take a Trial Run

You’ll never know if you’re truly passionate about something until you try it. Find ways to practice by volunteering for an organization centered on your quest, taking classes on the subject, or joining clubs or leagues associated with your chosen activity. These are excellent ways to give your future aspirations a trial run. As you dig in deeper, be honest with yourself. Is your passion becoming a burden, or do you look forward to it more than the day you started. The answer will determine if it’s right for you.

Is a life of passion really within reach? Absolutely! Keep at it. Embrace the challenge. It may just be the very thing you need to jump start your life, get back in the groove and find what was lost but never really gone….and that’s you.

Jump start your journey with a little help from those in the know.

• Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose, by Matthew Kelly

A key to finding lasting happiness in a changing world.

• The Passionate Life A Common Man’s Guide to Getting Everything You Want Out of Anything You Do, by Mitche Graf

Filled with practical tips on how to live a life of purpose and meaning.

• The Passion Test: The Effortless Path to Discovering Your Destiny, by Janet Attwood and Chris Attwood

Interviews with people who are successfully living a life of passion.

• Living Big: Embrace Your Passion and Leap into an Extraordinary Life, by Pam Grout

Focused on breaking long-held, self-defeating patterns and living big.

When Fido Can’t Make Friends

Socializing Your Cranky Canine

By Ashlee Verba

Saving a dog’s life through adoption is bittersweet, as even the best ones come with emotional baggage. Most of these animals have been subjected to abuse and neglect from previous owners, and as part of their ingrained survival instinct, their post traumatic stress often manifests in anti-social behavior. In the shuffle from puppy mill to sometimes abusive home to shelter, they simply haven’t had the opportunity to connect with the world in a positive way. While you may not be able to erase your faithful friend’s bad memories, shaping your dog into the well-socialized, happy companion you’ve always wanted is not only rewarding, it’s necessary for the well-being and peace of mind for both you and your pet.

Ready for Action

Socializing an adopted dog is all about helping her make positive associations with people, other animals and new situations. Before you begin, it’s crucial to understand that dogs learn by associating actions with positive, negative and neutral outcomes. For example, if a dog hears a loud, startling sound as she goes to pick up a bone, she may initially associate that bone with fear, not having the cognitive ability to realize the bone and sound aren’t inextricably linked. The same goes for positive stimulus, which is why rewarding your dog for good behavior with treats and affection is a surefire way to help your pup make positive associations. That said, no amount of positive stimulus will be effective without first establishing your role as master and protector as early as possible (ideally, as soon as you adopt) with a few tricks and training tools.

Tools of the Trade

Since so many adopted dogs have been abused and mistreated, showing the dog who is boss must be handled delicately. Just controlling your dog’s food is one way of acknowledging that you’re the “alpha,” but there are plenty more direct ways to let the dog know who’s calling the shots without exerting yourself as a threatening force.

• Leashes and Harnesses: Though both may seem restrictive to your dog at first, with proper training and introduction, tensing and loosening of the leash helps to establish trust between you and your pet, as well as keep her safely away from dangerous situations and frightening stimuli.

• Short, Firm Commands: Unusual commands such as “uh uh” work best, because the average person says the word “no” multiple times per day, which can ultimately be confusing.

• Squirt Bottle: This will not only work with socialization but with eliminating any unwanted behavior, such as excessive barking, begging or taking things without being told. With the setting on a solid stream, aim for the back of your dog’s head between the ears and combine it with whatever command for “no” your dog understands.

• Neck Pinch: The back of the neck is where dogs instinctively go to establish their power among each other. If your pooch exhibits aggression, try a quick, sharp pinch to the back of the neck combined with a firm negative command.

• Kennels and Baby Gates: As den animals, dogs enjoy the security of small spaces they can freely enter and exit, like a kennel. Baby gates across doorways allow animals to see what’s going on and still be a part of the “pack” while taking away the opportunity to misbehave. As long as you do not use either as punishment for negative behavior, your dog will seek them out as a safe haven when anxious or scared.

Whether you select one method of discipline or utilize a combination of many, the point is that Fido knows that challenging your authority will result in an undesirable outcome.

Socializing your Pooch with People

Though your dog may not act skittish around you or other members of your household, solid indications that she is anxious around new people include hiding, shaking, restlessness, crouching and keeping her tail between her legs. To correct this behavior, start by bringing one or two people you know well and trust into your home. When guests initially walk in, they should completely ignore the dog and not initiate any contact until she’s had time to realize that you are okay with this stranger’s presence.

Next, from a seated position, have your guest display a treat in a flat, open palm and say the dog’s name invitingly. After the dog seems more comfortable with creeping up and snagging the treat, have your guest perform the same process but with the treat wedged between their index and middle fingers. With a longer dose of contact, your guest can then make their other hand visible and begin petting the dog gently, continuing with soft-spoken, verbal praise. Your dog may shy away from touch at first, but should eventually come around with repetition. Once this is accomplished, positive association has begun, and you can expose your dog to more and more guests; just make sure they know to take it slow. The dog still may not trust strangers, but she will trust that you won’t let anyone hurt her.

Socializing with Other Dogs

The difficulty in socializing your pooch with other animals depends on where they came from. Dogs from puppy mills have spent their first few years around other pups and get along fine with, even welcome new playmates. Those that have had little to no contact with other animals, or had a bad experience with one are likely to respond to a meet and greet with aggression and fear. As you get to know your dog better, you will learn to feel out the situation based on body language. Lowered head with ears pinned back, baring teeth and/or growling, a fixed stare on the other dog and having all four paws securely on the ground as if preparing to pounce are common signals that a fight is about to take place.

First meetings with other dogs should be short and sweet, and the dog should be on a leash. Allow nose-to-nose contact for no longer than 10 seconds, then lightly tug the dog’s leash and give verbal and physical praise if she continues to walk calmly, without exhibiting anxiety. The next step is to give your pet a treat with another dog within a noticeable 8-10 foot radius, as this will yield a positive experience while another dog is present. A good place to try this is a small dog park, where you may run into just one or two other dogs.

Classes

If you’re working with an especially stubborn mutt, don’t worry; there are classes that both modify behavior and serve as terrific mediums for socialization. Maria Hossmer of Dog E Mom (448-5398) is a local pet trainer offering a variety of private and group classes, including Naughty 2 Nice for adult dogs with behavioral problems and Proper Puppy for puppies under 6 months of age. Six week courses cost $90 and adopters get a 10% discount. Young dogs that are better behaved, yet still need help socializing can be enrolled in a PetSmart puppy class. The 8-week course costs $110 and consists of (1) one-hour class per week.

With time and patience, socializing your new beloved pal is a completely accessible goal. Some may catch on quicker than others, but consistency, dedication, timing of the rewards and, of course, TLC are all it takes. Now get out there and start socializing!