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SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 2

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, leads to Easter Sunday


By Joe Olvera , 2012
For Victor and Graciela Marquez, Ash Wednesday is a highly significant religious celebration that has allowed them both to follow the tradition from a very early age. Ive been participating in Ash Wednesday from the age of six, and probably before that, but it was at age six that I began to understand why a cross was imprinted on my forehead with ashes, said Victor Marquez. It means and represents what the Holy Bible has taught us, which is that from dust we have come and to dust we shall return. God, the creator, made us in his image, and so we need to be reminded that He is all-powerful. Ash Wednesday, which this year was celebrated on Feb. 15, derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of believers as a sign of mourning and repentance to God. According to Wikipedia, the ashes used are from palms that were used the year before. With the sign of the cross firmly implanted on believers foreheads, the annual tradition begins what is known as the Lenten Season. Ash Wednesday in the calendar of Western Christianity marks the first day of a period of fasting or using other means of self-sacrifice to mark Jesus beginning of his public ministry. The canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke say that Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights fasting in the desert, during which time he was tempted by Satan. However, Jesus did not fall for the devils tricks and emerged a stronger man. As far as I can remember, Ive only missed Ash Wednesday six times, Victor Marquez said. It was for various reasons, perhaps I was out on a trip, or I was ill. However, I follow the tradition because it is a significant portion of my faith. My wife and I still attend Ash Wednesday services every year. We are united in that. Then, for 40 days and 40 nights, we practice some of the rites or sacrifices that most Catholics pursue. In years past, Ive gone to Mass every single day of the 40-day Lenten period, right up to Easter Sunday, which culminates the season. Remember that Jesus worked very hard to overcome the temptations offered to him by the devil. We should do no less. Besides Catholics, other religions that follow the tradition of Ash Wednesday inthe cross on believers foreheads, other traditions include the giving up of something during the Lenten Season. Some people sacrifice eating or enjoying the things they like the most as a way to identify with Christ and the temptations he refused. Of course, giving up something is a personal choice. Catholic Church Law, known as Particular Law lays out specific rules for Fasting and Abstinence. For Fasting, you are obliged to have only one full meal on Ash Wednesday and on each Friday during the 40 days of Lent. For Abstinence, Catholics are obliged to eat no meat at all on those days; these rules apply to people over age 7 and is voluntary for those over age 70. It is considered a sin if they dont follow the strict dietary rules. Other people give up smoking or candy, for example. But, if they dont comply, it is not considered a sin because that is a personal choice. In El Paso, the Lent Season provides foods that are not normally available at any other time of the year. Some restaurants offer Lentil soup, shrimp cakes, and, the most popular capirotada or bread pudding; a sweet concoction that is sure to satisfy even the most sweets-craving appetite. I sometimes give up drinking beer during Lent, Victor Marquez said. When I was young, my mom wouldnt let me go out on weekends. I had to stay home, do my homework, or work around the house. But, we werent even supposed to play. We couldnt even hear music. We were very serious about making some sort of sacrifice, because we followed in the footsteps of Jesus. If he could avoid temptations from Satan, we could do the same and, of course, it was a requirement. Things are different today, but, not for me and my wife. We must never forget that God made us in his own image and that we came from dust, and we shall return to dust. Theres no other way.

clude Episcopalians, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbytarians, Anglicans, and some Baptist denominations. The placing of a cross on the forehead echoes the ancient Near Eastern tradition of throwing or blowing

ashes over ones head to signify repentance before God. The priest or minister than recites the words, Remember that thou are dust and to dust thou shall return. Besides the placing of

Free Vision Screenings for kids this Saturday


Davis Vision and EyeMasters are teaming up to bring Focus on America to El Paso. This community outreach program brings free vision screenings to uninsured or underinsured children throughout the country. Those children who require additional eye care will receive a voucher for a free follow up eye exam and eye wear (if determined necessary) to be redeemed at EyeMasters locations. For more information call 591-3391. Screening Dates and Locations:

Saturday, February 18

Judge Edward S. Marquez Branch 610 N. Yarbrough 12 PM 4 PM ALSO

Saturday, March 17
Clardy Fox Branch Library 5515 Robert Alva 12 PM 4 PM

Pachucos:
By Joe Olvera , 2012
Its interesting to see how people just wont let the Pachuco Movement die. And, believe me, it was a Movement, although some people would disagree with me because Pachucos were also a scourge on the barrios in which they dominated in early-day El Paso. Albeit, Pachucos were the forerunners of the Chicano Movement because many were strong enough and visionary enough to leave their violent ways behind and to begin going to colleges and universities across the nation, including, of course, El Paso where the Pachuco Movement began. The latest, a revival of sorts, comes from U.T. El Paso, where creative people are

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 3

They created the Chicano Movement


teaming up to present the Pachcuo in an interesting light that of a dancer who boogied into the sultry El Paso nights. And, yes, of course, he was a dancer, although the UTEP presentation also has them dancing ballet; now, thats a stretch of the imagination. But, creativity is creativity and if some people want to see a Pachuco doing a pirouette, then all the more power to that person or persons. Of course, those of us who were raised in the 1950s, 1960s have a different view of the Pachuco Movement. One good aspect of the latest production about Pachucos is that my good friend, Juan Contreras has provided the slang, la torica that Pachucos embraced. To hide their intentions from the larger society, they created, inverted, and used words which nobody but them understood. Contreras, a longtime writer, knows that language exceedingly well. Orale, Juanito! But, you see, despite efforts to turn the Pachuco into a legend, basically, Pachucos were gang members. They belonged to gangs and they terrorized neighborhoods. Growing up as I did, my memory of Pachucos is that of young hoods who demanded money and got it either by hook or by crook, or both. Luis Valdez, in his dynamic drama, Zoot Suit, romanticizes Pachucos, what with their hair slicked back into duck-tails and their sharp zoot suits, with a sky to match. Their tramos, their lisas,

their calcos were the uniform of the day. Edward James Olmos played the part of the Zoot Suiter to the max, with his dance steps and his ode to marijuana very much a part of that movement. The Sleepy Lagoon case in East Los Angeles gave us a look at the way they were hated,

discriminated against and abused to no end by fearful Anglos, police and other members of society. But, to be fair, there was a rhyme and a reason for that hatred, for that fear. So much so that even straight members of the Chicano community often felt the same way. In my day, Pachucos werent so romantic. On the contrary, they bullied and abused

people young and old. They had rumbles or gang fights, they struck out blindly at a society that didnt understand them, nor did it want to understand. Continues on page 6

UTEP Department of Theatre & Dance Proudly Presents

PACHUCO ZOOT: A TALE OF IDENTITY


FEBRUARY 16, 17, 18 @ 8 PM FEBRUARY 19 @ 2:30 PM Wise Family Theatre

The headliner piece for this years concert is a dance theatre work that traces the origination of Pachuchismo culture from its origin in the El Paso/Juarez region to the creation of the highly theatrical Zoot Suit culture. To complement this piece, UTEP faculty and guest artists will present newly choreographed pieces highlighting various themes and dance forms. TICKETS: Adults: $12; UTEP Faculty/Staff, Seniors, Military, Groups (10+), Non-UTEP Students: $10; UTEP Students: $9 FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: 747-5118

MOUNTAINVIEW REGIONAL AND EMS HOST INAUGURAL HEART BALL


February 25 event set to honor heart healthy women
Las Cruces, NMMountainView Regional Medical Center and Region II EMS invite the community to the inaugural Heart of My Life Ball on Saturday, February 25 at 6:00 p.m. at the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. The elegant evening includes a gourmet dinner, a silent auction benefiting the American Heart Association, fashion show and dance. The evening will also feature the heartwarming stories of seven local women who have survived heart disease or have made life-saving changes to reduce their risk of heart disease, inspiring others to make similar changes. These honored guests are: Terry Ellen Claar, Jill Egner, Doreen Johnson, Kimber Monks, Leah Pena, Quadriyyah Shabazz and Erin Van Pelt. Each will be introduced and accompanied by the person who submitted their nomination. Tickets are $25 per person, and may be purchased at The Emerald Isle or at MountainView Regional Medical Center. We are very excited to be bringing womens heart health to the forefront of our communitys consciousness, says Audrey Hartley, the hospitals Healthy Woman coordinator and co-emcee of the event with Chris Cruz. Heart disease knows no boundaries. Regardless of age, ethnicity or gender, heart disease is still one of the leading killers in the United States. According to the National Institutes of Health, more women die from heart disease than from the total of all cancers, yet many women particularly are still unaware of their risks, she said. This event is a great way to elevate the awareness of heart health, and to recognize local women who are role models for making life changes to lead hearthealthier lives, said MountainView CEO Denten Park. At MountainView we have made it our mission to lead the way in heart health, treatment and education, he said. We also understand how important it is to have collaborative relationships with the other healthcare organizations that share that same commitment, so we are very pleased to be co-sponsoring this event with Region II EMS. MountainView Regional is the first and only hospital in southwestern New Mexico to earn national recognition as an Accredited Chest Pain Center. This means that MountainViews cardiologists, emergency physicians and employees, together with Region II EMS providers, are committed to providing the very best emergency and cardiac care, and meeting the highest national standards for quick response, diagnosis and treatment to save lives and heart muscle. The Heart of My Life gala events were made possible through the planning and coordination of a whole roster of partners and local organizations, according to Hartley. The silent auction portion of the evening is sponsored by Region II EMS. Called Purses for a Purpose, it will feature unique purses that have been donated and filled by local merchants. Net proceeds from the ball and the purse auction will be donated to the New Mexico chapter of the American Heart Association (AHA.) The hospital and EMS have been working with the AHA to open a local chapter. Miss New Mexico USA Jessica Martin and Miss New Mexico Teen USA Jackie Cai will be on hand to welcome guests to the event. The Emerald Isle Boutique is outfitting nine local models for the fashion show, who will have makeup and hair done by The Mint Hair Studio. Cristal Van Carson -- who serves as the official photographer of the Miss New Mexico/Teen USA Pageants will be the event photographer. For information, contact Audrey Hartley at 575-556-7665.

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 4

Balancing the Budget with Gimmicks


If you have ever experienced really hard financial times, there is a possibility that you may have used gimmicks to get past delinquent financial responsibilities. One of those gimmicks may have been holding off paying a bill until next month hoping the situation would allow you to get back on track. Businesses use gimmicks at times when the books are slightly unbalanced. A skilled accountant can move an item in a very simple manner that results in the balancing of the books. Those kind of sleight of hand tricks are not out of hand because the consequences fall on individuals or companies who ultimately pay a price for improprieties. However, these same types of bookkeeping gimmicks should be minimized or completely eliminated when dealing with public monies. When a government budget is said to be balanced, that is exactly what it should be; not accounting tricks. Did you know that the conservative leadership pushed through an appropriations bill that was balanced but only because of accounting tricks? This was not just a few dollars. There were billions of dollars that were balanced on paper only. For instance, in order to reduce the shortfall by about $2 billion, the appropriations bill fails to pay school districts in August of 2012. That is right; the state expects school districts to maintain fiscal accountability for twelve months but only pays the districts for 11 months within the two year budget cycle. If you have family members who survive month to month because of Medicaid, you know how difficult it is for the very poor and the elderly to balance their budgets. It may come down to health issues or groceries. It is very scary that the conservatives intentionally underfunded Medicaid for the fiscal years starting in September 2011. In this case, the leadership must be proud of a balanced budget even though those who survive on Medicaid paid for it. Rightly so, there is a voter backlash to the gimmickry. Since the conservatives held a majority of 101 members to 49, it is only the conservatives who can be held accountable. In many races throughout Texas, incumbent Republicans are being challenged on their vote for a budget that was balanced by pushing off billions of dollars to be accounted for in the 2013 session. Perhaps that is why more than 20 conservative members decided to retire. As I understand it, to be fiscally conservative is a policy of pay as you go; never over extending the ability to pay for services rendered. If I am correct, then the comments by Republican candidates that the leadership passed a "fiscally reckless" budget are accurate. The House Members on my side of the aisle were fighting to implement responsible ways of balancing the budget. In some cases, our efforts included raising tax revenues by reducing certain exemptions for industries such as oil and gas. The fight in reality was either balancing the budget through education and Medicaid cuts or by asking big businesses to prosper a little less. I am sorry to report that big business won without any compromise.

Healthy Hearts with Parks Fun Walks (2012)


Open to all ages in the City
March 10 Pavo Real Recreation
Center (915) 858-1929 9301 Alameda Ave.

April 28 Washington Park (915)


544-0753 200 Washington St. (in coordination with Dia de Los Ninos)

May 19 Memorial Senior Center


(915) 562-4260) 3251 Copper Ave.

June 9 Nations Tobin Sports


Center (915) 757-2743 8831 Railroad Dr.

July 7 Gary Del Palacio Recreation Ctr. (915) 629-7312 3001 Parkwood Dr.

August 18 Grandview Senior


Center (915) 566-1217 3134 Jefferson Ave.

September 8 Polly Harris Senior Center (915) 581-0525 650 Wallenberg Dr.
One time registration fee of $5 per participant (includes all walks and tshirt) Pre-register at any City Recreation Center Registration at 7:30 a.m. at walk day location All walks start at 8:00 a.m. (except for 9:00 a.m. start on April 28th walk)

Information - (915) 544-0753 Sandy Rodriguez or Eliseo Duran

Chente Quintanilla
State Representative

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 5

By: Doppler Dave Speelman

Bumpy Air
I took a flight to Jackson, Mississippi last week that had stops to Dallas and Houston before touching down in Mississippis capital city. I love to fly. If Im not in a hurry, the more take offs and landings, the better. But, along with flying involves turbulence or what many would call bumpy flights. This is an aspect of flying that most people do not look forward to. I experienced quite a bit of turbulence when I was flying from Dallas to El Paso. In fact, the pilot ordered the passengers to keep their seatbelts secured for most of the trip. It seemed that many folks were very nervous as was evident by the white knuckles around me as folks gripped their armrests. What is turbulence? Air is constantly in motion always moving from one place to another. Its like a feather being blown around in the wind it takes a while to hit the ground after going in all directions. Some causes of turbulence include temperature differences, mountain peaks and thunderstorms. Temperature differences are a big factor when it comes to turbulence. Atmospheric science teaches us that warm air rises (called thermals) and cold air sinks or falls. A distinct change in these air masses will result in a bumpy ride. Mountains are also a factor which can contribute to turbulence. As wind approaches a mountain it is forced up very quickly. Pilots are very concerned with this type of turbulence because it can be invisible (we call this Clear Air Turbulence). Other times, when sufficient moisture is around, lens shaped clouds will form called lenticular clouds. These types of clouds are a warning signal for pilots to stay clear. Thunderstorms are also a concern when it comes to turbulence. Storms can produce violent updrafts and downdrafts within the cell that will take the plane up and down. Youll notice that many times pilots will circumvent a storm in order to make your trip a more pleasant one. Lets hope your next flying experience is a pleasant one.
Doppler" Dave Speelman is the chief meteorologist at KVIA-TV in El Paso. You can watch his forecasts at 4, 5, 6 and 10 pm on ABC-7 (channel 6 cable). If you would like Doppler Dave to address (explain) any weather issues you can email him at Dopplerdave@kvia.com.

Weather Trivia:
What is the best way for pilots to be alerted that turbulence could be ahead of them?
A. Using planes radar B. Observing the upcoming cloud formations C. Reports from previous pilots cruising ahead of them D. No way to determine when turbulence will strike until you go through it.
Answer: C Reports from other pilots ahead

FEB 17

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

FEB 18

FEB 19

SUNDAY

MONDAY

FEB 20

TUESDAY

FEB 21

WEDNESDAY

FEB 22

THURSDAY

FEB 23

Mostly Sunny 10% Rain


High: 60 Low: 40

Breezy, 10% Rain


High: 62 Low: 38

Partly Sunny

Mostly Sunny Breezy


High: 65 Low: 41

Mostly Sunny
High: 67 Low: 37

Mostly Sunny
High: 66 Low: 36

Partly Cloudy
High: 68 Low: 40

Mostly Sunny
High: 71 Low: 40

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 6

Special Showing of Apollo 13


Gene Kranz (White Flight Director who is most notably remembered for being the Director for the Apollo 11 Moon Landing and Apollo 13 Tiger Team Flight Director) and Charlie Duke (the 10th human to walk on the Moon, Apollo 11 Capsule Communications, Apollo 16 Lunar Module Pilot and backup Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 13) will be the guest speakers at the Apollo 16 40th Anniversary Commemoration to be held Tickets for the movie are only available at www.apollo40.org. On Friday March 9th, the actual Apollo 16 40th Anniversary Commemoration Event will be held at the NMSU Campus in Las Cruces. The event will start at 9:30 am at the Aggie Memorial Stadium East Parking Lot. Activities include launch demonstrations of scale replicas of some historic White Sands Rockets (V-2, Wac Corporal, and Little Joe II) as well as vehicles from the NASA manned space program (Mercury-Redstone, Mercury-Atlas, Thor-Agena, Atlas-Agena, Gemini-Titan, Saturn IB, and Space Shuttle). Highlights will be a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of John Glenns Friendship 7 flight, a special launch honoring the Space Shuttle Program, and a launch reenactment of the Apollo 16 Saturn V Moon rocket launched from a working replica of Launch Complex 39. The rest of the day's activities will be held at the Pan Am Center and will include handson and static displays from Spaceport America, the Las Cruces Natural History Museum, the New Mexico Museum of Space History, White Sands Test Facility, the National Solar Observatory, and the Fellowship of Las Cruces Area Rocketry Enthusiasts (FLARE) just to name a few. The highlight of the day will be a presentation by both Charlie Duke and Gene Kranz at the Pan Am Center. The topic of the presentation will be InSpace Hall of Fame will be held, sponsored by the New Mexico Museum of Space History, the International Space Hall of Fame Foundation and New Mexico State UniversityAlamogordo. The event will begin at 10:30 am at the Tays Special Events Center on the campus of NMSU-A in Alamogordo. Shuttle Astronaut Sid Gutierrez will be the luncheon keynote speaker. Tickets for the Luncheon and Induction Ceremony are $25 per person and can be purchased by contacting Cathy Harper at the New Mexico Museum of Space History only. This event is being organized by both FLARE member Dave Kovar and by the Southern New Mexico Science Engineering Mathematics and Aerospace Academy (SEMAA) Assistant Director Laura Lomas-Tomlinson. I thoroughly enjoy working with Laura in making these educa-

Launches Apollo 16 Commemoration Moonwalker and Apollo Flight Director to Make Special Appearances
tion and outreach opportunities for Southern New Mexico SEMAA students, said Kovar. I hope that it gets them excited about a potential career in science and space exploration. How could you not get excited about a career in space after hearing from two history makers who played such a significant role in our nations exploration of space. How often do you get a chance to meet one of 12 humans who has walked on the Moon or shake the hand of the individual who put Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin within landing range of the Moon, he added. This event will probably be the largest attended Apollo 16 40th Anniversary Commemoration in the nation with more than 1,200 SEMAA students in attendance plus the general public. Besides FLARE and SEMAA, this huge community effort includes Allen Theatres, the New Mexico Museum of Space History, White Sands Test Facility, NMSU, White Sands Missile Range, the Las Cruces Natural History Museum, Holloman AFB, Spaceport America, NM Space Grant Consortium, and the National Solar Observatory just to name a few. When we held our first Apollo 40th Anniversary Commemoration back in December 2008 to celebrate Apollo 8, we had maybe 25-30 in attendance. Now for Apollo 16, we are expecting nearly 2000 to participate in this three day celebration. For me, this is a childhood dream come true, said Kovar. The New Mexico Museum of Space History is a division of the NM Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information, call 575-437-2840 or toll free 1-877-333-6589 or visit the website at
www.nmspacemuseum.org.

March 8-10, 2012, in

Charlie Duke venting the Future, and focus on the challenges of getting the Apollo program off the ground and how students of today can take the next giant leap into space. The program will be moderated by Michael Shinabery. The Friday activities are free to the public. On Saturday March 10th, a special ceremony inducting Gene Kranz into the International

Las Cruces and Alamogordo. The event will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 16 mission (the eighth of the Apollo missions to fly to the Moon). Thursday March 8th, two special showings of the Tom Hanks movie Apollo 13 will be held at the Allen Theatres Cineport 10 Theater in Las Cruces, at 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Kranz and Duke will make a special appearance after the first showing. They will hold a discussion about the Apollo program which will be moderated by Mike Shinabery, Education Specialist with the New Mexico Museum of Space History. The cost for this event is $20/person. Those who purchase tickets before March 1st will be entered into a drawing for Gene Kranz autographed photos and picture opportunities with Kranz and Duke. All proceeds from ticket sales go to Habitat for Humanity on behalf of Gene Kranz and to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation on behalf of Charlie Duke.

Pachucos...
Continued from page 3 Many of them wound up in prison, they dealt drugs, they created mayhem wherever they roamed. In my day, the zoot suit was a relic of the past. Oh, they were still sharp, but, their uniforms were different. They wore mostly kakhi pants with a sharp crease and heavily starched and ironed. They would also wear ironed and starched shirts, but they didnt always wear them. A pachuco might walk into a classroom with his shirt wrapped around his arm so as not to wrinkle it. He would place the shirt very carefully on the seat. Invariably, they wore snow-white tshirts to complement the style. Their shoes were called tablitas and were spit-shined to a high gloss. And, believe me everyone respected them, even the teachers. The joke goes about a pachuco who asks a kid for a quarter. The kid says he doesnt have a quarter, but, only has a dime. The pachuco says, no cae pedo, me debes quince calos (thats okay, give me the dime, but you still owe me 15 cents). It may sound funny now, but, it wasnt so funny then. Pachucos belonged to such gangs as the X-14s, the X-9s, the X2s (wonder where they got the X), Los T-Birds, Los Del Diablo (or the DDTs), the Be-Boppers (a nasty little gang that terrorized and wreaked havoc on students at La Jeff), Los de la Roca, Los de la Lincoln, and sundry other gangs who ruled various barrios, and lo unto him or her who wandered into their territory. In those days, it was all about territory, all about protecting turf. Today, however, its different. Now, gangs are into making money through dealing drugs. No longer are they so anxious for people to know who they are and, to a large extent, they maintain a lower profile. Of course, they still exist, but the stakes are different. So, its okay to glamorize the Pachuco. Its okay to romanticize him, to make him larger than life and to have him dancing ballet. There was a guy in the barrio a pachuco who could dance up a storm. His name was Chakira and, man, he had the moves. Nobody made fun of him because, of course, he was also a Pachuco and belonged to a very violent gang. Maybe he went on to dance ballet for some dance group. Pachucos were also highly intelligent, especially the leaders. They are the ones who left the barrio to begin attending institutions of higher learning. They encouraged other Chicanos and Chicanas to join the Movement for human rights and recognition. Keep in mind, however, that while Pachucos have been glamorized and made into legends, the fact remains that there were two sides to them; they were exceedingly violent and ruled with an iron fist. Yes, thats the truth. Sin Fin

Tips on Shopping Smart for Spring


Sharon Mosley We may still be warming ourselves by the fireplace, but that doesn't mean we can't start firing up our spring shopping list. The spring trends are popping up in fashion spreads, in stores and online, so it's the perfect time to make a plan and start browsing for treasures. Yes, it's all right to dream about wearing that tangy tangerine maxi dress on the beach this summer! But before you get all juiced up about shopping for a new spring wardrobe, check out these tips from the world's top fashion bloggers whose savvy advice is packed into a creative new book, "Style Yourself," by Jane Aldridge. Aldridge admits that building the perfect wardrobe takes time and energy, but if you "shop thoughtfully, you'll find yourself stand-

Work with what you've got. Your shopping list should include
items that will work with other pieces in your closet. I personally stick to a few favorite colors to give my wardrobe super mix-and-match possibilities. But if you end up buying something that doesn't go with anything else in your wardrobe, we all know where that leads, don't we? You'll end up needing to source another "perfect something" to make an outfit, notes Aldridge.

Hit the virtual mall. "Online shopping is where it's at," admits Aldridge. "That's where you can hit on amazing deals and oneof-a-kind pieces." But she has a few suggestions: Know your size and refer to the websites' sizing guide; read the product descriptions carefully and check out return policies. "If you're happy with your experience," she says, "sign up for newsletters and sale alerts that'll help you snatch up better deals at your favorite sites."

Don't be afraid to go home empty-handed. Say


what? "Don't cave to the mall's pressures if you don't strike gold," says Aldridge. "It'll deplete resources that you could spend on an item that you truly love."

ing in front of your dream closet." Here

are her tips for shopping smart this spring: We've heard it all before, but Aldridge urges taking a ruthless
inventory of what's already in our closets. Winter is a great time to make space by getting rid of what we don't wear by donating clothes to a charity or making some cash by selling a few things. Then she suggests making notes to ourselves on the things that really do work for us. "It'll help guide you to more items that are worth your money," she says. Now you can make that list.

Don't depend on friends. "Take others' opinions with a


boulder of salt," says the style blogger. "Shopping with friends can be a blast. They can inspire you or urge you to try on surprising items." But if you aren't thrilled with the purchase yourself, then leave it on the rack.

To splurge or to skimp?
Be careful when filling a "wardrobe hole," says Aldridge. "If you can plug it with a quality item, do it! If you go the cheap and trendy route, you're likely to have to fill this same hole again each year, which means you will spend more in the long run.

Stick to your plan. Yes, we know that it's easy to buy impulse items once we get into a store, but Aldridge also admits that shopping should be fun. "So if you fall in love with something that's not on your list, stroll around the block to consider the purchase."

Check out the quality of an item. Sometimes we can get


so caught up in finding that "perfect" sundress that we don't check to see if the seams are straight or the buttons secure. One of Aldridge's tips? "Woven, not printed, labels are a sign of quality."

Before you fantasize about wearing your dream dress on the beach this summer, make a shopping plan to find clothes that are worth your money. Tangerine maxi dress from Banana Republic's spring 2012 collection.

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 8

Q: We're trying to make a

It's Quite a Stretch, Decorating for 'Boomerang' Kids

Dcor Score by roSe bennett Gilbert

DEAR ABBY by Abigail Van Buren

DAD'S SUDDEN DEATH REVEALS THE LIFE HE SECRETLY LED


DEAR ABBY: My father died suddenly a year ago. My sister went to his house and discovered something that deeply disturbed her. Dad was secretly gay. There were lots of materials in his home that I'm sure he never intended for us to find. Personally, I find his interests fascinating, but my sister was unhinged by it. After all, she was the one who made the discovery. DEAR ABBY: I have a coworker, "Amber" who has always been large. She has looked like she was pregnant the entire two years I have known her. She can also be a liar and an attention-seeker. I am pregnant for real. Soon after Amber found out, she began telling our coworkers that she, too, is pregnant -- with twins. She has said this before, and then she faked a miscarriage. She is now bringing ultrasound pictures to work that I discovered she had downloaded from Google Images. Everyone knows Amber is lying, but she keeps it going like she believes it herself. Abby, should I try to save her the embarrassment and tell her that everyone knows she's faking? Or should I just sit back and see where the lying gets her? -- REALLY EXPECTING IN CHICAGO DEAR REALLY EXPECTING: Your co-worker appears to be mentally disturbed. This is something that should be discussed with Amber's supervisor, so perhaps an intervention can be done and she can get the help she needs. As much of a concern as this is for you, it should be even more so to her employer. Because there is no way to predict how she might react if her fantasy is threatened, you should NOT be the person to question it. If she's taking time from work for OB/GYN appointments, her employer could request a note from the doctor. ** DEAR ABBY: I have been dating "Jared," who is the nephew of my sister's husband. Due to the family situation, this is a very weird relationship. I was widowed at 22. I am now 27, and this is the first relationship I have had since my husband died. I'm not sure what to do. Is it wrong to date Jared? How do I introduce him to family and friends? My sister always refers to him as her nephew. That makes me feel like my relationship with him is incestuous. -- MIXED UP IN WISCONSIN DEAR MIXED UP: Because Jared isn't a blood relative, your relationship with him is not incestuous. Introduce him to family and friends as Jared, the friend you're dating. If the relationship becomes more serious, introduce him as Jared, your boyfriend or fiance. But please stop feeling guilty about your relationship because you're doing nothing wrong. ** Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. ** Good advice for everyone -teens to seniors -- is in "The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It." To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)
COPYRIGHT 2012 UNIVERSAL UCLICK

nice home office for our son who is moving back home until he can find another job. His father thinks we should move in some of the furniture that's been in storage, like a small sofa and some lamp tables. They're looking a little shabby to me. I don't want our son to feel any worse than he does about having to live with us. Do you have any ideas that don't cost much?

A: Applause for both your


sense and your sensibilities. There are easy solutions that will help take the edge off your son's shame. He's hardly alone, you know. This murky economy has mired many new careers, leaving more than 14 million "boomerang" kids to move back home across the U.S. Your kindness and your husband's tolerance (am I reading this correctly?) need not cost a lot. Vintage furniture perks up instantly and inexpensively with new slipcovers and/or a new coat of paint. Here's proof positive: The smart-looking sofa and chaise in the photo we show here are wearing new outfits that come ready-made, ready to slip over old upholstery. Thanks to a little Spandex in the polyester fabric, these slipcovers are as formfitting as custom-made upholstery and at a mere fraction of the cost ($199 for both the sectional covers and the chaise). New from Sure Fit (surefit.com), the stretchy covers are a far cry from the old baggy "schmatta" look you may remember from the early days of one-size (really does-

Slip on something youthful to bring worn furniture back in style: new form-fitting stretch slipcovers. Photo courtesy of Sure Fit. n't)-fit-all, ready-made slipcovers. Now you can even have leather-look covers that fit as snugly as, well, Spandex shorts and are a lot more flattering to old bodies, like your sofa's. As for the lamp tables you plan to resurrect, think paint. It's magic in a can, whatever color you choose. Spring for a couple of new lampshades (Doesn't everyone have a few old lamp bases in storage?), add an inexpensive sisal rug, maybe bamboo window blinds, and Wait! Red alert! your son might never want to move out! Puzzled about choosing a paint color, for example? Herzlinger can create a choice of two palettes (for walls, moldings, doors and cabinetry) and provide color samples for you to pass directly to your painter. Cost for her advice: $750 per room. But you won't be making more costly mistakes. More advice at your fingertips comes from Hunter Douglas, the mega-manufacturer of window treatments. The company's just debuted a free iPad app that allows you to preview different treatments on your own home's windows. Take a photo of your window and upload it to test the variety of different ideas offered by Hunter Douglas. Check out "The Art of Window Dressing" app through a link at hunterdouglas.com. Rose Bennett Gilbert is the coauthor of "Manhattan Style" and six other books on interior design.
COPYRIGHT 2012 CREATORS.COM

Now she's obsessed with finding out if Dad was having relations with men while Mom was alive, and if he did, did Mom know about it. I have tried telling her that there were probably lots of things that happened between our parents that are none of our business, but my sister can't let it go. She also seems upset that my reaction isn't the same as hers. I'm glad Dad was fulfilling his needs, especially in old age. My sister was always "Daddy's girl." Any suggestions on how I can help her? -- DAD'S SON IN MIAMI DEAR SON: I'm not sure you can. But a trained therapist might be able to. Your sister's discovery was a shock because "Daddy's girl" now realizes she didn't know her father as well as she thought she did. She's reacting almost as if she, as well as her mother, may have been cheated on. It is almost impossible to determine who knew what and when, if both the individuals are dead. I hope, with time, your sister will be able to focus on the good times she had with her father and her obsession will lessen. **

Q: Need help with decorating


decisions but don't know where to ask?

A: Professional help is as
near as your computer keyboard in these days of online everything. Mega designer Jamie Herzlinger (jamieherzlinger.com) has introduced a kind of electronic design consultancy that lets you work with her online from wherever you live.
BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

In chemical terms, the substance human blood most resembles is seawater.

enerGy expreSS by Marilynn preSton

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 9

Hungry for Change? Lose Weight the Macy Way!


Meet Dayna Macy. She's a mother of twins, a wife, writer, editor, foodie and yogi. And she's fat. Or at least she was fat. In the last year or so, Dayna's let go of 30 unnecessary pounds. Even better, she's changed her relationship to food including her beloved Slim Jims and Butterfingers in a profound and peaceful way. Her message? If made her feel healthy, happy and whole. I'm not looking for a perfect body or a perfect way to eat,she says. "I am searching for a relationship with food that brings me greater health, peace of mind and ease in my skin." Macy documents her search with tender truths and humor in her delicious new memoir, "RavDayna's self worth took some hard hits when she was young, struggling to find love from a skinny mom uninterested in food and a complicated dad often uninterested in her. She recalls her childhood: "His moods change so quickly I feel the need to protect myself from him." Dayna writes about her habit of binging, as many as 15 mini-pizzas at one sitting. "Eating greasy, salty, fatty food literally pads me, thickens me from the inside out; and that extra padding helps me to feel safe." Not safe from a serious adult addiction to cheese, olives, chocolate and sausage, that's for sure. Dayna calls those her "go-to foods, my fill-me-up-and- stuffme foods" that helped her balloon from a size 12 at 33 to a size 18 at 48. That's when she a big brain with an open heart and a master's in philosophy from Brown University decided, once and for all, to figure out why she was eating too much and what to do about it. Diets were off the table. She knew they didn't work, and besides, she didn't like the idea of someone else telling her what to eat. The idea she did like and the backbone of her book involved breaking her obsession with her favorite foods by focusing in on them instead of backing away. She learned how sausage and cheese were made, and how olives were grown, and she dipped deeply into the art of making chocolate bon-bons. In between, she did a three-day fast and yoga at 4 in the morning, and eventually discovered a way of eating that works for her, and could very well work for you. Why? Because it increases your self-awareness, and from that place of mindfulness and acceptance, great changes can come. "The secret is ... there is no secret," she writes. But here's her secret anyway: Dayna measures and weighs her food and writes down everything she eats. That's it, along with a steady yoga practice and continual acts of lovingkindness. She eats 3 ounces of salmon instead of 6. She takes out 5 olives and puts the rest away. It's working, and she's grateful.

you want to, you can, too.

For her first 48 years, Dayna Macy was obsessed with food. She craved sugar, fat and all things salty. Food was comfort and love; it protected her from loneliness and anxiety. That's over now. Dayna managed to do what millions of Americans want to do, but can't. She lost weight without going on a diet, without feeling hungry or deprived. She lost weight because her longtime yoga practice helped her wake up to the realization that food is not love food is food! leading her to a balanced approach to eating that

It's a success story that speaks to me a former size 16 because it highlights a mind shift that is so essential to losing weight and keeping it off. "Weight can be gained or lost," Dayna writes. "Our judgments about our bodies are much harder to lose. I see that my body is strong. I am grateful to have found a practice that is helping me find balance and lose weight. But the scale is a witness to my journey, not the measure of my worth."

enous: A Food Lover's Journey From Obsession to Freedom" (Hay House).

"I'm in the process of letting go of old patterns, with new ones starting to emerge. I'm not sure where I'll land. But I keep measuring my food, and slowly, I'm waking up, meeting myself as I am, not who I wish I was."

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 10

Localization, Not Globalization Getting There

SuStainable livinG by Shawn Dell Joyce

33 Tehran's country 35 Claire, of the theater 36 Retinal cells 37 American hog 39 Fit of pique 40 Wrath 41 Boy from Castile 42 Tennis star Sampras 43 By space shuttle 47 Approached 49 Instruct 50 New Testament book 51 Most secure 53 Fighting Christians college 54 Stock market abbreviation 57 Fox or turkey follower 58 By helicopter 61 Concerning 62 Like many roofs 63 Compass of most calendars 64 1981 Beatty film 65 Lebanese port 66 Congers

DOWN
The way out of this recession is to build stronger local economies. These Ithaca Dollars are only accepted in independent stores in Ithaca, N.Y. Recently, we've seen the effects of globalization as local jobs are outsourced. The recession proves that it just isn't working. Economist and author Michael Shuman notes that "about 42 percent of our economy is 'place-based,' or created through small, locally owned businesses." This means that almost half of our economy depends upon small, independent businesses, which make up the backbone of our hometowns. These small businesses are what give our towns local color and local flavor. They are what differentiate us from every other exit on the highway, which has the same six chain stores. Also, local businesses are committed to their hometowns and support the local economy through hiring people in the area; making donations to little-league teams and volunteer ambulance and fire services; and paying local taxes. The key to economic recovery is localization reversing globalization. Shuman estimates that we could expand our national economy to be 70 percent local or more by incorporating these 10 simple steps, which will actually save money in the process.

1 Formerly, once 5 Wight, for one 9 General Bradley 13 Off the beam 14 Spring tides 16 Be dependent 17 By steamship

ACROSS

19 Greek colonnade 20 California fort 21 Miss, for short: Sp. 22 Chinese city 24 Actresses West and Murray 25 Cotton cloth 26 Arose 29 By submarine 32 Above

1 Sailors' patron saint 2 Deafening sound 3 Type of missile 4 High peak 5 By yacht 6 Legislative memberships 7 Singer Cantrell 8 Cycle or center prefix 9 Roman princely family 10 By passenger train 11 Medicinal herb 12 An O'Neal 15 Hindu ascetic

18 Son of Isaac 23 Key 24 Type of wear 25 Accepted standard 26 Official papal body 27 On a vessel's left 28 By automobile 29 Nostril 30 Come together 31 Uncomfortably full 34 Confrontation 38 By airplane 39 Baden, and others 44 Mountain ridges 45 Scientific org. 46 Championship 48 Sicilian landmark 50 Author of boys' books 51 Culinary directive 52 British composer 53 A deadly sin 54 Writer and film critic 55 Marine animal 56 Goes astray 59 Grain 60 American humorist

Your Horoscope
You may not constantly think about what you believe, but what you believe is constantly impacting your life nonetheless. This first full week of the 2012 solar transit through Pisces and an alignment of the sun and dreamy Neptune shine a light on your belief system, which can best be detected by what's happening in your world. "He does not believe that does not live according to his belief." Sigmund Freud ARIES (March 21-April 19). You have to understand something to possess it. You'll take steps to learn more about your interests, to really get inside the world of them. Your passion will grow with your knowledge. This is how dreams come into being. Every little bit you learn this week will bring you closer to the reality you desire. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Consider giving yourself a flattering nickname. It's probably something to keep between you and you. The point is that some of the things you've been saying to yourself are less than supportive. It's about time you get on your own side and start showing your positive feelings about yourself in tangible ways. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your sign rules communication, but that doesn't mean you are always talking. You will be thoughtful and quieter than usual this week, intent on learning all you can about the people and subjects that come up. Financial opportunity comes to you precisely because your mind is so open and your mouth is so shut. CANCER (June 22-July 22). You are both perceptive and agreeable. That's partly why you wind up in a position to lead others. You'll be as clear as possible about the exact behaviors you want to see and will structure all contingencies so that people get more attention for doing things right than they do for getting things wrong. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your happiness probably is not the force that keeps the Earth from crashing out of orbit. Still, it is important. Take stellar care of yourself. If you knew that your happiness was vitally crucial to survival not just yours, but everyone's what would you do differently? Seize all opportunities for smiles and laughter this week. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). If you don't know your own mind, how do you know whether you are changing it or not? Life will lead you on a journey that helps you to understand what you believe and to become aware of certain forgotten or unconscious beliefs, as well. This personal inventory will allow you to take charge of a situation that has held you back.

By Holiday Mathis

week 02/17 - 02/23


attached to their niceties. This is especially true of business contracts now. Read the fine print! AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You'll be sensitive this week, which is good because correctly interpreting emotional signals will help you understand the opportunities available. For instance, when someone doesn't want to leave a conversation with you, it indicates either loneliness or further interest. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). People change when they are ready to change. The most thankless task you could possibly take on is to try to explain reality to the oblivious in hopes of a transformation. Save yourself the trouble by meeting people where they are instead of where you want them to be. For enormous satisfaction, focus on you. THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: Things are going your way. The opportunity that comes to you in the next month is a no-brainer. April takes more intuition, research and wisdom to sort out. You'll be increasingly aware of what you're contributing. You may become closer to different people because of what you wish to learn. May brings a venerable honor. Someone leans on you as though their survival depends on it through the summer, and you'll feel good about your strength. July brings romance and travel.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It may be challenging to keep people from wasting your time, namely because you are patient, kind and compassionate. Be kind to yourself, too. Do not suffer in silence because another person is too oblivious to move things along or because someone maintains a monologue ad infinitum on your watch. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You will be inspired to let go of your ego and become humble. It's not because the other person is so powerful, but rather because you want to learn from everyone you encounter. You'll have the sense that through surrender you will receive more than you gave up. And your sense will prove correct. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). This week you'll be a genius at conflict resolution. You may be afraid, but you won't back down, because you know that action is the antidote to fear. You want to master the situation. The other person also wants to do this. Step away, and come up with a way for both of you to win. You will succeed. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You recognize that the Golden Rule is not a binding contract, and you do not expect others to "do unto you" just because they owe you one. Others may have a more "quid pro quo" approach, and there may be strings

Localize your home. The biggest expense most of us have is our mortgage. Actually, 60 percent of our annual expenses go to shelter. By renting from a local landlord or buying your own home with a mortgage from a local bank, you can localize this expense. Local banks and credit unions typically have the best rates anyway, possibly saving you money in the process. Drive less. According to Shuman, Americans spend 1
out of every 5 dollars on transportation. That amounts to almost $5,000 per year! Until we can start replacing imported oil with locally produced biofuels, our best bet is to drive less. Using mass transit, bicycling or walking are highest on the list, but not very easy for us rural folks. Use the car sparingly, buy gas from an independent gas station if you can find one, and use a local repair shop you trust. Continues on next page

wellnewS by Scott laFee


You consume too much salt. I can say that with confidence because, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 9 out of 10 Americans do. In the CDCs latest Vital Signs report, the federal health agency finds that 10 types of common food (primarily processed) are responsible for almost half of people's sodium intake. They are breads and rolls and luncheon meats such as deli ham or turkey. Pizza, poultry, soups, cheeseburgers and other sandwiches as well as cheese, pasta dishes and meat dishes such as meat loaf, not to mention snack foods, like bags of potato chips, pretzels and popcorn are also on the list. Foods such as bread get a bad rap because while individual servings aren't necessarily high in sodium, most Americans have multiple servings per day. It all adds up to increased disease risk. "Too much sodium raises blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke," said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, the CDC's director. "These diseases kill more than 800,000 Americans each year and contribute an estimated $273 billion in health care costs." According to the CDC study, the average American consumes about 3,300 milligrams of sodium per day, not including any salt added at the table. That's more than twice the recommended limit for about half of Americans and 6 of every 10 adults. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day; 1,500 milligrams per day for people aged 51 and older or anyone with high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and African-Americans. Do not take this recommendation with a grain of salt. The CDC estimates that if Americans reduced their sodium intake just 10 percent, it would save more than 28,000 lives annually.

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 11 'tween 12 anD 20 by Dr. robert wallace

Love Is the Key to Successful Parenting


DR. WALLACE: I am a single parent of an 11-year-old daughter and a 13-year-old son. I had a lot of problems as a teen because my parents were super lenient in controlling me. Let's say I could do almost anything that I wanted with no questions asked. I took advantage of the freedom they gave me. I started smoking and drinking before my 14th birthday, and I became pregnant before I was 16. By the time I was 19, I had two children by two different guys. I still have never been married, but I do have my life in order now. I have an associate of arts degree from a community college in cosmetology and I own my own beauty salon. I have been super strict with both of my children. They both attend a Christian school and get good grades. I don't allow them to watch television, attend movies or go anywhere without me. Lately, they have been complaining that "their friends can do this, and their friends can do that, but they can't do anything." I admit that I'm super strict, but it's much, much better than being super lenient. I should know! Do you agree? Mother, Rock Island, Ill. MOTHER: A wise parent isn't labeled "super lenient" or "super strict" when it comes to guiding children. The wise parent knows when to give her children a degree of freedom and when to enforce restrictions. Fair family rules and regulations should be in place with input from the children who will follow them, if given the opportunity to help form them. The key to parental success is open communication. Listening is a skill many parents haven't learned to use. I know that you love your children very much. Have you told them that you love them? Do you do it everyday? I hope so. To answer your question with a yes or no answer would be difficult. Parents who are super strict or super lenient need to rethink their philosophy of parenting. Families that share unconditional love have the best chance of having well-adjusted children.

Continued from page 10

closer you eat to home, the more you improve your health, your view and your local economy.

Eat Independently. Households spend about $2300 per year on restaurants; unfortunately, it's mostly fast-food chains. This one is a simple matter of choice, with very little effort required to find a wonderful independently owned restaurant. Check out local arts and entertainment. Most people opt for a
movie at a corporate multiplex at the mall. Enjoy homegrown talent! Visit the small repertory theaters and see a real play instead of a movie. Visit an art show, and buy art from local artists. Buy music directly from the bands.

Localize electricity. We could


save thousands per year just by increasing our energy efficiency.

Give Locally. More than 6 percent of


the U.S. economy is nonprofit, according to Shuman. Most of these nonprofits are in the forms of hospitals, universities and churches, but locally we also have arts organizations, environmental groups and many others.

TEENS NEED SOME PRIVACY


DR. WALLACE: I'm 13 and live with my parents and a younger, 11-year-old brother. We have our own bedrooms, but neither he nor I can ever shut our bedroom doors when we are in our rooms. It doesn't bother my brother and it didn't bother me when I was his age, but it bothers me now. When I must keep my door open, it's as if my parents don't trust me. My parents won't give me an answer when I ask them why I have to keep my bedroom door open. They say they trust me, but I don't think so. All I'm asking for is a little privacy. May I have your opinion, please? Nameless, Batavia, Ill. NAMELESS: Teens, like all human beings, enjoy privacy at certain times. Wise parents understand this and allow their children to have time to themselves. Only when parents have reason not to trust a son or daughter should an open-door policy be in effect. Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at rwallace@galesburg.net.
COPYRIGHT 2012 CREATORS.COM

Localize your health care.


Get your meds from an independent pharmacy, preferably one that also uses local suppliers

Buy Local! In the time it has taken you to read this, Americans have collectively spent $23 million. Shuman says that $16 million of this figure could be spent in small locally-owned stores. How far would $16 million go in your hometown today?
Shawn Dell Joyce is an award-winning columnist and founder of the Wallkill River School in Orange County, N.Y. You can contact her at Shawn@ShawnDellJoyce.com.
COPYRIGHT 2012 CREATORS.COM

Buy locally grown food. Eating locally meaning buying fresh vegetables, meats, and dairy from local farms reduces transportation costs and vitamin loss. The

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 12 travel anD aDventure

Visiting the Past in Northern New Mexico


By Kathryn Lemmon At first glance, I assumed Buffalo Thunder was a city. After all, in a state with a town called "Truth or Consequences," that moniker wouldn't be a stretch. And really, who can even spell Albuquerque on the first try? But Buffalo Thunder is a resort, not a town. It's a very large resort by New Mexico standards that sits 20 minutes north of Santa Fe. The theme and decor are Native American and feature larger-than-life dramatic sculptures of dancing native figures. As the name suggests, buffalo are also represented in the artwork. Like the cathedrals of the Middle Ages, the place is meant to grab visitors' attention and hold it tight. The pool courtyard includes four tall pillars topped with bowls of fire, like something from an Indiana Jones movie set very impressive against the night sky. There's also a casino of 61,000 square feet, a large spa and golfing. With the resort as a base camp, two possible day trips are Bandelier National Monument and the village of Chimayo. The area of Bandelier is estimated to have been occupied by humans for long as 10,000 years. More recently, it was designated as a national monument in 1916. Bandelier is known for the prehistoric Anasazi ruins that include dramatic cliff dwellings and petroglyphs on the rock face. The park suffered from both flooding and fire in the summer of 2011. Our guide, a park ranger, was visibly distressed as we passed the debris from the flooding. Cleanup had started, but it was going slowly. Knowing the devotion rangers feel for their parks, I felt great empathy for her and hoped it would all be back to normal soon. In the meantime the situation is changeable, so anyone planning to visit should be sure to check in advance. Northern New Mexico was warm and dry when I visited. My friends and I walked on a relatively flat trail until we got closer to the sheer cliffs. Stairs and paved slopes gradually moved us upward. The shady bits were welcome, even on a 70-degree day. During that walk I began to recognize the dry feeling of the air that is unlike destinations east of the Mississippi, and my contact lenses The church at Chimayo, N.M., attracts pilgrims who come to see the sacred sand pit. Photo
courtesy of Heritage Hotels and Resorts.

make the journey a second time to give thanks. Weaving has a long tradition in this region, and our journey took us to several shops, including Ortega's Weaving Shop. Robert Ortega, a seventh-generation weaver, stood at a loom and was able to weave his creations without any kind of pattern or chart. He could discuss his family history in depth and answer detailed questions at the same time, a craftsman in the true sense of the word. The second shop we visited was chock-full of rugs and blankets. Outside, deep blue yarn that had just been dyed hung in the sun to drip dry. Pieces of cardboard on the ground caught some of the brilliant blue rivers of color, producing fancy patterns. As one who enjoys needlework, I found inspiration from the Navajo preference for creating with solid blocks of red, white and black. Northern New Mexico offers timeless landscapes of high desert and mountains where Hispanic, Anglo and Indian have come together. There's far more to this region to be explored on my next trip. For more information, visit: www.newmexico.org. Kathryn Lemmon is a freelance travel writer.
COPYRIGHT 2012 CREATORS.COM

were especially affected. Photogenic wooden ladders allow access to the dwelling spaces within the cliffs, and it's popular among people who brave the climb to have their picture taken peeking out of the holes. The area also has 70 miles of trails to test the stamina of serious hikers. A different sort of experience awaited us at Chimayo. The village is a multifaceted place a religious pilgrimage site and home to a number of traditional Native American weavers. Chimayo is typical of the Spanish settlements of Northern New Mexico, but with some updates. The morning sun was plentiful as we stood in the area near the church to listen to our guide. Tranquility filled the air. No car sounds could be heard, and only a few

bird calls broke the silence. Then someone's cell phone broke the mood and brought us back to the modern world. Chimayo claims to be the location of the largest religious pilgrimage in the United States and has been called the Lourdes of America. Each year during Holy Week, pilgrims line the highways north of Santa Fe. By Easter Sunday, thousands pass through the doors. The small church has a room housing the sacred sand pit and was the location of a miracle dating back about 200 years. Legend says a crucifix was found in this dirt and the soil has special qualities. On the wall is a rack of crutches, signifying those who believed themselves healed by the powers of this holy spot. Those who feel the pilgrimage healed them often

WHEN YOU GO

The statue of an American Indian warrior guards the entrance to the Buffalo Thunder Resort in Santa Fe, N.M. Photo courtesy of the
Buffalo Thunder Resort.

The pool area at Buffalo Thunder Resort in Santa Fe, N.M., is a great place to relax after hiking in Bandelier National Monument or making a pilgrimage to Chimayo. Photo courtesy of the Buffalo Thunder Resort.

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 13

KIDS CAN GET WILD THIS SPRING AT THE ZOO WITH CAMP FROM MARCH 12-16 AND WILD WORKSHOPS ON MARCH 19-23
El Paso, Texas (February 8, 2012) The El Paso Zoo will offer unique and wild activities during Spring Break for kids of all ages. Children can be enrolled in a camp or workshop to enrich their spring break with fun programs that tackle subjects such as animal adaptations, conservation and ecology through hands on activities, animal encounters and behind the scenes activities. Break Zoo Camp is required by March 2.

viDeo GaMe reviewS by Jeb hauGht

'Final Fantasy XIII-2' Is a Solid Sequel

Spring Break Wild Workshops March 19-23, 2012


Everyday 10am and 2pm Join us for an interactive one hour workshop offered at 10am and 2pm daily. Workshop themes include nature art, geocaching, backyard wildlife, match the feces to the species and animal adaptations. Participate in this interactive workshop and take home your favorite activities! $5 per person (admission not included). All ages (ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a paid adult). Registration required 24 hours in advance. For more information, visit elpasozoo.org/adventure and click on schedule to learn more and to register. Contact Zoo Adventure Coordinator, Naima Montacer at montacernj@elpasotexas.gov or 521-1894 for further questions.

DEVELOPER: Square Enix PUBLISHER: Square Enix SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 3 (Xbox 360) PRICE: $59.99 ESRB RATING: Teen REVIEW RATING: 4.0 stars (out of 5) "Final Fantasy" games are known for presenting iconic Japanese characters that explore vast, surrealistic vistas while making new friends and battling nasty enemies. Unfortunately, "Final Fantasy XIII" drastically changed this formula in an attempt to appeal to casual gamers, but "Final Fantasy XIII-2" strives to present more of a traditional Japanese RPG than its predecessor. After sacrificing herself to save mankind at ...Continues on page 15

Spring Break Zoo Camp March 12-16, 2012


9am-12pm Let your kids get wild at the zoo! Kids will enjoy a fun-filled day with a different nature theme including hands on activities and live animals. Drop your kids off in the morning and pick them up with some of their masterpieces to show you! You can enroll your children or grandchildren for a week long camp or just one day. $100 per week or $20 per day per child. Ages 7 -14. (Members receive 10% discount.) Registration for Spring

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 14

viDeo GaMe reviewS by Jeb hauGht Continued from page 13...the end of the last game, Lightning becomes trapped in Valhalla. Despite her godlike power, she still needs her sister to help her escape, so a human named Noel is recruited to find Serah and bring her to Valhalla. Confused? You should be! This convoluted time-hopping tale pales in comparison to the FF games' typical emotion-driven storylines. Thank goodness this game isn't SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3) PRICE: $59.99 ESRB RATING: Teen REVIEW RATING: 3.5 stars (out of 5) Fans of fighting games have always admired the Soulcalibur series for cutting its own path through the competition like a Ginsu through warm butter! Several other weapons-based fighting games have come and

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 15 form and can be unleashed more often. It's much easier to remember one "Street Fighter"influenced quarter-circle, quarter-circle move for all characters instead of a different move for each one. In addition, they only require half of the soul gauge to be filled, so they can frequently turn the tide of battle or be used for a crushing finale. haul, and Guard Impact sees the most benefit. Simultaneously pressing three buttons "charges" the new Guard Impact so that it hits back harder than a normal counter when the player is attacked. Guard Impact, coupled with the new Critical Edge moves, help to speed up combat and make it even more unpredictable than before. "Soulcalibur V" sports more than enough online features to satisfy any fighting fan, but the single-player offerings are far from robust. For starters, separate storylines for each character have been replaced with a poor tale about a misguided holy warrior seeking revenge. In addition, the character customization doesn't seem as robust as what's found in "Soulcalibur IV." Nevertheless, "Soulcalibur V" still provides fast and furious melee combat both online and off.
COPYRIGHT 2012 CREATORS.COM

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as linear as "FF XIII." For example, the Historia Crux lets players travel to several different areas whenever they choose. In addition, towns make a welcome comeback and are fun to explore. There's also an almost infinite number of side quests available. But there are so many boring fetch quests times I feel like I'm playing "World of Warcraft." The saving grace of "Final Fantasy XIII-2" is the intricate realtime battle system that starts off very easy but eventually becomes rather complex. Each character has a segmented gauge that is used to initiate combat moves. Depending on the power it exudes, each move

SRB) rd (E Boa

takes one to four segments to perform, and several moves can be queued to perform combos. It's also possible for players to recruit monsters into their group and use them during combat. Despite the annoying characters and awful story, "Final Fantasy XIII-2" is still much more enjoyable than "FF XIII."

Fast and Furious Fighting in 'Soulcalibur V'


DEVELOPER: Project Soul PUBLISHER: Namco Bandai

gone over the years, but this series is already on its fifth generation. So why, oh, why, does playing "Soulcalibur V" sometimes feel more like playing "Street Fighter" than "Soulcalibur IV"? While most of the combat has been left intact, Critical Edge moves are now simple to per-

REVIEW S SYSTEM CORING 5 stars = 4 stars Must-Have = 3 stars Very Good = 2 stars Above Avera ge = 1 star = Bargain Bin Don't B other
Defense has also received a slight over-

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 16

.TREATS! icks are .. Tr


sharing your lives. How many words can your dog know? Youd be surprised. Consider that dogs who serve people with disabilities are routinely trained to perform Looking for a way to keep your dog busy on dozens of different tasks. If you say your dog is those days when the cold limits outside activity? not as smart as a service dog, well argue back Its easy: Exercise his mind. that even if hes only half as smart, he can learn a Veterinarians have long been couple of dozen more things than he How many knows now. sounding the alarm on what the lack of exercise is doing to the words can Besides, tricks are great fun for all health of our pets, triggering an dogs. While canine whiz kids such as your dog obesity crisis thats echoing our poodles and border collies will pick up own. Regular exercise means pets know? Youd things quickly, any dog will catch on with fewer health and behavior eventually, if youre patient, consistent be surprised. and encouraging. You can teach tricks problems. But many of our dogs are also getone at a time or a couple at once, as ting the short end of the stick when it comes to long as you have time to practice each one sevexercising their minds. And winter is a great time eral times a day. to teach your old dog a few new tricks. Some dogs are better at some tricks than others. What many people dont realize is that training is A small, agile terrier may find jumping through a way of communicating with your dog, of sharhoops easier than a bulldog would. And a reing a common language. The more words you triever is probably more willing to hold things in both know the meaning of, the more you are his mouth than is a Pekinese. A basset hound can By Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori Universal Uclick

Banish cabin fever by teaching your dog to be entertaining


praise him for obeying. Hell make the connection soon enough. You can dress up tricks a little, too, to make them seem more than they are. Weve both judged at events with prizes for pet tricks always a fun way to spend an afternoon. At one such event, the winner was a friendly Rottweiler who liked to jump in the air after soap bubbles. The trick itself wasnt that big a deal, really, except for the fact that the owner turned it into a crowd-pleaser with a few props. She put a ballerina skirt around the dogs middle, with matching pink leg warmers on her back legs and a tiara on her head. She then put on Swan Lake in her portable stereo and starting blowing bubbles. The dogs leaps and turns were a million times funnier when choreographed, and the pair won easily. Check trick-training books and websites for ideas. If your dog shows a true aptitude and is the friendly, easygoing sort, you might find that joining a pet therapy group can be something youll both enjoy, an activity that gives your dog a job while brightening the lives of other people.

probably roll over but may find begging a little hard, being a little top-heavy. So think about your dogs form and aptitudes before you start. You may notice something special your dog does that would be entertaining if you can get him to do it on command. You can. Give it a name, use that word when hes most likely to do his thing, and

Baby Chicks and Rabbits are not Easter Gifts, Says The Humane Society of the United States
(Feb. 2, 2011) The Humane Society of the United States reminds people to refrain from acquiring live chicks and rabbits as Easter gifts this holiday season. Instead of live animals as gifts, consider giving children a plush toy or a chocolate rabbit. Rabbits and chickens can make wonderful companions, but those adorable babies grow up quickly into adults that will need proper socialization, care and companionship for many years, said Inga Fricke, The HSUS director of sheltering and pet care issues. After cats and dogs, rabbits are the animals most frequently surrendered to animal shelters, largely because people acquire them as youngsters but arent prepared for the long-term commitment involved. Others are simply released into backyards by people who mistakenly believe they will be able to fend for themselves. Unlike wild rabbits, domestic rabbits sold or adopted as pets cannot survive on their own outdoors. Chickens also need dedicated, consistent

care and far too many of them end up in shelters, rescues and sanctuaries as well. The decision to add any new pet to your household, whether it be a baby rabbit or chick, a puppy or kitten, or any other pet, should not be made on impulse. The HSUSs resources on rabbit care and adopting and caring for backyard chickens can help you decide whether a rabbit or a chicken is the right pet for you. Then visit www.TheShelterPetProject.org to find rabbits, chickens and other pets already in local shelters waiting for a wonderful new home like yours.

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 18

Now Showing
THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY
(KARI-GURASHI NO ARIETTI) Open Nationwide 02/17/12 Runtime 95 min MPAA Rating G Starring Bridgit Mendler, Amy Poehler, Carol Burnett, Will Arnett, David Henrie Genre Animation, Action/Adventure, SciFi/Fantasy Synopsis Arrietty, a tiny but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper. Like all little people, Arrietty remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to "borrow" scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts. But when 12-year-old Shawn, a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers his mysterious housemate one evening, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty's family from the home and straight into danger.

THIS MEANS WAR


Open Nationwide 02/17/12 Runtime 97 min MPAA Rating PG-13 for sexual content, violence and language. Starring Tom Hardy, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Laura Vandervoort, Til Schweiger Genre Action/Adventure, Comedy, Romance Synopsis Two of the world's deadliest CIA operatives are inseparable partners and best friends - until they discover that they've fallen in love with the same woman. Deciding to keep their friendship a secret from her, they pull out their full arsenal of fighting skills and high-tech gadgetry to defeat their greatest enemy - each other.

DEEP IN THE HEART


Open 02/17/2012 Runtime 113 min MPAA Rating NR Genre Drama Synopsis True Texas story about Richard Wallrath, whose personal demons caused him to hit rock bottom.

STAR WARS: EPISODE I


THE PHANTOM MENACE 3D Open Nationwide 02/10/12 Runtime 131 min MPAA Rating PG for sci-fi action/violence. Starring Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Ian McDiarmid Genre Drama, SciFi/Fantasy Synopsis In Star Wars: Episode I, Darth Vader is a hopeful nine-yearold boy named Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi is a brash young Jedi Knight. The first chapter of the Star Wars saga follows Anakin's journey as he pursues his dreams and confronts his deepest fears in the midst of a galaxy in turmoil.

SAFE HOUSE
Open Nationwide 02/10/12 Runtime 115 min MPAA Rating R Starring Ryan Reynolds, Denzel Washington, Vera farmiga, Brendan Gleeson, Joel Kinnaman Genre Action/Adventure, Suspense/Thriller Synopsis Matt Weston has been frustrated by his inactive, backwater post in Cape Town. A "housekeeper" who aspires to be a full-fledged agent has been waiting for an opportunity to prove himself. When the first and only occupant he's had proves to be the most dangerous man he's ever met, Weston readies for duty. Tobin Frost has eluded capture for almost a decade. One of the best ops men that the CIA's known, the exintelligence officer has given up assets and sold military intel to anyone with cash since he turned. The damage he's done to the U.S. is immeasurable. As soon as Frost is brought in for debriefing, mercenaries come and tear apart Weston's safe house. Barely escaping, the unlikely partners must discover if their attackers have been sent by terrorists or someone on the inside who will kill anyone standing in the way.

THE VOW
Open Nationwide 02/10/12 Runtime 104 min MPAA Rating PG-13 for an accident scene, sexual content, partial nudity and some language. Starring Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum, Sam Neill, Scott Speedman, Jessica Lange Genre Drama, Romance Synopsis Based on the true story of a newlywed couple recovering from an accident that puts the wife in a coma. She wakes up with severe memory loss and can't remember any of her life with her new husband... so he has to fight to win her heart all over again.

JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND


Open Nationwide 02/10/12 Runtime 98 min MPAA Rating PG for some mild adventure action, and brief mild language. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Josh Hutcherson, Vanessa Hudgens, Kristin Davis Genre Family, Action/Adventure Synopsis The new journey begins when young adventurer Sean receives a coded distress signal from a mysterious island where no island should exist-a place of strange life forms, mountains of gold, deadly volcanoes, and more than one astonishing secret. Unable to stop him from going, Sean's new stepfather joins the quest. Together with a helicopter pilot and his beautiful, strong-willed daughter, they set out to find the island, rescue its lone inhabitant and escape before seismic shockwaves force the island under the sea and bury its treasures forever.

GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE


Open Nationwide 02/17/12 Runtime 96 min MPAA Rating PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images, and language. Starring Nicolas Cage, Idris Elba, Ciarn Hinds, Christopher Lambert, Violante Placido Genre Action/Adventure, Comedy, SciFi/Fantasy Synopsis In the successor to the worldwide hit "Ghost Rider", Johnny still struggling with his curse as the devil's bounty hunter is hiding out in a remote part of Eastern Europe when he is recruited by a secret sect of the church to save a young boy from the devil. At first, Johnny is reluctant to embrace the power of the Ghost Rider, but it is the only way to protect the boy and possibly rid himself of the curse forever.

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 19

CINEMARK CIELO VISTA


Gateway West Blvd/Cielo Vista Mall

Premiere Cinemas

6101 Gateway West S.15 Schedule good for Fri Feb 17th - Feb 23rd
THE DESCENDANTS (R) 10:35a 1:35p 4:30p 7:25p 10:20p THE GREY (R) 10:35a 1:40p 4:35p 7:35p 10:35p THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY (G) 11:10a 1:50p 4:30p 7:10p 9:50p THIS MEANS WAR (PG-13) 11:00a 11:35a 1:45p 2:20p 4:30p 5:00p 7:15p 7:45p 10:00p 10:30p UNDERWORLD AWAKENING 3-D (R) 11:30a 2:10p 4:50p 7:30p 10:15p VIAJE 2: LA ISLA MISTERIOSA SUBTITULADA EN ESPANOL (PG) 10:30a 1:10p 3:50p 6:30p 9:10p WE BOUGHT A ZOO (PG) 10:30a 1:35p 4:45p WOMAN IN BLACK (PG-13) 10:45a 11:20a 1:30p 2:05p 4:10p 4:45p 6:50p 7:20p 9:30p 10:10p

Schedule good for Friday February 17th


Deep In The HeartDigital Cinema 10:30am | 1:30pm | 4:30pm | 7:30pm | 10:30pm Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance PG-13 RealD 3D 10:15am | 1:15pm | 4:15pm | 7:15pm | 10:15pm Digital Cinema 11:00am | 2:00pm | 5:00pm | 8:00pm Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace PG RealD 3D 10:00am | 1:30pm | 2:30pm | 5:00pm | 6:00pm | 8:30pm | 9:30pmDigital Cinema11:00am The Vow PG-13Digital Cinema 10:00am | 11:15am | 1:00pm | 2:15pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm | 7:00pm | 8:15pm | 10:00pm Big Miracle PG Digital Cinema 10:35am | 1:35pm | 4:35pm | 7:35pm | 10:35pm Chronicle PG-13 Digital Cinema 10:45am | 1:45pm | 4:45pm | 7:45pm | 10:10pm | 10:45pm Man on a Ledge PG-13 Digital Cinema 10:40pm Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close PG-13 Digital Cinema 10:05am | 1:05pm | 4:05pm | 7:05pm | 10:05pm Beauty and the Beast G RealD 3D10:20am | 1:20pm | 4:20pm | 7:20pm | 10:20pm ContrabandRDigital Cinema 10:25pm The Iron Lady PG-13 Digital Cinema 10:40am | 1:40pm | 4:40pm | 7:40pm Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked G Digital Cinema 10:10am | 1:10pm | 4:10pm | 7:10pm Hugo PG Digital Cinema 10:25am | 1:25pm | 4:25pm | 7:25pm

HAYWIRE (R) 7:50p 10:35p JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND 2-D (PG) 11:25a 2:00p JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND 3-D(PG)11:00a 1:40p 4:20p 4:50p 7:00p 7:40p 9:40p 10:10p JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND DBOX 3-D(PG) 11:00a 1:40p 4:20p 7:00p 9:40p MURDER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD (NR) Running Time 1:25 11:30a 1:30p 3:30p 5:30p 7:30p 9:30p RED TAILS(PG-13)12:15p 3:30p 6:45p 10:00p SAFE HOUSE (R) 10:30a 10:35a 12:30p 1:30p 1:35p 3:30p 4:30p 4:35p 6:35p 7:30p 7:35p 9:35p 10:30p 10:35p THE ARTIST (PG-13) 10:50a 1:35p 4:25p 7:15p 10:05p

Schedule good for 2/17- 2/23


SUPER STIMULUS TUESDAY: $1 DRINK, $1 POPCORN, or $5.00 OFF ANY REGULAR COMBO

ALL SEATS ALL SHOWS $5.00 EVERY TUESDAY!!


GHOST RIDER 2D PG-13 12:00 2:30 5:00 7:30 10:00 (11:30 FRI/SAT) GHOST RIDER 3D PG-13 11:30 2:00 4:30 7:00 9:30 (12:00 FRI/SAT) THIS MEANS WAR PG-13 11:45 2:15 4:45 7:15 9:45 (12:15 FRI/SAT) SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY G 11:30 1:50 4:10 6:30 8:50 THE VOW PG-13 11:00 12:00 1:35 2:35 4:10 5:10 6:45 7:45 9:20 10:15 (12:10 FRI/SAT) STAR WARS: EPISODE 1 3D PG 11:00 2:00 5:00 8:00 (11:00 12:00 FRI/SAT) JOURNEY 2D PG 2:00 9:30 JOURNEY 3D PG 12:00 2:20 4:40 SAFE HOUSE R 11:15 12:30 2:00 3:15 4:45 6:00 7:30 8:45 10:15 (11:45 FRI/SAT) BIG MIRACLE PG 11:00 1:30 4:00 6:40 9:15 (11:50 FRI/SAT) WOMAN IN BLACK PG-13 11:45 2:15 4:45 7:15 9:45 (12:15 FRI/SAT) CHRONICLE PG-13 11:00 1:10 3:20 5:25 7:45 10:00 (12:15 FRI/SAT) THE GREY R 11:00 1:45 4:30 7:20 10:10 RED TAILS PG-13 1:00 4:00 7:00 10:00 ( The 7:00 & 10:00 will not play on 2/23) UNDERWORLD:AWAKENING 3D *3D SURCHARGE APPLIES* R 11:00 1:20 4:20 7:15 9:45 (12:10 FRI/SAT) RE:GENERATION MUSIC PROJECT THURSDAY 2/23 @ 7:45PM ONLY!!!!

EAST POINTE MOVIES 12 Schedule good for 02/17 - 02/23 I-10 & Lee Trevino
ADVENTURES OF TINTIN 2-D (PG) 11:10a | 4:10p | 9:10p ADVENTURES OF TINTIN 3-D (PG) 1:40p | 6:40p ARTHUR CHRISTMAS 2-D (PG) 11:40a | 4:20p | 9:20p ARTHUR CHRISTMAS 3-D (PG) 2:00p | 6:50p HAPPY FEET 2 2-D (PG) 11:15a | 4:05p | 9:00p HAPPY FEET 2 3-D (PG) 1:45p | 6:30p JACK AND JILL (PG) | 11:05a 12:05p | 1:20p | 2:20p 3:30p| 4:30p | 7:10p | 9:40p PUSS IN BOOTS 2-D (PG) 11:45a | 4:40p | 9:30p PUSS IN BOOTS 3-D (PG) 2:30p | 7:15p SHERLOCK HOLMES THE GAME (PG-13) | 11:35a | 12:35p | 2:25p | 3:25p 5:15p | 6:15p | 8:10p | 9:05p THE DARKEST HOUR 2-D (PG-13) | 11:20a | 3:40p | 9:15p THE DARKEST HOUR 3-D (PG-13) | 1:30p | 7:00p THE MUPPETS (PG) 11:25a | 1:55p | 4:25p | 6:55p | 9:25p THE SITTER(R)12:30p 2:45p | 5:10p | 7:20p | 9:35p TWILIGHT BREAKING DAWN PT 1 (PG-13) | 11:00a | 1:35p | 4:15p | 7:05p | 9:45p YOUNG ADULT (R) 6:20p | 8:40p

CINEMARK 14 - EL PASO
West side of El Paso at Mesa & I-10

Schedule good for Friday February 17th


Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance PG-13 Cinemark XD-RealD 3D 10:00am 1:05pm 4:20pm 7:30pm 10:40pm RealD 3D 1:40pm | 8:00pm Digital Cinema 10:30am | 4:55pm | 11:10pm The Secret World of Arrietty (Kari-gurashi no Arietti) G Digital Cinema 9:55am 12:55pm 4:05pm 7:10pm 10:20pm This Means WarPG-13Digital Cinema 10:15am | 1:15pm | 4:40pm | 7:45pm | 10:55pm Journey 2: The Mysterious Island PG RealD 3D 10:05am 1:20pm 4:25pm 7:35pm 10:45pm Digital Cinema 9:30am 12:45pm 3:50pm 7:00pm 10:10pm Safe House RDigital Cinema 9:40am | 1:00pm | 4:30pm | 7:55pm | 11:15pm Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace PGRealD 3D 9:15am | 12:40pm | 4:00pm | 7:25pm | 10:50pm Digital Cinema 9:50am The Vow PG-13 Digital Cinema 9:35am | 10:20am | 12:50pm | 1:35pm | 4:10pm | 4:50pm | 7:20pm | 8:05pm | 10:35pm | 11:05pm Big Miracle PG Digital Cinema 10:35am 1:30pm 4:15pm | 7:05pm | 10:00pm Chronicle PG-13Digital Cinema 9:00am | 11:40am | 2:00pm | 4:40pm | 7:15pm | 10:25pm The Woman in BlackPG-13 Digital Cinema 9:10am | 11:50am | 2:30pm | 5:10pm | 7:50pm | 10:30pm The Grey R Digital Cinema 1:10pm | 4:35pm | 7:40pm | 11:00pm

Schedule good for 2/17 - 2/23 BREAKING DAWN (PG-13) 5:00p 7:15p 9:30p THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN(PG) 4:50p 7:00p MUPPETS (G) 4:30p 6:45p 9:00p 9:10p PUSS IN BOOTS (PG) 5:25p 7:20p 9:20p THE DARKEST HOUR (PG-13) 5:45p 7:40p 9:35p SHERLOCK HOLMES 2(PG-13) 5:55p 8:20p THE SITTER (R) 5:30p 7:15p 9:00p

PREMIERE MONTWOOD 7

2200 N. Yarbrough

TINSELTOWN

Las Palmas i-10 @ Zaragosa

Schedule good for Friday February 17th


Deep In The Heart NR Digital Cinema1:15pm | 4:15pm | 7:15pm | 10:15pm Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance PG-13 Cinemark XD-RealD 3D 12:00pm | 2:40pm | 5:20pm | 8:00pm | 10:40pm RealD 3D 12:40pm | 1:20pm | 3:20pm | 4:00pm | 6:00pm | 6:40pm | 8:40pm | 9:20pm | 11:20pm Midnight Showtimes (Late Friday Night)12:01am Digital Cinema 11:20am | 2:00pm | 4:40pm | 7:20pm | 10:00pm The Secret World of Arrietty (Kari-gurashi no Arietti) G Digital Cinema 11:00am | 1:35pm | 4:10pm | 6:45pm | 9:25pm This Means War PG-13 Digital Cinema 11:05am | 12:20pm 1:40pm 3:00pm 4:20pm 5:40pm 7:00pm 8:20pm 9:40pm 11:00pm Midnight Showtimes (Late Friday Night)12:05am Journey 2: The Mysterious Island PG RealD 3D 11:15am 1:55pm 4:50pm 7:30pm 10:10pm Digital Cinema 1:00pm 3:40pm 6:20pm 9:10pm Safe House R Digital Cinema 11:10am 12:10pm 2:05pm 3:35pm 5:00pm 6:30pm 7:55pm 9:30pm 10:50pm Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace PG RealD 3D 12:25pm 2:15pm 3:50pm 5:30pm 7:10pm 8:50pm 10:30pm Digital Cinema 11:00am The Vow PG-13 Digital Cinema 11:25am 12:30pm 2:10pm 3:30pm 4:55pm 6:15pm 7:40pm | 9:00pm | 10:25pm | 11:45pm Big Miracle PG Digital Cinema 11:30am | 2:20pm | 5:10pm Chronicle PG-13 Digital Cinema 11:45am | 2:30pm | 5:05pm 7:50pm10:20pm The Woman in Black PG-13Digital Cinema 12:50pm | 4:05pm | 6:50pm | 9:50pm The Grey R Digital Cinema 12:55pm 3:55pm 6:55pm | 10:05pm Man on a Ledge PG-13Digital Cinema 11:45pm Underworld: Awakening R RealD 3D Midnight Showtimes (Late Friday Night) 12:01am Contraband R110 Mins Digital Cinema 8:05pm | 10:55pm

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 20

Out & About


NORTHEAST/ CENTRAL

Calendar of upcoming events for El Paso/ Southern New Mexico are from February 17th - February 23rd, 2012
If you want your upcoming event listed in SPOTLIGHTS Out & About section, please send all your relevant data by e-mail to: editorial@spotlightepnews.com

The Perfect Crime El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana, presents the Warren Manzi
thriller Feb. 10-March 3 at El Paso Playhouse. Directed by Jan H. Wolfe. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $10 ($8 seniors, $7 military/students with ID). Information: 532-1317, elpasoplayhouse.com. Has psychiatrist Margaret Thorne Brent committed the perfect crime? When her husband turns up dead, she gets caught in a game of cat of mouse with a deranged patient, and the inspector that is assigned to the case.

MISSION VALLEY
El Paso Rhinos - El Pasos Junior League ice hockey team home games are at the Sierra
Providence Events Center, next to the Coliseum, 4100 E. Paisano. February game times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $5 general admission; $10, $15 and $20 reserved. Information: 479-PUCK (7825) or elpasorhinos.com. Feb. 17-19 - Fort Wort Brahmas.

El Pecado de Petra Vive Mexico Theater Ensemble and El Paso Community Colleges Senior Adult Program present the original bilingual comedy by Rubert Reyes at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24-26, at Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial. This hilarious comedy deals with the timeless themes of pain, love, anger, and the eternal struggle of good vs. evil. Admission: $7. Information: 772-3905, 329-7774, 831-7803 or vivamexicoelpaso.com.

EASTSIDE
Whiskey Dicks 580 George Dieter. Early arrival recommended. Shows begin at 10 p.m. Tickets available at (ticketbully.com). Information: 9219900. Reckless Kelly Wednesday, Feb. 22. Tickets: $10 ($20 ages 18-20). Goatwhore and Hate Eternal The
metal bands perform at 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, at House of Rock East, 8838 Viscount, with guests Fallujah and Cerebral Bore. Tickets: $10 ($20 age 18-20). Advance tickets available at ticketbully.com.

Speaking Rock Entertainment Center - 122 S. Old Pueblo Road. Ages 18 and older welcome. Admission is free. Information: 860-7777 or speakingrockentertainment.com. Kenny Rogers The country legend performs Thursday, Feb. 23. P.O.D. The hard rock band performs Saturday, Feb. 25.

DOWNTOWN/WESTSIDE
UTEP Mens Basketball The Miners host Southern Miss. at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb.
22, at the Don Haskins Center. Game time is 7 p.m. Tickets: $14-$50 (Ticketmaster). Information: 747-5234 or utepathletics.com.

UTEP Womens Basketball - Home games are in the Don Haskins Center. Tickets: $5
(Ticketmaster).Information: 747-5234 or utepathletics.com 7:05 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 SMU 2:05 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26 Rice.

Insights Night at the Oscars A special viewing of 85th annual Academy


Awards benefiting Insights Museum is 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Plaza Theatre The Plaza, with food, drinks and a silent auction. Master of Ceremonies to be announced. Tickets: $75 ($125 for two). Information: 534-0000 or insightselpaso.org. Founded in February 1980 and originally located in the basement of the old El Paso Natural Gas Building, Insights has become the most highly attended museum in El Paso. The museum receives no taxpayer funding.

Womans Auxiliary Benefit The UTEP Womans Auxiliary will host its 2012 Scholarship Benefit at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Wyndham El Paso Airport, 2027 Airway, with special raffles, silent auction and entertainment by Pandemonium, UTEPs Steel Drums. Lunch served at noon. Continues on next page

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 21

DOWNTOWN/WESTSIDE

Womans Auxiliary Benefit Continued from page 20...Participants can meet scholarship recipients and Miner athletes. Cost: $35 ($350 table for 10). Reservation deadline is Feb. 15. Information/reservations: 373-5110 All money raised from the benefit goes to scholarships for UTEP students and programs. Checks payable to UTEP Womens Auxiliary care of Norma Karam, 4025 Roadside, 79922. Gospel Explosion The annual Black History Month music event is 6 p.m. Saturday,
Feb. 25, at UTEPs Magoffin. The program will feature El Paso Choirs and Praise Dance Ministries. Admission: $3. Information: 747-8650.

Low Brow Palace 111 E. Robinson. Age 18 and older welcome ($3 ticket surcharge for age 18-21), unless listed otherwise. Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets available online at ticketbully.com. Information: 356-0966 or lowbrow.elpaso@gmail.com. Cloud Nothings The Cleveland-based band performs Sunday, Feb. 26. Tickets: $12 in advance; $15 at the door ($3 extra for ages 18-20). El Paso Symphony Orchestra - The Symphony performs with guest conductor Peter Rubardt, at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24-25, in the Plaza Theatre. Rubardt, conductor of Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, is one of six candidates for EPSOs new conductor. Peter Rubardt and guest violinists Chee-Yun present a program with Adamss The Chairman Dances Foxtrot for Orchestra, Sibeliuss Violin Concerto, op. 47, D minor and Dvork Symphony No. 9, op. 95, E minor. Tickets: $15-$40. ($8-$10 for students). Information: 532-3776 or epso.org. Tricky Falls 209 S. El Paso. Doors open at 7 p.m.; showtime at 8 p.m. for most shows. All shows are all-ages, unless listed otherwise. Information: 351-9909. Tickets for most shows available at All That Music, Bowie Feathers and Marias Closet, and online at holdmyticket.com. Dance Gavin Dance 8 p.m. Feb. 22, with A Lot of Birds, Decoder and Avindale. Tickets: $15 Flint Blade The innovative solo musician from South Florida performs at 7 p.m. Monday,
Feb. 20, at the Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Main in Las Cruces. The multi-instrumentalist and vocalist with a penchant for improvisation is most recognized for playing the Chapman Stick. This guitar-like two-handed tapping instrument combines bass and melody into a powerfully versatile sound. Focusing primarily on original music as well as creative renditions of jazz standards and choice covers, he draws on varied musical influences. Tickets: $10 at the door. Information/reservations: (575) 523-1223.

SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO

Spencer Theater for Performing Arts Airport Hwy 220 in Alto, N.M. (about 12 miles north of downtown Ruidoso). Free public guided tours are 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays (except show dates). Information: (575) 336-4800, (888) 818-7872 or spencertheater.com. Damn Yankees The home-run Broadway musical is at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23. Winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical. A 1950s baseball zealot leaves his wife and becomes the young baseball sensation Joe Hardy, transforming the hapless Washington Senators into a winning team - only to realize theres more to life than home runs. With the help of a handy escape clause and the guilt-ridden temptress Lola, Joe outsmarts the Devil, returns to his former self and shepherds the Senators to the World Series. Tickets: $76 and $79. A pre-show Stadium Dog Buffet is 5 p.m. Cost: $20. Die Fledermaus Doa Ana Lyric Opera presents Johann Strausss operetta Feb. 24-26,

at NMSUs Atkinson Music Recital Hall. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $15 and $20 (Ticketmaster). Information: (575) 646-1986. This lively farce is Strausss most popular operetta. The story begins when Gabriel von Eisenstein is sentenced to eight days in prison for insulting an official, so his good friend Falke tells him to forget his troubles for an evening and accompany him to a ball. The fun and confusion begin when he tells his wife he is going straight to prison, but instead sneaks off to the ball.

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 22

Israel Lpez "Cachao"


wins GRAMMY for his last album "Cachao: The Last Mambo"
Miami, FL, Sunday, February 12, 2012 Only three months after winning his second Latin GRAMMY in the category of "Best Traditional Tropical Album", the great Cuban bass player and composer Israel Lpez "Cachao" won a GRAMMY in the 54th annual edition of the most prestigious award in music. Posthumously, his last album, "Cachao: The Last Mambo", was chosen in the category of "Best Tropical Latin Album". The annual GRAMMY ceremony was held last night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, and televised on CBS. "We knew we had a special treasure in this, the last recording of the great Maestro, but we never expected the level of acceptance we have had from the general public, the enthusiastic reviews from critics, and the awards that have been bestowed on it. Producing his last concert and, in turn, his last album, will always be one of the highexecutive producer of the CD along with Omer Pardillo-Cid, Christian Thomas and Daniel Palacio. "Cachao: The Last Mambo" captures a memorable concert recorded live in Miami in September of 2007, in celebration of the 80 years of the great Maestro's career. Internationally-renowned artists such as Issac Delgado, Hansel and Lucrecia participated in the gala, along with distinguished musicians such as Cndido Camero, Orestes Vilat, Alfredo De la Fe, Jimmy Bosch, Dave Valentn, Edwin Bonilla, Rafael "Tata" Palau and Alfredo Valdz, Jr., all under the direction of Maestro Federico Britos.

Singer Kelly Price At this Year's Grammy Lounge


Singer Kelly Price was all smiles as she visited with Hick Stuff apparel at the Grammy Lounge on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Hick Stuff put the "Dang!" in the lounge and all celebrities visiting the lounge during rehearsals were able to pick up their favorite piece of apparel from the new, fun brand. For more information on Hick Stuff go to
www.hick_stuff.com.
Photo Credit: Getty

lights of my career and my life", said Nelson Albareda, president of Eventus and

SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO


Gathering of Quilts The Winter Quilters Guilds show is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24-25, at the Ralph Edwards Civic Center, 400 4th Street, Truth or Consequences, N.M. featuring vendors and more than 100 quilts on display by local quilters; and appraisals offered with advance reservation. Admission is free, but donations accepted. Information: Ginger Van Gundy, (575) 744-5472; Dotty, (575) 744-4669 or winterquilters@yahoo.com. Anita Chen Grant County Community Concert Association presents the classical musician at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at WNMU Fine Arts Center Theater in Silver City. Chen plays both the violin and piano with precision and style, warmth and imagination. Admission: $20. Information: (575) 538-5862 or gcconcerts.org.

EPCC Culinary International Wine Dinners


El Paso Community College (EPCC) Culinary Arts operated restaurant, THIRTEENO9, will host three special dinners the last Friday of the month throughout spring. The International Wine Dinners feature a three-course meal paired with three wines for one affordable price. Each dinner will be inspired by a different region; February 24, Spain; March 30, Asia; April 27, South America. The Restaurant is located in Building B of the EPCC Administrative Services Center, 9050 Viscount Blvd. Dinner seatings are for 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. by reservation only at (915) 831-1309.

Cosmic Kids

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 23

NEW MUSIC February 21st


Beth Jeans Houghton - Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose Cheap Girls - Giant Orange Cursive - I Am Gemini

Damien Jurado - Maraqopa Field Music - Plumb Out Frankie Rose - Interstellar

Cosmic Kids Ron Poznansky and Dan Terndrup didnt meet in outer space as their DJ moniker may indicate, but the story is still equally as good. The two met in a high school classroom meant for kids who had trouble paying attention. They bonded over their love of classic rock. Right out of high school they both volunteered to work at

the Los Angeles radio station KCRW. Known for its eclectic programming, the friends were exposed to all different kinds of music, and began collecting and consuming records, feeding their ever-expanding appetite for music. Frequenting warehouse after parties where band members would DJ, they were inspired by the idea of sharing good music and seeing people really responding to a certain song or beat. As they grew their record collection, Poznansky and Terndrup felt they had something to contribute, and DJd their first party in 2006 with Rapture and DJ AM. Since that inaugural gig, theyve DJd alongside LCD Soundsystem, Holy Ghost!, Juan Maclean, Dm Funk, Crystal Castles, Digitalism, The Rapture, Harvey, Little Boots, Classixx, and Steve Aoki. While keeping busy playing gigs at their circuit of favorite Los Angeles parties, Cosmic Kids have also been keeping busy recording an EP due out early 2011.

Galactic - Carnivale Electricos Gary Husband - Dirty And Beautiful: Volume 2 Grimes - Visions

LNSC Presents Cosmic Kids

Saturday Feb 25, 2012


Lowbrow Palace 9pm 18+ $10 Door

Lambchop - Mr. M My Best Friend - In Ghostlike Fading One Finger Riot - Come Drag Me Down Sinead O'Connor - How About I Be Me (And You Be You)? Sleigh Bells - Reign Of Terror Terry Malts - Killing Time The Chieftains - Voice Of Ages The Menzingers - On The Impossible Past

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 24

Octopus Bar and Lounge | Feb 9, 2012


Tag Yourself at facebook.com/SelectElPaso
Photos by: Eddie Lopez

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 25

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 26

Octopus Bar and Lounge | Feb 9, 2012


Tag Yourself at facebook.com/SelectElPaso
Photos by: Eddie Lopez

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 27

Nightlife calendar
Feb 18th

SUPERNITE W/ JAMES FRIEDMAN


(THRONE OF BLOOD/NYC) 18+ 21 + $5 W/RSVP (space is limited) $10 DOOR EMAIL FIRST AND LAST NAME TO LNSCRSVP@GMAIL.COM Lowbrow Palace Feb 24th CLOUD NOTHINGS || A CLASSIC EDUCATION || D.A. || BISCUIT ROLLER (18+) Pre-Sale $8 At Door $10 ($3 SURCHARGE 18-20) *The Low Brow 111 E. Robinson Ave., El Paso, TX, 79902 March 30th

April 21st SUPERNITE W/ MATTHEW DEAR (GHOSTLY INTERNATIONAL/NYC) LNSC & THE LOWBROW PRESENT MATTHEW DEAR (GHOSTLY INTERNATIONAL/NYC) 18+

21 + $8 W/RSVP VERY LIMITED SPACE ON LIST EMAIL FIRST AND LAST NAME TO LNSCRSVP@GMAIL.COM $10 PRE-SALE $12 AT THE DOOR

DAYGLOW EL PASO, TX - 2/24 - L!ife in


Color Tour DAYGLOW "World's Largest Paint Party" TICKETS: http://ticketf.ly/AzaS4J CITY: EL PASO, TX DATE: February 24th, 2012 ARTISTS: BAD BOY BILL Opening set by Kevin Focus L!FE IN COLOR TOUR 2012 Feb 26th

SUPERNITE with TIGER & WOODS LIVE (RUNNING BACK/ENTERTAINMENT) ALONG WITH LNSC DJS DJ JOE N SLOWHANDS JASON OH! 18+ 21 + $10 DOOR Lowbrow Palace

CLOUD NOTHINGS@Lowbrow Palace SUNDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2012

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 28

By RICK MINTER / Universal Uclick

Veteran broadcaster reflects on four decades of race coverage

ver the course of his long career as a motorsports journalist and especially during the past 10 years as host of SPEED TVs Wind Tunnel talk show Dave Despain has built a reputation as an authority on all forms of motorsports. NASCAR racing is one of the focal points of Wind Tunnel, but the show also covers the gamut of racing, from dirt Late Models to motorcycles to drag racing, and Despain comes across as very knowledgeable no matter which side of the sport is being discussed. That reputation is something that Despain, now 65, looks upon with mixed emotions. Its difficult to perceive yourself as any kind of elder statesman because you still want to be that kid on the way up, that hot

young prospect that still has his best days ahead of him, Despain said in a recent phone interview from his home near Jefferson, Ga. That being said, I dont regret any of the experiences that have gotten me to the point of being an elder statesman, if in fact I have somehow qualified for that lofty description. Despains rise to the position hes reached in the sport began at one of auto racings most historic tracks, and one not far from his current home. It was at Atlantas now-defunct Lakewood Speedway back in 1971 that Despain got his biggest career break. After working at a local radio station near his hometown of Fairfield, Iowa, and trying to make it as a dirt racer, hed come

Dave Despain, host of SPEED TVs Wind Tunnel. (NASCAR photo)


to Lakewood to cover an American Motorcycle Association event and to do a prototype of a radio show he thought would be a hit. His timing was perfect, as the president of the AMA was at the track, heard of his project and was impressed. He learned that my heart really was in that form of racing, which was his favorite, and he pulled necessary strings to get me the job, Despain said. His next break came in 1975 when he was at Daytona International Speedway for the Daytona 200 motorcycle race when ABCs Wide World of Sports producers showed up at the last minute and bought the broadcast rights to the race. The broadcast crew needed an expert analyst, and Despain got the call. They gave me a shot, Despain said. My very first television show was the 1975 Daytona 200. Keith Jackson was the anchor with me standing alongside in my long hair and my borrowed yellow Century 21-looking blazer, which was the costume at that time. That led me into a TV career. His knack for being in the right place at the right time also led to good fortune away from work. He was working in Atlanta, doing Motorweek Illustrated when he met a Delta Air Lines flight attendant, who eventually became Wendy Despain. Their second date was a race that Despain was covering at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Shed never been to a big-time race before, Despain said. My broadcast position was outside Turn Three, about six to eight feet above the wall and four or five feet back. At the end of 500 miles, we were both pretty well covered with Goodyear rubber dust. I figured if she could tolerate that, she could tolerate me. Today, Despain does most of his work from a studio in Charlotte, N.C., but he sometimes goes on assignment, and his SPEED bosses have been cooperative in allowing him time off in the summertime to knock a few motorcycle journeys off his bucket list. But most weeks find him on the job, working hard to be sure hes as prepared as can be for Wind Tunnel. I read and watch a lot of racing on TV, he said. I try to stay as current as I can, given the plethora of information out there now, which is probably the biggest change Ive seen in the time Ive been covering racing. When I started, you had to call the press box to see who won. But he said the vast amount of information available through just a few keystrokes on a computer has its downside. Continues on page 31

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 29

NOTEBOOK Kahne: 2013 cars drove great


The recent on-track testing of the 2013 Sprint Cup cars at Homestead-Miami Speedway was carefully kept under wraps,

change for everybody involved, and especially the fans. I think theyre going to be able to see a little more of what theyve looked for in the past, being able to see the manufacturer of each car and how they look different and arent the exact same.

DUI arrest costs driver contract Stewart hot at Winter Freeze


Former Nationwide Series driver John Wes Townley, who had planned a comeback this year in the Camping World Truck Series, has been released Jon Wes Townley in 2010 from (NASCAR photo) his race team after being arrested for drunk driving near his home near Athens, Ga. Obviously, this is an unfortunate situation, Robby Benton, owner of RAB Racing with Brack Maggard, said in a statement. However, we have to react to the severity of the incident accordingly. His actions do not reflect those of RAB Racing, nor the sponsors associated with the team. John Wes has accepted full responsibility, and will take the necessary personal steps in order to Reigning Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart tuned up for Speedweeks with a feature win in the All Star Circuit of Champions sprint car race at Screven Motor Speedway near Sylvania, Ga., on Saturday night. Stewarts win in the Winter Freeze came in a race that lived up to its name, as temperatures were below freezing at race time.

correct his actions, among other internal sanctions. The arrest, which came after he crashed his 2011 BMW into a power pole, isnt Townleys first alcohol-related incident. In 2010, he was cited for underage possession of alcohol while in Las Vegas for a Nationwide Series race.

Kickboxing Class at the Don Haskins Recreation Center


El Paso, Texas - The City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department is now offering a Kickboxing Class at the Don Haskins Recreation Center, 7400 High Ridge St. The class is $18 per month from 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The coed class is for individuals 15 years of age or older focusing on martial arts, boxing, conditioning, and strengthening, through a fun and varied curriculum.

The 2013 NASCAR Ford Fusion race car. (NASCAR photo)


with no media allowed anywhere on site. Kasey Kahnes comments on a NASCAR teleconference did offer a glimpse into what went on at the test, which was believed to be the first time all four participating manufacturers had their cars on track together. Most manufacturer representatives say they want their 2013 NASCAR car to better represent passenger cars, but only Ford has unveiled its new car. Kahne said he believes Chevy fans and other Chevrolet race drivers will like the one he drove at Homestead. You can tell theyve put a lot into it because the car drove great, he said. It looks really good. I think all the cars looked really good that were there, and it drove great right off the start, first time on the track. I think its going to be a really exciting

Information - (915) 587-1623

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 30

Enhancements keep Dodge Charger Appealing


Looking back, 2006 was a very good year for the four-door sedan, for that was the year that Dodge brought back a famous nameplate - the Charger. True it was a far cry from the two-door coupe that adorned a Confederate flag in the Dukes of Hazzard. But with an available Hemi V8 under the hood, even the good ole boys of Hazzard County would have been impressed with the all-new rearwheel drive four-door sedan. But that was seven years ago, and in a what-have-you-donefor-me-lately industry, you cant stop there. And Dodge hasnt. Last year, the Charger received a number of significant upgrades from a new base engine, to some new styling both in and out of the car, making the Charger appeal to an even larger audience. The first thing that youll notice with the Charger is its more aggressive look, thanks to its snarling front end, prominent scallops on both the hood and side panels (both throwbacks to the 1968 70 Charger), and my favorite feature the new taillight treatment that glows with 164 bright LEDs arranged in a distinctive pattern. The Charger may not be as retro as the 2door Challenger, but it still gets the attention it deserves. Enter the cabin of the Charger and you will see the makeover it received. The basic layout is the same as before but the bland look and hard plastics have been replaced with handsome styling and soft-touch materials, giving the car a much classier feel. It still feels big inside because it is. There is adult-size legroom no matter which seat you land in. And unless you are well over six-feet tall, the sloping roof wont bother you at all. As good as the Charger looks, it goes even better. Big news last year was the introduction of the all-new 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 that replaced the base, and anemic, 2.7 liter V6 as well as the optional 3.5 V6. Making an impressive 292 horsepower, it moves the Charger just fine, making for a fine alternative to the Hemi V8. But if you still gotta have a V8, opt for the R/T model which puts the Hemi 5.7 liter V8 in the engine bay. Making 370 horses it gives the Charger the muscle that its looks require. Both V6 and V8 equipped Chargers come standard with a five-speed automatic transmission. But for 2012, V6 models can be had with an optional eight-speed automatic. Allwheel drive is optional on all Chargers. For a week Dodge had me in a black all-wheel drive Charger R/T with radar red interior and red exterior emblems. It had a stunning presence, to say the By The Numbers: least and I enjoyed every moment with it. One of the first things I noticed with the Charger were the doors they close with a solid thud - one that makes you feel like you are in a car with substance and heft. Thats because the Charger is heavy tipping the scale at nearly 4300 pounds. But on the road, that heft worked to its advantage, making the Charger feel solid and stable. And even as the Charger was tossed into corners, it felt confident due to the R/Ts tighter suspension. Exhaust from the Hemi V8 is addicting, as are quick acceleration bursts. The 395 ft-lbs of torque under your right foot is a reminder of the Charger of old. Large disc brakes with standard ABS assure quick and safe stopping. If things are about to get out of hand, a stability program known as ESP helps keep the Charger on the road when the driver cant. Its a nice feature to have, but it cant be turned off completely turning it off with the dash-mounted switch merely lowers the point at which the computers kick in. The new Dodge Charger is a greatly improved vehicle from when it was first introduced in 2006. And now you no longer have to get a V8 to get performance to match its looks. I will admit the Chargers inyour-face attitude isnt for everyone. But if you do enjoy a car that has grunt as well as some nostalgia, yet still needs to be able to haul the family around in comfort, its hard to look past the Charger. -- Christopher A. Randazzo

980 13

Career Nationwide starts for the Wallace brothers (Kenny leads the all-time list with 522, Mike is 4th on that list at 416 and Rusty, now retired, has 42) Career Nationwide wins by the Wallace brothers (9 by Kenny, 4 by Mike and 0 by Rusty) Career starts in all major NASCAR series by Mark Martin (Cup: 830; Nationwide: 235; Truck Series: 25) Career starts by Richard Petty, a NASCAR record (all of Pettys starts are in the Cup series)

Dodge Charger R/T Plus - AWD


Base Price: $32,320.00 (2011 model) Price as Tested: $37,165.00 (2011 model) Layout: front-engine / all-wheel drive Engine: 5.7 liter V8 HEMI Transmission: 5 - speed automatic Horsepower: 370 hp Torque: 395 ft-lbs EPA Fuel Economy: 15 city / 23 highway mpg [Visit me at www.carsbycar.blogspot.com or email me at autocran@gmail.com]

1,090 1,185

SPOTLIGHT EP NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2012 PAGE 31

Dave Despain...
Continued from page 28 It can tend to make those of us who cover the sport lazy and assume if its not on TV, or if the series or track doesnt have a good Internet site, its not worth covering, he said. A lot of times, that local racing that is not very sophisticated is some of the best racing out there. Despain also gets pleasure from interviewing young drivers on the way up, career-wise, even if he has to work to coax answers out of them. They may not be particularly sophisticated, may not have done a lot of interviews before, may not be smooth and polished, he said. But to me thats half Like other interviewers in the sport, Dethe fun, seeing the diamond in the rough spain finds drag racer John Force a good and maybe contributing in some way to interview subject, enterthem being better at that taining and informative, end of the business. even if its hard to get in a And I just like the raw word edgewise once Force honesty instead of the polgets going. ished PR speak. You only need one Then, he said, there are question per segment, he those like Roger Penske, said. In fact, thats all who doesnt hide his car you get. To get the big picowner bias, but also gives ture, you have to steer a a good look at the big picmiddle path through all ture of racing, and others, the tangents he goes off like Jeff Gordon, who are on. predictable, but in a good way. On the other hand, inYou know [Gordon] is terviewing NASCARs going to show up with his Dave Despain (SPEED TV photo) reigning Cup champion game face on, and you Tony Stewart, requires some effort. know hes going to be very professional and give you good answers, Despain said. Im on record as saying Tony Stewart is Hes going to put an effort into it, not just one of the toughest interviews, but thats show up and rattle off a list of his sponnot a knock on Tony in any way, he said. sors. To the contrary, its a compliment. Tony But no matter who show up on the set just doesnt suffer fools gladly. Youd better or calls in on the phone, Despain never come with good questions or hes going to seems to tire of talking to them. let you know that you havent. That puts a Its not the most difficult gig, he said. lot of pressure on you to do your half well, Ive had real jobs before. which I like and appreciate.

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