New dinner series promotes 'green' dining

Close to a hundred people were having a really good time on Saturday night. They were sipping on springtime cocktails and enjoying a farm-to-table dinner at FM150's first dinner series.

Yes, I know FM150 sounds like it's a radio station, but believe me, it's not. Instead, it's a really innovative dinner series that showcases local farmers within a 150 mile radius of Houston. Their goal: Raise money for Urban Havest and introduce people to green dining.

And this isn't just for vegetarians. Green dining basically means eating anything that is raised fresh on the farm. So while the produce is going to be mmmm....mmmm....good, there is also going to farm-raised meats, poultry and seafood from the Texas Gulf.

Each dinner event in the series will challenge Houston's top chefs to travel to these local farms to meet farmers and gather produce to create a fabulous family-style meal for the event's diners.

The first event was held on March 28 in Bellaire at the studio of photographer Ralph Smith. The venue was absolutely breathtaking. Tables were set up in the courtyard around a candle lit pond. It was intimate, cozy and a totally different experience from eating in a busy restaurant.

The meal, which consisted of locally grown produce, fresh seafood from the Gulf and farm-raised pork, was prepared by culinary star Randy Evans, the executive chef and owner of Haven Restaurant. Haven is scheduled to open this summer and be a green-certified venue. It will feature every "green" feature possible including a shade garden in the restaurant tended to by the staff.

In addition to the mouthwatering meal, guests enjoyed homemade desserts created by award-winning pastry chef Rebecca Masson and wines that were hand-selected by Cory Graf, the sommelier for Haven.

For more information visit:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/FM-150-Farm-to-Table-Dinner-Series/55991932838

Pianist Jade Simmons says record deal was like a Cinderella story

I love happy endings...or in Jade Simmons case - a happy beginning.

That's because the Houston-based musician launched her debut album with a standing-room-only concert at the Rockefeller on March 23. Yay!!

Like many artists, Jade has worked hard to get to where she is today. In fact, getting the record deal was a dream come true, but according to the 31-year-old pianist, how it happened was unexpected.

"I had always heard these Cinderella stories and wondered why it never happened to me. But this was one of those instances," said Simmons.

Simmons' concert management called her up last April with a last minute opportunity to perform with a small orchestra in Long Island.

"The piece they wanted me to play was 'Rhapsody in Blue,' and truth be told, I had never played the piece before. I had a month to learn it, so it was a little risky, but I took the risk," said Simmons.

Simmons was glad she agreed to the last minute concert, because it turned out that two of the record executives moonlighted in the orchestra.

They heard she was coming to play, did some research on her, and then gave her a call.

"They wanted to know if I was interested in recording and what kind of music I would like to record. I pitched this project and it was almost an instant record deal," said Simmons.

It sounds easy, but Simmons has spent her life preparing for this moment, not really knowing if a record deal would ever happen. She's been playing piano since she was 8 years old, but all the work paid off. When opportunity knocked, she was ready to walk through the door.

Her debut album is called "The Rhythm Project: Revolutionary Rhythm," and the CD is a reflection of her affinity for rhythmic music. The album highlights music from four different American composers, including Samuel Barber and John Corigliano, as well as Austin-based electronic music guru Russell Pinkston and DBR (Daniel Bernard Roumain).

"I've kind of carved out a niche for myself in the classical world by playing music that has a more rhythmic vibe on the piano," said Simmons.

Simmons' personal style comes alive on the album and is apparent in the pieces written by DBR. On these pieces, she and a colleague created electronic hip-hop beats to go along with the music. The result is a sound that follows the same vein as what Missy Elliot or Timbaland would do.

"With those pieces I got to live out the whole rock star/hip-hop fantasy. I really wanted to have a CD that reflected who I was personally and be shown as not your everyday classical performer," said Simmons.

Simmons says the recording setting was comfortable and that part of the process was easy. The hardest part for her was post production.

"I think for artists this is often the trickiest part, because you have in your head your own conception on how you want the world to see you and the record label has to think about how they are going to sell records," said Simmons.

For the most part, everything about the CD has gone well, and Simmons is excited about the final product. But what was most important to her was that she was shown as a musician and not marketed as a young woman who was the first runner-up at the 2000 Miss America Pageant.

"What I want people to remember about me is not how I look, but how I sound," said Simmons. "I feel lucky that all things have come together, but what was hard for me, and I think for a lot of female artists, is making sure the right things are being marketed."

"The Rhythm Project" is being released on March 24 and Simmons wanted to debut it in the city she calls her home.

"I came to Houston to go to grad school and never left. I feel like the art scene here is open enough to receive everything at we are trying to do," said Simmons.

Simmons also had a special guest with her at the Houston concert. Roburt Reynolds (AKA Room 101) joined her for part of the concert to play live electronic beats on stage to a few of the pieces.

Father and son roping team live the rodeo dream

The best part of my job is meeting people, and I must say, Allen Bach was one of the most interesting men I have met in my career. 

Allen Bach is a four time PRCA World Champion, 27 consecutive time qualifier to the National Finals Rodeo, and a three time all time high money winner of the George Strait Team Roping Classic.

Bach's been blessed with his success and the chance to rope all his life. But now he says he's living the dream by team roping with his 19-year-old son, Joel.
"I haven't won the most saddles and buckles in history, but I have all the championships that I need to have. My dream now would be to win the National Finals with my son. That would be a story book ending for me," said Bach.

Bach has been married for 30 years and competing in the rodeo during that entire time. As his four kids were growing up, they did everything as a family. However, now that his son is not just watching from the stands, but competing with him, the relationship is different.
"We team rope together so Joel's become more like a business partner. It would be anybody's dream to compete at the high level that we do in the rodeo," said Bach.

While the father/son team is a dream come true, Bach admits that they have had to make little adjustments to make it work.

"I have to be a dad first, then a partner, coach and best friend. But of course, my son would like me to be a partner first, then a coach, friend and finally a dad," said Allen Bach. "He thinks he's already grown up, but he's only 19, and there's still a lot to learn about the world."

But neither Allen or Joel would trade up what they have for anything else. The rodeo is part of their lives and it's almost as if Joel is taking over the family business.

"This is my second year competing with my dad, but I've been riding and roping since I was seven," said Joel. "I'd really like to make the finals and become one of the contenders for the World Rodeo. If we make it, I'll be one of the youngest headers."

Bach admits that his ties to the rodeo, and the people his son has met, made huge impact on Joel as he grew up. He understands the pressure, the lingo and the lifestyle.

"The people Joel's competing against are the same people he grew up with. They are friends and I think this works to his advantage as he's not star struck," said Bach.

Bach says he hopes to help give his son a boost to his rodeo career, but he says there's a lot more to it than just riding and roping. There's also the sponsorship and business side of the rodeo.

"I'm hoping because of my name and reputation that it will help with the advertising and sponsorship. He can follow in my footsteps," said Bach.

Even though Bach takes the rodeo business seriously, he works hard to balance it with his personal life.
In addition to being a rodeo champion, he is also an ordained minister and the founder of the ministry Forever Cowboys.

"It's just a group of guys and we try to bless the kids where we can with rodeo bible camps and other events. Our goal is to maximize the cowboy's influence in the world," said Bach.

According to Bach, the cowboy has always stood for integrity and doing what's right. He's a generic role model that can help make the world a better place.

"When you're a cowboy, your word is your honor. We're trying to follow those values and remind the next generation that these values are important. You can only win so many buckles and saddles. It's time to do something about changing the world," said Bach.

Currently living on 50 acre ranch in Weatherford, Texas, Allen and Joel are on the road for over half of the year. Bach says the secret to his success has to do with priorities.

"My wife is so strong. She's an incredible woman. Together we learned how to make a functional thing that could easily be dysfunctional. We learned to balance God, family and the rodeo," said Bach.

"I always tell people that rodeo makes a lousy God. It's just a spoke in the wagon wheel of life and you have to put God in the middle or else it won't work," said Bach. "I admit that sometimes in my life the rodeo ends up in the middle, but then I have to work to put God back there."

In the meantime, Allen and Joel are enjoying their time together as a team.

"It's really fun traveling with your dad, especially when you win," said Joel.

Bach also has a 15-year-old son that ropes. He's sometimes out competing with his mom while Bach is on the road with Joel.

Finding out what makes a cowboy a champion

Thursday was a busy day for me. I spent hours just hanging out behind the Reliant Stadium at the rodeo trying to find out just what makes a real-live cowboy.

It turns out that being a cowboy at the rodeo isn't all about winning saddles and gold buckles. In fact, based on many of the athletes that I met, the rodeo and riding has been a part of their lives since they were young.

Matt Shiozawa was one of the guys that I ran into. Shiozawa lives in Idaho, but was in Houston competing in the tie-down roping event in the BP Super Series.

"I've been serious about competing in the rodeo since high school," said Shiozawa. "This is what I do as my full-time job."

The 28-year-old has been around rodeos all his life. His family had a farm and he says that competing professionally was something that he's always wanted to do.

"Both my dad and my brother used to compete in rodeos so I've pretty much been around it all my life," said Shiozawa. "My dad and my brother competed locally."

Shiozawa has won a number of rodeo events including finishing 20th in 2004 in the world standings. He's also competed many times in the National Finals Rodeo.

"At first it's a lot practice, but I now feel my skills are as honed as they could be," said Shiozawa. "I believe that being the best athlete you can be is every bit as important as skills training so I weight train and keep in shape."

Jason Havens from Oregon was also there getting ready for Bareback Bronc Riding event.

Havens has been competing for the 17 years and placed in four of 10 rounds at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2007.

"I had a cousin that was in the rodeo, and when I was a kid, I would go and watch him," said Havens.

Havens grew up riding horses. But while his immediate family didn't have a farm, he had other family members that did.

"I always wanted to be in the rodeo," said Havens. "I couldn't afford to get a saddle, but my cousin had extra bareback harnesses so I did got into bareback riding."

Havens says that all though high school he practiced whenever he could.

"There were amateur stock contractors by the high school and I would practice on their horses. I also practiced at Walla-Walla Community College while I was attending school there," said Havens.

Like many of the athletes at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, both Havens and Shiozawa spend much of the year on the road. This year Shiozawa estimates that he'll be spending about 10 months going from competition to competition, while Havens will spend approximately 150 to 160 days on the road. The athletes don't travel alone. Many of them travel the circuit together.

"Bareback riders Bobby Mote, Brain Bain, Ryan Gray and I all travel together," said Havens. "I meet Bobby back in college and we just started travelling together."

Havens and Shiozawa are currently competing in the BP Super Series at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and while they are little quiet and don't seem to want to talk about how great they are, the guys are pretty good.

As of March 5, Shiozawa was first in the Series 1 tie-down roping standings. Havens was 8th in the bareback bronc riding standings.

There's more than BBQ at the Houston Rodeo

Unfortunately, that old Texas saying "this ain't my first rodeo" does not apply to me. That's because this March will be my first time at a rodeo.

Yup, this city girl is about to become a whole lot more Texan.

Who knows. Maybe by the end of the month, I'll actually be able to pull off saying "y'all."

TOP THINGS ON MY RODEO LIST

Just like everything else in Texas, the rodeo is big. In fact, it's so big that there's no way you can see everything, eat everything or do everything in one visit.

So in addition to eating (because I definitely plan on doing that), here's my list of stuff I'm hoping to see:

1) Buy something Texan to wear: Okay, I admit it. I'm in desperate need of Western wear as my friends have told me that my black sparkly T-shirt and jeans don't exactly scream "cowgirl." They said I'm sure to find something at the over 350 booths at the rodeo - from hats and jewelry down to boots and polish.

2) Drink Texas wine at the Wine Garden: I had heard about "Texas tea," but never realized Texas had wine until recently. Not to mention, that some of it is award winning. I can't believe you have been keeping this a secret from the other states for all these years. My rodeo source tells me the wine garden will have award winning local and international wines.

3) Become a fan: At the Fan Zone, you can meet your favorite cowboys and cowgirls who compete in the RodeoHouston BP Super Series. I don't have a favorite yet, but I figure if I visit the area, I'll find out who I should be watching in the show.

4) Cheer on a Lil Rustler: This event sounds so cute. Physically and mentally challenged kids will try their hand in steer roping, bull riding and barrel racing on March 4, 5 and 11. But don't worry, they won't get hurt. They use stick horses.

5) Watch Xtreme Bulls: Unlike the Lil Rustler event, this one could hurt, so I'm glad I'm watching. On March 22, bull riding champs will try to ride over 50 of the roughest, toughest bulls in the country.

6) See a miracle: The livestock birthing center allows people to watch animals giving birth. There's a vet on hand to assist the animals so it's not quite like Discovery Channel, but it's all real and not Hollywood.



7) Race a pig: Part of Kids Country is all these crazy races. In fact, one of them is actually called 'Crazy Animal Races.' But I've been told the pigs are fun to watch. I'm not sure why, but I will find out.

8) Check out the BP Super Series: Now this is what the rodeo is all about. Each year, champion cowboys and cowgirls compete the world's richest regular-season PRCA rodeo. In 2009, the contestants will be riding and roping for more than $1.4 million in prize money.

9) Watch kids bust mutton: I've heard of calf scrambling, but never of Mutton Busting. Turns out that for the first time, the rodeo will let little cowboys and cowgirls try riding sheep this year--in addition to calves.

10) See what the llamas are wearing: Nope...I'm not kidding. They actually do have a Llama and Alpaca costume contest. It's on March 14 in the Reliant Area and I've been told it's hilarious. With their serious faces and big brown eyes, a lot of llamas look like people when they are all dressed up.

Well, that's my top 10 list. I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it all, but I'm going to try. I also might try to squeeze in an auction. Just like bull riding and the Super Series, it seems like a rodeo thing to do.

Oh...and don't forget. The cheap days are Wednesdays. For $10, you get into Reliant Park, the championship rodeo AND you actually get to see a concert:

March 4: Alan Jackson

March 11: Reba McEntire

March 18: Gary Allan

The good, the tasty and the fried at the Houston Rodeo

It's rodeo time and based on what I've been hearing, the food there is a decadent delight for your taste buds and a great way to put on the poundage.

But the rodeo only comes around once a year so we must indulge - because after March all that yummy stuff will be gone for another 12 months.

In fact, some of the food is so good the rodeo is starting a new competition this year called the "Golden Buckle Foodie Awards."

The judging for the Foodie Awards will be March 5, but in order to get your mouth watering, I've gone out and talked to a couple of the vendors.

IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN'T BE FRIED?

One thing that always fascinates me is all the things that are fried at rodeos. Sure, you can get French fries, onion rings and all the basics, but the company "Fried What" has kicked the whole frying experience up a notch and has come up with a way to fry just about everything.

"Some of the strangest things we've fried is hot chocolate, key lime pie and watermelon," said Norma Bowers of Fried What.

This is the second year Bowers and her team will be frying up delights at the Houston Rodeo. And you'll be happy to know that they use transfat free oil. So while deep fried Twinkies may never be considered healthy, at least you don't have to worry about your cholesterol.

In fact, chocolate dipped fried Twinkies are one of their best sellers. Other rodeo favorites include pickles and fried Snicker bars and Milky Ways.

Bowers says there is a secret to frying and it all has to do with the batter. Her company uses three different types of batters depending on the type of food you are planning to fry.

"Our own secret recipe batters are made fresh daily. While we can't give you the recipe, the batters can be purchased at our booth," said Bowers.

This year Bowers says they plan to bring even more fried goodness to the rodeo including fried sundaes.

"We take marshmallows and bananas and cover them with either hot fudge or caramel. Then, we dip them in our secret batter and fry until golden brown. Finally, we top with ice cream, whipped cream and chopped peanuts," said Bowers.

Now that sounds, mmmm...mmmm...good. You can check them out in the Kids Coral next the Little German Kitchen.



IT'S NOT A RODEO WITHOUT A SMOKEHOUSE

I'm beginning to think that when in Texas, where's there smoke; there's meat. That's because smoking meat is a specialty the state takes seriously.



In fact, New Braunfels Smokeshouse has been smoking meat since 1945 and has been a rodeo vendor since 1972.

"We've watch the rodeo grow. We started out in the old Astros Hall and were there until they closed that building down. We then went through the growing pains of the new building," said Mike Dietert of New Braunfels Smokeshouse. "We now have two booths. One is in the main lobby and the other one is in the rodeo plaza tent."

Getting prepared for the rodeo isn't easy. Dietert and his team came to Houston a week before the opening day to set up equipment and get ready. They have a number of loyal clients that look for them at the event and they aim to please.

"Our most popular items are the sausages, turkey legs and baked potatoes with all the trimmings," said Dietert.

All of their meats are smoked at their facility in New Braunfels and Deitert says their secret all has to do with quality.

"You got to have quality product from start to finish. I've worked with them for almost 42 years and my client manager has worked with them for the almost the same amount of time," said Dietert.

Deitert says he started out with the smokeshouse when he was young and learned a lot along the way. Their goal is to give the customer a quality product and give them a fair deal for what they buy. They also try new things to keep the customer happy.

"A couple of years ago, we introduced wurst kabobs at the rodeo and people seemed to like them," said Deitert.

And what's not to like? The wurst kabobs have five different kinds of sausage so customers get to try a little of everything just with one item.

"It's got some cheddar wurst, jalapeno wurst, apple wurst, bratwurst and a pork and beef sausage," said Deitert.

It sounds like this kabob could be a sausage lover's dream.

THE BEST OF THE BEST

Both Fried What and New Braunfels Smokeshouse will be competing in the Golden Buckle Foodie Awards on March 5.

Other categories include:

o Best Burger

o Best Taco/Burrito

o Best Baked Potato

o Best Bar-B-Que

o Best Fried Food

o Best Food-on-a-Stick

o Best Dessert

o Best Seafood

o Favorite Food

If you want to find out what the judges think are the best tasting rodeo foods, drop by The Kids Country Stage located on the east side of Reliant Astrodome next to Reliant Center. They will start tasting and judging at 9:30 and will finish around noon.

Beads, hurricanes and Mardi Gras at the Galvez

Can't make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras? Just drive on over to Galveston.

At least that's what I did. Besides, after witnessing Hurricane Ike, I felt like I needed to celebrate the re-birth the island, too.

And people really did celebrate - even in the rain. I know some say that it wasn't quite as packed as other times, but others told me it was just different.

"Usually we're all crammed downtown to watch the parade. This year, because of the hurricane damage, we were along the Seawall so it was a little more spread out," said one parade watcher.

Of course, after the parade is over is when some of the real fun begins.

CELEBRATING AT THE MARDI GRAS BALL

Being a newbie, I had no idea what I should do for the parade. Do you line up down the streets? Is it like Bourbon Street and it's best to get a room with a balcony?

I soon discovered that you can do both. But the best place to see the Grand Night Parade is from the Hotel Galvez.

"This is our 24th Annual Ball. Usually it's at the Tremont House, but because of Ike damage, we decided to hold it here instead," said Christine Hopkins, who works as a representative for the hotel.

Hopkins said the Tremont had about three feet of water damage in the lobby area and is still being renovated. They decided Hotel Galvez would make a great alternative.

"This hotel was built in 1910 after the last big hurricane. It was built to show Galveston's resiliency to survive," said Hopkins.

If you haven't been to Hotel Galvez, it's beautiful. Located by the seawall, it was protected by the storm surge. In fact, they only had water damage in their lower level.

GOING ON AN AFRICAN ADVENTURE

Hotel Galvez went all out for the ball. The theme was African Adventure and everywhere you looked, there was something inspired by the theme.

There were lion statues at the valet, grass hanging from the light fixtures and masks strategically placed throughout the hotel. But everything was so tasteful, that I thought the hotel always looked like that (yes, I really do need to get out more).

"We usually have about 400 people at the ball and we're happy that the same number showed up this year," said Hopkins.

Yup, Mardi Gras was definitely alive and well at the hotel. But here was the question I was asking: What do you wear to a black tie African Ball?

"You can wear a long gown or you can come in costume," said Hopkins.

Wow...that's some range. But people took up the challenge.

I saw a few guys dressed up like they were going on safari, others had on colorful African smocks, and some were dressed like tribal leaders. I even saw a couple Egyptian inspired outfits.

DON'T GET ME STARTED ON THE FOOD

The music was great, the costumes were spectacular, but the food was out of this world.

Executive Chef Jerry Helminski let his creative juices flow and developed an African inspired menu that included nearly 25 different items.

Some of them were: Egyptian Barmia (sweet & sour okra), Sebha del Hdaree (vegetable stew with dates and almonds), D'jej Emshmel (chicken with preserved lemon and olives), and Ghanmi Meshwi b'Matisha Mkalia (roasted leg of lamb with tomato chutney and pearl pasta).

If these don't sound familiar, don't worry. I had no idea what they were either, but I tried a little of everything and it was fabulous. My favorite was the vegetable stew with dates and almonds.

Helminski has been the executive chef at Hotel Galvez for the last two years, and had a lot of fun creating the menu.

He told me he's worked in a number of cities to get his chef experience, and enjoys living in Galveston. He says the only challenge is attracting people outside of Galveston to come to the island to visit.

"But once they come out and experience something like this event, I'm sure they be back again," said Helminski.

I agree. The food was great, the people were friendly...and I hear they have newly renovated spa rooms that could be perfect for a weekend getaway.

Experiencing the "Goode" old Armadillo Palace

Here's a confession: Before moving Houston, I had no idea what Honky Tonk was.

Sure I had heard that Dire Straits Sultans of Swing song where they say "He can play honky tonk just like anything," and of course, the Rolling Stones "Honky Tonk Woman." But you know, those songs do not prepare you for Goode's Armadillo Palace on Kirby.

Let me just say, that I love, love, LOVE the giant armadillo outside the place. Every time I see him, he totally makes me laugh. I think it's the red laser beam eyes. Or may it's because he has steer horns (he's a true Texas armadillo) and smoke comes out of his nose (click on the image to see a bigger version).

Whatever, it is, you know going in that it's going to be a night to remember.

And it was. If you've never been, you have got to go. It's a Houston classic and decorated in that Texas style that you only find in good old bars.

There is stuff hanging off the walls, off the ceiling and off the beams. But it's not just stuff; it's cool memorabilia that makes the Armadillo what it is. You're going to see giant horns on the wall, pictures, steer heads and old rifles. The bar seats are even in the shape of saddles.

This place is like stepping into the wild West --if you had to cram all the West into one room. And this is exactly why I'm bringing my parents there when they visit. It's like a western museum with live music and a whiskey bar.

Yes, that's right. They have a whiskey bar, which is one of the reasons why I decided to go. Because frankly, I had never heard of a whiskey bar before.

They also have food that ranges from BBQ to venison chili to Frito pie.

But if you don't like Honky Tonk, don't worry. They have other bands. They just happened to be playing Honky Tonk when I was there.

So what did I think? Hmmmm....let's just say I'm not sure if I'm a big fan of that style of music. Like the whiskey, it's an acquired taste.

Still...I love that giant armadillo.

Could you win the Amazing Race?

Thousands of people send in video tapes for their chance to get on the Amazing Race, but only a select few are chosen. Houston's Jodi Wincheski was one of them.

"I also wanted to be on the show since the first episode," said Wincheski.

The cool thing is Wincheski isn't some wanna-be-actor. She's actually a 40-year-old single mom who works as a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines. In other words, she could be your next door neighbor.

Wincheski said was hoping to do the race with her best friend from Oregon, but it didn't work out because of their schedules. Instead, she decided to audition with 37-year-old Christy Volkmer, another flight attendant.

But the two women didn't just want to be on the show; they wanted to win.

BUFFING UP TO WIN

If you have ever seen The Amazing Race, you know that they make the contestants do crazy things. They may have to brave heights, run up hundreds of stairs, or crab-crawl while carrying the biggest chunk cheese you've ever seen in order to get to their destination. The race is definitely not for the out-of-shape couch potato.

So what does it take to compete? Well, unless you are already a fitness fiend, it takes months of training.

"We started training as soon as we heard we were accepted," said Wincheski. "We started in May and the show was shot in November."

Wincheski is a dedicated fan of The Amazing Race and has not missed a season. She told me that no two women have ever won and Season 14 promises to be the most extreme race to date.

"I can't tell you about the race, but I can tell you that's it's their most extreme race. There are extreme temperatures and extreme tasks," said Wincheski. "Christy and I knew that we would be challenged."

JODI AND CHRISTY'S PLAN

Wincheski says they focused on strength training. She worked out four days a week with weights and tried to do cardio on the other days.

"My boyfriend Eric used to be a professional baseball player, so he put the training program together for me," said Wincheski. "I told him I wanted to put on muscle and lose weight."

Eric came up with a workout which supersets muscles. Basically what this does, is work select muscle groups so that the body is working continuously to get the maximum amount of benefit in the shortest amount of time.

Eric's program had Wincheski working opposing muscle groups on alternate days. So on day 1, she would work her back, legs and biceps. Then on day 2, she would work her chest muscles, shoulders, triceps and abs.

In addition to the training with weights, Wincheski also did other activities including indoor rock climbing and archery lessons. But she also did some unusual tasks.

"My dad had a weird dream that we would need to climb a rope during the race, so we set one up in the backyard. You just never know and we wanted to be prepared for everything," said Wincheski.

Rope climbing was only the beginning of their random fitness tests. To prepare for the challenge, the women did everything from bowling to shooting hoops to get ready for the race. But Wincheski's secret weapon was her passion for beach volleyball.

"Beach volleyball is good for stamina," said Wincheski. "We have a court set up in the backyard."

I checked it out and she was telling the truth. The entire backyard is filled with sand. Very cool and definitely something I may do if I ever buy a house. It was like having beachfront property - without the ocean of course.

THE AMAZING RACE WORKOUT

Wincheski looks lean, strong and incredible. She said before Eric's workout, she needed to drop a few pounds and didn't have the muscle tone she has now.

"On Eric's workout, I got a lot stronger and I'm glad. There's a reason why guys always win. We had to build up upper body strength," said Wincheski.

She told me that after you watch the first episode on February 15, you'll understand why strength was so important. But until then, here are two of Wincheski's workout moves:

EXERCISE 1

STEP UPS:

Works: Hamstrings, quadriceps and glutes.

You'll need a sturdy chair for this exercise. To increase the challenge, perform the exercise holding hand weights.

Step 1: Start with your legs together beside the chair.

Step 2: Step up with your right leg onto the chair.

Step 3: Bring your left leg up and keep it bent.

Step 4: Step down off the chair, with your left leg landing on the ground first.

Step 5: Repeat the move again, beginning with the left leg first.

Do three sets of 10 on each leg.

EXERCISE 2

Building up core strength was also important. Wincheski did four different ab exercises to flatten her tummy, tone her muscles and build up core strength.

PHYSIO-BALL ABS

Works: Abs and rotator cuff

Step 1: Sit on a stability ball holding a hand weight. Walk your feet away from the ball and roll down until only your shoulders and upper back are on the ball.

Step 2: Lift the weight over your head. Wincheski uses a 10 pound weight, but if that's too heavy,you can use a lighter weight.

NOTE: If you are a beginner and this is tough, don't use any weight at all and keep your arms at your side rather than over your head.

Step 3: Slowly raise your upper body to a seated position on the ball, bringing the weight over your head as you do.

Try not to use momentum to bring your body up, but use your ab muscles. A way to resist using momentum is to raise your body while slowly counting to four.

LAST MINUTE AMAZING RACE TIPS

In case you're planning to enter the Amazing Race next season, Wincheski says it's not all about strength. Communication is also important.

"Christy and I promised to stay a team and not fight," said Wincheski.

They also studied languages and geography before the show, because they had no idea where they were going to be sent.

"I brushed up on Spanish, Portuguese and Italian and Christy focused on German and French," said Wincheski.

Most importantly, they maintained their friendship and focused on each other's strengths, rather than tearing apart their weaknesses.

Amazing advice, from two amazing women.

Dust off your boots. It's Rodeo Uncorked!

Most of you may be thinking the rodeo doesn't start until March. But I just found out that some of the really good stuff is happening on February 8. And when I say good stuff, I mean stuff that's going to taste good going down.


This Sunday is the 6th Annual Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup and Best Bites Competition at the Reliant Center.

MORE FOOD AND WINE THAN YOU CAN HANDLE

I didn't realize wine was part of the rodeo at all. I thought it would be all beer tents and BBQ. But now that I do know, I'm not going to miss out on this wine and food tasting extravaganza, and if you're a foodie you won't be able to resist it either.

"The event has grown so big that this is the first year that it's going to be at Reliant Center," said Gigi Wark, Houston Rodeo volunteer.

When Gigi told me this, I imagined 500 people and a bunch of tables. Of course, I keep forgetting that this is Texas and big really means SUPER BIG! So how big is big? Well, they are expecting 4000 people. No really. This event is practically a small town of food-loving and wine-drinking people.

Last year the event sold out, but this year because it's bigger than ever, you may be able to get tickets at the door. Individual tickets are $100 and a table of 10 is $1800. But with your table, you get to start tasting the wine 30 minutes before everyone else. Plus, you get a swanky gift bag filled with goodies and you'll be recognized in the program.

But if you just want to go with a friend or your significant other, the individual tickets aren't too shabby. You get in at 6:30 and can sit at one of the many bar tables set up around the room.

ONLY THE BEST OF THE BEST

Here's the question I had: Is the wine and food included with my ticket? The answer is yes! And you can snack and sip all night long, which is a good thing because there's going to be 65 restaurants and 200 wines.

"I attended Best Bites as a guest for two years before I got on the committee. I'm not a wine expert, but it was the first time that I didn't feel guilty dumping out a glass that I didn't really like, which is what the whole idea of the event is," said Gigi.

You can do the same with the food which is going to include stuff like wings and banana pudding, roasted sirloin on Brioche, ahi tuna, smoked brisket and blackened steak sandwiches. There's also a whole lot more, but you can check out some of the items on the menu by clicking here.

And then there's the wine. It's from all over the world and they are all award winning wines -- so basically you are getting the best of the best. But be careful not to get too much of a buzz. You still got to drive home at the end of the night.

"My favorite part is sampling all the restaurants. My husband and I are the type of people who always go to Pappas because we know it's going to be good. This opened our eyes up to what was out there. Now we make a point of going to one new place a month," said Gigi.

Sound like a good idea to me.

Can a penguin predict spring's arrival?

Usually it's the groundhog that predicts the coming of spring, but not in Galveston. Over on the island, it a very cute and very talented Rockhopper penguin named Hendrix.

Hendrix comes from the South Pole, so he's apparently an expert on cold weather and knows exactly when spring will arrive.

I must say, the little dude looked dashing in natural tuxedo. And with his spiky blond crown, he kind of reminded me of Daniel Craig in James Bond.

However, Hendrix didn't need any gadgets to do his job. In a few short minutes, he was able to predict that spring would arrive on March 14.

I hope he's right. I don't like sleeping with my socks on and there have been a couple of nights this January that were a little bit on the chilly side. Plus, my flip flops are getting dusty.

Hendrix also gave a little speech, but unfortunately I don't speak penquish so I couldn't make out what he was saying. But Moody Gardens Animal Husbandry Manager Greg Whittaker was able to translate the penguin language for me.

"Hendrix says, without a doubt, the summer will be here for another six weeks," said Whittaker. "According to him, spring in Galveston will be here precisely on March 14."

So how does a penguin make his prediction? Surprisingly, it's just like the groundhog and all about the shadow.

Party like a rock star

It's been a long time since I heard the five B's of 1980s rock, but on Saturday night they were all there.

If you're over 30, you know who they are. They are Bon Jovi, Billy Idol, Bryan Adams, Pat Benatar and of course, Blackheart - as in Joan Jett. The weird part was that they weren't just there in music. They were there in costume.

So where was I? I was at the Legends of Rock and Roll Fundraiser put on by TIRR Foundation, which is an organization that raises money for brain and spinal cord injuries. And it was - wait for it - totally awesome!

THE LEGEND BEHIND THE LEGENDS OF ROCK

This is the third year that TIRR Foundation has put on a fundraiser. Every year they are something different and just as cool.

"We were having it at the House of Blues, so Legends of Rock made an appropriate theme for that venue," said Brooke Reichek of TIRR Foundation. "The party chairs were excited about the rock star costumes and the theme in general."

I was pretty psyched about the costumes, too. Because where else would you find 250 people dressed up in rock star garb, mullets and spiked, overly teased hair? (see slideshow)

I swear I saw everyone from Elvis and Madonna, to Gem and the Holograms, to the bee girl from that Blind Melon video. It was a great night of people watching.

"The event is put on by the Junior VolunTIRR's. These are the young professionals of the organization. For the past two years, the fundraiser went to support Camp Xtreme, which is a week long overnight camp for wheelchair dependent children to make them feel like regular kids," said Brooke.

But this year's event was even more special.

"This year for the first time we are going to split the proceeds to support a clinical trial. There are two young girls who are currently in a wheelchair, but if their injuries are taken care of by the time they are four-years-old, there is a chance that they will walk and lead normal lives," said Brooke.

Now, those are two very good reasons to squeeze into leather pants and hot pink spandex.

THE BEST PART OF MY JOB

I swear I meet the best people in Houston with my job, and Saturday night was no exception. That's because one of the moms, whose child would be going through the clinical trial, was at the party.

She was dressed as Madonna in her early "Get into the Groove" phase, but her energy and determination to find a way to help her little girl would put the Material Girl's ambition to shame.

"My daughter, Elena, is paralyzed from the waist down, but from the waist up she's a tiger," said Juliet Porras.

Elena is only 20 months old, but she's been pretty busy fighting for her life since the day she was born. She's already beaten phase III cancer, met Lance Armstrong and has got the attention of some of the best doctors in Houston. Not bad for someone who hasn't even had her second birthday yet.

Because the cancer tumor was found on her spine, she's currently in a wheelchair. But her mom is determined to give her little girl the best life possible and thinks a neurosurgeon from Memorial Hermann and his colleague may have the answer.

"Dr. Baumgartner is working at getting the research passed so they can take stem cells from Elena's hip and introduce them into her spinal cord," said Juliet.

Taking cells from bone marrow isn't exactly going to be a happy day at the zoo for little Elena, but if everything goes well, she'll be in and out of the hospital before nightfall.

So Juliet has found the doctor and the possible treatment to get her daughter walking, but there is one big catch: It costs $300,000.

That's where TIRR comes in. With their help, she's determined to raise the money and spread the word.

"Elena had her first chemo treatment at two days old. She's already overcome so much and I know she's a fighter," said Juliet.

Yup, she's right. This little is girl is a fighter...just like her mom.