Dish-Houston

by DISH Contributor Jayme Lamm

#ROSCFashionShow #ROSCFashionShow #ROSCFashionShow

That’s all my twitter feed kept referencing, which was the hashtag (# in twitter speak) for the second annual River Oaks Shopping Center Fashion Show. At the last minute, my lovely friend Beth DeLozier-Hayes of Houston’s Weekly Chic invited me to attend the glamorous fashion show with her.

Truth be told, this was my first ever fashion show to attend in Houston and boy was I pumped! It’s no question that Houston is filled with some of the hottest models, fashion to die for and not to mention the ability to throw a non-profit twist into a swanky event – I knew I was in for a treat!

Lesha Elsenbrook (Co-Chair); Roz Pactor (Co-Chair); Jessica Willey (emcee); American Heart Association Ladies Guild members. Photo credit: Frida VillalobosThanks to all the event sponsors and underwriters, all ticket proceeds from the event went to the American Heart Association (AHA) whose goal was to raise $12,000. Heart disease is not only the number one killer for men and women it is also a preventable disease, which is why this night, and this cause, is so important.

Before the show got underway, they took a minute to share Adrian Longoria’s story. Longoria was a local 16-year-old boy who collapsed at school. A young man who wouldn’t be here today if others didn’t know how to properly administer CPR. The clip reminded us to take care of our own hearts, but as Adrian’s story goes, take care of other’s hearts by knowing CPR. To Find a CRP class near you.

The “Best of Spring 2011” show kicked off with Em & Lee Boutique with all the lengthy models donning red dresses – appropriately fitting for the AHA and heart month.

The show continued on with a very Houston’esque spring line from Gap, followed by La Mode Lingerie, La Mode Swim, Luke’s Locker (my personal favorite since I’m much more comfortable in athletic gear then cocktail dresses), LMD Boutique, Rebecca and Drew, Chico’s, 310 Rosemont, Twice New (which was appropriately themed thanks to the Houston Rodeo in town), Haut Chocolat (Beth’s absolute favorite of the night), Enticingly Chic, Jos. A. Bank and ended with bridal pieces from Mia Bridal Couture.

Remember, Live. Learn. And Love Red.

Gentlemen, find your Seersucker and Ladies, grab your hats because it's almost TENNIS time in Houston!

Defending champion Juan Ignacio Chela is among the ATP World Tour players who are on the initial entry list for the 2011 US Men's Clay Court Championship, joining the previously announced American contingent of James Blake, Mardy Fish, John Isner and Sam Querrey, who all committed early to the tournament.

Twelve countries are represented among the first 20 players to be announced for the 28-player field at the 2011 US Men’s Clay Court Championship which will be played April 4-10 at River Oaks Country Club.

There are six Americans entered into the event. In addition to the four that were previously announced, Robert Kendrick and Houston resident Michael Russell will also be joining the field following their rankings rises after reaching the Memphis quarterfinals last week.

Chela, from Argentina, will be looking to be the first player to repeat as champion since Andy Roddick in 2001 and 2002, the event's first two years in Houston. In 2010, Chela defeated Querrey in the final. In addition to 2010 finalists Chela and Querrey, the field includes 2006 champion Fish and 2008 runner-up Blake.

The initial entry list includes six players who are in the Top 50 of the February 21 ATP World Tour Rankings - Fish (16), Querrey (22), Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (23), Chela (31), Isner (32) and Kevin Anderson (40). The last player accepted to the main draw at this initial entry deadline is Russell, who is No. 90 this week.

Below is the initial entry list of 20 players for the 2011 US Men's Clay Court Championship. Two more wild cards will be announced. In addition, four players will advance through qualifying. Two more players will be added based either on results in Miami the week prior to the River Oaks tournament or off the alternate list.

 *Blake is the first of three wild card recipients

“We have a very good field lined up for the US Men’s Clay Court Championship this year,” said tournament director Van Barry. “We look forward to welcoming this international group of players to River Oaks and anticipate a very competitive tournament in April.”

 

Three-time doubles champions Bob and Mike Bryan, who claimed their 10^th career major title by winning the Australian Open last month, will headline the doubles field for the US Men's Clay Court Championship. The full field for that event will be announced closer to the tournament.
 
Individual and “Champ Pass” tickets for the 2011 US Men’s Clay Court Championship are on sale now. The popular Champ Pass includes a ticket to the Friday, Saturday and Sunday sessions, which are usually sold out before the tournament begins. A limited number of season ticket packages for the 2011 event are still remaining,.

To Purchace Tickets CLICK HERE  or by calling 713-874-6294.

By DISH Contributor Mary Kramer Ambrose

WOW! This show sparkles! The cast of Billy Elliott is talented and the show simply flows – and takes you on the ride.

The story brings several elements to life.  First, if you’re of a certain age, you may remember the UK Miners Strike of 1984-85.  It was a pivotal moment in Great Britain’s history, and a subject I simply could not imagine being part of a musical.  Second, the story invites the audience in to share what is left of a family after the death of a mother.  There is a father, an older son and a younger son, Billy.  Actor Rich Hebert gave an excellent performance as the brusque and lonely widower who reacts poorly to his son’s desire to take dance lessons rather than boxing lessons.  He comes around though, and his toughness gives way to provide a glimpse of the underlying love he has for his son.  We are witness to a portion of a young boys’ journey through grief – to letting go of the mother he has already lost to death and to his and his older brothers’ acceptance that Billy’s future will not be in the coal mines that have defined the men of his family for generations.

None of this really sounds like a musical – but obviously I hadn’t taken into account the combined talents of writer Lee Hall, music by Elton John, solid direction by Stephen Daldry and the choreography of Peter Darling.  Inventive sets and staging were present, but the dancing was what held the attention.  The cast assembled truly seemed to be an ensemble – with Billy (Daniel Russell) shining through it all.  The high energy of Billy is countered by the tough but heart of gold dance instructor, Mrs. Wilkerson (Faith Prince).  She came across as someone you’d meet in the neighborhood, someone who’s lived a bit of a hard life, and come through a little jaded, but not destroyed. She sees and nurtures the talent in Billy, then provides the opportunity to him to use dance to forge a new life.

The adult language may be offensive to some however it commonplace during that time. The dancing just takes your breath away, and the finale, or rather encore dance, will make you walk out of the theater feeling like you could dance too.

By DISH Contributor Jayme Lamm

If you were within a 6 mile radius of Downtown Houston this past Saturday, you couldn't miss it. Scads of Houstonians and even some overzealous out-of-towners (over 180 racers total) took over the patio at Little Woodrows (the brand new one on 2019 Walker St.) as they vied to compete in an amazing Texas-themed urban race.

Tutus, banana costumes, mass amounts of mardi gras beads and more adorned the racers as they plotted a 10-clue checkpoint race equipped with stunts, scavenger hunts and bar-b-que sauce. CitySolve comes to Houston once a year (along with many other cities on the map) to allow participants to buzz around the city (using only their own two feet, Go Rev electric cars, or the METRO (bus or lightrail) to methodically check off clues and mandatory stops before heading back to Little Woodrow's to cross the finish line.

The teams compete for pride, bragging rights of course, a couple hundred bucks cash, the first team back to the cold beer and a chance to compete in the finals in VIVA LAS VEGAS on November 5th. 

The questions are tougher than you might think. Here are a few examples from this years race:

Clue 4. Home sweet home...

Leonardo DiCaprio doesn't live here, but the character he portrayed in a movie once did. This residence in question is located on The University of St. Thomas.

Here's the synopsis of the flick: The film centers on the main character's life from the late 1920's to 1947, during which time he became a successful film producer and an aviation magnate while simultaneously growing more unstable due to severe OCD.

Clue 9. Cowabunga, dude!

On Westheimer Rd is an eatery whose name is the same as the hero in the half shell (included a picture of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle)

BONUS - Take 2 minutes off for showing your best ninja move in this picture. Ninja pose MUST be a jumping move. Only 1 teammate must be jumping, but it's more fun when everyone is jumping!

 (photo attached of Ninja Move by Hogan's Heroes) 

Clue 10. Lookin' sharp and lookin' for love.

ZZ Top would probably enjoy both services offered at this split-function establishment off of Market Square Park.

BONUS CLUE 2. Knick-knacks, trinkets, and more...

In honor of today's charity, Wish Upon A Wedding, you must take a picture of up to 5 signs with the word wish

Answers:

Clue 4. Home sweet home...

Hugh's House on the campus of St. Thomas

Clue 9. Cowabunga, dude!

Michaelangelo's (307 Westheimer Rd.)

Clue 10. Lookin' sharp and lookin' for love.

Char Bar (305 Travis St.)

note - everyone got this clue wrong except for a handful of folks. Tree Beards also happens to be located in Market Square Park - get it... ZZ Top and beards?!?!  That was a trick question CitySolve!

Needless to say everyone had an amazing time and loads of money was raised for a great cause! See??? Giving back doesn't have to be stuffy! Dallas (April 2) , Austin (April 23) , and San Antonio (October 8) are still coming uup later this year so get your costumes ready and hit the road! DISH will see you there!

Don't count your health, wellness and DIET resolutions out just yet! Just because it's Rodeo Cook-Off this weekend doesn't mean you have to roll over and let your diet play dead!

You can go to cook off in the evening and learn all about the many different styles and lineages of yoga during the day! You can also practice any type of yoga while you visit the Texas Yoga Conference!

It's happening on the University of St. Thomas Campus at the Jerabeck Athletic Center Feb 25-27, 2011. There will be over 72 presentations and you can take yoga classes with some of the top instructors in the world. DISH will absolutely be there!

But it's not just yoga! It's DJs Spinning and live music, food and so much more!!

It's starts Friday Night with the Bhakti Bash from 5:30-9:30 p.m. led by Sean Johnson! DJ Hyfi will spin music and Dana Flynn will help us rejoice with a Laughing Lotus yoga class. In room 202 at 5:30 p.m. Etan Boritzer will be holding a lecture Yoga and the Buddha’s Teachings which is good for all, including yoga teachers, to enjoy. Then at 7:30 p.m. the party begins with a music concert with Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band, dancing, food, massage, and henna tattoos!

Saturday night is MC Yogi in concert at 7:30 p.m. with Sean Johnson playing afterwards on February 26, 2010.

Our lineup includes Duncan Wong, Sadie Nardini, Dana Flynn, Sierra Bender, Les Leventhal, Christina Sell, & KK Ledford and of course all of our fabulous Texas talent!

Manduka, Luna Bars, 002 Magazine, Kulae, Luke's Locker, I Love Yoga, Prana, and Natural Awakenings Magazine are just a few of our sponsors participating this year. Shopping and yoga are in store for you! Be prepared to have a blast meeting our presenters and sponsors in 2011! They are awesome!

To promote yoga in Texas help us to unite the Texas yoga community and spread the bliss of yoga by mentioning us in your newsletters, Facebook pages and other marketing avenues that you may use.

Can't wait to see you there DISHIES!