lost creek times Lost Creek times February 2009 News for the Residents of Lost Creek Volume 2, Issue 2 Not Available Online

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "lost creek times Lost Creek times February 2009 News for the Residents of Lost Creek Volume 2, Issue 2 Not Available Online"

Audrey Williams
5 years ago
Views:

1 Lost Creek times February 2009 News for the Residents of Lost Creek Volume 2, Issue 2 Not Available Online

2 Newsletter Information Newsletter Publisher Peel, Inc Article Advertising Information Please support the businesses that advertise in the Lost Creek Times. Their advertising dollars make it possible for all The Lost Creek Times residents to receive the monthly newsletter at no charge. If you would like to support the newsletter by advertising, please contact our sales office at or PEELinc.com. The advertising deadline is the 10th of each month for the following month's newsletter. At no time will any source be allowed to use the Lost Creek Times contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, , electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from the Peel, Inc. The information in the newsletter is exclusively for the private use of Peel, Inc.. Business Classified FOUR POINTS TUTORING AT LOST CREEK, offers one-on-one tutoring in all core academic subjects. We serve all ages, pre kindergarten through adult. Our tutors are experienced educators that are passionate about helping students learn! For further information contact us at or Classified Ads Personal classifieds (one time sell items, such as a used bike...) run at no charge to Steiner Ranch residents, limit 30 words, please articles@peelinc.com. Business classifieds (offering a service or product line for profit) are $50, limit 40 words, please contact Peel, Inc. Sales Office at or advertising@peelinc.com. Go Paperless Sign up to receive The Lost Creek Times in your inbox. Visit PEELinc.com for details. Day Of Beauty Makeovers Hair Designers Master Color Specialists MicroCurrent Face Lift Spa Packages Skin Facial Services SALON & DAY SPA Serving Austin for 35 Years Professional Manicures/ Pedicures IPL/Photofacial Rejuvenation Laser/IPL Hair Removal Refreshing Spa/Body Treatments Professional Waxing Extraordinary Massage Services GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE BUY ON-LINE NEW SOUTH LOCATION NOW OPEN! 5400 BRODIE LANE IN ACADEMY SHOPPING CTR., NEXT TO BED, BATH & BEYOND Downtown Salon located at 710 W. 7th St azizsalon.com 2

New Food Guide Pyramid - (Continued from Cover Page) meals that might spoil their appetite. Serve smaller portions, which are less overwhelming for kids.

Sit down for family meals together and make sure your kids see you enjoying the same wholesome foods you re expecting them to eat. Get more inventive as they grow. Create food faces.

3 New Food Guide Pyramid - (Continued from Cover Page) meals that might spoil their appetite. Serve smaller portions, which are less overwhelming for kids. Plus, bigger portions may encourage overeating. Create positive peer pressure. Look for opportunities for kids to eat healthy with friends (at home, playgroups, or school). Set a good example. Sit down for family meals together and make sure your kids see you enjoying the same wholesome foods you re expecting them to eat. Get more inventive as they grow. Create food faces. Offer condiments, dressings, and dips (like peanut butter, applesauce, ranch dressing, yogurt, cream cheese, guacamole, or salsa dip) for dunking and decorating. Serve colorful fruits and veggies in a food rainbow or on a kabob. Cut cheese, veggies, and sandwiches into shapes. And if your picky eater opts not to eat anything at all, don t make a big deal about it your finicky kid won t starve. Simply offer nutritious choices again at the next scheduled meal or snack. But if your child is regularly skipping meals and snacks or you re worried that your little one isn t getting enough calories or nutrients, talk to your doctor. Luckily, although lots of tots are picky eaters at some point, this often-frustrating phase too shall pass. In the meantime, get creative, be patient, stay positive, and stock up on snack and meal ideas from Not Available Online other parents, KidsHealth s recipe section, and tools like the USDA s new website (go to MyPyramid.gov and click on MyPyramid for Preschoolers). And, just think, in no time they ll be really big kids raiding the cabinets! Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD Date reviewed: October 2008 This information was provided by KidsHealth, one of the largest resources online for medically reviewed health information written for parents, kids, and teens. For more articles like this one, visit or The Nemours Foundation Live Your Best Life! We Can Help! Lose Weight Eliminate Unwanted Habits Manage Stress Effectively Pam Yagjian, MS, CHt (512) The Brown Paint Company What can BROWN paint for you? INTERIOR / EXTERIOR PAINTING RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL GENERAL REPAIRS / CARPENTRY SHEETROCK REPLACEMENT TEXTURING & FAUX FINISHES CUSTOM STAIN & VARNISH Why should BROWN paint for you? FREE ESTIMATES BONDED & INSURED 10 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE EXCELLENT REFERENCES 3-YEAR WARRANTY FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED Got Botox? Great Gift for Any Occasion! $10.00 off first treatment (Mention this Ad) Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Insurance Accepted

WWW.ATFCU.ORG 512.302.5555 5 YEARS 10 YEARS 15 YEARS Free Checking HOME EQUITY LOANS 4.95 APR* 5.40 APR* 5.

Submitted by Laurie Scott Here we are in 2009, and the days of thinking that our anti-virus and anti-spyware software will protect us is over.

computers or sends out spam. Even Apple computer has posted (rather quietly) a recommendation that Mac users consider using anti-virus software. The generic term for viruses, spyware, etc.

4 YEARS 10 YEARS 15 YEARS Free Checking HOME EQUITY LOANS 4.95 APR* 5.40 APR* 5.75 APR* $75,000 to $124,999 $125,000 to $174,999 $175,000 and Above MONEY MARKET Plus No Closing Costs!** 2.48 **** 2.68 **** 2.89 **** Virus and Spyware and Mail Oh My! Submitted by Laurie Scott Here we are in 2009, and the days of thinking that our anti-virus and anti-spyware software will protect us is over. We live in a time when organized crime all over the world is trying to either get your personal information directly or turning your computer into a zombie that without your knowledge attacks other computers or sends out spam. Even Apple computer has posted (rather quietly) a recommendation that Mac users consider using anti-virus software. The generic term for viruses, spyware, etc. is malware, and malware authors are getting more and more creative in getting their hands into your computer. A particularly nasty approach being used is to trick you by popping up a window that says your computer is being scanned for viruses, and that upwards of 40 have been found. It instructs you to click on a button to download their anti-virus software to clean your system. When you click on that button, you ve just allow the spyware onto your system. It is a very convincing window and looks legitimate. Once downloaded, it adds insult to injury by telling you need to purchase the software to actually remove the viruses. Of course, it doesn t remove any spyware or virus, and getting you to send them money is just icing on their cake. The most common names for this program is WinAntiVirus 2008 (and now a 2009 version) and Pro AntiSpyware. UP TO 66 MONTHS 72 MONTHS 12 MONTHS 24 MONTHS 36 MONTHS 200+ Free ATMs AUTO LOANS 4.85 APR* 5.20 APR* Regular 1 SHARE CERTIFICATES 3.29 **** 3.55 **** 3.65 **** *Annual Percentage Rate. All rates expressed are as low as. **Austin Telco will pay all standard closing costs on Home Equity loans below $100k. Additional non-standard fees will be the responsibility of the member. ***Rate applies to 1st lien commercial real estate loans with a loan to value of 80 or less; construction/development loan rates / terms may be different. No Pre-payment penalty. Please call for details. ****Annual Percentage Yield. Penalties for early withdrawal may apply. Actual rate may vary depending on credit qualifications. All APRs, s and terms are subject to change without notice. This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. 14 METRO LOCATIONS New, Used or Refinance COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LOANS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS 15 YEARS 5.99*** 6.29*** 6.49*** Jumbo 2 20 Year Amortization 3.44 **** 3.75 **** 3.85 **** The problem with these and many other malware programs is that they are increasingly difficult for your anti-virus and anti-spyware program to detect and almost impossible to completely remove. Many threats appear before the anti-virus companies even have a chance to update their software, leaving you completely unprotected. So how can you keep your computer safe from such threats? The first thing you must do is be sure to keep your anti-virus up to date. If your subscription has expired, you should either renew it or else use one of the free anti-virus programs like AVG Free or Avast (they have paid versions but you don t need them). Microsoft s anti-spyware program Defender is included with Vista and can be downloaded free from Microsoft for Windows XP. Though the threat for Macs is low, programs like ClamXav and MacScan are available, as are programs from Symantec and McAfee. Next is keep your operating system up to date. Both Microsoft and Apple frequently issue updates, and it s very important you patch your computer before the bad guys worm their way in. Finally and most important is your behavior when using your computer. You can own a Volvo or Mercedes with 12 airbags and 5-way seat belts, but if your behavior is to drive 120 miles an hour, GRAND OPENING Rollingwood Family Chiropractic Donald G. Pethtel, D.C. (Continued on Page 5) I have helped many people achieve their health goals and improve the quality of their lives through gentle and affordable Chiropractic care and I look forward to helping you do the same Bee Cave Rd., Ste. 112 Rollingwood,TX Please call today to schedule a complimentary wellness evaluation. We are conveniently located in the Rollingwood Plaza by Bistro 88 and offer same day and Saturday appointments.

5 Virus and Spyware - (Continued from page 4) those safety features aren t going to help you when you hit a solid wall. Likewise, when you re using your computer, don t click on links or open attachments in , even if it s from someone you know they may not even know they sent it! If you re expecting it, then ok. Don t click on links that look like they came from your bank, many people have given their banking login information to thieves because they thought they were logging into their bank, but really weren t. If you use Internet Explorer, be sure you ve upgraded to version 7 (click on Help About to see the version number.) If you re using Firefox, you should be using version 3. Safari users should be at 3.2 (4.0 will be released sometime soon.) Don t click on pop-up s, and don t download music sharing sites like LimeWire, where malware is EVERYWHERE. Follow those few tips and you ll enjoy a much safer computing experience. Lost Creek Newsletter is a private publication published by Peel, Inc. It is not sanctioned by any homeowners association or organization, nor is it subject to the approval of any homeowners association or organization, nor is it intended, nor implied to replace any publication that may be published by or on behalf of any homeowners association or organization. At no time will any source be allowed to use Lost Creek Newsletter contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, , electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from Peel, Inc. The information in the newsletter is exclusively for the private use of Peel, Inc. Family Owned & Operated! Serving all of Austin & Central Texas for 33 years! Ballard s SPECIALIZING IN RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL: Tree Removal Pruning Cabling Brush Grinding Landscaping Stump Removal Call for a FREE ESTIMATE today! (512) (512) (512) Daniel Ballard Owner ISA Certified Arborist Texas Chapter Service Roof Cleaning Gutter Cleaning Fertilizing Tree & Shrub Trimming Ball Moss, Mistletoe, & Dead Wood Removal PRESENT THIS AD FOR 20 OFF ANY SERVICE! Not Available Online Newsletter Article Submissions Interested in submitting an article? You can do so by ing articles@ peelinc.com or by going to All news must be received by the 9th of the month prior to the issue. So if you are involved with a school group, scouts, sports etc please submit your articles for The Lost Creek Times. Personal news for the Stork Report, Teenage Job Seekers, special celebrations and military service are also welcome. Doug s Garage Door Service The service man you can trust! Family owned and operated since 1984 Free Estimates Custom Steel and Wood Doors Residential/Commercial Repairs Openers For Service/Sales Contact Doug Yoder:

Echoes of the Drought from the 1950s LCRA meteorologist Bob Rose reflects on 2008 and shares his 2009 weather predictions During the long Texas drought of the 1950s a joke, probably already as old as

This line is from Elmer Kelton s famous book, The Time it Never Rained, a chronicle of the terrible record-setting drought of the 1950s in West Texas.

6 Echoes of the Drought from the 1950s LCRA meteorologist Bob Rose reflects on 2008 and shares his 2009 weather predictions During the long Texas drought of the 1950s a joke, probably already as old as the state, was told again and again about a man who bet several of his friends it would never rain again, and he collected from two of them. This line is from Elmer Kelton s famous book, The Time it Never Rained, a chronicle of the terrible record-setting drought of the 1950s in West Texas. In the book, Elmer states that drought, by Texas definition, is a period of severely deficient moisture that laps over from one year into another. It often lasts two to three years duration. Anything shorter, though it may be serious, is termed a dry spell, as if more annoyance than hardship. There s no doubt the long drought of the 1950s is one of the worst on record for Texas. During that period, many cities set records for all-time lowest rainfall in a month and in a calendar year. For example, Austin s rainfall in 1954 was only inches, the driest year on record, dating back to But very dry weather in 2008, although not long enough in duration to qualify as a drought, is matching, if not exceeding, some Bob Rose, LCRA meterologist of the bad drought years of the 1950s. From the Hill Country to the middle Texas coast, rainfall through late December has been roughly 25 to 50 percent of normal. Data for Austin and San Antonio indicate 2008 was the fourth driest year for Austin and the third driest year for San Antonio, as well as the driest year for both cities since the mid 1950s! In reality, the dry weather of 2008 has not just been a dry spell but rather a very serious drought! The cause of this drought, like most droughts, is not fully understood. It appears to be the result of many different elements in the oceans and atmosphere that have influenced the weather pattern over the central part of Texas most of the year. But in some ways, this drought also seemed to happen by chance, with several large rain storms just missing our region in one direction or another while other storm systems weakened and fell apart just before they moved through. In how many years do you find much of West and deep South Texas wetter than Central Texas? (Continued on Page 7) Stephen Blair, M.D. Board Certified Family Physician Lost Creek Homeowner 912 Capital of Texas Highway, South (between Bee Caves Rd. & Lost Creek Blvd.) Call for an appointment Extended hours: Evening and Saturday It s 2009! The Perfect Time to give your tubs and countertops a facelift! We can resurface: Bathtubs Tile Showers Countertops Laminate & Cultured Marble We can also: Repair Tub & Sink Chips Install Grab Bars Install the EasyStep Tub to Shower Conversion 5 Year Warranty Special Offer Call Now! Call for free estimate today! To reach your local Miracle Method office.

Echoes of the Drought - (Continued from Page 6) Scientifically speaking, we re currently in a period caused by a very long-term weather pattern that favors more dry

But what is surprising is just how dry this year has been, especially following the very wet year in 2007.

But I have some hope the drought may back off some later this winter and going into spring.

of the following year, but some fairly generous rains began to develop February into March in each of those years.

Will the dry spell of 2008 turn into the drought of 2008-2009? Let s certainly hope not.

Each 1 through 9 digit must appear only once in each row across, each column down, and each 3x3 box. Don t want to wait for the mail?

7 Echoes of the Drought - (Continued from Page 6) Scientifically speaking, we re currently in a period caused by a very long-term weather pattern that favors more dry years across Texas than wet ones. So having a fairly dry year right now is not all that surprising. But what is surprising is just how dry this year has been, especially following the very wet year in Like the two-year droughts of and , the drought of 2008 still may continue for another six months to a year, possibly longer. No one knows for sure. But I have some hope the drought may back off some later this winter and going into spring. Looking back at the weather from other years with somewhat similar ocean and atmospheric conditions, specifically 1950, 1974 and 1989, dry weather continued into January of the following year, but some fairly generous rains began to develop February into March in each of those years. If 2009 is similar, we might indeed see more rains across our region late winter and into spring. But will this be a true change in the pattern or just a temporary break? Will the dry spell of 2008 turn into the drought of ? Let s certainly hope not. Sudoku The challenge is to fill every row across, every column down, and every 3x3 box with the digits 1 through 9. Each 1 through 9 digit must appear only once in each row across, each column down, and each 3x3 box. Don t want to wait for the mail? View the current issue of the Lost Creek Times on the 1st day of each month at *Solution at Feature Exchange For Old Fashioned Service Residential & Commercial Composition Roofs - Modified Bitumen Single Ply Gutter Drain Protection We Assist You On Insurance Claims Locally Owned & Family Operated - Fully Insured Painting and Decorating Specialty finishes Faux Finishes Staining Minor Repairs Hydro Cleaning Outstanding Quality Professional Painting Murals Interior / Exterior Over 25 years experience Ask us about thinking green.

8 Nature Watch by Jim and Lynne Weber ncat Tracks Of the 36 species of wild cats in the world, 7 species roam North it also depends on surprise to ambush and kills its prey. It prefers America, and only 2 range widely in the state of Texas. In the desert to eat a wide variety of small mammals and is more of a generalist mountain ranges of West Texas, the dense brushlands of the Rio predator than its relative the mountain lion. While the bobcat is Grande Valley, and parts of the Edwards Plateau in Central Texas, the highly adaptable and in most areas has learned to cope with the mountain lion is the top predator. Preferring heavily wooded uplands inroads of human settlement, both the bobcat and the mountain lion and bottomland forests, as well as the rocky limestone regions of the face threats due to hunting by humans as well as from habitat loss and Edwards Plateau, the bobcat is present throughout Texas. fragmentation. Little has been learned about these wild cats due to A large, long-tailed, unspotted cat, the mountain lion has a lithe, their stealth and mainly nocturnal habits, and while fairly common, muscular body covered in short, tawny fur with darker markings on they leave little evidence of their presence. Often the only evidence the face, ears, and tip of the tail. Also known as the cougar or puma, that presents itself is a set of tracks. mountain lions can run up to 43 mph, leap 20 feet from a standing While the front tracks of felines (such as mountain lions and position, and jump a distance of 16 vertical feet! Unlike other big bobcats) and canines (such as coyotes and foxes) are larger than the cats, they cannot roar, but they do purr like their close relative, the hind tracks, there are some key differences that can aid in proper house cat. They can grow up to eight feet long, weigh up to 150 identification. Cat tracks do not usually have claw marks as their pounds, and can kill prey to up seven times their body weight. Their claws are retractable, and only show when they are pouncing or diet consists chiefly of large and small mammals, and although mainly running. In terms of their palm pad, cats have three lobes on the solitary, they will come together to mate. hind edge and two lobes on the leading edge, where dogs have two A medium-sized cat with a spotted and barred gray to reddish brown lobes on the hind edge and one lobe on the leading edge. Lastly, the coat, black-tufted ears, and a stubby tail, the bobcat inhabits more of two front middle toe pads of a cat are not aligned as they are in a dog North America than any other wild native feline. With its flexible track, and the positioning of the leading toe pad can help you body measuring up to three feet long and weighing up to 30 pounds, (Continued on Page 10) SUPERIOR PAINTING & WOOD ROT REPAIR PromPt - reliable - affordable - Since 1993 int./ext. Painting - Siding replacement door/window installation - trim carpentry extensive references - free estimates SatiSfaction guaranteed SuPeriorPainting@centurytel.net Master License: M STEVE S PLUMBING REPAIR water pressure problems sewer & drain service fiber optic drain line inspections free estimates satisfaction guaranteed Steve Brougher West Koenig Lane

9 Check us out at: Residential and CommeRCial HaRdsCape specialists 9413 neils thompson, austin, tx

View the Kids' Club Contest Winners online each month at www.peelinc.com/kidsclub.php Nature Watch - (Continued from Page 8) identify a left from a right foot.

Needless to say, the tracks of a mountain lion are generally larger than that of a bobcat (roughly 3-4 inches wide versus 2-3 inches wide).

While you may never actually see a mountain lion or bobcat in Central Texas, you can be sure these magnificent animals are present.

10 View the Kids' Club Contest Winners online each month at Nature Watch - (Continued from Page 8) identify a left from a right foot. If the toe that is furthest forward is on the right, the track is made by the left foot, and if it is on the left, the track is made by the right foot. Needless to say, the tracks of a mountain lion are generally larger than that of a bobcat (roughly 3-4 inches wide versus 2-3 inches wide). However, a large bobcat can splay its foot over 3 inches, and in those rarer cases the size of the palm pad is used to determine which feline left the tracks. While you may never actually see a mountain lion or bobcat in Central Texas, you can be sure these magnificent animals are present. Tracks and signs are everywhere, and if you spend the time to study them, they can tell you much about the secret lives of these elusive felines! Advertise Your Business Here Left Front Feline Track Canine Tracks Send your nature-related questions to naturewatch@austin.rr.com and we ll do our best to answer them. Advertise YOUR business to YOUR neighbors for less than 7 per home. Effective Advertising, Done Right. Call today to Reserve your space. lt Peel, Inc. community newsletters

11 Attention KIDS: Send Us Your Masterpiece! Color the drawing below and mail the finished artwork to us at Peel, Inc. - Kids Club 311 Ranch Road 620 S, Suite 200 Lakeway, TX We will select the top few and post their artwork online at DUE: February 28th Be sure to include the following so we can let you know! Name: (first name, last initial) Address: Age: [This information will only be used to notify you or your parents if your artwork was selected.] LT 11

- Dave & Beth Young This is a TIME-SENSITIVE issue. 512-779-5590 Bob 512-563-1395 - Marcus There Is No Obligation! Check For Hail Damage!

12 On May 14th, $9,000 + was stripped from my Lake Point home value Hail damage now I have a new roof, gutters, & fence. I highly recommend EcoExpress They inspect & verify any damage then work with the insurance company on MY behalf. Thanks to their marketing program, we paid $0 out-of-pocket! - Dave & Beth Young This is a TIME-SENSITIVE issue Bob Marcus There Is No Obligation! Check For Hail Damage! The April & May Hail-Storms removed 80 lbs of granules from roof shingles... reducing the life of a 30 year roof by 10 years. "They did everything they said they would do... They met with my insurance inspector... I had a settlement check in just days... The whole process was effortless" - Ann Ferrell Free Roof Check-up Call Limited Time Our marketing program pays you to help us grow - $500 / mo. Peel, Inc. 311 Ranch Road 620 S. Ste 200 Lakeway, Texas PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PEEL, INC. Voice V 12 LT

B e l ter ra C o m m u n i t y New s

t h e THe Bulletin B u l l e t in B e l ter ra C o m m u n i t y New s August February 2007 2009 Volume 3, Issue 2 News for the Residents Volume of 1, Belterra Issue 1 Cat Tracks Of the 36 species of wild