Seeking out bargains is key for thrifty shopping

Photo from amarillo.com

By: Rachel Nelson

http://www.ac-ranger.com/

Budgeting money is something most college students struggle with, but knowing where to shop can help.

"Everyone is looking for a good deal no matter how much money they have," said Joseph Ramirez, owner of Got Junk Thrift Store, located at 522 SW 16th Avenue.

Ramirez understands first hand that one man's trash can be another man's treasure. "I grew up really poor," he said. "Thrift stores were a way for me to get the things I needed and some of the things I wanted."

Ramirez said he will box up people's junk free of charge to sale in Got Junk. He tries to keep his one of a kind store fun by appealing to a younger crowd.

"We get a lot of younger people," he said.

Besides Got Junk's every day bargains, each Monday the store offers all items for half price. "I found this is more of a hobby for people. It's an outlet. It's therapy," Ramirez said.

By shopping at thrift stores, college students can quench their shopping habits without putting a huge dent in their savings account. Thrift stores provide a variety of items including books, shoes, appliances, furniture, clothing, jewelry and toys.

People go thrift store shopping for different reasons. Local shopper Candace Campbell chose to browse through the clothing racks at America's Best Thrift & Discount, located at 1600 Washington Street, when looking for a pair of white hospital scrubs.

"I start my CNA class on Monday so I have to find white scrubs," she said. Although she doesn't usually shop at thrift stores, Campbell found what she was looking for. "I come here when I don't want to spend a lot of money," she said.

Local resident Patty Brown frequents thrift stores in Amarillo. She referred to herself as the "thrift store queen" while scavenging through the aisles of Thrift Town at 10th and Monroe. Brown shops at thrift stores for a different reason than most.

"This is my job and I resale things on the Internet," she said. Brown said she collects $700 to $1,000 per week reselling items she finds at bargain prices.

Not only can college students save big while shopping at thrift stores, they also can earn extra cash by starting an online business reselling used items. Brown hits garage sales on the weekends in search of resalable items, keeping an observant eye out for anything Italian. "Italian brands sell really well," she said.

Surgical Technology major Carlee Garst buys groceries at Panhandle Salvage Grocery Store, located at 5811 S. Western Street. "Panhandle Salvage is the best for cheap food," she said. "Everything's on a budget. We pay our bills and we have $80 left over for gas and groceries so we have to split that to make sure we get everything covered."

Garst also turns to the Sunday paper to cut out coupons.

"I probably save about $50 every two weeks with coupons and shopping at thrift stores," she said.

When shopping at any store, looking at the bargain racks first is a helpful hint when it comes to being resourceful.

Business Administration major Sabina Domagala said she makes the clearance racks a priority when shopping.

"I shop on the clearance racks first then I look at the more expensive items," she said.

Domagala has another piece of advice for ladies who like to shop.

"Take a guy and have him pay for it," she said.

Shopping online is another way to save money. There are many bargains to be found in cyber space, it just takes browsing to find them.

English major Staci Hayes is a frequent online shopper.

"That's pretty much the only way I shop besides clearance racks," she said.

Hayes takes advantage of Web sites that offer free shipping.

"The other day I bought a three dollar bikini top with free shipping," Hayes said. "Wal-Mart online is really cool because you can look at the stuff they don't have at their store. They ship it to the store and then you can pick it up there, so it's always free shipping."

Some of Hayes' other favorite online shopping spots include Old Navy and American Eagle.

"I shop at Old Navy because they have $5 shipping and they have clearance stuff that you can't find in the stores," she said. "American Eagle sends you coupons in your email so you can get all their clearance shirts for three to six dollars."

Regardless of a student's financial situation, Crown Financial Ministries recommends slating a budget because it can be a beneficial strategy to staying out of debt. Students can figure up what they spend on rent, utilities, car payment, insurance, gasoline, laundry, savings and other expenses.

"I always write everything down. I figure how much each check is going to be and how much we have to spend on bills and then how much we're going to have left for anything else," Garst said. "If you budget everything it's a lot easier I found out. You don't get your account overdrawn."

By comparing what is spent each month on bills and other necessities to the student's total income, what's left can be used to treat oneself to a shopping spree at their favorite store.

Hellyeah to return to Amarillo December 16

** Editor's Note ** I was among the many local fans that purchased a ticket to the Hellyeah, Otep and Bloodsimple show November 20. I, like many others,was pretty upset when the announcement was made minutes before the doors to the concert opened that the show had been cancelled. After much deliberation, I decided it would be worth a shot to try to speak with the band and give them a chance to explain more in depth to their fans what was going on. I went to the tour buses, parked outside of the Midnight Rodeo where the gig was scheduled to take place. I saw a man walk from one bus to another, and then he disappeared. When he came back out, a friend and I approached him and discovered that he was Tommy Maxwell, rhythm guitarist for Hellyeah. He was in search of a lighter to spark up his cigarette. I gave him a light, and he hung out with us in the freezing cold for the next few minutes, eager to get the word out as to why the show was canceled and when it would return to Amarillo.

Hellyeah to return to Amarillo December 16
By: Rachel Nelson
http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Hellyeah was scheduled to play with special guests Otep and Bloodsimple at the Midnight Rodeo November 20, but much to the disappointment of fans, the show was canceled because of circulating rumors that lead guitarist Greg Tribbett, also an existing member of Mudvayne, had injured his shoulder.

According to rhythm guitarist Tom Maxwell, made famous by his lead guitar role in Nothingface, Tribbett has tendonitis in his left arm,which made him unable to play the gig.

"His arm was hurting really bad. If one goes, we all go," Maxwell said.

Hellyeah made plans to return to the Panhandle December 16. "Sorry, we'll make it up for you next time," Maxwell said to fans who spent nearly $30 for tickets to the show.

Maxwell also spoke enthusiastically about the coming together of heavy metal supergroup Hellyeah, which presents a brilliant mixture of Mudvayne, Damageplan, Pantera and Nothingface. He said that he and Chad Gray, another member of Mudvayne, greatly contributed to making the idea happen.

Although Hellyeah has experienced some changes since its official forming in 2006, the band continues to rock out all over the country and are currently playing out their 'Balls, Volume, Strength' tour.

Hellyeah original bassist Jerry Montano, made famous in Nothingface, left the band under what Maxwell hinted to be bad terms.

"Here's my quote for Jerry," Maxwell said. "Enemy."

Bobzilla, formerly of Damageplan and good friend of Hellyeah and former Damageplan and Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott, took over the role as bassist.

Hellyeah released their debut self-titled album in April. Included on the song list is a track titled "Thank You," which is a dedication to Gray's grandmother, Maxwell's mother, Dimebag Darrell Abbott (Vinnie Paul's brother who was gunned down on stage during a Damageplan show in 2004) and "everyone else who has lost someone," Maxwell said during his interview with the Scene.

For more information on the ticket situation, contact Front Gate tickets by visiting frontgatetickets.com.

2-day event to mark the 10th anniversary of Brian Deneke's death and contribute to the National Deneke Memorial

By: Rachel Nelson
http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Brian Deneke never imagined when he signed Shelly Singleton's freshman yearbook as "the most famous kid in school" that he one day would become just that.

Singleton befriended Deneke on the first day of sixth grade at Crockett Middle School on the grounds that they were both different.

"Brian tried to be friends with everybody," she said.December 12 will mark the tenth anniversary of the death of Deneke, a local punk who Singleton described as "the heartbeat of the scene."

Deneke was ran over and killed by Dustin Camp in the Western Plaza parking lot at the age of 19 in a conflict between two social groups: "punks" and "preps." Since Deneke's death in 1997, the incident has gained nation-wide coverage by outlets such as the Leeza Show, Dateline 20/20, MTV, A&E City Confidential, Texas Monthly, Punk Planet Magazine, the New York Times and more. His story has even been placed in textbooks for social studies classes.

Deneke is remembered by friends and family as a happy-go-lucky, likeable guy who loved to skateboard.

"I don't think I ever saw him in a bad mood," Singleton said. "You could not be around him and be in a bad mood."

Festivals will be held in approximately 30 different cities in Deneke's honor on the weekend of December 7 and 8. The Amarillo event will take place at the Nat Ballroom, located at 604 S. Georgia Street. The two-day happening will be a B.Y.O.B. event with live music and will serve as a time of unity in Brian's memory. Admission will be $5 each night.

Fifty percent of the National proceeds will go to the National Organization for Parents of Murdered Children.

"The other 50 percent of each city event proceeds will go to a chosen local organization to help change their own communities, to fight prejudice, violence, injustice and the like," The National Deneke Memorial Myspace reports.

Friends and family of Brian believe this is what he would want.

"He was very into helping people," Singleton said as she recalled how Brian would cook food and feed it to homeless people at parks.

Brian Deneke's father, Mike, finds the nation-wide response to be "overwhelming" and "surprising," and has recognized an attitude from some people to let the tragedy rest after ten years. But Brian's story has taken on a life of it's own.

"We didn't organize this. We didn't even know. So many people can relate to what happened. I think that's why the story keeps going. It touches people," Mike Deneke said.

"Brian's still a part of us," said Betty Deneke, Brians mother.

Mike Deneke believes that there are a lot of lessons to be learned from Brian's story, and the festival will help to shine a light on that.

"There's lots of lessons," he said. "There are unintended consequences to actions. There was also a lot of alcohol involved. That could be another lesson. But also respect for individuality and people. You don't have to agree, but treat others as you would want to be treated."

Brian's brother, Jason Deneke, said he misses the simplicity of "just hanging out" with his little brother. He also hopes that the nation-wide events will circulate a message to others.

"I just hope it raises some awareness and teaches people a little bit of tolerance," he said.

Brian Deneke's parents admitted that they were not particularly thrilled when Brian came home sporting a green Mohawk, but they noted that he was a free spirit. Betty Deneke remembers the first time she found out that Brian had a tattoo, and she laughs about it now.

"I found out he had a tattoo when I took him to the doctor's office for a broken collarbone," she said.

Although the Deneke's all agree that it doesn't feel like it's been ten years since Brian's death, they have learned to cope with the situation.

"We just had to kind of move on. You can let it eat you up and it can destroyyour life. Brian wouldn't have wanted that," Mike Deneke said.

Betty Deneke said her faith helped her through the loss of her son.

"It was the only thing that kept me going," she said.

Mike Deneke agreed. "What helped us get beyond the anger and the hatred was the idea of forgiveness," he said.

For more information about Brian's story or the upcoming events, visitwww.myspace.com/nationaldenekememorial or http://www.briandeneke.org/.

Local museum is free and open to the public

photo courtesy of www.amarilloart.org

By: Rachel Nelson

http://www.amarilloscene.com/

The Amarillo Museum of Art has been adding color to the lives of people in the Golden Spread for forty years.

According to AMOA executive director Graziella Marchicelli, the arts are important in all of our lives regardless of economical or educational background.

"The arts do more than just decorate your home. The arts are much broader and have a much deeper meaning than we give it credit for," she said.

The mission of the museum is to "provide quality visual arts programming to the residents of the Texas Panhandle, eastern New Mexico and western Oklahoma through collections, temporary exhibitions, educational programming, preservation and research."

The AMOA holds exhibitions, art classes and special events for the community on a regular basis.On the third Thursday of every month, AMOA holds an event called "Third Thursdays." It is in collaboration with Starbuck's Coffee and includes live music, children's activities, art based lessons for the entire family and coffee tasting.

The events are held at the museum, located on the northeast corner of the Amarillo College Washington Street campus, and are free to the public.

Those who attend Third Thursdays can go on tours of current exhibitions, and the museum usually shows a film or documentary. Activities start at 6 p.m. and run until 9. The next Third Thursday event will be held October 18.

"We are more than just a place for pretty objects," Marchicelli said.

At the last Third Thursday event held on September 20, the museum introduced the "Art-o-mat." It is a refurbished cigarette machine that was custom designed for the AMOA. Five dollar tokens can be purchased at AMOA to be used in the Art-o-mat. The machine dispenses miniature pieces of original artwork by various international artists. There are only three of these machines in Texas.

Currently running at AMOA is an exhibition called The Face of India: Photographs of Donald M. Robinson.

"Through his lens he shows us the social contradictions in India and disparities within the country from the congestion of elephants and buggies on the main street to the quiet, majestic palaces of the maharajas," the AMOA Web site reports.

"It was a pleasure and a privilege to discover India," Robinson said. "The experience afforded me unparalleled photographic opportunities.

"The Face of India exhibition will run at the museum through October 21. For more information about the museum and the exhibition, visit www.amarilloart.org.

Other exhibitions running at AMOA are Syncopated Rhythm: the Collage of Lance Letscher and Dante Marioni: Form – Color -Pattern. These exhibitions will run until October 28.

Marchicelli encourages people to take advantage of visiting the free-to-the-public museum.

"Art is an intuitive part of who we are as human beings," she said.

The AMOA currently is looking for volunteers for Third Thursdays. Anyone interested should call the museum at 371-5050.

Museum Hours:Tues - Fri ... 10-5 p.m.
Thur... 10-9 p.m.
Sat - Sun ... 1-5 p.m.

Location: 2200 S. Van Buren, Amarillo, Texas 79109
Mailing Address: PO Box 447, Amarillo, Texas 79178
Phone: 806-371-5050
Fax: 806-373-9235
Email: amoa@actx.eduwww.amarilloart.org

Local BMX freestyle rider soars to top

Duke Dustman performs a stunt on his bike.

By: Rachel Nelson
http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Eighteen-year-old Duke Dustman knows what it means to overcome obstacles. He experienced the loss of his father at the age of 14, and he didn't graduate from high school. He never imagined he would be where he is today.

"I started riding. It kept me from doing bad things. It keeps me happy," Dustman said.

Dustman started out watching freestyle bikers perform stunts on TV. Today, a few broken bones and injuries later, he has three sponsors that help him excel in the sport.

Outdoor Elements Sports and Torn are the local businesses that support Dustman by donating equipment and monetary needs for his endeavors. Black Eye Bikes out of Colorado also provides support.

Dustman began progressing in the world of freestyle biking when his friend, Adam Cossey, opened an indoor skate park in Amarillo.

"He's picked up quicker than anybody I've seen. In three years he's done what most kids try to accomplish in 10," Cossey said of Dustman's accomplishments.

After spending time at Cossey's skate park, Dustman entered a contest with the New Mexico Xtreme Sports Association where he landed first place in a freestyle competition. He was then flown to California to attend Camp Woodward, a BMX facility, where he received daily instruction for one week.

"That's an amazing place. It's like bike heaven," Dustman said.

Since then, Dustman has been involved in several competitions.

Among Dustman's favorite tricks to perform is the "tail whip."

"It's where I get off my bike in the air, spin the bike around and get back on it."

He also has mastered the art of doing back flips.

Dustman and a few of his bike buddies recently established their own freestyle team. Team EKUD has done a few shows around town.

"We want to do birthday parties and stuff like that," Dustman said.

Those interested in having Team EKUD perform at their event can reach Dustman at (806) 324-3633. Team EKUD is also on the lookout for someone to sponsor them in making clothing.

Dustman said his freestyle family keeps him encouraged on his journey, although he doesn't think it's going to be his career.

"Thanks to all my friends that ride with me and help me out through the hard times," he said.

To others desiring to get involved in BMX riding, Dustman offers advice.

"Get a bike," he said. "If kids want to get a bike, they can go to Outdoor Elements. They're really nice people."

Although Cossey's indoor skate park is no longer open, John Stiff Park in Amarillo has a free outdoor establishment open to the public.

Above all, Dustman encourages people pursuing freestyle biking to have a good time.

"Ride for fun. Don't take it seriously," he said.

Theatre expands, welcomes local talent

By: Rachel Nelson

http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Among the explosion of the local art scene is the Amarillo Repertory Theatre, located in Sunset Center. The theatre, commonly called "The Rep," was started one year ago by Shawn Martin and David Burton, and since then it has produced 13 shows, a majority of which have been written by local playwrights.

"The theatre itself has been going through a lot of growth," said artistic director Sirc Michaels.

The current show that The Rep is running is "Faust," which began on Halloween night and will repeat November 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 8 p.m.

"This is the beginning of the first full-on season where we will be doing shows for adults and families," Michaels said.

Admission to the show is $5 for students and seniors and $10 for everyone else. Tickets can be purchased at the door."

"'Faust' is the classic story about a man who sells his soul to the devil for a chance to relive his youth, only to realize the folly of his actions all too late," said Michaels, who wrote the script.

Those who come to the production will enter the theatre through a creative set-up that appears to be the mouth of hell.

Another show running in November will be D Fever and Hank Robey on the 14th at 8 p.m.

According to Michaels, The Rep puts on a diverse selection of thought-invoking shows. He described some plays as family friendly fairy tales, while others "push the envelope."

"We're not just doing one type of show," he said. "We're trying to do provocative theatre … stuff that you wouldn't just see around town. Our whole thrust is to help cultivate performing arts in the Panhandle."

Michaels believes that theatre is "the common man's art."

"Our goal is to reach people who normally wouldn't go to the theatre," he said. "There's something very magical about the theatre. This is something that everyone should experience."

Going to the movies and attending live theatre are two completely different experiences according to Martin, who is the managing producer of The Rep.

"The country is currently enthralled with electronic stimulation," he said. "The medium of film has completely overtaken the entertainment industry so currently people don't even realize that they can be entertained enjoyably by live human beings."

Martin encourages people to give live theatre a chance.

"It's fun to be entertained by live people," he said. "Every theatre experience is brand new. If you come see the same show ten times, you will see ten different shows because of the human factor."

Contrary to popular belief, Michaels said theatre isn't just the stereotypical men in tights.

"It's varied, it's exciting and it can really charge a person in terms of their emotions," he said.

Because of lacking funds, the arts are commonly the first thing to be cut from public schools. Michaels said that one of the future goals of The Amarillo Repertory Theatre is to go into schools and tie shows into the curriculum. They also will host the Panhandle Playwrights Festival where writers in the area will have an opportunity to submit their work to be produced at The Rep. The deadline for submissions will be at the end of January. Six finalists will be chosen for live stage readings, one of which will get a production at the Repertory Theatre in May.

For more information, visit the group's Web site at http://www.art-in-amarillo.com/.

The Amarillo Repertory Theatre desires to work with local talent.

"We're really keen on working with groups," Michaels said.

The theatre invites those with an interest in acting to audition for shows and welcomes scripts from local writers. They also are willing to provide a venue to people in search of one.

Slamarillo, a group of slam poets in Amarillo, have made the theater their home venue for the past six months and perform on the last Saturday of every month at 8 p.m.

The Amarillo Repertory Theatre has a full season slated. To stay up-to-date with shows, visit the groups Web site or check out Myspace.com/amarep.

Route 66 Roller Derby League plans to start bouts in spring

By: Rachel Nelson
http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Roller derby is a sport that has fizzled in and out of popularity through the decades. It took off for the first time in the United States in the 1930s and has seen its ups and downs. With the emerging of the new millennium, however, the sport has made a big comeback. The once All-American past time is returning in a punk rock, rebellion extreme. The Women's Flat Track Derby Association was formed in 2004, and Amarillo is getting in on the action.

"I like that it is aggressive and it's for women. You don't find a whole lot of aggressive women sports," said Crystal Tabor, a skater in the Route 66 Roller Derby that was formed late last year. Tabor's skate mates call her "Sgt. Sass" on the track.

"The personal names are supposed to be kind of corny and fun," she said. "They're also supposed to represent something about you."

The Route 66 Roller Derby came to exist when Stephanie "Mia Sinner" Buchanan got together with what she calls "the original eight" at Denny's for coffee and hamburgers. They thought it would be a good idea to start a roller derby league in Amarillo. The league is now approximately 30 skaters strong, and Buchanan said she is not surprised with the derby's success.

"There's very limited choices for sports in Amarillo. It gives women who have a need for endurance an outlet," she said.

Heather "H-Bomb" Hoffsteader is a mother of 3 and works a full time job. She said she enjoys blowing off steam through roller derby.

"It's empowering, it's fun, it's a great stress release. We don't usually get that as women very often, especially in a physical sport," Hoffsteader said. "It's a great outlet and it's great to get to know new people, too."

The league consists of three teams: The Bonzai Brawlers, Deadly Dames and Piston Pinups. The teams bout with each other on the weekends and have not yet competed with other leagues, but plan on branching out when they start their second season in the spring.

Hoffsteader said the only thing keeping the league from competing is that they are in search of a venue.

"We have a couple of them in the works, but no one really has everything we need," Hoffsteader said. "We just can't wait to get started. We all wish we could start now, but we can't yet."
The Route 66 Roller Derby has become very active in the local community since its formation in November.

"Once our operating expenses have been covered, we plan to donate to local charities and have already been donating to charities such as The American Cancer Society & Goodwill. So, by supporting Route 66 Roller Derby, you will also be supporting people in need in our area," the group's Web site explains.

Hoffsteader said the derby is also working on doing something with the High Plains Food Bank around Thanksgiving.

The Route 66 Roller Derby is always looking for new roller girls and is also recruiting referees. Skaters must be women who are at least 18 years old. Health insurance is recommended but not required. Men and women are welcome to be refs. Those interested should contact the derby via e-mail at route66rollerderby@gmail.com.

A recruitment party is also in the works and will be held at Burberry's. Keep checking www.myspace.com/route66rollerderby for the official date.

"We have girls of all different shapes and sizes. It really gets your adrenaline going sometimes and it gets your heart rate up, too," Tabor said.

Buchanan said that even women who can't skate are welcome to join."We'll help you, we'll train you. You'll gain a family out of it. We are like family. We do everything together."

ROLLER DERBY: The Basics
** Roller blades are not allowed. All participants must wear quad skates.
** Two teams with 5 girls on each team skate in a formation around the track.
** One girl from each team called a "jammer" races around the track trying to make her way through the other team's girls.
** The girls use blocks, hits and pushes to stop the other team's jammer.

Femme art show to benefit local women's charity

By: Rachel Nelson

www.amarilloscene.com

A few years ago Lindsay London started taking small steps toward a big dream. She helped form an organization called Femme to celebrate Panhandle women in the arts. Its focus is to bring attention to under produced and underexposed artists living in the Amarillo area while benefiting a local women's charity.

Femme's third annual art show will take place August 18 in the Nat Ballroom.

"I'm very proud of this show," London said. "It started very small and last year we had over 350 people attend."

The doors will open at 8 p.m. and the show will begin at 9 p.m. It will cost $10 to enter, and 100 percent of proceeds will go toward benefiting a chosen charity. Although all artists and performers are women, everyone is welcome to come see the show.

"It's by no means limited to women," London said.

The all-ages event is B.Y.O.B., and wine and refreshments will be available.

Last year Femme generated $1,700 for the Downtown Women's Center. In 2005, $1,500 was raised for Martha's House.

"I think Femme is important because a lot of times women in the arts can go underexposed. I really love the fellowship of all the women getting together and creating an evening that is so eclectic," London said.

This year's show will consist of photography and art exhibits as well as performances from local female talent. Sahara Nar will put on a belly dancing performance, and the Whiskey Makin' Mamas will present a burlesque show. There will be various musicians and a slam poet. London said that performers throughout the years have ranged in age from 10 to 70, and it's not too late to get involved. Those interested in participating in the show should contact London by calling (806)433-2409.

"I think the femme show is necessary in the Panhandle because it helps women realize that they are just as appreciated in their art as men are, and it gives exposure to youthful and otherwise shy young women," said Megan McDaniel, a production designer for the show.
"It's always been a very exciting and fun event and I look forward to it every year," she said.

Guests From Around The World Drawn To Palo Duro Canyon's "Texas"

By Rachel Nelson

http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Those visiting Palo Duro Canyon to see the legendary musical Texas will notice some big changes around the Pioneer Amphitheatre. Bobby Lee, co-owner of the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, has helped make renovations in the catering department.

According to Lee, in recent years the audience of Texas has declined, falling to numbers as low as 400 per night. "We started putting the 'T' back in Texas. It's all coming back to life," he said.

Upon arrival, visitors will notice the new beverage station where they can satisfy their thirst with iced tea or lemonade. Mister coolers have also been installed to help beat the summertime heat. Lee said the coolers provide a comfortable climate of 77 degrees while keeping insects away by running an extract from the root of an African plant through the misters. The repellant, Lee said, is non-toxic and keeps bugs away because they hate the smell of the root.

The previous food station has been closed so that the Big Texan can cater hot steaks off their custom-made rotating grill that spans seven-feet in diameter. Visitors dine outdoors in what Lee calls "the world's most beautiful dining room," which overlooks the Canyon. The Texas flag has been painted on top of the picnic tables in the dining area so that guests from around the world can get a true taste of the Lone Star State.

Lee sees the Big Texan's involvement in the project as a natural fit. "It's so important to give them a good show and hot food off the grill. They should leave telling themselves, 'I don't know which was better, the show or the food.'"

Phase one of the catering project was completed June 1. Lee said future plans include extending private areas for private functions for show nights as well as off nights.

Kris Dowd, a long-time Amarillo resident, said he has never taken the time to go and see Texas. "I've lived here all my life and I've never seen it and everyone else has seen it. The weather is great and the show is just opening. Plus, I'm from Texas, so it's part of my heritage." Dowd decided to go watch the show last month when his work, KAMR News Channel Four, gave him free tickets. "It's something you always hear about, but you don't go out of your way to check it out," he said.

Lee agreed that many Amarillo residents take the Canyon for granted, including himself. "This has been in my backyard my whole life," he said.

Lee said he hasn't seen"Texas since 1976 when he graduated from high school and urges local people to go out and see the show. "I find myself asking, 'Why did I never come to this? Why did I never come? Why not get an experience of what our area's all about?"

Lee said more people close to home are expected to attend Texas this year because high gas prices have put a damper on vacation plans. He also added that the annual showing of Texas has a big affect on Amarillo's economy. "When attendance is down down here, everyone in Amarillo feels it including hotels and restaurants," he said.

The catering isn't all that's new with–Texas. "We have a lot of new equipment from the lighting standpoint," said Brandon Mitchell, light designer for the show. "It's going to improve the quality of the lighting design. It's newer technology. We were using outdated stuff. This is one of the largest upgrades of lighting that's happened in years."

Last year a larger prairie fire was added with the installation of a propane fire system. "It's gonna be good and it's gonna be bigger and better than ever," Mitchell said.

House Manager Brett Burris said the Canyon Economic Development Committee donated $23,000 to upgrade the sound system at the amphitheatre.

Texas has switched back to its original script with a few modifications, Burris said. The gift shop also has been modified with the adding of the Texas Soda Shop, which offers frozen milkshakes.

"They'll have hand-scooped ice-cream, popsicles, ice cream sandwiches and more," Burris said.

Frances Krolczyk traveled to the Panhandle for the first time from Houston to see Texas. She called the show "hilarious," as it is laced with Texas humor.

"I've enjoyed the visit. Amarillo is beautiful. I'm proud I'm from Texas," she said. "I've never seen the Panhandle. That's the thing about Texas... there's a lot of things to see."

The show is presented in a natural wild west set-up.

"What a backdrop," Lee said when describing the set.

Texas also includes an exciting story line with enthusiastic performances from the cast. An award is given each night to the person who traveled the longest distance to see the show. On the night that Krolczyk visited the Canyon, there were 1,028 people in attendance, and a woman from India received the award.

The amphitheatre seats 1,800 people. Texas opened on June 4 and will continue showing every Tuesday through Saturday night until August 18. For more information about the show and ticket prices, visit http://www.texas-show.com/.

Burris said upcoming concerts are in the works for the amphitheatre."We will advertise it when it's all set in stone," he said.

Team Impact Crusade scheduled for Church at Quail Creek

By: Rachel Nelson

http://www.amarilloscene.com/

According to Dr. Ed Young of Second Baptist Church in Houston, 1,200 decisions were made for Christ during four nights of a Team Impact Crusade at his church.

"If you are looking to make an impact for Jesus Christ in your community and in your church, then let me personally recommend Team Impact. This team of humble, hard-working guys has done their homework. They come prepared and let me tell you, they work hard," Young said.

Team Impact travels to churches, schools, military bases and other locations to perform amazing stunts including breaking stacks of bricks with their elbows, power lifting heavy weights and ripping phone books in half. In the midst of the intensity, they will present the Gospel message by giving personal testimonies and preaching the Word of God.

There are four chances left to see electrifying performances of strength, force and power from Team Impact in Amarillo. The group of body builders will appear nightly at The Church at Quail Creek, located at 801 Tascosa Road, tonight through Sunday at 7 p.m. Admission to the event is free and those who attend will have a chance to win door prizes such as an XBOX 360, iPOD Video, LCD TV, PlayStation 3 and a Six Flags vacation.

Many Churches have seen the lives of their congregations changed during Team Impact Crusades. Their Web site, www.team-impact.com, said the group has learned that if they can get the crowd's attention, they will listen to what the team has to say.

"Our unique style of ministry uses the gifts of elite athletes performing feats of strength that demand attention. The appeal is nearly irresistible,especially for those who would normally never attend church," the Web site explains. "While the method may be different, the message remains the same -Salvation through grace through faith in Jesus Christ."

Other churches that say they have experienced the move of the Holy Spirit through Team Impact strongly recommend the technique for church and personal revival.

"I've enjoyed getting to know the guys at Team Impact over the last several years. Obviously these are great men of physical strength and stature, but what I like the most about them, what I really love about these guys, is their great strength for Christ and their heart for God," said Dr. Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano.

Graham said the Team Impact crusade is the most effective method of evangelism the church has ever seen.

All ages are encouraged to go to the show. For more information, visit team-impact.com or call The Church at Quail Creek at 806-358-7681.

A Need For Speed

Local singles take a new approach to dating

By: Rachel Nelson

http://www.amarilloscene.com/

The busyness of life can sometimes leave little time for doing the things oneenjoys, so dating on the go is gaining popularity. Amarillo representative Sharee Lamphere of Cupid.com says pre-dating, also known as speed dating, isideal for local singles desiring to meet new people.

"It's a great way to meet people that you wouldn't normally meet, and it's safer than meeting people online," she said. "It's not necessarily the bar scene – it's a little more classy than the bar scene. We promote classy eventsand there's no pressure."

People who participate in speed dating have the opportunity to speak with several prospective matches in one night by spending a short amount of time with each person.

"The ladies sit down and the men rotate every six minutes. You'd be surprised to know that you can tell if you want to talk to a person a second time or not," Lamphere said.

"I think it was the perfect amount of time to where you could meet someone and get to know them and know whether or not you want to talk to them anymore,"said Stephanie Steelman, a local single who tried speed dating. "You'd be surprised how much information you can get in six minutes."

Steelman recently moved to Amarillo from Beaumont and decided to try pre-dating to meet people in the local area. Although she admits that it took a lot of nerve to try speed dating, Steelman said she is glad she had the extra push to help her come out of her shell.

"I think everybody should give it a try just one time just to say you did it.It's not going to hurt you, and you never know, you might meet someone worth seeing," she said.

Steelmain said she met three men through pre-dating that she would consider talking to more.

"If it wasn't for this, I would never have met them. Because of what they do for a living and what I do for a living, we would have never crossed paths,"she said.

According to Lamphere, each person that participates in a pre-dating event can make notes on a "match card." If two people mutually decide they want to talk a second time or go on a real date, they can make contact through Cupid.com.

Lamphere also offers the single match guarantee for one event to those who don't match with anybody. "Then you can come to the next one for free," she said.

For each event that is held, there is an age margin so that the people mingling are around the same age group. According to Lamphere, the age group that tends to be the most interested in speed dating ranges from 27 to 39 years old, but an event will be hosted in June that will invite a younger audience.

Dustin Cantrell is a 22-year-old single who said he looks forward to attending the event.

"I like to meet new people," he said. "I'm not looking to get married next week or anything like that. If it goes somewhere else then it does, and if not then you may have a new friend."

Cantrell said he sees the advantages to speed dating."If it's going bad, you only have a few minutes with them so it's not like you have to cut the date off early or anything like that. Where else are you going to find 10 other people looking to have fun and go on a date? Where else can you do that?" he said.

Lamphere said Cupid.com's pre-dating service aims to recruit professionals to participate in the events in order to weed out potential duds.

"We try to encourage people who have careers; people who aren't living at home with mom and dad; people who have ambition," she said. "It's a perfect way to meet people who are in the same boat whether they have been divorced or they just went full force into their career and now they've decided that they want to do the family thing."

There are opportunities in upcoming months to get a taste of this growing trend.All single professionals ages 35 to 45 are invited to join in at Marty's Dining and Entertainment May 15 at 7 p.m. Bourbon Street Café will host anevent for the 45 to 59 age group at 6 p.m. It costs $35 to those who registerat least two days in advance. Registration is held online at www.pre-dating.com. It will cost $40 for those who register later.

The event for the younger age group will be held at Café Bella June 13 at 7 p.m. It will cost $25 to those who register before June 11 and $30 afterwards.

"I think it's definitely reasonable," Cantrell said. "That'd be a dinner somewhere with one person. A night out on the town is going to cost a lot more than that, and you're meeting more than just one person."

For more information, visit www.cupid.com/predating or e-mail amarillo@predating.com.