Dallas Texas A History And Cultural Introduction
If you asked a random person to name one city in Texas, many would say “Dallas”. Dallas is the home of the Cowboys, the Rangers and is the city where JFK was assassinated. Belle Starr began her rise to fame there and Doc Holliday opened a dentist’s office there for a while, that is until he killed a man and had to flee.
The history of the city of Dallas began in 1839 when a man named John Neely Bryan visited a spot on the banks of the Trinity River. This site was the easiest place to ford the Trinity and also the spot where the proposed Preston Trail was to be built, linking North Texas and South Texas. In the beginning, he had envisioned a trading post, to serve both the local Indians and settlers. By the time he returned from settling his affairs in Arkansas however, the Indians had been removed from all of North Texas. So, since half his prospective clients were gone, instead of a trading post, he decided to try to build a permanent community. For some time, Neely was the heart of the town; he functioned as the postmaster, general store owner, everything a beginning town needed. The place grew steadily and by 1856, it was incorporated as a town.
In 1860, the United States became embroiled in the Civil War. In 1861, Dallas County voted to secede from the Union and entered the Civil War, aligning themselves with the Confederacy. The area sent troops to fight and also helped logistically. When ports in the south were threatened, cotton and other goods were moved to Dallas for safety. By the end of the Civil War, many farmers were relocating from the devastated lands where the war had been fought, seeking a new, fresh start.
Over the years, Dallas grew steadily and rather quickly. Southern Methodist University opened its doors to students in 1915. World War I brought Love Field as a training ground for the Air Force and is still fairly busy today. By 1948, many companies were relocating to Dallas, among them Texas Instruments and Mary Kay Cosmetics would both eventually settle in Dallas. In fact, by the end of the 1980s, Fortune Magazine named the Dallas/Fort Worth area the number one area for business in the United States.
During the social upheaval in the 1960s, Dallas was struggling with these problems just like any other American city. Unfortunately, in 1963, Dallas had its own low point with the assassination of President Kennedy. A positive side to the 1960s was the Dallas Cowboys football team. They began to make themselves known across the country as a team to beat.
Today, Dallas is generally known as Dallas-Fort Worth since it has spread far enough to swallow the adjoining town of Fort Worth. DFW International airport is one of the busiest in the country, with flights leaving and arriving constantly. It is still a very influential city in Texas. Dallas has a rich cultural heritage and even today, has a western feel to it that many modern cities lack.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dallas [http://dallas-guides.com/]
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Cigar Lifestyle – Texas Hold ‘Em Basics
Those of you who indulge in the cigar smoker’s lifestyle may sometimes find yourselves with a tiny Kenny Rogers on your shoulder, serving as your conscience, telling you to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, and know when to run. Though this concept of poker – knowing when to place a bet or lay your cards down – has never changed, the game itself has been reformed. The days of antes and jokers have been put on the backburners, fed to the card sharks for lunch, to make way for Texas Hold ‘em.
To the card novice, Texas Hold ‘em may sound like a hobby limited to the Lone Star state, like a favorite Texas pastime second to only drilling oil and NRA meetings. But, Texas Hold’em has spent the last few years gaining popularity in all US states, and the entire world. It is now the most popular form of modern day poker. Still, for those who don’t how to play, it can be intimidating.
Texas Hold’em is a stud-like game (at least that’s what it tells itself when it looks in the mirror) where each player is dealt two cards and five community cards are dealt face up in the center of the table. Those playing use their two cards and the five community cards to form the best hand.
In tournament play, as well as home and casino play, Texas Hold’em typically uses table stakes. This means that you must play your cards with the stakes you had on the table when the hand was dealt. If you suddenly realize you have a straight flush or four of a kind, you are not allowed to bet more by taking money out of your wallet, throwing in your wedding ring, or offering up your first born. During table stakes play, you are also not allowed to hide your chips or say that you have more or less than you actually do.
Table stakes bring the concept of “all in” into the game. Once you are down to a small amount of your stakes – or perhaps a large amount – you might go “all in” and bet every chip you have. If you are called and lose the bet, you are out and forced to sit by, drooling at everyone else’s winnings.
In opposition to traditional poker, Texas Hold’em doesn’t require every player to ante every round. Instead, two players must bet blind before each hand is dealt. The person sitting to the dealer’s left is the small blind and the person sitting to the left of the small blind is the big blind. The small blind puts in half of the minimum bet (if the minimum bet is ten dollars, the small blind puts in five), whereas the big blind puts in the minimum bet (if the minimum bet is ten dollars, the big blind puts in ten). With each hand dealt, the dealers and the blinds rotate. Thus, every player will take their turn betting blind. The blinds also increase as time goes on: a game that began with a ten dollar big blind may become a 400 hundred dollar big blind a few hours later.
After each player is dealt two cards, the person to the left of the big blind must act first. This person can fold, raise, or call the big blind (in going with the example above, this means the person would have to put in ten dollars). Then the person to their left goes and so on. When it’s the small blind’s turn, he can either fold, raise, or play. Since he has already put in five dollars, he will only need to put in another five to remain in the game (assuming no one has raised). The big blind can then either raise or check (stay with the present bet).
After the betting is out of the way, people have got their best bluff faces on and their rosary beads out, the dealer “burns” a card by discarding it face down. Then the dealer lies down the “flop,” which consists of three community cards dealt face up. In the round of betting following the flop, the small blind goes first and decides to fold, raise, or check. The betting then continues around the table.
The dealer then burns another card face down and turns a fourth community card face up. This card is called the “turn.” The betting starts again with the small blind and goes around the table. After burning one more card, the dealer deals one last community card face up. This card is called the “river.” Then, one more round of betting begins.
At the end, the players remaining flip their cards over to see who has the best hand. The hierarchy of traditional pokers applies: for example, the best hand you can have is a royal flush, followed by a straight flush, four of a kind, a full house, etc.
These are just the basics of Texas Hold’em. There are little details you’ll undoubtedly learn along the way. You might also learn that the only thing better than playing Texas Hold’em with a cigar dangling from your mouth, is winning Texas Hold’em with a cigar dangling from your mouth…and a spare one in your jacket pocket.
Jennifer Jordan is an editor and staff writer for http://www.whatsknottolove.com. At home in a design firm in Denver, Colorado, she writes articles specific to the finer things in life.
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Austin Texas – Gateway To Hill Country
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Central Texas is Hill Country, a scenic region with amazing natural attractions, quaint country towns and lovely hills and valleys. Austin is the gateway to this fantastic recreational area steeped in history and Southern charm. The Texas Hill Country welcomes more than 5 million tourists each year, and the clear rivers, towering forests and abundant wildflowers are just a few of the reasons they return again and again. From water sports and outdoor activities to shopping and golfing, Texas Hill Country provides a wealth of activities for all ages and interests.
The Texas Hill Country, just minutes from Austin, is full of natural attractions that provide the outdoor enthusiast with many chances to admire the scenery and recreate in Mother Nature’s playground. One of the top attractions is Enchanted Rock, a large natural rock formation more than 400 feet tall. Also top of the list is the Longhorn Caverns, where tours recall the days when outlaws, Native Americans and soldiers used them as shelter. Cool off at Barton Spring Swimming Hole and check out the wildlife at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch.
Quaint Southern Texas towns provide a glimpse into the rural heritage of the Texas Hill Country. Villages such as Wimberley, San Marcos, Buda, Burnet and Johnson City are all nestled in the rolling hills and provide tourists with shops brimming with handicrafts and antiques and fine dining in restaurants overlooking the natural beauty of the region. Enjoy Texas history at several museums that instruct and educate visitors on everything from early Native American life to cowboys and ranchers. Visit the towns of Bandera, Dripping Springs and Taylor for true historical attractions.
When folks are looking to get out of Austin for a few hours, they head to Hill Country and participate in just a few of the many things to do in the area. There are lakes and rivers that are perfect for swimming, fishing, sailing, boating or tubing. Staying in a bed and breakfast is a wonderful way to get away for a day or a weekend. Check out historically important architecture in any of the Main Streets in the smaller cities in Hill Country, or hike, bike and camp in any of the national and state parks in the area. Visitors to the area can even take wine tours, guided ranch tours and art gallery tours if that is the kind of recreation they enjoy.
While Hill Country is located in the center of Texas, it’s easy to see why the area is considered the heart of this great state. The lush abundance of natural resources and Southern hospitality creates a unique combination of relaxation and rejuvenation. Using Austin as a base to explore this amazing region is a wonderful idea for those seeking to maximize their time in Texas Hill Country.
Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Lake Travis Real Estate website, his Austin real estate company’s website, & his Austin real estate blog.
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Austin Texas
Austin Texas Austin is the capital of Texas and the state’s fourth largest city. Austin is an apex of culture and education serving the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area. The population was estimated to be 690,252 as of 2006, with a population of over 1.5 million in the metro area. The city sits on the Colorado River and the Balcones Fault. Its major roadways include Interstate 35, the Mopac Expressway, Hwy 183, Hwy 290 and Hwy 71.
Austin’s educational experience is grounded most notably by the University of Texas. University of Texas has the largest enrollment of all colleges within the state and, with nearly 50,000 students, had the fifth largest single-campus enrollment in the nation in 2006. Other institutions include Austin Community College, Concordia University, Hutson-Tillotson University, St. Edward’s University, the Action School of Business, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and LeTourneau University.
Austin is known for its eclectic mixture of culture, entertainment, large corporations and local businesses. The official slogan for the city is, “The Live Music Capital of the World” however many Austinites live by the locally adopted slogan, “Keep Austin Weird”.
The cultural experience in Austin, TX is endless and ranges from live music to film festivals to Broadway productions and more.
Most well known for country and blues music, the city nurtures an ever-growing diversity of music genres. Some of the city’s most famous artists include The Dixie Chicks, Janis Joplin and Willie Nelson. Live music is sought after in venues such as Saxon Pub, Cedar Street Courtyard, Momo’s, Continental Club, Lucky Lounge, Shady Grove and more.
Sixth Street hosts a colorful blend of nightclubs, restaurants, live music and characters. Esther’s Follies anchors Sixth Street with over 20 years of comedy, parody and magic. The Warehouse District is another one of Austin’s hot spots and offers more live music, concert halls, clubs and restaurants. Austin’s collections of music can also be heard from places like the Frank Erwin Center, Zilker Park, Antone’s Night Club, Stubb’s Bar-B-Q and Broken Spoke. Music festivals such as The Austin City Limits Music Festival is an annual three-day celebration of Austin music. The Urban Music Festival is an outdoor, family orientated festival featuring live music and activities held along the banks of Town Lake at Auditorium Shores. The Zilker Hillside Theater also hosts the annual Zilker Summer Musical where you can spread a blanket over the grass and settle down to enjoy the show.
Filmmaking has become another attribute contributing to the allure of Austin. More than 350 major features and made-for-television movies have been filmed in the city. In 2007 the city ranked third in a list of top ten cities for moviemakers. An annual film/music/multimedia festival known as South by Southwest showcases hundreds of musical acts, hosts a frenzy of creative media entrepreneurs and has gained international acclaim for its emphasis on independent filmmaking.
Austin rounds off its cultural experience by offering much in the way of Fine Arts. Enjoy Broadway musicals or concerts at Walden Magic Productions, Capital City Mystery Players, Austin Murder Mystery Musicals, City Lights Theatres, University of Texas Performing Arts Center, Gobotrick Theatre Company and Strings Attached Concerts.
Austinites embrace the diverse lifestyles and opportunities found within the city and the city’s residents include a mix of professors, students, politicians, lobbyists, musicians, state employees, high-tech workers and blue collar workers.
The city is home to major technology corporations and has earned the nickname “Silicon Hills.” The city’s largest employers include the State of Texas, The University of Texas, the SETON Healthcare Network, Dell, IBM, Freescale Semiconductors, Apple Inc., Vignette, AMD, Applied Materials, Cirrus Logic, Hoover’s, Intel, Motive Inc., National Instruments, Samsung, Silicon Laboratories, Sun Microsystems and United Devices.
In addition to global companies, Austin features a strong network of locally owned organizations. The citizens as well as the Austin Independent Business Alliance protect these businesses. The success of small business in Austin has been linked to the “Keep Austin Weird” campaign and reflects the high level of commitment to resist excessive commercialization.
Shopping in Austin is as much a treat as strolling down Sixth Street. The city has everything to offer with stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostale, Al’s Formal Wear, American Eagle Outfitters, Ann Taylor, Apple Computer, Arden B., Aveda Lifestyle Store, BabyGap, Bakers, Banana Republic, Bath & Body Works, bebe, Ben Bridge Jewelers, Brookstone, Buckle, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Cache, The Children’s Place, Claire’s Accessories, Coach, Coldwater Creek, Custom Stickers, Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, Deck the Walls, Dillard’s, EB Games, Eddie Bauer, Express, Finish Line, Foot Locker, Gadzooks, Gap, Glamour Shots, GNC, Gordon’s Jewelers, Helzberg Diamonds, Hollister Co., Hot Topic, J. Crew, JCPenney, Journeys, Lane Bryant, Macy’s, Motherhood Maternity, Nine West, Old Navy, Payless ShoeSource, Rave, Sears, Sephora, Sharper Image, T-Mobile, Talbots, Victoria’s Secret, Williams-Sonoma, Yankee Candle and much, much more.
The flavor of Austin’s dining is an array of enjoyable meals. Fast food restaurants include Rockets, Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, Sandy’s Hamburgers, Marble Slab Creamery, Hut’s Hamburgers, Cozzoli’s Pizza, McDonald’s, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Burger Tex, Whataburger, Wendy’s, Church’s Chicken, Dairy Queen, Papa John’s, Jack In the Box and Subway, along with an endless list of locally owned and franchise businesses. Austin steakhouses include Mesa Ranch, Finn & Porter, Kobe Steakhouse, Texas Land & Cattle Steakhouse, Hudson’s on the Bend, Main Street Grill and more. Delicious Mexican flavor can be found at Jorge’s, Rio Grande Tex Mex, La Reyna, Texican Café Lakeline, La Cocina de Consuelo, The Garden District, Juan in a Million and Taco Xpress. Some of Texas’ best barbecue can be enjoyed at Chief’s BBQ, Iron Works, Salt Lick BBQ, Ruby’s BBQ, Pok-e-Jo’s Smokehouse and more. Austin includes rich Italian flavors at Bellagio Italian Bistro, Andiamo Ristorante, O’Leander Café, Gino’s, Johnny Carino’s Country Italian and Saccone’s Pizza.
Austin attracts many visitors to its museums and exhibits. The Blanton Museum of Art and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum both opened in 2006. The Texas State Capitol is also a major tourist attraction. Mother Nature is on Austin’s side as residents and tourists flock to watch the migration of the world’s largest urban population of Mexican Free-tailed Bats that take up residence inside the Congress Avenue Bridge.
The reputation of Austin’s unique and quirky city life keeps Austinites proud and mesmerized visitors. Austin was selected as the #2 Best Big City in “Best Places to Live” by Money Magazine in 2006. The city embraces the amenities and large corporations the world has to offer, while still keeping a quaint and personal relationship with its small businesses and entrepreneurs. Austin, Texas is a mixture of musicians, filmmakers, executives, lawyers, professors, students and free-thinkers all dedicated to “Keep Austin Weird”.
Austin Texas
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