What are municipal bonds?

Michael Robertson, Chairman and CEO Robertson Wealth Management, LLC

Michael Robertson, Chairman and CEO of Robertson Wealth Management, LLC, and host of “Straight Talk About Money” on 1110AM/KTEK, 5 pm –6 pm, Monday-Friday, has been in the financial industry for 35 years with over $1 billion under management. His expertise is trusted and sought across the nation. His services cover all areas of the wealth management process including investment strategies, retirement planning, risk management, estate conservation, trust services and charitable giving.

What are municipal bonds?
To encourage investors to lend money to cities, states, and municipalities to pay for public projects such as roads, airports, water, and sewer systems, Congress exempts Municipal Bonds interest from federal income taxes although it may be subject to Alternative Minimum Tax. Thus, they are more appealing to taxpayers in high income tax brackets. It is important to realize though that the principal will fluctuate just like every other type of bonds. If and when rates go higher, you could see a drop in your principal value. I recommend short term ladders with bonds that have a revenue stream I can see.

Michael Robertson
Robertson Wealth Management, LLC
8431 Katy Freeway Ste. 200
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 624-4004
www.RobertsonWealthManagement.com

Why is having an investment strategy so important?

Michael Robertson, Chairman and CEO Robertson Wealth Management, LLC

Michael Robertson, Chairman and CEO of Robertson Wealth Management, LLC, and host of “Straight Talk About Money” on 1110AM/KTEK, 5 pm –6 pm, Monday-Friday, has been in the financial industry for 35 years with over $1 billion under management. His expertise is trusted and sought across the nation. His services cover all areas of the wealth management process including investment strategies, retirement planning, risk management, estate conservation, trust services and charitable giving.

Mike, I have lost a lot of money in the market. You mentioned on your show, Straight Talk Money on 1110AM/KTEK, the need to have an investment strategy. Why is that so important?
I think having an investment strategy is a critical piece to the success of any investment program. A strategy is a specific plan made upon sound economic research that guides your investment decisions in good times or bad. It is particularly important in a time like now. Too often, investors make investment decision based on how they feel, rather than an analysis of the facts and the client’s individual needs. A good strategy may help you make better decisions. Ask your advisor today what their strategy for your portfolio is… if they don’t have one, RUN!

Michael Robertson
Robertson Wealth Management, LLC
8431 Katy Freeway Ste. 200
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 624-4004
www.RobertsonWealthManagement.com

June 9-11th My Son Pinocchio

Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr.

June 9 – 11, 11 a.m.

The classic tale of toymaker Geppetto and his puppet Pinocchio takes on timely issues in this family-friendly Disney musical.

Produced by Theatre Under The Stars: TUTS Humphreys School

When should I consider getting dental implants?

Steven Wolfson, D.D.S., F.A.G.D.
The Tanglewood Center For Aesthetic Dentistry

Dr. Wolfson is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (only 5 percent of dentists hold this recognition). He obtained his aesthetic and functional training at the prestigious Pankey Institute, the Las Vegas Institute for Aesthetic Dentistry, and the Baylor University Aesthetic Continuums. With over 15 years of experience, he has been voted a Top Doc by H Texas magazine and is the official dentist of the Miss Houston and Miss Teen Houston pageants.

When should I consider getting dental implants?
Dental implants are used to restore teeth that are broken beyond repair, loose or missing. They give back the ability to chew food normally while looking and feeling great. Implants can replace a single tooth or restore multiple teeth. Patients who are denture wearers experience a huge benefit in switching to dental implants because they function and feel as solid as their real teeth used to be. With the technology of today, utilizing ct-scans and s-guides, they can be placed quickly and easily, usually in a single appointment. In our office, we work with a team approach bringing together years of knowledge and experience, ensuring proper healing, integration and a fantastic result. Our office also utilizes our in-house ceramist for custom fit, shading, and esthetics.

Steven Wolfson, D.D.S., F.A.G.D.
The Tanglewood Center
For Aesthetic Dentistry
510 Bering Drive, Ste. 450
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 789-1225
www.tanglewoodsmiles.com

“I’m starting to dread my stepchildren’s visits. What should I do?”

Marcela Halmagean, M Halmagean PLLC
Attorneys at Law

Marcela Halmagean has distinguished herself as one of the best litigation attorneys in the Houston area. Her firm’s practice is focused on family law, and business law. She commits herself to bringing high-quality legal services to each legal sector.  Here are a couple of issues addressed by some readers:

“I’m starting to dread my stepchildren’s visits.  What should I do?”
The last US Census’ estimates suggest that 52 to 62 percent of all first marriages will eventually end in divorce.  The same estimates also tell us that about 75 percent of the divorced parents eventually remarry, that about 43 percent of all marriages involve children from prior marriages, and that about 60 percent of all remarriages eventually end in legal divorce.  As you can see, as a stepparent, you are in plenty of company.  However, despite my research on the subject, I have found no statistics to clearly and neatly outline for us the emotional toll on all the parties to a step family.
Although you have not detailed for us the reasons why you dread your stepchildren’s visits, I will presume that you feel rejected and unimportant, that you feel betrayed by your spouse when it comes to decisions concerning your stepchildren; and that you feel you are not in control of your life when your stepchildren are around.  If my presumptions mirror your case, your emotions are valid and common amongst stepparents.
When you fell in love with your spouse, you felt there isn’t any obstacle out there big enough for you not to be able to overcome.  Reality is that a marriage certificate does not miraculously empower you to deal with your spouse’s past.  The ex-spouse and the children are in no way explicitly mentioned in your vow to love and to cherish “`til death do you part.”  What a marriage certificate may do however, is to bestow upon you the unofficial title of an in loco parentis or a person who may have to act and assume the duties and responsibilities of a natural parent.
But under the common law, a stepparent or an in loco parentis has no duty to financial support the stepchild.  Grubb v. Sterrett, 315 F. Supp. 990 (N.D. Ind.), aff’d, 400 U.S. 922 (1970).  As an in loco parentis, you have a duty to provide and care for your stepchildren while in your care and custody.  Depending on their age, that means that you have a duty to feed them, clothe them, and care for them to ascertain that their health and well being aren’t being jeopardized.  However, as in loco parentis, you are not required to tell them that you love them or to try to hug them.  That is something that you may try to do if you feel it may help your relationship with them.
There are no legal alternatives through which you as the new spouse can control your spouse’s approach on how to raise his/her natural children.  But the neither the common law nor any statute in the world will purport to control your emotions and your commitment to your spouse.   If you wish to save your marriage and are dedicated to your relationship with your spouse, your best approach to your stepchildren’s visits is one of patience and tolerance.  Reading about the intricate emotional waving in step families may also give you some insight into the complex web of the step family issues.  Last but not least, organizations such as the Step Family Association of America (www.saafamily.org) may help you obtain support from other people involved in step families.

What law advice would you give a small business owner just starting out?
Make best friends with your lawyer! Don’t think you’re going to be able to evaluate, review, negotiate, and vet that lease agreement, purchase contract, or loan agreement by yourself. Do what you do best and allow your lawyer to do what s/he does best. Spend an hour with your lawyer working on preventive measures and be assured you will save thousands in future litigation fees. Don’t assume you can argue, negotiate, propose, and make friends with your customers and vendors. You can’t do it all, so recognize your limitations. If you don’t have a legal education, you may find that your vendor or customer does. Even when they do, they may be wise enough to consult with their lawyers first to keep emotional attachment under control. You should too. Every aspect of any business has legal implications. Your lease agreement, your employment contracts or lack thereof and your buy-sell agreements need to be reviewed by an expert in law as opposed to just you. Be smart, be quick, be wise – make and stay best friends with your lawyer and you’ll save tons on attorneys fees in the long run.

This article does not presuppose the existence of domestic violence issues in the question proposed to the editor.  If the reader dreads the stepchildren’s visits because battery or any other act of domestic violence is involved, the reader is advised to immediately contact local authorities and local counsel to seek protection and learn his/her rights under the state law of his/her residence.  Domestic violence should not be condoned or taken lightly and it should never be excused by emotions of love or affection for or by the other spouse.

Marcela Halmagean
M Halmagean PLLC
Attorneys at Law
1800 Bering Dr., Ste. 480
Houston, TX 77057
713-975-1202
www.halmagean.com

How can I tell the difference between muscular back pain and a problem with my spine?

Kenneth J. H. Lee, MD
Modern Spine, PLLC

How can I tell the difference between muscular back pain and a problem with my spine?
Low back pain (lumbago) is a common musculoskeletal disorder, affecting 80% of people at some point in their lives.  It is the second most common cause of missed days of work, behind the common cold!  The causes of lower back pain are varied.   A low back muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers are abnormally stretched or torn.  A lumbar sprain occurs when the ligaments (tough bands of tissue that hold bone together) are torn from their attachments. When the lumbar spine is strained or sprained, inflammation of the soft tissue results, which can cause pain and muscle spasms.  People are often surprised at how painful and debilitating a lumbar strain or sprain can be, as these are not small injuries. That said, over 90% of patients are able to completely recover within a month.  If not, the problem is more likely related to a spine condition and should be evaluated by a physician.  In addition, if you experience progressive weakness, loss of bladder or bowel function, and are in severe, constant pain, you should be evaluated by a physician.

How is osteoporosis treated?
The goal of osteoporosis treatment is to prevent the occurrence of fractures.  Treatment typically will include education on diet and nutrition, exercise, and medications.  A necessary first step in treating osteoporosis is having a thorough knowledge of the appropriate calcium and vitamin D intake levels as well as overall nutrition.  In addition, the appropriate exercise and fitness routines are another step towards maintaining bone density and reducing the risk of falls.  Finally, the proper medications can help reduce the risk of fractures.  These classes of medications work by helping to strengthen the bones and prevent further bone loss.

Watch the video

What is degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disk disease (DDD) is not really a disease, but a term used to describe the normal changes that may occur in the disk during the aging process.   While disk degeneration is a normal part of aging and for most people is not a problem, for certain individuals, a degenerated disk can cause severe constant chronic pain.  While DDD can take place throughout the spine, it most often occurs in the disks of the neck (cervical region) and lower back (lumbar region).
The disks in the spine function as shock absorbers between the bones (vertebrae).  The disks allow for the spine to flex, bend, and twist.  As we age, the disks can break down, or degenerate, which may result in DDD.  Age-related changes include loss of fluid in the disks and/or annular tears.  Loss of fluid results in the disk being less flexible and reduces its ability to act as a shock absorber.  Annular tears (tiny tears or cracks in the outer layer of the disk) also compromise disk function.  These changes occur more frequently in people who smoke cigarettes, those who do heavy physical work, and people who are overweight.
Symptoms depend on the location of the affected disk.  A degenerated disk in the neck may result in neck and/or arm pain, while a degenerated disk in the lower back may result in pain in the back, buttocks, and/or legs.  The pain is often worse with movements such as bending over, reaching up, or twisting.  Treatment options are best discussed with your physician, as the plan is tailored to the patient’s individual problem.

What is “incomplete sacralization?”  After a car accident, this was found in my x-ray report. Will it be a problem in the future?
The lower spine (lumbar region) usually consists of 5 distinct bones (vertebrae).  Sometimes, it appears on x-rays that the bottom lumbar vertebra (#5) is trying to fuse with the sacrum.  The fifth lumbar vertebrae is not completely separate, but it’s not completely fused, like the other bones in the sacrum.  This condition is not one that develops or progresses.  It is a congenital condition, meaning that people are born that way.  However, this transitional vertebrae changes the biomechanics of the lower spine in terms of how it handles strain and shear forces.  This may place additional stress on the lower part of the spine and contribute to degeneration of the lumbar spine.   Incomplete sacralization, itself, does not need to be treated.  However, it may contribute to degeneration of the lumbar spine, which may eventually require medical attention and treatment.

In what ways are a woman’s reproductive organs connected to conditions of the spine?
There is no direct connection between a women’s reproductive system and low back pain.  However, there are many disease processes of the female reproductive system that can refer or masquerade as low back pain.  Some of the conditions include endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, urinary tract infections, fibroids, ovarian tumor, and salpingitis.

Kenneth J. H. Lee, MD
Modern Spine, PLLC
With offices in:
Sugar Land and
The Woodlands
713-SPINE-DR
713-774-6337
www.modernspinetx.com

Ask the Experts – Marcela Halmagean

Marcela Halmagean has distinguished herself as one of the best litigation attorneys in the Houston area. Her firm’s practice is focused on family law, and business law. She commits herself to bringing high-quality legal services to each legal sector. Here are a couple of issues addressed by some readers:

“I’m starting to dread my stepchildren’s visits. What should I do?”

The last US Census’ estimates suggest that 52 to 62 percent of all first marriages will eventually end in divorce. The same estimates also tell us that about 75 percent of the divorced parents eventually remarry, that about 43 percent of all marriages involve children from prior marriages, and that about 60 percent of all remarriages eventually end in legal divorce. As you can see, as a stepparent, you are in plenty of company. However, despite my research on the subject, I have found no statistics to clearly and neatly outline for us the emotional toll on all the parties to a step family.

Although you have not detailed for us the reasons why you dread your stepchildren’s visits, I will presume that you feel rejected and unimportant, that you feel betrayed by your spouse when it comes to decisions concerning your stepchildren; and that you feel you are not in control of your life when your stepchildren are around. If my presumptions mirror your case, your emotions are valid and common amongst stepparents.

When you fell in love with your spouse, you felt there isn’t any obstacle out there big enough for you not to be able to overcome. Reality is that a marriage certificate does not miraculously empower you to deal with your spouse’s past. The ex-spouse and the children are in no way explicitly mentioned in your vow to love and to cherish “`til death do you part.” What a marriage certificate may do however, is to bestow upon you the unofficial title of an in loco parentis or a person who may have to act and assume the duties and responsibilities of a natural parent.

But under the common law, a stepparent or an in loco parentis has no duty to financial support the stepchild. Grubb v. Sterrett, 315 F. Supp. 990 (N.D. Ind.), aff’d, 400 U.S. 922 (1970). As an in loco parentis, you have a duty to provide and care for your stepchildren while in your care and custody. Depending on their age, that means that you have a duty to feed them, clothe them, and care for them to ascertain that their health and well being aren’t being jeopardized. However, as in loco parentis, you are not required to tell them that you love them or to try to hug them. That is something that you may try to do if you feel it may help your relationship with them.

There are no legal alternatives through which you as the new spouse can control your spouse’s approach on how to raise his/her natural children. But the neither the common law nor any statute in the world will purport to control your emotions and your commitment to your spouse. If you wish to save your marriage and are dedicated to your relationship with your spouse, your best approach to your stepchildren’s visits is one of patience and tolerance. Reading about the intricate emotional waving in step families may also give you some insight into the complex web of the step family issues. Last but not least, organizations such as the Step Family Association of America (www.saafamily.org) may help you obtain support from other people involved in step families.

What law advice would you give a small business owner just starting out?

Make best friends with your lawyer! Don’t think you’re going to be able to evaluate, review, negotiate, and vet that lease agreement, purchase contract, or loan agreement by yourself. Do what you do best and allow your lawyer to do what s/he does best. Spend an hour with your lawyer working on preventive measures and be assured you will save thousands in future litigation fees. Don’t assume you can argue, negotiate, propose, and make friends with your customers and vendors. You can’t do it all, so recognize your limitations. If you don’t have a legal education, you may find that your vendor or customer does. Even when they do, they may be wise enough to consult with their lawyers first to keep emotional attachment under control. You should too. Every aspect of any business has legal implications. Your lease agreement, your employment contracts or lack thereof and your buy-sell agreements need to be reviewed by an expert in law as opposed to just you. Be smart, be quick, be wise – make and stay best friends with your lawyer and you’ll save tons on attorneys fees in the long run.

Q&A with Steven Wolfson, Cosmetic Dentist

Q&A with Steven Wolfson, DDS, FAGD

Q: I am frightened of going to the dentist. How would sedation dentistry benefit me?

A: Sedation dentistry is used to ease patients nerves and ensure they are comfortable. Our patients take a pill about an hour before their appointment and safely snooze while we wipe away years of pain and neglect, restoring their healthy and beautiful smiles. (more…)

When were Persian Rugs Introduced to Americans?

By Mehdi Abedi and Lisa Slappy,
Rice University educators and owners of the Pride of Persia

Persian rugs were among the household items brought by colonists as they settled into this hemisphere in the late 1600s.  Europe has been familiar with Persian rugs from at least the time of Shah Abbas I of the Safavids. Perhaps the first guns-for-rugs deal was negotiated when Britain’s Shirley brothers sold 10,000 guns and 500 cannons to the Persians. Rugs were included in the exchange and there after became more widely available in Britain and Western Europe.

In Walden (1852), Henry David Thoreau does without Persian rugs in his simple cabin, but mentions that his Concord neighbors have them.  Texas, too, has its share of wonderful antique rugs.  Some fine Texas-size pieces from Heriz to Bijar to Saroukh have been right here for generations.

Why is Persia the Mecca for rugs?

Although good rugs and bad rugs are woven in many places, Persian rugs continue to enjoy the finest reputation.  Iran – formerly known as Persia – has long been a crossroads of many cultures and civilizations.  Within Iran’s own borders, many ethnic groups create a complex culture that is in turn reflected in a complex cultural product:  the Persian rug.  Historically, Iranians have engaged in trade, war, and cultural exchange with India, China, Mongolia, Turkey, and the Arab world.

As a trade good disseminated throughout the world, the rug has become an iconic symbol of Persian culture.  Weaving rugs by hand depends upon the availability of raw materials and a cheap labor force combined with a rich cultural tradition.  Some regions in Iran produce very few rugs because people there earn more money by working in such industries as fishing, agriculture, or oil.

In other parts of Iran – and this is especially true for women in rural areas – weaving remains a major economic activity as well as a source of cultural pride.

What materials are used to make rugs?

First, we have to mention the rug’s structure.  In general, a hand-woven pile rug consists of knots woven on a foundation.  The foundation has two parts:  the warp (vertical line, on which the knots are woven) and the weft (horizontal line between rows of knots).  The vast majority of hand-woven pile rugs feature wool knots tied on cotton foundations.  Beyond that, many combinations of materials are possible.

We may see 100% wool rugs or 100% silk rugs.  The pile may be mostly wool with silk accents or metallic threads.  It may be made of cotton or mercerized cotton posing as silk.  The foundation could be made of wool or silk or goat hair or a combination of materials.  Perhaps the warp is cotton and the weft is wool.  Be aware that handmade rugs may even contain synthetic materials in the pile or the foundation.  If you are purchasing a rug, be sure to ask the seller about the materials so that you will know what kind of rug you have and how to take care of it.

What are the benefits of having a rug rather than just a bare floor?

Considering the many wonderful types of flooring available these days, that’s a great question.  Some types of hard flooring feature such intricate designs, like mosaic tile work or elaborate wood inlays, that covering them with rugs just makes no sense.  On most hard surfaces, though, rugs are absolutely appropriate.  They fulfill aesthetic and functional needs in the room.  In the first place, they are beautiful and welcoming.  Placing the proper size rug on a lovely floor makes both look even better, like a painting in a frame.

Rugs add warmth, color, and texture.  They absorb sound and diminish echo.  They even protect your hard floor from scratches and other signs of wear.  In our view, rugs make a house a home.

What is the best way to transport rugs when moving to a new home?

Rugs can be heavy and unwieldy, but with the proper methods they can be moved safely.  The simple response is to visit your rug dealer for a quick demonstration of proper folding techniques and for specific advice based on the types of rugs you own.  Your rug dealer will probably be happy, for a small fee, to send a crew to your home to inspect and pack up the rugs.  Be sure to take care of cleaning and maintenance issues at this time.

If you are moving a long distance or if the rugs will be in storage for a few months, make sure that they are wrapped in plastic and treated against insects.  When you move into your new home, your rugs will be clean and beautiful.

For more than a decade, Mehdi Abedi and Lisa Slappey have taught “The World of Persian Rugs” through Rice University’s Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. They are the owners of Pride of Persia Rug Co., which specializes in older Persian rugs along with high-quality newer rugs from around the world.

Pride of Persia Rug Co.
7026 Old Katy Road, Ste. 164
Houston, TX 77024
(713) 522-7870
www.prideofpersia.com

What is Consumer Fraud?

Family Law Expert: Marcela Halmagean
Answer: “Consumer fraud” refers to any act that harms or victimizes a consumer through false, deceptive, or otherwise misleading business practices. With the advent of the internet, “consumer fraud” has become more prevalent and vicious. Texas passed laws to protect consumers and to enable recovery of actual and punitive damages. Consumer fraud can include any deceitful business practice from selling a car that had its odometer altered to charging for services that have not been performed, or requesting a signature on a blank contract and filling in undisclosed terms later.  When I turned 21, I bought my first new car and to drive my “dream car” that night, I had to sign the sale contract in blank. When I asked why, I was told that the manager wasn’t there to sign that evening. When I received the contract, it had a whopping 23.99% interest rate. Not all consumers know that they have options after they sign on the dotted line. If you feel that a business has taken advantages of you, you should first meet with an attorney and discuss the facts and then learn about your options. You may be surprised what you will learn.

Marcela Halmagean has distinguished herself as one of the best litigation attorneys in the Houston area. Her firm’s practice is focused on family, business and commercial litigation, and she commits herself to bringing high-quality legal services to each sector.

Marcela Halmagean
M Halmagean PLLC
Attorneys at Law
1800 Bering Drive, Ste. 480
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 975-1202
www.halmagean.com