Some things never change… The feeling you get after hard days work, the feeling of pride when you steal second base.  Those moments are to some small things but, as all of us know over a period of time small steps add up to big moves.  Now there are a lot of ranchers right here in NM who are making big moves and work extremely hard every single day.  No matter what, and if there is a problem whether it be a busted fence or a piece of equipment that just won’t fire up.  Often there isn’t someone to turn to or even a repair place to call.  These farmers and ranchers rely on themselves!  And they have been relying on themselves for ages and in some parts you can find ranches that have been operating for 5 even 6 generations.

Recently I had the honor and pleasure of going on a Gate to Plate tour.  Thanks to the New Mexico Beef Council!  We visited several Cattle Ranches up in Eastern New Mexico.  And let me tell you if you have never been up to that side of our great state you really should drive out there.  Not only is it beautiful but the people who inhabit these parts are as genuine as they come.  Today’s Cattle Ranching industry has come a long ways with all the regulations that see to it that all our beef is safe and of the highest quality.  To the equipment used to weigh tag and inoculate our cattle… thanks to an amazing woman by the name of Dr. Temple Grandin, who through her love of animals and innovative brilliance literally changed an entire industry.  At the heart of things however not a lot has changed for these ranchers who not only raise cattle they also work the land and all it’s natural resources.

It is these natural resources that have me spinning.  For fortunately here in NM we have several shallow pockets of water that these clever ranchers use to water and feed their cattle.  But what breaks my heart, is… due to our dry climate and recent drought many many of our ranchers are having to sell off there precious cattle.  For there is enough water to drink.  There is no where near enough water to irrigate these sprawling ranches.  So no matter how hard these good folks work to tend to their cattle and their land if it doesn’t rain soon many will be forced to close up shop for good.  The impact of the cattle industry on New Mexico’s economy is huge… Were talking BILLIONS of dollars.  Not to mention the global role these stewards of the land uphold is difficult to quantify.  For they are not only feeding our nation they are also supplying beef all over this blue planet.  The legacy that is cattle ranching is great and after spending just two days with these amazing people I know and trust that they will do whatever it takes.  My hope for them is that the rest of us do our part to support our fellow New Mexicans who work to put food in our markets and maintain our beautiful landscapes.  And for me… I will pray for rain     www.nmbeef.com

Do you enjoy time with your friends, weekend concerts,  or even catching some Play Offs action at your local Sports Bar?  Odds are if your reading this you probably like to at least one of these things and maybe two or more.  The point I am trying to make is that if you live on earth chances are you celebrate birthdays, weddings, or even Wednesdays.  Well now there is one more reason to celebrate waking up!  DESIGNATED DRIVERS ON DEMAND!  This is a service that every responsible adult should belong too.  In short it’s a service that will see to it that we all have fun remain safe and responsible by providing round the clock designated drivers for all it’s members.  To learn how you can sign up simply log onto www.designateddrivers.com

If you do happen to go out on the town might as well do it in STYLE…  literally the best way to see to it that you are doing it right is with the perfect accent to your chosen attire.  I am talking about The Old Town Hat Shop… If haven’t already visited take it from you need a hat from the Old town Hat Shop.  Guys… seriously they have some killer hats!  No Joke… And of course for all you lovely ladies there is a hat for every occasion.  And to be honest hats are very practical solutions to the intense New Mexico sun.  To see all the amazing styles and different fashions The Old Town Hat Shop has to offer go to www.oldtownhats.com

Rodney King on Trayvon Martin – “Thank God My Attack Was Caught On Tape.”  To see more on this go to tmz.me/JDqUHI

How do you spell freedom?  Well that all depends how you look at it.  If your anywhere from 6yrs old to we’ll say about 13 you spell freedom BIKE.  Mattress Firm is teaming up this weekend at the PIT  with some of Albuquerque’s finest, at the ABQ Fire Dept.  To distribute bicycles to some underprivileged children in the greater Albuquerque area.  And one of New Mexico’s favorite sons and former UNM Lobo All-Star Kenny Thomas is lending some much needed support.  To learm how you can join in on the fun, food and games visit  www.mattressfirm.com

Also this weekend don’t miss out on Albuquerque’s Home and Garden show!  Which will be this weekend at Expo New Mexico.  Where it will be fun for the entire Family.  And will have events and vendors for the professional garners or the weekend Green Thumb Warrior!  Log onto www.abqhomeandgardenshow.com to get all the details

FOX has ordered a second season of Freshman breakout hit NEW GIRL, and a third season of irreverent family comedy RAISING HOPE and a fourth season of the genre-defying musical sensation GLEE.  If you would like to become a fan of NEW GIRL on FaceBook go to www.facebook.com/NewGirlonFOX

Today on Style we spent some quality time in our Builders Source Kitchen with our cocktail expert and writer extraordinaire, The Liquid Muse Natalie Bovis.  Who brought in her friend and colleague Quinn Stephenson owner and beverage director of The Coyote Cafe, Coyote Cantina and the ultra hip Coyote DEN.  The Coyote Cafe is one of a few places in Santa Fe that features world class cuisine in the cafe breath taking scenery and a warm sense of community upstairs in it’s roof top Cantina.  And if it’s the night life experience you looking for Coyote also offers a big city pulse with it’s lavish downstairs night club the Coyote DEN.  Between the food the fun in the sun and the mind blowing drinks and music The Coyote Cafe really is a one stop shop located in down town Santa Fe on 132 West Water Street 87501.  To see there menu or if you want make reservations log onto www.coyotecafe.com

Hold on to your hats as the PBR takse over the pit this weekend.  With  some of the best Bull Riders in the World.  Today on STYLE Kristen and myself caught up with some of the best riders the sport has ever seen.  The legendary Ty Murray cut some precious time out of his schedule to get us up to speed on some of the advances in the world of Professional Bull Riding today.  To see these brave souls up close and personal go to www.pbr.com to get more details.  But don’t forget you can catch at the PIT this saturday here in Albuquerque.

We switched up gears on STYLE today after all this tough talk.  We figured soft cuddly puppies would do the trick.  Our camera operator and basic do it all guy Kenny Hatchitt brought some of his furry friends from the West Side Shelter to help illuminate how beneficial simply holding a cute lil pup can be.  To find out how you can adopt a puppy of your very own take a look at www.nationalpuppyday.com

Hold on and gear up!  This Summer is sure to pack quite a punch, and  maybe even an arm bar or two.  That’s right ladies and gentlemen the UFC is coming to a T.V. near you.  That is of course as long as it’s on 2 kasa FOX!  Martial Arts is a long time honored form of self discipline and often teaches those who practice it far more about themselves then how to defend one’s self.  Mixed Martial Arts is no different in the fact that it is a skilled art that requires a tremendous amount of focus and a real sense of self.  And also instills a never quit mentality.  So if you think UFC is just about a bunch of guys trying to knock each other senseless, think again.  These men and women are extremely dedicated and follow a strict code of conduct when it comes to their life inside and outside the cage…

What if everything in relation to science that perhaps we have understood as facts or even law is in fact not entirely  accurate?  Or just plain WRONG!  Intriguing… I know.  Author and Physicist Scott Tyson was on STYLE today with Nikki to discuss his book The Unobservable Universe which is based on the theory of a paradox-free framework for understanding the universe.  To get your own copy or to learn more go to www.galaxieway.com

Today our financial guru Skip Cowan schooled Nikki on the benefits of  re-thinking how we view and even perhaps look forward to a big Tax Return.  To take a closer look at what exactly Skip is talking about visit his website at www.focusonthefutre.tv

Today I got to partake in an amazing work out with the Beautiful Carin Von Olst who was on STYLE today putting me through my paces as she instructed me on a full body PARTNERS work out.  Carin is a wealth of knowledge and power house to boot.  If you are looking to step up your fitness game or looking to tighten up your physique do yourself a favor an look up Carin Von Olst www.carinfitness.com

Wild Friends gives children the opportunity to be a part of the political gears that make this country move, all the while learning to appreciate our beautiful wild life and the benefits of learning conservation practices.  To learn how you and your family can be a part of the action log on to www.wildfriends.unm.edu