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Houston mayor proposes $4.9 billion city budget
Houston Mayor Annise Parker has unveiled a $4.9 billion proposed total city budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2013. The General Fund, or tax supported portion of the budget, is $2.2 billion. The budget does not require a tax increase and maintains focus on Parker’s five main priorities: jobs and sustainable development, public safety, infrastructure, quality of [...]
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Baytown is at the Epicenter of New Growth
There’s an economic boom coming to the Texas Gulf Coast, and Baytown is the epicenter. Plant expansions, the retirement of long-time employees, growth in healthcare and the maritime industry are pushing Baytown to the forefront as one of the nation’s fastest growing and most prosperous regions.
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Sen. Hutchison honored at Rotary Space Gala
The Rotary National Awards for Space Achievement Foundation presented the National Space Trophy to former Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison before a black-tie crowd of 800 at the Downtown Houston Hyatt Regency Hotel on Friday, April 26. She is the first senator to ever receive the award and only the second woman.
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Breast Cancer Survivor Becomes ‘Leader of the Pack’ for Bikers Against Breast Cancer’s 5th Ride
Janet Slocum Janet Slocum loves a challenge. Not only is she employed at MD Anderson, she’s co-owner of the Second Chance Saloon and La Porte Towing. “I’m a girl that will do anything!” she acknowledged. One role she would have easily said “no” to however, is breast cancer patient. But even that obstacle turned into an opportunity as she now [...]
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Rotarians get update from city, county officials
Both Harris County Commissioner Jack Morman and Houston City Councilman Dave Martin updated Space Center Rotary in recent days on current city and county projects. Both brought good news for the area. Martin briefed Rotarians on the large new Clear Lake City development Trendmaker Homes and Fidelity Partners are planning just east of Space Center Boulevard near the intersection of Clear Lake City and El Dorado Boulevards — 700 new homes on 372 acres, plus some 300,000 square feet of high-end retail on 50 acres at the front entrance.
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Texas Meditations – Our Birthright
I was at Abilene Christian University to address a gathering of two organizations of English professors. I attended the obligatory Thursday night cocktail party for just a few minutes, met a few dignitaries and a few old friends, and then snuck out to get dinner at Joe Allen’s Bar-b-que. It was my first time in Abilene and the place came highly recommended.
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Business Buzz
Turkish steel manufacturer Borusan Mannesmann Pipe plans to expand its manufacturing operations to the U.S. with a steel pipe plant in Baytown, creating 250 jobs and $148 million in capital investment. In making the announcement, Gov. Rick Perry said the state is providing $1.6 million from the Texas Enterprise Fund to close the deal.
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Webster eyes state funds for NASA Parkway link
Webster has taken the first steps toward what it hopes will be shared bike and pedestrian paths linking NASA Parkway to Henderson Road along the east side of FM 270 – applying for some $1 million in state transportation funds.
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Seven Money Habits to Curb Now
Whether it is biting our fingernails, losing track of house keys or procrastinating; we all have some bad financial habits that we’d like to break. Often, we simply “accept” our bad habits without thinking about how they may actually be standing in the way of us living our lives as we want to. When it comes to making the most [...]
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In Wheel Time – Sun, Sand and Sedans
Mid-size car sales increased 1.2 percent last year, proving that it’s not always about SUV’s. With summer road trips becoming top-of-mind, it’s good to know that the sedan is more popular than ever. This month BAHM takes a look at a couple of all-new four-door rides you must check out. 2014 Mazda 6 Not only has that silly, smiling grille been [...]
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Baybrook Mall Hosts Special Night Out for Moms Thursday, May 9
Moms deserve a night out! In celebration of Mother’s Day, Baybrook Mall hosts Mom’s Night Out on Thursday, May 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be fashion, fun and freebies. The evening will focus on fashion and personal style, makeup, hair and more, including gifts, refreshments, giveaways and special offers designed to pamper Mom.
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New novel offers look inside astronaut family
Ever wonder what it might have been like to be part of an astronaut family during the Apollo days? JoAnn Carr of El Lago, who was formerly married to Apollo and Skylab astronaut Jerry Carr, gives us a fictional inside look at what it is like being married to an astronaut, offering the feminine view of the space race – [...]
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UHCL honors chamber
It was a time for both looking back and peering into the future when UH-Clear Lake hosted its 2013 Report to the Community Breakfast at Lakewood Yacht Club. Besides updating the audience on achievements of the past year and its future goals, the university honored the Clear Lake Area Chamber as its Community Partner of the Year.
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UHCL lists plans for May graduation
University of Houston-Clear Lake welcomed its new costumed mascot – the UH-Clear Lake Hawk –during the 24th Annual UHCL Chili Cook-Off. The Hawk was named as the official mascot in 2012 after a five-phase mascot search process that began in 2010. This marked the first official appearance of the UHCL Hawk, which was brought in by a flight crew comprising [...]
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Nourishing the Mind – Once is More than Enough
There is a joke a friend of mine tells which, even as he tells it, causes him to break out in laughter. I find the joke tremendously humorous and he and I together, no matter how many times we’ve heard it, can’t help but be amused by it. On the other hand, his wife and mine look at us as if we’re idiots and find no comedy in this joke at all. I’d like to share it with you, because it has great meaning for me. Far more so than just a humorous intercourse between two people. There’s a lesson to be learned from it.
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Lakewood Yacht Club News and Events
Lakewood Yacht Club Race Committee Chairman Gerhard Wittich has announced that the 31st Annual Shoe Regatta will be held over the weekend of May 18-19. In 1982 Lakewood hosted the first Shoe Regatta, which was originally sponsored by Foley’s Department Store and Sperry Top-Sider Shoes.
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The Admiral’s Log – Fishing for Sharks
While we do not want to lead you to believe that this aggressive fish is harmless, we do want to emphasize that respect and common sense are the keys to enjoying their surroundings with them. Following the 1970’s movie “Jaws”, recreational shark fishing took off. Shark tournaments became popular and the goal of many visitors to the Galveston Bay Complex was to catch a shark, especially a big one.
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Veteran’s Memorial Dedication Slated for May
Many who worked and contributed to the completion of the Bay Area Veterans Memorial recently gathered for a pre-dedication photo. With support from the community, local businesses and the City of Seabrook, the Bay Area Veterans Memorial has been completed. The public is invited to attend the dedication on Saturday, May 25 at 1106 Second Street in Seabrook. The ceremony [...]
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3 percent pay hike ahead for CCISD teachers, staff
Clear Creek ISD teachers and staff who had to go without a raise for two years when the Texas Legislature cut local funding by some $23 million are getting a three percent raise next year. CCISD trustees approved the increase at their March meeting, along with an increase in the district’s contribution to its health care plan.
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Longhorn Museum chronicles unique part of Texas’ history
When you think of Texas, and you think of Longhorns. Yet few Texans realize that not so many years ago, Longhorns were on the verge of extinction and by the mid-1920s were outnumbered by buffalo. Today their unique history is chronicled in a Bay Area attraction – League City’s Butler Longhorn Museum, which is just getting its bearings in the tourism world.
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NASA recognizes SAIC at Safety Forum
SAIC Program Manager and former astronaut Ken Cameron, from left, joins SAIC employees Liz Hartley, Lisa Ewing, Pete Gerac, Pat Farrell, Peggy Anderson and Paula Klewer, Johnson Space Center Associate Director Melanie Saunders and Deputy Director of Safety & Mission Assurance Vincent Watkins as they show off the safety award. Science Applications International Corp. was recognized for excellence in safety [...]
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Pasadena Strawberry Festival kicks off with May 11 parade
Harris County residents are making final plans now for the 40th annual Pasadena Strawberry Festival Friday through Sunday May 17-19 with the big annual parade kicking off festivities Saturday, May 11. The parade will start at 10 a.m. at the corner of Spencer and Shaver and continue one mile down Spencer to Burke, ending at the Memorial Stadium parking lot.
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3rd Annual Spring Fling
The Texas Mariner’s Cruising Association (TMCA) and the City of Baytown are joining forces to host the 3rd annual Spring Fling from May 17th to 19th. ALL ARE WELCOME! Imagine Galveston Bay filled with 100 recreational sail and power boats making their way to the brand new Bayland Marina for a weekend of entertainment and philanthropy! There will be a Trade Show, Coast Guard, Police and Fire [...]
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CCISD addresses misinformation
As a school district that encompasses over 100 square miles, serves 13 municipalities, 2 counties, 40,000 children and employs 5,000 men and women, the Clear Creek School District points out that it makes every effort to earn the public’s trust through transparency, timely communication, and accurate information. The Office of Communications says it has been notified about what it calls misinformation on an unaffiliated website regarding [...]
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Memorial Hermann plans new medical complex in Pearland
Memorial Hermann has announced plans to open a new medical campus in fast-growing Pearland. Centerpiece of the new medical complex will be a 64-bed acute care hospital, which will open in 2015, and feature an intensive care unit, operating rooms, cardiac catheterization labs, medical/surgical units, women’s and neonatology services.
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In Wheel Time – Spring into an SUV
Spring has to be one of the most popular times of the year in the Bay Area. The weather gets warm enough to clean up the watercraft and head out to Clear Lake and Galveston Bay for the first time since Halloween. With this annual renewal come pangs for a new vehicle, so we grabbed a couple of SUV’s from popular manufacturers and took them for a spin.
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UH-Clear Lake ad campaign a winner
University of Houston-Clear Lake’s “The Choice is Clear” advertising campaign gained recognition during the American Advertising Federation-Houston’s 51st Annual ADDY® Awards. The campaign, designed and written by Houston-based agency Richards/Carlberg, received three gold and three silver awards as well as a certificate of excellence and an excellence in copywriting award for different aspects of the campaign. Launched in 2012, the campaign included billboards, print ads, signs and more featuring various slogans such as “What do you call a UHCL grad? Boss.,”
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With Investments, Diversifying is Key
Ever wonder why Mom and Pop stores sell wildly unrelated products side by side, like umbrellas and sunglasses, or Halloween candy and screwdrivers? Customers probably would never buy these items on the same shopping trip, right? That’s exactly the point. By diversifying their product offerings, vendors reduce the risk of losing sales on any given day, since people don’t usually [...]
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Clear Lake High Takes First in Texas Real World Design Challenge
Clear Lake High School students won first place in Texas in the Real World Design Challenge. They are, from left, senior Aalisha Maknojia and juniors Amar Harris, Jayant Leal, Mason Kepp and Junaid Maknojia. Their teacher is Lillian Wilson. Clear Lake High School students won first place in Texas in the Real World Design Challenge. They are senior Aalisha Maknojia [...]
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Clear Creek ISD trustees call for $367 million bond vote on May 11
The Clear Creek ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept the Citizens Facility Advisory Committee’s recommendation to call for a $367 million bond referendum in order to address CCISD facilities, instructional technology, and co-curricular and extracurricular programs. Contents of the school bond package were prioritized by a 30-member facility committee consisting of parents, local citizens, business leaders and educators. [...]
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Lakewood Yacht Club News and Events
Heald Bank Race Scheduled for April 20-21 Lakewood Yacht Club Race Committee Chairman Gerhard Wittich has announced that this year’s Heald Bank Regatta has been scheduled for the weekend of April 20 – 21. This is the first race of a series to determine the winner of the Texas Offshore Racing Circuit (TORC). The second event is an offshore regatta [...]
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The Admiral’s Log – Sharks: Fear not, Respect, Yes!
Swimmers along beaches in The Gulf of Mexico probably fear nothing more than the word “shark.” While many potentially harmful creatures swim in the same waters as humans, none get the attention that sharks command. The movie “Jaws,” released close to 40 years ago, increased the awareness of sharks in ocean waters and probably did more harm to the specie than any other movie or documentary about creatures of the sea.
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Fifth Annual AEROS & AUTOS
Back for its fifth year, Aeros & Autos will be hosted by the Houston Airport System on May 11th, 2013 at Ellington Airport from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Presented by Texas Flying Legends Museum and Ellington Air Commerce Center, this annual family-friendly community event features car shows, static aircraft displays, kids corral, gift drawings, food, shopping, live entertainment, and the Houston Half Mile Shootout.
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UHCL gets $1 million from Houston Endowment to launch freshman class
To prepare for its first freshman and sophomore students, the University of Houston-Clear Lake has received much-needed support through a $1 million grant from Houston Endowment for a proposal highlighting the university’s four-year initiative. The payments will be presented in two $500,000 increments in March 2013 and 2014 and will assist UH-Clear Lake by extending services and support for the [...]
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Celebrate TEXAS!
The Birthplace of Texas will host the Totally Texas Festival on April 13. The festival celebrates the Battle of San Jacinto, the decisive 18-minute skirmish that gave the Lone Star State its independence from Mexico. On April 1, 1836, the Texas Army, led by Gen. Sam Houston ambushed the Santa Ana-led Mexican forces. Although they were outnumbered two-to-one, the Texans [...]
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Texas Meditations – Bending Time
Have you ever noticed our most powerful memories are associated with the sense of smell? When I smell Chantilly perfume I am immediately transported back to a time with my first girlfriend in high school. The smell of diesel exhaust takes me to the steel mills in my college summers. And a cigar…well, I’m ten years old and at Wrigley field with my dad, watching a Cubs’ game.
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Banker Mike Duckworth is new League City Chamber chairman
Banker Michael Duckworth, the new chairman of the League City Chamber, has been a part of the Bay Area Houston fabric for many years – three decades, in fact. Originally from the tiny town of Nocona in far northeast Texas, the University of North Texas graduate moved to the Clear Lake area in 1983 and has played a key role in business and civic affairs ever since.
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Seabrook streets getting a facelift
Road work ahead! But for Seabrook residents, it’s good news. Never mind the inconvenience, they’ve been waiting a very long time and are happy to see the start of the Harris County Precinct 2 Road Improvements Project.
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UHCL Hawk mascot’s first flight to take place at Chili Cook-Off
Meet a special guest at University of Houston-Clear Lake’s 24th Annual Chili Cook-Off April 6, noon – 4 p.m. The first “flight” or appearance of the official Hawk mascot costumed character will take place at approximately 1:30 p.m. during the event at the university’s north lawn, outside of the Student Services and Classroom Building, 2700 Bay Area Blvd. “UH-Clear Lake’s [...]
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Drug Take Back coming up April 27
The Bay Area Alliance Prescription Drug Advisory Committee is expanding its effort to take back expired or unneeded prescription and non-prescription medications Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at three Take It Back locations. This is the sixth such event to decrease prescription drug abuse and is in coordination with a national effort through the Drug Enforcement [...]
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CCISD trustees pick Dell as tablet of choice
The Clear Creek School District Board of Trustees has picked the Dell Latitude 10 as the device the district would purchase if the 2013 Bond Referendum is approved by voters on May 11. The board approval does not commit funds for the purchase of tablet computers, it merely designates their tablet of choice. In January, Clear Creek ISD issued a [...]
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SpaceX Dragon completes second successful cargo flight to space station
WASHINGTON — A Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon spacecraft successfully completed the company’s second cargo flight to the International Space Station on Tuesday, March 26, with a 12:36 p.m. EDT splashdown in the Pacific Ocean a few hundred miles west of Baja California, Mexico.
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NASA Salutes Exploration at 2013 Space Week Texas in State Capital
NASA is heading back to Austin for a week-long salute to space exploration featuring educational and interactive exhibits, inspiring speakers, astronaut appearances and legislative proclamations highlighting the International Space Station and the future. Space Week Texas is March 18-22 in Austin. Johnson Space Center Director Ellen Ochoa and Commercial Crew Program Deputy Program Manager Kathryn Lueders will be attending several events throughout Space Week. NASA [...]
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Preparing Against Fire and Other Disasters
“FIRE!”…few words inspire such fear and pain. What do you do? What if a hurricane is coming or other unexpected disasters like floods, forest fires or busted pipes in the winter occur? After family and life, what are the things that matter most to you?
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New Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women OB/GYN practice now open in Pearland
Texas Children’s Hospital offers continuum of specialized care to Pearland community as OB/GYN practice opens next door to new facility for Texas Children’s Pediatrics Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, Houston’s premier hospital for women’s, fetal and newborn health, opened its first community-based OB/GYN practice in Pearland recently. The new OB/GYN practice brings the Pavilion for Women’s leading expertise closer to [...]
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Lockheed Martin Joins Dream Chaser Team
Lockheed Martin Space Systems is joining the Sierra Nevada Dream Chaser team and will be its exclusive partner on the NASA Certification Products Contract. Dream Chaser, one of three competitors in the space agency’s Commercial Crew Integrated Capability Program, is Sierra Nevada’s orbital crew vehicle in development and is a piloted aircraft that can land on a runway. The other two are Boeing’s CST-100 and Space X’s Dragon – both capsule designs.
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In Wheel Time – All-New Corvette Wows Bay Area Enthusiasts
Making its much anticipated debut at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray generated as much media play as Psy’s Gangnam Style at a dance party. American’s love affair with the iconic nameplate dates back 60 years, and since this is only the 7th generation of the 2-seat sports car, it is a major milestone. If you’ve ever owned one, driven one or just longed for one, this Vette will be the ultimate Bay Area baby when it arrives in showrooms this fall.
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Clear Lake Chatter
It’s time to Rodeo and no one knows it better than the NASA Clear Creek Rodeo Gang, who put on some of the best shows around. And, this year was no exception as dozens of well known guys and gals strutted down the runway, showing off a variety of fashions from Adelaide’s Boutique, The Clothes Horse, Dillard’s, Back Bay Boutique, Cavender’s Boot City and Jill’s Fashions before a cheering crowd at the Rodeo Style Show after new Johnson Space Center Director Dr. Ellen Ochoa welcomed one and all to NASA’s Gilruth Center.
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MUST-HAVE Insurance Plans
Many people adopt a “penny wise, pound foolish” mentality when it comes to buying insurance. When trying to lower expenses, some will drop or reduce needed coverage, gambling that they won’t become seriously ill, suffer a car accident or fall victim to a fire or other catastrophe. But all it takes is one serious uncovered (or under-covered) incident to potentially [...]
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Texas Meditations – What Are We Thinking?
I’m a real fan of the Texas singer/songwriters. I count Robert Earl Keen, Gary P. Nunn and Laird Considine among my favorites. I first heard the Considine CD Ghost Tones in 2003 over the sound system of my favorite Big Bend area bar, La Kiva in Study (pronounced “stoo-dee”) Butte. I immediately set out to find a copy of the CD. It took two days and a drive to Alpine, but I didn’t leave the area till I found it.
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BayTran introduces new president
A Houston woman with some 30 years of progressive experience in regional planning and urban development has been named president of the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership. She is Barbara Koslov, whose focus over the years has been on transportation. She replaces Colleta Castleschoult, who resigned. BayTran members got to meet her for the first time at a recent luncheon at Cullen’s Upscale Grille.
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On My Mind – It’s time to button up the lips and ‘play nice’
When the last votes were counted in November, most everyone was hopeful Washington might be entering a new era — that the two political parties would make an effort to get along and get on with the nation’s business. We sent several new congressmen and a new senator to the nation’s capital to represent Texas and hopefully accomplish more than had been the case in the past few years.
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Business Buzz
Two astronauts leaving NASA Two astronauts – Clayton Anderson and Brent Jett have left NASA after long careers with the space agency. Anderson began his 30-year NASA career in 1983 as an engineer in Mission Planning and Analysis at Johnson Space Center and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. He trained as a backup crew member for Expeditions 12, 13 [...]
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Pod-Zu’s Cajun Cuisine
Got a yen for Cajun? Well, mosey on down to Bacliff for some classic Cajun at Pod-Zu’s at Clifton By The Sea. It’s not only the prettiest restaurant on the bay, they have some fantastic seafood gumbo and crawfish etouffe. Heading south, travel down the Gulf Freeway, Highway 3 or Highway 146 until you reach Highway 646, where you’ll turn left and head east until you arrive at Pod Zu’s, sitting there at the corner of Grand Avenue where Clifton By The Sea once stood overlooking Galveston Bay.
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Golf course may become chain of lakes
Clear Lake City may be getting its own version of New York’s Central Park one day soon. Perhaps a “Land of Lakes.” After many hours of meeting with various citizen groups and conferring with hydrologists and various other experts over the past year, the Clear Lake City Water Authority has drawn up a plan to turn the Clear Lake Golf Course into a beautiful park the community can enjoy and which will add value to property in the area.
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Unpleasant Surprises for Both Boaters and Fishermen in March
March is one of the more frustrating months for boaters and fishermen. Weather forecasts, especially for wind, are likely the most unreliable of the year and fishing is usually hit or miss. March also is Spring Break Month and most schools designate a week or so as holidays. The first thing on the mind of spring breakers is heading to the coast. For years, while my daughter was in school, there was an annual ritual of spending time at our weekend home on the west end of Galveston Island.
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Long battle expected over school funding lawsuit
State officials indicated as much after State District Judge John Dietz ruled that the current funding system is not only inefficient and inadequate but unconstitutional as well, and needs to be repaired. In his ruling, a decision that could have a major impact on education, Judge Dietz specifically called on the state to provide the resources necessary to give all students a real opportunity to graduate from high school ready for college or a career and provide equitable funding to bring all Texas school districts up to the funding levels necessary to meet Texas’ high standards.
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Bay Area cities honored
The cities of Seabrook, Nassau Bay and Webster were honored Tuesday, Feb. 19, when they each were presented an Excellence in Emergency Management Award at the 6th Annual Emergency Management Association of Texas Symposium in San Marcos. The trio of cities was honored for their collaboration and preparedness during the NASA shuttle move this past summer from the dock at [...]
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Clear Creek ISD trustees OK $367 million bond package
Clear Creek ISD trustees voted unanimously at their Feb. 25 meeting to put a $367 million bond issue for updates and repairs to local schools on the May 11 ballot. Earlier, CCISD’s Facility Advisory Committee had pared down the bond from $387 million, cutting down the size of its proposed stadium and downsizing its technology and priority maintenance proposals.
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CCISD plans technology symposium for the community
Based on community interest, The Clear Creek School District will host a technology symposium to detail plans to improve wireless and computer access for students, including the use of tablet computers. The technology symposium is open to all community members and will be held Thursday, Feb. 21, at Brookside Intermediate School in Friendswood, located at 3535 E. FM 528. The [...]
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CCISD Students Perform Above State Average on STAAR test
The 2012 STAAR test results for grades 3-8 are in, and Clear Creek ISD students performed well against the new rigorous standards and well above the state average. The results, released by the Texas Education Agency, are as follows: 87% – 90% of all 3rd thru 5th grade students passed STAAR in reading 77% – 86% of all 3rd thru [...]
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District Science Fair winners announced
Clear Creek ISD Science Fair Grand Award winners show off their trophies as they stand with SAIC Program Manager and former astronaut Kenneth D. Cameron, left. They are, from left, Grand Award winner Kevin Cyr and runner up winners Allen Hu and Kushal Kadakia. Grand Award winner Perry Alagappan is not pictured. The results have been tallied and the Clear [...]
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A Racing, Pounding Heartbeat: When You Should Be Concerned
Our hearts beat 50 to 100 times a minute but we are usually not aware of it. When we do notice our heart beats, we may think of them as “palpitations.” Benign palpitations are often caused by our everyday activities: when we exercise, drink caffeine or alcohol, or are nervous or excited. Some people become more aware of their own hearts beating while lying down at night when the distractions from the surrounding environment are minimal.
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Faces and Places – Fred Griffin honored at BAHEP Gala
Few have played a more significant role in the development of the Clear Lake area than Fred Griffin – this year’s Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Quasar Award winner. So it was no surprise when South Shore Harbour Resort’s Crystal Ballroom was filled to nearly overflowing that the crowd of 600 saluted him with a standing ovation at the annual Quasar Banquet.
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CCISD voters get look at $387 million bond package
Clear Lake High School Clear Creek ISD needs some $387 million in updates and repairs, a Facility Advisory Committee told the Clear Creek School Board at its January workshop. Included in its recommendations are a complete rebuild of two aging schools, Clear Lake High and McWhirter Elementary, construction of a second district stadium and a major technology upgrade to increase [...]
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New developments sprouting up all over the Bay Area
The continuing popularity of the Bay Area is reflected in the many new developments either in the planning stages or about to take off — from one end of Bay Area Houston to the other. One of the newest and biggest is planned in League City, Barbara Cutsinger of Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership reports.
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Precinct 2 planning several big projects
When Harris County Commissioner Jack Morman was running for the post back in 2010, he said he was accused of being an infrastructure commissioner. Today, “I’m doing my best to prove them right. Infrastructure is the first job of a commissioner. If you don’t do it well, if you aren’t efficient, then everything else falls apart. Infrastructure is the vital component to the economic growth of East Harris County.
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Bay Area cities bustling with activity
Everywhere you go around the Bay Area, new buildings are going up, new businesses are opening and hundreds of homes are being built as we bid farewell to what was once a weak economy. Clear Lake City got some welcome news this fall when Universal Weather and Aviation purchased the 158,600 square-foot building at 1150 Gemini that formerly housed United Space Alliance and announced plans to relocate its world headquarters and some 700 employees from the Hobby Airport area.
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Kay Bailey Hutchison to Receive National Space Trophy
Recently retired U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) has been named the 2013 recipient of the National Space Trophy by the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation. Hutchison was nominated by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Executive Vice President Joanne Maguire. In nominating her, she credited Hutchison as a “long standing champion of the NASA and Department of Defense space [...]
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Enrollment up at most colleges around the area
While enrollments at Texas colleges have slowed down during the recession, most have continued to grow – especially those in the University of Houston System. UH-Clear Lake, typical of all UH campuses, enrolled 8,301 students this fall, compared to 8,188 last year. The UH Main Campus had 40,747 this year, compared with 39,824 for the 2011-12 school year.
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JSC Director Mike Coats Retires in Grand Style
Recently retired Johnson Space Center Director Mike Coats got quite a surprise when his JSC pals tossed a retirement party for him Jan. 11 at Space Center Houston. He felt sure few would come and told JSC Director Ellen Ochoa so. “No one will come,” he insisted. Imagine his surprise when nearly 600 showed up to give him a grand sendoff – many coming from all over the country.
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With Investments, Diversifying is Key
Ever wonder why Mom and Pop stores sell wildly unrelated products side by side, like umbrellas and sunglasses, or Halloween candy and screwdrivers? Customers probably would never buy these items on the same shopping trip, right? That’s exactly the point. By diversifying their product offerings, vendors reduce the risk of losing sales on any given day, since people don’t usually [...]
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South Shore Harbour Renovates Just In Time to Celebrate Its 25th Anniversary in 2013
South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, marking the special year with a series of hotel updates and special events. Renovations have been made to the lobby, lobby lounge, public restrooms, four meeting rooms, the Hunt Room and amphitheater, as well as the smaller Marina Plaza Ballroom, which has already seen rave reviews.
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Nourishing the Mind – Hiding from Reality
John is a third-year college student, who is on academic probation. If he doesn’t bring his grade-point average, GPA above 2.0, he won’t be permitted to return to school. But he still oversleeps most mornings, parties almost every night, and seems oblivious to the consequences of his behavior.
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The Admiral’s Log – The Three Trout on the Third Coast
Trout are probably the most popular fish sought after in the Galveston Bay Complex and for good reason. They offer a good fight as well as excellent table fare. Now, which of the three fish called trout are we talking about? Actually, we are describing all three.
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Medical Community Frantically Trying to Keep Up With Growth
Five new Pearland facilities were completed or in the works this past year as the Brazoria County city continued to boom. But it was not alone. Webster has construction under way at two hospitals, while League City, Galveston, Dickinson and Pasadena all have several new projects as doctors try to keep pace with the area’s rapid growth.
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Downward expansion awards help UHCL build on success
The University of Houston-Clear Lake continues building on success as it welcomes the new year. In spring 2012, UH-Clear Lake introduced its new creative marketing campaign, “The Choice is Clear,” featuring slogans such as “What do you call a UHCL grad? Boss” and “Created for NASA in 1974. Still Launching Careers.”
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Challenger Remembered
The NASA family lost seven of its own on the morning of Jan. 28, 1986, when a booster engine failed, causing the Shuttle Challenger to break apart just 73 seconds after launch. In this photo from Jan. 9, 1986, the Challenger crew takes a break during countdown training at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. From left are Teacher-in-Space payload specialist Sharon Christa McAuliffe; payload specialist Gregory [...]
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UH-Clear Lake Welcoming Future Freshmen
After more than 30 years of recruiting juniors, seniors and graduate students, University of Houston-Clear Lake will host its first freshman information session Saturday, Feb. 2, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the university, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston. “We’re thrilled to have the first future freshmen on campus to learn more about the educational opportunities and activities available at UH-Clear Lake,” says UH-Clear Lake [...]
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Speaker series to feature Commissioner Jack Morman
Harris County Commissioner Jack Morman will discuss the Present Status of Precinct 2 Thursday, Jan. 10, in the University of Houston-Clear Lake Bayou Building Garden Room from 5:30 to 7 p.m. His talk is another in the Visions in Our Midst Distinguished Speaker Series hosted by the Clear Lake Association of Senior Programs.
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Terri Dieste to chair 2013 Lunar Rendezvous Festival
Terri Dieste Calling the Bay Area Houston home since 1976, Terri Dieste has been an avid community supporter. Due to her dedication and leadership skills in philanthropic endeavors, she has been selected by the Lunar Rendezvous Festival Advisory Board to be the 2013 Lunar Rendezvous Festival general chairman. A Lunar Rendezvous princess in 1980, Dieste observed her mother’s dedication to [...]
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A New Year’s Resolution for Anglers
New Year’s Resolutions run rampant this time of year, with most having to do with breaking a bad habit or engaging in something new to enhance health or wealth. Anglers, who are not considered pros, have an opportunity to join the bandwagon and make a resolution to improve their fishing skills. For those who are interested in making such a vow, here are some pointers that could help you.
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The Importance of Keeping Accurate Records for Business Income and Property Taxes
Be careful with the phrase “It’s a tax write-off” By Greg Crinion Greg Crinion Businesses pay a variety of taxes – sales, unemployment, social security, income and property, to name a few. Two taxes are especially relevant at this time of year, both of which require proper record keeping. Every business is taxed by the federal government on its income. [...]
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HomeTown Bank of Pearland Now Open
HomeTown Bank, N.A. recently celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting with the Pearland Chamber of Commerce on December 6, 2012. The new building, and the bank’s seventh branch, is on Pearland Parkway. HomeTown Bank received its national banking charter and began operations in Galveston in 1966 under the name Bank of Galveston. The community bank changed its name to [...]
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Mossman students develop their own Farmers Market
Desmond Adjei and Samantha Lowrance happily show off tomatoes both large and small they have raised over the past few months at Mossman Elementary. Mossman Elementary students at Education Village in League City are getting a whole new take on life. They have formed a garden club and have their own Farmers Market. They not only know how to plant [...]
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Del Papa Distributing Company Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity this Holiday Season
Equipped with generous hearts and heavy hammers, 30 Del Papa Distributing Company employees and their family members volunteered with Bay Area – Houston Habitat for Humanity (BAHFH) to help build three homes in Dickinson, Texas on Saturday, December 8. Afterward, the Gulf Coast beer distributor, which is also partnering with Habitat for Humanity on projects near the company’s Victoria and [...]
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HTC, JSC partner to foster local business opportunities
The Houston Technology Center and Johnson Space Center have formally opened the new office established at JSC through the partnership they formed – a partnership to enhance opportunities to accelerate the growth of emerging technology industries.
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Resolve to be Financially Secure in 2013
When it comes to making New Year’s resolutions, getting into good shape financially ranks right up there with losing weight and eating healthier. All three goals require discipline and planning; and, as you’ve no doubt experienced, it’s not unusual to encounter setbacks along the way. Don’t let losing a minor battle here or there convince you to surrender on the [...]
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Historic League City sites featured on Saturday tour
Eight historic turn of the 20th century locations will be featured at the annual League City Historic Homes Tour, which takes place, Saturday, Dec. 08, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featured on the tour for the first time is the Josh McFaddin Home, 924 Second St. Also included are visits to the city’s original one-room schoolhouse, which has been restored [...]
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$1.7 Million Still Needed to Open Shuttle to Public
The Bay Area’s space shuttle is sitting over at Space Center Houston, waiting for the next step in its career – getting all spruced up and opened to the public. Space Center Houston President Richard Allen talked about what lies ahead when he recently addressed the Clear Lake Area Chamber, explaining how visitors will be able to climb up in the shuttle replica and even be able to see the cargo bay that was used to supply the International Space Station.
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Dazzling presents right near your front door
Betty Walker shows off her festive and one of a kind Christmas decorations available at GingerSnaps. Looking for something a little different for a Christmas present? Look no more. You don’t have to drive into Houston, you can find some very enticing gifts right here in the Bay Area. If you’re decorating for the holidays, swing by GingerSnaps in League [...]
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Holiday Budgeting Center
It’s the time of year for gift giving, entertaining, holiday parties, and for many–overspending and financial stress. This year, enjoy the season without letting holiday spending get the better of you; the tips and tools below will help. Setting a realistic holiday budget and making sure to stick to it is the first step to enjoying a more affordable and [...]
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League City breaks ground for public safety building
Many League City officials were on hand to help break ground for the city’s proposed new $24 million public safety building. Mayor Tim Paulissen called plans for the 71,000 square foot structure across from City Hall “one of the largest investments our city’s ever made and one of our most important.
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San Jac Works to Meet Needs of the Community
As San Jacinto College concluded its 50th anniversary year and began a new decade, the school celebrated the special anniversary by offering a new degree and with some unexpected state funds. “This fall we’re rolling out our associate’s degree in maritime technology,” Chancellor Brenda Hellyer told Space Center Rotary members.
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The Admiral’s Log – December, a Potentially Dangerous Month for Fish, Fishing and Boating
December is a month that usually begins with moderate weather and fishing continues to follow the fall patterns and is excellent. The time frame from Thanksgiving to mid-December often offers some of the best wade fishing of the year all around the Galveston Bay Complex.
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Clear Creek ISD secondary principals given new posts
Three secondary principals have taken new posts this school year after being approved by the Clear Creek ISD Board of Trustees. Brett Lemley is the new principal of Clear Horizons Early College High School (CHECHS), replacing Dr. Jennifer Morrow, who took a post with the Pearland School District. Lemley moves from Clear Lake Intermediate School where he served as principal [...]
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Choices, Choices – Selecting the Right Legal Entity
A business start up can be exciting, yet puzzling when deciding which, if any, legal entity to choose. Sole Proprietorships, General Partnerships, Limited Partnerships, Corporations, and Limited Liability Companies are all options. Following are five factors to consider in making your decision.
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Lee College Program Offers Students Opportunity For A Better Life
In 1992, Lee College in Baytown, Texas established Project LeeWay to help low-income students, single parents, displaced homemakers, and single pregnant women have the chance to seek technical careers and gain access to vocational technical education and training. In preparation for college-level work, students enrolled in Project LeeWay undergo six weeks of intensive training in math, reading, writing, study skills [...]
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Education Gala Honors 9
Four of Clear Creek ISD’s best and brightest alumni were honored at the Clear Creek Education Foundation’s 12th annual Reach for the Stars Gala, along with five others lauded for their educational efforts. Dr. James O’Malley was honored as CCEF’s Citizen of the Year at the black-tie gala at South Shore Harbour Resort, while Lisa Holbrook was named recipient of the George Carlisle Award and Bryan Escobedo was presented the Valor Award. Teachers of the Year Jennifer Foley and Nicola Clemmer were recipients of Super Star Awards.
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Fred Griffin named recipient of BAHEP’s Quasar Award
The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership will honor developer Fred B. Griffin with its prestigious 2013 Quasar Award for exceptional leadership in economic development. The award will be presented during the organization’s 21st Annual Quasar Banquet Friday, Jan. 18, at South Shore Harbour Resort, starting at 6:30 p.m. The theme of the banquet is Prosperity through Leadership.
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UHCL Fall Commencement slated Dec. 16
University of Houston-Clear Lake will hold its fall 2012 commencement ceremonies Dec. 16, at noon and 5 p.m., at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Exhibit Hall B3, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas in Houston. Commencement for the School of Education and School of Business will be held at noon, with keynote speaker Cris C. Daskevich, senior vice president over the Pavilion for Women [...]
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CCISD slams mandate – Students getting reprieve from 15 percent test rule
High school students and their parents have more than the upcoming holidays to celebrate this month. They just won a key battle in Austin, where Education Commissioner Michael Williams said he will defer the state-mandated 15 percent testing rule this school year.
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Two selected for two-year space mission
Two veteran spacefarers — Scott Kelly and Mikhail Kornienko — have been selected by NASA, the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), and their international partners for a one-year mission aboard the International Space Station in 2015. This mission will include collecting scientific data important to future human exploration of our solar system. Kelly and Kornienko will launch aboard a Russian [...]
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CALLING ALL VETERANS
The Clear Falls High School JROTC in League City would like to extend an invitation to the entire community, especially Veterans, to attend their 3rd Annual Veterans Day Ceremony: November 9, 2012 7:00 a.m. Clear Falls H.S. Performing Arts Center. The ceremony will include recognition of all service branches, the history of Taps and the definition of Veterans Day.
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SAIC plans free health fair
Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) will host a free Community Health and Wellness Fair Friday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Johnson Space Center’s Gilruth Center Alamo Ballroom on Space Center Boulevard. Sponsored by SAIC, with support from Kelsey Seybold Clinic, the event provides members of the community an opportunity to have their blood sugar checked, [...]
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Local author and band get more than 500,000 views on YouTube in only 2 and a 1/2 weeks.
After reading the Barnes and Noble and Smashwords.com best seller, Eleftheria by Jade De Kelaita, Jeremiah Wood, a member of Castle Lights, wrote a song for the love story depicted in the dramatic novel. Castle Lights and De Kelaita worked together on a simple video that 2 weeks after being posted on YouTube, “Keep Waiting” was viewed over 200,000 times. It is [...]
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Operation School Bell brings smiles to 1,725 student faces
Some 1,725 students from financially challenged families in the Clear Creek and Dickinson school districts headed off the class this fall with new clothes, thanks to the Assistance League of the Bay Area’s Operation School Bell program. Working with officials from area schools, every year the Assistance League identifies children whose families are experiencing financial hardship and invites them to “shop” for new school clothes, during Operation School Bell.
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Eagles Nest – A Home Away From Home
“There’s not a lot for kids to do after school in Seabrook, so they start dreaming up things to do,” Bay Elementary Principal Erin Tite says. Some have parents who have to work nights – starting about the time school is out. They need something to do to keep them out of trouble, and she has come up with an answer – an after hours community recreation center at the school.
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CCISD’s moving forward, but road hasn’t been easy
The state of the Clear Creek School District is good, but it could use a little help, Superintendent Greg Smith says. In fact, it has experienced growth in enrollment, despite the somewhat slow economy, he said as delivered his State of the District address. But with $17.5 million in state funding cuts by the Texas Legislature, it hasn’t been easy. “We have eliminated 246 positions through attrition, and our classroom sizes are larger than they have been in years with the district applying for more than 100 waivers on classroom sizes in grades K though 4.”
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Leaders from the Community Congratulate Dr. Greg Smith
Through his expertise and dedication, Greg Smith has proven himself to be an administrator of outstanding ability and his contributions to public education have benefited countless young Texans. Congratulations and my sincere best wishes. -Rick Perry Governor of Texas Dr. Smith represents everything GREAT in education and the very reason I picked CCISD for my kids when I left [...]
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The Admiral’s Log – What Happened to Our Stocks of Flounder in Galveston Bay?
The title to this article leads one to believe that we will be discussing a big drop in the population of flounder in the Galveston Bay Complex. If this were prior to 2009, that would have been the case; however, today flounder are flourishing and stocks have increased dramatically. Up until January 2009, flounder in Texas were under very liberal bag limits. Surveys by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department showed a progressive decline in numbers and quality of flounder. Something had to be done to save the popular sports fish.
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Software Piracy – A Business Risk Not to Be Taken
Are you or your company working with unlicensed software? Do you, as the business owner or manager, know the software your IT consultant has loaded onto the office computer system? The Business Software Alliance (BSA) recently reported its settlement of eight software piracy cases for amounts ranging from $120,000 to $625,000 per case. The eight companies included a small-town online retailer, a global e-commerce software provider, a Houston-area retail energy provider, an auto dealer network, and a major government defense contractor.
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Sea Lake Yacht Sales and Beneteau a Winning Combination
Sea Lake Yacht Sales again sponsored this world class event which included guest speakers, cold drinks, good food and festivities. There was also lots of rum for the sailors and their guests to enjoy. Regatta participants were treated to a plethora of door prizes, gift bags and raffle items.
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SpaceX Mission Comes to a Successful End
A Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) Dragon spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at 2:22 p.m. CDT Sunday, Oct. 28, a few hundred miles west of Baja California, Mexico. The splashdown successfully ended the first contracted cargo delivery flight contracted by NASA to resupply the International Space Station. “With a big splash in the Pacific Ocean today, we are reminded American ingenuity [...]
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Webster crowd goes on Apollo 13 journey
Nothing quite excites a Bay Area crowd as much as taking a journey into space – either real or imagined. Former NASA Flight Controller Gene Kranz found that out when he addressed the Webster Business Alliance and took them along on the ill-fated Apollo 13, giving them a step-by-step description of the work in Mission Control. You could hear a pin drop as the crowd of several hundred hung on to his every word.
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SpaceX Launches to the International Space Station
Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida is illuminated by a Falcon 9 rocket as it lifts off Sunday at 7:35 p.m. CDT carrying a Dragon capsule to orbit. Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, built both the rocket and capsule for NASA’s first Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS-1, mission to the International Space Station. SpaceX CRS-1 is an important [...]
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UHCL Forum to Feature District E Candidates
Houston City Councilman Mike Sullivan will host a candidates’ forum and town hall meeting on Monday, Oct. 8, at the University of Houston – Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd. in the Garden Room of the Bayou Building. The town hall will begin promptly at 6 p.m., with the candidates’ forum starting at 6:30pm. As always, representatives from City of [...]
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UHCL Alumni Celebration on tap Saturday, Oct. 6
The University of Houston-Clear Lake celebrates the achievements of alumni and honors faculty during its 2012 Alumni Celebration Saturday, Oct. 6, at Space Center Houston, 1601 NASA Parkway. This year’s event will include the presentation of three Distinguished Alumni Awards, one Early Achievement Award and two Outstanding Professor Awards. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., with a cash bar and [...]
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CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare Invites the Community to the Annual Nun Run Motorcycle Ride, October 20
CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare announces the eighth annual Nun Run on Saturday, October 20 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The 50-mile, Blue Knight police-escorted motorcycle ride begins at the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word’s motherhouse, Villa de Matel located at, 6510 Lawndale St., and ends at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Galveston, 2109 Lockheed St. Open [...]
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Dr. Greg Smith named Texas Superintendent of the Year
Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith has been selected as Texas Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards in Austin. “I am honored,” he said Sunday on his return, “to have been selected as Superintendent of the Year and humble enough to know that it could not have happened without having a great team made up of trustees, cabinet members, staff, parents but most of all, great students!”
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Fondren Orthopedic Group Welcomes Dr. Joshua T. Woody, M.D. and Introduces TRUMATCH Personalized Solutions
Dr. Robert L. Burke, M.D., welcomes Dr. Joshua T. Woody, M.D., to Fondren Orthopedic Group, L.L.P. to both the Pearland and Pasadena office locations in Bay Area Houston. In his practice, Dr. Burke specializes in sports medicine, upper and lower extremities, shoulder and knee arthroscopy, joint replacement, and acute and reconstructive trauma. “I look forward to working with Dr. Woody and adding his expertise to our practice,” says Dr. Burke. Both doctors have the vision to learn and utilize the newest innovation and technology in their medical procedures, to provide the safest patient experience with restoration to full mobility for their clients.
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Harvest Moon Skippers Meeting Slated for Oct. 19
Harvest Moon Regatta Co-Founder John Broderick with his wife Kendra pictured at last year’s Harvest Moon Regatta festivities in Port Aransas Lakewood Yacht Club’s Harvest Moon Regatta® Chairman Dwight Bengtson has announced that the Skippers Meeting for the 26th Annual Harvest Moon Regatta will be held on Fri. night, Oct. 19, 7:30 pm in the club’s ballroom, 2425 NASA Parkway [...]
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Clear Lake Chatter
HOTTEST TICKET in town these days is one to the Clear Lake Area Chamber’s 50th anniversary Chairman’s Ball on Friday, Oct. 13, at Space Center Houston. Besides “Celebrating One Golden Evening and Fifty Golden Years,” the black-tie evening will honor the chairman of the board, Lockheed Martin Senior Project Manager Joe Mayer and the incoming chairman, My Flooring America Vice President Mike Furin.
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It’s Not Just a Branding Exercise
Selecting a name for your company requires searching federal and state trademark office resources. In the early history of America, a business was identified with its owner. Often times, the business name was the owner’s name, and the business was identified by a sign saying blacksmith, boot-maker, silversmith or the like. With businesses now having an identity separate from their owners, an entire science (or perhaps art) has arisen for creating successful business names. Innovative, creative, unique, personal – are all valid criteria for selecting a company name, but there are other considerations that should not be overlooked.
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The Admiral’s Log – Transitioning Baits and Tatics in October
Earlier articles have addressed how October is the transition month from summer to fall fishing; however, there also exists another transition and this is in baits. During the summer months. when trout and other fish tend to be found in deeper, more oxygenated waters, live bait, particularly shrimp and croaker, are the choice of the majority of anglers. Most of the fishing is from anchored boats or limited to drifts over deep shell reefs and shell pads and live bait tends to work the best.
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Credit Cards
Credit cards offer many advantages. There is the convenience of being able to buy needed items now and the security of not having to carry cash. You also receive fraud protection and in some cases rewards for making purchases. With these advantages also come responsibilities. You need to manage credit cards wisely by understanding all of the card’s terms and [...]
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Educators Seek Community Support in Meeting State Budget Challenges
“Our kids’ tomorrow begins today,” Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith reminded the Sept. 19 Clear Lake Area Chamber luncheon crowd, noting that “student success doesn’t happen by chance. It takes all of us working together to prepare our children to lead in the 21st century.”
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Okay Make Up Your Mind! It’s Almost Time to Vote
The Nov. 6 presidential election is only weeks away, and already many are making up their minds who they’ll vote for while also electing congressional and legislative representatives, county commissioners, sheriff, judges, etc.
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South Shore Grille – An American Grille with a Cuban Flair
South Shore Grille, owned and operated by local restaurant guru, Mickey Wooten, has evolved into a League City/Bay Area landmark. The restaurant offers customers high quality American cuisine and for those who want variety and something different, the menu features to die for selections such as Calamari de Havana, Cuban Crusty Critters (hush puppies with a Cuban flavor), a fresh and spicy Black Bean Soup, Grouper & Shrimp Havana and mine and Hemingway’s favorite, The Cuban Sandwich.
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Ron Carter Dealership Funds Grant for CCISD Football Program
Ron Carter Clear Lake Cadillac Hyundai is providing a five thousand dollar grant to the Clear Creek Independent School District Football Program. The grant will be awarded based on collecting the most votes for the favorite CCISD football team this season. “This is an ideal way to use the Internet and Facebook to encourage school spirit and engage the community,” [...]
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Neil Armstrong Takes Final Journey to the Stars
Neil Armstrong now belongs to the ages. The cremated remains of America’s greatest hero were buried in the Atlantic Ocean during a service aboard the USS Philippine Sea on Sept. 14 after slipping “the surly bonds of Earth” Aug. 25. The burial at sea came after funeral services in his native Ohio and a national memorial service Sept. 13 at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., where both present and past NASA administrators, astronauts, space scientists and congressmen were among the 1,500 who came to honor the 82-year-old former astronaut.
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J/Boat Founder to Attend J/Fest Southwest Regatta
J/Boat Founder Rodney Johnstone presented a first place award in the J/105 category to Lakewood Yacht Club racer Bill Zartler during last year’s Awards Ceremony held at Lakewood Yacht Club. J/Boat Southwest Regatta Chairman Al Goethe of Lakewood Yacht Club has announced that Rodney Johnstone, founder of racing J/boats, will attend and participate in this year’s regatta slated for Sat., [...]
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RNASA donating $32,700 to NASA Aerospace Scholars
The RNASA Foundation continued its 26th anniversary celebration by passing out $25,000 in donations to the NASA Aerospace Scholars Program – supporting Texas students studying science, technology and engineering. Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation President Rodolfo Gonzalez made the presentation to NASA Aerospace Scholars Program Manager Linda Smith, noting that it represented the proceeds from the 26th Annual Rotary Space Gala honoring Johnson Space Center Director Mike Coats in April.
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Chambers and the Genius of America
Who would have thought when the very first Chamber of Commerce was established in 1599 in Marseille, France, that this venerable business institution would come to embody much that is the genius of America! Now, by genius, I am not referring to its generally assumed definition as “extraordinary intellectual and creative power”, but rather its broader meaning that accounts for “the prevailing spirit or distinctive character” of a person or place.
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CCISD Schools Spruced Up for New Year
Nearly 40,000 Clear Creek ISD students returned to school this fall to find some of their campuses had under gone major repairs. In all, CCISD spent $6.4 million as maintenance and facility services employees worked hard all summer replacing aging equipment and making repairs. “We must ensure our schools are safe and effective learning environments for students,” explained Superintendent of Schools Dr. Greg Smith.
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ISS Crew Lands Safely
Three members of the Expedition 32 crew undocked from the International Space Station and returned safely to Earth on Sunday, wrapping up a mission lasting more than four months. Flight Engineer Joe Acaba of NASA, and Commander Gennady Padalka and Flight Engineer Sergei Revin of the Russian Federal Space Agency, undocked their Soyuz TMA-04M spacecraft from the space station at 7:09 p.m. EDT and landed north of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, at 10:53 p.m.
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Space Shuttle Endeavour Anniversary
Twenty years ago on Sept. 12, 1992 Space Shuttle Endeavour carried a seven- person crew to orbit on its second space mission, STS-47. This Spacelab mission included Mission Specialist Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in space, Payload specialist Mamoru Mohri, the first Japanese astronaut to fly on a shuttle, and Mission Specialists Mark Lee and Jan Davis, the first married couple in space.
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Weather Postpones Shuttle Endeavour Ferry Flight to Sept. 18
WASHINGTON — Space shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA’s modified 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), will make the final ferry flight of the Space Shuttle Program era when it departs Monday, Sept. 17, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida headed to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
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Texas Meditations – Ordinary Days
About four years ago, I spent a considerable amount of time in the small Hill Country town of Comfort. I was working on a sabbatical project in which I collected all the artistic works of Hondo Crouch, the man who brought us Luckenbach. That included music, plays, poems, prose writings and a movie. One of the most difficult parts of the process was the collection of the hundreds of columns he wrote for the Comfort News between 1962 and 1976.
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Live Royally With Timeless Designs From Royal Indulgence
Myna Mungle, owner of Royal Indulgence, is living her dream to create tasteful appointments and accessories tailored and customized to suit any boat owner’s lifestyle. With her talent and passion for decorating, she created an environment of luxury on her own yacht, named or course, Royal Indulgence. Doing this labor of love gave Myna inspiration to meet the need for [...]
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Texas Navy Squadron Formed in Seabrook
The newly elected officers of the Sam Houston Squadron of the Texas Navy from left to right: Fleet Admiral Don Genitempo, Executive Officer of the Squadron Marsha Taylor and Texas Navy Admiral Jack Thomas. Gov. Rick Perry, commander in chief of the Texas Navy, has authorized a Texas Navy Squadron to be formed in Seabrook at Lakewood Yacht Club. It [...]
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Ribbon Cutting for Magnolia Café & Bakery
On July 17, 2012 from 4-5pm, Magnolia Café & Bakery celebrated the Grand Opening of their store with a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce at 4pm. Magnolia Café & Bakery offers a variety of delicious desserts to choose from and offers a selection of home-style cooking for the Houston and Dallas communities.
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Things to Do
Attractions Space Center Houston, the area’s top attraction and the closest thing to space on Earth, 2001 NASA Parkway, Clear Lake. The NASA Visitors Center – now the home of a space shuttle replica – is open daily all year except Christmas Day. Tickets $22.95, includes tram ride to Johnson Space Center’s Mission Control. Kemah Boardwalk’s array of restaurants including [...]
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Houston Video Marketing Company Shares Why Video Is The Most Effective Marketing Medium Today
Businesses of all sizes have the same marketing dilemma: How to communicate effectively to their target audience; how to create an emotional attachment to their brand, products and services; how to reach people where they are, i.e. mobile devices, Internet, etc.; and how to best use their often limited marketing dollars. In today’s marketing and economic environment the [...]
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BP’s $25,000 Donation Gets CCEF on a Roll
The Clear Creek Education Foundation has had a busy summer in its never-ending quest to carry out Superintendent Greg Smith’s goal of offering Clear Creek ISD students a world class education. It began the summer by distributing more than $100,000 to fund requests from CCISD teachers for innovative ideas to implement in their classrooms for the coming school year and then kicked off its annual campaign with a $25,000 donation from BP Texas City.
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In Wheel Time – Hot on Luxury
If you think you are seeing more Audi’s in the Bay Area than ever before, you’re right. Audi is one of the hottest European luxury automakers going right now and for good reason; they’re doing all the right things that sell cars. The A6 is Audi’s completely redesigned midsize sedan that competes with none other than BMW’s 5 Series and Mercedes’ E Class, heavyweights anyway you look at it. Not only has the bodywork been messaged with a huge grille and Audi’s LED headlamps, its exterior dimensions have shrunk a bit while interior room has grown, a trend that is becoming more commonplace among manufacturers.
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Claude Harmon, III
Congratulations continue to pour in for a Clear Creek High graduate who is making quite a name for himself in the golf world – most recently for his success at the 2012 Open Championship (British Open).
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The Admiral’s Log – Bull Reds and Silver Kings
It is a month that usually starts with a continuation of our summertime fishing patterns and, by mid to late September, the first cold front blows through. The shorter days send a signal to fish that they should start moving, and that applies to both the offshore pelagic species and the inshore varieties. Soon after Labor Day, king mackerel, ling and Dorado start scattering and, following the first cold (should say cool) front, the concentrations that hovered in the near-shore waters all summer begin to move south.
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Smith is finalist for Superintendent of the Year
AUSTIN — Five public school administrators from across Texas were selected as state finalists for the annual Superintendent of the Year award sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards. Since 1984, the program has recognized exemplary superintendents for excellence and achievement in educational leadership. The 2012 finalists and nominating education service centers (ESCs) are René Gutiérrez, Edinburg CISD, ESC [...]
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UHCL Offers Late Registration Through Sept. 4
Register now for classes at University of Houston-Clear Lake through Sept. 4 at the university’s Office of Academic Records in the Student Services and Classroom Building, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., in Clear Lake. Offering a great education with 80 degree programs available on campus, online or at a satellite location, UH-Clear Lake provides the education needed to succeed. Four schools – School of [...]
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Death claims two former NASA astronauts
Two well known former astronauts have lost their lives in recent days – one in an accident and the other to illness. Sally Ride, the first woman to fly in space, died July 23 at her California home after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer, and former Space Shuttle Commander Alan “Dex” Poindexter was killed in a Florida boating accident. Ride was 61 and Poindexter was only 50.
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Clear Lake Chatter
A SPECIAL TREAT was in store for those invited to Space Center Houston for the premiere of its updated film, On Human Destiny. They not only got to see the new film, which will be shown in the Blastoff Theatre, they got to hear its original creator and producer, Bob Rogers, talk about where human spaceflight is headed.
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Clear Lake Motorists Have Something to Smile About
The Bay Area’s most vexing problem just got better in recent days. First came the opening of the sparkling new El Camino Real from Bay Area Boulevard to NASA Parkway, followed shortly thereafter by the Webster City Council voting to support an extension of the NASA Bypass, to ease traffic off Interstate 45.
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Texas Meditations – The Power of Place
Someone who has never locked a door in his life probably did not grow up in Gary, Indiana. It is far more likely he grew up somewhere like Montell, Texas. I heard about Montell only because a friend of a friend had grown up there. I listened to stories about this guy for several months and was intrigued. When I finally had a chance to meet him I was amazed at how similar our worldviews were.
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Lakewood Yacht Club – News and Events
Sea Lake Yacht Sales and Lakewood Yacht Club are hosting a Beneteau Owners Rendezvous at Lakewood over Fri., Sept. 14 through Sun., 16. “If you are a proud owner of a fine Beneteau yacht – sail or power, you will not want to miss this fun-filled, interactive and educational event!” related Doug Hughes of Sea Lake Yacht Sales who is co-chairing the event with Steve Hegyesi of Lakewood. The cost will be $75 per person to help cover the facility, food and drink. The Inner Harbor slip fee for non-members will be $30 per night which includes electricity.
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In Wheel Time
by Don Armstrong 2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition Wins Bay Area Salute As a tribute to U.S. military members past and present, the Jeep brand has created the new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom edition. Available in red, white or blue, this special edition features a military-inspired star decal on the hood and rear quarter panels, along with an “Oscar Mike” [...]
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The Admiral’s Log – Reefs of Steel
August, in my opinion, is by far the best month of the year to fish offshore. The weather is usually the most stable of any month (except for occasional “events” in the Gulf) and all of the pelagic fish have arrived in the offshore waters of Texas. Newcomers to offshore fishing are finding easy ways to head out in smaller, seaworthy boats and locate prime fishing grounds by sight and not GPS systems and sophisticated sonar.
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Oasis Salon & Medispa
Come take a tour with us through Oasis Salon & MediSpa. Located in the heart of Clear Lake, you will be transported to a world that offers the full spa treatment from all-day packages to individual lunch time treatments, whatever your beauty need du jour. Oasis celebrates their one year anniversary this month with special pricing on many of their spa treatments.
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Lakewood Yacht Club News and Events
Voyles Captures Shoe Race Perpetual Trophy The Lakewood Yacht Club (LYC) Shoe Regatta Perpetual Trophy was earned by Richard Voyles (far left) on his J/22 named “Must Go Faster”. Pictured with him at the Awards Ceremony are LYC Commodore A. J. Ross, Race Committee Chairman Gerhard Wittich (behind podium), Past Commodore Tony Wessendorff and Voyle’s foredeck crew member Scott [...]
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The Admiral’s Log
July is one of the hottest months of the year and one during which many anglers store their boats and gear due to the extreme daytime heat. Fortunately, there is a way to beat the heat and catch fish. If you are one of those many fishermen that has to be in bed by ten o’clock each night, then night fishing may not be for you. If, however, you can tolerate staying up and fishing until the wee hours of the morning, then you just may have a great alternative to daytime fishing during July.
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Texas Meditations – The Truth About Texans
I had to call my best friend Kevin to tell him about my weekend at the Sabinal Wild Hog Festival. It was a huge party for such a small town. They had over 30 food booths, an equal number of craft booths and a circus carnival for the young ones that featured bungee trampolines, a train, ponies and countless other things. But the most impressive thing to me was the fact that the number of people attending was many times the population of the entire town.
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In Wheel Time
The latest rendition of art and science is arriving at Cadillac dealerships across the U.S. and none too soon. Although America’s luxury icon has done well with its much ballyhooed CTS midsize sedan, it was lacking the bookends to complete the lineup, namely a compact and a full-size. Enter the XTS, the all-new full-size replacement for both the STS and the DTS.
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The Buzz in the Bayou
Disney’s The Lion King is headed to Houston July 10 – August 12 as a special engagement with the Gexa Energy Broadway at the Hobby Center series. For five weeks, this cultural phenomenon will dazzle and delight audiences, bringing to life the stunning creatures of the African Savanna.
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Texas Meditations – Choosing the Venue
I learned to do the Texas two-step at the Quihi Gun Club. It took me almost 20 years to do it. I really have no excuse though; I had lots of opportunities. In the nineties I had two different offers from students willing to teach me. One occurred at a formal dance on campus, the other on a student trip to Kansas City.
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The Admiral’s Log – The Excellent Tablefare Swimming in Galveston Bay
Flounder, trout and reds are referred to as the Big 3 along the Texas Gulf Coast and are the most sought after fish by saltwater anglers. There are two reasons for this, first, two of the three, reds and trout, are labeled as game fish and second, the high rankings for all three as tablefare. All three of the fish are aggressive feeders and hit artificial lures as well as live bait. Reds and flounder will take natural baits, known more commonly as dead bait; however, speckled trout tend to be more finicky and rarely hit anything but lures or live bait.
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In Wheel Time
by Don Armstrong Chevy Sonic Brings New Game to Subcompact Lineup Filling the void created by the welcomed departure of the Aveo, the all-new Sonic puts Chevrolet at or near the top of goodness in the highly competitive subcompact war. The Sonic is offered in two formats, the sedan or 4-door hatch with designated trim levels LS, LT and the [...]
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The Buzz in the Bayou
Thirty miles west of Houston in Fulshear Creek Crossing, they’re bottling their own wine from grapes grown in neighborhood vineyards. With the help of Houston winemaker Simon Payne, who supervised creating a customized recipe at Vintner’s Own Winery, the first vintage produced an impressive 750 bottles of Blanc de Bois.
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Baytown is at the Epicenter of New Growth
There’s an economic boom coming to the Texas Gulf Coast, and Baytown is the epicenter. Plant expansions, the retirement of long-time employees, grow...
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Sen. Hutchison honored at Rotary Space Gala
The Rotary National Awards for Space Achievement Foundation presented the National Space Trophy to former Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison before a black-tie...
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Clear Lake Chatter – Springtime means party time in the Bay Area
Lunar Rendezvous Festival General Chairman Terri Dieste, left, and Vice Chairman Jana Miller, right, join Festival Queen Caitlin Huston in congratulat...
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Voters face many decisions May 11
Voters from one end of the Bay Area to the other will head to the polls Saturday, May 11, to elect several mayors and city councilors, school board tr...
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Lucky Kittens Looking for Homes
Bay Area Houston Magazine’s Brandon Rowan and Victoria Ugalde had quite the surprise when visiting the company’s storage in Kemah. Upon opening th...
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