Texas Genealogy Resources

The state of Texas has the nickname “The Lone Star State”. Are you searching for more information about your ancestors who once lived in Texas? This blog has links to helpful Texas genealogy resources. The answers you seek might be hiding within at least one of them. Cyndi’s List might be the most comprehensive list of genealogy resources online. If it exists somewhere on the internet then Cyndi’s List probably has a link to it. They have a page called “United States – Texas”. Select one of the many categories to search through. Some categories include: “Birth, Marriage, Death”, “Census”, … Continue reading

What To Do This Weekend

What are your plans for the weekend? Many movie fans are counting down the hours until Oscar Sunday. Will Oscar virgin Sandra Bullock win gold? Will Oscar history be made with a win by Kathryn Bigelow? If you can’t get enough of the Academy Awards, but can’t afford a trip to Los Angeles to sit on the sidelines across from the real red carpet, then consider a trip to New York. The Big Apple is hosting a marathon screening of New York-centric Oscar winners from “Annie Hall” to “The Godfather” through Sunday at the Walter Reade Theater. In addition, in … Continue reading

Texas Accident Dumps 450,000 Gallons of Oil

I think we are all aware how horrible an oil spill can be. Birds that get covered in the oil suffer as they are more susceptible to the temperature, can’t fly, ingest the oil, which causes internal organ damage, and unless cleaned by humans, most birds covered in oil will die. The same thing is true of marine mammals. Because the oil covered the top of the water, marine plants die and the food chain of the ecosystem eventually suffers. Unfortunately, a large oil spill occurred in the port of Port Arthur, Texas on Saturday when an 800 foot tanker … Continue reading

The State of Texas Wants to Cure Cancer

The Lone Star State is looking to become a leader in cancer research and prevention over the next ten years — and is investing three billion dollars to do it. That three billion dollars would make Texas the holder of the second largest bank of cancer research funds in the nation — second only to the National Cancer Institute. And Texas is already home to some leaders in the fight against cancer, like the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The idea to create the Cancer Prevention and … Continue reading

What is Falling from the Sky?

There are weird things falling from the sky and no, my name is not Chicken Little. Last Monday, the people of Austin, Texas saw a fireball streaking through the sky. Most people might think it was a meteor, but the fireball was seen during the day. While that is not completely unheard of, it does seem to be fairly rare. And, it wasn’t mass hysteria – it was caught on video! The videographer, Eddie Garcia, said he didn’t know what it was, but it was “burning and falling really fast.” At first, officials thought it might be debris from when … Continue reading

End of the Summer Travel Destinations

Your child’s first assignment of the new school year is to write an essay on what he or she did this summer. So what material does he or she have to draw on? Where have you ventured to this summer? Did you do Disney? Camp in Colorado? Or stroll along the Riverwalk in San Antonio? Or, were you a victim of high gas prices and skyrocketing airfares and stuck close to home this season? A family vacation doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan accordingly. To save money take the short drive to visit some of the more … Continue reading

Vacation Packages for Overworked Moms

Perhaps it’s because the new school is fast approaching and kids will be heading back to class after being home with mom all day or maybe hotel marketing people simple know that the words “slave labor” and “mother” are easily interchanged. Regardless of the reason, lodgings around the country are running some outstanding deals on travel packages that cater to women who need a break from their chaotic lives. Take a look: PALM SPRINGS The snazzy Parker Palm Springs is offering a great deal on a “Rest and Rejuvenate” package. It includes two nights in a king room, breakfast daily, … Continue reading

Texas-Sized Travel Deals for $2

Two bucks? Now you’re talking. Great minds at the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau have come to the rescue of cash-strapped families visiting town on a budget. The group recently compiled a list of 33 attractions for $2 or less. Some of the freebies include the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, open daily, and the Sam Houston Boat Tour, which provides free 90-minute roundtrip cruises along the Houston Ship Channel. Another attraction that won’t cost you a single cent to visit is the Miller Outdoor Theatre, which hosts free productions from March through October. During the month of August … Continue reading

Fourth of July Festivities from Coast to Coast

If you are planning to spend the long Fourth of July holiday weekend in California, Colorado, Texas or Massachusetts you’re in for a real treat. The aforementioned states are home to some of the most unique Independence Day parades in the country. Load up the family wagon (or minivan), find room for a few lawn chairs, and don’t forget to pack a few miniature flags to wave at parade participants and the many men and women who risk their lives fighting for the freedoms we treasure. CALIFORNIA—Old Glory Boat Parade Newport Harbor on Balboa Island is home to a spectacularly … Continue reading

Super Summer Fun: Wet and Wild Waterparks (South)

Ask any kid who loves flying through wet spiraling tunnels at breakneck speeds where he or she would like to spend a sweltering hot summer day and you’ll likely be met with the same response: WATERPARK. Wet and wild fun is yours for the taking at waterparks throughout the country. From gigantic water havens connected to popular amusement parks to more modest waterparks that cater to hometown crowds, the following Southern picks are sure to please your entire family during the dog days of summer: GEORGIA Six Flags White Water in Atlanta is home to one of the most notable … Continue reading