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JACOB AND SOPHIA TAKE TOP HONORS ON SOCIAL SECURITY'S MOST POPULAR BABY NAMES LIST

No Author — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:32:00 EST

Sophia is New Number One Name for Girls; Elvis Makes a Comeback

Jacob and Sophia are America�s most popular baby names for 2011. This is the thirteenth year in a row Jacob tops the list for boys and the first year for Sophia, who knocks Isabella to number two after a two-year stint at the top of the list for girls. There is only one new name in the top 10 on either list this year. Mason rocketed to number two from outside of the top ten to replace Anthony on the boys� side.

For all the top baby names of 2011, go to Social Security�s website www.socialsecurity.gov.

Here are the top 10 boys and girls names for 2011:

PUT SOME BIG FUN IN YOUR LIFE WITH THE ELEPHANT OPEN HOUSE AT THE HOUSTON ZOO

No Author — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:57:00 EST

Saturday May 19, 2012 ~ 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

HOUSTON, TX - Put some big fun into your life with the Elephant Open House at the Houston Zoo on Saturday May 19, 2012. That�s when Methai, Tess, Tucker, Shanti, Baylor, Thai and Tupelo will welcome you into their home � their very big home � the elephant barn at the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat!

Did you ever wonder what a 10,000 pound animal eats every day? How do you give an elephant a pedicure? Come out for the Elephant Open House from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and learn about elephant diets, care, training, and more at our June Elephant Open House.

During the Houston Zoo�s Elephant Open House, the state-of-the-art elephant barn at the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat will be open for exploration. Each elephant �bedroom� in the barn will highlight a different aspect of elephant care.

SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK AND COASTAL CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCE FIRST ANNUAL CONCERT FOR CONSERVATION

No Author — Sat, 12 May 2012 08:30:00 EST

Music Featuring Pat Green, Jerry Jeff Walker, Sammy Kershaw, Gene Watson & More!

HOUSTON�Tickets went on sale Friday, April 20^th at 10 a.m.for the first annual Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Concert for Conservation at Sam Houston Race Park (www.shrp.com). The concert will offer fans a wide variety of country music from 7bands including featured artists Pat Green, Jerry Jeff Walker, Sammy Kershaw and Gene Watson on Saturday, June, 30^th 2012.

General admission tickets benefitting CCA went on sale beginning Friday, April 20^th at 10 a.m.for $40 each. Tickets are available online at www.shrp.com, at participating Houston-area Randalls locations, Sam Houston Race Park box office or by calling 800-211-3381. All dates, acts, and ticket prices subject to change without notice. Additional service fees apply.

HOUSTON SWORDSMANSHIP SCHOOL LAUNCHES "KNIGHTS AND NINJAS" SUMMER CAMP

No Author — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:20:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX - Sword to Sword announces an exciting new summer camp program for kids ages 10-17: Knights and Ninjas. This program offers training in a broad spectrum of practical skills beyond typical martial arts. Knights and Ninjas features a curriculum centered on swordsmanship and physical fitness training, using elements of European and Asian martial arts.

Awareness of situations and environments, physical coordination, good health and fitness, and confidence are all valuable traits in life. Sword to Sword builds these concepts through teaching European swordsmanship and martial arts. Classes feature a positive and supportive group learning atmosphere, with progressive lesson levels adjusted to each student�s learning pace. However, the material taught is complete and challenging, because the best learning occurs when students meet and overcome difficult learning tasks.

TOMBALL STIRS UP SOME SPICY FUN WITH CHILI CHALLENGE AND CALLS FOR BUSINESS COOK TEAMS

No Author — Wed, 09 May 2012 07:31:00 EST

TOMBALL - The City of Tomball is cooking up a spicy event for Saturday, May 26^th as the City stages its first ever Memorial Day Weekend Chili Challenge at the Depot, presented by H-E-B.

The CASI (Chili Appreciation Society International) sanctioned cook-off will feature some of the best chili cook teams in southeast Texas vying for the opportunity to compete at the International contest held later this year in Terlingua, Texas.

In addition to the sanctioned cook-off the event will feature a Business & Restaurant Chili Challenge for local businesses to stake claim to the title of �Best Chili in Tomball�. There will also be a Margarita Pour-off for registered cook teams in both the sanctioned and business categories.

BRIDGELAND�S SUMMER CAMPS OFFER KIDS PLENTY TO KEEP BUSY

No Author — Tue, 08 May 2012 06:04:00 EST

CYPRESS, TX - From explorations of the great outdoors to building simple working machines with Legos, kids will have so much fun at Bridgeland�s range of summer camps they may not even realize they are learning.

Camps are open to the public and will be held either at Lakeland Activity Center, 16919 North Bridgeland Lake Parkway, or at an adjacent park. Registration is now open, and can be made online at http://www.bridgelandlife.com/registration unless otherwise noted.

Several camps are planned for young nature-lovers, ages 6 to 12. Classes will be held 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and include Butterflies, Caterpillars and other Cool Pollinating Insects, June 8; Nature Discovery with Herbs and Ladybugs, July 17; From the Slimy to the Beautiful�Earthworms and Sunflowers, July 25; and Hummingbirds and Eastern Bluebirds, Aug. 2. Cost is $50 for residents and $60 for non-residents.

�LAKE-A-PALOOZA 2012� CELEBRATES FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN

No Author — Sun, 06 May 2012 07:23:00 EST

Towne Lake�s community event draws large crowds

CYPRESS, TX � Living up to its lake lifestyle reputation, Towne Lake hosted a large crowd of local community families at its inaugural �Lake-A-Palooza� event, Sunday April 22, 2012.

As befits its name, the lake was the star of the show, hosting: Aggie Ski Team water-skiing demonstrations; kayak and paddle-board lessons; boat tours; a fishing tournament; and the crowd-pleasing �Heart of Texas Dock Dogs,� exciting performances with high flying routines off the dock.

�Lake-A-Palooza highlights some of the best of Towne Lake�s family-centered amenities,� said Peter Barnhart, Development Partner of Caldwell Companies and one of the day�s boat captains. �Towne Lake is unique, being deep and large enough to allow motorized boating for water skiing, tubing and more. Entire families and children of all ages celebrated along this beautiful lake, meeting new friends and enjoying the activities and shows.�

CRAWFISH AND MUSIC WILL ROCK THE DEPOT IN TOMBALL

No Author — Sat, 05 May 2012 09:28:00 EST

TOMBALL, TX - The smell of crawfish boiling in the pot will fill the air along with classic rock, Motown and traditional Cajun tunes when the City of Tomball presents the Rails and Tails Mudbug Festival Presented by H-E-B at the historic Depot on May 5^th and 6^th.

Chow down on a variety crawfish specialties from the French Quarter Grill while listening to tunes from groups such as The Fab 5, the Grateful Geezers and Waylon Thibodeaux � the Louisiana Rockin� Fiddler!

Today � Louisiana�s newest Swamp Pop sensation � the Joel Martin Project takes to the stage at noon, Cajun Rockers -Bayou Roux is up around 2 p.m. and Beatles tribute band - The Fab 5 close out the day around 4. Sunday � Motown and Classic Rock from the Grateful Geezers at noon, Bayou Roux at 2 p.m. and Waylon Thibodeaux at 4 p.m.

BOOKS ALIVE! 3RD ANNUAL HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY CHILDREN'S BOOK CELEBRATION TODAY

No Author — Sat, 05 May 2012 08:42:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX - Children are invited to enjoy all the fun and exciting activities scheduled for the Houston Public Library�s Books Alive! 3rd Annual Children�s Book Celebration. It�s going to be a full day of exciting performances and hands-on arts and crafts activities, featuring a special appearance by author Tom Angleberger, the 2011-2012 recipient of the Texas Bluebonnet Award for his book, �The Strange Case of Origami Yoda.� Storm Troopers and Darth Vader may invade the library throughout the day�be prepared to face the Dark Side! This is event is free and open to the public.

WHERE: Central Library, 500 McKinney, 77002, 832-393-1313.

WHEN: Saturday, May 5, 2012 from 12:15 PM to 3:30 PM

Scheduled events include:

CROWDS GO WILD FOR BRIDGELAND�S NATURE FEST

No Author — Thu, 03 May 2012 10:56:00 EST

CYPRESS, TX - Record-breaking crowds attended this year�s Nature Fest, held April 28 in Bridgeland, with more than 7,000 people wild to see a 600-pound white tiger, dancing butterflies in giant bubbles and the community�s new mascot, Bridgeland Bill.

The Staples Safari Animal Magic and Primarily Primates shows were popular with crowds, with throngs of children and adults enthralled by the animal antics. Birds of Prey, which has appeared all five years during Nature Fest, is a perennial favorite, and making a repeat appearance this year were The Drum Café and the Crocodile Encounter. New to the event were the Butterfly Spheres from Los Angeles, elaborately costumed dancers who appeared in clear vinyl spheres. Bridgeland also debuted Bridgeland Bill, who posed for pictures and entertained children throughout the day.

BRIDGELAND GETS FRESH WITH MAY 6 FARMERS MARKET

No Author — Thu, 03 May 2012 06:01:00 EST

CYPRESS, TX - Bustling Bridgeland is adding another event to its packed activities calendar, a Farmers Market, set for 12:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 6, that is expected to be a draw for the entire Cypress area.

An array of vendors will offer everything from fresh produce and grass-fed beef to organic soaps and lotions during the market, which will be held at 16902 Bridgeland Landing, near the Lakeland Activity Center. Open to the public, the market has been organized by the Bridgeland Homeowners Association and a group of resident volunteers.

�We are sure this will be a hit with the greater Cypress area,� said Elizabeth Dominguez, activities director for Bridgeland. �It�s the only farmers market in this area, and, in researching farmers markets throughout the Houston area, we�ve found they consistently attract many people in their sphere of influence. If we receive an enthusiastic response, we�ll hold this several times a year � possibly even more frequently.�

MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR EXPANSION BRINGING NEW RIDES AND FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AREA TO TRADERS VILLAGE HOUSTON BEGINNING SATURDAY, MAY 12

No Author — Wed, 02 May 2012 08:42:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX � Traders Village is pleased to announce the completion of a new 45,000 square foot outdoor family entertainment plaza. The new plaza features eight (8) amusement rides and a Texas-sized gazebo to host live events.

Traders Village Houston will debut the new �Family Entertainment Area� on Saturday, May 12, giving families even more reasons to visit the 100-plus-acre flea market.

�Our multi-million dollar expansion will greatly enhance the Traders Village Houston family shopping and entertainment experience,� said Tim Anderson, president of Traders Village Markets. �We�ll take bargain hunting and family fun to a new level. This is our most exciting expansion in our 23 year history in Houston,� he added.

A spacious gazebo in the middle of the rides area will be available for covered seating for concerts, festivals and special events.

16 iPAD APPS FOR ESL LEARNERS

No Author — Tue, 01 May 2012 06:26:00 EST

English�s bizarre turns of phrases and seemingly boundless tendency toward exceptions to rules intimidates even native speakers, so one must hold sympathy for those learning it in a secondary or tertiary situation. Those with access to an iPad enjoy some seriously cool lesson supplements harnessing digital age technology in the service of their educations. Whether students only have a few minutes to scan a dictionary listing or an hour or so to sit and intently study mouth formations and pronunciations, an application exists to meet the needs of all ages and skill levels. Download the following when hoping to receive a relatively comprehensive look at one of the world�s most widely-spoken tongues.

Intro to Letters, by Montessoreum

Appropriate for ESL children, this application runs through all the letters of the English alphabet, introducing them to the structure and pronunciation through tracing, audio, digital flashcards, and phonogram puzzles.

KEMAH BOARDWALK CRANKS UP THE TUNES DURING �ROCK THE DOCK� THIS SUMMER

No Author — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:34:00 EST

Enjoy a FREE Summer-Long Concert Series Every Thursday May 3 � August 30

KEMAH, TX - Pump up the jam as summer approaches and the heat rises at the Kemah Boardwalk with the fourteenth annual Rock the Dock summer-long concert series. Music lovers will rejoice as they enjoy beats from the best local and regional bands starting in May continuing each Thursday evening through August. The free concerts will feature a wide variety of rock �n� roll sound and are held on the Plaza from 6:30 p.m. -10:15 p.m. each week.

WHEN: Every Thursday May 3 � August 30, 2012

6:30 p.m. � 10:15 p.m.

BUTTERFLY SPHERES BRING MAGIC TO NATURE FEST TODAY

No Author — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 09:09:00 EST

CYPRESS, TX - You�ve never seen butterflies quite like these.

Bridgeland is introducing Cirque du Soleil-style entertainment to Nature Fest this year with the ethereal Butterfly Spheres, who will appear throughout the popular event, slated for today in the community�s Oak Meadow Park.

Extravagantly costumed professional dancers will perform in 10-foot bubbles, creating a colorful and mesmerizing sight that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. From Los Angeles, the Butterfly Spheres have enchanted audiences across the nation, including a performance at the White House for an Alice in Wonderland-themed Halloween party in 2009. The butterfly characters were created for the spheres in 2008, when originator Way 2 Much Entertainment was producing a birthday party in Los Angeles for an Austin socialite.

THEY�RE BAAACK! DINOSAURS! AT THE HOUSTON ZOO PRESENTED BY ORKIN

No Author — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:35:00 EST

Exhibit opens May 4

HOUSTON, TX - For millions of years, dinosaurs ruled the earth. This summer, dinosaurs are making a comeback � at the Houston Zoo.

Come face to face with fearsome creatures this summer with DINOSAURS! At the Houston Zoo Presented by Orkin from May 4 to September 3.

This year, the Houston Zoo is featuring 19 dinosaurs (almost twice as many as our 2010 presentation) representing 12 prehistoric species and highlighting those that once roamed Texas, with all but two found in our region.

From the towering brachiosaurus and the massive T-rex to new additions such as the Protohadros and Edmontonia, these animatronic reptiles move, roar and even spit water!

SPRING INTO CENTRAL MARKET TO REVIVE YOUR CULINARY MOXIE FOR THE MONTH OF MAY

No Author — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:59:00 EST

Say goodbye to April showers and hello to May flowers as you spring into Central Market to revive your culinary moxie for the month of May. From delicious deserts and dishes inspired by local zest to exotic flavors straight from France, this month�s cooking classes will have you springing into the kitchen with fresh new ideas! The Central Market Cooking School is located at 3815 Westheimer. More details below.

PASTRY QUEEN LAYER CAKES with REBECCA RATHER

Rebecca Rather, Owner, Rather Sweet Bakery & Café

Tuesday, May 1 from 6:30 to 9:00PM

Rebecca is back with a shout out to layer cakes. And for those of you who know her, these are the layer cakes your mother made. These are outrageous, big as Texas layer cakes that would sure to be a hit at any party or outing.

TOWNE LAKE HOSTS LAKEAPALOOZA THIS SUNDAY

No Author — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:01:00 EST

CYPRESS, TX - Towne Lake hosts its family-friendly LakeAPalooza event on Sunday, April 22 from noon � 5 p.m. at the Towne Lake Amphitheater. Entertainment includes water ski shows, water exhibitions, a lakeside fishing tournament, unique food vendors, paddleboard and kayak lessons, games and more. There will also be a special appearance by the Little Mermaid!

This event is free and open to the public. Visitors are welcome to bring personal lawn chairs and towels. Parking is available at Lone Star College Cy-Fair. For more information, visit www.TowneLakeTexas.com or call (281) 256-2772.

TILLAMOOK GETS CHEESY AT THE HOUSTON ZOO

No Author — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 07:35:00 EST

Experience the Loaf Love Tour with Free Admission to the Houston Zoo Saturday, April 21st

WHO: Tillamook, the 103-year-old, farmer-owned cooperative from Oregon that has earned a reputation as one of the nation�s premier natural cheese makers and leading dairy product company.

WHAT: The Tillamook Loaf Love Tour, the third annual mobile sampling tour dedicated to bringing tasty cheese to the people, is heading back to Houston. To celebrate their return, Tillamook will be offering free admission to the Houston Zoo on Saturday, April 21st. As a way of sharing the cheesy love with the good people of Houston, the first 100 fans wearing their happiest Tillamook orange will get a free day at the zoo, while attendee�s dressed in orange thereafter will receive $1 off general admission*.

25 FUN & INFORMATIVE HASHTAGS FOR LIFELONG LEARNERS

No Author — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 06:27:00 EST

The beauty of graduating from college is you�ve learned all you must know; now you can learn everything you always wanted to know. For all those subjects that looked like fun in the course catalog but you never found time to take, you now have the rest of your life to spend finding out about them. And with the Internet at your disposal, the world is your oyster. Harness the power of the Twitter crowd by searching these fun hashtags that will ensure you never close the book on your education.

1. #didyouknow

� that about 75% of the genetic diversity of agricultural crops has been lost since 1900? Or that the first documented spam was a message advertising a new model of computers on ARPANET? If you didn�t know it, you will after searching this fun tag.

2. #skillshare

This tag was popularized by the people behind @skillshare, who want to help you �learn anything from anyone.� The �anything� could be knitting, making visualizations, game design, you name it.

SUMMER NATURE CAMP AND MORE AT JONES PARK

No Author — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:17:00 EST

Summer Nature Camp Registration

Saturday, May 5, 8 a.m.

�Wild About Water� teaches kids everything about this valuable natural resource in a fun-filled, four day program. Registration must be made in person by a parent or legal guardian; identification and child�s birth certificate must be provided. Priority is given to Harris County residents. Visit www.hcp4.net/jones and click on �Kids in Action� for camp dates and times.

Nature Photo Contest Ribbon Presentation

Saturday, May 5, 1 p.m.
Get snapping and check out this year�s best pictures of the park at the presentation of the winning photos of Jones Park�s 2012 photo contest. A photography expert will point out the best features of photos achieving ribbons. All ages.

TOMBALL BUNNY RUN SETS RECORDS

No Author — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 08:14:00 EST

Record time set, most runners ever at Tomball Bunny Run 2012

TOMBALL - Tomball�s 4^th Annual 5K Bunny Run was the biggest ever as more than 340 runners in a variety of age groups challenged the flat course throughout town.

Starting and ending at the historic Depot Plaza, the certified 5K run with a 1 mile walk for kids drew competitors from throughout northwest Harris County and surrounding communities.

First place winner in the Male Open category was runner D.J. Snyder with a time of 16:58.3, the fastest time ever recorded at Bunny Run.

17th ANNUAL BAYOU CITY CAJUN FEST

No Author — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 06:00:00 EST

April 14 & 15, 2012 at Traders Village

HOUSTON, TX --- It�s Ragin' Cajun Time at Traders Village! Get ready to party hearty, as the 17th Annual Bayou City Cajun Fest cooks up big fun, Saturday and Sunday, April 14 & 15. The Cajun Fest is slated to be hotter than the boiled crawfish and boudin served each day.

Free live, toe-tapping Cajun music will be performed all weekend. Opening on Saturday at 11:00 am will be Houston�s favorite Zydeco band The Zydeco Dots, then at 2:30 pm The Bruce Daigrepont Band, mixes traditional Louisiana French music with original Cajun and Zydeco. On Sunday at 11:00 am Jimmy Thibodeaux Band, one of New Orleans' Best Rockin' Cajun, Zydeco Bands will open, then at 2:30 pm �Louisiana�s Rockin� Fiddler� Waylon Thibodeeaux will rock partiers with his high-energy Bayou City performance.

MAY 12 CORKS & CANVASS ON THE MAGNOLIA STROLL

No Author — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 07:47:00 EST

Artists, artisans and vendors welcomed

MAGNOLIA, TX - Save the date, May 12, when the Magnolia Community Foundation and its Stroll Committee will host Corks & Canvass on the Magnolia Stroll, from 4 to 8 p.m. Corks & Canvass on the Magnolia Stroll will present local art, music, food and wine. Artists and artisans invited to participate with a booth for $25; electricity available. This is a great opportunity for artists to have their works seen and purchased.

Live music by Joey McGee, a native of New Orleans who blends jazz, pop and the blues along with the Randy Watkins Jazz Band will be presented at either end of the Stroll, a half-mile linear park in the heart of downtown Magnolia. In addition, light fare and wine will be available for sale. There is no admission fee and parking is free.