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HOUSTON ASTROS (15-21) VS. MILWAUKEE BREWERS (16-20)

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:33:00 EST

RHP Bud Norris (3-1, 3.95) vs. LHP Randy Wolf (2-3, 5.63)
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 � Minute Maid Park � Houston, TX � 7:05 p.m. CT � FSHouston

HOME-COOKIN: The Astros begin an 8-game homestand tonight, during which they will host MIL (2 G), TEX (3 G) and CHC (3 G)...the Astros were 6-3 on their last homestand (4/30-5/9) and are 10-8 overall at Minute Maid Park in 2012.

TONIGHT�S GAME: RHP Bud Norris (3-1) will start tonight for the Astros vs. Brewers LHP Randy Wolf (2-3) in the 1st game of a brief, 2-game set between the two clubs.

THIS BUD�S FOR YOU: Tonight�s starter RHP Bud Norris is 2-0 in his last three starts with a 1.45 ERA (3ER/18.2IP), lowering his ERA from 5.84 to 3.95 in that span...the Astros are 6-1 in his seven starts this season.

CORNYN: DEMOCRAT BUDGET MISSING FROM PRESIDENT'S 'TO-DO' LIST

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:23:00 EST

WASHINGTON � U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following statement ahead of today�s votes on several budget proposals from Senate Republicans:

�Today the Senate will vote on four different Republican budgets that will cut spending, reform entitlements, and simplify the tax code, while Democrats still have not produced a budget in over three years.

�It seems that one of the items missing from President Obama�s �To do� list is for Senate Democrats to produce a budget.�

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ISSUED FOR GRAND PARKWAY PROJECT

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:20:00 EST

Department moving forward on SH 99 agreement in the Houston metropolitan area

AUSTIN - Traffic relief is in sight for the greater Houston area as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) moves forward with the State Highway 99 (Grand Parkway) project, in an effort to complete the next phase of the 184-mile outer beltway.

TxDOT published a Request for Proposals (RFP) on May 3, 2012 to solicit proposals from the short listed teams interested in entering into a design-build contract and capital maintenance agreement. This RFP would develop approximately 37 miles of new toll road for segments F1, F2 and G in Harris and Montgomery counties.

'This part of the Grand Parkway project will create a major link in the regional transportation system connecting US 59 North to US 59 South,' said Ned Holmes, Texas Transportation Commissioner.

TXU REWARDS CFISD ENERGY EFFICIENCY REBATE

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:12:00 EST

CYFAIR ISD - TXU Energy awarded Cypress-Fairbanks ISD $260,000 for completing energy efficiency measures, which are paid through their Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, during the regularly scheduled Board meeting on Monday.

The funds are a result of the energy efficient design of Salyards Middle School and the replacement of less-efficient chillers and lighting at various campuses, which are slated for the summer 2012 renovation projects.

TXU Energy is the only retail electric provider in Texas to have an Energy Efficiency Rebate Program. TXU pays incentives at the rate of $300.00 per kilowatt of energy saved for chillers and $35.00 per retrofitted lighting fixture up to the maximum available rebate amount.

GOV. PERRY APPOINTS HEINE AND LEWIS TO THE TEXAS MILITARY PREPAREDNESS COMMISSION

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:02:00 EST

Gov. Rick Perry has appointed William 'Bill' Heine III of Austin and Dennis L. Lewis of Texarkana to the Texas Military Preparedness Commission. The commission advises the governor and legislature on defense-related issues, prepares an annual report for state leaders, and helps base commanders prepare for the next round of base realignment evaluations.

Heine is CEO and president of American Constructors. He is a member of the National Academy of Construction, Naval War College Foundation, U.S. Navy League, U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, and U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association. He is also chair of the Austin Boys and Girls Club Foundation, a past board member and past president of the Austin Boys and Girls Club, and a past board member of the Seabee Historical Foundation and Capital Area United Way. Heine served as a rear admiral in the U.S. Navy/Seabees. He received a bachelor's degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and a master's degree in civil engineering from Purdue University.

CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY: OVERSIGHT OF THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:34:00 EST

Robert S. Mueller, III
Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Statement Before the Senate Judiciary Committee
Washington, D.C.
May 16, 2012

Good morning, Chairman Leahy, Ranking Member Grassley, and members of the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before the Committee today and for your continued support of the men and women of the FBI.

As you know, the Bureau has undergone unprecedented transformation in recent years. Since the attacks of September 11th, we have refocused our efforts to address and prevent emerging terrorist threats.

LONE STAR COLLEGE FOUNDATION'S STAR GALA RAISES $412,000 FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:10:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX � The Lone Star College Foundation�s StarGala 2012 event raised more than $412,000 to help fund student scholarships and system academic programs.

The gala, with a Kentucky Derby �Run for the Roses� theme, was attended by more than 800 guests and paid tribute to several in the Lone Star College System community � LSCS Board of Trustee Chair Randy Bates, J.D., for his 20 years of service to the college system; and Dr. Joe McMillian, a Lone Star College founding faculty member who is still teaching at LSCS. In addition, Dr. Joe A. Airola, LSCS�s first chancellor, was honored posthumously.

�Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress in 1968, once said that community service is just paying your rent for the privilege of living on this earth,�� said Bates as he addressed the StarGala attendees.

�All these years, I�ve just been paying my rent,� he said.

A YOUNG WOMAN WHO NEVER DREAMS SMALL IS HELPING TO TRANSFORM LIVES

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:47:00 EST

DALLAS/FT. WORTH, TX � Have you ever set a major goal in life such as becoming an award-winning actress, being signed by a record company or publishing a book? Bridgette Murphy dared to dream big and guess what? She became a successful author and had an opportunity to act with Oscar winner Hillary Swank.

If you don�t dare to pursue a dream then life will pass you by, leaving you to ask: �What if?� In Bridgette Murphy�s Bold, Fierce and Transformed: The Process of Life-Changing Transformation (Xulon Press), she shares how to be bold enough to recognize the barriers but daring enough to move forward in order to accomplish our goals; in other words, how to reach our full capacity in spite of life�s adversities!

�It�s about being fierce, persistent, and passionate enough to break through every obstacle and reach your desired destination,� says Murphy.

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER MARKER TO IDENTIFY, ATTACK BREAST CANCER STEM CELLS

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:45:00 EST

Cell surface protein blows potent cells� cover; targeted drug works in preclinical tests

HOUSTON � Breast cancer stem cells wear a cell surface protein that is part nametag and part bull�s eye, identifying them as potent tumor-generating cells and flagging their vulnerability to a drug, researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center report online in Journal of Clinical Investigation.

�We�ve discovered a single marker for breast cancer stem cells and also found that it�s targetable with a small molecule drug that inhibits an enzyme crucial to its synthesis,�said co-senior author Michael Andreeff, M.D., Ph.D., professor in MD Anderson�s Departments of Leukemia and Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy.

Andreeff and colleagues are refining the drug as a potential targeted therapy for breast cancer stem cells, which are thought to be crucial to therapy resistance, disease progression and spread to other organs.

THOSE WHO FEAR THE LORD WILL HAVE ALL THEY NEED. OH REALLY?

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:27:00 EST

'Fear the LORD, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing.' Psalm 34: 9-10

When I feel discouraged and overwhelmed by life, I always navigate to the Psalms. Wow, the above verses seemed to jump off the page at me. All I can say is, really? At first, it can seem like David's words are questionable; because, let's face it. the majority of us lack many good things. Can you relate?

'Those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing'isn't a blanket promise that all Christians will have everything they want. David is praising God for His goodness - period. This means all of those who call upon God in both good and bad times (especially in bad times) will have their needs met, sometimes in unexpected ways.

"AUTISM SPEAKS DAY AT THE RACES" TO OFFER FIRST-EVER AUTISM-FRIENDLY NASCAR RACE EXPERIENCE FOR FAMILIES

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:16:00 EST

A Special Opportunity to Enjoy the FedEx 400 Benefiting Autism Speaks NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race at Dover International Speedway on June 3

NEW YORK, NY - Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, Dover International Speedway, NASCAR and FedEx have teamed up to create �Autism Speaks Day at the Races,� an unprecedented opportunity for children with autism and their families to enjoy a NASCAR race � the June 3 FedEx 400 Benefiting Autism Speaks � in-person in a sensory-friendly environment.

The day-long event marks the first-ever autism-friendly NASCAR race, and will give families a chance to experience a NASCAR race in an environment specifically designed for the enjoyment of children with autism. �Autism Speaks Day at the Races� will be held in Dover�s air-conditioned grandstand, providing a great view of the Monster Mile from the backstretch, and will feature brief presentations by educational speakers and special appearances by NASCAR personalities prior to the race.

CELEBRATE ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH AT THE HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:15:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX - May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and to commemorate this month, the Houston Public Library has scheduled some fun programs that celebrate the art and culture of the Asian and Pacific Islander community that calls Houston home. The celebration honors people from India, Pakistan, Japan, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia and Singapore. Everyone is invited to enjoy the festivities. All events are free and open to the public.

Programs and Events Scheduled

Asian Pacific American Heritage Association Dance Performance
Carnegie Neighborhood Library * 1050 Quitman, 77009 * 832-393-1720
Thursday, May 17 | 3 PM - 5 PM

CONSERVATIVE TEXAS REPUBLICANS MOST LIKELY TO USE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY IN VOTER OUTREACH, ACCORDING TO NEW RICE STUDY

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:34:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX � Conservative Texas Republicans are most likely to use electronic technology in voter outreach, according to a new study from researchers at Rice and the Universidad de Monterrey.

The study, �The Use of Electronic Technology and Legislative Representation in the Mexican and U.S. States: Nuevo León and Texas,� examines how the advent of new electronic media has provided legislative representatives with a plethora of potential tools with which to strengthen their connection with their constituents. The research also examines the forms of electronic technology � websites, email and social networks such as Facebook and Twitter � used by members of the Texas House of Representatives and the Nuevo León Legislature.

The researchers evaluated the extent and nature of the use of these technologies across the two legislative bodies as well as within each legislature.

KOHRVILLE STUDENT RECOGNIZED BY PBS AS A TOP HOUSTON AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:01:00 EST

KLEIN ISD - Yusuf Anwar, first grader at Kohrville Elementary was named a top ten Houston Public Broadcasting Station (PBS) Kids Go Writer and Illustrator at the award ceremonies held May 12, 2012, at the Children�s Museum in Houston. Anwar�s work Day at the Zoo was selected from more than 400 entries submitted across the Houston area. Anwar�s story is about a family visit to the zoo and the different types of animals they encounter. The contest is designed to promote the advancement of children�s reading skills through hands-on, active learning and encourages children in kindergarten through third grade to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations.

GOV. PERRY APPOINTS JUAREZ TO THE TEXAS INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH CARE QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 EST

Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Jacinto Juarez of Laredo to the Texas Institute for Health Care Quality and Efficiency Board of Directors for a term to expire Jan. 31, 2015. Pursuant to Senate Bill 7 of the 82nd Legislative Session, the institute will improve health care quality, accountability, education and cost to the state by encouraging health care provider collaboration, effective health care delivery models and coordination of health care services.

Juarez is dean emeritus of and an instructor in the Laredo Community College Department of Computer Information Systems and Mathematics. He is chair of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service Family and Consumer Science Committee, a board member of the Texas Department of State Health Services Council and Texas AgriLife Extension Service Leadership Advisory, and a member of the City of Laredo Civil Service Commission and Texas Community College Teachers Association.

WEEKLY PRAYER

Jeannie St. John Taylor — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:36:00 EST

CITY COUNCIL APPROVES NEW HOUSTON SOBERING CENTER

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:13:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX - Houston City Council today approved Mayor Annise Parker�s innovative plan to create a public/private partnership to operate the Houston Sobering Center. Council also approved including the Houston Police Department�s Mental Health Unit in the same building, bringing together staff dispersed throughout the city into one location.

�This will help reduce the city�s financial burden for handling public intoxication cases, ease crowding in our city jail and make our streets safer,� said Mayor Parker. �There will be services for those who need them, whether in the short term or the long term, and hopefully we�ll see real change for them. We hope it eventually also creates savings in the form of reduced operating costs at the city jail.�

The Sobering Center is an alternative to jail for people detained for public intoxication, allowing the opportunity to regain sobriety in a safe, medically-monitored environment.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR EXPLORING HISTORY SUMMER CAMP AT BUSH LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:50:00 EST

COLLEGE STATION, Texas � Registration is now open for children age 7-11 for the Exploring History Summer Camp at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University.

This year�s theme is �Presidential Elections and Democracy: Caucuses, Candidates and Campaigns� and is tied to the �Headed to the White House� exhibit on display through July 29 in the Bush Library and Museum�s Ansary Gallery of American History.

Daily themes and topics include Know Your Rights and Responsibilities!; Campaign Travels and Stump Speeches; Make a Difference: Inform Yourself; Be a Super Citizen! Get Involved!; and Your Vote, Your Voice.

BLINN WINS STATE GRANT FOR HOSPITAL SIMULATION EQUIPMENT

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:17:00 EST

Funds will allow Blinn to graduate more students in high-demand health care field

Blinn College has won a grant from the Texas Comptroller worth almost $300,000 that will be used to create the most realistic simulation experience possible for tomorrow�s health care professionals.

Blinn was awarded $292,177 from the state�s Job Building Fund, which was designed by the Texas Legislature to fund training in high-demand occupations. The College is required to fund 5 percent of the project, totaling $15,390. Toward that end, College Station Medical Center has pledged a $2,500 donation.

�There are critical jobs that need to be filled as soon as possible,� State Comptroller Susan Combs said. �These grants will help students move one step closer to employment in fields that are very important to Texas� diverse economy.�

THOUSANDS OF BOY SCOUTS, SCOUT LEADERS AND SCOUT ALUMS JOIN LESBIAN DEN LEADER�S CAMPAIGN ON CHANGE.ORG TO END SCOUTS� ANTI-GAY POLICIES

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:06:00 EST

Jennifer Tyrrell draws support from thousands of scouts and scout leaders after Boy Scouts remove her as den leader from 7-year-old son's Cub Scout troop because she�s gay;
Major celebrities including Julianne Moore, Ricky Martin, Fran Drescher, Kelly Osbourne and more join in support of campaign to end anti-gay policies at the Boy Scouts of America

NEW YORK, NY � Thousands of current Boy Scouts, scout leaders and former scouts have joined an explosive campaign on Change.org calling for the Boy Scouts of America to end their long-held policy prohibiting gay youth and leaders from participating in scouting.

The campaign, started by Ohio mom Jennifer Tyrrell, has drawn more than 275,000 supporters in the weeks since Tyrrell was removed as den leader for her 7-year-old son's Cub Scout troop because of her sexual orientation.

GOV. PERRY APPOINTS MCCOY TO THE STATEWIDE HEALTH COORDINATING COUNCIL

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:58:00 EST

Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Dan McCoy of Corsicana to the Statewide Health Coordinating Council for a term to expire Aug. 1, 2017. The council evaluates long-term local, regional and statewide health needs to develop workforce goals for health professionals.

McCoy is a dermatologist, co-owner and managing partner of Texas Dermatology Associates PA, and assistant director and a faculty member of the Baylor University Medical Center Dermatology Residence Program. He is a board member and past president of the Texas Dermatology Society, a board member of the Texas Medical Association, and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. He is also past president of the Navarro College Foundation Board of Directors, a past board member of the Dallas County Medical Society, and former team physician for the Corsicana High School football team.

COMMUNITY RAIN DATA COLLECTOR TAKES �SURPRISING� 11.19-INCH RAINFALL MEASUREMENT AFTER MAY 11-12 STORM

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:07:00 EST

Harris County Flood Control District Supports Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS)

HOUSTON - Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) civilian volunteer Michael Chance made a startling discovery when he checked his official CoCoRaHS rain gage after the May 11-12 rainfall event and found it near the rim. The rain gage registered 11.19 inches � the fourth highest report submitted this year to the CoCoRaHS network.

�I was surprised at that amount - we�ve had some heavy rains,� said Chance, who lives in the Pecan Grove neighborhood in Fort Bend County and has a gage in his back yard. �When I first looked at it, it looked like there wasn�t any water in it. But it was almost to the very top if it. I have never seen it that high before.�

EPA ADMINISTRATOR LISA JACKSON'S TESTIMONY BEFORE THE U.S. SENATE, APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:04:00 EST

Thank you for inviting me to testify on the President�s Fiscal Year 2013 budget for the Environmental Protection Agency. I�m joined by the Agency�s Chief Financial Officer, Barbara Bennett.

EPA�s budget request of $8.344 billion focuses on fulfilling EPA�s core mission of protecting public health and the environment, while making the sacrifices and tough decisions that Americans across the country are making every day.

EPA�s budget request fully reflects the President�s commitment to reducing government spending and finding cost savings in a responsible manner while supporting clean air, clean water and the innovative safe guards that are essential to an America that�s built to last.

In some cases we have had to take a step back from programs - this budget reflects a savings of $50 million through the elimination of several EPA programs and activities that have either met their goals, or can be achieved at the State or local level or by other Federal agencies.

TOWNE LAKE HOSTS MEMORIAL DAY LANTERN LAUNCH ON MAY 28

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:01:00 EST

CYPRESS, TX � Towne Lake hosts a Memorial Day Lantern Launch on Monday, May 28 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. in memory of loved ones lost. Attendees will have the opportunity to dedicate a lantern for someone special. At dusk, the area will be illuminated as five hundred lanterns are released to float around the lake.

This event is free and open to the public. Spectators can meet at the Towne Lake Community Center located at 9214 W. Bridgeport Pass Circle, Cypress, Texas, 77433.

For those unable to attend the ceremony on May 28, but wish to dedicate a lantern, please visit the Welcome Center from May 20-27 to sign a lantern that will be launched at the event. The Welcome Center is located at 18915 San Saba Creek Circle.