 Cold Weather Turtle RescuesAn early and intensive response by state game wardens and coastal fisheries biologists, aided by United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Park Service (NPS) biologists and a network of volunteers is bolstering efforts to rescue record numbers of Atlantic green sea turtles stunned during recent cold weather along the Texas coast. MORE
 Best/Worst Movies of 2009Just about everyone has an opinion about what movies were the best and which were the worse for the ending year. The list is so subjective, in fact, that we changed our own minds at least a half dozen times before we went to print. And when we look at it next week, we probably will wish we could rearrange the order or add or subtract a movie or two. None-the-less, some movies this year thrilled us and others just didn't make the grade. Take a look at our picks and compare. MORE
 Holiday Magic on the River WalkChances are slim you'll see snowflakes falling from the night sky in San Antonio - regardless the time of year. But a stroll down the Alamo City's famed River Walk during the holidays is as rewarding an experience as a blue norther at the North Pole - even if your name is Claus. San Antonio is a magical city. Unique, warm and friendly, festive and colorful, the city turns on the holiday spirit each year and literally lights up the holidays like no other place on Earth. MORE
 Drug Violence Riddles Winter Texan Event on BorderIt was supposed to be a festive day of celebration Saturday, Dec. 5, in the border town of Nuevo Progreso, not farr from McAllen. Winter Texans were being welcomed at the annual "Welcome Back" festival. The day was warm and the party was fun - until gunshots erupted less than a block away, the latest round of drug violence to hit the border town, and one that winter visitors will remember for a long time. MORE
 A Visit To Thanksgiving SquareIt's the World Headquarters for Thanksgiving, tucked neatly amid the towering skyscrapers of downtown Dallas, a place of peace, reflection, and refuge from the busy world around you. Any time is a good time to visit BIG D and to take in the many sights of the holidays. But Thanksgiving is special, and Thanksgiving Square (open year round) is the perfect destination. Take time to reflect on the many cultural influences on the holiday. MORE
 Nacogdoches: Nine Flags FestivalHistory runs deep in historic Nacogdoches, Texas. And so does Christmas tradition. Take for example the annual Nine Flags Festival. Here's your chance to spend some holiday time in an historic and charming community and take in the sights and sounds of a Texas Christmas. From a Shakespeare production to the Moscow Ballet's Nutcracker, from Christmas parades to lighting ceremonies and an international market, you'll find something to please everyone in the family in this great festival. Discover the charm of Nacodoches. MORE
 All Aboard: North Pole Express(formerly the Polar Express)
If holiday events are right up your alley this season, the kids will love you forever if you take them for a ride on the North Pole Express Experience, a holiday decorated ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad's famous train. Or take in the Gaylord Texan ICE Exhibit, a winter sculpture not to be forgotten. Combined with Grapevine's Parade of Lights and Christmas on Main Street, this North Texas city begs for a visit to discover the spirit of a true Texas Christmas. Discover what so many have already experienced. Grapevine is a must destination this holiday season - for shopping, for events, for activities and holiday cheer. Plan on it! MORE
 Galveston's Festival of LightsAs the Christmas holiday quickly approaches, Texans and visitor's to the state alike are hitting the streets and parks in search of those bright, twinkling holiday lights that bring sparkle to our eyes and joy to our hearts. And there are many lights across Texas that will take your breath away and well worth a visit. MORE
 Biker Encounters An Aztec Ghost?Some things in life are just too good to believe. This is not one of those tales. In fact, this tale is creepy and - to say the least - hard to believe. It started with a phone call rather late at night. On the end an exasperated biker had a story to tell, a story about a strange encounter at an Aztec pyramid. This is his story of what happened during a road trip across Mexico - perhaps stranger than fiction, and terribly frightening if you have ever visited a Meso-American ruin site after dark. MORE
 Halloween Poem For All AgesHalloween is a fun time of the year for kids of all ages, and that means Moms and Dads too! Remember hearing those spooky ghost stories when you were a kid? And who doesn't enjoy a good horror movie? Finding the right Halloween story for all ages of the family can sometimes be a challenge though. That's why we offer up this little Halloween treat with no strings attached. MORE
 Celebrating Columbus Days Aboard the Columbus FleetCan you imagine sailing on the grand adventure of Chris Columbus aboard a wooden ship lost upon the high seas? Road trio to Corpus Christi the first two weeks of October and board the full size ship replicas of the Santa Maria and the Pinta at the Corpus Christi Museum of History and Science and discover a new world all by yourself! Daily tours are offered and special activities await during the annual Columbus Days celebration. MORE
 Texas STEAKholder's FestivalIf you're a true blooded Texan (with the exception of our veggie friends), then a good steak is always in order. And well it should be considering Texas is the number one producer of fine beef cattle in the nation. In Texas, you see, a good steak is more than tradition - it's a way of life. But it takes more than a good slab of beef to make the best steak in Texas. If you're a steak lover, you can't afford to miss the Texas STEAKholder's Festival in Giddings this October. Find out who cooks the best steak, or try your own hand at the competition. MORE
 Landshark Texas Music & Seafood It's high time for Texas music and great Texas seafood, and that's what you'll get when the LandShark South Padre Island Music Festival takes place Sept. 18-19, featuring 25-plus Texas artists and some of the best Texas seafood available anywhere in the world. The two-day, music, food, and arts event, will be staged on outdoor stages on the bayfront at the South Padre Island Convention Centre, featuring Joe King Carrasco and dozens more. MORE
 The CIA Assassin School In TexasThere are always two kinds of local history; the kind we are meant to know about and the kind that is intentionally kept from the public’s eye.. But there is little or no documentation for some of our state history, like the special CIA-supported counterinsurgency school that operated near Los Fresnos (in the Rio Grande Valley). For years the school provided instruction on bomb making and assassination techniques to U.S. and foreign agents under the guise of a U.S. Border Patrol training facility. MORE
 End of Summer Travel Blues? Nope!To the navigator it is known as a waypoint -- the longitude, latitude and sometimes the altitude of a particular point on Earth. The end of August and most of September in the Lone Star State represents a form of waypoint in the annual and cyclic Texas travel season. Summer vacations are all but over and it's back to classroom frenzy and down-to-business work schedules. The time for summer fun is past, right? It's time to forget about travel getaways and settle back down into the grind. But it really doesn't have to be that way. In fact, the ringing in of September often means a lowering of seasonal travel rates at many hotels, resorts, and even car rental and airline counters, not to mention the availability factor and ease of smaller lines. Get ready to travel...
 Best Perseid Meteor ViewingIt was said that Perseus, son of the Greek God Zeus, was a daring mythological Greek God-Prince best known for his victory over Medusa and as slayer of the Gorgon, and a warrior than could “rain fire” upon his enemies while in battle. Perseus must be at war again - as he seems to be every August - when the annual Perseid meteor showers hits the Earth’s upper atmosphere often lighting up the night sky in the most spectacular meteor shower of the year. BEST PLACES TO WATCH
 Mysteries of the Deep Blue GulfFormed some 300 million years ago when the great continent of Pangea split apart sending Africa to the East and the Americas to the west, the Gulf of Mexico has long been associated with mystery and legend. Exactly what role the Gulf has played in the overall history of mankind is still unclear for scientists tell us this mysterious body of deep water predates the earliest records of civilization. While what we do know about the Gulf is rather amazing in itself, it’s what we don’t know that represents the bigger picture. MORE
 PORT ISABEL AFTER DARKThere’s something to be said about the great night life of South Padre Island! But a quick drive over the causeway to historic Port Isabel offers many of the same after sunset amenities, but with a few extra twists! Where the streets and alleyways of this old port city now stand conquistadores once camped for their first night in the new world, and years later famous general’s walked and famous battles were fought there. Ghosts, pirates, good food, fun and more. MORE
 Summer's Best Romantic GetawaysAs incredible as it may seem to some there are a lot of happy and sensitive Texas couples out there that have never embellished their relationship with a special romantic getaway. When was the last time you treated yourself and that someone special to a really special place? Well, that's too long! Discover the best romantic places of the summer season! MORE
 Texas Summer Music Time!Kicking off the Summer music scene in Texas is the classic Willie Nelson Fourth of July picnic in Ft. Worth. But take heart if you can’t make that concert. There are many other great opportunities this summer to get out and enjoy the musical diversity of the Lone Star State. You will find everything from grand concerts to neighborhood music jams, concerts in the park to fantasy music festivals. That's because Texas has a musical heritage as varied and proud as any on the planet. MORE
 It's Time To Get ReadyNo one wants to think about it and many of us would prefer to not hear about it. But like it or not, the 2009 hurricane season gets underway starting June 1 and it's time once again to review personal, family and business plans to prepare for the potential landfall of another major storm on the Texas coast. The good news is that forecasters are calling for a slower tropical year this year compared to last - if their forecast holds up throughout the summer. Last year, four tropical systems made landfall in Texas - Ike, Dolly, Edouard and Gustav. MORE
 TexanDance Film FestivalThe problem with most independent film festivals these days is that they aren't independent any longer. Just ask Vince Koegle or Bryce Tumlinson, organizers of the TEXANDANCE International Film Festival scheduled June 5-7 in New Braunfels.The problem with most independent film festivals these days is that they aren't independent any longer. Just ask Vince Koegle or Bryce Tumlinson, organizers of the TEXANDANCE International Film Festival scheduled June 5-7 in New Braunfels. MORE
 Waterworld in the Texas Hill CountryLike a ribbon of relief, a handful of clear-water rivers flow proudly across a sun-scorched summer landscape of the western Hill Country, slinking past communities with names like Utopia, Leaky, Medina, Uvalde, and Concan. You see, times can get pretty hot in Texas. That's why the Good Lord made the Hill Country River Region, an area located about 50 miles west of San Antonio. The Frio, Nueces, Sabinal, and Leona rivers carry their watery loads across across unspoiled limestone landscapes, creating spotted pockets of Utopian oasis. MORE
 Texas International Boat Show at the Corpus Christi MarinaWhen it comes to fine yachts and fast personal airplanes, there's no better place to catch up on what;'s available than at the Texas Intnerational Boat Show in Corpus Christi. And this year's show promises to offer more than ever before. It's been called the largest and most exciting in-water boat show ever seen in this part of the USA. Buyers and sellers from across Texas, the USA and Mexico, plus exhibitors from around the world, will come together to create a unique marketplace offering a relaxed and leisurely environment in which to meet during this four-day event. MORE
 Legend of the Easter BunnyWho hasn't heard about the Easter Bunny? It's a given in most parts of the Free World that each Easter the `magic' bunny comes calling with colored eggs and even gifts to thrill the young and young at heart. But would you be surprised to discover that the legend of the mysterious bunny may have got it's start in Texas. No kidding! Our tale starts in historic Fredericksburg on the banks of the beautiful Pedernales River. It was the early 1800s and newly arrived immigrants from Germany braved the frontier to move into a territory strictly controlled by the Comanche. Times were tough, and the kids needed a legend to overcome their fears. MORE
 Killer Whales in the Gulf?Orcinus Orca, or Killer Whales, have been around as long as time can remember. But the orca (yes, like Shamu at Sea World) are predominate in colder waters, like the north Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. While it's true that killer whales can be found in most of the oceans of the world, until recently it was thought the warm Gulf of Mexico was unsuitable to the desires and pleasures of the predatory species. Not so says federal biologist Keith Mullin. Killer whales have been known to live and swim in the warm Gulf after all. MORE
 ECO-Travel May Offer The Right Answers To Environmental StressThey call it ecotourism for short, an industry term referring to ecological touring, a form of tourism designed to take an ecologically and socially conscious approach to travels throughout the world -- traveling with care, you might say. You've heard the term often as it refers to the delicate ecology of the Texas coastline. You need not look far, in fact, to find eco-tours available up and down the coastline. But there's more you can do by planning a special family eco-vacation! Get started thinking green when it comes to travel. MORE
 FIESTA FACTS: San AntonioIn 1891, a group of ladies decorated horse-drawn carriages, paraded in front of the Alamo, and pelted each other with flower blossoms. The parade was organized to honor the heroes from the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto. Little did they know, 118 years later, Fiesta San Antonio would be one of the largest and greatest festivals in America.
Eleven days, 108 events, 101 local nonprofit member organizations, Up to 3.5 million attending, $284 million economic impact -- this is the modern day Fiesta San Antonio, considered by many to be one of two great American celebrations. MORE
 PRO Tennis Back in the ValleyUSTA Professional Tennis returns to Brownsville when the Brownsville Tennis Association’s Men’s Pro Circuit Tennis Tournament kicks off Feb. 17 for a ten days of high stakes pro tennis action featuring some of the best players from around the world. This year’s field features two players who attempted to qualify at the Australian Open, Nick Monroe of Chapel Hill, N.C., and Alex Bogomolov Jr. of Miami. Monroe is a former All-American at the University of North Carolina and is coming off the best season of his professional career, winning three tiles in 2006. MORE
 Best Spring Getaways in TexasSpring 2009 is just a few days away and already Texans are itching to get out and explore the great Lone Star State. Sure, the economy is tight and there is always a need to spend wisely in tough times. But getting away and renewing the spirit requires an investment of both time and dollars if you're going to continue the uphill battle of the budget. You can't work effectively if your mind and heart aren't in the game! MORE
 Get Ready For Mardi Gras in Galveston!Never did a city deserve a party more than Galveston, and its citizens are of such sturdy and good-natured stock that it would take more than a hurricane to interrupt their annual Mardi Gras! Besides it only happens once a year, that special time when tradition dictates we can be bad before we're required to be good. Bad as in overindulging in food, drink and fun; good as in giving up the bad in honor of the Lenten season, which starts the day after Shrove (Fat) Tuesday Feb. 24th and the last day of Mardi Gras festivities. MORE
 Planning The Perfect Super Bowl PartyThe big game day has almost arrived and last minute arrangements are being made all across Texas as football fans prepare to engage in the annual celebration of America’s favorite sport. Forget about the Steelers and the Cardinals or whoever else might have been playing if the cookie would have crumbled differently in the playoffs. You need to get ready for the party - your party. Get started here. MORE
 Pop Culture President Loves Spiderman; Poised To Take Over White HouseIt’s a brave new world. But it was bound to happen sooner or later, and this year seems to be the appointed year. When President-elect Barack Obama moves into the White House this week you can bet he’ll be toting along his collection of Spiderman and Conan the Barbarian comic books. Harry Truman may have sold suits in a small Midwestern town. George Bush may have been a bit of a "card". But Barack Obama, well, he’s one-of-a-kind. MORE
 A Tribute To Texas Music - and the People Who Make (Made) ItTexas Music - it’s a whole ‘nother world (country). That may not exactly be what the slogan is about (actually borrowed from the Texas Tourism Board’s 2002 Texas ad campaign). But it fits, sort of, when we start talking about Texas music. Texas music, it seems, belongs in a place all to its own. And so do the people who make it - and have made it down through the years. Now the State of Texas is providing a way for Texas music lovers to show their pride in the state's rich music heritage. MORE
 Saying Goodbye To Cotton Bowl StadiumSince 1937, the stadium that bears the name "Cotton Bowl" will cease to host the annual grid iron classic by the same name, a moving moment for the thousands who have made or experienced memories in this cornerstone football arena. As the Classic prepares to move to the new Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, many memories will be left behind in the stadium that has grown to be known as a real "Classic". MORE
 The Miracle of Austin's 37th Street:The Joy of Lights Fest
It's been called one of the most impressive neighborhood holiday light displays in Texas, and one visit after dark to this Austin street near the Univesity of Texas campus will illustrate why. Don't let the season go by without a visit to this spirited neighborhood in Austin! Discover the miracle of the 37th street Christmas lights and get into the spirit of the holiday season this year. MORE
 Red Fish Wars: State VS. Fed RightsIt’s a clear case of the federal machine versus state’s rights, and the ensuing battle between the two governmental giants – the U.S. Government and the Texas State Government - will have a sharp negative impact on some local fishing charter operators and on many more charter companies from South Padre Island to Key West Florida. Controversy is brewing over National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) rules, and Texas charter operators may be catching the brunt of the battle. MORE
 RVing Still Popular in TexasThe recent roller coaster ride in fuel costs has failed to deter recreational vehicle enthusiasts from enjoying private campgrounds and RV resorts in Texas, according to a recent online survey by the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO). The survey, conducted in October, found that 82 percent of RV enthusiasts planned to use their RVs this fall at least as much as they did last year at this time. MORE
 Texas Favorite Turkey LeftoversThanksgiving, seems there is always enough food around to feed an army. The problem with the leftovers is everyone quickly grows tired of eating the traditional Turkey and dressing dinner for the third time in two days. But since you've just spent a fortune at the grocery store for this holiday dinner you know you've got to stretch those leftovers in very creative ways. Help is here. Check out these four yummy left overs recipes and just pick up a few extra inexpensive groceries while you shop for Thanksgiving dinner and you'll be set for a week. They'll be so good the family will want to do it all over again for Christmas.MORE
 Peso Falters, Threatens Texas EconomyA maelstrom of devastating economic calamities has assailed Texas and the Nation over recent months, and even the most optimistic economic forecasters are predicting yet another abusive obstacle to statewide financial stability could be damaging, comparing it to the proverbial last straw that broke the camel’s back. From hurricanes to rocketing fuel costs to a far-reaching national financial industry meltdown resulting in a recessive investment climate, times have been hard for the Texas economy in recent months, and now, with a devaluating Mexican peso, things could actually get worse. MORE
 World Music Conference in San Marcos Features Independent ArtistsIndependent musicians from around the world will gather in the hills of Central Texas in November to make music, to discuss the issues facing the industry and, for many, to take part in a special radio conference to learn how they might win the favor of broadcast programmers in the years ahead. The United States Entertainment Force and Roots Music Association are staging the festival, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, which dedicates their resources to the troop and Veterans programs. The festival is scheduled for Nov. 14-16 at a 500-acre festival site behind the Outlet Malls at San Marcos. MORE
 Growing Up With WillieJust about every Texan has a story to tell about Willie Nelson. Most of us grew up with him. He may not have known that, but we do. That’s the way it is with great people. It’s sort of like connecting Kevin Bacon to somebody you know who knows somebody that is related to him. For me, however, growing up with Willie was a little more than just being a fan of the man and his music. In 1961 I was just a gawky fifth grader at a small rural school in Helotes, Texas - a small hole-in-the-wall township northwest of San Antonio. Today, Helotes, and nearby Grey Forest, are bedroom communities on the outskirts of the San Antonio Metroplex. But in 1961, it was home to John Floore Country Store - where Willie played. MORE
 Best Halloween Films For 2008As Halloween looms on the near horizon, many are warming up to the idea of good scary movie to help ring in and celebrate the season. But today's new horror movie releases, more slashers than old fashion scary movies, seem to fall short of providing the punch. That's why we have copmpiled a list of the Best Horror films for the 2008 Halloween season. While opnions vary greatly about what makes a good horror film scary, most will agree there are those few movie titles down through history that seem to do the trick well everytime. MORE
 Best Halloween Events Across TexasOctober brings not only long anticipated cooler weather to the Lone Star State but inspired interest in the spooky, the unusual, and the kind of stuff that makes for strange stories and tales. And there are plenty of those in Texas. Steeped in folklore and legend, Texas can trace its roots to the days when Native Americans practiced sorcery and magic, when Spanish settlers spoke openly but quietly of witches, demons, shape changers and ghosts; when the Day of the Dead was, and still is, widely celebrated. Here are our best picks for Halloween events across the statefor 2008. MORE
 The Texas Butterfly FestivalTexas is well known for longhorn cattle, rattlesnakes, armadillos, whitetail deer and hard working cowboys. But one of the more delicate creatures of the Lone Star State are the millions of butterflies that populate Texas, especially each fall when migrating Papilionoidea flock to the furtile fields of deep South Texas in an annual show of diverse color, delicate fluttering and in abundant numbers to justify the Texas Buttefly Festival in Mission. The 13th Annual Texas Butterfly Festival is set for October 16th to 19th in Mission, located in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, the most biologically diverse region in the United States. MORE
 Wurst is the Best of Texas!When Prinz Karl of Solms-Braunfels in Prussia, a nobleman that supported German immigration to the new world, founded New Braunfels in 1845 he probably brought along with him his best sausage makers. What he didn't know is that a Texas tradition would be born on the wings of his love for good sausage, and WURSTFEST would become an annual celebration of all things German in this otherwise peaceful Texas Hill Country community. Get ready to polka your heart out, eat great sausage, and spend a little time in the biergarten as October ends and November begins, because it's WURST time in Texas, and New Braunfels is serving up German tradition and heritage like it was going out of style. Get on the (beer) wagon and ride for the weather is great and the sausage is fresh and hot! MORE
 Texas Renaissance FestivalAfter a short period of indeciision, the Texas Renaissance Festival will open on schedule Oct. 11, offering much needed diversion and relief to the thousands of regional Hurricane Ike victims and many more Texans from all across the state. It's time to honor the Queen and this largest Renaisance Festival in the U.S. provides 53 acres of Old World experience. Mimes, magicians, musicians, performing troupes and Knights in shinning armor - you'll find them all on this festival site near Plantersville, just north of Houston. Each of the eight weekends are themed and offer a different environment and experience to faire-goers. Get the details... MORE
 French National Treasure: Buried in Texas?The problem with any strange tale is that it is hard to know where truth ends and legend begins. None-the-less, a good tale has few boundaries, and even the most speculative twists and turns of a well told story have great merit when it comes to uncovering lost possibilities - or, at least, as entertaining fiction. Be it fact or fiction, or most probably a mix of the two, this tale of historical adventure and mystery offers a glimpse into what once was, or could have been, whichever fancies the disposition of the reader. Could Napoleon Bonaparte have contracted Jean Lafitte to smuggle a large French Treasure from France and bury it in Texas? There seems to be some evidence, but you decide the truth for yourself! MORE
 WARNING: Shrimp On The ShortIn a State where good food is about as big as football in the race for the most important personal preference this fall among its resident population, news that fresh Gulf shrimp, a standard throughout Texas, may be harder to find in the near future is devastating to the Guld shrimp lover, and could mean consumers will face elevated consumer prices next time they visit their favorite eatery for a plate of wild crustacean. The Texas shrimp industry is on the decline, and with fewer boats and smaller fleets heading into the Gulf this season, that spells trouble. MORE
 The Barbarian Sleeps in BrownwoodIt is said that tragedy often runs deep and almost always hits hard. If you stand before a certain pair of headstones at a Brownwood Cemetery, especially in the quite of the late evening or blanketed by a dreary sky overhead, you might just feel the tragedy that lies not far beneath your feet. And if there is an air of mystery or a touch of heroic adventure in the air, chances are good you have found the tombstones of Texas writer Ron E. Howard, and his mother who lies next door. A visit to the cemetery leaves the Howard fan with a bit of an unusual feeling. Is Howard reaching out from the grave? MORE
 Brownsville's Rich Aviation HistoryFrom the historic first International air mail flight of Charles Lindbergh to frequent visits from Amelia Earhart and Howard Hughes, the Brownsville airport has played a major role in U.S. aviation history. The first jet flight happened here, and the first Air Mail was launched in Brownsville - plus the first U.S. military flight took off from here to monitor Mexican troop movement in 1915. And the Brownsville Airport was home to the Fighting Aztec Eagles, the only Mexican squadron to fight in World War II. Discover the rich aviation history of the Rio Grande Valley. MORE
 Fishing is Hot for the SeasonReady for some rod and reel action? Summer is heating up and the fishing across Texas couldn't be any better, especially along the lower coast. Oil up that old rod-n-reel and get ready for a grand fishing excursion on the bay or offshore and celebrate the summer Texas style! Captain Herbert Bode is a guide on the lower Laguna Madre and shows model JJ Gordon how to catch the big one! MORE
 The Infamous Ghost of GranburyThere are a lot of strange places in Texas; just about as many as there are strange tales to go along with them. And Garnbury, Texas, nestled in the gentle Brazos River Valley in the north central region of the Lone Star State, has its share. Some say Granbury was a central focal point for famous and infamous characters of the 19th century; people like Davy Crockett's wife, Elizabeth, Jesse James, and a man believed to be John Wilkes Booth, who may haunt the Granbury Opera House to this day? Read one of Texas' strangest mysteries. MORE
 More Smuggler Tales on the BorderIn this story, Episode Two - Sagebrush Cessna, you'll find out what it's like to crash land in unknown territory. Follow Ron Fox's adventures of the Texas contrabandidos, life on the Texas border with little more than a wing and a prayer, the follow episode to our popular series that started last month. Or read the first episode and progress through the story from start to finish - a grand adventure to rival the best. Read the latest: Episode Two or Episode One
 Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?It's been the brunt of a thousand jokes at least, yet the question, like a bad case of acne, just never seems to go away. But in this presidential campaign year it sometimes seems like all the candidates - and we do mean all of them - tend to lose sight of the real issues in America. So we decided to ask them - and other celebrities - the question, "Why did the chicken cross the road?" Of course, we didn't really ask them. But we think we figured out what their answers might be. Remember, it's an election year, so don't be surprised at our fabricated answers. MORE
 Texas Contrabandidos: Real AdventureThe business of hauling consumer goods (contraband) into Mexico with airplanes into grass strips avoiding the outrageous Mexican import duties has been going on ever since airplanes were put into commercial service, that is, until 1989 when Mexico repealed most 100% duties on imported goods. Known as Contrabandidos", pilots choosing this form of employment had to know the limits of their aircraft operating into extremely marginal landing strips and their own limits. The Story starts here. MORE
 Texas! The Musical Drama - 43rd YearFor 42 years running, TEXAS - The Musical Drama, has been entertaining visitors from around the world, and this, the 43rd anniversary year, promises to be a larger-than-life summer destination blockbuster to top all others. To begin with, where can you sit on the edge of North America's second largest canyon, the steep canyon walls bathed in the colors of sunset, and dine on what is arguably the world's greatest beef steak, counting down the minutes to show time? Discover the wonders of Palo Duro Canyon and get ready for the opening season of - TEXAS! MORE
 Ancient Medicines & Home RemediesWay back when man lived in caves, like Bob the stick thrower, and crafted simple tools of stone, he still looked for spiritual and natural remedies to heal his many ailments. After all, a good HEB Pharmacy was still a few millennium away, and there wasn't much to talk about in the way of local medical care providers either. But Bob, while crude and simple, wasn't as dense as he looked. Soon he discovered the secrets of the Earth and made medicines from natural plants and herbs. Today. modern home healers have their own brand of cures for what ails us. Discover both ancient medicines and modern home remedies - and feel better for it! MORE
 Those Red Blooded, Gun-Tottin' Texans!Regardless whether you're for or against gun law legislation, when it comes to Texas, it would be just about as easy to get the Pope out of the Catholic Church as it would to wrench the firearms from the convicted fingers of true-blue Texans who often liken the right to carry a gun with the right of childbirth. Ask most any Texan and they'll tell you owning a gun is "natural". MORE
 Abner Doubleday: The Texas ConnectionSome say the truth is stranger than fiction. But getting to the truth isn’t always easy. Take, for instance, the strange history - or myth - that Abner Doubleday, an Army officer that served time at Port Isabel’s Fort Polk, invented the game of baseball. Could the game have been born in Port Isabel? There's a lot of controversy about Doubleday's invention rights, but no doubt he was one of the first to play, and perhaps he and fellow soldiers in Texas perfected the game on the streets of this lower coast port city. MORE
 New Audio Book Tributes Gulf PiratesMuch has been written and filmed about the infamous pirates of old that ravaged the seas in search of fame and fortune, and readers young and old have found grand and romantic adventure in the lore. As evidenced by the recent popularity of Disney's successful Pirates of the Caribbean movie series, pirates have been a popular topic in recent years. But little has been written about the cut throats, freebooters and pirates that plundered the Texas coastline down through the years. Now the history of those fabled days comes alive with the release of a new Lost Planet Media audio book titled "Pirates of the Gulf," an audio docu-drama of the people and places that were frequented and often made famous by buccaneers of the high seas. Discover the new audio book and listen to samples. MORE
 Once Upon A Time in MexicoWho said a lazy winter afternoon in a Mexican border town can’t be exciting? For a pair of semi-retired Texas ‘good ole boys’, Stumpy and Red, who have for years enjoyed spending a day or ten across the river for a little “R&R”, a recent typical warm January afternoon quickly turned into Armageddon. In this little border tale, submitted through the email, our dynamic cross border duo discovered the meaning of the term ‘between a rock and hard place’. Oh – the names have been changed to protect the guilty. MORE
 UT-Brownsville Guitar Festival- 2008The UTB/TSC Guitar Ensemble Festival began in March of 2001 for a duel purpose: to give young guitar students the opportunity to perform in a competitive though encouraging environment, and to bring some of the best guitarists to a Valley stage so that these young and maturing musicians can see great artists perform.
Now the UTB Guitar Ensemble and Competition is back and continues into the weekend, March 26-March 30, 2008. Don't miss the premiere guitar event in the Lone Star State. Head to the border and enjoy acoustic guitar at its finest. MORE
 Who Changed the Date for St. Patty's?Now what were they thinking - the Catholic Church’s “Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments’ ? St. Patrick’s Day festivities across much of the world have been changed this year thanks to the Church’s decision to move the festive holiday to avoid a conflict with the beginning of Holy Week observances and activities. And while the move has set well with some Irish-American communities, other groups are refusing to change the traditional March 17 date for St. Patty Day. MORE
 Lost Treasures of Padre IslandEmbarking on a Texas beach getaway for the weekend has long been a Texas tradition regardless what part of the state you call home. Literally thousands of Texans flock to the white sandy beaches of Padre Island every year to pitch their tents, set up their RVs or to simply sleep on the beach in order to get their periodic fix of sun, surf and sand. But have you ever wondered while you're laying on your beach recliner soaking up those golden coastal rays and enjoying the warm Gulf breezes, just what may be buried just beneath you beach towell? There could be a fortune waiting! MORE
 The Haunted Jefferson HotelIf you think adventure is limited to a good raft and a little whitewater, or a bike tour across Palo Duro Canyon country, or a short bungee rope at the high Devil’s Canyon bridge – you might have another think coming. There’s a book in Jefferson in the Caddo country of Northeast Texas, kept behind a hotel desk in the main lobby, where adventure awaits the traveler daring enough to open its pages. But there’s a catch. Not just anyone can ask read this book. You must be a guest of old, historic hotel. And to get the most out of this other-worldly adventure, you must take the book back to your room to read it. MORE
 There's a New KING of HOT!The argument of which chile pepper variety packs the most heat has been waging on for decades if not centuries. It is said that Spanish explorers, after discovering the intensity of the flavor and spice of the American chile, became obsessed with finding the hottest varieties to take back with them to the Old World, a sort of contest of discovery. But now, in modern times, scientists say they have found the ultimate hot chile. And this chile redefines the term! MORE
 Kites Over Padre: SPI KITE FESTIt's that time of year again. You can look into the sky and see flying birds and butterflies, cats and dogs, geckos and lobsters, fish and octopi. The 8th Annual SPI Kite Fest, sponsored by B&S Kites, is scheduled for February 2-3. The festival runs Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the flats just north of the Convention Centre on South Padre Island. Admission is free and the public is invited to enjoy the spectacular kite displays, performances, demos, free lessons and more. MORE
 UFOs OVER TEXAS SKIES!There are two sides to the UFO controversy in the world -- there are the believers, and there are the nonbelievers. In Texas this year, there are certainly more believers than ever before. Sure - the belief in and/or study of Unidentified Flying Objects has been the at the center of pop controversy for a long time, at least since 1947, and no one would argue that Texans often like their tall tales and proportionate twisted sense of humors. But a large number of residents around Stephenville and across adjacent counties have been reporting something very weird in the sky -- and very large. What is it? MORE
 Mardi Gras Southeast Texas Style!Sure -- When you think of Mardi Gras in general terms you generally think of New Orleans. And when you think of Mardi Gras in Texas you most often think of Galveston. But Mardi Gras Southeast Texas Style, staged each year in Port Arthur, has caught on and grown into a major celebration attracting hundreds of thousands of revelers who often choose to avoid the crowds of the the other Mardi Gras celebrations in larger cities to join in the fun and gala near the shores of Sabine Lake. MORE
 HOLIDAY CHEER: Miracle of 37th StreetIt's been called one of the most impressive neighborhood holiday light displays in Texas, and one visit after dark to this Austin street near the Univesity of Texas campus will illustrate why people would say that. If you're planning but one drive this season to see the lights, make it to Austin for this lighted wonder! Discover the miracle of the 37th street Christmas lights and get into the spirit of the holiday season this year. MORE
 Ghost Walk Tour To Benefit Toy DriveThe Halloween season may be over, but in case you haven't heard, real ghosts don't simply go away after October comes to an end. But what do ghosts have to do with the Christmas season? In Corpus Christi, apparently a great deal! The public is invited to get to know the haunts of the city's Heritage Park in December during a series of special candlelight walking tours, a great chance to view the beautiful Victorian-style homes of this old district of the city, perhaps catch a glimpse of some of the ghosts refuted to still live there, and all the while help the local Toys for Tots program. MORE
 Penning The Perfect PunSince the first man uttered the very first words from his lips, mankind has been using language to not only communicate, but to entertain, and few wordsmiths have been as brilliant at it than former Austin resident William Syndey Porter, better known throughout the literary world as O. Henry. Few men could ever purse together a series of words with such dubious double meanings, or warp phrases with cunning into such whimsical machinations of comical disguise. All that on top of his outstanding ability to write short stories. If you missed the O Henry Pun-Off this year, try these on for size. After all, a little humor never hurt anyone! MORE
 Sweet Fruit Ripening in the ValleyWho doesn’t enjoy a big, sweet, juicy orange or ruby red grapefruit? There’s not much that can compare with a tall glass of cold liquid sunshine, squeezed fresh from super sweet oranges that have ripened on the tree. But let’s be honest. Where are you going to get that? Good news for juice lovers! While harvest is just getting underway in the Rio Grande Valley, early reports have it that this year’s Valley citrus crop is going to be a good one! MORE
 Celebrating Texas Foods & WineFor 17 years running the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival has been celebrating the tastes of Texas, from great Texas wines to the culinary delights of the Lone Star State, and this year the tradition continues in beautiful and unique downtown Fredericksburg. Fall is harvest time in Texas, and if you're ready to sample the come-of-age wines of the state, this festival represents the perfect opportunity to relish the diverse flavors of Texas wineries. With an attractive wine-tasting program and special workshops planned for the real connoisseur, you can't beat a weekend in Fredericksburg . MORE
 Brownsville's Old City CemeteryEvery community has at least one cemetery, a refuge for those who have passed from this world into the next, a final resting place that offers perpetual peace for our loved ones who have gone before us. In Brownsville, on the Texas-Mexico border, the Old City Cemetery is full of ornate architecture akin to the New Orlean's historic cemetery -- and full of the history that has made Texas great. Take a walk through this graveyard and you may find more than you are looking for! MORE
 The Canyon Gorge MiracleIn July of 2002 Nature released a watery deluge on the hills and valleys that surround manmade Canyon Lake. Below the spillway -- up until the afternoon of July 4, 2002 -- stood a valley covered in mesquite and oak trees. In two days water crossed a lake spillway for the first time, removing vegetation and soil and exposing an ancient limestone gorge beneath. A new ecosystem was formed - the Canyon Lake Gorge. MORE
 Picking the Right Fall DestinationsAny time of year is a great time of year to explore the highways and back roads of the Lone Star State. But the autumn season is one of the best travel times of the year if you enjoy thinner crowds, shorter lines and a plethora of grand events and activities that are reserved for the cooler months of Texas. Discover our picks for the 2007 Best Fall Destinations in Texas and get ready to hit the roads in search of grand adventure, abundant fun and interesting places to visit. MORE
 Fall Season is Travel Season in TexasLike a breath of fresh air the autumnal equinox signals the passing of a warm, fruitful season and the arrival of a world of changing colors and cooler air. The days begin to get shorter and the nights longer, and the socioeconomic posture of the world-at-large turns from worker-tender to worker-harvester as the fruits of agro-labor are collected and stored for the coming winter. It's also a premiere time for travel across the state with plenty of events, attractions and fall destinations from which to choose. Discover them! MORE
 New Candidates For Prez?It seems like everyone is throwing their hat into the ring these days, so it’s not a question of not having enough people running for President; it’s more of a question of are the people running for the office really the best candidates. So we decided to take a whimsical look at a few additional candidates for the upcoming race - just to add a little spice! Chances are you'll never see these actors and comedians running for the Oval Office - then again, stranger things have happened! MORE
 Summer Travel Season A Bust?With the summer vacation season fresh over state and local tourism officials and companies that rely on the summer season for economic stability are piecing together their assessments of how one of the wettest summer’s on record may have effected business. No one can argue the summer season was/is exceptionally wet. Corpus Christi and San Antonio broke previous weather records for the wettest summer on the books, How good/bad was it? MORE
 South Padre International Music FestivalSouth Padre Island has long been known for its wild spring break celebrations and, by contrast, its pristine and remote beaches. But come this November you can add international music to the list of attractions that make this southernmost Island unique and attractive. November is the time to plan a trip South to enjoy world music at its best, featuring American, Texas music, reggae, Latin, jazz and more -- an event not to be missed. MORE
 Tradition: Texas County FairsAre you thinking that your summer fun is over? As summer draws to a close and the theme parks prepare to close down for all but the weekends, the fun is not over yet. The County Fairs of Texas -- Where else could you wrap your lips around a piece of award winning homemade pie? MORE
 The New Passport FrenzyU.S. Passport laws are changing again and more and more people are finding applying for a being issued a passport is no longer a quick and easy process. But starting next June, you can't cross over a land bridge into Canada or Mexico without one. Don't get caught up in the waiting game! Get started now in the application process and be a valid passport holder before the law changes. MORE
 Big Time Saltwater Fishing in TexasIt's the oldest and largest saltwater fishing tournament in Texas, and the TIFT (Texas International Fishing Tournament) is expected to draw more than 500 boats to the South Padre Island-Port Isabel area this weekend for a real Texas classic. It's a family fishing tournament where the winners walk away with big cash prizes, and usually some really big fish. MORE
 Where Were You On Moon Day in 1969?It’s been called the most significant day in human history, a day hat will always be remembered as the culmination of man’s great quest to reach the moon, a day when the entire world watched as American astronauts landed on the lunar surface proclaiming a long awaited victory for the pioneering spirit of mankind. Where were you when it happened? MORE
 Texas Red Neck Games On TapIt's the time of year to grab your spurs and your best mud wrestling outfit (along with a strong stomach) and your best sense of humor, pack the truck and head on out to The Official Texas Redneck Games Aug. 2 - 5 in Athens. Not sure you're a redneck? Here's a few clues for you from Comedian Jeff Foxworthy: You might be a redneck if you think possum is "the Other White Meat." MORE
 Blue Bell's 100th Anniversary CelebrationIt's one thing to head down to the nearest grocer to pick up a gallon or three of delicious Blue Bell Ice Cream. It's a Texas tradition. But this summer, Blue Bell is bringing the ice cream to you! Get ready for BLUE BELL ON TOUR, coming to your neighborhood this summer with the best ice cream the world has ever know! MORE
 JULY4TH RECIPES FROM FAMOUS AMERICANSWhy not make your holiday feast an extra special one this year by adding one or more of these special recipes to your menu. From a selection of fine desserts to a special crab cake recipe, you'll find these foods the perfect touch to your Fourth celebration. From George Washington to George Bush you'll have a complete patriotic menu. MORE
 BEST FOURTH OF JULY GETAWAYSAre you hitting the road this July Fourth to celebrate the holiday somewhere else besides your home turf? Looking for a good place to land where the action is hot and All American? We've got you covered. Check out the best Fourth of July events across Texas and get in the spirit of Independence. MORE
 TEXAS Best Seafood DivesIn a state famous for good food, it's no surprise you can find some of the best fresh Gulf seafood joints in the world -- you know, those little out-of-the-way spots that really know how to prepare fresh caught seafood Texas style! What are you waiting for? Check this list and get ready for some G-O-O-D groceries! MORE
 2007 Texas Theme Park ReportSummer has arrived and thousands will be flocking to amusement parks and special attractions all across the Lone Star State. But who has the newest rides, the most thrill seeking attractions and the best shows? We've got you covered! Check our 2007 review of the best theme parks in the Lone Star State. MORE
 Texas Folklife Festival in San AntonioTexas is full of diverse culture and the Texas Folklife Festival in San Antonio is the best place to discover it all in one location! Staged at the Institute of Texan Culture at Hemisfair Plaza, here's you chance to learn about the many faces of the people who founded our great state. MORE
 Lost Pines Resort: Summer FunIf you're looking for the perfect family resort that provides something for both the kids and the parents, look no further than the Hyatt's Lost Pines Resort near Bastrop. With a waterpark, golf, spa and fine dining in one location, you can't go wrong. A real summer winner in the family getaway book. Load up and head out to the Lost Pines of Texas. MORE
 Freer Rattlesnake RoundupTo some they are dangerous, sneaky creatures, laying in wait for the next unsuspecting victim . To others they are magnificent creatures of Nature that demand respect but are special and are just cause for celebration. Regardless your take, the place to be if you want to tribute the Texas rattlesnake is in Freer, Texas. MORE
 Texas Lavender Fields: Raw BeautyTexas flowers have long provided a coat of many colors to a state already clothed in beauty. From wildflowers along highways to fields of lavender flowers in the Hill Country, you won't find a more beautiful natural canvass. Discover the Texas Lavender Festival and experience the raw beauty of the Lone Star State. MORE
 Port Neches RiverFest: Thunder on the RiverWith four days of family fun on the river, the Port Neches RiverFest offers a little something for everyone, including the thunderous boat races that provide high energy to spectators as well as competitors. Live music, plenty of Texas food and fun for everyone in the family! Get ready for a Southeast Texas throw down like none other! MORE
 HOT! RGV Regional Chili & Salsa Cook OffYou can't beat a a big bowl of chili when you're looking for a hot meal or a hot event to rest your wandering soul! And the RGV Chili & Salsa Cook Off in South Padre is serving up some of the best chili the world has to offer! Get out celebrate the foods of Texas at this cook off being staged on the grounds of one of Texas' premiere waterparks - by the beach! MORE
 Corpus Christi's Buc Days UnderwayIt's one of the best celebrations in Texas, Buccaneer Days in Corpus Christi where the mayor turns over the city to pirates who make fun and merry for two weeks of celebration and fun. A parade and laser light show are featured as well as a professional rodeo South Texas style. Get ready for Buc Days and celebrate the pirate inside. MORE
 Lucky Luke The Hotel DogWelcome to San Antonio's beautiful downtown district where you can always find a unique room with a view. But at the historic Fairmont Hotel just off Hemisfair Square, you'll get a warmer greeting than you had anticipated. Lucky Luke awaits, often with a hand shake and a wag of the tail, the official greeter at this pet friendly facility. MORE
 WINDFEST is Windtastic!Spring has sprung and perhaps it's the perfect time to take that break on the beautiful coast of Texas, and Portland's WindFest may be the perfect getaway to get you ready for the warm summer weather season. Get ready for lots of family fun in the Coastal Bend and celebrate the rites of Spring Texas style! WindFest starts the travel season off right! MORE
 Discover the Pirates of the GulfWith sun scorched hotel and condo towers rising high into the South Padre Island skyline it’s hard to imagine a time when the dunes were the only architectural shapes that populated the long stretch of sand bar that once reached from the Rio Grande River to near Galveston Bay. But here they be pirates - or were pirates. Discover the hardy buccaneers that sailed the Texas coast line and get ready to head south in search of pirate's treasure. MORE
 Saddle Up for Cowboy UTexans have long saddled up and hit the trail in search of adventure - and even profit. There's just something about slipping on a pair of boots, pulling the brim of your hat down low to mask the sun from your eyes, and straddling a well trained horse to ride for the open sky! Why not you? Discover the Texas Longhorn Cattle Drive and Cowboy Up! MORE
 A Texas Beach Paradise in South PadreLooking for the perfect beach getaway without all the pomp? You can find it on the soft sand beaches of South Padre Island, a boutique experience without the boutique expense. With the surf just outside your door and surrounded by sub tropical environs, you can't go wrong with a getaway at the Palms Resort on the Beach. Discover paradise on a Texas Island. MORE
 ICONS OF GLASS - Tiffany MasterworksDiscover the works of Tiffany and Lamb in a private-collection's exhibit at the International Museum of Art $ Science in McAllen. The collected works represent the golden days of stained glass art and features remarkable pieces never exhibited before. Get into art through March in the RGV. MORE
 Those Famous Texans - More Than A Few!Sure - Texans have been known to toot their own horns from time to time. Haven't you heard, everything is bigger and better in Texas? While we may not know the originator of that famous tag line, we do know that Texan's are prone to be fiercely proud of who they are and where they're from. Discover the rich and the famous from Texas and take our quiz to test your Texas celebrity knowledge! MORE
 Texas Coastal Bend Birding AdventuresWhere once the buffalo roamed across vast coastal flood plains, cotton farms and livestock now dot the grasslands. Where once fierce Karankawa Indians carved out their existence in a harsh coastal environment, silver-ribboned highways now cross the countryside. But one thing remains unchanged, and that's the large bird population of this unique region. Discover great Texas birding! MORE
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