Houston Chronicle

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  Houston Chronicle: Dr. Mac

• Dr. Mac: Yojimbo 2 lets user effortlessly organize, store

  16 Nov 2009 | 9:41 pm

  Yojimbo 2 offers the features I loved in SOHO Notes without the bloat or instability.

• Next-generation iMacs impressive

  10 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Apple recently introduced the next generation of iMacs with 21.5- and 27-inch displays.

• Dr. Mac: New iMac looks good and is worth a look

  10 Nov 2009 | 8:50 am

  Bob “Dr. Mac” LeVitus is a leading authority on Mac OS X, the author of more than 50 books and a Mac consultant, troubleshooter and trainer.

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  Houston Chronicle: Top Headlines

• UH-Downtown may drop open admissions

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  The hope is that limiting enrollment will improve students' chances of earning a degree.

• Anti-redhead Facebook group suspected in boy's assault

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Los Angeles County sheriff's detectives are investigating an assault on a 12-year-old middle school boy who may have been targeted after a Facebook group urged students to beat up redheads, a sheriff's official said Saturday.

• Senate sets stage for historic health debate

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  A 60-39 vote advances the health care bill, paving the way for a post-Thanksgiving debate that could go into next year.

• Bankrupt LyondellBasell gets buyout offer

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  The chemical giant with major operations in Houston called the Reliance offer a "potential alternative to the initial plan of reorganization."

• Nonprofit 'grateful' after Houstonians answer call for turkeys

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Moved by a Chronicle report that a shortage threatened a holiday feast for the needy, residents came to the rescue. But more help is still needed.

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  Houston Chronicle: Metro News

• Ruling places more restrictions on hospitalized Hasan

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:50 pm

  In a hearing in a San Antonio military hospital room Saturday, the Army obtained a judicial order that places more restrictions on Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, accused in the Fort Hood shootings, and makes it easier for the military to move him from Brooke Army Medical Center pending trial, according to his lead lawyer.

• Officers looking for gunman who shot man outside Walmart

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:48 pm

  A man was shot in a northeast Harris County Walmart parking lot during what appears to be an attempted robbery late Friday, authorities said.

• Hunt on for trio after armored-truck guard is shot in robbery

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:46 pm

  The Loomis worker was attacked while making a delivery at a southwest Houston check-cashing store.

• Obituary: Episcopal church founder George Wheatcroft

  21 Nov 2009 | 8:35 pm

  George R. Wheatcroft, 91, promoted tolerance as founder and rector of Saint Francis Episcopal Church in Houston for 40 years.

• Years after Vietnam, vet replaces medals lost in fire

  21 Nov 2009 | 7:43 pm

  At a surprise ceremony at the Houston Public Library downtown, Mayor Bill White proclaimed "C.B. Black Day," and U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee presented Black with a Purple Heart and six other medals.

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  Houston Chronicle: Editorial

• For Houston mayor: Chronicle endorses Annise Parker

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  With city tax revenues eroded by the continuing recession, the next occupant of the office must be a prudent fiscal manager as well as a leader who can make hard decisions on spending priorities.

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  Houston Chronicle: Viewpoints, Outlook

• Letters: Mammogram guidelines

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

• George F. Will: U.S. exhausted oil and gas supplies — repeatedly

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  The news about the world’s ever-expanding hydrocarbon reserves horrifies environmentalists who want government to ration energy.

• Young victims of sex trafficking need safe house

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Houston is a major hub for child-sex trade.

• Charles Krauthammer: Trial will give propaganda platform to 9/11 terrorist

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  The decision by Attorney General Eric Holder to try Khalid Sheik Mohammed in a court in New York City defies logic.

• There's no proof tort reform reduces health costs

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  The reduction of lawsuits in Texas has not resulted in cheaper health care,

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  Houston Chronicle: Nick Anderson

• Parties

  20 Nov 2009 | 2:18 pm

  Killer executed after Perry rejects panel's advice To see a larger version of the cartoon: View image...

• Giving thanks

  19 Nov 2009 | 2:45 pm

  To see a larger version of the cartoon: View image...

• Supplication

  18 Nov 2009 | 1:02 pm

  To see a larger version of the cartoon: View image...

• Morning scribble

  18 Nov 2009 | 7:33 am

• Full stride

  16 Nov 2009 | 3:09 pm

  To see a larger version of the cartoon: View image McCain camp: Palin account 'all fiction'...

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  Houston Chronicle: Rick Casey

• Hotze may yet back Gene Locke

  20 Nov 2009 | 3:57 am

  It looks like mayoral candidate Gene Locke may yet get the endorsement of Dr. Steven Hotze, the super-conservative activist and one-time local kingmaker in the Republican Party.

• Gay issue is as Houston as face-lifts

  17 Nov 2009 | 6:25 pm

  For homosexuality to be raised as an issue in the mayor's race is about as Houston as bad air, and those who think it works are almost always disappointed.

• Niko the Greek bets on recycling

  14 Nov 2009 | 7:32 pm

  As someone who signs a death warrant for several trees with every column I write, I'm devoted to recycling. I'm also a fan of Greek food, and thereby hangs a tale.

• Don't pick lawyer to do science

  12 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  It took less than 24 hours for the gloves to come off after Tuesday's exceedingly polite legislative hearing on where Williamson County District Attorney John Bradley intends to take the budding Texas Forensic Science Commission.

• New clues for forensic panel future

  10 Nov 2009 | 6:46 pm

  Gov. Rick Perry made a brilliant choice in John Bradley to head the Texas Forensic Science Commission — at least for his own purposes.

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  Houston Chronicle: Space

• Waiting for baby, Houston astronaut dad completes spacewalk

  21 Nov 2009 | 2:44 pm

  A spacewalking astronaut put aside the impending birth of his daughter and blazed through his first-ever venture outside the International Space Station on Saturday.

• Atlantis astronauts embark on mission's second spacewalk

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:00 am

  An astronaut is gearing up for the first spacewalk of his career while awaiting the imminent birth of his daughter.

• After space delivery, expectant dad awaits word on Earth one

  20 Nov 2009 | 5:26 pm

  As Randolph Bresnik's fellow Atlantis crew members moved supplies into the International Space Station, his wife prepared to give birth in Houston.

• Astronauts tackle chores in 1st of 3 spacewalks

  19 Nov 2009 | 7:28 am

  Michael Foreman and Dr. Robert Satcher Jr. will float outside the International Space Station to hook up a spare antenna and cables.

• Shuttle, ISS hook up 220 miles above ocean

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:28 am

  Space shuttle Atlantis arrived at the International Space Station on Wednesday for a weeklong stay, delivering a load of spare parts needed to keep the outpost running for another decade.

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  Houston Chronicle: Metro Move It!

• Vanity's price: More on new license plate charges

  16 Nov 2009 | 10:54 am

  Here's more information about new charges for vanity license plates and tangled traffic on Interstate 10.

• For motorists, vanity has a price, but it's discounted

  9 Nov 2009 | 9:00 am

  The state hopes new colors and the price (dropping from $395 to $195 for one year) will draw drivers to personalized license plates.

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  Houston Chronicle: Immigration Chronicles

• Who's tougher on illegal immigration? Bush or Obama?

  20 Nov 2009 | 8:06 am

  HOUSTON CHRONICLEA federal agent is seen outside the Shipley Do-Nuts facility, where ICE agents conducted a workplace raid in 2008. Ten months into President Barack Obama's administration, I wonder if we can make the following declaration: The new president...

• Ariz. prosecutor files 1st employer sanctions case

  19 Nov 2009 | 8:03 am

  A lot has happened since 2007. We elected the nation's first black president. Scientists discovered water on the moon. We endured a global financial crisis. And Bill Belichick went for it on fourth-and-2. Here's yet another development to chew over:...

• Immigrants hit harder by current recession

  18 Nov 2009 | 9:47 am

  While immigrants fared better economically during the decade of economic growth that started in the mid-1990s, they have been harder hit by the recent economic downturn than native-born workers, according to a new report released today by the Migration Policy...

• Protecting wilderness vs. chasing illegal immigrants

  17 Nov 2009 | 12:11 pm

  HOUSTON CHRONICLEBig Bend, located along the Texas-Mexico border, is one of the most remote national parks in the country. Most of my time along the border has been spent in the huge expanse of Big Bend in Texas. It's...

• One transgender detainee's ordeal in detention

  16 Nov 2009 | 8:56 am

  Esmeralda: A Transgender Detainee Speaks Out from Breakthrough on Vimeo. It's no state secret that the nation's immigration detention facilities are in trouble. The labyrinth of private and government detention centers, prisons and jails have faced a torrent of criticism...

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  Houston Chronicle: World News

• Indonesian ferry sinks; 15 dead, some 230 rescued

  22 Nov 2009 | 4:40 am

  JAKARTA, Indonesia — Rescuers saved more than 230 people aboard an Indonesian passenger ferry that sank Sunday in rough waters off Sumatra island, but at least 15 people have died, officials said. Search operations were called off after nightfall for the unknown number of passengers still missing.

• 2 bomb blasts leave 7 dead, 52 wounded in India

  22 Nov 2009 | 1:55 am

  GAUHATI, India — Suspected militants set off two bombs outside a police station in India's restive northeast on Sunday, killing seven people and wounding more than 50, police said.

• Hugo Chavez invites Fidel Castro to Venezuela

  21 Nov 2009 | 11:12 pm

  CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is inviting his mentor Fidel Castro to visit Venezuela during the coming months.

• Life requested for US suspect in Italy murder case

  21 Nov 2009 | 11:11 pm

  PERUGIA, Italy — Prosecutors on Saturday requested life in prison for an American student and her ex-boyfriend accused in the fatal stabbing of her British roommate during a drug-fueled sex game — charges the U.S. woman dismissed as "pure fantasy."

• China coal mine blast death toll jumps to 87

  21 Nov 2009 | 11:10 pm

  HEGANG, China — Rescuers worked in frigid cold to reach 21 miners trapped underground Sunday as the death toll from a huge gas explosion in a northern Chinese mine jumped to 87 — the deadliest blast to hit the beleaguered industry in nearly two years.

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  Houston Chronicle: Houston Politics

• Roy Morales Expecting to be a Player

  20 Nov 2009 | 11:24 am

  "I thought we were bullied, personally," Roy Morales told me this morning. The conservative mayoral candidate was describing a lunch-time meeting he attended Wednesday with Gene Locke's campaign manager, Christian Archer, at the offices of political consultant Allen Blakemore. The...

• White Will Know Soon Enough

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:04 am

  My pal Rick Casey gently reminded me this morning that I left out an essential element in my switching-races scenario for Bill White. As Rick points out, White has to make his decision a couple of months before he'll know...

• Early voting locations announced

  20 Nov 2009 | 4:00 am

  Harris County elections officials have announced early voting locations for the Dec. 12 runoff elections. Beginning on Nov. 30, voters in the city of Houston, the city of Bellaire and Houston Independent School District can report to 21 locations to...

• A city hall duo?

  19 Nov 2009 | 4:38 pm

  Mayoral candidate Gene Locke, hunting for votes Tuesday among the membership of the Greater Houston Pachyderm Club, made an interesting two-for-one offer. If he becomes mayor, Locke told the Republican activists, the city also reaps the services of spouse Aubrey...

• Morales Voters Locked Up?

  19 Nov 2009 | 2:18 pm

  So you prayed for Roy, you voted for Roy, you may even have given him money. You watched Roy Morales run a credible race, one that came up just short of the runoff. Now, here you are part of a...

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  Houston Chronicle: Bayou City History

• Inside the Chronicle: 46 years ago

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:00 am

  In the minutes following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, newspapers all around the world swung into action to publish extra editions. Houston obviously was no different as its three daily newspapers each put out multiple editions that day....

• Catching up with Bennie Lueders

  18 Nov 2009 | 7:29 am

  Courtesy photoBennie Lueders Scattered among the tales of drunkenness, assaults and general mayhem on these audio reels that belonged to Marvin Zindler is the smooth, young voice of a Western swing musician named Bennie Lueders. The two men never met...

• Obituary: Al Zarzana, 73, theater owner

  10 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

  Dan Hardy : Post fileAl Zarzana in 1993 in front of the Garden Oaks theater. Al Zarzana, a theater owner who for years brought art house, Hollywood and Spanish-language films to Houstonians, died Oct. 29. He was 73. The Houston...

• Remember the Red & White?

  8 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

  Betty MarcontellSarah Goolsby on Heights Boulevard, circa 1916. Bayou City History reader Betty Marcontell recently sent me this 1916 photo of her great-grandmother Sarah Goolsby on Heights Boulevard. What struck me -- other than the cow -- were the homes...

• Books, a belly dancer and a blog makeover

  5 Nov 2009 | 10:18 am

  Things are a little different here at BCH, and there's a lot going on in local history circles, so let's catch up for a bit. Obviously, the layout for BCH has changed. I gotta level with you here, I don't...

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  Houston Chronicle: School Zone

• Required Reading

  20 Nov 2009 | 3:07 pm

  *Six Houston-area school districts sue state education commissioner Robert Scott over his interpretation of the new minimium grading policy law. Here's our story, Scott's letter to school districts and a copy of the lawsuit. *Houston ISD schools are missing out...

• Marshall wins endorsements of opponents

  20 Nov 2009 | 9:33 am

  HISD board president Larry Marshall announced on his campaign Web site today that he has been endorsed by two of his general election opponents: George Davis and Michael Williams. Marshall led the Nov. 3 vote with 44 percent , followed...

• Grier plans to reorganize HISD administration

  19 Nov 2009 | 10:38 am

  We know some Houston ISD employees have been on edge about the new superintendent, Terry Grier, toying with the organization of the district. Let's see if we can take that edge off some, or at least shine some light on...

• Required reading

  19 Nov 2009 | 10:03 am

  *Our Austin bureau reports on the ongoing debate over new social studies standards. The hot topic at the State Board of Education's meeting Thursday was whether Hispanics get enough attention. *Houston ISD school board voted this morning to authorize the...

• Study: Dropouts cost Houston $165 million a year

  18 Nov 2009 | 9:10 am

  Cutting the dropout rate in half at 143 high schools serving the greater Houston region would increase wages $165 million a year and generate $16 million more in taxes for the state and local governments. That's according to a study...

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  Houston Chronicle: Health & Medicine

• Senators may sacrifice immigrant aid to pass health plan

  21 Nov 2009 | 7:16 am

  Democratic leaders have included provisions that would bar help for illegal immigrants and would restrict assistance to legal immigrants.

• A lifesaving gift bonds reunited childhood friends

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:14 pm

  Daun Okabayashi donated a kidney to Travis McGullion, 35 years after they lost touch.

• Tamiflu-resistant swine flu cluster reported in NC

  20 Nov 2009 | 11:59 am

  ATLANTA — Health officials say four people in North Carolina have tested positive for a type of swine flu that's resistant to the drug Tamiflu. It's the first cluster of that many cases seen in the U.S. Health officials said Friday the four cases were reported at Duke University Medical Center in Durham over the past six weeks.

• Change in HIV travel law brings peace of mind

  19 Nov 2009 | 8:30 pm

  One Houstonian who suffers from the virus says the lifting of a ban has reduced the stigma for HIV-positive immigrants.

• Garlic, onions prescribed vs. swine flu in Moldova

  19 Nov 2009 | 5:04 am

  Onion and garlic are traditional remedies in Moldova where they are widely believed to boost the immune system.

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  Houston Chronicle: Business

• Bankrupt LyondellBasell gets buyout offer

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  The chemical giant with major operations in Houston called the Reliance offer a "potential alternative to the initial plan of reorganization."

• Nissan chief sees a gradual rise of electric cars

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

  The head of the Nissan-Renault alliance said last week that adoption of electric vehicles will be a slow and gradual process, with gasoline-powered cars continuing to dominate the market for years.

• Small-business resources

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

• Near term likely to bring more low natural gas prices

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

  Natural gas produced from shale rock formations like Texas' Barnett shale play could account for one third of total U.S. natural gas supply by 2025, up from 14 percent today, a prominent energy forecaster said Friday.

• U.S. payouts from oil, natural gas revenue fall by half

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

  Plunging oil and natural gas prices and a drop in revenue from lease sales cut the money the U.S. sent to states, American Indian tribes and the Treasury Department by more than half in fiscal 2009, to $10.7 billion.

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  Houston Chronicle: Loren Steffy

• Beware of those who say beware of scams

  Loren Steffy / chron.com

  19 Nov 2009 | 11:09 pm

  Today's column discusses the Securities and Exchange Commission's lawsuit against Al Kaleta and his investment firm. Kaleta is one of the founders of the BizRadio Network, and he also made regular appearance on the Fox 26 morning show's "Wake Up...

• Silverdome sells for chump change

  Loren Steffy / chron.com

  19 Nov 2009 | 5:23 am

  This lead from a Bloomberg News story sums up how bleak the economic situation is in the greater Detroit area: It cost more than $55 million to build the Silverdome football stadium in Pontiac, Michigan. Yesterday, it sold for the...

• Reversal of fortune: Mexicans sending money north

  Loren Steffy / chron.com

  19 Nov 2009 | 5:03 am

  With U.S. unemployment in double digits, more Mexicans are sending money north to support to support family members here. The New York Times reports: Unemployment has hit migrant communities in the United States so hard that a startling new phenomenon...

• Chinese wind revisited: the pride of Chucky

  Loren Steffy / chron.com

  18 Nov 2009 | 5:15 am

  Getty ImagesSchumer: A mighty wind?This may not be exactly what Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., had in mind, but two weeks after he criticized a Texas wind farm project for using Chinese-made turbines, the Chinese company involved in the deal announced...

• BizLinks | 11.17.09

  Loren Steffy / chron.com

  17 Nov 2009 | 5:47 am

  State Farm ordered to issue $310 million in refunds. Order comes after six years of rate battles. Paying extra for green power and getting ads instead. It's hard to say what people who voluntarily pay for green power are getting?...

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  Houston Chronicle: Legal Trade

• What do ya call a dozen lawyers in tiny courtroom?

  16 Nov 2009 | 2:41 pm

  Sorry for the lawyer joke come on, but in this case, you call a dozen lawyers in one small probate law courtroom the creators of deliciously good final arguments. I'm not writing about the merits of the case here, but...

• Lawyers' holiday plans - the sober & the grandiose

  9 Nov 2009 | 3:10 pm

  Holiday season 2009 looks like a very mixed bag. One big-time plaintiffs lawyer is bowing out of the scene. Richard Mithoff and his wife Ginni sent letters instead of invitations this year. They announced that the lavish parties of the...

• Hospital accuses lawyer of poisoning jury pool - UPDATED

  23 Oct 2009 | 3:27 pm

  Memorial Hermann on Friday accused a lawyer suing the system for antitrust violations with tainting the local jury pool. In an unusual motion, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System asked that a doctor be subpoenaed and a lawyer be told to quit...

• Enough already -- 2nd press release from the winners

  20 Oct 2009 | 6:10 pm

  Monday former TV reporter Mary-Ellen Conway lost her bid to be declared the common law widow of her long-time beau Henry J.N. Taub. There was a confidential settlement and the probate judge issued a list of findings against Conway's version...

• Too important for jury duty? - UPDATED

  9 Oct 2009 | 10:26 am

  This blog entry is about a Harris County judge who just served on a jury here and about a long-ago Houston mayor who thought he was too important to do so. First to Harris County Civil District Judge Brent Gamble,...

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  Houston Chronicle: Career Rescue

• Pretending to be interested

  16 Nov 2009 | 10:11 pm

  Being genuine is crucial in building rapport and creditability when you're looking for a job. This is never truer than in the networking arena where you are reaching out to meet others or become reacquainted. For job seekers who are...

• Are you a job search optimist or pessimist?

  3 Nov 2009 | 10:26 am

  Your job search is often a reflection by how you see the world of work. Landing a good job can be a mixture of timing and the ability to take action. We all have heard the way we view a...

• What employers remember most about job candidates

  23 Oct 2009 | 6:03 pm

  "So what have you got?" That's what a job candidate asked a potential employer at a recent job fair. The employer answered with the qualifications he was looking for, and the job candidate asked if he could leave his resume....

• If you really want to sabotage your career, date your boss

  15 Oct 2009 | 3:44 pm

  The workplace is full of challenges. Of course there's the challenges of doing your job, but the relationships that form in the workplace present challenges, too. A job can be hard enough without jeopardizing it by making bad decisions. Take...

• Think before you embark on a workplace relationship

  9 Oct 2009 | 12:38 pm

  My column this Sunday in Chronicle Jobs addresses the possible pitfalls of workplace relationships. Workplaces friendships can -- and do -- develop into workplace relationships. They can work, but there are some things you should and shouldn't do when embarking...

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  Houston Chronicle: Houston Departures

• Free meals, or not, on the way to Hawaii

  19 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  What a surprise on a recent trip to Hawaii: I got free food in coach. Continental loyalists, you don't have to say it, I know, our hometown carrier is the leader in providing free food to its passengers. But I...

• A sprinkling of weekend specials

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:26 pm

  We're approaching a very busy travel period, but the weekend specials spigot hasn't gone dry yet. One real bargain is Taca's Houston-to-San Salvador special, which comes to $198 with taxes and fees. Normally the round-trip fare is twice to three...

• Emirates puts business class on sale

  17 Nov 2009 | 11:58 am

  One of the many deals being offered this week is a business class sale at Emirates, which flies nonstop from Bush Intercontinental to Dubai and connects to many other destinations. Houston is one of three U.S. cities where the airline...

• Free upgrades coming next year on United for Continental elites

  17 Nov 2009 | 11:22 am

  It's not a surprise to Continental fliers, but it's still big news that new Star Alliance partners Continental and United officially will be upgrading each other's elites to first class starting in mid-2010. Unless you're a top-tier elite flying on...

• Top Thanksgiving air travel destinations from IAH

  12 Nov 2009 | 3:46 am

  While you're standing in the security or check-in lines at Bush Intercontinental Airport around Thanksgiving, you may wonder, where are all these people going? Orbitz provided the top 20 destinations from Bush Intercontinental for Nov. 21-29, based on its bookings....

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  Houston Chronicle: Cars & Trucks

• Spyker C8 Aileron unveiled in Houston

  19 Nov 2009 | 11:12 am

  Expo Motorcars/Spyker of Houston, 11655 North Freeway, is officially unveiling the 2010 Spyker C8 Aileron in Houston this week. Here are C8 Aileron photos and powertrain/performance details: 2010 SPYKER C8 AILERON Engine & Transmission 4.2-liter V-8, 40 valve, mid-mounted Multi-point...

• Suzuki enters new segment with the Kizashi

  17 Nov 2009 | 6:04 pm

  2010 SUZUKI KIZASHI The Kizashi (pronounced "Kee-Zah-Shee") concept has been around for a couple of years in various forms, and Suzuki plans on selling the production version starting next month. Suzuki's 2010 Kizashi is the company's first entry into...

• Is the definition of `sports car' being stretched?

  16 Nov 2009 | 6:47 am

  The "sports car" label is loosely applied these days to describe a number of sporty vehicles. New 2+2 American ponycars -- Mustang and Camaro -- are frequently referred to as sports cars, even by their manufacturers. Some writers modify their...

• New 2011 Buick Regal: A 4-cylinder-only sedan

  12 Nov 2009 | 6:46 pm

  2011 Buick Regal sport sedan Just as we were discussing four-cylinder Buick-sedan power in the LaCrosse blog, the automaker unveiled its 2011 Regal sport sedan. This new offering, based on the Opel Insignia, is set to arrive in dealerships...

• A 4-cylinder in a luxury sedan?

  11 Nov 2009 | 12:10 pm

  Buick's 2010 LaCrosse will be offered with an Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder early next year. A V-8 or powerful six-cylinder have been the common powerplant offerings for large luxury or entry-luxury sedans for years. Feeling consumer pressure for fuel-efficient transportation,...

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  Houston Chronicle: Shannon Buggs

• Pay heed to key indicators

  15 Nov 2009 | 2:18 pm

  Plenty of data are available to help you decide when to resume investing cash you've held tight during the downturn.

• Holiday to-do list: shop early and take cash

  9 Nov 2009 | 6:20 am

  Personal finance columnist Shannon Buggs advises setting an agenda for Christmas purchases. Tips: give cash as gifts, tap into layaway.

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  Houston Chronicle: Energy

• U.S. payouts from oil, natural gas revenue fall by half

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Plunging oil and natural gas prices and a drop in revenue from lease sales cut the money the U.S. sent to states, American Indian tribes and the Treasury Department by more than half in fiscal 2009, to $10.7 billion.

• Q&A: Energy giant NRG thinking green

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  CEO David Crane says he's "tired," but "excited" about new ventures for Reliant Energy's parent company.

• Houston driller sued over polluted Pennsylvania wells

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Pat Farnelli says there's something in the water at her house. The last time she drank it, she says she vomited four times. It's made her children sick, too.

• Shale gas output expected to rise as demand grows

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

  Natural gas produced from shale rock formations like Texas' Barnett shale play could account for one third of total U.S. natural gas supply by 2025, up from 14 percent today, a prominent energy forecaster said Friday.

• Near term likely to bring more low natural gas prices

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

  Natural gas produced from shale rock formations like Texas' Barnett shale play could account for one third of total U.S. natural gas supply by 2025, up from 14 percent today, a prominent energy forecaster said Friday.

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  Houston Chronicle: Newswatch - Energy

• Electric customers get some new protections

  20 Nov 2009 | 12:26 pm

  The CAPP blog (Cities Aggregation Power Project) reports today on the Public Utility Commission approving new electricity consumer protection rules today. Among the issues addressed: printing contract expiration dates on bills so customers know when they might lose a particular...

• U.S. rig count up for fifth week

  20 Nov 2009 | 12:22 pm

  U.S. drilling activity was up for the fifth consecutive week, adding 12 rigs to 1,113 but still well below the 1,941 rigs reported during the same week a year ago, according to Baker Hughes. Onshore added 13 rigs to 1,064....

• Valero refinery shut-down another sign of woe

  20 Nov 2009 | 11:29 am

  San Antonio-based Valero will permanently shut down its Delaware refinery this weekend, another sign of the U.S. refining industry's woes. Valero already closed a major refinery over the summer and cut two units in Delaware earlier. Refineries in the Northeast...

• Northern's CEO resignation a "mutual decision'

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:44 am

  Yesterday I wrote about the resignation of Northern Offshore CEO Marion Woolie for reasons not immediately clear. A replay of the company's earnings webcast provides a bit of illumination. Jim LaChance, Northern's chairman who stepped in as interim president and...

• Pipelines too profitable?

  20 Nov 2009 | 7:58 am

  The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said it is investigating whether three interstate natural gas pipelines are overcharging their customers -- including Kinder Morgan's Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America . The probe is over whether the companies "are over-recovering costs,...

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  Houston Chronicle: L.M. Sixel - Working

• Retailers use workers they have, skip holiday hiring

  18 Nov 2009 | 9:06 pm

  Retailers are hiring fewer holiday workers this year but it's not just the rough economy. They're finding it's more efficient to use their existing work force and launching their holiday promotions earlier in the fall.

• Sick leave for swine flu gets a closer look

  11 Nov 2009 | 8:13 pm

  Some in Congress say employers should be required to provide up to seven days of leave for H1N1. The idea behind it: keep the virus from spreading.

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  Houston Chronicle: Technology News

• Anti-redhead Facebook group suspected in boy's assault

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Los Angeles County sheriff's detectives are investigating an assault on a 12-year-old middle school boy who may have been targeted after a Facebook group urged students to beat up redheads, a sheriff's official said Saturday.

• Census shows 29% of U.S. households resist cell phones

  19 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Although the number of holdouts is dwindling, U.S. Census data released Thursday indicates 29 percent of the nation's homes still do not see the advantage of having phones.

• Settlement delay costs HISD $82 million for technology

  19 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Superintendent Terry Grier said the district is nearing a legal deal so schools can get the funds for wiring, better Internet access and new servers.

• Google's Chrome OS to be ready for 2010 holidays

  19 Nov 2009 | 2:08 pm

  Consumers will have to wait until next year's holiday shopping season to find out if Google Inc.'s new operating system can deliver on its promise to make low-cost computers run faster.

• Dell profit falls 54 percent amid PC slump

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:36 pm

  Dell Inc. says its latest quarterly profit dropped 54 percent as the company battles a slump has caused it to lose its ranking as the world's No. 2 personal computer maker.

• 
  Houston Chronicle: SciGuy

• Don't panic when this blog goes dark for a few days

  Eric Berger / Houston Chronicle

  19 Nov 2009 | 4:33 am

  Just a heads up that I'll be taking a quick, late-season vacation from blogging for the next few days now that hurricane season has all but ended. And with the 2012 apocalypse looming, I figure there's no reason to save...

• Majority of TV meteorologists mistrust global climate models

  Eric Berger / Houston Chronicle

  18 Nov 2009 | 11:58 am

  Tolka Rover: Flickr This iceberg was photographed near Juneau County, Alaska, in 2008. A new survey in Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (see .pdf) confirms what many of us have suspected for some time: That there's a significant...

• U.S. Defense agency warms to cold fusion?

  Eric Berger / Houston Chronicle

  18 Nov 2009 | 5:08 am

  The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency has released a report (see .pdf) that one might describe as a mild endorsement of cold fusion. The report notes that Japan and Italy have emerged as the leaders in low-energy nuclear research (LENR) and...

• Hey, let's all build us a hurricane fighting machine!

  Eric Berger / Houston Chronicle

  17 Nov 2009 | 1:21 pm

  Awesome. Just awesome. I was having a bad day and out of the blue one of the Chron's editors, Matt Schwartz, sends me a link to Hurricane Fighting Machines™. That's right, folks, it's trademarked so don't even think about stealing...

• If a butterfly flaps its wings in zero gravity ...

  Eric Berger / Houston Chronicle

  17 Nov 2009 | 6:32 am

  Among the six crew members blasting into space aboard space shuttle Atlantis astronauts were some stowaways -- a handful of butterfly larvae. The larvae were launched as part of the Butterflies in Space experiment, and the butterfly habitat will be...

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Dwight Silverman

• All-in-ones give hope for desktop PCs

  16 Nov 2009 | 5:29 pm

  Think desktop PCs are an endangered species? With sales of notebooks regularly outpacing those of desktops, I can't blame you.

• Droid’s a worthy rival for iPhone

  9 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  After spending time with Motorola’s Droid, an Android OS-based smartphone offered by Verizon, I believe I’ve found the closest contender yet to the iPhone.

• 
  Houston Chronicle: TechBlog

• Linkpost | 11.21.2009

  chron.com

  21 Nov 2009 | 7:48 am

  • Boycott Microsoft Bing - Nicholas Kristof at the NYTimes says searches using simplified Chinese characters bring up Communist Party-friendly results, even if they're entered via a PC in New York. Microsoft's response is basically, "Thanks for the feedback." •...

• Such a shiny, shiny (but limited) Chrome OS! [Updated]

  chron.com

  20 Nov 2009 | 6:04 am

  On Thursday, as Google gave the tech press its first real look at its upcoming Chrome OS, I was as much interested in the reaction to the operating system as I was in the product itself. Google, like Apple,...

• Open comments on parade

  chron.com

  20 Nov 2009 | 5:00 am

  Happy Friday, TechBlog folk! Here's your weekly open-comments thread. If you're a veteran around these parts, you know what to do. If you're not, here's the drill: You leave a comment related to anything about personal tech. I'll approve it....

• Linkpost | 11.20.2009

  chron.com

  20 Nov 2009 | 4:36 am

  • Everything You Need To Know About Chrome OS - Gizmodo has an excellent primer on Thursday's Chrome OS news. Also Want To Try Out Google Chrome OS For Yourself? Here's How. • Google News Revamps Mobile Site for iPhone,...

• What are the basics of computer literacy?

  chron.com

  19 Nov 2009 | 5:35 am

  Recently, I helped a very smart friend with a computer problem. She was having an issue with the application she used most and asked me for some assistance. The problem was fairly simple. For some reason, she had two...

• 
  Houston Chronicle: HelpLine

• You don't have to use the software provided by your ISP

  19 Nov 2009 | 7:10 am

  Q. My Internet provider has given us access to McAfee as a security and antivirus solution for our computes. Immediately we noticed that both our laptop and desktop computers slowed way down. Just because our ISP has chosen McAfee for...

• Weatherbug seemingly appears from nowhere.

  19 Nov 2009 | 6:59 am

  Q. All of a sudden I notice there is a new program on my computer called Weatherbug and I sure as heck don't remember installing it. Is this some kind of virus or spyware? A. Weatherbug is a legitimate weather...

• How to set Outlook Express as the default mail program

  17 Nov 2009 | 12:52 pm

  Q. I keep getting "Message failed, default mail client is not properly installed." I currently use Outlook Express. I did install Office 2007 which included Outlook, but after some troubles I went back and removed it. Any suggestions? A. Your...

• Security Tool - not what it seems

  12 Nov 2009 | 5:04 am

  Q. I started my computer tonight and it opened with a big window that looked like some kind of spyware removal program called Security Tool, which I have never heard of. I tried to shut it down promptly as it...

• Welcome Center becomes Getting Started in Windows 7

  10 Nov 2009 | 10:41 am

  Q. I recently bought a new computer with Vista. It qualified for the free upgrade to Windows 7. Everything went just fine when I upgraded and so far I am happy with it. However, the helpful startup window has disappeared...

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Entertainment

• Viggo Mortensen takes his act on The Road

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  There's nothing glamorous or thrilling about the end of the world in The Road. The planet — people, plants and animals, even the atmosphere — is dying away with a mournful, ugly whimper.

• Vegas Strip makes room for Twist

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Perhaps the most curious thing about Twist by Pierre Gagnaire in Las Vegas — the American beachhead soon to be established by a legendary seigneur of Parisian cooking — is its intended humility.

• CD review: New take on Kitty's Kisses produces silly fun

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  The songs themselves (mostly) prove irresistible as the show's title, with a succession of sweetly lilting ballads, rollicking rhythm numbers and goofy comic turns.

• New Moon takes record $72.7 million bite

  21 Nov 2009 | 7:29 pm

  The Twilight Saga: New Moon took in $72.7 million in its first day to break the single day domestic box office record previously held by The Dark Knight.

• Just 2 years to go: Let's start missing Oprah!

  20 Nov 2009 | 3:41 pm

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Shop Girl

• Artists show off goods at Holiday Art Market

  18 Nov 2009 | 9:31 am

  SpacetakerThe Spacetaker Winter Holiday Art Market includes hand-made gifts, tokens and cards by Heather Beliveaux. Yes, that's the jingle of the bells you are hearing, signaling the holidays are upon us....

• Live like the Kardashians, minus the constant cameras

  16 Nov 2009 | 11:10 am

  Photo courtesy of E!Wanna dress like a Kardashian? The Kardashian sisters are everywhere these days. There's a baby boy on the way for Kourtney (how she's worn heels the entire pregnancy is amazing) and the recent wedding of Khloe...

• Galleria Ice Spectacular

  15 Nov 2009 | 7:05 am

  Eleanor Spain gets in the spirit at the Galleria Ice Spectacular. Shopping season is officially open. The Galleria tree is lit. But before the flip was switched on the 55-foot tree Saturday night, shoppers and spectators were treated to...

• The plus size entry I wished I had written

  12 Nov 2009 | 3:12 pm

  There was a time before children and then again, briefly in between children, I was able to shop at boutiques and in store departments that didn't substitute the word "curvy" for "plus." As a constant work in progress (aren't we...

• Fall on sale at Tootsies

  11 Nov 2009 | 2:33 pm

  Sales are great, but who wants save money on last season's goods? Tootsies kicks off its Fall sale Thursday (Nov. 12) taking 40 percent off designer collections, contemporary & classic sportswear, dresses, shoes, accessories and other items wearable now. Details:...

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Cook's Tour

• Burger Friday: Tesar's Modern Steak & Seafood

  20 Nov 2009 | 9:49 am

  Break out the gold stars. I've found what very well may turn out to be my Burger of the Year at Tesar's Modern Steak & Seafood in The Woodlands. Allow me to suggest that if you live in or near...

• I hate cheesecake. Except when I don't.

  18 Nov 2009 | 8:11 am

  It felt odd, sitting there in the Dessert Gallery and wolfing down a giant slab of pumpkin/white-chocolate cheesecake. I mean, I forswore cheesecake decades ago--can you imagine how many times I've seen it on restaurant menus during my long career...

• The three wasabis of Kata Robata

  16 Nov 2009 | 12:11 pm

  Skim down to the bottom of the sushi list at Kata Robata--the excellent new Japanese restaurant I reviewed last week--and you'll see the entry "Fresh Wasabi, $7." Order it. It's an investment that will enliven your entire meal. And if...

• Burger Friday: Perry & Sons Market & Grille

  13 Nov 2009 | 12:20 pm

  Until one happy day last week, I always associated the unassuming little Perry & Sons Market & Grille with pork chops. Mighty pork chops, slow-smoked and swoon-worthy, to be snapped up for a bargain $8.99 as a Wednesday special, then...

• Caswell shuffles his chefs at Stella Sola

  8 Nov 2009 | 8:06 am

  There's been so much advance buzz about chef Bryan Caswell's new Stella Sola, the Texas-Tuscan project still taking shape inside the former Bedford digs, that it comes as a shock to hear that Caswell shuffled his chefs just days into...

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Tubular

• Let's review: Oprah history

  20 Nov 2009 | 11:07 am

  Charles Bennet:/APThe wagon of fat was a classic Oprah moment. The Associated Press list of memorable Oprah moments -- Winfrey gets the final TV interview with pianist-showman Liberace, six weeks before his AIDS-related death, 1986. -- Winfrey travels to...

• Why we love Oprah

  20 Nov 2009 | 9:58 am

  Associated Press By BOBBY HANKINSON STAFF WRITER I watched Oprah to see her throw sad, divorced women out of airplanes and tell everyone to eat more fancy cupcakes. I reveled in the silliness and frivolity of her favorite things...

• FlashForward: In Da Club

  20 Nov 2009 | 9:51 am

  FlashForward "The Gift" November 5, 2009 TALK ABOUT YOUR GAME CHANGERS! There's lots to say about this episode, but before we get to that, lemme give a shout out to the ABC Promotions Department, a.k.a. My Favorite People in the...

• Tune In | 11.20.09

  19 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

  THE NEWS STORY THAT EVERYONE IS FREAKING OUT ABOUT: When, in fact everyone should be freaking out about the story directly below this. FEBRUARY 2. IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN SWIRLING THE DRAIN, BUT TRAUMA AIN'T DEAD YET. And check out...

• ANTM's Laura loves grandma, Lady Gaga

  19 Nov 2009 | 12:32 pm

  Ryan Goble: CWLaura lights up a 17 magazine shoot. Laura narrowly missed clinching Top Model's petite crown. But the Kentucky girl stole viewers' hearts with her disarming char, aw-shucks sincerity and love for her grandma. "I always my heart...

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Movies

• 2012 has worldwide box-office bang of $225 million

  15 Nov 2009 | 12:14 pm

  Doom spelled dollars at the box office as the global-disaster tale 2012 opened at No. 1 domestically with $65 million and pulled in $225 million worldwide.

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Movie Reviews

• Antichrist

  19 Nov 2009 | 3:54 pm

  (Not rated) Cast : names of cast go here. Mini review: Antichrist starts as a rare exploration of pain, then devolves into a grotesque lack of artistic integrity. - MICK LaSALLE

• The Blind Side

  19 Nov 2009 | 3:49 pm

  (PG-13) Cast: Quinton Aaron, Sandra Bullock . Mini review: A homeless black teen is taken in by a wealthy family and becomes a football star. -Mick LaSalle

• Ong Bak 2

  19 Nov 2009 | 3:32 pm

  (R) Cast : Tony Jaa. Mini review: The star is the son of murdered royalty as a rival kingdom takes over his town. - G. ALLEN JOHNSON

• The Twilight Saga: New Moon

  19 Nov 2009 | 3:15 pm

  (PG-13) Cast: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart. Mini review: Bella must choose between her new relationship with Taylor or returning to Edward. -Mick LaSalle

• Planet 51

  19 Nov 2009 | 2:33 pm

  (PG) Cast : Dwayne Johnson, John Cleese, Jessica Biel Mini review: An astronaut sets off an invasion panic among aliens. - AMY BIANCOLLI

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Arts in Houston

• ArtCrawl Houston 2009

  20 Nov 2009 | 5:47 am

  More than 180 artists and art organizations have joined forces for the 17th annual edition of ArtCrawl: Since 1992, the tradition of the artists "open studios" takes place on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Visitors have the opportunity to pARTicipate in...

• Video: Do Ho Suh's 'Fallen Star 1/5'

  19 Nov 2009 | 8:22 am

  Two years ago, Do Ho Suh's Karma (2003) walked all over the competition in Red Hot: Asian Art Now from the Chaney Family Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Whatever misgivings people had about the show, they couldn't...

• Menil, MFAH collaboration gives Torres-García his due

  17 Nov 2009 | 8:09 am

  Seeking to explain some of the reasons behind the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's growing preeminence in the field of Latin American art, a 2008 New York Times Magazine article pointed to its weakness in European modernist holdings compared with...

• Artists in the Garden

  17 Nov 2009 | 6:48 am

  If you've happened over to the Art League Houston and the adjacent Inversion Coffeehouse in the past few days you may have noticed something large has sprouted in the garden out by the back patio. MOLLY GLENTZER PHOTOS The view...

• Holly Fisher's 'Fundy Blues'

  13 Nov 2009 | 11:05 am

  In addition to H Box, the Alabama Theater is also hosting Fundy Blues, an exhibit of prints by experimental filmmaker Holly Fisher throughout Cinema Arts Festival Houston. From Fisher's statement: Digital prints almost screen-size, each image is 1/24th of one...

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Sports

• Shaw leads way as Nevada men defeat Houston 112-99

  21 Nov 2009 | 11:43 pm

  Aubrey Coleman scored 34 points and Adam Brown 25 for the Cougars (1-1), who trailed 84-58 with 13:52 left to play. Houston rallied with a 36-16 run to pull to within 100-94 on a three-point play by Desmond Wade with 5 minutes to play. Coleman had 16 points during the run and Brown 13.

• Galaxy's run to MLS Cup serves as chemistry lesson

  21 Nov 2009 | 11:24 pm

  The gambit on which Major League Soccer embarked in 2007, when David Beckham made his MLS debut to help boost the game in America for a price tag that causes whiplash from the double-takes, could pay off tonight.

• No. 3 Texas tops Kansas 51-20, wins Big 12 South

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:44 pm

  Colt McCoy set an NCAA record with his 43rd career victory as a starter, passing for 396 yards as No. 3 Texas wrapped up the Big 12 South title with a 51-20 victory Saturday night over a Kansas and embattled coach Mark Mangino.

• Justice: Heisman, title would be icing on McCoy's cake

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:39 pm

  On this special night, Colt McCoy was determined to soak up every moment, share it with his teammates and coaches, and allow the largest crowd in the history of Royal-Memorial Stadium to know how much fun the ride has been.

• Rockets outwork Kings for 113-106 victory

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:37 pm

  The Rockets went on an 8-0 run in the final minutes to defeat the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night. Luis Scola scored a team-high 22 points and Carl Landry added 20.

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Baseball

• MLB free-agent season begins with few available stars

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Free-agent signing season began Friday with teams competing for a dearth of stars and a large number of players nearing the end of their careers.

• Astros add 4 righthanded relievers to 40-man roster

  20 Nov 2009 | 6:16 pm

  The Astros signed Jose Valdez, a 26-year-old former Yankee farmhand, and added three other minor leaguers.

• D'backs acquire pitcher Heilman from Cubs

  19 Nov 2009 | 3:15 pm

  Reliever Aaron Heilman has been acquired by the Arizona Diamondbacks from the Chicago Cubs for two minor league prospects.

• Lincecum wins second straight NL Cy Young award

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:30 pm

  Giants ace Tim Lincecum becomes the first repeat winner in the major leagues since Randy Johnson won it four straight times from 1999-2002.

• Some clubs lost money, Selig says

  19 Nov 2009 | 11:23 am

  Some teams lost money in 2009, baseball commissioner Bud Selig said Thursday after the final owners meeting of the year.

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Jose de Jesus Ortiz

• Mills not sexy pick, but give him a chance

  27 Oct 2009 | 11:56 am

  When the Astros fired Tim Purpura most people in baseball knew the Astros would hire Ed Wade, who is a protege to Tal Smith. If you were paying close attention when they fired Cecil Cooper, you would have heard when...

• Quick impressions on Astros' remaining managerial finalists

  26 Oct 2009 | 1:33 pm

  Karen Warren/ Chronicle Phil Garner led the Astros to the NLCS in 2004 and World Series in 2005. A quick look at the remaining three finalists for the Astros' managerial job: 1. Dave Clark: He knows the club and...

• One door closes, another opens as Mills flies in

  26 Oct 2009 | 10:31 am

  If you've ever met a more optimistic person than Drayton McLane, I'd love to meet him because, man, the owner of the Astros never seems to cry over spilled milk. We had a long, long conversation during this hectic morning,...

• Mama called, and Acta said no

  25 Oct 2009 | 12:59 pm

  You know your organization has sunk when a person who considered it family and followed it closely turned its back on the club. Manny Acta spent 17 years of his life with the Astros organization, saying he even thanked the...

• Acta and Mills are finalists

  21 Oct 2009 | 5:20 pm

  It's unclear how close the Astros are to picking their manager, but it's become apparent that Manny Acta has impressed them. Moreover, as expected, Terry Francona's bench coach Brad Mills also was brought in for a second interview on Wednesday....

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Jeremy Rice

• Texans vs. Titans: By far biggest game in Franchise history.

  20 Nov 2009 | 1:40 pm

  This will be the defining moment for the 2009 season, there is really no way around this fact. Monday night football, fighting for national respect, fighting for a wildcard spot, facing the most bitter of division rival, and then there...

• Bye week, time to evaluate and plan for the future.

  12 Nov 2009 | 8:07 pm

  What we have seen so far The 2009 Houston Texans should post a sign at the entrance to the Methodist Training Center that reads "Work in Progress". The offense, as well as defense have been evolving to maximize talent and...

• Wide left, Texans find fimilar way to lose big game!

  8 Nov 2009 | 3:55 pm

  They had me again, those dag-gum Texans. Once again they had me on the ege of my seat, just knowing that after they taking the 17-13 lead and forceing Payton Manning and the Colts to a three and out; that...

• It's time to break this Colt... Texans vs. Colts Preview

  6 Nov 2009 | 1:23 pm

  We all know the numbers and heartbreaking losses involved in the past X many trips to Indianapolis, but this Sunday will not be one of those "any given Sunday" moments. The Texans are primed to show they're a legitimately good...

• Win in Buffalo today shows Texans are moving in right direction.

  1 Nov 2009 | 5:31 pm

  Right direction, means when the Bills dialed up the pressure in the first quarter against the Texans we saw the familiar signs that this team was ready willing and fully able to wilt. They did not. The Texans overcame shooting...

• 
  Houston Chronicle: NBA Basketball

• Rockets outwork Kings for 113-106 victory

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:37 pm

  The Rockets went on an 8-0 run in the final minutes to defeat the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night. Luis Scola scored a team-high 22 points and Carl Landry added 20.

• Rockets notes: McGrady a no-show with sore back

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Though he said he did not want to answer questions about Tracy McGrady's unchanged status every day, on Saturday coach Rick Adelman offered his most extensive explanation of the situation since McGrady donned his uniform Wednesday in Minnesota.

• Smith's last-second dunk seals Rockets' loss to Hawks

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:51 pm

  With the game tied in its final seconds, Josh Smith slammed home a Mike Bibby miss with seven-tenths of a second remaining.

• Rockets notes: Teammates not distracted by McGrady

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Rockets players said the latest speculation about Tracy McGrady's eventual return to the court, and his decision to put on his uniform Wednesday, was no distraction.

• Justice: T-Mac's act forces team into reaction

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  If the Rockets don't fall into line and do what Tracy McGrady wants, things could get even uglier around here. Watch Tracy hold his breath. Watch Tracy stomp his feet.

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Soccer

• Galaxy's run to MLS Cup serves as chemistry lesson

  21 Nov 2009 | 11:24 pm

  The gambit on which Major League Soccer embarked in 2007, when David Beckham made his MLS debut to help boost the game in America for a price tag that causes whiplash from the double-takes, could pay off tonight.

• Dynamo enter offseason with lenghty to-do list

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  A week since reluctantly starting their offseason, the Dynamo find themselves as busy as ever — if not on the field, then at the office.

• On Soccer: This MLS Cup to cap a memorable season

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Ectem vulput lum iriusci liquissed dion ea feum zzril eugue ex enibh ectem quisseq uisciduiscip eugait at utet dionsequi tate etumsandit wisl doluptatue dolore facilis adit luptatis atie deliquis nim vulla auguer irilit non hendions aliquat ionsent et at augue magnim delenibh exer se te diam quipit iriusto ea faccumsan vel ut lummodip et ad te et num zzriliquam, quis niat.

• Beckham will play in MLS Cup despite bone spur

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Los Angeles midfielder David Beckham said Friday he will need an injection in his right ankle to reduce pain and allow him to play in Sunday night's MLS Cup final against Real Salt Lake.

• Dynamo notes: Onstad wins inaugural Save of the Year

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Goalkeeper Pat Onstad's double stop of a penalty kick and rebound in an April 19 1-0 win over Colorado won him the inaugural MLS Save of the Year as voted on by fans.

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Soccer y Futbol

• Former Dynamo Dalglish to coach in USL

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:30 am

• Dynamo say Clark isn't coming back

  17 Nov 2009 | 2:46 pm

• Cameron, Holden make MLS Best XI

  16 Nov 2009 | 1:22 pm

• Former Monterrey, Mexico forward De Nigris dies in Greece

  16 Nov 2009 | 10:56 am

• U.S. falls to Slovakia in friendly

  14 Nov 2009 | 11:19 am

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Hockey

• Injury-riddled Aeros drop 3-2 decision to Admirals

  20 Nov 2009 | 9:27 pm

  Right now the Aeros are at the mercy of the injury bug and the Minnesota Wild, who like the Aeros, are banged up and looking for players. Playing without seven regulars in the lineup, the Aeros put up a late fight Friday night, but dropped a 3-2 decision to the Milwaukee Admirals.

• Aeros miss several chances but still defeat Peoria

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:14 pm

  In the first 51 minutes Wednesday night against the Peoria Rivermen, the Aeros missed several great chances to take a commanding lead on night when goalie Anton Khudobin was on top of his game.

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Golf

• Westwood maintains Dubai World Championships lead

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Westwood maintained his two-stroke lead at the Dubai World Championships after shooting a 6-under-par 66 Saturday in the third round.

• Rain forces LPGA Tour Championship to 54 holes

  21 Nov 2009 | 8:10 pm

  Persistent rain and wet conditions washed out play Saturday. The second round will resume at 8 a.m. Sunday, with the final round scheduled for Monday.

• Ochoa retains lead after shortened Day 2 at Houstonian

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:53 pm

  Thanks to rains that came and didn’t come, half the field did not play at all, and none of the 58 players who started the second round at the Houston Golf and Country Club completed 18 holes.

• LPGA players find different ways to weather the weather

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  On Thursday, half of the players in the 72-hole event were able to play their first round in near-perfect 70-degree weather, while the other half of the field had to battle blustery winds in the afternoon.

• Westwood takes control at Dubai World Championship

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Lee Westwood shot a 3-under 69 on Friday to take a two-stroke lead after the second round of the Dubai World Championship, strengthening his chance of winning the European money title.

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Motor Sports

• Motor Sports Notebook: Johnson nears another title

  19 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  With just one race to go in the Sprint Cup season, Jimmie Johnson holds a 108-point lead over Martin and seems assured of racing history and a fourth straight Cup championship.

• Hendrick denies having a deal with Danica Patrick

  15 Nov 2009 | 3:10 pm

  Rick Hendrick said Sunday he has no deal to bring IndyCar superstar Danica Patrick to NASCAR, and there's no certainty she'll even be driving stock cars next season.

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Running

• Running Notebook: Be thankful for events galore

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  The Houston area hosts a bounty of Thanksgiving Day races. The oldest, in Sugar Land, has been organized by the family of race director, coach and running store owner Andy Stewart for 24 years.

• 
  Houston Chronicle: High School Sports

• Friendswood brings end to Waltrip's extended season

  21 Nov 2009 | 9:47 pm

  Waltrip players held hands, held up their "W" hand signals and sang their fight song as their season ended for a second time. And while it was emotional, it was an experience that most of them will never forget.

• Cy-Fair girls fall to Summit at Texas Invitational

  21 Nov 2009 | 9:30 pm

  Three straight turnovers early in the fourth quarter doomed Cy-Fair in a 63-56 loss to Mansfield Summit in Saturday's girls championship game of the Texas Invitational basketball tournament.

• Stony Point deals Woodlands another home playoff loss

  21 Nov 2009 | 9:13 pm

  Down two touchdowns at the break, Stony Point came out and used big plays to score TDs on their first five possessions of the second half en route to a 38-24 victory on Saturday.

• Defending champ Katy rolls over Atascocita 45-7

  21 Nov 2009 | 8:52 pm

  Katy continued its march through the Class 5A Division II Region III bracket with a 45-7 win over Atascocita on Saturday at Darrell Tully Stadium.

• Brenham falls to Canyon Randall in 4A volleyball final

  21 Nov 2009 | 7:07 pm

  Canyon Randall, which boasted a front row of 6-footers, swept the Cubettes 26-24, 25-23, 25-11 to win the Class 4A title.

• 
  Houston Chronicle: College Sports

• Shaw leads way as Nevada men defeat Houston 112-99

  21 Nov 2009 | 11:43 pm

  Aubrey Coleman scored 34 points and Adam Brown 25 for the Cougars (1-1), who trailed 84-58 with 13:52 left to play. Houston rallied with a 36-16 run to pull to within 100-94 on a three-point play by Desmond Wade with 5 minutes to play. Coleman had 16 points during the run and Brown 13.

• No. 3 Texas tops Kansas 51-20, wins Big 12 South

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:44 pm

  Colt McCoy set an NCAA record with his 43rd career victory as a starter, passing for 396 yards as No. 3 Texas wrapped up the Big 12 South title with a 51-20 victory Saturday night over a Kansas and embattled coach Mark Mangino.

• Justice: Heisman, title would be icing on McCoy's cake

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:39 pm

  On this special night, Colt McCoy was determined to soak up every moment, share it with his teammates and coaches, and allow the largest crowd in the history of Royal-Memorial Stadium to know how much fun the ride has been.

• Rice defense drives one-point win over UTEP

  21 Nov 2009 | 9:50 pm

  After losing their first nine games of the season, the Owls have now won two in a row, setting up at least a little drama for next week’s showdown with rival Houston.

• McCluster passes Ole Miss to 25-23 win over LSU

  21 Nov 2009 | 8:55 pm

  Time ran out on No. 10 LSU before it could attempt a short, potential game-winning field goal and Dexter McCluster and Mississippi survived a frantic final minute to come away with a 25-23 victory Saturday.

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Richard Justice

• Justice: Heisman, title would be icing on McCoy's cake

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:39 pm

  On this special night, Colt McCoy was determined to soak up every moment, share it with his teammates and coaches, and allow the largest crowd in the history of Royal-Memorial Stadium to know how much fun the ride has been.

• Justice: When Hayes out, problems arise for Rockets

  17 Nov 2009 | 11:23 pm

  The Rockets can beat almost any team when they're perfect. That is, when the perimeter shots are falling, everyone contributes and the lack of size isn't exposed.

• Justice: UH quarterback has shot at Heisman

  10 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

  Richard Justice says Case Keenum is a better candidate for the top college football award than Tim Tebow or Texas' Colt McCoy.

• 
  Houston Chronicle: John McClain

• On Pro Football: Texans-Titans becoming serious rivalry

  19 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  On Thursday, the Titans launched broadsides from Nashville, and it will be interesting to see if the Texans come out swinging or shrink under the pressure of their first playoff race.

• On Pro Football: Quality QBs at heart of Pats-Colts

  12 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  It's a privilege getting to watch Brady and Manning. We've watched them since Manning entered the NFL in 1998 and Brady became a starter in 2001.

• 
  Houston Chronicle: David Barron

• TV-Radio Notebook: Musing on Heisman, BCS

  19 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Monday Night Football’s return to Houston next week will include a Chalk Talk luncheon at noon Monday at the House of Blues. Guests will include Mike Tirico, Matt Millen and Suzy Kolber of ESPN and former players Aaron Glenn, N.D. Kalu and Eddie George.

• TV-Radio Notebook: Innes new to Houston, not to radio

  12 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Josh Innes, who debuts Monday as the third member of KILT's (610 AM) morning drive-time cast, will bring along his LSU sweatshirts as he moves to Houston from Baton Rouge, La. But he also went shopping Thursday for a University of Houston cap, so he's looking to adapt to his new surroundings.

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  Houston Chronicle: Outdoors

• Tompkins: Anglers need to practice aqua etiquette

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  A school of hungry redfish lurked around a patchwork of towhead oyster reefs along a stretch of Galveston Bay shoreline earlier this month.

• Deer season highlights importance of firearm safety

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  The general white-tailed deer season is the main event on the statewide hunting calendar. The regions are varied and the options are many, but one thing remains constant: The safe and skilled hunter knows his rifle.

• Case for deed restrictions: dead deer in a Pa. yard

  17 Nov 2009 | 5:11 am

  Neighbors a half-mile away say they have resorted to burning candles in their homes to mask the stench.

• Tompkins: First hunting trips guarantee memories

  11 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  A thin sheet of thick fog hugged the floor of the swamp where silhouettes of trees floated atop the whitish blanket and reached so very high.That morning, my father initiated my younger brother and me to hunting.

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  Houston Chronicle: Recreation Calendar

• Recreation Calendar: Nov. 19

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:56 pm

  Baseball/softball Hardball Academy • What: Skills and drills camp 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Recreation calendar: Nov. 12

  12 Nov 2009 | 9:44 pm

• Recreation Calendar: Nov. 5

  12 Nov 2009 | 9:43 pm

  Baseball Fielding Instruction What: Infield clinics held in five-week sessions that work on proper fielding mechanics.

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  Houston Chronicle: Shannon Tompkins

• Tompkins: Anglers need to practice aqua etiquette

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  A school of hungry redfish lurked around a patchwork of towhead oyster reefs along a stretch of Galveston Bay shoreline earlier this month.

• Tompkins: First hunting trips guarantee memories

  11 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  A thin sheet of thick fog hugged the floor of the swamp where silhouettes of trees floated atop the whitish blanket and reached so very high.That morning, my father initiated my younger brother and me to hunting.

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  Houston Chronicle: SportsJustice

• Wonder what McGrady thinks when he watches these Rockets

  21 Nov 2009 | 9:35 pm

  I wonder if Tracy McGrady is as impressed with the Rockets as the rest of us. I wonder if he wonders how he'll fit in. I don't see how anyone can watch this team and not be impressed. Even in defeat, they do things that make you shake your head. That was true Friday night in Atlanta when they trailed most of the game, but kept fighting and fighting, never giving in, never giving up. Finally, they tied it with 5.5 seconds to go only to lose on a terrific Josh Smith play at the buzzer. They played for the fourth time in five nights Saturday and got a workmanlike victory over Sacramento. They…

• What if Vince Young comes into Reliant Stadium and wins?

  20 Nov 2009 | 7:46 pm

  Have you thought about what a huge, devastating defeat that would be for the Texans? This probably isn't the biggest game they've ever played if they win it. If they win, the next one will be bigger and the one after that will be bigger and on and on. The Texans have left themselves little margin for error, so they absolutely, positively must win the Tennessee, Seattle and St. Louis games to stay in playoff contention. There's no wiggle room there. Then they probably need to win at least one of the other two, most likely Jacksonville, possibly Miami. If the Texans lose, it's a gut-punch.

• I don't see what Mangino did that was so bad

  20 Nov 2009 | 8:00 am

  So Mark Mangino says hurtful things? Isn't that awful? How can they allow that terrible man to work at Kansas another day? I hope they make him sit down and write each of those poor mistreated kids a letter of apology and then invite them for ice cream and a movie. Funny how these things come out at a time when Kansas has lost five straight games. I guess Mangino's behavior was acceptable when he was resurrecting an irrelevant program and winning the Orange Bowl. Are you kidding me? Is this what it has come to? Mangino is in trouble for poking his finger in a kid's chest and for saying mean…

• Want some winter optimism about Astros? I've got it.

  19 Nov 2009 | 8:06 am

  Let's count the ways: • Wesley Wright is doing a terrific job in winter ball. In five starts, he's looking more and more like a serious candidate for the starting rotation next spring by compiling a 1.73 ERA with 12 walks and 33 strikeouts in 26 innings. That's way too many walks, but so far, he has done everything the Astros could have hoped for. ''All the reports we've gotten have been very solid," GM Ed Wade said. "A couple of our pro scouts were down there and had a chance to see him firsthand, and the reports have been very solid on him.'' • Wilton Lopez pitched well enough in…

• Rockets pass another test. Are we having fun yet?

  18 Nov 2009 | 6:52 pm

  Aaron Brooks played 42 minutes, Trevor Ariza 39 in that loss to the Suns Tuesday night. Those long minutes added to the challenge the Rockets had Wednesday night in Minneapolis. This team is evolving in many ways. There's the natural growth of the group as the Rockets figure out who they are and which players can be counted on. There'll be individual growth from players like Aaron Brooks, Chase Budinger, David Andersen, etc. Finally, there's the unknown of learning how such a young handles the grind of the season. It's one thing to beat the Lakers or Blazers in a one-shot deal. But the NBA…

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  Houston Chronicle: Leon Hale

• Hale: Well, at least Texans can understand each other

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  On a cold November day in a deer camp, a fellow pulled a sneaky trick on those of us who were sitting around the fire, laughing and swapping stories.

• Hale: Perfect fall days bring out visitors

  14 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Hello one more time from the front porch of the old country house in Washington County, where we've been having some fine October weather here in the middle of November.

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  Houston Chronicle: Ken Hoffman

• Hoffman: Pete Rose's girlfriend draws the ire of some readers

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

• Pethouse Pet of the Week: Rebel

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  I'm a little terrier kind of guy. Laid back. California casual. No socks.

• Hoffman: New roof sends venue through the roof

  18 Nov 2009 | 3:36 pm

• Hoffman: Pete Rose finds one way to stay young

  16 Nov 2009 | 3:02 pm

• Pethouse Pet of the Week: Kosher

  14 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  I'm a total dachshund fella. I'm fixed, trained, healthy and ready to roll.

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  Houston Chronicle: Kyrie O'Connor

• Friday potpourri: senator art, sexy guys and pink ponies

  20 Nov 2009 | 11:33 am

  1. I love this: 10 senators drawing, freehand, their own states and marking their favorite places. Artistic talent range: highest = Franken, lowest = Chambliss, irrespective of politics. 2. A guy glues a coffee cup to the top of his...

• Further evidence I took the wrong career path

  19 Nov 2009 | 10:55 am

  Believe it or not, I don't tell you every bizarre tragicomic thing that happens to me. For example, I wasn't going to tell you about my car door. My little car was broken into a few weeks ago, and the...

• Imaginary characters, from unicorns to man-wolves

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:43 am

  This makes me incredibly happy: a short history of unicorns and why girls love them. Here's an excerpt: So here we have a creature that--not unlike the contemporary vampire--gets to symbolize two things at once, both sexuality and chastity, which...

• In which MeMo takes after Colbert on an important issue of the day

  17 Nov 2009 | 7:31 am

  I can't believe I missed this controversy last week! Stephen Colbert took off after one of the great Hatfields vs. McCoys feuds of the past 50 years. Here is a detailed rundown of the feud, complete with the really-quite-funny rebuttal...

• Oxford names the word of the year

  17 Nov 2009 | 7:24 am

  Oxford's word of the year for 2009 is "unfriend". Without further ado, the 2009 Word of the Year is: unfriend. unfriend - verb - To remove someone as a 'friend' on a social networking site such as Facebook. As in,...

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  Houston Chronicle: Life

• A Christmas of mixed blessings

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  There were two things I wanted desperately to give my mother for Christmas in 1962. I wanted to give her a jewelry box. And I also wanted to give her a clean, uninterrupted sentence.

• Hoffman: Pete Rose's girlfriend draws the ire of some readers

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

• Hale: Well, at least Texans can understand each other

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  On a cold November day in a deer camp, a fellow pulled a sneaky trick on those of us who were sitting around the fire, laughing and swapping stories.

• Throw a simply great holiday party

  20 Nov 2009 | 3:31 pm

• The turkey was almost our national bird

  20 Nov 2009 | 3:00 pm

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  Houston Chronicle: Books

• Local book events for the week of Nov. 22

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Local book events for the week of Nov. 22

• Molly Ivins: Houston's favorite liberal

  18 Nov 2009 | 7:48 am

  "Molly Ivins was far more complicated than it seems from the mug shot on the cover of the book, with her thousand-watt smile and wide-open face,” Bill Minutaglio said

• Local book events for the week of Nov. 15

  14 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Local book events for the week of Nov. 15

• A.J. Jacobs is a walking social experiment

  14 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  The best-selling author returns to Houston (his first visit was postponed by Hurricane Ike) to read at the Jewish Community Center's Book and Arts Fair.

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  Houston Chronicle: Food

• Give these sprouts a try

  20 Nov 2009 | 9:22 am

  Hate brussels sprouts? These recipes might change your mind. Try them roasted, shaved or even fried.

• Best store-bought pie crusts

  18 Nov 2009 | 9:04 am

• Ancient traditions of sake

  17 Nov 2009 | 7:29 pm

  Made like beer, drinks like wine. Take a look at sake, Japan's most storied and evocative beverage

• Turkey: Trial by fryer

  17 Nov 2009 | 6:13 pm

  The most difficult part of using the Butterball electric fryer is getting it assembled.

• Perfect pie crust

  17 Nov 2009 | 4:13 pm

  The secret to making a perfect pie crust? Practice. But these tips will help, too.

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  Houston Chronicle: Gardening

• Small spaces can provide nearly year-round fruit harvest

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Homeowners interested in growing their own fruit, especially those new to gardening, often voice a few concerns about starting a home orchard. There is one solution to many concerns: the High Density Home Orchard Management System.

• What columnar tree makes a good accent?

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  What columnar tree makes a good accent?

• How deep should I sow bur oak acorns?

  20 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  How deep should I sow bur oak acorns?

• Put graceful ornamental grasses on your holiday table

  20 Nov 2009 | 2:47 pm

  Ornamental grasses are graceful standouts in the fall garden. And this time of year the waving plumes of native grasses rival spring's roadside attraction, the bluebonnets.

• How do I plant gerbera daisy seed?

  20 Nov 2009 | 7:03 am

  How do I plant gerbera daisy seed?

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  Houston Chronicle: Religion

• Obituary: Episcopal church founder George Wheatcroft

  21 Nov 2009 | 8:35 pm

  George R. Wheatcroft, 91, promoted tolerance as founder and rector of Saint Francis Episcopal Church in Houston for 40 years.

• The Road: Hope on a bleak path

  19 Nov 2009 | 4:16 pm

• Will flu epidemic slow the Hajj?

  19 Nov 2009 | 4:07 pm

  Almost every pilgrim who makes the Hajj, Islam's holy pilgrimage to Mecca, brings home an unwelcome souvenir: the common cold.

• Hope artist finds new symbols of peace

  19 Nov 2009 | 4:05 pm

  Shepard Fairey was a thriving underground artist when his iconic Hope image of President Barack Obama catapulted him into the national spotlight last year. His first solo exhibit, at Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art, shattered museum attendance records. Among the images are several featuring Muslim women.

• In her father's mold, King's daughter is a born leader

  19 Nov 2009 | 4:04 pm

  To many, she is simply known as the youngest daughter of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the 5-year-old cuddled in her mother's lap at her father's funeral in 1968.

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  Houston Chronicle: Spirited Chat

• Reflections and prayers for the Fort Hood shooting.

  6 Nov 2009 | 11:18 am

  Nick de la Torre / Chronicle During a prayer vigil today in LifeWay Fellowship church in Killeen, associate pastor Charles Hardage said most of the prayers were asking for peace, understanding and guidance in coping with the tragedy. In...

• Two Hands

  21 Apr 2009 | 12:53 pm

  Click on the picture above for more Two Hands contest winners....

• Stations of the Cross exhibits

  8 Apr 2009 | 3:12 pm

  As Second Baptist Church has reminded us many times: It's not about the bunny. To faithful Christians, Easter is about the resurrection of Jesus, their savior. But before Christians experience the joy of the resurrection, they observe the pain in...

• Michael W. Smith: If you missed him today, see him tonight.

  18 Mar 2009 | 11:27 am

  If you worked through Michael W. Smith's free lunchtime concert today, don't despair. He will also be leading worship at Lakewood this evening at 7:30 p.m. It is a perfect fit considering Smith just yesterday released A New Hallelujah -...

• From Genesis to Revelation...

  15 Feb 2009 | 10:30 pm

  I've known even a Christian or two who hasn't read the Bible from cover to cover. Their excuse is often the same excuse we give for everything else: "I don't have time." It's time to change that. You could do...

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  Houston Chronicle: Society

• They kicked up their heels at the Stehlin gala

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Country singer Robert Earl Keen and faux longhorns aren't your typical gala fare. But they went great with the Texas tux attire at the 29th Annual Friends of the Stehlin Foundation Gala.

• MFAH exhibit guests gaze into Your Bright Future

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  The title of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's new survey of contemporary artists from Korea, Your Bright Future, is deliberately ambiguous, but there was no mistaking the mood at Wednesday's dinner honoring the show's dozen artists, most of whom were on hand.

• Awards all around at Hispanic Chamber gala

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Fireworks erupted onstage after the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's 26th annual Triunfando awards gala Saturday night.

• Parties honor Tilda Swinton, Guillermo Arriaga in style

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Who better than Lynn Wyatt to host a champagne reception honoring Tilda Swinton and the donors for the inaugural Cinema Arts Festival Houston?

• Helping the homeless

  17 Nov 2009 | 4:14 pm

  About 200 people attended the 2009 Wellsprings Gala at La Columbe d’Or, which raised $80,000 for Wellsprings Village,

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  Houston Chronicle: Style

• Pro golf's women play the game of fashion

  18 Nov 2009 | 3:29 pm

  Pro golf's women have great influence on color and style trends for their apparel and ours, too.

• Camel coats can be an ‘unsung hero' of the closet

  15 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  A camel-colored coat may sound bland, but it could be just the thing to spice up a cool-weather wardrobe.

• Reem Acra has a new attitude

  11 Nov 2009 | 2:55 pm

  Designer Reem Acra is changing the look of her styles to lure the younger fashionista.

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  Houston Chronicle: CancerDiva

• A tribute to our lady in pink

  26 Oct 2009 | 7:47 pm

  A Day of the Dead "ofrenda" celebrating Terry's life is on display at Casa Ramirez (241 West 19th Street) in the Heights through Nov. 14. Here are photos from the opening reception: HELEN OLINTerry's image is overlayed on a mirror,...

• Day of the Dead exhibit honors CancerDiva

  24 Oct 2009 | 8:38 am

  Terry's sister, Beverly Hayes, and her friend Charli Archer have built an ofrenda (or altar) honoring the CancerDiva. There will be an opening reception tonight (Saturday, Oct. 24) from 6 to 9 p.m. at Casa Ramirez Folkart Gallery. Terry's ofrenda,...

• Memorial service honors Terry Hayes

  11 Mar 2009 | 7:01 pm

  CancerDiva blogger Terry Hayes was remembered Sunday at a memorial service at the Indian Summer Lodge. Here is a reading from the tribute: Chronicle Deputy Managing Editor Dan Cunningham Provided by B. Hayes Terry Hayes In Terry Hayes, we found...

• Chronicle's CancerDiva dies at 42

  15 Feb 2009 | 9:04 pm

  Sunday night brought the sad news of Terry Hayes' passing. The Chronicle's David Barron wrote this poignant tribute to the Chronicle's CancerDiva in an obituary, posted to Chron.com and in Monday's print edition: Our CancerDiva is dead. Terry Hayes,...

• I'm meltiiinnnggg...

  3 Jun 2008 | 5:54 am

  Sasha sports her new jewelry, June 2008. Well, actually, it's my laptop that's melting, not me, although I could stand to drop a pound or two or three. My laptop has been getting soooo hot that it is melting my...

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  Houston Chronicle: Baby Steps

• Tea parties and other lies

  19 Nov 2009 | 8:24 pm

  Most days in our house, we have a birthday party. Peanut is usually the guest of honor, but occasionally Andrew or I or a kid from school or a Wonder Pet gets to celebrate. Birthday parties involve dressing up, singing...

• Over-protectiveness and other crime-fighting measures

  18 Nov 2009 | 9:08 pm

  I did my share of dumb kid stuff. Riding up electric garage doors. Putting fire to things other than fireplace rudiments. Swinging from vines. Tying a rope to a back of a four-wheeler and hanging on while it's in motion...

• Carousels and other wordlessness

  17 Nov 2009 | 9:51 pm

• Small talk and other skills to master

  16 Nov 2009 | 8:36 pm

  During a short car ride yesterday, our child free friend Bobby was riding in the backseat with the Nut. Bobby, a journalist and/or talk show host wannabe, quizzed the kid on what her various favorite things are. Which ice cream...

• Stuffed animals and other pretend siblings

  15 Nov 2009 | 8:15 pm

  This morning, the Nut was playing with a stuff toy that Pop brought her back a couple months ago from his trip to Savannah. "Pop, I'd like to introduce you to my baby sister, Elephant." Elephant It was a quite...

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  Houston Chronicle: Horoscope

• Horoscopes

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY BY HOLIDAY MATHIS FOR RELEASE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Aldine/North Houston Sports

• SPORTS CALENDAR

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:38 am

  Send your neighborhood events listings at least two weeks in advance to Regional Editor Martin Hajovsky using one of the following methods: P.O. Box 4260 Houston, Texas 77210 E-mail: Martin.Hajovsky@chron.com Phone: 713-362-3596 Weekend

• YOUTH SPORTS CALENDAR

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:37 am

  Send your neighborhood events listings at least two weeks in advance to Regional Editor Martin Hajovsky using one of the following methods: P.O. Box 4260 Houston, Texas 77210 E-mail: Martin.Hajovsky@chron.com Phone: 713-362-3596 YOUTH SPORTS CALENDAR Aquatics

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  Houston Chronicle: Alief/Southwest News

• Girl Scout completes final achievement

  18 Nov 2009 | 8:29 am

  Christina Schwedler held on as her friends dropped out of Girl Scouts after elementary school. She had started something and intended to finish it, even if it meant she would be one of few high school students who remain in Girl Scouts. And very early on, Schwedler had her eye on the prestigious Girl Scouts Gold Award, which could only be earned after advancing through Girl Scouts.

• Early voting starts soon

  16 Nov 2009 | 2:35 pm

  Early voting for the Dec. 12 runoff election begins Nov. 30 and ends Dec. 8. There are 21 early voting locations available. Three of them are located in the Alief/Sharpstown area. Those locations are: • • Bayland Park Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet, near Hillcroft • • Henington-Alief Regional Library, 7979 South Kirkwood

• Organizations come together for health fair

  16 Nov 2009 | 2:33 pm

  Area organizations have come together to host a health and resources fair where residents can ask medical questions free of charge. The fair is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 21 at the Alief Independent School District's Elsik Ninth Grade Center, 6767 S. Dairy Ashford.

• Alief Super Neighborhood Council needs added input

  16 Nov 2009 | 2:33 pm

  The Alief Super Neighborhood Council has scheduled a meeting to discuss its annual Super Neighborhood Action Plan, or SNAP. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Nov. 24 at the CenterPoint Energy Building at 12330 Bellaire Blvd. Attendants are asked to drive through the east gate closest to Cook Road and enter the building through the patio area.

• Miss Black Texas pageant takes place this weekend

  16 Nov 2009 | 2:33 pm

  Seventeen Texas girls and women will compete for the titles of Miss Black Texas USA, Miss Black Teen Texas USA and Ms. Black Texas USA this coming weekend Nov. 20 through Nov. 22. The pageant will be held at the Hilton Houston Southwest, 6780 Southwest Fwy.

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  Houston Chronicle: Alief/Southwest Sports

• Boys basketball: Cards start with clear goal

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Bellaire head boys basketball coach Bruce Glover says the Cardinals are trying to remake their image from regular-season winner to postseason achiever. While proud of Bellaire's five straight District 20-5A titles, Glover is frustrated by the Cardinals' subpar performances in the Class 5A playoffs, most recently last year's bi-district loss to Eisenhower.

• Roundup: Westbury survives upset bid, Dawson up next

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

  Westbury head football coach Stephen Hill thinks his team might have taken Sterling lightly in last week's Class 4A-Division I playoff opener, which the Rebels won 42-35.

• Football: First hurdle cleared, Lions go long

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

  Throughout the season, Alief Taylor coach Trevor White and his staff reminded the team there would be no “One-And-Done” in the playoffs this time around, and it worked.

• Game of the Week: Lions in uncharted land

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:39 am

  It's Alief Taylor's first try for an area playoff victory, and hardly anyone expected Aldine to make the playoffs, much less advance to the second round, so expect the unexpected with the teams on uncharted ground.

• SPORTS CALENDAR

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:38 am

  Send your neighborhood events listings at least two weeks in advance to Regional Editor Martin Hajovsky using one of the following methods: P.O. Box 4260 Houston, Texas 77210 E-mail: Martin.Hajovsky@chron.com Phone: 713-362-3596 Weekend

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Bay Area News

• Justices hear homeowner's challenge to beach law

  19 Nov 2009 | 5:43 pm

  The state Supreme Court heard arguments on whether Texas law allows the state to change property boundaries to follow changes in vegetation lines.

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  Houston Chronicle: Bay Area Sports

• High school roundup: Honeycutt guiding Dickinson through playoffs

  17 Nov 2009 | 9:14 am

  Clay Honeycutt plans to make the most of his final weeks of high school, and he's hoping the Dickinson Gators come along for the ride.

• Girls basketball: Talent abounds for Lady Cougars

  17 Nov 2009 | 9:13 am

  Anticipation is running high in La Marque, where there's no shortage of talent, but turning it into a precise package is the challenge for La Marque coach Tawana Rhoads and her staff.

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  Houston Chronicle: Bellaire/River Oaks/West U News

• Personality test pioneer set standard for companies

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:34 am

  Although Roger Birkman is now 90 years old, he still goes into his Galleria-area office daily from his home in Memorial, focused on his long-term goals. As the founder and now chairman of Birkman International, he started out providing pencil-and-paper personality tests that were scored by hand.

• Students to stage unique musical

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:33 am

  After 12 years of producing Bellaire High School students in plays and musical theater, Paul Munson was waiting for the rights released for 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a unique musical production.

• Butterfly garden gets its wings

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:33 am

  Longfellow Elementary School students and staff opened their new butterfly garden last week with the release of 80 butterflies and performances by the student choir, band, orchestra and dance troupe.

• Event raises funds to help women enter workforce

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:30 am

  Aside from the business of law, the firm of Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, 1000 Louisiana, is helping out a nonprofit organization in a big way.

• Bellaire's future to be guided by comprehensive plan

  17 Nov 2009 | 3:24 pm

  The Bellaire City Council adopted a new comprehensive plan for the city at its regular meeting Monday night, leaving several of the contentious issues that have marked the document's development deliberately unresolved.

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Bellaire/River Oaks/West U Sports

• Boys basketball: Cards start with clear goal

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

  Bellaire head boys basketball coach Bruce Glover says the Cardinals are trying to remake their image from regular-season winner to postseason achiever. While proud of Bellaire's five straight District 20-5A titles, Glover is frustrated by the Cardinals' subpar performances in the Class 5A playoffs, most recently last year's bi-district loss to Eisenhower.

• Roundup: Westbury survives upset bid

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  Westbury head football coach Stephen Hill thinks his team might have taken Sterling lightly in last week's Class 4A-Division I playoff opener, which the Rebels won 42-35.

• Game of the Week: Westbury to meet Dawson

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:41 am

  The Westbury football team got all it could handle in last week's Class 4A-Division I playoff opener, rallying past Sterling 42-35. But Westbury head coach Stephen Hill believes the Rebels must get off to a better start against Dawson in Friday night's second-round game at Angleton.

• SPORTS CALENDAR

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:38 am

  Send your neighborhood events listings at least two weeks in advance to Regional Editor Martin Hajovsky using one of the following methods: P.O. Box 4260 Houston, Texas 77210 E-mail: Martin.Hajovsky@chron.com Phone: 713-362-3596 Weekend

• YOUTH SPORTS CALENDAR

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:37 am

  Send your neighborhood events listings at least two weeks in advance to Regional Editor Martin Hajovsky using one of the following methods: P.O. Box 4260 Houston, Texas 77210 E-mail: Martin.Hajovsky@chron.com Phone: 713-362-3596 YOUTH SPORTS CALENDAR Aquatics

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Conroe News

• College System plans more campus expansions

  9 Nov 2009 | 9:51 am

  The Lone Star College System is thinking bigger and greener.

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Conroe Sports

• Girls basketball: Caney Creek in need of depth

  17 Nov 2009 | 6:58 am

  The Caney Creek girls' basketball team hopes to move up in the District 18-4A standings and into a playoff spot but will have to do that with just two starters back from last year.

• Football: Bears put win streak on line

  17 Nov 2009 | 6:58 am

• High school roundup: Tigerettes still defining roles

  17 Nov 2009 | 6:57 am

  Conroe girls' basketball coach Deidre Hinze didn't schedule an easy opener for her team in the 61st Annual Conroe Tigerette Varsity Basketball Tournament last week. Conroe fell 57-45 to Morton Ranch in the tournament opener then bowed 52-51, in overtime, to Atascocita in the consolation quarterfinals.

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  Houston Chronicle: Cy-Fair News

• Civil War Weekend set Nov. 21-22 at Liendo Plantation

  17 Nov 2009 | 11:47 am

  The Civil War Weekend at Liendo Plantation has become a tradition for Magnolia resident Mike Siviglia and his 13-year-old son, Vaughn. For the last two years, father and son have attended the first day of the event in Confederate uniforms and answered school children's questions.

• ‘Guardian angel' saves 4-year-old

  17 Nov 2009 | 11:45 am

  Natalie Brown, a Jersey Village High School senior, didn't hesitate when it came to saving the life of one of the children in the school's Early Childhood Program.

• Precinct 3 is building senior center

  17 Nov 2009 | 11:44 am

  It's still a hard-hat zone, but by late spring, the Westside Senior Education Center should be up and running at 16600 Pine Forest Lane.

• NAM expects busy holiday season

  17 Nov 2009 | 11:38 am

  Retailers aren't the only ones who consider the holidays their busy season.

• Texas Repertory Theatre Co. presents holiday classic

  17 Nov 2009 | 11:35 am

  The Texas Repertory Theatre Co. will present Miracle on 34th Street, freshly adapted for the stage by Texas Repertory Artistic Director Craig A. Miller.

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Cy-Fair Sports

• Roundup: 'Cats know road now rougher

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

  The Cy Woods Wildcats didn't let a 46-43 loss to Cy Falls in the final game of the regular season keep them from advancing to the secound round of the playoffs. The Wildcats, who missed a chance to earn a share of their first district title with the loss to Cy Falls, rebounded to beat Round Rock Westwood 38-28 in a Region II-5A Division I playoff game last week.

• Girls basketball: Bobcats shooting for fab fourth

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

  The Cy-Fair Bobcats are looking for their fourth straight trip to the Class 5A girls' state basketball tournament during the 2009-2010 season. But long-time head coach Ann Roubique doesn't want to put too much pressure on her multi-talented team.

• Game of the Week: Cy Ridge hopes to keep good times rolling

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:42 am

  The Cy Ridge Rams will try and feed off last week's exhillarating 39-36 double-overtime win over Cedar Park when they take on surprising Klein in the second round of the Region II-5A Division II playoffs at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Berry Center.

• SPORTS CALENDAR

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:38 am

  Send your neighborhood events listings at least two weeks in advance to Regional Editor Martin Hajovsky using one of the following methods: P.O. Box 4260 Houston, Texas 77210 E-mail: Martin.Hajovsky@chron.com Phone: 713-362-3596 Weekend

• YOUTH SPORTS CALENDAR

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:37 am

  Send your neighborhood events listings at least two weeks in advance to Regional Editor Martin Hajovsky using one of the following methods: P.O. Box 4260 Houston, Texas 77210 E-mail: Martin.Hajovsky@chron.com Phone: 713-362-3596 YOUTH SPORTS CALENDAR Aquatics

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  Houston Chronicle: East End/Third Ward Sports

• SPORTS CALENDAR

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:38 am

  Send your neighborhood events listings at least two weeks in advance to Regional Editor Martin Hajovsky using one of the following methods: P.O. Box 4260 Houston, Texas 77210 E-mail: Martin.Hajovsky@chron.com Phone: 713-362-3596 Weekend

• YOUTH SPORTS CALENDAR

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:37 am

  Send your neighborhood events listings at least two weeks in advance to Regional Editor Martin Hajovsky using one of the following methods: P.O. Box 4260 Houston, Texas 77210 E-mail: Martin.Hajovsky@chron.com Phone: 713-362-3596 YOUTH SPORTS CALENDAR Aquatics

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  Houston Chronicle: Fort Bend County News

• 2 more in Sugar Land robbed in their driveway

  20 Nov 2009 | 7:39 am

  Police are looking for the culprit who targeted a man and his daughter. A day earlier, the city's mayor was attacked.

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  Houston Chronicle: Fort Bend County Sports

• High school roundup: Special teams propel Hightower into area round

  17 Nov 2009 | 9:18 am

  Special teams may be the key to Hightower making a second straight run to the Class 5A, Division I state championship game. The Hurricanes came up with two special teams scores last week in a 48-21 win over Ball in the Region III bi-district playoffs. Kevon Madison returned a blocked punt for a score and Bralon Addison took a punt back 58 yards for a touchdown.

• Boys basketball: Bush to employ up-tempo offense

  17 Nov 2009 | 9:17 am

  Without any true big men, Bush coach Ronnie Courtney changed his offense to a fast-breaking, guard-oriented attack, and turned the keys to the team over to standout point guard Denzel Cosper. The results were record-breaking. The Broncos won a school-record 30 games and spent much of last season as a surprise top 20 Class 5A team in Texas.

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  Houston Chronicle: Heights/Neartown News

• Man shot dead in front of N. Houston home (w/video)

  19 Nov 2009 | 6:47 am

  The shooting occurred about 5:45 a.m. at a home in the 1100 block of Adele, police said.

• Reward hiked in case of slain Houston clerk

  17 Nov 2009 | 9:26 am

  The body of Francellia Palomares, 31, was found in the back room of the Dolex Dollar Express in the 2400 block of Fulton about 8 p.m. on Nov. 6, officials said.

• BUSINESS BRIEFS

  17 Nov 2009 | 7:24 am

  Youssef Nafaa and his Bella Restaurant Group have opened Mia Bella and Andalucia Tapas and Tavernatare side-by-side at 1201 San Jacinto in the Houston Pavilions, Mia Bella is the fourth location for the Italian-with-a-twist restaurant. Andalucia Tapas and Taverna is a Spanish tapas bar.

• Latinos can record their life stories

  17 Nov 2009 | 7:23 am

  StoryCorps Historias, an oral history project seeking to record the stories of Latinos nationwide, will arrive in Houston today, Nov. 19, in the form of a trailer parked at Discovery Green downtown.

• Heights chamber lunch set for today

  17 Nov 2009 | 7:23 am

  The Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce will feature Houston City Councilman Edward Gonzalez at its 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. lunch meeting today, Nov. 19, at Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 North Loop West.

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  Houston Chronicle: Heights/Neartown Sports

• Roundup: St. Pius begins drive to another TAPPS title

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pm

  St. Pius head football coach Rene Ramirez called reigning champion Fort Worth Nolan the heavy favorite to claim another TAPPS Division I state crown.

• Girls basketball: Young Bulldogs hope to bark, bite

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

  Reagan head girls basketball coach Kerrick Arrington says he'll find out soon enough if he can really coach. After steering the Bulldogs to three straight playoff appearances, Arrington possesses his youngest squad to date, with a half-dozen freshmen and two sophomores on the roster.

• Game of the Week: Yates travels to El Campo Friday night

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:49 am

  The spread offense may be in vogue now in high school football, but there probably won't be much passing in Friday night's Class 4A-Division II area playoff game between Yates and El Campo at Ricebird Stadium.

• Boys basketball: Lions want to start where they left off

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:48 am

  Being the best in Texas isn't enough for the Yates boys basketball team. The reigning Class 4A state champions want to be the No. 1 team in the nation, a goal that head coach Greg Wise believes is within reach.

• SPORTS CALENDAR

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:38 am

  Send your neighborhood events listings at least two weeks in advance to Regional Editor Martin Hajovsky using one of the following methods: P.O. Box 4260 Houston, Texas 77210 E-mail: Martin.Hajovsky@chron.com Phone: 713-362-3596 Weekend

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Katy News

• Katy teen, mom charged in plot to kill dad (w/video)

  21 Nov 2009 | 10:26 am

  Katy's Ashley Shamp was accused Friday night of solicitation of capital murder. Her mother, Catherine, faces the same charge.

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  Houston Chronicle: Katy Sports

• High school roundup: Lady Coogs earn state berth

  17 Nov 2009 | 9:12 am

  For the first time in school history, Cinco Ranch is a regional volleyball champion. The Lady Cougars defeated District 23-5A champion Travis and 18-5A co-champion Stratford at the Region III-5A tournament last weekend to claim the crown — and their first trip to the state tournament.

• Boys baskteball: Katy loaded with seasoned players

  17 Nov 2009 | 9:12 am

  Katy broke an eight-year playoff drought with one of the most dramatic finishes in recent memory last season.

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  Houston Chronicle: Humble/Kingwood News

• Directors OK sales tax vote tally, grants

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:18 am

  East Montgomery County Improvement District directors recently approved the vote count from the district's sales tax election on Nov. 3.

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  Houston Chronicle: Humble/Kingwood Sports

• High school roundup: Eagles' rally earns them Katy

  17 Nov 2009 | 7:02 am

  The Atascocita Eagles came up with a miracle rally to beat the Chavez Lobos 43-37 in last week's Region III-5A Division II playoff game. Their reward is a date with the two-time defending state-champion Katy Tigers.

• Football: QB DeBerry shines for Falcons

  17 Nov 2009 | 7:01 am

  There was a time when Cole DeBerry simply was known was one of the best baseball players ever to play at Huffman-Hargrave High School. Not anymore.

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  Houston Chronicle: Inside Kingwood/Humble

• Family friend Halloween activities are planned

  29 Oct 2009 | 8:44 am

  This comes from our Humble/Kingwood blogger, Tara Sullivan: Halloween is right around the corner and several family-friendly events are readying to welcome local families for food, fun, games and seasonal activities. On Friday, Oct. 30, the Humble Independent School District...

• Golf tournament raises $100,000 for experimental cancer treatment

  28 Oct 2009 | 11:28 am

  Here is a new release about the Ray Walsh Memorial Golf Tournament on Nov. 6 in Atascocita: They're hitting the greens to make some "green" at the Atascocita Golf Club. The Ray Walsh Memorial Golf Tournament has raised an amazing...

• Humble chamber settles on health-insurance plan

  28 Oct 2009 | 10:09 am

  By Tara Sullivan There's been a lot of talk about health reform, but little has changed for small businesses. Insurance providers give big rate discounts to large businesses, leaving the little guys to struggle. Many small businesses can't afford the...

• Courtyard by Marriott planned at U.S. 59 near Northpark

  28 Oct 2009 | 9:17 am

  Click here for map of hotel By Tara Sullivan A $12 million Courtyard by Marriott hotel is coming to Kingwood, with construction set to begin in the first quarter of 2010. Development plans detail a modern, upscale hotel with five...

• Cause of Atascocita fire remains a mystery

  28 Oct 2009 | 8:33 am

  By Tara Sullivan A source of a fire that smoldered in Atascocita in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Oct. 21, remains a mystery, but the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office said they're getting a clearer picture of what...

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Memorial/Spring Branch News

• Authorities seek suspect in west Houston bank heist

  17 Nov 2009 | 5:02 am

  Authorities are searching for a man they say robbed a bank in west Houston last week. The man robbed a Chase Bank branch at 1490 Eldridge Parkway about 2:40 p.m. Friday. The suspect entered and showed a teller a note, which announced that he was robbing the bank and had a pistol.

• Police awarded for seat belt initiative

  16 Nov 2009 | 3:09 pm

  Spring Branch Independent School District Police Chief Chuck Brawner was presented with a $1,000 Incentive Award symbolic check Nov. 10 from Texas Department of Transportation, TXDOT, traffic safety specialists Garry Rand and Olga Navarro and Texas Municipal Police Association Law Enforcement Liaison Bill Schwettmann.

• Machining company opens Spring Branch center

  16 Nov 2009 | 3:08 pm

  Machining equipment-maker Okuma America Corp. and its Texas distributor Hartwig Inc. unveiled its new Tech Center at 4727 South Pinemont with an open house, seminars and demonstrations of Okuma machines and technology Nov. 10 and 12.

• Fun center hosts fundraiser for kids with cerebral palsy

  16 Nov 2009 | 3:07 pm

  BounceU fun center is co-hosting a cerebral palsy fundraiser with 11-year-old Westside resident Matthew Stephenson at 14900 Westheimer. The event is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20.

• Owners get chance to keep pets safe

  16 Nov 2009 | 3:06 pm

  Memorial Drive United Methodist Church's annual Blessing of the Animals is just around the corner and this year's event is set to offer pet microchipping.

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  Houston Chronicle: Memorial/Spring Branch Sports

• Roundup: Mustangs ready for Kingwood

  20 Nov 2009 | 6:30 am

  Asked if it had become old hat to win a playoff game, Memorial coach Gary Koch could only smirk at the notion. “I haven't won that many, so it's always a great feeling to win a playoff game,” said Koch, who is the longest-tenured football coach in the Spring Branch school district with more than 17 years at the helm.

• Girls basketball: Wolves creeping under the radar

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

  The Westside girls basketball team enters the 2009-10 season with modest expectations, but head coach Troy Gillespie feels that's not necessarily a bad thing. “A couple of years ago, we were ranked top five in the state in the preseason and we didn't make it to the state tournament,” Gillespie said. “So, we'll try this on for size and see what happens.”

• SPORTS CALENDAR

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:38 am

  Send your neighborhood events listings at least two weeks in advance to Regional Editor Martin Hajovsky using one of the following methods: P.O. Box 4260 Houston, Texas 77210 E-mail: Martin.Hajovsky@chron.com Phone: 713-362-3596 Weekend

• YOUTH SPORTS CALENDAR

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:37 am

  Send your neighborhood events listings at least two weeks in advance to Regional Editor Martin Hajovsky using one of the following methods: P.O. Box 4260 Houston, Texas 77210 E-mail: Martin.Hajovsky@chron.com Phone: 713-362-3596 YOUTH SPORTS CALENDAR Aquatics

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Pasadena/Baytown News

• Bank robber stained by exploding dye pack

  20 Nov 2009 | 11:38 am

  The heist occurred at a Wachovia Bank branch in the 13500 block of the East Freeway about 12:15 p.m. today.

• Woman killed, driver sought in La Porte hit-and-run

  17 Nov 2009 | 7:54 am

  Debbie J. Moody, 57, of Baytown, was hit at the Comfort Suites in the 900 block of 8th St. about 11 p.m. Monday, according to the La Porte Police Department.

• Woman injured in Pasadena house fire

  17 Nov 2009 | 3:50 am

  The blaze broke out about 1:30 a.m. at the home on Blueberry near Everglade. A man and a boy were able to escape the flames, but a woman couldn't get out on her own.

• Mobile home park's residents celebrate ownership

  16 Nov 2009 | 4:10 am

  Advocates hope the residents' historic team effort brings more attention to the idea of converting mobile home parks to resident ownership.

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  Houston Chronicle: Pasadena/Baytown Sports

• Boys basketball: Mustangs ready for more success

  17 Nov 2009 | 7:04 am

  North Shore coach Joe Price knows a little something about district championship teams. He put together five that have won at least a share of the title in his first seven seasons with the Mustangs. And he says this season's squad may be the best yet.

• High school roundup: North Shore moves past Oilers

  17 Nov 2009 | 7:03 am

  North Shore and Pearland in the playoffs is fast becoming an annual event. The two teams meet for the fifth time in the postseason in the last six years last week, and the Mustangs came away with a 24-6 win in the Class 5A, Division I bi-district playoffs at Deer Park.

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  Houston Chronicle: Pearland/Friendswood/Alvin Sports

• High school roundup: Friendswood still on the gallop

  17 Nov 2009 | 9:16 am

  Friendswood journeyed all the way to the state semifinals last season, and after surviving a grueling District 24-4A agenda, and Lamar Consolidated in the first round, the Mustangs are ready to keep going. Wheatley (7-4) is the next obstacle for Friendswood (8-3) as the teams square off in the Class 4A-III Division I area round at 7 p.m. Saturday at Galena Park ISD Stadium.

• Girls basketball: Alvin already in win column

  17 Nov 2009 | 9:15 am

  For most teams, a single victory isn't a big deal, but for Alvin, this one was. When the Lady Yellowjackets downed Liberty 48-36 during the Baytown Lee Tournament last week, they snapped a 32-game losing streak that dated back to the 2007-08 season and included last year's 0-29 campaign.

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  Houston Chronicle: Spring/Klein/Tomball News

• Civil War Weekend set Nov. 21-22 at Liendo Plantation

  17 Nov 2009 | 11:47 am

  The Civil War Weekend at Liendo Plantation has become a tradition for Magnolia resident Mike Siviglia and his 13-year-old son, Vaughn. For the last two years, father and son have attended the first day of the event in Confederate uniforms and answered school children's questions.

• NAM expects busy holiday season

  17 Nov 2009 | 11:38 am

  Retailers aren't the only ones who consider the holidays their busy season.

• Texas Repertory Theatre Co. presents holiday classic

  17 Nov 2009 | 11:35 am

  The Texas Repertory Theatre Co. will present Miracle on 34th Street, freshly adapted for the stage by Texas Repertory Artistic Director Craig A. Miller.

• BRIEFS: ‘Touch a plane' at Hooks Airport to help child

  17 Nov 2009 | 11:34 am

  Houston volunteers are planning “Touch-A-Plane for Cooper” 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 21 at Hooks Airport in Tomball to help raise funds to cover transplant-related expenses for Cooper Knight, a nearly 3-year-old boy who needs a colon and small bowel transplant.

• Houston Northwest Medical Center earns honors

  17 Nov 2009 | 11:34 am

  Houston Northwest Medical Center received 14 CIGNA quality designations and four Centers of Excellence designations for 2009. .

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  Houston Chronicle: Spring/Klein/Tomball Sports

• Roundup: Finally healthy, Mustangs galloping

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

  The Westfield Mustangs are as healthy as they have been all season. That could spell bad news for the Cy Woods Wildcats.

• Girls basketball: Dekaney makes move

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm

  The Westfield Mustangs have been the queen of the District 13-5A girls' basketball palace for quite some time now. But this year, the Dekaney Wildcats could make the Mustangs' climb to the top of the throne a little more interesting. Just ask Spring ISD athletic director Kenny Humphreys.

• Game of the Week: Mustangs on the move

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:52 am

  The Westfield Mustangs will try and advance to the third round of the Region II-5A Division I playoffs when they take on Cy Woods at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Leonard George Stadium. Westfield (8-3) advanced to the second round with last week's 42-7 win over Conroe, while Cy Woods (9-2) move on with a 38-28 victory over Round Rock Westwood.

• SPORTS CALENDAR

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:38 am

  Send your neighborhood events listings at least two weeks in advance to Regional Editor Martin Hajovsky using one of the following methods: P.O. Box 4260 Houston, Texas 77210 E-mail: Martin.Hajovsky@chron.com Phone: 713-362-3596 Weekend

• YOUTH SPORTS CALENDAR

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:37 am

  Send your neighborhood events listings at least two weeks in advance to Regional Editor Martin Hajovsky using one of the following methods: P.O. Box 4260 Houston, Texas 77210 E-mail: Martin.Hajovsky@chron.com Phone: 713-362-3596 YOUTH SPORTS CALENDAR Aquatics

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Tomball/Magnolia News

• Tomball City Council accepts city manager's ‘voluntary resignation'

  18 Nov 2009 | 10:22 am

  Jan Belcher is no longer Tomball's city manager.

• Civil War Weekend set Nov. 21-22 at Liendo Plantation

  17 Nov 2009 | 11:47 am

  The Civil War Weekend at Liendo Plantation has become a tradition for Magnolia resident Mike Siviglia and his 13-year-old son, Vaughn. For the last two years, father and son have attended the first day of the event in Confederate uniforms and answered school children's questions.

• Texas Repertory Theatre Co. presents holiday classic

  17 Nov 2009 | 11:35 am

  The Texas Repertory Theatre Co. will present Miracle on 34th Street, freshly adapted for the stage by Texas Repertory Artistic Director Craig A. Miller.

• BRIEFS: ‘Touch a plane' at Hooks Airport to help child

  17 Nov 2009 | 11:34 am

  Houston volunteers are planning “Touch-A-Plane for Cooper” 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 21 at Hooks Airport in Tomball to help raise funds to cover transplant-related expenses for Cooper Knight, a nearly 3-year-old boy who needs a colon and small bowel transplant.

• 
  Houston Chronicle: Tomball/Magnolia Sports

• SPORTS CALENDAR

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:38 am

  Send your neighborhood events listings at least two weeks in advance to Regional Editor Martin Hajovsky using one of the following methods: P.O. Box 4260 Houston, Texas 77210 E-mail: Martin.Hajovsky@chron.com Phone: 713-362-3596 Weekend

• YOUTH SPORTS CALENDAR

  17 Nov 2009 | 10:37 am

  Send your neighborhood events listings at least two weeks in advance to Regional Editor Martin Hajovsky using one of the following methods: P.O. Box 4260 Houston, Texas 77210 E-mail: Martin.Hajovsky@chron.com Phone: 713-362-3596 YOUTH SPORTS CALENDAR Aquatics

• 
  Houston Chronicle: The Woodlands Sports

• High school roundup: Special teams fuels Highlanders

  17 Nov 2009 | 9:11 am

  It came down to a failed extra-point kick in overtime but The Woodlands Highlanders are alive in the Class 5A Division I playoffs. In fact they are the only remaining team from District 14-5A still playing.

• Girls basketball: Trio returns to lead Lady War Eagles

  17 Nov 2009 | 9:10 am

  The Oak Ridge Lady War Eagles finished last basketball season on the outside looking in at the 2008-09 playoffs. Four teams qualify for the postseason from each 5A district and Oak Ridge landed in the fifth spot when all was said and done. But Molly Gibson hopes to see that changed in 2009-10.

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  Houston Chronicle: Corrections

• CORRECTIONS

  19 Nov 2009 | 1:27 pm

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  Houston Chronicle: Lottery

• Winning lottery numbers for Nov. 21

  21 Nov 2009 | 9:05 pm

  Texas Lotto (Nov. 21) 24-31-35-41-50-53