SuperStars INVADE COMICPALOOZA

 Comicpalooza, Texas’ largest comic and pop culture event, is proud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of James Cameron’s blockbuster hit movie Aliens by welcoming Three-time Academy Award nominee Sigourney Weaver, Bill Paxton, Paul Reiser, Carrie Henn, Michael Biehn, Jenette Goldstein, Lance Henriksen, and Mark Rolston to the Comicpalooza 2016 guest lineup in the first ever US Aliens cast reunion. Comicpalooza will host other stellar talent, including Underworld star Kate Beckinsale in one of her first comic con appearances. Comicpalooza will be held on June 17-19, 2016 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

             Kate Beckinsale in Underworld

“Last year someone asked me how we were going to top Comicpalooza 2015,” said John Simons, Founder of Comicpalooza. “This is our game changer.”

Comicpalooza also welcomes other notable guests including Lennie James (The Walking Dead), Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk), Eliza Dushku (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel), Walter Koenig (Star Trek), Kel Mitchell (Nickelodeon’s Game Shakers), David Prowse (Darth Vader), New York Times best-selling authors Mercedes Lackey, Leslie Klinger, and Sherrilyn Kenyon as well as comic book greats Adam Kubert, John Ostrander, and Mike Zeck.

In only six years Comicpalooza has become one of the premier pop-culture cons in Texas, featuring performances, art shows, writers’ conferences, cosplay contests, anime, a Japanese fashion show, roller derby, professional wrestling, games, robots, smoking hot science, cool tech, a huge film festival, and enough entertainment and activities to fill more than a million square feet of event and exhibit space.

Driven by community and industry involvement, Comicpalooza has grown to become one of Houston’s largest consumer conventions. In 2015 alone, the convention hosted more than 40,000 visitors and booked 16,000 hotel rooms, which led to an overall economic impact of $20 million. In addition to its steady growth, Comicpalooza has strengthened its ties to Houston by partnering with the Greater Houston Conventions and Visitor’s Bureau (GHCVB), showcasing the city’s quirky culture and commitment to community events.

How to choose the right backpack

Upon hearing the word “backpack,” people naturally think of back-to-school season, when throngs of children board buses and head to classrooms across the country. However, the backpack need not be pigeonholed into such a narrow stereotype; there are many different uses for backpacks.

Outdoor enthusiasts, particularly hikers and day-trippers, rely extensively on backpacks. Backpacks facilitate the transporting of supplies and other necessities, but not every backpack is the same, and some are more applicable to certain tasks than others. Choosing a backpack requires careful consideration, and the following tips can help consumers make the best choice. 

• Identify its potential usage. What will the backpack need to do? Will you be hiking the mountains and looking for a lightweight pack to carry small supplies, or are you planning to camp out and need something capable of carrying larger items? Discuss your needs with a store employee when shopping for packs.
• Choose the right volume. Backpacks are sold by volume, or how much stuff they can carry. This is measured in liters or square inches. The liter size may be included right in the product name. According to Eastern Mountain Sports, between 15 and 30 liters is good for day hikes or school usage. An overnight or weekend trip likely will have to be between 30 and 55 liters in volume.
• Determine torso size. Whichever backpack you choose, it needs to fit you comfortably. That means measuring your torso length to find one that will sit on the right area of your back. The torso length on the pack will equate to the distance between the shoulder straps and where the pack hits your hips. For packs with hip straps, the right length will ensure the hip straps can fit comfortably in this area. Some packs are sold with an adjustable torso size. Some manufacturers also size packs specifically for women’s frames.
• Decide if framing is necessary. After you have decided on size, you need to assess other features, including internal and external frames. External frames are original style, classic packs. Internal frame packs tend to be lighter and have a lower profile. If you need to maneuver through some tight areas, an internal frame pack might be best. Frames in packs help you carry more, and you can even strap things to the outside of the pack, says Backcountry, a gear and outdoors resource.
• Consider additional features. Packs come with various features, including load-lifter straps and sternum straps, that can help balance the load and put less strain on your back. Also, choose shoulder straps that curve anatomically to fit the body closer. A ventilated back panel can help reduce sweating and protect your back from pointy gear.

In addition to these tips, consider if you want your pack to be waterproof and to have internal and external storage pockets or other pouches for carrying smaller items. For more help, speak with an outdoor gear retailer.

Free Community Shred Day June 18th at Better Homes and Gardens

Now is the time to get rid of old papers.  Thank Better Homes and Gardens. 

The history of Memorial Day

Though many people are quick to refer to Memorial Day as the unofficial beginning of summer, the day is much more than that. Initially known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day to remember those military members who died in service of the country.
The origins of Memorial Day remain a topic of debate. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y. as the official birthplace of Memorial Day. However, the roots of Memorial Day likely run much deeper, as researchers at Duke University note that during the Civil War, organized women's groups in the south had begun to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers.

Memorial Day as we know it today can likely be traced to Charleston, S.C., where teachers, missionaries and some members of the press gathered on May 1, 1865 to honor fallen soldiers. During the Civil War, captured Union soldiers were held at the Charleston Race Course and hundreds died during captivity. Upon their deaths, soldiers were buried in unmarked graves. When the Civil War ended, the May Day gathering was organized as a memorial to all the men who had died during captivity. The burial ground was landscaped, and those freed as a result of the Civil War played an integral role in the event at the Charleston Race Course.

While the event in Charleston might have been the first Memorial Day-type celebration in the southern United States, General John A. Logan is often cited as inspiring similar events in the north. As commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, a veterans' organization for men who served in the Civil War, General Logan issued a proclamation just five days after the Charleston event that called for Decoration Day to be observed annually across the country. Logan preferred the event not be held on the anniversary of any particular battle, and thus the day was observed for the first time on May 30. Celebrating the day in May also was significant to event organizers because May is a month when flowers are in bloom, making it easier for observers of the holiday to place flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers.

In 1868, events were held at more than 180 cemeteries in 27 states, and those figures nearly doubled in 1869. By 1890, every northern state officially recognized Decoration Day as a state holiday. But southern states honored their dead on a different day until after World War I, when the holiday was changed to recognize Americans who died in any war and not just the Civil War. Nearly every state now celebrates Memorial Day, a name for the holiday first used in 1882, on the last Monday in May.

Happy Memorial Day!!!! 

Transition your wardrbobe from one season to the next

People who put a lot of thought into their wardrobes know that one of the challenges presented by the changing seasons is figuring out what to wear and when. For example, as spring transitions into summer, the occasional chilly day is to be expected, removing summertime attire like shorts and sleeveless shirts from consideration.

Such sudden changes can be problematic, as not everyone has the room to store multiple seasons’ worth of clothing in their closets and drawers. Yet, with a little ingenuity, men and women can make their seasonal wardrobe transitions a little easier.

• Layering: Layering is the key to keeping comfortable no matter the weather. Layering enables you to take off layers or put them on as needed. Lightweight sweaters or blazers can be worn over short sleeves or sleeveless ensembles when temperatures have yet to reach their midday highs. Layers also can prove invaluable in office settings where the air conditioning may make working environments especially chilly. Leggings can be worn under skirts or dresses and then removed as temperatures rise.
• Long-sleeved shirts: Keep a few long-sleeved shirts at the ready. Simple sleeve length can mean the difference between comfort and discomfort. Covering shoulders and/or arms with a lightweight top also can protect against the rays of the sun. Choose among your most versatile long-sleeved shirts, meaning basic colors that will blend well with any outfit.
• Bright colors: Bright colors go hand in hand with warm weather. Keep bright-colored items you typically wear during other seasons so they can be paired, if necessary, with summer staples. This may include a thick sweater for cooler nights on the beach or trousers for formal evenings out on the town.
• Maxidresses: When shopping, invest in maxidresses. They’re easy and cool for hot days and nights, but they also can be refashioned if you wear them with long sleeves or knit sweaters. When covering up, use a waist-cinching belt or scarf to add structure to the look.
• Vary shoes: While flip-flops and other sandals may be summer staples, have a few other pairs of more traditional shoes at the ready as well. One can get away with boots with a maxi-dress. Ballet-style slippers are delicate enough for the season and provide extra foot coverage for comfort. If you walk a lot, look for shoes with structure, as summer footwear tends to provide less support than footwear worn during other times of the year.

Transitioning clothing from one season to the next takes a little ingenuity. While it may not require a person to keep all of his or her clothing out of storage, transitioning from one season to the next may require reserving a couple of versatile items that can be worn throughout the year. 

Happy Graduation!! Free

Happy Graduation! One Hip Mom can steam graduation gowns if needed. Allow about 15 minutes for steamer to heat up and steam gown. Located across the street from GLF in the Gleannloch Storage Strip Center. 9337 Spring Cypress Suite F Spring Texas 77379  I'll be in the shop Tuesday (5/24) from 10:30 to 5:30 or come anytime tues-fri 10:30 to 5:30 and sat 10:30 to 3:30. http://www.onehipmom.com 713-302-3208 Join our closed Fb group https://www.facebook.com/groups/763614830390126/  #graduation #onehipmom #graduation 

Find healthy foods while on the go

Nice weather often equates to an uptick in road trips. During such trips, motorists and their passengers will need to take breaks to refuel both their vehicles and their bodies.
Rest stop and convenience store snack options are often unhealthy, and it can be difficult for nutrition-minded travelers to find acceptable fare. But a little creativity coupled with some smarter choices can ensure road trips don’t derail healthy diets.

• Bring food along. One of the easiest ways to eat healthy while traveling is to bring meals and snacks with you. Look for portable foods that may not require much refrigeration, such as fruit bars or trail mix. If you have room in the car for a small cooler or insulated lunch packs, fill them with fresh fruits and sandwiches. Opt for lean lunch meats like chicken and turkey. Avoid using cheese or dressings like mayonnaise that can quickly spoil. Some other easily portable foods include applesauce cups, oatmeal packets (all you need is hot water from a rest stop) and low-sodium, low-fat jerky.
• Pack plenty of water, a healthier choice than soft drinks that will also  keep you hydrated when sitting in the car for extended periods of time. 
• Find healthy fast food. If packing food is not an option or if you just prefer the convenience of getting something along the way, you can still make informed choices. Opt for foods that are roughly 500 calories or less and boast plenty of protein and whole grains to help you feel full longer. You may not be able to enjoy low-sodium foods, as many fast food options go heavy on the salt. Just steer clear of extra condiments that only increase those already considerable sodium levels.
• If you must opt for fast food, do not order sides of fries or chips, which will only make meals less healthy. Also, avoid sugary sodas. Many fast food restaurants offer some healthy fare, such as grilled chicken sandwiches. Order such sandwiches plain or with extra lettuce and tomato for a healthy crunch. Order sandwiches on whole-wheat buns when possible.
• Kids’ meals tend to have healthy portion sizes. If possible, purchase a kid’s meal and opt for a side of sliced apples or another healthy alternative.
• Make smart choices at sit-down restaurants, too. It’s important to stay focused on healthy fare even when you pull off the highway and patronize more traditional sit-down restaurants. Again, think smaller portions. Consider splitting an entrée with another person in your traveling party. Some chains will offer the nutritional information right on the menu, or put a special symbol next to their healthiest offerings. Substitute steamed vegetables for starchy or fattening side dishes and always ask for sauces to be served on the side.
• It’s not always easy to eat healthy when traveling. But travelers can often find healthy fare, even if they need to bring it along themselves.

Ironman Texas: Please look to see what Roads will be Closed this Weekend!

FYI, due to the recent storms the bike leg of the Ironman Texas in the Woodlands this Saturday was completely rerouted. It is not going to be the typical route out of the Woodlands into Montgomery and up into the Sam Houston National Forest and beyond.

It is going to be all around our area. There will probably be several road closures that will affect you if you are out and about in the Spring/Tomball area on Saturday.

You can see the current route map below! This Event will take place Saturday: May 14, 2016.

The Gun Cleanners

The Gun Cleaners of the Houston Area (Jamison Smith – Houston, TX & Rod Gates– Spring, TX) – Gun Cleaners available to assist home owners that have guns that are impacted damaged by the water from the flood. 

Houston,  Gun Owners caught in the storms! The recent surge of flooding in the Houston area has many gun owners looking for a way to keep their guns safe from water damage. For guns damaged by water, time is a factor - and most insurance policies won’t pay for gun replacement. They will pay for the cost to repair your existing weapons but it is essential that the Gun owners act quickly. Guns can be permanently damaged in as little as 72 hours after being submerged. THE GUN CLEANERS has the solution! With two locations in Houston, The Gun Cleaners is ready to clean and store your guns until your homes are ready. 

Houston area The Gun Cleaners locations are offering reduced cleaning costs to those that have been impacted by the recent flooding. 

About The Gun Cleaners: 
Two locations to serve the Houston Area. 

1) The Gun Cleaners of Houston – 1022 Wirt Road – Suite 316 – Houston, TX 77055 – 713.553.7376

2) The Gun Cleaners of Spring – 4334 FM 2920 Road – Suite 30 – Spring, TX 77388 – 281.651.4419


Able to professionally clean and protect guns

Able to store guns in a secure and ATF approved facility

For More Information Contact: 

Jamison Smith at 713-553-7376 email jamison.smith@theguncleaners.com 

Rod Gates at 307-752-0529 email rod.gates@theguncleaners.com 

www.theguncleaners.com

Texas Renaissance Festival Auditions

May 07, 2016

Actors, performers, and entertainers alike are invited to audition for the 2016 Texas Renaissance Festival on Saturday, May 7! Festival organizers are seeking enthusiastic, colorful individuals who personify each themed weekend at the Texas Renaissance Festival between October 8 - November 27:

• Oktoberfest: October 8 - 9
• 1001 Dreams: October 15 - 16
• Pirate Adventure: October 22 - 23
• All Hallows Eve: October 29 - 30
• Roman Bacchanal: November 5 - 6
• Barbarian Invasion: November 12 - 13
• Highland Fling: November 19 - 20
• Celtic Christmas: November 25 - 27

The audition schedules is as follows:

• Morning Session:
  • 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. - Check in
  • 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. - Specialty acts auditions
  • 9:30 a.m. - Noon - Character auditions
• Afternoon Session:
  • 12:30 - 1:00 p.m. - Check in
  • 1:00 - 1:30 p.m. - Specialty acts
  • 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. - Character auditions

Performers must schedule an appointment in order to participate by calling the contact number or e-mail address listed below. Performers will be judged on confidence, speaking ability, posture/gait, and expressing emotion. Props and costumes are encouraged, along with photo and resume. All positions are paid.

For more information about the Texas Renaissance Festival and additional requirements to audition, please visit the website link or contact information listed below. #Texas Renaissance Festival #Fun jobs

For more information: Visit Website

Contact Details

Email Us For More Info

Location Details

 21778 Farm to Market 1774

 Other - Texas,  TX    77363

GET HIRED

Experimac of Klein is hiring computer and cell phone repair techs.

Now hiring 3 techs for computer and mobile device repair. Apple experience a plus and training will be provided.

We are located on Louetta at Stuebner Airline across from Klein HS.
Full time position
Store hours 10-7 M-F
$10+ per hour depending on education and experience.

Send resume to charles.stuller@experimac.com

For more info on Experimac please see 

The 411 on Mother's Day flowers

Mother's Day is an annual holiday that honors motherhood and provides an opportunity for men, women and children to show their mothers how much they appreciate them.

The tradition of Mother's Day in the United States dates back more than a century to 1908, when West Virginia native Anna Jarvis held a memorial service to honor her mother, who had passed away three years earlier, and all mothers in Grafton, West Virginia. Mother's Day would ultimately become a national holiday in the United States in 1914, thanks in large part to Jarvis' campaigning. As Jarvis, who never married and never had children of her own, grew old, she criticized Mother's Day as overly commercial, even trying to have it removed from the calendar. Those efforts failed, and Mother's Day remains popular now, more than 100 years after the idea for it was conceived.

While Mother's Day traditions have changed since Jarvis first proposed the holiday, many people feel it's customary to give mothers gifts on Mother's Day, when moms take the day off from chores and relax with their families. Flowers make for popular Mother's Day gifts, and well-wishers who want to give the special women in their lives flowers this year can consider a host of varieties.

Carnations

Carnations are popular Mother's Day flowers, perhaps because they are available in a number of colors. That means it's highly likely sons, daughters, husbands and others gifting moms this Mother's Day can find some carnations in Mom's favorite color. Ask your florist about what each carnation color symbolizes, as each has its own unique meaning. Pink carnations, for example, are believed to symbolize a mother's love.

Roses

Few mothers can resist roses, making them one of the more popular flowers come Mother's Day. Roses are symbolic of love and make the perfect floral gift for mothers who like traditional flowers. If you want to spice things up, order a bouquet made up of roses of various colors.

Daffodils

Yellow is synonymous with spring, and daffodils can highlight the season in which Mother's Day takes place while also providing a cheerful look that's perfect for Mother's Day floral bouquets. Daffodils can be given on their own or added to mixed bouquets. Daffodils also last quite a while when cared for correctly, giving moms more than just a few days to enjoy their bouquets.

Freesia

Like daffodils, freesia are long-lasting, meaning mothers will still be enjoying them long after Mother's Day has come and gone. The inviting fragrance of freesia makes bouquets of these flowers popular choices for Mother's Day gifts. Freesia also come in many colors, proving Mother's Day gift givers a greater chance of finding flowers their mothers will love. 

3 Ways Families Can Reduce Everyday Expenses

The costs of raising a family can be considerable. In its 2014 "Expenditures on Children by Families" report, the United States Department of Agriculture estimated that parents in middle-income households with a child born in 2013 can expect to spend $245,000 raising a child up to age 18. While estimates regarding the cost of raising children are widely varied depending on the source of the approximations, it's fair to assume that raising children can be costly as well.
Thanks to the costs of food, housing, childcare and education, many parents find themselves looking for ways to trim their everyday expenses and create more room in their budgets. Fortunately, such cost-cutting can be done without forcing parents to alter their lifestyles dramatically.

1. Consume less energy. 
Reducing energy consumption does not mean parents and their children will spend their nights in darkened homes illuminated only by candlelight. Technology has made it easier than ever before to cut energy costs around the house. If you don't already have one, install a programmable thermostat at home so you are not paying to heat or cool your home while no one is there. Though their price tag might be higher than traditional light bulbs, energy-efficient light bulbs also can cut costs, as they consume considerably less energy without reducing light output and last far longer than traditional bulbs. Parents can also reduce the temperature on their water heaters. Manufacturers may set water heater temperatures as high as 140 F, and it requires considerable standby heat to keep waters at that temperature. Lowering your water heater temperature to 120 F won't make showers any less enjoyable, but you might notice considerable energy savings over the course of the year.

2. Conduct an entertainment audit. 
Home entertainment options have expanded considerably in the 21st century. Many families still pay for cable or satellite packages, but they're now also paying for streaming subscriptions to services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime. Audit your entertainment consumption, determining whether your household relies more on cable/satellite service or streaming subscriptions. Consider reducing your cable/satellite package to the basic plan, if not cutting the cord entirely. If your family is less reliant on streaming subscriptions, cancel those subscriptions to save money. If you rely on both equally, consider cutting one for a month to see if you can live without it. With so many entertainment options available, chances are you won't even notice the missing service.

3. Become a smarter food shopper.
Frequent trips to the grocery store waste gas, add unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle and increase the chances you will make impulse purchases. Try to get all of your grocery shopping done in one weekly trip, using a list so you are less likely to make impulse purchases. Make the most of sales by buying sale items with longer shelf lives, such as cereals, in bulk.
Saving more money is a goal for many families. While saving more often means making sacrifices, those sacrifices do not always necessitate drastic lifestyle changes.

Clever Alternatives to Traditional Dyed Easter Eggs

Easter is a time when Christian families gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Religious customs abound on Easter, but a number of secular traditions have emerged as well. Perhaps the most popular secular tradition associated with Easter is the coloring of Easter eggs.
Easter egg dyeing kits emerge in early spring. Consumers have a variety of alternatives to these kits at their disposal. There are some people who desire more environmentally friendly Easter eggs, so here are some creative and greener ideas for coloring eggs this year.

• Wooden eggs: Visit a craft store and purchase wooden eggs that can be painted and decorated however you desire. The wooden eggs will be durable and can be stored away for use each and every year. Because they are made of wood, a naturally recyclable material, they are easy on the environment.
• Consider natural dyes. Use different food items to create all-natural dyes for the eggs. Tea, fruit and vegetable juices -- even packaged drink mixes -- can be used to tint Easter eggs in various colors. Because you're controlling the materials you use, you can ensure they are safe to use.
• Experiment with papier mache. This ancient paper crafting technique uses recycled paper and a paste to create a hardened mold. Turn excess scraps of paper into delightful eggs put on display for the holiday.
• Purchase corn starch eggs. Corn starch is used in everything from packing materials to children's craft products. Corn starch can be molded into solid forms or foam-type consistencies. Egg kits are sold with this green material. When Easter is over, the corn starch eggs can be put out for composting. Foam-type eggs may be dissolved with water.
• Make edible eggs. Traditional Easter eggs can be wasteful if the eggs are boiled and used entirely for display. Rather, make eggs that will be enjoyed and are not at risk of spoiling too soon after being on display. Gelatin-dessert eggs is one way to use the eggs after Easter, and creative people can try crafting eggs out of meringue as well.
• Dough eggs: Have the children get out their favorite modeling dough and craft multi-colored eggs as a fun, rainy-day project. Those who want the eggs to last can purchase actual clay from the craft store or whip up their own medium at home. After drying, the eggs should be ready to paint.
• Drained eggs: Those interested in using the yolks and albumen from the eggs for cooking can poke small holes into the eggs and drain them. Then the remaining eggshells can be decorated and put on display. 

The Meaning of Good Friday

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that is celebrated every year on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday. Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary, the location outside of Jerusalem’s walls where the crucifixion took place.

Though Good Friday is considered a holiday and is a legal holiday in many countries across the globe, the commemoration is not characterized by the festive atmosphere many holidays inspire. In fact, in the fourth century, the Apostolic Constitutions described Good Friday as a day of mourning and prayer. In addition, many Christians fast on Good Friday, eating only one full meal and two smaller meals that do not add up to a full meal.

Christians believe that commemorating the death of Christ helps to remind them of the sacrifices that Christ made and the human sin that contributed to his death.

The observance of Good Friday has existed for centuries. According to Catholic Online, the Catholic Church does not celebrate Mass on Good Friday, though church services held on Good Friday correspond to the divisions of a traditional Mass. These services include the Liturgy of the Word, during which the Passion of Jesus Christ is read; the intercessory prayers for all people, including non-Christians; the Veneration of the Cross, during which the crucifix is unveiled to the congregation; and the Holy Communion. During these services, the church organ and bells are silent.

Good Friday is one of the holiest days of the year for Christians across the globe. This year Good Friday is celebrated on March the 25! Today! 

Adapting To Your New Furry Friend

Adopting a dog is a wonderful way to bring joy into a home, and adoption may very well save a dog’s life. According to the Humane Society of the United States, between six and eight million pets end up in shelters each year and half of those are unlikely to be adopted.
Adjusting to life with a dog is not always easy. Owning a dog is a big responsibility, the scope of which first-time dog owners may not fully grasp until their furry friends arrive at their new homes for the first time. But there are ways to make the transition to dog ownership go smoothly, which should afford new dog owners more time to spend with the newest additions to their families.

• Prepare your home before Fido’s arrival. While many dogs adjust quickly to their new homes, preparing the home before dogs arrive can make that adjustment even easier for the dog. Dogs might be nervous and under significant stress when entering a new home for the first time, so prepare the area where the dog will be spending most of its time. Remove items that curious pooches may break, and don’t forget to move household cleaners from floor cabinets to high shelves so dogs won’t ingest anything harmful. Have a crate ready for the dog if you plan to crate him or her so you don’t have to introduce it after the pet has already grown acclimated to its new living arrangements.
• Prepare and stick to a schedule. Dogs benefit from routine, so before bringing your dog home figure out when you are going to feed and walk the dog, and which times of day you plan to play him or her. Examine your own schedule and recognize that you might need to make some changes to accommodate your new housemate. Stick to the same daily feeding, walking and socializing schedule, which should acclimate the dog more quickly. Another benefit to adhering to the same schedule is the dog will grow accustomed to relieving itself at the same time each day, reducing the likelihood of potentially messy accidents that no dog owner wants to clean up.
• Keep things calm. A hectic household might make it difficult for the dog to adjust, so remain calm and encourage other residents to do the same until the dog seems comfortable in its new surroundings. If necessary, limit visitors to your home and steer clear of the dog park or other places where the dog might become overexcited. As the dog grows more comfortable, you can then invite one or two friends over at a time and start taking the dog to the park as well.
• Take note of any irregularities. Some shelter dogs come from abusive situations, and the effects of those situations may still be lingering. While it’s perfectly reasonable to use leashes when walking dogs, recognize that some dogs may associate leashes or other objects with past abuse. In such instances, speak with your veterinarian about the best ways to address these irregularities, and always exercise patience as your dog adjusts to his or her new surroundings..

Shelter dogs often make great companion animals, and owners should afford their new dogs ample time to adjust to their new home.

Explaining the mythical leprechaun

Celtic culture is ripe with legends and myths that help to entertain and explain the mysteries of life. Among such lore are leprechauns, which are mythological figures that continue to impart whimsy into St. Patrick's Day celebrations even now.
The word "leprechaun" is derived from the Irish lu chorpain, meaning "small body." Various attributes have been used to describe leprechauns. While the origins and the history surrounding leprechauns differ, one common thread is that these creatures are surrounded in magic. Some believed leprechauns were descendents of the Goddess Danu and the Tuatha De Danaan. They inhabited Ireland long before the Celts arrived, and when the Celts did come, brandishing iron swords that could penetrate the leprechauns' magic, leprechauns fled to underground abodes in the soil shielded by magical, hidden entrances. Some say leprechauns still reside under the damp soil.
Other stories describe leprechauns as smart, devious creatures of fairy folk who were the only fairies to have a profession other than cattle trading. Leprechauns were shoemakers to the fairies who took the shape of men wearing green or red coats and hats and participated in mischief. Leprechauns hoarded all of their gold coins in a pot under a rainbow. Catching a leprechaun was tricky, as these "wee folk," as they were often described in folk tales, were quite adept at remaining out of arm's reach. Should one be captured by a human, folklore stated that the leprechaun must grant three wishes to earn his release. 
Some viewed leprechauns as serious sorts, keeping people away from sacred places and helping to control people's behaviors. Historians believe this was one for leaders to establish societal rules.
Descriptions of leprechauns and tales of their antics have survived in Ireland for centuries. When the Irish began emigrating to America during the Great Potato Famine, they brought with them their mythology and stories. However, the tale of the leprechaun has changed over time.
The Irish-American view of the leprechaun differed from the more traditional Irish view. Americans saw leprechauns as frivolous and silly. Leprechauns were depicted with broad, pug noses and out-of-style ratty clothing. Many negative stereotypes Americans directed at the swarms of Irish immigrants arriving in the United States were exemplified in the insensitive and, at times, hateful illustrations of leprechauns. 
Leprechaun mythology has been alive and well in Ireland for more than a thousand years and will likely live on for centuries more. 

Tips When Driving in Rainy Conditions

Rainy weather can arrive any time of year. While an afternoon spent indoors watching the drops fall can be relaxing, driving in the rain is anything but. It requires extra concentration and improved reaction time. Rainy conditions can be challenging and treacherous, and drivers should proceed with caution on rain-slicked roads.
Rain is blamed for many accidents, but many of these situations are largely preventable among drivers who adapt to the weather and roadway conditions. Here are some things to consider.

• Reduced visibility occurs from wiper blades, glare (particularly at night) and heavy downpours. When you are unable to see the road ahead, including other vehicles, reduce your speed. If the rain is coming down in torrents, pull over to the side of the road and wait for a respite. Turn on your lights to ensure you are visible to other cars on the road.
• Recognize that rain can cause slick conditions. A film of water develops on the roadways, and that can affect the performance of your vehicle's tires. Less traction means the car can slip and slide. Hydroplaning, or coasting on the surface of the water, is common. Another, lesser-known condition is slickness caused by grease and oil in the asphalt. During a long dry spell, these substances build up on the roads. When it rains, the oil and water doesn't mix, bringing the oils to the surface and exacerbating slick conditions. The first few hours of a rainstorm can be quite dangerous until heavier rains wash the oils away.
• Water spraying up onto tires and brakes can compromise braking ability. That means it could take longer to stop under wet conditions. Do not tailgate and leave extra room between vehicles. If you drive through a puddle of water, pump the brakes and test them out to be sure you can stop. Brake earlier so that other drivers understand your intentions and can react accordingly.
• Avoid extremely large puddles. First of all, you cannot judge the depth of the puddle and you may end up getting stuck, especially in the event of roadway flooding. Water splashing into the engine compartment may damage electrical components. Steer around puddles to be on the safe side.
• Use extra care watching out for pedestrians. A normally observant person may be distracted by the rain, puddles and wrangling an umbrella and veer into the path of cars. Be mindful of the side of the roads and where pedestrians may be, such as around parked cars.
• Change wiper blades twice per year. You do not want to be caught with shoddy wiper blades in poor conditions.  Without an effective wiper blade, rain cannot be cleared effectively from the windshield.
• Limit distractions inside of the car to focus even more of your attention on the road. While some have become accustomed to answering phone calls or fielding questions from the backseat while driving, avoid such distractions when driving in the rain. Turn down the radio if you must and encourage passengers to remain quiet until safely home.
• Leave extra time to get to your destination. Rain causes slowing down of traffic. Rushing may increase your risk of being in an accident, so always leave extra travel time when driving in wet conditions.
• Make way for emergency personnel. Accidents and bad weather are common. Slow down or pull over to allow emergency vehicles to pass by. If there are flashing lights on the side of the road, move into the left lane to give a wide girth around first responders.

Driving in the rain requires drivers to exercise caution. Making a few adjustments improves safety on the roadways.

Klein ISD new High School Zoning for HS #5

High School #5 Approved Zones

At the February 8, 2016 Board of Trustees meeting, the Board approved the high school attendance zones effective for the fall of 2017 when high school #5 opens. 

High School Zoning for HS #5

Zoning meetings were held in the fall of 2015 to determine the attendance zones for high school #5 scheduled to open in 2017 on Spring Cypress Rd. next to Ulrich Intermediate. When a new high school opens, the district determines zones a full year and a half prior to the school opening so families can plan and prepare. Additionally, this rezoning could potentially impact attendance zones for all four high schools in an effort to balance enrollment across the district and move toward more pure feeder patterns.