Short Trip to the Hospital

Fort Bend County is a growing fast. Keeping up with the growth is the construction of new Hospitals. A quick trip down 59 from Sugar Land to Richmond you will see several hospitals that have been constructed, expanding or just being completed.

St Luke’s, Methodist, Memorial Hermann and Oak Bend all have expanded their hospital systems in our community. A trip to the Medical Center is not the only option for patient care. Many doctors who practice in the medical center have offices now in Sugar Land and Richmond areas.

Methodist Hospital in Sugar Land is offering cardiac care at all levels. From cardiac surgical procedures to mainstream testing a patient can receive this type of care.

Oak Bend Hospital has been a staple in health care for years in Fort Bend County. Now their Hospital is expanding in several phases. Later this year their facility located at 59 at Williams Way will be open for business. This is one phase the Hospital is undertaking as it grows to meet the demands of the community.

This year the Oak Bend Medical Center performed their first open heart surgery. Oak Bend’s main hospital will continue to be the stronghold for trauma care for their hospital system. The new site will consist of a 90-bed three story full serviced acute care facility. Healthcare services will include surgical services, women’s services, ICU, imaging, laboratory and pharmacy services.

Expectant mothers now have several choices where to deliver their baby. Most of the Hospitals provide state of the art birthing centers.

Hospitals healthcare systems expanding into the community helps the patient and the family. The convenience of a close facility alone helps the family cope with the stresses of a love one being in the hospital. Trips to the medical center could be costly due to gas, food and parking. Similar expansions in the Woodlands, Tomball and Katy areas are currently or have taken place.

While no one wants to be in the hospital, it is good to hear we have options. Be safe and stay healthy.

30 songs in 30 days - The facebook experiment

Economic worries and job security are current stresses of life for many. Chad Strader has taken on a challenge that puts the stress of life for him into a world of its own. 30 songs in 30 days is what Chad calls his facebook experiment.

Chad is on day 21 of his experiment. In a nutshell he is writing 30 original songs in 30 days and posting them to his facebook. Nightly his follows will log on to listen to his latest song of inspiration. On his facebook page he commented “I am a very frustrated songwriter. I decided to further punish myself with some discipline”. Chad is only dedicating 45 minutes to an hour daily for the experiment.

I have known Chad since Jr high school days. My best memory I share with him happened our Senior year at Dulles High School. Our Government teacher was going around and asking each of us “What do you want to be when you grow up?” As clear as if it were yesterday, Chad Strader said… “I want to be the lead singer of a Christian band.”

Currently, Chad is Worship Experience Pastor at River Pointe Church in Richmond, Texas. His experiment started on August 7, 2009 and will end September 5, 2009. He has many supporters from the church, friends and the community.

On day 14, the experiment turned to a near meltdown. The songwriting was not flowing to say the least. However, I personally think this night was Chad’s finest hour. He did an incredible song called “Nothing”. When face with adversity, Chad pulled through and came out with a brilliant and fun tune.

Chad’s favorite song of the experiment thus far is #11, “Somewhere”. This song is about hope and keeping your dream no matter where you are there is still hope and love. He commented on his post “I hope this experiment will encourage all who create to stop sitting on your material”.

There is just over a week left in the experiment. But like song #20, Chad is a man of his word, and he will see it through. His songs have touched so many and hopefully he will get a recording deal. Good luck and tune in tonight!

Youtube link to 30 Songs in 30 Days

Out with the Old, In with the New

Recently, I purchased a brand new Toshiba Notebook. I go everywhere with it. It is small and essential to my business on the go. Needless to say, I am a big fan of the Notebook PC.

Hence the problem, What do I do with my old computer? I am not a technical guru by no means but somehow I became an owner of two laptops and three desktops.

This situation lead me to a business called Bass Computers. They are a recycling company for all things technical. Computers, mother boards, monitors and even telephones are stripped to their bare essentials to be recycled.

This going green effort is a little peace of mind to those who are eco-friendly. The computers are not dumped to end up in a landfill. They are de-manufactured to the plastic, metal and wiring and recycled in a variety of parts.

Bass takes in computers from businesses or residents. They have traveled statewide to pick up computers. The best part, there is no charge to drop off your computer. All you have to do is make sure to properly secure you personal information off the hard-drive.

Here’s a tip, just take a hammer to it and smash it into pieces or you could just reformat the hard drive. So go ahead and purchase your new computer. Log on, surf the net, facebook, twitter or what ever makes you happy.

Bass Computers Home Page:
http://houston-computer-recycling.basscomputers.com

Good food, New look

Texas is known for good Mexican Food. Lopez Mexican Restaurant is one of the best tex-mex dining spots in our area.

For years they have been serving up enchiladas, tacos and other tex-mex favorites. The restaurant prides itself on their customer service and reasonable prices.

Recently the restaurant went through renovations. The construction did not slow the business down for service, Friday nights were packed for dinner rush with faithful guests.

This week Lopez’s construction was completed. A new and larger waiting area greeted diners. The bar area has been expanded and now gives guest a choice of waiting areas. The new bar is fully serviced and gives a party like atmosphere.

What has not changed is the incredible service the wait staff provides. The entire staff is always friendly and eager to please. Most important the food is brilliant and delicious. Cravings for Mexican food are always satisfied at Lopez.

Just writing this makes me hungry. Enjoy!

Address: 11606 S Wilcrest Dr, Houston, TX 77099

Web site: lopezmexicanrestaurant.com
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Battling the Electric Bill

As Summer creeps to an end, hot temperatures remain in the forecast. The heat advisories for our area have been issued frequently. The biggest reminder is the electrical bill. For some residents, they will do anything to cut cost.

One business that is booming is Hunter’s Window tinting. Tinting of windows in homes and businesses is a trend that has been growing in popularity. The solar reflected tint keeps the heat out during the summer and helps reduce your electric usage. In the winter the tint helps to keep your home warm by acting as a insulator.

Owner, Lance Hunter tells us at that the tint also helps preserve your home. The sunlight that comes through the windows of your home can sometime fade your furniture or hardwood flooring. The tint shields your belongings from these damaging UV rays.

Another benefit to tinting is safety. During a Hurricane or high winds windows could break. The tinting itself helps keeps windows from shattering into pieces. Tinting your home windows allows you to keep your blinds open. This is helpful when your children are playing in the yard and you have an unobstructive view.

One Richmond couple has installed the window tinting to their home and their business. In a year, their business saved one thousand dollars. They also “feel” the difference in their home. Their living room is much more cooler with the tinting.

So try to enjoy the rest of the summer and good luck on that electric bill.

For more information www.hunterswindowtint.com

Style and Sizzle

Fashion, Fair and Fort Bend county came together for a good time today. The Fort Bend County Fair Luncheon and Style show was held at the Safari Texas Ranch Magnolia Ballroom. Fair Queen candidates and supporters of the event came out to help raise money for educational scholarships.

Many residents, politicians and pillars from our community stepped out to this year‘s event. Bling, boots and hats were easily found on the runway.

Congressman Pete Olson donned western attire as a guest model before attending his Town Hall meeting on Health Care reform. He says he is feeling good since his heart procedure. He is trying to get more exercise in his daily schedule. Congressman Olson says the residents have been passionate on the health care issue and he welcomes their participation.

One of the jewels of Fort Bend County, Ms Billie Neuhaus, attended as she does every year. She along with Lizz Sansone, Ann Smith, May Tape and Donna Kay Tucker will be honored next month for their contributions and support to a variety of Fort Bend County organizations.

The Style show is a preview to the Fort Bend County Fair. The Fair this year runs from September 25, 2009 to October 3, 2009. This is the debut year for new Fair Manager Susan Sillavan. She has worked hard getting to know the community and promoting the fair.


Ready or not Fair time is right around the corner. Good Luck to all the kids who are participating.

For more information on this year's fair go to: http://www.fbcfa.org

Parking Problems

Parking at the Harris County Courts Complex is a tough task. Parking in the area has been a burden for years. Recently, the parking situation just became tougher. The largest parking lot across the street from the courthouse is being constructed into a underground jury assembly room.

If you are at the Courthouse in the morning before 9am docket call you see lawyers and other court goers sprinting from blocks away to make their court appearance. Another common sight you see are cars stopping in the middle of traffic to let someone out in front of the courthouse.

Harris county officials say the new jury assembly room will provide a larger area to handle more potential jurors and provide them underground access to the courts. Most important there will be an increase in security. Above the underground jury assembly room, a park is being constructed.

Parking cost can range from $2 dollars to $14 dollars a day. Depending on where you decide to park, the walk to the Courthouse could be two to three blocks away.

Best advise for all is to arrive early and bring cash.

What happened to tradition?

Did you grow up in Fort Bend County? If yes, do you remember the day off from school called Fair Day. It was a tradition for students and parents to enjoy a day off from school and head to the county Fair. It was standard in our community.

This year Fort Bend ISD has eliminated the student holiday from this year’s school calendar. Budget cuts and a mandatory 180 day school year may have contributed to the end of the tradition. According to FBISD, staff and students that participate in the parade on Fair Day will still be able to do so. Participation in the parade will be considered a school activity/school business.

For years, Fair Day was a coming together for all the school districts and residents of the county to get together. An early morning parade with school marching bands, drill teams, ROTC members and student athletes came together as one. Politicians, elected officials, public safety members and every law and fire department in the county were represented at this small town event.

It was a tradition that was passed on for generations. There are many parents today that take their own children, who themselves as children attended or participated in the parade. Kids get to line the streets and see floats, antique cars and horses go by.

Many families would enjoy the day by attending the fair at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds. Kids would hit the midway rain or shine. The past two years Hurricanes Rita and Ike played havoc on the fair. But not enough to cancel Fair Day!

Recently I posted the disbelief of no more Fair Day on my facebook status. My thoughts of disappointment was shared by many. Some even shared their Fair Day memories.

While it is not exactly peace in the Middle East or quick fix to our economic worries it was our Fair Day. It will be missed.

Sheriff Who?

Fort Bend County has been changing and growing these past couple of years. Town Center developments, several schools under construction and a new museum are just some of the on going projects in the county. One thing that has been a constant is Sheriff Milton Wright. Over the past 13 years he has overseen the county and the jail.

However, he has said that he will not run again in 2012. He will retire despite a strong record of claiming victory over any of his challengers through the years.

Thus the question is already being asked, Who will be Sheriff of Fort Bend County? There have been many local lawmen who have run or have said they intend to run for the office. The election may be years away but the meet and greets have already begun.

Whoever runs for Sheriff, the candidates will have certain county wide issues they will have to face. The county continues to grow at a very fast pace and will challenge the winner. More and more subdivisions, schools and shopping areas to keep safe. The growth in the Sienna, Katy and Fulshear areas puts a stress on manpower. There will be a new jail already in place for whoever is elected to office.

The political season may have come early to Fort Bend county, the question is who will be hitting the campaign trail. Stay tuned!

Another day in Fort Bend County
Pictured: Sheriff Milton Wright, Barbara Magana Robertson and Constable Troy Nehls

Hold The Phone

Back to school for some families started today. Others will begin next week. However for all Texas residents effective September 1, 2009, drivers will be facing a fine if caught using a wireless communications device while driving in a school crossing zone.

House Bill 55 is a new state law that makes using a hand-held cell phone in a crossing zone against the law. Drivers who commit a violation will face up to a $200 dollar fine. Last year, West University Place led the state by being one of the first to implement the law.

The challenge is how people have become accustomed to using their cell phones in every and any situation. Blackberry, iPhone or whatever gadget you may have to communicate is a constant habit for some. Now, drivers are updating their facebook or twitter status, checking email or finding out the latest news on their cell phones.

The law does have some exceptions in cases of an emergency or if you are using a hands-free device. Traffic signs warning drivers have been put up in the Sugar Land area. Missouri City is expected to soon follow.

So beware of the new law and most of all be alert while driving with all the kids returning to school.


For more information, visit www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us.

Who was she talking too?

That Is the question many Houstonians (Americans) are asking of Representative Shelia Jackson Lee. During a recent townhall meeting on health care reform she answered her cell phone in the middle of the event. This act, of what some are calling rudeness, was done while a Kingwood woman was asking a health issue related question. SJL was captured on video talking on her cell phone or what she is calling, multi-tasking. She claims she was trying to get the right wording for the answer of a question being asked. Others attending the meeting claim SJL was being briefed on the phone on who to Thank for attending the meeting.

The entire ordeal became a face book and twitter sensation. YouTube has the video depicting the incident. Local and National news have done stories on the now hot topic. I even admit, as soon as I saw a reporter’s face book status on it, I retweeted it on twitter.

From my experience as an assignment editor I can verify that one person can listen to a person on the phone, have a continuous conversation with someone standing at the news desk while looking up a number for a reporter on the computer. The big difference is, I am not an elected official.

The lessen learned from this hot topic is no matter who you are turn your cell phone off or put it on vibrate. If you’re an elected official, let your aids handle your phone calls and right wording inquiries. But most important don’t answer your phone in this type of situation.


Related story:
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=6964291