the suburbs for New Year's 2012

Bay Area:

New Year’s Eve at the Kemah Boardwalk
Family, fun and fireworks are all on the water in Kemah. Starts at 10 p.m. Kipp Avenue in Kemah. Call 281-334-9880 or visit www.kemaboardwalk.com.

Kelly McGuire’s 9th annual New Year’s Eve Bash
The Kelly McGuire band will perform 7:30 p.m. to midnight atHilton Houston NASA Clear Lake, 3000 NASA Parkway, 77058. Tickets cost $279 per couple and include an open bar during the entire event,champagne and chocolate covered strawberries, a midnight buffet and late checkouts. Call 281-333-9300.

New Year’s Eve at Gulf Greyhound Park
Check out the 13 live greyhound races, a buffet and of course champagne.Starts at 6 p.m., 1000 FM 2004, La Marque .

Big Texas Clear Lake
Starting at 7 p.m., this party includes a midnight countdown complete with a balloon drop and champagne toast along with some party favors. 803 E. NASA Road 1, Webster. Call 281-461-4400 or visit www.bigtexassaloon.com.

Bay Area Harbour Playhouse's New Years's Gala
Song, dance, buffet and champagne are all going down at 9 p.m. at the Harbour Playhouse, 3803 Texas 3, Dickinson. Cost is $35 per person. Call 281-337-7469.

The Woodlands/ Spring area :

Bar Louie on The Waterway
For $65 at Bar Louie in Town Center you get cocktails, party favors, breakfast/snack buffet and entertainment will be offered. Call 281 719-1900.

New Year's Eve Spectacular
The Texas Repertory Theatre will host a celebration starting at 4 p.m. at 14243 Stuebner Airline Road. Comedian/breast cancer advocate Michelle Thomas, magician Jim McKenzie and Elvis tribute artist Vince King will provide the entertainment. Tickets are $50. Call 281-583-7573 or www.texreptheatre.org.

Houston Symphony
The Houston Symphony and conductor Brett Mitchell will perform at 8 p.m. at Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Drive, Spring. Tickets are $35-$65 at www.cypresscreekface.org.

Sugar Land :

New Year's Even Gala at CityCentre
The Next Level Band will be on hand from 7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at CityCentre at La Quinta Drive, Missouri City. Tickets are $85 and include access to all-night cash bars, food and live music. www.golfquailvalley.com

2013 Rockin' New Year's Eve Bash
Dinner, dancing and a performance by cover act the Doppleganger Band will be going on at 7 p.m. at Stafford Centre Performing Arts Theatre and Convention Center, 10505 Cash Road, Stafford.Tickets are $65 at www.staffordcentre.com

Sugar Land's New Year’s Eve on the Square
Children’s celebrations will begin at 7 p.m. at 2700 Town Square Place with street performers, chalk art ,music and fireworks. At 9:30 p.m. the party resumes with the New Year’s Eve celebration for the adults until 1 a.m. A giant ice cube will also be on hand.

Other areas :

Kings Harbor in Kingwood
Classic rock band Acoustic Villains will perform starting at 5 p.m. in the plaza of Kings Harbor Waterfront village, 1660 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Kingwood. Call 713-629-5200.

ComedySportz in Memorial
ComedySportz will host two shows at 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. at ComedySportz 901 Town & Country Blvd. Admission is $16 for adults and $14 for students and senior citizens. www.comedysportzhouston.com

Kids can have fun in Katy
Adventure Kids Playcare, a drop-in childcare center in Cinco Ranch’s Villagio Town Center, is having a Kids New Year’s Eve Party from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Reservations and more info www.adventurekidsplaycare.com.

Midnight in the Gardens in Galveston
Midnight in the Gardens - A Fabulous Affair will be at the Moody Gardens Convention Center and will be transformed into a lavish party ballroom. Th event starts at 7:30 p.m. at 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston. Party band Commercial Art will be performing and there will be food and drink stations. Tickets run $425 for couples and $225 for singles. For reservations, call 888-388-8484.


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New Year's Eve 2012

To help you find the right place to be at midnight, here's a look at New Year's Eve concerts and more:

13 Celsius: Downtown bar celebrates its sixth anniversary with a 1920s-inspired "Midnight in Paris" celebration. When: 9 p.m. Where: 3000 Caroline; Tickets: $20-$25; 713-529-8466 or www.13celsius.com.
Anderson Fair: Beloved singer-songwriter Shake Russell has written songs for Waylon Jennings and Clint Black. He'll front his trio, along with special guests Ken Gaines and Wayne Wilkerson. When: 8 p.m.; Where: 2007 Grant; Tickets: $35; 832-767-2785 or www.andersonfair.com.

Arena Theater: New Jack R&B ensemble Tony! Toni! Tone! carries on without Raphael Saadiq. They're joined by Jon B (not the sloop). When: 8 p.m.; Where: 7326 Southwest Freeway; Tickets: $39.50; 713-772-5900 or www.arenahouston.com.

Big Easy: Powerful bluesy rock provided by the Mighty Orq. When: 8 p.m.; Where: 5731 Kirby; Tickets: $10; 713-523-9999.

Boondocks: House music on the tables from James Reed, Josh Dupont, Miscka, Spettro and Skeezer. When: 9 p.m.; Where: 1417 Westheimer; Tickets: $5; 713-522-8500.

Club Pride: Masquerade ball, featuring a balloon drop and champagne. When: 8 p.m. Where: 229 E. NASA Parkway, Webster; Tickets: $5; 281-557-4800 or www.clubpridehouston.com.

Continental Club: Mike Stinson will serve up hard-edged honky-tonk, and the Allen Oldies band will keep the sounds of the '50s and early '60s alive. When: 7 p.m.; Where: 3700 Main; Tickets: Free; 713-529-9899.

Discovery Green: See KC and Sunshine Band and fireworks. Interview with KC and Sunshine Band.

Dosey Doe: Austin band the Derailers brings old-school honky-tonk with some rockabilly edge. When: 8 p.m.; Where: 25911 Interstate 45 N., The Woodlands; Tickets: $78-$118; 281-367-3774 or www.doseydoe.com.

Eagle Houston: Popular gay bar rings in 2013 at its newish location. No cover in leather or without a shirt. Legendary DJ JD Arnold on the tables, and the doors don't close until the last person leaves. When: 9 p.m.; Where: 213 Milam; call for price; 713-236-8777 or www.eaglehouston.com.

F Bar: Award-winning drag show and other fabulous party favors. When: 9 p.m.; Where: 202 Tuam; Tickets: Free; 713-661-7600 or www.fbarhouston.com.

Fitzgerald's: A monster bill of homegrown talent including listenlisten's B.E. Godfrey, Buxton, Robert Ellis, B L A C K I E, Deep Cuts, Infinite Apaches and Bombon. When: 8 p.m.; Where: 2706 White Oak; Tickets: $5 older than 21, $10 younger than 21; 713-862-3838.

Guava Lamp: Live music, DJ and more. When: 8 p.m.; Where: 570 Waugh; Tickets: $15; 713-524-3359 or www.guavalamphouston.com.

House of Blues: Austin's Reckless Kelly makes red-line roots rock. When: 9:30 p.m.; Where: House of Blues, 1204 Caroline; Tickets: $25-$55; 832-667-7733 or www.hob.com.

JR's Bar & Grill: Countdown of the top 10 videos of the year. Plus a champagne fountain. When: 9 p.m. Where: 808 Pacific; Tickets: Free; 713-521-2519 or www.jrsbarandgrill.com.

Lumiere Nouveau: A New Year's Masquerade: Pride Houston's first New Year's Eve celebration, featuring DJ Joe Ross and singer Nina Lombardo. Wear a mask and dress fabulous. When: 9 p.m.; Where: 5226 Elm; Tickets: $75; $100 at the door; www.pridehouston.org.

McGonigel's Mucky Duck: Singer-songwriter-sideman Jack Saunders plays tunes from the new "A Real Good Place to Start" as well as old favorites. When: 7 p.m.; Where: 2425 Norfolk; Tickets: $90-$100 (includes dinner); 713-528-5999 or www.mcgonigels.com.

MKT Bar: DJ Melodic spins as you enjoy "gourmet international hors d'oeuvres, delectable desserts" and a champagne toast at midnight. When: 8 p.m.; Where: 1001 Austin; Tickets: $25; 832-360-2222 or www.mktbar.com.

Monnalisa: Local veteran Norma Zenteno combines rock, jazz and Latin rhythms. When: 8 p.m.; Where: Hotel Sorella, 800 W. Sam Houston Parkway N., Building 9; Call for prices; 713-973-1600.

Montrose Mining Company: Blackout party, male go-go dancers and a free LED light once the lights go out. When: 9 p.m.; Where: 805 Pacific; Tickets: Free; 713-529-7488 or www.theminehouston.com.

Numbers: The legendary club promises its yearly "huge" cash balloon drop at midnight and other goodies. When: 9 p.m.; Where: 300 Westheimer; call for price; 713-521-1121 or www.numbersnightclub.com.

Nutty Jerry's: Raul Malo has reunited with the smooth country band the Mavericks. When: 7 p.m.; Where: 18291 Englin, Winnie; Tickets: $30-$40; 877-643-7508 or www.nuttyjerrys.com.

Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe: Owner Wrecks Bell suggests this show will be the last of his Townes Van Zandt wakes. Richard Dobson will be among the players doing all Van Zandt songs. When: 8 p.m.; Where: 413 20th, Galveston; Call for price; 409-762-9199.

Party Monster NYE: DJs and big, fat bass. With Moonstruck Red, Bart Black, SentiFlect, K9 and more. When: 9 p.m.; Where: Fun Plex, 13700 Beechnut; Tickets: Free; 281-530-7777 or www.houstonfunplex.com.

Reliant Arena: Contempo R&B singer Trey Songz released "Chapter V" earlier this year. Opener Miguel is having a big, breakout year. When: 9 p.m.; Where: One Reliant Plaza; Tickets: $49.50; 800-745-3000.
South Beach: DJ/VJ Wess plays the year's biggest hits for the dance floor. Cash and lottery-ticket balloon drop at midnight. When: 9 p.m.; Where: 810 Pacific; Tickets: $15; 713-529-7623 or www.southbeachthenightclub.com.

Stereo Live: Its fifth annual NYE bash will feature Aly & Fila and DJ Shogun. When: 8 p.m.; Where: 6400 Richmond; Tickets: $20-$30; 832-251-9600.

Super Happy Fun Land: A truly alternative New Year's Eve with the Fuzzlers, the Annoysters, the Illegal Wiretap and Solar Temple. When: 8 p.m.; Where: 3801 Polk; call for price; 713-880-2100.

Warehouse Live: Live music by Adrenaline and Alter Ego, and DJs will provide the sound for the BLT (black tie, lingerie, toga ... in case you didn't know) event. When: 8 p.m.; Where: 813 St. Emanuel; Call for price; 713-225-5483.

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Weather

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My Annual Christmas Party

I know my posting have been a bit erratic lately but that tends to happen with all of us for the holiday season. so I decided that I need to post the link to my annual Christmas party. I hope everyone enjoys it and I am going to be posting on a more regular basis now that things have started to settle down. so sit back, relax and enjoy the video

Annual Christmas Part


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NOH8 campaign

Houston turns it out for NOH8 campaign

Houston will not tolerate H8. And here’s the photographic proof.
The NOH8 campaign visited the University of Houston in October, where hundreds of gay folks and straight allies turned out for a chance to be snapped by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska. The “photographic silent protest” was created in response to Proposition 8 in California, which amended the state Constitution to ban same-sex marriage. A federal appeals court struck down the ban earlier this year, deeming it unconstitutional.
More than 700 photos were snapped, making it one of the largest turnouts to date. And they were finally delivered, appropriately enough, Tuesday. Merry Christmas, Houston.
Photos feature subjects with duct tape over their mouths, symbolizing their voices being silenced by Prop 8 and similar legislation around the world, with “NOH8″ painted on one cheek in protest. Proceeds are used to promote and raise awareness for marriage equality and anti-discrimination through NOH8′s interactive media campaign.
Among the Houston folk who posed are Emmy winners, radio personalities, Glamberts and a certain baby star of a certain blog. Have a look at the gallery above.

Link to Original Article with Slide Show

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BBQ restaurant to Austin

Justin Timberlake to bring Memphis-style BBQ restaurant to Austin

khou.com

Posted on December 13, 2012 at 10:05 AM
 AUSTIN, Texas -- A well-known entertainer plans to bring a new barbecue restaurant to the Austin area.

According to the Austin Business Journal, Justin Timberlake is planning a 30-city expansion of his upscale Memphis-style barbecue restaurant -- and Austin has made the list.
Timberlake currently has a restaurant in New York City's Hell's Kitchen. Other cities he hopes to expand to include Atlanta, Chicago and Denver.

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Zoo Lights a new holiday offering

Zoo Lights

 Sparkling lights, life-size animal sculptures, strolling carolers and the opportunity to visit the animals after dark are part of the appeal of this new holiday event at the Houston Zoo. Zoo Lights will be open 6-10 p.m. Friday through Jan. 5 (with the exception of Christmas Eve). Admission is $10 (free for ages under 2); the last ticket will be sold at 9 p.m. Information: 713-533-6500

 

Zoo Lights Hours

6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (last admission at 9:00 p.m.)

Zoo Lights Days

Zoo Lights is open every night from November 23 through January 5 except for December 24. The Zoo is closed during the day on Christmas Day, but join us for Zoo Lights that night!

Prices

Members - $8Non-members – $10
Get $1 off your ticket when you purchase online!
Free admission for kids under age 2.

 

Zoo Lights Video

 



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Taylor Swift's 'Red' tour

Taylor Swift's 'Red' tour sets Houston date, venue

Taylor Swift has a swift course to domination: AP photo

 

UPDATE: The Red Tour plays Toyota Center May 16. Tickets are a reasonable $29.50-$84.50 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Dec. 14 at 866-446-8849, via houstontoyotacenter.com and at select Randalls.

Taylor Swift fans, rejoice. The crossover superstar is taking her acclaimed "Red" album on tour.
Swift made the announcement during a Friday night primetime special and will perform 58 shows in 45 cities in 29 states and three provinces. That includes a May 16 date in Houston. (Venue and on-sale date TBA.)

At Swift's request, every show will include tickets priced at less than $50. U.K. singer Ed Sheeran will open all dates. He's also featured on "Everything Has Changed," a duet on Swift's "Red" album that has already reached No. 1 on the overall iTunes songs chart.
Billboard expects "Red" to move more than 1 million copies in its first full week of release, making her the only female act to achieve that feat twice. ("Speak Now" shifted 1 million-plus in 2010.)

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Enjoy the show, but first a trip to the bar

Enjoy the show, but first a trip to the bar


Does liquor make bad movies better?

We’re pretty sure that the answer is yes.

River Oaks Theater , which is hosting a midnight bad-movie series, boasts the River Oaks Lounge, a cozy space on the second floor where the old-school cocktails pack a punch.
Of course, River Oaks isn’t the only theater to recognize that a night at the movies is better with a shot.

Read Full Article w/ Theater Listings

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America's biggest malls

Texas ranks on list America's biggest malls

If you love to shop, it's good to live in Texas.
Five Texas malls have made an Esri Story Maps list of the 50 biggest shopping malls in America, including a surprising entry – the Brazos Town Center in Rosenberg. Houston makes the list twice, with The Galleria and the Memorial City Mall.

Here's the top 10, plus Texas' contributions.

1. Mall of America, Bloomington, Minn. (4.2 million square feet, with 520 stores)
2. Eastwood Mall Complex in Niles, Ohio (3.2 million square feet, with 161 stores)
3. South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, Calif. (2.7 million square feet, with 300 stores)
4. King of Prussia Mall in King of Prussia, Penn. (2.69 million square feet, with 368 stores)
5. Millcreek Mall in Erie, Penn. (2.6 million square feet, with 175 stores)
6. Celebrate Virginia in Fredericksburg, Va. (2.5 million square feet, with 200 stores)
7. Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, Calif. (2.269 million square feet, with 240 stores)
8. Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Ill. (2.224 million square feet, with 240 stores)
9. The Houston Galleria (2.221 square feet, with 345 stores)

Fun facts: The Galleria was built in 1970 and is ranked as the largest mall in Texas, according to the Esri 2012 Directory of Major Malls. The mall's central space is based on the Galleria Vittorio Emanuale II in Milan, Italy.

10. Palisades Center, West Nyack, N.Y. (2.2 million square feet, with 255 stores)
19. NorthPark Center, Dallas (2 million square feet, with 225 stores)
30. Brazos Town Center, Rosenberg (1.8 million square feet, with 120 stores)
38. Memorial City Mall, Houston (1.7 million square feet, with 205 stores)
47. North East Mall, Hurst, Texas, between Fort Worth and Dallas (1.65 million square feet, with 125 stores)

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Lights in the Heights week is here

Lights in the Heights will celebrate its silver anniversary this holiday season, with the 25th annual Woodland Heights holiday street party held from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8.
Lights in the Heights is one of these events that makes the Heights the Heights, annually drawing thousands of people to the neighborhood (last year, it was estimated the number was 40,000), marveling at the holiday displays, live music and singalongs and a general air of festivity along the route, which this year will follow Highland and Bayland from Beauchamp to the Norhill Esplanade

Read Full Article (with map and video)

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