B-52 Brewing is open for business in Conroe

B-52 Brewing is open for business in Conroe

B-52 Brewing Co. in Conroe is open for business on six wooded acres off Texas 105.

Kegs of the beer are being delivered to a small but growing number of places, mostly in the Conroe-Woodlands area for now. That includes The Red Brick Tavern in Conroe and Texas Beer Garden in Magnolia, although the Flying Saucer in downtown Houston should be getting some of the Payload pilsner on Thursday.

But the best way to enjoy B-52 right now is at the brewery itself. Last Saturday, we loaded the dog and made the drive north, then spent a couple of very pleasant hours enjoying the shade and the company while sampling the pilsner, wheat IPA and rye saison. There were people playing ping-pong and beanbag toss games, and others playing with their dogs and/or children. There was an acoustic band playing and the owners say food trucks will be participating in the future.

B-52 looks much like a traditional shipping brewery. But because the owners switched to a brewpub license to take advantage of last year’s overhaul of Texas beer laws — specifically, the new law that allows brewpubs to distribute packaged beer to outside retailers — we were able to grab a half-growler to go that we shared with friends at a party that night. As of now, shipping breweries still are prohibited from filling growlers or selling any beer to be consumed off-premises.

• What: Tour and tasting at B-52 Brewing, a new craft brewery.
• Where: 12470 Milroy Lane, Conroe.
• When: Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m.
• Cost: $12 gets you a souvenir pint glass and three fills from the covered outdoor bar area; $8 gets you a smaller glass and three pours.
• Also available: Growlers with the B-52 logo are $18, filled with 64 ounces of the Payload pilsner or Wingman wheat IPA. Half-growlers are $10. Refills are $12 and $7, respectively. The growlers are taped and must not be consumed on site.
• More info: b52brewing.com

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Cooling Foods for the Summer

Cooling Foods for the Summer

Foods with blue, green or purple colors are usually more cooling than similar foods that are red, orange, or yellow (a green apple is more cooling than a red one.)

Plants that take longer to grow (carrots, rutabaga, parsnip, cabbage and ginseng, which takes at least 6 years to grow) are more warming then those that grow quickly (lettuce, summer squash, radish, cucumber).

In the Taoist approach to nutrition, bitter flavors are recommended for summer months. For example: arugula, radish, asparagus and grapefruit. This is freshly squeezed grapefruit & kiwi juice, which brings up another good tip for staying cool--hydrate!

Yoga Guru Baron Baptist says less-dense meat is more cooling. For example: white fish, shellfish, clams and crab. He also suggests dairy products, bok choy, watermelon and salads.

 Steaming is generally the most cooling way to cook. Season steamed broccoli with salt, pepper and perhaps some Parmesan and a drizzle of evoo (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

Green tea is cooling and peppermint is as well. 



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Woodlands compound is an unbelievable property

Just in case a 17,000 square foot house isn't enough, this enormous compound in The Woodlands also includes a two-story guest house and a golf house.

Located at 15 Grand Regency on the famed Nicklaus golf course, this sprawling estate has pretty much everything you could possibly want in a home.

There's plenty of room to spread out in the 5-6 bedrooms, 9 full and 3 half bathrooms, huge gourmet kitchen, and multiple living rooms. You can also find plenty of things to do in the gameroom with golf simulator, movie theater, and beautiful outdoor spaces, including an infinity edge pool, hot tub, tanning deck, outdoor kitchen with barbecue and pizza oven, patio televisions, and fire pit.

Living a luxurious lifestyle on the 9th hole will cost you a whopping $14 million, so you'll need some serious cash to call this place home.

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The 10 most stolen vehicles

According to stolen vehicle recovery service LoJack, these 10 models were targeted by thieves the most last year:

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Social media mistakes Millennials make

 Social media mistakes Millennials make

With the national youth unemployment rate above 15 percent, it seems as though Millennials are struggling to lock in full-time employment. The sluggish economy is partly the blame. Misusing social media accounts is also seriously hurting Millennials.

The social media diet
Last week, the Chronicle reported on Kim Lehmkuhl who quit from her Pleasant Hill city clerk job after using Twitter when she should have been taking notes. The post provoked questions around social media etiquette at the office and left some wondering who’s at fault. The reality is that companies pay their employees to do a series of tasks. And unless those tasks involve managing the corporate social media accounts, there is no reason to be on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram during work hours.

The only time it’s acceptable to jump on social media is during the carved out morning, lunch, and afternoon breaks. During these windows, people can choose to spend their free time as they wish. However, sharing observations about company politics on social media is never a good idea and can have serious negative consequences.

The background check
Background checks no longer begin after a candidate receives a job offer; they begin when a candidate becomes a finalist for a position. Because running a traditional check is expensive, companies are now putting a lot more emphasis on the initial screen. Potential employers are verifying work habits by perusing social media accounts. They are reading blog posts, status updates, tweets and re-tweets, and glancing over YouTube channels.

Before starting a job search, Millennials need to update the security settings on their social media profiles. They should ensure only friends can see comments and pictures, and they should refrain from engaging in flame wars with people they don’t know. In fact, they need to try to not get into any altercations with anyone on social media; hostile behavior in any form is off putting and will scare away any future employer.

The glorious reference
The best reference can be diminished by a negative search result on the web. Aside from securing their social media accounts, Millennials need to put their name through an Internet query and go through the first ten pages of results. They should not limit their searches to Google — they should also run searches on Bing and Yahoo. Each search engine ranks information differently and will yield diverse results.

If negative information is found, contact the website’s administrator to have it removed. In some instances, legal assistance will be needed; it will all depend on how responsive the website manager is. Some sites will not remove information in any case.

Social media can be very addicting. It may help some Millennials to view each social media impulse as a craving; cravings last eight minutes, then fade. Taking time to consider how a video, picture or anecdote they are about to share may affect their future will keep them from losing out on an imminent opportunity.
Belo Cipriani is an award-winning author, former staffing professional, a spokesperson for Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Writer-in-Residence at Holy Names University. Learn more at BeloCipriani.com.

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Your guide to dining at 2014 Free Press Summer Fest

Free Press Summer Fest is two days of music and merrymaking. To really enjoy it, you’ll need to keep up your strength. Luckily, there’s plenty of folks there who want to help keep you sated and hydrated.
More than 40 food and beverage vendors, including some of the city’s most popular food trucks, will be ready to serve.

Here’s our top five picks for festival fare. Check out the accompanying gallery to preview who else will be there.

Bernie’s Burger Bus: Is there anything better than a Bernie’s burger. My absolute fave is the Homeroom (bacon, cheddar, “tipsy” onions, chipotle aioli and a fried egg), but that can be kinda messy for a festival setting. Instead go for Kindergartners, which are sliders with blue cheese, bacon and those outrageously good “tipsy” onions.

Golden Grill: If you want something lighter, stop by this brightly-painted truck. Go for the Buff Chick grilled cheese sandwich with its spicy chicken and cheddar. Another winner is the Hamlin with prosciutto, American cheese and jalapeno jam.

Geauxsicles: If you’re looking to cool off, find these folks. Made in Shreveport, La., these non-dairy frozen treats are made with all natural ingredients. Flavors include Mojito, BP&J, Crantastic, Lemondrop and Banana Bliss. And if you’re just looking for something to sip, try their refreshing Citrus Mint Tea.

Les Ba’Get: These folks have developed a good reputation for a dish not generally seen on a food truck. That would be bone marrow, which is roasted with lemon grass. That’s a little precious for a music fest and it’s not scheduled to be on the weekend menu. What will be served is an excellent bahn mi and Vietnamese egg rolls.

Custom Confections: This mom-and-pop food truck is known for its award-winning desserts. The truck will be offering cupcakes, brownies, cookies and funnel cake. And, with any luck, they’ll be serving their Fried Bananas Foster. Oh, yes, it is good.


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Guide to Houston's best farmers markets

Guide to Houston's best farmers markets

• 

In recent years, the number of farmers markets has mushroomed. Some are small humble operations; others boast a festive atmosphere complete with live music, cooking demonstrations and food trucks. All share a tasty notion: to nurture a better-educated consumer by facilitating conversations with food producers. Here are some markets to check out:

Rice University Farmers Market
When: Tuesdays from 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Rice University, West Stadium Lot, 5600 Greenbriar
Who's there: More than 30 vendors showcasing everything from dog biscuits and organic baby food to infused vinegars and local honey. This is a very popular market and a boon to those with busy weekends, when most other markets take place.
Website: farmersmarket.rice.edu/

Spring Branch Farmers Market
When: Tuesdays from 2-6 p.m.
Where: Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, 1504 Wirt
Who's there: Plentiful, adjacent parking make popping into this market for a loaf of freshly baked bread or some free-range eggs quick and easy.
Website: www.facebook.com/springbranchfarmersmarkethouston

City Hall Farmers Market
When: Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through June 18 (resumes in the fall)
Where: City Hall, 901 Bagby (garage parking available at 400 Rusk)
Who's there: Two dozen vendors offering prepared foods and produce, as well as cooking demonstrations by local chefs. Tip: Arrive early and head straight to Melange Creperie, where Sean Carroll makes savory and sweet crepes. They're worth the wait and easy to consume as you check out the rest of the market. Trust us.
Website: urbanharvest.org

Kingwood Farmers Market
When: Thursdays from 3-7 p.m.
Where: Town Center Park, 8 N. Main in Kingwood
Who's there: Nearly two dozen vendors offer local fruit and produce, artisan cheeses, fresh bread, jellies and jams at this market that is celebrating its fourth year. The park setting lends itself to picnicking.
Website: facebook.com/kingwoodfarmersmarket

Feast of Artisans Farmers Market
When: Every other Friday from 4-9 p.m.
Where: Southern Star Brewery, 1207 FM 3083 in Conroe
Who's there: In addition to fresh produce and locally farmed proteins, this market offers pickles, jams, wines, fresh pasta, coffee, cheeses and handmade chocolates.
Website: feastofartisans.com

Pearland Old Townsite Farmers Market
When: Every second and fourth Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon
Where: Zylinski Park, 2243 Grand in Pearland
Who's there: Vendors stocked with farm eggs, freshly roasted coffees, salsas, jams, beef jerky, and arts and crafts.
Website: pearlandoldtownsitefarmersmarket.com

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California city votes to end hot sauce dispute

• 

IRWINDALE, Calif. (AP) — The fiery fight is apparently over between the makers of a popular hot sauce and a small Southern California city that said its factory's smells were unbearable.

The Irwindale City Council voted Wednesday night to drop a public nuisance declaration and lawsuit against Huy Fong Foods, makers of Sriracha (suhr-AH'-chuh) hot sauce. The dual moves brought an effective end to the spicy-air dispute that had Sriracha devotees worried about future sauce shortages and had suitors including the state of Texas offering Huy Fong a friendlier home.

The closed-session council vote was unanimous with one councilman abstaining due to a conflict of interest, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported.

Residents and business leaders praised the vote that some called overdue.

"Thank you so much for saving Irwindale because we were headed in the wrong direction," Irwindale Fred Barbosa, who lives in Irwindale, told the Tribune after the vote.

Bob Machuca of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. said the resolution showed California is "open for business" and is "what we needed to do a long time ago."

The city of about 1,400 people had been at odds with the company, which recently moved its main operations there, after residents complained last year of spicy odors burned their throats and eyes.

It wasn't immediately clear what prompted the council change its position, but the company had been asking the city for more time as it worked with regional air-quality officials on a plan to make the smell go away.

But city officials met behind closed doors Tuesday with company CEO David Tran and representatives of Gov. Jerry Brown's Business and Economic Development Office. Afterward Mayor Mark Breceda said he would ask the council to end the fight.

"We forged a relationship," City Councilman Julian Miranda said Wednesday night. "Let's keep that going."

Tran, an immigrant from Vietnam whose company produces several chili sauces based on the flavors of his native country, said Tuesday that he installed stronger filters at the plant, and he's confident they will block fumes when the chili-grinding season begins in August.

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Houston Council passes equal rights ordinance

Houston Council passes equal rights ordinance

After nearly nine hours of chanting and tears from seas of opponents and supporters in color-coded T-shirts, Houston City Council passed an ordinance on Wednesday extending equal rights protections to gay and transgender residents.

Despite weeks of discussion and dissent over the measure, the final vote was 11-6, a count that matched guesses made months ago, when Mayor Annise Parker — the first openly lesbian mayor of a major American city — said she planned to bring forward such a measure.

The approval was greeted with thunderous applause from the audience, largely full of supporters, and chants of "HERO," for the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance.

"While much of the debate has centered around the gay and transgender section of the ordinance, it is a comprehensive ordinance," Parker said after the vote. "It is a good step forward for the city of Houston."

The measure bans discrimination based not just on sexual orientation and gender identity but also, as federal laws do, sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy and genetic information, as well as family, marital or military status.

The ordinance applies to businesses that serve the public, private employers, housing, city employment and city contracting. Religious institutions would be exempt. Violators could be fined up to $5,000

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Gilley's beer

 Gilley's beer two-steps back to town for a new generation

Gilley's beer, branded for country crooner Mickey Gilley and the iconic, eponymous Pasadena honky-tonk that epitomized the "Urban Cowboy" era, has two-stepped its way back to town.

The beer, a blond ale sold in 12-ounce bottles, is an updated version of a brew first released in 1979, when the Gilley's dancehall on Spencer Highway was making its star turn during filming of the John Travolta-Debra Winger tale of life, love and mechanical bull riding. The beer was produced into the 1980s before it disappeared along with the oil boom that had ushered in the wide-open, blue-collar spirit captured in the film.

Three decades later, Gilley's beer - this time made by a local craft brewery - is returning to shelves as part of an effort to rekindle interest in the man who "put Pasadena, Texas, on the map," said Steve Tidwell, vice president for marketing of Wild Bull Co., which handles Gilley's-branded food and beverages.

The beer is produced in Katy by No Label Brewing Co., which pays royalties to Wild Bull. No Label co-owner Jennifer Royo said plans are to eventually release the beer in cans as well, a further nod to the original "premium Texas beer" that also was produced on a contract basis for Gilley's.

Not a novelty act

Tidwell said the new beer is no mere novelty act. He thinks it's better-tasting than the original and he foresees expanding the brand by introducing new styles over the next several years. He also sees it as a way to introduce Mickey Gilley to a generation that may not be aware of his chart-topping hits, his ongoing performances in Branson, Mo., or even his connection with a place that for years defined the Houston area in the popular imagination.

"He's not recognized by the Country Music Association because he doesn't live the Nashville lifestyle," Tidwell said. "He liked to stay in his hometown."

Original Article

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100-year-old Michigan time capsule

Mystery inside 100-year-old Michigan time capsule puzzles Katy woman


Janet Foote of Katy has a mystery on her hands. Two, in fact.

They are both 200-year-old almanacs, which spent most of the last 100 years inside a Michigan church time capsule.

"I haven't had a chance to research them," Foote said Tuesday.

About all Foote knows for sure is that one of the almanacs was published in 1804 in New York and the other in 1808 in Philadelphia.

Notes jotted in the margins, such as what dates the cows calved, gave the books a personal touch, she said.

"They used those almanacs to plant by," she said. "They were very, very important."

Wrapped in brown paper tied with string, the almanacs were inside a time capsure found in the cornerstone of Trinity Episcopal Church in Grand Ledge, Mich., a Lansing suburb.

Members opened the time capsule in November, in connection with the congregation's 100th anniversary. They had only recently learned of the capsule's existence.

In addition to the typical assortment of time-capsule items, the church found the brown-paper package with this hand-written message on it: "May 2, 1912. If opened after the lapse of many years, these are to be presented to relatives of Rev. Foote if any are alive. Cassius Alexander, Warden." (A warden in the Episcopal Church is a lay partner of the rector who helps manage daily church operations.)

Original Article

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RED ROOM RED ROOM RED ROOM

now for something from left field




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Indoor skydiving center to open in north Houston in 2015

Houston is getting some high-flying fun next year when iFly Indoor Skydiving opens in Oak Ridge North. Skydivers are lifted via wind tunnel systems. The systems support recreational and competitive skydiving, as well as military training.

The City of Oak Ridge North and the Oak Ridge North Economic Development Corporation announced a partnership with the Austin-based company, which has 30 indoor flying facilities around the world.

The iFLY Indoor Skydiving Facility will be located in the Interstate 45 corridor that saw the opening of upscale entertainment center Bowlero earlier this week.

“We could not be more excited about working with the City of Oak Ridge North to bring an iFLY Indoor Skydiving facility to Houston,” said Matt Ryan, iFLY chief operating officer, in a release.. “Having spent significant time in Houston, I know the residents of Houston will flock to iFLY and enjoy the new sport of indoor skydiving.”

The Houston facility is expected to open in January 2015.

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Person Opinion - Kim & Kanye Marriage

here are my thoughts on the whole 'Kim & Kanye' wedding....WHO GIVES A RATS AZZ

really when did it get cool to admire someone who is famous for making a sex tape and a pompous ass who things the world revolves around them. maybe its just me but i would prefer to hear that they found a cure for cancer, aids, world hunger or even a trip to the dentist office to have work done w/o any pain killers.

The only thing i am wondering is who is running the pool on how long this "marriage" will last. my bets are on less then 2 yrs. anyone else what to place there's........

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Pride Houston unveils festival lineup

Houston Pride Week®:

June 20-29, 2014

Friday
(6/20): Eden: A Girl Party @ Pearl BarSaturday
(6/21): Pride Unleashed @ XL HoustonSunday
(6/22): Salvation Pool Party @ Morty Rich Hostel Monday
(6/23): Dine with Pride @ GratifiTuesday
(6/24): Rock the Runway @ South Beach

Wednesday
(6/26): Pride Happy Hour @ Crocker!
Thursday
(6/26): Pride Superstar Finale @ South BeachFriday
(6/27): Wonderland Houston @ South BeachSaturday
(6/28): Pride Festival and ParadeSunday
(6/29): Rapture: A Pride Foam Party

(Chorn.com)

Pride Houston

Pride Houston Events 



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Houston's top picks for barbecue

Houston's top picks for barbecue

You simply cannot visit Texas and not try the barbecue. Lucky for you, Houston has really stepped up its game in recent years. After years of being overshadowed by Hill Country power smokers like Franklin, Mueller and Snow’s, Houston’s pitmasters are serving up notable briskets, ribs and sausage. Here are some barbecue joints we recommend.





The Brisket House: This Galleria-area barbecue joint is owned by pitmaster Wayne Kammerl, who pays tribute to his alma mater with the “Aggie Special.” It’s your pick of meats served on butcher paper along with a chunk of cheddar cheese, a whole pickle, half an onion and bread. And, yes, it’s delicious. 5775 Woodway, 281-888-0331,thebriskethouse.com.


CorkScrew BBQ: This joint (actually it’s a mobile kitchen with covered seating) serves some of the best brisket in the state. The smoked turkey and pulled pork are solid, too. Go early as pitmaster Will Buckman runs out of barbecue before 4 p.m. most days. 24930 Budde, Spring, 281-330-2178, corkscrewbbq.com.


Gatlin’s BBQ: This small, family-run Heights spot sometimes has a hard time keeping up with demand for its tender brisket. Be patient. It’s worth the wait. 1221 W. 19th, 281-804-4555, gatlinsbbq.com.


Goode Co. BBQ: Jim Goode’s sliced brisket sandwich on house-made jalapeño-cheese bread is a modern barbecue classic. Just about everything else in this Texabilia-crammed neo-joint upholds the state’s honor, too: Czech sausage, duck, turkey and decadent pecan pie. (Bought whole, this pie makes one of Houston’s best souvenirs.) 5109 Kirby, 713-522-2530; 8911I-10 E., 713 464-1901, goodecompany.com.


Fainmous BBQ: Knoxville-born Jamie Fain is eager to school Texans in Tennessee-style barbecue. His pulled pork with house-made slaw is killer. 10400 S. Post Oak, 713-728-9663, fainmousque.com.


Killen’s Barbecue: Known for his eponymous steakhouse, Le Cordon Bleu-trained Ronnie Killen began his barbecue business in earnest about 18 months ago. It didn’t take him long to find the perfect balance of smoke in his fatty brisket and monster ribs. Long lines aren’t unusual at this Pearland restaurant that is housed in a former school cafeteria. Don’t miss the creamed corn. 3613 E. Broadway, Pearland, 281-485-2272, killensbarbecue.com.


Lenox Barbecue & Catering: Pitmaster Erick Mrok took over this barbecue joint 16 years ago, but his pits have been turning out terrific brisket since 1946. It’s take-out (and delivery) only these days, and you have to enter through the kitchen, but that doesn’t deter fans. Try the jalapeño/cheese links and charro beans. 5420 Harrisburg, 713-926-2649,lenoxbbqcatering.com.






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Comicpalooza 2014 is in full swing

Comicpalooza 2014 is officially here. Consider it the mecca, a pilgrimage if you will, of comic book and fantasy enthusiasts from around the world. From May 23-26, stars and fans alike will take over the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston in all their costumed glory.

Topping the guest list is Stan Lee, who is practically the godfather of the modern comic book world. He created nearly every major Marvel comic book character in the past 40 years, including ‘Spider-Man’ and ‘Fantastic Four.’ Many TV stars, including the Incredible Hulk himself, will also be on hand. Check out the entire celebrity lineup here.

New on the agenda this year is the Science Faction series. The brightest minds in the space industry, including NASA astronaut Stan Love and NASA scientist Sue Lederer, will discuss everything from aliens to pioneering space colonies.

The George R. Brown Convention Center is located at 1001 Avenida de las Americas. The convention will be open Friday-Sunday 9 a.m.-2 a.m.; Monday’s hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Single-day passes range $20-$35 for adults and $10-12 for children 6-12. Four-day passes range $55-$300 for adults and $12-18 for children 6-12.

For more information, visit comicpalooza.com.

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Spooky looking Houston mansion has found a buyer

Spooky looking Houston mansion has found a buyer


How hot is the Houston real estate market? An unfinished Houston mansion that looks like something out of a Tim Burton movie has reportedly been sold for nearly double the asking price.
When it went back on the market a couple of months back, the goth-friendly mansion was the toast of social media. It was a dream home of sorts for those with a spooky side, and if they had $150,000 to spend.
According to the Houston Area Realty site's sale report available online, it sold for between $250,00 and $285,000. Neither Realtor Alfonso Parodi nor new owner Nick Ugarov would disclose the exact sale price, but Ugarov said Tuesday that he was the 17th person to make an offer on the house.
The house is located at 2309 Wichita, just east of Texas 288 near Dowling St., and was scooped up by Deutsche Bank following the 2011 death of its owner, who never completed a 31-year renovation and expansion project.
"I probably paid too much because I wanted it so badly," he laughed.

Original Article

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Crescent hires GC to break ground on downtown tower this summer

Crescent hires GC to break ground on downtown tower this summer


Crescent Real Estate Holdings has finalized an agreement with Balfour Beatty Construction to build 6 Houston Center, a $250 million, 30-story office tower on the east side of downtown. The property is expected to break ground this summer.

The 600,000-square-foot building will have 10- to 12-foot ceiling heights, a concierge floor, rooftop gardens, a fitness and conference center, a nine-level parking garage, and a skybridge connection to 1 Houston Center/LyondellBasell Tower. Crescent announced the building in February. HKS Architects is designing the building to attain LEED Gold certification through the U.S. Green Building Council.

The tower, which is expected to open by the end of 2016,  site is bounded by Rusk, Caroline, Walker and San Jacinto streets. Chrissy Wilson of Jones Lang LaSalle is leasing the space, but no tenants have been announced.

Crescent has said it is prepared to break ground on the building regardless of whether it has found a tenant. If it does, it will be the second downtown tower to break ground on a speculative basis. Hines is building a more than 1-million-square-foot tower at the corner of Texas and Main.

Rents in 6 Houston Center are expected to range between $34 and $37 per square foot per year.

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Three-story glass house is paradise on the lake

 

Three-story glass house is paradise on the lake

Talk about the perfect summer getaway.  This awesome triple-decker lake house is located on a 24-acre retreat in Round Top, situated between Houston and Austin.

The beautiful house has living and eating areas on the first two floors while the master suite takes up the entire third floor with wall-to-wall views of the serene surroundings.

In addition to kicking back and relaxing in the beautiful home, you can spend your time swimming in the pool with waterfall, boating or fishing in the 4-acre stocked lake, practicing your aim from the skeet shooting house, relaxing around the outdoor firepit, or riding around the property in the accompanying utility vehicle.

The $5.3 million asking price is steep, but includes the awesome house, furniture, skeet shooting equipment, utility vehicle, and beautiful acreage.

If you're in the market for something a little closer to Houston, you can search for local homes in any price range here.

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Comicpalooza 2014's celebrity lineup

 

Comicpalooza 2014's celebrity lineup

It's that time of year again: Comicpalooza.

Now is your chance to meet some of your favorite industry greats from both on-screen and behind-the-scenes. Comic stars will be taking over the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston May 23-26. Check out the gallery above for the full lineup.

This year will feature a Science Faction series, including lectures from the brightest minds in the space industry. NASA astronaut Stan Love, NASA scientist Sue Lederer and other brainiacs will discuss everything from asteroids to pioneering space colonies.

The George R. Brown Convention Center is located at 1001 Avenida de las Americas. The convention will be open Friday-Sunday 9 a.m.-2 a.m.; Monday's hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Single-day passes range $20-$35 for adults and $10-12 for children 6-12. Four-day passes range $55-$300 for adults and $12-18 for children 6-12.

For more information, visit comicpalooza.com.

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Dracula's castle could be yours

The imposing property known as "Dracula's Castle" is for sale in Romania, but the undisclosed price tag will surely bleed your bank account dry.

The impressive stone structure, officially named Bran Castle, was completed in 1388 and is said to have been Bram Stoker's inspiration for Dracula's castle in his famed book.

Stoker loosely based his vampire character on Vlad Draul, or "Vlad the Impaler," who is also thought to have been imprisoned in Bran castle for nearly two months.

Bloody historical ties aside, the castle would be quite the lucrative investment since more than 500,000 paying tourists visit the iconic structure each year.

The legendary manor boasts 57 rooms and sits on 22 tree-covered acres, though the castle has no plumbing to speak of. It has been listed for sale multiple times in the past decade with some estimates hitting the $135 million price point.

If you have more than $100 million to throw down and don't mind throngs of camera-toting fang enthusiasts, this could be a great opportunity to sink your teeth into.


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The dos and don’ts of working from home

The dos and don’ts of working from home

 It’s unclear where it started, but there’s no doubt the working from home movement is thriving. Many local employers have some type of telecommuting policy and some employees have the benefit of splitting their time evenly between home and the office. Yet, the setup can create challenges for people who are new to working from home or don’t feel as productive as they do in the office. Here are some dos and don’ts of working from home.

Build routine
As beings of habit, it’s easy to fall into a pattern at the office. We subconsciously build a regimen with the aid of weekly meetings or by establishing a list of coffee buddies. In your cozy home though, it will take more effort.
When working from home, decide on an activity that will start your work day and stick to it. It may be powering your computer as you make coffee, walking into your home office and closing the door behind you, or creating a mental to do list after walking the dog. Ensure the activity is something that has to be done daily and only by you.

Take breaksPeople who work from home typically have more control of their environment, which could yield longer, more productive hours. Be sure to take breaks. If possible, take your morning, lunch and afternoon breaks at the same time you would at the office. Doing so will not just help with building a routine, but it will help keep the mind fresh. And since the brain runs on glucose, keeping yourself nourished will help you avoid an afternoon burn out.
For those who are parents and have small children at the house, use break times to socialize with them. It may be tougher to keep to a strict break schedule with kids around; though, you may find that adding more breaks will keep you alert to the needs of your children and maintain productivity.

Let others know of your schedule
If you have roommates, a significant other, children, or teens at the house, tell them about your telecommuting schedule. Point out the times that you are free to chat or even invite them to share a meal during the carved-out lunch time. Informing others of the times you are free to chat or hang will reduce distractions. Distractions will always occur as they do at the office, but you can minimize them by enforcing your agenda.

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The long-awaited Julep bar to open soon

The long-awaited Julep bar to open soon

The Kentucky Derby has run but we haven’t stopped thinking of a good julep. And we’re especially hankering for Julep.

After all, we’ve waited a long time for bartender extraordinaire Alba Huerta’s cocktail bar at 1919 Washington.

But the waiting is almost over. In about “three to four weeks,” according to a press release, the bartender from Anvil Bar & Refuge and the Pastry War will finally start pouring at her own place.

Julep will feature cocktails with roots from the American South. Southern cultures and traditions will influence the menu which will rotate three juleps including the house julep Embers of paradise (with burnt spiced dunked in rum, applejack, mint and cane sugar), as well as sazeracs, and large drink formats such as Texas cider milk punch. The bar will also feature riffs on crustas, a New Orleans-born drink that was the precursor to the Sidecar.
 
According to the Clumsy Butcher bar/restaurant group, Julep’s design will feature a center copper-top bar with Southern cabinetry behind it. There will be a large porch in back for proper julep sipping, and servers and bartenders will be wearing shirts designed by Houston’s Hamilton Shirts. Food? The bar will serve raw bar options as well as caviar service. Adam Garcia, formerly of Revival market, will run the kitchen.
When it’s finally up and running Julep will be open daily from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.


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Natural disasters from space

Natural disasters from space

 Various NASA satellites in orbit have taken "lofty" pictures of some of the worst natural disasters in recent memory.


Wildfires in CA



Landslide near Oso, Wash


2014 NA Cold Wave


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Lake Conroe full for first time since April 2010

Lake Conroe full for first time since April 2010

People who live, play and work around Lake Conroe have been upbeat for a couple years, since the lake has been within 2 to 3 feet of full.

This week, however, there's reason to break out the champagne: For the first time since April 25, 2010, Lake Conroe is at its full depth of 201 feet.

"When we get within a couple feet of being full, everyone's pretty happy," said Jace Houston, general manager of the San Jacinto River Authority, which oversees Lake Conroe. "People's docks are typically easy to access anywhere within 2 feet of being full."

But the full 201 feet is a symbolic milestone, Houston said, because there seemed to be a fear that the lake might not fill up completely again.

"It's just a relief to know that, even though we're not at normal rainfall, we can still fill up," Houston said.

Normally by this time of year, the Lake Conroe area would have had about 18 inches of rain. This year, the total so far is only about 12 inches and the area remains in drought, Houston said.

"The good news is we're going into the summer with the lake full," he said.

By August, when it's hot, dry and windy, the lake will likely be losing an inch to 1.5 inches per week, he said. But starting summer with the lake full will lessen the impact of that loss, especially if fall brings cooler, wetter conditions, he said.

What produced the fill-up was the rain on May 12, which brought 1.5 to 3.5 inches to the area around the lake, Houston said.

In earlier years, a 3-inch rain was not unusual, but Houston said the past four years have brought probably only a dozen such events.

This is the first time since the lake was completed in 1973 that it has gone four years without being full.

To finally crack 201 feet has brought a lot of smiles to residents, said Tony Williams, store manager at Stowaway Marina and RV Park on the north end of the lake.

"Everybody is happy, happy, happy," Williams said. "After the rains we just had, it's above pool. It's a beautiful sight."

Many people live on the lake with lakefront property, he said.

"It's really great for them and it's good for the fishing," Williams said. "If it will stay up, it will do wonders for the lake."

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