More Uncovered in Malik Nadal Hasan, Fort Hood Shooting
More has been uncovered regarding Maj. Malik Nadal Hasan's murder spree in Fort Hood.
As you no doubt know, Maj. Malik Nadal Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, opened fire at the Solider Readiness Center (where soldiers go before deployment and after they return from action), killing at least twelve and injuring 31 more.
Initial reports were that Hasan was killed, however it is now being reported that he is still alive and in the care of a hospital under military guard.
When I was a child, my father served proudly in the U.S. Army. There was even a brief time when my uncle, also in the Army, was stationed with his family in Fort Hood. Even still, I can't begin to imagine what the town and its community members are going through right now.
I'm really not even sure what to say about this other than my condolences go to everyone involved. It is a sad day.
Celebrate Big Bird's Birthday at the Spa
Were you aware that it is Big Bird's birthday? I certainly didn't. Really, I didn't even realize that puppets celebrated that type of thing. I mean, I know they get down for the major holidays, but celebrating Big Bird's birthday seems, I don't know, kind of weird. What do you even buy a giant fake bird? Giant fake sunflower seeds?
Sorry. I digress. I mention it only because it somewhat coincides with this nice little promotion that Yelp.com is hosting in Houston. It's called "Hawt on Yelp" and it's primary purpose appears to be to get you familiar with some fine local spas. They're offering up to 50 percent off many services. Here's a bit from the press release:
"These special offers are open to the public. Appointments must be made in advance by calling the business and mentioning Hawt on Yelp. No walk-ins."
After the jump, see which nine are spas are participating.
Stop Searching For Free Thanksgiving Wallpaper For Your Desktop, Go Vote For Mayor
Hi. In case you hadn't heard, there's this wee little election going on right now in Houston. Something about the Mayor of Houston or whatever; I'm not sure, I was busy searching out free Thanksgiving wallpapers for my desktop and Brandon Spikes eye gouging videos on Youtube from this Saturday's Georgia game.
But should you feel the need to participate in this pretty innocuous and inconsequential event, you can locate an official polling booth near you right here. However, I feel like I should let you know ahead of time that you do not receive any type of award for doing your civic duty.
Not even one single polling official will refer to you as The Greatest, Most Attractive Person in the History of the World after you've voted, no matter how long you stand around and wait for it (or even if you actively petition for it).
Houston Mayoral Race Nears End, Gets Insulty
For the better part of its duration, the Houston mayoral race has been fairly cordial and pretty much free of mudslinging. (I really wish there were more occasions on which it was appropriate to use the term "mudslinging." It just seems so regal.)
But as the race nears the money stretch, candidates have taken to berating each other and their subsequent policies and views pretty good. So much so, in fact, that Bill White, who has elected to not openly back any one candidate, has intervened.
I don't know. It's kind of immature, but I kind of like when political candidates get to slandering one another. I always imagine these late night meetings where party underlings are sitting around drafting outlandish ideas that they want to attach to the competing candidates so as to destroy their credibility. "I heard [name] used to date a Nazi back in college," they probably say.
But in the end, the race has played out about as well as anyone can hope. Now it's just a matter of seeing who wins. (I would like to point out that I called Peter Brown being elected way back in February, which pretty much proves my ability to see into the future.) So, who ya got?
More Believable: "Mooncalf" is a Word or Bailout is Saving/Creating Jobs in Houston?
An interesting email debate (if such a thing has ever occured) has been taking place over the past couple of days with a mooncalf regular emailer who goes by the name Arnowitz1.
It's sort of a tongue-in-cheek thing that I've come to look forward to receiving. Every couple of days he'll (I'm assuming said emailer is a he because he has referrenced Keanu Reeves no less than three times) a list of things are less preposterous than the theory that the bailout has been saving and/or creating jobs in Houston.
A lot of the times it's kind of funny ("if trained properly, a tiger could give a speech about nesting habits of bats") and sometimes it's just flat mean ("the Rockets won't flame out in the first round of the playoffs") but it brings to light a very serious topic: are jobs really being created and/or saved in Houston.
I thought I'd put it to you all to see what you thought. Sound off in the comments. Or list some things that might be less foolhardy to believe in. Your call.
Texas To Receive 831,000 Swine Flu Vaccinations
It was reported today that Texas will receive 831,000 doses of Swine Flu vaccinations soon (someone please call the Department of Health and Services and tell them that Houston has about 500 percent more people than that).
Harris County alone has seen at least 13 deaths caused by Swine Flu so make sure that you get in line to get your vaccinations. And remember, you can read about the symptoms of Swine Flu right here.
Many places will be offering Swine Flu vaccinations once they arrive from the DHS. Be sure to check with your local hospital for availability.
Easy Halloween Costume Ideas
Halloween is now less than nine days away, which means I (and any other dads out there responsible for locating and procuring the Halloween costumes for our children) still have to seven and a half more days before I even considering thinking about easy Halloween costume ideas.
For real, my own apathy for that sort of thing is nothing short of impressive. I literally skipped past several days of having nothing scheduled and wedged a 45 minute block out of an already busy day (the 30th, mind you) to pick up some costumes for my two little man-cubs.
I fully expect for them to be something completely lame this year, as well as every subsequent year I'm in charge of this task. I have no doubt I will answer "What are your boys going to be for Halloween this year?" with "I dunno. Whatever's left, I guess" at least for more times this week.
But if you're not a procrastinator, definitely hit up one these spots for some great Halloween costume ideas. They're sure to have something for you and yours.
Now, does anyone know where I pick up my Father of the Year trophy?
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Medical Marijuana in Houston - Medical Marijuana in Texas
Earlier this week, the Justic Department issued out a memo that, for all intents and purposes, gave medical marijuana users and their (legal) suppliers a free pass.
At the moment, medical marijuana usage is legal in 14 separate states (none of which are Texas). When Mr. Bush was in office, his team felt that, despite what state legislations decided, the federal government would not recognize any form of marijuana use as legal.
Obama's camp feels otherwise, saying prosecutors "should not focus federal resources in your states on individuals whose actions are in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws providing for the medical use of marijuana."
It's not likely that marijuana will become legal in Texas anytime soon (which seems to fuel the pro-bud folks over at the Drug Policy Forum of Texas plenty). What do you all think? Should it be legalized? If so, why? If no, why not?
Wil Wheaton - Big Bang Theory - Rice Village
I believe the correct term to use to preface the following statement is "nerd alert": Wil Wheaton, whom you might know more readily as Gordie LaChance in Stand By Me or, as I typically refer to him, "that guy from Stand By Me that got shot in Toy Soldiers," was on Big Bang Theory.
The internet has responded accordingly. (I myself just ordered a DVD copy of Stand By Me because I have low self-esteem and a PayPal account.) Check out the BBT episode if you get a chance. It'll make you feel only a little old.
Secondly, the Houston Press has a great list up right now profiling the ten best places to eat in Rice Village. (Read it here.) And also make sure you check out our photo tour of Rice Village. It's the tops. What are some of ya'll's favorite places to eat in Rice Village? Or, around town for that matter.
Dante Wesley Hit Video - Texans Win - U of H BCS Ranking
Dante Wesley, safety for the Carolina Panthers, absolutely (and illegally) crushed an unsuspecting Clifton Smith during an otherwise forgettable football game today.
The internet has since been buzzing with Dante Wesley hit searches and Dante Wesley hit video searches. Good luck finding that. The NFL is way stingy with their video clips, particularly those that might paint the league in a negative light. (Which is pretty much all of them.)
Lost in the search shuffle was the Texans impressive win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The win brings the Texans to an unfulfilling 3-3, with completely winnable games against the 49ers and Bills up next.
See the remaining schedule for the Houston Texans
The playoffs aren't exactly a given, but if Kubiak et al. can get it going, the Texans clearly have what it takes to make a team or two sweat. What are your end of season predictions? Leave your guesses in the comment section. If you guess correctly I will mail you $100. For real*.
In barely-related football news, the University of Houston footballers were ranked 17th by the BCS. It's the first time the Coogs have been in the top 25 of the BCS. Congratulations, gentlemen. In your face, Colt.
*Not for real.