H-Town Summer’s around the corner(^-^)
17 Apr 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: animals, aquarium, art, city, fun, health, Houston, museum, park, space, summer, Texas, tunnel, zoo
I know its a bit early since the official first day of summer is when the sun is farthest south from the earth and this year it will be on June 20th or 21st at least here in the Northern Hemisphere.
Okay so summer is around the corner and soon people will be going on vacation, the kids will be out of school, and the days will feel longer and the weather very warmer and then hotter. But it’s Houston the weather changes every 5 minutes here…LOL…
So the deal is where do you go during the summer, what do you do, either with family, friends or by yourself!? Well, there is so much to do you just have to look around. When I first moved here I had no idea of how many adventures awaited me, how many places I could visit, some are free other affordable so the key word here is FUN!
Here are my top 10 places you must visit this summer in Houston.
- Downtown Tunnel System- I accidentally found this one when I was going to UHD I was taking my first freshman classes in the summer and I really didn’t want to eat cafeteria food at the university because it was lunch time and busy. So I decided to walk in downtown and went to what is now Macy’s and somehow got lost but found that it was buzzing with people, there were restaurants, shops, all underground and air conditioned it was a plus. I had found my oasis not to mention I was almost late for my science class.
- Downtown Aquarium- I went here with my nieces and nephews and it was amazing, white tigers, an underwater aquarium with marine life swimming around, Louisiana swamp exhibit, a restaurant and lot more.
- The Houston Museum of Natural Science- What can I say I love museums, especially if there are dinosaurs, a butterfly center, planetarium, and a Giant Screen theatre. A plus are the the traveling exhibits I just saw Warriors, tombs, and Temples and Titanic. There is so much to see. Funny thing when I was young I wanted to be like Indiana Jones and uncover ancient treasures this is as close as I will get of-course without the danger of loosing my life.
- The Houston Museum of Natural Science-Sugarland- Not many people know that there is a satellite location of The Houston Museum of Natural Science located in Sugarland, Texas and that right now they have animatronic dinosaurs that move and make noise. the best part to me was the live frogs exhibit and Science on the Sphere was very educational. I love their inflatable planetarium if there’s room I like to lay on my back and stare up at the dome.
- The Houston Museum of Fine Arts-What is there to say Fine Art! Walk through and see the beauty created by human hands and their imagination. From traditional to contemporary.
- The Houston Zoo- I love the Zoo, there are many animals from different parts of the world both indoor and outdoor and very kid friendly. The petting zoo is great too.
- Hermann Park- It is 425 Acres of land that has a reflecting pool close by it there are gushing water outlets that you can run by in your summer wear (please take extra clothing and sunblock), pedal boat rentals, Hermann Park Train, a Japanese Garden, an outdoor theatre, trail walking, or find a nice spot for a picnic.
- Space Center Houston-It’s the Space Center, we are space city! Need to say more.
- The Health Museum-This is an interactive learning center about YOU! To learn how your body works.
- The Children’s Museum-This is more geared for kids, hence The Children’s Museum, also interactive, role playing, and tons of activities that the kids will enjoy.
Feliz dia del la Independencia, Viva Mexico
16 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Calderon, independence, mexican, Mexico, President, viva
Today Current Event Septiembre 16, 2011:
Yes to all you Mexicans you know what today is ” Viva Mexica, Viva la Independencia, Viva…” Ahh is makes you proud to be of Mexican descent when you go back through history and you hear a story that resembles that of David and Goliath, the underdog who overcomes a greater power and becomes independent.
This was the case 201 years ago. Yesterday evening Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon walked outside the National Palace balcony with his family by his side and shouted “El Grito” which start the festivities. There he stood waving the Mexican flag bold red, white,green with and eagle in the center on top of a cactus biting a serpent.
Still there was lots of caution considering the treat that the drug lords might come to ruin the festivities. Since 2006 the War on Drugslords has resulted in the death of over 41,000 death. There were many armed guards protecting the premises, streets, and president. Things went smoothly.
Here in Houston we also celebrated, mariachi,food, drinks, dress-up in traditional clothing,parades and like all Mexican we are still celebrating there is still the after, after party. Like they say “Smile be Happy and pass the Corona” Till next time!
“El Manco Garcia”
13 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: dismember, hero, independence, Mexico, war, whip
Getting close to September 15th which is Mexico’s Independence I remembered another story I heard growing up how accurate it is I’m not sure. The story begins when the Mexican War broke out and a group of rebels fought valiantly for independence against Spain. A hero rose whose favorite weapon was a whip that he used to set-up traps for his enemies.
The Spaniards expected any military tactic against them except for a whip! The speed of the whip was so fast that it could dismember the head of anyone like a guillotine. This Mexican hero was known as “El Manco Garcia”.
But on June 5th his luck ran out and while he and his men were sleeping the were attacked by General Garcia Conde. General Garcia Conde was en route to Valle de Santiago when this attack happened it is estimated that 150 of his friends and comrade were taken prisoners.
From Del Valle “El Manco Garcia” was moved to Celaya, where at that time Hidalgo was named General. “El Manco Garcia” was taken in chains to be executed. As he walked firmly with his head high the people saw their hero taken to be shot to death. After his death he was dismembered and his head was placed on a pick in Celaya.
That is how “El Manco Garcia” died for his country.
The Legend of “El Pipila”
06 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Battle, el pipilas, fight, fire, guanajuato, hero, independence, legend, Mexico, myth, September
Since September is the month of Mexico’s Independence I’ve decided to blog about some of Mexico’s legends, Myth, and Heros. This are stories that I’ve heard and grew up with and may change depending on the area or people. Once again this are stories based on actual accounts that have become legends and/or myths that have been handed down orally.
During the first battle of the Mexican War for Independence there is a legend of a modest miner from San Miguel de Allende who was working near a mineral mine in Mellando.
It is said that once Hidalgo discovered the conspiracy he united the people and arrived at Guanajuato [in the indigenous language it means " Place of frogs"] Hidalgo’s goal was to take control over Alhondiga de Granaditas where Mayor Ria~no became strong with the help of the soilders. In his pocessions he had amny treasures which included silver bars, cas, and Real Hacienda, food allthat was geared to survive a siege.
The fight was frightful and the acts of courage and heroism happened from left to right.
In this battle, the humble man nicked named ” El Pipila” placed a piece of slab on his back, an walked and dragged himself to get to the doorstep of Alhondiga, he greased with brea and lit the door on fire. The people inside wend wild with despair and many fell dead one on top of another. Some people stood their ground and remain in the courtyard with firearms but their fight was meaningless.
If this humble man had not done this Hidalgo would not have taken over Granaditas and the luck of the unsurrection would have been another.
“El Grito” 200 years later.
01 Sep 2011 1 Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: America, Battle, bicentenial, Cinco de Mayo, Civil War, commemorate, democracy, El Grito, father, fight, French, independence, Mexico, Padre Hidalgo, Puebla
(This video is in Spanish)
Many people believe that El Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is Mexico’s Independence day. You would be wrong. Cinco de Mayo also known as La Batalla de Puebla (The day of the Battle of Puebla) commemorates the spark of the Mexicans who wanted freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War where the Mexican Army’s defeated the French forces under the General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin. It is celebrated because is was unlikely for the Mexican Army to win for various reasons. One The French Army outnumbered the Mexican Army by 2 to one (French 8,000 men to Mexico 4,000 men). Secondly the French were better equipped with the latest weaponry during that time compared to the indigenous Mexicans. Mexican’s still won even though 1 year later they were defeted and under French rule.
Which brings me to ” El Grito” (The Cry) on the church steps in the town of Dolores Hidalgo, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Castilla read the Gritto de Hidalgo (or “Call of Hidalgo”) in 1810. This is the actual day of Mexico’s Independence. This year of 2011 commemorates their bicentennial Celebration. Mexican’s worldwide will celebrate with a Fiesta!
Brief History: That day, September 16 (Diez y Seis de Septiembre), Father Hidalgo launched the Mexican War of Independence against Spain. After the declaration, Hidalgo and his followers set out to spread the word to nearby San Miguel de Allende. Hidalgo affixed an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe to a staff, bringing the Virgin to symbolize the Mexican liberation movement.
The struggle against Spain centered around the rights of the Criollos (or “Creoles”) who were born in the New World with Spanish ancestry, but not given the privilege of those born in Europe. Following the war, those born in Europe were expelled from Mexico. This War lasted about 10 years.
Another important celebration which originated in Mexico and is observed extensively in Texas is the Fiesta of the Virgin of Guadalupe, held on December 12. The important religious holiday honors Juan Diego’s sighting of the Virgin in 1531 with processions, offerings and church services.
There are many stories that circulated from this event. there are heroes,myth, and legends one of which is about “El Pipila” which I will blog in more detail later.
Protect the Boss~Korean Drama~2011
27 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment
in Asian Dramas Tags: Asian Dramas, chaebol, channels, childish, Choi Kang Hee, DBSK, elevators, episodes, family, funny, Hero Jae Joong, Ji Sung, JYJ, korean, love, poor, Protect the Boss, rich, romantic comedy, SBC, TVXQ, watch
http://www.koreandrama.org/?p=9499
Y1saturn is back… I know, I know, It’s been a very long time since I wrote any reviews on Asians dramas but recently I have fallen head over heals for “Protect the Boss” a 2011 korean drama who will become a classical romantic comedy and I’ve only watched about 6 out of 16 episodes. Here’s a short synopsis: there is a poor struggling unemployed girl, there is misunderstanding in the beginning between the lead actors, and to top it all off a love triangle with two rich guys! Who wouldn’t want to be in that predicament!* cough, cough* Omo, Omo Do you feel the L.O.V.E.
“Protect the Boss” leading actors and actresses are Choi Kang Hee(who plays No Eun Seol), Ji Sung(who plays Cha Ji Heon) , and Hero Jae Joong (who plays Cha Moo Won)[former member of South Korean boy band TVXQ aka DBSK & now a member of JYJ since 2010 with Yoochu and Junsu who were also part of TVXQ... ahh I'm such a fangirl I would definitely date him if he asked well, only in my dreams LOL].
The story revolves over No Eun Seol a girl who was a trouble-maker in her youth and has tried to turn over a new lease in life. She has been struggling with unemployment and finally landed a job as a secretary. Only to fall in love with her boss Cha Ji Heon son of a wealthy cheabol family. Her boss is an agoraphobic (fear of having a panic attack in public places where it may be difficult to leave or become embarrassed) childish and once he realizes that he loves his secretary he confesses his feelings only to be rejected. No Eun Seol likes him but wants to become a full-time employee and decides to not have a romantic relationship with him. Cha Ji Heon nevertheless decides he want her and is trying to open her eyes to his affection. But of course there are triangles but in this case it’s a square. LOL 
Add two more characters to the mix and make the story juicier…Seo Na Yoon (played by Wang Ji Hye)who was also raised by a chaebol family has her eyes set on Cha Ji Heon she is smart and rich but at the advice of her mother has been told to have her options open and also be available for Cha Moo Won the cousin of Cha Ji Heon. At this point the future of the who will run the business is between them and she would marry the owner. Even so her heart belongs to Cha Ji Heon they had a relationship before but broke up and now she is trying to start over with him. Unfortunately he no longer has feelings for her. At the same time Cha Moo Won has liked her and has his heart-broken by her. Cha Moo Won soon relizes that he will not have his heart played with and starts to have feelings for Seo Na Yoon and confesses his feelings for her. There is childish rivalry between this two cousins. The cousin moments are so hilarious, the way they fight is like seeing 9 year olds.
Oh but there is more drama on the side lines…take into account that there is a power struggle within the family. Cha Moo Won contrary to his cousin is very capable business person who wants to take over the family company and he will do anything even use the two women to get it. But he didn’t realize that this might cause an emotional attachment. Seo Na Yoon is the 5th wheel that no one wants around but she does have her moment she to me will become known as the “ice cream girl” once you start watching you will get it *wink, wink* Then of course you have the loveable characters grandma, dad, and the dad’s secretary. The are so funny even when they are trying to be serious. The dad really has no clue that his son is in love with the secretary and he is so violent in the beginning. Well, he was a boxer before he took over the family business. Grandma likes to keep a low profile until No Eun Seol accidentally finds out and at the same time is trying to protect No Eun Seol from the evil clutches of her daughter-in-law and the mother of Seo Na Yoon. Oh and the Dad’s male secretary is so funny always trying to protect his boss and hiding important information about what’s happening because his boss has a bad temper. He tries too hard that it’s hilarious.
Ah but my favorite scenes are in the elevators…You really have to watch to scene. Hero does exceptional, I did not expect him to do such a good job as an actor but he did great. I hope he comes out on more dramas Now this are my opinions. There are about 16 episode airing on SBC Korean station.
This is one of the links I watch the shows on:
Discovering the Civil War at HMNS
28 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in HMNS, Houston Museam of Natural Science Tags: 2012, American, archives, assembled, Civil War, collection, Confederates, discovering, documents, Emancipation Proclamation, exhibit, february, HMNS, Houston, Houston Museam of Natural Science, museam, national, natural science, people, soilders, Texas, United States
Discovering the Civil War+ Exhibit Halls coming soon on 10/13/2011-04/29/2012.
Are you a fan of the Civil War? Do you like to do re-enacments of either “The Confederate” or ” The Union soilder”? Or maybe you are an amature historian who likes to know more about the Civil War and how it started such as slavery and taxation on cotton exports. Who were the key players and the social changes that followed.
If this sounds like you then coming this Fall 2011 Discovering the Civil War will open at the Houston Museam of Natural Science: this groundbreaking exhibition peels back 150 years of accumulated analysis, interpretation and opinion to take a fresh look at the Civil War through little-known stories, seldom-seen documents and unusual perspectives through the most extensive display ever assembled from the Civil War collection of the National Archives.
A highlight of the exhibition will include a four-day display of the original Emancipation Proclamation in February 2012. This is a MUST SEE EVENT!
(This are my views, not of HMNS, nor of any person or organization affiliated or doing business with HMNS.)
6,000 years of Archaology! Ancient Ukraine
28 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in HMNS, Houston Museam of Natural Science Tags: 10th, ancient, archaology, centurey, Christianity, eastern, exhbit, first time, HMNS, Houston, Houston Museam of Natural Science, icons, Kyivan Rus, lands, museam, natural science, Orthodox, people, Prince, realm, regalia, religious, Slavic, Texas, tour, Ukraine, Volodomyr
Ancient Ukraine! + Exhibit Halls
For the first time on tour in the United States the Ancient Ukraine Exhibit has arrived at the Houston Museam of Natural Science opened since 05/27/2011- 09/05/2011. This collection includes 77 icons and religious regalia and artifacts dating back 6,000 years. Ukraine has played a pivotal role in the adoption of Orthodox Christianity throughout eastern Slavic lands. In the 10th century, Grand Prince Volodmyr formally declared his realm, the Kyivan Rus a ” Christian land.”
When you visit the exhibit start at the Trypilian culture dating back 5,000 B.C. where you will find archaological finds such as painted pottery, animal sculptures, and sacred symblols. Then walk through time as you see the Scythian style, Hellenistic influences, Roman Mite, Byzantine Treasures and finally on a seperate room Sacred Images from the 11th to 19th century.
This exhibit is presented by the Foundation for International Arts & Education of Bethesda, Maryland in cooperation with the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council and with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States and the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.
(This are my views, not of HMNS, nor of any person or organization affiliated or doing business with HMNS.)
MIXERS & ELIXIRS 2011 FINAL YEAR!
27 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in HMNS, Houston Museam of Natural Science, Uncategorized Tags: 2011, 21, catering, dancing, drinks, final, food, food trucks, fun, glass, HMNS, Houston, Houston Museam of Natural Science, Mixers, Mixers & Elixirs, museam, natural science, over, people, summer, Texas, year
Summer 2011 is the Final Year for Mixers & Elixirs – so don’t miss your chance to party in the prehistoric!
Friday Nights Only from 7-10 PM
Band Lineup
August 12 – Soul Track Mind
August 19 – Collide
August 26 – Grupo Ka-Che
New This Year!
Houston’s best food trucks will be on site for Mixers & Elixirs each Friday, serving up delicious dinners and delectable desserts. Different food trucks will be here each week. Food not included in Mixers & Elixirs ticket. Some trucks may accept only cash. HMNS has an ATM located in the Grand Hall.
August 12
H-Town StrEATs – Globally inspired street food. CASH ONLY.
Snowdog Ice Cream – Vintage ice cream truck. CASH ONLY.
It’s A Wrap Truck – Wraps featuring a unique fusion of flavors.
No Borders – Mexican cuisine featuring tacos and enchiladas. CASH ONLY.
August 19
Bernie’s Burger Bus – 100% made from scratch burgers and fries.
Melange Creperie – Savory and sweet Parisian style crepes. CASH ONLY.
It’s A Wrap Truck – Wraps featuring a unique fusion of flavors.
No Borders – Mexican cuisine featuring tacos and enchiladas. CASH ONLY.
August 26
No Borders – CASH ONLY.
Frosted Betty Bake Shop – CASH ONLY.
The Rolling Hunger – Fusion quesadillas, gourmet short ribs and more. CASH ONLY.
Don’t Miss The Planetarium!
Dark Side of the Moon: 7 pm, 9 pm
Led Zeppelin: 8 pm, 10 pm
21 and up only.
( This are my views,not of the HMNS, nor of any person or organization affiliated or doing business with HMNS).
Are you hungry Houston? Big Bite Nite is coming!
18 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in HMNS, Houston Museam of Natural Science, Uncategorized Tags: 21, 22nd, Big Bite Nite, buy, city, contact, cuisine, culinary, dine, discover, diverse, drinks, entertainment, event, feast, food, HMNS, Houston, Houston Museam of Natural Science, long lines, mail, multicultural, music, out, restaurants, sell, September, sneak peek, tastes, Texas, tickets, traditions
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Experience an epic journey of food as HMNS dishes up cuisine from some of Houston’s most prestigious restaurants. This lavish culinary affair will offer tastes from around Houston and around the world. Delve into the multicultural traditions of our diverse city as you dine while enjoying musical entertainment. Feast with us and discover the culinary explorer inside you!You want restaurant here is a sneak peek: A Fare Extraordinaire; Cantina Laredo; City Kitchen Catering; Frosted Betty Bakeshop; Grotto Ristorante; Hungry’s Cafe and Catering; Magnolia Hotel; PF Chang’s China Bistro; RA Sushi Bar Restaurant; Saint Arnold Brewing Company; Sambuca Restaurant; smartwater; Striphouse; Sushi Raku; Tacos A Go-Go; Valentino; YAO Restaurant & Bar
BIG BITE NITE will take place on Thursday, September 22nd, from 6 – 9pm at HMNS. 21 and up only.
( This are my views,not of the HMNS, nor of any person or organization affiliated or doing business with HMNS).
