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Economy Sets Travel Back a Bit For Holiday
 Hundreds of thousands of Americans are changing their Thanksgiving travel plans next week because of tough economic conditions. But most are still making those trips, according to AAA. ''In the tug of war between purse strings and heart strings, heart strings win out,' said Robert Darbelnet, AAA's president and chief executive. ''Grandma matters.''
The 41 million people planning to travel by car, plane, bus or train is 1.4% less than last year's record, the first drop since 2002. Air travel is expected to drop by 7.2% while 5.8% more bargain-hunting travelers plan to go by train or bus, according to the group's annual Thanksgiving survey. Eighty percent of travelers, 33.6 million, will go by automobile, a drop of only 1.2%, so the roadways this year will again be busy, AAA said. Part of the reason: Average gasoline prices dropped to $2.07, the lowest since March '05.
Darbelnet said holiday travel is expected to do well in light of the economic situation. ''People
Read more... | History in Our 'Own Backyard'
 Fifteen miles from Baytown, the Battleship Texas is moored in La Porte's San Jacinto State Park. Known as the ''Lucky T,'' the U.S.S. Texas is the oldest remaining dreadnought battleship and is one of only two remaining ships to have served in both World War I and World War II - and the only American.
She was the first U.S. battleship to mount anti-aircraft guns, to control gunfire with analog computers, to launch an aircraft, the first Navy ship to receive commercial radar and the first to be declared a U.S. National Historic Landmark as well the first battleship museum, a position she maintains today.
Tours carry visitors through a typical WWII sailor's life, as they pass through the captain's quarters, laundry room, soda room (ice cream parlor), bunkers and mailroom. Each has been diligently restored with original and period-accurate decor.
The Battleship Texas is open for touring from 10am to 5pm, Monday-Sunday. For more information, call (281) 479-2431.
Read more... | MADD Asks East Texans to ''Tie One On'' For the Holidays
Texas leads the nation in drunken driver fatalities and the East Texas region ranks No. 2 in the state. MADD National President Laura Dean-Mooney said Texas leads the nation with alcohol-related fatalities. ''That's something we should be ashamed of as Texans,'' she said.
On November 18th, victims, volunteers and community officials attended the Mothers Against Drunk Driving ''Tie One on for Safety'' event in Tyler. The event was set to kick off a holiday awareness campaign to prevent drinking and driving during the holiday season, and to ask the public to tie a red ribbon on their vehicles as a pledge to drive safely and sober. MADD also honored the medical community, law enforcement and community leaders for being 'difference makers.'
''Together we can do it; we can stop drunk driving,'' said Rita Fryer, the new executive director for MADD East Texas Region. ''It really is going to take all of us.'' 1-800-GET-MADD
Read more... | Pets Need Special Attention in Cold Weather
 With fall upon us and winter approaching, the temperatures will be dropping below freezing; pet owners need to be ready. ''Pet owners need to make sure and take the appropriate steps to ensure their pets are comfortable when the temperature drops,'' said Ronnie Whittington, Henderson Animal Shelter supervisor.
Shelter staff members recommend keeping cats inside. Outdoors, cats can freeze, become lost or injured during cold weather.
Dogs should have a sturdy house, facing east or south with a small door and be elevated,'' Whittington said. ''You can place bricks, blocks or boards under the dog's house to get it off the ground.'' I encourage pet owners to place towels, blankets or hay inside their dog's house to keep them a little warmer and to make certain all materials placed inside the doghouse stay dry,'' Whittington said.
Read more... | U.S. 80 Contest Winner Chosen
 The Longview News Journal ran a 3 part series in advance of the historic U.S. 80 Hi-Way Sale on October 17th-19th. The idea for the contest arose during the interviews by the newspaper for the series because U.S. 80, unlike the more celebrated Route 66, doesn't enjoy any name of endearment such as 'The Mother Road,' or, 'America's Main Street.' There were several great suggestions including 'The Big 8 0', 'Coast to Coast with the Most.' A panel of three including myself, Longview News-Journal Marketing Director Lynda David and Staff Reporter, Glen Evans finally landed on a suggestion from Longview Resident, Karen Maines.
Her suggestion, 'The Heartland Highway' will be used in advertising for next year's sale. A request was also forwarded to U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert,
Read more... | Are you ready to retire in Texas?
 Commissioner Staples Launches New And Improved Web Site For Those Looking To Retire In Texas.
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