We typically like to see our fair state make the lists of places that have the best of things, and we do rank our fair share of positive reviews, but this is one list we don't look on as a feather in our cap. On the plus side, the city that did make the list is clear on the other side of the state. Here's the details.
Let me start out by saying that I am much happier living and working here in Victoria, Texas, but I actually lived and worked in this tiny town for 12 years, and my brothers and sisters would constantly ask me about it's unusual name. I would always respond with the story, which is explained below. The town wasn't much, although there was some beautiful scenery, and I did actually get to meet People's Court Bailiff Rusty Burrell. And that, my friends, is my brush with greatness.
To anyone who lives or has lived in the Lone Star State, this is pretty much a no brainer. Just consider the fact that we need our air conditioners 11 months out of the year. So, it's really no surprise that we Texans use more energy than other states. What does the official list look like?
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the United States burned up a whopping 98 quadrillion BTUs of energy in 2010, up from 95 quadrillion a year prior—a mind-boggling amount of energy consumption for a country that only makes up about 4.5 percent of the global population. Worldwide BTU usage is approximately 500 quadrillion, so that means that nearly a fifth of the world’s energy is being consumed by the United States.
U-S-A, U-S-A!
This would never happen here in Victoria, right? Sure kids should be careful and as a general rule not play in the street, but a cul-de-sac is a little different, since it's not like a typical busy street. Either way, it seems like an arrest is a little excessive. Here's what happened.
Tammy Cooper and her husband moved to their house on a cul-de-sac in a quiet La Porte, Texas neighborhood so they would have a safe place for their nine and six-year-old children to grow up.
And Cooper thought she was reaping the benefits of her suburban lifestyle as she sat on her lawn and watched her children play on their scooters. But this tranquility was interrupted when a police car pulled in front of her home and the officer approached her. Cooper asked him what he was here for. "We're here for you," he responded.
Good news for Texas beachgoers…even though some of our coastal beaches seem pretty crowded at times, none of ours are among the most crowded in the nation. But which beaches are the most crowded in America?
When it comes to cities that are rated as the best for young married couples, Texas leads the way. Our state capitol, a city that also happens to be one of the coolest in the nation topped the list.
What do you do when you want to promote a new form of auto racing to a state not that familiar with it? Red Bull decided to take a Formula One car, and run it all over, from a ranch, to city streets, to a dirt track and more. The result? One kick ass video!
Texas wins again! This time however, the distinction is rather dubious because one lucky canine tops the list by achieving a Guiness World Record.
While most of our pets make us go “awww” with their innocent eyes, this dog on the other hand may freak you out a bit. Meet four-year-old Boston Terrier, Bruschi, who has just been given the Guinness World Record for “dog with the largest eyes” — an eye-popping 1.1 inches in diameter.
When it comes to great Texas rock n’ roll, ZZ Top is always at the top of anybody’s list. If you’ve ever seen them live, you know they are as good in concert as they are on any of their albums. I was lucky enough to see them way back in the day when Tres Hombres came out in ’73, and the flat out rocked. Many years later when I was living in New Mexico, I caught them again in 1990 on the Recycler tour, and although their sound was a bit more polished, they still had the goods. So, finally they have some new material on the way. You’ll get to hear the full-length version the new single ‘I Gotsta Get Paid‘ next Tuesday (June 5), when they release the four-track digital EP ‘Texicali.’
Everything increases, right? Prices rise, and hopefully wages also go up to keep pace. I can remember when the minimum wage was $4 an hour, and we would get all excited because it was going to rise to $4.25. Of course at the time, I think we were paying 49 cents for a gallon of gas. Living in Victoria, Texas with teenagers about to enter the workforce, it’s nice to see that our state is at least at the federal level of $7.25 an hour. How does that compare with the rest of the United States? Check out the highest and the lowest, according to ABC News.
Country Music legend Willie Nelson was honored in Austin, Texas on Friday with the unveiling of a statue of his likeness. The statue is located in front of the legendary Moody theater, which is the location of the Austin City Limits studio in downtown Austin. The singer songwriter performed a song called "Roll Me Up And Smoke Me When I Die", certainly an appropriate choice for the longtime marijuana legalization advocate, who has had his share of brushes with the law on the subject.
"There's nothing for kids to do around here." You hear it all the time in Victoria, especially if you're a parent. Well, that's not exactly true. We do have a myriad of parks around the city, and if you're a skateboarder, or just like watching some kids with skills, then stop by the Victoria Skatepark, located by Victoria Community Center. Ceck out this video, and see what I mean. Oh, and the music is pretty cool, too.
