Category: News

Jan 26
Get Ready to Count! The Great Backyard Bird Count is Almost Here!

Mark your calendars, bird enthusiasts! The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), one of the largest citizen science projects in the world, is just around the corner. From February 14-17, 2026, people of all ages and abilities are invited to spend as little as 15 minutes observing and reporting the birds they see in their own […]

Jan 26
Recreational Boating Safety – Conduct in Restricted Visibility

Restricted Visibility versus Restricted Vision A few weeks ago, I made some recommendations on assessing risk before going out in your boat. Those recommendations are based on the US Coast Guard General Assessment of Risk (GAR) procedure we must perform before going out to sea. One of the assessments we must perform is an assessment […]

Jan 26
Beyond The Binoculars

Even if you’ve never spent a second squinting through binoculars at a distant feathered creature, the Macaulay Library’s Best Bird Photos should get your attention. You don’t actually have to be “into birds” to appreciate this collection; you just have to have an eye for world-class photography. These images transcend ornithology and stand as master […]

Jan 26
A Tapestry of History: Walking Through Pompeii and the Vatican

Well life and the holidays got in the way of my writing, so I needed to get back on it and finish the trip to Italy.  We left Sorrento and went to Pompeii to see the ruins.  It is a very interesting place to visit, a whole city and community that was lost in such […]

Jan 26
Baby It’s Colder Outside

Nothing like a little ice storm to keep us indoors and out of trouble. Right? Sure did the trick for me. After our quick trip on Saturday to get some more stuff over to the Friendswood house, we made a quick dash back home to hopefully beat the freezing temps. I take that back, first […]

Jan 26
This Week In History

The turn of the month from January to February marks a crossroads in American history, characterized by pivotal legal shifts, somber military milestones, and leaps into the unknown. This week encompasses everything from the birth of the American labor movement and the formal end of territorial wars to the tragic losses that defined the U.S. […]

Jan 26
The Upgrades Vacation Rentals Need Before Peak Season

Peak season is when vacation rentals make most of their revenue and earn their best reviews. But before calendars fill up and guests arrive, owners should take a proactive approach to prepping their property. A rental that looks great and runs smoothly will stand out from the competition, command higher rates, and generate glowing guest […]

Jan 19
Feathers, Flavors, and Fun: The Inaugural Courir de Mardi Gras Makes a Splash

Crystal Beach may have been chilly this past Saturday, but the spirit at Swedes Park was nothing short of electric. The community gathered for the first-ever Courir de Mardi Gras, a vibrant celebration hosted by The Motley Krewe and the Bolivar Arena Association. The event honored the centuries-old “Chicken Run” traditions of Cajun country, blending […]

Jan 19
THE BIG REVEAL: 2026 T-Shirt Design Winners!

The wait is over! We are proud to announce the winning design for the Official 2026 Texas Crab Festival T-shirt. We are thrilled to receive so many excellent designs this year. Our panel of judges—representing all of our various festival committees—had a difficult task. We truly appreciate the time, talent, and passion poured into so […]

Jan 19
A Year on the Wing: The Best of Bird Cams 2025

Whether you are a lifelong “birder,” a casual backyard observer, or simply someone looking for a moment of zen in a busy world, 2025 has been a spectacular year for avian voyeurism. Presented by Cornell Lab’s “All About Birds,” this year’s collection of bird cam highlights has offers millions of viewers an intimate window into […]