Some riders may notice nextgen upgrades at their bus stops. METRO is testing digital signs at 16 of its most popular stops and transit centers as part of a pilot project. The signs display next-bus arrival times, route updates and safety alerts, among other things.
“We know technological innovations can improve the rider experience and make our system easier to use. We are evaluating these devices in a number of areas including performance, accuracy and feasibility. Ultimately we want to find out what technology will serve our riders the best,” said METRO Chief Technology Officer, Randy Frazier.
The test displays, from four different manufacturers, vary greatly in design and functionality. Some resemble an oversized e-reader while others look more like a large color television.
During the test phase, METRO staff is also gathering feedback from customers. The pilot will last a little more than a month. The study’s findings and recommendations will be presented to METRO’s Board of Directors later this year. During the budget planning cycle, the board will have an opportunity to decide if permanent digital display upgrades should be funded.
Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan yesterday filed a friend of the court brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in a lawsuit seeking to prevent the U.S. Census Bureau from including a question about citizenship on the 2020 Census.
Ryan is joined in Harris County’s brief by Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George and the City of Marfa. The brief asks the Supreme Court to affirm a district court judge’s ruling that the citizenship question cannot be included. The ruling came in a lawsuit filed against the Census Bureau by the State of New York.
“We join in the concerns expressed across the country that a question on citizenship will reduce the number of people participating in the 2020 Census,” said Ryan. “This question will intimidate our immigrant population. We want everyone to participate—whether they are citizens or not.”
The brief states that the addition of the citizenship question to the 2020 Decennial Census will cause in an undercount of each jurisdiction’s significant foreign-born population resulting in disproportionately low representation at the local, state, and federal levels along with corrupt data inadequate for effective governance. An undercount will also hurt the amount of federal dollars coming to these communities in programs based on population.
Harris County’s growth has always been driven by immigrants intertwined with new industries creating diverse economic engines for Texas and the country, Ryan points out in the brief. Neighboring suburban Fort Bend County has exploded in growth, diversity and affluence in the last few decades electing its first non-Anglo chief executive since the 1800s, immigrant K.P. George. While the tiny City of Marfa has not seen such explosive growth, it shares a high foreign-born population with Harris and Fort Bend at risk for a net undercount in the Decennial Census.
Ryan says the current intense climate of fear among immigrants makes it all the more likely that the net differential undercount will be more acute in Texas should the citizenship question be added to the census. In the past, as with the decades-long practice of using “white primaries” to disenfranchise African-American voters, the Supreme Court was the only source of protection to the constitutional rights of people wishing to engage in the civic sphere.
“Now, the Supreme Court’s intervention is needed again, to ensure that the integrity of the data for representation and effective governance is protected,” Ryan said. “Judge George, the City of Marfa and we agree with the New York district court’s finding that the undocumented and Hispanics will be disproportionately undercounted if the citizenship question is left in the Census.”
“We believe adding that question will depress responses, undercount the people and harm the representation and safety of the people of Harris and Fort Bend Counties and the City of Marfa,” Ryan concludes.
Panama City sits at a crossroads of oceans and continents, cultures and lifestyles. This vibrant cosmopolitan hub in the middle of a tropical rainforest embodies the best of all worlds. Easy-going and relaxed, Panama City is much more than just a passing-through point for cargo ships and travelers. The city mixes colonial influence with traditional culture, making it one of the most interesting and dynamic places in Central America.
Fun Fact: The Panama Canal cuts a path between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and stretches 80 kilometers (50 miles). Built by the U.S., Panama took control of the Canal in 1999 and now it accounts for 1/3 of Panama’s economy.
When to Go
December – March
This tropical nation is synonymous with humidity. Temperatures stay consistently warm year-round, so travel is defined by rainfall rather than temperatures. The dry season runs from December to March, with hardly any heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, November sees the heaviest and most consistent rainfall, so plan travel accordingly.
Discoveries
The Good Old Days
With touches of French and Spanish influence, Casco Viejo, the old quarter, embodies the elegant colonial charm of cities like Havana and Cartagena. Once abandoned for the glittering downtown, this area is now the hottest place for nightlife, restaurants, and shops.
Visit the decaying ruins of Iglesia de Santo Domingo or the golden altar of Iglesia de San Jose. Hop between bars and nightclubs, or get tickets to a performance at Teatro Nacional, an ornate 1900’s concert hall. If you want to go even further back in Panama’s history, visit the UNESCO ruins of Panama Viejo – the site of the original Spanish settlement that was destroyed by pirates (led by Captain Morgan himself) in 1671.
If You Need Me, I’ll Be at the Beach
Dipping your toes in two different oceans on the same day? Only in Panama! Start your morning out sipping coffee on the crisp, white-sand beach of Santa Clara, perched on the Pacific Ocean.
Later in the day, drive an hour to watch the sunset along the tropical Caribbean sand at the beaches near Portobello. For the best beach experience, explore nearby islands like Taboga, the Bocas del Toro archipelago, or the paradise San Blas Islands. These stunning islands offer quiet retreats from the bustle of city life, along with an array of water activities.
The Little Canal That Could While Panama City offers much more than just the famous Panama Canal, you’d be remiss if you didn’t add this one-of-a-kind structure to your sightseeing list. The Canal operates in a series of three main locks – the closest of these to Panama City is Miraflores, which makes it one of the most popular.
This has its pros and cons: pros are a fantastic visitor center and restaurant, and cons are larger crowds. Afterwards, visit the Panama Canal Museum in Casco Viejo for a greater understanding of the history behind this feat of engineering.
Into the Jungle
One of the few capital cities within a stone’s throw of a rainforest, Panama City has access to some incredible tropical vegetation. If you want to stay close to the city, Ancon Hill offers a quick hike to the summit and gorgeous views of the city. Also within the city, learn about Panama’s environment at the BioMuseo, which focuses on the natural history of Panama, including the nation’s biodiversity and the impact of humans. Experience the lush biodiversity firsthand in Soberanía National Park, where you can spot sloths, monkeys, and an astonishing number of bird species just 16 km outside the city. Hikers should jump on the Las Cruces Trail, which was once used by the Spanish to transport gold.
What to Eat
A Buffet of Cultures
Like the city itself, Panama cuisine is a mix of influences. There are some traditional eats, like raspado, flavored ice, and Sancocho, a tasty stew. But for the most part, restaurants offer an eclectic mix of cuisines for you to try.
Start the day with brunch at Las Clementinas Cafe, before heading to explore the fish market (mercado de mariscos) for some top-notch seafood. Be sure to try the mind-blowing ceviche. When the day starts to cool off, explore rooftop restaurants and bars, like Casa Casco, which offers an incredible sunset view.
Stay Here
Nighty Night
Panama City offers a wider range of accommodations than it used to, from luxurious seaside hotels to artistic boutique stays. For luxury, try out the rooftop infinity pool at the AC Hotel, which includes unbeatable city views.
Meanwhile, Tantalo Hotel offers an artsy experience with themed rooms and a killer rooftop bar.
For the backpacker, Magnolia Inn is housed in an old mansion in Casco Viejo, and offers easy access and beautiful rooms on the cheap.
Three members of Houston Grand Opera’s prestigious Studio program were named the 2019 winners at the 65th annual Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Five winners were chosen, each receiving a $15,000 cash prize. This announcement came after a months-long series of auditions involving more than 1,000 singers at the district, regional and national levels.
The three HGO Studio Artists and their hometowns are:
· Thomas Glass, 28, baritone (Rocky Mountain Region: Edina, Minnesota) – current HGO Studio member
· William Guanbo Su, 24, bass (Eastern Region: Beijing, China) – upcoming HGO Studio member
· Elena Villalón, 21, soprano (Central Region: Austin, Texas) – upcoming HGO Studio member
Thomas Glass is a second-year Studio Artist at Houston Grand Opera, where he sang Marcello in Puccini’s La Bohème and Álvaro in Daniel Catán’sFlorencia en el Amazonas. Last season at HGO, he performed Baron Douphol in Verdi’s La Traviata, Fiorello in Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Officer Krupke in Bernstein’s West Side Story, and outdoor performances of Figaro in Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia. He was previously a Filene young artist at Wolf Trap Opera, giving his debuts as Mercutio in Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette and as the baritone soloist in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the National Symphony Orchestra. He was also a participant in the Merola Opera Program, where he was featured in the Schwabacher Summer Concert.
William Guanbo Su is currently pursuing his master’s degree at the Juilliard School. He was recently awarded second prize at the Eleanor McCollum Competition “Concert of Arias” and will be joining the Houston Grand Opera Studio as a young artist next season. This year he returns to the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis as a Gerdine Young Artist. He was previously a fellow at the Aspen Music Festival, where he sang Don Basilio in Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Other roles include Pluton in Rameau’s Hippolyte et Aricie, Herr Reich in Nicolai’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, and Seneca in Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea. He recently made his Carnegie Hall solo debut with The Cecilia Chorus of New York.
Elena Villalón joins Houston Grand Opera’s Studio Artist program in the 2019-2020 season, after being a finalist and winning the audience prize in the 31st annual Eleanor McCollum Competition. She has been a vocal fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center and at Houston Grand Opera’s Young Artist Vocal Academy. Upcoming performances include Adele in Strauss’s Die Fledermaus at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), Barbarina in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis as a Gerdine Young Artist, and a return to the Tanglewood Music Center as a soprano fellow. Previous appearances at CCM include Lucy in Menotti’s The Telephone, and Miss Wordsworth in Britten’s Albert Herring.
The Houston Grand Opera Studio is one of the most respected young artist programs in the country. For more than 40 years, it has served promising singers and pianist/coaches, providing a bridge between full-time training and full-fledged operatic careers. During a residency of up to three years, each performer receives customized training from an expert team while gaining invaluable performance experience at the highest level.
The Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions is a program designed to discover promising young opera singers and assist in the development of their careers. The Auditions take place in 41 Districts and 12 Regions throughout the United States and Canada, all run locally by volunteers.
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About Houston Grand Opera
Houston Grand Opera (HGO) is one of the largest, most innovative, and most highly acclaimed opera companies in the United States. HGO is the only American finalist for Opera Company of the Year in the 2019 International Opera Awards. In fulfilling its mission to advance the operatic art to serve an ever-evolving audience, HGO has led the field in commissioning new works (66 world premieres to date) and in training and nurturing promising young artists and administrators. The company contributes to the cultural enrichment of Houston and the nation through a diverse and innovative program of performances, community events, and education projects that reaches the widest possible public. HGO’s pioneering community engagement initiative, HGOco, has served as a model for other arts organizations.
The NEXUS Initiative is HGO’s multi-year ticket underwriting program that allows Houstonians of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy opera without the barrier of price. Since 2007, NEXUS has enabled more than 250,000 Houstonians to experience superlative opera through discounted single tickets and subscriptions, subsidized student performances, and free productions.
HGO has toured extensively and has won a Tony, two Grammy awards, and three Emmy awards. It is the only opera company to win all three honors.
Imagina escuchar la suave y melodiosa voz de John Legend respondiendo tus preguntas todos los días. O decir su pronóstico del tiempo local. O cantándote feliz cumpleaños. Bueno, ese sueño ahora puede ser una realidad.
A partir de hoy, la voz de John Legend está disponible de cameo en el Asistente de Google, disponible en inglés por tiempo limitado en Estados Unidos
¿Desea probar la experiencia? Simplemente di: “Hey, Google, talk like a legend”, y escucharás la voz de John Legend en contenido selecto cuando le pidas bromas al Asistente o respuestas a preguntas como “¿Cuál es la temperatura ambiental?” O “¿Por qué el cielo es azul? También escucharás su voz cuando le preguntes acerca de su personalidad y amor por la música. Inténtalo diciendo en inglés, ‘Hey Google …’
“¿Eres John Legend?’‘
“¿Cuáles tu música favorita?”
“¿Quién es Chrissy Teigen? “
” Cuéntame un chiste”.
Todas las demás respuestas seguirán siendo respondidas por una de las voces regulares del Asistente. También puedes a la Configuración del Asistente para cambiar a la voz John Legend. Después de hacer el cambio, escucha, es posible que escuches algunas sorpresas divertidas. (Aquí hay un par de ejemplos para que comiences … solo di en inglés “Oye Google, dame una serenata” o “Oye, Google, ¿somos gente normal?”)
La voz de John Legend está disponible como un cameo en todos los dispositivos que tienen el Asistente de Google, incluyendo las bocinas de Google Home y en móvil para Android y iOS.
Las voces de Cameo en el Asistente han sido una de las principales solicitudes que hemos escuchado de usted, y con la ayuda del modelo de síntesis de voz de última generación, WaveNet, ahora son una realidad. Esperamos que disfrutes escuchando la voz de John Legend como el Asistente de Google tanto como él disfrutó su tiempo en el estudio de grabación.
March 29th 2019, (New York, NY) — Pop/rock sibling-trio and America’s Got Talent semi-finalists, We Three, add singer-songwriter, former Glee star, and fellow AGT star, Noah Guthrie to the bill for their shows in Houston (4/14), Denver (4/17), Salt Lake (4/19), Phoenix (4/20), Los Angeles (4/23), and San Francisco (4/24).
South Carolina-born and raised, Noah Guthrie is ready to bring his blues-filled, richly textured voice to the stage for the Lifeline Tour. Guthrie’s newest album, The Valley, highlights emotional vulnerability and powerful vocals. In addition to his role on Glee, Guthrie has also performed on shows like NBC’s Today Show and Tonight Show, Dancing With The Stars, and was a semi-finalist on season 13 of America’s Got Talent.
Noah and We Three expressed their mutual admiration for each other, with Noah stating
“I’m so excited to play a few shows with We Three! They are so talented and such awesome people. It will be fun to have a little reunion after our time on AGT. I can’t wait to get on the road with them!”. We Three added “Noah has a head-turning voice and we’re thrilled to have him join us on the Lifeline tour!”.
The Oregon-raised siblings Joshua (piano/drums), Bethany (bass), and Manny (guitar) announced The “Lifeline” Tour last month in an exclusive with Billboard.
As Bethany Blanchard told Taylor Weatherby at Billboard: “To do this tour is literally a dream come true. It’s what we have always wanted, and for us to be able to actually meet our fans and share our very special show is so exciting.”
The tour will feature a one-of-a-kind augmented reality poster, developed by world-renowned IT-artist and creator of AR.Gallery, Jonmar. All posters will be encrypted with a QR code that when scanned with a smartphone through the AR.Gallery App (available in Apple App Store and Google Play Store, or via a link on the band’s website) will bring the poster to life and transport the viewer into We Three’s “alternate world”, where the band will be in conversation about their tour and offering the sounds of exclusive unreleased music.
Through all 33 dates, We Three will be showcasing music from their debut album, We Three (2018). Comprised of 12 original songs, four of which were performed during their successful run on NBC’s hit show, America’s Got Talent, the albumenjoys tens of millions of streams on all platforms. Be sure to find tour dates near you!
The “Lifeline” Tour Dates
(Noah Guthrie Dates In Bold)
March 28 — Chicago, IL @ Subterrean
March 30 — Nashville, TN @ The Cowan
March 31 — Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
April 3 — Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Parker Playhouse
April 4 — Clearwater, FL @ Capitol Theatre
April 6 — Orlando, FL @ Plaza Live
April 7 — Ponte Vedra Beach, FL @ Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
April 9 — Saint Louis, MO @ The Ready Room
April 11 — Kansas City, MO @ Madrid Theatre & Cafe
April 12 — Dallas, TX @ Canton Hall
April 14 — Houston, TX @ House Of Blues Bronze Peacock
April 17 — Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater
April 19 — Salt Lake City, UT @ The State Room
April 20 — Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom
April 23 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre
April 24 — San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
Tu puedes estar en el lugar más hermoso del planeta pero si tu corazón esta herido o tu mente esta ansiosa te sentirás miserable. Por el contrario, puedes encontrarte en el sitio más desagradable del mundo pero si estas de buen ánimo y agradecida te sentirás feliz, tú eres el creador de tu propio paraíso.
Por eso es que has escuchado la frase que dice: “La felicidad viene de adentro” y quizás te has preguntado “¿¡Pero dónde esta!?”.
La felicidad tiene dos componentes y ambos están dentro de ti: lo químico y lo anímico el primer ingrediente se llama endorfina, producido en tu cerebro cuando realizas actividades que te generan placer como hacer el amor, comer chocolate o hacer ejercicio.
No es casualidad que las personas que aseguran ser felices siempre están haciendo algo que les gusta.
El otro factor de la felicidad es tu estado de ánimo; es la forma en la que piensas y reaccionas ante cada situación, donde no importa lo que suceda, tú tomas la decisión de estar feliz. Todos nacemos con el derecho de ser felices, ¡esto te pertenece y nada ni nadie te lo puede robar!
La felicidad no tiene nada que ver con los logros que puedas alcanzar o las riquezas que puedas acumular. Tampoco depende del espacio en donde te encuentres, el tiempo en que vivas, ni la compañía que te rodea.
Si tu felicidad depende de alcanzar lo que tienes en tu lista de deseos; bien sea la relación ideal, un auto nuevo, el trabajo perfecto o perder libras, estas poniendo condiciones para sentirte plena y satisfecha. El secreto para ser feliz ¡es vivir en el presente!.
Empieza a gozar los detalles simples de la vida. Por ejemplo, cuando estés tomando un cafecito caliente, abrazando al ser que amas o mirando la puesta del sol, reconoce que ese momento no volverá a repetirse, y disfrútalo como si María Marín motivadora internacional.
Visita el canal de Youtube:“El Empujoncito de Maria Marin”
In Southwest Louisiana, we love to celebrate, and one of the key components to a great celebration is MUSIC!
This spring/summer is filled with a variety of music festivals and events that are sure to get you up and movin’ to the tunes of regional and national musicians.
Live at the Lakefront Concert Series Dates: March 29, 2019 Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Friday Location: Lake Charles Civic Center Arcade Outdoor Amphitheater Time: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM Price: Free
Ginuwine Dates: March 29, 2019 Location: Golden Nugget’s Grand Event Center Time: 8:30 PM
Keith Frank Dates: March 30, 2019 Location: Jack Daniel’s Bar and Grill Time: 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM Price: $15.00 Ticketed Show
Heather Land “I Ain’t Doin It” Tour Dates: March 30, 2019 Location: Golden Nugget’s Grand Event Center Time: 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Groovin at the Grove with the Royal BluGarou ft. Wayne Toups Dates: April 4, 2019 Location: Walnut Grove Neighborhood Time: 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM Price: Free
Candlebox Dates: April 5, 2019 Location: Grand Event Center Time: 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM Price: Starting at $10
Family Fishing Festival Dates: April 6, 2019 Location: Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Price: FREE, Licenses will be required
Wild Beast Feast Dates: April 6, 2019 Location: V.F.W. Post 2130 Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Price: $50 general admission; $25 students/children; Ages 5 & under free
