Michelle Obama says her call for the country to fight childhood obesity isn’t about physical appearances, but rather quality of life.

Hello, everybody. We have just had a wonderful conversation. I want to just tell you a little bit about why we did this. I think sometimes in celebration of Dr. King’s birthday we act as if this history was so long ago.

Health care costs keep rising and many people are paying more out of the family budget for medical care than in the past. In 2007, people spent nearly $268.6 billion in out-of-pocket expenses, according to the American Hospital Association.

The University of Houston Moores School of Music presents its 27th annual International Piano Festival, February 12-14, 2010. Founded by legendary pianist and UH Cullen Professor, Abbey Simon, each festival presents Mr. Simon and two guest artists.

The National Society of Accountants (NSA) has issued the following statement in response to the Internal Revenue Service proposed regulations regarding registration, testing, and continuing education for tax return preparers:

The Houston Chamber Choir gives the Houston community an opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of music while showing support for arts education in our schools. The 11th Annual Invitational School Choral Festival co-sponsored by AMC Music entitled, “Hear the Future”.

Texas gained more people than any other state between July 1, 2008, and July 1, 2009 (478,000), followed by California (381,000), North Carolina (134,000), Georgia (131,000) and Florida (114,000), according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

One lucky H-E-B shopper is starting the New Year right with a check for $10,000! Woodlands resident and H-E-B shopper Elizabeth Thompson is the quarterly grand prize winner of H-E-B’s Best Place to Shop.

Winter Park Resort and Amtrak have teamed up to offer winter travelers an affordable, stress-free vacation package. Available now through April, the Snowball Express package includes round trip coach seats aboard the scenic California Zephyr long distance superliner train, offering daily service to Winter Park, four nights lodging and four days of lift tickets.

The Houston Wellness Association (HWA) will be hosting the Third Annual Appreciation Breakfast Honoring Mayor Bill White. This send-off for Mayor White will be bittersweet since the Houston Wellness Association grew from the Mayor’s Wellness Council in 2005.

“The Dr. Oz Show,” hosted by cardiac surgeon and health expert Dr. Mehmet Oz, joined forces with the National Football League (NFL) to help 20 moms of NFL players face off to get fit in “Dr. Oz’s Ultimate Health Challenge.”

Council Member Jones was elected to At Large position 5 in 2007. She’s passionate about issues, such as criminal justice and civil rights, which are near and dear to many.