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.

To enter the 2010 International Wine Competition, visit www.rodeohouston.com , click on the orange Exhibitor/Competitor Access button in the top right corner of the Web site, and choose Rodeo Uncorked! Wine Show. All entries are accepted online and must be completed by Oct. 30, 2009.

Kemah Boardwalk is tuning up for a harmoniously good time at the Twelfth Annual Jazz Festival, Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27. The Kemah Boardwalk and Robert Wilson, festival founder and director, have teamed up this year to create an exciting free weekend of jazz music that will satisfy everyone from the amateur jazz listener to the long-time aficionado.

State Representative Garnet F. Coleman is currently in Washington, D.C., meeting with friends in Congress on the best way to work together and move forward with real health reform. He has met with various members including Congressmen Al Green (D-Houston) and Chet Edwards (D-Waco), who have done extraordinary work on behalf of Texans, to lend his support to swiftly pass a health care reform bill that ends the status quo.

Today marks the eleventh Anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In Kenya, 218 people lost their lives and over 5,000 were injured; the blast in Dar es Salaam killed 11 people and wounded more than 85 others. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and the families and loved ones of those who were lost in these tragic events.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama announced that he has nominated Steven O’Donnell to serve as United States Marshal for the District of Rhode Island.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama announced that he has nominated the following individuals as United States Attorneys:

Marcia K. McNutt, of California, to be Director of the United States Geological Survey, vice Mark Myers, resigned.

“I’m pleased that the third and final House committee working on health reform legislation has successfully passed a bill that would provide quality, affordable health insurance for all Americans. This historic step by the House Energy and Commerce Committee moves us closer to health insurance reform than we have ever been before. The bill that they have passed will strengthen consumer protections and choice, while lowering costs and improving care, underscoring the broad consensus among all of the bills that have emerged in Congress.