February 5, 2013 Amidst a lot of controversy and negative publicity from the media on the heels of her now public announcement that she, Taylor Swift will be endorsing 'Diet Coke.' As Swift says in the video "we're actually making it official with one of the great loves of my life, Diet Coke." So, what's the big deal? According to some, "America is in an obesity epidemic" and sodas are the children's enemy. Laurie David a writer for the Huffington Post says "not only are we in an obesity epidemic but a diabetes epidemic as well." Taylor says the partnership is going to include "some great things on this tour."
February 4, 2013 Singer/songwriter Madonna Nash was inspired to write the song 'Don't Leave' by a friend who is a military wife. All the wife was asking for, was a little more time with the man she so dearly loves. The song struck a nerve with me because I remember when I was a kid, mom saying the very same thing to my dad before he was deployed to Vietnam. It's the very same thing I envision many military spouses doing all over West Texas, being that we are a big Military town. One last thing, as I watched the video I not only felt her pain but her loneliness as well. Check it out.
February 4, 2013 The "Free Immunization Clinics" and the "Care Vans" are a direct result of several organizations working together to offer these services in Abilene. Through a coordinated effort, the "Caring for Children Foundation of Texas, Inc.", Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and the Medical Care Mission are all directly responsible for helping immunize many Abilene and West Texas Children over the years. Now The Care Van is holding another immunization clinic on Thursday February 7th at 1857 Pine Street.
February 4, 2013 The Abilene Region 14 Education Service Center and the Autism Speaks foundation are hosting the "9th Annual Autism Extravaganza" and the “Greater Abilene Walk Now for Autism Speaks” kick-off luncheon at the ACU Hunter Welcome Center, Wednesday, February 6th. This years featured speaker is John Elder Robison, author and lecturer. Robison will share his unique experiences as a person living with Asperger Syndrome.
February 3, 2013 The last time The Band Perry played at Billy Bob’s, they did so to a standing room only crowd. Pam Minick Billy Bob's Director of Marketing told me "The Band Perry returns to Billy Bob’s on May 3rd, for what is sure to be another sell out show." This time The Band Perry will return to the worlds largest honky-tonk with three number one songs under their belt and numerous awards and nomination including a Grammy nod for 'If I Die Young'.
February 2, 2013 The much anticipated Kenny Chesney single from his forthcoming album was released Friday as Kenny's fans lined up to hear 'Pirate Flag' his new song online, for the first time. No Shoes Radio is Chesney's personal internet radio station, and according to Kenny's website "the tune in was so intense, the bandwidth was filled to the brink that it was slowed to a slightly less than optimal speed." Kenny went on to say "this is crazy!"
February 2, 2013 Whether you own a big business with hundreds of employees or you have a side business in your garage, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce (COC) wants to help you grow your business with help from 'social media.' The Marketing Committee of the Abilene COC and TXU Energy are co-sponsoring a one day “Social Media 101 for Businesses” training session, this Tuesday February 6th at the ACU Hunter Welcome Center and early registration is a must.
February 1, 2013 Randy Travis pleaded guilty yesterday to 'driving while intoxicated' (DWI) in Sherman, Texas and will not have to spend anytime behind bars, so long as he follows the courts orders. While at first it appears that yet another celebrity is "getting away with it" and without real punishment. Nothing could be further from the truth, in fact Travis was handed a bit stiffer sentence than the average Joe would get in a similar situation. Here's how the the country crooner will be spending the next two years.
January 30, 2013 You know what 'Relay for Life' is right? Well just imagine the very same thing, but only with the family pet. The American Cancer Society (ACS) in Abilene is holding the first ever 'Bark for Life' here at 'Camp Barkley' next to Grover Nelson Park. Unlike 'Relay for Life,' the Bark for Life will go from 9 AM until 1 PM whereas Relay for Life goes from 7 PM until 7 AM. The four hour four legged event will be much like the human event a "fun and festive atmosphere" complete with a survivor lap and games.
January 30, 2013 The 36th annual Cactus Lions Club and John Massey Memorial Spaghetti Supper will take place at the Abilene High School cafeteria. The Lions Club brags that they have a "famous secret spaghetti sauce," Pete Beretta says that the real secret is in how he infuses the garlic and butter onto the bread, being that he is in charge of and CEO of the "bread buttering and browning."
January 29, 2013 Abilene's only dinner and dance for people and their dogs is scheduled for February 16th at the Abilene Civic Center. The "Fur Ball" for 2013 is themed "Cow Dogs and Cowboys" so wear you boots, hats and blue jeans. A gourmet meal will be served for all the guests, human and canine. The people food will be catered by Perini Ranch Steakhouse and the doggie buffet is provided by Pam's Pets. This is an RSVP event and tickets will need to be purchased in advance. Besides the 'Fur Ball' is a major fundraiser for Rescue the Animals in Abilene.
January 28, 2013 The 2nd Annual Children's Arts and Literacy Festival (CALF) is coming to Downtown Abilene. The CALF is scheduled to begin with ArtWalk on June 13th and end on Fathers Day at the Abilene Zoo on June 16th. Readings will take place on Friday June 14th and Saturday June 15th with many other activities planned around Abilene for the duration of the Fathers Day weekend. Last years CALF event featuring Dr. Seuss was a tremendous success by the sheer numbers of people that attended and participated.
