All results / Stories / Jo-Carolyn Goode

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Riding High in the Toyota Tacoma TRD Offroad 4x4 Double Cab

Bungee jumping, zip lining, tight rope walking, and skydiving are just some things that you won’t catch me doing. Why? Basically, I have a fear of heights; maybe not necessarily heights but the fear of falling from a very high height. Ironically, being high is why I loved reviewing the vehicle I had this past week. The 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Offroad 4x4 Double Cab Long Bed had me riding high and I liked it.

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NRG: ‘The Culinary Capital of the South’

Houston Texans President Jamey Rootes is issuing an invitation to all football fans to a “Taste of Houston, the Culinary Capital of the South.” Rootes put out the call during the unveiling of all that was new NRG stadium this year. Suite renovations, new concession items, designer clothing collection for women, touchdown deals, and an app makeover, Texans’ fans will have an experience that is sweeter to lounge in, tastier to the palette, and easier to navigate during the 2019 season.

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A Reason to Fight for the Right to Vote

We should not still be fighting for something that is granted to all Americans by the U. S. Constitution. Every person with breath in their body has a voice that deserves to be heard. They should not have to be on guard to protect this most precious right. America is a melting pot of different cultures, races, beliefs, and so many things that make each person unique.

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Community Corner: Emancipation Park: An Historical Treasure of Houston

Tired of feeling captive, a group of former slaves utilized their resources and talents to raised $1,000 to buy 10 acres of land in Houston 147 years ago to create a space where they could just be free. The space would become Emancipation Park, the central hub of generations coming together with a sense of community. Passing years has seen the park at its ups and downs causing it to be revitalized in 2006 by TIRZ7 and again this year with a $33 million renovation.

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Mecole Hayes: Trailblazing TSU Alumna Shatters Big Brother Boundaries*

In a historic moment that reverberates far beyond the confines of reality television, Mecole Hayes (SOC ’15), a proud alumna of Texas Southern University (TSU), has emerged as a trailblazer, becoming the first HBCU graduate to grace the Big Brother stage. Mecole's remarkable journey from the corridors of TSU to the spotlight of primetime television serves as an inspiration, embodying the resilience, determination, and unyielding spirit of a true pioneer.

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The Hungry Free Summer

School bells ringing are a bigger relief for some families than just getting children out of the house. It means that their children will have two well-balanced meals a day at school. One in six children across America doesn’t know where their next meal will come from. Texas is a distant 43rd for children’s overall well-being with a devastating 25% of the children living in poverty. Houston ranks second in the nation for children living with food insecurity. Harris County has the second highest rate of child food insecurity in the nation. A hungry free summer seems unobtainable but in summer 2019 it was made possible.

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Jocko Sims Breaks All the Rules On NBC’s New Amsterdam

Rules were made to be followed, not broken. Someone forgot to tell the doctors at New York’s New Amsterdam Hospital, a fictional hospital that is the setting for NBC’s new medical drama New Amsterdam, who are breaking all the rules to give patients the best care possible. Dubbed as America’s oldest public hospital, no one is ever turned away regardless of finances, condition, race, gender, or anything. If you need assistance, they say “How can I help?”

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Houston Rodeo 2024: Taste of Victory at World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest

The scent of sizzling barbecue filled the air as more than 250 seasoned barbecue teams converged at the 2024 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, from February 22nd to 24th. Amidst fierce competition, one team emerged triumphant, clinching the coveted title of Grand Champion Overall — the illustrious Taste of South Texas Bar-B-Que Team.

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It’s Getting Nasty: How Sickness Is Spreading Across Houston

Today, a simple cough can clear a room. With the rise of positive COVID cases, Houston streets are getting nasty. People have become less concerned about wearing masks and social distancing. Many Houstonians have a false sense of security that the COVID vaccine is the ultimate protection against the coronavirus. Although the vaccine does provide protection against getting the virus, it does not mean a vaccinated individual can’t get COVID. The vaccine can lessen the severity of symptoms. People must continue practicing safety precautions, especially in a population where there are so many unvaccinated individuals.

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Mentors Students to ASCEND to Greater Dimensions

Putting any person in a box limits their opportunities. They have no room to grow and flourish. There is no new path to travel. No new discoveries to be made or challenges to tackle. However, when someone comes along to remove one side of the box a whole new world opens. Mentors do that for children by exposing them to the world beyond their limited space for a better future.

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Pride and Culture: How One Family Lost It All and Came Back On Top

May is one of those months that has a bit more flavor to it. Call it Muy Caliente! Americans of Mexican decent everywhere proudly stick out their chest with pride in celebration of culture and heritage for Cinco de Mayo. Originally celebrated as the day that the Mexican Army overtook French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, Cinco de Mayo is now a much more spirited celebration in the United States.

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Stop the Spread of Hate to Honor a King

Love has many definitions. The Holy Bible describes it as patient, kind, protecting, trusting, hopeful, preserving, and without the capability of failing. Webster’s Dictionary also has several meanings of love. It is defined as something that commands admiration, passionate affection for someone, friendship, courtship, reverence to God, and gratitude. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” Love, ultimately, is powerful when people take action to utilize its energy.

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Ride Into 2018 with the New Toyota Camry SE

Millions took to the road this holiday season. In fact, this year was the highest travel on record with an estimated 107.3 million traveling via four-wheels according to AAA. As America’s most popular sedan, the Toyota Camry is one of choice for families, especially on long road trips. They love it for its reliability, safety, and comfort. In 2018, drivers will love it for one more thing, its style.

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Empowering Success: Paris Fletcher's Inspirational Journey with Full Bloom

Paris Fletcher's indomitable spirit and commitment to empowering others exemplify the essence of success. Through Full Bloom, she continues to inspire individuals worldwide, proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible. Join the movement and embark on your journey towards empowerment with Full Bloom today.

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The Good From COVID-19 Social Distancing

No need to pinch yourself or splash cold water on your face. You are not dreaming but are living in an altered reality. We are in the middle of a worldwide pandemic that is wreaking havoc in the world, taking millions of lives, draining the economy, and keeping us indoors. By now you are well aware of what COVID-19 is, the symptoms, and how it spreads. All the negatives are out there but how about a dose of positivity?

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Michael Strahan Return to Texas to Lift-Off

What's beyond the big blanket that covers the sky, sprinkled with the stars has always been a great mystery and a sense of wonderment for most Americans. More than 600 people have already gone on an adventure to the stars, and Michael Strahan is about to join that number.

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Legendary Coach John Wooden Honored with USPS Commemorative Stamp

The U.S. Postal Service is set to unveil a new Forever stamp paying tribute to the enduring legacy of basketball coaching icon, John Wooden. This commemorative stamp celebrates the indelible impact of Coach Wooden's leadership and mentorship in the world of sports.

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Tragedy to Triumph: The Hilarious Journey of Ms. Pat

Prepare to be amazed by Patricia "Ms. Pat" Williams, a woman who's turned her heartbreaking past into a sidesplitting comedy career. From teenage motherhood and selling drugs to finding love and adopting her niece's children, Ms. Pat has faced it all with laughter as her saving grace.

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Teacher Turn Comedian Eddie B

"I'm Already Professionally Developed: Straight From the Teacher's Desk," is a book about Eddie B’s journey as a teacher on the way to the creation of the videos “What Teachers Really Say” and how the idea turned into one of the biggest comedy tours in history. “I share my personal experiences in the classroom as well as my home life! It all ties into the issues and desires of teachers who want to see better days; the ones who are really passionate about changing the narrative of this profession. We deal with so much!” Eddie B commented.

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Hispanic-Serving Institutions Across The Nation Total 600

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has released an analysis of the 2022-23 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) enrollment data, which shows an increase in the number of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).