Librarians train to defend intellectual freedom and fight book bans at Chicago conference
The American Library Association's annual conference is underway in Chicago, where librarians are discussing topics including countering book challenges, fighting legislative censorship, and ensuring information access and the freedom to read.
Reserve your free ‘Garden to Go’ kits from Lowe’s
Every week in April for “SpringFest” the home improvement chain is giving away garden-to-go project kits. The kits will have different themes every week. Here is the weekly schedule of kits:April 8: Lowe’s says this kit “is sponsored by Miracle-Gro” and includes recipes from cook and food stylist Amanda Frederickson. April 15: Lowe’s Mystery Garden Pinata with mystery seed packets. April 22: For Earth Day, Lowe’s will give out 500,000 tree saplingsApril 29: “Lowe’s Butterfly Quest” helps families create a butterfly garden.
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7 free things you can score now and upcoming days
Free workout classes from Orangetheory FitnessThis upcoming Sunday, Nov. 1, Orangetheory Fitness is offering a free one-hour Daylight Savings workout. Free day of childcareKindercare Learning Centers are offering parents a free day of childcare. The car rental company will give one free day to customers who reserve a car for two days. It is giving its customers a chance to score a free Whopper if you visit a competitor’s restaurant location that has been shut down. West and confirm your location through the Burger King app you’ll receive a coupon for a free Whopper.
Here is where you can find the Lego truck and get free Legos this week
HOUSTON – A brand new Lego store is opening in Willowbrook Mall. To help spread the word, the Lego truck is trolling around Houston giving away free Lego mini build kits. The truck dispenses the kits contact-free. After kids build their free kit, they can take it to the new Willowbrook Lego store to get another free surprise. Here is where you can find the Lego truck this week:Wed, Oct. 7, 20202:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.Houston Heights Fire Station107 W 12th StreetHouston Texas 77008Friday, Oct. 9, 20202:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.Houston Heights Fire Station107 W 12th StreetHouston Texas 770085 p.m. - 7 p.m.City Centre Plaza800 Town & Country BlvdHouston, TX 77024
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Free milk: This is where to get two gallons for your family this Friday in Houston
HOUSTON – Got milk? More than 400 gallons of milk are being distributed Friday morning at 10 a.m. at the Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church at 7701 Jutland Road in Houston. On-site staff will wear PPE during event, maintain social distancing, practice safe hygiene and participate in a mandatory health screening. The giveaway, which runs until 1 p.m., also is providing free sanitizer, masks and additional food items. Additional milk distributions are planned throughout the year at various Texas food pantries.
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Get your free credit report every week to keep track of deferments amid pandemic
HOUSTON – A lot of people are deferring loan payments and mortgage payments during the pandemic. Still, you should check your credit report and score to make sure these deferments are not being reported negatively. The three credit-reporting companies are providing one free weekly credit report until April 2021, instead of one per year ordinarily at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you find an error on your report, you should send a written dispute to each credit-reporting company publishing incorrect information and the lender. The credit-reporting companies must normally respond within 30 days, but the CFPB says it will give them more time if needed right now.
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Running out of things to do with the kids? Here are 13 more ideas
The author of "Harry Potter" has launched an online Potter hub to keep children educated and entertained during the coronavirus. (Premier Martial Arts)Premier Martial Arts Rosenberg, Magnolia, Dickinson & League City locations are offering free online classes to students of all ages, 4 – 104. Khan Academy is offering free daily schedules and learning resources for kids aged 2 to 18-years-old. Here are 12 Famous Museums offering Virtual Tours you can take on your Couch. This site allows kids to hang out with Dr. Seuss and his friends, all while playing games and reading.
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You can get wine and a free huge order of fries to-go at this Houston spot
HOUSTON – You can get a bottle of wine and free fries without even getting out of your car. With every bottle of wine ordered to-go, Bar Boheme is including a free order of its Vietnamese fries piled on with hoisin sauce, sriracha, garlic mayo, cilantro, and crushed peanuts. The bar has its wine list available to view on Instagram. In compliance with COVID-19 restrictions, the cocktail bar and restaurant is offering curbside pickup and delivery service while dining rooms are closed. Bar Boheme is located in Montrose at 307 Fairview St.Business hours are 4 p.m. to midnight on Monday and Tuesday; 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday to Friday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday; 11 a.m. to midnight on Sunday.
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HL OBSESSIONS: Here’s a list of Courtney and Derrick’s favorite apps to help keep you sane
If you’re a regular viewer, you may be familiar with Houston Life’s monthly segment, HL Obsessions. Once a month Courtney and Derrick share some of their favorite products with us all. They are focusing on free apps you can download to help you with exercises, cooking, your finances and entertainment. Full disclosure: Courtney and Derrick are not paid or compensated by these companies at all, these are simply apps they love. On a clear night you can basically hold your phone up to the sky and it maps out what you’re looking for.
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Fort Bend supplying free disinfectant solution to all residents
Fort Bend County officials will begin providing free disinfectant solution to county residents to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Fort Bend residents will receive a 32-oz plastic container and 1-gallon of disinfectant product, officials said. I ask all residents of Fort Bend County to assist us in this goal.”To pick up the products, residents must provide identification and sign an acknowledgment form. We will do a one-for-one exchange.”Fort Bend County partnered with De Nora Water Technologies Texas in Sugar Land to provide residents with the free cleaning products. Fort Bend County residents can check the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page for up-to-date information about the disinfectant distribution.
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Comcast offers free wifi hotspots during coronavirus shutdown
HOUSTON – Comcast is offering wifi hotspots available nationwide due to the coronavirus. The hotspots will be available with no data caps, disconnects or late fees and speeds will increase to 3 Mbps. This allows parents and students to have access to news and educational content. Once at a hotspot, select “xfinitywifi” network name from the wifi menu, then launch the preferred browser. To find an Xfinity WiFi Hotspot, check the hotspot location map at wifi.xfinity.com or download the Xfinity WiFi Hotspots app from the App Store or Google Play.
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Dunkin’ will give out FREE donuts every Friday this month
Dunkin' is giving away a free classic donut with a purchase of any drink every Friday in March, signaling the latest escalation among fast food rivals for the breakfast battle. Customers have to order through the Dunkin' app to access the deal, which is only available in the United States. In addition to plant-based meat alternative sandwiches, Dunkin' has recently bolstered its breakfast offerings with Go2 breakfast deals, egg-based bowls and even a bag of bacon. Wendy's, which launched its breakfast menu nationwide earlier this week, is giving away a free Chicken Biscuit sandwich with purchase on mobile orders. McDonald's offered free Egg McMuffin sandwiches last Monday.
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5 fun, free things to do around town this weekend
Catch a free screening of "How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World.” The show starts at 6:30 p.m., but get there early to get a good spot on the lawn. Bayou Bikers meet at Market Square Park at 8 a.m.Let the good times roll Saturday at the Houston Creole Mardi Gras Parade. Enjoy a Community Funfest in Cinco Ranch at the brand new Villa Sport Athletic Club. You can bring the whole family to enjoy the food trucks, carnival games, group exercises and even jump houses. The fun starts Saturday at 10 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m.You can skip the line and RSVP for your free ticket on the Villa Sport Website.