About.com San Antonio

Price Issues for CPS

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:48 +0000

City Public Service (CPS) seems to have some price issues lately, and for once it's not just the price you see on your bill. Actually, this could be worse than that and could significantly affect your bills in the future.

According to the San Antonio Business Journal, the original cost estimate for two nuclear reactors that the municipally-owned power company was set to build has gone up-- by a lot. And now an investigation will have to be done.

The original cost estimate from the Toshiba Corporation was $13 billion, which is already a hefty price tag. But now, the estimate has jumped by an additional $4 billion-- not exacty chump change.

So now, CPS is faced with figuring out just why the cost estimate went up over 20%. Two employees have been placed on administrative leave over the debacle, and a trip to Japan by CPS officials is planned to meet with Toshiba about the increase. What happens as a result of this trip and investigation is anyone's guess, but it will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

Price Issues for CPS originally appeared on About.com San Antonio on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 06:14:48.

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Election Day

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:16:21 +0000

I don't know about you, but Election Day seemed to just sneak up on me. But it is finally upon us, so make sure you get to the polls sometimes today. If you need help finding out whre to go vote in your particular district, you can refer to this handy list.

So what do we vote for today? Here in Texas, quite a bit. There are a total of 11 proposed state constitutional ammendments on the ballot that cover everything from eminent domain to access to public beaches. There really is quite a bit, and the good folks over at KENS5 have put together a good list with links that explain the proposals.

Will you be voting?

Election Day originally appeared on About.com San Antonio on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 12:16:21.

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Oktoberfest Events Run Through November 8!

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:32:04 +0000

Although the calendar has flipped to November, Oktoberfest is in full swing. Or more specifically, Wurstfest is still happening all week through November 8th.

Wurstfest is a 'salute to sausage' being held in New Braunfels. It started on October 30th and will be held all week (yes, even weekdays) until this coming Sunday, so you have plenty of time to get over there and check it out.

Festivities include food (more than just sausage), drinks (especially beer) and lots of live music, much of which has a German theme. It is being held at the German Heritage center of Texas, after all (as New Braunfels likes to call themselves).

Have fun celebrating the last few days of Oktoberfest!

Oktoberfest Events Run Through November 8! originally appeared on About.com San Antonio on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 05:32:04.

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Just Call Him BatMan-U

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:05:17 +0000

No, I'm not talking about Manu Ginobili's costume, even though last night was indeed Halloween. I'm talking about the fact that the Spurs guard literally swatted a pesky bat out of the air on the court last night during a game at the AT&T Center .

The fact that it was Halloween and a bat was delaying the game (the swat happened during one of those delays) just adds to the mystique of the whole situation. The link takes you to the calling of the game by former Spur Sean Elliot and his announcing partner Bill Land, who gets more than a little excited, as he often does by Manu's play.

The crazy situation was so unbelievable that the story has made headlines on several websites including ESPN and the Huffington Post.

Just Call Him BatMan-U originally appeared on About.com San Antonio on Sunday, November 1st, 2009 at 14:05:17.

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The Drive for Five Kicks Off Tonight

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:39:24 +0000

If you don't know what I mean by "Drive for Five" you may not be a Spurs fan. Tonight is the kickoff for our local four-time champions, who did a lot of refueling over the summer to make a team worthy of displacing the Lakers as NBA Champions.

Tickets for tonight's season opener are still available through the Spurs' official website. Plenty of tickets are given away for several home games by Spurs staff on Twitter. Follow the San Antonio Spurs official Twitter and the best mascot in the NBA (or so he says!) the Coyote.

And remember, every Spurs home game has been declared SPURSDAY by mayor Julian Castro in a ceremony yesterday.

And of course, what would a post about the Spurs be without those sacred words ... GO SPURS GO!!!

The Drive for Five Kicks Off Tonight originally appeared on About.com San Antonio on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 12:39:24.

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David Robinson Gains National Honor

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:50:12 +0000

As if we don't have enough reasons to love David Robinson in San Antonio. Our not-quite native son (we'll claim him as ours anyways!) not only has opened The Carver Academy in the under-served East side and helped lead the Spurs to two championships, but now the rest of the nation will see just how special he is.

US News & World Report has just named The Admiral as one of America's Best Leaders for 2009. He gained the honor because of his dedication to education through the aforementioned Carver Academy. He joins others such as Newark Mayor Cory Booker, astronaut Sally Ride, and recently deceased Senator Ted Kennedy.

You can visit the official US News site to see the full list and a slideshow of the winners or to also just read the article about David Robinson. It's a great read whether you already know about the Carver Academy or not.

David Robinson Gains National Honor originally appeared on About.com San Antonio on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 13:50:12.

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Vote for Your Favorites on the San Antonio Music Scene

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:35:45 +0000

The San Antonio Current is conducting a poll of music favorites in San Antonio, and you are invited to voice your opinion.

The Second Annual Rammys ballot asks you to fill in your favorite musical acts in several categories ranging from instrumental to electronic, DJ's to best concert flier. There are rules -- the acts have to either be based in San Antonio or have strong ties to the city.

Visit the official online ballot between now and November 4th to cast your votes.

Vote for Your Favorites on the San Antonio Music Scene originally appeared on About.com San Antonio on Sunday, October 25th, 2009 at 22:35:45.

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San Antonio Founder's Day is This Weekend

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:50:21 +0000

Did you know that San Antonio has a Founder's Day celebration? You may not know because this is a relatively new celebration to the city, with 2009 marking only the sixth year that the celebration has taken place.

This year's event is at the Alamo this Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. It starts with an hour-long musical tribute and then begins cultural and historical exhibits, music and dance.

There are a lot of other things to do this weekend as well, in case you don't make it out to the Alamo.

On Saturday, there is a great program at the Blue Star Arts Complex that is sponsored by HEB called ArtSMART Family Day. It allows children to learn about and participate in art projects. The San Antonio Children's Museum is also having an art-themed event the same day called The Arts Cart.

If you don't mind a short drive to Boerne, you can go to the Wild West Day. It is a celebration of Old West culture where the Enchanted Springs Ranch is transformed into an 1800s Western town.

Mission San Jose has a two-day celebration of Folk Art called Artesanos Del Pueblo. And finally, there is a big musical bash at the Lone Star Brewery called Indie Bash at the Brewery.

San Antonio Founder's Day is This Weekend originally appeared on About.com San Antonio on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 at 21:50:21.

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Your CPS Bill Will See a Hike This Winter

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:09:28 +0000

Unless this coming winter is milder than expected (forecasts call for a colder winter than we are used to seeing here), you can expect a rate hike on your CPS bill.

CPS Energy has released a statement saying that they expect an increase of 9% on the coming winter month bills. This is due in part to the fact that this winter is expected to be quite colder than usual, plus a spike in the cost of natural gas prices.

CPS has stated that they will try to use cheaper sources of energy in order to pass those savings onto you, the consumer. Despite this, you can still expect an increase of $14.57 per month for the average-sized household. The amount your bill increases could be higher or lower depending on your consumption.

Your CPS Bill Will See a Hike This Winter originally appeared on About.com San Antonio on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at 12:09:28.

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Is San Antonio a Stinky City?

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:17:29 +0000

This may seem like an odd question, but it is one that has to be asked. You see, the Alamo City recently found itself on a very dubious list. The Total Beauty website has compiled a list of the stinkiest cities in America, and San Antonio found themselves clocking in at no. 6.

Why did we get such a distinction? According to the website, San Antonio is the 2nd sweatiest city in a recent study done by ... well, Old Spice. I could say a few things about the stinkiness of Old Spice, but I won't go there. Combine the sweat factor with the fact that San Antonio has a lot of smokers, and that led to the no. 6 ranking.

Do you agree with this assessment. I can say that I honestly don't find a difference between the way people smell here in San Antonio than anywhere else I have lived. From Los Angeles to New Jersey, no place I have called home for any length of time smelled worse than another. Or maybe I am just used to the stench by now? Who knows, but I can't honestly say I agree with this assessment. What do you think?

Is San Antonio a Stinky City? originally appeared on About.com San Antonio on Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 at 02:17:29.

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