Three Pennies Redeemed for Four Cents Today:

For today only (April 1, 2008), participating banks are giving a 4 cents back to customers who bring in 3 pennies. This should have a positive affect on the environment by reducing the amount of copper in circulation, and a positive affect on the economy by putting money back into circulation. Only specific locations are participating, so be sure to see the list of participating locations (click here) giving 4 cents for 3 pennies and read the rules posted on that page.

Television -
The New Digital Standard
or
Will My TV Still Work?

Will my existing TV's work, or do I need to throw them a way and buy new ones? If I need a new TV should I wait until the new digital conversion has occurred? When is the change going to happen, and what does it really mean? Those are questions asked by most Americans, and it seems like there are a lot of incorrect answers.

Let's start by answering the first question, which is "When will the change occur?" February 18, 2009 is when full-power television stations will turn off their old analog signals and then turn their new transmitters to send only digital format.

Okay, so we are going from "old analog" to new "digital" signals. What does that mean to me? The answer for must people is "NOTHING!" The reason is that most people in our area have cable or satellite TV. Those companies are already providing the signals to your TV, so they will make the changes at their offices ("headends") and we don't change anything.

If your TV's are connected to an antenna, which are usually mounted on top of a house, and you don't have cable or satellite TV, then you will be impacted. But the solution is to add a converter box to your TV and then it will still work. To help with the cost, the U.S. Government has allocated $1.5 billion to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to pay for coupons to subsidize the cost of converter boxes. Each household is eligible for two coupons, regardless of whether they have a pay-television service or not.

As you can see, the impact is not as significant as many people believe, and no, you don't have to replace your televisions. Current polling figures show that more than a thrid of U.S. residents are still not aware of the transition, so this can be a good conversation topic.

To request a coupon, click here to apply online at www.dtv2009.gov

Our thanks to Green Mountain Software, a Katy-based technology consulting firm for providing this information.

Mason Road Skate

Looking for something to do after school (after your homework is done)? Go have fun at Mason Road Skate. It is located just West of Mason Road on Kingsland.

Open sessions are available and the rink can be rented for private parties, birthday parties, or even corporate events. Click here for more information and discounts...

Katy Coupons

Are you looking for opportunities to save money?

Visit KatyCoupons.com to find offerings by some of the local Katy businesses.

Amber Alerts

Are you familiar with the AMBER ALERT system? It has saved many children. To participate all that you need to do is sign-up to receive messages whenever a child is missing (no SPAM messages) and then watch for them while you are driving, shopping, etc.

Let's be ready whenever a child needs our help. Please sign up and start helping.

Click here to learn more. It does not cost anything and your information will not be given to others.