Visitors Guide to Houston, Texas, USA

by on January 25, 2012

The city of Houston is America’s fourth-largest city and although a spreading
location, much of the appeal is concentrated in the city center, between the
downtown district and the Galleria Mall. Houston is a young and vibrant city, with a
host of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Close to the Gulf Coast Cities, Houston is
also home to a number of exceptional museums, popular festivals and regular well-
attended sporting events at the city’s stadium.

Houston is a large and important city, incorporating a number of local communities
and historical neighborhoods. Amongst these districts are Downtown – the center of
Houston, full of entertainment, shops and restaurants; Midtown – easily reached by
the city’s light railway; and Uptown – one of the liveliest and most animated areas of
the city, featuring the enormous cosmopolitan Galleria shopping mall.
Other notable areas of Houston include the Museum District – home to an unusual
concentration of exceptional museums and art galleries; the Theater District – one
of America’s most notable clusters of top theaters, in central downtown; and also
the Heights – on the northwest side of downtown, with many historic buildings and
specialty shops.

Houston Tourism:
Tourist attractions in Houston are plentiful, making Houston a particularly enjoyable
place to visit. Facilities include many striking buildings and monuments, historical
museums and traditional art galleries, must-see sights and numerous recreational
activities, which are particularly popular in the city’s many parklands, such as
Hermann Park, Memorial Park and Sam Houston Park.

Top attractions include Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, Downtown Aquarium,
Houston Zoo, Space Center Houston and Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum, Houston
Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) and the JP Morgan Chase Tower Observation
Deck. Museums worth a visit include Houston’s Lawndale Art Center, Museum of
Fine Arts, Contemporary Arts Museum and the Rice University Art Gallery. There are
also a number of seasonal theater productions that are always popular with visitors
to Houston.

Houston Transport:
Around Houston, public transport is well organized and a number of major freeways
and interstates are nearby. the city contains a large train station along Washington
Avenue, with regular Amtrak trains arriving and departing each day, traveling to a
range of cities, including Los Angeles. Further transport options include Greyhound
buses, the local METRO bus network, the METRORail tram service, car rental and
taxicabs.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport Houston (IAH) stands around 22 miles / 33 km
on the north side of the city center and is an important transport hub. with four
terminals and many passengers arriving each day from all over the world, Houston
Airport provides a range of convenient ground transport, which includes shuttle
buses, taxis and car rental options. also nearby, the William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
is a smaller airport with mainly domestic airlines, located to the southeast of the
city’s downtown district.

Houston Hotels:
Being a modern, important and large cosmopolitan city, Houston’s accommodation
more than meets expectations. with a simply vast selection of well-placed hotels,
there is plenty to suit visitors, although advance reservations are sensible. Hotels
can be found close to both airports, along nearby highways and throughout the city
center, with all main brands well represented. Camping grounds are also available
for holidaymakers with RVs, and the Houston International Hostel along Crawford
Street is popular with budget travelers.

Houston Restaurants:
Dining in Houston is massive and there are around 5,000 restaurants and eateries
to choose from in Houston, with a wide range of different cuisines readily available
for all palates. many of the city’s most popular restaurants can be found in the
downtown area, the Richmond Entertainment district, and in the uptown district –
particularly along Richmond Avenue. International cuisine on offer in Houston
includes French, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Spanish and Thai, together with traditional
Texan dishes and American diners. Chinatown is the place to head for authentic
Chinese restaurants and shopping malls have become a popular place to eat in
Houston and often include large, open-plan food courts, with a number of options,
including fast food.

Houston Shopping:
Houston is an impressive, vibrant shopping destination offering a large selection of
shops and stores. Facilities include many popular designer outlets and fashion
boutiques, together with well-known department stores and enormous shopping
malls. Popular shopping areas include Chinatown, Main Street, Westheimer, Uptown
Park Boulevard and Rice Village close to the Museum District. Worth a visit are the
River Oaks Center between Woodhead and Shepherd, Alabama and Westheimer, and
the University Village, close to Rice University.

Houston Weather:
The city has a subtropical and fairly humid climate, with sunny, hot summer weather
and cooler winters. Temperatures during July and August are at their hottest and
can peak at highs of around 35C / 95F. Spring in Houston is a mild
season and a busy time of the year, when many visitors arrive in Houston. Winters
in Houston are cool, although the temperatures stay well above freezing. January is
the coldest month when daytime temperatures average around 16C /
61F, although lows of less than 10C / 50F may be
experienced.

Visitors Guide to Houston, Texas, USA

Seriously Houston Weather, WTF???

by on January 25, 2012

The chance of severe weather and possible flooding doesn't sit well with people living in one southeast Houston neighborhood. just two weeks ago, waist-high water flooded their homes and streets. Residents have been working non-stop,

In Texas City, a town about 40 miles southeast of Houston, a possible tornado damaged the roof and wall of the Mall of the Mainland, and fire Chief Joe Gorman e.

24 2012 at 8:00 AM ​There is an oft overused axiom about weather in Texas: If you don't like it, wait. it owes to our ever-changing weather and the diversity of our state, but lately it feels like Houston's climate has taken that to the extreme.

HOUSTON – we have already had some rain around the area, and we can expect more over the next 24 hours. A strong area of low pressure and a cold front will slide across Texas, and it will bring us rain and a slight risk for severe weather.

HOUSTON – A warm front moved across the area and brought more mild temps and humidity. the moisture has turned into low clouds and fog tonight. A Dense Fog Advisory has been posted for Harris, Galveston, and Chambers Counties until 9 am Wednesday.

Seriously Houston Weather, WTF???

In this undated photo released by Weight Watchers, Tim Gunn, left, poses for a photograph with Abby Dale, of San Marcos, Texas. As a new style consultant to Weight Watchers, Gunn guided Dale, a contest winner who lost 92 pounds, through shopping for a new wardrobe after her weight loss. (AP Photo/Weight Watchers )

There are people out there who really do stick to their new Year’s resolution and take off those last 10 pounds — or more.

Sometimes, says fashion guru Tim Gunn, they don’t know how to show it off, or even find clothes that fit.

“Once you’ve reached your goal, it’s time to go shopping or at least alter your old clothing. … My mantra about ‘getting’ fashion is silhouette, proportion and fit. when they are in balance, you’ll look great in whatever you’re wearing,” he says.

When women are in a transitional phase, he suggests a wrap-style top or dress, which basically adjusts itself to changes in your body. (It’s his must-have pick for all women, actually.)

He’d also steer people toward V necklines instead of a crewneck or boatneck. V necks lead one’s eye up to the wearer’s face, he explains, which can make a flattering line.

Pants often can be taken in to accommodate a smaller size because they have mostly straight seams, Gunn explains, but jackets and blazers are trickier for a tailor to fix if shoulder seams start to creep down the arm. Men especially have an issue with collars.

 

Gunn guides new wardrobes for weight loss

The ancient Mayan Calendar ends on December 21st, 2012, and coincides with a rare 4.000 year cosmic alignment, which modern scientists only discovered after studying this calendar. There are several scenarios, which could occur by the ending of this calendar. What are the eight possible scenarios?

1. Solar Storms

Solar storms have increased in recent years, and by the end of the calendar, the great cosmic highway in space will be open. recent activity from the Sun, has created several minor storms that have affected Earth, but a great storm would destroy our satellites, burn out our electricity generators, and Earth could turn into a period of darkness.

2. A Polar Shift

Our scientists do recognize that somewhere in Earths history, our continents moved, which was probably a polar shift, as a previous polar shift may have created this movement in our distant past. Ancient Mayan manuscripts describe 30 hours of darkness, as our planets magnetic fields faded, and recorded the renewal of our Planet. Could 2012 be the year of a Polar Shift?

3. Earthquakes and Floods

Recent GPS technology continue to expose previously unknown cities buried underneath our lands, and networks of man-made tunnels. This new evidence does show that far into our past, large cities did exist, and something happened to bury them.

Geologists have discovered evidence of ancient earthquakes and floods, with 4.000 year old seashells found on the highest mountains of our planet. We are experiencing more floods, greater seismic activity and the effects of rising sea levels. Could the cosmic alignment in 2012, trigger a series of earthquakes & floods?

4. an Alien Invasion

The Cosmic Alignment on December 21st, 2012 creates a highway in space, where any object could reach Earth quickly, due to the force created by this alignment of planets. This would be an ideal opportunity to attack Earth, especially if solar storms, or earthquakes have destroyed our power supplies and created disaster areas within our nations. This doomsday scenario is probable considering there are millions of undiscovered planets in the universe, but we need to consider whether our planet is worth invading, as we are only a small part of a vast, endless unknown Universe.

5. A false Flag Invasion

Globalization is creating a power base that many people see as a potential One world Government. many people suspect a global elite could be planning a false flag attack to justify a one world system, and a dictatorship. in recent years the fear of a one World government, have created thousands of conspiracy theories, but if we look back at history, false invasions have created wars and conflicts that did end up with a ruling dictatorship. if this is the message of the Mayan Calendar, then we could be living in a completely different social, and economic system by the end of this year?

6. Alien Contact, and an Era of Peace

The opening of the great cosmic highway could usher in the opposite of an alien invasion- one of peace and cooperation. We do face many global problems, with our current economic, environmental, political, and social systems. perhaps friendly alien contact, from an advanced race, could restore faith, peace and a new start for Earth.

7. Nibiru

The ancient Sumerians, along with the Egyptians, Indians and Mayans are seen as our Planets first known advanced civilizations. Evidence of advanced cities with running water, and a knowledge of the Universe we only recently discovered ourselves, shows that in the past humankind may have been as advanced as we see ourselves today, except we lived with nature.

The symbolism seen in what remains in many of the ruined cities left by these civilizations does show another planet, and the descendants from a planet battling with humans. This planet was called Nibiru, by ancient Babylonian astronomers. Could something occur on December 21st, 2012, related to this unknown planet?

8. Nothing

We could wake up on this historic day and see bright skies, perhaps auras from a minor solar storm, but our World will remain the same. This anti-climax could be the real outcome of one of the rarest cosmic events in recent history.

We are discovering more about our enigmatic past as our technology, and availability of the internet allow us to communicate on a global scale, however often we may only guess what secrets lay buried or lost from these ancient cavitations. December 21st, 2012 is one of the biggest secrets waiting to be revealed- Whatever happens on this day.

WASHINGTON—In a bittersweet farewell, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords accepted bags of chocolates and a big presidential hug as she claimed her seat one last time in the House of Representatives Tuesday night.

Giffords, who has regained much of her ability to speak and walk after a gunshot wound to the head Jan. 8, 2011, will leave Congress this week to focus on her recovery. but first, she wanted to attend the State of the Union she was forced to miss last year in the uncertain days after the shooting.

Just before President Barack Obama was to speak at 9 p.m. EST, Giffords quietly entered the chamber under her own power and made her way the few steps to a seat that had been reserved for her. Hug No. 1 came from friend Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida. Giffords’ colleagues stood and gently applauded her.

“Gabby! Gabby!” some of them chanted.

Limping a little, Giffords beamed around the chamber and raised her left hand to wave. Rep. Louis Gohmert, R-Texas, approached with two bags of chocolate, which Giffords took, grinning.

She looked to the gallery to wave at her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly. when first Lady Michelle Obama took her seat next to him, she waved, too.

The president himself swooped in with a big bear hug around Giffords’ tiny frame, grinning widely before climbing to the rostrum for the speech.

She has inspired gestures of bipartisanship. Last year in the tender days after the shooting, members of both parties sat together across the chamber, rather than Democrats to the president’s right and Republicans to his left. many lawmakers did the same this year.

Throughout the speech, Republican Rep. Jeff Flake, sitting at Giffords’ side, repeatedly helped her stand as her fellow Democrats applauded Obama.

Giffords’ presence may be the only element about the event above politics.

Obama used the highest-profile pulpit in the land to reclaim the spotlight from Republicans battling for the right to face him in the general election. he was speaking to a Congress cranky after a year of the most bitter partisan fighting in recent memory and the public’s widespread disapproval.

He’s weaving a narrative about economic fairness and zeroed in on the richest Americans who pay a lower tax rate than those who bring home a regular paycheck. Obama didn’t say it, but Republican hopeful Mitt Romney, a multimillionaire who released his tax return for 2010 and an estimate for 2011, is one of the nation’s wealthiest in this category.

Billionaire Warren Buffett has said it’s unfair that his secretary pays a higher tax rate than he does. Emphasizing the point, Buffett’s secretary, Debbie Bosanek, attended the address in Michelle Obama’s box.

Republican leaders pre-labeled Obama’s blueprint a “pathetic” rehash.

A Tucson Tragedy

by on January 25, 2012

Normally, additions to my blog are designed to promote information sharing on topics related to wine and to promote products my company makes available to our customers. the dialog presented contains facts, issues, product reviews, and, occasionally, a humorous antidote. I live in Tucson, Arizona. the events that took place here on January 8th, 2011 have compelled me to offer my discussion and observations of this unforgettable tragedy. Perhaps, it is my way of coping with what happened.

Regular people where seeking an interaction with their Congressional Representative, Gabby Giffords, at a local grocery store around 10 AM on a Saturday morning. in a matter of moments, a lone gunman appeared on the scene and started shooting. It did not take long before six wonderful Tucson residents lay dead and several others were gravely wounded. the news of this event traveled through Tucson like a strong spring wind, shocking the entire community. the people of Tucson did not know where to turn that morning and to some extent still struggle with the multitude of questions that grief can bring.

That day many common citizens became instant heroes. two citizens sacrificed their lives to save another. Other citizens acted together to subdue the shooter. many ordinary people jumped in the fray to administer life-saving aid and comfort to the injured. the police and emergency care responders shifted into high-gear, moving the wounded people to hospitals where their fight for survival continued. Emergency room doctors and nurses tirelessly applied their skills to save every life they could. the Tucson people anxiously awaited any small morsel of news on everyone’s condition. a dark cloud formed over the city bringing sadness to the community that will not soon dissipate. consequently, an unprecedented community unity was developing.

Memorials to the ones fighting for their lives started to appear on a patch of grass at University Medical Center, where most of the injured were taken. in just a few days, this display of love grew into a gathering place of well-wishers. Flowers, balloons, hundreds of candles, posters and hand-written notes of respect, love and get-well wishes were placed in an altar like display on the grass. As the memorial increased in size, paths were maintained for people to use when viewing the displays. the grassy walk way became a well-worn dirt path as hundreds of citizens came to offer their prayers and condolences. That piece of hospital lawn will never be the same as it has become a shrine to this tragic event and a place where the earth is mixed with the tears of the people who came to share their grief.

Where are we now? the infamy that Tucson has achieved was never solicited by the people of the Old Pueblo, but is currently being kept alive as the media continues its mission to inform and report. the people who died have been appropriately honored and buried, but never will be forgotten by this community. all wounded people have survived and have an uphill road to recover, especially Gabby. the shooter has been indicted, has pleaded non-guilty, and now faces months and, perhaps, years of judicial processes. I expect the political rhetoric of how to stop a tragedy like this from happening again will begin. unfortunately, I expect it to increase as the finger-pointing of blame begins in earnest.

Today thank fully, Gabby has been upgraded to good condition and has been moved to a rehabilitation center to begin her uphill battle to recovery. Meanwhile, Tucson citizens will continue forward united in a way that this city has never seen before. As the wounds heal in the bodies of the victims, the wounds in the minds of the people of our city will also heal.

A Tucson Tragedy

President Obama last night gave a speech regarding the United States position in Iraq, in which he hailed his predecessor George W. Bush as a fellow patriot. The speech came about as US troops begin to evacuate some of the country’s most hostile areas.

The President said that, ‘he and I disagreed about the war from its outset, yet no one could doubt President Bush’s support for our troops, or his love of country and commitment to our security.’ He went on to say, ‘as I have said, there were patriots who supported this war, and patriots who opposed it, he said. And all of us are united in appreciation for our servicemen and women, and our hopes for Iraqis’ future.’

Mr Obama however avoided referring to the war as a positive decision. He said that the world media criticized mr Bush harshly for his decision to go to war with Iraq in 2002, and that claims that he is incompetent and ‘dumb’ are childish allegations that hold little merit. He said that the same Oval Desk that George Bush announced to the people of America that their country will be going to war with Iraq was the same one he was now delivering his speech.

He went on to say, ‘much has changed since that night, a war to disarm a state became a fight against an insurgency. Terrorism and sectarian warfare threatened to tear Iraq apart. Thousands of Americans gave their lives; tens of thousands have been wounded. Our relations abroad were strained. Our unity at home was tested.’

Before President Obama delivered his speech he called upon mr Bush to finalise the end of combat operations in Iraq, however what the two men discussed remains highly confidential.

President Obama Speech To Mark The End Of War

By Meredith Morris Contributor January 12, 2012 8:14AM

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Oak Park Public Library volunteer Doug Deuchler (left) and librarian Alan Jacobson talk about the library’s film programs they create. | Meredith Morris~For Sun-Times Media

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10 films for Oak Parkers

the Oak Park Public Library’s Alan Jacobson and Doug Deuchler identified their Top 5 films they consider “must-sees” for Oak Parkers:

“Paper Moon”: (1973), dir. Peter Bodganovich. Ryan and Tatum O’Neil as a con man and daughter during the Depression. With Madeleine Kahn.

“The Little Foxes”: (1941), dir. William Wyler. Bette Davis in a Lillian Hellman play about a greedy southern family in 1900.

“Shower”: (1999), dir. Zhang Yang. a conflict of generations, set in an old family-run bathhouse in modern China.

“Make Way for Tomorrow”: (1937), dir. Leo McCarey. Films about old people are rare. this one is remarkable, yet the Academy gave that year’s Oscar to the same director for a screwball comedy. this film focuses on an elderly couple forced to separate when they lose their home. Sounds like a bummer but it’s beautifully done.

“Gold Diggers of 193”: dir. Mervyn LeRoy. this film has everything the ‘30s had to offer: eye-popping Busby Berkeley choreography, great performances by Warner Bros. stars like Joan Blondell, pre-Code naughtiness, Art Deco sets and production numbers that still amaze and awe.

“Submarine”: (2010), dir. Richard Ayoade. a 15-year-old boy aims to lose his virginity and quash his mother’s relationship with an ex-lover. With Craig Roberts and the ever-wonderful Sally Hawkins.

“Flirting”: (1991), dir. John Duigan. a story of first love focused on an interracial romance, with Noah Taylor as a boy sent to an Australian boarding school, Thandie Newton and Nicole Kidman. Long out of print, we are lucky to have this in our collection.

“Kisses” (2008): dir. Lance Daly. a taut Irish tale of best friends who leave their dysfunctional homes for Dublin.

“Shop around the Corner”: (1940), dir. Ernst Lubitsch. a holiday classic you haven’t seen 1,000 times (remade as “You’ve Got Mail”). Shop employees (Margaret Sullavan and Jimmy Stewart) who can hardly tolerate one another unknowingly fall in love.

“Exit Through the Gift Shop”: (2010), dir. Banksy. Documentary that enters the underground graffiti art world and asks questions of the artists and filmmaker about who’s making art.

Updated: January 16, 2012 6:36PM

“Want to catch a movie?” isn’t a casual question at the Oak Park Public Library.

Two men shape the library’s film program and aim to make its screenings more than just entertainment.

They strive for quality cultural events on par with the book discussions most people associate with libraries, said Oak Park librarian Alan Jacobson.

Jacobson, who has a film degree and has also taught film, runs the library’s film program with Doug Deuchler, film historian, film teacher and library volunteer. both recognize films as as some of the best work in the library’s collection.

Deuchler, a retired librarian, is volunteer coordinator of the library’s weekday matinee film series and of special series that have accompanied some of the library’s celebrations of writers like Ernest Hemingway, Edgar Allan Poe and Maurice Sendak.

Deuchler’s passion is classic films appreciated as entertainment and works of art. one of his recent series, for instance, “Betty, Bogie and Max,” featured Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart films with scores by legendary composer Max Steiner. Deuchler’s matinees are popular, often drawing 100 viewers, many of whom are retirees who stick around for lively post-film discussions.

On the other hand, Jacobson, in his role on staff, created the library’s “Oak Park Viewers” evening series and plans occasional special programming, like showings of Academy Award contenders. He draws typically smaller groups to his evening screenings that center on indie, foreign and other more recent films.

His picks have included Michael Haneke’s “The White Ribbon,” David Cronenberg’s “History of Violence” and films by Jim Jarmusch. Though fewer attend his screenings, Jacobson’s work isn’t lost. He’s attracted a sizable “virtual following,” evidenced by spikes of interest in the library’s copies of “Oak Park Viewers” films.

“We’re promoting the Oak Park library as a place for meaningful discussion, no matter how people are able to go about it,” he said.

Jacobson and Deuchler appreciate the community’s generally high level of education and intellectual curiosity that invites controversial and politically questionable films that might not fly in other villages. they also appreciate the library administration’s support of their efforts.

“The people who come here astound me with the knowledge they bring, whether they’re drawing from a philosophical perspective or riffing off of one another or my questions,” Jacobson said, adding that it’s not unusual for him to have a Marxist, feminist or other “super-smart person” in the room who amps-up the level of discussion.

Film-goers also regularly include people who travel relatively long distances by public transportation, making significant efforts to catch the quality, free programming.

Jacobson and Deuchler precede their screenings with 5-10 minute commentaries that provide historical or cinemagraphic context, reflecting the library’s desire to provide “value-added” screenings. in the case of films that contains violence or other potentially offensive material, commentaries include warnings to deter audience discomfort and urge those not interested to leave.

“I don’t want to feel like I’m subjecting people to anything,” Jacobson said.

For the most part, however, Oak Park’s film community is receptive to challenging screenings followed by active discussions.

“Sometimes I pick a film and then when I see it on a schedule in print, I say to myself, ‘Oh my gosh, what was I thinking?’” Deuchler said. But repeatedly, he’s been surprised viewers’ tolerance and empathy.

In January the Oak Park Viewers series launched “Bogie!,” a Humphrey Bogart series.

In February, look for the matinee series to kick-off films by Billy Wilder, inspired by audience request.

For more information on these, other films and their screening locations, see the library’s calendar online at www.oppl.org or call (708) 383-8200.

Movie buffs love to challenge Oak Parkers at library screenings

President Obama will announce to America his latest plan to help promote jobs for Americans. He is visiting Florida, one of the worst hit for jobs, and specifically planning on speaking in Orlando. It’s great to see that our President will visit Florida ahead of the GOP primary season there to insure his message is clearly stated to help keep his approval rating from getting hammered at a time when he is busy out fundraising to keep himself in office for the upcoming 2012 Presidential Election.

There was an interesting article recently in the Miami Herald on January 17, 2012; Obama to visit Disney World, and stated;

President Obama will announce a strategy for promoting tourism during a visit to Walt Disney World in Orlando later this week. White House officials said Tuesday that the president’s announcement on jobs and tourism and how travel is part of his We Can’t Wait actions undertaken through executive orders. Obama is scheduled to be in Orlando on Thursday.

Well, I think it is highly appropriate for Obama to speak at Disney World about his Fantasy Land vision for a socialist America. I wonder if someone in the White House staff is secretly conspiring to make a mockery of his Jobs Plan, or his tootie-fruity cartoon like fantasy policies? I mean they haven’t worked so far, and he can’t blame Bush this time around, at least I don’t believe he is nave enough to think he can blame-game himself into another term in office.

Apparently, the Administration’s cruise ship is headed for the rocky coastline, alongside the light-house also, but maybe he can use the cartoon figures as a backdrop of entertainment to get us to forget about the economic reality his administration has caused, but personally, I’d say enough far-fetched fantasy on the jobs, economy, and tourist industry from this administration.

Now then, he might receive a nice crowd there at Disney World, at least a lot better than he might in Las Vegas were Obama’s previous speeches severely hurt tourism, but what he says, and what he does are so far apart – and yes, he’s a delightful speaker, with one of the World’s best speech writers – but we need a little less talk, a little less golf, and a lot more relevant action.

Still won’t it be great to see President Obama with Daffy, Mickey, and the rest of the Disney Characters, I mean it’s a lot better than when he visited China and dressed in a Mao communist outfit for the cameras. Seriously folks, enough clowning around – it’s time to get the job done, not go on vacation to Disney World. Please consider all this and think on it.

3 Smart engaged: Elizabeth Smart, the woman kidnapped at age 14 from her Salt Lake City home and held captive for nine months, is getting married. A spokesman for the 24-year-old said she got engaged last weekend. No details about the groom were

In 2011, Elizabeth Smart came into her own. She appeared in court to help secure a life sentence for Brian David Mitchell, the man who, along with his wife, Wanda Barzee, abducted Smart (then 14) at knifepoint, “married” her and proceeded to rape her

The 24-year-old, who was famously kidnapped in 2002, got engaged in Salt Lake City last weekend.

Unlike high-profile missing persons cases like Natalee Holloway, Caylee Anthony or Elizabeth Smart, McLeod's case has received scant attention from the public, the press and police. "Sometimes, I think this is a bad dream.

Elizabeth Smart who was kidnapped at age 14 from her Salt Lake City home and held for nine months is engaged to an unidentified man, according to a family spokesperson.

Kidnap Victim Elizabeth Smart Engaged: 'I'm so Excited'

Kidnap Victim Elizabeth Smart Engaged: 'I'm So Excited'