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Dickinson's location down Interstate 45 makes it a perfect area for fans of the NBA's Houston Rockets. Even when you can't score tickets to visit the Toyota Center, you'll find plenty of options for watching the game without traveling far. Try one of these top places near Dickinson to watch the next Houston Rockets game. more Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery located at 241 S. Gulf Freeway is just north of Dickinson in League City. The spot is a fantastic place for a drink and a full meal. The eatery keeps a selection of over 20 beers and ciders on tap, including classics such as Blue Moon and Guinness as well as regional specialties. You can also enjoy a glass of wine, a signature cocktail, or a house special “Kilt Bomber,” such as an Irish Slammer. If you visit for a game, expect a full, fun crowd cheering on the Rockets with you. Crescent City Connection For a place that caters more to the unique culture of the Gulf Coast, try Crescent City Connection Sports & Oyster Bar. This is a casual spot known for Creole foods, such as gumbo with andouille sausage and jambalaya, and its selection of grilled oysters and crawfish. If you want to get your hands dirty with some oysters and crawdads while celebrating the game, this is the eatery and bar for you. The address is 16605 El Camino Real A, which is just past Nassau Bay toward Houston. League City's Easy Street League City's Easy Street is a sports and cocktail bar in the heart of League City. This option is known for its more intimate setting, which lends the bar a friendly and warm atmosphere — especially on game day. Come by for affordable drinks, bar games, live music, and Rockets games. Outside food is allowed if you want to bring something to eat. Barge 295 Barge 295 is a unique, highly praised bar and grill up Highway 146 past Kemah. Though the drive might seem out of the way, the experience is more than worth it. The restaurant is at 2613 1/2 Nasa Parkway in Seabrook, which is right on the waters of Clear Lake. The varied menu includes oysters and shrimp as well as favorites like Ahi tuna tacos, Korean barbecue chicken sliders, and macaroni and cheese. Make sure you bring your appetite! Chuck's Sports Bar and Memorabilia Chuck's Sports Bar and Memorabilia is another excellent choice in League City. It's also another friendly local spot that's popular with other Rockets fans who prefer a more personal bar experience. The sports bar is located at 601 E. Main Street. In addition to grilled food and a wide selection of food and wine, you can purchase some sports memorabilia while you're here. Expect good prices, great food and drink, and friendly fans when you visit this location. With so many fantastic spots near Dickinson, there's no excuse to stay in during the next Rockets game. Put on your game day jersey, and join in with hundreds of other fans at one of these locations. This photo, " Tilted Kilt," by JeepersMedia, used under CC BY 2.o. "Tilted Kilt" is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Houston is a great place for those seeking a good meal, and you'll find plenty of tasty choices you can try on a budget. The next time you're hungry, try one of these five top places to grab some cheap yet delicious food in Houston. more Tarka Indian Kitchen Tarka Indian Kitchen is as recognizable for its cuisine as it is for its bright, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant serves curries, kebabs, and other Indian specialties. Rest easy that you'll get a fantastic deal here. You can build your own curry bowl, complete with either chicken, lamb, shrimp, vegetables, or paneer, for about $10. Find Tarka Indian Kitchen at 721 W 19th Street. It's open daily at 11 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Seabrook Waffle Company Looking for an affordable breakfast joint? Try Seabrook Waffle Company for a delicious and filling meal. You can stay simple with Waffle Bites for only $5, but even a fuller meal like chicken and waffles will only set you back $7.95. Seabrook Waffle Company is at 1402 5th Street. It's open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Doozo's Dumplings & Noodles Hustle and bustle is a part of the lively setting in this downtown Houston restaurant. Lines form and move quickly at this Chinese noodle restaurant, with patrons eager to get their hands on some tasty and affordable dumplings — you can get 10 for $5. Doozo's Dumplings & Noodles is at 1200 McKinney Street. Visit Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The eatery is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Torchy's Tacos Torchy's Tacos has a few locations around Houston serving up mighty tasty and affordable tacos, chips, and more. If you're really on a budget, you can fill up with a smile over an order of chips and Torchy's Hillbilly Queso. You can also get two tacos for less than $10 or nosh on something special, like Baja shrimp or a chicken fajita plate. Try Torchy's delicious and affordable tacos at one of over 10 locations around the city. These shops are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Huynh Restaurant Huynh Restaurant cooks up authentic Vietnamese cuisine, including staples like spring rolls and stir fry. You can easily fill up here without emptying your wallet. The wide variety makes it a great choice for someone who's never tried this type of cuisine before. Plus, you can get a noodle bowl for lunch for only $8.50. Huynh Restaurant is at 912 St Emanuel Street. It's open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. No matter what type of food you're craving or when you're craving it, you'll find an incredible and affordable option in Houston. Check out one of these spots the next time you're hungry and on a budget in the city. This photo, "multi-grain waffles," by Stacy Spensley, used under CC BY 2.o. "multi-grain waffles" is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

The Kia Forte is a compact car praised for its fuel efficiency, competitive interior volume compared to other vehicles in its class, and more. But the EX trim in particular presents an excellent value for drivers. Check out some of the top features of the 2018 Forte EX that make it a great bargain, and test drive one at a local dealership when you get the chance. more Exclusive Features to the EX Trim The Forte EX is the premium option out of three trims: The LX, S, and EX. Though the EX has the highest MSRP — starting at $21,700 — it's also the only one that comes equipped with certain standard features and has access to select optional additions. For example, the EX is the only Forte that has dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear vents, and it's the only choice if you want advanced safety technologies such as blind spot detection as standard features. Drivers can also purchase the EX Premium Plus Package for this trim. Exclusive to the EX, this adds a power sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, high-intensity discharge projector beam headlights, and more to your new Forte. Fuel Efficiency and Performance The EX runs on a 2.0-liter DOCH 16-valve I-4 engine with a gasoline direct injection system. This powertrain is exclusive to the EX. You can build your EX as an ultra-low emission or a super ultra-low emissions vehicle. The former gets 167 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, and the latter gets 160 horsepower and 149 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle is only available as an electronically controlled six-speed automatic. The EX gets 25 miles per gallon in the city, 33 on the highway, and 28 combined. UVO Touch-Screen Display A 7-inch touch-screen display with UVO technology is a standard feature on the EX. The UVO system includes services such as roadside assistance, vehicle diagnostics, a parking minder, trip info, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. You can further upgrade this feature through the EX Premium Plus Package, which adds UVO's voice command navigation system, an upgraded 7-inch color touch-screen display, and SiriusXM Traffic and HD Radio services. Advanced Safety Features The EX is the recommended choice if you want access to cutting-edge safety features. Though all Kias have modern systems like comprehensive airbag protection, vehicle stability management, hill start assist, and traction control, the EX is the only Forte that comes standard with: Blind spot detection Lane change assist Rear cross traffic alert If you upgrade with the premium package, you'll also enjoy access to autonomous emergency braking, a forward collision warning system, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist. The EX is also the only trim that comes standard with a smart key, push-button start, and immobilizer. The 2018 Forte is an efficient and responsive compact, and if you can upgrade to the EX, you certainly won't be disappointed. Try one out in person if you need more convincing, and work with a local dealer if you'd like to build your new Forte from the ground up. This image, " steering wheel logo," by littlemoresunshine, used under CC BY 2.0. "Steering wheel logo" is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Uber and Lyft have become two of the most popular side hustles and even full-time jobs across the country. At first glance, these positions sound like a great deal. You can set your own hours, you can work as much or as little as you want, you don't have to answer to anyone, and the pay grade is above average. However, it's not as straightforward as it seems. Before you sign up, here are some things you should know about the rideshare business. more Taxes One of the hardest things for rideshare drivers to grasp is taxes. Unlike most positions, with this job you're an independent contractor, meaning you're responsible for taking all the taxes out of your paycheck. You can find many helpful calculators online, but understanding what's being taken out may help you as well. First off, you'll have to make at least $600 before you have to file taxes. Then, you need to estimate how much you think you'll make on an annual basis. Don't worry if you can't figure an exact dollar figure. You can adjust it as you go. Once you figure how much you think you'll make, find your tax bracket, which will more than likely hover between 10 percent and 28 percent. Next, add in the 15.3 percent self-employment tax that's levied on all independent contractors. The final taxes are any state or local income taxes you may owe. When you add these percentages up, you may be looking at taxes somewhere in the realm of 25 to 50 percent.  You can use the standard mileage deduction to decrease your taxable income, and you may also have other expenses such as car washes or interior cleanings, but you may find that the taxes make it much less lucrative than you may have thought. Insurance Considerations Most personal auto insurance doesn't cover you if you're a rideshare driver, and if you're involved in an accident while on the job, it's likely that your insurance company will fight you tooth and nail. If you're on the job, both Uber and Lyft have driver insurance, but their policies aren't always transparent. Fortunately, many car insurance companies are now offering rideshare driver insurance. This protects you while you're on the job from liability, theft from passengers, or collision. However, these policies aren't available in all states. If your state doesn't have one, you'll need a commercial auto policy for complete coverage. The Passengers Knowing how to handle passengers is one of the most important aspects of rideshare driving. For example, morning commuters need to make it to work in a hurry, so being prompt is a key aspect. In addition, these people may not want to chat with you, and reading their body language is always required. You may also want to pick and choose your driving time. If you can't stand late-night partiers or the chance of a vomiting episode, you may want to pick a time with tamer, more well-behaved passengers. Now that you know the ins and outs of the rideshare business, you can make an informed decision on whether the business is for you. This photo, " Lyft," by urbanists, used under CC BY 2.o. "urbanists" is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

With six models on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick list and several more on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's list of five-star vehicles, Kia has an unprecedented and unmatched level of safety. The key to their successful safety features is a comprehensive list of active, passive, and driver-assist amenities designed to minimize damage if the worst happens and prevent accidents before they happen. If you're searching for a safe vehicle for yourself or a new driver in the family, check out these 2018 Kia models. more Kia Forte One of Kia's four compact offerings, the Kia Forte is also one of the safest compacts on the road. The safety features differ on each one of the Forte's three trim levels, but all of them get active and passive safety specs. This includes advanced air bags, vehicle stability management, electronic stability control with traction control, hill start assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The S trim has available driver-assist features, while the EX comes fully stocked with blind spot detection, lane change assist, and rear cross traffic alert. If you add the optional safety package, the Forte also adds autonomous emergency braking, a forward collision warning system, a lane departure warning system, and a lane keep assist system. Kia Soul The automotive industry's most intriguing and conspicuous model is back in 2018 with more safety amenities than ever before. With the 2018 Kia Soul, drivers get some nice active and passive safety features standard. All three trims come with rear child-safety door locks, front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, hill start assist control, four-wheel disc brakes with an anti-locking braking system, and dual front, side, and curtain airbags. If you opt for the Plus trim (+), you can tack on an available driver-assist safety system that includes autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot detection, smart cruise control, and lane departure warning. Kia Sorento The 2018 Sorento is the largest SUV in the Kia lineup, and while it offers plenty of space for your family and stuff, it doesn't slack when it comes to safety amenities. All seven trims of the Sorento come with standard safety amenities including first and second-row side curtain air bags, dual advanced front air bags, a rollover sensor, a brake assist system, traction control, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. All trim levels except for the base level L have an available driver-assist safety system. This includes advanced smart cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, a forward collision warning system, and lane departure warning. Blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert are standard on the EX trim, while the SX includes all six of these advanced driver-assist safety specs. Whether you're looking for an SUV, coupe, or crossover, Kia has the vehicles you need with the safety features you'll love. Hopefully, you'll never have to put them to the test, but the peace of mind you get is more than worth the purchase. Image by AutoPhotography, used under CCO 1.0

As the country's fourth-largest city, Houston is always bustling. Over 2.3 million people are constantly running around, going from work to home or heading out on the town. However, it's not always as exciting as it sounds. Sometimes you want to get away from it all so you can reflect, think, or contemplate your life. You may not completely escape your fellow residents, but at least you can zone them out. Here are the best places to take a solitary and scenic walk in the Space City. more Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park Located on almost three acres in Houston's Uptown neighborhood, Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is the perfect place to get away from it all. Surrounded by massive, modernized skyscrapers and 186 live oak trees, the park is an eclectic blend of natural and manmade structures. The centerpiece is a 64-foot semi-circular fountain that pumps 11,000 gallons of water per minute, allowing it to cascade down the structure's walls. There's something serene about watching the fountains here that puts you at ease. Buffalo Bayou Park Covering over 160 acres west of downtown and north of the Fourth Ward, Buffalo Bayou Park is one of the country's most majestic urban green spaces. It's open from dusk until dawn, and you can always find a spot all to yourself somewhere in its vast expanses. If you want a more fitness-based approach to your solitude, biking and hiking are two popular choices, but you can always walk along the miles of trails that run throughout the park. If you find a comfortable spot to relax or a park bench for a seat, you'll have spectacular views of the Houston skyline, or you can watch the local bats fly around through the sky as they find their dinner. No matter what you do, you'll find something to please and relax you at Buffalo Bayou. Neartown-Montrose If you want to soak up some of Houston's unique charm, take a stroll in the Neartown-Montrose neighborhood. Unlike some of the more modern areas in the city, Neartown-Montrose doesn't have any cookie-cutter buildings or architecture, providing you with constantly different scenery. Even if you're wandering aimlessly, you'll always find something that's worth a look. Plus, the population density isn't nearly as high, giving you a bit more solitude than in other areas of the city. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center Situated right next to the Galleria, the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is one of the most beautiful natural places in the city. Take one of the many nature trails through the park, especially if you love animals, as you'll see frogs, turtles, and more along the way. If that's not enough time to yourself, you can also stroll along and feast your eyes on the natural greenery. Before you lose your sanity, remember that Houston has plenty of places to get some fresh air, enjoy the scenery, and forget all your worries and troubles. Even if it's only for an hour or so, you'll see how therapeutic it can be. This photo, " Metropolis," by eflon, used under CC BY 2.o. "Metropolis" is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

About 60 percent of Americans own pets, and many put their dogs, cats, or other animals on the same levels as a human. They take them everywhere, share meals, and entertain each other, becoming best friends in the process. However, not every pet owner applies this humanlike quality to transportation. Not only do many states have laws regarding pet transportation, but you can put your pet's health at risk by not securing them properly. If you weren't sure how to transport your pet, follow these car safety protocols for a fun, safe trip. more No Heads Out the Window No one's denying how adorable it is to see a dog with its head hanging out of a car window. However, it's extremely dangerous. Think of the last time you got a chip in your windshield. These chips are only caused by small pebbles, but if that same pebble strikes your dog, it can cause a serious injury, especially if it struck him in the eye. In addition, your dog is also susceptible to serious injury or death during an accident or evasive maneuver. If you have to swerve to avoid an obstacle or you're involved in an accident, your pet can get ejected from the car, which could cause a fatality. No Pets on Your Lap According to AAA, up to 20 percent of pet owners drive with their pet on their lap, and of this 20 percent, about one-third become distracted by them. These staggering statistics becomes even worse when you consider how much your pet can impair your vision or ability to properly grab the wheel. In an accident, your unsecured pet may also get ejected from the car or end up meeting the windshield, both of which can cause death or serious injury. Proper Transportation of Pets The only surefire way to prevent injury or distraction when transporting your pets is to have them properly restrained. The good news is that you have plenty of restraint options that suit your pet's size and personality, as well as the size of your vehicle. Some companies offer pet car seats. These car seats resemble an infant's car seat, but with padding that's similar to a dog or cat bed. If you don't like the car seat approach or your pet is far too large, opt for a restraint system or a tether. These systems connect to seat belts, the seat, or other parts of your car so your pet stays in one place, even if you have to steer swiftly or an accident occurs. Preventing Car Sickness Car sickness strikes dogs with alarming regularity. To avoid cleaning up a messy situation, the best remedy is to prevent the illness altogether. To start, always make sure that your pup can see outside, and crack the windows to let in some fresh air. If you're headed on a long trip, warm them up to the experience by taking them on several short trips. When it's finally time for the lengthy journey, remember to take breaks every few hours. With these car safety pet protocols, you never have to worry about putting your pet's life in danger. From long distance road trips to a journey to the vet, your pet is always in good hands. This photo, " DSC_1558.jpg," by Mark Nakasone, used under CC BY 2.o. "DSC_1558.jpg" is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

When you're searching for hearty dishes that will fill you up, you can't beat the classic offerings you'll find at a diner. The next time you're in the area and you're feeling hungry, slide into a booth and enjoy the food and atmosphere at these top diners around Houston. more Avalon Diner With four locations around Houston, it's not hard to find an Avalon Diner to satisfy your craving for a large and well-cooked meal for breakfast or lunch. If you're stopping by for breakfast, you'll find all the classics, including eggs, omelets, French toast, pancakes, and waffles. If you're hungry, consider the corned beef hash and eggs or huevos rancheros. For lunch, the 1938 Original Hamburger is always a popular choice. You'll also find hot dogs, chicken fingers, and hot and cold sandwiches. City Cafe City Cafe sits on the outskirts of South Houston and has been serving huge breakfasts and steam table lunches since 1952. Your breakfast options include a variety of egg dishes, waffles, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, and breakfast tacos. Each weekday offers a different selection of lunch options from the steam tables, such as roast beef, meatloaf, spaghetti, and baked chicken. You'll also find plenty of traditional sandwiches, like a BLT, grilled cheese, Reuben, and hamburger. Dot Coffee Shop No matter what time of day you're in the mood for homemade comfort food, you can find it at the 24-hour Dot Coffee Shop. Signature breakfast items include the breakfast feast, which comes with two eggs, three pancakes, sausage, bacon, ham, and hash browns, as well as the country breakfast, which has two biscuits and two sausage patties topped with country gravy and a side of hash browns. For lunch, the diner is known for its jumbo chicken fried steak and country fried chicken breast, both served with cream gravy. Hanz Diner For diner food with a Texas twist, head to Hanz Diner, which is known for its modern take on classic Mexican dishes. Breakfast items include breakfast tacos, omelets, and breakfast sandwiches. You'll also find specialty waffles, like the hot cinnamon baked apple waffles or the banana pecan waffles. For lunch and dinner, try one of the specialty burgers. Popular options include the open face chili cheeseburger served with cheddar cheese, onions, and chili or the honey barbecue burger, which comes with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles covered in a honey barbecue sauce. Tel-Wink Grill Tel-Wink Grill serves hearty breakfast and lunch dishes cooked and served just the way you like them. For breakfast, you can choose from steak and eggs, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, waffles, French toast, and omelets. If you're stopping by for lunch and you have an appetite, you'll find triple-decker sandwich options that include turkey and bacon, BLT, and ham and cheese. The menu also has chicken sandwiches, burgers, and traditional sandwiches, such as grilled ham and cheese and a patty melt. No matter what type of classic diner food is your favorite, you'll find meals that will fill you up when you stop by these popular diners around Houston. This photo, " DSC_0041," by Marc Majcher used under CC BY 2.o. " DSC_0041 " is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Water can destroy a car's interior, electrical system, and engine. While you might not be able to save your vehicle if it's fully submerged under water, there's hope if the water didn't go more than halfway up the wheels. In any case, here are the steps you need to take if your car floods. more Don't Start the Car The first and most important step you need to take when your car floods is to remember what you shouldn't do. Do not attempt to start your car. While you might want to give it a try to see if it still works, if there's any water in the engine, starting it could damage it beyond repair. If there's any doubt, your best bet is to call a tow truck and have your car taken to a mechanic. Call Your Insurance Company While collision insurance typically doesn't cover flood damage, you might have coverage through your comprehensive insurance. Therefore, it's a good idea to call your insurance company and find out what steps you need to take if you need to make a claim. If your vehicle flooded because of a natural disaster, such as a flood or hurricane, your insurance company will likely be dealing with hundreds to thousands of claims, so it's a good idea to start the process as soon as possible. Determine the High-Water Mark Next you'll need to see if you can figure out how high the water got on your vehicle. If the water was dirty, it's usually very easy to see exactly where it stopped based on the line of mud or debris in your vehicle. However, if it was clean water, it might be hard to tell. In this case, feel the dampness of the upholstery or trim and look inside the headlights or taillights to give you a clue. Keep in mind that many insurance companies will consider a car totaled if the water reached the bottom of the dashboard. Start Drying the Interior Mold will start to grow on the parts of your vehicle that got wet, so you need to start drying out the interior as quickly as possible. Begin by opening all the windows and doors to let it air dry. You can also use towels to soak up any water from the floors or seats. However, you'll likely want to replace anything that got wet, including upholstery, seat padding, carpets, door panels, and floor mats. Check the Fluids Once you lift the hood, you'll get a better idea of the extent of the flood damage. You'll want to pull the oil dipstick out and check it for water droplets. Also, check for water in the air filter, fuel system, and power steering, brake, and coolant reservoirs. If you see signs of water in any of these locations, your best option is to have your vehicle taken to a mechanic for professional help. While a flood can cause disastrous damage to a vehicle, with these steps, you might be able to salvage your flooded car. This photo, " South Beach flood," by maxstrz used under CC BY 2.o. " South Beach flood " is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

As the old year comes to an end and the new year gets going, many people will make resolutions to live a better life. Sometimes, these resolutions include living greener. If one of your resolutions for 2018 is to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, you can start by reducing your fuel consumption with these five tips. more Carpool Carpooling is one of the easiest ways to reduce your fuel consumption. If you and your friends or neighbors are all traveling to the same place at the same time, create a carpool schedule so you only need to take one vehicle instead of multiple ones. Not only can this practice help you cut down on the amount of fuel you use, it's also good for the environment. If everyone in the country carpooled just one day a week, we could reduce traffic on the roads by as much as 20 percent. Streamline Your Vehicle You like to go camping or bicycling on the weekends, but that doesn't mean you need to keep all that gear on your car during the week. Engineers put a lot of work into making vehicles as streamlined as possible to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. Leaving things like flags, luggage carriers, and bike racks on your car when you're not using them adds to your vehicle's wind resistance and increases fuel consumption. Follow the Speed Limit Speeding down the interstate at 80 mph doesn't help your fuel consumption at all. In fact, your gas mileage drops as much as 15 percent when you drive over 65 mph. While driving faster might get you to your destination one or two minutes sooner, you'll enjoy better fuel economy if you ease off the accelerator a little. Get a Car With Better Gas Mileage If you're driving around in a gas-guzzling truck or SUV when you don't need the extra space or power, consider trading in your old vehicle for one of the more fuel-efficient new cars. The Kia Cadenza offers streamlined performance and luxury to go along with its EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. For even better fuel economy, consider the Kia Optima Hybrid, which offers an impressive EPA-estimated 39 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway. Follow Regular Maintenance Keeping up with regular maintenance on your vehicle can also help with your fuel consumption. Maintaining correct tire pressure improves your gas mileage. Keeping your tires properly aligned and rotated will also help you reduce your fuel consumption. Changing the oil and oil filter according to your owner's manual recommendation and regularly replacing the spark plugs and air filter can not only improve your vehicle's fuel consumption and performance, but it can also help prevent larger and more expensive issues from popping up down the road. If one of your New Year's resolutions for 2018 is to live a greener life, reducing your fuel consumption will cut down on emissions and help you reach that goal. This photo, " Traffic,” by DBduo Photography used under CC BY 2.o. " Traffic " is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

If you're just starting out and looking for your first new car purchase that offers plenty of style and an upscale cabin, consider the 2018 Kia Optima LX. This starting trim level of the mid-size sedan comes with plenty of technology and luxurious touches that make it a vehicle you will be proud to own. more Stylish Exterior The first thing you'll notice about the Kia Optima LX is that it has a stylish exterior. There's a gloss black front grille, solar control glass, and chrome exhaust tip. Take a closer look and you'll also discover it comes with plenty of convenient features. You'll enjoy power side mirrors that are heated and come with built-in turn signal indicators. You'll also get projector beam headlights that automatically turn on and off depending on the level of light outside. Impressive Technology If you're looking for some of the latest technology features, the Kia Optima LX has them. The infotainment system comes with a 7-inch touch-screen display that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With these features, you can send and receive texts, listen to your favorite music, access some of your favorite apps, and more. You'll also enjoy hands-free Bluetooth connectivity so you can keep your focus on the road. Excellent Safety Features The 2018 Kia Optima LX comes with plenty of standard safety features to give you more security behind the wheel. There's a rearview camera that offers a live image of what's behind your vehicle when you're in reverse. Additionally, the rear parking assist system gives you an audible warning if you get too close to an obstacle when you're backing up. The blind spot detection system provides a visual warning about vehicles in your blind spot, and lane change assist warns you about vehicles approaching you from behind. Comfortable Interior Climb inside the Optima LX and you'll find a comfortable interior built around your needs. The standard cloth seats come with a CleanTex treatment that gives you anti-static, anti-soil, and anti-bacterial protection. The steering wheel also lets you adjust the cruise control settings, take calls using your Bluetooth-enabled phone, adjust the volume of the radio, and change radio channels with built-in controls. Additionally, the dual 12-volt power outlets in the front let you and your passenger charge your mobile devices at the same time. Power and Efficiency in One The Kia Optima LX also comes with the performance you want in a mid-size sedan. Lift the hood and you'll find a 2.4-liter engine that offers up 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. While this engine gives you the power to go, you can also keep cruising by gas stations with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Plus, with drive mode select, you can decide whether you want Normal, Eco, or Sport for your drive that day. When you're looking for that first new car purchase you can be proud of, turn to the stylish 2018 Kia Optima LX. This photo, " Kia Optima-0096,” by AutoweekUSA used under CC BY 2.o. " Traffic " is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Are you in the mood for some live stand-up or improv comedy in Houston, Texas? If so, there are plenty of venues in the area that can guarantee a good laugh. From special guests and weekly events to family-friendly shows, there are many ways you and your loved ones can have a fun time with comedy. Here are four entertainment hotspots in Houston to help you get started: more Improv Comedy Theater & Restaurant The Improv Comedy Theater & Restaurant promises plenty of comedic performances, entertainment, and dining opportunities for guests of all ages. This 10,000-square-foot venue houses a stage, dance floor, and top-notch audio and visual equipment. You can even take advantage of the various appetizers, entrees, salads, sandwiches, and desserts available for purchase during opening hours. If you're interested in attending an event, stop by for open mic nights, family-friendly comedy and magic shows, or take the theater's defensive driving class for accredited certification and receive four free Improv Comedy tickets. Address: 7620 Katy Freeway, Space 455 The Secret Group The Secret Group doubles as a bar and features a back show room and roof top patio for guests to sit during one of the many shows hosted here. Stop by for drink specials on Industry Night every Monday, a $2 comedy show on Wednesdays at 8 p.m., and regular karaoke at 10 p.m. Plus, there's a new lineup of comedic talent every week, so bring your friends and relax with free chips and salsa, $2 off draft beer, and other alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Address: 2101 Polk St. ComedySportz Arena This particular venue hosts the longest-running improv comedy show in the city, known as ComedySportz Houston. It's ideal for the whole family and features fun comedy skits where audience volunteers participate in different games and scenes while competing against each other in an improvised duel. This event is held every Friday and Saturday starting at 8 p.m., and all shows are appropriate for children ages 6 and older. Similarly, the EaDo Comedy Show is held here every Thursday at 8 p.m. for guests 17 and older, where improvised stories, funny punchlines, and humorous characters grace the stage for a night of laughs. Address: 2201 Preston St. Station Theater At Station Theater, there's always something new and exciting to explore. This venue hosts various improv and sketch classes, workshops, fundraisers, and special night events. Some of these shows include Spacecat Labs every Thursday at 8:30 p.m., where the audience comes up with an improvised setting for guest performers to work with. The Supernova + Loteria is another live comedy show that takes place on Fridays at 8:30 p.m. It gives traveling comedians, local celebrities, and selected audience members the chance to gather improvised content from their own telling of personal stories. Address: 1230 Houston Ave. If you're looking for a fun and entertaining way to spend your evening with friends or family, consider stopping by one of these top comedy venues in Houston. This photo, " Yard Laughs #3: Mike Technique” by Diamond Geyser used under CC BY 2.o. "Yard Laughs #3: Mike Technique" is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.