dbigtex56

It's too bad we can't blindfold visitors coming from Intercontinental until they reach the 610 Loop. From there on in, it's a attractive introduction to the city. Unfortunately, people get a strong first impression that Houston is a real dump as soon as they leave the airport and get on I-45S. As they say, you only get one chance to make a first impression.

Enjoyed your post, danax. Did you know that Westheimer and Elgin originally didn't connect? According to a 1913 Map of Houston, the stretch between Waugh (then called Euclid) and Baldwin was called Hathaway Ave. This map also suggests the reason that Westheimer curves at Crocker St (by Katz's Deli) is that there used to be a railroad track which cut through at that point.

My hometown had the same setup as ssullivans (only 5 digits required for a local call). For long distance you'd dial the number, then an operator would cut in and ask "What number are you calling from, please?". This was for billing purposes. Fraud didn't seem to be a problem. Also, many people had party lines. Two or more people would share the same line, and each household had its own distinct 'ring' (e.g., the phone might ring one long ring, followed by two short rings). You might pick up your phone to make a call and discover that someone else was already talking. The polite thing to do was to hang up and try back later; the fun thing was to listen to neighbors' gossip. I still have the traditional Montrose exchange (JAckson). A friend was very disappointed that he didn't get the "52" number when he moved to Montrose. Guess they'd run out. I've heard that in Manhattan people compete to get the traditional 212 area code.

I like the grackles, too - nearly as much as I like crows. For the seriously geeky, here's an article regarding the effects of city lighting on crows. The small city of Auburn NY was suddenly overwhelmed by thousands of crows in the early 90s. They seem to have a similar social structure to our grackles. Wonder if Houston's streetlights are contributing to their habit of late-night gabfests?

Excellent post, Mase (and welcome to HAIF). I too mostly ride from HCC/Ensemble, and have noticed that some operators are much less competant than others. Last July 4th, the operator stopped at HCC but neglected to open the doors! At the Wheeler station, I asked her why the doors didn't open, and she said "Well, no one pushed the button to open them." (I couldn't have even reached the button, as the train was absolutely crammed full). I've seen an operator who allowed a couple of fairly elderly women to run up to the train, only to slam the doors, wait several more seconds, then take off without them. And you're absolutely correct about the skills (or lack of same) that some operators have regarding traffic lights. I hope Metro supervisors occasionally evaluate the operators. Dream's post ("No! To many Bums stinking up the train."[sic]) unfortunately has an element of truth. Perhaps some of the people who used to hang out under the Pierce Elevated have discovered that Metro doesn't check riders' tickets very often. I've seen malodorous people sleeping on the train, blocking aisles, harrassing other passengers, etc. This needs to stop, now. For the most part, I enjoy the train hugely. Metro just needs to keep on the ball and address some easily preventable problems.

Back to the topic...did any of the media follow up on the results of any blood alcohol tests performed on the deceased? According to the initial reports, the driver had just left the Party On The Plaza downtown. Wonder if the family will want that to be shut down, too?

What's a podcast? (incidentally, I'm reading this while watching Invasion Of The Body Snatchers; I hope it's not related to the Pod People.)

Interesting following Heights Blvd south, too. (1913 Houston map) South of Washington, it turns to Irvin Avenue, which crosses Buffalo Bayou, then ends at San Felipe Road (later W. Dallas). Coming from the south, Euclid Avenue extends north from Westheimer Rd., then sort of peters out north of Jennings (later Peden St.? W. Gray doesn't seem to exist yet). At any rate, these streets eventually were joined into one continuous stretch from the Heights to the Montrose. From what I understand, Waugh Drive was named for a World War I hero, so it must have happened at least five years after this map was drawn.

I think that the stalemate which has delayed the construction of the Freedom Tower is the best thing that could have happened. Better to take a little time and get some perspective on the events of September 11th before rushing into a design that's supposed to be all things to all people. The current design is just flat-out horrible. If a building could have the rickets, it would look like the proposed Freedom Tower. A twisted tombstone with office suites; a skeletal tribute. And the idea that we should replicate that which has been lost smacks of denial. To build something even taller there, as Mr. Trump suggests, we might as well include a giant "KICK ME" sign on it. We shouldn't let spite determine the shape of our buildings. Some people have pleaded to leave the site undeveloped, as was done in Oklahoma City. But this is Lower Manhattan, not the Midwest. This is a hole which needs to be filled, both literally and figuratively. As I mentioned on the previous incarnation of HAIF, I lost a cousin in the South Tower. No memorial, however grand, will bring him back; nor so small will allow him to be forgotten. Surely, respect should be paid to those who lost their lives. Just as importantly, respect should be paid to those who continue to live in NYC. While I wouldn't choose Mr. Trump to be the developer, I think the highest bidder should redevelop the property in whatever manner he or she deems most profitable, and to hell with what anybody says. Isn't that what made New York a great city to begin with? Isn't the survival of the city the greatest tribute of all?

According to an article in today's Houston Chronicle:This old hospital is cable's newest star. HGTV will air two-minute spots several times a day for a month, sometime between October '05 and September '06. HGTV has also contributed $50,000 towards its restoration, which will allow developers to add some extra amenities (provided of course that City Hall comes through with the promised construction loan).

IMO 1500 Louisiana is much more photogenic than 1400 Smith (the new Enron vs. the old Enron buildings). And since they're nearly Siamese twins anyway (I defy someone to see one without noticing the other), go for the better photo. Drop 1400 Smith in favor of St. Luke's. Something else that occurs to me...if you're including directions and descriptions, perhaps noting other nearby buildings of interest would be helpful, e.g. "Just around the corner from St. Basil's is the Rothko Chapel, and the Menil Collection, which includes three significant museums." Or, "After seeing St. Luke's, continue a mile down Main Street to see the Astrodome and the new Reliant Stadium". Space permitting, of course.

Just speculation - I heard that bootleg copies of the new Star Wars film are already circulating on the internet. One newscast said that it's a 40 hour download even with broadband, and that servers are being strained to the limit.

I went to the midnight showing dressed as Dr. Frankenfurter. Gee, those Star Wars fans are a humorless bunch.

I ride the train on a semi-regular basis - days, nights, weekdays and weekends. Very seldom do I find a train that's less than half full. Quite often I have to stand, because no seats are available. If it "serves for nothing", why are so many people riding it? Light rail has been in operation for less than 18 months. As is the case with virtually everything humans build, there will be unforseen factors which have to be worked out, and it takes time. IMO, Metro could be a bit more energetic about resolving issues more quickly; however, that doesn't mean we can ignore the fact that light rail is a success.

Hate to sound cynical, but bitter experience has taught me that HPD is largely indifferent to complaints of this nature. It's worth a try; hope your friend has better luck (or better connections) than my neighbors and I did. Maybe mounting fake surveillance cameras on the other house...? or taking pictures of the customers and their cars? Dealers tend to be paranoid; use it to your advantage. Good luck. Another idea: tell the tenant that you've heard from a reliable source that the police are watching, and in the spirit of friendship you're warning them. This ploy might be effective, and wouldn't put the landlord in the position of being the 'bad guy'.

Just speculating...Viagra and penicillin?

Another factor is that the current owner has been described as 'eccentric' (among other things). This could either be a curse or a blessing, depending on how much he likes the person approaching him. He has a reputation for not returning phone calls, or flatly refusing to rent to seemingly qualified people. On the other hand, he also has been known to rent at extremely reasonable rates to people he likes. His whims are as important as any practical considerations.

Quote from the Channel 13 report: When homeowner Adam Dirkmaat looks out his window, he usually doesn't like what he sees. "Everyone that's walking through here is up to something other than living here," he asserted. Hope I'm not reading too much into that statement. Is he saying that people who live 'here' never walk? If so, I think he's mistaken. This area supports several bars, restaurants and small businesses - the very things that people who enjoy an urban environment hope for. By no means am I condoning the prostitution, hustling and drug dealing. These are people who are there to exploit the neighborhood, not enjoy it or contribute to it. The issue becomes seperating the criminal element from those who are legitimately enjoying the neighborhood. One hopes that HPD will ensure that the officers assigned to address this problem will receive appropriate training. If Mr. Dirkmaat's solution involves closing every bar and restaurant, and harrassing every pedestrian, then I too believe that he would be happier living elsewhere. If he's in favor of controlling a bad element in a lively neighborhood, then I'm 100% on his side.

Notice the poster advertises "Special Trains Daily Direct To Race Track" Sometimes I think I was born about 70 years too late.

Residents in the Avondale area (Hyde Park and Crocker) are posting signs which say: Welcome to Houston's Red Light District! The Nation's only legal drug dealing & prostitution area! Houston refuses to stop it - so it must be legal! See ABC News Channel 13 report. My question: will this embarrass city officials into stricter enforcement? or will the ironically challenged take these signs literally?

Speaking of stereotypes, has anyone here ever heard of The Beverly Hillbillies? Pretty much the Anglo version of what Danax is describing.

Please, please take pictures! (seriously, I'd worry about the fuel spreading to the edges and staining or damaging the liner, or collecting in the skimmer). But then, I'm no fun...

I've never been attacked by a grackle, but several times mockingbirds and blue jays have dive-bombed me. Mockingbirds especially seem to hate cats. There's nothing like seeing a cat trying to maintain a cool composure when a mockingbird goes on the warpath (except perhaps a starlet surrounded by paparrazzi)?

IMO, seems likely that it's as modern as it ever was. Pretty small, but a nice sized lot. Gotta love that stove! O'Keefe & Merritt?

The birds mean well. They just want to protect their offspring. I hesitate to draw any analogies....