dbigtex56

I seem to recall that the Moore sculpture was originally intended for the site which is now Tranquillity Park. Mr. Moore thought that having the Federal Building as a backdrop detracted from the sculpture, which is why it was installed on Allen Parkway instead. And I agree; this sculpture should have a more prominent location. Any suggestions?

I'll confess to feeling some Schadenfreude when a pious little hypocrite gets his come-uppence. On the other hand, it's a shame that in many parts of the country an openly gay candidate has a snowball's chance in hell of being elected. People are punished for being honest about who they are. And those who gain power under false pretenses often overcompensate. Look at Rush Limbaugh and his harsh opinions on drug users; or Jon Matthews, and his outrage about children being exposed to sexual materials; or Jimmy "I have Sinned!" Swaggart and his moral posturings. It follows that someone who condemns himself to a miserable closeted existence is more likely to strike out at those who have the courage to live their lives based their convictions.

"We put the YEE-HA! back in your motor and transmission!"

My understanding is that when Galveston Bay was first "discovered" that the water was, in fact, clear and blue. Aquatic grasses grew near the shoreline, which trapped sediments and kept the water clean. Once these natural filters were removed due to dredging, fine silt was free to stay in circulation. It's always going to be a balancing act, a compromise. Galveston Bay is an access to the Ship Channel, and the Port of Houston is the lifeblood of our local economy. Galveston Bay is also a nursury for much the Gulf of Mexico's aquatic life, much of which is commercially valuable. And the Gulf Coast is an asset for its scenic and recreational possibilities. These competing interests seem mutually incompatible, but I think that sensible management can go far towards the 'highest use' of this wonderful natural resource.

I did not see the Zell Miller speech, but I read the transcript. Much of his speech had to do with the development of sophisticated (expensive) military aircraft, and Kerry's record of voting against the bills funding them. That these aircraft were used in Iraq, according to Mr. Miller, shows that Sen. Kerry was misguided in his opposition. But were these high-tech aircraft really needed? Iraq's army was not that of a superpower's. I believe the same results could have been accomplished without such expensive hardware. The savings could have been used to support a larger standing army - and Iraq has shown us that we're sorely lacking in that respect - or, heaven forbid, to help pay off the national debt. Mr. Miller's speech was doubtlessly more stirring than my ideas. But I guess fiscal conservatism just ain't sexy.

No offense, but I'm a bit leery of this picture and the linked website. I'll reserve judgement until a more credible news source picks it up. A lot can be accomplished with Photoshop; and you can't believe everything you see on the Web. Even if it turns out the picture is credible, I doubt it will change many minds.

Probably so. Also south to the Med Center, west to Neartown/Montrose, and the Near Northside This morning I encountered some pathetic tattered creature sleeping behind the bushes on Bagby, just south of Westheimer. Didn't even look at him, but he was still screaming unintelligible gibberish as I rounded the corner. Perhaps he was annoyed at having to move his bedroom over a couple of blocks?

"City council today passed a civility ordinance that makes it illegal for anyone to sleep on public sidewalks or panhandle. Property owners in Midtown filed the petition because they say they're tired of seeing people sleeping on their front door steps. " Link to abc 13 story

True story: About 20 years ago there was a sculpture in front of a townhome on Rochow, just north of W. Dallas. It depicted a man pushing two laughing children on a swing-set. Well, it fell over. The kids landed on their feet, in the street, and it looked like the guy was pushing the terrified children into traffic. How heartwarming!

Personally, I like the Dubuffet, and think the David Addicks cello player looks like something you'd find at an airport gift shop. But to each his own. That's part of the enjoyment of public art - it stimulates discussion. A friend refers to the Dubuffet as the "Metro Wreck", because of its colors.

As a pedestrian, I'm in favor of issuing tickets for jaywalkers. Traffic laws apply to us, too. Do I jaywalk? Rarely, but yes, I do. There are circumstances where it's safer to jaywalk than to obey the law, such as crossing a one-way street with no traffic coming. (If you wait for the light, that break in traffic may disappear, and right-turning cars are notorious for not checking crosswalks). Just be sure to look around for anything in a uniform before you cross. I get the distinct impression that many of the people who come to enjoy a revitalized downtown have rarely, if ever, walked down a city street. If writing a few jaywalking tickets makes people more aware and saves some lives, what's to complain about? One gripe: crosswalk signals are notoriously unreliable. If I'd entrusted my life to them, I'd be dead several times over.

The seperation of Church and State is addressed in the First Amendment of the Constitution, and I quote: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." The establishment clause calls for the seperation of Church and State. The free exercise clause prevents government interference with the practice of religion. Don't even bother arguing about it with me; take it up with the Supreme Court. While the words "seperation of church and state" do not literally appear in the Constitution, the intent is there. It was Thomas Jefferson who argued for "a wall of seperation between Church and State." It has served our country well, and we will not allow the current crop of religious nuts to take away our freedoms.

I agree. It reminds me of Palisade Parkway, which seems to wind through an unspoiled wilderness until BOOM! you're in NYC.

Although Houston has some public art, it certainly could use more. Where is it most needed? I vote for Main Street. Something that impressed me about Montreal is that there seemed to be a sculpture or other form of public art every few feet. It left me with the impression that this was a city which enjoys the finer things. One which I wouldn't mind cratering is that pseudo-Cubist cello player outside the Lyric Center.

And here's a picture (sorry, Ricco...couldn't find one of her in a thong)

And here's where it's a shame we lost the old database. As I recall, there was a hold on the demolition permit, and a clerk was told to call 'someone' who said to ignore it. The owner (knowing that he was circumventing the rules) demolished the property the next day. And had the nerve to gloat over it, saying "it was perfectly legal". I've seen this sort of thing before. A little mix-up, some miscommunication...but once a historic property has been flattened, it cannot be revived. This sort of 'mistake' (if that's to be believed) must not be tolerated. Heads should roll.

Wish I could cite a source, but it's my understanding that the Museum District extends all the way to Hawthorne St. on the north. The district was established sometime after I got uppity and moved to Westmoreland in '85 , and I remember the newspaper article - was surprised that it encompassed such a large area.

It's two blocks north of Minute Maid Park, and two blocks west of I-59

Kerry. As James Carville said of Bush:"Which do you like better - the deficit or the lies?" The Daily Mislead is an interesting site; all sources are credited. I'm hesitant to get into this discussion, because by this time, most voters have already made up their minds. This seems more like an opportunity to lose friends than to persuade anyone.

Are you referring to the lady with the red face? I thought she was a Public Service Announcement showing the hazards of UV rays...

Snickers, Welcome to HAIF. Usually KHOU has a summary on their website after airing a feature story - I'll post a link if they do. Another site you might enjoy is Houston - it's worth it!, a renegade campaign promoting our city. Be sure to click on the "read why it's worth it" responses - it will help you to get a better feel for the place.

Another worthwhile site is HomeOwners for Better Building. This site lists complaints about specific builders; also the measures that some builders have taken to strip buyers of their legal rights. Buyer beware!

Just a few months ago I would have unhesitatingly said "Crater!". But after some of the comments made on this board (especially in the Houston Mod section) I've gained a new appreciation for this building. The mosaic-like stonework on the south facade is especially pleasing. The parking garage on the southwest corner does not relate to the building at all; if Central Bank was to be renovated, I'd hope a more sympathetic garage would replace it. Someone once mentioned the name of the architect who designed this building - if anyone knows, please refresh my memory. Aside from the asbestos abatement, another issue might be noise from the Pierce Elevated. I've heard that lower units on the north side of 2016 Main are plagued with that problem. I also wonder about the mechanical systems (heating-a/c, elevators, wiring, plumbing...) Aesthetics aside, the economics look pretty daunting.

The barbarians who attacked on 9-11 used our own technology against us. And we still have the equivalent of walled cities; but they're called gated communities now.