Houston Political Blog

Astrodome, future and now...

Here are some renderings from the Astrodome Redevelopment  Corporation.  You know the Texans and the Rodeo have come out against the proposal, so can the dome survive?  On a slightly  unrelated note, I went inside the Astrodome today... and guess what I found? Some relics of another sort:  The Metro Midtown Trolleys.  Remember those?  The trolleys that once trolled through midtown were discontinued a few years back.  It appears that Reliant Park picked up the trolleys.  They are stored inside the Astrodome, and are used whenever Reliant has a major event and needs to transport a lot of people around the complex.

Astrodome, future and now...

Here are some renderings from the Astrodome Redevelopment  Corporation.  You know the Texans and the Rodeo have come out against the proposal, so can the dome survive?  On a slightly  unrelated note, I went inside the Astrodome today... and guess what I found? Some relics of another sort:  The Metro Midtown Trolleys.  Remember those?  The trolleys that once trolled through midtown were discontinued a few years back.  It appears that Reliant Park picked up the trolleys.  They are stored inside the Astrodome, and are used whenever Reliant has a major event and needs to transport a lot of people around the complex.

Astrodome, future and now...

Here are some renderings from the Astrodome Redevelopment  Corporation.  You know the Texans and the Rodeo have come out against the proposal, so can the dome survive?  On a slightly  unrelated note, I went inside the Astrodome today... and guess what I found? Some relics of another sort:  The Metro Midtown Trolleys.  Remember those?  The trolleys that once trolled through midtown were discontinued a few years back.  It appears that Reliant Park picked up the trolleys.  They are stored inside the Astrodome, and are used whenever Reliant has a major event and needs to transport a lot of people around the complex.

Astrodome, future and now...

Here are some renderings from the Astrodome Redevelopment  Corporation.  You know the Texans and the Rodeo have come out against the proposal, so can the dome survive?  On a slightly  unrelated note, I went inside the Astrodome today... and guess what I found? Some relics of another sort:  The Metro Midtown Trolleys.  Remember those?  The trolleys that once trolled through midtown were discontinued a few years back.  It appears that Reliant Park picked up the trolleys.  They are stored inside the Astrodome, and are used whenever Reliant has a major event and needs to transport a lot of people around the complex.

Astrodome, future and now...

Here are some renderings from the Astrodome Redevelopment  Corporation.  You know the Texans and the Rodeo have come out against the proposal, so can the dome survive?  On a slightly  unrelated note, I went inside the Astrodome today... and guess what I found? Some relics of another sort:  The Metro Midtown Trolleys.  Remember those?  The trolleys that once trolled through midtown were discontinued a few years back.  It appears that Reliant Park picked up the trolleys.  They are stored inside the Astrodome, and are used whenever Reliant has a major event and needs to transport a lot of people around the complex.

Astrodome, future and now...

Here are some renderings from the Astrodome Redevelopment  Corporation.  You know the Texans and the Rodeo have come out against the proposal, so can the dome survive?  On a slightly  unrelated note, I went inside the Astrodome today... and guess what I found? Some relics of another sort:  The Metro Midtown Trolleys.  Remember those?  The trolleys that once trolled through midtown were discontinued a few years back.  It appears that Reliant Park picked up the trolleys.  They are stored inside the Astrodome, and are used whenever Reliant has a major event and needs to transport a lot of people around the complex.

Happy Halloween!

My dog Mei Ling is dressed to celebrate... too bad she can't go tricking for treats!

Happy Halloween!

My dog Mei Ling is dressed to celebrate... too bad she can't go tricking for treats!

Happy Halloween!

My dog Mei Ling is dressed to celebrate... too bad she can't go tricking for treats!

Happy Halloween!

My dog Mei Ling is dressed to celebrate... too bad she can't go tricking for treats!

Happy Halloween!

My dog Mei Ling is dressed to celebrate... too bad she can't go tricking for treats!

Happy Halloween!

My dog Mei Ling is dressed to celebrate... too bad she can't go tricking for treats!

Late Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation statement

READ FULL STORY

Late Tuesday afternoon, one of the investors with the Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation sent out a statement.  It's an interesting read, considering the Texans and the Rodeo's stance is basically, whatever you guys want to do with the Astrodome is fine, as long as it doesn't hurt our bottom line.. a very long bottom line.

Frankly, we are quite shocked by the Rodeo’s position. We have been working with the Rodeo organization for quite some time and were hopeful that our proposed redevelopment would only enhance their month-long event.

This is a singularly unique re-development project that saves the Astrodome, the first American covered superstadium, from the wrecking ball; offers $300 million in incremental economic benefit annually to the taxpayers of Harris County; and creates 1,500 permanent jobs. All this would be accomplished with 100 percent private funding, making it a huge win f or the community.

We have made every effort and will continue to make every effort to work with Harris County, the Rodeo, and Texans.

This is the right project at the right time. We are going to build something that the city of Houston needs while at the same time preserving a global iconic landmark.

- Scott Hanson, President, Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation

Late Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation statement

READ FULL STORY

Late Tuesday afternoon, one of the investors with the Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation sent out a statement.  It's an interesting read, considering the Texans and the Rodeo's stance is basically, whatever you guys want to do with the Astrodome is fine, as long as it doesn't hurt our bottom line.. a very long bottom line.

Frankly, we are quite shocked by the Rodeo’s position. We have been working with the Rodeo organization for quite some time and were hopeful that our proposed redevelopment would only enhance their month-long event.

This is a singularly unique re-development project that saves the Astrodome, the first American covered superstadium, from the wrecking ball; offers $300 million in incremental economic benefit annually to the taxpayers of Harris County; and creates 1,500 permanent jobs. All this would be accomplished with 100 percent private funding, making it a huge win f or the community.

We have made every effort and will continue to make every effort to work with Harris County, the Rodeo, and Texans.

This is the right project at the right time. We are going to build something that the city of Houston needs while at the same time preserving a global iconic landmark.

- Scott Hanson, President, Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation

Late Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation statement

READ FULL STORY

Late Tuesday afternoon, one of the investors with the Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation sent out a statement.  It's an interesting read, considering the Texans and the Rodeo's stance is basically, whatever you guys want to do with the Astrodome is fine, as long as it doesn't hurt our bottom line.. a very long bottom line.

Frankly, we are quite shocked by the Rodeo’s position. We have been working with the Rodeo organization for quite some time and were hopeful that our proposed redevelopment would only enhance their month-long event.

This is a singularly unique re-development project that saves the Astrodome, the first American covered superstadium, from the wrecking ball; offers $300 million in incremental economic benefit annually to the taxpayers of Harris County; and creates 1,500 permanent jobs. All this would be accomplished with 100 percent private funding, making it a huge win f or the community.

We have made every effort and will continue to make every effort to work with Harris County, the Rodeo, and Texans.

This is the right project at the right time. We are going to build something that the city of Houston needs while at the same time preserving a global iconic landmark.

- Scott Hanson, President, Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation

Late Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation statement

READ FULL STORY

Late Tuesday afternoon, one of the investors with the Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation sent out a statement.  It's an interesting read, considering the Texans and the Rodeo's stance is basically, whatever you guys want to do with the Astrodome is fine, as long as it doesn't hurt our bottom line.. a very long bottom line.

Frankly, we are quite shocked by the Rodeo’s position. We have been working with the Rodeo organization for quite some time and were hopeful that our proposed redevelopment would only enhance their month-long event.

This is a singularly unique re-development project that saves the Astrodome, the first American covered superstadium, from the wrecking ball; offers $300 million in incremental economic benefit annually to the taxpayers of Harris County; and creates 1,500 permanent jobs. All this would be accomplished with 100 percent private funding, making it a huge win f or the community.

We have made every effort and will continue to make every effort to work with Harris County, the Rodeo, and Texans.

This is the right project at the right time. We are going to build something that the city of Houston needs while at the same time preserving a global iconic landmark.

- Scott Hanson, President, Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation

Late Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation statement

READ FULL STORY

Late Tuesday afternoon, one of the investors with the Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation sent out a statement.  It's an interesting read, considering the Texans and the Rodeo's stance is basically, whatever you guys want to do with the Astrodome is fine, as long as it doesn't hurt our bottom line.. a very long bottom line.

Frankly, we are quite shocked by the Rodeo’s position. We have been working with the Rodeo organization for quite some time and were hopeful that our proposed redevelopment would only enhance their month-long event.

This is a singularly unique re-development project that saves the Astrodome, the first American covered superstadium, from the wrecking ball; offers $300 million in incremental economic benefit annually to the taxpayers of Harris County; and creates 1,500 permanent jobs. All this would be accomplished with 100 percent private funding, making it a huge win f or the community.

We have made every effort and will continue to make every effort to work with Harris County, the Rodeo, and Texans.

This is the right project at the right time. We are going to build something that the city of Houston needs while at the same time preserving a global iconic landmark.

- Scott Hanson, President, Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation

Late Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation statement

READ FULL STORY

Late Tuesday afternoon, one of the investors with the Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation sent out a statement.  It's an interesting read, considering the Texans and the Rodeo's stance is basically, whatever you guys want to do with the Astrodome is fine, as long as it doesn't hurt our bottom line.. a very long bottom line.

Frankly, we are quite shocked by the Rodeo’s position. We have been working with the Rodeo organization for quite some time and were hopeful that our proposed redevelopment would only enhance their month-long event.

This is a singularly unique re-development project that saves the Astrodome, the first American covered superstadium, from the wrecking ball; offers $300 million in incremental economic benefit annually to the taxpayers of Harris County; and creates 1,500 permanent jobs. All this would be accomplished with 100 percent private funding, making it a huge win f or the community.

We have made every effort and will continue to make every effort to work with Harris County, the Rodeo, and Texans.

This is the right project at the right time. We are going to build something that the city of Houston needs while at the same time preserving a global iconic landmark.

- Scott Hanson, President, Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation

Alvarado's birthday brings out surprising dancer

  Over the weekend, outgoing council member Carol Alvarado held her annual birthday bash at the Rice Hotel.  Joining her were the usual group of family, friends, supporters, and a few politicians as well.  I'll name the politicians in a moment.  But first, Alvarado's birthday is usually a fun time had by most, and this year was no exception.  While no one was surprised that former Survivor Contestant and current City Council candidate Jolanda Jones hit the dance floor, we did get one surprising dancer:  Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee.  With her trademark coif and wearing a very congressional looking suit, Jackson-Lee hit the dance floor.  Council candidate James Rodriguez, City hall regular Jose Soto, and former insider Giovani Garibay watched from the sidelines.  Political consultant Marc Campos, Pam Gardner of the Astros, and Greater Houston Partnership VP Gerrard Torres were also there.  And no, this wasn't the super-special party worthy of the Shelby Hodge column, but it's on the political blog!

Alvarado's birthday brings out surprising dancer

  Over the weekend, outgoing council member Carol Alvarado held her annual birthday bash at the Rice Hotel.  Joining her were the usual group of family, friends, supporters, and a few politicians as well.  I'll name the politicians in a moment.  But first, Alvarado's birthday is usually a fun time had by most, and this year was no exception.  While no one was surprised that former Survivor Contestant and current City Council candidate Jolanda Jones hit the dance floor, we did get one surprising dancer:  Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee.  With her trademark coif and wearing a very congressional looking suit, Jackson-Lee hit the dance floor.  Council candidate James Rodriguez, City hall regular Jose Soto, and former insider Giovani Garibay watched from the sidelines.  Political consultant Marc Campos, Pam Gardner of the Astros, and Greater Houston Partnership VP Gerrard Torres were also there.  And no, this wasn't the super-special party worthy of the Shelby Hodge column, but it's on the political blog!

Alvarado's birthday brings out surprising dancer

  Over the weekend, outgoing council member Carol Alvarado held her annual birthday bash at the Rice Hotel.  Joining her were the usual group of family, friends, supporters, and a few politicians as well.  I'll name the politicians in a moment.  But first, Alvarado's birthday is usually a fun time had by most, and this year was no exception.  While no one was surprised that former Survivor Contestant and current City Council candidate Jolanda Jones hit the dance floor, we did get one surprising dancer:  Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee.  With her trademark coif and wearing a very congressional looking suit, Jackson-Lee hit the dance floor.  Council candidate James Rodriguez, City hall regular Jose Soto, and former insider Giovani Garibay watched from the sidelines.  Political consultant Marc Campos, Pam Gardner of the Astros, and Greater Houston Partnership VP Gerrard Torres were also there.  And no, this wasn't the super-special party worthy of the Shelby Hodge column, but it's on the political blog!

Alvarado's birthday brings out surprising dancer

  Over the weekend, outgoing council member Carol Alvarado held her annual birthday bash at the Rice Hotel.  Joining her were the usual group of family, friends, supporters, and a few politicians as well.  I'll name the politicians in a moment.  But first, Alvarado's birthday is usually a fun time had by most, and this year was no exception.  While no one was surprised that former Survivor Contestant and current City Council candidate Jolanda Jones hit the dance floor, we did get one surprising dancer:  Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee.  With her trademark coif and wearing a very congressional looking suit, Jackson-Lee hit the dance floor.  Council candidate James Rodriguez, City hall regular Jose Soto, and former insider Giovani Garibay watched from the sidelines.  Political consultant Marc Campos, Pam Gardner of the Astros, and Greater Houston Partnership VP Gerrard Torres were also there.  And no, this wasn't the super-special party worthy of the Shelby Hodge column, but it's on the political blog!

Alvarado's birthday brings out surprising dancer

  Over the weekend, outgoing council member Carol Alvarado held her annual birthday bash at the Rice Hotel.  Joining her were the usual group of family, friends, supporters, and a few politicians as well.  I'll name the politicians in a moment.  But first, Alvarado's birthday is usually a fun time had by most, and this year was no exception.  While no one was surprised that former Survivor Contestant and current City Council candidate Jolanda Jones hit the dance floor, we did get one surprising dancer:  Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee.  With her trademark coif and wearing a very congressional looking suit, Jackson-Lee hit the dance floor.  Council candidate James Rodriguez, City hall regular Jose Soto, and former insider Giovani Garibay watched from the sidelines.  Political consultant Marc Campos, Pam Gardner of the Astros, and Greater Houston Partnership VP Gerrard Torres were also there.  And no, this wasn't the super-special party worthy of the Shelby Hodge column, but it's on the political blog!

Alvarado's birthday brings out surprising dancer

  Over the weekend, outgoing council member Carol Alvarado held her annual birthday bash at the Rice Hotel.  Joining her were the usual group of family, friends, supporters, and a few politicians as well.  I'll name the politicians in a moment.  But first, Alvarado's birthday is usually a fun time had by most, and this year was no exception.  While no one was surprised that former Survivor Contestant and current City Council candidate Jolanda Jones hit the dance floor, we did get one surprising dancer:  Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee.  With her trademark coif and wearing a very congressional looking suit, Jackson-Lee hit the dance floor.  Council candidate James Rodriguez, City hall regular Jose Soto, and former insider Giovani Garibay watched from the sidelines.  Political consultant Marc Campos, Pam Gardner of the Astros, and Greater Houston Partnership VP Gerrard Torres were also there.  And no, this wasn't the super-special party worthy of the Shelby Hodge column, but it's on the political blog!

Catching up... Mincberg, Brown, etc...

David Mincberg's officially jumping in the race tonight, and a laundry list of local Dems are planning to cheer him on at the kick off party tonight.  For now, Mincberg is alone on the Democratic side, and he'll face either Bacarisse or Emmett, depending on who survives on the Republican side.  State Sen. John Whitmire is headlining the kickoff. 

Meanwhile,  City Council member Peter Brown is on his Day 2 of living on low wages.  He's blogging about his experience here. I'm thinking the council member is looking forward to the free breakfast at City Hall tomorrow morning.  In case you are wondering, the city employee he's following makes $10.35 an hour, and is raising three kids.  Meanwhile, the negotiations continue between the union and the employees.

Catching up... Mincberg, Brown, etc...

David Mincberg's officially jumping in the race tonight, and a laundry list of local Dems are planning to cheer him on at the kick off party tonight.  For now, Mincberg is alone on the Democratic side, and he'll face either Bacarisse or Emmett, depending on who survives on the Republican side.  State Sen. John Whitmire is headlining the kickoff. 

Meanwhile,  City Council member Peter Brown is on his Day 2 of living on low wages.  He's blogging about his experience here. I'm thinking the council member is looking forward to the free breakfast at City Hall tomorrow morning.  In case you are wondering, the city employee he's following makes $10.35 an hour, and is raising three kids.  Meanwhile, the negotiations continue between the union and the employees.

Catching up... Mincberg, Brown, etc...

David Mincberg's officially jumping in the race tonight, and a laundry list of local Dems are planning to cheer him on at the kick off party tonight.  For now, Mincberg is alone on the Democratic side, and he'll face either Bacarisse or Emmett, depending on who survives on the Republican side.  State Sen. John Whitmire is headlining the kickoff. 

Meanwhile,  City Council member Peter Brown is on his Day 2 of living on low wages.  He's blogging about his experience here. I'm thinking the council member is looking forward to the free breakfast at City Hall tomorrow morning.  In case you are wondering, the city employee he's following makes $10.35 an hour, and is raising three kids.  Meanwhile, the negotiations continue between the union and the employees.

Catching up... Mincberg, Brown, etc...

David Mincberg's officially jumping in the race tonight, and a laundry list of local Dems are planning to cheer him on at the kick off party tonight.  For now, Mincberg is alone on the Democratic side, and he'll face either Bacarisse or Emmett, depending on who survives on the Republican side.  State Sen. John Whitmire is headlining the kickoff. 

Meanwhile,  City Council member Peter Brown is on his Day 2 of living on low wages.  He's blogging about his experience here. I'm thinking the council member is looking forward to the free breakfast at City Hall tomorrow morning.  In case you are wondering, the city employee he's following makes $10.35 an hour, and is raising three kids.  Meanwhile, the negotiations continue between the union and the employees.

Catching up... Mincberg, Brown, etc...

David Mincberg's officially jumping in the race tonight, and a laundry list of local Dems are planning to cheer him on at the kick off party tonight.  For now, Mincberg is alone on the Democratic side, and he'll face either Bacarisse or Emmett, depending on who survives on the Republican side.  State Sen. John Whitmire is headlining the kickoff. 

Meanwhile,  City Council member Peter Brown is on his Day 2 of living on low wages.  He's blogging about his experience here. I'm thinking the council member is looking forward to the free breakfast at City Hall tomorrow morning.  In case you are wondering, the city employee he's following makes $10.35 an hour, and is raising three kids.  Meanwhile, the negotiations continue between the union and the employees.

Catching up... Mincberg, Brown, etc...

David Mincberg's officially jumping in the race tonight, and a laundry list of local Dems are planning to cheer him on at the kick off party tonight.  For now, Mincberg is alone on the Democratic side, and he'll face either Bacarisse or Emmett, depending on who survives on the Republican side.  State Sen. John Whitmire is headlining the kickoff. 

Meanwhile,  City Council member Peter Brown is on his Day 2 of living on low wages.  He's blogging about his experience here. I'm thinking the council member is looking forward to the free breakfast at City Hall tomorrow morning.  In case you are wondering, the city employee he's following makes $10.35 an hour, and is raising three kids.  Meanwhile, the negotiations continue between the union and the employees.

VIDEO: Ashby High Rise battle

VIDEO: Ashby High Rise battle

VIDEO: Ashby High Rise battle

VIDEO: Ashby High Rise battle

VIDEO: Ashby High Rise battle

VIDEO: Ashby High Rise battle

Brown to Brown Bag it

Peter Brown often gets ribbing from fellow council members for being the most affluent person at City Council.  After all, when's the last time you summered in France?  So, it's perhaps a bit surprising that Brown will be surviving on $23.03 a day for the next four days.  Seriously? Doesn't he realize it's truffle season?  The little experiment is cooked up by the union folks for the city's civilian employees.  The union and the city are in the middle of contract talks, and the union is turning up the heat.  Why $23.03? That's apparently what the lowest paid city employee makes every day, after taxes.  Here's the schedule:

Monday, October 29, 11 a.m. - Brown's Bag Lunch - Nueva Casa de Amigos Health Center, 1809 N. Main
Tuesday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m. - grocery shopping on a budget- Kroger 1938 W. Gray (Of course, I'm thinking they picked the location for convenience.  If you want shopping on a budget, you don't go to the River Oaks Kroger, you go to Sellers Brothers!)
Wednesday, Oct. 31, 4:30 p.m. - Last-minute Halloween shopping. CVS 4702 Irvington
Thursday, Nov. 1, 6:00 p.m. - HOPE Rally at City Hall

So, there you have it.  Will it help negotiations? Who knows, but should be interesting.  Wonder if the Wednesday morning breakfast at City Hall will count toward the daily cost...

Brown to Brown Bag it

Peter Brown often gets ribbing from fellow council members for being the most affluent person at City Council.  After all, when's the last time you summered in France?  So, it's perhaps a bit surprising that Brown will be surviving on $23.03 a day for the next four days.  Seriously? Doesn't he realize it's truffle season?  The little experiment is cooked up by the union folks for the city's civilian employees.  The union and the city are in the middle of contract talks, and the union is turning up the heat.  Why $23.03? That's apparently what the lowest paid city employee makes every day, after taxes.  Here's the schedule:

Monday, October 29, 11 a.m. - Brown's Bag Lunch - Nueva Casa de Amigos Health Center, 1809 N. Main
Tuesday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m. - grocery shopping on a budget- Kroger 1938 W. Gray (Of course, I'm thinking they picked the location for convenience.  If you want shopping on a budget, you don't go to the River Oaks Kroger, you go to Sellers Brothers!)
Wednesday, Oct. 31, 4:30 p.m. - Last-minute Halloween shopping. CVS 4702 Irvington
Thursday, Nov. 1, 6:00 p.m. - HOPE Rally at City Hall

So, there you have it.  Will it help negotiations? Who knows, but should be interesting.  Wonder if the Wednesday morning breakfast at City Hall will count toward the daily cost...

Brown to Brown Bag it

Peter Brown often gets ribbing from fellow council members for being the most affluent person at City Council.  After all, when's the last time you summered in France?  So, it's perhaps a bit surprising that Brown will be surviving on $23.03 a day for the next four days.  Seriously? Doesn't he realize it's truffle season?  The little experiment is cooked up by the union folks for the city's civilian employees.  The union and the city are in the middle of contract talks, and the union is turning up the heat.  Why $23.03? That's apparently what the lowest paid city employee makes every day, after taxes.  Here's the schedule:

Monday, October 29, 11 a.m. - Brown's Bag Lunch - Nueva Casa de Amigos Health Center, 1809 N. Main
Tuesday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m. - grocery shopping on a budget- Kroger 1938 W. Gray (Of course, I'm thinking they picked the location for convenience.  If you want shopping on a budget, you don't go to the River Oaks Kroger, you go to Sellers Brothers!)
Wednesday, Oct. 31, 4:30 p.m. - Last-minute Halloween shopping. CVS 4702 Irvington
Thursday, Nov. 1, 6:00 p.m. - HOPE Rally at City Hall

So, there you have it.  Will it help negotiations? Who knows, but should be interesting.  Wonder if the Wednesday morning breakfast at City Hall will count toward the daily cost...

Brown to Brown Bag it

Peter Brown often gets ribbing from fellow council members for being the most affluent person at City Council.  After all, when's the last time you summered in France?  So, it's perhaps a bit surprising that Brown will be surviving on $23.03 a day for the next four days.  Seriously? Doesn't he realize it's truffle season?  The little experiment is cooked up by the union folks for the city's civilian employees.  The union and the city are in the middle of contract talks, and the union is turning up the heat.  Why $23.03? That's apparently what the lowest paid city employee makes every day, after taxes.  Here's the schedule:

Monday, October 29, 11 a.m. - Brown's Bag Lunch - Nueva Casa de Amigos Health Center, 1809 N. Main
Tuesday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m. - grocery shopping on a budget- Kroger 1938 W. Gray (Of course, I'm thinking they picked the location for convenience.  If you want shopping on a budget, you don't go to the River Oaks Kroger, you go to Sellers Brothers!)
Wednesday, Oct. 31, 4:30 p.m. - Last-minute Halloween shopping. CVS 4702 Irvington
Thursday, Nov. 1, 6:00 p.m. - HOPE Rally at City Hall

So, there you have it.  Will it help negotiations? Who knows, but should be interesting.  Wonder if the Wednesday morning breakfast at City Hall will count toward the daily cost...

Brown to Brown Bag it

Peter Brown often gets ribbing from fellow council members for being the most affluent person at City Council.  After all, when's the last time you summered in France?  So, it's perhaps a bit surprising that Brown will be surviving on $23.03 a day for the next four days.  Seriously? Doesn't he realize it's truffle season?  The little experiment is cooked up by the union folks for the city's civilian employees.  The union and the city are in the middle of contract talks, and the union is turning up the heat.  Why $23.03? That's apparently what the lowest paid city employee makes every day, after taxes.  Here's the schedule:

Monday, October 29, 11 a.m. - Brown's Bag Lunch - Nueva Casa de Amigos Health Center, 1809 N. Main
Tuesday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m. - grocery shopping on a budget- Kroger 1938 W. Gray (Of course, I'm thinking they picked the location for convenience.  If you want shopping on a budget, you don't go to the River Oaks Kroger, you go to Sellers Brothers!)
Wednesday, Oct. 31, 4:30 p.m. - Last-minute Halloween shopping. CVS 4702 Irvington
Thursday, Nov. 1, 6:00 p.m. - HOPE Rally at City Hall

So, there you have it.  Will it help negotiations? Who knows, but should be interesting.  Wonder if the Wednesday morning breakfast at City Hall will count toward the daily cost...

Brown to Brown Bag it

Peter Brown often gets ribbing from fellow council members for being the most affluent person at City Council.  After all, when's the last time you summered in France?  So, it's perhaps a bit surprising that Brown will be surviving on $23.03 a day for the next four days.  Seriously? Doesn't he realize it's truffle season?  The little experiment is cooked up by the union folks for the city's civilian employees.  The union and the city are in the middle of contract talks, and the union is turning up the heat.  Why $23.03? That's apparently what the lowest paid city employee makes every day, after taxes.  Here's the schedule:

Monday, October 29, 11 a.m. - Brown's Bag Lunch - Nueva Casa de Amigos Health Center, 1809 N. Main
Tuesday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m. - grocery shopping on a budget- Kroger 1938 W. Gray (Of course, I'm thinking they picked the location for convenience.  If you want shopping on a budget, you don't go to the River Oaks Kroger, you go to Sellers Brothers!)
Wednesday, Oct. 31, 4:30 p.m. - Last-minute Halloween shopping. CVS 4702 Irvington
Thursday, Nov. 1, 6:00 p.m. - HOPE Rally at City Hall

So, there you have it.  Will it help negotiations? Who knows, but should be interesting.  Wonder if the Wednesday morning breakfast at City Hall will count toward the daily cost...

Six Degrees of....

Hey, not every post has to be about the City Council Elections!  Meteorologist Casey Curry and I attended the Sunshine Kids fundraiser over the weekend.  The worthwhile event brought out the entire cast of The Closer, including its star Kyra Sedgwick.  Sedgwick, of course, is married to Kevin Bacon.  This photo shows Casey, Kevin Bacon, me, and Robert Gossett, who plays Commander Taylor on the show.  The event honored several worthy folks, including Craig Biggio and our own Bob Allen. So how many degrees is that??

Six Degrees of....

Hey, not every post has to be about the City Council Elections!  Meteorologist Casey Curry and I attended the Sunshine Kids fundraiser over the weekend.  The worthwhile event brought out the entire cast of The Closer, including its star Kyra Sedgwick.  Sedgwick, of course, is married to Kevin Bacon.  This photo shows Casey, Kevin Bacon, me, and Robert Gossett, who plays Commander Taylor on the show.  The event honored several worthy folks, including Craig Biggio and our own Bob Allen. So how many degrees is that??

Six Degrees of....

Hey, not every post has to be about the City Council Elections!  Meteorologist Casey Curry and I attended the Sunshine Kids fundraiser over the weekend.  The worthwhile event brought out the entire cast of The Closer, including its star Kyra Sedgwick.  Sedgwick, of course, is married to Kevin Bacon.  This photo shows Casey, Kevin Bacon, me, and Robert Gossett, who plays Commander Taylor on the show.  The event honored several worthy folks, including Craig Biggio and our own Bob Allen. So how many degrees is that??

Six Degrees of....

Hey, not every post has to be about the City Council Elections!  Meteorologist Casey Curry and I attended the Sunshine Kids fundraiser over the weekend.  The worthwhile event brought out the entire cast of The Closer, including its star Kyra Sedgwick.  Sedgwick, of course, is married to Kevin Bacon.  This photo shows Casey, Kevin Bacon, me, and Robert Gossett, who plays Commander Taylor on the show.  The event honored several worthy folks, including Craig Biggio and our own Bob Allen. So how many degrees is that??

Six Degrees of....

Hey, not every post has to be about the City Council Elections!  Meteorologist Casey Curry and I attended the Sunshine Kids fundraiser over the weekend.  The worthwhile event brought out the entire cast of The Closer, including its star Kyra Sedgwick.  Sedgwick, of course, is married to Kevin Bacon.  This photo shows Casey, Kevin Bacon, me, and Robert Gossett, who plays Commander Taylor on the show.  The event honored several worthy folks, including Craig Biggio and our own Bob Allen. So how many degrees is that??

Six Degrees of....

Hey, not every post has to be about the City Council Elections!  Meteorologist Casey Curry and I attended the Sunshine Kids fundraiser over the weekend.  The worthwhile event brought out the entire cast of The Closer, including its star Kyra Sedgwick.  Sedgwick, of course, is married to Kevin Bacon.  This photo shows Casey, Kevin Bacon, me, and Robert Gossett, who plays Commander Taylor on the show.  The event honored several worthy folks, including Craig Biggio and our own Bob Allen. So how many degrees is that??

Slowly Going Green

Earlier this year, I posted about the City's efforts to regulate newsracks.  Basically, the City Council wanted the menagerie of newsracks that litter the Central Business District to have at least some semblance of a uniform look.  Council members couldn't get all our city's publications shoved into those even racks you see at airports, so they opted for another form of uniformity:  RAL #6009, the official color of all future newsracks.  So this morning, as I was getting my soy latte and skipping the gym, I noticed that more and more newsracks are slowly making that migration to fir green.  That oh-so-lovely dirt resistant green now envelopes many Houston Press, Houston Chronicle, and several other smaller publications' racks.  My guess is that as the newsracks get punched by angry downtowners (trust me, I know a few), run over by cars, or smashed during construction of another parking garage, they are being replaced by the green racks.  You can still see the other colors around, but they are slowly disappearing.  It just happens that the racks are now the same shade as the downtown light poles, trash cans, and the Starbucks umbrellas! Coincidence? Hmmmm.....

Slowly Going Green

Earlier this year, I posted about the City's efforts to regulate newsracks.  Basically, the City Council wanted the menagerie of newsracks that litter the Central Business District to have at least some semblance of a uniform look.  Council members couldn't get all our city's publications shoved into those even racks you see at airports, so they opted for another form of uniformity:  RAL #6009, the official color of all future newsracks.  So this morning, as I was getting my soy latte and skipping the gym, I noticed that more and more newsracks are slowly making that migration to fir green.  That oh-so-lovely dirt resistant green now envelopes many Houston Press, Houston Chronicle, and several other smaller publications' racks.  My guess is that as the newsracks get punched by angry downtowners (trust me, I know a few), run over by cars, or smashed during construction of another parking garage, they are being replaced by the green racks.  You can still see the other colors around, but they are slowly disappearing.  It just happens that the racks are now the same shade as the downtown light poles, trash cans, and the Starbucks umbrellas! Coincidence? Hmmmm.....

Slowly Going Green

Earlier this year, I posted about the City's efforts to regulate newsracks.  Basically, the City Council wanted the menagerie of newsracks that litter the Central Business District to have at least some semblance of a uniform look.  Council members couldn't get all our city's publications shoved into those even racks you see at airports, so they opted for another form of uniformity:  RAL #6009, the official color of all future newsracks.  So this morning, as I was getting my soy latte and skipping the gym, I noticed that more and more newsracks are slowly making that migration to fir green.  That oh-so-lovely dirt resistant green now envelopes many Houston Press, Houston Chronicle, and several other smaller publications' racks.  My guess is that as the newsracks get punched by angry downtowners (trust me, I know a few), run over by cars, or smashed during construction of another parking garage, they are being replaced by the green racks.  You can still see the other colors around, but they are slowly disappearing.  It just happens that the racks are now the same shade as the downtown light poles, trash cans, and the Starbucks umbrellas! Coincidence? Hmmmm.....

Slowly Going Green

Earlier this year, I posted about the City's efforts to regulate newsracks.  Basically, the City Council wanted the menagerie of newsracks that litter the Central Business District to have at least some semblance of a uniform look.  Council members couldn't get all our city's publications shoved into those even racks you see at airports, so they opted for another form of uniformity:  RAL #6009, the official color of all future newsracks.  So this morning, as I was getting my soy latte and skipping the gym, I noticed that more and more newsracks are slowly making that migration to fir green.  That oh-so-lovely dirt resistant green now envelopes many Houston Press, Houston Chronicle, and several other smaller publications' racks.  My guess is that as the newsracks get punched by angry downtowners (trust me, I know a few), run over by cars, or smashed during construction of another parking garage, they are being replaced by the green racks.  You can still see the other colors around, but they are slowly disappearing.  It just happens that the racks are now the same shade as the downtown light poles, trash cans, and the Starbucks umbrellas! Coincidence? Hmmmm.....

Slowly Going Green

Earlier this year, I posted about the City's efforts to regulate newsracks.  Basically, the City Council wanted the menagerie of newsracks that litter the Cen