Houstonist

See Ya!

Katharine Shilcutt Gleave — 2009-01-09T14:30:00-06:00

Wondering what happened to longtime Houston radio icon Sam Malone, most recently of Mix 96.5? Yeah, we really weren't either, but apparently some people were (we suspect they also listen to a lot of Nickelback and Creed).

Mike McGuff has an insightful interview with the DJ today, in which Malone discusses the abrupt and unexpected manner of his termination from the radio station as well as his views on the evolving nature of the industry itself:

There's a lot of uncertainties in accounting, a lot of uncertainties in sales, computer sales, a lot of uncertainties in retail, you know, automotive. But, nobody ever walks in and changes a Chevrolet into a plane. You know what I'm saying? Let's make planes today!

Choice quotes from the interview reveal that Sam Malone and his longtime on-air partner, Maria Todd, disliked each other intensely at first before eventually becoming the city's most recognized and entertaining morning radio DJs. Malone also discusses what he loves about Houston as opposed to his hometown of Philadelphia and his feelings on his dismissal:

And I'm like, "Well, I happen to have a beautiful big office with lots of stuff in it, so what about that?" "We'll have the movers ship it to your house." I'm like, "Well, what do I do?" They said, "Leave." And they walked me out. They had a guy walk me out to my car. And I'm like, "Do I look like a nut bag or something?"

You can read the rest of the interview here, at McGuff's blog.

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Old-timey radio photo courtesy of Flickr user jeffbalke.

Weingarten + COH Planning Commission

lauren — 2009-01-09T14:00:00-06:00

Weingarten Realty won big at Thursday's Planning Commission hearing - according to Swamplot.com, the retroactive variance was grantedWeingarten made a few concessions for the neighborhood including shortening the balcony seating area (to only 30 inches over the setback), and lowering tiny signage and removing the LED lights on the west side of the building. Swamplot also reminds us that homeowners living along the back side of the new parking garage (on Brentwood Dr.) signed an agreement to keep quiet (to not complain) about the whole situation. Why they opted to do this, no one knows. The video of the January 8th Planning Commission meeting can be seen here. The River Oaks Shopping Center variance starts about 20 seconds in to the "Platting Activity Section H Item 57" section (just after the Director's report) and is presented by Dipti Mathur.

Houstonist Flickr Photo of the Day - Sunset on the Westpark

Eric S. — 2009-01-09T12:00:00-06:00

Sunset on the Westpark
by Helena's Furie

The over saturated feel of this image really adds to the dramatic sunset in this shot along Westpark.

________________________________________________________________
If you have a passion for Houston and photography, consider joining a whole bunch of Houston's best photographers in the Houstonist Flickr Photo Group. Each day, Houstonist chooses a Photo of the Day and if Houstonist uses your photo, submit it here.

For more great Houston photography, check out the Houston Photobloggers.

Daily-ist: Friday

Brittanie Shey — 2009-01-09T11:40:00-06:00

Museum of Unnatural History

Join Art League Houston tonight for an exclusive viewing of the unusual animals and specimens procured by scientist Dr. Thomas Harrigan during his explorations into an alternate universe.

According to texts by Dr. Harrigan, The Sidereal is "in many ways a mirror image of our world [that] has produced a variety of species possessing adaptations wildly divergent from those we see on earth." Creatures on display will include the Pushmi-pullyu (Tragus januali), a lichen eating two headed sheep; the longcat (Lynx metamorpha), a blue mite covered feline whose powerful limbs and body can expand up to ten times their at-rest length; and the Procyon besheret, fondly known as the "pair-bears" due to the permanent fusing of tails during a secret mating ritual.

In reality, the creatures on view are the brainchild of Houston-based artist Elaine Bradford. Her "Museum of Unnatural History" is a diorama installation featuring sculptures made from taxidermied animals. Some of the animals are in their original state, while others have had their parts mixed-and-matched Dr. Seuss-style. The animals are then clothed in outfits crocheted by Bradford, giving them a macabre but whimsical look.

You can read more about the artist here, including the story of how she came to crochet sweaters for everything in her fridge, even the individual baby carrots. Art League Houston will be offering to free docent tours January 10 and February 7 at 2 p.m. The exhibition opens tonight with a talk by the artist and a reception from 6-8 p.m.

Museum of Unnatural History
Admission: FREE!
Date and Time: Tonight, 6-8 p.m.
Location: 1953 Montrose Blvd

Photo: the Procyon besheret, A.K.A "pair-bears", courtesy Art League Houston

Morning Roundup

Jim Parsons — 2009-01-09T08:30:00-06:00

Did Paul Bettencourt, the former Harris County voter registrar, try to intimidate an election judge who talked to the media about concerns with accepting problem ballots? The judge sure seems to think so

What seems to be the most widely circulating flu strain this season is resistant to Tamiflu, the most commonly prescribed treatment for kids

An ex-HPD officer has been arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault in connection with a September rape

Texans wanting to seek aid from FEMA for Ike-related damage will have to do it by Monday, the feds' deadline

Darren Castleberry, an American man wanted here on charged of child sex abuse, has been arrested in Thailand and could be back in the U.S. within days

In a not-at-all-shocking development, Weingarten Realty was granted a retroactive variance for construction of River Oaks Shopping Center 2.0

A new way to subdue suspects in police chases: hog tie them

Oilfield services company Schlumberger will lay off about 100 of its 5,000 Houston-area workers as part of nationwide cutbacks

In today's world of faltering retail giants, at least one chain of stores is reporting an upswing in business: Beaumont-based Conn's, oddly enough

Thinking of feeding your parking meter so you can hang out in your parking space longer than the posted time limit? Think again and tremble, miscreant

The Chevron Houston Marathon is set for next weekend, but the economic impact is already being felt

HArris County leads the state in rail accidents, with 1,376 accidents and incidents reported between 1998 and 2007

This weekend's weather: Expect sun today, with an afternoon high of 77 before a cold front swings through and drops temps into the mid 50s for Saturday. Saturday night will be clear and cold, with lows in the 30s, followed by sun and a high in the lower 60s Sunday.

Galveston, Oh Galveston, I Am So Afraid of Dying

Katharine Shilcutt Gleave — 2009-01-08T16:30:00-06:00

If you are of the belief that Glen Campbell's ode to Galveston spoke to the city like a deeply-missed and deeply-loved woman, that woman is in awful shape right now.

Nearly four months after Hurricane Ike swept through the city, its eye making landfall directly on the island with a force that belied its Category 2 status, Galveston is making progress towards rebuilding but is still a city in shambles. The city's largest employer, the heavily-damaged University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), recently laid off 3,800 employees while other area businesses struggle to rebuild. Tourism, an industry upon which the island relied heavily, is also moving sluggishly despite recent efforts to clean up the flood-ravaged Strand in time for the yearly Dickens on the Strand. Island residents are still awaiting insurance settlements to rebuild their homes, while entire neighborhoods languish and rot.

Two recent articles in Houston's main papers, the Chronicle and the Press, are asking the tough questions and showing the tough truth about Galveston's efforts to rebuild in the face of national apathy and a brutal recession.

The Chronicle discusses how the island is desperate for funds, to the point that they're begging the Texas Legislature for some assistance:

Revenues from property and sales taxes and other sources are dropping so sharply that layoffs of city employees are imminent even after the city slashed spending and cut all its employees' pay by 3 percent, City Manager Steve LeBlanc told the House Select Committee on Hurricane Ike on Wednesday.

He asked that the state refund all or part of the sales tax revenues generated on the island for two years and provide a long-term, low-interest loan from an emergency fund that's now empty.

"I'm getting to the point of being, in a sense, desperate for help," LeBlanc told reporters after his testimony. "It's becoming very difficult to serve our citizens."

At the Press, John Nova Lomax tries to understand why Galveston's plight has been largely ignored on both a state and national level:

While Katrina's destruction of New Orleans monopolized the eyes of the country and the world for weeks in 2005, Galveston had the misfortune to have Ike fall in the TV-watching dead zone of late night on Friday, September 12, three years later, and then to be eclipsed in the news cycle by even larger national and international events almost immediately.

By contrast, Katrina struck New Orleans at eight a.m. on a Monday in a nonelection year, almost as if it were a gift-wrapped page-one story for news-starved organizations the world over.

The neglect even has a bottom line: Wilma, Rita and Katrina together inspired people to give to all hurricane-related charities to the tune of almost $6.5 billion. The four biggest charities have only been able to come up with $19 million for Ike victims. If you are doing the math at home, that comes up to less than one-third of 1 percent. It's a practically infinitesimal amount, even if you divide the $6.5 billion by three to account for the three storms. One example speaks volumes. The Bush-Clinton fund, run by the former presidents of those names, raised $135 million after Katrina. The same fund only managed to scrape together $2.5 million for Ike victims, despite the fact the storm hit the hometown of one of the principals.

Public consensus seems to lean heavily towards the idea that Galveston will have to rely primarily on private industry and investment to get back onto its feet again, as government and charity spending can only go so far. What this means, however, is a future in which we could see gambling legalized on the island -- harkening back to its old days as a hotbed for organized crime (which is where Tilman Fertitta's family made their fortune, after all) -- and an Atlantic City built on the Gulf of Mexico, the lights from tacky casinos along the Seawall mirroring those twinkling from oil rigs out in the sea.

Would it be worth it? We ask you, readers, would you be willing to see a Galveston in which less focus is on the historical and leisurely aspects of the island -- things like the Strand, the Railroad Museum, Ashton Villa, the Elissa, the beaches and the laid-back vibe -- and more focus is on Landry's-style in-your-face tourism and gambling if it meant that the city could rebuild faster and stronger than before?

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Photo courtesy of Flickr user grovesa16.

Houstonist Flickr Photo of the Day - Conversation

Eric S. — 2009-01-08T12:00:00-06:00

Conversation
by laanba

Photographers description:

The couple on the left was obviously very engrossed in their conversation. I took several long exposures and they hardly moved at all.

For more great Houston photography, check out the Houston Photobloggers.

Daily-ist: Thursday

Brittanie Shey — 2009-01-08T11:40:00-06:00

Revolutionary Road preview screening

Houstonist has never been the kind of person who reads a book after seeing the movie, but Revolutionary Road has been on our reading list for a while now. We just haven't gotten around to reading it yet, because there are about 200 other books on our list as well.

We didn't even know that there was going to be a movie version until recently, but now we're thinking we might take the easy way out and see the two-hour version of the story instead of devoting a week to the written version.

Tonight would be a good night to do so, as there is a free preview screening of the film, starring Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in their first movie together since, you know, that other movie you might have seen.

The story revolves around a married couple living in 1950s suburbia. They have always seen themselves as different from the typical suburban family, but soon they find themselves turning into exactly the kind of couple they loathe — a salary man and an unhappy housewife. Driven to change their fates, they decide to leave Connecticut for the great unknown of Paris.

The screening takes place at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Memorial City Mall Cinemark 16. Free tickets are available at the House of Coffee Beans, 2348 Bissonnet.

Early reviews say the movie isn't a great as the book, but then again, it never is, is it?

Revolutionary Road free preview screening
Admission: Free! Get tickets at the House of Coffee Beans, 2348 Bissonnet
Date and Time: 7:30 p.m. tonight
Location: Memorial City Mall Cinemark 16 theater

Morning Roundup

Jason Bargas — 2009-01-08T08:30:00-06:00

Continental tested green jet fuel with a test flight yesterday

The NTSB released a report on the Denver crash of Continental flight 1404

Galveston is worth saving according to Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas

A local roofing company will roof an Ike damaged home for free

Rice U. gives you the fourth best bang for your buck among private institutions

An impromptu study indicates that wearing your seatbelt is still a good idea

How do you spell deficit? Deficit. T-R-I-L-L-I-O-N. Deficit.

Police tasered a man attempting to flee the scene of an altercation

High school soccer playoffs are looming causing

The Rockets beat the Celtics last night pleasing fans and bookies alike

It's official. Andre Johnson is a Pro Bowler once again.

Ghosts of transgressions past have eaten up Pacman as the Dallas Cowboys gave him the boot

Today's weather: Partly cloudy today with a high of 74 and a low of 58.

H-Town Rock

Adam P. Newton — 2009-01-07T17:00:00-06:00

For the Weekend of January 8th-11th, 2009

Good afternoon everyone. We hope that all of our readers have enjoyed the week so far. This is especially true for all of our schoolteacher friends who are beginning their first full week back in the classroom with the little darlings. Returning to the grind of the school day after two weeks off can be tough for both teachers and students. Luckily for the adults, there's plenty to do this weekend around Houston to help them take their minds off all those papers that must be graded and the fact that Little Timmy still hasn't learned how to sit still during Language Arts. Hopefully, some live music and a few stiff beverages might assist relieving that stress headache building behind the sinuses.

Thursday, January 8th
The Kickback and Free Radicals at Notsuoh
Lotus Effect at Rudyard's
Michael Hardie and Beetle at The Continental Club
Songwriters Night: Featuring Idgy Vaughn, Amy Speace, and Danny Schmidt at McGonigel's Mucky Duck

Friday, January 9th
Initially, we were going to poke a bit of fun at Sister Hazel, mostly because it's easy to mock the cheesy "alternative" bands that were popular in the mid-'90s. However, we really couldn't pass up the chance to harass Céline Dion (and it's difficult to know where to start). At first, we wondered whether or not Céline was risking too much by leaving the safe confines of the Vegas residency she's held since 2003 to get back on the road for the "Taking Chances" tour, but it seems that $236.6 million is a fairly hefty sum to accrue as a touring artist, even in this depressed economy. In the end, what we are left with is the chance to cheekily deride those folks who find musical pleasure in Céline's slickly produced, emotionally exploitative, and lucratively popular romantic ballads. Thus, when we investigate such evidence as "It's All Coming Back To Me Now," "Because You Loved Me," and "My Heart Will Go On," it seems that 200 million people (in terms of records sold worldwide) can be wrong. Do yourselves a favor, fans of decent music: get out to Rudyard's for Alpha Rev or join our crazy roommate at Fitzgerald's for Project H.

Alpha Rev at Rudyard's
Céline Dion at Toyota Center
The Gourds at Cactus Music
The Gourds and Molly and the Ringwalds at The Continental Club
Hunger Project Benefit: Featuring Sybil, Skyblue72, The Tiles, and Gina Chavez at Walter's on Washington
Junior Brown at McGonigel's Mucky Duck
Sister Hazel and Nelo at House of Blues
Versecity, Mind Body Soul, Project H, and From Guts To Glory at Fitzgerald's

Saturday, January 10th
OK - we get it. We watch Metalocalypse (Murderface is our favorite character). Metal is supposed to be brutal, but we do not understand why metal bands have to concoct such atrociously offensive names to represent their art. We've seen many of these groups in action and enjoyed their music (Kerry King of Slayer is a joy to watch shred on stage), but those ever-present death, dying, and destruction-themed monikers will always be a bit confusing to us. Whatever happened to aggressive (but non-bloody) names like Pantera?

Graham Wilkinson and the Underground Township and Spain Colored Orange at The Continental Club
Kristine Mills at McGonigel's Mucky Duck
Necrofaith, Marzi, Within Chaos, Ethreal, Rotting Devastation, and Lycophile at The Meridian (Red Room)
Ram Herrera at The Meridian (Main Room)
Taste of Garlic, World's Most Dangerous Band, and Trian Woodburns at Rudyard's
Truck, Full Service, Free Bleeder, and Detorist at Fitzgerald's

Sunday, January 11th
Austin Collins and Waylon Paine at McGonigel's Mucky Duck
LaShell Griffin and Jeff Majors at Groove Restaurant

We're Number Two! We're Number Two!

Katharine Shilcutt Gleave — 2009-01-07T16:30:00-06:00

In addition to having a lower homicide rate in 2008, Houston has yet another reason to celebrate: we're no longer in the state with the largest number of knocked-up teenagers! Texas once led the nation in the number of pregnant minors, but now that discouraging title has passed to Mississippi. The Magnolia State led the nation with a stunning and unprecendented 60% higher rate of pregnant teens than the national average, while Texas and New Mexico stood at a solid yet regrettable 50%. Now if we could just get that whole "worst city in the nation for recycling due to damnable stubborn streak" monkey off our backs…

Houston's Best Jukeboxes

Rob Hays — 2009-01-07T13:55:28-06:00

So you're out of the town for a night of adult beverages and shennanigans of various and sundry sorts, and you need a soundtrack. To the jukebox! But wait: will you find the right songs to set the mood, or will you find an array of albums seemingly thrown together by a blind chimpanzee with a dart board (or the program director of The Buzz)? Have no fear, as your crack Houstonist staff has pooled their collective intellects and music snobbery into a brief list of machines worthy of your Washingtons and Lincolns.

Before we go any further, though, it's worth commenting on the advent of a technology that (like atomic power or tequila) can be used for ultimate good or ultimate evil. We refer, of course, to the Internet-enabled jukebox. The ability to pull any song out of the ether is an awesome responsibility, and one that the wisest among us must use responsibly. So in our consideration of Internet 'boxes, we'll focus on the albums that are automatically present at a given venue, not the nigh-infinite variety that you have to pony up extra money to hear. Bars choose which albums appear in the regularly-priced section, and as such we'll rank them along with the old-school models.

The runners-up, in no particular order:

Boondocks
This on-the-bend Westheimer dive is one of our long-time faves. The 'box reflects the crowd: grimy punk rubs elbows with classic soul and garage rock to give a backing track that is guaranteed to be as loud and raucous as the bar itself.

The Kelvin Arms
The Rice Village pub that isn't really in the Village does have one of those new-fangled Internet-enabled jobs, but it's stocked with classics ranging from the Dave B's (Bowie, Brubeck and Byrne) to Wilco & Billy Bragg's Mermaid Avenue to the bar rock of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. The wide variety allows you to set the mood to taste, from chill to mayhem and anywhere in between.

The Volcano
Wash down a strawberry-basil margarita with the hands-down most eclectic jukebox in town. Tejano, ska, blues, new wave, country, indie rock and soul all co-mingle in perfect harmony. Bonus points are awarded for focusing on local heroes like Little Joe Washington and Lightning Hopkins.

The Harp
This Richmond mainstay has a strong soundsystem that reaches all the way to its expansive porch. Thankfully, its technological terror of a jukebox has the juice to back it up. M.I.A, Queen, Ella Fitzgerald and Franz Ferdinand are among the highlights of the bar-curated menu.

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for, the best music machine in Houston:

La Carafe
C'mon, like the oldest bar in town would have a crappy music selection. Inside the dark halls of this downtown institution, you'll find a machine packed to the gills with goodness. Big band, classic country, 70's singer-songwriters and bluesmen infuse the bar with its Rat Pack grace and Skid Row grime. Music in its highest forms is all about atmosphere, and the jukebox at La Carafe has it in spades.

Now, we'd also be remiss if we didn't hate on a few places. Some jukeboxes are eclectic to the point of schizophrenia, and others baffle you with songs so mundane that you'd be more inclined to doze off than to pump your fist.

The places to avoid (musically):
The Tavern
The Richmond Arms
Hans' Bier Haus

What are your favorites and anti-faves?
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photo: flickr user mama.harmonica

Houstonist Flickr Photo of the Day - The Williams Tower

Eric S. — 2009-01-07T12:00:00-06:00

The Williams Tower
by J. Evins

We've all seen many photos of The Williams Tower, but this is an interesting take on photographing this building. The sky was perfect for this shot.

For more great Houston photography, check out the Houston Photobloggers.

Daily-ist: Wednesday

Brittanie Shey — 2009-01-07T11:40:00-06:00

First Wednesday Book Club

Houstonist loves our city's indie book stores, from Domy to Murder by the Book. And nothing is better than finishing a hot page-turner only to find someone else who wants discuss the book with you.

Brazos Bookstore hosts a First Wenesdays Book Club dedicated to discussing intelligent, independent and interesting books. This months' book will be Mudbound by Hillary Jordan, winner of the 2006 Bellwether Prize, which was founded to reward books of conscience, social responsibility, and literary merit.

Set in1946, city-bred Laura McAllan is trying to raise her children on her husband's Mississippi Delta farm. Two young men return from the war to help work the land, forming an unlikely friendship that drives the novel.

Don't worry if you haven't read the book yet. The meeting is open to everyone, and you can show up to help choose the book for March's gathering. Or you can buy February's book, The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent.

First Wednesday Book Club
Admission: FREE!
Date and Time: Tonight, 7 p.m., and the first Wednesday of every month
Location: Brazos Bookstore, 2421 Bissonnet, 77005

Miles and Miles of Ugly

Katharine Shilcutt Gleave — 2009-01-06T17:30:00-06:00

"I didn't create this topic to rag on Houston, but I created it so that maybe Houston would get its act together." So begins a rant created by a user on the Houston Architecture Info Forums (HAIF), a user whose ability to criticize anything is severely diminshed when one notices that he's from the "Houston's Far Northwest Xurbs." The post goes on to further insult our city's ancient and beloved tradition of boasting wide swaths of litter-filled empty lots, run down and graffiti-laden store fronts along the most heavily-traveled arteries, and enormous billboards that are more than occasionally for adult-oriented enterprises (among other things). HAIF users were mostly quick to come to the defense of their fair city, but Houstonist has a different question for you: Does Houston need to get its act together? Or do you love it HIWI-style despite the glaring imperfections listed above?

Is Richard Justice on Crack?

Ignacio Salazar — 2009-01-06T14:00:00-06:00

If you read sports blogs regularly, you might think Houston Chronicle "journalist" and University of Texas alumnus Richard Justice might have bumped his head often when he was younger. Some of the things he writes are just downright stupid.

Here is an example from today's blog:

If you're a fan of the Coogs or Aggies or Red Raiders, welcome aboard. Texas is your team, too.The University of Texas was born to give our state one university of the first class. Regardless of where you went to school, Texas belongs to you. Texas isn't No. 1 in merchandise sales because graduates are buying the stuff. Texas is No. 1 because people that went to Tech and UH and A&M and other places want to be citizens of Longhorn Nation.

Really, Dick? Do you have nothing better to do than make up crap? Houstonist understands taking pride in your alma mater but this is just ridiculous. This is a perfect example why a lot of people hate UT alums because of arrogant stuff like this. It's one thing to think it but to write about it and say A&M, UH and Tech alums and students are all T-shirt fans? That's just disrespectful and crappy journalism.

Take pride in your university, Dick. Enjoy the win. Enjoy the recent success. But don't make arrogant statements like this. People say the brain is the first to go when old age comes. It looks like the process has been in full effect for Richard Justice for quite some time now.

Astros Ace Committs to WBC

Ignacio Salazar — 2009-01-06T13:00:00-06:00

Houston Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt has confirmed that he will pitch for Team USA in this year's World Baseball Classic which will begin in March.

Oswalt, who was a member of Team USA's Olympic Gold Medal team in 2000, is eager for another shot at representing his country.

Oswalt told Astros.com, "The way I was looking at it, I might not have but three more years playing. So it's either this year or maybe never." Oswalt's contract is up after the 2011 season and he has hinted at retirement to spend more time with his family.

For more information on the participating teams and rosters for the WBC, please visit
www.worldbaseballclassic.com

Flickr photo: Scott Ableman

Houstonist Flickr Photo of the Day - texas bowl

Eric S. — 2009-01-06T12:00:00-06:00

texas bowl
by finna dat

This is a great shot of a giant flag that was displayed at The Texas Bowl.

If you are interested in proper etiquette of our flag, please see the U.S. Flag Code for an eye opening experience.

For more great Houston photography, check out the Houston Photobloggers.

Daily-ist: Tuesday

Brittanie Shey — 2009-01-06T11:40:00-06:00

Southern Vampire Novelist Charlaine Harris at the Houston Public Library

Anne Rice may have started it, but more than 30 years later, vampire fiction (Bit Lit?) is still all the rage. Houstonist's little sister wore a Team Edward t-shirt to Christmas dinner, and Let the Right One In is selling out movie theaters everywhere (and is currently playing at River Oaks).

Even HBO has caught onto the craze with their series True Blood, based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels by author Charlaine Harris, and produced by Alan Ball of American Beauty and Six Feet Under fame.

Harris, a New York Times bestselling author, will discuss her books tonight at the Houston Public Library Central Branch. The event begins at 7:00 p.m.

True Blood, based on Harris' Southern Vampire Series, is about Sookie Stackhouse, telepathic Louisiana barmaid and friend to vampires, werewolves, and various other odd creatures. Harris is a native of the Mississippi Delta, and has been a published novelist for over 25 years. She has written everything from ghost stories to murder mysteries to science fiction. Her books have been published in Japan, Great Britain, Greece, Germany, Thailand, Spain, France, and Russia.

Novelist Charlaine Harris at the Houston Public Library
Admission: FREE!
Date and Time: Tonight, 7:00 p.m.
Location: HPL Central Branch, 500 McKinney in Downtown

Photo: Wikipedia

Morning Roundup

Jason Bargas — 2009-01-06T08:30:00-06:00

Ohio State's bowl game victory drought continues as Texas pulls out a victory in a nail-biter of a Fiesta Bowl

Texas will have a new Speaker of the House. Who do you think it should be?

Traveling street artists may be to blame for the rise in graffiti around Houston. Perhaps it is also the popularity of Style Wars - which also happens to be a Bun B fave.

The driver has been charged with manslaughter in a single vehicle accident that left a woman dead on New Year's Eve

Firefighters responded to a warehouse fire and found a closet full of weed

African American males are killing each other at high rates around the country - particularly in Houston. HPD wants your help to fight the issue.

President G. W. Bush is seeking a security gate for his new street similar to the one at his dad's digs near The Galleria

Were your friends and family on your case for Facebooking through Christmas dinner? Tell them to piss off. Everyone was doing it according to Jeff Balke.

T-Mac gets on his own case for his physical issues

The A&M hoops squad closed out non-conference play last night

The Coogs are doing the same tonight

Will Roy O. be the ace for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic? All signs point to yes.

Today's weather: Rainy. Chilly. High: 56. Low: 45.

Houston Radio Gets Classic Cool

Brittanie Shey — 2009-01-05T15:00:00-06:00

Houstonist's AM radio dial has been missing something ever since KBME (The Best Music Ever) went syndicated Animal on us. K-Hits is great if you consider Rod Stewart's music to be "oldies" but for a few years now we've longed for the sounds of Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole. And we've never been happy about the homogenization of our airwaves thanks to Clear Channel's omnipresence.

Today, long-time Houston radio disc jockey Ronnie Renfrow will save the day, just in time for your drive home, by launching Classic Cool Radio, 650 AM. The station will go live today at 4 p.m. and will initially brodcast only during the afternoon drive time, Monday through Friday.

The station will feature both old crooners and the new artists who follow in their footsteps, including Diana Krall and Harry Connick, Jr., according to a press release:

"This is by far the biggest programming void in radio. The artists of Classic Cool are selling millions of CD's annually, but listeners have had nowhere to go on the dial — until now," Renfrow said. "This is definitely not a nostalgia format. Classic Cool is far removed from that approach in that we will feature new music from contemporary artists who are all over the Billboard charts."

Classic Cool will present a blend of singers, classic jazz, Latin, and blues. Stars of the show include Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Ella Fitzgerald, Harry Connick Jr., Gloria Estefan, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, and B.B. King, to name a few.

Photo: flickr user fensterbme

H-Town Rock

Adam P. Newton — 2009-01-05T13:00:00-06:00

For Monday, January 5th-7th, 2009

Happy New Year from H-Town Rock! We hope that everyone found an exciting and eventful way to ring in 2009 - ours involved slobbering drunks at 11pm, broken lawn chairs, and a visit from the two constables regarding issues they had with some slightly charred carpet. As we promised at the end of 2008, we are going to begin supplementing our usual list of shows for the upcoming weekend with a rundown of what happens in the first part of the week. It seems that when our eleven readers make a request of a certain feature, we’re going to do what we can to oblige them. Sadly, as many concertgoers can attest, January can prove to be a poor time of year for regional and national touring, but since there are shows available, it is the recommendation of H-Town Rock that our readers do whatever they can to support those artists who are performing around our fair city.

Monday, January 5th
Agartha and Darwin's Finches at Boondocks
Folsom, CDC, Call To Preserve, War Pigs, and Wrong Again at The White Swan

Tuesday, January 6th
Marc Broussard, Sons of William, and Josh Hoge at House of Blues
Songwriters Night: Featuring Sara Hickman and Elizabeth Wills at McGonigel's Mucky Duck
Soul Control, Lie and Wait, The Mongoloids, and Mother Of Mercy at The Junction
The Umbrella Man at The Continental Club

Wednesday, January 7th
DJ Ninja Star and Tobe at Jet Lounge
Sideshow Tramps and The Magpies at The Continental Club

Houstonist Flickr Photo of the Day - Downtown Houston

Eric S. — 2009-01-05T12:00:00-06:00

Downtown Houston
by Notsuoh Photography

The Preston Street bridge provides this fantastic view of downtown with the Wortham Center in the foreground.

For more great Houston photography, check out the Houston Photobloggers.

Daily-ist: Monday

Brittanie Shey — 2009-01-05T11:40:00-06:00

A One-Man Army: The Art of Arthur Szyk

Despite the warm fuzzies following last fall's election, 2009 is off to a frightening start, what with the Israel-Gaza metdown, a dire outlook for this year's economy and 13 tropical storms predicted for our next hurricane season.

Now is a time for hope, and artist Arthur Szyk (1894-1951) had hope in spades. A native of Poland who immigrated to the United States at the beginning of World War II, Szyk believed his art could make a difference in the world.

Syzk became one of the 20th century's most important political propagandists, using his paintings, illustrated books, illuminated manuscripts, commercial art and posters, and stamps for humanitarian causes and to garner support for the social and political issues in which he believed. His political cartoons in support of the Jewish people and against the Nazis appeared on the covers of many important magazines during World War II.

Eleanor Roosevelt described him as a "one-man army," and he helped prove that art (even political cartoons) really can influence the way people see the world.

The Holocaust Museum Houston is hosting a collection of Szyk's works from private owners Gregg and Michelle Philipson, and will include loans of important works from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the United States Naval Academy Museum. The exhibit is free and runs through July of this year.

A One-Man Army: The Art of Arthur Szyk
Admission: FREE!
Date and Time: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5:00 p.m.
Location: 5401 Caroline Street

Image: "Battle of the Warsaw Ghetto" by Arthur Szyk

Morning Roundup

Jim Parsons — 2009-01-05T08:30:00-06:00

Two ex-Harris County deputies are suing new Sheriff Adrian Garcia, claiming unfair treatment

Relatives say they believe LaQuanda D. Williams kidnapped her two children during a visit at their grandfather's Missouri City home

Texas gas prices are now half of what they were at this time last year, according to AAA Texas; the average price statewide is $1.47 a gallon for regular unleaded

A Houston man has been charged with endangering a child after leaving his 5-month-old grandson alone in a park Friday; his daughter says he had been drinking

A Sizzler restaurant in northwest Houston was destroyed by fire over the weekend, which raises a question: There are still Sizzlers?

A Magnolia man claims the work boots he bought at Wal-Mart caused an allergic reaction; his wife is asking the store to stop selling the boots

Galveston's Grand 1894 Opera House re-opened Saturday, its 114th birthday, more than three months after being flooded during Ike

Police are searching for the person who killed an elderly man whose body was found Saturday at the Seabrook Yacht Club

As President Bush heads into his last days in office, his Texas advisers are drawing some criticism — and here's how they fared in retrospect

And in state politics, Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick took his name out of the running for re-election to the speaker post this weekend, freeing his supporters to back someone else

An unexpected consequence of Hurricane Ike: Area residents are flocking to buy watercraft to replace what they lost in the storm

Swamplot bids goodbye to Randall Davis' Titan, the proposed Uptown luxury high-rise that didn't make it off the drawing board thanks to the economic downturn

In a development that isn't creepy at all, the family of 1950s rock star The Big Bopper will auction the Bopper's casket on eBay

Today's weather: Colder, in case you haven't already noticed. Expect a 50 percent chance of rain today with a high this afternoon in the upper 40s, followed by a better chance of rain and a low of 41 tonight.

Week Around the Ists

Jason Bargas — 2009-01-04T17:39:53-06:00

Photograph of Times Square during the first moments of 2009 by Neil Epstein/Gothamist

Gothamist said good-bye to 2008 by looking back at the year and rang in 2009 in Times Square. (God bless YouTube for capturing Kathy Griffin's salty New Year's comments to a heckler.)
Phillyist interviewed Robert Bielski, whose father will be played by Daniel Craig in the upcoming film, Defiance.
Seattlest entered 2009 shaking off some bad pizza recommendations and debating whether or not the New Year's Eve police shooting of a UW student--who was dressed in a military costume, holding a rifle with a bayonet--was justified.
Bostonist was all about vice this week when they dispensed sparkling wine buying advice and celebrated Massachusetts' first annual Marijuana Possession Day.
Londonist gawped at an utterly deserted London -- not even a zombie to be seen.
SFist asked why in God's name did you bother going to work this holiday week; and, also, was tickled and awed to see Bay Area Rapid Transit (i.e, BART) ask subway riders to snitch on and snap images of fellow passengers behaving badly. To make public. On BART's Facebook page.
LAist bid a fond farewell to last year by looking back on what was a tedious, musical, and delicious year in Los Angeles.
Chicagoist dealt with more gubernatorial shenanigans as embattled Gov. Blagojevich introduced Roland Burris as President-elect Obama's replacement in the U.S. Senate (much to everyone's chagrin), bid farewell to Congressman Rahm Emanuel, and welcomed in the new year with the NHL's Winter Classic at Wrigley Field.
Torontoist looked back at the most notable images submitted to their Flickr pool in 2008.
Shanghaiist reported on a remarkable 16-year-old Chinese girl who received a coveted invite to Barack Obama's inauguration.

Houstonist Player of the Year: Andre Johnson

Ignacio Salazar — 2009-01-02T15:00:00-06:00

This one was an easy choice. Andre Johnson was without a doubt one of the best players in the NFL this year.

Johnson led all NFL receivers with 115 receptions and 1,575 yards and he was voted to his third Pro Bowl last month, his second as a starter. He had eight games with 100 or more receiving yards and he is the only player in NFL history have 10 or more catches in seven games in a season.

Johnson's finest game of the '08 campaign came against the hated Tennessee Titans in Week 13. In that game, Johnson had a career day with 207 receiving yards to go along with 11 catches and a touchdown which help beat the Titans 13-12.

Johnson, without a doubt, will have a place on this year's NFL All-Pro team.

Flickr photo:The_Brit2

Runner up: Lance Berkman (Astros). The Big Puma started off the season red hot but finished cold. Despite that, Berkman hit .312 with 29 home runs and 106 RBI. In the month May, Berkman hit .471 (49-for-104) to go along with a 17-game hitting streak. From May 5-11, Berkman hit an astounding .682 (15-for-22). Berkman was also voted to his fifth All-Star game and he finished fifth in NL MVP voting.

Houstonist Rookie of the Year: Steve Slaton

Ignacio Salazar — 2009-01-02T13:00:00-06:00

Houston Texans running back Steve Slaton was the pick for this award.

Slaton, a third round pick (89th overall) wasn't even slated to be the Texans' starting running back but the rookie took advantage of injuries to Ahman Green and Chris Taylor to lead the Texans and all NFL rookie running backs with 1,282 rushing yards which is also a new Texans single season record.

Slaton was awarded NFLPlayers.com Rookie of the Week award after his Oct. 5 preformance against the Indianapolis Colts. In that game, Slaton rushed 16 times for 93 yards and two touchdowns in the losing effort.

For the month of December, Slaton was named NFL Rookie of the Month by rushing for 508 yards which was good for 4.7 yards per carry. He also had three touchdowns.

Slaton is also the only running back to break the 100-yard barrier against Tennessee Titatns and he did it twice with 116 rush yards in Week 2 and he had 100 yards in Week 15.

Slaton's best rushing effort of the season came at Lucas Oil Field against the Colts in Week 11 when he rushed 14 times for 156 yards which included an explosive 71-yard touchdown run; a new Texan's franchise record

Runner up: Luis Scola (Rockets). Scola was a NBA All-Rookie first team selection and he finished third in Rookie of the Year voting behind Kevin Durant and Al Horford.

Flickr photo: The_Brit2

Houstonist Flickr Photo of the Day - Donald Kilgore Set

Eric S. — 2009-01-02T12:00:00-06:00

IMG_5963
by Donald Kilgore

IMG_6138
by Donald Kilgore

IMG_6108
by Donald Kilgore

Hats off to Donald Kilgore for his street scene submissions to the Houstonist Flickr Group. These are wonderful shots and look great in a wide screen (1.78:1) format.

For more great Houston photography, check out the Houston Photobloggers.

Houstonist College Player of the Year: Jarrett Dillard

Ignacio Salazar — 2009-01-02T11:00:00-06:00

There were many candidates for this award but Rice All-American wide receiver Jarrett Dillard just stood out above the pack.

Dillard finished the 2008 campaign with 87 receptions for 1,310 yards and 20 touchdowns, which lead the nation. Dillard also helped lead Rice to a 38-14 Texas Bowl win; the school's first bowl win since the 1954 Cotton Bowl.

Dillard's best game of the year came against North Texas when he caught four touchdown passes to go along with his eight catches for 114 yards. Also in that game, Dillard and quarterback Chase Clement set an NCAA record for most quarterback-to-receiver career touchdowns (41).

For his career, Dillard leaves Rice as one of the most potent receivers in NCAA history. His 60 career touchdowns is an NCAA record for wide receivers. Dillard also holds the NCAA record for most games with a touchdown catch in a season (13) and he also set the record for most consecutive games with a touchdown catch (13) back in 2006. Dillard has also recorded 37 games with a touchdown which is also an NCAA record.

Dillard is also projected as a top wide receiver in this year's NFL draft.

Photo courtesy of riceowls.com

Runner up: Case Keenum (UH). Keenum, a sophomore, led the nation in passing (5,020) and total yards per game (403.2) in his first full year as UH's starting quarterback. Keenum also led UH to a 34-28 Armed Forces Bowl win over Air Force by scoring three toucdhowns; it was UH's first bowl win since 1980.

Houstonist Was There: Houston v. Air Force (Armed Forces Bowl)

Ignacio Salazar — 2009-01-01T20:32:22-06:00

It's been a long drought since UH's last bowl win; 28 years to be exact but now the Houston team can get that monkey off their back as they enjoyed a 34-28 win over Air Force Wednesday afternoon at the Armed Forces Bowl in Ft. Worth, TX.

Freshman running back Bryce Beall had 227 total yards and a touchdown to capture the MVP award and sophomore quarterback Case Keenum threw for 252 yards to go along with three touchdowns (1 pass, 2 rush). Keenum finishes the season as the nation's leading passer with 5,020 yards and yards and his 403.2 yards per game is also tops in the nation.

Houstonist Flickr Photo of the Day - Fogbound

Eric S. — 2009-01-01T15:51:36-06:00

Fogbound
by OneEighteen

This wonderful solitary shot starts things off for us as we head into unchartered waters this new year.

Happy New Year and welcome to 2009!

For more great Houston photography, check out the Houston Photobloggers.

Rice Stomps Western Michigan at Texas Bowl

Rob Hays — 2008-12-31T14:08:59-06:00

"Rice University" and "athletic success" are not words that often go together, at least outside of baseball season. Apparently no one passed this message on to Chase Clement.

The Rice QB threw, ran and caught touchdowns on Tuesday night as the Owls destroyed Western Michigan University in the Texas Bowl at Reliant Stadium. The rumbling Rice offense put up 455 yards of offense, forever banishing memories of the wishbone and that time we thought that Chase Clement was a member of the cast of Gossip Girl.

Clement and receiver Jarett Dillard hooked up for mutual touchdown passes, bringing Dillard's career total to 60, an NCAA record. Early turnovers ensure that the WMU Broncos never stood a chance against a Rice-friendly crowd.

We could belabor the fact that Rice used to really, really suck at football, but the fact is, we're happy for the little scamps. After a half-century of being a Southwest Conference doormat followed by migrations to the WAC and finally to Conference USA, the Owls have found their home and their identity as an exciting, pass-wacky team that can hold its own against any opponent. Let's see if UT wants another "home" game at Reliant Stadium anytime soon.
---
photo: flickr user Johnjron1

The -ist List: Best Albums of 2008

Eric Wilson — 2008-12-31T13:30:00-06:00

Every year, Houstonist staff members get together and discuss our favorite albums. Even though we have many different opinions, we always find a handful of albums that stand above the rest. Here are our favorites for the year -- our top ten, and several honorable mentions. We think you need to check them out, too.

1. Nada Surf - Lucky
Nada Surf barely beat out the Foxes for our favorite album of the year. The NYC-based band has come a long way since their 90's alternative radio hit "Popular." That song gave them a "novelty" and possibly "one-hit wonder" label. Since the beginning of this decade, they've become one of the most consistent indie-pop song-crafters, and Lucky is no exception. With songs like "Whose Authority," "Beautiful Beat," you'll wonder why they aren't all over the radio. Personally, we're glad they're not overexposed.

2. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
It's surprising to find a band with music and harmonies so lush to become one of our favorite albums of the year, but it happened. The Seattle band came from nowhere this past year to have one of the most critically acclaimed, yet non-mainstream, musically satisfying albums of the year. Most of the album is very atmospheric, with vocals reminiscent of My Morning Jacket's It Still Moves.

3. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
Houstonist has been a fan of The Hold Steady for a while now, and this, their fourth album, makes us remember why. The obvious comparisons to 70's Springsteen aren't as noticeable on this release, and it's a little bit more polished then their 2006 release, but with rocking tracks like "Sequestered in Memphis, "Constructive Summer," and the somber "Lord, I'm Discouraged," it's all good.

4. M83 - Saturdays = Youth
This French band, like many current bands, have been influenced by the 80's. It's not surprising, since that's the decade many of the members discovered music. While they take some cues from the likes of New Order, Depeche Mode, and Cocteau Twins, their sound is all their own. Although, with Ken Thomas behind the sound board (responsible for producing albums for Cocteau, Sigur Ros, and The Sugarcubes, we understand how they came to their sonic sound.

5. TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Brooklyn's TV on the Radio continue to defy categories: part funk, part electronic, part soul, part punk, and so on. With songs like "Golden Age," the band received more exposure than they've had in a while, and Dear Science has been placed near the top of many critic's lists this year.

6. The Tontons - Sea and Stars (EP)
We love local music, and for us, one Houston band really stood out this year -- The Tontons. The band put on some great shows this year (and are still looking for their gear that was stolen earlier this month). Asli Omar's smooth vocals blend so well with the overlaying electric guitars.

7. Albert Hammond, Jr. - Como Te Llama
Albert took a break from The Strokes again this year to release this, his second solo album. A little more pop/rock and less garage than The Strokes, but it really showcases the talent he brought to the group -- especially with the instrumental "Spooky Couch."

8. Okkervil River - The Stand Ins
The Stands Ins was supposed to be the second disc to accompany last year's Stage Names. The Austin band decided to split the releases, and to our delight, it wasn't a throw-away album at all. Check out the track "Lost Coastlines" and "John Allyn Smith Sails."

9. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Bon Iver has some similarities with Iron & Wine: The focus of the band is one person (here, it's Justin Vernon) and most of the songs are in the same ethereal, modern folk sound. Justin moved to Wisconsin after the breakup of his band DeYarmond Edison, and wrote this personal album, in which Rough Trade named Album of the Year.

10. Sam Phillips - Don't Do Anything
For the past 25 years, Ms. Phillips has gone from a Contemporary Christian singer in the 80's (she was known as Leslie Phillips then), to an actress (she played a mute terrorist in Die Hard II) and critically acclaimed singer-songwriter in the 90's. Her ex-husband, T-Bone Burnett, produced most of her albums in the 90's, but on this, her first self-produced album, she shows that she can make it on her own.

Honorable Mentions

Travis - Ode to J. Smith
The Verve - Forth
My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
Weezer - Weezer (Red Album)
Kaiser Chiefs - Off With Their Heads
Ben Folds - Way to Normal
Beach House - Devotion
Kiings of Leon - Only By The Night
Esperenza Spalding - Esperanza
Duffy - Rockferry
Cat Power - Jukebox
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
Diplo & Santagold - Top Ranking
Stereo MC's - Double Bubble
The Ting Things - We Started Nothing
Drive-By Truckers - Brighter Than Creation's Dark
Old 97's - Blame It On Gravity
Shearwater - Rook
Kathleen Edwards - Asking For Flowers
The Walkmen - You & Me
Portishead - Third
The Rosebuds - Life LIke
Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue
Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold
Butch Walker - Sycamore Meadows
Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs
Hercules & Love Affair - Hercules & Love Affair
Starflyer 69 - Dial M
Wild Sweet Orange - We Have Cause To Be Uneasy
The Clash - Live at Shea Stadium
Kasey Chambers/Shane Nicholson - Rattlin' Bones
Brett Dennen - Hope For The Hopeless

]]>

Houstonist Flickr Photo of the Day - On Top of Houston

Eric S. — 2008-12-31T12:00:00-06:00

On Top of Houston
by telwink

It's good to be on top as we close out 2008!

For more great Houston photography, check out the Houston Photobloggers.

Morning Roundup

Jim Parsons — 2008-12-31T08:30:00-06:00

The Rice Owls beat Western Michigan 38-14 in the Texas Bowl last night, marking Rice's first bowl win in 54 years

An internal investigation by HPD cleared three police officers of wrongdoing in connection with an incident involving Green Bay Packer Donald Driver's dad

A man who stopped to assist a driver on the Katy Freeway yesterday morning was killed after being hit by an oncoming car

The county medical examiner is asking for the public's help in identifying a teen who fell from a parking garage over the weekend

How to find buried treasure: Look for it on Google, apparently

In Montgomery County, a pack of wild hogs are causing headaches for residents of an upscale neighborhood

NASA has released details of the loss of the Columbia in 2003

Struggling UTMB has axed $3 million in bonuses slated to go to high-ranking staff

And speaking of millions of dollars, Texas Lottery ticket sales have dropped by $45.1 million since last fiscal year; officials blame the change on the economy and Hurricane Ike

From Swamplot, the winners of the first-ever Swamplot Awards for Houston Real Estate — from Tuscanization to teardowns

Randall Davis announced that his proposed Titan condo tower near the Galleria is on indefinite hold

Elsewhere in Uptown, the piece of land that was to become the site of the exclusive Turnberry Tower is now for sale

Tips for New Year's Eve: Don't set your Christmas tree on fire and don't shoot fireworks in the city

And, if you're planning to stay out late tonight, consider taking Metro back home

Today's weather: More sun and cooler weather to close out the year: Expect a mostly sunny day with a high around 62, followed by a partly cloudy night with temps in the mid 40s.

Texans Whip Bears, Finish 8-8

Rob Hays — 2008-12-30T14:25:33-06:00

After a season where a few early doses of bad luck went against them, the Texans finished strong on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, beating the Windy City boys 31-24 and preventing them from making the NFC playoffs. The Texans finished the season on an 8-4 run, setting the stage for continued success in 2009.

The offense got back on track after the previous week's shelacking in Oakland, with 328 passing yards from Matt Schaub, and more than a hundred rushing yards from the Steve Slaton/Ryan Moats tandem. Schaub to Andre Johnson continued to be a more frequent hook-up than Paris Hilton and A Random Dude With Hair Gel; the Bears gave away the middle of the field frequently, allowing Johnson to run slants with impunity.

The Bears made the game appear closer than it actually was; after falling behind 10-0 in the first quarter, the Texans dominated thereafter. The Bears final touchdown came in the waning moments of the fourth quarter, with the Texans' defense in a soft prevent defense. But margin of victory is for losers and the BCS: the Texans won against a good team at home, and that's all that matters.

Gary Kubiak made some decisions about the coaching staff today. Defensive coordinator Richard Smith has been a favorite scapegoat all season for his lackluster playcalling, and he got his walking papers today, along with several other defensive coaches. The good folks at DGDB&D are already handicapping the race to find his replacement.

Though the season has ended sooner than some were predicting when 2008 began, the Texans have a lot of reasons to be hopeful heading into 2009. A strong offense, and some key stars on defense should have them in the thick of the AFC playoff hunt next year.

And because it had to be said: screw the Cowboys.

---
Photo: flickr user finnadat

Daily-ist: Tuesday

Katharine Shilcutt Gleave — 2008-12-30T12:40:00-06:00

From Dylan Thomas to William Butler Yeats, from John Donne to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, if you're passionate about dead poets, you should head out to Taft Street Coffee tonight for the Dead Poets Slam.

The free event will feature a poetry slam-style competition with a catch: all the poetry recited must have been written by a dead poet:

This is organized as a poetry slam, and competitors are encouraged to have two poems from their chosen dead poet ready. The audience will give scores and we'll discover who is the most slammin' of the deceased bards.

ANYONE CAN PARTICIPATE; all you need to do is find TWO poems by a deceased poet and read them passionately on stage to compete for this best selection and best reading score.

And to further encourage you to give your best reading, there are even prizes! Of course, you don't have to participate in order to attend; an audience is needed, too.

The Dead Poets Slam will get started at 8:00 p.m., but you'll need to be there at 7:30 p.m. to sign up. And forget about using E. E. Cummings "she being Brand"; that's our bag, and a surefire way to woo the ladies.

Dead Poets Slam
Admission: Free!
Date and Time: December 30, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Taft Street Coffee, 2115 Taft Street

Houstonist Flickr Photo of the Day - Winter Wonderland

Eric S. — 2008-12-30T12:00:00-06:00

Winter Wonderland
by jjsala

This wonderful low light shot was taken at the ICE at Discovery Green where tonight, veteran Houston jazzman, Jawad, plays from 7-9pm. Check out the Discovery Green website for more info.

For more great Houston photography, check out the Houston Photobloggers.

Morning Roundup

Jason Bargas — 2008-12-30T08:30:00-06:00

A retired HPD communications technician shot two burglars after they attempted to steal a generator from his front porch

NASA will release a definitive report on the Columbia disaster today

You've heard about the struggles of the Houston Food Bank following Katrina. Well, the pet food bank needs your help, too.

Wrecks at intersections increased after red light cameras were installed but Mayor Bill White contends the cameras prevented additional accidents

The US Coast Guard ended the search for a missing fisherman in Trinity Bay

A California musician turned treasure hunter is in a Houston courtroom attempting to get permission to salvage a shipwreck that he found using Google Earth

The rest of Texas may implement a workplace smoking ban so they can be more like Houston...and because of the health implications

Fewer illegal aliens are crossing the Mexican border than have in years past, but that's not stopping efforts to get the border fence erected

The Houston Rockets and T-Mac agreed that the injury prone star will not play in both back-to-back games for the remainder of the season

The Texans finished the season at .500 after blowing up the Red Zone versus the Bears thanks to the play calling of Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan and excellent execution by the team

Memorial Hermann removed Roger Clemens' name from its sports medicine complex

Today's weather: The temperature will hit 68 this afternoon and work its way into the mid-50s tonight