Pic Of The Day - 09.20.14 - The Cranes

It's a good problem to have.  Houston is a boom town again and there are cranes everywhere. 

This picture doesn't quite capture what I wanted it to.  I would probably have to get out of the car and in the street to capture the true the essence of the sky disappearing at this intersection.

Pic Of The Day - 07.08.14 - City Hall

I had never seen this view of Houston's City Hall.  Photo was taken from the 29th floor of One Shell Place.

Pic(s) Of The Day - 05.31.14 - Buffalo Bayou

On Saturday, rather than go to the gym, I decided to walk along Buffalo Bayou. For the past several years, work has been going on to make it more bicycle, walker and runner friendly. So...I headed out on foot and snapped a few pics.

Pic(s) Of The Day - 05.28.14 - We Need A HERO

So. On Wednesday I did something I have never done. I went to Houston's City Hall and spoke before the City Council in Council Chambers. You see...

Two weeks prior there was another hearing on an Equal Rights Ordinance.  Everyone expected the vote to happen that night but it didn't.  The vote was delayed for two weeks.  I wasn't in Council Chambers that night but I watched some of the public hearing via live streaming.  And what I heard saddened me.

I couldn't believe some of the bigoted, hateful things that were being said by people who claim to be Christians.  The most disheartening thing I kept hearing was, "I'm a Christian but..."  Well then butt out!

So...I spoke with Januari Leo who is Legacy's Director of Public Affairs, is a co-worker of mine and a friend.  She told me to contact the City Secretary and get my name on the list for May 28 so I did.  I scheduled a day's vacation and made a reservation for The Calvinator to be boarded because no one knew how long we would be at City Hall on May 28.

The morning of the 28th we arrived and were hunkered down.  There were 200+ people who spoke that day and only about 26 people spoke against the ordinance.

The most confusing thing I saw was the group of opponents who walked out en masse shortly after the public hearing began.  I guess they went to join the group of protesters who were outside of City Hall.  We could hear them inside the building chanting and praying.

I wasn't sure what to expect from the opponents.  I was prepared to be the Tracy Turnblad of the day.

When it was all said and done, the ordinance passed 11-6.  The biggest disappointment of the day was Dwight Boykins who represents District D.  He had previously stated in writing that if this ordinance was presented, he would vote in favor of it.  The day of the vote he said he wouldn't vote in favor of it because he didn't like the process.  That's fine.  I hope someone runs against him in the next election because I will donate to that person's campaign.  The other 5 no votes weren't a surprise.

It was interesting to see who testified in favor of the ordinance.  Lorraine Wulfe I think surprised me the most and I greatly appreciate her comments and support.  The Houston chapter of NAACP gave their endorsement.  Dean Douglas spoke and was very eloquent and distinguished with his comments.  He obviously had the respect of many of the council members.

There is a whole team of people who rallied the troops.  If I begin to list them, I will forget someone and then feel really bad.  If you want to listen to my comments that day, click here and go to 39:18.
If you'd like to view my tweets for the day, look for my handle @absolutrunnr and scroll to May 28.

As an FYI, this isn't over.  The opponents are going to try and get it on the ballot and have it repealed.  The troops need to stay rallied and be prepared to hunker down again.

 

Januari Leo, Amanda William and me being photo bombed by Equality in our selfie.

 

I decided that after a long day, I deserved a Sonic Cherry Limeade with some Tito's Vodka!

Pic(s) Of The Day - 05.23.14 - Scenes from a Friday evening in Houston

Yes, I admit I can get into a rut. Subway. Whole Foods. So...when I received an invitation to partake in frivolity and adult beverages I decided to join in. I had never been to Little Dipper and I'm glad I visited. Strong drinks. Pretty people. Lots of laugh. Who could ask for anything more.

Bitch Of A Hangover

Little Dipper

Fun people at Little Dipper

I had never noticed this row of red awnings at Hotel Icon.

Water fountain.

Pic Of The Day - 05.18.14 - Everything Is Bigger In Texas

...including the armadillos.  Seriously! I don't make up this stuff.  Look at this armadillo.

It is the largest armadillo I've ever seen and you too can see it if you go to Goode's Armadillo Palace on Kirby Drive in Houston. And while you're there, get some barbecue at Goode Company.  It's some of the best in town!

Pic Of The Day - 05.15.14 - Send In The Clowns

...and the elephants, trapeze artists, side show and everything else associated with the circus.

Hyde Park Gallery has just opened a show with works by Jim Seigler.  I went to the opening on Thursday night and wasn't sure what to expect.

The collection of work is a variety of watercolor, acrylic, ceramic, ink, etc. and it expands several decades.  In his remarks, the artist stated that every piece of art has a story.  And guess what?  On June 12, 2014, you can hear him speak.  The gallery will have an artist talk on June 12.

Pic Of The Day - 05.13.14 - Room With A View

Due to an unfortunate circumstance I was provided with this view of the Houston skyline.  It's a great view from Museum Tower.

Pic(s) Of The Day - 05.04.14 - The Heights

There's a public art installation on Heights Blvd. and on Sunday (5/4/14), I decided I was going to and see it for myself. However, before I did that I went in search of the new Houston mural and I found it!