Hello Houston Writer Now Schmap Houston Published Photographer

Three photographs which appear on this blog and Flickr.com, have been selected for publication in the third edition of the Schmap Houston Guide.

Photographs used in the publication are:

Click Here for Photo 1

Click Here for Photo 2

Click Here for Photo 3

Click Here for the Publication

Photo Selected for On-Line Publication

A Hello Houston photograph "The Chocolate Bar" has been selected for use by the on line publication "Gosleepgo.com"

Click here for a link to the listing

Click here for a link to the publication

An Interesting Chinese Dinner

Found this interesting Asian restaurant by accident on Bellaire, Bld in Houston, Texas. It was quite a lot of fun. I realize this isn't very newsworthy but I did want to share it with my friends. I had never seen this type of food preparation before.

It's official "I'm not in Kansas Anymore" now that I've attended just one small portion of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, I'm quite confident that I'm in a strange land indeed. Not that its strange, it's just strange to me. I didn't see any "livestock" at all, most probably because I attended a private corporate party during the three day Barbecue contest.

Yes, the folks here in Texas take their meat very seriously. Lots of beer, booze and scantly clad women handing out free liquor pretty much sums up the event which took place against a cacophony of live music emanating from each temporary tent.

There's not much news value to this post I realize that, however I had a great time at the event and realized being a Texan holds far deeper meaning than just owning that wide brim hat. I suppose the hat is just a symbol of an attitude of pride, confidence and in your face presence.So, am I off to buy a pickup truck? Not likely anytime soon. But I understand it all just a little more.

I'd say "may hat is off to the folks who know how to have a good time." Oh, I forgot, I don't have a hat. Until next time.

Are We Hungry Yet?

Couldn't resist this one. As experienced in Van Horn, Texas off of I-10 headed East.

A Google search provides a number of results referring to this establishment and the historic town of Van Horn, located in West Texas.

More to come......

Wishful Thinking

This set of vehicles rusting in Alpine, Texas caught my eye. You have to wonder will the owner of these iron relics ever get around to restoring them? Were they purchased for parts? Are they just waiting their turn in the restoration bay? Time will tell. Perhaps.

Until next time.

Honorable Mention - Prada Display In The Desert

This is an interesting marketing idea. Could the thought behind this simulated shoe store in the middle of a desert been to create word of mouth buzz? Not sure, but this structure seemed so out of place that it qualifies for my Hello Houston blog.

This structure/billboard combination rests along highway 90 in Valentine a small Texas town 665 miles West of Houston. Marfa, TX about 35 miles away has a place to shop for Prada.

NOTES:

1. Double click on photo to enlarge - My cameo appearance is seen in the plate glass reflection.
2. See where Valentine is located - Courtesy of Mapquest. CLICK HERE
   

And You Think You've Had a Bad Day?

Consider this. Just seconds before taking this photo, the fish seen here was simply swimming around off the New Jersey shore just minding its own business. It's amazing how life can change in the blink of an eye or for that matter the movement of a beak. I was there and saw it happen. Now that's real news.......

You make up the caption.......

As seen at a restaurant in New Mexico. Had to capture this and share. I'm sure it's a joke, but then again, maybe not.
Until next time.
AR

Your comments are welcome

Registered users are welcome and encouraged to comment on anything posted here. We'd like to hear from you. Thanks for your continued interest in Hello Houston.
Until next time........

Reader Entry - Food for Thought, Ridgewood NJ

I always enjoy when readers of Hello Houston comment on my posts and I'm even happier to receive suggestions and as in the case right here, a reader submitted photo.

This image sent to me by Lisa from New Jersey is representative of the the essence of Hello Houston. This blog is somewhat a take off of the Seinfeld television series. A publication "about nothing," but in reality it's about everything.
Everything that most people pass over without comment in their everyday lives.

Take a moment to read the sign on this store. as it has an interesting product mix. It makes you wonder "what comes first - The booze or prescriptions?" Perhaps for some, both at once.

Lisa, thank you for your photo and keep them coming.

References:

Lisa - An oasis of professionalism in a workplace environment that is beyond my ability to accurately describe in writing. Perhaps it's best characterized by the knot in my stomach which magically appeared each and every time I entered the New York City building of the self claiming unbiased television network. The escalators from the lobby to the newsroom did a fair job of taking me below ground, and they seemed when working to be well balanced. Working with Lisa was great and I thank you for making that period in my career a bit nicer and less caustic.

Harding Pharmacy
305 E Ridgewood Ave
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
(201) 444-4500
(201) 445-7122

Take Me Out To the Ball Game...........

A reader interactive post. Please refer to the song take me out to the ballgame as you read though this post. Here we go…..

Take me out to the ballgame. WAIT STOP, insert commercial here for Chick Fillet (Fast Food), wait 30 seconds and begin singing along once again.

Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack, WAIT STOP, insert commercial for United Parcel Overnight Delivery Service here, wait 30 seconds and begin singing along once again.

I don't care if I never get back, WAIT STOP, insert commercial for some ubiquitous home mortgage company here, wait 30 seconds and begin singing along once again.

Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game."

WAIT STOP, before anything continues prepare to listen to several more promotional announcements of some sort. For example,

The first pitch of the game is brought to you by,

The first honorary pitch of the game is brought to you by,

The nicest smile of the game is brought to you by (some Houston cosmetic dental firm)

And so it goes. It never stopped. And like too much ice cream it became increasingly uncomfortable and irritating as the night wore on.

So, by now you’ve guessed that I’ve been to a major league baseball game. Technically, it was a baseball game but from my perspective it was more like eavesdropping into the conference room of an advertising agency. Surely, I understand the necessity of sponsorship but believe me, the commercial assault began last evening as my guests and I walked from the car towards the stadium. EVERYTHING that could be sponsored was.

Surprisingly enough the men’s room was seemingly void of commercialism.

Perhaps audio provided by a deeply voiced announcer could boast “this flush brought to you by the Tidy Bowl Man – Remember to wash your hands” They missed one, I should send them the idea.

So, why is this observation worth a post? Well, because believe me the bombardment of commercial imagery and sounds didn’t stop all evening. It even included characters in full costume, roaming the stands to sell their ideas. It’s not that I’m irritated that easily, (We’ll that all depends) it just went overboard. (did I mention that my tickets were almost 50.00 each and parking was additional? I would have spent more for the seats for a commercial free version)

It’s no wonder consumer debt in this country is sky high.

If you’ve reached this portion of the post you may be wondering what really set me off?

Well, being intimately familiar with the public relations game, I was saddened by the first pitch (which by the way was made by a veteran of the Iraq war that has spent the past four years has recovering from combat wounds). Of course the national anthem was sung by a Female Navy Officer in full dress uniform, and the display of the national colors was also quite dramatic. Believe me, I appreciate the efforts of our soldiers but I sit in utter amazement wondering how in good conscience such public displays of government orchestrated pageantry can take place against the backdrop of solders in combat at this very moment who are underpaid, under equipped and working alongside “civilian contractors” making enormous salaries for the very same work. So once again, why this post, we’ll it’s what I observed. Texas is a very proud place and the Texans at the game were well focused on the singer, flag and troops. Then of course, it was time to play ball, I mean, listen to more commercial announcements.

Interesting Links:

Lyrics of Music for "Take me out to the ball game" (Click Here)

ET Phone Home......

This doesn't appear to be anything special but can you remember the last time you saw a working telephone booth?

Most probably you haven't seen one for a very long time. This relic actually works, but then again it ought to. It's located in the parking lot at Windstream Communications - the local telephone company in Sugar Land, Texas - right outside of Houston. Until next time.......AR

A Treehouse for Police........

Came across this contraption in Fort Worth, Texas. Interesting. Set up in a parking lot of a Best Buy, this portable police observation booth is quite unique. It makes you wonder, "just how effective can this be?" or does it compromise the safety of the officer assigned to work in there?

Until next time.........

Interesting Drawing

Pride
Originally uploaded by krlove.

This wonderful drawing was made by an extremely talented artist located in Sugar Land, Texas by the name of Kathryn Love. I am not entirely sure how large a drawing this is, or for that matter, where this lion currently resides, but he really caught my eye.

Now, regarding Kathryn Love: I just finished viewing about an hour and a half of video footage shot at her open house on Saturday April 14th, 2007. I'm working with Kathryn on a number of promotional initiatives and I hope to have some video of Ms. Love up on Google Video in a few weeks. Working with Kathryn is fun and challenging at the same time. All in a positive creative way. Stay tuned for more.

To learn more about Kathryn Love Click Here.

Interesting Sculpture

This fella caught my eye while leaving Calvert, Texas. I wonder where he's headed? Any thoughts? I encourage you to drop me a line with your ideas?

When a Picture Doesn't Say 1000 Words

This photo is deceiving. Notice the falling snow and slush on the ground. Well this was taken just one day before Easter Sunday 2007 when temperatures across Texas fell well in the low thirties. Yes, it's odd but by itself not a big deal. For me, it was a blast back to my days in the cold Northeast because for about two hours prior to shooting this photo, I was driving about 20 miles per hour through sleet, snow with zero visibility, totally covered pavement and about one inch of accumulation. And yes, I forgot to mention that I was in the middle of nowhere headed back to Houston from the Dallas/Ft Worth area. So what have I learned? Never say never. I ever so proudly boast on occasion that I'll never have to deal with snow and ice again. Well I suppose I was wrong. There is a happy ending to the story. I was able to find lodging in a little town called Calvert, Texas with the help of one restaurant owner who not only called around to find a vacancy but who also got into his car and drove me to the bed and breakfast inn where a comfortable bed awaited. Can you see that happening in NY City or Houston for that matter? I don't think so.

If you ever find yourself in Calvert, Texas (about two hours North of Houston) why not visit Dereck at the Someplace Else Restaurant and tell him the guy from NY sent you.

Dereck, if you ever get your computer fixed and read this. Thank you again for your hospitality.

The Someplace Else Restaurant - 615 Main Street, Calvert, Texas 77837 / 979-575-6265

To see where Calvert Texas is located, Click Here........

A thought to ponder.......

No photo on this one, just a thought to ponder. You may want to ask yourself "Is this really worth it?" Now that I am finally taking my health seriously, I hope you will as well. Here goes.

A 16-oz. Grande latte has a robust 440 calories (about the same as two packages of M&M's) and costs about $4.50 in New York City—or about three times as much as McDonald's (MCD ) most expensive premium coffee.

Source: Business Week On-Line

Spring is in the air......

The weather in Houston has been outstanding. Spring is in the air and free entertainment is everywhere. I took this shot of a performer at Central Market on Westheimer in Houston. The band was from New Orleans and they were fantastic. Free live entertainment at the supermarket. For my Friends in the Northeast, when was the last time you saw that at a Shoprite, Grand Union, Stop & Shop or Walbaums?

I'm certainly not in New York!

And yet another reminder that I'm not in Kansas anymore. (Actually, I've never lived in Kansas). This sign and I met at a park in Sugar Land, Texas and it certainly caught my attention. I don't ever recall having to watch for alligators while commuting on the Long Island Railroad.

It's COLD here in Texas

Well, winter is here in Houston, Texas. First off, I haven't seen the sun in over a week, it's raining, temperatures hovering about 32 degrees and it's windy. So, I'm not one to write about weather because I believe it "just happens," but experiencing this does bring back memories of NY which trigger fear throughout my body. So, will the sun ever come out? Who knows.

Now, the photo in this posting is not Houston. It's New York City from the blizzard of 1888. It's really doesn't matter because that's what it feels like to me here in Texas this past week.

Houston Marathon Draws 250 Thousand Spectators

Had a lot of fun today at the Houston Marathon. No, I didn't run but I watched as my brother-in-law crossed the finish line. The event was well planned, police everywhere helped keep order in the racing lanes. This was my first time attending this event and it was quite festive.

People of all shapes, sizes and ages participated in the race. It was quite motivating to say the least.


Should I consider it for next year? I'll have to start training now. Keeping away from the refrigerator will be the first order of business should I ever consider such an undertaking.

Have you ever participated in a race of this sorts? If so, let's hear from you.

Pictured here is an unknown spectator cheering on a race participant.


Click here for a link to the official race web site.

Alpine - Way Out West Texas

Here is a shot of the Holland Hotel in Alpine, Texas. A recent trip during the holidays included Alpine, a wonderful visit to Big Bend National Park, and the some of the surrounding towns such as Terlingua where our friends Amy and Roy helped us "paint the town red."

I had a wonderful time on this five day adventure which brought a fully array of stimuli. Snow, views of the mountains of Mexico, hours of soaking in a natural hot spring, hiking through Big Bend National Park and even a visit to Midland, Texas where everything smells like oil. (What doesn't smell like oil looks like gold as there seems to be banks on every corner of the town. Think about that the next time you fill up at the pump).

I've really taken to the desert as a place to go and decompress. There is something about it that is very mysterious. Of course, I realize it's a place that can kill you too. Wild pigs and other creatures roam free as I suppose they should. After all, it is the desert.

My journey to Alpine for this year end took me via Southwest Airlines from Houston to Midland/Odessa where I met up with ground transportation for the remainder of my trip.

One point of interest which is of course, second nature for the local folks was the presence of border patrol agents and checkpoints. We drove through the same checkpoint twice during a span of two days where the agents simply asked us if we were American Citizens. I suppose we don't fit the profile of what they are looking for. Oh well, just a minor point worth mentioning.

Click here to see where Alpine, Texas is located in relationship to Mexico and Houston


Click here for the official web site of the Holland Hotel


Click here to see where Terlinqua is located in relationship to Big Bend National Park and Mexico


Click here for some miscellaneous shots from the vacation. (Photo Album). Anyone who wants to see me in my hiking and swimming gear will have to send email for a private pass.

Until Next Time...........

Out of Sight and Mind for 30 Years Plus

This game of Shuffle Board brings back memories of more than 30 years ago when I would play with friends at a country tavern located in the Lake Secor section of Mahopac, NY (About 60 miles North of New York City). It's a bar game. Simple and seemingly more interesting with alcohol. Well, after a hiatus of 30 years I ran in face to face with a table at The Continental Club in downtown Houston just this past week. Mike Kovacs, an out of town visitor expressed interest in visiting this music and cocktail venue so, last Saturday night, we found ourselves hand stamped and all, in the middle of a twenty something crowd, clouds of cigarette smoke, upper decibel live music and of course for me the star of the show, shuffle board. I had forgotten how to play this relatively simple game but soon after we gave up hope, we were assisted by what appeared to be "regulars' of the establishment who seemed to know the rules and regulations. All-in-all, I must admit, the activity seemed much more fun in the 1970's, but it was nice to go back in time even if just for a few minutes. I did find the rules of the game on the internet as well as a detailed history. Links to this information follow:

CLICK HERE FOR THE RULES OF THE GAME

CLICK HERE FOR SALES OF SHUFFLE BOARD TABLES

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE CONTINENTAL CLUB

Interesting Austin, Texas Window

This display caught my eye during a recent trip to Austin, Texas. What creativity. This store is located on 6th Street in downtown Austin.

My visit to Austin was short, one day in total. but Mike, Trey and I did get to see some of the local flavor of the place. The city is quite nice and there is a definite energy in the air. Our sight seeing took us to Bonnel Park and to the venerable Stubb's BBQ as well.

Lots of Content Coming Soon.....

Hello everyone, I've been real busy and new posts are coming soon. Since we've last left off, I've seen so much as I:

• Traveled to Western Texas, twice and spent some time in the desert. (That was wonderful)
• Been to Austin, Texas. (A short one day visit but still, lots of fun.)
• Experienced "The Continental Club" in Houston, two times for live music against a background tapestry of some very interesting patrons.
  
• Breezed through Odessa and Midland, Texas with traces of oil and money dripping in the air.
  

So, there's lots coming in 2007. I just need to get to the word processor and pound it all out. Stay tuned for more.......

Click to Help Feed Animals

I click on this link daily. I hope you will too. This is something that I've been doing for a very long time. Here in Texas, the hunting season is in full bloom.

This is my small way to counteract the stories of horror that I've heard from those who are partial to what they call a sport. I don't agree but honor their right to participate.

Two Months Without a Post!

It's hard to believe that it's almost been two months since I've posted anything to Hello Houston. I wonder why that is? I haven't lost steam for this on line publication but then again, I haven't come across too much visually interesting that I'd like to share. As the year winds down and the temperature outside continues to drop, I have less opportunity to roam the streets looking for what I seem to think are clever things to share. That doesn't mean that I haven't been busy. Perhaps I can delight you with photographs of a recent vacation out to the western part of Texas? My sojourn 650 miles or so West of Houston was wonderful. The scenery was very much like waking up in a painting. Crossing the desert for almost 200 miles and passing only a few cars on the road was very much the opposite of my daily life here in Houston! In fact, here are a few photos of the landscape....... Enjoy.

The Russian Bear - An Interesing Venue

THIS IS A VIDEO POST. DOUBLE CLICK ON PLAY ICON TO SEE SHORT VIDEO. QUALITY IS DARK – TURN UP YOUR SPEAKERS.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

As my exploration of Houston continues, I am finding no shortage of places to go or people to see. This is no doubt a fantastic city. Our visit last evening to
THE RUSSIAN BEAR
located in the Southwest portion of the city was an interesting and enjoyable experience.

The four hours or so spent at this restaurant / nightclub venue included some light appetizers as our main course, against the backdrop of what seemed to be non-stop live entertainment mostly in Russian.

A host of electronic equipment reinforced two talented on stage singers who worked hard to move the room. They succeeded quite nicely.

Occasionally the female vocalist would belt out a song in English. I captured about 50 seconds of Pasty Kline’s “Crazy” in video format. Hearing a county classic performed with a Russian accent certainly caught my attention and I wanted to share it with my Hello Houston audience.

Professional dancers were also part of the evening's entertainment. Two dancers performed about three or four sets complete with costume changes. They were quite impressive indeed.

Audience members and other restaurant guests were as colorful as the on stage performances. It seemed most everyone was having a good time. Eating, dancing, eating, dancing, more eating and drinking. It's a BYOB place. (They don't seem to have a liquor license) and people were not shy about pouring and pouring away. Linda and I had coffee and water. (we're watching our calories these days)

I haven’t heard so much Russian since visiting my Aunt Alma in New Jersey. (This is an inside joke. My Aunt Alma lives in a very elegant high rise condo overlooking NY’s Manhattan skyline which for some reason has attracted a large number of Russian neighbors).So, Auntie, this post is dedicated to you!

The Russian Bear is an interesting place and an excellent venue for a party or large gathering. Smoke was an issue towards the end of the evening. The bar area in the back of the room was packed with smokers puffing away like no tomorrow. This doesn’t usually bother me but it was an issue for Linda. Perhaps the smoked salmon appetizer we ordered was actually cured in the back of the room. All-in-all, The Russian Bear was fun and just another establishment that can proudly post the sign – Avery Was Here!

Until next time……..

It's Amazing What You Can Find On A City Street

The weather was nice and brisk this past weekend here in Hoston. Linda and I took to walking "the streets" after a nice Sunday AM brunch at the Hobbit on Richmond.

Shortly after our walk began, we came upon a group of men tossing bean bags at each other, or more accurately, opposite each other, outside The Stag Pub. One of the participants noticed us watching and offered to let Linda take a try. She did quite well, but fell short of getting a hole in one. "What is this game called?" I asked. "Cornhole" responded one of the team members.

Later on in the day when I was able to find Google access , I quickly found out that "cornhole" is in fact, quite popular and even has its own trade association. No kidding. Follow these links to learn more.......

http://www.playcornhole.org/ (The Play Cornhole National Organization)

http://www.cornholeparty.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornhole_(game)

(The Wikipedia Definition) Cornhole or Corn Toss is similar to horseshoes except you use wooden boxes called cornhole platforms and corn bags instead of horseshoes and metal stakes. Contestants take turns pitching their corn bags at the cornhole platform until a contestant reaches the score of 21 points. A corn bag in the hole scores 3 points, while one on the platform scores 1 point. Scoring can be swift and the lead may change hands several times in a match before the winner is decided. The game is generally played tournament style with an individual or team being named the champion at the end of the tournament.

Until Next Time......
Avery

Interesting Marketing Idea - I think. I am not so sure

What appears to be an authentic 1966 Police Car is actually a sign for a pub located on JFK Blvd, in Houston, not too far from the George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The car is authentic but the police part is not. Never the less, it's a clever way to catch attention. It caught my eye but it didn't lure me into the tavern. I opted for the cofee shop next store where I used their free wi-fi to make Skype calls through my computer for about two hours. Oh what a high tech world we live in. And yes, it's a slow news day here in Houston. More soon.
Avery

PS: If I call you through Skype, your caller id will read 000000000.

Can this be the real deal?

Ran into this little guy at a Whole Foods Supermarket in Houston, Texas just this morning.

I wonder if this is really an authentic "Big Boy." It would be great in my office. Anyone have one to spare? If so, drop me a note.

Avery 

League City Texas Sunset

The view from our dinner table at a restaurant in League City, Texas. A relaxing atmosphere indeed. Service at this establishment was so bad that it was actually comical. The waiter put new meaning into the phrase "I'll be right back." If you've ever had time stand still you know what I mean. It's almost 24 hours later and I'm still waiting for milk for my coffee. Oh well. We don't live in a perfect world. Newsflash to me.

Until next time.

Just a Small Town Post Office in Texas

This small town Post Office caught my eye while driving from Houston to the Dallas area. Not sure why it appeals to me but thought I would share it on the blog. It certainly isn't Manhattan. 

Chuck Negron (formerly of Three Dog Night)

Chuck Negron, former lead singer for Three Dog Night belts out several hits in Stafford, Texas for the benefit of the Fort Bend County Women's Center. Actually the evening was promoted as Chuck Negron appearing with Blood Sweat and Tears, but I'm not sure if BST had in fact, any original members of the band present.
Negron's performance was great, our seats where almost dead center about four rows back and we had a ball. Three Dog Night was popular back in the 70's and has an interesting story. To learn more about TDN CLICK HERE.
Until Next Time......

Bill O'Reilly Would Have A Ball With This.

Only in Houston I suppose. I've passed this place at all hours of the early morning 1AM, 2AM etc and it's usually PACKED. I can only imagine what really goes on here, but I suspect most of the money they collect is wired directly to Mexico. Of course, I am sure they are cashing paychecks for the workers who don't have checking accounts. I suppose establishments like this exist to serve the undocumented segment of our society. Why didn't I think of this? Until next time. 

Interesting Business Window

There is no real story here but I wonder how many people who pass by this shop in Bellaire, Texas really take the time to look at this interesting business window? I don't know who Grodon Vawn is but I suspect he's proud of his 8.00 cuts.

Houston Fireworks

A small display of fireworks as seen from the River Oaks section of Houston. It's certainly was a damp and humid day for us this year. We had fun though. Hope you had a nice day off as well. 

Willie Wonka Would Be Proud....

Found this place on Alabama right here in Houston. (The movie we were headed for was sold out so here's where we ended up.) Not a stop to make on the way to or from Weight Watchers but a fun, colorful and interesting dessert stop. 

An Interesting Dance - This is a VIDEO POST

Hello everyone, Linda and I stumbled across this dance at what appears to be an English Pub located right here in Houston. I'm not sure what this dance is. Any thoughts? Click on the play button and turn up your speakers. We had a great time but we arrived as the band was finishing up for the night. A nifty place indeed. Your thoughts please.

A Tree Grows In Houston........