Houston Dynamo FC

[CincoRanch-HoustonResident]

http://www.mlsnet.com/MLS/news/team_news.j...t=.jsp&team=hou

The year 1836 has always held place of special meaning in Houston, as it was the year of the city's founding and the year Texas became an independent republic. The number took on added meaning Wednesday afternoon, as it officially became the name of the Houston club in Major League Soccer.

I actually like the name now. At first it did not sound that great, but it has a good ring to it. The colors and logo for this team are pretty decent.

Edited March 10, 2006 by CincoRanch-HoustonResident

[citykid09]

I like the team logo but I think the name would sound better as Houston 36'er.

Edited January 25, 2006 by citykid09

[HeightsGuy]

Well, no one calls San Fransisco the 1849ers or Philadelphia the 1776ers, so give it a week or two and everyone will be calling these guys the 36ers.

[groovehouse]

I dig it... I can't wait to go to a game.

[Otis Fantastic]

I like it and the colors, but I don't know how I feel about each new team having a more traditional soccer name.

I really was rooting for an Oiler return

[skwatra]

Well, no one calls San Fransisco the 1849ers or Philadelphia the 1776ers, so give it a week or two and everyone will be calling these guys the 36ers.

that's because those aren't their names. the 49ers were what people who came for the gold rush were called. the team names were never 1849 or 1776.

this should stay Houston 1836 i would hope. it also follows the style in Europe, goes more with soccer. 36ers doesn't sound right if you ask me.

but then again, i don't hear myself saying, "hey, you want to go to an 1836 game?"

[dbigtex56]

The 6

[DJ V Lawrence]

Well, no one calls San Fransisco the 1849ers or Philadelphia the 1776ers, so give it a week or two and everyone will be calling these guys the 36ers.

Houston 1836 = Three 6 Mafia!!

[Guest danax]

Strange name to me, not only sounding strange, but that it represents the loss of Tejas by the Mexicans to the revolutionaries. Usually we see ultra-sensitivity to something that would potentially alienate an ethnic group, especially since foreign-born Mexicans are likely going to be a large part of the fan base.

I think it's a sign of progress that we can pick a name like this without that sort of whining backlash.

Now, if they try to stage something like after each goal a Sam Houston look-alike on horseback rides along the sidelines with an effigy of Santa Anna being dragged behind him by a rope.........that would be too much.

[HeightsGuy]

that's because those aren't their names. the 49ers were what people who came for the gold rush were called. the team names were never 1849 or 1776.

this should stay Houston 1836 i would hope. it also follows the style in Europe, goes more with soccer. 36ers doesn't sound right if you ask me.

but then again, i don't hear myself saying, "hey, you want to go to an 1836 game?"

Oh, whatever, that's like saying I can't call myself Rob because my birth Certificate says Robert. 49ers of the Gold Rush got the name because the migration was in 1849, and the 76ers are named that because Philly was the center of the Revolution that if you didn't know was in 1776. The fact that the "49ers" already were a noun when the football team took the name does not discount the fact that at some point someone started calling the 1849ers the 49ers. When Philly came up with the name, they went ahead and shortened Spirit of 1776ers to 76ers up front. The fact that Houston didn't do this to begin with does not stop us from calling them the 36ers, or the Sixers for that matter.

[skwatra]

Oh, whatever, that's like saying I can't call myself Rob because my birth Certificate says Robert.

that's fine, they can have the nickname "36ers"

my point is, on San Fran and Phillie's birth certificate, it says "49ers" and "76ers" - its their given name, not a nickname. there are teams out there that have nicknames, like the knickerbockers.

but i like Houston 1836 better, goes more with the sport if you ask me.

Strange name to me, not only sounding strange, but that it represents the loss of Tejas by the Mexicans to the revolutionaries. Usually we see ultra-sensitivity to something that would potentially alienate an ethnic group, especially since foreign-born Mexicans are likely going to be a large part of the fan base.

I think it's a sign of progress that we can pick a name like this without that sort of whining backlash.

Now, if they try to stage something like after each goal a Sam Houston look-alike on horseback rides along the sidelines with an effigy of Santa Anna being dragged behind him by a rope.........that would be too much.

from everything i've heard and read, 1836 (in this case) represents the founding of Houston. there's never been any mention of the Alamo or Independence related to the teamname. Hopefully it will not alienate anyone, nor should it.

[sevfiv]

i think they should make it houston 1837:

from the handbookof texas

The legislature first met in Houston on May 1, 1837, and, despite the efforts of Masons who greeted one another in 1837 and the Presbyterians and Episcopalians who formed churches in 1839, the town remained infamous for drunkenness, dueling, brawling, prostitution, and profanity.

now that's more like it

[Original Timmy Chan's]

Strange name to me, not only sounding strange, but that it represents the loss of Tejas by the Mexicans to the revolutionaries. Usually we see ultra-sensitivity to something that would potentially alienate an ethnic group, especially since foreign-born Mexicans are likely going to be a large part of the fan base.

I think it's a sign of progress that we can pick a name like this without that sort of whining backlash.

I think it's a sign that Mexicans/Mexican-Americans in Houston aren't paying attention to MLS soccer.

[DJ V Lawrence]

from the handbookof texas

The legislature first met in Houston on May 1, 1837, and, despite the efforts of Masons who greeted one another in 1837 and the Presbyterians and Episcopalians who formed churches in 1839, the town remained infamous for drunkenness, dueling, brawling, prostitution, and profanity.

Apparantly not much has changed since 1837

(please don't beat me up for that one )

[skwatra]

Hopefully it will not alienate anyone, nor should it.

ok, it was found offensive by many, from a chron article:

...However, the name couldn't escape some controversy.

Because the name and logo were leaked through a breach of the league's Web site Tuesday, they were on virtually every major news outlet in the city by Wednesday morning. Calls and e-mails began pouring in to Spanish TV and radio stations, with some finding their way to the Chronicle and its blog.

The messages came from fans upset by the name's link to other significant events in Texas history that some Hispanics might find offensive.

Those events include Texas' independence from Mexico, the Battle of the Alamo and the defeat of Gen. Antonio L

[nmainguy]

Strange name to me, not only sounding strange, but that it represents the loss of Tejas by the Mexicans to the revolutionaries. Usually we see ultra-sensitivity to something that would potentially alienate an ethnic group, especially since foreign-born Mexicans are likely going to be a large part of the fan base.

I think it's a sign of progress that we can pick a name like this without that sort of whining backlash.

I agree, strange name indeed. In case, however, when you hear a whinning backlash-I'm betting on it-remind the whiners that the Texans were at war with Mexico for independence. While Santa Anna's troops snoozed under the live oaks at San Jacinto, Houston's troops woke them up-so to speak

Santa Anna was captured the next day trying to escape wearing a disguise and admitted defeat.

So inshort, there was a war, the Texans won and Mexico lost. No one stole anything from anyone.

{i just wish they had used "The Challangers" }

Edited January 26, 2006 by nmainguy

[new major on the block]

ok, it was found offensive by many, from a chron article:

I wonder, if this christopher fellow was up set about the 36ers, then do you think british citizens get upset when they hear about the 76ers or the Patriots? I think these people who complain about these things just can't find anything better to with their time. Life is too short to moan about Redskins, Chiefs, and even a team that has yet to play a game in this city. Chill out people, have a drink of the good stuff and watch some T.V. Oh, and make it a double when you're watching the Rockets Game.

One more thing, I like DJ V Lawrence's Three 6 Mafia nickname better. Maybe the three best players

on the team could also be known as the Geto Boys! Willie D, Bushwick Bill, and Scarface!

[WesternGulf]

LOL. Isn't three six mafia triple six?

[DJ V Lawrence]

LOL. Isn't three six mafia triple six?

Exactly!! That's why they should be known as Three 6 Mafia: Cause it will be hell for the opposing team to play us

[Saddleman]

Change the name. I'm sure we can all get behind the Houston Beige. Or, The Beige, because Houston might offend someone.

Edited January 27, 2006 by kingkirbythegreatoftexas

[Guest danax]

Let the bashlash begin.

Midtown Coog's NY Times link in the other 1836 soccer topic.

[Saddleman]

This just makes my blood boil!

[hokieone]

This has got to be one of the stupidest controversies I've heard of recently. Anyone in Houston offended should just leave then. I mean, how could a person who lives here get offended by using the year the very city they live in was incorporated? That guy who wrote into the Chronicle is an idiot - I know that's not a very constructive comment, but "anti-immigrant?" I just don't even see how that makes sense. In some of these p.c. arguments I can at least see one side of the fence, but I just don't even see it in this one. Do the British shudder everytime they hear the 76ers are playing? its not like the team is called the Houston "Thank god we won independence from mexico"

Its not a blunder and that anyone would even call it that is also stupid. I can understand if someone doesn't like the name out of just simple personal taste, but being offended by it is really a low point in the new political correctness world we live in.

By the way, the Chronicle blogs were talking about how most soccer teams also have a secondary nickname/ mascot - I guess one of the options was "La Pachanga" - which means "the rowdy party" in spanish. Which I actually kind of like, but I'm sure now someone will write in and say that its a bad stereotype of how hispanics do nothing but party or that we party because we beat mexico in 1836 or something else equally idiotic.

[mike1]

The only people upset are the "professional minorities" --those who make a living out of playing the racial/ethnic divide--and other sour-puss lefty types. Who cares what people like that think anyway?

This will pass soon enough, especially if they end up being a winning team! Besides, in today's political climate, who could possibly come up with a name that woudn't be offensive to somebody?

[TJones]

Hmmmmmmm.....3 6ers, Three Sixers, Thirty Sixers, 36ers, 666 ers <---------YIKES ! It is all about Satan ! I knew it !

I'm sure LULAC will throw their 2centsers in there about this. C'mon Johnny Mata, don't let me down. Remember you saw it here from me first.

Edited January 27, 2006 by TJones

[KinkaidAlum]

We should have just made fun of ourselves as a city. Then nobody would care. I still like...

Houston It's Worth Its

Houston Strip Maulers

Houston Pollution

Houston Flood

Houston Storm Refuge

Houston Evacuees

[mike1]

We should have just made fun of ourselves as a city. Then nobody would care. I still like...

Houston It's Worth Its

Houston Strip Maulers

Houston Pollution

Houston Flood

Houston Storm Refuge

Houston Evacuees

How about The Houston Smog! No logo, just haze gray...

...thought of another one... how about The RoadRagers! It's got kind of an aggressive edge to it!

Edited January 27, 2006 by mike1

[nmainguy]

Zavala must be spinning in his grave.

[TJones]

Zavala must be spinning in his grave.

I think I heard Sam Houston himself say "WTF !"

[nmainguy]

I think I heard Sam Houston himself say "WTF !"

TJ!!!! I heard it too! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TJones]

TJ!!!! I heard it too! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[H-Town Man]

Santa Ana really has no one to blame but himself, for parking his troops right next to a huge monument that could be seen from miles away.

[DJ V Lawrence]

Santa Ana really has no one to blame but himself, for parking his troops right next to a huge monument that could be seen from miles away.

Yo, H Town Man, think the new stadium will be built at San Jacinto too?!

[TJones]

Santa Ana really has no one to blame but himself, for parking his troops right next to a huge monument that could be seen from miles away.

^^^Holy Crap, Why didn't I think of that ! CLASSIC !

[H-Town Man]

Yo, H Town Man, think the new stadium will be built at San Jacinto too?!

I think that if the stadium were built there, it could be offensive to Hispanics. After all, this was the place were the Mexican army lost a battle to the Texas forces. How dare the people of Texas do what they want to on the spot where the Mexican army lost a battle.

[gto250us]

Santa Ana really has no one to blame but himself, for parking his troops right next to a huge monument that could be seen from miles away.

He was there because he wanted to see what the hell it was all about. Isn't that why folks still go there today?

[KimberlySayWhat]

They're changing it. Names being tossed around are Apollos, Lonestars, Mustangs (zzzzz) and Generals.

Edited February 14, 2006 by KimberlySayWhat

[Houstonian in Iraq]

They're changing it. Names being tossed around are Apollos, Lonestars, Mustangs (zzzzz) and Generals.

Yeah, I just heard. I'm thinking Lonestars, is the best of the bunch. They can keep the same logo just change the "1836" to "Lonestars"

A lonestar is already part of the logo and the soccer ball and Sam Houston silluete can stay

Edited February 14, 2006 by Houstonian in Iraq

[Guest danax]

Amazing that they really underestimated the power of modern day cultural sensitivity. Those 1836 paraphenalia items are going to be hot commodities. I wonder if I can find a t-shirt still?

The names that are left are ultra-pedestrian. This team has been defanged from the start with this. I'm surprised Generals is still being kicked around as it obviously refers to the Texan rebel generals.

What's next, a demand to remove the San Jacinto Monument?

[ProHouston]

I think this is ridiculous. 1836 is meant to be a source of pride for Houstonians and Texans alike. I liked the name very much. It's too bad that once again the minority opinion is affecting change when this was a voted upon name. So much for democracy.

It'll be interesting to see the backlash THIS creates...

[RedScare]

I think this is ridiculous. 1836 is meant to be a source of pride for Houstonians and Texans alike. I liked the name very much. It's too bad that once again the minority opinion is affecting change when this was a voted upon name. So much for democracy.

It'll be interesting to see the backlash THIS creates...

Actually, the name ONLY referred to the City's founding. The State's independence was coincidental. However, some decided to make it a STATE date rather than a CITY one. The team should have expected that, though, and either accounted for it or not used the name.

I, for one, am disappointed that it is seen as disparaging.

[CincoRanch-HoustonResident]

I wonder what the British think every year when we celebrate July 4th. I am sure they are not find, so why are the people down south upset about this? Don't they celebrate their independence from Spain?

[Subdude]

They're changing it. Names being tossed around are Apollos, Lonestars, Mustangs (zzzzz) and Generals.

Where did you hear this? I couldn't find an article about it. Are people sure that it would be changed due to cultural sensitivities, instead of, say, just being a silly name?

That being said, anything beats "Apollos". That just doesn't call Houston to mind.

[sevfiv]

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=local&id=3907294

not confirmed, but there will apparently be a big announcement soon...

[nmainguy]

I hope they find a better name. Not because I find 1836 offensive-I don't. I find it lame and unimaginative. As I've said before, I think the name "Challangers" would be more in keeping with other space-based team names such as the Astros and the Rockets...I can't bring myself to lump in the Texans as it usually triggers my gag reflex.

[Houstonian in Iraq]

It was announced on channel 11 news.

The name is suppose to be a Houston pride thing instead it did turn into a sore subject. Texans see it as a year when Texas gained its independence. Mexican's see that year as the beginning of the lost of Half their land by an invading foreign country. Foreign in language, religion, ethnicity, and over all culture. Unlike the US and the Brits. The Brits were faster to recuperate because there was and is a common religion, language, ethnicity and culture. After the American Revolution the UK still had a grip on the majority of the world so the lost of the US wasn

Edited February 15, 2006 by Houstonian in Iraq

[Saddleman]

My blood is boiling again.

[Houstonian in Iraq]

I think that the media is trying to make it more into a minorityit versus a majority thing than what it really is. That story sales papers and attracts veiwers.

Even though the minority thing may be a factor, I also think that when it was revealed a lot of people just didn't like it. I never thought 1836 was going to make it.

I think it just requires too much brain power for the average joe at first and just scares them. It's alright, it could be better.

[Subdude]

I'm not nuts about the name, but at least I give them credit for not coming up with one of the usual lame normal team names like the alternative. Too bad they feel they have to cave in for some bogus controversy that looks like it was dreamed up by some local tv station. I seriously doubt many fans were truly bothered by "Houston 1836". Puzzled, perhaps, but not bothered.

[nmainguy]

I'm not nuts about the name, but at least I give them credit for not coming up with one of the usual lame normal team names like the alternative. Too bad they feel they have to cave in for some bogus controversy that looks like it was dreamed up by some local tv station. I seriously doubt many fans were truly bothered by "Houston 1836". Puzzled, perhaps, but not bothered.

I hear you...I think most fans probably care more about how the ball is moved on the field but an annoying name can be a distraction...it's why I've always liked my nickname as opposed to my given name-which really DOES suck!