Metropolitantexan

Greetings Howard, You are in Kabul? Totally cool........well, I tell you what......I for one am going to allow you to really use your imagination for a moment......... ........where could I possibly be working........here that is within the rugged confines of Afghanistan........but yet I am not really allowed to reveal much about my employment situation or actual location that is.........actually, you and I are really quite close in proximity that is.........just know Howard that the actual company is indeed headquatered out of Houston respectively..........somehow, I think that you may soon have it......big big company........ Yes, I shall be going on my first R&R in a few months......and I am most certain that I shall be venturing back into the comfortable as well as magnificent confines of Dubai and really have good look around........you know, the works.....for those pictures from our buddy whom just visited really look good......since I was acutally in route to my job site......we only stayed for a brief visit.........but even however brief it was.........it was still exotic.....as well as extremely exciting.....for I just cannot wait to return to stay for abouit ten or so days.........Metro

Greetings all......from Afghanistan, I have very recently had the great pleasure of spending a couple of nights within the very comfortable confines of DUBAI in route to my new job in Afghanistan respectfully. PLEASE BELIEVE THE HYPE! For as I ventured into the Dubai International Airport, I can honestly assure you all that it was a welcome experience that I will never ever forget. Simply unbelievable experience......nonwirhstanding..... Just mix in the immense heat factor along with the throngs of locals as well as tourist from everywhere imaginable.....and you will experience a sense of pure excitement that is almost surreal. BIG YES! Construction cranes are simply everywhere.......as in 20% of the worlds supply........plsase, please experience the malls......for they are simply amazing........and your American made back pockets will simply love the DUBAI DURHAMS.........3.5% exchange rate to boot....... GO THERE! TRUST ME ON THIS ONE......... Metropolitantexan

I'D BE CRUSHED! If for any reason I could not.....

Greetings all.... Just wanted to bid you all a GRAND FAREWELL (for a couple years that is..) while I venture into the tormented country of Afghanistan respectively. NO! NO! It's not what you may immediately be thiniking, for I am certainly not in our magnificent U.S. military.......for it is a work related venture with Halliburton KBR. Actually, I will be presiding over a lucrative administrative venture upon the bases of Kandahar as well as Bagram. This is a venture that I have been working hard to acquire for quite some time now.......for now it has come to pass........and I will be flying out shortly...... Please Haifer's, take good care of our fair city for me, for I am certain that upon my return.....Houston will be gleaming like never before........ BIG THANKS! For all the LOVE that you bestow from day to day......for I am certain that I shall miss the day to day routine of strolling down the sidewalks of DOWNTOWN HOUSTON during my lunch hour(s).......and thinking about how lucky I am to be a TEXAN first and a Houstonian second.........nevertheless, I shall be writing to you all from time to time from afar, as well as send in a few post cards to the photo segment...... BIG LOVE TO YOU ALL! GOD BLESS...... Metropolitantexan

"in lieu" of your jibber-jabberous wanderings around our language, but hence state, merely to let it be known by fine people whose standards are higher than mine, that you sound stupid. Greetings dalparadise..... "YAY, but that I did not mean to cast myself as policeman" .......my oh my, my partner in blue......please be careful with your profound take upon jibber jabber -- for one certainly would not want to allow you to tarnish your self proclaimed "finest" label....... .......talk about stupid -- for you have indeed created the monopoly...... Metropolitantexan

.....I duly salute the Wolfpack indeed for their profound accomplishment. But the good thing about AUSTIN, TX, THE MAGNIFICENT! 'Is that the Burnt Orange glows even better the next year"....... ......Oh, and by the way, I send apologies for my grammar faux paux -- nevertheless, please shall we direct the grammar policing to none other than dalparadise, for he/she certainly must think that they have indeed created the monopoly upon perfection....... Metro

Greetings REDSCARE..... ......you hail from the dear old south my gtreat pal -- so it would be clearly an understatement to indicate that you should hereby be accustomed to the very fact that "there is certainly more than one way to skin the catty" -- for I duly seem to remember your undying take upon.......ohhhh...... what's his name now........REGGIE BUSH.........the next President of the United States . OH SNAP! Old Reggie now resides in THE BIG N.O. WAIT ONE MINUTE NOW! Just what is that all too familiar noise REDSCARE? NO! no, it is not the next Hurricane Katrina...........I think it's your GLASS HOUSE CRUMBLING................let's be kind to our guest, great pal....... Metro

Greetings ALON504, apologies are in order.......as per the shocking insults, as well as the profound nuances being hurled at you in lieu of your enlightning aforementioned post....... ......WE ARE TEXANS! For we are so much better than this. Please sir, I for one did not find you initial post to be insulting to the City of Houston, are to any of it's 5-million plus citizens -- first of all, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for not only enlightening us with such a controversial post ......but also for taking the time visit HAIF in the first place. WELCOMING our visitors/posters is usually the norm around here..........for Houstonians are normally the most courteous citizens anywhere...... REDSCARE -- TJONES -- to name a few.......I'm appalled.......Just what on earth has happened to you guys? DIPLOMACY first and foremost, should in fact be the name of the game around here -- in lieu of this particular format of chatting with each other....... for ALON504, was only relaying/reiterating a few candid statements from someone with whom he shared a previous conversation with.......this poster just does not deserve this kind of unfair as well as shocking form of abuse from you guys/gals. The post may have not been all that funny per se -- but it was certainly interesting in it's overall passion, as well as hidden truth.......JUST HOW ON EARTH ARE POST KATRINA VICTIMS SUPPOSED TO FEEL in lieu of the many horrid circumstances that these individuals must face every single day? Actually, I'm a bit surprised that the statements were not a bit more severe in lieu of the way some of the NO citizens are still being treated.......I can only imagine the heartbreak that many of the citizens must feel knowing that FEMA is still locating bodies of post hurricane victims even as we hurl insults across this once proud forum....... SOME OF THE NO CITIZENS JUST DO NOT HAVE MANY PROUD DAYS LEFT UPON THIS GREAT EARTH -- for memories are everlasting......... ALON504, you seem to be an intellectual with a sense of style, for I gather as such from your statements in regards to shopping at the Galleria, as well as staying at a respected hotel. I for one, am most certain that you are quite familiar with the overall makeup of the Houston citizenry -- from a standpoint of our race and class structure. EXTREMELY DIVERSE! FINANCIALLY STRONG! CONFIDENCE ABOUNDS! THE WORLD IS OURS.....if you can catch my drift..........and I'm confident that you can..... for in lieu of these insults and negative nuances, I think that you are certainly aware of the REAL HOUSTON, as I shall step up to the plate and thank you for your annual patronage to our fair city....... COME NOW HAIFER'S -- for we are not strangers to the word respect! For this is how we generally should approach one another no matter what message comes forth. THIS IS A GREAT FORUM -- for our candid responses to any said topics -- generally form the way others shall view us from afar.........FOR WE ARE TEXANS! Metropolitantexan

Greetings all.... .....maybe we can sum up this seemingly predictable thread in two words THE CULTURE! Yes! yes, that's it, let us somehow come forth and change "the culture" of the way we houstonians uproach this new and rapidly changing urban core, aka central business district (CBD) or even otherwise known as DOWNTOWN HOUSTON..... WE ARE ALL ACCUSTOMED TO THE POLITICS OF THE FINANCIAL INCENTIVES......now are'nt we? For are'nt we the ones who vote for the city councilmembers/mayor that introduce this form of tax initiatives/innovations? I for one have.... MAINVOICE.....just what is it that you are really trying to get out of your system? For it certainly seems that you are just "chomping at the bit" in regards to this all too familiar/peculiar thread -- you know that I love you good pal, but as well traveled as you certainly seem.....surely you are smarter than this right? We Houstonians are surely not the only ones that are going through this new mode of urbanization, for this is happening all over the country. But just as REDSCARE has indicated earlier..."it takes time" as well as big time patience. HOUSTON, has within it's very storied past/history, a verifiable nature of being one of the most ultra conservative cities that is known to modern man. Whether we like if or not, we are all the sad relatives of the "good ol boy system" from way back in a day. YES! We have indeed cleaned things up a bit -- but the very remnants remain........ CULTURE CLASH, is indeed happening all over this great city of ours.......we see it in the new urbanization of UPTOWN HOUSTON, we are seeing it in the ever evolving and rapidly growing MEDICAL CENTER, we are recognizing it in the new concepts/innovations involving the new designs regarding MIDTOWN.......for the baby boomers are moving back into the urban core -- as well as the new influx of citizens that are rapidly filling up our great city from all corners of the globe.......FOR ONCE THE CULTURE BEGINS TO CHANGE TOWARDS A MORE PROGRESSIVE NATURE INVOLVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES REGARDING THE CBD -- then so will the attitude toward future investment. Houston simply has to let the world know that we are "READY TO SWING A LITTLE"..........for whether we care to admit this or not -- Dallas has been doing this for decades......and that is why they seem to be so innovative, as well as progressive within their approach to getting things done, as well as staying the course. DETERMINATION is the key, for we are going to have to be determined to be patient, civilized, as well as sophisticated within our approach......THE NEW DOWNTOWN HOUSTON IS GOING TO HAPPEN! For it is almost like a child awaiting christmas morning.......you know, "the visions of sugarplums routine" -- just keep in mind that the rapid change of a city's culture from one that has for decades moved at the ultra conservative pace of a snail -- to one that is moving and gleaming with a hip-hop rhythm -- is never going to be an easy asset toward mankind -- but an asset nevertheless....... Metropolitantexan

MY GOODNESS LargeTEXAS! You know that I love you -- but somehow I sense that there must have been a few beads of pure sweat dripping down from your face in lieu of this startling revelation........ .....for we all know simply how hard it is for you to reveal certain details of future development etc. etc. Nevertheless, this is simply an incredible coup for the "Humble Tower", for this kind of street level fashion business will certainly invoke that certiain "aura of cool" that many street level merchants look for......if this boutique really is one of the COOL SHOE STORES that we are all really familiar with -- than this is a coup indeed...... Certainly seems to me that "THE GODS of the Houston Pavilions", are certainly starting to smile down upon downtown Houston...... for I am almost certain that this area is indeed poised to become a fashion retail heaven in the near future -- but then again, only you know that for sure...... right? ......just take your time.....keep us posted.......for this is why we love and trust you......... Metropolitantexan

GM SEMIPRO = HILARIOUS! I am most certain that even the man on the moon knows by now, just what he is saying RS.......please remember the very first word spoken upon the moon.........HOUSTON! RS, you know that deep within your heart of hearts, that the MIGHTY VY should indeed be the first pick of the TEXANS............for I am indeed SHOCKED that you have somehow started the meltdown dance ..........and have allowed yourself to join the turncoats.......for as a season ticket holder yourself, you should know that the VY is indeed so badly needed to turn things around upon that 2-14 national laughingstock....... reggie bush, looked like a dryed up prune the night of the ROSEBOWL........somehow, I for one still do not believe he really knows who actually won...........but I think that he will indeed OPEN HIS EYES UPON HEARING VY'S NAME BEING CALLED AS THE FIRST PICK...... Metropolitantexan

I have been glancing.......reading........and definately rolling my eyes at yours and DJ's post for several weeks now semipro........MY GOD! For even Ray Charles, as well as Stevie Wonder, could SEE what you two have been writing in regards to the upcoming draft.........it's just that, it is nothing that we have not seen or heard before..........ANY ORIGINALITY? I AM A REAL TEXAN! For I hold firm to my convictions........VINCE YOUNG IS INDEED A WINNER........and he will WIN BIG WITH THE TEXANS! Metropolitantexan

ARE YOU FANTASIZING DJ? For simply the gargantuan sums of money that the TEXANS are paying DC, just accepting a draft pick is not going to sit well with the fans of Houston. For please believe me when I state that we have indeed seen it all , upon these same tired related issues nonwithstanding........ JUST WHAT ON EARTH, MAKES YOU THINK THAT THE TEXANS ARE GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL THIS YEAR OR THE NEXT? As you have so eloquently stated, this team is building from a 2-14 national laughingstock, into a new mode of respectability.......and this just does not come overnight........for VINCE YOUNG does indeed have his place upon this team, when he is indeed selected with the first pick.........just like all of the other rookies upon this upcoming draft. DJ, please do not forget that not only is Caoch Kubiak a veteran coach, he also a highly respected quarterback guru......... I have absolutely no problem allowing DC to prepare himself towards respectability under the tutelidge of Coach Kubiak........but I for one, and along wth legions of HOUSTON TEXANS fans, certainly want to see VINCE YOUNG standing along the sidelines, learning and preparing to takeover and lead us to the next level indeed........WINNERS DO THOSE SORT OF THINGS, YOU KNOW! Metropolitantexan

YOUR POST REEKS OF ARROGANCE! But for what it's worth proHouston, somehow, I sincerely think that you are a good guy, with a good heart.......for I have indeed read many of your prior post......... NEVERTHELESS, I simply do not need for my any of my post to bring an "elevated respect" to any entity regarding the MAGNIFICENT TEXAS LONGHORNS.........for simply, the name "TEXAS" is already built upon a GRANITE ROCK OF RESPECT! LaMarcus Aldridge, should stay his overly ambitious behind in school. To not only finish his education, but to also help guide THE MAGNIFICENT LONGHORNS to their first basketball championship respectively. Hey great pal, I simply find it amazing that you seem to be so LOADED WITH COMMON EVERYDAY OBJECTIVITY.......but yet you seem to harbor the audacity to underestimate my integrity........ well now, I guess that I will be the one to just sit back and see just what you will come up with next........ HOUSTON, IS VINCE YOUNG COUNTRY! Metropolitantexan

US! Oh no RS........please don't tell me that you are one of the one's that are harboring those SHOCKING BELIEFS.......no way RS.........no, not you too............no RS.........no THE BURNT ORANGE SUNSET IS BEAMING! Metropolitantexan

OH MY, INDEED! One just cannot help but wonder.....just who indeed are the TEXANS FANS that harbor the "true football minds" that you seem to be speaking with........? .......couldn't by chamce be Dom Capers and his former staff, could it.....? YOU HAVE NOT RELAYED ANYTHING, THAT WE DON'T ALREADY KNOW.....OR HAVEN"T HEARD! But please ProHouston, allow me the courtesy of presenting this query........."do you by chance work for ESPN"? If your answer is YES.......then please release the band of reggies jock strap.......for he could use the extra support........and if your answer is a resounding NO......the please, just SHUT UP! Our Native Son is Coming Home...... Metropolitantexan

TRADE CARR TO WHOM DJ? For if he ever gets that bad that the TEXANS should be forced to trade him......who will want him? And just what on earth shall we receive in turn.........? For everyone knows that there is just not a PANTRY FULL OF GOOD QUARTERBACKS left to eat........ For weeks now, we have been sitting back here and glancing at you and semipro discuss this profound topic of "reggie bush this, and whoever and whatever that", till we are all STEELBLUE in the face. Don't you guys realize that there is just no way that us REAL TEXANS will allow this "cardinal and mustard area code carrying acorn" to exist peacefully within the confines of our MAGNIFICENT CITY! FOR THIS TERRITORY BELONGS TO VINCE YOUNG! Haven't you gentlemen been paying attention to the latest polls throughout the city? The rb is indeed lagging everywhere......especially since the last time I looked. Everybody knows the parent company of the rb,(ESPN FLUNKY UNIVERSITY) is inded doing everything that they possibly can to muster up support for their primary course of "reggie bush fajitas" the very same way that they did throughout the months leading up to the ROSEBOWL.........AND OF COURSE THE MAGNIFICENT TEXAS LONGHORNS ATE VERY WELL THAT NIGHT, now didn't they........? ......reggie bush in Houston, come on guys.....for you surely have got to be kidding us.......RIGHT? VINCE YOUNG IS COMING HOME.... Metropolitantexan

GOSH DARNIT TJ.... You and I could always become opposites in regards to our differing of opinions my great pal.......for this is why we call it "THE GREAT DEBATE"! I could very easily involve bias in this regard without becoming a hypocrite.....BUT I STAND FIRM in regards to becoming biased in my debates in regards to people/races/creeds.....get the picture...for I respectfully stand for all of humanity.....rich, poor, white, black, asian, indian, hispanic......EVERYONE! In regards to our distinct yet outspoken city councilman, I sincerely believe that the politcally correct term that you have been searching for would have to be a SELL-OUT SAMBO! For I consider it incorrect to position this gentleman as an "UNCLE TOM" as you would have him considered....for he is just not even THAT SIGNIFICANT! This particular gentleman was never put into place by some large white majority, for in the city of N.O., there is no large white majority.....at least not in terms of official populace......and he is certainly not representing some right wing extremist group consisting of caucasians only. Therefore, annointing him as an UNCLE TOM in my humble opinion is innappropriate. BUT then again, if there is an appropriate term that we should consider for this gentleman at this point in history, let us call him ANGEL for I would certainly not be surprised if he was currently PUSHING UP DAISIES EVEN AS WE ARTICULATE THIS DEBATE..... Metropolitantexan

I do love you TJ, but I am not going to allow you to take my statements out of context...... It simply would not be appropriate at this point for me to annoint you a racist......for I simply do not know you to be one. But I did state that you "sounded like a Klansman", and there is a bit of a differance great pal...... DO YOU REALLY KNOW WHAT AN UNCLE TOM IS TJ? This fellow councilman that you so eloquently speak of was not brought into office by an all white establishment......for we all know that N.O. is a predominately Black American city.......am I correct? Therefore, I am most certain that this gentleman in particular has spouted off against the very black community that has put him into office......including the very soap opera watchers/crime monikers located in the lower 9th ward. I am most certain that these very same citizens are MOST LIKELY SO SHOCKED THAT THEY CANNOT STAND IT........I am most certain that they all know him, as well as the other two that voiced their unthinkable outburst to some degree intimately......AND BOY OH BOY, I BET THEY WISH THAT THEY COULD TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME...... DO YOU REALLY KNOW WHAT YOU ARE SPEAKING OF IN REGARDS TO THE CITIZENS OF N.O. NOT WANTING TO RETURN HOME TO GO TO WORK TJ? For I know of some that are commuting from as far as Baytown, TX, trying to do their very best to accomplish a sense of well being within their community that they love.....do you understand the term "LOGISTICS" TJ? For the very logistical aspects of this rebuild N.O. efforts are by all accounts an enormous nightmare.......especially for those that do not have sufficient lodgings to live in, as well as an automobile to commute to and from their jobs.....PLEASE REMEMBER GREAT PAL, ALL OF THEIR BELONGINGS HOMES/CARS/EVERYTHING WERE DESTROYED IN THE HURRICANE, FOR A LARGE MAJORITY OF THEM WERE TRANSPORTED AWAY FROM N.O. BY BUSES....... You would probably be SHOCKED to know TJ that there are many of these very same young men that you speak of are trying their very best to find work to help rebuild N.O......but did you know that many of these young men have yet to be paid for the very jobs that again you so eloquently speak of.....YES TJ, there are the consumate scam artist in place within the BIG EASY......my relatives have been mentioning to me about these established white company contractors going in to the city to grab the large rebuilding contracts based upon flawed credentials, they are then given the ok to perform their trade, then more than once when the work has been completed by the desperate minority N.O. workers that are commuting from in and out of the city, they cheat them out of their pay......often times leaving them with crumbs to get by on......or simply not paying them at all..... Again TJ, you so eloquently state that "you are in a business whereby you cannot afford to be a racist". Well, how very wholesome for you TJ....for know one is requiring you to be the perfect ethicist.....you are a American citizen just like the large majority here.....for you have the GOD GIVEN RIGHT to express your opinions throughout this forum as you wish.....actually, I openly appreciate your imput at all times.....the only problem that I would have with your patronage to this forum is,"since you cannot afford to be a racist" based upon what I can only presume is your lifeswork or wellbeing......THEN WHY DO YOU WANT TO CONSTANTLY SOUND LIKE ONE WITH YOUR WRITTEN ARTICULATION ON CERTAIN TOPICS? I can write upon any topic regarding any aspect as well as any community and present my whole point without presenting a biased as well as indescriminate feeling toward others especially when I am not always presenting the proven facts. I can do this because I bring forth a RESPECT TO OTHERS WHICH IS WHAT I DEEM THE ESSENTIAL....... Metropolitantexan

Gee, TJ... I am not exactly comprehending your argument of right vs wrong here, for when all is said and done, this was a total act of GOOD WILL on behalf of Oprah and company, and nothing else really doesn't matter. Also, I openly applaud your acts of graciousness on behalf of the hurricane victims in lieu of your family, but I find it strange indeed, how you tend to contradict your acts of good will with bloated and unfair statements on behalf of the very victims that you helped..... In this very case SIZE DOES NOT MATTER TJ....... The very key word within your statement is "houses".....these were newly built HOUSES/HOMES not doublewides......From the very looks upon the faces of some of the new homeowners, were clearly awe inspiring.......for they were just happy to be the new owners of their very own homes loaded with beautiful furniture, linens, washer/dryer, new landscaping the works.......especially since they probably have been lodging at some hotel or shelter. Well, if you didn't know anything about HUD, you probably do now......Why would it be a nice hobby for me? For I claim to live in the very same city that you do......and we are all grown-ups right? Size 15', DAMN! Still big enough, especially in light of my 10.5.... If Oprah chose upon any account, it was due to the very fact that her company along with Habitat for Humanity carefully prepared a monetary budget and followed it.....by means of home size, landscaping, furnishings the works......as well as how many people to put into each home to make sure that they were not too crowded. Which makes perfect sense to me....... I would be somewhat surprised that there wasn't already a Wal-Mart within the Inwood Forest community TJ. Especially since the community of Inwood Forest has a significant patronage for shopping at whatever store that would venture forth......But I for one live in downtown Houston, and whenever I yearn for the big box discount shopping, I head over to Super Target on South Main.......pretty good store...Metro

TJ, you sound like a Klansman! We are all trying our best to present you with the benefit of the doubt.......but what gives? Somehow, you have inserted your size 18' into your mouth so far, that you will need a heavy dose of W2-40 to inch it out step by step....... Just what do you really know about HUD? I have lived in Houston for 27 years and I have seen HUD homes/townhomes/apartments everywhere........and I can assure you that they come in all variations.....bricked, wood, you name it, they cometh...... I have seen HUD homes even in the FM 1960 area, and I assure you again that commerce is everywhere.....all over the place....you better start checking around Nottingham, because noone is safe you know..... But what really get's me, is that the day that I viewed the segment on Oprah regarding ANGEL LANE and viewed with tears the looks upon the faces of the new homeowners and their families, I just did not think of pawnshops or liquor stores, or even quickiemarts for that matter......for at that point, I was so filled with compassion as well as good will, that I could barely see straight.....for those families were oh so thankful not only to Oprah, but to GOD for their blessings upon humanity........for I openly saw GOOD TRIUMPH OVER EVIL! Who told you that there would be only 50 homes being built within ANGEL LANE? For as I recall, 65 families was just a start or the FIRST PHASE of the overall project. And by the way great pal, 50 homes is indeed enough to spur some form of retail......for we are not necessarily speaking of another Galleria developement...... You do not necessarily have to "hope that you are wrong" for RS or DJ's sake......upon any cause. For whenever you are able to finally dislodge that size 18' from your mouth.........just speak with your heart. Metropolitantexan

Greetings DJ/Danax.... HAS ANYONE SUDDENLY CHANGED THE CULTURE OF N.O.? Go ahead and answer the query gentlemen......for your impulsive responses seem to indicate that you have somehow figured out this most complex issue nonwithstanding...... New Orleans, so very often reminds me of Old Mexico.....so very old....steeped in culture.....so much potential......yet constantly plagued by greed/crime/corruption throughout it's unique history..... I will never forget that when I was a very young boy visiting N.O. for the very first time.....somehow even then, I new that I was in a strange yet unique environment. Even then as young as I was, I found myself gazing at the unique architecture of the houses and buildings throughout the city. Whenever my parents and relatives would take us shopping, again, I was drawn towards the people, the landscape, and the very unique ways that they led their lives. I would often listen in on conversation held by my parents and relatives in regards to the very origins of N.O., it's history, lifestyles, and it's immense culture. For, from what I can plainly see today, nothing regarding the people living impoverished/marginalized lives has really changed at all. YES! The city has become truly popular as a complete desitination for fun, food, laced with a unique southern French charm.....but hasn't it always been known as this? YES! There seems to be a new attitude of pervasive progress throughout the city with it's ever evolving eye towards innovation, commerce, it's growing tourism industry.....and the list just grows and grows...... BUT WHAT ABOUT THE CITY'S CULTURE OF CLASS DISTINCTIONS? For even as a young boy visiting the city, I noticed it right off. I for one, grew up in a middle class family in the city of Beaumont, TX. As a black American(for I sincerely hate the term African American), I felt blessed that my parents were able to build a big custom home for us, as well as send me to a good school. I was taught about compassion, and how to respect and give back to others........I learned about the aspects of being poor, for the City of Beaumont did have it's fair share indeed. But whenever I would visit N.O., I quickly learned that the city's poor were somehow magnified to a level that I had never seen before.......and it has always been that way. Upon listening to my N.O. relatives, the decades of elected city officials have always been quite vociferous in their approach upon what form of leadership they would inspire, and what all they could do to help the city's ever growing population of poor citizens.........again, no real change for the better. CRIME is still at an all time high.....charity hospitals really have not changed their approach to treating the city's poor.......city services really have not inproved all that much, simply because the tax base really has not become as strong as it needs to be simply due to the fact that N.O. has become a major tourism city with many out of state investors. so the money really does not stay within the city as well as state to create a real tax base to build upon itself to help create more jobs for the working poor........MARGINALIZATION STEPS IN, AND CREATES A STRONGHOLD....... which further helps with the pervasive class distinctions by creating an ever wider gap between the rich and poor.........which in turn helps to feed contentment......AND LIFE GOES ON..... So a portion of the citizenry of N.O. have come to the City of Houston as the result of a major catastrophe....HURRICANE KATRINA. Therefore, we as Houstonians will due our duty, and dig deep into our hearts and realize that these are just ordinary human beings that need our help. We will never ever forget that LIFE in it's very nature, always finds away.......just because they have lived for decades with impoverished conditions as well as pervasive marginalization, does not mean that these very citizens do not have within their very well being to become good productive ordinary citizens with an eye towards progress in their newly changed lives..........FOR WE ARE TEXANS! AND WE ARE BETTER THAN THIS..... Metropolitantexan

...is this free room on Bourbon Street part of the obligatory perks of the industry? Or is this the obligatory WORK/PLAY/DIE incentive of "THE FIRM"! I for one would not be too hasty in regards to the tossing of beads to the "nymphs in season". Simply due to the fact that, the NEW N.O. city council are contemplating a profound legislation aimed at controlling some of the precarious elements that has become the norm for that particular "nick of the woods" within the district.... but nevertheless, if you decide to go, send me some pralines please......nothing cheap, only the best....Metro

.....now now RS, I was just assisting you with your preparation of the obligatory RSVP, since you were invited to attend MG......for aren't you staring at your wallet? Go ahead and vote! Metropolitantexan