dbigtex56

I've given up on this thread and decided to read War and Peace instead. It's shorter and the writing is better.

I've always been fascinated by Raymond Loewy's influence on post WWII taste. I wonder how much of his original design remains in present day Macy's, and what's been discarded or altered beyond recognition.

To clarify: People have made the argument that Walmart will benefit low-income people in the Heights area. In the context of that argument - which, I assumed, was understood - I made a remark that people who live in an affordable apartment complex on Heights Blvd might feel that this development was not beneficial to them, as it involved the demolition of their homes. How this statement came to be so misunderstood is a mystery to me.

No. We're not doing this. You continue to quote out of context, then distort our meanings. Go quote yourself.

Thanks for the info. This appears to be item #50 (D -Variances ) on the agenda: 50 Washington Heights Koehler STD C3R

Again, I said nor suggested no such thing. Please do not take my words out of context.

Is Lanier a de facto Democrat? Some of his policies seemed more in keeping with those associated with the Republican platform.

Neither of said anything of the sort. How weird that our words could be misinterpreted so purposely.

Several of the properties on this lot were very nice early 20th century houses which contributed to the historic feel of the neighborhood. The less architecturally significant muli-unit dwellings were part of the dwindling stock of afforable apartments in the Montrose area. Forgive me if I don't get on my knees and join those who live their lives to kiss developers' asses. How about a little consideration for the people who, you know, live here?

No; they had tenants.

Thank you for your elucidation. Your ideas could not have been more clearly expressed.

Just a bump for this thread. Another HAIFer mentioned that seeing the vacant land formerly occupied by Wilshire VIllage was a bit depressing. There were several viable structures which were demolished on this site for a project that has yet to be realized. Another ugly vacant lot, due to the short-sighted greed of incompetent speculators. Discuss.

Perhaps they're correct. The Houston and Dallas metro areas seem to be similar in size, depending on what criteria are used. The relative merits of each are, of course, subjective.

Such is development in Houston. Richmond Landing, anyone?

I'm 99% sure that you're not 100% correct.

While taking the #34 Heights bus I noticed a "Request for variance" sign on the apartment complex which is (I assume) scheduled for demolition as part of this project. Obviously, I couldn't read it in its entirety. Although the hearing has probably already been held, does anyone know what issue was being addressed?

Is your view of the world the same as it was ten years ago? twenty? If not, you're suffering from the very malady you decry, m'lady. Find a toddler to set you straight, or better yet, a fetus. Why oh why must old people delude themselves into thinking that a lifetime of experiences, education and thought count for something?

My contention received an unexpected boost this past week. As I was walking down W Alabama (near Mulberry - 1500 block), a car pulled up. The passenger opened his window and asked, "Excuse me, where's the museum?" I explained that if they turned onto Mulberry that the Menil was just one block down. "But we're not looking for the Menil. We want the other museum." After some discussion, turns out that the 'other' museum was Station Museum of Contemporary Art, which is located at 1502 Alabama. (No West.) Thank goodness they didn't take the bus. That would be one heck of a walk back.

I remember the Der Wienerschnitzel on Westheimer (in Montrose.) It was on the site now occupied by Wendy's, and the name was changed to 9ers sometime in the early 80's. Another post referenced 9ers as well - was there a name change or buyout? Cheap, greasy food served through a dirty greasy window, is all I remember about the place. It was demolished circa 1983.

Very interesting, if true. So, the building of this Wal-Mart is going to benefit low-income citizens ... by demolishing their affordable housing?

Not quite sure I'm picturing this correctly - perhaps an animation would help. The drawing is confusing, too.

I wonder how the Johnsons' future relations with the neighbors will go. If pride and envy don't rear their ugly heads, there are some exceptional people on that street. It's called human nature for a reason. ("If they'd only built a 3200 square foot house, maybe they could have fixed our rotted floor, too!")

Thanks for the information. I'm puzzled as to why the Centerpoint and Reliant representatives couldn't provide me with as much help when I called them last year. Digital's great, usually, but let me ask you this: ever hear of a typewriter with a virus? If the analogue meter malfunctioned, it would simply slow or come to a dead stop. I hope that when digital meters malfunction (and they will; everything does) they will likewise err in the consumer's favor. Time will tell.

I'm getting into this discussion a bit late, especially since I had one of the first 'smart' meters that Centerpoint installed (approximately 1 year ago.) There may be money-saving benefits to the new meter, but they are realized entirely by the electrical provider, and the consumer can only hope that the savings will be passed through (hold your breath.) How is a 'smart' meter going to help me regulate my usage if I cannot read it? According to customer service representatives at Reliant and Centerpoint, they can send me no info about how to read my meter. The old, reliable analogue meter was a snap to read, and i would take readings regularly throughout the month to gauge my upcoming bill. That option has been taken away from me. Apparently, some sort of guess-timite is available online, but they sure as hell don't promote access to it. In addition, if I need internet access to read my meter, shouldn't that be included with their service? I am being charged a monthly fee for a piece of equipment which I do not want, and cannot take with me when I leave. Where was the Public Utilities Commission when this sweetheart deal went through? As a former employee of a local electrical utility, I appreciate how complex the power grid can be, and the numerous stresses placed upon it. These meters can perform a valuable function in increasing reliability of service and in holding down costs. However, there seems to be no assurance that the consumer will ultimately benefit; whatever the outcome I'm betting that the CEO's bonus will not decrease.

Perhaps it's a tribute to the Pontiac Aztec?