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I can appreciate that traditional (non-internet-enabled) jukeboxes make a statement about an establishment and its clientele, but not all internet-enabled jukeboxes are created equal. Many of them enable filters which prevent certain genures of music from being selected; others just have a very limited selection. Best I've found so far is in one of the dive-iest (is that a word?) bars in Houston: Cousin's. Where else can you find Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, Blossom Dearie and the Sex Pistols? Makes for an exciting playlist.

From the Houston Chronicle, 28 Dec. '08: When finished, the .09-acre patch of land near the Galleria will be the city's smallest park. Too small even for a basketball court, Post Oak Lane Park might be big enough for a game of horseshoes, a few benches and greenery. Using its power of eminent domain, the city of Houston seized the land for the park from brothers James and Jock Collins last year. Officials claimed there was a "public necessity" for the park in the Uptown area, despite the fact that a much larger one

One listing which came as a revelation was Gibb's, the boat sales business at the northwest corner of Montrose and W. Gray. Who knew? The original building was quite spectacular. Now, it's a monument to blandness, with only a couple of hints of its former glory still remaining.

I'm at the central library now. I'm not loving it. The library has much quicker internet access than I have at home. There are approximately 60 stations grouped on the ground floor, most of which are usually occupied. That's great. What's not so hot is the utter lack of supervision. Some of these patrons are loud. Not just a little conversation here or there; I"m talking full-out singing along with whatever Youtube video they're repeatedly watching, thrashing around, etc. There's a group of young men, commenting LOUDLY on the freaks at a porno site. Their descriptions are crude, but vivid. And LOUD. Oh, good. Someone's ring tone has drowned out the tone-deaf diva sitting next to me. Closer supervision, HPL?

Just checked this out from the library: Houston deco : modernistic architecture of the Texas coast / by Jim Parsons & David Bush ; foreword by Madeleine McDermott Hamm. 2008 Features many of HAIF's favorites here in Houston, along with others in Beaumont, Baytown, Galveston and surrounding communities. The photographs are breathtaking; the photographer understands how to capture the essence of a building. Informative, as well - did you know that River Oaks Plaza was originally called really River Oaks Community Center? This book was published in conjunction with the GHPA, and contains the names of the architects and construction dates for both familiar and often overlooked local Deco gems. If you've been good, ask Santa for a copy.

Seriously, what's the WOW Circle? Washington, Westcott...? I'm unfamiliar with the area. Also, HAIF is well-represented on search engines. WOW Circle might beat World of Warcraft Circle as top spot, and a definition would be great to go with it.

Help me sort out my fuzzy memories. New Year's Eve (1982-83) a friend and I attended a party at an old brick warehouse on the northern edge of downtown. If I remember correctly it was called the Jack Pierce building, and was among the first in the Warehouse District to have been converted to residential use. After a quarter century, I'm not exactly sure where the building was - or is. Does anyone else remember this structure? Could it have been renamed?

Wait...Spec's has an outlet at the online World of Warcraft site? Those gamers must do a lot of drinkin'!

The post you're replying to has nothing to do with the theater. It concerns the new construction across the street. I certainly hope some of the new structures that are being built today will be deemed worthy of preservation 100 years from now. I'm grateful that others have had the foresight to preserve the magnificent (and humble) structures of our past from demolition. Rather than treating historic structures with contempt, one might try learning from them. That's in your head, too.

Is that across the street from the school, near Southland Hardware?

I shall reply by PM (personal message). No reason these nice people have to see what I have to say.

And speaking of mental health, it's tempting to view the replies to my original remarks as a sort of HAIF Rorshach test. One might make the case that some respondents have (unconsciously) revealed an attitude towards automobiles and real estate speculators which borders on the religious. How dare I question Our Speculator! He must be defended, lest He strike down upon us with great vengeance and furious anger. How dare I ridicule Cadillacs! I want. Pretty. Shiny. No. This topic, as is the case of all topics in the "Crater Houston Alliance", is an exercise in wishful thinking. Patient attempts to educate me of the economics involved are irrelevent and redundant. Like world peace, one doesn't have to believe it's attainable to desire it. I'm of the belief that there are myriad uses for that site which would be preferable to its current one. They would not include oilfield equipment sales and storage, nor animal rendering plants, nor farm machinery sales and service, all of which are good and necessary industries, but lack appeal to the pedestrian. At one time, the land in Midtown surely was used to graze cattle. Later, it was vacant lots and automobile dealerships. What's wrong with hoping to create a better present - and future? Incidentally, I bear no ill will towards Stewart Cadillac, its owners or employees. I just think it's in the wrong place.

Anyone know what's going on with this property? Was there Ike damage, or just a total makeover? Used to be 702 Patio Bar. *answered my own question - it's been closed for renovation since July '08.

From the LA Times: By Louis Sahagun December 17, 2008 Legendary pinup queen Bettie Page was remembered at a private memorial service Tuesday as a taboo-breaking model who later gave it all up to become a devout Christian -- only to reenter the public eye as a sexy trendsetter. "So it is only fitting that her final resting place be here, not far from Marilyn Monroe's final resting place," said Mark Roesler, chairman of Indianapolis-based CMG Worldwide, which markets Page's image, during the rite held at the Pierce Bros. Westwood Village Memorial Park. full article R.I.P., Bettie.

Thanks for coming to my defense. My duties as a moderator and privilages as a HAIF member are quite seperate. HAIFers are free to disagree with my opinions (and often do); if anyone suspects I've ever been anything but fair and even-handed as a moderator, please bring it to my attention. Which brings me to the following: We do not encourage name-calling on HAIF. The issue here is the location of a car dealership, not my mental health.

Received this email from Historic Houston: WEINGARTEN REALTYREQUESTS VARIANCE FOR RIVER OAKS SHOPPING CENTER Historic Houston is sending out this email due to the volume of calls and emails we have received concerning the Variance Request sign posted at the River Oaks Shopping Center and to to request your help! A representative for Weingarten Realty has explained that the variance request is to allow construction of an OPEN AIR seated area balcony which can be used as a wine bar and according to the new tenant, Tony and Jeff Vallone, the space will be available to rent for private parties (possibly with music). CONSTRUCTION WAS ALREADY UNDERWAY WHEN RIVER OAKS RESIDENTS BROUGHT IT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE CITY! The Variance Request is to allow construction 10' in front of the building line to accomodate this open air seated balcony which is in violation of the City set back requirements. Needless to say granting the variance and allowing the construction of an open air wine bar has the potential of burdening the surrounding neighbors and neighborhoods with disturbing noise and infringes on their quiet enjoyment of their homes, especially at night since alcohol can be sold until 2:00 AM. The variance request will be on the agenda at the Planning Commission meeting next Thursday, December 18th at 2:30 at City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby, City Council Chamber. The surrounding neighbors have created a website at www.StopShepherdNoise.org and YOUR HELP IS NEEDED NOW! Please sign the petition to oppose this variance request. Below are rendering of the originals plans that were presented to the surrounding neighbors as well as a rendering of the new building with the projecting open air wine bar that is being constructed. The River Oaks neighbors have offered Weingarten Realty several viable options to mitigate the potential problems of the open air wine bar and are asking that Weingarten Realty and Tony and Jeff Vallone BE GOOD NEIGHBORS! **************** "CONSTRUCTION WAS ALREADY UNDERWAY WHEN RIVER OAKS RESIDENTS BROUGHT IT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE CITY!" The city should make them tear down what's already been constructed BEFORE even considering their variance!

Excellent post, HappyHistorian. The first sentence was especially thought-provoking: During interviews with MCM architects, one design principle seems to be consistent; View? - Glass it, no view - wall it. I'm reminded of Philip Johnson's Glass House; from the website: The mission of the Philip Johnson Glass House is for the 47-acre campus to become a center-point and catalyst for the preservation of modern architecture, ... Obviously, the Glass House had (and has) the views to justify the use of glass on every side, and there seems to be a concerted effort to keep it that way. But how does one adapt a MCM house to a world in which views aren't always consistant? I wouldn't mind a picture window overlooking another MCM house; if it had been replaced by a McMansion or a freeway or a Taco Bell, I'd prefer to draw the curtains.

What a waste of real estate! This prime location has been relegated to a parking lot for Bloatmobiles. Tear it down!

Sorry I missed it - who all attended? My favorite comment from the last HAIF get-together: "You know, I thought you were going to be this grumpy old man, but you're actually kind of nice." (any guesses as to the source?)

You're correct on all counts. Thanks, Susan - couldn't remember Bacchus for the life of me.

Never mind - have found the ideal place! Have moved and retitled topic.

Notice they don't mention that Rosenthal knowingly, illegally deleted incriminating emails. Is tampering with evidence no longer a crime? How can we trust those who refuse to police their own?

I've posted this link elsewhere, but it bears repeating: The Fabulous Ruins of Detroit I think this was the original model for the other websites.

Slightly off topic - where was the bridge that burned a few days ago? Not sure if it spanned White Oak or Buffalo Bayou. Was it completely destroyed, or only damaged? Saw mention of it in the print edition of the Chronicle, but doesn't appear to be online.