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brian0123

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Everything posted by brian0123

  1. This is awesome. The TMC is the new oil and gas for Houston and will continue growing (esp if they are successful getting some for-profit biotechs to move from other states). This is very smart for HCC.
  2. It's about time we pay more. I'd prefer to have even a larger increase for officers with degrees. I'm tired of talking to HPD bubbas that suggest I buy a gun and get a CHL as the best form of protection... all while they park their butts at a speedtrap instead of actively patrolling.
  3. I was there probably the same time you were today. First time I've been to the new gardens and couldn't believe how awesome the place is. Seemed like there were a lot of tourists around as well.
  4. I've always wondered how long it would take for developers to bring a master planned community inside the loop. I think things like this are good in order to attract the suburban buyer wanting a shorter commute. If HISD were smart, they'd figure out ways to zone these types of places to nicer schools in order to increase their tax revenues.
  5. No need for mirror (practice I guess?). I shave close to the side burns, then just go over the rest of the face. When I get out I'll put some soap on places if I need to touch up and quickly knock it out in the sink.
  6. I like this idea, similar to LPT on Reddit w/out the wackos. Here's one simple thing (for guys) that has saved me tons of time... shave your face in the shower with bar soap. It works better than shaving cream, saves you a ton of time, you just rinse off in the shower, and it's more relaxing instead of bending over a sink.
  7. It blows my mind that these things are legal and anyone can fly them. I think they're really cool, but it's crazy that an FM transmitter can yield heavy fines, yet a device that goes this high and far is no problemo (even though it could interfere w/ air traffic, privacy concerns, etc.).
  8. We'll, they're being practical and building something to maximize the square footage they have and that matches the rest of their campus. You'll still see O'Quinn from all directions (especially from the West). I actually think it's a pretty cool looking building w/ the glass mixed with stone. I also like that it goes with the rest of what they have instead of building something off the wall. Also, there are probably some cooler buildings than O'Quinn tucked away in the TMC that are not as tall, but much more interesting to look at.
  9. I never thought I'd see people on HAIF complaining that a building will be too tall. Major development in the TMC... but it might be too tall and block a view of a building? Seriously?!?!
  10. From that article, they say how the med center is a hedge against oil since it's insulated from it. I wonder why other developers haven't noticed this and built more near the TMC? They'd be able to rent to oil and gas types, as well as med center workers... thus a pretty high chance of always pulling in more expensive rents.
  11. Problem is people keep ignoring this advice and need it beat into their heads. Take for example bmv's... despite yearly warnings, signs posted, news stories... people keep leaving purses, laptops, etc. sitting in their cars at night in perfect view.
  12. This topic always drives me nuts. There is a ton of affordable property within the loop that's east of 45. People that complain about affordability are looking at the nicer and hip parts of town when they complain. People need to get over their fears of "the spooky parts of town" and realize that their are tons of affordable areas waiting to be revitalized.
  13. We drove around Haight-Ashbury. It was pretty. As for restaurants or bars, we just looked up reviews on Google. I actually thought Houston has better food. For bars, go to the Buena Vista and order an irish coffee (Google it).
  14. San Fran is awesome and Alcatraz should be on the top of your list. The creepiness, history, views back at the city are awesome... plus the fact that there is nowhere else on the planet like it. At Fisherman's Wharf (awesome place), there is an old arcade at the end of it with some ancient old games (like from 1800s) that was an unexpected cool find. The redwood forest is incredible. On the way to it, exit right after you get past the bridge for the scenic overlook. Drive to the top and take your iconic photo of the bridge with the city behind it. The views of the coast are also beautiful up there and there is an old fort kids can play around on if you have any. Then continue on the road to the forest. Ride the trolley. My wife and I also went to the Castro to see what it was all about. It was interesting to see the theatre and plaque for Harvey milk. Not for everyone though. We also went to the park from the first scene of Full House which was relaxing and great views, and I went to the front door of where they film Mythbusters to do something random. Take mass transit as much as possible. Parking is a pain (especially parallel parking on a crazy incline).
  15. Over time, all smaller cities neighboring larger ones will grow. No matter how far west or north it goes, at some point you're going to sound ridiculous saying you live in a suburb of Houston. I personally think those along the Grand Parkway or Woodlands are already in that boat. The city boundaries haven't changed and probably won't. I view the westward expansion more of a product of time. People need cheaper places to live, and cities everywhere continue to grow. There's nothing special about the west.
  16. brian0123

    Midtown TIRZ

    The Buffalo Solider museum is already in Midtown. Also, they are right about an area needing to be blighted to be in a TIRZ. HMNS would probably be too far south to include. As I said earlier, I'd be jumping for joy if I were in Montrose. You'd probably get nice thoroughfares eventually for no extra cost to you. It would probably bring more development as well.
  17. I don't think the Chronicle is that bad. They've significantly improved their mobile version of their site, and their articles (while some are pretty stupid) also consist of some good ones that get picked up nationally. They have some good reads from Sci Guy, Prime Property, and some news. I just wish they'd remove all comments from their site. I think they're playing a game of reading peoples' comments (and trying to appease morons) when they need to realize that only morons and racists comment on their articles.
  18. brian0123

    Midtown TIRZ

    You're correct and thanks for pointing that out. I'm used to lumping both in my mind from when I owned property in Midtown.
  19. brian0123

    Midtown TIRZ

    If I was a Montrose resident I'd be excited... If I still lived in Midtown I probably wouldn't be as excited. TIRZ's are pretty awesome in that you basically get more of your tax dollars spent in your neighborhood. Yeah, you pay a little more but you get Bagby street reconstruction type quality vs mediocre street overlays.
  20. brian0123

    Midtown TIRZ

    My guess (based on the fact that they are only main roads) is that there might be a plan to do full rebuilds along those corridors because Midtown has the money. They'd have to join Midtown so they can get pretty streets and nice sidewalks.
  21. I'm so glad to read this. It sounds like those in charge of this project are on the right track.
  22. I like the activity, but wish there were more dive bars and live music places. My band used to have some fun shows at Dean's and now Dean's is a swanky bar. I think Downtown bars would have more staying power if they made Main like a 6th Street instead of clubs and restaurants opening only to close a couple years later. We need more live music in these places!
  23. Austin is favorable for tech companies because there is a lot of young talent willing to work for anything. Even at a Senior level like mine, salaries seem to average about 20k less than Houston (exceptions are the outliers like the Googles). Tech companies are able to find smart people from a large pool... and young tech workers find it more fun to work for those types of companies (or build the next "app"). Personally, I prefer Houston for the pay + cost of living, and health care industry.
  24. The problem is the beach doesn't have meters. You have to have a cell phone to park... which makes things difficult and confusing for people who don't or are not used to paying via phone. Your attitude also shows what's wrong. You are looking at visitors as mooches instead of an opportunity. Galveston wants to improve their economy (tourism is a big component of it), yet they make it confusing for some people.
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