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Specwriter

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Everything posted by Specwriter

  1. Specwriter
    It looks like this building will have basement-level parking which should allow for more extensive landscaping. Just remember to move your car when it starts raining.
  2. Specwriter
    I wonder if Junior's will have samples. I know, that is awful but I couldn't help myself.
  3. Specwriter
    I agree with Luminare and add my opinion that the movie theaters most likely to succeed inside the loop are those that do not show main-stream movies. Think smaller, more intimate, and better designed theaters; indie productions; and more limited hours/days and showings. Of course this will mean higher ticket prices but for a quality movie and viewing experience I believe a sufficient number of people will pay. It's not like these places will put Landmark or Edwards out of business.
  4. Specwriter
    Truer words were never written. I started shopping at HEB when I went away to college. There were no HEB stores in the Houston area at the time and Randall's was in its ascendancy in the late 1970's and early 1980's in Houston. HEB has adapted to the changes in the market better than Randall's. Note too that HEB does not have a single model. The new super store at 1604 and Bulverde in San Antonio is quite different from the store at Buffalo Speedway and Bissonnet as is the store at El Camino Real and Bay Area Blvd. in the Clear Lake area. I picked those three because I am most familiar with them. I do hope that Randall's survives. I remember how much my mother favored it over other grocery stores in our neighborhood back in the day. But, as one Randall's store manager told me when I asked about the availability of a certain item, "We are now part of Safeway/Albertson's and pretty much have to take what we are given."
  5. Specwriter
  6. Specwriter
    I met Doug Miller through a mutual acquaintance and encountered him again at a TUTS production at Miller Theater (no connection I assume) sometime later. I found him to be friendly, intelligent and very witty. I had no idea he was the son of Ray Miller but learning that does not surprise me. Doug's reports were always professional, polished, and well prepared. I guess the apple does not fall far from the tree. Bob Phillips does a creditable job with "Texas Country Reporter" but I don't believe anyone will ever best Ray Miller and "The Eyes of Texas." I can watch a 40-year-old re-run of that show and still be taken away to the places he described.
  7. Specwriter
    If from an underground storage tank they are looking at some costly soil remediation. I hope contingency funds were allocated.
  8. Specwriter
    Blue Dogs, I didn't want to make you more sad. We do feel the loss but, at the same time, I will always remember that Doug Johnson made something as mundane as the weather forecast fun to watch. mkultra, I can think of some Houston natives who are local affiliates today and I appreciate their perspective though they are all younger than I. Those who come immediately to mind are David Paul, Mia Gradney, Melanie Lawson, and Katherine Whaley. I know I am overlooking more than a few. BTW, if my arithmetic is any good David Paul is only about eight years my junior. 😊 Ah yes, Larry Rasco - our local version of Walter Cronkite who, while not actually a Houston native, spent his formative years in our city.
  9. Specwriter
    Doug Johnson seemed to be a very affable person. He made watching the weather fun. I grew up watching Sid Lasher then Doug Johnson. I like to be around, or at least observe, people who appear to be enjoying what they do. Rest in peace, Doug. You brought many smiles to the residents of this area.
  10. Specwriter
    Thanks for posting the pictures bobruss and UtterlyUrban. About the new building all I can say is "WOW!" I hope the students, faculty, and staff enjoy it for many years to come.
  11. Specwriter
    It might be Solvay on levels 8 & 9 or it might be Cannon Design on level 12 (or both).
  12. Specwriter
    Palace Lanes and now Magic Island. Life is becoming great again. Really, people need something to do be sides being mesmerized (pardon the pun) by their I-pads. My late uncle was a self-made success and former country boy from Lee County in central Texas. One of his great pleasures as an adult was an evening at Magic Island.
  13. Specwriter
  14. Specwriter
    But will there still be bowling lanes? Please say yes. I have missed those since Palace Lanes closed in 2016.
  15. Specwriter
    and commercials touting New Orleans and San Antonio in the Houston market. Perhaps with the steady influx of new residence it makes sense to promote the city within the city. I've always felt one great thing about Houston is it is only a few hours' drive from San Antonio or New Orleans.
  16. Specwriter
    That was pretty cool of John Mecom. He was a real car guy and a class act for sure.
  17. Specwriter
    I've often wondered if Houston, "the powers that be" that is, never felt the need to promote itself. People will come here to live or do business because they know what the city has to offer. If you want to work in jobs related to NASA, the petro-chemical industry, or medicine you are most likely already aware of the opportunities here and "advertising" in places outside the city may seem superfluous. I've noticed while watching a particular morning "news" program there is a commercial featuring local celebrities like Lyle Lovett, Jose Altuve, etc. that promotes Houston as a place to live, work, and play but it is being broadcast on local television! What's up with that? FWIW, If I lived some where else and was coming to Houston as a tourist, I would probably not stay in the Greenway Plaza area as nice as it is. I would look to accommodations in downtown, in mid-town, the Galleria area, or even toward the coast or Galveston Bay.
  18. Specwriter
    Classy Chassis wasn't as extensive as Keels & Wheels and, of course, the yacht club was a great venue even if rather warm sometimes (K&W is usually held the first weekend in May). That said, the quality of the cars shown at Classy Chassis was comparable to K&W. There seemed to be themes for each year's event. One year it was competition cars and included everything from a 1920's Bugatti to Jim Hall's Chaparral J2 (the notorious "fan" or "sucker" car) from the early 1970's. Being in air conditioning was a huge plus and, like I already mentioned, the diffuse lighting was great for taking photographs.
  19. Specwriter
    In fact, in 1969, 1970, and 1972 the 'dome was home to the "Astro Grand Prix" indoor midget car race (there was no race in '71). It was a big deal, and the best open wheel drivers from across the country competed. The track was a 1/4 mile dirt oval. Initially, it was successful with strong attendance but it sort of faded away. The folks who ran the 'dome said the dirt and dust damaged the huge air conditioning system and, by the 3rd edition, it was not making money. The winners of the three races were, Tom Bigelow in 1969, A.J. Foyt in 1970, and Gary Bettenhausen in 1972. I attended the 1970 race with my father. Recall by 1970 Foyt had already won the Indianapolis 500 three times - 1961, 1964, and 1967. At the end of the race my eyes and throat burned from the fumes and there was a large yellowish brown "cloud" at the ceiling of the 'dome. Still, it was a great time with Dad; one I will always remember. I visited my father today and we did recall some of the other great times we've had. You know how it is when you get older - it's easier to remember what happened fifty years ago than what happened yesterday. Classy Chassis was discontinued a few years ago. I e-mailed the organizers and thanked them for holding the event and let them know how much I enjoyed it. They told me they were pleased to be able to organize it and, while it had been successful, it was just too much effort to maintain.
  20. Specwriter
    That is an excellent idea. For a few years there was a classic car show each year at NRG stadium. The diffuse light from the translucent roof was great for showcasing the automobiles and, of course, the weather outside didn't matter
  21. Specwriter
    Remember too that Austin has a large university very close to its "downtown" which I am sure has much to do with the nature of the night life in the district. I don't believe that the night scene in Austin would be sustainable if not for the steady influx of new patrons from the University of Texas.
  22. Specwriter
    This certainly looks like Alief or Greenspoint area circa 1976. I can only suppose the developer believes this is all the market will support for the next 20 years then will sell it or redevelop it for more density. At least it may provide some more reasonably priced, and better quality housing for those who want or need to be near downtown but cannot afford $2-3/sq. ft./month rents. My big regret is that I've seen complexes such as this become "shooting galleries" many time over once the economy starts on a downward trend and management starts letting maintenance slide, e.g. Greenspoint circa 1987.
  23. Specwriter
    Since "regalia" is paraphernalia indicative of royalty I expect each unit to come with a crown, scepter, and an orb. Really, who comes up with some of these names. The design: eh.
  24. Specwriter
    Definitely the schools. When we lived in the 'burbs we had access to excellent schools and had a wonderful house in a great neighborhood for much less than the cost of living "in town" and paying private school tuition. My commute wasn't terrible usually - 45-60 minutes to cover 35 miles - but could balloon up to 90 minutes + if there was an accident, etc.
  25. Specwriter
    I gotta get to the Continental Club and find out what the "Altuve Polka" is about.
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