It all came down like this:

In early 2005, I met a woman online.  We started speaking on the telephone relatively quickly, and by July, I flew to Georgia to meet her for the first time.  Two wonderful weeks later, I was on my way back to Houston, and already trying to figure out how to get down there, again.

December 2005/January 2006 saw me visiting again, this time for three weeks.  It was during this time that I gave her a ring.  Yes, we had only seen each other in person, twice, but we had been talking daily for nearly a year by this point.  I knew I wanted to make my life with her.

Over the next several months, she tried desperately to find a job in the Houston area.  Unfortunately - despite Texas being desperate for teachers - she couldn’t find a district willing to hire an out-of-state teacher (i.e. no one would sponsor her to get her state certificate in TX).  It was at that point that I decided I was moving to Georgia.  If she couldn’t come to Houston, I’d go there.

On June 31st, I loaded up the bed of my pickup truck, and headed out with my parents (who were driving their own car, and merely stopping for a couple of days to meet her).  We arrived in Dublin, GA late in the evening on July 1st.

About July 15th, we found a new rental home in the same city, and we’re in the process of unpacking from the move, and setting up our lives, together.  We will be married on December 23rd of this year, here in Georgia.

So, this begs the big question: What does this mean for me, as a metblog author?

Unfortunately, there is no Middle Georgia metroblog, and since Middle Georgia isn’t really a major metropolitan area (it contains numerous small towns between 15,000 and 25,000 people, as well as Macon, GA (50,000+)), I sincerely doubt that the metblog folks would be interested in a Middle Georgia metblog, despite the rich history and lives in this area.

Also unfortunately, this means I will likely be removed as an author for the Houston Metroblog.  Metblog author guidelines specify that authors are required to live (or at least spend a majority of time (i.e. college students)) in the city for which they write.  I’m going to beg, plead, and - in general - ask if it would be possible for me to retain my login as an author, as I intend to visit Houston as often as possible, and still keep up with things there.  I doubt this will happen, though.

So, Houston, it has come time for me to say goodbye to you.  I’ve spent the past fourteen years living in and around you, and I’ve got to say…. I’ll miss it.  From the coffee shops, the Denny’s down the road from my house, to the dirt track in Baytown, and the huge fricking malls, I’ll miss Houston for a very long time.

Goodbye, fellow Houstonians.  It’s been an adventure!

-Eric Scalf
Dublin, GA (Formerly, Houston (SW), TX)

Unfortunately, there’s a rather annoying bird problem in this neighborhood.  We have mockingbirds, and lots of them.  Now birds are NOT nocturnal creatures.  Most birds are asleep once the sun goes down, and if you do manage to wake them up, they might chirp once or twice, and then go right back to sleep.  Well there’s one, right near my house, that wakes up every time I’m out there talking.  He starts singing, and doesn’t freaking stop!  Keep in mind that the bird
is loud enough so that the fiance can hear it through my cellphone headset.

Tonight, we’re about to get off the phone (it’s about 12:50am), and all of a sudden, I hear a loud WHACK! sound.  I stop talking, wondering if some one is about to start something on my street.  All of a sudden, I see my neighbor, two doors down, walk out his walkway with a long, extendable pole.  He lengthens the pole, and then jabs it up in the tree in two or three different places.  Then he stops, stands there, and waits a minute before finally walking back up his driveway.

All I could think of was how sorry I felt for the guy.  So, Mr. Neighbor… I’m sorry.  I really wish I could control the bird, because believe me, I understand trying to sleep through them.  I often sleep days, and listening to the damned things chirp outside my window tends to make for some sleepless situations, at times.  In all honesty, I’m not sorry I’m out there talking on the phone at midnight, as I’m quiet, stay in the vehicle, and my voice doesn’t carry enough to bother anyone. …except
a single mockingbird.

Incidentally, this mockingbird issue is fairly new, within the past several nights.  Evidently, he’s taken up residence in my neighbor’s tree for the time being.  Perhaps he’ll move on to other places, soon.  For now, I’ll adjust my talk times, and if it’s after, say, 11:30pm, I’ll stay inside (or on my back patio).  So again, to my neighbor, I’m sorry there’s a brain-dead, nocturnal mockingbird in the neighborhood.

I made a suggestion of each metblog author posting their own “This Day/Week in Houston” style post, and we’d all get together and - with comments from you wonderful readers - decide which format we liked best, or take the best from each, and create our own.  So, without further filler, I present my attempt at a TDIH:

This Day in Houston Blogging:

• Chavez suggests we bypass the National Slayer Day, and simply celebreate a National Day of Evil (metblog)
• Katya laments over the difficulty of finding vegan-friendly restaurants in the city, and presents us with a map of her finds. (metblog)
• Jen reminds us that hurricane season is soon upon us, tells us that National Hurricane Preparedness Week is coming up, and provides information on a NWS hurricane workshop. (metblog)
• Laurence Simon gives us a heads up on Brad Lidge’s movements in the ‘Stros. (isfullofcrap.com)
• HouBlog gives us the scoop on Carol Alvarado’s latest political maneuverings. (houblog.com)
• Joey Guerra interviews Mando Saenz about changes to his life and sound now that he’s a nationally recognized musical artist. (handstamp@chron.com)

This Day in Houston News:

• 3-Alarm fire erupts at NW Houston industrial complex (click2houston.com)
• Student’s poem ripped from 1,000 copies of St. Thomas Univ. literary magazine (chron.com)
• Houston Crime Lab under fire for allegedly tailoring tests towards specific theories (chron.com)
• Two teens arrested for allegedly setting 17 fires in Montgomery County — Bragged about fires, online (washingtonpost.com)
• Sam Houston High School student arrested following discovery of cache of 43 xanax tablets and 10 ounces of marijuana in his locker (click2houston.com)
• Parents concerned over potentially rabid bats roosting in Humble High School gymnasium (chron.com)

Upcoming Events:
(for the following 7 days)

• EV1.net Art Car Parade Saturday, May 13th (chron.com)
• Identity Theft Shred-A-Thon Saturday, May 13th (chron.com)
• Abbey Rode @ Concert Pub Saturday, May 13th (upcoming.org)
• Houston Storytelling Swap Wednesday May 17th (upcoming.org)
• Houston Homeless Pet Placement League Fundraiser Dinner Friday May 19th (upcoming.org)
• Project 86 @ Meridian Sunday May 14th (meridianhouston.com)
• Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats Monday May 15th (meridianhouston.com)

“Hair related stories?” You’re probably asking yourself that question, about now. Yep.

Our journey begins, today, when I went to get my hair cut. I was originally intending to grow my hair out long, as I had it once. Unfortunately, the rising heat, and annoyance of the too long to anything with, too short to pull back syndrome got the better of me. I decided I had to get it cut…

So, I dropped by “Hair by Tony, IV”. Hair by Tony (IV) is your standard “inexpensive styling alternative” type salon/barber. Set up exactly like a supercuts, Hair by Tony bills itsself as “Full Service Hair Cuts For Men, Women & Kids.” Their men’s cut is $5.00, and with shampoo and blow-dry costs $8.50. They do a darned good job, too.

Guys, if you need to get your hair cut, I highly recommend schlepping out to Beechnut and Highway 6 and trying out this place. The stylists are all - I believe - Vietnamese (and I’ll feel really bad if I’m wrong), and all but one are female. Here’s why I recommend them:

• They do the cut first, then the shampoo. (This keeps all the little particles of hair from falling into your shirt collar as you go about the rest of your day. Plus, you don’t immediately have to shower the instant you get home. Cuts down on itching.)
• These folks know what they’re doing! I asked for a short cut in the back, but not so short you could see through to the scalp, with the hair a bit longer on top and in front. The guy immediately says “I’ll use a number 4 guard,” and proceeds to use the electric trimmer. Then, ditches the guard, grabs a comb, and finishes up. Then, he grabs scissors for the top. After the top, he grabs the clippers and a comb again, and fades the sides and back into the top, freehand. Very nice.
• Asking for a “conservative” style resulted in just that. A nice, everyday style, that runs toward the conservative lines. Additionally, the guy styled my hair in such a manner that it made my face look longer… Since I’m excessively overweight, and therefore have a big face, this was a helpful thing. I’ve noticed they tend to know what they’re doing in matching styles to customers.
• Did I mention the shampoo? Aside from it being after the cut, the shampoo experience in itsself is awesome. They do the standard rubbing of the shampoo in, but then take their fingers and really massage it in. Essentially, you get a good shampoo/condition, with a scalp massage. It feels wonderful!

Hey, can’t beat $8.50 for a cut, shampoo, scalp massage, style, and blow-dry.

Okay, I know you’re wondering if I got my cut free in exchange for this entry.. No, I didn’t. They don’t even know I’m writing it. I’m just very impressed with the place, and wanted to share. If you want to go by, they’re at the corner of Hwy 6 and Beechnut, directly beside Hollywood Video. (281-561-8353, walkins welcome). Ask for Kevin, he did me, today.

….
Okay, let’s go on. Our journey continues with a quick glance in the mirror, and a drive up Highway 6 to the Wallyworld (Wal*Mart) at the corner of Hwy 6 and Westpark. This, in and of itsself, was not a hair-related experience, but once inside I was sent all over the flipping store, in search of gym bags.

First I tried sporting goods. The obvious place, right? Nope. Then, I was told to try out in the middle of the store… Nope. Then I was directed to luggage. Luggage was two sections of shelving, at the end of the Crafts department. I managed to find a 24″ “travel duffel” for around $18.00. It’ll have to do. (I wanted one of those locker-shapped ones, but I found out later they’re only at Academy.) By this time, however, my fat self was sweating a bit from walking rapidly all over the blasted store, and my hair had become fairly limp. joy.

Coming out of Wallyworld, I was pulling out of the parking lot to turn left. There was noone coming, and I was intending to pull across to the opening in the median, and wait for the two cars coming in the opposite lanes to pass by, before I made my full turn. As I pulled out and pulled across, a truck full (and I do mean FULL) of folks (I know the instant I mention a specific race or nationality, people will start calling me racist. I’ll let you insert your preferred race/nationality, but they were all of the same… it has some minor bearing because of ths cursing they did toward me, but I’ll leave that to your imagination)…

Anyway, the extremely full truck pulls into the left-turn inlet, and then continues into the middle of the pass-throguh in the median, blocking it. I’m already going across, and I have to slam on my brakes and cut the wheel hard-right to miss the truck. I had my window down, and I heard the passengers begin cursing at me in their native language. Knowing a small bit of this language - just enough to curse back so effectively I’ll either send them into a murderous rage, or shock them into silence - I let fly with a single statement of my own. I was amused with the downright shocked looks I received.

I pulled around the truck, and nearly got broadsided by ANOTHER pick-up truck (I also drive a pick-up) that was intending to follow the original truck through the turn. You’ll be proud of me, Houston. Despite even more insults - in English, this time - including ones specifically directed towards my mother, and my sexual proclivities… Despite the fact that I have only been spoken to in that manner one time (and that time resulted in the dialing of 911, and an EMT to staunch the flow of blood from the idiot’s nose), I managed to control myself, and responded only with a “Have a nice day!” as I drove off.

Before you bring up right-of-way… The original truck, at the time I began pulling out of the parking lot and moving across the road, was far enough back to have stopped (as he should have) in the lef-turn inlet, letting me pass, before proceeding into the turn. Instead he - apparently - put on extra speed, to pull in front of me, evidently assuming that I would be able to avoid him in time. Thankfully, I was. It was a rather (yes, bad pun, relative to the entry title, coming…) hair raising experience.

After that little incident, I joined the flow of traffic down Hwy 6, and made it home without further indicent. I was surprised, actually, as traffic on Hwy 6 tends to be rather heinous at that particular time of day.

That concludes my little trip around my corner of Houston, folks.

Tell me, do you guys enjoy it when us authors post little bits like I’m doing? The places we go, and the things we do, in our own little parts of Houston? I know Chavez has posted a few, I’ve done a couple, I think one or two other authors have. I’m just wondering what you readers think. Personally, I think it’s a good way to get to know us authors, and it’s a good way to find out interesting things - and places - about Houston.

UPDATE: ERCOT has cancelled their energy crisis alert, as of 6:30pm.  HOWEVER, this does not mean that future days will not result in more energy issues.  Please keep advised, set your thermostat higher, and keep your power usage to a low level, to avoid future rolling blackouts.

It’s about to get very hot, and dark, for some Houstonians, according to click2houston.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. - which is in charge of Texas’ electrical grid - declared a state of emergency and ordered rolling blackouts beginning Monday.  Although the crisis is not expected to last beyond this evening, it is possible that future days will hold similar events.

Read on for more information and how you can help…

Currently, blackouts are limited to the ERCOT grid, which serves only 80% of Texas.  Unfortunately, CenterPoint Energy (and those smaller companies in the Houston area using CenterPoint’s lines - including TXU, and others) is included in the ERCOT grid.  CenterPoint Energy began rolling blackouts every 15 minutes for the Houston area, just after 4pm, Monday.

“ERCOT requested that 1,000 megawatts of load be dropped throughout the state of Texas, so CenterPoint Energy represents 26 percent of that load.  So, we started periodically dropping customers in 15-minute intervals on a rotating basis in our service area,” CenterPoint spokeswoman Emily Mir Thompson said.

ERCOT is urging customers around the state to slack off on their energy uses for the next month.  Ways you can help (according to ERCOT) include:

• Setting your thermostat at 78 degrees (or higher)
• Not using electric lighting
• Not using electric appliances
• Not using electric equipment (including computers)
• All of the above, unless absolutely neccesary for health and safety.

According to 11 News KHOU’s 6:00pm newscast, blackouts could last as long as 50 minutes in some places.

For more information, please see the Click2Houston story, or the ERCOT Real-Time Data page.

Technorati Tags: Energy Conservation, ERCOT, Texas Power Grid

Trevino’s properties are located at 2414 and 2416 Shearn… A street that - pretty much - no longer exists.  Shearn has been incorporated into the new Sawyer Heights Village - an outdoor shopping center, located two miles northwest of downtown (just south of I-10 at the Taylor exit).  The center will include a Target, chain restaurants, apparel shops, and banks.  According to the Houston Press, it’s “a dream
come true for nearby Heights residents.”  Trevino does not agree.

Oscar Trevino owns both houses - now located in the parking lot for the shopping center.  In one, he resides with his ailing 70-year-old mother.  The other used to contain the family business.  Oscar, and his eight siblings - who still return at least once a week for a family dinner - grew up in the houses.

These aren’t pretty homes.  They’re marked by peeling paint, window unit air conditioners, and broken steps.  They’re even listed in “poor” or “very poor” condition, and are only appraised at around $75,000 (according to Harris County).  The yards, however, are filled with an assortment of fruit trees.  One - an apple tree - Oscar says he “grew from the seed of an apple I bought at H-E-B.” 

Growing up, Oscar says, Shearn was a sleepy dead-end street that was often overlooked by everyone from passers-by to city services.  According to real estate agent Kelly Williams, the Trevinos are sitting on a gold mine… One of the hottest properties in town.

About two years ago, the Trevinos were first approached about selling their property.  The Trevinos were the only ones in the neighborhood to resist selling their property, and they did so with quiet dignity.  Oscar lived there with his parents, for most of his life.  He simply did not want to give up the home.

Oscar, however, says a broker representing Property Commerce - the builders of the center - shadowed him for months.  Each afternoon Oscar visits his father’s grave site at Hollywood Cemetery.  The broker would follow him, to the cemetery, and to the storefront church where his (Oscar’s) father served as pastor for twenty years.

According to Oscar, the broker used the personal angle, saying things like, “I want to talk to you about your property, you don’t know what you’re passing up. You’re being selfish. Your sister needs a new Suburban.”  Property Commerce states that the broker in question is no longer retained by the company, and this his actions were uncalled for.  “You just don’t do that,” said Chad Moss, a point person for the project.

Eventually, however, the broker threatened an eminent domain lawsuit.  This - plus the strain on their diabetic and ailing mother - was the final straw for the Trevinos.  Seeing no alternative, they begrudgingly accepting the money, though by waiting as long as they did, they may well have been awarded a significantly larger amount than those who left early.  Although the Trevinos won’t disclose the amount they received, guesstimates are around the three quarters of a million dollar mark. 
A pittance, when compared to four and a half decades worth of memories.

Oscar fought to keep the family home, as a reminder of their childhood, and their deceased father.  Oscar had also hoped that the new mall would enable the family’s business to finally take off.  The Trevinos must be out by April 22nd.  It is likely that the houses will be leveled and paved over, almost immediately.

Oscar already has a new home on the north side of town, but he still says he would rather go on living where he was… Even if it was in the middle of a parking lot.

“We fought it till the end,” he said.  “Now they’ll make it into an Applebee’s or a Bennigan’s or whatever.”

In this author’s mind, this is yet another sad case of the abuse of eminent domain.

Technorati Tags: Property Commerce, Sawyer Heights Village, Eminent Domain

Nair is the director of several feature films including Monsoon Wedding, Salaam Bombay, and Kamasutra.  Although the Rice website on the event is not 100% clear on the topic of the discussion, it explains that Nair is “adept at telling stories that bridge the gap between cultures,” and “…challenges audiences to think about assumptions, stereotypes, and prejudices and how these manifest themselves in our relationships.”

My best guess is that Nair will present a powerful event, exploring how we act and react based on such things as stereotypes and prejudice - exploring the differences between cultutres.  With Nair’s accomplishments, and skill both behind - and in front of - the camera, I have no doubt that this will be an event to remember.  I encourage everyone to take advantage of this free event at Rice.

Who: Accomplished director, Mira Nair
When: Tuesday, April 11, 2006; 8:00pm
Where: Grand Hall, Rice Memorial Center
Cost: Free
More Information: http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~events/pls/nair.html, or 713-348-5585, or ricepls@rice.edu.

WHY?

Okay, here’s my argument.  Of the thousands of people who crossed the Brooklyn Bridge, in protest, a good many were carrying signs that said “I AM NOT A CRIMINAL.”  Well, folks, you may very well be correct.  If you came into this country, legally…  If you have a legal visa…  If you pay any appropriate taxes…  If you’re not harboring an illegal immigrant…  Then no, you are not a criminal.

However, let’s take a look at the people who come into this country illegally.  The ones that would be defined as “criminals…”

• They enter the country illegally (without Visa, permission, etc…), often crossing the border at places where such action is prohibited.
• That’s considered breaking the law.
• By breaking the law, one commits a crime.
• By committing a crime, one is therefore, a criminal.

Let’s review.  If you enter the country illegal, YOU ARE A CRIMINAL.

What about the people already here, legally?  No, they’re not criminals.  I understand that there are some issues with HR 4437 that may make people uncomfortable.  Let’s look at this from the standpoint of someone who was born and raised in America - namely, me.

Say I want to get a job.  Because of the number of immigrants to this country, a lot of blue collar jobs (customer service operator, some tech support positions, yard care crews, and a good many construction jobs) are unavailible to me, because I speak no foreign language.

Due to the large numbers of illegal immigrants, I find it difficult to obtain many jobs at a livable wage because those positions have been filled, often by illegal immigrants who accept a smaller pay rate.  Since they don’t pay taxes, the money may very well be enough for them to live on.  Me?  I can’t get those jobs unless I take them at such a low pay rate, that I couldn’t survive (after taxes).

There’s a big question, here.  Who’s to blame?  The immigrants, or the companies?  My answer? Both.  The companies are to blame, because they hire illegal immigrants to the exclusion of the American work force.  The illegal immigrants are to blame because they are here, in the first place.

Let me ask you another question…  I don’t know the answer to this, so perhaps someone could answer it for me.  I’m willing to place a small wager on what I think the answer is.

Let’s say I go to Mexico.  I cross the border in the middle of the night, running into Mexico, where I meet up with a small group of people who bring me into the closest major city.  From there,  I make my way into Mexico.  I then, speaking either no, or extremely limited (where is the bathroom, is your daughter eighteen, etc…) Spanish, go out and attempt to get a job.

1. Will I be hired? (Probably not, I don’t speak Spanish.  If I am hired, I’ll likely be working with people who do speak English, or on all-English speaking work crews)
2. Will I be payed the same as a Mexican national?  (Probably not)
3. What happens if the Mexican authorities find out I’m living and working in the country, without their knowledge?  (I’ll likely either be arrested and sentenced to jail time, or arrested and deported.)

So, can someone tell me what WOULD happen?  How close am I?  I’m willing to bet I’m pretty close.

Gosh, look at that, that’s pretty much the same as it is in the United States…

Listen…  I don’t mean to be trite, rude, or mean, but immigration - especially illegal immigration - is a big problem in America, today.  It’s impacting the ability for American citizens to make a reasonable living.  It’s also impacting where our tax dollars go.

I understand that conditions may not be the best in Mexico (and other countries), but that is no excuse for becoming a criminal and illegal entering this country.  The United States is not a free-for-all, come one - come all place.  Perhaps we used to be, but we’re not anymore.  Why?  Because we’ve grown, folks.  We’re now having to take care of our own.  That gets pretty damned difficult when we have to take care of everyone else’s, too.

Back to the original topic..  If you’re protesting HR 4437, then please explain to me your reasons.  I can tell you right now, if it’s because you think that illegal immigrants aren’t criminals, I can tell you right now, you’re not going to change my mind on that.  If it’s for any other reason, then please feel free to educate me.

I appreciate you sticking with me on this, Houston…  I know this post is fairly poor quality, and tends to jump around a bit… I’m upset, and I’m probably not thinking my straightest… But I had to get some thoughts out.  Perhaps in the coming weeks, I’ll attempt to make some better sense out of my thoughts.

Hey you guys!!! We’re looking for authors. That’s right, the Houston Metroblog is looking for authors. We want you! Unfortunately, you’re running out of time!!

Seriously! Okay, here’s the dirt. Have you ever looked at the MetBlog and thought “Hey, I could do that!” or “Fyre sucks! I could be so much better!” or even “WTF? Those people don’t know Houston like I do!” Well, here’s your chance to prove it.

Here’s what we’re looking for (err, that would be, the requirements):

• Must live in the Greater Houston Area (college students, okay)
• Must be willing, and able, to post 2-3 times per week
• Must be alive (Sorry, but we don’t support Zombie rights)
• Must be willing to share experiences, knowledge, information, tips, or zanyness about H-town
• Must be willing, and able, to post 2-3 times per week (yeah, that’s, uhm, important)
• Must be a blogger, with an active blog (LiveJournal, MSN Spaces, Xanga, etc… do count)
• Must go to http://www.metroblogging.com/apply.phtml by tonight, to apply

So what do you get out of this deal? The sense of knowing that you’re involved in something big. Recognition. Promotion of your own blog (we have a blogroll, and those nifty-q author bio pages). Participation in the largest citizen journalism movement in the world (err, that would be “help make Internet history”). The chance to rub elbows with Mr. Podcast, “C-Dogg” (Chris Doelle), a handful of A-list bloggers, and all of the rest of our Houston MetBlog family. Finally, better than anything else, the fact that we all get together at random places, from time to time, forget about blogging, and just hang (you haven’t lived until you’ve seen a group of bloggers have one too many margaritas).

Before you even ask, here’s some random questions that I’m sure will come up:

• Will I make money? Not directly. This is a volunteer type of thing. But, there are prizes given out, occasionally.
• I don’t have a blog, can I still apply? Sorry, right now we’re only accepting applications from existing bloggers.
• I only have a LiveJournal… That’s okay. LJ, DJ, GJ, Anything-J counts. Even Xanga, MSN Spaces, etc.. The only thing that doesn’t automatically count, is a MySpace “blog.”
• What if I can’t make 2-3 times a week? Right now, we’re looking for authors who can churn out at least two to three posts per week. These don’t have to be epic posts, or anything. Even a short post, providing information on some up-and-coming something, counts.
• What if I get sick/go out of town/can’t blog Just get in touch with our wonderful city captain, Katya, and let her know. Exceptions are made, when they need to be. We’re not standing over you with a whip, or anything. If you get sick, go out of town, or even just need a week off, that’s cool.
• So does this really kick as much ass as you say it does? You betcha!

Remember, folks. You need to get those applications in, as soon as possible (that means, today). It’s just a short form to fill out. Get that filled out, submitted, and we’ll get back to ya, soon. We’re looking to bring new folks in, within the next week or so, so get to typing!

Welcome to Houston.

Welcome to the “Houston for Newbies” series.

My name is Eric Scalf, and I have been a resident of Houston for around fourteen years, now. After being invited to write on the Houston Metro Blog, I spent a bit of time getting my feet wet, and deciding on a series. For those that read my personal blog, you’ll know I’m a big one for series. As a former City of Houston taxi driver, I have a unique knowledge and perspective of this city that many do not normally obtain - even after as many years of living in our small-town big city.

“Small-town big city?” Yep. Houston is probably one of the few (and perhaps, the only) big cities in the United States that has a small-town feel to it. Regardless of where you live in this city, you probably know a good many people that live and work around you. Although you may not know them in depth, you can probably pick a face out of a crowd, and you may even know the name of your local grocery store clerk. It’s the fact that Houstonians are - in general - a personable bunch that gives this city of some 2.5 million a small-town feel.

During this series, I hope to present you with a lot of information about Houston, including information on the various neighborhoods and parts of town, various attractions, places to eat, and the Houston nightlife. In this first entry of the series, I’ll be introducing you to a some general factoids about Houston. Next time, we’ll dive into the history of the area. Sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get started…

Some Basics…

Houston is a city of some two million. We’re a very diverse population, consisting primarily of 37.4% Hispanics, 30.8% White (non-Hispanic), and 25.3% African-American. We’re pretty evenly matched across genders, and we have rated “significantly above (national) average” in regards to the number of African-Americans, Hispanics, and foreign-born citizens. All of this makes Houston an extremely diverse and multi-cultural city.

Houston has one of the lowest housing costs in the nation (according to current market data), and the majority of Houston renters average between $450 and $499 per month in rent.

Houston is not the safest city in the world, with 278 murders (that’s 14.2 murders for every 100,000 people), 738 rapes, and 10.985 robberies in 2003. Unfortunately, while the number of rapes has declined (slightly), the number of robberies and murders have risen. Houston is now rivaling New Orleans for the Murder Capitol of the United States. I’d just as soon let them keep that title. (Keep in mind, however, that these numbers only reflect within the city limits of Houston, and do NOT take into account the subhurbs and smaller towns.)

Houston’s climate is a hot, sub-tropical one. We are consistently above the national average for June, July and August - in fact, we define the top line of the US average on most graphs. Our precipitation comes and goes, with the highest amounts (on average) in June and September. July and August are our drier months. Houston’s morning humidity? Way, WAY above the national average. Our evening humidity defines the top line of the national average on most graphs.

This is only a taste of the Houston city data. For more information, see an earlier entry on this blog, or visit the page that started all of the data gathering, City Data.com’s Houston page.

What’s Next?

This time I gave you a little bit of information on our fair city. For most of the regular readers, it was a repeat. To be honest, I’m starting the series off fairly light, and giving you sources to do some digging on your own. Personally, I prefer it that way. It’s much more fun to figure out the data, yourself.

Next time, I’ll give you some of the history of Houston. That’s an article that will take me a while to write, so you may be waiting a few days. heh. After the history, I’ll start running down the neighborhoods and parts of town for you. This series will be pretty long, by the end, so you’ll want to stick around and learn more about Houston, every day.