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Cold Case Solved ?
Ad Exec Brett Elliot’s Alleged Killer Caught
The Buzz
Intown Social Scene
High Rise City Intown Influential
Arts & Entertainment September/October 2009
Dick DeGuerin
An Exclusive Interview
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LETTER Dear Intown Members
A letter to the former Intown Chamber Members The Intown Chamber was known for networking, fun, and events that catered to its membership! For these reasons, the Galleria Chamber had been in discussions with Intown to work out a combination or merger for four months when the doors were closed. The Members and Boards of the two Chambers were similar in style, attitude and class. Come and see how similar they were…. Come visit our committee meetings, our Business after Hours, lunches, and ribbon cuttings. Our golf tournament has drawn rave reviews for the last two years, and in February, we honor the 78 years of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as a “Texas Legend” for what they have meant to Houston. The Galleria Chamber will honor the remaining balance of your membership to each former member of Intown if you will call us prior to October 31st. Call 713-629-5555 or go online at www.galleriachamber.com and check us out! Sincerely, Don Sweat President & CEO Galleria Chamber of Commerce
Now Serving Galleria, Intown, Highland Village, Uptown, West Houston and Greenway Plaza
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intown intownmag.com Publisher
M. A. Haines Editor
Tess Regan Web Design Jay Ford
Layout & Design Irene Yang
Contributors
Buddy Bailey Randy Gartz
Marene Gustin Anita Hassan Tammy Price
Roseann Rogers
Meredith Wierick
Advertising
713-525-8607
intownmagazine@gmail.com
Intown Magazine is published by-monthly by SNS Media at 1113 Vine St., Suite 220, Houston, TX 77002. Articles are welcomed and will be given careful consideration for possible publication. Intown Magazine does not assume any responsibility for unsolicited materials. Material submitted will be returned if accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Copyright 2009 by Intown Magazine. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission from Intown Magazine. Space reservation deadline for all issues is the 15 days prior to the publication date. Final closing deadline for ads that are not camera-ready is the 5th of the preceding month.
intown
Bayou Bend- Diana Garden Night
COVER STORY DICK DEGUERIN
CONTENTS The Buzz Intown Influential High Rise Real Estate Eat, Sip and Shop Cold Case Intown Business Arts & Entertainments Music & Sports Houston’s Most Noted
6 9 10 14 20 22 24 26 30
intown
Luciano Pellegrini, Mimi and Robert Del Grande, Piero Selvaggio.
Daniel and Susan Marks and Melissa and Brad Marks.
The Buzz
By Roseann Rogers
Roseann Rogers, Stevie Bingham, Momentum Audi GM Jared Lang, Channel 11’s Courtney Zubowski and Channel 55’s Lara Bell
Events going clock-wise: Valentino’s Grand Opening at
Hotel Derek. Casino Night at the Four Seasons Benefiting the John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science.
IW Mark’s celebrates 30 years in the retail jewelry business. The 2009 Good Samaritan Foundation Pearl Ball at the River Oaks Country Club.
Elvis Impersonator.
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Jason & Courtney Fertitta and June & Virgil Waggoner
Ana Silva and Pam Jones
Marilyn Riley and Cynthia Urquhart
2009 American Cancer Society’s Holiday Shopping Card Kick-off Party at Lenny e Cia in Uptown Park
Susie Bender, Diane Cain, Elizabeth Stein
Get your Blackberry or Phone’s out! September and October will keep all you social bees buzzing around Houston. Be sure to also catch me on Houston’s Channel 55 Monday through Friday on The Daily Buzz from 6-9 a.m. Find out more by going to www. houstons55.com
Pam Gray, Susie Gold, Susan Ryan
Jonathan and Misti with Jerre Williams intown
Massage Heights River Oaks Don Sweat, JD Busch, Tammy Busch
September Event:
9/10 Overcoming Adversity:
Head to Kemah Boardwalk to help the Houston Texans get ready for the upcoming season. The event is set for September 6. Check out www.kemahboardwalk.com. Italian Style Expo recreates an Italian villa at the George R. Brown Convention Center September 25-27th. For more information go to www.italianexpo.com On Friday, Sept., 11 Houston PetSet celebrates the cats and dogs of Houston at Hotel ZaZa. For more information, visit www.houstonpetset.org or call 713.328.5151. Wednesday, Sept., 16 Off the Wall Ribbon Cutting Fifty-15 Westheimer Suite 2208 Britney performs at the
Toyota Center.
Visit houstontoyotacenter. com.
Jim McIngvale
Visit galleriachamber.com.
October Event:
The annual Alzheimer’s Associ-
ation Houston Memory Walk will be taking place on Saturday, Oct., 24. Contact Ana Guer-
rero at ana.guerrero@alz.org or by calling 713.314.1331.
Signature Chefs Gala benefitting the March of Dimes Foundation is on Wednesday, Oct., 7. There’s a after-party at The Black Swan. Contact Katie Nixon at 713.964.5413 or email knixon@marchofdimes.com.
BBQ and Boot Scootin’ is a benefit for Bo’s Place. The Good, Bad and Ugly will also be performing live. Contact Erin Hall at erin@bosplace.org or call 713.942.8339.
Country Ball benefitting Houston Ronald McDonald House. The event is on Saturday, Oct., 24 at the Firehouse Saloon on Fountainview. contact Leigh Savage at lsavage@rmhhouston.org or call 713.795.3585.
Massage Heights River Oaks Don Sweat, JD Busch, Tammy Busch Don Sweat, JD Busch,
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intown influential As of August 27 there have been 92 deaths from drowning in Texas up from 82 last year and 63 in 2007. There were 30 in the month of June alone. According to Sasha Rosco of the Texas De-
partment of Family and Protective Services, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional
injury-related deaths for children four and younger. “If you can’t see a child you can’t save a child,” states Rosco. Just recently in west Houston a four year old girl attending a birthday party at a friend’s house, ended up in the deep end of the pool. Her dad pulled her from the pool and performed CPR but it was too late. For more information, please visit www. dfps.state.tx.us. Eirk Ibarra started Rev Eco Shuttle in April of 2008. The premise was simple: provide a cheap, environmentally friendly way to get around downtown. In just a little over a year, his business has grown to
three completely electric, zero emissions vehicles operating around downtown and midtown. Rev carries between 75 and 100 people a day. Here convenience is key. You can call 877-GOREVGO and a driver will be outside your building in 7 minutes. You will have a cheap, green ride that certainly beats the hassle of trying to get a cab for a shortdistance fare or parking (and re-parking) downtown. The concept is visionary to say the least, and a much-needed step forward to tackling the city’s transport problems, with good green karma to boot. Nestled in the heart of River Oaks, the New Orleans-inspired La Maison—a relatively recent luxury apartment development, takes a decidedly different approach to social mores than their more conservative neighbors. As a spokeswoman from the complex told Intown, their clothing optional deck is, “definitely an attention-getter.”
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Dick DeGuerin
For the Defense: The Life and Times of a Texas Top Criminal Attorney Dick DeGuerin arrives at his law offices neatly dressed in a seersucker suit and custom-made cowboy boots by Dave Wheeler. The boots are brown with bright green jalapeno leather inlays. He’s carrying a white doctor’s coat and a model of a human knee. He explains with his characteristic-winning smile that they have nothing to do with a case but with his recent knee replacement. At 68 he maybe slowing down a little to enjoy the laurels he’s accumulated as a first-rate criminal attorney, but he has no intentions of retiring from the law he loves.
of tops defense attorneys in Texas and the nation. And the plaques and framed articles that line the halls of the top two floors of the historic Republic Building downtown attest to that. He is the quintessential Texas lawyer, with Stetsons, spurs, boots and even a saddle in his small office. Between his drawl and quick-draw smile it’s easy to see how he can wrangle a jury around to his way of thinking. But make no mistake: this is a man with a razor sharp mind and a passion for defending those others think are undefendable. Case in point was his stunning victory in the Robert Durst trial in 2003. Durst, son of a millionaire real estate mogul, was charged with murder after the death of his 71-year-old Galveston neighbor’s dismembered body parts were found floating in the bay.
“You have to not be judgmental of your client,” he says, “Good people have the ability to do bad things.”
DeGuerin — which he insists is the correct spelling of his last name despite what little brother and lawyer Mike DeGuerin says although admitting, “there were several generations who didn’t care too much about spelling” — is always on the list
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Intown Exclusive
by Marene Gustin photographed by Tammy Price DeGeurin explains that the media frenzy clouded the truth. “I think that everybody was turned off by the bizarre events of the case and his bizarre behavior. But stripped down, it was a very simple case of self defense, there was a struggle over the gun and it went off,” he says. In the end, the jury saw it that way, too. With a degree from the University of Texas School of Law, DeGuerin began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney for Harris County in 1965 before switching sides in 1968 to join Butler, Binion, Rice, Cook & Knapp. In 1971 he paired up with legendary lawyer Percy Foreman before opening his own shop in 1982, now known as DeGuerin & Dickson. His cases are the stuff of textbooks and headlines. Besides Durst, he’s represented David Koresh, Lilla Paulus who was convicted in 1975 of the murder-for-hire of Dr. John Hill, as well as Juana Leija who was charged with trying to drown her children in the bayou and GOP honchos Kay Bailey Hutchinson and Tom DeLay, despite being a liberal Democrat himself. He’s also defended an Enron executive and, most recently, fellow Houstonian R. Allen Stanford. The day of our interview his office is stacked with boxes on the case. They cover chairs, a small sofa, his desk (which is an old Irish kitchen table) and a pig-slaughtering table
that is now a coffee table. Yet he has petitioned the court to remove him from the case. DeGuerin signed on to defend Stanford after he was accused of a $7-billion Ponzi scheme and after the feds froze his assets-something that the attorney doesn’t think should have happened. Usually, he explains, in such cases the judge would allow the defendant access to “ten, twenty, fifty million to pay for legal defenses and living expenses, but they took everything, from his socks to his underwear.” In this case, DeGuerin says at that first hearing Stanford had no defense. “His in-house counsel fled like a covey of quails.” He punctuates this comment like the Texas hunter he is, with a flapping of upward arms. With the assets frozen, DeGuerin went to the company’s Directors and Officers insurance carrier and got a commitment from them to pay for legal fees. But then the receiver went after that money stream as well, hence his petition to withdraw as counsel. “This case has been all-consuming,” he says. “I’d have to shut the office down if we kept going without being paid.” He declines to say how much money his client already owes him, but one would suspect it’s into the millions.
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But high-profile cases aren’t the only ones DeGuerin takes on. He says he is most proud of his very first defense case, that of a homeless, old three-time ex-convict that the court appointed him to. The man was charged with burglary, a felony, which would have sent the man to prison for life as a habitual criminal, and theft, a misdemeanor. DeGuerin got the
wrongly incarcerated based on faulty evidence. “Fingerprints used to be the be all and end all before DNA,” DeGuerin explains. “And now we know that they aren’t. I call it the tyranny of science. Science can be wrong and a great deal depends on the scientists and I put that word in quotes. The myth of DNA is that it’s not foolproof, a lot depends on the collection, preservation and analysis. It’s become a defense lawyer’s dream, there are just so many things that can go wrong.” And a lot has gone wrong in the Houston Police Department’s crime lab, resulting in several cases being overturned and innocent men released after sometimes-lengthy jail time. Some opponents of HPD’s lab have called for a
“I don’t turn down many cases,” he says. “I figure if someone has the good sense to walk through that door, I better represent them.” prosecutors to agree to try the theft charge first and drop the felony if he won. “He broke into this abandoned building,” DeGuerin remembers, “because it was raining outside and he didn’t have any place to go. When the cops came he was sitting on this broken toilet so they charged him with breaking in and theft of the toilet.” DeGuerin put the man on the stand and won his case. He pulled six paper ballots indicating not guilty, from the trash in the jury room. They are framed and hanging in his office to this day. Of course over the last four decades he’s seen a lot change in the law arena from forensic advances to the eroding of human rights and prison overcrowding. “No politician ever gets elected by saying ‘let’s be careful of who we’re locking up’,” DeGuerin muses. And a lot of people have been 12 intown
statewide crime lab but DeGuerin doesn’t think that would solve the problem. “The solution is a truly independent laboratory,” he says. “But the cops and D.A. don’t want that.” DeGuerin feels that any lab tied to government, whether municipal or state, will be at the whim of the police and district attorneys. And he backs up his assertion with the tale of a trial in which then D.A. Chuck Rosenthal ignored the DNA evidence that medical examiner’s lab founder Libby Johnson said proved the defendant, accused of a double homicide, was innocent. “They told her she wasn’t being a team player and she told them ‘you’re damn right, I’m a scientist,’ and they fired her, said she was working too many hours.” But in typical white-hat to the rescue style DeGuerin tipped off the defense
attorney who subpoenaed the results and subsequently got his client off, then rode to Johnson’s aid by suing the county for unlawful termination. They won the suit. Today this venerable attorney, still a little stiff from his titanium knee replacement two months ago, is trying to enjoy life a little more. DeGuerin and wife Janie live in Southampton Place and also own a ranch near Burton complete with horses, longhorns and vintage pickups; and a home in Marfa. He pilots his own private plane between them and is looking forward
to exercising more, as his mobility returns, and enjoying family life with his kids and grandkids. He admits he’s thought about writing a memoir, but says he doesn’t have the time to do it and adds that his mentor Percy Foreman, when asked the same question, would quote the Bible’s David: “Oh, that mine enemies would write a book!” Which also explains why he doesn’t tweat or blawg (as lawyers call blogs). “I don’t want people to know what I’m thinking about a case,” he says with a laugh. And the implied fact that this truly Texas attorney doesn’t plan to stop trying cases anytime soon.
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real estate feature High Rise City
by Tess Regan
2727 Kirby is a bit of a mystery. They do not list any sales, though residences are already occupying 10 to 12 units (out of 80), and yet they have been telling the public, Edith informed us, that all but 18 units have been sold. Aside from that, the interiors are extremely high end, though the small lot of land upon which the building sits prevents it from having a grand entrance and extensive grounds.
Intown’s Newest Addition 2727 Kirby
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For those of us looking for the easy life or just a stopover home for businesspeople and international shoppers, Houston’s high-rise market seems a perfect fit. With a number of products being shelved, there are still many opportunities to secure a high-rise condo and the sweet life that comes with it. Luxurious amenities, incredible views, security, and living hassle-free are just some of the advantages that come with owning or leasing a high-rise condominium.
Intown spoke with Edith ties are selling for less than they Personette and Theresa were a few years ago, there are Hughes-Hill of Personette and some high-rises in town that Associates to get some inside have doubled in value since their info on the high-rise market in pre-construction sales prices. The Houston. Their firm provides Uptown Park development Mondevelopers a turnkey marketticello is one example, as prices ing/sales demographic study as have doubled since its 2003 openpart of their presentation packing. Perhaps this is because “this age. They have been involved property is on the very high end in over 30 Houston properties and has all the finest amenities,” Commerce Tower as Edith put it. Developments like and are currently marketing Photographed by David Lewis Highland Tower and Mosaic. Monticello owe much of their When asked how the Houston success to the outstanding amenimarket is going, Edith told us that they’d just had a 2 ties demanded by their wealthy residents. She went on million dollar sale the week before. to tell us that, “compared to New York and San FranAccording to Edith Personette, while many propercisco, the prices are at least half for analogous high-
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Houston Intown High Rise Condos 1200 Post Oak 1200 Post Oak 1400 Hermann 1400 Hermann
5000 Montrose Condos 5000 Montrose
726-2,661
17
S&L S&L
Bristol 2250 McCue
S&L
Capitol Lofts 711 Main St.
S&L
Commerce Towers 914 Main St. Cosmopolitan Lofts 1600 Post Oak 5100 Four Leaf Towers 5100 & 5110 San Felipe Greenway Condos 14 & 15 Greenway Plaza
S&L S&L S&L S
Highland Towers 2207 Bancroft
S&L
Houstonian 121 N. Post Oak
S
Huntingdon 2121 Kirby
S&L
Inwood Manor 3711 San Felipe
S&L
Kirby Lofts 917 Main St.
S&L
Lamar Tower 2929 Buffalo Spwy Legacy at Memorial 3131 Memorial
L
S&L
Mark 3505 Sage
S
Mercer 3388 Sage
L
Montage 5927 Almeda Rd. Montebello Condos 1100 Uptown Park
S
S&L
Mosaic Condos 5925 Almeda Rd.
L
Museum Tower 4899 Montrose
L
One Park Place 1400 McKinney St.
S&L
Oxford 5150 Hidalgo
L
Parklane 1701 Hermann Park Square Condos 49 Briar Hollow
S S
Regency House 2701 Westheimer
S
Rise Lofts 2000 Bagby
S&L
Royalton 3333 Allen Parkway
S&L
Spires 2001 Holcombe
S&L
St. Clair 1111 Bering
S&L
St. James 5555 Del Monte
S&L
Sussex 7510 Hornwood Villa D’Este Condos 1000 Uptown Park
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120K-550K
S&L
Bayou Bend Towers 101 Westcott
*S= Sale, L= Lease
S&L
L
S&L
3525 Sage Condo 3525 Sage Rd.
Woodway Place II 651 Bering
FL
S&L
2727 Kirby 2727 Kirby
Woodway 5001 Woodway
Sq. Ft.
S&L
2520 Robinhood 2520 Robinhood
Willowick 2200 Willowick
PRICE
S&L
2016 Main Condos 2016 Main St.
Warwick Towers 1111 Hermann
TYPE
S
S&L S
S&L S&L
1,549-8,000 60-800K
250K-1M 500K-3M
200K-600K 90K-650K 350K-7M
200K-1.3M
150K-850K 300-1.3M 600K-4M 150K-5M
130K-600K 400K-1.2M 350K-2.5M 590K-5M 180K-1M
100K-300K 130K-600K
1,320-10.590 150K-700K 400K-1.4M
1,296-3,176 500K-3.5M 200K
2,250-12,290 2,240-11,000 150K-400K
1,215-4,150 100K-400K 150K-700K 200K-600K 550K-800K 200K-800K 150K-550K 200K-1M 35K-62K
600K-4M
300K-1.3M
175K-500K 200K-600K 150K-500K
For more information please visit intownmag.com
839-3,574 440-4,021 N/A
1,250-6100 776-1,090 963-2,652
2,500-5,000 1,955-3,154 906-2000
1,078-4,187 1,223-9,243 1,015-5,000 1,078-1,198 825-2,604
1,050-5,100 2,578-8,824 918-1,955 612-2,173 456-3,262 761-3,368 787-4,283 2155
672-1,675
2,170-3,580 733-2,888
1,033-4,500 808-3,395 973-1,449 798-2,321 N/A
1,333-1,436 586-4,921 973-4,804 921-1,851
1.443-2,096 1,970-3,060 635-1,012
2,390-4,305 N/A
1,025-1,535 950-2309 N/A
33 26 17 32 17 22 26 27 10 25 23 40 30 16 28 34 16 11
23 23 30 30 29 30 30 20 37 20 35 22 13 15 33 40 14 24 15 27 30 15 19 20
High Rise City rise properties.” Houston high-rises are not just attractive by merit of their comparatively low price, but on account of their maintenance fees as well. This was surprising, as those fees usually make up the very thing that scares potential buyers away. But, as Edith explained, maintenance fees can actually be a bargain compared to the cost of paying a gardener, pool cleaning service, and in some cases, cable, water and insurance. Still, price is the bottom line to prospective buyers. One point to consider when high-rise shopping is the cost that goes into construction. High-rises must meet commercial building codes, a stipulation that makes the property much more expensive to build than a residential structure. While highrise living is not the cheapest by any means, the costs are justified. Affordability is an issue with most buyers, and financing, though hard to come by in this recession, is possible, particularly though IBC and Whitney Bank (as the financiers of the project often finance the buyers of the condos). But if you have the money and want the lifestyle, Houston’s high-rise market can’t be beat.
Huntingdon
For Sale or Lease The most expensive properties listed on HAR.com is the Huntingdon located at 2121 Kirby at 5.499 million. This property boasts not only 13,000 square feet but
comes with four balconies, 9 parking spaces, and a newly installed $100,000 air conditioning unit. The Huntingdon lists four out of five of the most expensive high-rise condos for sale. The Royalton had the only other listing at over $2 million. With regard to financing, deals are getting done. “The seller has to be in line with appraisals and be realistic in setting their price at fair market value,” according to realtor Ross Dunn. The most expensive lease is downtown at Commerce Towers. For $14,500 monthly you can live in a New York style loft with over 4,000 square feet.
Edith Personette
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One Park Place is the Finger Companies’ take on a Central Park high rise in downtown Houston. Lucky for us Houstonians, the amenities offered trump even the big apple. Residents enjoy a two-tiered swimming pool along with 35,000 square foot backyard full of cabanas, walking paths and outdoor cooking areas.
The distinctive crest at the top of the Royalton denotes this River Oaks high rise’s singular style. A peacock of a property, the Royalton takes excess to an artform. However, the building is practical in its plush. The location is minutes from neighborhood hot spots and the walls between apartments encapsulate 6 feet of concrete. Cosmopolitan Lofts offer luxury living in the Uptown area, perfect for those who prefer to be near the Galleria and Memorial park. The amenities offer a state-of-the-art gym to a movie theater to a 6th floor pool to a 24-hour concierge.
Commerce Towers has some of the most incredible views of any Houston high-rise. Their downtown location, and the rooftop pool is the ultimate complement. Amenities include two party rooms, valet, concierge, gym, media room and conference room. 30 plus units are currently available for lease and look out for some upcoming openings for sale.
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The Mosaic at Hermann Park is the slightly older twin of the Montage. It offers first-rate amenities, location and stuning views of downtown, the Medical Center and Hermann Park.
Visit intownmag.com For More Information
coming soon New River Oaks area development, Highland Tower (still under construction), is quite expensive, but its affluent buyers don’t seem to mind. It has already had a $2 million dollar sale, and the model opens in September. That’s not to say you don’t get a lot for your money—living at Highland Tower seems to be the equivalent of a permanent resort stay, only you choose the décor. The Legacy at Memorial, still under construction, is destined to be a major contender in the local high-rise market. The location is minutes from I-10, I-45, the Washington corridor, the Montrose area, the Heights, and overlooks Buffalo Bayou Park. It’s interior and exterior are influenced by Japanese culture and design, making the structure a breadth of clean lines.
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Eat, Sip and Shop By Marene Gustin
Grease is the Word
Downtown
If it’s September you know the Theater District downtown will be in full swing.
Theatre Under the Stars (713-558-TUTS or www.tuts.com) kicks off the fall theater season with Grease is the Word! September 8 through the 20th at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Select shows feature American Idol hit Taylor Hicks. This popular musical trip back to the 50’s will have you hand jiving for weeks. Plus, you can pick up the soundtrack and a Pink Ladies glitter T-shirt ($30). Before or after the show pop into *17 at the Alden-Houston Hotel (1117 Prairie Street, 832-200-8800, www.aldenhotels.com) for some fabulous chow by new executive chef Chip Hight. He’s planning some menu changes but says he’ll keep the kitchen’s commitment to sourcing the best in local produce for his dishes. And it’s all hail Caesar! Mark your calendar now for the 25th Annual Caesar Salad Competition October 2 at the Allen Center downtown. This delicious event starts at 5:00 p.m. and you can get a ticket at the door for $35 (or in advance at www.caesarsaladcompetitionhouston.com) that includes all the salad and wine you can eat and sip. Top chefs from around town will be tossing greens at salad stations vying for the titles of best classic Caesar, most creative, best overall presentation and consumer’s choice. Last year’s Caesar ice cream cones were a big hit, but who knows what the chefs will come up with this year? There will also be a silent auction and proceeds benefit the Food & Beverage Managers’ Educational Endowment.
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The Heights
Are you stocked up for Diez Seis de September? If not, head on over to Casa Ramirez (241 W. 19th St., 713-880-2420) for everything you’ll need to celebrate Mexico’s independence day. Besides a wonderful gallery of folkart, the shop carries papel picado — colorful, hand-cut paper banners from Mexico — as well the brightly printed oilcloths for table decoration and plenty of margarita glasses and cartoons of cascarones, confetti-filled eggs that will make any party a smashing success. Have you been to Max’s Wine Dive (4720 Washington Ave., 713-880-8737, www.maxswinedive.com) lately? New chef Michael Pellegrino is adding some wonderful touches to the menu that sport such stellar items as the Nacho Mama’s Oysters and the Texas Haute Dog with house made St. Arnold’s beer sauerkraut. Be prepared for a real food orgy as the plates are huge and the tastes are remarkable.
Max’s Oysters Nacho
The Galleria
So many shops, so little time when you’re at Uptown Park. But don’t let the heat beat you down when you’re on the trail of that perfect handbag. Pop into CRAVE Cupcakes (1151-06 Uptown Park Blvd., 713-622-7283) for a quick pick me up. The brand new caffeinated CRAVE Chillers are available in white chocolate, caramel, mocha and vanilla flavors. The 16-ounce drinks are $3.50. Speaking of a sugar rush: Dessert Gallery Bakery & Café (1616 Post Oak Blvd., 713-622-0007) has some hot-from-the-oven sorority-themed cupcakes just in time for rush season. Plus, order two dozen sorority cookies or cupcakes online and Dessert Gallery will send the recipient a half-pound of their yummy Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, so they can bake a few cookies on their next study break. And any day now The Rockwood Room (5709 Woodway Dr., www.therockwoodroom.com) will be open in all its Rat-Pack glory. Chef and co-owner Michael Dei Maggi, formerly of Max’s Wine Dive, promises plenty of period attitude and classic post WWII cuisine such as rich roasted prime rib, broiled lobster tail and charbroiled steak. All served up from the dual-sided kitchen so you can watch the man at work.
Museum District
September 12 is Museum District Day (www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org) and that means put your comfy shoes on and hit the district for a chance to explore 14 museums for free! Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., you can enjoy exhibitions, handson activities, demonstrations and performances throughout the day. There’s even a free shuttle if your dogs get tired. You can always end the day at The Black Labrador (4100 Montrose Blvd., 713-529-1199) for a pint of half-and-half and some vinegary fish and chips. There’s no lack of fun on Friday nights, but when it’s the last Friday of the month, the fun moves to the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (5216 Montrose Blvd., 713-284-8250, www. camh.org) for Steel Lounge Underground. All the hip artsy folk flock here for live music, cocktails and, of course, to see the art exhibits. It’s a cash bar but admission is free. Check out the Web site or the Steel Lounge Underground MySpace page to see the entertainment for this month.
Shopping for a place to live? Then you’ll want to check out Venue Museum District (5353 Fannin St., 713-523-616, www. venuemuseumdistrict.com). Set to open this fall, the six-story contemporary mid-rise has sleek designs that include floor-toceiling windows and floor plans named for great artists! Who wouldn’t want to live in a two-bedroom Picasso! Not to mention that you can walk to all the museums and Hermann Park, plus you’re right on the METRO Rail line so you can zip downtown or out to Reliant Stadium in a flash.
River Oaks/Upper Kirby
Prince’s Hamburgers turned 75 this summer. That’s quite a long run, but Houstonians do love their burgers. Which may explain why recent import Smashburger has already expanded to four locations. Besides the Medical Center location, they’re now smashing burgers at 10705 Westheimer, Suite C; 1635 Eldridge Parkway, Suite 100; and in West U at 5520 Buffalo Speedway. We don’t know why smashing a patty makes it so juicy good, but it does. And here’s hoping that by the time you read this Haven (2502 Algerian Way, www.havenhouston.com) is open. Foodies and fans of the slow food movement have been drooling over this concept all summer. The brainchild of Randy Evans, longtime executive chef at Brennan’s, this Certified Green Restaurant features recycled equipment, it’s own water filtration system (no plastic water bottle here!) and even an on-site garden. “It’s all about how the earth links to the food, and the food to the dining room,” Evans tells us. Everything will be house made and prepared with farm fresh ingredients, including Haven’s signature cocktails. Hugo’s (1600 Westheimer Rd., 713-524-7744) has a new bar menu that’s mighty fine for the fall. Now, while imbibing the award-winning margaritas you nosh on chef/owner Hugo Ortega’s Piernas de Codorniz (quail legs bathed in salsa de tomatillo) or the Lobster Taquito lobster tacos or single-serve ceviches. Most bar menu items are under 10 bucks and if you stop by from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and you can also get happy hour cocktails for just $5.
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crime stoppers
Cold Case Solved? Brett Elliott A Memorable Life, An Unforgettable
by Anita Hassan
Death Alex Lopez-Negrete had to catch an early flight this past March 30. The owner of Lopez Negrete Communications, a Houston advertising agency, had a morning meeting in New York City with some television executives at Telemundo, an important account for the business. And at that moment, it was easily the most pressing thing on his mind. Mentally preparing for the meeting, the hotel elevator rose floor by floor when Lopez-Negrete received a text message from his usually composed wife, Cathy. It read: ‘Something very bad has happened. Call me immediately.’ He told his business associate he would need a minute and then stepped aside to call his wife. She broke the news as gently as she could--Brett Lindsay Elliott, his friend of 22 years as well as a copywriter at his agency, had been killed. Not only that, but the police believe it was murder. “I just froze,” he said. “I just couldn’t believe it, that one of the nicest, coolest dudes ever had been murdered.” Back in Houston, investigators from the police department were busy at the crime scene. Investigators learned that around 6 a.m., Houston Firefighters discovered Elliott’s body after responding to a fire at his town home in the 9800 block of Pagewood Lane in the southwest part of the city. It was determined that Elliott, 54, had suffered blunt trauma to the head. “The killer set fire to his home in an attempt to destroy any evidence left behind, “ said HPD Homicide Division Detective C. Abbondandolo. Known for being meticulous in their investigations, Abbondandolo and his partner got to work collecting what evidence was preserved at Elliott’s town home. They looked into possible connections with other crimes in the area and interviewed several of
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Elliott’s friends, family and neighbors. One of the most difficult parts of the case, they said, was the apparent lack of motive. “The more people we talked to, the more we found out that he was just a guy everyone got along with,” he said. “Here your murder victim is the nicest guy in the world.” Meanwhile, family and friends were devastated by the loss of a man they described as a kind, loyal, fun-loving and full of positive energy. They said his wit, unique personality and thirst for pop culture made him not only a wonderful person, but an amazing wordsmith who produced award-winning advertising copy. “I just felt so cheated out of one of the best parts of my life,” said Tracey Shappro, who befriended Elliott 22 years ago at an American Advertising Federation-Houston event. She remembered he was sporting a Beatles-inspired tie, just one piece of Elliott’s eclectic wardrobe. “We just loved each other so much and he was always my champion.” Making friends came naturally for Elliott. His younger sister by two years, Lisa Elliot, said more than 500 people came to her brother’s funeral. Of those attendees, at least 25 told her that Elliott was their closest friend. “Somehow he found the time and made the time to connect with that many people that deeply,” she said. “He somehow knew how to do that.” The reception held at the Lopez Negrete offices following the funeral was described as a full-blown party celebrating Elliott’s life that featured his favorite foods and drink- Rodney Strong wine. Alex Lopez-Negrete and his wife created a mix CD of some of Elliott’s favorite music to give to guests. They also had silicone wristband bracelets made, engraved with part of Elliott’s signa-
ture email signoff: ‘Peace. Love. Brett.’ “It was the most amazing reception I’ve ever seen,” said Randy Roach, who has been friends with Brett since he was 14-yearsold. The pair met after both joined the debate team at Memorial High School. Elliot quickly became a champion debater, honing his public speaking ability, his research skills and his knack for detail, said his friend Rod Neighbor, 53. “He didn’t know it, but he was one hell of a salesman,” said Neighbor, who attended Westchester High School. The two met as contenders in a debate competition. Neighbor lost the debate, but gained a friend in Elliott. After graduating from the University of Texas in 1977 with a degree in advertising, Elliott went on to work at several media and advertising agencies throughout his career. He also devoted a large portion of time volunteering at the AAF of Houston where he served on the board of directors as well as working on local ADDY shows –known to many in the field as the Oscar’s of the advertising world. Elliott was best known to those who knew him as a music connoisseur whose tastes ranged from rock n’ roll and punk to jazz and blues. His home filled with stacks of records and CDs. And he didn’t just digest it all himself. He shared hearty helpings of his musical passion with those in his life such as burning a CD of a set list from one of the many concerts he attended. “One of the most important life lessons Brett taught me about was jazz music,” said his cousin Robin Palmer. And like jazz music, she noted that “his creative genius was also a place of heartfelt passion and melodic depth and spirit.” While he was a committed music listener, he also played one instrument: the spoons. “In high school, Brett had a wonderful green Mustang that had an eight-track recorder,” Roach said. “We would drive around talking about debate issues and he would be playing the spoons while driving and jamming out to Emerson, Lake and Palmer or Yes or any other popular band from the 70s.” While detectives worked
steadily on the case, Elliott’s friends and family rallied together to help police the best they could. They held fund raisers and took donations, raising the Crime Stoppers reward from $5,000 to $20,000. They also put up three billboards around the city that displayed a picture and read: “Who murdered Brett Elliott?” Along with the Crime Stoppers reward and contact information. Several people even went door-to-door handing out flyers in Elliott’s neighborhood. “This was an amazing group of people,” detective Abbondandolo said. During the summer, investigators made their fist break in the case. The results from a Department of Public Safety lab analysis of blood evidence found at the scene of the crime returned with a positive match to Michael Louis Deloach, who was already in Harris County jail on charges of trespassing, Abbondandolo said. With that evidence, investigators were able to charge the 27year-old man with burglary on July 13. However, Abbondandolo, an HPD veteran officer for 28 years who has spent over half his career in the homicide division, wanted more evidence to bring a capital murder charge in the case. “Just because you have DNA evidence doesn’t mean it’s over,” he said. “For me, I like to have overwhelming evidence.” Abbondandolo took less than a month to assemble the evidence he wanted for the capital case. On August 3, capital murder charges were brought against Deloach in connection with Elliott’s killing. A criminal history check showed Deloach was previously charged with burglary in Harris County. He still appeared to have no connection to Elliott, a situation Abbondandolo said police often refer to as a “nightmare crime” -- one where the suspect and victims are complete strangers, a rarity for homicide investigators. “It’s senseless and callous,” he said. Because a criminal trial is still pending, Abbondandolo declined to give any further details in the case. Deloach remains in Harris County jail without bond awaiting trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 29. Deloach’s attorney, Bob Scott, was recently appointed by the court and declined comment. After months of waiting, the news of Deloach’s arrest eased the grieving process a bit for Elliott’s family and friends. While Lisa Elliott said she has begun to feel a sense of closure, she knows nothing will bring her brother back. “I don’t know if he (Elliott) really understood, if he really knew how well-loved he was,” she said. “I wish he was here to see the outpouring of love there has been for him.”
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Intown Business
IS YOUR MONEY WORKING AS HARD AS YOU ARE?
I
t’s Labor Day, which, ironically enough, means that many people are taking the day off work. But if you’re like most people, you spend most of your days working hard. And if you’re going to achieve your long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement, you’ll want your money to work hard for you, too. What can you do to keep your money gainfully employed? Here are a few ideas: • Invest for growth. Many people make the mistake of investing too conservatively. Of course, the stock market will always fluctuate, and some price drops can seem frightening. Yet if you try to “play it safe” by investing in more conservative vehicles, such as Government bonds and certificates of deposit (CDs), you could be taking another type of risk: the risk of losing purchasing power. That’s because fixed income investments may not provide a return that keeps up with inflation. To really have your money work for you, then, you should include at least some growth-oriented investments, such as stocks, in your portfolio. You can’t eliminate the risk of losing principal, but you may be able to help reduce it by purchasing quality 24 intown
by Buddy Bailey
stocks and holding them for the long term. • Don’t take “vacations” from investing. If you want your money to continually work hard, don’t give it a vacation. Yet that’s just what many people do, especially following an event that is commonly perceived as detrimental to the financial markets, such as a war, a corporate or political scandal or a spike in oil prices. But in the past, the markets have always rallied, even after the most disturbing news. And while it’s true that past performance is not a guarantee of future results, it’s also true that investors who stop investing for a while, as they wait for “things to get better,” generally earn poorer returns than those who have stayed invested through good times and bad. • Take the emotion out of investment decisions. It’s been said that fear and greed drive the markets. In other words, investors sell stocks when their prices are down because they are afraid of further drops, and they buy more stocks when the prices are high in the hope of earning even more profits. In other words, their emotions cause them to do the opposite of the most famous piece of investment
advice: Buy low and sell high. Don’t make these mistakes. Your money will work harder for you if you invest it in a careful manner, based on your individual needs, goals and risk tolerance. • Review your portfolio regularly. To make sure your money is, in fact, working hard, you’ll need to check on it from time to time. That’s why it’s a good idea to have regular portfolio reviews, preferably with an experienced financial advisor. Over time, your needs may change, or your investments themselves may evolve in a way you hadn’t anticipated. If these things happen, you may need to make some changes to your portfolio so that you can take advantage of new opportunities. By following these suggestions, you can help your money labor for you in the years and decades ahead. And, as is often the case in life, hard work can bring good results.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Despite the Headlines Many Banks Still Loaning
B
Big Banks with Huge Mortgage-Based Portfolios May Not Be the Best Choice
anks are still making business loans. Even for healthy companies, credit requires more legwork and closer scrutiny of cash flow, monthly statements and operations. In many cases, it also requires looking to independent banks to get the job done. In mid-August, the Federal Reserve released a survey that predicted that bank lending will remain tight through 2010. The Fed survey was sent to 55 large national banks and 23 foreign banks that focused heavily on U.S. home loans. These big banks, with huge mortgagebased portfolios, were most vulnerable and have significantly reduced consumer and commercial loan writing while the market stabilizes. The survey’s release corresponded with the collapse of Alabama-based Colonial Bank and gloomy headlines splashed across financial pages and websites. As a commercial banker at an independent bank, I see things a bit differently than the Wall Street guys. Contrary to the headlines, many independent banks are offering credit to sound small businesses: •Local banks continue to find smart opportunities •They are paying higher rates to encourage deposits •Savvy small businesses are renegotiating older arrangements.
Banks that built their portfolio on small business loans are seeing an uptick in requests. While some are from weakened companies, many inquiries breeze through “sniff tests” and merit a closer look. With the institutional knowledge of handling non-traditional or difficult loans intact, small-business specialty banks continue to find smart opportunities and are extending credit. HIGHER DEPOSIT RATES Since December the federal funds rate has hovered around .25 percent. This is the baseline for which banks borrow money from the Federal Reserve. And, although the big banks accepted billions in TARP funds, much of these dollars were set aside to cover losses and did not go out as market-stimulating loans. Banks that did not participate in the TARP program chose to raise capital through deposits. As a result, one to two point spreads on CD and money market rates
are seen across the market. Additionally, some small banks are offering rate guarantees, one-time rate bumps on longer term investments and higher earning credit rates to reduce monthly bank service fees. BETTER BANKERS & TERMS Dealing with any bank has changed in the last year and careful reviews should be expected. As new clients are being introduced to small banks, they are finding that not all banks handle small businesses the same. As a result, independent banks are flushing-out successful businesses that merit credit, are providing new solutions and continue to grow when the headlines predict a gloomy freeze. Written for Intown By Randy Gartz Executive Vice President A 27-year veteran of commercial banking, and can be reached at rgartz@greenbank. com or by calling (713) 316-3682.
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE TIMES In March, Treasury Secretary Geithner announced that $15 billion from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) will be used to purchase loans backed by the Small Business Administration and that the government backing of these loans would increase to 90 percent, from 75 percent. But with these assurances, many small businesses continue to face difficulties in finding loans. In many cases, small business lending departments were closed when banks were looking to cut expenses or could not sell off the SBA-guaranteed portions of each loan into the secondary market. It will take months for the capacity to return to normal and loans will remain tight until then.
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museums Bayou Bend
1 Westcott St. 713.639.7750 www.mfah.org 9/20 Here’s to Your Health! 9/26 Opera Vista Presents Opera Under the Stars at Bayou Bend 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28 Antiques 101 10/18 Bayou Bend Family Day: American Icons 10/30 – 31 2009 David Warren Symposium Children’s Museum of Houston 1500 Binz www.cmhouston.org 9/12/2009 Museum District Day- Free Admission 10/18/2009 Tale of Desperaux Author, Kate Dicamillo
Contemporary Arts Museum
5216 Montrose Blvd. 713.284.8275 www.camh.org 5/9 – 10/4 No Zoning: Artists Engage Houston 8/15 – 11/1 Perspectives 167: Jason Villegas 10/17 – 1/17 Matthew Day Jackson: The Immeasurable Distance
Holocaust Museum Houston 5401 Caroline St. 713.942.8000
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www.hmh.org Ongoing-1/3/2010 A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People Ongoing-2/7/2010 Besa: Muslims Who Saved Jews During the Holocaust
straction with Wood 10/30-2/14/2010 Cy Twombly: Treatise on the Vell
Museum of Fine Arts
1441 W. Alabama St. 713.529.4755 www.hcponline.org 9/10-11/8 Artist as Performer *Opening Reception: 9/10/09 from PM 9/10-11/8 Learning Curve 3
1001 Bissonnet St. 713.639.7300 www.mfah.org 9/13 – 1/3 Arts of Ancient Viet Nam: From River Plain to Open Sea 9/27 – 1/10 The Moon: “Houston, Tranquility is Here. The Eagle Has Landed.” 10/18 – 1/3 Chaotic Harmony: Contemporary Korean Photography Please visit website for more exhibits.
Lawndale Art Center
Museum of Natural Science
Menil
Rienzi
Houston Center for Photography
4912 Main St. 713.528.5858 www.lawndaleartcenter.org 8/21 – 9/26: “30th Anniversary Exhibition” “Me, Mine, and Not Yours by Joe Ives and Jahjehan Bath Ives” “Paper or Plastic by Nathaniel Donnett” “The Green Cyber Web by Adela Andea” 1515 Sul Ross Street 713.525.9400 www.menil.org Ongoing- 2/14/2010 Body in Fragments 9/25-1/3/2010 Joaquin Torres-Garcia: Constructing Ab-
1 Hermann Circle Dr. 713.639.4629 www.hmns.org 5/22 – 10/18 Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor 5/8 – 9/7 The Nature of Diamonds 2/27 – 9/7 Genghs Khan 10/9 – 1/10 Vanishing Worlds: Art and Ritual in Amazonia 1406 Kirby Dr. 713.639.7800 www.mfah.org 9/4 – 5 Open House for Prospective New Rienzi Docents
9/17 Gallery Talk 10/4 Early Music Southwest Recital
arts & theater A.D. Players 2710 W. Alabama 713.526.2721 www.adplayers.org 9/11 – 10/18 Myrtle, A Melodrama Alley Theatre 615 Texas Avenue 713.220.5700 www.alleytheatre.org 10/7 – 11/1 Our Town 10/21 – 11/15 Gruesome Playground Injuries Broadway Across America in Houston The Hobby Center 800 Bagby St. broadwayacrossamerica.com/Houston 10/22 Mary Poppins Houston Ballet 501 Texas Ave. 713.227.2787 www.houstonballet.org 9/10 – 20 Manon 9/24 – 10/4 Without Boundaries Hobby Center 800 Bagby St., Ste. 300 713.315.2400 www.thehobbycenter.org 9/20 A Musical Offering 10/15 – 17 The Great Collaborators of the Ballet Ruses 10/22 – 11/8 Mary Poppins Houston Grand Opera 510 Preston St. 713-228-6737 10/23 – 11/7 Donizetti – The Elixir of Love 10/30 – 11/15 Wagner - Lohengrin
Houston Symphony- Jones Hall 615 Louisiana St., Ste. 101 713.227.3974 www.joneshall.org 10/2 Virsky Ukranian Dance Company 10/25 An Evening with Stephen Sondheim Main Street Theater 2540 Times Blvd. 713.524.3622 www.mainstreettheater.com 9/5 – 10/11 The House of the Spirits Radio Music Theatre 2623 Colquitt, 713.522.7722 www.radiomusictheatre.com 9/3 – 11/21 The Lighter Side of the Recession Stages Repertory Theatre 3201 Allen Parkway 713.527.0123 www.stagestheatre.com 9/23 – 10/18 Southern Rapture Theatre Under the Stars 800 Bagby, Ste. 200 713.558.2600 www.tuts.com 9/8 – 20 Grease 9/29 – 10/11 Meet Me in St. Louis Wortham Center 500 Texas St. 713.237.1439 www.worthamcenter.org 9/27 Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition – Gold Medalist Recital 10/16 Richard Alston Dance Company
Houston Grand Opera Photograph by Mike Hoban
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live music Azteca’s 2207 Richmond Ave. 713.526.1702 www.aztecasbarandgrill.com Big Easy 5731 Kirby Dr. 713.523.9999 www.thebigeasyblues.com Blanco’s 3406 W. Alabama St. 713.439.0072 www.houstonredneck.com Boheme 307 Fairview 713.529.1099 www.barboheme.com Continental Club 3700 Main St. 713.529.9666 www.continentalclub.com 9/4 Flametrick Subs with Sean Reefer and the Resin Valley Boys 9/10 Pine Leaf Boys 9/19 Skyrocket! 9/25 Lost Bayou Ramblers Dean’s Credit Clothing 316 Main St. 713.227.3326 Dosey Doe 25911 I45 North, The Woodlands 281.367.3774 www.doseydoe.com Goode’s Armadillo Palace 5015 Kirby Dr. 713.526.9700 www.thearmadillopalace.com Hard Rock Cafe 502 Texas St. 713.227.1392 9/4 Spare Parts Band 9/18 Beryl Grady Band 9/25 Robin Kirby & Friends
Hard Rock Bar
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House of Blues 1204 Caroline St. 888.402.5837 www.houseofblues.com 9/5 D-12 with Potluck 9/6 The Cult 9/10 Umphrey’s McGee 9/19 Lupillo Rivera 10/10 Lee Ann Womack 10/14 The Black Crowes 10/15 Broken Lizard 10/17 Who’s Bad 10/23 Mat Kearney 10/24 Derek Webb 10/29 The Pogues Jet Lounge 1515 Pease St. 713.659.2000 www.thejetloungehouston.com Last Concert Café 1403 Nance St. 713.226.8563 www.lastconcert.com Mango’s 403 Westheimer Rd. 713.522.8903 www.mangoscafehouston.com Meridian 1503 Chartres 713.225.1717 www.meridianhouston.com Miller Outdoor Theatre 100 Concert Dr. 713.533.3276 www.milleroutdoortheatre.com 9/5 Fiesta Mexicana Barroca 9/6 Bollywood Blast 9/12 Mosaico Cultural Mexicano 9/15 El Grito Festival de Indepencia 9/18 - 19 13th Annual Grand Taiko Festival 9/23 Swing, Jive, Pop! Into Dance 9/26 Marvelous China – A Multi-Art Show from China How Nanita Learned to Make Flan 10/1 – 3 30th Annual Festival Chicano 10/4 1000 Lights for Peace 10/9 - 10 Splendid China IV 10/10 Mosaico Cultural Boliviano 10/11 Dia de la Hispanidad 10/15 Tap Kids 10/17 One World Music Jam 10/24 Lunada 2009 10/27 Around the World with Young Audiences of Houston: Kuumba House 10/28 Swing, Jive & Pop! Into Dance 10/30 Alice in Wonderland
Miller Outdoor Theatre Taiko Festival
Mink 3718 Main St. 713.522.9985 www.minkonmain.com 9/12 Electric Attitude with Fake Believe, Alkari, Yokomono, The Watermarks 9/16 Chin Xaou Ti Won 9/23 Experimental Dental School with El Paso Hot Button 9/24 Music Video Numbers 300 Westheimer Rd. 713.526.6551 www.numbersnightclub.com Rocbar 530 Texas St. 713.236.1100 www.rocbartx.com Rudyard’s 2010 Waugh Dr., 713.521.0521 Rudyards.s425.sureserver.com Sengelmann Hall 531 N. Main St., Schulenburg, TX 78956 979.743.2300 www.sengelmannhall.com Under The Volcano 2349 Bissonnet St. Houston, TX 77005 713.526.5282 Walter’s on Washington 4215 Washington Ave. 713.862.2513 www.4215washington.com 9/3 Fruit Bats with Death Vessel 9/6 Vadimvon 9/24 The Horrors with Crocodiles 10/27 Strike Anywhere with Crime In Stereo, Ruiner
Warehouse Live 813 St. Emanuel Street 713.225.5483 www.warehouselive.com 9/3 Rebelution with Iration, Outlaw Nation 9/5 Paolo Nutini with Anya Marina 9/7 The Dandy Warhols with Spindrift 9/14 Taylor Hicks 9/18 Motorhead with Reverend Horton Heat, Nashville Pussy 9/20 Living Colour 9/24 Datarock 9/25 Bob Schneider 9/26 Ingrid Michaelson 9/27 Gojira with Burst, Zoroaster 10/3 Moby 10/7 Insane Clown Posse 10/16 Michelle Shocked 10/20 Relient K 10/29 Brother Ali 10/30 Mute Math
Paolo Nutini
events Arena Theatre 7326 Southwest Fwy 713.268.6224 www.arenahouston.com 9/12 Lone Star Beatdown – Mixed Martial Arts 9/27 Loggins and Messina 10/3 Freddie Jackson and Howard Hewett Visit website for complete event list. Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 2005 Lake Robbins Dr. Spring, 281.363.3300 woodlandscenter.org 9/3 Houston Symphony’s Rockapella Goes Retro 9/11 Brad Paisley 9/12 Nickelback 9/16 Jason Mraz 9/25 Creed with Staind
George R. Brown Convention Center 1001 Ave De Las Americas 713.853.8000 houstonconventionctr.com
9/25-27 Italian Style www.italianexpo.us 9/18-20 HADA Fall Antique Show 2009 10/2-4 The Houston Furniture Arts & Decor 10/14-18 International Quilt Festival Visit website for complete event list. Greek Festival Oct/1-4, 2009 Annuniciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Complex 3511 Yoakum Blvd., Houston, TX 77006 Hard Rock Cafe 502 Texas St. 713.227.1392 9/11 Petapalooza Kick-Off Party 7-9 PM 10/14 The Slags Rock Pinktober 10/22 Kady Malloy Live Reliant Park 1 Reliant Park 832.667.1400 www.reliantpark.com 9/15 Chron Job- Health Care 10/9-11 International Gem & Jewelry Show 10/14 U2 360 Tour 10/26 So You Think You Can Dance Tour Toyota Center 1510 Polk St. 713.758.7130 www.houstontoyotacenter.com 9/16 Britney Spears 9/19 How Sweet the Sound 9/24 PINK 10/6 Kings of Leon 10/11 Vicente Fernandez & Shaila Durcal 10/25 Star Wars: In Concert Toyota Center 1510 Polk St. 713.758.7130 www.houstontoyotacenter.com 9/16 Britney Spears 9/19 How Sweet the Sound 9/24 PINK 10/6 Kings of Leon 10/11 Vicente Fernandez & Shaila Durcal 10/25 Star Wars: In Concert
9/19 Guitars and Saxes 9/30 John Legend 10/4 Rob Thomas 10/15 Franco de Vita XTreme Meander & Paint-A-Thon Diverse Work www.diverseworks.org (713) 335-3445 9/26 from 10 am to 1pm at Discovery Green Park
sports Dynamo Home Games www.houstondynamo.com 9/19 vs Real Salt Lake 10/4 vs Kansas City Wizards 10/18 vs Los Angeles Galaxy Houston Aeros www.aeros.com 10/9-10 vs Texas Stars @Toyota Center Houston Astros www.astros.com 9/4-7 vs. PHI 9/8-10 ATL 9/11-13 PIT 9/21-23 STL 9/25-27 CIN Houston Rockets houstonrockets.com 10/7 vs. CELTICS 10/12 vs BUCKS 10/19 vs THUNDER 10/23 vs MAVERICKS 10/31 vs TRAIL BLAZERS Houston Texans www.houstontexans.com 9/13 vs JETS 9/27 vs JAGUARS 10/4 vs RAIDERS 10/25 vs 49ERS Mario Williams
Verizon Wireless Theater 520 Texas St. 713.230.1666 verizonwirelesstheater.com
9/16 Chickenfoot
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B
orn in St. Joseph, Missouri, but reared in Houston where he attended San Jacinto High School and got his first reporting job with the Houston Post, Walter Cronkite was one of our most famous Houstonians and a pioneer in television news. Too small at 110 pounds and suffering from shin splints, Walter became dedicated as the sports editor of the San Jacinto
In the mid-thirties there were only 16 major league baseball teams and eight games to cover. Soon he became interested in politics and was introduced to Vann Kennedy, who presided over the local Hearst News Service. Without a college degree, he took a permanent job with the Scripps-Howard Bureau, who also owned three dailies in Texas at the time. It was there that his bosses Dick and Eleanor Vaughan tutored Cronkite
was $3,726,359.27 and it was suppose to be 10 cents less. Cronkite was informed that the numbers racket was paying off on the last five numbers and somebody didn’t like the idea that they may be tampering with those numbers. Another interesting story told by Cronkite in A Reporters’s Life was the newspaper practice of picture snatching of victims and their families. Cronkite had been honored to get the position. In one instance,
Houston’s Most Noted high school paper. He began working at the Houston Post, one of three dailies then, where he covered luncheons and civic affairs, while also delivering the papers in the afternoon. After high school, Cronkite attended the University of Texas. Houston had become oil crazed and Cronkite thought he might become an engineer until he flunked physics at the University of Texas. Soon Cronkite was mesmerized by radio, and made his first appearance on KNOW in Austin to report daily on sports scores.
but he soon came back to Houston to join the Press. Here he wrote obituaries, digests of church sermons and some movie reviews. Cronkite said that riding the bus with his free press badge pass and watching people read his stories was “one of life’s great pleasures.” In those days, unlike today with three newspapers competing accuracy was paramount. At this time he was responsible for the days’ bank clearings and one day had missed the number by 10 cents. Cronkite could not figure out what the big deal was when the number he put
he was assigned to get a photo of a young unmarried lady who had died in car crash with a prominent married man. As he arrived at the deceased lady’s house to find it open with a picture on the mantel, he wondered how he had beat the Chronicle to it. After it had been splashed on the front page, he soon found out it was
from the next door neighbors house. Despite surviving this ordeal he left
for Kansas City for his first broadcast job in radio. The rest, you know, is broadcast history.
Cronkite Highlights
Walter Cronkite (1916~2009) 30 intown
1916- Born Nov. 4, 1916 in St. Joseph, Missouri 1931- Employed with first job as copy boy, reporter and delivery for The Houston Post 1933- Attended University of Texas for two years 1935- Took first broadcast job at KCMO radio in Kansas City where he was fired 1940- Married advertising copy writer Mary Elizabeth Maxwell and was married 64 years 1946- Covered the Nuremberg war trails for CBS 1950- Joined CBS in Washington D.C. 1958- Covered Democratic and Republican conventions for the first time on television 1962- Began his 19 year run as television’s most popular anchor 1963- Interviewed Kennedy months before he announced his death on air 1981- Retirement. Last day in the anchor chair at the CBS Evening News was on March 6
A Note on Source: Cronkite, Walter. “A Reporter’s Life,” Random House Publishing Group, November, 1997
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