I've been reading all these articles complaining about Houston and all of them are from the northeast or California. I've seen stuff from Canada, Washington, Charlotte, Phoenix, Miami and even freakin' Dallas just going on about how great it is here for the Super Bowl and how hospitable everyone is. But, the one's from those other places just don't get it and I'm not really surprised. Look, Houston doesn't have the beautiful Pacific Ocean views of San Francisco or the emerald setting of Portland or the mountain backdrop of Salt Lake City or even the architectural charm of NYC. But, without question, Houston has the nicest, friendliest and most helpful people anywhere. I always loved this stat from the Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau: Houston represents approximately 1 percent of the population of the United States but 11 percent of the total volunteer hours. That is just classic Houston. Did your home flood? No problem. We'll put you up in our church or our house. Stay as long as necessary. We'll feed and clothe you and your family and help get you back on your feet. Lose your house to a fire? Don't worry. Matress Mac's got your new furniture and local charity will help you get into a new home. Struggling at Christmas? We can help. Whether it is the Rockets "Season of Giving" or Toys for Tots or other local charities, we'll be there to give you a Merry Christmas. What about if you don't live here? NO problem. Massive mudslides in South America? Houston's got your back. We won't just get together canned goods and clothing, we'll actually coordinate the entire United States effort to send relief aid to your country including manpower, food, technology and clothing. Earthquake strikes your city? We understand and we're on our way. We'll help comfort you and help you re-build. We have teams of experts in every field to help. Fires blanket your state? We got that. Houston Fire Department folks are on their way to lend support and expertise. Our teams often represent some of the largest groups from any part of the country to lend support in times of crisis. Electricity down after a hurricane? Lights...on. Houston routinely sends helpful electrical workers from our own disaster relief crews set up to help us when hurricanes hit us. That is the essence of Houston. So, fine LA. You can have the movie business and Malibu. NYC, you can enjoy Yankee Stadium and the Empire State Building. All you cities that have great tourist attractions, hey, good for you. I'll take great people over great places every day of the week and twice on Sundays.
May I add: About to lose your NBA team? No problem. Someone from an internet web site will step up and lead a grass roots campaign to get financing for a new stadium approved by the voters to keep the team in town.
This a great post, Jeff. I've lived in NY, and currently live in LA. I enjoyed NY, for the most poart, and currently I'm having a lot of fun in Los Angeles, but Houston was my home for the first 18 years and half of the next 4 years for college of my life. I visit there once or twice a year now, and it will always be home to me. The people trashing it are welcome to not return. Maybe they are doing Houston a favor. There are a large number of people in New York who I'd be happy if they never visited Houston.
But it wouldn't it be cooler if you put the needy up in a state of the art Aquarium where they could butt heads with hammer head sharks, sting rays, belluga whales, and giant squid aughhhhh...
Damn, thats pretty amazing for Houston, either that or the rest of the US sucks at filling their paperwork
Having difficulty embezzling money? No sweat! Our team of corporate experts will allow to take as you please AND get away with it!!!
Junk bonds on Wall Street Comcast Martha Stewart RIAA Houston hasn't exactly cornered the market on corporate scandal and stupidity.
It's not just a national thing either.... Boots & Coots (located on N, Houston Rosslyn) has been putting out oil well fires internationally for ages. They've been in Iraq for at least a decade, and they have operations in Venezuela, Algeria and Kazakhstan. I think in the all years (at least 20+) they've been fighting fires, they've only lost one man... now that's a good thought for the day.
seriously..i think of my experience of growing up in this town...on the west side of town...with great schools...great people...cultural centers downtown...warm weather...professional sports..college sports...high school football...astroworld...water parks...neighborhoods...and, again, great people...and i wouldn't trade it for the world. and i'm trying my hardest to give my son the same experience.
