To obtain this point: You must celebrate Juneteenth holiday.
Juneteenth commemorates the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865. This holiday has now spread throughout the US and is recognized as a state holiday in Texas. The history goes something like this: The Emancipation was in 1862, but the civil war was ravaging the US. On June 18th 1865 the Union army arrived in Galveston to take possession of the state of Texas. The next day General Gordon Granger read 'General Order No. 3' from the balcony of Ashton Villa that stated that slavery was abolished.
Enjoy Texas...did you know that the name "Juneteenth" is for a combination of June 18th and 19th (I guess they could not decide which day was better).
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Point #50- Fort Worth...Cowboying still today
To obtain this point: One must visit the fine town of Fort Worth and visit the stockyards.
The Fort Worth Stockyards are another National Historic District that celebrates the cattle culture that was prevalent in Texas in the last 19th and early 20th centuries.
For more info: http://www.fortworthstockyards.org/
Enjoy Texas...Did you know that the Fort Worth Stockyards still have daily cattle drives.
The Fort Worth Stockyards are another National Historic District that celebrates the cattle culture that was prevalent in Texas in the last 19th and early 20th centuries.
For more info: http://www.fortworthstockyards.org/
Enjoy Texas...Did you know that the Fort Worth Stockyards still have daily cattle drives.
Point #49- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
To obtain this point: One must visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, buy some Texas Bluebonnets, and spread them close to your home.
I would recommend the spring as an excellent time to visit this 279 acre park. It is a park designed to protect and preserve North America's native plant species.
For more info: http://www.wildflower.org/
Enjoy Texas...
I would recommend the spring as an excellent time to visit this 279 acre park. It is a park designed to protect and preserve North America's native plant species.
For more info: http://www.wildflower.org/
Enjoy Texas...
Point #48- Texas State History Museum
To obtain this point: One must visit the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin.
This museum to the 'Story of Texas' is a must-see in Austin for any Texanacious person. It is named for former Lt Governor Bob Bullock who was a staunch supporter of its concept.
More info: http://www.thestoryoftexas.com/
Enjoy Texas...
This museum to the 'Story of Texas' is a must-see in Austin for any Texanacious person. It is named for former Lt Governor Bob Bullock who was a staunch supporter of its concept.
More info: http://www.thestoryoftexas.com/
Enjoy Texas...
Friday, June 12, 2009
Point #47- Attend an Indian Pow wow
To obtain this point: One must attend an Indian Pow wow.
- My preference would be the Grand Prarie National Championship Indian Pow Wow.
Texas is filled with history, culture, and influence from the Native Americans. Before European settlers, there were many Native American tribes that lived in Texas. These tribes included the Apaches, Kiowas, Caddo, Jumanos, Comanches, Tonkawas, Coahuiltecans, Atakapans, Patarabueyes, and Karankawas...and these were just the tribes that were around when the Europeans arrived in Texas. Other groups that were later displaced to Texas included the Cherokee, Shawnees, Kickapoos, and Coushattas.
For information: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_p4000_0016.pdf
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that the name 'Texas' comes from a Caddo word meaning 'friend'.
- My preference would be the Grand Prarie National Championship Indian Pow Wow.
Texas is filled with history, culture, and influence from the Native Americans. Before European settlers, there were many Native American tribes that lived in Texas. These tribes included the Apaches, Kiowas, Caddo, Jumanos, Comanches, Tonkawas, Coahuiltecans, Atakapans, Patarabueyes, and Karankawas...and these were just the tribes that were around when the Europeans arrived in Texas. Other groups that were later displaced to Texas included the Cherokee, Shawnees, Kickapoos, and Coushattas.
For information: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_p4000_0016.pdf
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that the name 'Texas' comes from a Caddo word meaning 'friend'.
Point #46- Watching Texas! at Palo Duro
To obtain this point: One must visit the Palo Duro canyon and watch the musical drama Texas!
How cool is this for the Road to Texanacity!? How many other states have a musical named after their state? (I know, I know...damn you Oklahoma!!!) However, I betcha the folks in Oklahoma did not spend 50 million years carving out a amphitheater for their musical to be seen under the stars...Take that Okies!
Anyways, In the middle of a natural amphitheater that is nestled in a basin in Palo Duro State Park there is a show about the history and determination of pioneer Texans. During this show, there is music, singing, dancing, fireworks that combine to tell the story of pioneers in the Texas Panhandle. It is also one of the longest running musical dramas in the US (over 40 seasons). Before the show, you can even have a dinner from the Big Texan (see point number 28).
Information from the website for this musical: http://www.texas-show.com/
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that the Palo Duro canyon is the second biggest in the US (behind the Grand Canyon).
How cool is this for the Road to Texanacity!? How many other states have a musical named after their state? (I know, I know...damn you Oklahoma!!!) However, I betcha the folks in Oklahoma did not spend 50 million years carving out a amphitheater for their musical to be seen under the stars...Take that Okies!
Anyways, In the middle of a natural amphitheater that is nestled in a basin in Palo Duro State Park there is a show about the history and determination of pioneer Texans. During this show, there is music, singing, dancing, fireworks that combine to tell the story of pioneers in the Texas Panhandle. It is also one of the longest running musical dramas in the US (over 40 seasons). Before the show, you can even have a dinner from the Big Texan (see point number 28).
Information from the website for this musical: http://www.texas-show.com/
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that the Palo Duro canyon is the second biggest in the US (behind the Grand Canyon).
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Point #45- Laredo...Truly on the Border
To obtain this point: One must visit the Republic of the Rio Grande Capitol Building Museum in Laredo and realize the strife that has been associated with this border town since its inception.
It seems that Laredo has always been on the border (of the map and as a group of people). When it was a Spanish colony, it was on the Northern border of the colony of Nuevo Santander. It was literally 'in the middle of nowhere' of the Spanish Empire.
As the revolutionary spirit flowed through Anglo Texas in the 19th century, Laredo seceded from Mexico in 1840 creating the Republic of the Rio Grande. Mexico squashed the rebellion and retook Laredo. During part of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), it was retaken by the Americans and occupied by the Texas Rangers. After the war was over and the Rio Grande was established as the border, the folks in Laredo petitioned the American occupying military to be given back to Mexico...huh?
So let me get this right, the fine folks in Laredo seceded from Mexico in 1840 because they couldn't get along the Mexicans and then after 8 years of fighting, petitioned to get back into Mexico. I'm confused?
Anyways, the petition was refused, so many people just packed up their families and moved across the Rio Grande to form Nuevo Laredo (brilliant name!) The fighting did not stop at that time though. In the 1910s (during the Mexican Revolution), Nuevo Laredo was burned and many folks immigrated back over the border to Laredo. Unfortunately, the fighting continues today as violence from drug-related activities.
In addition to having a history of border disputes and violence, Laredo also relies on its border location as a place for trade. During the Civil War, it was a hotspot for cotton trade with Mexico. Today, a major part of the economy is international trade with Mexico.
For more information: http://www.webbheritage.org/riograndehistory.htm
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that the origin of the name 'Laredo' is unclear. Some think it comes from the word glaterum meaning 'sandy, rocky place'. Others believe if comes from a Basque word meaning 'beautiful pasture'. I personally would pick the Basque origin if I was deciding. Doesn't 'beautiful pasture' seem quite inviting for such a violent place?
It seems that Laredo has always been on the border (of the map and as a group of people). When it was a Spanish colony, it was on the Northern border of the colony of Nuevo Santander. It was literally 'in the middle of nowhere' of the Spanish Empire.
As the revolutionary spirit flowed through Anglo Texas in the 19th century, Laredo seceded from Mexico in 1840 creating the Republic of the Rio Grande. Mexico squashed the rebellion and retook Laredo. During part of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), it was retaken by the Americans and occupied by the Texas Rangers. After the war was over and the Rio Grande was established as the border, the folks in Laredo petitioned the American occupying military to be given back to Mexico...huh?
So let me get this right, the fine folks in Laredo seceded from Mexico in 1840 because they couldn't get along the Mexicans and then after 8 years of fighting, petitioned to get back into Mexico. I'm confused?
Anyways, the petition was refused, so many people just packed up their families and moved across the Rio Grande to form Nuevo Laredo (brilliant name!) The fighting did not stop at that time though. In the 1910s (during the Mexican Revolution), Nuevo Laredo was burned and many folks immigrated back over the border to Laredo. Unfortunately, the fighting continues today as violence from drug-related activities.
In addition to having a history of border disputes and violence, Laredo also relies on its border location as a place for trade. During the Civil War, it was a hotspot for cotton trade with Mexico. Today, a major part of the economy is international trade with Mexico.
For more information: http://www.webbheritage.org/riograndehistory.htm
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that the origin of the name 'Laredo' is unclear. Some think it comes from the word glaterum meaning 'sandy, rocky place'. Others believe if comes from a Basque word meaning 'beautiful pasture'. I personally would pick the Basque origin if I was deciding. Doesn't 'beautiful pasture' seem quite inviting for such a violent place?
Point #44- Corpus Christi...City by the sea
To obtain this point: One must visit Corpus Christi and spend some time with the dolphins at the Texas State Aquarium.
There are many texanacious experiences that can be found in Corpus and evirons. There is the largest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world (Padre National Seashore), Mustang Island, the aircraft carrier USS Lexington, and also the birthplace of Whataburger (another Texas favorite).
The Texas State Aquarium has dolphins, seemily every fish underwater, sea turtles, playful otters, and even a bald eagle. It is a location for a fun day with friends or family.
For more underwater info: http://www.texasstateaquarium.org/
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that Corpus Christi was the first major US city to offer city-wide WI-FI.
There are many texanacious experiences that can be found in Corpus and evirons. There is the largest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world (Padre National Seashore), Mustang Island, the aircraft carrier USS Lexington, and also the birthplace of Whataburger (another Texas favorite).
The Texas State Aquarium has dolphins, seemily every fish underwater, sea turtles, playful otters, and even a bald eagle. It is a location for a fun day with friends or family.
For more underwater info: http://www.texasstateaquarium.org/
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that Corpus Christi was the first major US city to offer city-wide WI-FI.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Point #43- Abilene...Settling the Old West
To obtain this point: One must visit Buffalo Gap Historical Village
- Caveat #1- You could also go to Frontier Texas!, which is a multimedia museum of the Old West in downtown Abilene.
Buffalo Gap was originally an important location because it was a common place for Buffalo to navigate between two mountains. Twice a year, the buffalo would cross this gap like a sea brown...and you know what they say, "Where there are buffalo, there are hunters!" Therefore, the Tonkawa and Comanche Indians would frequent this area when hunting.
Buffalo Gap Historic Village is located a couple miles outside Abilene and is large museum of the Old West. It includes 15 different outdoor structures from the period when Abilene was the frontier (1875-1925).
For more Buffalo Gap info: http://www.buffalogap.com/index.html
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that Abilene is the home of 3 time National Champion Jump Rope team-- the Jammin' Jumpers.
- Caveat #1- You could also go to Frontier Texas!, which is a multimedia museum of the Old West in downtown Abilene.
Buffalo Gap was originally an important location because it was a common place for Buffalo to navigate between two mountains. Twice a year, the buffalo would cross this gap like a sea brown...and you know what they say, "Where there are buffalo, there are hunters!" Therefore, the Tonkawa and Comanche Indians would frequent this area when hunting.
Buffalo Gap Historic Village is located a couple miles outside Abilene and is large museum of the Old West. It includes 15 different outdoor structures from the period when Abilene was the frontier (1875-1925).
For more Buffalo Gap info: http://www.buffalogap.com/index.html
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that Abilene is the home of 3 time National Champion Jump Rope team-- the Jammin' Jumpers.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Point #42-The Texas State Railroad
To obtain this point: You must take a ride on the Texas State Railroad.
The Texas State Railroad was started in 1881 to bring hardwood timber to the Rusk Penitentiary. At the penitentiary, the hardwood was used as fuel to power the furnace that smelted iron for the State of Texas. This iron smelter created some of the columns and dome for the State Capitol building. The line eventually ran from Rusk to Palestine, where it joined additional lines. In 2003, the Texas State Railroad became the Official Railroad of Texas.
Today, the railroad is operated by American Heritage Railway and provides an opportunity for folks to take a ride on a vintage railroad. It allows guests to see the woods of East Texas as the steam engine chugs along the rail.
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that the State penitentiary in Rusk became a state mental hospital after closing in 1913.
The Texas State Railroad was started in 1881 to bring hardwood timber to the Rusk Penitentiary. At the penitentiary, the hardwood was used as fuel to power the furnace that smelted iron for the State of Texas. This iron smelter created some of the columns and dome for the State Capitol building. The line eventually ran from Rusk to Palestine, where it joined additional lines. In 2003, the Texas State Railroad became the Official Railroad of Texas.
Today, the railroad is operated by American Heritage Railway and provides an opportunity for folks to take a ride on a vintage railroad. It allows guests to see the woods of East Texas as the steam engine chugs along the rail.
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that the State penitentiary in Rusk became a state mental hospital after closing in 1913.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Point #41- San Antonio...Deep in the Heart of Texas
To Obtain this point: One must take a stroll in downtown San Antonio and revisit the history of this great Texas city.
In my attempt to be Texanacious, I love visiting San Antonio. Talk about the history and culture!! If you ever stumble into a tourist hyperventilating on the streets of this Texan gem, it might be me trying to decide what to do next. Just give me a brown paper bag and tell me to breath deeply.
Here are a couple things on my picture perfect itinerary (notice the Alamo is not on it...that has an entire point on its own):
The River Walk (AKA Paseo De Rio)- A collection of walkways, bridges, and waterways that are surrounded by hotels, shops, and restaurants. The River Walk has become a huge tourist attraction, but is still a pleasant place to enjoy in downtown San Antonio.
The Menger Hotel- Built in 1859, the Menger Hotel has housed many famous People- including O. Henry, Robert E Lee, Ulysses S Grant, Dwight Eisenhower, Babe Ruth, Oscar Wilde, and Richard King (King's Ranch founder). It was the location of the first demonstration of 'barbed wire' and is considered one of the most haunted hotels in Texas with a count of 32 ghosts(including Richard King). There are so many ghosts in the hotel, that you better get your reservations early!
Buckhorn Saloon- Started in 1881, the Buckhorn Saloon is now a staple of downtown San Antonio. It is a saloon/cafe, museum, and curio store all-in-one. In the early years, the owners would barter beer or whiskey for deer antlers and rattlesnake rattles...how Texanacious! The other oddities in the Buckhorn include a cathedral made of 50,000 matches, an eight-legged calf, the longest set of horns from a Texas Longhorn, and the Hall of Horns with more than 1,200 trophy mounts. A waitress might even come up to you in the museum and see if you want a Lone Star beer.
Institute of Texan Culture- There is an abundance of cultures represented in this museum. Spend some time there and try to understand why the say "Texas one and all!"
Spanish Governor's Palace- This is another National Historic Landmark! It was originally designed in the 1700s as a Spanish outpost (not to house the governor as the name implies) to protect the Alamo and its surrounding colony. It is build in Spanish Colonial style and thought to be the sole remaining example of an aristocratic early Spanish house.
Enjoy Texas...Did you know that Teddy Roosevelt went to the Menger Hotel to recruit soldiers for his 'Rough Riders'...good choice Teddy! I bet that the future president was happy to be rubbing elbows with some Texans as he charged San Juan Hill in Cuba.
In my attempt to be Texanacious, I love visiting San Antonio. Talk about the history and culture!! If you ever stumble into a tourist hyperventilating on the streets of this Texan gem, it might be me trying to decide what to do next. Just give me a brown paper bag and tell me to breath deeply.
Here are a couple things on my picture perfect itinerary (notice the Alamo is not on it...that has an entire point on its own):
The River Walk (AKA Paseo De Rio)- A collection of walkways, bridges, and waterways that are surrounded by hotels, shops, and restaurants. The River Walk has become a huge tourist attraction, but is still a pleasant place to enjoy in downtown San Antonio.
The Menger Hotel- Built in 1859, the Menger Hotel has housed many famous People- including O. Henry, Robert E Lee, Ulysses S Grant, Dwight Eisenhower, Babe Ruth, Oscar Wilde, and Richard King (King's Ranch founder). It was the location of the first demonstration of 'barbed wire' and is considered one of the most haunted hotels in Texas with a count of 32 ghosts(including Richard King). There are so many ghosts in the hotel, that you better get your reservations early!
Buckhorn Saloon- Started in 1881, the Buckhorn Saloon is now a staple of downtown San Antonio. It is a saloon/cafe, museum, and curio store all-in-one. In the early years, the owners would barter beer or whiskey for deer antlers and rattlesnake rattles...how Texanacious! The other oddities in the Buckhorn include a cathedral made of 50,000 matches, an eight-legged calf, the longest set of horns from a Texas Longhorn, and the Hall of Horns with more than 1,200 trophy mounts. A waitress might even come up to you in the museum and see if you want a Lone Star beer.
Institute of Texan Culture- There is an abundance of cultures represented in this museum. Spend some time there and try to understand why the say "Texas one and all!"
Spanish Governor's Palace- This is another National Historic Landmark! It was originally designed in the 1700s as a Spanish outpost (not to house the governor as the name implies) to protect the Alamo and its surrounding colony. It is build in Spanish Colonial style and thought to be the sole remaining example of an aristocratic early Spanish house.
Enjoy Texas...Did you know that Teddy Roosevelt went to the Menger Hotel to recruit soldiers for his 'Rough Riders'...good choice Teddy! I bet that the future president was happy to be rubbing elbows with some Texans as he charged San Juan Hill in Cuba.
Point #40- Visit the San Antonio Missions
To Obtain this point: One must attend a mass at Mission San Jose while visiting the missions in San Antonio.
Missions were the outposts of Spanish Colonization throughout the Spanish Empire. The idea was to try to convert local natives to Catholicism; however, missions really became the furthermost outposts of the Spanish colonies. They were administrative hubs, military forts (as seen with the Alamo), agricultural markets, and churches. The San Antonio Missions is a part of the National Park System and includes 5 missions (including the Alamo as the 5th). They extend from downtown San Antonio southwards.
Enjoy Texas...Did you know that the San Antonio AA baseball team is the San Antonio Missions and they have an unofficial mascot...Henry the Puffy Taco.
Missions were the outposts of Spanish Colonization throughout the Spanish Empire. The idea was to try to convert local natives to Catholicism; however, missions really became the furthermost outposts of the Spanish colonies. They were administrative hubs, military forts (as seen with the Alamo), agricultural markets, and churches. The San Antonio Missions is a part of the National Park System and includes 5 missions (including the Alamo as the 5th). They extend from downtown San Antonio southwards.
Enjoy Texas...Did you know that the San Antonio AA baseball team is the San Antonio Missions and they have an unofficial mascot...Henry the Puffy Taco.
Point # 39- South Padre Island
To obtain this point: One must visit South Padre Island and enjoy the life as a beach bum for a couple days.
South Padre Island is known as a spring break town for co-eds during the spring and a family vacation resort during the summer. It is filled with miles and miles of beautiful beach. You can ride a horse on the beach, visit sea turtles at Sea Turtle Inc, make sand castles, do an eco-tour, or just lounge around on the beach with a margarita and good book.
Enjoy Texas...did you know that Ila Fox Loetscher (known as the Turtle Lady) frequently dressed up turtles even when visiting Johnny Carson on the 'Tonight Show'.
South Padre Island is known as a spring break town for co-eds during the spring and a family vacation resort during the summer. It is filled with miles and miles of beautiful beach. You can ride a horse on the beach, visit sea turtles at Sea Turtle Inc, make sand castles, do an eco-tour, or just lounge around on the beach with a margarita and good book.
Enjoy Texas...did you know that Ila Fox Loetscher (known as the Turtle Lady) frequently dressed up turtles even when visiting Johnny Carson on the 'Tonight Show'.
Point #38- Texas Art Museums
To obtain this point: One must visit the Amon Carter Museum of Western Art in Fort Worth.
Caveat #1- Texas is filled with great Art Museums so it would be okay to go to some of the other world class museums-- Kimbell Art Museum (Fort Worth), Nasher Sculpture Center (Dallas), Houston Fine Art Museum, San Antonio Museum of Art, the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth, or the Menil Collection in Houston.
The state of Texas is full of quality art museums. Each of the large cities in Texas have their own gem. The Amon Carter Museum of Western Art in Fort Worth has a fine collection of Fredric Remington and Charles M. Russell, who were two artists that told the story of the American West (and therefore...a lot in Texas). When you think of Western art (the buffaloes, cowboys, or Old West Shoot-outs)...you think of Fredric Remington and his enormous collection.
The other aspect of the Texas art scene is to realize where the money for this comes from. To support thriving art museums, you need patrons. Texas has an abundance of wealthy patrons that support the arts and have established a strong appreciation to the arts.
Enjoy Texas...did you know that Amon Carter was a famous Fort Worth patron of the arts who was involved in advertising, aviation, and (of course) oil in the early 1900s.
Caveat #1- Texas is filled with great Art Museums so it would be okay to go to some of the other world class museums-- Kimbell Art Museum (Fort Worth), Nasher Sculpture Center (Dallas), Houston Fine Art Museum, San Antonio Museum of Art, the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth, or the Menil Collection in Houston.
The state of Texas is full of quality art museums. Each of the large cities in Texas have their own gem. The Amon Carter Museum of Western Art in Fort Worth has a fine collection of Fredric Remington and Charles M. Russell, who were two artists that told the story of the American West (and therefore...a lot in Texas). When you think of Western art (the buffaloes, cowboys, or Old West Shoot-outs)...you think of Fredric Remington and his enormous collection.
The other aspect of the Texas art scene is to realize where the money for this comes from. To support thriving art museums, you need patrons. Texas has an abundance of wealthy patrons that support the arts and have established a strong appreciation to the arts.
Enjoy Texas...did you know that Amon Carter was a famous Fort Worth patron of the arts who was involved in advertising, aviation, and (of course) oil in the early 1900s.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Point #37: Caddo Lake
To obtain this point: One must visit Caddo Lake.
Caddo lake is a bayou-like reserve that spans over 25,000 acres and sits on the Eastern border of Texas. It is home to hundreds of species of birds and animals. Caddo Lake is known for its bass fishing and is the largest Cypress forest in the World (with some trees thought to be over 400 years old...that is big-time old!)
Caddo Lake is named after Native Americans who lived in that area during the European exploration of Texas. They believe that the lake formed during a flood in the early 1800s that filled the bayou and caused the lake. Another possible cause of it's birth is from a large log jam that plugged the Red River and formed the lake.
Even though the true history of Caddo lake is unknown, it remains a creepy place. It is known for its multitude of Bigfoot sightings in recent years. However, my favorite story of Caddo lake comes from a local city named Uncertain. Uncertain, TX got its name because it collected the lost packages that were headed to or from New Orleans. If a package had lost it's tag on it's way down river to New Orleans, it would be brought to Uncertain. I feel like this would be a place like the Land of Misfit Toys in Christmas stories. Anything that was lost would be brought to Uncertain so it could live out its days in a town that really knew how that felt. Anyways, there are just a handful of people living there and I'm sure they have heard all the corny jokes that comes with living in an uncertain town.
Enjoy Texas...did you know that Jefferson, TX on lake Caddo was the second largest port in Texas (behind Galveston) for a time in the 19th century.
Caddo lake is a bayou-like reserve that spans over 25,000 acres and sits on the Eastern border of Texas. It is home to hundreds of species of birds and animals. Caddo Lake is known for its bass fishing and is the largest Cypress forest in the World (with some trees thought to be over 400 years old...that is big-time old!)
Caddo Lake is named after Native Americans who lived in that area during the European exploration of Texas. They believe that the lake formed during a flood in the early 1800s that filled the bayou and caused the lake. Another possible cause of it's birth is from a large log jam that plugged the Red River and formed the lake.
Even though the true history of Caddo lake is unknown, it remains a creepy place. It is known for its multitude of Bigfoot sightings in recent years. However, my favorite story of Caddo lake comes from a local city named Uncertain. Uncertain, TX got its name because it collected the lost packages that were headed to or from New Orleans. If a package had lost it's tag on it's way down river to New Orleans, it would be brought to Uncertain. I feel like this would be a place like the Land of Misfit Toys in Christmas stories. Anything that was lost would be brought to Uncertain so it could live out its days in a town that really knew how that felt. Anyways, there are just a handful of people living there and I'm sure they have heard all the corny jokes that comes with living in an uncertain town.
Enjoy Texas...did you know that Jefferson, TX on lake Caddo was the second largest port in Texas (behind Galveston) for a time in the 19th century.
Point #36: Texas Economy
To obtain this point: One must understand and appreciate the economic powerhouse that is Texas.
Guess which state has the most Fortune 500 companies for 2009? California? New York (and Wall Street)? Nope! It is (as you probably have already guessed) TEXAS!
There are 64 current Fortune 500 companies within Texas, including 3 in the top ten (Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips, and AT&T). New York is a distant second place with 56 companies.
If Texas were to secede from the Union, it would be the 15th largest economy in the world. The economy of Texas is currently powered by a variety of industries- Agriculture, Aeronautics, Defense, Computer Technology, Energy, Tourism, Entertainment, and Health Care. It leads all US states in exports while being home to the 6th largest Port in the world (Houston) and the 3rd busiest airport in the world measured by traffic (DFW).
Enjoy Texas...and isn't 0% income tax nice?
Guess which state has the most Fortune 500 companies for 2009? California? New York (and Wall Street)? Nope! It is (as you probably have already guessed) TEXAS!
There are 64 current Fortune 500 companies within Texas, including 3 in the top ten (Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips, and AT&T). New York is a distant second place with 56 companies.
If Texas were to secede from the Union, it would be the 15th largest economy in the world. The economy of Texas is currently powered by a variety of industries- Agriculture, Aeronautics, Defense, Computer Technology, Energy, Tourism, Entertainment, and Health Care. It leads all US states in exports while being home to the 6th largest Port in the world (Houston) and the 3rd busiest airport in the world measured by traffic (DFW).
Enjoy Texas...and isn't 0% income tax nice?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Point #35- Texas "Varmint" Festivals
To obtain this point: One must visit a "Varmint" Festival in Texas.
- My personal preference would be the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Round-up that claims to be the "Largest Rattlesnake Round-up in the World". (I'm not sure if rattlesnakes are technically varmints, but I count them. If there is an varmint specialist out there that wants to debate...bring it on!)
- A Mosquito Festival would also work. I say this because there is a festival in Clute (The Great Mosquito Festival) that fascinates me.
- Other varmints that would count: armadillos, bats, fireants, coyotes, bobcats, possums, rabbits, cockroaches, prarie dogs, and even alligators.
From Dicitonary.com:
var⋅mint /ˈvÉ‘rmÉ™nt/[vahr-muhnt] –noun (Chiefly Southern and South Midland U.S.)
a. vermin.
b. an objectionable or undesirable animal, usually predatory, as a coyote or bobcat.
2. a despicable, obnoxious, or annoying person.
I love the fact that Texans have festivals to celebrate even their most annoying animals.
Anyways...this point has been fermenting for a while, but it came to fruition when I ran into a Texanacious friend of mine today at work and he told me about visiting the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Festival. He loved it! He was able to skin a rattlesnake- now that is Texanacious, right? I guess the biggest worry about skinning a rattle snake is perforating the bladder...Who would have guessed? Sounds like the reason is that it smells really bad. Therefore, before you skin a rattlesnake, make sure you brush up on snake anatomy to prevent being 'that guy' who cuts the bladder.
Other parts of the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Round-up includes the crowning of Miss Snake Charmer, a rattlesnake eating contest, a Rattlesnake Round-up Cook-off (tastes like chicken, right?), and a Rattlesnake dance.
Enjoy Texas, and don't slice the bladder...
- My personal preference would be the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Round-up that claims to be the "Largest Rattlesnake Round-up in the World". (I'm not sure if rattlesnakes are technically varmints, but I count them. If there is an varmint specialist out there that wants to debate...bring it on!)
- A Mosquito Festival would also work. I say this because there is a festival in Clute (The Great Mosquito Festival) that fascinates me.
- Other varmints that would count: armadillos, bats, fireants, coyotes, bobcats, possums, rabbits, cockroaches, prarie dogs, and even alligators.
From Dicitonary.com:
var⋅mint /ˈvÉ‘rmÉ™nt/[vahr-muhnt] –noun (Chiefly Southern and South Midland U.S.)
a. vermin.
b. an objectionable or undesirable animal, usually predatory, as a coyote or bobcat.
2. a despicable, obnoxious, or annoying person.
I love the fact that Texans have festivals to celebrate even their most annoying animals.
Anyways...this point has been fermenting for a while, but it came to fruition when I ran into a Texanacious friend of mine today at work and he told me about visiting the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Festival. He loved it! He was able to skin a rattlesnake- now that is Texanacious, right? I guess the biggest worry about skinning a rattle snake is perforating the bladder...Who would have guessed? Sounds like the reason is that it smells really bad. Therefore, before you skin a rattlesnake, make sure you brush up on snake anatomy to prevent being 'that guy' who cuts the bladder.
Other parts of the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Round-up includes the crowning of Miss Snake Charmer, a rattlesnake eating contest, a Rattlesnake Round-up Cook-off (tastes like chicken, right?), and a Rattlesnake dance.
Enjoy Texas, and don't slice the bladder...
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Point #34- Texan Advertising Bingo Game
To obtain this point: One must play the Texas advertising Bingo game.
Above is the Texas Advertising Bingo game. To play, one would print out copies and distribute them to friends. You can either play during a trip to a mall/grocery store or during a longer period of time (try to get a Bingo blackout in a week!).
Have you ever wondered how a marketing department in Texas works (probably not, but bear with me). Well, I am not a marketeer, but I reckon that it goes something like this:
Marketing intern, "We need to sell crummy tasting corn tortilla chips in Dallas. What can we do?"
Marketing executive, "How about we make them in the shape of Texas! That always works!"
Tortilla Chip CEO, "Genius! I can't believe I didn't think of that!!"
Yes there are Texas shaped tortilla chips...and Texas-centric beer cans (for all the major brands), Texas edition trucks, Texas toast, Texas salsa, Texas Watermelons (from the Valley), Texas flag coffee mugs in the shape of cowboy boots, Texas-shaped pewter salsa bowls, many kinds of Texas Christmas ornaments, Texas-shaped cutting boards, Don't Mess with Texas shirts/hats/and underwear, Texas-shaped waffle maker, and even a Texas-shaped Diamond ring.
I feel that it is important to understand the strong branding that is associated with Texas. Therefore, this point is on the list. Also, I want every Texanacious person to be able to enjoy Texas-shaped Potato chips so go to your local HEB and buy some today!!
Enoy Texas and buy Texas-Made when possible...keeping it local until the next time.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Point #33- The Prehistoric Texans...The Dinos
To obtain this point: One must understand prehistoric Texas by visiting the Dinosaur Valley State Park, learn a little about the oldest Texans, and the Texas they called home millions of years ago.
What do the tyrannosaurus, stegocerus, iguanodon, and Alamosaurus (yes this is truly a name of a dinosaur!) have in common? You guessed it! They all lived in prehistoric Texas. Texas was a different place back then. The Diary Queens were a little more spread out, there was not Blue Bell ice cream yet, and Willie Nelson was just a young kid. Go to Dinosaur Valley State Park and enjoy the hill country.
Enjoy Texas...
What do the tyrannosaurus, stegocerus, iguanodon, and Alamosaurus (yes this is truly a name of a dinosaur!) have in common? You guessed it! They all lived in prehistoric Texas. Texas was a different place back then. The Diary Queens were a little more spread out, there was not Blue Bell ice cream yet, and Willie Nelson was just a young kid. Go to Dinosaur Valley State Park and enjoy the hill country.
Enjoy Texas...
Friday, March 20, 2009
Point #32- Texas Independence Trail
To obtain this point you must visit one of the following stops on the Texas Independence Trail: Gonzales, Goliad, or Washington-on-the-Brazos to relive the
Texas Revolution.
Gonzales-
Gonzales was the location of the first battle of the Texas War for Independence. In 1835, there were hints of revolution in Texas. The Mexican army went to Gonzales to retrieve a cannon that they had given the settlers for protection from the Indians. The settlers are famous for making a flag with a cannon on it that said, "Come and Take it." The Texans fought off the Mexicans and the War for Independence was underway.
Goliad-
Before there was the cry "Remember the Alamo", there was "Remember Goliad!" This was the location of much action in the Texas War for Independence. It's most famous for the location where Colonel James Fannin and about 300 Texians were massacred after surrendering to the Mexican army.
Washington-on-the-Brazos-
Known as the "Birthplace of Texas", Washington-on-the-Brazos was the location of the Convention of 1836 when Texas declared independence, wrote the Texas constitution, and organized the fledgling government.
Enjoy Texas...
Texas Revolution.
Gonzales-
Gonzales was the location of the first battle of the Texas War for Independence. In 1835, there were hints of revolution in Texas. The Mexican army went to Gonzales to retrieve a cannon that they had given the settlers for protection from the Indians. The settlers are famous for making a flag with a cannon on it that said, "Come and Take it." The Texans fought off the Mexicans and the War for Independence was underway.
Goliad-
Before there was the cry "Remember the Alamo", there was "Remember Goliad!" This was the location of much action in the Texas War for Independence. It's most famous for the location where Colonel James Fannin and about 300 Texians were massacred after surrendering to the Mexican army.
Washington-on-the-Brazos-
Known as the "Birthplace of Texas", Washington-on-the-Brazos was the location of the Convention of 1836 when Texas declared independence, wrote the Texas constitution, and organized the fledgling government.
Enjoy Texas...
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Point #31- On the road again...Travel 1774 miles on Texas Highways
To obtain this point: One must travel a total of 1774 miles in the beautiful state of Texas on its highways system. This point is designed to get out of the big cities and see some of our great state. There are a couple caveats here:
- City Commuter Rule- Highway travel must be done outside of major cities (sorry commuters).
- Rural Texas Rule- If you drive on a two-lane highway (one lane going each way), you can double your mileage count.
- Lance Armstrong Rule- If you bike on rural Texas on highways, you may multiply your total mileage by 5.
So, one might ask, "Why 1774 miles? Seems like a stupid number." Well, actually, I am glad you inquired! 1774 miles it the summation of the mileage if you criss crossed Texas from North (Texline, TX) to South (Brownsville) for 915 miles and from East (Orange, TX) to West (El Paso, TX) on I-10 for 859 miles. The original plan was that each person should make these respective drives! That did not sit real well with me after realizing that no person would ever want to go from Brownsville to Texline.
So the distance across Texas (east to west) is really long, so let's put it into a little perspective: Let's say you are very bored and sitting in Orange, Texas on I-10 and deciding whether to go East or West. If you went west you could get to El Paso in 859 miles and finally reach the other end of Texas. Let's say you wanted to go east towards Louisiana and drive 859 miles. You would continue right past Baton Rouge (LA), New Orleans (LA), Biloxi (MS), Mobile (AL), Tallahassee (FL), and Jacksonville (FL). At that time, you would continue on a submarine car for roughly another 80 miles into the middle of the Atlantic Ocean to complete the 859 miles. I hope you like scuba diving.
So you think that driving across Texas east to west is long. Well, wait there a second! It is even longer to drive south to north. Here's way of thinking about it: Let's say you actually lived in Brownsville and drove the 915 miles to Texline in the panhandle. You would probably be very happy for yourself. That drive is roughly the same distance from London, England to Venice Italy. In the European version, you would have to go through the English Channel (again our submarine car), France, Germany, Switzerland, maybe a little of Austria, and the Alps to get to Venice.
Now let's say you wanted to stay domestic and were leaving from Chicago to the East Coast and wanted to drive the same distance as it would take to get across Texas. You could get all the way to Hartford, CT! This trip from Chicago would include passing through 7 states (IL, IN, OH, PN, NY, NJ, and CT) before getting to Hartford.
Anyways, I figure you get the idea that Texas is a really big state. I am sure you could come up with a geographical interesting perspectives.
Enjoy Texas and did you know that it is big. :)
- City Commuter Rule- Highway travel must be done outside of major cities (sorry commuters).
- Rural Texas Rule- If you drive on a two-lane highway (one lane going each way), you can double your mileage count.
- Lance Armstrong Rule- If you bike on rural Texas on highways, you may multiply your total mileage by 5.
So, one might ask, "Why 1774 miles? Seems like a stupid number." Well, actually, I am glad you inquired! 1774 miles it the summation of the mileage if you criss crossed Texas from North (Texline, TX) to South (Brownsville) for 915 miles and from East (Orange, TX) to West (El Paso, TX) on I-10 for 859 miles. The original plan was that each person should make these respective drives! That did not sit real well with me after realizing that no person would ever want to go from Brownsville to Texline.
So the distance across Texas (east to west) is really long, so let's put it into a little perspective: Let's say you are very bored and sitting in Orange, Texas on I-10 and deciding whether to go East or West. If you went west you could get to El Paso in 859 miles and finally reach the other end of Texas. Let's say you wanted to go east towards Louisiana and drive 859 miles. You would continue right past Baton Rouge (LA), New Orleans (LA), Biloxi (MS), Mobile (AL), Tallahassee (FL), and Jacksonville (FL). At that time, you would continue on a submarine car for roughly another 80 miles into the middle of the Atlantic Ocean to complete the 859 miles. I hope you like scuba diving.
So you think that driving across Texas east to west is long. Well, wait there a second! It is even longer to drive south to north. Here's way of thinking about it: Let's say you actually lived in Brownsville and drove the 915 miles to Texline in the panhandle. You would probably be very happy for yourself. That drive is roughly the same distance from London, England to Venice Italy. In the European version, you would have to go through the English Channel (again our submarine car), France, Germany, Switzerland, maybe a little of Austria, and the Alps to get to Venice.
Now let's say you wanted to stay domestic and were leaving from Chicago to the East Coast and wanted to drive the same distance as it would take to get across Texas. You could get all the way to Hartford, CT! This trip from Chicago would include passing through 7 states (IL, IN, OH, PN, NY, NJ, and CT) before getting to Hartford.
Anyways, I figure you get the idea that Texas is a really big state. I am sure you could come up with a geographical interesting perspectives.
Enjoy Texas and did you know that it is big. :)
Friday, March 13, 2009
Point #30- Marfa...World class art in the middle of nowhere
To obtain this point: One must visit Marfa and experience world class art in the middle of West Texas.
Marfa, which began as a railroad water stop, only has a population just over 2,000 people, but it has some very interesting and Texanacious experiences. The first is the Chianti Foundation, which is a world class contemporary art museum founded by the work of Donald Judd on the former location of a military base...how cool is that!
The second interesting part of Marfa is the mysterious Marfa lights (known as the 'ghost lights'). There have been anecdotal claims about these lights in that area since the 1800s. They are explained as floating spheres that have various movements in different directions. For all you scientists out there, various explanations have been given for the lights: mirage-like images from the differences in temperature, reflections off of the quartz in the area, or automobile lights from a local highway (lame!). I would like to think that they are ghosts or aliens...
Enjoy Texas and did you know that parts of the 1950s movie 'Giant' (Member of the 1998 edition of the American Film Institute's Top 100 Films of all time) was filmed near Marfa.
Marfa, which began as a railroad water stop, only has a population just over 2,000 people, but it has some very interesting and Texanacious experiences. The first is the Chianti Foundation, which is a world class contemporary art museum founded by the work of Donald Judd on the former location of a military base...how cool is that!
The second interesting part of Marfa is the mysterious Marfa lights (known as the 'ghost lights'). There have been anecdotal claims about these lights in that area since the 1800s. They are explained as floating spheres that have various movements in different directions. For all you scientists out there, various explanations have been given for the lights: mirage-like images from the differences in temperature, reflections off of the quartz in the area, or automobile lights from a local highway (lame!). I would like to think that they are ghosts or aliens...
Enjoy Texas and did you know that parts of the 1950s movie 'Giant' (Member of the 1998 edition of the American Film Institute's Top 100 Films of all time) was filmed near Marfa.
Point #29- Galveston...On the Gulf Coast
To obtain this point: One must visit this island city, wander the Strand, and reminisce about the history of this Texas jewel.
Existing on a gulf coast barrier island, Galveston is a town that has lived and died with the waves. By the end of the 19th century, Galveston was the heart of Texas commerce. At that time it was known as the "Ellis Island of the West" because of its importance in immigration and "the Wall Street of the Southwest" because of its commercial strength. This all changed with the worst natural disaster in US history.
The Galveston Storm of 1900 derailed Galveston's progress. The entire island was engulfed by the storm surge and decimated the city. The hurricane destroyed 3,600 buildings and killed over 6,000 people. After the hurricane, the survivors dumped the bodies into the gulf only to have them washed up on the shore the next couple days...how disgusting!
In true Texas spirit, the Galvestonians rebuilt better than ever. To fix the problem of living on a barrier island, they literally raised the island! The seawall was built 10.4 miles long and 17 feet high. For the buildings that survived, they either filled in their basements or lifted the buildings and put fill underneath. Now Galveston continues to live perilously on the edge of the Gulf Coast.
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that the first European to visit Galveston Island (Cabeza de Vaca) was shipwrecked there and called it Isla de Malhado (Island of Doom).
Existing on a gulf coast barrier island, Galveston is a town that has lived and died with the waves. By the end of the 19th century, Galveston was the heart of Texas commerce. At that time it was known as the "Ellis Island of the West" because of its importance in immigration and "the Wall Street of the Southwest" because of its commercial strength. This all changed with the worst natural disaster in US history.
The Galveston Storm of 1900 derailed Galveston's progress. The entire island was engulfed by the storm surge and decimated the city. The hurricane destroyed 3,600 buildings and killed over 6,000 people. After the hurricane, the survivors dumped the bodies into the gulf only to have them washed up on the shore the next couple days...how disgusting!
In true Texas spirit, the Galvestonians rebuilt better than ever. To fix the problem of living on a barrier island, they literally raised the island! The seawall was built 10.4 miles long and 17 feet high. For the buildings that survived, they either filled in their basements or lifted the buildings and put fill underneath. Now Galveston continues to live perilously on the edge of the Gulf Coast.
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that the first European to visit Galveston Island (Cabeza de Vaca) was shipwrecked there and called it Isla de Malhado (Island of Doom).
Point #28- Amarillo...A big bite of Route 66.
To obtain this point: One must visit Amarillo, relive the nostalgia of Route 66, and indulge in the Big Texan.
Amarillo is the largest Texas city in the Panhandle. There are many Texanacious experiences to be found there, but I am going to focus on the Big Texan and Cadillac Ranch:
The Big Texan Steak Ranch is an Amarilloan restaurant that features a wonderful carnivorous deal: Free 72 ounce steak (the Texan King)! The only catch is that you have to finish it in only 1 hour (plus all the sides: bread roll with butter, potato, ranch beans, shrimp cocktail, and salad). The best part of the meal is that you have to sign an agreement of health liability...awesome!
The story of Cadillac Ranch goes something like this: A helium millionaire who spent too much time inhaling his own product and talking like Daffy Duck decided one day that he needed more art in Amarillo. Naturally, he involved an off-beat group from San Francisco called the Ant Farm to come and help. The odd creation that followed involved half buried cars that show the Golden Age of American Automobiles. To get a little more historical credibility, they faced the cars West and placed them at the same angle as some of the pyramids in Egypt. The cars quickly became the targets of grafitti artists who create an ever-changing color scheme to this piece of modern Texana art.
Did you know- Amarillo is the 'Helium capital of the World' (self-proclaimed, of course)...Enjoy Texas.
Did you know Part II- Joey Chestnut holds the record for fastest inhalation of the Big Texan King in under 10 minutes.
Amarillo is the largest Texas city in the Panhandle. There are many Texanacious experiences to be found there, but I am going to focus on the Big Texan and Cadillac Ranch:
The Big Texan Steak Ranch is an Amarilloan restaurant that features a wonderful carnivorous deal: Free 72 ounce steak (the Texan King)! The only catch is that you have to finish it in only 1 hour (plus all the sides: bread roll with butter, potato, ranch beans, shrimp cocktail, and salad). The best part of the meal is that you have to sign an agreement of health liability...awesome!
The story of Cadillac Ranch goes something like this: A helium millionaire who spent too much time inhaling his own product and talking like Daffy Duck decided one day that he needed more art in Amarillo. Naturally, he involved an off-beat group from San Francisco called the Ant Farm to come and help. The odd creation that followed involved half buried cars that show the Golden Age of American Automobiles. To get a little more historical credibility, they faced the cars West and placed them at the same angle as some of the pyramids in Egypt. The cars quickly became the targets of grafitti artists who create an ever-changing color scheme to this piece of modern Texana art.
Did you know- Amarillo is the 'Helium capital of the World' (self-proclaimed, of course)...Enjoy Texas.
Did you know Part II- Joey Chestnut holds the record for fastest inhalation of the Big Texan King in under 10 minutes.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Point #27- "Houston...the eagle has landed"
To obtain this point: One must visit the largest city in Texas, enjoy the live and let-live attitude, and land a simulated shuttle at NASA (Johnson Space Center)...beware landing in the swamps...
Houston is a booming metropolis that is the one of the premier economic, political, and cultural hubs in Texas. From the mosquito infested swampland that the Allen brothers purchased in the 1830s, Houston has evolved into a world class city and major economic power. It is home to NASA, the largest medical center in the world, the second most Fortune 500 companies (behind New York), and the largest international port in the US. What Houston lacks in natural beauty, is made up for by its enterprising, diverse, and hard working people.
Of course Houston has everything a world class city should have: excellent cultural opportunities, an active performing arts pulse in the Theater District, award-winning museums in the Museum district, enough sports teams for any ESPN junkie, vast diversity of population creating an international feel, the largest rodeo in the world, weekends full of cultural or art festivals, a wide range of musical greats (from Beyonce to ZZ Top), and the most impressive skyline in Texas.
Each of these categories can be a source of great Texas pride, but the more interesting part of Houston lives beneath the cultural institutions. Houston is a great place because anything is possible. It has seen peaks and valleys, but dreamers continue to find their path to Houston. This sentimental view of Houston also has a dark, shadowy underbelly. An underbelly that includes scandals, bribery, and murder. I like the underbelly :). Lets look at that!
A little history lesson of quick ascendancy, wild-catters, natural disasters, and dreaming:
Houston was founded by the Allen Brothers in August 1836 and was the capital of the Republic of Texas by 1837. That quick rise to power is pretty darned impressive! At that time it was little more than a mosquito-ridden swamp with cunning civil leadership. Think about it...The Allen brothers did not even have a name for pre-natal town, so they named it after the leading candidate to be president of the Republic of Texas. If elected, how could Sam Houston pick another city to be the capital? Who would not like to govern a new empire in a capital named after themselves? This was just one of the quick-witted moves that has defined Houston as a place where anything is possible. Here are a couple other interesting examples of Houston and it's history:
- Before the European settles, the environs of Houston was populated by cannibalistic Native Americans (the Karankawas)
- Before anyone even lived in Houston, the Allen brothers had ads in New York newspapers advertising Houston as a 'thriving port city', 'future capital of Texas', and with 'beautiful waterfalls.' To make Houston the capital, they bribed the newly formed government of Texas by offering a free capital building, giving land to representatives, and naming the streets after folks in the Battle of San Jacinto who were willing to move to Houston.
- The first industrial business proposal in Houston (starting a carriage manufacturing shop in the 1830s) ended when the entrepreneur heard gun shots during a session of Congress he was attending. He rushed outside to see what had happened. A man with blood spewing who was just shot in the saloon staggered out and fell onto this East Coast businessman. A few moments later a second unfortunate fellow came staggering into him with bowels protruding from his abdomen after finding the wrong end of a Bowie knife. This budding carriage-maker decided that Houston was not quite the most fruitful business atmosphere so he promptly returned to his sensible home in New Jersey. This unfortunate business endeavor was not the last business proposal to literally die in the streets of Houston.
- One of the first ships (Laura) to 'dock' in Houston from the sea actually floated right by the city and continued for 3 miles because it did not realize that the shanty town of tents and rough shelters was actually the 'prosperous' city of Houston advertised in the newspapers.
- It took nearly 50 years to pave the streets in the future Space City, so Houstonians used to be referred to as 'mud-turtles', which I think is a good name for the next sports team: The Houston Fighting Mud-Turtles...doesn't that strike fear into opponents.
- William Marsh Rice (Founder of the esteemed Rice University and Houston business pillar) was rumored to have made much of his fortune selling goods to both sides of the Civil War. Later he was murdered by his butler in an attempt to steal his fortune. This scandalous case of greed and deceit would make Hollywood movie writers salivate.
- Arguably the most beneficial event in Houston's history was one of the worse natural disasters in Texas history. The 1900 Galveston Hurricane destroyed Galveston and placed Houston as the pre-eminent port on the Texas Gulf Coast.
- In true Houston fashion, the city does not have zoning laws for city planning. Anything goes. A church next to a strip joint...that's okay.
- The Sharpstown Scandal in the early 1970s was an interwoven network of stock fraud, political collusion, and government bribery that brought down many state officials. It went roughly like this: Frank Sharp gave a bunch of state officials money to buy a company that he owned. In turn, the government officials passed laws that helped out that company and everybody made oodles of money...and this is illegal?
- Tom Delay (previous House Majority Leader) was forced to resign after being reprimanded by the House Ethics Committee multiple times and finally indicted in 2005. This scandal went something like this: Tom Delay was a bull dog politician that many disliked unless he was fighting for you. Therefore, when rumors of bribery and misconduct surfaced, his numerous enemies jumped on the stories to force his resignation.
- Business in Houston was never really confined to 'usual business practices'. Just ask the accounting department (or lack thereof) at Enron or the Stanford Group in the alleged recent 8 billion dollar fraud case.
Did you know that Houston was ranked the best place to live in America by Kipplingers in 2008...mosquitoes and all...Enjoy Texas.
Did you also know that Houston's economic gross area product was larger than Austria ...Enjoy Texas.
Houston is a booming metropolis that is the one of the premier economic, political, and cultural hubs in Texas. From the mosquito infested swampland that the Allen brothers purchased in the 1830s, Houston has evolved into a world class city and major economic power. It is home to NASA, the largest medical center in the world, the second most Fortune 500 companies (behind New York), and the largest international port in the US. What Houston lacks in natural beauty, is made up for by its enterprising, diverse, and hard working people.
Of course Houston has everything a world class city should have: excellent cultural opportunities, an active performing arts pulse in the Theater District, award-winning museums in the Museum district, enough sports teams for any ESPN junkie, vast diversity of population creating an international feel, the largest rodeo in the world, weekends full of cultural or art festivals, a wide range of musical greats (from Beyonce to ZZ Top), and the most impressive skyline in Texas.
Each of these categories can be a source of great Texas pride, but the more interesting part of Houston lives beneath the cultural institutions. Houston is a great place because anything is possible. It has seen peaks and valleys, but dreamers continue to find their path to Houston. This sentimental view of Houston also has a dark, shadowy underbelly. An underbelly that includes scandals, bribery, and murder. I like the underbelly :). Lets look at that!
A little history lesson of quick ascendancy, wild-catters, natural disasters, and dreaming:
Houston was founded by the Allen Brothers in August 1836 and was the capital of the Republic of Texas by 1837. That quick rise to power is pretty darned impressive! At that time it was little more than a mosquito-ridden swamp with cunning civil leadership. Think about it...The Allen brothers did not even have a name for pre-natal town, so they named it after the leading candidate to be president of the Republic of Texas. If elected, how could Sam Houston pick another city to be the capital? Who would not like to govern a new empire in a capital named after themselves? This was just one of the quick-witted moves that has defined Houston as a place where anything is possible. Here are a couple other interesting examples of Houston and it's history:
- Before the European settles, the environs of Houston was populated by cannibalistic Native Americans (the Karankawas)
- Before anyone even lived in Houston, the Allen brothers had ads in New York newspapers advertising Houston as a 'thriving port city', 'future capital of Texas', and with 'beautiful waterfalls.' To make Houston the capital, they bribed the newly formed government of Texas by offering a free capital building, giving land to representatives, and naming the streets after folks in the Battle of San Jacinto who were willing to move to Houston.
- The first industrial business proposal in Houston (starting a carriage manufacturing shop in the 1830s) ended when the entrepreneur heard gun shots during a session of Congress he was attending. He rushed outside to see what had happened. A man with blood spewing who was just shot in the saloon staggered out and fell onto this East Coast businessman. A few moments later a second unfortunate fellow came staggering into him with bowels protruding from his abdomen after finding the wrong end of a Bowie knife. This budding carriage-maker decided that Houston was not quite the most fruitful business atmosphere so he promptly returned to his sensible home in New Jersey. This unfortunate business endeavor was not the last business proposal to literally die in the streets of Houston.
- One of the first ships (Laura) to 'dock' in Houston from the sea actually floated right by the city and continued for 3 miles because it did not realize that the shanty town of tents and rough shelters was actually the 'prosperous' city of Houston advertised in the newspapers.
- It took nearly 50 years to pave the streets in the future Space City, so Houstonians used to be referred to as 'mud-turtles', which I think is a good name for the next sports team: The Houston Fighting Mud-Turtles...doesn't that strike fear into opponents.
- William Marsh Rice (Founder of the esteemed Rice University and Houston business pillar) was rumored to have made much of his fortune selling goods to both sides of the Civil War. Later he was murdered by his butler in an attempt to steal his fortune. This scandalous case of greed and deceit would make Hollywood movie writers salivate.
- Arguably the most beneficial event in Houston's history was one of the worse natural disasters in Texas history. The 1900 Galveston Hurricane destroyed Galveston and placed Houston as the pre-eminent port on the Texas Gulf Coast.
- In true Houston fashion, the city does not have zoning laws for city planning. Anything goes. A church next to a strip joint...that's okay.
- The Sharpstown Scandal in the early 1970s was an interwoven network of stock fraud, political collusion, and government bribery that brought down many state officials. It went roughly like this: Frank Sharp gave a bunch of state officials money to buy a company that he owned. In turn, the government officials passed laws that helped out that company and everybody made oodles of money...and this is illegal?
- Tom Delay (previous House Majority Leader) was forced to resign after being reprimanded by the House Ethics Committee multiple times and finally indicted in 2005. This scandal went something like this: Tom Delay was a bull dog politician that many disliked unless he was fighting for you. Therefore, when rumors of bribery and misconduct surfaced, his numerous enemies jumped on the stories to force his resignation.
- Business in Houston was never really confined to 'usual business practices'. Just ask the accounting department (or lack thereof) at Enron or the Stanford Group in the alleged recent 8 billion dollar fraud case.
Did you know that Houston was ranked the best place to live in America by Kipplingers in 2008...mosquitoes and all...Enjoy Texas.
Did you also know that Houston's economic gross area product was larger than Austria ...Enjoy Texas.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Point #26: Blue Bell Ice Cream
To obtain this point: One must savor their favorite ice cream flavor at the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham.
- Caveat #1- Blue Bell is the Texan ice cream, but Shiner is the Texan beer! You could go to Shiner, TX and visit the brewery to get this point also.
- Caveat #2- Dr. Pepper is another Texas tradition. To obtain this point another way, you could go on the Dr. Pepper Museum Tour in Waco.
Back to the Blue Bell...
I moved away from Texas for a couple years and quickly came back. One of the things I missed most was Blue Bell ice cream. One day as I was living internationally (outside Texas), I saw an add for Blue Bell ice cream at a local Albertson's grocery store. I was dashing out the door before the advertisement hit the floor. Unfortunately the advertisement was a misprint...I still feel bad for that poor manager at the grocery store that Sunday morning.
My second favorite Blue Bell story was when we were in Brenham and stumbled across the 100th anniversary of Blue Bell ice cream in 2007. Imagine this: All the ice cream you can eat, freezers full of popsicles, dancing, a home-made branding seminar, celebration by all, and a hay-rack ride. Again, what more could a Texan ask for?
There are a couple things that makes Blue Bell ice cream great, but here's just a sampling:
- Been around over 100 years
- Only does Peaches and Homemade Vanilla flavor in the spring and summer because that is when the Peaches are most ripe...fresh ingredients...I love it!
- It has a monthly newsletter for members of the Blue Bell Club
- There is a place on the website to suggest new flavors
- Due to their strict delivery standards, Blue Bell is very slow to expand their operations to surrounding states (now in about 20% of the US)
Did you know that Blue Bell ice cream ranks in the top 3 best selling ice cream in the nation even though it is only sold in 20% of the country...Enjoy Texas
- Caveat #1- Blue Bell is the Texan ice cream, but Shiner is the Texan beer! You could go to Shiner, TX and visit the brewery to get this point also.
- Caveat #2- Dr. Pepper is another Texas tradition. To obtain this point another way, you could go on the Dr. Pepper Museum Tour in Waco.
Back to the Blue Bell...
I moved away from Texas for a couple years and quickly came back. One of the things I missed most was Blue Bell ice cream. One day as I was living internationally (outside Texas), I saw an add for Blue Bell ice cream at a local Albertson's grocery store. I was dashing out the door before the advertisement hit the floor. Unfortunately the advertisement was a misprint...I still feel bad for that poor manager at the grocery store that Sunday morning.
My second favorite Blue Bell story was when we were in Brenham and stumbled across the 100th anniversary of Blue Bell ice cream in 2007. Imagine this: All the ice cream you can eat, freezers full of popsicles, dancing, a home-made branding seminar, celebration by all, and a hay-rack ride. Again, what more could a Texan ask for?
There are a couple things that makes Blue Bell ice cream great, but here's just a sampling:
- Been around over 100 years
- Only does Peaches and Homemade Vanilla flavor in the spring and summer because that is when the Peaches are most ripe...fresh ingredients...I love it!
- It has a monthly newsletter for members of the Blue Bell Club
- There is a place on the website to suggest new flavors
- Due to their strict delivery standards, Blue Bell is very slow to expand their operations to surrounding states (now in about 20% of the US)
Did you know that Blue Bell ice cream ranks in the top 3 best selling ice cream in the nation even though it is only sold in 20% of the country...Enjoy Texas
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Point #25- Big Bend National Park
To obtain this point: One must hike a trek to feel the vastness of Texas in Big Bend National Park.
While researching Big Bend, I started feeling like a wayward high school girl wanting to date the bad boy on campus. The more I researched, the more un-inviting it sounded. The more un-inviting it sounded, the more I wanted to go visit.
This process all started when I came across the official website by the National Park Service and was dumbfounded at how un-inviting the NPS makes Big Bend sound. I can see why it is such a poorly visited park. Here are a couple interesting facts as advertised on the official Big Bend website:
- The remains of a 50 foot crocodile with 6 inch teeth was found there in the 1940s.
- Big Bend is one of the least visited National Parks with about 300,000-350,000 people a year. This is up from its first year of 1400 visitors (most of whom were probably lost).
- There are multiple drug smuggling lines that run through Big Bend...so don't buy anything from a guy in a old van selling 'white powder'
- Multiple caves in the park are said to be haunted by ghosts or are locations of smuggled treasure (but there is no 'real' treasure).
- Because of deteriorating air quality, the spectacular vistas are limited to due to haziness on most days (seriously, this is on their website trying to attract guests)
- Mountain Lions, Mexican black bears, box turtles, and jack rabbits are some of the unique residents of Big Bend.
- Cell phone service often does not work inside the park
- Mariscal Mine (a mercury mine) is listed in the National Register of historic districts and one of the best preserved mines in Texas. Remember that mercury (AKA quicksilver) is the element that is the basis for the phrase 'mad as a hatter'.
- Big Bend became a national park one week after D-Day in 1944...I hope FDR did not spend much time mulling over this decision because I figure he had other things on his plate like the largest World War ever and the worse economic depression in recent history.
- Big Bend is the location of the largest area of protected Chihuahuan Desert in the US
- The tarantula is the largest spider in Big Bend and occasionally seen crossing the the road to find a mate...which leads to the obvious question: Why did the tarantula cross the road?...errr, nevermind.
A quick summary from the Big Bend Website why to visit:
Enormous pre-historic Crocs, drug smugglers, ghosts, fake buried treasure, black bears, Tarantulas, quicksilver, few visitors, no cell phone service, and more cacti/bats than any other National Park all in the middle of the desert with crummy views...I think the National Park Service needs another PR person for their website, but like the bad boy in high school, it is irresistible to me!
A special thanks to the fine folks at the NPS:
http://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm
While researching Big Bend, I started feeling like a wayward high school girl wanting to date the bad boy on campus. The more I researched, the more un-inviting it sounded. The more un-inviting it sounded, the more I wanted to go visit.
This process all started when I came across the official website by the National Park Service and was dumbfounded at how un-inviting the NPS makes Big Bend sound. I can see why it is such a poorly visited park. Here are a couple interesting facts as advertised on the official Big Bend website:
- The remains of a 50 foot crocodile with 6 inch teeth was found there in the 1940s.
- Big Bend is one of the least visited National Parks with about 300,000-350,000 people a year. This is up from its first year of 1400 visitors (most of whom were probably lost).
- There are multiple drug smuggling lines that run through Big Bend...so don't buy anything from a guy in a old van selling 'white powder'
- Multiple caves in the park are said to be haunted by ghosts or are locations of smuggled treasure (but there is no 'real' treasure).
- Because of deteriorating air quality, the spectacular vistas are limited to due to haziness on most days (seriously, this is on their website trying to attract guests)
- Mountain Lions, Mexican black bears, box turtles, and jack rabbits are some of the unique residents of Big Bend.
- Cell phone service often does not work inside the park
- Mariscal Mine (a mercury mine) is listed in the National Register of historic districts and one of the best preserved mines in Texas. Remember that mercury (AKA quicksilver) is the element that is the basis for the phrase 'mad as a hatter'.
- Big Bend became a national park one week after D-Day in 1944...I hope FDR did not spend much time mulling over this decision because I figure he had other things on his plate like the largest World War ever and the worse economic depression in recent history.
- Big Bend is the location of the largest area of protected Chihuahuan Desert in the US
- The tarantula is the largest spider in Big Bend and occasionally seen crossing the the road to find a mate...which leads to the obvious question: Why did the tarantula cross the road?...errr, nevermind.
A quick summary from the Big Bend Website why to visit:
Enormous pre-historic Crocs, drug smugglers, ghosts, fake buried treasure, black bears, Tarantulas, quicksilver, few visitors, no cell phone service, and more cacti/bats than any other National Park all in the middle of the desert with crummy views...I think the National Park Service needs another PR person for their website, but like the bad boy in high school, it is irresistible to me!
A special thanks to the fine folks at the NPS:
http://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm
Addendum to Post #25: Big Bend part II
Okay I could not pass this up because I was a little harsh on the Big Bend Public Relations director in the last post, but it is even worse when I re-visited the main website.
Here is the first thing you see on their official website:
Current issues affecting visitors-
1. Bear activity in the Chisos Mountains...beware
2. Road/Trail Closures due to flooding...including trails washed away and launch sites for river tours destroyed.
3. Trail closure due to Peregrine Falcon mating season...they were endangered so we cannot watch these falcons make baby falcons
4. Death of visitor in Rio Grande Village by heart attack
Here's the advertisement directly below the visitor update box:
"A land of strong beauty—often savage and always imposing."
Okay so here are my revised reasons to visit Big Bend from the official website:
Bears are running rampant, floods are destroying everythings, visitors from Kansas are dying unexpectedly, and you can't even see the rare peregine falcon...enjoy your visit
-Big Bend Public Relations Department
Again, I think they need a new PR guy...
Addendum Part 3- Those Beautiful Vistas
I so I guess in addition to a new PR guy, they also need a couple new environmentalists, scientists, and anyone with common sense. The fine Texas Commission on Environmental Quality plan has set a goal for clear vistas at Big Bend National park by the year 2155. Yes, that is 146 years from now. Here's link to the Houston Chronicle article:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6281355.html
Let's put this into prospective--> My son is 5 months old right now. He does not even crawl! Neither he nor his son will probably ever see a clear vista at Big Bend. HOWEVER, we have a PLAN to clean the air for my grandson's son when he is roughly 75 years old, who will be able to see those beautiful views of 100 miles of dessert and complete nothingness...seriously, dude, seriously! The views even sound like they suck...they are dessert! It is not majestic mountains, clear beaches, or waterfalls. They are dessert.
Another prospective--> What was happening 146 years ago...1863: The first farm in the homestead act was claimed in Nebraska (my old state!), The Emancipation Proclamation was signed by Abe Lincoln, The Battle of Gettysburg occurred, and Sam Houston died.
Well, anyways, I am happy to hear that we have a rock solid plan for Michael the IVth to have a splendid view of desserts before he dies...continue to good work out there in Big Bend National Park.
Here is the first thing you see on their official website:
Current issues affecting visitors-
1. Bear activity in the Chisos Mountains...beware
2. Road/Trail Closures due to flooding...including trails washed away and launch sites for river tours destroyed.
3. Trail closure due to Peregrine Falcon mating season...they were endangered so we cannot watch these falcons make baby falcons
4. Death of visitor in Rio Grande Village by heart attack
Here's the advertisement directly below the visitor update box:
"A land of strong beauty—often savage and always imposing."
Okay so here are my revised reasons to visit Big Bend from the official website:
Bears are running rampant, floods are destroying everythings, visitors from Kansas are dying unexpectedly, and you can't even see the rare peregine falcon...enjoy your visit
-Big Bend Public Relations Department
Again, I think they need a new PR guy...
Addendum Part 3- Those Beautiful Vistas
I so I guess in addition to a new PR guy, they also need a couple new environmentalists, scientists, and anyone with common sense. The fine Texas Commission on Environmental Quality plan has set a goal for clear vistas at Big Bend National park by the year 2155. Yes, that is 146 years from now. Here's link to the Houston Chronicle article:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6281355.html
Let's put this into prospective--> My son is 5 months old right now. He does not even crawl! Neither he nor his son will probably ever see a clear vista at Big Bend. HOWEVER, we have a PLAN to clean the air for my grandson's son when he is roughly 75 years old, who will be able to see those beautiful views of 100 miles of dessert and complete nothingness...seriously, dude, seriously! The views even sound like they suck...they are dessert! It is not majestic mountains, clear beaches, or waterfalls. They are dessert.
Another prospective--> What was happening 146 years ago...1863: The first farm in the homestead act was claimed in Nebraska (my old state!), The Emancipation Proclamation was signed by Abe Lincoln, The Battle of Gettysburg occurred, and Sam Houston died.
Well, anyways, I am happy to hear that we have a rock solid plan for Michael the IVth to have a splendid view of desserts before he dies...continue to good work out there in Big Bend National Park.
Point #24- The Texas Coastal Birding Trail
To obtain this point: One must spend time listening, looking, and observing birds in the Texas Gulf Coast.
- My personal preference would be to see the whooping cranes in Aransas National Wildlife Preserve, but any of the Texas Coastal Birding Trail would be enough to get this point.
Birding might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Texas, but folks from all over the world come to our fair state to catch a glimpse of some of the most rare species. With its location and abundant coast line, Texas is a haven for migrating birds from the North, coastal birds, or subtropical birds from the south. On this trail you can spend some time outside enjoying the abundance of Texas coastline and see egrets, herons, Spoonbills, green jays, or chachalacas.
Some of the best spots for birding include Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (also the Rockport area), World Birding Center (multiple sites in the Valley), Anahuac National Refuge, High Island, or Bolivar Flats.
According to a Houston Chronicle article, here are a couple places to see some birds:
1. Great Egret- High Island
2. Pileated Woodpecker- Big Thicket National Preserve
3. Wood Duck- Armand Bayou Nature Center
4. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher- San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge
5. Black Skimmer- Matagorda Bay Nature Park
6. Whooping Crane- Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
7. Roseate Spoonbill- Port Aransas
8. Brown Pelican- Corpus Christi
9. Crested Caracara (I have no idea what this looks like:)- Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
10. Great Blue Heron- South Padre Island
11. Great Kiskadee- Weslaco
12. Finally...the elusive Green Jay- World Birding Center
Here's the article:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/travel/texas/features/6307529.html
Picture from the www.worldbirdingcenter.com
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that there are over 600 species of birds in Texas?
- My personal preference would be to see the whooping cranes in Aransas National Wildlife Preserve, but any of the Texas Coastal Birding Trail would be enough to get this point.
Birding might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Texas, but folks from all over the world come to our fair state to catch a glimpse of some of the most rare species. With its location and abundant coast line, Texas is a haven for migrating birds from the North, coastal birds, or subtropical birds from the south. On this trail you can spend some time outside enjoying the abundance of Texas coastline and see egrets, herons, Spoonbills, green jays, or chachalacas.
Some of the best spots for birding include Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (also the Rockport area), World Birding Center (multiple sites in the Valley), Anahuac National Refuge, High Island, or Bolivar Flats.
According to a Houston Chronicle article, here are a couple places to see some birds:
1. Great Egret- High Island
2. Pileated Woodpecker- Big Thicket National Preserve
3. Wood Duck- Armand Bayou Nature Center
4. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher- San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge
5. Black Skimmer- Matagorda Bay Nature Park
6. Whooping Crane- Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
7. Roseate Spoonbill- Port Aransas
8. Brown Pelican- Corpus Christi
9. Crested Caracara (I have no idea what this looks like:)- Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
10. Great Blue Heron- South Padre Island
11. Great Kiskadee- Weslaco
12. Finally...the elusive Green Jay- World Birding Center
Here's the article:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/travel/texas/features/6307529.html
Picture from the www.worldbirdingcenter.com
Enjoy Texas...and did you know that there are over 600 species of birds in Texas?
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