Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• U.S. retail sales rose by 0.7% in March

• Upcoming Rice Owls Baseball vs. UTSA Roadrunners

• A deep dive into the life of Gus Wortham

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"If it wasn't for failures, I wouldn't know what strength looked like."

- Byron Pulsifer

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Houston museum is dedicated to the history of space exploration?

A) The Museum of Fine Arts

B) Houston Museum of Natural Science

C) Space Center Houston

D) The Health Museum

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: The major river that runs through Houston is D) Buffalo Bayou.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

Tilman Fertitta remains interested in acquiring an NHL team for Houston despite missing out on the Arizona Coyotes purchase. (Link)

Tax Day 2024 marked the filing deadline for most 2023 tax returns, with information available about extensions, free filing options, and potential refunds. (Link)

Four teenagers, including two aged 14, have been arrested in Houston for the murder of a well-liked convenience store clerk. (Link)

A team of Idaho teens has qualified for the Robotics World Championship, showcasing their engineering talents on a global stage. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Austin Riley drove in a key run during a four-run ninth inning to secure a 6-1 win for the Atlanta Braves over the Houston Astros. (Link)

The Houston Texans are set to reveal new team jerseys on April 23, as announced on their dedicated news platform, Texans Daily. (Link)

Tilman Fertitta remains interested in acquiring an NHL franchise for Houston, despite not purchasing the Arizona Coyotes. (Link)

🏦 Finance

The Sugar Land Arts Fest 2024 at Smart Financial Centre will feature an immersive weekend of art, music, and cuisine on April 27-28. (Link)

U.S. retail sales rose by 0.7% in March, demonstrating the enduring strength of consumer spending. (Link)

Lengthy queues at the IRS office in southwest Houston sparked frustration among taxpayers trying to meet the April filing deadline. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏉 Houston SaberCats vs. San Diego Legion 
SaberCats Stadium, Houston
Saturday, Apr. 27th | 7:00 PM | More Info

⚾ Rice Owls Baseball vs. UTSA Roadrunners 
Reckling Park, Houston
Sunday, Apr. 28th | 6:30 PM | More Info

⚾ Texas Arlington Mavericks Baseball at Houston Cougars 
Darryl & Lori Schroeder Park, Houston
Friday, Apr. 26th | 6:30 PM | More Info

Music & Concerts

🎤 AM/FM - The 70's Rock Experience 
The Barn at The Frio, Cypress
Saturday, Apr. 27th | 8:00 PM  | More Info

🎤 Social Distortion & Bad Religion 
Bayou Music Center, Houston
Monday, Apr. 22nd | 8:00 PM | More Info

🎵 Arizona Zervas 
Bronze Peacock Room, House of Blues, Houston
Tuesday, Apr. 23rd | 7:00 PM | More Info

🎸 Swans 
White Oak Music Hall, Houston
Tuesday, Apr. 23rd | 7:00 PM | More Info

🎶 Sir Chloe 
White Oak Music Hall, Houston
Wednesday, Apr. 24th | 7:00 PM | More Info

Family

🎨 19th Annual Frida Festival 
The Storyhive, East End, Houston
Saturday, Apr. 27th | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM | More Info

🌟 Sugar Land Arts Fest 2024 
Smart Financial Centre Plaza, Sugar Land
Saturday, Apr. 27th & Sunday, Apr. 28th | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | More Info

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Post-apocalyptic Houston reclaimed by nature.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Houston Historical Events

1948: Racial segregation in public schools is challenged.

In 1948, the United States witnessed the beginning of a significant legal and social challenge to racial segregation in public schools, setting the stage for the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education six years later. Although the fight against segregation was a nationwide struggle, specific court cases and local battles highlighted the deep-rooted inequalities and the urgent need for reform. Activists, parents, and students across the country courageously confronted the doctrine of "separate but equal," arguing that segregated educational facilities were inherently unequal and violated the Constitution.

This period saw a surge in legal challenges to segregation, spearheaded by the NAACP and other civil rights organizations. Their efforts aimed to dismantle the legal basis for racial segregation, culminating in a series of court cases that gradually eroded the foundation of Jim Crow laws. The challenge to segregation in public schools became a central issue in the broader civil rights movement, galvanizing public opinion and drawing attention to the systemic racism and inequalities faced by African Americans.

The fight against segregation in public schools in 1948 and the years that followed marked a critical turning point in American history. It underscored the role of the judiciary in advancing social justice and the power of collective action in effecting change. The efforts to desegregate schools laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, fundamentally reshaping American society and moving the nation closer to its ideals of equality and justice for all.

Famous People From Houston

Red Adair (1915–2004): Oil well firefighter.

Early Life and Entrance into Business (1891-1914)

Paul Neal "Red" Adair was born in 1915 in Houston, Texas, growing up in the shadow of the burgeoning oil industry that would define his career. His early work in the oil fields of Texas provided him with firsthand experience and knowledge of oil drilling operations, laying the groundwork for his future as a pioneer in oil well firefighting and control.

World War II Service and Skills Development (1939-1945)

Adair's service in the U.S. Army Bomb Disposal Squad during World War II honed his skills in explosives and hazardous operations, expertise that would prove invaluable in his later career. His wartime experiences equipped him with the technical knowledge and courage required to tackle some of the most challenging and dangerous situations in the oil industry.

Founding of Red Adair Company (1959-2004)

In 1959, Red Adair founded the Red Adair Company, specializing in extinguishing and capping oil well fires and blowouts. His innovative techniques, including the use of explosives to snuff out fires, set new standards in the field. Adair and his team were often called upon to handle the most formidable oil disasters around the world, from the North Sea to the Sahara Desert, cementing his reputation as the world's foremost oil well firefighter.

Connection to Houston (Throughout Life)

Houston, the heart of the American oil industry, remained central to Adair's life and career. The city served as the base for the Red Adair Company, and Adair's contributions to the industry were a source of pride for Houston, showcasing the city's leading role in energy and technology. His global operations brought international attention to Houston's expertise in oil well control, reinforcing the city's status as an energy capital.

Legacy and Influence in Oil Industry (2004-Present)

Red Adair's passing in 2004 marked the end of an era, but his legacy in the oil industry and firefighting continues to inspire. He is remembered not only for his daring feats and technical innovations but also for his commitment to safety and efficiency in oil well control. Adair's pioneering work has influenced generations of firefighters and engineers, and his methods remain foundational in the field.

Key Achievements:

• Revolutionized oil well firefighting and blowout control with innovative techniques, including the use of explosives.

• Founded the Red Adair Company, becoming the global go-to expert for extinguishing catastrophic oil well fires.

• Played a key role in advancing safety and efficiency in the oil industry, contributing to the development of new standards and technologies.

Summary:

Red Adair's remarkable career as an oil well firefighter made him a legend in the oil industry and a hero in Houston, his lifelong home. His innovative approaches to controlling oil well fires and blowouts not only saved countless lives and resources but also advanced the field of oil well safety and management. Adair's legacy, marked by bravery, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to his profession, continues to influence the industry and serves as a testament to the spirit of innovation that characterizes Houston's contributions to the global energy sector.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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