Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• The University of Oklahoma's softball team continues to lead in the Big 12

• Upcoming Houston Dynamo FC vs. St. Louis City SC match

• A deep dive into the life of Red Adair

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be."

- Lao Tzu

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!

What is the name of the annual film festival held in Houston?

A) Houston Cinema Arts Festival

B) Texas Film Festival

C) Bayou City Film Festival

D) Lone Star Film Festival

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: The museum in Houston dedicated to space exploration is C) Space Center Houston

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

Students across multiple U.S. universities are protesting, demanding their institutions sever financial relationships with Israel. (Link)

The Harris County Houston Sports Authority has established a groundbreaking partnership with Regions Bank as its official banking partner. (Link)

Investors on Wall Street are closely monitoring corporate earnings this week following a significant selloff in Big Tech stocks. (Link)

Venezuela's national oil company PDVSA intends to enhance its adoption of cryptocurrency transactions amid renewed oil sanctions. (Link)

🏒 Sports

The University of Oklahoma's softball team continues to lead in the Big 12, showcasing their prowess in a dominant win over Houston, with plans to maintain their momentum despite potential April showers. (Link)

Despite lacking star player Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers managed a victory in the first game of the series, as reported by Houston Mitchell in the Sports Report newsletter. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Wall Street anticipates gains this week, focusing on corporate earnings following a major selloff in Big Tech stocks. (Link)

At New Caney Elementary School, ongoing complaints from parents about persistent odors causing health issues among students prompted another early closure. (Link)

The European Union intensifies scrutiny of TikTok's new rewards app due to potential risks to children, threatening suspension unless further clarifications are provided. (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 Astros vs. Cleveland Guardians 
Minute Maid Park, Houston
Tuesday, Apr. 30th | 7:10 PM | (More Info)

⚽ Houston Dynamo FC vs. St. Louis City SC 
Shell Energy Stadium, Houston
Saturday, May 4th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🏉 JJ Watt Charity Classic 
Constellation Field, Sugar Land
Saturday, May 4th | 3:30 AM | (More Info)

⚽ Houston Dash vs. Kansas City Current 
Shell Energy Stadium, Houston
Sunday, May 5th | 12:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Sematary 
White Oak Music Hall - Downstairs, Houston
Monday, Apr. 29th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎸 Bad Bunny 
Toyota Center, Houston
Tuesday, Apr. 30th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎵 Helmet 
The Secret Group, Houston
Sunday, May 5th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶 Bruce Cockburn
The Heights Theater, Houston
Friday, May 3rd | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🐉 Houston Dragon Boat Festival 
Allen's Landing, Houston
Saturday, May 4th | 8:30 AM - 4:30 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 “Houston with a blend of ancient and futuristic architecture.” 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

1950: The first Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The inaugural Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 1950 marked the beginning of what would become one of the largest and most celebrated events of its kind in the world. Held initially at the Sam Houston Coliseum, the event was conceived to promote the livestock industry, educate the public about agriculture, and provide college scholarships to Texas youth. It combined a traditional livestock show with a cowboy rodeo, featuring competitions, entertainment, and exhibitions that drew participants and spectators from across the state and beyond.

The success of the first Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo reflected Houston's deep agricultural roots and its emerging status as a cultural and economic hub in the Southwest. Over the years, the event has grown exponentially, moving to larger venues, attracting top musical performers, and expanding its educational and charitable programs. It has become a key component of Houston's identity, celebrating the city's heritage while contributing significantly to its economy and the community.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's enduring popularity and impact underscore the city's connection to its agrarian past and its commitment to education and community development. The event not only showcases the best in livestock and rodeo talent but also brings together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate Texas culture and traditions, embodying the spirit of unity and philanthropy.

Famous People From Houston

Diane Arbus (1923–1971): Renowned photographer.

Early Life and Photographic Beginnings (1923-1956)

Diane Arbus was born in 1923 in New York City into a wealthy Jewish family. She began her career in photography in the 1940s, initially working alongside her husband, Allan Arbus, in fashion photography. However, Arbus was drawn to a different kind of subject—the extraordinary within the ordinary, capturing images of people who were often marginalized by society.

Redefining Documentary Photography (1957-1971)

In the late 1950s, Arbus shifted her focus towards her solo work, delving deeper into the streets of New York to photograph individuals and communities seldom represented in mainstream media. Her photographs of dwarfs, giants, transgender people, and circus performers challenged societal norms and expectations, offering a new perspective on identity and beauty.

Connection to Houston (Posthumous Exhibitions and Collections)

While Diane Arbus's direct interactions with Houston during her lifetime may not be extensively documented, her work has found a significant place within the city's vibrant arts scene. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), one of the leading art museums in the country, has featured Arbus's work in various exhibitions, showcasing her contributions to contemporary photography. Her photographs, part of the museum's permanent collection, serve as a testament to her enduring influence on the art world.

Houston's appreciation for Arbus's work reflects the city's commitment to celebrating diverse artistic expressions and challenging traditional narratives through art. Exhibitions featuring her photography in Houston have provided local audiences with the opportunity to engage with her work, sparking conversations about the complexities of human existence and the power of visual storytelling.

Legacy and Influence (1971-Present)

Diane Arbus's untimely death in 1971 left a void in the world of photography, but her legacy continues to inspire and provoke. Recognized for her fearless approach to subject matter and her innovative use of the camera, Arbus has been celebrated in retrospectives and collections worldwide. In Houston, her work continues to attract attention and admiration, underscoring her status as one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century.

Key Achievements:

• Revolutionized documentary photography with her unflinching portrayal of subjects on the edges of society.

• Her work is featured in major art institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, highlighting her significant impact on the art community.

• Continues to influence photographers and artists with her unique vision and approach to photography.

Diane Arbus's exploration of the human condition through her lens transcends geographical boundaries, making her work relevant to audiences far beyond the streets of New York where she photographed. In Houston, her legacy is celebrated and preserved, offering insights into the power of photography to reveal truths, challenge perceptions, and connect viewers with the myriad experiences of humanity. Through her enduring influence, Arbus remains a pivotal figure in the narrative of American art, her photographs a window into the soul of society.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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