Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Art Car Parade

• Upcoming Houston Rockets home game

• A deep dive into the life of Benny Binion

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"For there is nothing either good or bad, thinking makes it so."

- William Shakespeare

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!

In which year was the Houston Zoo founded?

A) 1922

B) 1941

C) 1955

D) 1960

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: The area in Houston famous for upscale shopping and dining is B) The Galleria.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

Rice University biologists have discovered a new species of tiger bug in Texas, adding to the region's rich biodiversity. (Link)

Rapper Travis Scott seeks to be excluded from a lawsuit involving multiple parties related to fatalities at a concert event. (Link)

Texas is exploring innovative energy solutions, including hydrogen, geothermal, and small-scale nuclear reactors, as part of a broader shift towards sustainable energy sources. (Link)

Following a merger, Cadence Bank announces strategic executive team adjustments to enhance its organizational efficiency. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Magnolia and Willis climb into the top 10 in the latest Houston high school baseball rankings after strong performances. (Link)

Houston's sports weekend begins with high hopes but ends disappointingly as the Cougars, Rockets, and Astros all face defeats, while the Dynamo and Dash secure victories. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Texans are exploring new energy sources including hydrogen, geothermal, and small-scale nuclear reactors to reshape the state's energy landscape. (Link)

American Express and Pepsi are set to offer $5.7 million in grants to support small businesses through the Backing Small Businesses grant program in April 2024. (Link)

Phillips 66 marks a significant step towards renewable energy by expanding its San Francisco refinery's production of renewable diesel. (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

⚾ Incarnate Word Cardinals at Rice Owls Baseball 
Reckling Park, Houston
Tuesday, Apr. 9th | 6:30 PM | More Info

🏀 Orlando Magic at Houston Rockets
Toyota Center, Houston
Tuesday, Apr. 9th | 7:00 PM | More Info

⚾ Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders at Rice Owls Baseball 
Reckling Park, Houston
Wednesday, Apr. 10th | 6:30 PM | More Info

⚽ Washington Spirit at Houston Dash 
Shell Energy Stadium, Houston
Friday, Apr. 12th | 7:00 PM  | More Info

Music & Concerts

🎤 Starset
House of Blues, Houston
Tuesday, Apr. 9th | 7:00 PM | More Info

🎸 Jonah Kagen
Bronze Peacock Room, House of Blues, Houston
Monday, Apr. 8th | 7:00 PM | More Info

Family

🎉 Festival of Eid
Asia Society of Texas, Houston
Saturday, Apr. 13 | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM | More Info

🎨 Art Car Parade
Sam Houston Park, Houston
Saturday, Apr. 13 | 2:00 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 “Urban landscape of Houston with advanced public transport systems” 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

1940: The opening of the San Jacinto Monument.

The opening of the San Jacinto Monument in 1940 commemorated Texas' independence from Mexico, marking the site of the Battle of San Jacinto, the decisive battle where Texas won its independence in 1836. Standing at over 567 feet tall, this monument is not only a symbol of Texas' struggle for independence but also an architectural marvel, recognized as the world's tallest war memorial. Its location near Houston underscores the city's deep historical roots and its connection to pivotal events in Texas history.

The San Jacinto Monument, with its museum and observation deck, quickly became a significant cultural and educational attraction, drawing visitors from across the state and beyond. The monument and the surrounding San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site offer a tangible link to Texas' past, providing insight into the state's rich history and the role of the Houston area in the fight for independence. The site serves as a reminder of the courage, determination, and spirit of those who fought for Texas' freedom.

The monument's opening in 1940, on the eve of World War II, also served as a symbol of American resilience and the fight for liberty, resonating with contemporary events and imbuing the monument with additional layers of meaning. Today, the San Jacinto Monument remains a cherished landmark, reflecting both the local and national spirit of independence and perseverance. Its presence near Houston continues to enrich the cultural landscape of the city, offering a place for reflection, education, and appreciation of Texas' storied past.

Famous People From Houston

Benny Binion (1904–1989)

Early Life and Introduction to Gambling (1904-1930)

Benny Binion was born in 1904 in Grayson County, Texas, into a world far removed from the glitz and glamour of the gambling halls he would one day dominate. Binion's early exposure to gambling came through horse trading and illegal gaming operations in the Dallas area. His natural flair for numbers and keen understanding of human nature quickly made him a prominent figure in the local gambling scene, setting the stage for his rise to prominence.

Rise in the Dallas Gambling Scene (1931-1946)

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Binion solidified his position in the Dallas gambling underworld, operating games that attracted a wide array of patrons, from high-rollers to casual players. His operations, though illegal, were known for their fairness and Binion's unique approach to customer service. However, his success also drew the attention of law enforcement and rival operators, leading to legal troubles and violent disputes.

Move to Las Vegas and Casino Empire Building (1947-1951)

Facing increasing legal pressure and the limitations of the Dallas gambling scene, Binion moved to Las Vegas in 1946. In Las Vegas, he purchased the Eldorado Club and Apache Hotel, transforming them into Binion's Horseshoe in 1951. The casino quickly became a hit, known for its high stakes games, the introduction of comps for all players, and a policy of no limit betting, which was revolutionary at the time.

Connection to Houston (Throughout Career)

Though Benny Binion's gambling empire was built in Las Vegas, his roots in Texas and connections to Houston played a significant role in shaping his approach to business and customer relations. Binion's early experiences in the gambling operations of Texas provided him with the foundational knowledge and skills that he would later apply to his ventures in Las Vegas. Moreover, his Texas charm and hospitality became hallmarks of Binion's Horseshoe, attracting patrons from Houston and beyond.

World Series of Poker and Legacy in Gambling (1970-1989)

Binion's most lasting contribution to the world of gambling was the creation of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in 1970. The WSOP revolutionized poker, turning it from a casual pastime into a highly competitive and globally recognized sport. The event drew players from around the world to Binion's Horseshoe, cementing the casino's place in poker history and solidifying Binion's legacy as a gambling icon.

Later Years and Impact on Las Vegas (1989-Present)

Benny Binion passed away in 1989, but his impact on Las Vegas and the gambling industry continues to be felt. His innovations in casino operations, customer service, and competitive poker play have become industry standards. Binion's Horseshoe, though no longer owned by the Binion family, remains a historic landmark in downtown Las Vegas, a testament to Binion's vision and entrepreneurship.

Key Achievements:

• Established a gambling empire in Las Vegas with the founding of Binion's Horseshoe, renowned for its high stakes games and exceptional customer service.

• Created the World Series of Poker, elevating poker to a sport of international acclaim.

• Influenced the development of modern casino and poker industries with his innovative approaches to gaming and business.

Benny Binion's journey from a Texas gambler to a Las Vegas legend embodies the transformation of gambling from a backroom activity to a mainstream entertainment industry. Through his operations in Dallas and Houston, Binion honed the skills that he would later use to revolutionize the Las Vegas gambling scene. His legacy, marked by the creation of the World Series of Poker and the establishment of Binion's Horseshoe, continues to influence the world of gambling, celebrating Binion's indelible mark on the industry and the city of Las Vegas.

Connect With Me

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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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