Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Astros’ plans for Kyle Tucker’s contract extension

• Upcoming Machine Head performance

• A deep dive into the life of Beyoncé Giselle Knowles

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened."

– 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 tallest building in Houston?

A) Williams Tower

B) JPMorgan Chase Tower

C) Bank of America Tower

D) Wells Fargo Plaza

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Houston museum famous for its dinosaur fossils is B) Houston Museum of Natural Science.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

Houston is set to add 60,000 jobs in 2024, highlighting a strong economy and job market. (link)

Houston hosts various business and innovation events in February to boost professional and entrepreneurial growth. (link)

Houston's economy is accelerating, with more positive forecasts and a reduced risk of recession. (link)

Houston's job market stayed robust, with the nation adding 2.7 million jobs in '23 and the city showing a low unemployment rate. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Houston Rockets' player stats update, highlighting Sengun's performance with an average of 21.3 points over 51 games. (link)

Jaime Jaquez Jr. becomes a key pickup for fantasy basketball leagues due to multiple injuries on the Heat. (link)

Astros are planning to make a contract extension offer to Kyle Tucker. (link)

Super Bowl feature on J.J. Watt's hair, celebrating millennial nostalgia. (link)

🏦 Finance

U.S. real GDP grew 4.9% in Q3 and 3.3% in Q4 of '23, with continued growth expected. (link)

U.S. economic forecasts are now more optimistic, greatly reducing recession expectations within a year. (link)

2023 ended with 2.7 million new jobs, making it the fifth-best year in two decades for job growth. (link)

Year-end 3.7% unemployment rate and 8.8 million job openings in the U.S. signal a strong labor market. (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

⚽ 2024 W Concacaf Gold Cup
Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX
Sunday, February 22-25 | (More Info)

🏀 Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Sunday, February 25 | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Machine Head
House of Blues, Houston, Texas
Monday, Feb 19, 2024 | (More Info)

🎤 Extreme & Living Colour
House of Blues, Houston, Texas
Tuesday, Feb 20, 2024 | (More Info)

🎷 JP Saxe
The Heights Theater, Houston, Texas
Wednesday, Feb 21, 2024 | (More Info)

Family

🎢Mom's Pilates — Friendship Circle of Houston
Houston, United States
Friday, February 23 | Various times (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 streets bustling with holographic advertisements” 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

Houston and the Final Frontier: The Legacy of the Johnson Space Center (1961)

One of the most significant events in Houston's history is the development and growth of the NASA Johnson Space Center, which has played a central role in the United States' space exploration efforts. Officially established in 1961 as the Manned Spacecraft Center, it was renamed in 1973 in honor of the late President Lyndon B. Johnson. Located in the Clear Lake area of Houston, the center became the focal point for NASA's manned space flight missions, including the iconic Apollo missions that culminated in the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, a monumental moment not just for Houston or the United States, but for humanity as a whole.

The Johnson Space Center has been instrumental in shaping Houston's identity as "Space City," a nickname that reflects the city's deep ties to the U.S. space program. It has been the site of significant scientific and technological innovation, contributing to advances in space vehicles, space exploration strategies, and satellite technology. The center's mission control room has been the nerve center for countless missions, guiding astronauts through critical phases of their journeys and ensuring their safe return to Earth. It's not just a workplace for scientists and astronauts; it's a symbol of human ambition and ingenuity.

Beyond its scientific achievements, the Johnson Space Center has had a profound impact on Houston's economy and culture. It has attracted a highly skilled workforce, stimulated the growth of related industries, and inspired generations of students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The center's presence has also made Houston a tourist destination for space enthusiasts from around the world, eager to see the historic mission control room and artifacts from space missions. The legacy of the Johnson Space Center is a testament to Houston's pivotal role in expanding the frontiers of human knowledge and exploration.

Famous People From Houston

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles

Early Life and Beginnings in Houston (1981-1996)

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles was born on September 4, 1981, in Houston, Texas, into the loving family of Tina Knowles, a hairdresser and salon owner, and Mathew Knowles, a Xerox sales manager. Growing up in Houston's vibrant music scene, Beyoncé's talent was apparent from an early age. She attended various performing arts schools and was a soloist in her church's choir. Her journey to stardom began in earnest when she formed the girl group Girls' Tyme with childhood friends, laying the groundwork for what would become Destiny's Child.

Destiny's Child: Rise to Fame (1997-2001)

Destiny's Child, managed by Beyoncé's father, Mathew, rose to fame in the late 1990s with hits like "Say My Name" and "Survivor." The group's blend of R&B, pop, and hip-hop, coupled with their empowering lyrics and dynamic performances, made them one of the world's best-selling girl groups. Beyoncé's powerful vocals and commanding stage presence quickly made her the group's standout star.

Solo Debut and Breakthrough (2003-2005)

Beyoncé's solo career took off with the release of her debut album, "Dangerously in Love," in 2003. It was a commercial and critical success, showcasing her versatility as an artist and solidifying her status as a global superstar. The album featured hits like "Crazy in Love" and "Baby Boy," both of which topped the charts worldwide.

Establishing an Empire (2006-2009)

Beyoncé continued to build her empire with the release of her second studio album, "B'Day," which featured the hit single "Irreplaceable." Her role in the film "Dreamgirls" earned her critical acclaim, further proving her talents extended beyond music. During this period, she also embarked on her first solo concert tour, showcasing her prowess as a live performer.

Continued Success and Evolution (2010-2013)

Beyoncé's third studio album, "I Am... Sasha Fierce," introduced fans to her alter ego, Sasha Fierce, and included hits like "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)." Her influence extended beyond music, as she became known for her fashion sense, business acumen, and activism. Beyoncé's performances, including her iconic Glastonbury Festival appearance, solidified her status as a live performance legend.

Visual Album Innovator (2013-2015)

Beyoncé revolutionized the music industry with the surprise release of her self-titled visual album in 2013. The album's innovative launch and integration of visuals with music tracks were hailed as groundbreaking, changing the way artists released music. The album's themes of feminism, love, and self-empowerment resonated with fans worldwide.

"Lemonade" and Cultural Impact (2016-2017)

With the release of "Lemonade" in 2016, Beyoncé once again broke new ground. The visual album was a critical and commercial success, lauded for its exploration of black identity, infidelity, and resilience. Its impact on culture and music, along with its innovative visual storytelling, underscored Beyoncé's role as a cultural icon.

Activism and Philanthropy (2018-Present)

Beyond her music and entertainment career, Beyoncé has been active in various philanthropic efforts and social causes. From supporting disaster relief efforts to advocating for gender equality and racial justice, her activism has made a significant impact. Her BeyGOOD initiative has supported numerous educational and humanitarian projects around the world.

Connection to Houston

Throughout her career, Beyoncé has maintained a strong connection to her hometown of Houston. She has contributed to various charitable causes in the city, including donations to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts and support for local community projects. Her Houston roots are often reflected in her music and public appearances, proudly representing her Texan heritage.

Key Achievements:

• 28 Grammy Awards, making her the most awarded female artist in Grammy history.

• Over 100 million records sold worldwide as a solo artist.

• Starred in critically acclaimed films such as "Dreamgirls" and "The Lion King."

• Launched the Ivy Park clothing line, merging fashion with fitness.

• Advocated for various social causes through her BeyGOOD foundation.

In summary, Beyoncé's journey from a young girl in Houston to a global superstar has been marked by groundbreaking achievements in music, film, and philanthropy. Her innovative artistry and commitment to activism have made her one of the most influential figures of the 21st century. Beyoncé's legacy is not just in her records and awards but in her ability to inspire and effect change through her platform.

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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