Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Aramco Houston Half Marathon recap

• Upcoming Houston Cougars game

• A deep dive into the life of Howard Hughes

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"It doesn't matter if I don't succeed in something. What matters is if I learn from my mistakes."

- Linda Evans

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 park is known for its outdoor theater and hill that offers a skyline view of the city?

A) Hermann Park

B) Memorial Park

C) Discovery Green

D) Miller Outdoor Theatre

News

💼 Business

KPMG renewed its support for a series of events aimed at inspiring women entrepreneurs. These events are part of an initiative to encourage more women to consider starting their own businesses, reflecting a growing focus on diversity in entrepreneurship. (link)

The Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce remained active in promoting various community initiatives and programs. Their efforts are geared towards empowering women in the business community and fostering a supportive environment for growth and development. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Aramco Houston Half Marathon was a major event with top international runners. Ethiopian runner Jemal Yimer and Sutume Kebede won the men's and women's categories respectively, showcasing exceptional performances in this World Athletics Gold Label Road Race. (link)

Houston's NCAA Women's Basketball Performance: Houston's NCAA women's basketball team's season has been noteworthy, including a significant victory against TCU. The team's performance was crucial in their bid for the Women's NCAA Tournament. (link)

The Houston Rockets faced the Philadelphia 76ers in a closely contested NBA game. The match highlighted the Rockets' current form and key performances from standout players. (link)

🏦 Finance

The Houston home price forecast for 2024 indicated some fluctuations. In 2023, single-family home sales totaled 83,854, a decrease of 12% from 2022. Sales of all property types also saw a downturn, with a total dollar volume of $39.86 billion. This reflects the dynamic nature of the Houston real estate market and its responsiveness to broader economic trends. (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

🏀 College Basketball: Houston Cougars vs. Kansas State at Fertitta Center (January 27) Watch the Houston Cougars take on the Kansas State Wildcats in an exciting college basketball game. This match is an excellent opportunity to see some of the rising stars in basketball. (link)

🏈 Professional Bull Riders: Unleash the Beast at Toyota Center (January 27) Experience the thrill as the top 35 bull riders in the world compete against the most challenging bucking bulls. This event is sure to provide an adrenaline-pumping experience. (link)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Bo En (January 25) Electro pop musician Bo En will perform at the White Oak Music Hall, celebrating 10 years of his debut record "Pale Machine". Expect an exciting evening with dynamic music and engaging performances. (link)

🎵 Ludacris, Ja Rule, Ashanti, Fat Joe, Twista & Mike Jones at Smart Financial Centre (January 26) A throwback to the 2000s hip-hop era with an incredible lineup of iconic artists. This star-studded event in Sugar Land is a must-see for fans of classic hip-hop. (link)

Family

🌳 Children's Bingo at Levy Park (January 25) This event offers a fun and interactive game of Bingo for children at Levy Park. It's a great way for kids to engage in a classic game while enjoying the outdoors. (link)

Image of the Week

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

This week, I typed in “Houston as a giant eco-friendly treehouse community” 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

Founding of Houston by August and John Allen (1836)

In 1836, the city of Houston was founded by brothers August and John Allen, two real estate entrepreneurs from New York. Choosing a location near the banks of Buffalo Bayou, the Allen brothers saw potential in this area for a great commercial center due to its navigable waterway and fertile land. The city was named after Sam Houston, a key figure in Texas' independence from Mexico and the first President of the Republic of Texas. This naming was strategic, reflecting both the Allens' support for the Texas Revolution and their desire to gain favor in the new republic.

The Allens' vision for Houston was ambitious. They imagined a bustling city that would serve as the capital of the Republic of Texas. To this end, they began a vigorous marketing campaign to attract settlers, extolling the virtues of Houston's geography and economic potential. Their efforts were successful, and the city quickly grew as people arrived seeking opportunity in the new settlement. By the time Houston was incorporated as a city in 1837, it had already become a focal point for commerce and politics in Texas.

Houston's founding in 1836 marked the beginning of its transformation from a humid, marshy land into a major metropolitan area. The Allens' entrepreneurial spirit and clever marketing laid the foundation for the city's rapid growth. This period was significant not only for the establishment of Houston but also for setting its trajectory as a key economic and cultural hub in Texas, influencing the region's development for centuries to come.

Famous People From Houston

Howard Hughes (1905–1976)

Early Life and Beginnings (1905-1924)

Howard Hughes was born in 1905 in Houston, Texas, into a family with a successful business background. His early life was marked by an exposure to the world of innovation and enterprise. Hughes showed an early interest in mechanics and engineering, laying the groundwork for his diverse and groundbreaking career.

Entry into Film Industry (1925-1930)

Hughes made his foray into the film industry in the mid-1920s. His entrance was characterized by a desire to innovate and push the boundaries of what was possible in filmmaking. He produced several films during this period, bringing a unique blend of technical innovation and artistic vision.

Aviation Passion and Achievements (1931-1940)

Hughes's passion for aviation took center stage in the 1930s. He set multiple flying records, showcasing his skills as a pilot and his commitment to advancing aviation technology. His achievements in aviation during this period brought him international fame and recognition.

Expanded Business Ventures and World War II (1941-1950)

During World War II and the following years, Hughes expanded his business ventures. He engaged in a variety of projects, including government contracts during the war, which further diversified his portfolio and solidified his status as a prominent business magnate.

Film Successes and Hollywood Influence (1951-1960)

Hughes's involvement in the film industry continued into the 1950s. He produced several successful films, influencing the landscape of Hollywood. His impact on the film industry was significant, marked by a blend of innovation and controversy.

Advancements in Aerospace (1961-1970)

In the 1960s, Hughes turned his focus to the field of aerospace. His contributions during this period included the development of new aircraft and technologies, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in aviation and aerospace engineering.

Later Life and Eccentricity (1971-1976)

Hughes's later life was marked by increasing reclusiveness and eccentric behavior, partly due to chronic pain and health issues. Despite his withdrawal from public life, he continued to manage his business empire and maintain an interest in aviation and technology.

Death and Legacy in Multiple Industries (1976)

Howard Hughes passed away in 1976. His death marked the end of a multifaceted career that spanned various industries. He left behind a complex legacy as an aviator, filmmaker, and business magnate, remembered for his contributions to each of these fields.

Key Achievements:

• Pioneered numerous technological advancements in aviation, setting multiple flying records.

• Produced groundbreaking films, significantly impacting the Hollywood film industry.

• Developed innovative aerospace technologies, contributing to advancements in the field.

• Built a diverse business empire, showcasing exceptional versatility and entrepreneurial spirit.

Howard Hughes's life was marked by extraordinary achievements in multiple fields. As an aviator, he pushed the limits of flight; as a filmmaker, he left a lasting impact on Hollywood; and as a business magnate, he excelled in various industries. His legacy is a testament to his diverse talents and relentless pursuit of innovation.

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-Matthew Larsen

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