Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell injured in shooting

• Upcoming performance by The Teskey Brothers

• A deep dive into the life of Gene Tierney

• And more…

Quote of the Week

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.

— Herman Melville

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 large urban nature reserve and walking trails?

A) Hermann Park

B) Memorial Park

C) Discovery Green

D) Buffalo Bayou Park

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: The annual film festival held in Houston is A) Houston Cinema Arts Festival.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

Insperity inaugurates its first office in Cincinnati's Columbia Plaza, a downtown tower currently experiencing low occupancy rates. (Link)

During National Small Business Week, a surge in new small businesses is observed, highlighting the vital role they play in the economy and the available support for them. (Link)

Stargel Office Solutions is recognized as one of Houston's top family-owned businesses of 2024 by the Houston Business Journal. (Link)

LyondellBasell announces a $61 million investment for the establishment of its new U.S. headquarters in Houston's Williams Tower, relocating from downtown. (Link)

🏒 Sports

The Houston Texans are introducing a rebranding initiative following a notable improvement in their on-field performance last season. (Link)

Houston Matters suggests that recent draft picks should give Houston Texans, Rockets, and Astros fans a reason for optimism, reflecting on the teams' draft histories. (Link)

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell was among ten people injured during a shootout at a Florida party, according to local law enforcement officials. (Link)

🏦 Finance

The Rolling Stones kick off their new tour in Texas, continuing to energize fans with their enduring performances. (Link)

Severe weather including tornadoes and flash floods wreak havoc across the Plains states and Texas, resulting in significant damage and loss of life. (Link)

Joann Inc. is set to complete its transition from a public to a privately held company, concluding its bankruptcy proceedings shortly. (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 Roughnecks vs. San Antonio Brahmas 
Rice Owls Stadium, Houston
Sunday, May 12th | 2:00 PM | More Info

Music & Concerts

🎸 The Teskey Brothers 
Bayou Music Center, Houston
Monday, May 6th | 7:00 PM | More Info

🎹 Itzhak Perlman 
Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, Houston
Sunday, May 12th | 7:30 PM | More Info

🎤 Mariah the Scientist 
House of Blues, Houston
Monday, May 6th | 7:00 PM | More Info

Family

🎨 Japanese Festival 
Hermann Park, Houston
Monday, May 6th | 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM | More Info

🎶 Mother's Day Serenade - Houston Latin Philharmonic 
Miller Outdoor Theatre, Houston
Friday, May 10th | 8:00 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 “Futuristic sports arena in Houston hosting a new, invented sport.” 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

1961: NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center) opens.

The opening of NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston in 1961, later renamed the Johnson Space Center, marked a significant milestone in the United States' space exploration efforts. Selected for its optimal location and Houston's growing status as a scientific and technological hub, the center became the focal point for NASA's manned space missions, including the pioneering Gemini and Apollo programs. The choice of Houston for the center was influenced by the support of local officials and the Texas congressional delegation, highlighting the city's commitment to playing a central role in the nation's space ambitions.

The Johnson Space Center quickly became synonymous with American space exploration, housing mission control and serving as the training ground for astronauts. It was here that the famous words "Houston, the Eagle has landed" were spoken during the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, cementing Houston's place in space history. The center's research and development efforts have contributed to numerous advancements in space technology, science, and exploration.

Today, the Johnson Space Center continues to be at the forefront of the United States' space exploration endeavors, including the International Space Station program and plans for missions to Mars and beyond. Its establishment in 1961 transformed Houston into a global center for space science and exploration, showcasing the city's innovative spirit and its contribution to one of humanity's most ambitious undertakings. The center's ongoing work inspires future generations and reinforces Houston's legacy as "Space City."

Famous People From Houston

Gene Tierney (1920–1991): Academy Award-nominated actress

Early Life and Rise to Stardom (1920-1940)

Born in 1920 in Brooklyn, New York, Gene Tierney embarked on her acting career after a brief stint in high society's social scene. Her striking looks and natural acting ability quickly caught the attention of Hollywood, leading to her film debut in 1940. Tierney's rise to stardom in the 1940s was marked by a series of acclaimed performances in films such as "Laura" (1944) and "Leave Her to Heaven" (1945), for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

Critical Acclaim and Iconic Roles (1941-1955)

Tierney's career flourished throughout the 1940s and 1950s, with roles that showcased her versatility as an actress. Her portrayal of complex characters—often women who defied societal expectations—resonated with audiences and critics alike. Tierney's beauty and on-screen presence made her one of the era's most memorable stars, with her performances in films like "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" (1947) and "Whirlpool" (1949) further cementing her status as a Hollywood icon.

Connection to Houston (Throughout Career and Legacy)

While Gene Tierney's direct connections to Houston may not be well-documented, the city, like many across America, embraced her films and the glamor she brought to the silver screen. Houston's theaters, part of the nationwide network that showcased Hollywood's productions, played Tierney's films to eager audiences, making her a beloved figure among moviegoers. In the years since, her legacy in Houston, as in other communities, has been preserved through film retrospectives, screenings at local cinemas and film festivals, and in the collections of film aficionados.

Houston's vibrant arts scene, which includes a strong appreciation for classic American cinema, recognizes the contributions of stars like Tierney to the cultural fabric of the country. Her films, part of America's cinematic heritage, continue to be celebrated by new generations of fans, attesting to her enduring impact on the film industry.

Later Years and Enduring Influence (1956-1991)

Despite facing personal challenges, including struggles with mental health and a hiatus from acting, Tierney's later years saw her return to film and television, where she continued to deliver compelling performances. She passed away in 1991, leaving behind a legacy of classic films that remain cherished by cinephiles and the acting community. Tierney's elegance, talent, and contribution to Hollywood's Golden Age endure, making her a lasting symbol of an era that continues to captivate the imagination of audiences worldwide.

Key Achievements:

• Became a leading lady in Hollywood, known for her performances in critically acclaimed films such as "Laura" and "Leave Her to Heaven."

• Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, highlighting her talent and impact on the film industry.

• Remembered as a quintessential figure of Hollywood's Golden Age, with a legacy that transcends her time and continues to influence contemporary cinema.

Gene Tierney's connection to Houston may be characterized by the city's appreciation for her work and the broader cultural impact of her films. As a celebrated actress of Hollywood's Golden Age, Tierney's legacy is felt in communities across the United States, where her performances and iconic roles are remembered and revered. In Houston, as in other cities, Tierney remains a symbol of the enduring allure of classic American cinema, her body of work a testament to her talent and the timeless appeal of the stories she helped bring to life on the screen.

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

Poll