Houston Newsletter (October 21st)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

Sponsored by:

Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Ikea warehouses in Baytown sold.

  • Rockets' roster continuity shines in preseason.

  • A deep dive into the life of Lyndon B. Johnson.

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."

— Friedrich Nietzsche

Sponsored

Banks invest in surprising $2.1tn asset class

Bank of America. UBS. J.P.Morgan. They’re all building (or have built) investments in one $2.1tn asset class (UHNWIs’ art & collectible wealth); but it’s not what you think. Not AI equities or crypto, but art. Why? Certain segments’ appreciation have outpaced traditional investments. Take blue-chip contemporary art - even with the market slowdown, it’s still outpaced the S&P by 64% over a longer horizon (‘95-‘23).*

Masterworks has given 65,000+ investors the opportunity to invest in this unique asset class. From 23 exits so far, investors have realized representative annualized net returns like +17.6%, +17.8%, and +21.5% among assets held over one year.

*Investing involves risk. Past performance not indicative of future returns. See Important Regulation A disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.

Trivia

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

Ikea warehouses in massive Baytown industrial park sell to Atlanta-based company. (link)

P. Terry's opens its 1st Houston-area burger joint near Fulshear. (link)

🏒Sports

The Texans traded RB Cam Akers to the Minnesota Vikings. (link)

Rockets show benefits of roster continuity in preseason win over Pelicans. (link)

🏦Finance

Final bidder nabs Houston tower; conversion to apartments on the table. (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 Rockets vs. Charlotte Hornets
Toyota Center - TX, Houston, TX
Wed • Oct 23, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

🏐 Houston Cougars Womens Volleyball vs. Baylor Bears Womens Volleyball
Fertitta Center, Houston, TX
Wed • Oct 23, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 slenderbodies - The Sugar Machine Tour
White Oak Music Hall - Upstairs , Houston, TX
Mon • Oct 21, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 DJ Shadow
House of Blues Houston, Houston, TX
Tue • Oct 22 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🎙️Tornillo - Estino Fino Tour with Special Guest Razz
House of Blues Houston, Houston, TX
Wed • Oct 23 • 7:00 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 “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

1870: Houston's first public school opens.

In 1870, the opening of Houston's first public school marked a pivotal moment in the city's educational and social development. Before this event, education in Houston was primarily accessible only through private schools, which limited opportunities for many children, especially those from lower-income families. The establishment of the first public school represented a commitment to universal education, signaling a progressive step forward in ensuring that all children, regardless of their economic background, had access to basic education. This foundational move laid the groundwork for a public school system that aimed to educate the city's youth and prepare them for a productive future.

The establishment of Houston's first public school was met with enthusiasm and support from the community, reflecting a collective recognition of the importance of education in fostering social and economic progress. The school opened its doors to students of various ages, offering a curriculum that included reading, writing, arithmetic, and other subjects crucial for personal and intellectual development. This initiative was a significant departure from the informal or home-schooling methods that were common at the time, providing a structured and standardized educational experience for the city's children.

Over time, the opening of Houston's first public school catalyzed the growth of the public education system in the city. It prompted the construction of more schools to accommodate the increasing population and the diverse educational needs of Houston's children. As the city grew, so did the demand for educated citizens capable of contributing to its development. The establishment of the public school system in 1870 played a critical role in shaping the educational landscape of Houston, ensuring that education became a cornerstone of the community's values and a driving force for its future prosperity.

Famous People From Houston

Lyndon B. Johnson (1908–1973): 36th President of the United States.

Early Life and Political Foundations (1908-1930)

Lyndon Baines Johnson, born in 1908 in Stonewall, Texas, grew up in a modest, rural setting that instilled in him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary Americans. His early exposure to the political world, through his father's involvement in the Texas legislature, ignited Johnson's interest in public service and politics.

Entry into Politics and Congressional Career (1931-1948)

Johnson's political career began in earnest when he joined the staff of Congressman Richard Kleberg as a legislative secretary. His natural political acumen quickly became apparent, and in 1937, Johnson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served until 1949. During this time, Johnson developed a reputation as a skilled legislator and advocate for rural electrification and public works projects.

Military Service and Further Political Ascent (1941-1954)

During World War II, Johnson served in the Navy, earning a Silver Star for his service in the South Pacific. After the war, he resumed his political career, being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1948. Johnson's tenure in the Senate was marked by his rapid rise to leadership positions, including serving as Senate Majority Leader, where he demonstrated his mastery of the legislative process.

Vice Presidency and Ascension to the Presidency (1960-1963)

In 1960, Johnson was elected Vice President of the United States as John F. Kennedy's running mate. His vice-presidency was cut short by Kennedy's assassination in 1963, upon which Johnson assumed the presidency. Johnson's assumption of the presidency during a period of national mourning and crisis tested his leadership abilities from the outset.

The Great Society and Civil Rights Legislation (1963-1968)

Johnson's presidency was defined by his ambitious domestic agenda, known as the Great Society, which aimed to eliminate poverty and racial injustice. His administration saw the passage of groundbreaking legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid, fundamentally transforming American society.

Vietnam War and Foreign Policy Challenges (1965-1969)

Johnson's foreign policy was dominated by the Vietnam War, which escalated significantly during his presidency. His commitment to preventing the spread of communism led to increased U.S. military involvement in Vietnam, a decision that proved to be highly controversial and ultimately unpopular.

Decision Not to Seek Re-election and Legacy (1968)

Faced with growing public dissatisfaction with the Vietnam War and challenges within his own party, Johnson announced in 1968 that he would not seek re-election. This decision shocked the nation and marked the beginning of the end of his political career.

Post-Presidency and Reflections (1969-1973)

After leaving office, Johnson retired to his Texas ranch, where he focused on his presidential library and engaged in reflection on his presidency and legacy. Despite the controversy over the Vietnam War, Johnson's contributions to civil rights, social welfare, and American society were significant.

Death and Enduring Influence (1973)

Lyndon B. Johnson passed away in 1973. His death prompted a reevaluation of his presidency, which has come to be viewed more favorably over time, especially his domestic achievements. Johnson's impact on American politics and society, particularly in the areas of civil rights and social welfare, remains profound.

Key Achievements:

  • Passed landmark civil rights legislation, significantly advancing the cause of racial equality in America.

  • Implemented the Great Society programs, addressing poverty, education, and health care.

  • Led the United States during a period of significant social change and upheaval.

  • His legislative skills and political acumen left a lasting mark on American political life.

Summary:

Lyndon B. Johnson's journey from the Texas Hill Country to the White House is a testament to his complex legacy as a leader who navigated the United States through a transformative period in its history. As the 36th President, Johnson's ambitious Great Society programs and his efforts to secure civil rights for all Americans cemented his place as a pivotal figure in the 20th century. Despite the controversies of his presidency, particularly regarding the Vietnam War, Johnson's impact on American society and governance endures, highlighting the enduring power of political vision and action.

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.

-Yannick Lyons

Poll

What did you think of today's newsletter?

We are always looking for feedback. Give us your honest thoughts.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.