Though ostensibly a site devoted to local architecture, it's on the message boards that "the Haif" comes alive. A full range of topics generally (but not exclusively) related to Houston and its building trade are brought to the fore — on a recent day, the hot topics included developments at Memorial City Mall and what to do when you get hit by a drunk driver. What's more, a huge smorgasbord of events, remembrances and causes is discussed, occasionally at length and argumentatively. (But never vitriolically, as the Haif is one of the more rigorously policed boards we've hung around on.) Other sites cover much of the same ground with more style and economy (Swamplot, we tip our hat in your direction), but the Haif's heft carries the day with sheer size and variety.