Man Submerges Bugatti in the Gulf for Insurance Scam, Gets Caught on YouTube
Intentionally submerging a new Bugatti in the Gulf may not be the smartest way to commit insurance fraud, as Andy Lee House, 39, of Lufkin recently found out — especially when there are witnesses with cell phones. According to federal authorities, back in ’09 House purchased a million dollar Bugatti…
Police Looking for Man in Pot Farm ‘Selfie’
Take this pot farm selfie as evidence that solo snapshots are always a bad idea. Benigno Ramirez of Michoacan, Mexico, might be regretting his recent selfie right now, considering it has landed him at the center of the investigation into last week’s $10 million marijuana farm bust in Fort Bend…
Chef Chat, Part 1: Gerry Sarmiento of Mezzanotte and Piqueo
I admit that I have a soft spot when it comes to Mezzanotte and Piqueo. They are some of the few fine dining establishments in my neck of the woods, Northwest Houston near Cypress. When I’m too tired to drive into town or just want to be treated nicely close…
ESPN Reports on Michael Sam’s Showering Habits (VIDEO)
Before making doing a final save of each of my posts on this blog, I select a few categories that indicate the nature of the subject matter. Prior to saving this particular post, I chose the usual categories of “Game Time” (code for “Sean wrote this”) and “Sports” (because that’s…
Latest Astrodome Proposal: World’s Largest Indoor Park
After the seemingly endless string of ideas for what to do with the rotting corpse we used to call the Astrodome, ranging from novel (leaving just the roof and putting a park under it) to the downright ridiculous (indoor snow skiing?), that latest from County Commissioners Court is said to…
This Week in Food Blogs: Cherry Bounce Sours & Beer-Glazed Chicken
Texas Monthly: David Alan of Texas Monthly profiles new Houston bar, Julep. Instead of writing about the julep drinks available at the Southern bar on Washington, Alan describes the Cherry Bounce Sour. Julep’s version features cherry bounce (cherries macerated with sugar, spices and spirits) along with 100-proof bourbon, lemon juice,…
Just Ink 4 Had Something for Everyone, and They Could Buy It Right Off the Wall
Talk about an art sale: Robin Baker curates an annual event in which artists hang their art, sometimes as many as 60 pieces per artist, and the exhibition lasts just one night! The East End Gallery, managed by Liz Ortiz, hosted this event, “Just Ink 4”, on Friday, August 22,…
Church Beats Out Strip Club in Real Estate Grab
Sunday morning, Ecclesia Church pastor Chris Seay announced to his congregation that the staff had successfully wrested a warehouse out of the hands of strippers for the future location of its church services. Rapidly expanding Ecclesia had already moved once from Montrose to the First Ward in search of more…
Instacart Launches in Houston Providing a Quick Grocery Delivery Service
Need to go grocery shopping but just don’t have the time? Are you stuck at work and won’t have enough time to purchase groceries on your way home? Is going to the grocery store difficult for you, and would you prefer to have your groceries delivered? No matter what your…
Sex Box Is the Show We Never Wanted but Will Probably Hate Watch
I used to think that everyone who appeared on daytime TV — Maury, The Test, The Jerry Springer Show, so on and so forth — was an actor. Real life is absurd, sure, but it can’t be that absurd. For a small fee, there have to be plenty of people…
Bathroom Battles: Scaremongering Abounds About Transgender Public Restroom Usage
In March 2013, Alexis Hollada, better known by her stage name, Doomstress Alexis, is on her way back from Austin with her drummer, Raymond Matthews, in tow. The pair have just rocked a gig during SXSW with their doom metal act, Project Armageddon, and now just want to get back…
100 Creatives 2014: Sandria Hu, Visual Artist and Professor of Art, Inspired by Archaeological Digs
When she visited Slovakia in 1986 as a Fulbright Scholar, Sandria Hu wasn’t planning on visiting any archaeological dig sites. But when she was invited by local archaeologists, what she encountered was awe-inspiring. Hu’s eerie and breathtaking current exhibition, called “Archeological Dress,” consists of 20 collograph printed children’s’ dresses lowered…
Review: Hubbell & Hudson Has Lost Some of Its Spark Along With its Market
You can’t see inside the market at Hubbell & Hudson anymore. The expansive windows that allowed pedestrians to view the bounty of fruits, vegetables, breads and meats are now fogged and glazed. The elevator that used to drop you off at the floral department now dumps you out onto the…
Heights Guitar Tech Fills Big Gap in Gear-Repair Scene
There’s a great music scene and a lot of gigging musicians living in Houston, but few places to get musical equipment fixed when time is a factor. When I was playing in bands a few years back, any problem with a guitar or one of my amps meant I had…
EPA Finally Agrees to Clean Up CES Environmental’s Mess
After nearly four years of public outcry, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finally agreed clean up abandoned industrial waste left behind by CES Environmental Services in southeast Houston. For years neighbors had complained about CES’ Griggs Road facility, where the company cleaned tanker trucks for refineries and chemical plants…
Just the Tips: Nails in the News
One of the biggest stories that came out of New York Fashion Week in 2013 was nails–as in, fingernails. As the show becomes increasingly interactive and accessible through social media, we’re able to get a glimpse at even the smallest styling details; not just on the clothes, but the models’…
Judge Hears Motions in Facebook “Threat” Case
The charge against Justin Carter, the New Braunfels teen accused of making a terroristic threat on Facebook, should be dropped because a detective lied in an affidavit, Carter’s lawyer argued in Comal County District Court Tuesday. Carter made international headlines when Carter, then 18, was charged in April 2013 for…
Super Duper Alice Cooper More Than Just Snakes and Golf
Super Duper Alice Cooper Directed by Reginald Harkema, Scot McFadyen, and Sam Dunn Eagle Rock, 127 mins, $14.98 DVD/$19.98 Blu-Ray Vincent Furnier was a shy, churchgoing, high-school track star and the son and grandson of preachers who had never even touched alcohol, much less illegal drugs. Alice Cooper is a…
First Look at Moderno Tacos + Tex-Mex
From the outside, Moderno Tacos + Tex Mex looks like your typical nondescript strip mall restaurant. Come a little closer, however, and a charming design space awaits, complete with a funky local Mexican mural in the window, beckoning you to have a closer look. Just a month old, Moderno, located…
Slim Thug Now Officially Owns Throwback Thursdays
Want to know the weirdest thing about growing up? Trying to go back and finish something you started as a kid. There probably isn’t anything more annoying and weird than watching your friends who are now parents take pictures of their kids on their first days of school. Doesn’t matter…
Bear in Heaven Unfold Another Wrinkle in Time
Bear in Heaven has always done their best to embrace the changes that come with progressing as a band, and they’ve done their fair share of progression over the last four albums. Whether they’re performing more ambient, synth-driven sounds or diving headfirst into more solid rock territory, the Brooklyn-based group…
Milk Is Better Than Drank, Thanks to Beaumont’s Purple
I saw Purple perform live recently and was blown away by their relentless energy and bombastic garage rock. So I was pretty happy to find their video for “Leche Loco,” which is so new I was only the fourth or fifth person to “like” it on YouTube. I had a…
Updated: Grant Gordon, Former Tony’s Chef and The Edmont Partner, Found Dead
UPDATE: A spokesperson for the Houston Police Department did confirm that a deceased male at Gordon’s address was discovered at 8:45 p.m. Monday, dead from an apparent suicide.The official cause of death is still pending from the medical examiner. Original Post: The Houston Press has received word that chef Grant…
Houston Theater Awards Brings Together the Theater Community
Emmys who? Houston’s thespian community was out in full form last night for the Houston Press’ annual Houston Theater Awards. The awards presentation, hosted at the MKT Bar at Phoenicia’s, featured an array of persons from H-town’s theater world; representation came from big theaters such as The Alley and Theatre…
H-E-B on Bunker Hill and I-10: One Grocery Store to Rule Them All
I have lived in Houston a long time and it a lot of different neighborhoods around town. As a result, I have shopped at more than my fair share of grocery stores. From the Randall’s that used to exist on the North Freeway as a kid to the Kroger where…
Thoughts on FXX’s Simpsons Marathon
FXX is currently in the middle of re-broadcasting all 552 episodes of The Simpsons, the longest-running sitcom and (American) animated program, and also the longest running scripted prime-time series ever (passing Gunsmoke in 2009). The show debuted in 1989, meaning anyone born that year has probably already earned a college…
Some Unusually Awesome Pups for National Dog Day
Today, we lift our leg in honor of dogs everywhere, as it’s the tenth annual National Dog Day, a time to reflect on all our furry friends waiting on forever homes. We’d also like to give a shout-out to the hard-working shelter staff and volunteers, as well as all the…
2014 Emmy Roundup: Lots of Dresses, Very Few Photos!
Seth Meyer made us laugh, the E! Network red carpet crew made us cringe, and the winners made us yawn. Another Emmys award show is in the books. Ryan Seacrest’s absence was deeply felt. If you watched even a few minutes of last night’s E! Live from the Red Carpet…
Aerosmith at The Woodlands, 8/25/2014
Aerosmith, Slash feat. Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion August 25, 2014 More than 40 years into a career that’s seen more ups and down than the S&P 500, Aerosmith no longer has any use for another comeback. Thanks to an extensive catalogue of hits and sheer,…
Houston Auto Lender Fined $2.75 Million for Screwing With Customers’ Credit
If you happened to need a sub-prime auto loan sometime in the past few years, and you happened to get said sub-prime loan from Houston’s First Investors Financial Services Group, you may want to check your credit score. Seriously. These guys might have screwed you over. Last week, First Investors…
Houstonians Without Voter ID Are Mostly Black and Poor
Texas’ Voter ID law — which requires that voters show election officials an approved and up-to-date photo ID in order to cast a ballot — has long been a point of contention. Since the Lege passed a voter ID requirement in 2011, many of its opponents have questioned whether the…
Crosby, Stills & Nash at Bayou Music Center, 8/25/2014
Crosby, Stills & Nash Bayou Music Center August 25, 2014 “I don’t know how people got this idea that we are a political band,” David Crosby — trademark flowing grey hair and walrus mustache intact — said Monday night. “It might be from just those one or two songs. Or…
“From the Pinnacle to the Prize” Exhibit
Two artists with dramatically different approaches to art are showing at the Mariago Collective in the “From the Pinnacle to the Prize” exhibit. One, Ariane Roesch, is warm and gentle, shifting shapes which are normally rigid into softer contours, and adding an inner luminosity. The other, Scott Proctor, perhaps says…
Pop Rocks: It’s a Miracle Any Celebrity Marriage Survives
When I read recently that Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon were separating, my first thought was, “I’m surprised they made it this long.” If more than half of marriages end in divorce, my guess is that celebrity marriages are skewing that towards the upper end. It’s frankly a miracle any…
A Fond Look Back as the UH Daily Cougar Goes Weekly and Digital
In the early ’90s while I was attending the University of Houston, I practically lived in and around the communications department on the far east side of campus. Behind a nondescript metal door in a downstairs corner of the brick two-story building was a large, tile-floored, windowless room that housed…
The Rocks Off 200: Silver Blueberry, Garage Days Revisited
Welcome to The Rocks Off 200, our portrait gallery of the most compelling profiles and personalities in the far-flung Houston music community — a lot more than just musicians, but of course they’re in there too. See previous entries in the Rocks Off 100 at this link. Who? The Houston…
Things to Consider When Looking for Your Perfect Health Food Store
Not all health food stores are created equal. As we’ve mentioned before, a lot of the stuff that a person will find lining the shelves of most of them isn’t healthy at all. But surely, some types of health food stores are better than others? How does the average consumer…
Houston Restaurant Weeks: Latin Bites
What they’re up to for Houston Restaurant Weeks: This year, Latin Bites offers a $25 three-course brunch on Sunday and a $35 three-course dinner throughout the week. For each brunch sold, Latin Bites will donate $4 to the Houston Food Bank and $5 for each dinner sold. We decided to…
Disgustingly Cute New Photos of Houston Zoo’s Clouded Leopard Cubs
This month, the Houston Zoo posted update photos of resident two-month-old Clouded Leopard cubs being unbearably cute to their Facebook page. The cubs, named Senja and Koshi, were born in June to parents Suksn and Tarak, who have been at the Zoo since 2012…
August Kickstarter Round-Up: Gun Art and Video Games
Once a month we’ll be bringing you a look at some of the best local Kickstarter campaigns in order to let you know what’s getting ready to be unleashed through the help of small investors. Engauge!: Ever since I started up my new Free Game Day column showing off some…
Houston Texans Begin the Roster Trim-Down to 75 Players
If you listen carefully, that sound you hear is the sound of hundreds of NFL dreams being shattered (or at the very least, put on hold, but “put on hold” doesn’t sound nearly melodramatic enough for the internet). My co-host Ted Johnson, he of three Super Bowl rings and a…
Four Gourmet Dog Treats for National Dog Day
National Dog Day is Tuesday, August 26, and that means you need to do something special for your pup. While you could just take them for a walk, give them a belly rub or play with them more than you normally do, you could also give them a special bakery…
Upcoming: Alt-J, BuzzFest 32, Deep Cuts, Jungle, the Pretty Reckless, Zipperneck, etc.
The 12th Annual ZiegenBock Music Festival: With Josh Turner, Pat Green, Dan + Shay, Casey Donahew, Kevin Fowler, Roger Creager,William Clark Green, Josh Grider, Rosehill, The Damn Quails, Cam, Sam Riggs, Carter Beckworth, Scooter Brown, Justin van Sant, Buck Yeager, Charles Peter & the 10%, Ray Johnston., Sat., October 18,…
Doctor Who: Does the New Doctor Stick the Landing?
A major spoiler is revealed, so click away if you want to avoid that. Let’s get this out in the open at the beginning; Peter Capaldi is already an amazing Doctor. He is literally the best possible candidate to embody the classic and rebooted series and take it into its…
Quantic Sways MFAH Crowd With Tropical Swing
Quantic Music Mixed Media Series Museum of Fine Arts, Houston August 22, 2014 About halfway through Quantic’s set this past Friday evening amid the art of the MFAH’s Cullen Sculpture Garden, DJ Sun shuffled excitiedly towards the area immediately behind the stage, dancing, hands raised up to Heaven and grinning…
Why Ride the Lightning Is Metallica’s Most Influential Album
Metallica’s seminal second album, Ride the Lightning, turned 30 years old this year, which I think is amazing. To be honest, I don’t keep up much with anniversaries and such; I celebrated St. Anger’s 10th anniversary last year because it was funny to me, but to quote “For Whom the…
Hal Brock to Lead Boheme’s Beverage Program
Local favorite Hal Brock, whose resume includes stints at Hearsay and Anvil will join Boheme to lead its beverage program, it has just been announced. In an embargoed press release, Brock described himself as pretty happy about his new responsibilities. “Boheme is that place you go to experience and live,…
O.J. Brigance Takes The Ice Bucket Challenge (VIDEO)
Like any internet meme, even one that is unequivocally benevolent and productive, we knew that eventually the Ice Bucket Challenge, which has undoubtedly helped to raise awareness and funds for ALS, would reach the stage where human nature pushes a significant portion of society to nitpick at and tire of…
Police Investigating Fourth Body Found Floating in Buffalo Bayou This Month
Cyclists discovered a body floating in Buffalo Bayou at 600 Franklin Street early Saturday morning. It was the fourth body found floating in the bayou this month. Police identified the man as 43-year-old Walter Burks. Officials say an investigation is pending as police wait for autopsy results…
The Leftovers: The Weight of Guilt
There’s just one episode left to go in The Leftovers, and they didn’t soften the blow this week. We last left a terrible murder suicide plot that Sheriff Garvey was involved in with the Guilty Remnant, but let’s set all that aside. If you were looking for some kind of…
Hurricane Season 2014: Cristobal No Threat, but Disturbances Lining Up in the Atlantic
Tropical Storm Cristobal continued to strengthen over the weekend as it headed north through the Bahamas. While it is expected to grow gradually into a hurricane, it will not be a threat to the U.S. Nevertheless, it killed three in the Caribbean with torrential rains and the flooding that accompanied…
Will Astros Games Soon Be Viewable On Your IPad? Maybe
The Associated Press reported last week that Major League Baseball may be close to ending parts of its idiotic blackout policy that prevents people living in a team’s home market from seeing that team’s games. Calling it an incremental step, the head of MLB’s online business, Bob Bowman, stated that…
Coalescence: Interlocking Metal Frames Ghostly in Their Strangeness by Jessica Kreutter
The first impression is of an irregular and very complicated . . . what? There are no ready-made words to describe the strange, very strange architecture of Jessica Kreutter’s sculpture at post-studio projects in her exhibit “Coalescence.” It is composed of interlocking metal frames, covered with whitish clay that has…
FrenetiCore’s Quench Is a Soggy Success (We Mean That in a Good Way)
Note: Our usual dance writer Adam Castanada was unable to review FrenetiCore’s Quench because he was on stage during the performance (he’s a member of the FrenetiCore Dance group). Night + Day Editor Olivia Flores Alvarez stepped in. We’re having a little bit of trouble reading our notes for Quench,…
Dish of the Week: Summer Risotto
From classic comfort foods to regional standouts and desserts, we’ll be sharing a new recipe with you each week. See the complete list of recipes at the end of this post. This week, it’s all about risotto. Risotto is a classic Italian rice dish that is slow-cooked in broth until…
Spice Up Labor Day with Bravado Spice Hot Sauces
Cruising the hot sauce aisle at Whole Foods Market, I stumbled upon the three Bravado Spice sauces: Jalapeno & Green Apple, Pineapple & Habanero, and Ghost Pepper & Blueberry, increasing in heat. With varying levels of heat and sweetness, all three hot sauces are great accompaniments to chips and grilled…
SpaceX Rocket Explosion Keeps Space Community on Edge
A SpaceX rocket exploded in the skies above McGregor, Texas, during a test flight on Saturday. Though a nonchalant Elon Musk waved the mishap with a short tweet acknowledging that “Rockets are tricky,” the fact remains that explosions are scary and tend not to reflect well on companies. SpaceX is…
Survey: Most Prefer Astrodome Green Space Proposal to Leaving As Is…if Those are the Only Options
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo released a survey it conducted with the help of the University of Houston Hobby Center for Public Policy and Rice University Baker Institute for Public Policy regarding how the public feels about the Astrodome. Not surprisingly, a good majority of them know that the…
The Changing Face of Houston – The Montrose Then and Now
Houston always seems to be in a state of reinvention. It keeps this city an exciting place to live, but that state of flux can be difficult to get used to, as the character of some neighborhoods go through rapid transformations, being redeveloped as gentrification occurs and demographics change. In…
Just Give Blue Ivy Carter All the VMAs, Please
Sunday night was the billionth year for the MTV Video Music Awards, and only one thing can be taken away from the whole unfunny shebang: just give Blue Ivy Carter all of the VMAs, now and forever, and let’s be done with the whole thing. Seriously. So in case you…
Police Chief: Officer Didn’t Abandon Dog That Died
A Houston police officer did not leave a dog to die after an arrest, as the dog’s owner claimed, Chief Charles McClelland announced last week. Josie Garcia had accused the officer, who’d arrested her husband and a passenger for possession of a controlled substance July 13, of allowing the couple’s…
Houston Restaurant Weeks: La Casa Del Caballo
What they’re up to for Houston Restaurant Weeks: La Casa del Caballo is back on the list of restaurants this year and are offering both lunch and dinner. Lunch is three courses for $20, with first course options of two different kinds of soup, or a salad. Entrees include a…
The 10 Best Songs From True Blood
For the past seven years, each episode of HBO’s True Blood was named after a song, and in those seven years I’ve watched great tracks come and go. Here’s the ten best the show had to offer. 10. Massive Attack, “Paradise Circus” In Season 3 there’s the wonderful visit to…
Suzanne Bradbeer’s The God Game: A Litmus Test for Politicians
Tom is a young rising political star, a moderate Republican senator. He’s approached by Matt, an old family friend who works for a pretty right wing presidential candidate. The offer is made: would he like to join the ticket as the vice presidential nominee? “There’s just one catch,” says playwright…
Does Houston Hate Celebrity Chefs?
In 2009, a restaurant in The Heights named Bedford closed. It was the latest Houston project of acclaimed chef Robert Gadsby. How significant was this event? Well, Gadsby came to Houston with a star reputation. Five years prior, the Houston Press restaurant critic at the time, Robb Walsh, wrote an…
Beach Blanket Bingo Festival In Galveston, 8/23/2014
Beach Blanket Bingo Festival Feat. Dillon Francis, Adrian Lux, Paris Blohm, etc. East Beach, Galveston Island August 23rd, 2014 While it probably happens more frequently in different parts of the world, an EDM bash at the beach is not a regular occurrence in our neck of the woods. This is…
Texans 18, Broncos 17: 4 Winners, 4 Losers
For the most part, preseason football is very boring. I don’t think I’m breaking any new ground with that white-hot take. Unless you’re completely into the 90-to-75 cutdown bubble, or you’re a degenerate gambler, there’s not a whole lot of compelling stuff going on in the fourth quarter of a…
Saying “I Don’t Watch Television” Does Not Make You Cool Anymore
Admittedly, that headline is a bit of a lie because saying that you don’t watch television has literally never been cool. Ever. So if you claim to not watch television, please be advised that not only is no one impressed, but we’re reaching the point where we actively wonder why…
True Blood: Like a Lead Zeppelin
There’s no other way to say this. True Blood went out weak. Really, really weak. For almost the entire running time of the finale there was no plot. Nothing was really resolved because there was really nothing left to resolve. For all intents and purposes the supporting cast had been…
OneRepublic at The Woodlands, 8/22/2014
OneRepublic Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion August 22, 2014 Before One Republic was about to play “Preacher,” a song from their latest album about lead singer Ryan Tedder’s preacher grandfather, Tedder gave us a little background on his childhood and what it was like living under the eyes of a devout…
The Five Best Concerts In Houston This Week: Aerosmith, Buxton, Charlie Robison, etc.
Aerosmith, Slash Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, August 25 Aerosmith’s reputation has been tarnished by some bad records and worse decision-making over the years, but even that can’t obscure this fundamental truth: in their prime, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry’s Boston bad boys not only lived up to the hype as…
One Direction at NRG Stadium, 8/22/2014
One Direction, Five Seconds of Summer NRG Stadium August 22, 2014 To thrive, boy bands need the right combination of personality and passion. Good songs help too, but you can get away with decent music (at best) if the members of the group have enough charisma. Personality goes a long…
Perry: ISIS Has (Maybe) Entered Texas Through Mexico Border
If you live in Texas, ISIS might be a real threat–at least according to Gov. Rick Perry. At an immigration forum in Washington on Thursday, and in a subsequent statement shot out by his federal political action committee, RickPAC, Perry stated that people affiliated with the extremist Islamic State of…
Marilyn Forever Blonde: The Marilyn Monroe Story in Her Own Words and Music
The setup: The death of actress Marilyn Monroe in 1962, at the age of 36, sent shock waves throughout the world. Monroe had struggled for recognition as a serious actress in her life, as opposed to being perceived as a “dumb blond,” the kind of role in which she was…
Rest in Peace: Johnathan Estes
The Houston arts community is mourning the loss of one of its own this week. Johnathan Estes, executive director of the Southern Artist Foundation, died early Tuesday morning. Estes was well known for operating Montrose Proper Art Gallery on Westheimer and Kingspoint Community Art Lab, affectionately called “The Mullet,” an…
Déjà Vu at the Montgomery County Jail
Those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. As Montgomery County officials consider spending $200 million on expanding their jail, let’s hope they keep the old maxim in mind. Capt. David Moore, Montgomery County’s jail administrator, says he struggles every week to keep the jail’s inmate…
Mario Rodriguez of Bang Bangz Talks Touring Mexico and Wonky Power
The soul of a good musician is usually restless and ambitious, always ready to expand their sound and talent towards as many ears and hearts as possible. Houston is blessed with many such individuals, including Mario Rodriguez, the curly-haired, bespectacled, wonky frontman of the electro-pop group Bang Bangz. We caught…
The 5 Best Fashion Stories of the Week: Bracelet Phone Charger and Anna Wintour Gets Iced
Lots of breaking fashion news hits the interwebs and I don’t want you to miss one bit of it. So, I present some of the biggest headlines each week for your reading pleasure. Click and enjoy!…
Leaving a Good Daycare Is Like Losing a Third Parent
My daughter starts kindergarten on Monday, and while I was pretty adequately prepared for marching my baby girl off into the jaws of the public school system armed with a Frozen backpack, a sandwich, and Star Wars shoes that make lightsaber noises, I wasn’t quite as ready to deal with…
Reviews for the Easily Distracted: Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
Title: Sin City: A Dame to Kill For Would You? Kill For Eva Green, I Mean? This interview is over. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: Two Bon Scotts out of five (RIP). Brief Plot Synopsis: Tough mugs and bad broads live, love, and commit murder in a…
Betty Buckley and Veanne Cox Battle It Out in The Old Friends
The set-up: If you’re a fan of Turner Classic Movies, I probably don’t have to remind you of the joyous bitch fest that is Old Acquaintance (1943), adapted from the successful John Van Druten play. Remember dueling screen divas Bette Davis and Miriam Hopkins as dueling literary rivals? Davis is…
Houston Restaurant Weeks: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema — Vintage Park
What they’re up to for Houston Restaurant Weeks: This is the first year Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has participated in Houston Restaurant Weeks, and it’s the first movie theater to join the HRW lineup. The Vintage Park and Mason locations both serve the same HRW dinner menu for $35 featuring three…
Texans-Broncos: Five Roster Battles to Watch
Going out to Texans practice during the preseason is one of the more enjoyable parts of my job. Typically, it’s well attended by fellow media members, so it serves in part as a decent social outing each late July and early/mid August morning. In fact, the first day of Texans…
The 5 Best Things to Eat or Drink This Weekend: Unlimited Spaghetti & Garlic Bread at Alamo Drafthouse
Food Truck Friday @ Houston Press Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2603 La Branch Kurbside Eatz will be parked outside of our offices from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. to serve lunch during Food Truck Friday. Swing by our offices in Midtown and get something scrumptious to eat, like…
BARC Is Bursting at the Seams and Needs Your Help
If you’ve ever considered adopting or fostering an animal, listen up: Houston’s Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care has taken in nearly 600 dogs and cats in the last week, busting the shelter’s capacity. These furry dudes and dudettes need your help, stat…
Finding Love…Outside Texas?
It’s a nine hour drive From me to you South on 1-95 And I’ll do it ’til the day that I die If I need to Just to see you – Fountains of Wayne For years I was fascinated by life on the East Coast. Having lived my entire life…
DA Candidates on Weed: Talking Points Over Data Points
Though marijuana possession remains a jailable crime in Harris County, the law of the land is shifting toward leniency for offenders. Both contenders in the November race for Harris County District Attorney have presented alternatives to convicting those caught with pot. DA incumbent Devon Anderson and challenger Kim Ogg agree…
The Horror Never Ends for Warbeast’s Bruce Corbitt
Texas metal singer Bruce Corbitt’s career has seen some wicked ups and downs over the last 30 years, from signing record deals and taking on high-profile tours to being fired unceremoniously and watching bandmates pass away in front of his eyes. It hasn’t been a lifestyle fit for the faint…
100 Creatives 2014: Robert Gouner AKA Goon73
What He Does: In 2008 Robert Gouner, the photographer who would become known as Goon73, was heavily into riding and building/customizing motorcycles. He wrote a monthly column for a motorcycle website and when the format changed to print he suddenly needed pictures to go with his articles. Since he didn’t…
Upcoming Events: Do You Know How to Spatchcock a Chicken?
Discover why local foods matter during the Food-as-Medicine Experience at Sparrow Bar + Cookshop Monday, August 25 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Chef and owner Monica Pope along with Ali Miller of Naturally Nourished, will teach guests about the medicinal qualities of foods, and demonstrate how to include these…
The Five Best Things to Do in Houston This Weekend: Quench and More
Can’t make it to the beach? Not to worry, starting this Friday, FrenetiCore Dance is bringing the water to you in Quench. Choreographer Rebecca French and her collaborators are reportedly set to explore “the dynamic depths and transcendent nature of water.” (Believe us, it’s going to be much, much wilder…
Openings & Closings: More Tex-Mex, Please
Anthony Calleo, owner of Pi Pizza Truck and Sandy Witch Sandwich Company, announced this week on Twitter that his sandwich shop has officially closed. Sandy Witch, located inside Grand Prize Bar, was Calleo’s second food endeavor. Calleo tells Phaedra Cook in part two of this week’s chef chat that running…
Here’s a Few Suggestions to Fix MLB, Not that the New Commissioner Asked
Rob Manfred was appointed the new MLB commissioner last week. And even as the news was announced, the speculation began as to what Manfred could do to improve the sport, seeing as how he’s not old and ancient like Bud Selig, the man he’s replacing. Not that he’s asked me,…
We Love the VMAs Because They’re Rigged
“If, for any reason, this voting process is interrupted, is found to have been tampered with in any way, or for any other reason that Sponsor believes in its sole discretion to be reasonably necessary, Sponsor reserves the right to select the winners at its discretion.” This is what it…
Inside CSNY’s Groundbreaking 1974 Tour
“We knew it was something special,” Graham Nash says on the phone from New York City. “No one had done a tour like that, in that many big venues. But I felt we were up to the task. We could all play and sing, and there were four of us…
Austin’s OBN IIIs Are No Retro-Rock Chumps
With unlimited sweat, furious finesse and hook-heavy musical manners, Austin’s OBN IIIs are the bastard child of Flamin’ Groovies and Radio Birdman, just as their latest slab Live in San Francisco documents. Their closest allies in Texas are likely the equally forceful, cunning and haunting Sons of Hercules, so be…
The 10 Best Concerts in Houston This Week: Bottle Rockets, Rudz 36, Garfunkel & Oates, etc.
Bottle Rockets, Marshall Crenshaw Continental Club, August 22 The pride of Festus, Mo., the Bottle Rockets would be the best band you’ve never heard of except, if you’ve ever subscribed to either No Depression magazine or the Bloodshot Records mailing list, you’ve absolutely heard of them and know exactly why…
Brutal Prison Drama Starred Up Stirs Rare Empathy
The beginning of David Mackenzie’s U.K. prison drama, Starred Up, might make you wonder if you’ll survive to the end: We see a kid with a hard-eyed, shutdown face being matriculated at a new jail — apparently, he’s outgrown his old one, and so he’s been “starred up,” or prematurely…
Foam Glow 5K
The Bayou City gets its lights turned on at the 2014 Foam Glow 5K Run. Set in the picturesque NRG Park (yes, we’re aware of the meaning of sarcasm), the Foam Glow is based on a pretty simple idea. Runners and thrill seekers wear as much white as possible and…
21st Annual TransCanada Theater District Open House
Downtown’s performing arts companies and venues throw open their doors for the 21st Annual TransCanada Theater District Open House Presented by Bank of America. Perryn Leech, acting board chair of the Houston Downtown Alliance, says, “It is a wonderful op-portunity for us to showcase the fantastic, world-class venues we have…
Aries Spears
Comedian Aries Spears, one of the longest-serving cast members on Fox’s hit late-night comedy series MADtv, isn’t shy. He has an opinion — and a few jokes — about any and everything. And yes, he’s happy to share them with you…for the small price of $25 a ticket. The Chicago…
Only at the Alamo: To Be Takei
He’s a sci-fi hero, a LGBTQ community role model and is now known as the King of Facebook (he has more than 5 million fans!). In the documentary To Be Takei, part of the Only at the Alamo series, George Takei, first made famous in his role as Sulu on…
Doctor Who Season Premiere: Deep Breath
Check out Peter Capaldi as he begins his turn as the 12th Doctor in the Doctor Who Season Premiere: Deep Breath. His selection as the latest incarnation of time-traveling alien hero/symbol of good/all-around good guy is controversial among fans (some thought it was time for a female Doctor and others…
“Monica Vidal: CULL”
They are big. They are colorful. And for the “Monica Vidal: Cull” exhibition, they are installed at the University Museum of Texas Southern University. Artist Monica Vidal creates large scale three-dimensional sculptures that are original and vibrant. Her newest installation, Burning Hive, is based on a traditional quilt pattern called…
Chelsea Cain: One Kick
We admire Kick Lannigan, the character at the center of Chelsea Cain’s newest thriller One Kick. She’s a trained marksman, experienced escape artist and gifted bomb maker. Oh yeah, and she’s pretty good at knife throwing, lock picking and hand-to-hand combat. We wish we had her extremely useful skill set,…
Quench
Can’t make it to the beach? Not to worry, FrenetiCore Dance is bringing the water to you in Quench. Choreographer Rebecca French and her collaborators are reportedly set to explore “the dynamic depths and transcendent nature of water.” (Believe us, it’s going to be much, much wilder than it sounds!)…
The Women of Sin City: A Dame to Kill For Live to Suffer – and Little Else
Sin City, population unknown but dropping every minute, is a gorgeous place, but you wouldn’t want to live there. Even the shadows and broken glass are beautiful in this black-and-white world. Only the women — all gorgeous — give the streets a pop of color. That is, only the women…
When the Game Stands Tall Insists Jesus Wants Kids to Hit Each Other Hard on the Gridiron
According to inspirational sports movies, winning demands you train hard, play with heart, be a team, and not care about winning. So it goes in the sturdy, crowd-pleasing When the Game Stands Tall, a profile in saintliness puffed up from a true story: the Northern California Catholic school whose football…
The Giver Teaches What Humanity Has Forgotten
The Giver is more simple and raw than the rest of today’s teen dystopias that try to cram in unnecessary backstory and love triangles. (Original author Lois Lowry published her novel in 1993, which makes it officially the cool aunt of Katniss and the kids.) The story picks up several…
The Mask of Greatness
Genius is hell, both for the blessed and those stuck in the shadows, cursed to spend a lifetime smashing their heads against the glass. In its presence we find ourselves dwarfed and dumb, like moths. We know we’re before brilliance we can’t comprehend — and we know we’ll never have…
The Expendables 3 Refuses to Be Expendable or Especially Interesting
Titles don’t get more ironic than The Expendables 3. The franchise claims to be about death-seeking mercenaries yet stars ’80s action heroes, who refuse to die. Three films in, everyone in the sprawling team is still alive and ass kicking, save for Bruce Willis, whose million-dollar-a-day asking salary has caused…
4th Annual ArCH Film Festival: Architecture Meets Life
Michael Galinsky and Suki Hawley spent eight years filming the documentary Battle for Brooklyn. That’s not quite as long as Richard Linklater spent on Boyhood, but it’s still quite an investment. The film, which opens the 4th Annual ArCH Film Festival: Architecture Meets Life, is a look at the intense…
Robin Wright as Robin Wright, Seizes a Mod Future in The Congress
After The Princess Bride made Robin Wright a star, she shocked Hollywood by saying no. No to The Firm and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. No to Jurassic Park, Dirty Dancing, Born on the Fourth of July and Batman Forever. She even said no to the cover of Vanity Fair…
Brendan Gleeson Shines as an Irish Priest in Crisis in Calvary
In Calvary, Brendan Gleeson plays a Catholic priest who plods through a rustic Irish village that’s more brutal than beautiful. The beach is gray, the waves are choppy and the wind whips his ankle-length black cassock as though every step were a fight against nature. In some ways, it is…
To Be Takei Follows the Star Trek Actor Into Undiscovered Country
Jennifer M. Kroot’s To Be Takei is an affectionate portrait of the hardest-working member of the original cast of Star Trek, George Takei. That’s pronounced tuh-KAY, not tuh-KAI, as so many have misspoken it over the years, including but not limited to William Shatner, whose strained non-relationship with Takei —…
Michael Gondry’s Mood Indigo Gets Richer as It Darkens
Mood Indigo is bitter candy, a heartbreaker that uses sugar as a trap. The director, Michel Gondry, has a brilliant, contradictory brain. He’s a swoony pessimist, a big-dreaming romantic who believes in love at first sight but never lets his films end with a kiss. Instead, his idea of a…
YA Saves Summer
Should grown-ups be spending their time reading young-adult novels, at the risk of missing the supposed riches of fiction written for actual grown-ups? A recent essay in Slate groused about the legions of adults who long ago graduated from the 12th grade but still devour YA fiction at the expense…
Capsule Art Reviews: August 21, 2014
“Aloe Vera: group show” Gray Contemporary is a new gallery in the Houston Design Center, large, high-ceilinged and beautifully air-conditioned. Several paintings are quite bright and colorful, with Shape Study 8 (Three Sides), by Christopher Derek Bruno, the most intriguing. It has four three-dimensional vertical square pillars, with the front…
Capsule Stage Reviews: August 21, 2014
Full Gallop Let’s talk D.V. That would be Diana Vreeland, or Dee-ahh-na, for those of you not in the loop. For decades she was the reigning monarch of fashion, first as columnist and stylish greyhound at Harper’s Bazaar, then as editor-in-chief of Vogue, later as curator of the Metropolitan Museum’s…
SPECIAL BEST OF EDICIÓN
Dear Readers, The Mexican just got married to a chica caliente, so he’s taken her on a honeymoon to the motherland so she can learn the proper art of tortilla-making. In the meanwhile, I offer this Best Of edition, because I plan to do all of my work this week…
That Man From Rio: Toast the Return of de Broca’s Globe-Trotting Parody
Jean-Paul Belmondo in a white dinner jacket. There. That should be enough to sell you on Philippe de Broca’s 1964 crime caper-spoof That Man From Rio, but if for some reason it’s not, let’s throw in Jean-Paul Belmondo on a motorcycle, Jean-Paul Belmondo elbowing his way onto a flight from…
