The $60 Million Hangover

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The weather this past week did not suck. Our visitors from colder climes now know one of our great secrets. Winter! It seems at first glance that the city and the NBA put on a safe and prosperous all-star event. I saw evidence of community service efforts by day and many VIP events at night, perhaps explaining the TNT half-time hangover. The city of Houston chamber estimated an influx of 50,000 people and at least $60m spent. The Galleria had to be shut down due to over capacity Friday in spite of the 6 mph traffic games. (Note to TXDOT: Who decided to close the Westheimer exit off 610 Loop South Friday?)

So, overall, the city gets a lot of good press and revenue. The restauranteurs will need some days off to recover from the back-to-back Valentines to Ballentines turnover. Judging by the police presence, there was plenty of scoring and penalties charged after hours. I'd like to see what that cost adds up to.

It was a nice TV event, but not too much in it for the population at large. Certainly nothing to remember for decades. Next year will be the 20th anniversary of the Rockets back-to-back championship runs. That we can all agree on.

 

 

F Shoots Video, too!

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Most people know me as photojournalist F. Carter Smith. What they don’t often know is that my career began shooting and editing 16mm film for documentary and news stories for NBC affiliate KOA-TV in Denver, Colorado in 1974. When digital video was introduced to the masses by Apple Quicktime in 1991, I was undeniably excited at its prospects. Years later, we have evolved from poor quality video to fantastic new tools that can project the look and feel of film. The basic elements of storytelling have remained constant. Please take a look at some of my recent video projects on this, my new demo reel. Thanks for the inspiration!

21 Years

Our dear Lindsey turns twenty-one today and will celebrate the milestone far from home. She begins her semester abroad to study French language, architecture, culture and cinema today in the Riviera. While at Texas, not only did she achieve academically, but made an impact as an intern for the Texas Civil Rights Project where she championed research into prisoner's medical care rights. This young woman has touched us all with her gifts, and we wish her further success in the world forum. We are extremely blessed to have two such extraordinary daughters. Love, Dad

Being Sarah Palin

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You Betcha! The former Alaska guvernator-turned-reality star couldn't resist picking up the baby of a serviceman in uniform who stood in line for an autographed copy of her new book Monday, What the F, America? Faith, Family and Flag. Her mama bear instincts were to lift the six-month old girl wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the words "Future President". Overheard was the daddy Sergeant exclaiming, "Oh, no, I'm gonna hear it from the wife now!" as he left the table.  Another group of tea party goers in red, white and blue garb had her attention now. "We're from Clear Lake, that's near NASA ..." which elicited a blank stare. Another woman who resembled Sarah herself was interviewed by a local tv newsman as she entered the bookstore. "I support Sarah because she is trying to do good things for the country." Young daughter Piper played with her mommy's iPhone in its pink case, stroking her hair, using the device as a mirror, bored of the publicity tour.