Movie Review
Paddington in Peru proves there’s still magic in the lovable bear’s story
Feb 14, 2025 | 4:30 pm
relish on the move
Reliable River Oaks staple plans new Memorial-area restaurant with all the relish and twice the size
Oct 30, 2023 | 10:00 am
Movie Review
Julia Louis-Dreyfus confronts death in weird yet engaging film Tuesday
Jun 17, 2024 | 1:30 pm
best october theater
October's must-see Houston theater: Sad-sexy pixies, Shakespeare, John Waters, and more
Oct 9, 2023 | 5:05 pm
DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS
4 glorious Texas campsites pitch top spots as best in America to connect with nature
Mar 2, 2023 | 3:30 pm
Silent nights
Texas state parks bloom throughout 2022 holidays with festive events and peaceful escapes
Nov 30, 2022 | 11:35 am
On the Road
Raise a glass to the wonderful wildlife and wineries in Marble Falls
Jul 15, 2022 | 12:05 pm
flying away with it
Ken Hoffman on the fast food fowl play stealing the burger's national spotlight
May 3, 2021 | 12:10 pm
Shop To It
Why you should plan a safe and relaxing shopping holiday in San Marcos
Nov 19, 2020 | 12:00 pm
Fit for a Queen
Hot times on Avery Island: Spicy fun, great bird and bear watching in birthplace of Tabasco
Jul 31, 2017 | 3:00 pm
Shop What We Shop
Scoop up stylish gifts from GiftingMap for the sophisticated man in your life
Nov 19, 2018 | 12:00 pm
Open Stages
Adventurous Stages Theatre celebrates 40 crazy years with eclectic new season
Aug 4, 2017 | 1:30 pm
northern exposure
United's impressive new jet makes cooling off in Alaska a breeze from Houston
Jun 13, 2018 | 4:35 pm
Pethouse Pet of the Week
Schultz blows the whistle on Houston's finest, barnyard animals for adoption, clay court tennis, and more
Dec 1, 2017 | 11:00 am
Real Housewives Recap Episode 9
The Real Housewives of Dallas are naughty yachties in Mexico
Oct 9, 2017 | 10:25 pm
Relish adds dinner
New River Oaks neighborhood restaurant adds dinner service with classic favorites
Nov 28, 2016 | 12:00 pm
Relish Restaurant Update
Adios Relish Fine Foods and hola Relish Restaurant & Bar in the heart of River Oaks
Aug 17, 2016 | 10:00 am
Where to Eat Now
Where to Eat Now: 12 sizzling new restaurants to try in November
Nov 10, 2016 | 11:00 am
Most Anticipated Summer Openings
Houston's 14 most anticipated summer restaurant openings offer something for everyone
Jun 9, 2016 | 10:30 am
Changes in River Oaks
Gourmet food shop brings classic American fare to River Oaks after bistro shutters
Aug 12, 2015 | 9:00 am
Redbud Gallery presents Luis Moro: Animal Cartography opening reception
Redbud Gallery presents Luis Moro: Animal Cartography opening reception
Oct 1, 2016 | 6:00 pm
Duckhorn Wine Dinner at The Bird and The Bear
Duckhorn Wine Dinner at The Bird and The Bear
Apr 24, 2014 | 7:00 pm
Best Party Photos of 2015
Best party photos of 2015: Houston's top society scribe looked through thousands to pick her faves
Dec 30, 2015 | 2:20 pm
Chillin' at the Zoo
Chillin' at the Zoo: As temperatures soar, animals get an icy break from the Houston heat
Jun 9, 2015 | 1:14 pm
Turducken Fever
Inside the Turducken cult: The real history of how a damn Frankenstein bird took over the holidays
Nov 14, 2014 | 2:09 pm
Links We Love
Best "Shake It Off" dance-off, Cookie Monster and Fallon tweet it out, Obama is no Beyoncé
Sep 14, 2014 | 8:16 am
This ain't no gala
Who gets the Make-Out Merit Badge? Camping for grown ups turns into Catastrophic fun
May 15, 2014 | 8:46 am
The Road To Dallas
Phony Duke is dead, but this NCAA sleeper infuriates a major college football coach
Mar 21, 2014 | 7:10 pm
Baylor's God Basketball
Doug McDermott crushed by God: Larry Bird wannabe chokes in the face of Baylor's fierce defensive belief
Mar 24, 2014 | 6:04 am
Get Away
A fresh London travel guide: The hot restaurants, cool bars and must-see sights
May 12, 2014 | 3:46 pm
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"Epicurean Voyeurism" at Sorrel Urban Bistro, with live feed to the kitchenPhoto by Davon Hatchett -
Juicy and tender pork tenderloin from 1252 TapasPhoto by Davon Hatchett -
The wall of wine bottles at 1252Photo by Davon Hatchett -
Crispy, breaded Shrimp Piccante drizzled with spicy aioli at BrioPhoto by Davon Hatchett -
These people know a good happy hour when they see one.ReadingforDummies.com -
Gulf seafood tacos at Sorrel Urban BistroPhoto by Davon Hatchett -
Sorrel's cool bar areaPhoto by Davon Hatchett -
The bar at BrioPhoto by Davon Hatchett -
The Bird & The Bear's delectable calamariPhoto by Davon Hatchett -
The red bar at The Bird & The BearPhoto by Davon Hatchett
Late Night Cocktails + Bites
Put it in Reverse! 10 great nighttime happy hour deals that are later than youthink
Dec 5, 2012 | 10:14 am
Tattered Jeans
The ultimate farmers market journey: Visiting with this real farm couple is a laugh
Oct 16, 2013 | 7:04 am
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Houston’s Pink Ribbons Project will receive $1 from each Berry Evocativecocktail sold at Katsuya by S+ARCK.Courtesy Photo -
Surf-and-turf at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is part of the $49.95special, with $10 going directly to children's cancer charities. -
At the end of September, the amazing chefs at Triniti held their second benefitdinner for Mercury, formerly Mercury Baroque, a local nonprofit musicorganization.Photo by Debora Smail/RealityPhotography.net
Food for Thought
Eat well and do good: Houston restaurants offer great specials that help out allsorts of charities
Oct 10, 2012 | 9:53 am
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Photo by Shannon O'Hara -
The Bird & The Bear has a distinctive interior that's drawn plenty of buzz.Photo by Shannon O'Hara -
The Bird & The Bear's cuisine spans the globe.Photo by Sarah Rufca -
Photo by Sarah Rufca -
Photo by Sarah Rufca
First Taste
The Bird & The Bear makes for an interesting meal, but this new restaurant needsto focus
Dec 14, 2011 | 12:51 pm
Skeletons in the closet
Tango-dancing Houston maestro prepares for a family reunion concert
Aug 30, 2013 | 12:53 pm
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Elouise adams Jones at The Bird & The BearPhoto by Shannon O'Hara -
Photo by Shannon O'Hara -
Photo by Shannon O'Hara -
Photo by Shannon O'Hara -
Photo by Shannon O'Hara
The CultureMap Interview
Elouise Adams Jones dishes on her new Bird & The Bear restaurant: Fromlate-night tapas to all that red
Oct 20, 2011 | 10:47 am
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Elouise Adams JonesPhoto via www.ouisiestable.com -
The new Ouisie's space currently houses the Tony Mandola Miracle LocationPhoto by Shelby Hodge
Weather Game
Chicago sunbathers give way to Bears weather (sort of): Storm rolls in overTexans
Nov 11, 2012 | 6:01 pm
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Just one of the local crittersPhoto by Stephan Lorenz -
High in the Huachuca Mountains southeast ArizonaPhoto by Stephan Lorenz -
Patagonia, southeast ArizonaPhoto by Stephan Lorenz -
The rough road into Carr CanyonPhoto by Stephan Lorenz -
Trail sign in the Huachuca WildernessPhoto by Stephan Lorenz
Travelin' Man
Getting lost in Southeast Arizona, the well-endowed state's best kept secret
Dec 2, 2012 | 6:00 pm
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Kevin Walter found a big opening in the Bills' defense.Photo by © Michelle Watson/CultureMapSNAP.com -
Andre Johnson still has some dominance in him.Photo by Michelle Watson/CatchlightGroup.com -
Arian Foster just had to pick his running lane against a porous Bills' defense.Photo by © Michelle Watson/CultureMapSNAP.com -
But Owen Daniels made the biggest touchdown play of all.Photo by © Michelle Watson/CultureMapSNAP.com -
The Texans defense held the Bills to four field goal attempts through threequarters with J.J. Watt looming large once again.Photo by © Michelle Watson/CultureMapSNAP.com
Texans 21, Bills 9
A throwback Andre Johnson breaks a cornerback's knee, refuses to let Texans loseto bitter Mario Williams
Nov 4, 2012 | 3:04 pm
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Sorrel's scallopsPhoto by Kimberly Park
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Pondicheri's barley saladPondicheri/Facebook -
Smoothies at Roots JuicePhoto by Karen Burd -
Veggie burger from Green Seed VeganPhoto by Ruthie Johnson Miller -
Crepes by Radical EatsRadical Eats
A Veggie Revolution
Houston, the land of healthy eating? Believe it or not, fatty comfort food nolonger reigns
Nov 26, 2012 | 10:20 am
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Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com -
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com -
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com -
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com -
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com -
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com -
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com -
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com -
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com -
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com -
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com -
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com -
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com -
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com -
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com -
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
Feasting with the Beasties
Feast with the Beasts draws 4,000 to boogie to the B-52s and visit the HoustonZoo animals after-hours
Nov 7, 2011 | 1:50 pm
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Tilman Fertitta, from left, Gerry Birnberg, Julian Fertitta and Zack Fertitta atZack's quiet kick-off.Photo by Shelby Hodge -
John Connally, left, Nell Frances Connally and Judge Mike McSpadden at the LaGriglia event for Zack Fertitta.Photo by Shelby Hodge -
Armando Perez, left, Sue Lovell and Scott McClelland at the H-E-B event at TheMenil Collection.Photo by John Everett -
Heart Ball chairs John and Bobbie Nau flank Dr. Roberta Bogaev at Silver EagleDistributors. -
Cameron Silver and Miriam Haskell representative Beth Rall-Durden, right, cut upat Tootsies with a model. -
Sheridan Williams, from left, Lauren Clark, John Eddie Williams and Kristen Nixat the Fertitta event.Photo by Shelby Hodge -
Judy and Wayne McConnell at the American Heart Assoication kickoff. -
Amy and Mike Reeves with Liz Stephanian, right, at the American HeartAssociation party.
Shelby About Town
Fertitta throws his hat in the ring, H-E-B celebrates at the Menil and CameronSilver wows at Tootsies
Nov 18, 2011 | 12:00 pm
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Feast is vigilant in its fresh, sustainable offerings, so you know this guy wasswimming yesterday.Photo by Ruthie Johnson Miller -
Buffalo Sean cranks out creative crepes at Melange, now with a second locationto serve you.Photo by Ruthie Johnson Miller -
Try Ouisie's renowned seafood gumbo on the soup-salad-sandwich plate at the Birdand the Bear.Photo by Ruthie Johnson Miller -
Downtowners rejoice! The famous Phoenicia falafel is coming to you this month.Photo by Ruthie Johnson Miller -
Chef Philippe Schmit, aka: the French Cowboy, offers a harvest tasting menustarting Nov. 15. -
Down House has a new menu. Will they still offer the PBLT sandwich? (PB = PorkBelly, fools.)Photo by Ruthie Johnson Miller -
The Pi Pizza truck finally opened this month. Stop by for a slice or a sandwich.Photo by Ruthie Johnson Miller -
While you're at the new downtown Phoenicia, be sure to grab some beautifulbaklava for dessert.Photo by Ruthie Johnson Miller
Foodie News
Where to eat right now: 10 hot, must-try restaurants for November
Nov 3, 2011 | 12:29 pm
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Open woodland in the Davis MountainsPhoto by Stephan Lorenz -
The surrounding desert may be dry, but the Davis Mountains harbor plenty ofcreeks.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
Tracks and trails offer access to this unique wilderness.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
Tracks are evidence of the plentiful wildlife flourishing in the DavisMountains.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
View of Mt. Livermore, the highest peak in the Davis MountainsPhoto by Stephan Lorenz
Travelin' Man
Beat the summer heat: A Texas hiking retreat in the Davis Mountains
Sep 9, 2012 | 1:45 pm
Bear Necessity
Disgust at Alicia Silverstone's mama bird baby feeding is over the top: What'sthe big deal?
Mar 28, 2012 | 11:05 pm
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“This is the best restaurant we’ve been to,” he declared of Tony's. “We need tocome back at least once a month.”Photo by James Dean -
Lunch at Phil & Derek’s Restaurant and Wine Bar is always a treat and I love thechicken Cobb salad.Photo by Marene Gustin -
Although I was smitten with my lobster BLT from Tony's. I mean, lobster andbacon? What could be better?Photo by Marene Gustin -
And then at Tony's came the slice of Elizabeth’s Praline Cheesecake with acandle and Happy Father’s Day written in chocolate on the plate.Photo by Marene Gustin -
Breaking bread with our loved ones is one of life’s most treasured events. -
At Mai's came the garlic beef made with filet mignon.Photo by Marene Gustin
Food for Thought
Dad’s Dining Diary: Turning the old man into an adventurous Houston foodie
Jun 23, 2011 | 6:12 am
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In preparation of the 25th Annual Art Car Parade, two free events this weekoffer a glimpse into what's on tap next week.Photo by Chinh Phan -
At this Women of Wardrobe event benefiting Dress for Success, guests arerequested to bring a gently worn pair of shoes, and donors will be entered towin a pair of Elaine Turner designer shoes. -
The main attraction at "The Empty Box Ole!" is a spread of art donated by adrove of too-many-to-list national and internationally-recognized artists aspart of a silent auction. -
Hear the music that the Houston Symphony will perform at Carnegie Hall in NewYork and at the Festival of the World's Symphony Orchestras in Russia. -
The ending of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company will go down in history as oneof the most difficult good byes in the history of dance. Kenneth E. Parris IIIpays homage in this exhibition. Pictured here, Bus to Darmouth, graphite onpaper. -
Two of my longtime favorite things come together at this young professionalsbash: '70s grooves and extinct animals.
Pick Five (Plus)
Your weekly guide to Houston: Dinosaur disco, Art Car preview and margaritas fortrees
May 2, 2012 | 7:42 am
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An uncanny image of the Virgin Mary is stopping traffic along North Shepherdjust above 39th Street. -
Click though the slide show and see the Blessed Mother appear before youreyes...Photo by Tyler Rudick -
Mary visits Texas on a fairly regular basis, with at least four reportedappearances since 2007.Photo by Tyler Rudick -
Property owner Kyle Toland has told reporters that people have been visiting theGarden Oaks Mary regularly for several years.Photo by Tyler Rudick -
Visitors clean up the site two or three times a month, keeping the memorialfresh and ready for steady stream of devotees.Photo by Tyler Rudick
De Spiritu Sancto
Virgin Mary visits Houston by way of North Shepherd: Do you believe in thesightings?
Feb 13, 2012 | 3:46 pm
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Saint Arnold's One Pot Showdown was high on characters — and alcohol content.Photo by Caroline Gallay -
A huge crowd turned out for the Saint Arnold One Pot Showdown.Photo by Caroline Gallay -
The trophies were handmade and awesome.Photo by Caroline Gallay -
This is a crowd that knows what good beer really is.Photo by Caroline Gallay -
A crowd that knows how to have fun.Photo by Caroline Gallay
A Judge's Life
Cooking with Saint Arnold beer: One Pot Showdown brings out Heisman Pie & MudderFudders
Jan 30, 2012 | 12:46 pm
jan. 21
Links we love today: Miranda July's deal, profiling “preppers,” glitter bombsand more
Jan 21, 2012 | 11:10 pm
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LeBron James -
The Whore of Akron -
Author Scott RaabPhoto via ClevelandMagazine.blogspot.com
Book Review
Scott Rabb says LeBron James is The Whore of Akron, but can you blame him fortaking the Heat?
Nov 20, 2011 | 12:00 pm
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At Miller Outdoor Theatre, Chi of Shaolin: The Tale of the Dragon mingles daringmartial arts — weapons included — with colorful costumes. -
Living history at a cemetery is not an oxymoron. It's what happens atSunday's Historic Cemetery Crawl.
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Only BooTown could host a new puppet show inspired by the now defunct SallyJesse Rafael Show. -
Memphis features music that sprung from underground clubs of the segregated1950s. -
Rolling Stone called Bonerama "the ultimate in brass balls." That's worthchecking out. -
Pick Five (Plus)
Your weekly guide to Houston: Cemeteries come to life, brass balls and SallyJessy Raphael puppets
Oct 27, 2011 | 1:10 pm
Animal Knowledge
Chill out at the Houston Zoo: Elephants in the kiddie pool, bears with ice pops & you're more than cool
Jul 27, 2011 | 1:50 pm
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Cajas National Park has numerous well-marked trails, but it is still importantto check the map, current conditions, and keep an eye on the weather.Photo by Claudia Cavazos -
Llamas are kept as domesticated animals in many parts of the Andes. Here, onenibbles grass high in Cajas National Park, Ecuador.Photo by Stephan Lorenz & Claudia Cavazos -
The author's fiancé, Claudia Cavazos, poses in the mountains in Cajas NationalPark, Ecuador.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
Many flowers thrive in the high altitude grasslands of Cajas National park,Ecuador.Photo by Stephan Lorenz & Claudia Cavazos -
The Inca ruins of Ingapirca are an easy day trip from Cuenca and offer greatviews of the surrounding country side from the main structure, the Temple of theSun.Photo by Stephan Lorenz & Claudia Cavazos -
Laguna Toreadora is the largest of over 250 lakes in the park.Photo by Stephan Lorenz & Claudia Cavazos -
Numerous emerald-colored box lakes found in glacial cirques lie sprinkledthroughout the mountains in Cajas National park, Ecuador.Photo by Stephan Lorenz & Claudia Cavazos -
Puyas are large terrestrial bromeliads that send their large flowering stalkshigh into the harsh Andean climate.Photo by Stephan Lorenz & Claudia Cavazos -
Polylepis trees grow at higher elevations than any other tree species in theworld. The dense weather-beaten stands harbor many animals and plants unique tothe region.Photo by Stephan Lorenz & Claudia Cavazos -
Rugged wilderness stretches for miles and miles in Cajas National Park, Ecuador.Photo by Stephan Lorenz & Claudia Cavazos -
Cajas National Park in southern Ecuador is a large protected area that offersamazing trekking in the Andes.Photo by Stephan Lorenz & Claudia Cavazos
Travelin' Man
More than a Galápagos Islands pit stop: Don't overlook Ecuador and its untamed,tourist-free treks
Aug 7, 2011 | 12:31 pm
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I have enjoyed a daily and nightly binaural serenade of bugs, frogs and birds.LOTS of birds, the likes of which I had never heard back in New York City.Courtesy photo -
I spent 12 years of less than fitful sleep in my former stomping ground, NewYork City.Photo by Oto Godfrey -
Great Tailed Portamento Birds -
Dawn-to-Dusk Monkey Birds
Rare Birds
Feather music: Transplanted New Yorker blown away by the sounds of Houston'smysterious ... birds
Jun 1, 2011 | 11:35 am
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Photo via YouTube -
Photo via YouTube
Dance Warfare
Beyoncé gives props to Houston, flips the bird in her new sexy fierce "Run theWorld (Girls)" video
May 19, 2011 | 11:55 am
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Expect the unexpected at the Terlingua International Chili Championship, locatedright outside Big Bend.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
Wildlife watching is phenomenal in the park. Here, a mother bobcat watches overher offspring.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
The Chisos Mountains lie at the heart of the park, and offer some of the besthiking and wildlife watching in the lower 48 states. Casa Grande Peak is thesignature mountain easily seen from the basin campground and visitor center.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
The Rio Grande marks the international border between the U.S. and Mexico, andruns along the entire southern boundary of Big Bend National Park.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
Peak baggers will enjoy tackling Emory Peak. Here, a hiker rejoices on top ofLost Mine Peak after a great day hike leading to some magnificent views.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
Tighten those shoelaces and hit the trails. Big Bend National Park has hundredsof miles of hiking. Here, a hiker treads through the desert just below theChisos Mountains, toward one of several springs in the area.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
While sightings are extremely rare, mountain lions do live in Big Bend. Blackbears have wandered north from Mexico into the area, and are now thriving, withincreasing sightings in the mountains.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
Big Bend harbors a huge variety of terrain, ranging from desert and badlands tolush mountain forest and springs. Sotol, seen in the foreground, is one of themost common plants in the desert.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
Cattail Falls is a hidden oasis at the foot of the Chisos Mountains.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
Pine forest thrives at the cooler elevations in the Chisos Mountains, where itis possible to drive from desert to forest in the matter of minutes.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
It’s as simple as turning down one of the many dirt roads, getting a campingpermit, and getting away from it all. This is wilderness camping at its finestin Big Bend.Photo by Stephan Lorenz
Right in your backyard
From hiking to chili to lion spotting: Six ways to make the most of Big BendNational Park
May 29, 2011 | 10:57 am
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Vase of eggshell porcelain, 1903, manufactured by Rozenburg Den Haag anddecorated by H.G.A. Huyvenaar -
Earthenware Vase, c. 1893–1906, manufactured by Holland Faience and Tile Factory
Through July 31
Amid the MFAH blockbusters, Circa 1900: Decorative Arts at the Turn of theCentury is a gem of a show
May 14, 2011 | 8:25 am
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Yup’ik, Southwest Alaska, “Tomanik” (wind-maker) mask or summer/winter mask,late 19th century, wood, feathers, pigment, fiberPhoto by Fred Gageneau -
Ol Bering Sea, Ulu with Animal Effigy, 100-300, walrus ivoryPhoto by David Heald -
Ovik, Old Bering Sea, Ovik Head, 250 B.C.–100 A.D., ivoryPhoto by David Heald -
Okvik, Old Bering Sea, Bird Head, Herring Gull, 250 B.C.–100 A.D., ivoryPhoto by David Heald -
Okvik, Old Bering Sea, Head with Central “Eye,” 250 B.C.-100 A.D., ivoryPhoto by David Heald -
Okvik, Old Bering Sea, Female Figure, 250 B.C.–100 A.D., ivoryPhoto by David Heald
Brrr!
Hot time in the city? Stay cool at Menil Collection's Arctic Realities
May 15, 2011 | 12:30 pm
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The Bulls are focused. They see red; they charge. -
Bulls vs. Pacers: Look no further than the for real version of this match-up inthe running of the bulls at Pamplona. -
Thunder vs. Nuggets: Nuggets, as in golden nuggets, as in found in mountains, asin snowy mountains. Now you add a massive thunder clap to that? Boom. Avalanche.
The Sports Bros.
Making sense of the unpredictable NBA Playoffs: Why the Grizzlies will eliminatethe Spurs
Apr 18, 2011 | 10:28 am
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The cast of "Of Gods and Men" -
Lambert Wilson, from left, Philippe Laudenbach and Loic Pichon in "Of Gods andMen" -
A scene from "Of Gods and Men" with Michael Lonsdale -
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A Quonset hut rusts away along the Bering Sea coast.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
Dutch Harbor has become well known because of the popular “Deadliest Catch” TVshow. Here, one of the show’s ships, the Northwestern, is tied up to the dock inAugust.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
A family of Arctic emperor geese have settled in Unalaska for the winter. Thesehardy birds spent the entire year in Alaska.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
Unalaska is an unspoiled and unexplored island in the eastern Aleutians. Themajority of the land is composed of roadless valleys and peaks.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
Russian fur trappers and explorers brought the Russian Orthodox church to thispart of Alaska. This church in Unalaska is over 100 years old.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
A bald eagle perches on the Russian Orthodox cross.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
Unalaska is a rainy and windy place. Here, rare blue sky shows above hillscloaked in late summer dune grass. And yes, this looks just like a screen saver.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
A pillbox above the harbor entrance serves as a reminder of World War II, andthe army presence on the island.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
The rich Bering Sea supports lots of wildlife, like killer whales.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
The Grand Aleutian in Dutch Harbor proclaims to be the only four-star hotel inthe Aleutian Islands, which isn't that big of a feat in one of the most remoteplaces on the planet. Fishermen and sailors from all over the world spend a fewnights here before heading out to sea.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
The Aleutian Islands form a 1,200-mile arc of rugged volcanoes and rockyoutcrops in the northern Pacific.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
Traffic is never a problem on Unalaska.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
Dutch Harbor at night is a quiet place, except for the bars, which used to beconsidered the most dangerous in the world. But things have calmed down.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
Even though summers are short and cool, the hillsides explode with colorfulwildflowers.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
There are no native trees anywhere in the Aleutians. Storms and constant heavywinds keep vegetation hugging the ground.Photo by Stephan Lorenz
Not your typical Alaskan getaway
Unusual, unspoiled, unexplored: Unalaska Island is a surprising melting pot
Apr 3, 2011 | 2:35 pm
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How long will it take for Christina Aguilar to sing the national anthem at theSuper Bowl? You can bet on it -
What will Fergie wear? -
Whose hair will be most commented on by Fox announcers? Our money is on ClayMatthews -
Take the Steelers plus points?
The Sports Bros.
Get your wager on — You can bet on just about anything at the Super Bowl
Feb 5, 2011 | 11:00 am
Rawr
Get your questions answered about the Houston Zoo's beasts at Animal EnrichmentDay
Oct 1, 2010 | 7:35 am
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Locals offer tours on horseback and guided hikes into the mountains.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
El Cielo Biosphere Reserve protects immense biodiversity, including hundreds ofspecies of butterflies.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
A rusty car door finds use as a garden gate in the village of Alta Cima.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
The obvious “El Elephante," several hours hike from Alta Cima, sits in pristinepine forest.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
The road into the mountains leads through shrubby desert, but soon reaches lushrainforest in the foothills.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
The village of Alta Cima has no electricity.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
The road to Alta Cima is rough in the best places and only serious trucks cantackle the bad sections.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
Truck chaises rust in the mountains, remains from the logging era.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
Donkeys and goats roam the village and mountains.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
The campground includes an outhouse with a view.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
Moisture laden air supports extensive epiphytes, typical of tropical cloudforest.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
The mountains harbor many species of mammals, but most of them are elusive,except this curious gray fox checked us out, before slipping into denseunderbrush.Photo by Stephan Lorenz -
The lower slopes of the mountains are covered in dense tropical vegetation,clouds often from in the valleys.Photo by Stephan Lorenz
Time travel without the DeLorean
4 hours from Texas to the tip of the tropics & another world: Mexico’s SierraMadre Oriental
Oct 16, 2010 | 4:42 pm
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You do not mess with Kenny G. -
Does Prince know what he's unleashed? Flee Prince, flee.Courtesy photo
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You never know where a Brazos Bend trail will lead you.Photo by Peter Barnes -
It's hard to believe you're only 45 minutes from downtown.Photo by Peter Barnes -
A picnic cooler lunch?Photo by Peter Barnes -
You're not seeing these flowers in your garden.Photo by Peter Barnes -
Making new friends at Brazos Bend.Photo by Peter Barnes -
One of the great things about the park is the accessibility of its nature.Photo by Peter Barnes
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Brazos Bend State Park: Touch an alligator, see the heavens and go fish inHouston's shadow
Jun 6, 2010 | 2:04 pm
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Sometimes Tom Petty's brilliance sneaks up on a music critic. -
Like his work on Mojo — which already has two songs in the Top 100 of Petty'scareer. -
Mike Campbell is a invaluable right-hand man in Petty's career. -
Tom Petty's been through a few painful divorces and they've shown up in hismusic. -
Just because you're an icon who plays with the Heartbreakers doesn't mean youdon't get your heart broken.
Pretty Petty
Rethinking divorce and Mojo, the wisdom of Tom Petty is no joke: Songs 55-41
Sep 5, 2010 | 2:48 am
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With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I can’t help but think of PresidentTheodore Roosevelt, his association with those cuddly Teddy Bear toys andperhaps the most depressing Valentine’s Day story on record. -
The political cartoon by Clifford Berryman titled “Drawing the Line inMississippi” that started the teddy bear phenomenon, according to DouglasBrinkley, Rice University professor, in his recent book, "The WildernessWarrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America"Cartoon by Clifford Berry -
Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th president, experienced probably the worstValentine's Day on record in 1884.
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If only Tom Cruise could get someone to rework a Springsteen song in his nextmovie. -
Dave Marsh write the book(s) on Bruce Springsteen — literally. Which doesn'tmean, he's right on "Downbound Train." -
There are only six weeks left in the Ultimate Springsteen countdown.
No Retreat, No Surrender
Is Tom Cruise floundering because he doesn't have any Springsteen? And our mantakes on Marsh: Songs 70-61
Jun 27, 2010 | 12:36 am
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Away we go down the bayou.Photo by Peter Barnes -
How did this pontoon boat end on top of a tree?Photo by Peter Barnes -
Louis Aulbach on board, ready to lead a history tourPhoto by Peter Barnes -
Great views of Buffalo Bayou and the cityPhoto by Peter Barnes
The Great Outdoors
Boating the Bayou: History, nature and 250,000 bats (with video)
Feb 20, 2010 | 8:00 am
No Retreat, No Surrender
Is Bruce Springsteen running out of gas? His car tunes an uneven bunch in songs150-141
May 1, 2010 | 9:22 am








