The Harris County Courthouse was built in 1910, "restored" some time later (an architectural and preservationist disaster, that was) and re-restored back to original spec for its centennial. It was rededicated and re-opened after two years of work in August, 2011. It's a truly magnificent bit of Texana... beautiful and much too grandiose for its size and space....

One of the great things about Houston is the degree to which the "arts scene" here is truly multicultural. We have practicing artists working in their native traditions from most places that have cultures, including a tremendous contingent of Asians. "Journey Through China," a dance collection aimed at youngsters, is an annual highlight from Dance of Asian America. DanceAA, is a collaboration between several dance schools and some of the world's finest dancers working in the classical Chinese forms, is always worth seeing, but I especially like this series. It's more relaxed and I get to watch the dancers interacting with their young admirers.

Found out at the last minute that Missouri City (a small Houston suburb just down the road from me) was doing their Independence Day fireworks at a small park, late enough that I could get there but early enough that most folks would still be sober...