bestofheights.com
JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2020
WORTHWHILE CONVERSATIONS
APPEARANCES CAN BE DECEIVING…
J. Harold Williams, CPA/PFS, CFP®, and the L&W professional team, discuss the importance of using advisors who advise clients exclusively under the fiduciary standard. UNDER THE FIDUCIARY STANDARD, DOES PAYING A FEE FOR FINANCIAL ADVICE ASSURE AN ADVISOR IS ACTING IN YOUR BEST INTEREST?
People assume that to be the case, but not necessarily. Just because a financial advisor is associated with a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm does not mean all advice will be in your best interest. Many financial advisors working under an RIA firm also affiliate with a broker-dealer and routinely “switch hats” from advisor to broker when working with clients. This switch may be unapparent, but it means the legal standard for advice has been lowered.
OFFERING RECOMMENDATIONS UNDER A LOWER STANDARD – IS THAT LEGAL?
in the fine print of agreements, and some advisors fail to make the written disclosures clients have a right to expect. The brokerage firms are supposed to police this, but just last summer, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (more commonly known as FINRA) fined one of the bigname national brokerage firms more than $1 million for dragging their feet in omitting important disclosures like this.
ARE THESE VIOLATIONS RARE?
Not as rare as one might hope, and regulators cannot intercept all of these. FINRA, the regulator for brokers, levied a fine of $550,000 last year on a brokerage firm that did not properly supervise its employees and prevent excessive trading in customers’ accounts.
Yes, it is completely legal, if disclosed as a conflict of interest. But disclosures are oftentimes buried
HOW CAN CLIENTS PROTECT THEMSELVES?
The best defense is to ask your advisor to answer one question, in writing: “Will 100% of the recommendations you make to me in our business interaction be subject to the fiduciary standard and therefore made in my best interest?” Imagine how a “Yes” response can eliminate a myriad of concerns in the client-advisor relationship. This is the model we follow at Linscomb & Williams. Now in our 49th year of business, our experienced team is ready to meet and restore your confidence in a truly client-centered wealth management relationship, right now, at our office in the Houston Galleria area. For more information, or a copy of our Form ADV, Part II, with all of our disclosures, call Grant Williams at 713 840 1000 or visit www.linscomb-williams.com.
Linscomb & Williams is located at 1400 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 1000 in Houston, TX For more information call 713 840 1000 or visit www.linscomb-williams.com. Linscomb & Williams is not an accounting firm.
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/ January + February 2020 Send comments, thoughts or ideas to intownmagazine@gmail.com
18
16
ON THE COVER
2020 Color of the Year: Classic Blue
20
24
12 ARTS + EVENTS 14 MUSIC PREVIEW 16-17 2019: YEAR IN PICTURES 18-19 SUSHI FOR THE NEW YEAR
24-25 STATION HOUSTON/ THE ION 26-27 THE GAME: INTERVIEW WITH RICHARD JUSTICFINFINANCIAL FOCUS 28-29 FINANCIAL FOCUS
20-23 PERSON OF THE YEAR: SCOTT TRAVIS
30
THE BUZZ
PRODUCTION
PUBLISHER
M. A. Haines EDITOR
Lisa June
bestofheights.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Lindsay Mowad William Hanover Marene Gustin Evans Attwell Philip Berquist Minnie Payne
Web Design CSS Art & Design Layout & Graphic Design CSS Art & Design
For advertising rates and information: 713.525.8607 intownmagazine@gmail.com Space reservation deadline is 15 days prior to publication.
Graphic Designer Cris Bell Photographer Wells Brown
Intown magazine is published bi-monthly by SNS Media. Articles are welcome and will be given careful consideration for possible publication. Intown magazine does not assume any responsibility for unsolicited materials. Materials submitted will be returned if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Box 980757 Houston, TX 77098. You can also e-mail intownmagazine@gmail.com. Copyright 2019 by Intown magazine. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted or reproduced without permission from Intown magazine.
6 | HEIGHTS | January + February 2020
Bringing the Best of Houston Living to Our Neighbors. 1723 W 14th Street C $445,000 Modern Farmhouse for Sale in Houston Heights area
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(713) 408-3185 HTX-Living.com
Publisher’s Letter
A New Decade has a nice ring to it. It sounds like an extraordinary year. The new decade could likely see even more rapid changes in technology. Since 2010 significant medical advancements have improved and extended the lives of many. A Nobel Prize-winning cancer-fighting discovery by Dr. Jim Allison at MD Anderson in immunotherapy is positively impacting the outcomes of many suffering from this dreaded disease. While technology has made our lives more convenient, it has adversely affected the media business with the advent of nontruths and propaganda sharing over the internet. Publishers and broadcasters adhere to a high standard of vetting the information they disseminate. If not, they may get sued. On the other hand, the internet does not adhere to those same principles. Someone can take down or delete information deemed false or even defamatory, but sometimes the damage is already done. Still, in its infancy, the internet is the Wild West and can be dangerous and unreliable. Houston will continue its evolution into one of the largest and most important cities in the world. Our mayor will lead us for four more years in his final term as Houston’s CEO. Sylvester Turner will now work with a newly elected city council dominated by nine women. With Houston’s population explosion and sprawling landscape, there are ever-changing challenges in managing the economic boon while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Affordable housing has become more scarce, and the plight of homelessness continues. Also, Houston still lags the rest of the US in mass transit, where much improvement is needed. With all our great innovation and diversity, we still need that amusement park to replace the former Astroworld. Our Person of the Year Travis Scott is trying to change that. Scott is another musical standout from Houston in a long line of rappers and musicians such as ZZ Top and Beyonce. Hopefully, if Scott has his way, it won’t be too long before kids in Houston can enjoy a new Astroworld.
8 | HEIGHTS | January + February 2020
Val Arbona REALTOR, CLHMS, CRS RE/MAX Vintage (713) 562-4903 valarbona.com
Mariana Saldana Broker, CIPS Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan (832) 338-4040 Mariana@uptownhouston.com
David Michael Young BROKER, CNE, CLHMS, GREEN John Daugherty, Realtors (713) 320-6453 www.youngrealtyhouston.com
Weldon Rigby CRS, ABR Founding Member KW Luxury Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan (713) 621-2555 www.weldonrigby.com
Wendy Cline Broker/Associate Wendy Cline Properties Group Keller Williams Memorial (281) 858-3451 www.WendyClineProperties.com
Beverly Smith CLHMS, Lake Conroe Specialist Coldwell Banker United, Realtors (713) 569-2113 www.lakeconroebeverlysmith.com
www.greaterhoustonluxury.com
Sima Dalvandi CLHMS, ABR, Realtor Keller Williams Southwest (832) 630-7605 www.ezhomerealestate.com
James Selig Broker Associate, CLHMS, CRS Keller Williams Realty Memorial (409) 256-1274 www.GreaterHoustonLuxuryRealEstate.com
Lisa Fay CHLMS, GRI, ABR, The Woodlands Specialist Coldwell Banker United, Realtors (832) 447-7718 lisafayrealestate.net
Joanne Naponic Broker/Owner Naponic Properties (713) 515-3805 JoanneNaponicProperties.com
31 Orchard Pines Pl | The Woodlands List Price $800,000 | MLS #77717069
Beautifully Alden Bridge Dream 4 Bedroom/3 bath home in a prime location! Firstclass everything including chef's kitchen, top-notch high-end appliances, and quartz countertops. Massive wine-fridge. Jaw-dropping pool with a full outdoorkitchen and immaculate fireplace. Gigantic master with gorgeous views. 3-car garage with high-end epoxy floors and mature trees outdoors.
Lisa Fay | Coldwell Banker United, Realtors | 832-447-7718
8 | Intown | May + June 2019
Michelle Hinton RealtorÂŽ, CRS, MCNE, CLHMS Compass Real Estate (832) 795-2246 www.hintonhometeam.com
Debbie Strudler Broker, ABR, GRI, CLHS, CNE Debbie Strudler Fine Properties, LLC (713) 254-2806 www.dstrudlerhomes.com
2619 Newman St | Upper Kirby
List Price $875,000 | MLS#63293249
Custom On Point modern home in close to new condition - ready for move in. Lightly lived in and well maintained. Located on Upper Kirby horseshoe shaped street (with no thru traffic), which provides a neighborhood feel in the city. 4 BRs and large, versatile open second floor living areas. Balconies with western views and large patio for outdoor enjoyment. 6x12 study off master added in 2018 – also great for nursery.
David M. Young | John Daugherty REALTORS | 713-320-6453
www.greaterhoustonluxury.com
Barbara Kobza Realtor, CLHMS, Million Dollar Guild Keller Williams Premier Realty (832) 215-7533 barbarakobza.com
Martha Raymond Realtor, ABR, CNE, CLHMS Keller Williams Realty Memorial (713) 461-9393 www.HAR.com/MarthaRaymond
51 E Bend Lane | Arlington Court List Price $1,690,000 | MLS# 43366678
Beautiful yet comfortable Country French home in gated Arlington Court, tucked between Memorial Park and Buffalo Bayou. Open floorplan with wide plank hardwoods throughout! Showers of natural light! Chef’s dream kitchen w/Carrera marble island, 2 oven Wolf range, Subzero, and Bosch DW. Wall of windows and French doors that open to lushly landscaped pool area. Lavish master.
Martha Raymond | Keller Williams Realty | 713-461-9393
Marilyn Arendt Broker - Owner Marilyn Arendt Properties (281) 433-9113 mma@castle2sell.com
Genevieve Rowland REALTOR, MCNE, CLHMS Multimillion Dollar Producer, ILHM Keller Williams Memorial (281) 904-7014 www.rowland-properties.com
17910 Country Hills | Tomball
List Price $846,500 | MLS #15451121
Refined country living in The Town With a Heart. Custom built home on 7.43 acre lot in coveted Holly Creek Estates. Home has great floorplan. First floor huge master suite. Second floor 4 BRs, gameroom, extra room. Heated indoor lap pool. Barn with six stalls and plumbed workshop. Exemplary schools.
David M. Young | John Daugherty, Realtors | 713-320-6453
Moira Holden Realtor, Certified Relocation Specialist Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate (281) 460-9402
Carrie Ousley CIC, CISR Luxury Home Insurance (281) 224-0762 www.carrieousley.com
CHUBB • PURE • AIG • CINCINNATI
Luxury Home Insurance . . . Discover the Difference! LUXURY HOMES - VALUABLES - VEHICLES - UMBRELLA LIABILITY
CARRIE OUSLEY | 832.681.5020
May + June 2019 | Intown | 7 9
Arts + Events
Artupdate houston published every two weeks by houstonintown. Go to website and sign up for newsletter to receive free update.
MUSEUMS
Thru Jan 12 AN IMPRESSIONIST AUTUMN
Asia Society Texas Center
Thru Jan 20 TSURUYA KOKEI: MODERN
KABUKI PRINTS REVISED & REVISITED
Thru Mar 29 FORM IS EMPTINESS,
EMPTINESS IN FORM
Museum Of Fine Arts Houston
Thru Jan 5 IN TWILIGHT: MOURNING COSTUME
AND CUSTOMS, 1776-1914
MONET TO PICASSO: A VERY PRIVATE COLLECTION BERTHE MORISOT: IMPRESSIONIST ORIGINAL
Thru Jan 20 BEATRIZ GONZALEZ:
A RETROSPECTIVE
Thru Feb 16 JASPER JOHNS: 100 VARIATIONS
Thru Mar 22
ON A THEME NORMAN ROCKWELL: AMERICAN FREEDOM
ting a r b e Cel r 20th Ou versary Anni
Thru May 3 A HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY:
SELECTIONS FROM THE MUSEUM’S COLLECTION
Open Feb 14 RADICAL:ITALIAN DESIGN Thru Apr 26 1965-1985, THE DENNIS
FREEDMAN COLLECTION
Open Feb23 FRANCIS BACON: LATE PAINTINGS Thru May 25 Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Thru Feb 17 WILL BOONE: THE HIGHWAY HEX Thru Mar 23 GARRETT BRADLEY:
AMERICAN RHAPSODY
Thru Mar 27 THE ART OF CRUELTY Holocaust Museum Houston
Thru Jan 5 DANNY LYONS: MEMORIES OF THE
SOUTHERN CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
Thru Feb 16 DOLORES HUERTA: REVOLUTION
IN THE FIELDS / REVOLUCION EN LOS CAMPOS
Menil Collection
Thru Feb 2 MAPA WIYA (YOUR MAP’S NOT
NEEDED): AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL ART FROM THE FOUNDATION
OPALE
ARCHITECT, DRAWINGS FROM THE BIBLIOTHEQUE NATIONALE DE FRANCE
Thru Jan 5 JEAN-JACQUES LEQUEU: VISIONARY
55+ All Inclusive Independent Living, Assisted Living, Respite and Memory Enhancement We are a lease, NOT a buy-in! Celebrating 20 Years of Service in Houston
This year marks the 20th anniversary of providing excellent service in Assisted Living and Memory Care. With more than 60 years of Senior Living industry experience, The Abbey has been the benchmark for care and service to those age 55+. Call us today to schedule a personal tour of our beautiful, newly renovated community. From the moment you enter, you’ll understand why our residents are proud to call The Abbey home. Family owned and operated, The Abbey offers all-inclusive Independent Living. Assisted Living and Memory Enhancement, all on the same campus. Come see for yourself how we’ve changed.
Thru Mar 15 COLLECTION CLOSE-UP:
OF HEAVEN AND EARTH
Houston Museum Of Natural Science
Permanent Exhibits ALFRED C. GLASSELL, JR. HALL CULLEN HALL OF GEMS AND MINERALS EARTH FORUM FARISH HALL OF TEXAS WILDLIFE FRENSLEY/GRAHAM HALL OF AFRICAN WILDLIFE HALL OF ANCIENT EGYPT HAMMAN HALL OF TEXAS COASTAL ECOLOGY HERZSTEIN FOUCAULT PENDULUM JOHN MCGOVERN HALL OF THE AMERICAS LESTER & SUE SMITH GEM VAULT MORIAN HALL OF PALEONTOLOGY STARKE HALL OF MALACOLOGY WIESS ENERGY HALL WELCH HALL OF CHEMISTRY Special Exhibits STONEHENGE: ANCIENT MYSTERIES AND MODERN DISCOVERIES THE ART OF THE BRICK DEATH BY NATURAL CAUSES “MOON” BY LUKE JERRAM WILD BEES LIFE IN STONE TOURMALINE TREASURES
THEATER Assisted Living & Memory Care Independent Living 2865 Westminster Plaza Dr. 2855 Westminster Plaza Dr. Houston, TX 77082 Houston, TX 77082 281-556-6020 713-449-6940 www.abbeywp.com | HEIGHTS 10 Intown | September | January -+October 12 | February2018 2020
A.D. Players
Jan 31-Feb 16
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER
ALLEY THEATRE
Jan 16-Feb 9 Feb 14-Mar 15
QUIXOTE NUEVO
10902 Memorial Dr/Memorial Villages $1,895,000 MLS# 22426798
11406 Chartreuse Court/Royal Oaks CC $1,495,000 MLS# 55197677
2619 Newman St/Upper Kirby $875,000 MLS# 63293249
17910 Country Hills/Tomball $846,500 MLS# 15451121
4019 Driscoll St/Montrose $844,500 MLS# 41726749
1919 Shadow Branch/Lakes of Parkway $724,900 MLS# 54164747
1302 Tracewood Cove/Parkway Villages $649,900 MLS# 25014065
1917 Rosewood St/Museum District $499,900 MLS# 28998343
5718 Winsome Ln/Galleria Area $479,000 MLS# 36437737
8653 Green Kolbe Ln/Kolbe Farms $435,000 MLS# 66661494
2316 Beall St/Shady Acres $384,900 MLS# 79964966
806 B Woodcrest Dr/Lowell Heights $349,400 MLS# 63044595
Proven Performance – Year After Year
Over 17 years experience working with buyers and sellers of residential real estate in the Greater Houston Area.
David Michael Young
713-320-6453 davidmy@johndaugherty.com www.youngrealtyhouston.com
Intown’s Classical Music Critic, the Hon. Philip Berquist Honorary Consul of the Republic of Croatia for Texas
This New Year’s Incredible Lineup
As the first decade of the 21st century draws to a close, it is time to look at Houston’s classical music scene for the first two months of the second decade of the 21st century. It appears that we have a wide variety of excellent possibilities. Houston Grand Opera
• La favorite by Donizetti It was once one of the most performed operas in the world. Making a comeback thanks to HGO. Conducted by Christophe Rousset and directed by Kevin Newbury. January 24, 26, February 1. 6 and 9. Sung in French with projected English translation.
• Symphony No. 6 (Pathetique) by Tchaikovsky I have been a Shostakovich lover for my entire adult life. His music is often chilling, often humorous, always profound. After completing the 6th, Tchaikovsky died just days later. His final work will leave you spellbound. Conducted by John Størgards; Vadim Gluzman, violin January 17, 18 and 19
• Piano Concerto No. 1 by Liszt • Totentanz by Liszt • Con brio by Jörg Widmann • Symphony No. 7 by Beethoven Franz Liszt was the greatest piano virtuoso of his time. He also is credited with inventing the “Tone Poem.” Do I really need to comment on Beethoven? Conducted by Dima Slobodeniouk; Kirill Gerstein, piano
Conducted by HSO Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada; Alisa Weilerstein, cello These programs are all performed at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana Street, 713-2247575; houstonsymphony.org Houston Ballet
• “The Sleeping Beauty” by Tchaikovsky.
February 27 through March 8, 2020.
Performances at the Wortham; 713.227.2787; houstonballet.org Society for the Performing Arts - “SPA”
• “Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center” - a program of string quartets, “French Enchancement” January 16, 2020
Zilka Hall, Hobby Center, 800 Bagby St.; 713.227.4772; spahouston.org
January 30, February 1 and 2
• Schumann Festival 1 • Symphony No. 1 • Piano Concerto • Symphony No. 2 February 8
• Aida by Verdi This is why they call opera ‘’Grand!” Conducted by Patrick Summers and directed by Phelim McDennott
January 31, February 2, 8, 11, 14 and 16. Sung in Italian with projected English translation.
Both performed at the Brown Theater of the Wortham Center. 510 Preston, 713228- 6737; houstongrandopera.org Houston Symphony Orchestra
• Overture to Willlam Tell by Rosinni • Violin Concerto No. 1 by Paganini • Fountains of Rome/Pines of Rome by Respighi Ottorino Respighi was one of the master orchestrators o f the 20th century. “Pines” is one o f the most thrilling works that I have ever heard. Conducted by Jader Bignamini; Ausitan Hadelich, violin January 9, 11, and 12
• Midnight Sun Variations (North American premier) by Outi Tarkininen • Violin Concerto No. 2 by Shostakovich 14 | HEIGHTS | January + February 2020
• Symphony No. 3 • Piano Concerto • Symphony No. 4 February 9
Conducted by HSO Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada; Benjamin Grosvenor, piano Schumann Festival 2 Program to announced Scott Holshouser, HSO Principal Piano; Houston Symphony Chorus, Betsy Cook Weber, director February 13
• Schumann Festival 3 • Symphony No. 3 • Cello Concerto • Symphony No.4 February 15
• Symphony No.1 • Cello Cello Concerto • Symphony No. 2 February 16
All four symphonies of Robert Schumann are performed twice in this interesting cycle, with his piano and cello concertos added to balance these programs.
Da Camera
• “Branford Marsalis” - from the legendary Marsalis family of music giants January 25, 2020
Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater Center; 713.524.5050; dacamera.com River Oaks Chamber Orchestra - “ROCO”
• “Beer and Brass” - ROCO’s Brass Quintet performing at the Saint Arnold Brewery January 9, 2020. • “Age of Aquarius” - clever name, but not precisely what you might expect - Music of the 70’s to be sure, but of the 1770’s, 1870’s and the 1970’s - held at Rienze, January 30, 2020.
Various venues; 713.665.2700; info@ roco.org Let me hear from you with your thoughts, comments and suggestions for this column - classicalmusicberquist@gmail.com
January + February 2020
| HEIGHTS |15
16 | HEIGHTS | January + February 2020
For more go to www.houstonintown.com
Celebrating
Bernstein Welcome to
35years
Timbergrove Trails
a new construction community developed by Sullivan Brothers Builders with homes listed by Bernstein Realty
2019 IN PICTURES
1104 Pearlwood Dr. | $532,153
1106 Pearlwood Dr. | $562,132 Getty Images
1108 Pearlwood Dr. | $548,810 For more information:
Judy Levin | 713.204.8807
Cathy Craig | 832.449.2320
January + February 2020
| HEIGHTS |17
713.932.1032 BernsteinRealty.com
FOOD
Where to get it in 2020
For the New Year
By Marene Gustin
N
eed to jump-start that New Year’s diet? Or, was one of your resolutions to eat healthier? Then put some sushi on the menu, there’s a reason the Japanese have lower obesity rates and cardiovascular disease than Americans, and live longer, on average to about 84 years. Diet is a big part of their overall health picture and a big part of their diet is fish. When most people think of sushi they think of raw fish. Sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish or meat, but sushi — made with vinegary rice — may contain raw fish, cooked fish, or just vegetables. If you have a compromised immune system or other health issues that prohibit you from eating raw fish, a vegetable maki roll or handroll is still a healthy and low-calorie way to dine. But if you’re fine eating raw fish, load up on the salmon and tuna, both full of omega-3 fatty acids that are heart-healthy and lower your risk for some autoimmune diseases as well as depression and memory and vision loss in old age. Nori, the seaweed used as a wrap on rolls, is loaded with nutrients and vitamins and, of course, the rice is relatively low in calories and it would be even healthier if you can get your sushi made with brown rice. Throw in some inflammatory-fighting edamame (steamed soybeans) and some filling but low-calorie miso soup, and you’ve got a pretty healthy meal. But, beware of being too heavy-handed with that high-sodium soy sauce and watch out for that spider roll with high calorie fried tempura crab and the popular California roll, stuffed with cream 18 | HEIGHTS | January + February 2020
Handies Douzo
Pokeworks bowls
cheese. Not the best diet dishes. Where to head for fresh sushi in The Heights? Here are two popular spots: Probably the newest sushi joint in town, this Heights spot specializes in chef-created hand rolls. Chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee have over 20 years of combined experience in Japanese cuisine and sushi, and it shows. The rolls feature fresh sushi and other ingredients wrapped in crispy nori. It’s a very intimate restaurant in an old house with bar
seating only but that only makes the experience more delightful Order the fiveroll item and enjoy the salmon and tuna rolls. No soy sauce or extras needed as the rolls are perfectly seasoned. Handies Douzo 3510 White Oak Dr. 832.831.0912 | handiesdouzo.com Poke is Hawaiian, not Japanese, but it’s a bowl of diced raw fish mixed with various sauces and flavorings and Pokeworks makes them fresh and right in
front of you. Pokeworks has nutritional information listed on its website so that’s perfect for your diet and health needs. You can choose your own ingredients, or go with the Hawaiian Classic. It’s filled with ahi tuna, green and sweet onion, cucumber, spiced with chili flakes and Hawaiian salt. Delicious. Pokeworks 213 Heights Blvd. 832.271.7392 | pokeworks.com There are plenty of other sushi options in The Heights, but if you want to venture further afield, here are some spots in other neighborhoods to check out. Sushi Jin 14670 Memorial Dr. 281.493.2932 | sushijin.us One of the best sushi spots in Memorial Villages, if not all of Houston, is Sushi Jin. How fresh is the fish here? Owner Bill Nakanishi once owned a seafood import company that flew in fish fresh from Tokyo, and he still uses the freshest fish he can find.
Roka Akor interior
Izakaya Wa 12665 Memorial Dr. 713.461.0155 | izakayawa.com A casual Japanese owned and operated spot (now with a second River Oaks location) known not only for sushi but also panko-fried and grilled skewers. Roka Akor 2929 Weslayan St. 713.903.8669 rokaakor.com/houston The elegant, modern dining room offers a full view of the robata grill and open kitchen. The best bet is to snag a seat at the counter where you can chat with the chefs.
LOUISIANA CRAWFISH Season
Izakaya Wa
Sushi King’s Sashimi combo
Sushi King 3401 Kirby Dr. 713.528.8998 | sushiking.us The name may make you think of drive-through sushi (never a good idea) but Sushi King in Upper Kirby is actually a sleek, modern restaurant featuring excellent fish and seafood and a happy hour with over 100 items including sushi.
FAT TUESDAY
FEBRUARY 25TH, 2020
Bugs, Beads & Bands
CELEBRATE FAT TUESDAY AT RAGIN’ CAJUN BANDS START AT 6PM
THE ORIGINAL 4302 Richmond Ave Houston, TX 77027 (713) 623-6321
WESTCHASE RAGIN-CAJUN.COM
9600 Westheimer, #80 Houston, Texas 77063 (832) 251-7171
January + February 2020
| HEIGHTS |19
Intown’s “Person of the Year” 20 | HEIGHTS | January + February 2020
TRAVIS SCOTT By Virginia Billeaud Anderson
O
n February 14, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced by press release he had awarded hip-hop artist Travis Scott a key to the city of Houston during Scott’s sold out Astroworld: Wish You Were Here concert at Toyota Center. Video captured the arm-swinging gestures Turner used to express giddiness over be-knighting Scott, as well as the thunderous reaction of Scott’s fans. Turner oratorically yelled, “We owe so much to this guy, for keeping Houston on the map. As the mayor of the City of Houston, I feel so proud. Because of him we want to bring another amusement park back to Houston. I want you to know this city loves you. I want to present to you a key to the City of Houston.” Arguably, Travis Scott is Houston’s top banana, and the Mayor’s press release summed up why. It described the rapper as “a great ambassador for art, education and youth initiatives in the City of Houston, and a strong advocate and supporter of our great city.” The release cited Scott’s Super Bowl LIII halftime show, and 61st annual Grammy Awards Show performances, as well as his coercing the NFL into donating $500,000 to the social justice organization Dream Corps in exchange for performing. It further noted his $200,000 gift to the mayor’s Complete Communities initiative which subsidizes low income neighborhoods. “Beyond his financial generosity, Travis has been a vocal champion of civic engagement among young people and millennials.”
Sylvester Turner’s slam dunking his new term in the December 14 run-off increases the likelihood Scott will get to dabble in the Mayor’s proposed amusement park, a venue Turner called “an entertainment destination for local families, which will attract interest from a global audience.” This, harnessed to the hip-hop artist’s phenomenal music industry success, awards and nominations, entrepreneurial talents, and philanthropy, inspires us to name Travis Scott Intown’s “Person of the Year.” In January, Forbes noted that Scott’s Astroworld: Wish You Were Here album topped Billboard charts, and his Astroworld tour grossed over $65 million. Several months before, Rolling Stone critically described Scott’s pyrotechnic
Mayor Sylvester Turner awards Travis Scott Key to City of Houston January + February 2020
| HEIGHTS | 21
Astroworld concerts at Madison Square Garden as the greatest show in the world. Scott’s song Sicko Mode became the highest charting solo, with rap lyrics that bow to the mother of his child, Kylie Jenner, who landed the cover of Forbes as a young billionaire. Fans became unhinged when Scott performed Sicko Mode at the Super Bowl. “Baby mama cover Forbes, got these other bitches shook.” Overwhelmingly, Scott’s racially diverse fans regard him as more than a singer, songwriter and music producer. He is a symbol of empowerment, and at every turn Scott acknowledges his desire to inspire others. He proclaimed it in Playboy, and made it a mantra in the August 2019 Netflix documentary Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly, which portrays scenes of success and fame butted up against footage from childhood, the camera jerks from a modest suburban bedroom to sold out arenas and diamond covered grillz. “I just wanna leave the whole world inspired, I want to leave a trail of inspiration.” One way to leave a trail of inspiration is to broadcast career highpoints to your 22 million Instagram followers - Grammy Award nomination, Saturday Night Live appearance, Jimmy Fallon Show (charmed the pants off that audience,) modeling PUMA with Rihanna, Harper’s Bazaar cover, Nike deal.
22 | HEIGHTS | January + February 2020
Travis Scott and Kylie Jenner attend screening of Netflix documentary
Another is to collaborate with other artists. He created Cactus Jack Records the rapper said to sign new names and provide opportunities. And shield from vultures. One insider, Chase B, shared a crucial component of such alliances: work with people who are passionate about taking their craft as far as possible, who have no Plan B, a creed Scott reinforces on Twitter, “Keep God first and stick to the plan” and “Never let fear obstruct your vision.” His widely distributed message, essentially to be your best self, makes Scott extraordinarily influential among millennials. Digital streaming, apparently, is not sufficiently lucrative. Hip-hop artist Fat Joe explained this fiscal reality in a recent CNBC interview, saying music is a springboard to other businesses. In other words, it’s the “merch” that pays for the Lamborghinis and Cristal. Product endorsement and merchandising are integral. In the manner that billionaire rapper Jay-Z co-branded PUMA sneakers, Scott partnered with Nike to market Air Jordan 6 “Cactus Jack” sneakers. And developed his own merch line, tee shirts, hoodies, and established endorsement relationships, Yves Saint Laurent, others. After he dropped out of college and moved to New York to pursue music, that naughty child continued to take college expense money from his mother, who cut him off the minute she caughton. The pride on her face in the Netflix documentary however reveals she has forgiven her son, whose real name is Jacques Webster (b. 1992), “He told me he was gonna be somebody.” January + February 2020
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The Iconic Sears Building in Midtown 1939
Sears Building Transforming By The Hon. Philip Berquist
H
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Croatia for Texas
ouston is known throughout the world for many impressive things - NASA, the Texas Medical Center, “Energy Capital of the World” - we know these and are understandably proud to be a part of it. There is one area, however, that we must admit Houston is not particularly good at - making use of historical buildings. Granted, we have the old bar, La
Carafe, a building in which none other than Sam Houston slept one night, and Union Station became, after decades of neglect, the cornerstone of Minute Maid Park, but, really, need I even mention the Astrodome? As a city, we should be celebrating, whenever possible, the heritage of historic buildings by preserving remnants of the past and utilizing them for new adventures. Let me give you some
interesting points to consider about the old Sears building on South Main. As most people my age know, Sears (Sears Roebuck and Co.) started its business selling an amazing array of products via the catalog. There was probably not a house in middle-class America that did not have a catalog in its possession. It was said that Sears “sold everything from houses to hubcaps.” In 1939, Sears made the decision to also sell directly out of massive stores, and the Sears building on South Main was built and was, at that time, the largest Sears store in the country. The Sears building also had a couple of other major highlights - it was the first building in Houston to have central air-conditioning and it was the first building in the United States to have escalators! Well, with the Internet and with Sears unable to keep up with the marketing changes across the nation it began serious downsizing, resulting in the 24 | HEIGHTS | January + February 2020
Into Ion
inevitable closing of the historical South Main location. Rice University then purchased the remainder of the 99 year lease on the property and also bought additional surrounding real estate. When Houston was in the running for the Amazon second headquarters, Rice teamed with the City of Houston to offer the Sears site with a plan to completely remodel the building. When Houston did not make the cut with Amazon, the Sears building was back to its sad status of neglect. Then, in March 2016, the team of
Artist’s renderings of the outside and inside of The Ion
Rice and the City of Houston again got together and started making plans to use the Sears building in yet another way - it would be the site of a new entrepreneurial “incubator” - a place where people who were trying to develop technology business plans could office together and share ideas. It also would provide key coordination with venture capital sources to come to Houston and invest in these new tech start-ups. The name of this new organization is Station Houston. As plans developed for Station Houston a sister-organization was started - one
that would concentrate on the renovation of the the Sears building. Its name is The Ion. Station Houston and The Ion recently hosted a luncheon for the Consular Corps of Houston. I had heard of the plans but the presentation was very impressive and I thought I would share the exciting information. The Ion is lead by Executive Director, Gabby Rowe and by Director of Operations, Chris Valko. Station Houston management consisted of a team lead by Chief of Staff, Stewart Cory and Deanna LeFlore, Community Engagement, Partnership and Education Director. The 270,000 square foot renovated building, part of an overall 16 acre complex, is expected to open in late 2020. It is thought that the new complex will inspire apartment and restaurant growth in the area. Also, being on the Metro light rail line between downtown and the Texas Medical Center, it should provide easy accessibility. For more information on Station Houston and The Ion please go to www. stationhouston.com. Now if we could just concentrate on the Astrodome...... January + February 2020
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The THE
GAME
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
Richard Justice Interview
D
uring the Winter Meetings for Major League Baseball Executives, the ESPN Radio crew caught up with Richard Justice. Justice is an MLB.com contributor from Houston and a former longtime Houston Chronicle writer. He comments on the MLB investigations into cheating by the Houston Astros. John Granato: Richard Justice is joining us right now on ESPN 97.5. Hey Richie. How about the Houston patriots. Richard Justice: Oh, boy. Yeah. Holy crap. Yeah. Well, it’s important to remember this. And I’m not defending it because there is a video out there. It’s clear as day, and there was an American League West team who’s been saying for years what they were doing, not only what they were doing, but how they were doing it by banging on the trash can. There’s a Twitter account called Jomboy, J-O-M-B-O-Y, he’s got video. It’s important to remember that after the 2017 season, the commissioner ordered all the cameras taken out from foul pole to foul pole. Now if he finds out that in 2018 or 2019 that the Astros had cameras in the outfield and that they were cheating in 18 or 19, all hell’s going to break loose. In the 2017 playoff games 26 | HEIGHTS | January + February 2020
at Yankee Stadium, Brian McCann was walking the signal to the mound every pitch. I mean, this led to the mound visit limit. Lance Zierlein: Oh, is that what that was? Is that what he was doing? Richard Justice: Yeah. He suspected that the Yankees were doing it too. It’s a widespread problem and one of the commissioner’s interests because it slows the game down when you have to change the signs all the time. But it is a big problem and are the Astros guilty of it. They’re 100 percent guilty. John Granato: So how big or how hard does Manfred have to come down on the Astros? Richard Justice: Well, these are two separate incidents. And the one thing I said to Luhnow the other day was if you feel like everything you’ve done is going to be tainted. And he said ultimately I think the story that is going to be written is we have great players and a great manager, and this is a great run in our history. In the Brandon Taubman incident the Astros get everything they deserve. They brought that on themselves and they reacted very poorly and embarrassed themselves by the reaction to the event itself. This is something else. This is something that everybody has
got to be careful. There’s a famous story about George Steinbrenner calling the Yankees dugout in Anaheim one night and saying- Do you know that their pitcher is cheating? Everybody knows that, and our TV announcers know it, and I want you to go out there and have the guy undressed on the mound. His response to George was that the only thing is this guy learned to cheat from our guy. Lance Zierlein: Yeah, it’s you know like I said My whole thing is if you’re like my old producer he’s a younger guy. He was from a generation where they didn’t care. He didn’t care about steroids. He’s like whatever it takes it. I don’t care. I don’t care that other people use steroids. We should all use steroids. It doesn’t matter. So my guess is he won’t care about this either if you’re consistent. I don’t have a problem. But you can’t’ be upset about steroids in baseball you can’t be upset about the New England Patriots and the advantages that they gain and then give your team a pass. I’m just not going to do it because I don’t feel like it’s right. With that said, you know I thought last year was the first time where I thought well this is strange the Red Sox were caught on tape cheating in the playoffs.
“If he (the commissioner) finds out that in 2018 or 2019 that the Astros had cameras in the outfield and that they were cheating in 18 or 19, all hell’s going to break loose.” Richard Justice: Well, the Red Sox were they were fined for stealing signals and relaying using an Apple Watch. Now what I’ve learned about banging to give signals is that if you’ve got a big crowd, you can’t hear it. John Granato: So it’s no wonder the Astros didn’t hit in big situations because the crowd was too loud to hear the banging. Richard Justice: I’d be interested to know how many players don’t want it. Like a lot of guys don’t want it. I’m pretty sure George Springer is one of those guys. He says don’t tell me see the ball, hit ball. John Granato: Richie What is this toxic thing that Jeff Parson is talking about with so many guys leaving the org. Astros assistants to Jeff Luhnow move up in, and they deserve to because he wins but so many guys that just are leaving. Is this a win at all costs. Richard Justice: You do hear that now some of the guys that left when I’ve gone to them said it is a miserable work environment there. And we talk about culture. Now the culture I want everybody to know the culture from AJ Hinch down is as good as I’ve ever been around. But you do hear it’s a bad work environment upstairs. And I’ve had guys including some that are G.M. for the teams now saying it’s just not true. You hear that there’s a culture of fear up there, and they don’t pay guys well. Jeff Luhnow’s been asked about that again and again and says it’s just not true. It is it’s a tough environment. He’s very secretive. He’s very secretive, and he is obsessed. He’s obsessed about what’s the next frontier, and the challenge is, what are we missing? What do we not know? They have people on retainer at M.I.T. and asking what do we need to know now that we don’t know now. And that’s the pressure. You know they did they do not let the coaches speak to the media. I think they’re the only team that doesn’t let their coaches speak to the media because they’re afraid the coaches just in conversation will give away a proprietary secret or something like that. John Granato: This is a wild time. But you know what. I’m okay with the Houston patriots. Richard Justice: I love those guys. I’m still going to enjoy watching them play. John Granato: Absolutely. RICHIE We appreciate it. ESPN 97.5
January + February 2020
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Financial
FOCUS
WELCOME TO PARENTHOOD I
f only an infant came with an instructional manual, right? As financial advisors, we are not in the business of helping new parents with advice on the various day-to-day tasks that babies need, but we would like to offer some guidance that can help you with their future. From our experience in talking with new parents over the past 49 years, we have identified 6 important financial tips that new parents should think about as soon as possible. Once you know that your planning is in order, and your new child is protected should something happen to one or both of you, imagine the peace of mind you’ll feel. At least you will be freed up to return to those on-going, day-to-day challenges of parenthood! Buy or Update Life Insurance Policies After having a baby, it’s typically advisable for both parents to carry life insurance policies. While a stay-at-home parent may not contribute significant income to the household, that parent provides valuable services – childcare, cooking, cleaning, laundry – that a surviving parent would probably have to pay for if something were to happen to the stay-at-home spouse.
ONE:
by Craig Ivy, AIF® Wealth Advisor, Linscomb & Williams Linscomb & Williams is a Houstonbased wealth management firm established in 1971.
28 | HEIGHTS | January + February 2020
Start a 529 College Fund A 529 college savings account is a great way to save for your child’s college education, and the earlier you start, the better. If you live outside Texas in a state with state income tax, you may be eligible for a state income tax deduction or a credit for annual 529 plan contributions. Each state offers its own 529 plan, but you are not required to enroll in your own state’s 529 plan. Based on your situation, you can shop around and compare 529 plans in different states to see which one is best for you, and your child can eventually use the money in his or her 529 account to attend an eligible school in any state.
Updating your estate plan and beneficiaries after having a child should be a priority. Drafting or updating the estate planning documents of both parents, including wills, powers of attorney, advanced medical directives and healthcare proxies, is important. You will also want to make sure your beneficiary forms are up-to-date (i.e. add your new child, or a trust for their benefit, as a contingent beneficiary) and that you name a guardian to care for your child if both you and your spouse should die unexpectedly at before taxes, you can reduce your overall the same time. tax burden. For example, if your average pre-tax paycheck is $4,000, and you contribute $300 toward dependent care and healthcare savings accounts, your taxable wages for that pay period are reduced to $3,700. Depending on your tax bracket, that could be saving you as much as $100 per month in income taxes.
TWO:
Create or Update Your Estate Plan and Beneficiary Forms
THREE:
Put Your Financial Worries in the Hands of an Expert Having a baby is a huge milestone in life, and there are many new things to do, learn, think on and worry about. What is the safest car seat? When can you expect your baby to sleep through the night? When is a fever worth a call to the doctor? Make adding your new addition to your financial life one less thing to worry about. A fiduciary financial advisor who collaborates with other well-credentialed and experience team members to provide sound advice can pay great dividends in terms of peace of mind.
SIX:
Open a Savings Account Money management is an important tool to teach your children, and the lessons can begin when they’re young. Opening a custodial or joint savings account is a simple, but effective, way to begin teaching your child financial responsibility. A basic savings account can help your child learn basic math skills, and it teaches the value of money, and the idea of saving to achieve a goal. It can also also teach your children the concept of compound interest. FOUR:
FIVE: Contribute Pre-Tax Dollars to a Dependent Care Account If both parents are working, find out if one of your employers offers a dependent care Flexible Spending Account (FSA). If this benefit is available, you can contribute pre-tax dollars to help cover the costs of eligible childcare expenses, like daycare, preschool, summer camp and before- and after-school care. By funding the dependent care FSA account with a portion of your paycheck January + February 2020
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PHOTO: Courtesy of University of Houston
How much insurance? For working parents, when trying to calculate how much life insurance you need, a shorthand rule of thumb is to estimate six to 10 times your annual salary. A better approach is to work with a fiduciary financial advisor and do the more detailed modeling that produces a precise answer to this question.
Ann Bookout, Tom and Holly Forney and Terry Looper
Maureen Higdon and Gina Saour
THE SALVATION ARMY GREATER HOUSTON LUNCHEON
Katherine McGovern and Ginger Blanton Mary and John Eads Victor and Peggy Lum and Judy and Bellford Chung
The Salvation Army Greater Houston hosted its 23rd annual luncheon at the River Oaks Country Club. The luncheon, chaired by Holly and Tom Forney, drew more than 400 guests and raised more than $830,000 in support of the organization’s housing, emergency shelter, rehabilitation, disaster relief, social services, and Christmas assistance programs. Advisory board chair Ann Bookout gave remarks honoring Lilly and Thurmon Andress for their years of service to and philanthropic support of The Salvation Army of Greater Houston. Charitable organizations that have benefitted from Thurmons’ involvement include Small Steps Nurturing Center, the Good Samaritan Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House and the Leadership Cabinet for Texas Children’s Hospital. Thurmon is well-known around the “oil patch” and has recently retired from Managing Director of Maverick Natural Resources. Following an invocation by Major Zach Bell, The Salvation Army of Greater Houston Area Commander, Terry Looper — founder and CEO of Texon, LP, mentor, philanthropist and author of “Sacred Pace” — provided the keynote address, sharing his personal faith and living according to God’s will. Tom and Holly Forney and Doris and Terry Looper
Linda McReynolds, Dr. Walter McReynolds and Elise Josephs
Terry Looper and Robertine Jefferson
Nick and Melissa Erwin Vicki West and Ralph Burch
Wallace Wilson and Jeannie Kilroy Wilson
Maureen Higdon and Darlene Clark
Lt. Youngsen Kang, Stick Delaup and Lt. Peter Kang
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