2008 March weekend in Houston

Friday night with visiting Jones Hall for a performance of Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company in Chapel/Chapter. Modern dance. A very intense presentation with fantastic choreography. The light show was superb along with visual art shown in the backdrop and floor. Music was out of this world. Live performance of instruments along with voice/chanting of exquisite sound. The script was a bit strong. Can see their work at

Saturday day participating in the Senatorial District Republican Convention. An honor to participate in the political process and experience first hand how it works. Interesting to observe the work done by all and evolution of the convention to its final outcome. Surprised that many people are not familiar with Roberts Rules of Order and about the convention process (goals, objectives). Also intrigued about few points of view. One from a Hispanic individual who is anti-immigration. Another defending the US right to defend its sovereignty to the expenses of other countries sovereignty - does it make sense? We want others to respect our right to exist but we do not respect their right to exist? And why would building a wall along the borders would be a good idea?

A quick evening break for the arts at the local coffee shop Antidote. A very pleasant coffee shop. The event "Portraits of Home" - an exhibit of two young artists, Jessica Ninci and Jasmina Jasarevic. Their work is very distinct and talented. The program was put together by Robin from The Arts Initiative.

And a quick turn around to the Wortham Theater Center for a jazz performance of McCoy Tyner Trio. Simply superb. From the subtle sound of the instruments to energetic chords. A great performance. Can hear McCoy playing at

So leaves Sunday morning for a political and religious discussion with a local political consultant while walking Memorial Park. A pleasant intellectual discussion among people exercising and nature with the obtrusive sound of cars going by. But noting the beauty of wild flowers blooming all over the park with beautiful reds and blues.

March 24, 2008 Something & Wonderful Tonight

Inspired by the same woman George Harrison and Eric Clapton composed "Something" and "Wonderful Tonight" a decade apart.

Something in the way she moves
Attracts me like no other lover
Something in the way she woos me

I don't want to leave her now
You know I believe her now

Somewhere in her smile she knows
That I don't need no other lover
Something in her style that shows me

Don't want to leave her now
You know I believe her now

You're asking me will my love grow
I don't know, I don't know
You stick around now it may show
I don't know, I don't know

Something in the way she knows
And all I have to do is think of her
Something in the things she shows me

Don't want to leave her now
You know I believe her now


Its late in the evening
Shes wondering what clothes to wear
She puts on her make up
And brushes her long blond hair
And then she asks me
Do I look alright
And I say yes, you look wonderful tonight

We go a party
And everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady
That's walking around with me
And then she asks me
Do you feel alright
And I say yes, I feel wonderful tonight

I feel wonderful
Because I see the love light in your eyes
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don't realize
How much I love you

Its time to go home now
And Ive got an aching head
So I give her the car keys
She helps me to bed
And then I tell her
As I turn out the light
I say my darling, you were wonderful tonight
Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight

March 24, 2008 Easter at the Schindlers

Gathering of the three amigos. OK, it was more than three but they look like amigos. As an introduction, a legendary song performed by a legendary lady, Mercedes Sosa, titled Los Mareados (in Carolina's tango style).

For those of us with limited language abilities, here are some truncated lyrics:

Esta noche: amiga mia
el alcohol nos ha embriagado,
que me importa que se rian,
que nos llamen los mareados;
cada cual tiene sus penas y
nosotros las tenemos,
esta noche viviremos...

First is Mr. Easter Bunny perched in his favorite basket.

Then is Miss Bunny, oops, sorry, Mrs. Schindler after a couple drinks. Oops again, just having a good time. (Confession, she always wanted to be a bunny, Playboy bunny that is.)

Got to honorably mention Mrs. Bunny's floral talents...

And at the other end of the table, Mr. "King" Rabbit. (Confession and quote "When I married Mrs. Bunny I was looking forwards to the many parties she would have but it was not until we moved to the Schindler's First Ward studio to have them." HINT: Mrs. Bunny, it is OK to have more than one Easter party per year.

Comments not needed else might find me-self on the chopping blocks.

Yep, never seat close to the camera.

Mr. Kiwi in person enjoying the company.

Oh. Sorry Mrs. Bunny. We just have to share some expressions for "friendship's" sake.

That was the after shot. Here is the before.

For additional drinks try the livingstreets link.
Happy Easter. It was a memorable outdoor dinner party at the Schindlers.

Geneviève Van der Wielen

Geneviève Van der Wielen a French painter with a very unique style, good mastery of her media and compositions perhaps a bit disturbing. Can read more about her and see more of her work at Geneviève's site.

Before "remember El Alamo" was Mexico

Prior to Spain conquering Texas, Texas was inhabited by natives. In the 1520s Spain begins its incursion of Texas. Álvarez de Pineda was followed by Pánfilo de Narváez in exploring Florida and Texas. Eventually only four Spanish explorers survive,Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, Andrés Dorantes de Carranza, Estevanico, and Alonso Castillo Maldonadoqqv, reaching Mexico City in 1536. Cabeza de Vaca was the first to write about native Texans such as the Mariames, Avavares, and Yguaces. In the 1540s Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, Hernando De Soto, and Luis de Moscoso Alvarado added to the exploration of Texas and surrounding areas.
As the Spanish crown begins to exploit New Spain it begins to conquer natives through presidios and the establishment of Catholic missions (Franciscan order). Colonization of the new territories is continued by private enterprises. In 1595 Juan de Oñate receives the first contract to occupy New Mexico beginning a series of private incursions. In 1680 the Pueblo Revolt in New Mexico forced relocation of settlements to Texas territories.
In the 1680 a navigation error by René Robert Cavelier (Sieur de La Salle) brings the attention of Spain over French colonists but La Salle's colony failed due to harsh conditions found in Texas. In 1690 San Francisco de los Tejas was the first mission established in East Texas. Later in 1710s Father Francisco Hidalgo requests the assistance of the French colonies located in Louisiana to extend his mission work in east Texas. Louis Juchereau de St. Denis was assigned the incursion of France into Texas which eventually forced Spain to permanently occupy the Texas territory.
In 1721 Marqués de San Miguel de Aguayo, a wealthy gentleman and experience soldier, is sent to re-establish missions in East Texas bringing with him large number of herds thus beginning ranching in Texas and the end of French claims of Texas and eventual session of Louisiana to Spain in 1762. Then King of Spain Charles III ordered Marqués de Rubí to assess Texas leading to declaring San Antonio as the capital of Texas. Over time Spain continues to struggle establishing control over Texas opting for populating the area with Spaniards against the establishment of English men, Americans and native Texans. In 1811 José Bernardo Gutiérrez de Lara and Augustus W. Magee declare the independence of the state of Texas starting a conflict between Spain and Texans. However, the Mexican War of Independence of 1821 makes Texas part of the new nation of Mexico.
José Antonio Navarro, a prominent Mexican, represented Coahuila and Texas to the Mexican congress and in 1835 supported Texas statehood and eventual indipendence. Navarro, his uncle José Francisco Ruiz, and Lorenzo de Zavala were the only three Mexicans included in signing the Texas Declaration of Independence. Navarro was an advocate of Tejano rights against the contempt of Anglo-Texans. He also advocated the annexation of Texas to the United Stated and was the only Hispanic delegate to the 1845 Convention in which Texas was accepted into the Union.
Navarro and Stephen F. Austin developed a close friendship finding mutual support in their desire to colonize Texas.

In 1823 Stephen F. Austin receives a grant from the Mexican government to colonize the Brazos River. Texas used to be part of Spain and then gained its independence as part of Mexico. Parallel to the history of the US and England, Texas people "Tejanos" were happy being part of Mexico but liked their independence. Then there is a gentleman by the name of Jose Antonio Navarro who was a prominent Tejano. Then was S.F. Austin who discovered the goodness of Texas and invited many Anglos to relocated to Texas. So the many Anglos that relocated to Texas became naturalized Mexicans. Bot Navarro and Austin formed a gret friendship and both were pro Mexicans.
Before David Crockett and El Alamo were the Tejanos who revealed against the control of Santa Anna.
Often
It might also be noted that there may have been a Masonic influence to the adoption of a five-pointed star for Texas. George K. Teulon in Freemasons’ Monthly Magazine in 1844 noted, "Texas is emphatically a Masonic Country; all of our Presidents and Vice-President, and four-fifths of our State Officers were and are Masons: by Freemasonry to illustrate the moral virtues--it is a Five Pointed Star...May it ever bind us in the holy Bond of Fraternal Union and govern our social, Masonic, and Political intercourse."

March 11, 2008 New York, Spitzer given two days to resign

Photo and excerpts from The Guardian Unlimited. Amazing that a person in office thinks that he is above the law or public moral standards. At what point in time do public officials realize that they have to be role models? And to all due respect to the ladies who "stand by their men" - does it make it better for the wife to stand behind the man who disregarded their relationship? What are they thinking?
New York Governor Eliot Spitzer addresses the media with his wife Silda Wall Spitzer at his side. Photograph: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
The consequences...
"New York governor Eliot Spitzer was given two days to resign or face calls for his impeachment by New York Republicans yesterday, after federal investigators linked the corruption-fighting politician to a high-price prostitution ring."
As a result of...
"Spitzer was caught on a federal wiretap arranging to meet a prostitute from a call-girl business, according to law enforcement officials."
His reasoning?
"'I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family and violates my - or any - sense of right and wrong," he said. "I apologise to the public, whom I promised better.'"
Interesting to know the expectation that elected him to governorship...
"Spitzer was elected with a historic margin of victory, and took office January 1 2007, vowing to stamp out corruption in New York government in the same way that he took on Wall Street executives while state attorney general."

March 9, 2008 Houston Heights, All Saints Catholic Church

The celebration of God's creation through the eyes of a world known iconographer Father Robert Lentz and the fortune that the Houston Heights community has in having the passion and inspiration of his iconographic work THE ICON OF THE HOLY TRINITY. It is a testament of God's beautiful work.
Below, Brother Brother Lentz engaged in conversation prior to his talk on "Creating a legacy of art and beauty for All Saints Catholic Church." Father Adam was the instigator in bringing art to All Saints.To experience Brother Lentz is to find passion in his work and the person. As he speaks, he expresses his feelings trough gestures, smiles and tears.
The life work of a person dedicated to his God and his art. Brother Lentz next to The Icon of The Holy Trinity.

Some related links:
Trinity Store sells prints of Brother Lentz work
Brief description of one of Brother Lentz exhibition