First United Methodist Church., originally uploaded by Carcura.

Designed by: Sanguinet, Staats, and Barnes
Construction Completed: 1910
Renovated: 1983-1985
Location: 1320 Main Street
Area: Downtown
City: Houston, Texas

First United Methodist Church.
Originally uploaded by Carcura

this church was built in what was then considered almost a suburb. It was surrounded by stately manors, lush gardens, and tranquility. All of those things are gone, and the church is once again in the center of activity with frantic commuters, towering skyscrapers, and a tram line its modern neighbors.

First United Methodist Church.
Originally uploaded by Carcura

The First United Methodist Church still manages to handle itself well, in spite of these onslaughts. Its corner tower stands powerful and defiant against the skyline.

Bookstop Bookstore., originally uploaded by Carcura.

The Alabama Theater was built in 1939. The movie theater closed in 1983, and after sensitive renovations preserving the Art Deco architecture, reopened as a Bookstop in 1989. The screen can still be seen at the front of the theater and the balcony hosts a coffee shop.

Bookstop/Alabama Theatre.
Originally uploaded by Carcura

1979 to 1983 when the theater was still a theater, it was the long standing home of the midnight showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Charlie Keeping It Real., originally uploaded by Carcura.

Charlie is da bomb!! He had his first photoshoot ever today and he rocked it. Looking like a true playa. Those sausage treats work every time. We went from the camera being some sort of alien chasing Charlie around the house to complete tranquility and supemodel status in a matter of seconds when I busted out with the super treats. Voila, there he is in all his studdness. Is that cheating?

Downtown Houston., originally uploaded by Carcura.

I was driving through downtown Houston very close to sunset, the sun was just perfect, with a nice warm glow, when I came across this piece of beautiful architecture. As I was clicking away, a guy walking by asked me what my interest in the Enron Building was. Did you say Enron? I did some research and found out that there were two Enron buildings.

Enron II is the smaller building on the left. While it will be similar in form, it will not be exactly the same. Complimentary, but more futuristic. The whole building is 40-stories, but only the top 33 are traditional office structure. The bottom seven levels were designed for four trading floors for commodities like electricity, natural gas and internet bandwidth. The bottom two floors feature an auditorium, room for shops, and a food court.

Downtown Houston.
Originally uploaded by Carcura

This beautiful building is (top photo on the left with the circles on the roof)
Also Known As: Enron II
Also Known As: Five Allen Center
Formerly: 1501 Smith
Formerly: Enron Center South

Downtown Houston.
Originally uploaded by Carcura

Designed by: Cesar Pelli & Associates and Kendall/Heaton Associates
Construction Start: 1999
Construction Completed: 2002
Cost: $200,000,000.00

Downtown Houston.
Originally uploaded by Carcura

Stories: 40
Location: 1500 Louisiana Street
Area: Downtown
Post Code: 77002
City: Houston, Texas

The 50-story building is one of the icons of the Houston skyline, and in the blazing Texas sun it reflects light in all directions, only serving to draw more attention to itself. The building stands out not only for its appearance, but its stance. Unlike the buildings surrounding, it deviates from the downtown grid to greet people head-on and show the world its glittering expanse.

Enron Building (right)
Originally uploaded by Carcura

Formerly: Enron Center North
Formerly: Enron Building
Formerly: Four Allen Center
Designed by: Lloyd Jones Brewer and Associates
Construction Completed: 1983

Enron Building (right)
Originally uploaded by Carcura

Stories: 50
Location: 1400 Smith Street
Area: Downtown
Post Code: 77002
City: Houston, Texas

Minute Maid Park., originally uploaded by Carcura.

Minute Maid Park.
Originally uploaded by Carcura

Minute Maid Park.
Originally uploaded by Carcura

Red Hot Asian Art Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts., originally uploaded by Carcura.

Saw this exhibition today and absolutely loved it. Here’s a description:

Asian Art Today from the Chaney Family Collection offers Texas its first survey of the major currents coming out of the new art centers in Japan, China, South Korea, and Vietnam, as well as responses from the United States and Europe. Drawn from the extraordinary holdings of Houston collectors Robert, Jereann, and Holland Chaney, the exhibition focuses on artists who emerged after the political and economic upheavals of the late 1980s and early 1990s. An international phenomenon, literally “red hot” in its energy and rapid development, Asian art has redefined the parameters of today´s contemporary art scene.

Welcome to the World´s Most Famous Brands.
Originally uploaded by Carcura

The LUO Brothers
Chinese, Luo Weidong, born 1963, Luo Weiguo, born 1964, and Luo Weibing, born 1972, in Nanning, Guangxi, China
Lives and works in Beijing
Welcome to the World´s Most Famous Brands
2006
Lacquer on wood

Karma, (Installation at Artsonje Center in Seoul, Korea, 28 June — 7 September 2003)
Originally uploaded by Carcura

Do-Ho SUH
Korean, born 1962, Seoul, Korea
Lives and works in Seoul and Brooklyn, New York
Karma, (Installation at Artsonje Center in Seoul, Korea, 28 June — 7 September 2003)
2003
Urethane paint on fiberglass and resin

"Penyo-henyo" Nyonyo, Edition "Ot-totto"
Originally uploaded by Carcura

Mr.
Japanese, born 1969, Cupa
Lives and works in Tokyo
“Penyo-henyo” Nyonyo, Edition “Ot-totto”
2004-06
Fiberglass, steel, acrylic, resin, iron, and cloth

Red Hot opens with examples of new sculpture from China, including works by Chen Wenling, the Luo Brothers, and Sui Jianguo. This segment of the installation is complemented by a selection of other Chinese artists who have embraced Pop aesthetics, including Feng Zhengjie, Wang Guangyi, and Zhao Bo. Japanese Pop is introduced by Takashi Murakami´s Tongari-kun (Mr. Pointy) Costume, along with examples by Chiho Aoshima, Chinatsu Ban, Yoshitomo Nara, and Yumi Karasumaru among others. Various strategies in portraiture are represented in the work of Yang Shaobin, Yue Minjun, Fang Lijun, and Zhang Huan, while the new urban landscape is the chief theme of such artists as Miao Xiaochun, Weng Fen, and Zhang Dali. Additionally, major installations by Korea´s Do-Ho Suh dominate two galleries, and works by such artists as Jun Nguyen-Hatsushiba and Dinh Q. Lê address the darker chapters of recent history. Asian American artists represented include Glenn Kaino, Nikki S. Lee, and Jean Shin.

Williams Tower From Richmond Tower., originally uploaded by Carcura.

Architect Philip Johnson envisioned a structure that would cut through the ceiling of Houston smog. His creation, a striking, neo-deco tower of power, penetrates the urban sprawl with a soaring, 64-story upward thrust. It’s one of the tallest suburban office buildings in the world. Capping the tower is a 7,000-watt revolving light that cuts through the humid night sky.

Transco Tower From Below.
Originally uploaded by Carcura

Equally impressive is the nearby Water Wall, a shimmering man-made feature that sends thousands of gallons of water hypnotically cascading down its slick rock surface into a pool below.

Williams Tower Waterfalls.
Originally uploaded by Carcura

Post Oak Boulevard takes one from The Williams Tower to the Galleria and into the main shopping area. The Boulevard is lined with large designer stores and upscale residential highrises. During Christmas, the Uptown Lighting Ceremony takes place here every year on th eve of Thanksgiving with live music shows and a big fireworks spectacle to start off the season.

Post Oak Blvd., The Galleria.
Originally uploaded by Carcura

River Oaks Theatre., originally uploaded by Carcura.

Three Screens. Built in 1939. Operated by Landmark since 1976. Located in the upscale River Oaks Shopping Center at the corner of West Gray and Shepherd, the River Oaks Theatre is one of Houston’s last true movie palaces. Its kept its beautifully ornate Art Deco interior since it opened its doors in November 1939. This theatre is so charming and it’s where I go for the best independent films and foreign language cinema.

La Vie En Rose.
Originally uploaded by Carcura

I was checking out the Gap in River Oaks, and got seduced by the delicious desserts at Epicure Cafe. Ordered a “Goat Cheese Grilled Chicken Sandwhich”, which was fantastic. Sitting a few tables down from where I was, was a group of a dozen leading ladies from high class River Oaks circles, discussing an upcoming fundraising event. Quite interesting watching the interactions. I finished my delicious meal and walked down to the River Oaks Theatre to catch a movie. The life of Edith Piaf. Nothing could have prepared for this movie. Very beautiful and very intense. It was definitely a beautiful journey. From the streets of Paris to the limelight of New York’s glamorous concert halls, Edith Piaf’s life was a constant battle for love and survival. She flew so high that she could not fail to burn her wings.