Well said, Lindsery! I was born in Houston and have lived here most of my 53 years. When I was growing up on the East End near the University of Houston, we use to complain about the smell coming from the cattle yards. Every once in awhile, when the wind was just right, we would also catch a whiff from the refineries. Believe me, the cattle yard smelled a lot worse!

There is so much more to Houston than all the bad stuff that gets thrown around on this board. I've been breathing this air for a mighty long time and I ain't dead yet (not even close)!

I agree with Lindsey. There's a big difference between complaining about a problem and doing something about it.

Houstonians who want to clear the air so they can breath should do more than just post to the Fodors board--although it's great fun!--and start getting involved.

Recently, for example, GHASP took a big step towards controlling unreported releases of industrial pollution by proposing regulations to control emissions of highly reactive ozone-forming chemicals (olefins, or alkenes).

GHASP estimates that industry has failed to report over 90% of its emissions - 131,000 tons per year.

So come out to the next meeting tonight, October 17, at 7:30 pm at 3126 Fairhope (east off Buffalo Speedway, five blocks south of S. Braeswood).

Let's roll up our sleeves and get it done!

I agree with the last 3 posters. Thank you. Moving on, I like Rainbow Lodge, Ouisie's, Masraff's, Fogo de Chao for nicer evenings out with my spouse. (NOTE: Restaurants such as Cafe Annie, Mark's, Tony's, etc are reserved for expense account dining as I never quite feel they are worth it on my dime and are dressier than I care for) For more casual fare: Taco Milagro, Malaysia, Azuma, Fung's Kitchen, Cafe Adobe, Vietnam Coast, Garson, Jalapeno's, Palazzo's, Indika, Tampico, Jax, Darband, Cafe Lili, Fuzzy's, Amazon, Churassco's, Raven, Mekong River, Pico's, Chinese Cafe, Bayou City Seafood, Grotto, and many others.