Giant elliptical floating mirror - Only in Paris

My fascination today is the ‘Pebble’ - a gigantic elliptical mirror floating inside the Grand Palais in Paris.

The new owner of the Houston Rocket ... IS

The Houston Rockets Official statement about the sale of the team to local billionaire Tilman Fertitta:

HOUSTON – The Houston Rockets today announced that a definitive agreement has been signed for the purchase of the NBA franchise by Houston businessman Tilman J. Fertitta, sole owner of the Landry’s restaurant empire and Golden Nugget Casinos and Hotels. The transaction, which includes operation of the Toyota Center Arena, requires the approval of the NBA Board of Governors. Terms of the sale were not disclosed, and Mr. Fertitta has no other partners in connection with the transaction.
 This process started back in July, and it is truly unfortunate that this announcement is occurring amidst the aftermath of one of the biggest tragedies in the history of our great City. “I am truly honored to have been chosen as the next owner of the Houston Rockets.  This is a life-long dream come true,” said Fertitta, a native of Galveston and life-long resident of the Houston area.  "Leslie Alexander has been one of the best owners in all of sports, and I thank him immensely for this opportunity. He has the heart of a champion.    Lastly, out of respect for the NBA’s approval process, I can say no more other than I am overwhelmed with emotion to have this opportunity in my beloved city of Houston.” “I am excited to welcome and pass the torch to Tilman. He is a Houstonian, business leader and committed to the success and excellence of the Rockets both on and off the basketball court,” said Leslie Alexander, the current Rockets owner.  “I have personally known Tilman for over 24 years and don’t think I could have found anyone more capable of continuing the winning tradition of our Houston Rockets.” 

Can confirm Leslie Alexander reached agreement to sell Rockets to Tilman Fertitta. Sale price to break $2 billion record for an NBA sale.

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) September 5, 2017

POLL: Should we keep the curfew in Houston? "Curf-YOU!!"

The curfews issued around many local parts of Harris County and down under is just pissing off so many of you. Especially those in Houston who aren't seeing flood waters anymore with a pesky case of cabin fever.

The mayor of Houston, Sylvestor Turner said he'd rethink it Monday... BUT YOU DECIDE... I TWEET THE CITY IN MY POLL BELOW!!

My buddy Tim is even threatening to break up with businesses that follow curfew rules...So if you see him, give this beast a steak!

Some don't even know when to be home so folks like Bobby at Dean's on social media are helping their SM neighbors...

So what can happen if you're caught on the streets after curfew, or better yet, running your business? They mayor did say "it exempts flood relief volunteers, those seeking shelter, first responders, and those going to and from work." - Sooo does that mean... if you're technically seeking shelter at a restaurant, volunteering to eat where people are working, it should be OK right?

Don't like the curfew? Buy a sticker and let everyone know! CLICK THE PIC BELOW

Meanwhile, don't know when you should be home tonight? Here the current schedule:

HOUSTON AND HARRIS COUNTY
Houston - Midnight to 5 a.m.
West University Place - Midnight to 5 a.m.
Bellaire - Midnight to 5 a.m.
Pasadena - 10 p.m. until 7 a.m.
Pearland - 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

FORT BEND COUNTY
Ft. Bend County, unincorporated areas - Midnight to 6 a.m.

BRAZORIA AND GALVESTON COUNTIES
Dickinson - Midnight to 5 a.m.
Brazoria County - All areas of mandatory evacuation - Dusk to dawn
Friendswood - 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Webster - 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Missouri City - Midnight to 6 a.m.

No curfew in Chambers County.

It's widely known that business bottom lines are suffering but so are thousands of families who don't want looters to enter their abandoned homes where water either has or hasn't receded. Many have no cars to get back home at this hour to even check...

And consider this... we don't have patrol from other cities here for no reason...

On patrol #TexasStrong pic.twitter.com/nZTVLoIXJc

— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) September 3, 2017

Here's my poll tweeted at the city... So they're listening! Choose wisely!

POLL: Should the @HoustonTX lift the local curfew?

— HEIGHTSTONIAN ® (@HEIGHTSTONIAN) September 3, 2017

LIST: Good ol'boys with BOATS ready to rescue!

If you need a boat sent somewhere to rescue someone, anyone anywhere, extend this for a full list of guys with boats willing to pull folks out!

Ex-Cop Carries 9-1-1 In His Hand & Ain't Afraid To Use It

"Don't get your wig twisted! This is what the news is NOT showing you!" ... Mess with this shopping strip on Little York and this ex-law enforcement will "cut your ass in half!"

See for yourself!

"No texting and driving" law goes into effect today

Put the cell phone down when you're behind the wheel or you could get be hit with a misdemeanor and fined between $25-$4,000 plus up to a year in jail, but a cop can't take your phone or even inspect it to see if you were in fact texting...

Here's the full read:

AN ACT
	relating to the use of a wireless communication device while
	operating a motor vehicle; creating a criminal offense; modifying
	existing criminal penalties.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1.  This Act may be cited as the Alex Brown Memorial
	Act.
	SECTION 2.  Sections 521.161(b) and (c), Transportation
	Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(b)  The examination must include:
	(1)  a test of the applicant's:
	(A)  vision;
	(B)  ability to identify and understand highway
	signs in English that regulate, warn, or direct traffic;
	(C)  knowledge of the traffic laws of this state;
	[and]
	(D)  knowledge of motorists' rights and
	responsibilities in relation to bicyclists; and
	(E)  knowledge of the effect of using a wireless
	communication device, or engaging in other actions that may
	distract a driver, on the safe or effective operation of a motor
	vehicle;
	(2)  a demonstration of the applicant's ability to
	exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a
	motor vehicle of the type that the applicant will be licensed to
	operate; and
	(3)  any additional examination the department finds
	necessary to determine the applicant's fitness to operate a motor
	vehicle safely.
	(c)  The department shall give each applicant the option of
	taking the parts of the examination under Subsections (b)(1)(B),
	(C), [and] (D), and (E) in writing in addition to or instead of
	through a mechanical, electronic, or other testing method.  If the
	applicant takes that part of the examination in writing in addition
	to another testing method, the applicant is considered to have
	passed that part of the examination if the applicant passes either
	version of the examination.  The department shall inform each
	person taking the examination of the person's rights under this
	subsection.
	SECTION 3.  Section 543.004(a), Transportation Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(a)  An officer shall issue a written notice to appear if:
	(1)  the offense charged is:
	(A)  speeding;
	(B)  the use of a wireless communication device
	under Section 545.4251; or
	(C)  a violation of the open container law,
	Section 49.031 [49.03], Penal Code; and
	(2)  the person makes a written promise to appear in
	court as provided by Section 543.005.
	SECTION 4.  Section 545.424, Transportation Code, is amended
	by amending Subsections (a), (b), and (c) and adding Subsection (g)
	to read as follows:
	(a)  A person under 18 years of age may not operate a motor
	vehicle while using a wireless communication [communications]
	device, except in case of emergency.  This subsection does not apply
	to a person licensed by the Federal Communications Commission while
	operating a radio frequency device other than a wireless
	communication device.
	(b)  A person under 17 years of age who holds a restricted
	motorcycle license or moped license may not operate a motorcycle or
	moped while using a wireless communication [communications]
	device, except in case of emergency.  This subsection does not apply
	to a person licensed by the Federal Communications Commission while
	operating a radio frequency device other than a wireless
	communication device.
	(c)  Subsection (a-1) [This section] does not apply to[:
	[(1)]  a person operating a motor vehicle while
	accompanied in the manner required by Section 521.222(d)(2) for the
	holder of an instruction permit[; or
	[(2)     a person licensed by the Federal Communications
	Commission to operate a wireless communication device or a radio
	frequency device].
	(g)  An offense under Subsection (a) or (b) is a misdemeanor
	punishable by a fine of at least $25 and not more than $99 unless it
	is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant has been
	previously convicted at least one time of an offense under either
	subsection, in which event the offense is punishable by a fine of at
	least $100 and not more than $200.
	SECTION 5.  The heading to Section 545.425, Transportation
	Code, is amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 545.425.  USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE IN A
	SCHOOL CROSSING ZONE OR WHILE OPERATING A SCHOOL BUS WITH A MINOR
	PASSENGER; POLITICAL SUBDIVISION SIGN REQUIREMENTS; OFFENSE.
	SECTION 6.  Section 545.425(a)(1), Transportation Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(1)  "Hands-free device" means speakerphone
	capability, [or] a telephone attachment, or another function or
	other piece of equipment, regardless of whether permanently
	installed in or on a wireless communication device or in a [the]
	motor vehicle, that allows use of the wireless communication device
	without use of either of the operator's hands, except to activate or
	deactivate a function of the wireless communication device or
	hands-free device.  The term includes voice-operated technology and
	a push-to-talk function.
	SECTION 7.  Section 545.425(b-2), Transportation Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b-2)  A municipality, county, or other political
	subdivision that by ordinance or rule prohibits the use of a
	wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle,
	including a prohibition that contains an exception for the use of a
	wireless communication device with a hands-free device, throughout
	the jurisdiction of the political subdivision is not required to
	post a sign as required by Subsection (b-1) and shall [if the
	political subdivision]:
	(1)  post [posts] signs that are located at each point
	at which a state highway, U.S. highway, or interstate highway
	enters the political subdivision and that state:
	(A)  that an operator is prohibited from using a
	wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle in
	the political subdivision, and whether use of a wireless
	communication device with a hands-free device is allowed in the
	political subdivision; and
	(B)  that the operator is subject to a fine if the
	operator uses a wireless communication device while operating a
	motor vehicle in the political subdivision; and
	(2)  subject to all applicable United States Department
	of Transportation Federal Highway Administration rules, post
	[posts] a message that complies with Subdivision (1) on any dynamic
	message sign operated by the political subdivision located on a
	state highway, U.S. highway, or interstate highway in the political
	subdivision.
	SECTION 8.  Subchapter I, Chapter 545, Transportation Code,
	is amended by adding Section 545.4251 to read as follows:
	Sec. 545.4251.  USE OF PORTABLE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
	DEVICE FOR ELECTRONIC MESSAGING; OFFENSE.  (a)  In this section:
	(1)  "Electronic message" means data that is read from
	or entered into a wireless communication device for the purpose of
	communicating with another person.
	(2)  "Wireless communication device" has the meaning
	assigned by Section 545.425.
	(b)  An operator commits an offense if the operator uses a
	portable wireless communication device to read, write, or send an
	electronic message while operating a motor vehicle unless the
	vehicle is stopped. To be prosecuted, the behavior must be
	committed in the presence of or within the view of a peace officer
	or established by other evidence.
	(c)  It is an affirmative defense to prosecution of an
	offense under this section that the operator used a portable
	wireless communication device:
	(1)  in conjunction with a hands-free device, as
	defined by Section 545.425;
	(2)  to navigate using a global positioning system or
	navigation system;
	(3)  to report illegal activity, summon emergency help,
	or enter information into a software application that provides
	information relating to traffic and road conditions to users of the
	application;
	(4)  to read an electronic message that the person
	reasonably believed concerned an emergency;
	(5)  that was permanently or temporarily affixed to the
	vehicle to relay information in the course of the operator's
	occupational duties between the operator and:
	(A)  a dispatcher; or
	(B)  a digital network or software application
	service; or
	(6)  to activate a function that plays music.
	(d)  Subsection (b) does not apply to:
	(1)  an operator of an authorized emergency or law
	enforcement vehicle using a portable wireless communication device
	while acting in an official capacity; or
	(2)  an operator who is licensed by the Federal
	Communications Commission while operating a radio frequency device
	other than a portable wireless communication device.
	(e)  An offense under this section is a misdemeanor
	punishable by a fine of at least $25 and not more than $99 unless it
	is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant has been
	previously convicted at least one time of an offense under this
	section, in which event the offense is punishable by a fine of at
	least $100 and not more than $200.
	(f)  Notwithstanding Subsection (e), an offense under this
	section is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed
	$4,000 and confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year if
	it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant caused
	the death or serious bodily injury of another person.
	(g)  If conduct constituting an offense under this section
	also constitutes an offense under any other law, the person may be
	prosecuted under this section, the other law, or both.
	(h)  The Texas Department of Transportation shall post a sign
	at each point at which an interstate highway or United States
	highway enters this state that informs an operator that:
	(1)  the use of a portable wireless communication
	device for electronic messaging while operating a motor vehicle is
	prohibited in this state; and
	(2)  the operator is subject to a fine if the operator
	uses a portable wireless communication device for electronic
	messaging while operating a motor vehicle in this state.
	(i)  A peace officer who stops a motor vehicle for an alleged
	violation of this section may not take possession of or otherwise
	inspect a portable wireless communication device in the possession
	of the operator unless authorized by the Code of Criminal
	Procedure, the Penal Code, or other law.
	(j)  This section preempts all local ordinances, rules, or
	other regulations adopted by a political subdivision relating to
	the use of a portable wireless communication device by the operator
	of a motor vehicle to read, write, or send an electronic message.
	SECTION 9.  Section 708.052, Transportation Code, is amended
	by adding Subsection (e-1) to read as follows:
	(e-1)  Notwithstanding Subsection (b), the department may
	not assign points to a person's license if the offense of which the
	person was convicted is the offense of using a portable wireless
	communication device for electronic messaging as described by
	Section 545.4251.
	SECTION 10.  The changes in law made by this Act to Section
	543.004 and Chapter 545, Transportation Code, apply only to an
	offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act.  An
	offense committed before the effective date of this Act is governed
	by the law in effect on the date the offense was committed, and the
	former law is continued in effect for that purpose.  For purposes of
	this section, an offense was committed before the effective date of
	this Act if any element of the offense occurred before that date.
	SECTION 11.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.
	______________________________	______________________________
	President of the Senate	Speaker of the House
	I certify that H.B. No. 62 was passed by the House on March
	16, 2017, by the following vote:  Yeas 114, Nays 32, 1 present, not
	voting; and that the House concurred in Senate amendments to H.B.
	No. 62 on May 21, 2017, by the following vote:  Yeas 123, Nays 17, 2
	present, not voting.
	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House
	I certify that H.B. No. 62 was passed by the Senate, with
	amendments, on May 19, 2017, by the following vote:  Yeas 23, Nays
	8.
	______________________________
	Secretary of the Senate
	APPROVED: __________________
	Date
	__________________
	Governor

Every Texan should know this handshake...

Some are surprised Ryan Korsgard went viral with this handshake, but most Texans know it... My dad taught it to me when I was a little girl.If Ryan weren't holding his mic, he might have known to add a light knock on the man's hand with his left too... That's the final touch! If you don't know it by now, I'll teach you or give this a few rewinds and you'll pick it up...

Okay, brotha man! 😂🤜🏽🤛🏻

A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on Aug 30, 2017 at 10:03pm PDT