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Houstonia Magazine Winter Issue 2022
Houstonia Magazine
Up Close and Personal with Rockets Legend Kenny "The Jet" Smith
Widely known for his deft insight and perspective into the NBA—alongside co-hosts Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Ernie Johnson—on TNT’s pre- and postgame Inside the NBA broadcasts, Kenny “the Jet” Smith is a true Renaissance man. In addition to winning two NBA championships with the Rockets, he’s enjoyed a successful run on television, dabbled in acting, and now can add published author to his resume.
We sat down with the very busy Smith in between tapings of Inside the NBA to discuss h
We sat down with the very busy Smith in between tapings of Inside the NBA to discuss h
A Q&A with Houston Astros field reporter Julia Morales
Everyone has A DREAM JOB fantaSY. If you’re a diehard Astros fan, aside from actually playing for the World Series champs, that job might include sitting in the dugout and chatting with the players and coaches. Maybe you’d travel with the team, visit other ballparks around the country, and get front row seats to all the action. And, if your team is really good, like the Astros have been for the past few years, you’d get to celebrate alongside them as they win multiple championships. Oh, and sinc
Wade Phillips returns to Houston to Coach XFL's Roughnecks
If a team is only as good as its leader then the 2023 version of the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks ought to be pretty darn good. With a career spanning more than 40 years, native Texan and University of Houston alum, Wade Phillips, returns to his home state as both head coach and general manager of the new franchise. The new season marks Phillips’ return to pro football after leaving his post as defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams in 2019.
Following an almost three year hiatus, due to the
Following an almost three year hiatus, due to the
WNBA Star Brittney Griner Released Back to the United States
Brittney Griner has been released from prison as a result of a prisoner exchange agreement between the United States and Russia.
The world was taken by surprise when Russian authorities revealed they had arrested Houston-born Griner on drug charges earlier this year. The basketball player was traveling to Russia in February to play for the UMMC Ekaterinburg club team when she was arrested outside of the Sheremetyevo Airport. Authorities alleged that cannabis oil vape cartridges were found in he
The world was taken by surprise when Russian authorities revealed they had arrested Houston-born Griner on drug charges earlier this year. The basketball player was traveling to Russia in February to play for the UMMC Ekaterinburg club team when she was arrested outside of the Sheremetyevo Airport. Authorities alleged that cannabis oil vape cartridges were found in he
PJ Tucker Will Open Flagship Sneaker Spot, The Better Generation, Nov. 12
The city of Houston has a unique ability to leave its mark on its past professional athletes; they just keep coming back. Houston Astros Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, originally from New York, opened his sports bar, Biggio’s, in 2016. Former Houston Rocket James Harden opened his first upscale restaurant, Thirteen, in 2021, and now, PJ Tucker joins the list as his lifestyle brand The Better Generation (TBG) will open its first storefront in the Washington Corridor on Saturday.
The former Houston
The former Houston
Will Dusty Baker Stay With the Astros? We Now Have an Answer
For over 40 years, Dusty Baker has dedicated his life to baseball both on the diamond and in the dugout. Previously winning a World Series Championship with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1981, Baker has now won his first ring as a manager of the Houston Astros, becoming the oldest manager to do so, at the age of 73. Now that the victory parade has come and gone, will he return to the Astros in 2023 in hopes of scoring back-to-back championship wins?
The answer is quite simple—yes! Baker won’t be g
The answer is quite simple—yes! Baker won’t be g
Will Justin Verlander Leave the Houston Astros? Here's What We Know
Four-time American League Champions and now two-time World Series Champions, the Houston Astros defeated the Philadelphia Phillies Saturday night to once again bring the Commissioner’s Trophy back to its rightful home in H-Town. The journey to become champions has been full of ups and downs for the organization, but more specifically for their star pitcher, Justin Verlander. Now that the boys at Minute Maid secured the win, we’re left with a very important question: will Verlander stay with the
UT Heisman Hopeful Bijan Robinson Unveils Own Mustard Brand
For years, there has been ongoing debate about whether college athletes should receive payment in exchange for their athletic ability—and for all of the revenue their sports generate for their universities—in addition to scholarships for post-secondary education. Amid this polarizing conversation, the NCAA waived long-standing rules barring athletes from receiving certain forms of compensation in July 2021. With NCAA athletes now free to trade profitably on their name, image, and likeness (NIL),
Texas College Bowls: Which Teams Made It and How to Watch
2022 is coming to a close and another successful football season is in the books–filled with wild highlights, crazed fans, theft of field goal posts, and the always favorite game day hot dogs. The official collegiate bowl season will formally begin with the commencement of the Bahamas and Cure Bowl on December 16. Whether you’re hosting a watch party or tailgate at your home or gathering up your friends to watch the game on the big screen at a local sports bar, here’s a list of when Texas-based
The Houston Roughnecks Are Back—But Will the XFL Team Stay?
The end of the NFL's football season is marked by its championship game, the Super Bowl LVII, which takes place in February 2023. However, America's favorite sport won't end for football fans in the spring. Enter the XFL, an eight-team league in a lane of its own. The action is returning to H-Town, with the Houston Roughnecks at the forefront.
The XFL, a "fan-first" league and newer alternative to the NFL, is focused on offering more football, action, and altering traditional rules and regulati
The XFL, a "fan-first" league and newer alternative to the NFL, is focused on offering more football, action, and altering traditional rules and regulati
Houston Rockets Will Retire NBA Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes’s Jersey
Standing at center court and watching your jersey as it’s raised into the rafters must be one of the greatest feelings for a professional basketball player. This honor eternally cements his or her legacy with the organization and city. Glancing at the extensive resume of Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes, this accolade is well deserved as the Houston Rockets will formally retire his no. 44 jersey during the halftime show in the match against the Indiana Pacers on November 18 at the Toyota Center.
For H
For H
Don't Call It a Comeback: Justin Verlander is Bringing it Home for the Astros
Injuries are the one thought that continuously looms in the mind of an athlete because one wrong move could make or break their career. The road to recovery is an uphill battle, the timeframe of returning to the court or the field could be a year or more, and once you’re healed there is no guarantee you’ll be able to showcase your skills to the same extent you were once capable of. But Houston Astros’ pitcher Justin Verlander is demonstrating that the damage is merely temporary and you can rebou
Essence Magazine
Meet Molo, Founder Of Houston’s Hot Spot KISS And The Selective Marketing Group
A new era of Houston is emerging post-pandemic with buzzing nightlife spots and exquisite dining experiences that attract vacationers and tourists alike. At the helm is the fearless CEO Molo, who is hastily conquering the promotions and entertainment industry.
Owner of the Selective Group, Playground, and KISS Restaurants, Molo conducts business in a male-dominated nightlife industry with elegance and unwavering determination while creating new and innovative entertainment spaces at her desk. T
Owner of the Selective Group, Playground, and KISS Restaurants, Molo conducts business in a male-dominated nightlife industry with elegance and unwavering determination while creating new and innovative entertainment spaces at her desk. T
Texas Children’s Hospital Announces New Mental Health Initiatives For Adolescent Patients
According to the CDC, major depression is among children’s most common health disorders. The Annie E. Casey Foundation found that the number of Texas children diagnosed with anxiety or depression increased by 23 percent between 2016 and 2020, from the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Texas Children’s Hospital hopes to change those alarming percentages. Recently, the nation’s largest children’s hospital raised more than $11 million to launch multiple community-based mental health initiatives
Texas Children’s Hospital hopes to change those alarming percentages. Recently, the nation’s largest children’s hospital raised more than $11 million to launch multiple community-based mental health initiatives
Taraji P. Henson Partners With Amazon To Launch AI Alexa Experience
Offscreen, Henson partnered with Amazon to launch the first-ever artificial intelligence traveler into space. NASA’s Artemis I mission will not have any human space passengers, but Alexa will be onboard the Orion spacecraft as it orbits the moon. This mission looks to set a precedent in more extraordinary efforts for Alexa to assist future crews, Star Trek style, and land the first woman, and woman of color, on the moon.
Black women have played an integral role in developing the National Aerona
Black women have played an integral role in developing the National Aerona
Houston Roughnecks Gameday Notes
In a lopsided matchup, the Houston Roughnecks are dealt yet another loss.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – In their first of two contests against the undefeated Birmingham Stallions, the Houston Roughnecks battled to the end but would leave the stadium with another notch in the loss column following the final score of 32-9.
Returning to the field after a short week, the Roughnecks aimed to keep their winning streak going in Week 5. But with an opponent such as the USFL Conference leading Stallions, the cards may have been stacked against them. Within the first 6 minutes of the match
Returning to the field after a short week, the Roughnecks aimed to keep their winning streak going in Week 5. But with an opponent such as the USFL Conference leading Stallions, the cards may have been stacked against them. Within the first 6 minutes of the match
The Houston Roughnecks Savor in Their First Victory of the Season
HOUSTON, TEXAS – In an epic showdown against their home state rivals, the Arlington Renegades, the Houston Roughnecks battled ruthlessly and came out on top with their first win of the season, 17-9.
With a rugged start to the inaugural UFL season, the Roughnecks are now looking to move to the 3rd seed in the USFL conference.
In the first set of fifteen, both teams struggled to get points on the board. But even through a momentum struggle, Arlington found an ounce of momentum with a 31-yard fie
With a rugged start to the inaugural UFL season, the Roughnecks are now looking to move to the 3rd seed in the USFL conference.
In the first set of fifteen, both teams struggled to get points on the board. But even through a momentum struggle, Arlington found an ounce of momentum with a 31-yard fie
Memphis Showboats (1-0) at Houston Roughnecks (0-1)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – In their 2024 season home opener at Rice Stadium, the Houston Roughnecks fell short in a penalty riddled conference clash to the Memphis Showboats, 18-12. Coming off a previous 7-3 record during the 2023 XFL season, the Roughnecks are now holding the fourth spot in the USFL conference.
Rallying a strong offensive or defensive momentum in the first proved to be hard for the Roughnecks as the Showboats put up the first points on the board with a 27-yard field goal. As the Roughne
Rallying a strong offensive or defensive momentum in the first proved to be hard for the Roughnecks as the Showboats put up the first points on the board with a 27-yard field goal. As the Roughne
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