The Shirt of Pain

Houston Barbecue Co.

Located in a smallish center at 1127 Eldridge Parkway, south of I-10, the Houston Barbecue Company is one of my steady favorites for good, reliable brisket.

The modern outside facade belies a comfy inside with solid decor, though it may be a bit dark for those with less-than-great eyesight. I like the heavy-duty tables and chairs and the different TV's available for viewing. There is also a small bar area that seems to be populated by regulars. As a teetotaler it doesn't do much for me, but the conversation can be lively at times.

Now to the important stuff - the meat!

I like my brisket moist with plenty of blackened "crust", and that's exactly what's on offer here. I have never had a disappointing serving, and the beef-slingers are good at giving me just the cuts I want. My normal order is 3/4 of a pound of "moist" cut, with 4-5 pieces of white bread, onions and pickles. Add in a drink and a tasty chocolate chip brownie and the bill is about $13.

You can tell this place is run by true Texans who know their brisket. If you are in the "energy corridor" with a hankering for a hearty meal, drop by.

Jeff Harrell at The Shape of Days has a moving and fitting tribute.

IOC Says Buh-Bye to BB, SB

Finally -- the International Olympic Committee did the right thing and dropped baseball and softball as Olympic sports. The organization made the move after awarding London the 2012 Games, and I can think of a very good reason to cut the two.

Baseball and softball, besides being peculiarly American activities with a small international footprint, demand specialized stadia that can be used for little else outside our little corner of the world when the Games are over.

This was a good and needed move. Now it's up to the Committee to recognize the worldwide popularity of golf and add it as early as 2016.

County Line - Brisket Review

In my unending search for the perfect brisket, I dropped by The County Line on Cutten Road in northwest Houston today.

Part of a statewide chain that is based in the hills outside Austin, The County Line offers a more genteel atmosphere than most of the great meat-eatin' spots I frequent. The decor is borderline kitschy Texas Southwestern, but comfortable. It still strikes me, though, that the best BBQ doesn't involve waiters or napkin-wrapped silverware!

I ordered the "Hearty" Brisket Platter with beans as a side, forsaking as always the slaw and potato salad. I was a bit nonplussed, though, to hear that I had to buy the bread I requested. Half a homemade loaf runs $2.29, but it was great bread, so I can't complain too much.

The brisket? About a half pound came on the platter, and it was fairly tasty if a bit pale and watery. I prefer rugged, multihued brisket with the blackened outer shell attached, but this serving came as a pale grey and pink set of slices. Sauce, served on the side at my request, was OK but not spectacular.

There was no room left for dessert, which is a shame since they looked fabulous. It might be worth a return visit if only for the luscious chocolate cake I saw on display!

Total cost of the meal was about $18 with the platter, bread and iced tea (which was served very well in a large plastic tumbler, just how I like it). A bit on the steep side, but not completely overpriced. The service was also very good and attentive.

Overall grade: B-; you'll like it if you are too prissy for the good ole "butcher paper and fingers" joints!

Houston National Cemetery

The VA Houston National Cemetery, located 15 miles northwest of downtown on Veterans Memorial Highway, is a sobering place to visit. It gives you an idea of the tremendous sacrifices made by so many Americans to keep all of us free and able to enjoy life in the greatest nation in the world.

On this Fourth of July weekend, make a point of honoring our veterans and their service.

Farris Gene McMicken, Major - U.S. Army (Vietnam)
Born 7/13/36 - Died 6/8/1966
Buried at Section D - Site 1799
Houston National Cemetery

Texas University Tracks

Here are all the Texas college/university track facilities I could find on Google Maps:

Abilene Christian

Angelo State

Baylor

Lamar

McMurry

North Texas

Odessa CC

Rice

San Jacinto College

Stephen F. Austin

SMU

Texas State

TCU

Texas A&M-Kingsville

Texas A&M

Trinity

Texas Southern

Texas Tech

Houston

UT-Arlington

UTEP

Texas

UTSA

Google Maps -- As Addictive as Crack

By now you have likely taken a look at the satellite imagery available through Google Maps. It's a great way to waste hours and hours if you are as fascinated as I am by how things look from above.

In my spare time I am going to compile the aerial views of as many track and field stadiums as possible here. Enjoy!

Hallelujah! He is risen!

Easter is our time to reflect on the greatest gift ever bestowed -- the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The ultimate demonstration of God's love, manifested in the sacrifice of His only son, who took on our sins and died on the cross that we might have everlasting life.

Celebrate the Resurrection, fellow Christians, for it is the basis of all that we believe. Glory be to the God who loves us beyond all comprehension.

44.57!

Kerron Clement (right, in an AP photo by April L. Brown), a University of Florida athlete who hails from La Porte, Texas, smashed Michael Johnson's 10-year-old World Indoor Record in the 400 meters with a 44.57 clocking at the NCAA Championships in Fayetteville today.

Clement's mark comes on the heels of LaShawn Merritt's 44.93 on the same track several weeks ago. Merritt, in his freshman year at East Carolina, turned pro last week after signing a four-year deal with Nike.

The question of the moment is -- will Clement stay with the Gators, or will the shoe money be too tempting?

Favorite Hotels: Tregenna Castle Hotel

This one is kind of off the wall, but a memory flash recently brought to mind one of the finest hotels I have ever stayed at -- the Tregenna Castle Hotel in St. Ives, Cornwall, England.

I was a young pup (30ish years ago), but found the historic hotel full of fun spots and loaded with things to occupy kids and adults. The local scenery is also captivating.

If you are ever looking for a luxurious getaway spot in one of England's most special areas, look no further.