I got holes in both of my shoes
Well I’m a walking case of the blues
Saw a dollar yesterday
But the wind blew it away
Goin’ back to Houston, Houston, Houston

-Dean Martin

downtown – “It’s the economy, Stupid!” James Carville was onto something when he turned that phrase back in 1992. Today, the words still ring true. Everywhere, people are suffering financially…including people who have never before struggled with money and real estate and such. The “suffering class” is seeing its capital blown away by this most pernicious, greedy wind.

Dean Martin was onto something when he proclaimed that he was goin’ back to Houston, Houston, Houston. Bucking national trends, Houston is still seeing employers hiring at a steady clip. The ManPower Employment Outlook Survey shows that the Houston-Sugarland-Baytown area’s employment outlook is the “third best in the nation.” And then there is Kiplingers, Kiplinger’s magazine ranked Houston as #1 in its 2008 list of Best Cities to live, work and play. In a renaissance of sorts, Houston, downtown in particular, is making a statement — “we’re back…so come join us!”

Another photo, a diptych, that I like from Downtown Houston is voice at the hotel icon. While it didn’t make the top ten, I think it’s sleek presentation matches the city’s current climate…and…well…the “Dean Martin” of it all.