1. The ebullient spirit of our citizens

2. Our eclectic demographics are setting a precedent for other cities to follow

3. The entrepreneurship and opportunities afforded to everyone who is willing to step up to the plate

4. My personal hero and grandfather was Jakie Freedman who founded the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas and really knew the real Rat Pack

5. When Jakie asked Judge Elkins what would happen if he took his money out of First City National Bank, the Judge said it would fold, so he is credited with saving the bank during the Depression

6. The Astrodome, the first of all the domed stadiums in the country, and the showmanship and legacy of Judge Roy Hofheinz

7. The cultural enrichment of our city by the many artists who share their creativity and talent as evidenced by The Art Guys, James Surls, Sharon Kopriva, Richard Stout, Joseph Havel and many others

8. The Annual Art Car Parade, which brings artists and 250+ vehicles with an audience of over 250,000

9. The collaboration of Philip Johnson and developer Gerald Hines, I. M. Pei, Yoshio Tanaguchi, Burdette Keeland and Renzo Piano for giving our city great architecture

10. The guiding wisdom of Stephen Fox champion of Houston's historical shrines

11. Our beautiful vegetation -- azaleas, magnolias, jasmine and gardenias that bloom, filling the air with a magnificent perfume

12. Miss Ima Hogg in sharing her beloved Bayou Bend and her devotion to the Houston Symphony

13. The visionary Nina Cullinan for giving Houston the Mies van der Rohe wing of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and one of my personal heroines

14. The collaboration of The Rice Design Alliance encompassing the University of Houston College of Architecture

15. Dominique and John de Menil being the driving force in creating the Menil Collection, the Rothko Chapel, and the Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum

16. The universities of excellence - Rice, University of Houston, University of St. Thomas, Houston Baptist University, and Texas Southern University

17.  The largest medical center in the world with 47 institutions, where people come from near and far to receive the best quality of healthcare

18. NASA put the first man on the moon and "Houston" was the first word spoken from that stellar space in infinity

19. Jim Goode and his signature barbeque and pecan pie that's a destination stop for all visiting media

20. Felix's Mexican restaurants for being the early pioneer of Houston's outstanding Mexican cuisine, and then along came Mama Ninfa Lorenzo

21. Our iconic River Oaks Theater in need of a renovation and reflecting a past well-lived.  Many of our historical landmarks that define our society are now being threatened with extinction

22.  Beyonce Knowles, ZZ Topp, Lighnin' Hopkins, Albert Collins...and more- all amazing talented individuals who reflect the soul of Houston

23. Galveston, a special island only 45 minutes away with it's surf and seafood --- Moody Gardens, 1894 Grand Opera House, and Mardi Gras on the Strand

24. Family-owned, legendary retailer Neiman Marcus and memories of Sakowitz, with its famous trio salad and models wearing the latest designs standing on platforms during lunch

25. Wildcatters like oilman Glenn McCarthy, who built the Shamrock Hotel, now gone, and represented in the combined characters in Edna Ferber's novel and movie, Giant

26. We were blessed to have the beautiful actress Gene Tierney who portrayed Laura as one of our citizens

27. Great broadcasters - Dan Rather, Walter Cronkite, Jim Nantz, and the one and only White Knight ... ABC Channel 13 Television's Marvin Zindler

28. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo - big country stars like George Strait, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, broncos, bulls, and lots of rhinestones

29. Former President George H.W. Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush, former Secretary of State James and Susan Baker, and former Secretary of Commerce Bob and Mica Mosbacher all of whom choose to live here

30. The Texas Southern University's Ocean of Soul Marching Band

31. The Houston Rockets with Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Robert Horry, and their two world championships

32. The Luv Ya Blue years of the Houston Oilers, the Warren Moon Era, and the determination and grit of Bob McNair

33. The great retro feel of Minute Maid Park and the memories of the outstanding careers of Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio, and the great Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan
34. The preservation of oil man John Mecom's Warwick Hotel and its reincarnation as Hotel ZaZa

35. The Museum of Natural Science and its visionary, Joel Bartsch - specimen butterflies, mineral and jewel collection, IMAX theater and dinosaurs too

36. Red Adair and his illustrious reputation for fighting fires all over the world

37. Dr. Michael Debakey and Dr. Denton Cooley for their dedicated, innovative and brilliant contributions in cardiac surgery and transplants

38. The graceful and majestic Live Oak trees lining North and South Boulevards, Shady Oaks, Rice University Campus, and Main Street

39. The record number of 16 NCAA golf championships won by the University of Houston and Coach Dave Williams

40. The legendary college coaches - Guy Lewis, Bill Yeoman, and Wayne Graham

41. The Project Row House under the guidance of founder Rick Lowe

42. The Houston Zoo in the midst of Hermann Park with its vastness of animals and ecosystems

43. The mayors we remember - Oscar Holcombe and his five non-consecutive terms and Kathryn Whitmire's five consecutive terms, and Mayor Bill White who led us through Rita and Ike and gave refuge to those from New Orleans

44. The legacy of architect John Staub and the beautiful homes he created in River Oaks

45. Bob Cizik, who spearheaded the fundraising campaign to build the Wortham Center, which houses the Houston Grand Opera and the Houston Ballet

46. Hats off to Houston's philanthropists - Jan and Dan Duncan,  Jesse Jones, Dr. John P. McGovern, John O'Quinn, Margaret Alkek Williams ... who give generously to our city

47. To those who shaped our cultural identity- David Gockley of the Houston Grand Opera and Ben Stevenson of the Houston Ballet Foundation for their decades of creativity

48. Opera in the Heights and Maestro William Weibel for  coming to Houston and bringing stunning performances in our community - I was invited to perform the speaking role of Ida in Der

49. Performing arts venues that bring great entertainment to citizens as well as visitors - Wortham Center, Jones Hall, Alley Theater, Hobby Center

50. We remember James Coney Island and the long lines that spilled on to the pavement at its downtown location, with the founders the Papadakis brothers behind the counter

51. The Jamail Brothers Food Market on Kirby, which gave rise to all of the gourmet grocers yet to come

52. Houston's classic faves and good eats --- Armandos, Avalon Diner, the Cadillac Bar, Carrabba's,  Christie's Seafood, Cleburne Cafeteria, House of Pies, Houston's, La Griglia, The Mariposa at Neiman Marcus, Nino's, One's a Meal, Ouisie's Table, Prince's Hamburgers, The Palm, and Tony Mandola's

53. The Crystal Ballroom of the Rice Hotel reflecting a glamorous era gone by

54. The Almeda Stables where many learned to ride

55. The weather which appeals to many who come here --- the humidity has been credited for the wonderful complexions of Texas beauties and some like it hot

56. Glenwood Cemetery setting the example of respecting those who have left us with grace and elegance --- many stop to visit the unmarked gravesite of Howard Hughes.  The guardian of the gate Richard Ambrus

57. For a large city, there is great accessibility and easy navigation

58. The quality of life is a great lure --- Houston is not as expensive as other major cities and the rewards are bountiful

59. Our diversified economy is thriving, with citizens adopting a positive approach to the negative media with their can-do attitude

60.  The generosity of spirit is unparalleled in helping children's organizations, medical research, the visual and performing arts, space science technology, education, human rights, global initiatives, environment, and animal related causes

61.  The "Playground Without Limits" in Memorial Park where all children play together regardless of their abilities - a model for all future playgrounds

62. Houston is blessed with many award-winning chefs and restaurateurs and here are a few -Café Annie's Robert del Grande, Del Frisco's Steve Haug, Tony's Francesco Casetta, Mark's Mark Cox, Mo's A Place for Steaks' Eric Aldis, Da Marco's Marco Wiles, La Griglia's Luis Rubio, and Ibiza's Charles Clark

63. The Chocolate Bar with my favorite peanut butter cups, the Aunt Etta and Uncle Darryl's cakes, chocolate pizzas, ice cream to die for that knows no calorie limit

64. Discovery Green and its many activities for all ages

65. Our no zoning regulations that created our diverse and eclectic city

66. Dynamic women who drive the scene of philanthropy and business

67.  The "Good Ole Boy" network who morphed into the boardrooms of ExxonMobil, Shell, ConocoPhillips, and Marathon who are power brokers of the world with hearts of gold

68. Lucchese Boots, Liberty Boots, and Stetsons at Pinto Ranch and Cowboy Cool, soon to be on the horizon

69. The skating rink at the Galleria that transforms itself into one  exciting venue after another for fashion shows, galas and exhibits

70. The George R. Brown Convention Center welcomes antique dealers, IT conferences, bridal shows, boat shows, home and garden exhibits, and many more with its state-of-the-art convention facilities and anchor hotels the Four Seasons, Hyatt Regency, and the Hilton Americas

71.  Houston is proud to claim many Olympic medalists including: Carl Lewis, Mary Lou Retton, Shannon Miller, Steven, Mark, and Diana Lopez, George Foreman, Sheryl Swoopes, Glenn Eller, Jonathan Horton, and Laura Wilkinson

72. Some of the world's most influential scientists, physicians, educators, and authors including Nobel Laureates Ferid Murad, Robert Curl, Jr., Roger Guillemin, Bettye Fitzpatrick, and Richard Smalley call Houston home

73. Houston has the second largest consular corps in the country

74. A.J. Foyt was the only driver to win the Indy 500 four times

75. Astronaut Mae Jemison was the first African American woman in space

76. Dr. Paul Chu's work led to the founding at University of Houston of the Texas Center for Superconductivity, a multimillion-dollar research facility funded by federal, state and private endowments

77.  The majestic Mecom Fountain, Philip Johnson's "Water Wall" (which is now a sacred shrine that is being challenged), and the Gus L. Wortham Fountain
78. The artistry, bloom, and creativity of Flowers by Nino Shbeeb

79. The catering impresario Jackson Hicks setting the standards and his classic Corinthian

80. The portraits by photographers Alexander's, Sofia van der Dys,  Gittings, and Evin Thayer

81. The social photographers Katy Anderson, Pete Baatz, Kim Coffman, and Phyllis Hand

82. The social news in bRILLIANT, Modern Luxury magazine, and PaperCity with their talented writers

83. The stately Sam Houston Monument in Hermann Park

84. The Miller Theater free and outdoors --- Bob Boudreaux performing Shakespeare in the Park and brilliant Fourth of July fireworks

85.  The Presidential busts by artist and sculptor David Adickes

86.  Willy Wong's sculpture of Bush 41 in Heritage Park where the Allen brothers originally landed

87. Dominic Walsh Dance Company with Domenico Luciano and their collaboration with an etoile ballerina from the Paris Opera

88. The downtown clubs: Memories of Mary Nell Reck and her indelible imprint on The Coronado Club, ginger bread at The Houston Club, The Petroleum Club with its panoramic view of our skyline

89. "Always Patsy Cline" and "Grey Gardens" at Stages Repertory Theater and the brilliant spirits of Ted Swindley and Kenn McLaughlin

90. The historic houses of Courtlandt Place

91.  The two China towns old and new with their dim sum palaces serving Sunday brunch

92.  Eating breakfast with Kinky Friedman (the next Democratic Governor of Texas) and Little Jewford at Kenny and Ziggy's

93. The benevolent furniture king "Mattress Mac" and his wife Linda with their optimistic spirits

94.  The elegance and style of Houston women and men

95.  Your favorite man in a suit and boots

96. Terms of Endearment was filmed here and our goal of producing more films in Texas

97. The memory of Dirty Dancing with Patrick Swayze and Tommy Tune on Broadway lingers on

98. The amazing car collection of John O'Quinn

99. Houston is a conglomeration of unique and small neighborhoods

100.Houston is blessed by the generous and caring hearts that make our city the most wonderful place to live