Platypus Houston

Frank Sharp was a true master in city development, we take a look at his namesake: Sharpstown, what he did so very right with it and what happened to get it to where it is today. Stayed Tuned for a sneak peek at episode 10!

NASA has been working with water buoyancy to emulate zero gravity for half a century now. We'll discuss how NASA ended up with a 6.2 million gallon pool and what they are actually doing with it today.

Charles Morgan put Galveston on the map, and then put Houston on the map. We will talk about Charles Morgan and his New York competitor C.H. Mallory and how by NOT working together, they made Galveston, TX and consequently made Houston, TX.

We give you some good podcast recommendations and some additional tips or how to celebrate International Podcast Day

In 1959 two freeways were built through Houston. I-10 and US59, we will look at a very specific area of Houston that was affected the most due to these freeways. Music this week via WFMU’s Free Music Archive: Indigo Land by Coin Locker Kid Main Stem by US Army Blues Fater Lee by Black Ant

When the Astrodome was built, it was estimated that some 59,000 cigarettes were smoked an hour during baseball games. What happened to all of that smoke? We will talk about the solution my grandfather came up with. Music by: Conrad Staton For more information about PPHTX or to subscribe to the newsletters, please visit www.platypushouston.org.

Joey Sanchez recently noticed the deterioration and destruction of Houston’s first street signs and he is trying to preserve what is left with the Blue Tile Project. Joey tells us about how and why he started this initiative. Blue Tile Project Website: www.bluetileproject.com Use the #bluetileproject for Twitter, Instagram or Facebook Keep an eye open for the Blue Tile Project iOS app, Kickstarter page, and store on the PPHTX website. Music By: Conrad Staton. I was talking to Conrad about a week ago and mentioned that I did not have music for these Podcasts yet. He went home and cranked out music for me to use. I am eternally grateful for his work on the tracks for episodes 1-3 and looking forward to working with him again. For more information about PPHTX or to subscribe to the newsletters, please visit www.platypushouston.org.

The wards were founded in Houston for logistical reasons, but hundreds of years later they have developed into identities of their own. We will look at how these wards have developed over the years and what is causing them to lose their identities. Music By: Conrad Staton For more information about PPHTX or to subscribe to the newsletters, please visit www.platypushouston.org.

The Origin Stories of Street Names in Houston