It's interesting to see how far reaching Texas' reputation goes. I see references to it everywhere in Europe
For example, today alone:
1) I went to see "The Aviator". Many references to Howard Hughes being from Houston where I was born. (Rich worked for a time for Baker Hughes, a Houston oilfield services company. I never made that connection until now, wow!)
2) Also from "The Aviator", a small part in it was played by Brent Spiner, who played Data in "Star Trek Next Generation". Brent Spiner went to my high school, though admittedly earlier than me, and his mom still lives in Bellaire, the part of Houston I am from.
3) I was checking out a music shop today and prominently displayed in the "hot stuff" section was a rerelease compilation of music by Roky Erickson. Roky Erickson is a long time Austin music legend, and not (I thought) terribly well known outside certain collectors and Texas music fans. I met him a few years ago in Austin at a party in his honor (where I also found out, to my chagrin, that I had been sitting at a table all night with the Butthole Surfers and did not know it, though I traded stories and rounds of beer with them all night!). It always blindsides me how big Texas music is here in Norway and Europe, compared to how disrespected it is in Texas itself. Norwegians LOVE Texas music and musicians and have really good knowledge of it.
4). An accessories shop in the Sandvika Storsenter has a new promotion going on. It's called "Cowgirls are It!" and then, plastered all over the shop, in rows and rows of banners, is the word "Yeeha! Yeeha! Yeeha! Yeeha!" Everywhere you look, "Yeeha", with little cowboy hats and such. Texan images everywhere. I can tell you, Texans rarely use the word "Yeeha" in polite conversation. I giggled madly whilst in the store, and had to restrain myself from showing them what a real "YEEEEHAAA!!!!!" sounded like.
Strange, isn't it, that one state in the US has such a mystique. Texas, it's a whole 'nother country.
Also, and just FYI, I have had a few folks asking me why I haven't "posted about Paris already?" I just took in my film today and unfortunately it will not be done for 8 days. (!!!!!) I am trying a new, cheaper place to get my film developed, as the other place was faster but hugely expensive. So, I can post about Paris, if you want, but post the images later, or I can wait and do it all at once. You tell me what you want. I am yours to bloggily command.
And here's another one: I don't remember if I told you already, but I lived in Texas, near Houston, for three years, though I was very very small. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd isn't it spelled "Yee Haw"?
ReplyDeleteRegarding the Texas music being loved by Norwegians: I can't remember if I told you this, but during my trip to visit you back in 2003, I saw posters on our "Norway in a Nutshell" tour advertising a country music festival, with the headliner being a friend of mine, Chris Wall -- an obscure (at least here in Texas) but talented songwriter. Unfortunately, the festival wasn't close enough to Oslo to fit in our plans. But then, in the airport, there he was! In fact, Chris' seat was right next to mine on the plane back back to New York and Austin, so we chatted and caught up on old times the whole way back. Small friggin' world.
ReplyDelete