Houston, Texas, known as the "Space City," is home to many attractions and historical landmarks. However, one thing that truly stands out in this vibrant city is the warm and infectious smiles of its residents. Whether you're walking down the streets, visiting a local coffee shop, or attending a neighborhood gathering, you cannot help but be captivated by the genuine and enchanting smiles that grace the faces of Houstonians. The smiles in Houston have a way of casting a spell on anyone who encounters them. They have the power to uplift spirits, bridge gaps, and create an atmosphere of positivity and kindness. It's as if the smiles in Houston possess some magical quality that brings people closer together, making them feel welcomed and embraced by the city and its residents.
It's as if the smiles in Houston possess some magical quality that brings people closer together, making them feel welcomed and embraced by the city and its residents. No matter the circumstance, Houstonians understand the importance of a smile. It is their way of acknowledging others, showing appreciation, and exuding a sense of warmth and hospitality.
The Cassandra Curse: Why We Heed Some Warnings, And Ignore Others
Why are some warnings heard, while others are ignored?
After a disaster happens, we want to know, could something have been done to avoid it? Did anyone see this coming?
Many times, the answer is yes. There was a person — or many people — who spotted a looming crisis and tried to warn those in power. So why didn't the warnings lead to action?
This week on Hidden Brain, we look into the psychology of warnings. We'll turn to an unusual source — an ancient myth about the cursed prophet Cassandra — to understand why some warnings fail. We'll travel 40 feet below the ground to talk to a modern-day Cassandra, and we'll speak with a government official who managed to get his warnings heard. There's also a gory (and fictional) murder plot, and even some ABBA.
Additional Resources:
- Christoph Meyer and Florian Otto,"How to Warn: 'Outside-in Warnings' of Western Governments about Violent Conflict and Mass Atrocities,"Media, War & Conflict
- Andrew Natsios, Sudan, South Sudan, and Darfur
- Translations of Aeschylus' Agamemnon and Euripides' Trojan Women in The Greek Plays
Hidden Brain is hosted by Shankar Vedantam and produced by Jennifer Schmidt, Rhaina Cohen, Parth Shah, Thomas Lu, Laura Kwerel, and Camila Vargas Restrepo. Our supervising producer is Tara Boyle. You can also follow us on Twitter @hiddenbrain.
Whether you are a local or a visitor in Houston, you will undoubtedly be greeted with open arms and a radiant smile that instantly makes you feel at home. The charm of these smiles is not only limited to personal encounters but extends to the entire city. Houston's diverse and multicultural population contributes to a rich tapestry of smiles that genuinely reflect the city's inclusive and accepting nature. From the smiling faces of shopkeepers to the joyful laughter shared at community events, Houston is a city where smiles know no boundaries. Moreover, these smiles have a ripple effect. When one person smiles, it sets off a chain reaction, brightening the day of everyone they encounter. This smile contagion spreads throughout the city, creating an atmosphere of positivity and friendliness that is unrivaled. It's not uncommon to see strangers exchanging smiles, connecting in a simple yet profound way that fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie. In a world often filled with stress and negativity, the smiles of Houston serve as a reminder of the power of happiness and human connection. They remind us that a simple smile has the ability to transform someone's day, to offer solace and comfort or to create lifelong friendships. The smiles in Houston symbolize the very soul of the city—a place where joy and kindness prevail, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit or call it home. So, the next time you find yourself in Houston, take a moment to appreciate the smiles around you. Allow yourself to be enchanted by their magic and let their warmth and positivity fill your heart. For in Houston, a simple smile is not merely an expression—it is a spell that weaves its way into the fabric of the city, making it a truly exceptional place to be..
Reviews for "Smiling Sculptures: Exploring Houston's Artistic Expression of Happiness"
- Jane - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Smile that casts a spell in Houston". The play lacked depth and the characters felt one-dimensional. The storyline was predictable and didn't offer anything new or interesting. I also found the acting to be mediocre at best. Overall, it was a forgettable experience.
- John - 1 star - I can't understand what the hype is about "Smile that casts a spell in Houston". The writing was weak and the dialogue felt forced. The pacing was off, and there were so many unnecessary scenes that dragged on. The actors seemed to be phoning it in, with no real connection to their characters. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time or money on this production.
- Amy - 2 stars - "Smile that casts a spell in Houston" was a major letdown. The story was confusing and disjointed, and I struggled to follow what was happening on stage. The set design was lackluster and didn't create any atmosphere or sense of place. The whole experience just left me feeling confused and unsatisfied. I wouldn't recommend this play to anyone looking for a meaningful or enjoyable theater experience.
- Robert - 1 star - I regret attending "Smile that casts a spell in Houston". The performances were lackluster and it felt like the actors were simply going through the motions. The writing was weak and the plot didn't offer anything engaging or thought-provoking. I was bored throughout the entire play and couldn't wait for it to end. Save your money and skip this one.