[SATLUG] [Fwd: San Antonio Open Source Research]

[Geoff]

Bob Tracy wrote:
> Storey Clamp wrote:
>   
>> In 1973 I moved to Boston for 2x salary, and soon learned that cost of 
>> living was 3x.  I loved Boston, but after 3 years I couldn't stand it 
>> and moved back to San Antonio.
>>     
>
> Amen, brother.
>
> Cultural and other amenities can be a significant attractant, but when
> it comes right down to it (roof over one's head and food on the table),
> the bux matter :-(.  I'm not even going to open the Pandora's Box that
> is the discussion of "the arts" in San Antonio, but I *will* say that
> lots of people will put up with the high cost of living in certain areas
> of the country precisely because of the availability of things that are
> considered unnecessary down here.  I wish the powers that be would take
> notice...

You havn't been on Houston street lately, seen where the ballet has been 
at the Majestic Theatre.  I saw a show there (not a ballet, but there 
was singing and dancing) back in early June.  Still got the ticket stub 
around here - Ray Benson and Asleep At The Wheel's "Ride With Bob" 
(which was turned into a play).

Nor, can I imagine, you know where the artist gallery (Blue Star) is on 
S.Alamo near Probandt.

Been through the King William area, lately?

There's 'arts', in San Antonio.  Perhaps not as well supported as they 
are in other major markets, but they're there, non-the-less.

I would imagine, Bob, that it has to do with San Antonio being a major 
military town.  I know, that's not something you didn't know, working at 
what used to be Kelly Air Force Base.  The point is, San Antonio, (I 
would say because of the military presence) is a Conservative town.  
Conservative 'generally' means Republican.  'Arts', in my 48 years of 
observations, tend to be 'generally' on the Democratic side of things 
(liberals, leftists, etc).

Change the city's politics, and you might find more 'arts'...

...if you must. ;-)

Contrarily, were there more 'cultural' things to offer, then other 
companies might show more of an interest in building in South Texas.  
Toyota saw something here.  Since they've been working and building out 
there, the SouthEast side of San Antonio has 'exploded' in retail shops 
and stores.  Property values have doubled, taxes have increased, I can't 
tell you how many things have changed.  There's been no less than 4 
-new- neighborhoods go up, within 2 miles of where I live.

I'd say 'hang around a year or so - San Antonio is growing'. 

Let's hope that there's an Open Source still in place for them to look 
towards.

--
-Geoff