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City Cast Houston

newly revived Enron debuted the Enron Egg, an egg-shaped micro nuclear reactor

 that supposedly can power your home for 10 years. Raising your eyebrows at this so-called new scientific invention? You’re not alone.

Let’s back up for a second. If you were a Houstonian in December 2001, you probably remember the Enron scandal. Originally founded in 1985, the company became one of the largest energy and commodities trading companies in the world. However, it fell from grace when internal fraud was brought to light, leading the company to 

file for the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history

 at the time and 20,000 employees to lose their jobs. Then, in December, the company announced it was coming back. Cue many side-eyes.

the company’s invention is scientifically impossible

. Derek Haas, an associate professor and nuclear and radiation engineering researcher at the University of Texas at Austin, told the Houston Chronicle: "With our current understanding of physics, this will never be possible.”

Still convinced that this egg could be real? Look closely at the terms and conditions on 

, where it says the website is “First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only.”

Maybe, the Enron Egg should look at Humpty Dumpty for a view of its future 😉

Only in H-Town is a new occasional series on Fridays in Hey Houston, where we highlight the quirky, insightful, entertaining, and inspiring stories, places and people that can only come out of the city we call home. Have an idea? 

Enron revealed a new product the Enron Egg, but is it real? 

Is The Enron Egg Real? 

Only in H-Town: The Enron Egg

What Houstonians have been wondering. We break down why things in Houston are the way they are and how they work.

Houston, Explained

Newsletter reader Lauren gives us a behind-the-scenes look into East End, known for its hip coffee shops, eateries and arts scene. Let’s go!

What was once a warehouse at 3401 Harrisburg Blvd is now a multi-use complex housing a mix of excellent small businesses, including 

, a pint-sized grocery store with outsized inventory.

Dedicated and protected bike lanes make the East End one of the easiest neighborhoods to get around safely by bike, whether traversing Polk Street as part of an organized group ride or headed to the 

. There's something for everyone throughout the East End.

Home to a longstanding coffee plant and Greenway Roasters, it's no surprise that there are many excellent coffee shops in the neighborhood to get a caffeine fix in different ways. Coffee and a board game are on tap at 

 at the Ironworks offers delicious tacos and tortas, and 

Get To Know East End

Everything to know about Houston neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Houston Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Imole Ayo Ladipo juggles many hats: mom, engineer, and wife. Despite her demanding roles, Ladipo’s passion for film and faith led her to create two companies, 

. Ladipo’s family have played key roles in her career. After her grandmother passed away from cancer, she designed 

 with uplifting messages. Ladipo’s husband bought her a Canon for Christmas, sparking her love for filmmaking. Her faith-based film company can be described as the Hallmark Channel meets BET. 

Q: When you were a kid did you imagine that one day you'd be an entrepreneur?

“As a kid I dreamt of being a doctor. That dream changed quickly when I moved to Canada and I saw the long hours doctors work. Kudos to them! I didn’t enjoy the sight of blood. I quickly knew this wasn’t for me. However, as a kid I saw my entrepreneur mum go at it from sunrise to sundown while she controls and creates her own time. I wanted that, so it was a no-brainer.”


Q: Your water bottle was inspired by your grandmother's passing. How does her legacy live on in your company? 

“During the last few years I spent with my grandma before her passing, my mum and I discovered she drinks water only when she eats. Even then she would quickly replace it with any soda available. My grandma is the sweetest person I know but some habits are just too normal to get out of. Overtime, she would go to the doctor and the complaint would be “drink more water.” It was a no-brainer for me after we lost her to cancer in 2021. I decided to help other women drink water in an elegant, affirmative way. The bottled water is designed for you to take anywhere, be it the gym or office without losing your elegance as a lady. The words on the water bottle have helped many women believe more in their own ability.”


Q: What inspired you to create your film company? How do you think you've grown as a filmmaker in the process? 

“For me, I feel like our society is somewhat filled with negativity, hate and fear. Lumiere films was created to bring love and God inspired stories to the industry. I am a storyteller with a meaning. I tell stories that are happening around and to us. Maybe, perhaps we can learn kindness, compassion, and love. I’ve grown incredibly over the last five years as a filmmaker.”


If you want to hear more from Ladipo, listen to

3 Questions With Imole Ayo Ladipo 

What Houston celebrities, public figures and key citizens have to say about living here.

3 Questions With Houston Public Figures

3 Questions With

Fitness instructor Yuri Amor Perez says she doesn’t necessarily have a passion for fitness, but instead for fun, sexiness, and being strong. Her non-profit 

, which originally began as a studio in 2013, hosts free group classes across the city targeting all Houstonians, including seniors and those with disabilites.

How did you get your idea for FitMix communities?

It came out of depression. It came out of sadness. I was living in Angola with my ex-husband. The only thing that kept my brain together was training everyday and focusing on that. That’s how I understood the power of fitness, not as a weight loss. I was super skinny. I was bony. It’s nothing to do with weight loss. It has everything to do with mental health and loneliness and having something that physically helps you feel better.

So, how did that idea evolve into a fitness community?

My mom. She’s legally blind. I had the money to pay for gym, for a personal trainer, for a driver. The personal trainer wouldn’t care about her. The gym was too packed. It was you know, what? I can’t fix the gym, but I can dedicate my life to creating places that are inclusive, family-oriented, fun, and respectful of everyone.

What is the biggest misconception about health and fitness?

That it’s to lose weight. I think that’s the worst thing we can do to a workout, to put it into the category of losing weight. You take away a thousand amazing things that a workout does. Tell me how you want to feel? Then, let’s go from there. Losing weight is a thing that might feel good, but having energy, having community, feeling sexy, doing a crazy yoga pose, or ten burpees in a row, feeling super strong and unstoppable. That will feel so much better than thinking about losing a pound or two.

business

Only in H-Town: The Enron Egg

Get To Know East End

3 Questions With Imole Ayo Ladipo

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Only in H-Town: The Enron Egg

Get To Know East End

3 Questions With Imole Ayo Ladipo

3 Questions With Yuri Amor Perez

Latest articles

3 Questions With Yuri Amor Perez