the first word
T
Publisher’s Note
This month I have decided to be-
gin my note by congratulating the
2017 World Series Champions — the
Astros. How About those Astros?! I can
remember when the team was called the
“Colt .45s.” Yes, that’s right, as a native
Houston, I remember that our baseball was
not always known as Astros. My late grandfa-
ther would have given anything to see the day
our Astros would hold the title of World Series
Champions. This team’s winning has brought
so much joy and excitement to a city that was
beaten down — but not out — by a devastat-
ing storm that left portions of the great city of
Houston still struggling to rebuild. Far beyond
the will to win fame and money, the Astros or-
ganization seemed to feel a sense of purpose and
an obligation to help their home city heal, and
they did it with class and style. “But what does
baseball have to do with international focus?”
you might ask. Well, you only need to hear the
surnames of the players to know that baseball is
an international sport!
Val
The month of December brings many things,
but for many of us it is a month of reflection.
As you may know, each of our monthly cover
pages features glossy, full-color photographs of
one of Houston’s 93 Consul Generals who are
posted throughout our great city. We also cover
their social and national events, which you will
read about within the pages of the magazine. As
I look back at each of these beautiful publica-
tions, I realize that they are coffee table worthy,
wouldn’t you agree?
December is also a month of celebration. As we
approach the 2017 holiday season, I know many
of you will spend time with your family and
loved ones, some of whom are far away. I would
like to say, on behalf of the iF Magazine team, I
wish the very best for our readers and the en-
tire mainstream and international community.
I hope you can find your own unique way of
sharing the season with others and that you feel
the warmth and joy of this holiday season!
And as always, thank you for your readership!
Val Thompson
Publisher & CEO
[email protected]
iF Magazine | www.iFMagazine.net
7