The George R. Brown Convention Center will serve as a major hub of activities when the 2011 Summer National Senior Games take place at 10 Houston-area venues next year.

More than 15,000 athletes age 50 and older will compete in 18 medal competitions and two demonstration sports June 16-30, 2011.

Returning for the third time to Houston, DockDogs appears this weekend across the street from the George R. Brown at Discovery Green park. Canines from Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana compete in high jump and long jump competitions off a 20-foot dock into a 40-foot pool of water. It's hoot -- check it out Friday through Sunday.

The Southwest Food Service Expo continues through Tuesday, June 29, at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The Texas Restaurant Association is the show sponsor. The show is open only to the restaurant and food service trades.

Crime can happen anywhere, but, speaking in general terms, I find downtown Houston to be a pretty safe environment during the traditional business hours. In fact, I can’t recall any acts of violent crime taking place in broad daylight in the 15 years I have worked here.

However, nonviolent crime such as theft remains an irritant. Talk to anyone in charge of security at one of the big buildings downtown – office tower, hotel, convention center, retail outlet – and they will tell you of the challenge ...