Can a Geodesic Dome Save the City of Houston?

Recently the Discovery Channel aired an episode of Mega Engineering that mentioned constructing a geodesic dome over the city of Houston. Could this Houston dome really be the fourth most populated US city's only hope, as some environmental experts urge? As a resident of Houston, I have to admit that I am skeptical of the Houston dome project for a few reasons.
The dome must contain a clear material that can fill in all the holes in the frame, act as windows, and be able to withstand very high winds and other forces of nature. However, for a structure large enough to cover even just Downtown Houston, the material would need to be lightweight, but durable at the same time. According to clips shown on the Mega Engineering episode, a material called Texlon ETFE can make that possible, as well as protect the Houston dome from winds of up to 180 MPH.
That wind speed is faster than even the most forceful winds of the strongest category 5 hurricane. This brings experts to the conclusion that in combination with the specially-designed steel structure, the Houston Dome project could be successful. True, there will be air conditioning (and boy does Houston need that during the summer), but what about growing plant life? How well will it do under the dome?
What if people in Houston want to actually feel the rain or the sun - you know, the way it feels naturally. What about feeling the warm Houston breeze on my face or picking flowers in a field (or the backyard)?

Houston fireworks Day 2009

Houston fireworks, The Houston Symphony 4th of July Celebration the largest celebration in the city of Houston, Taxas and the fireworks display is one of the biggest in the stat. The festival starts at 4 p.m. in Houston. This year July 4 Saturday Country singing sensation, Clay Walker, will set fire to the stage and a concert will precede the main event, the Independence Day fireworks presented by Shell Oil Company and choreographed by the world-renowned fireworks artists from Pyro Spectaculars “North by Souza”.

The Houston Independence Day 2009 is associated with fireworks, and other activates like, parades, carnivals, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating 4th July. The forth July is the day to relax, have fun and spend some time with friends and family.

This year’s grand celebration honors “Houston Heroes” including members of the military and NASA’s astronauts. Clay Walker performs at 8 p.m., and the fabulous fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m. Through the daytime, three stages will keep everyone dancing with music running the gauntlet between country, rock ‘n’ roll, and Latin, pop and oldies.
Here is a list of some of the fireworks displays planned around the Houston area.

1. Eleanor Tinsley Park at Buffalo Bayou: The July 4 celebrates Independence Day with fireworks at dusk, around 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
2. Miller Outdoor Theater: The Houston annual salute to Independence Day starts on July 4 at 8:30 p.m. Of course, the evening concludes with a fantastic fireworks display.
3. Bicentennial Park: The Bicentennial Park celebrates Independence Day with special family-friendly activities and spectacular fireworks at 9:30 pm and the parade launch at 5:30 p.m.
4. Friendswood: The Friends wood celebrates Independence Day on July 4 at 7:30 p.m., Centenial Park (Evening Program) and the fireworks start at 9:20 p.m. Parade at 10:00 p.m. begins on F.M. 518 at Heritage Drive.
5. Kemah: The 4th of July fireworks launch at 9:30 p.m. over Galveston Bay and parade will starting on Bradford Avenue at 6th Street.
6. Galveston: The Galveston annual salute to Independence Day starts on July 4 at 10: 00pm parade throughout downtown.
7. Lake Conroe: The Lake Conroe fireworks start in Walden Marina on July 4 at 9:20pm.
8. The Woodlands: The Woodlands July4th parade at 9 a.m. through Town Center and Market Street and then the Red, Hot, and Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
9. Towne Lake: The Towne Lake community in NW Houston hosts July 4th festivities from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Barker Cypress and West Road.