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An American at Camp Nou
Christopher Bond
Thu Mar 5, 12:59pm
, 2009
Tags: World
As an American living in Barcelona, Spain, it takes a bit to adjust to such things as the food, the culture, the way of life, and mostly the different personalities. The tapas in Barcelona are unique to say the least, and getting used to eating them takes a minute. In chatting with locals, they are a bit weary of an American on their turf. Locals seem to warm up quite quickly once they realize I’m trying to speak their language and am on their side. There are more scooters than cars and more high heels than sneakers, but one thing remains constant throughout our cultural differences: Soccer.
Boot Camp Challenge: Graduation
Mark Fagan
Thu Mar 5, 12:43pm
, 2009
I did it. I completed six weeks of boot camp. I don't think anybody else thought that I could do it. I'm not sure I thought I could do it. I realize I didn't cure cancer or anything like that, but it was challenging and it was, in a way, life altering. I feel better now. I look (somewhat) better now. And all it took was six weeks (and a lot of hard work). I'm healthier mentally and physically and I have more self confidence.
Aztex Lose to Revs; Houston Dynamo Up Next
Nick Barbaro
Wed Mar 4, 9:34pm
, 2009
A little more than 2,000 people braved a frigid, windy Saturday night to see the USL-1 Austin Aztex play their first game ever, a 2-0 exhibition loss to Major league Soccer's New England Revolution. With the Aztex using two entirely different squads in the two halves (and both of them looking a tad nervous, especially at the start), the home side still acquitted itself well: A couple of glaring (if wind-related) defensive lapses led to the goals, but all in all, we matched up pretty well with a team that looks a lot better on paper. Next up, the Houston Dynamo, this Saturday, March 7, 7:30pm at Nelson Field. With two different Dynamo supporters groups reportedly coming in for the game, and given the natural geographic rivalry, this could be one of the better game atmospheres of the season, even if it is still an exhibition.
Oh, Flat Track, How We Have Missed Thee
Richard Whittaker
Tue Mar 3, 4:00pm
, 2009
Once again, Roller Derby fans have a reason to get out of bed on the first Sunday of the month.
Taking Off the Winter Wheels
Richard Whittaker
Sat Feb 28, 11:42am
, 2009
It's been two months since the Texas Rollergirls had their last home bout, and three times that since the end of the 2008 regular season. But mercifully the wait is over as the 2009 season begins on Sunday, March 1.
'Misprint Magazine's Third Annual Beard & Moustache Competition
Mark Fagan
Fri Feb 27, 4:42pm
, 2009
Click on the image at right to open Logan Youree's photo gallery from Misprint's Third Annual Beard & Moustache Competition. For more photos check out what the Chrontourage saw over at www.austinchronicle.com/whatyoumissed.
Aztex Nation, Unite!
Nick Barbaro
Wed Feb 25, 9:01pm
, 2009
Tags: Austin Aztex
The time has come at last; your Austin Aztex USL-1 squad plays its first-ever game this Saturday, hosting the New England Revolution, MLS Cup finalists three of the past four years, and the first MLS team to visit Austin since ... well, let's make that the trivia question of the week. Find me at La Palapa (see below), and I'll buy you a drink. Aztex spokesman Kyle Dalton says the teams scrimmaged Wednesday morning, and "people are going to be impressed" with the quality the Aztex put on the field. The roster is still coming together, but this week at least, you can catch some of the fan favorites and local products who were with the Aztex U-23 squad last year, including Beto Papandrea, Josh Alcala, Willy "Speed" Guadarrama, and Zach Pope, all vying to join the pro roster for this year. 7:30pm Saturday, Feb. 28, at Nelson Field (next to Reagan High, off US 290 and Cameron Rd.) $20 and $30; see www.austinaztex.com to order. Some supporters are meeting pre-game at La Palapa, across the parking lot from the stadium, starting at 5pm. Next up: Houston Dynamo March 7, Columbus Crew March 14.
Champions League, Here and Abroad
Nick Barbaro
Wed Feb 25, 8:49pm
, 2009
The Houston Dynamo gave up an 82nd minute goal, and had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Mexico's Atlante in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal Tuesday night. The return leg is Tuesday, March 3 in Cancun (9pm on FSC), four days before the Dynamo play in Austin. (Fox Soccer Channel is showing all eight CONCACAF quarterfinal games, Tuesday-Thursday, Feb. 24-26, and March 3-5.)
A-Roid
Justin Sanders
Wed Feb 25, 2:24pm
, 2009
Tags: MLB
I don’t know about you, but when I heard the news that Alex Rodriguez had taken performance enhancing drugs while playing for the Texas Rangers, my reactions was, “Who the #$%@ cares.” Honestly, does it come as a shock to anyone when a professional baseball player is busted for taking steroids? These are professional athletes, who are some of the most competitive people on earth and are getting paid millions of dollars to play a game. The stakes are high and the pressure is intense, so when someone offers them a drug or a cream that will give them an advantage can we really be shocked when they take it?
A Bearded Brodown at the Brohawk
Audra Schroeder
Fri Feb 20, 12:27pm
, 2009
This year, the third annual Misprint Beard & Moustache Competition moves to the hirsute bosom of the Brohawk on Friday, Feb 20 (that's tonight!), allowing room for even more extreme hair. The categories remain the same: Gnarliest Beard, Sweetest 'Stache, Best Groomed, Chops, Freestyle, and Ladies. Local comedian Matt Bearden will be on hand to host and make jokes about all the hipsters in attendance. Plus, the magical mystery beard of Cavedweller provides the psychedelic tunes.
Capital Punishment: Battle on the Bank II
Mark Fagan
Thu Feb 19, 3:05pm
, 2009
Tags: TXRD
If you are a fan of the banked-track style of Roller Derby then you are in for a treat. The Lonestar Rollergirls announced today that they'll be hosting Capital Punishment: Battle on the Bank II, a two-day invitational tournament featuring the best banked-track (and even some flat-track) teams this country has to offer. The first-ever banked-track tournament, Battle on the Bank, held last year in Los Angeles was a huge success and this year's tourney in the ATX looks to take it to the next level.
Aztex Countdown; Dynamo, Too
Nick Barbaro
Wed Feb 18, 6:14pm
, 2009
The Austin Aztex are, amazingly, just a week away from opening their inaugural preseason against the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer. The Revs arrive in Austin on Monday, Feb. 23, and train here on Tuesday through Friday before the game, Saturday, Feb. 28, 7:30pm, at Nelson Field. Monday is also the deadline for a couple of Aztex ticket packages, including tickets to the three MLS preseason games (Houston Dynamo March 7, Columbus Crew March 14). See www.austinaztex.com for details.
TXRG Goes Nonprofit
Richard Whittaker
Wed Feb 18, 11:31am
, 2009
Ask pretty much anyone in the flat-track Roller Derby world about the Texas Rollergirls, and after they mention how they pretty much invented the modern sport, and after they mention what a dominating force they tend to be on the track, they'll often mention the generosity they show in helping other leagues and spreading the joys of Roller Derby.
The February Blues
Justin Sanders
Tue Feb 17, 12:27pm
, 2009
“Now is the winter of our discontent” are the first words uttered by King Richard in Shakespeare’s play Richard III describing how he felt about his situation in life. It’s a powerful statement that sets the general tone for one of Shakespeare’s best works. So what does it have to do with sports? Well I believe if Shakespeare were alive today, that instead of writing those words for a long dead king, he would instead use them to describe the barren landscape of sports in the month of February. Sure fans are treated to the Super Bowl at the beginning of the month and then later on they get the NBA All Star Game (both of which are fun and exciting), but the rest of the month is about as exciting as drinking a bottle of NyQuil and watching bass fishing on ESPN6.
Boot Camp Challenge: Week Four
Mark Fagan
Sat Feb 14, 2:59pm
, 2009
Mon., Feb. 9, 9am: Day 10
No Show
Today is my first no show. I've had trouble sleeping and I knew today was gonna be a rough one at work so I chose to get my rest. However, I did wake up an hour early, walk the dog, stretch, do 22 push-ups and 22 crunches, some planks, and ran a mile. But still, I should have gone to boot camp and I spoiled my somewhat perfect attendance record.
No Show
Today is my first no show. I've had trouble sleeping and I knew today was gonna be a rough one at work so I chose to get my rest. However, I did wake up an hour early, walk the dog, stretch, do 22 push-ups and 22 crunches, some planks, and ran a mile. But still, I should have gone to boot camp and I spoiled my somewhat perfect attendance record.
Snack-Food Makers Upset Munchies-Prone Stoners
Mark Fagan
Thu Feb 12, 11:51am
, 2009
Here are a few things stoners love: Fruit Loops, Frosted Flakes, Famous Amos cookies, Eggo waffles, Cheez-Its (umm, Cheez-Its), Pop-Tarts, you get my point. Guess who is the producer of these "convenience foods"? Kellogg's. Guess who just decided not to renew their contract with public enemy No. 1 Michael Phelps? Kellogg's. Potheads, oops, I mean legalize-marijuana advocates have set aside the remote control and decided to strike back.
Aztex Add Two More
Nick Barbaro
Wed Feb 11, 7:29pm
, 2009
The Austin Aztex signed two players out of last weekend's open tryouts: striker Kyle Brown, the 2008 Houston Dynamo Reserve Player of the Year, and Welsh central defender Gareth Evans. The anticipated addition of English midfielder Eddie Johnson would round out a full 11-man lineup:
All-Star Rap
Thomas Fawcett
Tue Feb 10, 3:37pm
, 2009
I'm a hoops junkie. I grew up watching Jayhawk basketball in Allen Fieldhouse, drove to Waco last week to watch Kansas take out Baylor, attended the Final Four in San Antonio last April, and am more emotionally invested in strangers throwing a ball through a hole than could ever be rationalized.
Boot Camp Challenge: Week Three
Mark Fagan
Mon Feb 9, 10:49am
, 2009
Mon., Feb. 2, 6am: Day 7
So Tired
I couldn't fall asleep last night so I barely got any rest before my 5:30am alarm went off. I'll adjust eventually, but probably not till week six. It was pretty chilly outside at this early hour but not as cold as last week. More cardio today. Nine laps around the track (2 1/4 miles) with two laps jogging and one lap walking. I do a little better with the running today but I'm still having some pain in my lower back. Nothing debilitating but not so much fun regardless. I'm pretty sure I only ended up doing eight laps due to my slowness. At points the pain shot down my leg making it difficult to continue running. I can deal with it but I need to get my body aligned and take care of this problem. Maybe I'll treat myself to a massage this weekend. And not the kind you find ads for in the back of the Chronicle. We finish up with some runners' lunges, push-ups, and jumping jacks. The lunges are a little rough on my knees and not my favorite. I'm mildly nauseated toward the end and briefly afterward. I really need to stick with the program over the weekend which I failed to do for the second week in a row. I'll do it this week, for sure. If I don't, every Monday feels like starting all over again.
So Tired
I couldn't fall asleep last night so I barely got any rest before my 5:30am alarm went off. I'll adjust eventually, but probably not till week six. It was pretty chilly outside at this early hour but not as cold as last week. More cardio today. Nine laps around the track (2 1/4 miles) with two laps jogging and one lap walking. I do a little better with the running today but I'm still having some pain in my lower back. Nothing debilitating but not so much fun regardless. I'm pretty sure I only ended up doing eight laps due to my slowness. At points the pain shot down my leg making it difficult to continue running. I can deal with it but I need to get my body aligned and take care of this problem. Maybe I'll treat myself to a massage this weekend. And not the kind you find ads for in the back of the Chronicle. We finish up with some runners' lunges, push-ups, and jumping jacks. The lunges are a little rough on my knees and not my favorite. I'm mildly nauseated toward the end and briefly afterward. I really need to stick with the program over the weekend which I failed to do for the second week in a row. I'll do it this week, for sure. If I don't, every Monday feels like starting all over again.
The Pro Bowl
Justin Sanders
Thu Feb 5, 5:04pm
, 2009
Tags: NFL
Every year football fans invest themselves in the NFL to the point where they practically live and die with every game. For six months their emotions rise and fall with the success or failure of their teams until February rolls around and everyone celebrates the Super Bowl. It’s the ultimate game. Whether you shell out a small fortune to attend the game in person or just watch the game with some friends, the Super Bowl is the big finish to the long season. Unfortunately, instead of ending the season with the Super Bowl (like it should) the NFL stubbornly follows the game with the Pro Bowl, where fans get to watch the league’s best players phone it in for a free trip to Hawaii.
Aztex Update, WCQs, Bye Bye Beckham?
Nick Barbaro
Wed Feb 4, 5:27pm
, 2009
Austin Aztex final tryouts are this weekend, Feb. 7-8, at St. Edward's University: Saturday, 9:30am and 1:30pm; Sunday 9:30am. The public is welcome; come on out to see if you can spot some talent that might make one of the 2009 rosters (United Soccer Leagues-1 pro or Premier Development League amateur). The Chantico's Army supporters group will hold an organizational meeting after the Saturday practice: 4:30pm at Opal Divine's Penn Field, 3601 S. Congress. Another group, Lone Star Delinquents, is getting together at the Flying Saucer, in the Triangle, tonight (Thursday) at around 5:30pm. The Aztex have signed four more players for their USL-1 squad: winger Jarius Holmes from the PDL St. Louis Lions, English midfielder Alex Tapp from third division Milton Keynes Dons, and two local boys, both veterans of last year's PDL Aztex: striker A.J. Godbolt and special congrats to defender Wes Allen, an Anderson High grad, and the first player profiled last year in Thomas Hackett's "Playing Through" (April 4, 2008).
Austin Outlaws Prep for '09 Season
Ashley Moreno
Tue Feb 3, 3:24pm
, 2009
Tags: Austin Outlaws
Well the Steelers won … again. But I would hardly call it disappointing. It was a fun game. (And I, for one, always welcome the opportunity to weigh the pros and cons of an aging musician’s love affair with self-tan and Botox.) Besides, the end of the NFL season means another championship opportunity for the team that really matters: the Austin Outlaws, our own professional women’s tackle football team.
Boot Camp Challenge: Week Two
Mark Fagan
Fri Jan 30, 2:36pm
, 2009
Mon., Jan. 26, 6am: Day 4
Not Feelin' It
Maybe I was a little overconfident after completing one week of boot camp, because today totally kicked my ass. I thought that getting up at 5:30am would be the hardest part, it isn't. Having three days off and drinking too much on two of those days didn't help, I'm sure. I don't think binge drinking is the way to a healthier, fitter body. You live, you learn. Now on the weekends there will be no more drinking (maybe a beer or two). I'll also do some exercising during my short weekend break from boot camp so Monday mornings won't be so rough. We spent most of today doing two circuits or five exercises each such as push-ups, jumping jacks, skiers, crunches, jump rope, etc. We chose partners and spent two minutes on each exercise. That might not sound that difficult but it totally beat me down. I performed less than admirably and felt mildly nauseated until about half an hour after boot camp was over. I definitely paid the price for my unhealthy living of the past weekend (and the past decade or two).
Not Feelin' It
Maybe I was a little overconfident after completing one week of boot camp, because today totally kicked my ass. I thought that getting up at 5:30am would be the hardest part, it isn't. Having three days off and drinking too much on two of those days didn't help, I'm sure. I don't think binge drinking is the way to a healthier, fitter body. You live, you learn. Now on the weekends there will be no more drinking (maybe a beer or two). I'll also do some exercising during my short weekend break from boot camp so Monday mornings won't be so rough. We spent most of today doing two circuits or five exercises each such as push-ups, jumping jacks, skiers, crunches, jump rope, etc. We chose partners and spent two minutes on each exercise. That might not sound that difficult but it totally beat me down. I performed less than admirably and felt mildly nauseated until about half an hour after boot camp was over. I definitely paid the price for my unhealthy living of the past weekend (and the past decade or two).
Don't Get Pricked on Sunday
Jordan Smith
Fri Jan 30, 12:11pm
, 2009
This just in: Austin Police will be running their "no refusal" program on Super Bowl Sunday, meaning if you get pulled over on suspicion of drunken driving and refuse to blow you'll get a prick instead.
Where's the Summer Sausage Blimp?!
Anne Harris
Fri Jan 30, 3:20am
, 2009
Tags: NFL
I won't lie, while the Arizona Cardinals make history against the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend, I'll be going a little crazy. Everybody knows about the annual License to Crunk on Super Bowl Sunday. While for some it's whiskey and pharmaceuticals, for me it's about a midmorning nosedive off the wagon for the junk-in-the-trunk nosh I've been deprived of all year. CPR may happen at my house, but it won't involve the cops.
