https://www.austinchronicle.com/columns/1999-02-19/521191/

Public Notice

Kings of the Hillel

By Kate X Messer, February 19, 1999, Columns

Think we're just being clever with the name? Heck no. Texans for Israel and the Hillel Jewish Student Organization are bringing a larger-than-life Israel-Style Block Party to West Campus' San Antonio Street (2100 block) next week, Thu, Feb 25, 3:30-9:30pm. A featured attraction of the event is a climbable 25-foot "mountain"(!), so you might actually get to take a crack at being King of the Hillel. Admission is free, so you'll have lots left over to spend at the Israeli-style discotheque, the Middle Eastern outdoor market (or "shuk"), the Turkish coffeehouse, and the concession stands featuring mouth-watering Middle Ezastern cuisine. In addition, there will be an educationally entertaining children's area, plus the sounds of popular Moshav Band, playing pop Israeli rock. 476-0125.

Lives in the Sand

On the altogether other side of the Middle East equation is Iraq. Check out the free lecture entitled Lines in the Sand & Lives in the Balance Wed, Feb 24, 7pm at the Bass Lecture Hall in Sid Richardson Hall at UT. Denis Halliday, recently resigned assistant UN secretary general (in protest, after a 34-year career) and Phyllis Bennis, Fellow of the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, D.C., will discuss the disastrous effects of the sanctions policy against the people of Iraq. (See "Calendar," p.60 for more info.) 263-1883 or 471-1990.

With Worm Regards!

Here's an extra week's notice; the early bird catches the worm, after all. WormFest '99 is a big squirmy part of South Austin Community Gardens' Birthday Bash, Sat, Feb 27, 1-4pm at 1001 Cumberland. What is a "WormFest," you ask? Well, if you have to root around for an answer, we guess that you wouldn't dig it anyway. What's the dirt? The poop? There doesn't seem to be much more to the plot than celebrating the invertebrate and its invaluable assistance in composting and gardening. Come, if not for the wiggly creatures then for the plant sale, compost demo, raffles, giveaways, refreshments, and music by the South Austin Community Gospel Choir. 443-1117.

Declare the Pennies on Your Eyes

It's nowhere near April 15, and you are such an artist. We know what an imposition it is on your creative spirit to even suggest addressing superficial trivialities like income tax anytime earlier than a few hours before the deadline. What are extensions for after all, hmmmmm? We know. Sorry to wreck your high, really, but when Uncle Sam a'comes a-knockin' he don't care if you been rockin'. He wants that money, honey. Somebody else in town thinks it might be a good plan for you to get your House of the Rising Sun in order. Our friends at Artists' Legal & Accounting Assistance (ALAA) want you to feel no pain this tax season. They present Tax Filing for Artists, a free seminar, Sat, Feb 27, 10am-1pm at the Public Domain Theatre, 807 Congress, upstairs, to answer important, pressing questions like: As a performance artist known for cramming entire cans of vegetables up certain orifices, do I qualify? Do I have to report all of that $400 I got paid for drumming for that lame-ass band that I quit after one week anyway? or So what if one expense is a controlled substance of questionable legal status, can't I still slip it in as a tax break? 407-8980.

Babe of a Day

International Women's Day (IWD) is fast approaching. That means 24 hours of all woman-generated programming on a variety of local media outlets. IWD Community Media Festival, Mon, Mar 8, takes over ACAC-TV access channel 10, KOOP-FM, KAZI-FM, and live broadcasts on the Internet. Part of the mission of the event is to provide education beyond the programming, so Austin Free-Net, KOOP, and ACAC will be providing special training seminars throughout the month in preparation. Pick up a complete schedule at Bookwoman, 918 W. 12th, and keep checking here for updates. 445-4272.

Gimme the Works!

Downtowners loyal to the ButterBurger, but sad to have to drive allllll the waaaaaaay down south to William Cannon to enjoy the yummy cholesterol count of Culver's fast food, fret not! Culver's is opening a new location and now you can drive allllll the waaaaaaay up north to 2240 Braker to enjoy their cow-upon-cow-laden treats. Now why is this news to the public service community? Well, the Culver's Grand Opening weekend, Sat-Sun, Feb 20-21, 10:30am-11pm is also a Benefit for LifeWorks, the cool umbrella of Child & Family Service, Pathways Youth Counseling, Youth Options, and Teenage Parent Council. Butter moooooooooove and get there early, especially if Chron Books Editor Clay Smith hears about it first... 327-8018 x12.