The Homecoming
The Homecoming 1973, PG, 111 min. Directed by Peter Hall, Starring Cyril Cusack, Ian Holm, Michael Jayston, Vivien Merchant. This famous film series was sold by subscription in the Seventies and was dedicated to films made from great American plays and also starred some of the greatest stage actors of the day. The Homecoming is…
Book Review
“Between its title and proximate April Fools’ Day release, the casual observer might assume Gerald Nachman’s Seriously Funny is some sort of joke book,” writes Ken Lieck. “However, its subtitle and subject offer the advanced student of dry humor the opportunity to quip that no, it is the anti-joke book!”
Old Settler’s Music Schedule
For a complete list of this weekend’s events, plus camping, ticket, and workshop info, visit www.oldsettlersmusicfest.org, or call the hotline at 512/370-4630. Please double-check all set times; schedules are subject to change. Friday Hill Country Stage 3pm: Reeltime Travelers 5: Waybacks 7: Jerry Douglas Band 9: Patty Griffin 11: Yonder Mountain String Band Bluebonnet Stage…
Lege Ponders “Jails ‘R’ Us”
Lege proposals to privatize jails may not be the cost-cutter supporters claim.
Naked City
On April 10 both houses of Congress passed the Illicit Drug Proliferation Act of 2003, formerly known as the Reducing Americans’ Vulnerability to Ecstasy Act. Drug reformers are furious with Delaware Sen. Joe Biden’s end-run to pass the measure without any debate; foes of the IDPA are appalled by the law’s broad language, which they…
Bulletproof Monk
Bulletproof Monk 2003, PG-13, 104 min. Directed by Paul Hunter, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Chow Yun-Fat, Seann William Scott, Jaime King, Victoria Smurfit, Karel Roden, Mako. So goofy it borders on camp, Bulletproof Monk is entertaining for all the wrong reasons. There are no remarkable action set-pieces, just a handful of risible…
News/Print
Please form two lines and file in slowly.
Phases and Stages
The DelgadosHate (Mantra/Beggars Banquet)Arab StrapMonday at the Hug & Pint (Matador)AereogrammeSleep and Release (Matador) The Delgados: most underrated pop band in the isles. Even if they weren’t, they’d still be notable for founding Glasgow’s Chemikal Underground label, the heart of the late-Nineties Scottish musical renaissance that brought us Belle & Sebastian, Mogwai, and Arab Strap.…
Town Lake Heading to Court?
A decision on a new federal courthouse location is still months away, but site-selection officials have added another possibility to the list — a four-acre tract overlooking Town Lake. The spot of land lies on the southwestern edge of Downtown, just west of the Seaholm Power Plant. The current landowner, Lumbermen’s Investment Corp., lost a…
Capitol Chronicle
It’s a mordant commentary on the condition of Texas government this year that Lt. Gov. David “Just a Lone Cowpoke” Dewhurst has been widely applauded as a rational, moderating force within a leadership cadre gleefully intent on gutting government services. The perception is very relative, of course; when Dewhurst suggested — in defiance of Gov.…
Holes
Adapted from the children’s book by Austin author Louis Sachar, the film features LaBeouf as a teen stuck at a Texas camp for juvenile delinquents.
Page Two
Deconstructing the endorsement process, and more thoughts on the power of protest and principled dissent.
Phases and Stages
Lucinda WilliamsWorld Without Tears (Lost Highway) Lucinda Williams’ third album in six years opens with “Fruits of My Labor,” a tune so lonesome it’d be perfect for closing time at a saloon near the end of the world. It’s a bold move kicking off the disc this way, especially considering that what follows only occasionally…
May 3 a Turning Point for ACC
The ACC community comes together to support the May 3 financial propositions
“The Definition of Hell”
“The spending plan [House] lawmakers will consider is the living definition of hell.” A quote not from the Birkenstock Belt, but from the editorial page of The Dallas Morning News, which like other major Texas papers has shown a literally unprecedented distaste and disgust with the budget proposals under review at the Lege. The state…
Malibu’s Most Wanted
Malibu’s Most Wanted 2003, PG-13, 86 min. Directed by John Whitesell, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Jamie Kennedy, Taye Diggs, Anthony Anderson, Blair Underwood, Regina Hall, Damien Dante Wayans, Ryan O’Neal, Bo Derek, Snoop Dogg. On the lower, less-developed levels of Hades these days, there is, with luck, a spot reserved for the…
Letters at 3AM
Winning the war in Iraq is not a measure of our country’s morality.
Phases and Stages
Caitlin CaryI’m Staying Out (Yep Roc) This wonderfully realized album by songbird/ violinist Caitlin Cary is proof that sophomore slumps are strictly for amateurs. Hot on last year’s masterful While You Weren’t Looking, the former Whiskeytown vocalist serves up a solid second helping to ravenous listeners. Any of Out’s 11 deliciously rootsy country pop-rockers could…
Endorsements
The Chronicle endorsements
Austin @ Large: Austin at Large
The Mayor’s Task Force on the Economy is not completely clear on the concept.
Chasing Papi
Chasing Papi 2003, PG, 80 min. Directed by Linda Mendoza, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Roselyn Sanchez, Sofia Vergara, Jaci Velasquez, Eduardo Verástegui, Lisa Vidal, Freddy Rodríguez, D.L. Hughley, Paul Rodriguez, Maria Conchita Alonso, Walter Mercado. Chasing Papi is the boisterous Latina version of James Toback’s silky boho study of two-timing, Two Girls…
Mr. Smarty Pants Knows
The Zippo windproof lighter consists of 22 parts and requires 108 manufacturing operations.When the Beatles’ film A Hard Day’s Night opened in Lisbon, Portugal, in April 1965, the Portuguese film censorship board had determined it was “for adults only.”Some Hassidic Jews reportedly believe people can be reincarnated as fish.If you dream that your teeth are…
Phases and Stages
The BeatlesAnthology DVD (Capitol) When all 10 hours of the Beatles Anthology aired on PBS in 1994, the absence of John Lennon wasn’t the yawning void a planet of TV viewers anticipated. Editing in archival interviews, the producers managed to integrate Lennon’s version of Beatlemania with that of his surviving bandmates — George Harrison, Paul…
May 3 Election Ballot
Austin MayorWill Wynn Jennifer Gale Brad Meltzer Herman Luckett Christopher N. Keating Michael “Max” Nofziger Leslie Cochran Marc KatzCity Council, Place 6Wes Benedict Danny Thomas City Council, Place 2Gavino Fernandez Jr. Steven Adams Raul AlvarezCity Council, Place 5Robert Singleton Brewster McCracken Carl Tepper Jason Pate Scott Marks Steve Swanson Margot ClarkeACC Prop. 1Increasing the Austin…
Austin @ Large: The Task Force Findings
Here’s a quick summary of what the three subcommittees of the Task Force on the Economy have concluded. For the full report, go to www.ci.austin.tx.us.Traditional Industries Evaluate the industries we want to target for their long-term potential, their ability to leverage Austin’s specific regional assets, and their consistency with local values and economic vision. Consider…
The Good Thief
The Good Thief 2002, R, 108 min. Directed by Neil Jordan, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Nick Nolte, Tchéky Karyo, Saïd Taghmaoui, Nutsa Kukhianidze, Gérard Darmon, Marc Lavoine, Emir Kusturica, Mark Polish, Michael Polish. A loose retelling of Jean-Pierre Melville’s 1955 exercise in film-noir aesthetics, Bob le Flambeur, The Good Thief will play…
After a Fashion
THE BEST HAIR Damn, we have some fabulous hairdressers in this town. World-class, without a doubt. Frederic and Oribe ain’t got nothin’ on some of our finest. And it’s so great that we have the Style Cup to show off their work. This show is on its way to becoming a venerable institution, and if…
Phases and Stages
Charlie Haden’s NocturneBass Concert Hall, April 13 A beautiful mind. That, is Gonzalo Rubalcaba’s blessing. And he bows it in all its methodical glory as close to the piano keys as his tender hands will allow. Anchoring bass elder Charlie Haden’s Latin-themed Quartet West alternate, Nocturne, featuring tenor saxophone master Joe Lovano, violinist Federico Britos…
Early Voting
Early voting started this week. All qualified Travis Co. voters can vote early at any of these sites. For further voting info, call the county clerk’s office, 238-VOTE (238-8683), or go to www.co.travis.tx.us/county_clerk/election. Early Voting Locations:Most locations are open Monday-Saturday, 7am-7pm and Sunday, noon-6pm. Albertson’s North Lamar, 11331 N. Lamar @ Braker Albertson’s Riverside (parking…
The Hightower Report
Bush cracks down on freedom of information, the Republicans crack down on freedom of speech.
Movie Testin’
Movie Testin’ A loose retelling of Jean-Pierre Melville’s 1955 exercise in film noir aesthetics Bob Le Flambeur, The Good Thief will play like a soothing balm to cineastes reared on Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg, not to mention Roger Duchesne, the original inveterate gambler Bob, here played by Nick Nolte. To the cineplex-going mainstream, Jordan’s…
Day Trips
Remember This, a little shop on Main Street in Boerne, isn’t your normal antique shop. Most of the central business district has been converted to used-furniture stores, gift shops, and art galleries for the tourists. The businesses that the locals use have moved to strip malls on the edge of town. Still, downtown Boerne is…
No Quiet on the Eastern Front
The choice for Place 2 presents two approaches to Eastside issues.
Naked City
Quote of the Week: “We’re going to have a lot of cuts, and I’m calling on the churches to step up to the plate. If you don’t like these horrible ideas, help us find a solution.” — State Rep. Kino Flores, D-Mission, chair of a House committee that last week held hearings on 12 different…
Dig Deeper
Now what kind of mother would take her kids to see a movie about juvenile delinquents serving time in a hard-labor prison camp? A smart one, if she’s read Holes, Louis Sachar’s wacky, wickedly funny children’s book that makes the leap to the big screen this Friday.
To Your Health
I recently heard about a product called NADH that can help people with chronic fatigue syndrome. I don’t have that problem, but I certainly get tired sometimes and wish for something safe that would give me an energy boost. Would NADH help and at what amount?
Rounding Out the Ballot
The minor party candidates and the council races.
Naked City
As of today (Thursday), Barton Springs Pool has been closed for exactly 88 days. City Manager Toby Futrell’s original order on Jan. 19 — the Sunday that the Statesman ran its notorious toxic-hysteria package — called for a 90-day closure. At press time, Futrell was hopeful, but not absolutely sure, if the pool will actually…
… And Read All Over
Everybody’s doing it — devouring Holes, that is, this year’s selection for citywide reading.
About AIDS
It’s ironic that HIV treatment can be astoundingly effective, but sticking with the treatment regimen — adherence — can be so hard. A new sturdy, however, confirms that simple social support from family and friends can help in achieving treatment success. HIV treatment’s goal is to control virus reproduction; a very low viral level can…
Seven of Five
Brewster McCracken, Margot Clarke lead the pack in a crowded open-seat City Council race
Naked City
The Texas Defense of Marriage Act passed overwhelmingly in the state Senate on Tuesday; the bill is expected to substitute for its companion in the House. Austin Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos and six other Democrats opposed the legislation, and some tried unsuccessfully to tack on amendments, one to order a state study on the rights denied…
The Cinema of Dual Citizens
In the upcoming series Driven into Paradise: European Émigré Directors 1933-1950, the Austin Film Society will be screening (at the Alamo Drafthouse) six classic films reflecting the ethical sensibilities and aesthetic innovations of these exiled masters.
Second Helpings: : Indian, Part II
Indian food and Austin were made for each other!
Running in Place (5)
Brewster McCrackenOccupation: Attorney Web site: www.brewstermccracken.com Endorsements: Capital Area Progressive Democrats, South Austin Democrats, Stonewall Democrats, Texas Environmental Democrats, Travis Co. Democratic Women (dual), University Democrats, Austin Lesbian/Gay Political Caucus, Austin police and firefighter associations. Notable quote: “Here’s why Smart Growth has a bad name: Intel, Vignette, and CSC. We need to change the matrix…
Naked City
The League of Women Voters will host three City Council candidate forums: Place 5 on Sunday, April 27; Places 2 and 6 on Monday, April 28; and mayor, Wednesday, April 30. All forums run 6:30-8:30pm and will be held at the Lower Colorado River Authority headquarters, 3700 Lake Austin Blvd. News 8 Austin (Time Warner…
Driven into Paradise: European Émigré Directors 1933-1950
All films will be shown at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Downtown (409 Colorado) on Tuesdays at 7pm. Admission is free. 4/22 Fury (1936) D: Fritz Lang. 4/29 You and Me (1938) D: Fritz Lang. 5/6 The Killers (1946) D: Robert Siodmak. 5/12 Criss Cross (1949) D: Robert Siodmak. 5/20 A Foreign Affair (1948) D: Billy…
TCB
More Fun in the New World
Expanding Horizons
Thai Noodles Etc. 17051 FM 1325, 246-8005 Sunday-Monday, 11am-9pm When I think about restaurants in Round Rock, the first things that come to my mind are the same old national chain names that plague America’s highways. Considering the incredible number of excellent restaurants in South Austin, I rarely have a reason to eat in the…
Running in Place (5)
Margot ClarkeOccupation: Former state director, League of Conservation Voters Education Fund Web site: www.margotclarke.com Endorsements: Central Austin Democrats, West Austin Democrats, Travis Co. Mexican-American Democrats, Travis Co. Democratic Women (dual), NOW/Texas, Austin Sierra Club. Notable quote: “My principles have been formed through my experience working in nonprofits and growing up in Austin. My work in…
Naked City
Under the nose of Whole Foods Market CEO John Mackey, a unionization effort is under way at the natural-food chain’s flagship store at Sixth and Lamar. Mackey, who once famously compared unions to herpes, is aware of the effort, which would affect from 150 to 180 employees. Fearful for their jobs, workers wouldn’t talk to…
Cine las Americas
Passionate documentaries, visually poetic features, work by young directors and marginalized voices are all part of this year’s Sixth Annual International Film Festival of the Americas.
Virtual Tribe
With the aid of a live Internet connection, Austin artist Cinqué Hicks will project the portraits and messages of people from around the world in a public space, where people in one community can recognize that they are also “global nomads” and part of the larger community of the world.
Expanding Horizons
Las Palmas 1209 E. Seventh, 457-4994 Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday, 11am-11pm; closed Sunday Mexican food in Austin tends to be remarkably homogeneous. Plain beef fajitas, Old El Paso-spiced carne guisada, and electric-yellow enchiladas oozing with cheese define the kitchens at Mexican joints all over town. After a while they all begin to blend together, each restaurant…
Running in Place (5)
Scott MarksOccupation: General counsel, affordable housing consulting firm Web site: www.scottmarksforaustin.com Notable quote: “I’ll be a passionate advocate for neighborhoods and the environment and of single-member districts if we can ensure minority representation. Barton Springs is closed, but no political leader is responsible. A reason for abysmally low election turnouts is people don’t feel a…
Naked City
What started as a side issue in last year’s Stratus Properties debate is now a bona fide ordinance regulating development near underground pipelines. The new rules gained City Council’s unanimous approval last week despite the specter of legal challenges from builders and the oil and gas industry. Indeed, the council seemed to thumb its nose…
Short Cuts
Say yes to life, art, and Mogwai by becoming part of Cinqué Hicks’ free daisy chain of digital art and free expression.
Articulations
Several hundred Austinites were led on a 100-minute tour of 600 years of European prints when eminent art historian Leo Steinberg came to town, and Crockett High School and Bastrop Opera House continue to chase top honors in state play competitions.
Expanding Horizons
The ‘Big Night’ at Ciola’s Italian-American Restaurant1310 S. RR 620, 263-9936 Monday-Thursday, 11am-10pm; Friday, 11am-11pm; Saturday, 4-11pm; Sunday, 4-9pm Foodies everywhere flocked to see Big Night when it came out in 1996. The movie is about two brothers whose perfectionist Italian restaurant is pushed to the brink of bankruptcy. Desperate, they ask for help from…
Running in Place (5)
Jason PateOccupation: Residential real estate agent Web site: www.jasonpate.com Notable quote: “I’m a concerned citizen who wants to make a difference. … The reason I’m running is because we have a dismal 1% growth over the last 12 months, as well as over 6% unemployment, and, of course, the deficit. I support helping local businesses…
Naked City
It’s too early to celebrate, but Austin’s neighbors from Neighbors for Neighbors — the Elgin-based community group that for several years has been fighting mighty Alcoa Inc. — won another big victory last week with a settlement that will force the aluminum giant either to dramatically reduce air pollution from its Rockdale smelter or shut…
TV Eye
Loving TV’s losers.
Exhibitionism
Like so many characters in American drama, the folks in Ann Marie Healey’s Something Someone Someplace Else are trying to measure the distance between the life they have and the life they want, and Hyde Park Theatre’s world premiere production is so rich in humor and warmth that we feel no distance between them and…
Expanding Horizons
New Menu at Polvo’s2004 S. First, 441-5446 Sunday-Friday, 7am-10pm; Saturday, 7am-11pm I have been a regular at Polvo’s for a long time, because I love their casual atmosphere, good interior Mexican home-cooking, and affordable prices. Recently, the menu was expanded with many new items, and I was excited to see some interesting new options and…
Running in Place (5)
Robert SingletonOccupation: University Co-op Web site: none Notable quote: “I’m running mainly because I’m confused. I’m confused about why it is that when we elect good, solid, progressive candidates, their positions seem to change. I want to find out if there are some things that can be done, or if there are structural barriers that…
Naked City
The House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence on April 8 heard testimony on HB 715, a bill by Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston, to lower simple possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana to a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $500 fine and no jail time. Dutton’s measure would also forbid the state…
Running in Place (5)
Brewster McCracken photo by John Anderson Brewster McCrackenOccupation: Attorney Web site: www.brewstermccracken.com Endorsements: Capital Area Progressive Democrats, South Austin Democrats, Stonewall Democrats, Texas Environmental Democrats, Travis Co. Democratic Women (dual), University Democrats, Austin Lesbian/Gay Political Caucus, Austin police and firefighter associations. Notable quote: “Here’s why Smart Growth has a bad name: Intel, Vignette, and CSC.…
Exhibitionism
With an exceptionally thoughtful program and a performance brimming with joy and gusto, the Miami String Quartet proved itself a thoroughly engaging conversationalist worth listening to.
Food-o-File
All the movies you can watch and all the food you can eat: Virginia B. Wood reveals the Eat, Drink, Watch Movies lineup for spring.
Running in Place (5)
Steve SwansonOccupation: Construction/design consultant Web site: none Notable quote: (On the city development process) “I believe that the development industry, with the design and consulting industry, is available to the city and staff to authentically dialogue and deliberate about ways to eliminate the red tape but still achieve the same goals. I’m hopeful that a…
Naked City
Rep. Terry Keel, R-Austin, chairman of the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, offered an excellent impression of Joseph McCarthy at his panel’s April 8 meeting — grilling witnesses not about their Communist sympathies but their death-penalty attitudes. The major victim of Keel’s baiting was UT law professor Jordan Steiker, testifying against Keel’s HB 614, one…
House of 1000 Corpses
House of 1000 Corpses 2003, R, 88 min. Directed by Rob Zombie, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Chad Bannon, Sid Haig, William Bassett, Karen Black, Bill Moseley, Michael J. Pollard. It’s like I told my mom: Just because you have the stars of Burnt Offerings, Spider Baby, and Bonnie and Clyde in your…
Exhibitionism
Ballet Austin’s Touch, choreographed by Artistic Director Stephen Mills, was one of these rare productions that have both stunning choreography and dancing, but also seem to open a level of emotional connection with the audience that’s more direct than even language-based works of art.
A Texas Flair
A few reasons why the Old Settler’s Music Festival is 16 this weekend.
Running in Place (5)
Carl TepperOccupation: Commercial real estate Web site: www.carltepper.com Notable quote: “I’m much more conservative than the other council members. I would have voted no [on the resolution] against the war. There are a lot of disparate groups … who are very well represented on council. But … there is a more conservative thread of people,…
Naked City
Last week saw the first meeting of the House Redistricting Committee — a panel that normally does nothing in years that don’t end with “1.” Officially, the committee, and later the full Lege, will address a bill — HB 3398, by committee Chair Joe Crabb, R-Humble — to ratify the U.S. congressional district map drawn…
Ghosts of the Abyss
Ghosts of the Abyss 2003, G, 60 min. Directed by James Cameron, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Bill Paxton. Say what you will of the hokey love story, the “aw-shucks” dialogue, that irritating kook with the big fat diamond – James Cameron’s Titanic was a sight to behold if only for its footage…
