Cover Story
Talkin’ the Walk
Hip-hop theatre artist Zell Miller III speaks truth about radio, race, and fatherhood
Hey, We’re Part of the Big 4!
Gays rate alongside abortion, guns, and immigration in Obama’s acceptance speech. At least we were mentioned.
WTF? Brooks & Dunn? Seriously?
Song by Bush-lovers close out Democratic convention
More Pictures from the DNC Mile High Follies
More pictures from the DNC follies in Denver
Hansen and Piersol Join Armstrong in the Nike+ Human Race
Olympic gold medal swimmers Brendan Hansen and Aaron Piersol will join Lance Armstrong and WNBA star Cynthia Cooper in participating in the Nike+ Human race this Sunday. Austin has been chosen as one of the 25 cities internationally (and one of four in the U.S.) to host this special 10K race (run or walk). Participants…
‘Kicking It’ for the Homeless; Cheers for the Home Teams
The Texas Homeless Network presents the Face the Homeless Film Fest, Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the Alamo Ritz, 320 E. Sixth. The program includes the Texas premiere of Kicking It, a documentary about the 2006 Homeless World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa. That film is 3-5pm ($25); the full event is 8:30am-5pm ($75). Among…
Euro Champions League Group Stage Set
There were several upsets in the European Champions League final qualifying round on Thursday (Cypriots Anorthosis ousting Greek giants Olympiakos; BATE Borisov becoming the first Belarussians ever to advance to the group stage), but most of the heavy favorites advanced (England’s Arsenal and Liverpool; Spain’s Atletico Madrid and Barcelona; Italy’s Fiorentina and Juventus, making it…
Cue the Lights; Cue the Music
Scripted? The DNC? Naaaaaaah.
Song of the Shepherd’s Dog
Iron & Wine at ACL Studios
What Kind of Reception Is This?
The senator from New York releases her delegates, but where are the sandwiches?
Why, He’s Not Even Wearing Loafers
What’s gayer than a cabaret?
See ‘Midnight Kiss’ Tonight, Maybe Score One of Your Own
See In Search of a Midnight Kiss tonight, and maybe score one of your own
Unicorn Addendum
Dead unicorn? Heeeeeeeeey.
Extra Quarter for the Bus
CapMetro board approves new fares to take affect Oct. 13, and second raise in 2010.
Live from the DNC
It’s the Bun B
Infowars Versus Faux News
Alex Jones takes on neo-con blogger Michelle Malkin in Denver
Del Martin, 1921-2008
Activist Del Martin passed away at the age of 87
The Mighty Hannibal Sees All
The Atlanta soul man has stories to tell, and who cares if they’re true?
Finally, a Roll Call Vote
This morning the Dem delegates voted in Denver, but does it count?
APL’s Book Club Reboot
Austin Public Library gets hip with their Downtown Book Clubs
If You Leave, You Can’t Get Back In
Day 2 at the DNC: Hill-a-ry!
The Hierarchy of Hell
Ronnie James Dio, 66, wins. And Tony Iommi, 60, with the silver crosses inlaid into the neck of his ancient SG. Don’t forget Geezer Butler, 59, and his lithe basslines. Even baby Vinnie Appice, 50, rocking his drums until they nearly crashed down upon him. Now billed as Heaven and Hell, the four deserve metaldom’s…
Petty/Winwood: From the Cheap Seats
Tom Petty down Selma way
The Force Is Not Strong With Joe
MSNBC anchor gets sulky and dismissive about bloggers
Democrats Have the Donkey… We Have the Unicorn
Unicorns kick “ass.”
Last Day to Vote
Last day to vote, plus the Film Fight Happy Hour deets
You Can’t Tear Down the Master’s House With the Master’s Tool
Hillary delivers party unity.
Kookoo Stew
Monofonus Press continues its summer deluge
Cornyn Still Leads in Rasmussen Poll
JC 48%, RN 37%
Drop All Charges Now!
Push to drop charges against 1991 yogurt shop slaying suspects
The World Is Yours
Nas at Emo’s
A Tale of Terror From the Top of the World
reviewing High Crimes
The Texas 22
On this first convention day, Steve joins the history-making number of GLBT delegates and proudly counts himself amongst the TX22.
The Way We Bowl
Foodies takes the lesbians bowling, takes them bowling.
Packing Heat in Harris Courts
Harris County DA asks for AG’s opinion on whether he can stop his prosecutors from taking a gun to court
Petals Pusher
Two San Antone sisters tiptoe through the decades
Cornyn Agrees to Two Debates With Noriega
Democratic challenger chides incumbent senator for not agreeing to five
More Trouble for Polygamist Prophet Jeffs
Warren just can’t catch a break, can he? First its a conviction for rape-as-accomplice, then charges of incest, and now bigamy? Sheesh, being a prophet ain’t what it used to be.
DNC Does Denver
The curtain hasn’t yet risen on the DNC, but the photos from Denver are already rolling in
Denver Cops Told to Back Off Pot During DNC
Denver’s pot panel tells cops to leave the stoners along and police real crime during DNC
Begala Blusters About Biden
Clinton confidante complains that Hillary was not deeply involved in vice-presidential selection process.
‘Zack and Miri’ Open Fantastic Fest
Kevin Smith to premier in Austin
What’s in a Name?
PUMA Tells Barack: Well keep on runnin’, player, ’cause I got my good shoes on.
‘Skins’ Notes
Notes on my new obsession
Foodies on the Lanes
Last minute reminder: Foodies at Dart Bowl, this afternoon at 4-6pm!
Not Just Rats, Raton
Steve’s first filing from his on the road to Denver adventure. On Biden and platform planks: There’s work to be done.
By Way of Introduction
Introducing Steve Rivas, a delegate headed to the Democratic National Convention and de facto Gay Place and Chronic DNC blogger.
On the DNC Trail
The Gay Place & Chronic welcome guest blogger Steve Rivas, a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Denver this week.
Redemption for Richards
After heartbreak in individual 400, Texas Ex saves the day in relay
Bun B’s New Old Soul
Bun B rips into the Parish
Put Away Your Buckets and Mints: It’s Biden
Senator Joe Biden has been chosen as Barack’s veep, and queers are in the pink.
Mad Props for Maddow
Rachel Maddow gets her own TV digs.
Little League World Series on TV and on the Wii
The Little League World Series is coming to a head this weekend but fans can pick up ‘Little League World Series 2008’ to keep the virtual season going
Noriega Demands Debates; Cornyn’s Camp Yawns
Senator’s campaign says debates will happen, but not as many as challenger wants
Our Parting: Surprisingly Lacking in Sorrow
Saying sayonara to this month’s Film Fight
Fact or Fiction: Lights Out on ME TV?
Provocative post creates questions; TV Eye gets some answers
Naughty, Yet Nice
The Naughty Secretary Club: The Working Girl’s Guide to Handmade Jewelry, by Jennifer Perkins, is an excellent antidote to boring accessory habits.
Heavy Melody
Judas Priest’s K.K. Downing Q&A
“Naughty” Jennifer Perkins Booksigning
Jennifer Perkins signs copies of her new book Aug. 30
Dear Obamans
Why is Tim Kaine on Obama’s short list?
Hardee’s Olympics Come to Painful End
Former Longhorn fails to finish decathlon
Rock Me Sexy Shakespeare?
Hamlet 2 didn’t give us fresh legs
So Hard to Say Goodbye: Unnecessary Sequels 2
previewing the Alamo’s Unnecessary Sequels 2
Naishtat Loses Challenger
Republican pulls out of race against HD-49 Democrat incumbent.
Remember to Vote!
With the election year coming up we are giving you three different chances to practice your voting skills, all of which are easily more fun than the silly ol’ election in November. 1. Film Fight – Round 2 – Shakesspeare: Go to www.austinchronicle.com/filmfight by Sunday (Aug 24) to vote for each day’s debate. Two of…
What Happened to Canada?
Canada pulls PromArt funding
18th Annual Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival this weekend!
It’s that time of year again, time to wake up those taste buds and down a few brews for charity. This is the 18th year we’ve been putting together this little ditty and we ain’t slowing down! Hot sauce vendors from all around the south are flocking on Waterloo Park to put their reputation on…
Closing Arguments
Olivier versus Branagh
The Best Micheladas in Austin
No Bloody Marys here
Phases and Stages
U2 Boy (Universal/Island) U2 October (Universal/Island) U2 War (Universal/Island) By design, U2’s music meant to change the world. “It’s a uniting force,” Bono proclaimed to the Chronicle in 1982. “It sinks in and takes on different forms – it’s the trigger. It affects you.” The Irish icons’ unparalleled power of provocation is readily apparent even…
Inside the Judges’ Table
Every year after the Chronicle’s Hot Sauce Contest winners are announced, we receive e-mails and letters from readers who want to know the secret to success or a detailed, written evaluation of their particular entries. Comments like, “My friends say I make the best salsa in the world; how come I didn’t win?” or, “I…
Austin Activist Deported From China
Founder of Students for a Free Tibet takes his message to China, then gets booted back to Texas
Nikolas Wallenda
A member of the first family of acrobats on circus life, danger, and that famous name
4 x 13 = Cool
Four wines to cool the hot-sauce burn
Phases and Stages
Elvis Costello & the Imposters Momofuku (Lost Highway) The latest batch of Elvis Costello songs is characteristically mysterious. At one point, the prolific song shape-shifter claimed to have sworn off recording, but Momofuku’s appearance materializes as if out of a ramen package: instantaneous. (Momofuku Ando invented the noodle convenience.) Unlike recent Costello discs, there’s no…
Practice Safe Salsa!
It’s no secret that the core ingredients for fresh salsa have been in the national news since April as the centerpiece of a detective story about the spread of a food-borne illness. The crisis seems to have passed with the mystery solved, but we’ve opted to share some food preparation safety suggestions to help potential…
Bus-Stop Shuffle
Better check out the new Cap Metro routes before you head out to your old bus stop
Primordial Fish
Austin sculptor Bob Bacon trucks a 3-ton steel fish to Black Rock City
Let Our Commercial Bottler Winners Add Some Spice to Your Cooking
Beat the heat outdoors with these fiery prize-winning complements
Phases and Stages
Dr. Dog Fate (Park the Van) Tripping through another kaleidoscopic retro-pop montage, Dr. Dog’s fifth LP continues the Philly quintet’s gaze into the fun-house mirror of 1960s sounds. The angular bursts slicing into soulful harmonies are now expected, but Fate settles the contortions slightly while expanding into folkier roots. Opener “The Breeze” flits an acoustic…
Biomass: A Question of Wood, Not Could
Council will vote this week on a proposed wood-waste-fueled power plant, but just because it’s carbon-neutral doesn’t mean it’s perfect
URA Votes Against East 11th Density Increase
A win (for now) for Eastside opponents of increased density around the Victory Grill
Saucy Proposals
Original recipes featuring past winners from the Hot Sauce Festival
Phases and Stages
Islands Arm’s Way (Anti-) Nick Thorburn’s Islands are nothing like their Montreal predecessors. The sextet’s sophomore LP merges Britpop and Broadway, Thorburn the new Jarvis Cocker. The Pulp frontman embodies entertainment, presenting pop anthems as masterpieces, and Thorburn pours just such confidence into Arm’s Way. “The Arm” flexes deliciously epic as the opener, guitar balancing…
Another Court Defeat for SOS
The Save Our Springs Alliance doesn’t get to reorganize to stave off creditors – but it’s free to file another lawsuit
Playing for the People
More from director Steven Sebring on Patti Smith
Arts Review
Four very different short dramas that share a similar sense of wonder about life
Food-o-File
The most delicious things are happening in South Austin this summer
Before the Well Runs Dry
The city moves toward conservation, but is it moving fast enough?
WilCo Dems Tap Austin Expertise
Austin Democrats eager to help break GOP stronghold in Williamson County
Arts Review
Pell’s not-tiny work invites you in and leaves you with a feeling of abundant energy
Ice Ice Baby
Slap Shot and sweaters in August, oh my
Keeping Off the Grass
Don’t be a Lance Armstrong! Quit your lawn habit with a little help from xeriscaping.
Polling in Senate Race All Over the Map
Who’s ahead in U.S. Senate race? It depends.
The Gay Place
It’s back to school, fool. Find your LGBT allies!
Arts Review
These two exhibits celebrate natural wonders exquisitely with expert technique
Film News
Claire Danes eyes an Austin shoot
Conservation: How We’re Doing
A progress report on the city’s water-saving initiatives
Naked City
News briefs from Austin, the region, and elsewhere
Book Review
Paleontologist author Richard Fortey comes across like an aging UK dreamboat with a twist of Indiana Jones’ wry charisma
The Chaos of Eros
Isabel Coixet’s ‘Elegy’ for a dying animal
Playing Through
If an athlete’s character is defined by failure, not success, what does a manic obsession with success say about the character of a nation?
Headlines
• At press time Wednesday, Capital Metro bus drivers were poised to go on strike if their union votes to reject StarTran’s final contract offer. Meanwhile, Cap Metro officials rushed to assure the public that service would continue on major routes, although at a reduced level. Check www.capmetro.org for updates. Coincidentally, new routes are expected…
Mirrors
Spooky stuff crosses over from the mirror world to the real world, and it places Kiefer Sutherland in a world of hurt.
Book Review
The title refers to the author’s feelings toward his religion and, by extension, toward the state of Israel
In the Hopper
Getting on the horn with Dennis Hopper at 6:45am jolts an inquiring mind like a scalding espresso to the lap. “How’s Austin?” exclaims the familiar voice, nary a Blue Velvet wheeze in earshot. “I love Austin. I learned to play golf at Pedernales with Willie and Waylon.” The still-avid easy rider took the role of…
Page Two: Years, Dreams, and Ghosts
How we succeeded in business without really trying
Point Austin: Domain City Limits
City Charter amendment would end a deal gone sour
Death Race
All the busted heads and blasted gaskets can’t turn this makeover of a cult classic into anything but a real drag.
New in Nonfiction
A popular blog turns into book form, highlighting both the advantages and disadvantages of mixing new and old media
The Good Times Ain’t Over
Freddy Powers keeps on truckin’
Oops!
Our latest batch
Noncontroversy Erupts in HD 47
Donna Keel campaign squashes nonexistent rumor before it doesn’t start
The Longshots
Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst directs Ice Cube and others in this sports movie about the first girl to play Pop Warner youth football.
Mr. Smarty Pants Knows
Frankincense, adverbs, and porn, oh my!
This Song Is for You
“I’ve been a behind-the-scenes kind of guy; songwriters don’t get the attention,” muses Powers. “I performed in Las Vegas and Reno and all over the country for years as an entertainer, and nobody really got to know me that good, but then I write one hit song, and everybody calls me a songwriter.” While Powers…
Day Trips
Fort Richardson State Park outside of Jacksboro mixes the story of the Old West with outdoor recreation for the modern family
Party Leaders Pin Hopes on Harris
Houston, we have a chance to take back the Texas House.
Mister Foe
Equal parts sweet and perverse, this Scottish coming-of-age story about a teenage voyeur is unpredictable and compelling and premieres exclusively in Austin.
After a Fashion
Is a punt better than a drop kick? Check out these exciting calendar listings, courtesy of Your Style Avatar.
The Freddy Powers Parkinson Organization
On July 4, a team of international climbers summited the 11,249-foot-high Mount Hood in Oregon and planted a flag in honor of the Freddy Powers Parkinson Organization at its peak. Calling themselves “the Regulars,” the group has set out to climb 10 mountains in 10 years to raise money and awareness for both Parkinson’s and…
TV Eye
A British soap plucks the best bits from American teen shows to make for an addictive good time
City Hall Hustle: Political Drought Withers SMD … Again
‘Gentleman’s agreement’ stays intact after unsuccessful effort to change Austin’s system of electing council members
Hamlet 2
The manic comedian Steve Coogan plays a high school drama teacher who pens a scandalous remake of the Bard’s classic in an attempt to save his Tucson class from budget cuts.
The Common Law
Avoid hassles and disputes with your new landlord
Off the Record
Greezy Wheels shift their gears for a midnight ramble, Black Joe Lewis preps for the Chronicle‘s annual Hot Sauce Festival, American Analog Set’s Andrew Kenny rewinds back to Austin, and the lineup for the 2008 Fun Fun Fun Fest is in
The 2008 ‘Austin Chronicle’ Hot Sauce Festival
Sunday, August 24, 2008 at Waterloo Park
Exoneration for Child Counselor Targeted by Strayhorn
After a four-year battle with the state, Bebe Gaines wins the right to work with foster kids again
Elegy
In this smart adaptation of Philip Roth’s A Dying Animal, Ben Kingsley and Penélope Cruz turn the table on the standard May-December romance.
Event Menu
Local food events
The Hightower Report
The Presidential Library Scam; and Structurally Deficient Bridges and Politicians
Reheated
The 18th Annual Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival
Res Publica
This week’s civic duties: Aug. 21-28
The Rocker
Rainn Wilson’s goofy, puppylike charm makes this comedy about overage, overweight rockers passing on the glories of rock & roll to the next generation a palatable exercise.
Who’s a Pepper?
The piquant history of an American hot sauce
Phases and Stages
Inara George with Van Dyke Parks An Invitation (Everloving) Best to RSVP to Inara George and Van Dyke Parks’ Invitation. The legendary arranger worked with George’s late father, Lowell, in the 1970s and, as he did with Joanna Newsom, lays down an accomplished bed of horns, violins, and cellos to draw out her voice. “Overture”…
Contest and Festival Facts
Check out a map of Waterloo Park
Media Watch: Anybody Want to Buy the Bat Cave?
Read all about it – ‘Statesman’ goes up on the block
Bohemian Rhapsody
Patti Smith’s 12-year take
Phases and Stages
Black Sabbath cut four LPs boomed by holy diver Ronnie James Dio after the band fired Ozzy Osbourne. No bonus tracks or DVD append the Dio-driven Rules of Hell (Warner Bros./Rhino), five discs anchored by 1980’s Dante-worthy Heaven and Hell, wherein the UK doomers went from tar-pit tempos to the razor’s edge of opener “Neon…
Celebrity Judges
Robb Walsh (host and head judge): Walsh was one of the founders of the annual Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival when he served as Food editor of this publication. He currently lives in Houston and reviews restaurants for the Houston Press. He has authored several books on Texas cooking and has won James Beard Foundation…
Texas Supreme Court Draws Widespread Criticism
Critics of ‘Entergy v. Summers’ decision find unlikely allies
Luv Doc Recommends: Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival
If you are what you eat, wouldn’t you rather be hot? Exactly. The hotter the better. There will be plenty of time to cool off when you’re dead, so you might as well peg your needle to the red. Food is no exception. There’s nothing wrong with mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, and banana cream pie.…
