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Cover Story

Mr. Smarty Pants Knows

In 1956, you could get an optional record player in Chrysler, DeSoto, Dodge and Plymouth vehicles. According to the Robert Caro biography of Lyndon B. Johnson, LBJ tried to do “a new, hip-swiveling dance called the twist” with “the scintillating Helen Chavchavadze,” but fell on her, “knocking her to the floor … ‘He lay on…

by Mr. Smarty Pants

The Luv Doc: How Old Is too Old?

LuvDoc, My sister is dating a guy that is 14 years older than she is. He is good-looking and nice and everything, but it kind of creeps me out. Am I just being a bitch? Shouldn’t there be a cutoff age difference? – Sharon That’s a tough one, Sharon. Old people creep everyone out –…

by The Luv Doc

Total Recall

This Total Recall is fast, furious, and frequently fun, but it lacks the snappy, weirdo vibe of its predecessor.

by Marc Savlov

The Common Law: Preempt Fight With Your New Landlord

I’ve rented in Austin for years and it seems like I almost always get in a fight with my landlord over the security deposit. What can I do to better protect myself? Being vigilant about protecting your security deposit starts before you ever move in. Read your lease and get comfortable with it. If there…

by Luke Ellis

Gay Place: CHICKENSHIT

Yes, that fil-A is deee-licious, but the community has turned a blind eye and the other cheek for too long. Dan Cathy’s creepy anti-gay/”I’m still on my first wife” comments are just using a bully pulpit for bullying. Even Teddy Roosevelt wouldn’t say “Bully!” to that. Nope. On Our Gaydar XANADU WILDE PARTY There you…

by Kate X Messer

Killer Joe

Matthew McConaughey’s Killer Joe is sociopathy incarnate; William Friedkin adds visual punch to the venality within Tracy Letts’ screenplay.

by Marc Savlov

Anniversary Events

Here’s a partial list of the daylong activities at Barton Springs Pool and Barton Creek on Aug. 7 and 8. Check www.sosalliance.org for updates. Tuesday, Aug. 7 On Barton Creek: Hike, swim, and snorkel the upper Greenbelt. Meet at the Scottish Woods Trail access. BYO snorkel and drinking water. 8:30-11am. Email sosinfo@sosalliance.org to reserve space.…

by Amy Smith

Oops

Our apologies to photographer Dave Wilson, whose photo of City Hall we used, uncredited, as the background of the cover of the April 27 issue. See more of Wilson’s work at www.davewilsonphotography.com.

by Chronicle Staff

Page Two

In reality, the Save Our Springs election was almost anticlimatic. What follows is the Chronicle’s original endorsement in favor of the ordinance. It accurately pointed out that the vote itself was not that contentious, with only a vested, yet vocal, minority opposed to what were reasonable growth restrictions in an attempt to preserve the watershed.…

by Louis Black

Civics 101

Friday 03 AUSTIN ENVIRONMENTAL DEMOCRATS holds its monthly meeting. Megan Klein (Obama for America) and Andy Brown (Travis County Dems) will speak on getting involved in President Obama’s re-election campaign. Noon-1pm. El Mercado, 1302 S. First. NOCHE CULTURAL Welcome the “No Papers, No Fear” riders and hear their stories. 6:30pm. 5604 Manor Rd. NATIONAL SAME-SEX…

by Chronicle Staff

Quote of the Week

“Kiss my ass. This is a holy site for the Polish people.” – Mitt Romney aide Rick Gorka, in response to reporters’ shouted questions to Romney as he was departing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw, Poland.

by Chronicle Staff

Headlines

� City Council resumes its formal meetings today (Thursday), although it follows a fairly hot-blooded Tuesday work session and a detail-deep Wednes­day briefing on the proposed annual budget. There’s plenty to do on the lengthy agenda, including several city charter amendments, a public hearing on the November bond package, a discussion of Austin Water’s conservation…

by Chronicle Staff

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