Top 10 Canadian Acts, SXSW 08
Here come the Canadians
All About Marilyn
Don’t look, Norma Jean. Really.
More Caucusing!
Caucus system creates community, state rep says
Get Well, Dolly!!!
SXSW will be deprived on set of ample… vocal cords.
Austin Aztex U-23 Tryouts and More
Tryouts for the Austin Aztex U-23 squad are this weekend and the next – Saturday-Sunday, March 8-9 and 15-16. You’re supposed to have turned in a tryout form by now, but see www.austinaztex.com for more info anyway. We’re told senior team coach Adrian Heath will be on hand. Meanwhile, speculation mounts over where the team…
SXSW Kicks-off Tomorrow!
Hey everybody! Sorry we haven’t blogged in awhile…our fabulous Promotions Manager (we miss you Sadie!), moved to North Carolina for a job opportunity and we just haven’t been the same since she left…and she was the one that posted our blogs! YIKES! It’s nutty around here with SXSW about to kick-off…the Film & Interactive Festival…
Toros Running Wild Over D-League
They say when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. The Toros were given lemons this week, losing leading scorer Keith Langford to the exotic lure that Europe holds (you and I know it as “cold, hard cash”), Andre Barrett to an NBA call-up to the Los Angeles Clippers, and Ian Mahinmi first to a bevy…
Maxey Congratulates, Endorses Spears
Defeated candidate says he’ll work to defeat Zimmerman, support Obama
FunXGayXFunXSexyMusicTimes
Comin’ down South? Bi? South by?
Oh, My (Updated)
Travis County charges Hizzoner with assault.
Make Art, Learn About Mosaics
Film prompts public art, and you’re invited
Protect the Menhaden
Texas Parks and Wildlife holding public forums tonight.
Pleasure Seeker, Shopping for a New Distraction: True Colors 2008
True Colors lineup and dates announced!
Other races
Down-ballot stuff, and a few crazy Republicans
So Who Won the Precinct Caucus Delegates? (UPDATED)
We don’t know yet.
Boyd Still Buoyant
Dem caucus turn-out expected to beat entire Republican primary count.
Best. Day. Ev.AR.
What a great day!
Augustin, Barnes Named Award Finalists
D.J. Augustin has racked up a lot of honors this season. But being named to the Oscar Robinson Award’s list of finalists is probably second on his own list behind the recent Academic All-American nomination he recently received. Though most analysts believe, as I do, that Kansas State’s Michael Beasley, who was also named to…
Final Voting Totals
Austinites love to vote!
The Clinton Party
The scene there last night.
The Obama Party
The scene there last night.
Doherty’s Win Was Absolute
Travis was his worst county, at 57%
Thompson: Well Done, Dukes
Failed HD 46 challenger congratulates incumbent, thanks staff and volunteers.
New School
Palm School Choir turns voices to Gold.
The Good Life
Justin Townes Earle takes his namesake in stride.
Noriega Appears to Have Avoided Run-Off
Thankfully, only 582,018 idiots voted for Gene Kelly
Prez Watch Party Pics
Shots from Scholz’ and Hill’s Cafe last night.
Hey, We’re Famous!
Blog lovin’
Big 12 Tourney Is Key in Horns’ Quest for a Top Seed
Though they got back on track against Nebraska at home Tuesday night, the Longhorns will have to do a lot more than beat a bad team to make up for their stunning loss to Texas Tech over the weekend. Though analysts were talking No. 1 seed as well as No. 1 rankings in the polls…
Huber Whallops Gonzales in County Commish Precinct 3
Loser accuses party officials of dirty tricks
So Who Won Austin?
Obama takes Austin, Clinton takes Texas
D.A. Race Round Two: Lehmberg vs. Montford
No, I wasn’t stuck at a precinct caucus, just stuck gabbing with lawyers. Yup: Lots and lots of lawyers. Not surprising, since it is the lawyers that actually run for judicial seats and prosecutor posts. So, there you go. That’s where I was. And, my colleague Lee Nichols is right: the four-way race for Travis…
CD 10 Round-Up
We spoke to Larry Joe Doherty, the successful contender for the Dem nod in CD 10, and his competitor, Dan Grant, a little while ago.
Around the State
Results from around the state
Dukes Going Back to the House
East Austin incumbent puts success down to achievements.
Montford and Lehmberg Headed for Run-Off
Another month before we know our next DA
Presidential Update
Hillary inches up in vote count, delegates
Party Like It’s 2008
Drunken Democrats set up shop downtown
No-Name Candidate in Lead
The candidate no one paid attention to is winning Railroad Commission race
Noriega Struggling to Avoid Runoff
That idiot Gene Kelly is doing it again
Spears Pounds Maxey
Early voting gives incumbent tax assessor insurmountable lead
Obama and Travis
Travis County loves Obama
Boyd Feeling Buoyant
Texas Democratic Party chair calls high turn-out victory.
Doherty in CD 10
AP calls CD 10 for Doherty.
Hillary Street Blues
The down side of caucusing.
Slow Going in CD 10
Results not exactly forthcoming in CD 10.
Caucusmania, Precinct 350-Style
More heavy caucus turn-out reported at Cowan Elementary.
A Democracy Explosion
Wow, you’d actually think people are interested in this voting stuff
Eyes Upon Texas
Statewide, massive Democrat turnout, and McCain, Obama ahead on early voting
Early Voting, Part Two
More early voting results from Travis County
Early Voting In
First numbers for Travis County in.
Caucus-o-rama
Over here on the west side things are pretty hoppin’ — Pct. 251 is packing ’em in at O’Henry Middle School. The word in the sweaty cafeteria is that it could take more than two hours for voters to sign in before the convention will even begin. According to my completely unscientific crowd estimate –…
Two-Step Gets Crowded
Democrat precinct caucuses crowded.
Pens Down!
Time for the second step on the two-step
The Scene at Your Polling Place
Long cues at Caswell.
Last Minute Dirty Tricks
Clinton camp hurls accusation, but is it backed with evidence?
Seriously, You Need to Go Vote NOW
Long lines are forming – do NOT wait until 6:55!
Mingering Mike, Superstar
An real singer with imaginary albums takes the stage.
Voted Early. Now I’m Voting Often.
You can make a difference! Caucus!
Today Is Election Day
It’s time, people. Make your voice heard.
Gold Star
Heather Gold puts SXSW Interactive superstars on the hot seat
Fox News: How Typical
Because they wouldn’t want to go anywhere near the LBJ museum
Texas State Capitol Hosts Special Hearing on Death Penalty
At the Death House Door sparks debate on death penalty
Farewell to the Dungeon Master
The genius behind Dungeons and Dragons lays down his dice.
Too Early to Tell
It’s too early to tell how UT’s baseball team will fare this season
Guilty Women for Hillary
A glimpse into a nebulous underworld …
Nigerian Nobel Laureate: U.S. Making Progress … Wait, What?
Wole Soyinka on campus at UT to discuss Darfur
The Call Is Coming From Inside the (White) House!
Crank Dat Walter Mondale, Roy Spence
One Last Poll Check
Last numbers before the real thing
Hillary Clinton Photo Album
Shots of the New York senator and presidential candidate at the Burger Center
Putting the ‘Hill’ in Hilarious
Clinton does second broadcast from Austin in one day.
Hillary Is Was on TV From Austin RIGHT NOW
Live and on Fox (sports southwest, that is).
Big Bucks, No Whammies in HD 46
Out-of-town Democrat lawyers sinking cash into both sides of east Austin state rep race.
My Kirk Watson Moment
There is a reason I’m in print and not broadcasting
Tracking the Popular Vote Tuesday Night
The key is who wins each of Texas’ 31 senatorial districts, not the overall popular vote
Beer Drinkers, Meet ‘Alcospeed’
Just in time for SXSW … someone comes out against Sparks.
The Anthropology of Femicide in Juarez
Cecilia Balli talked to a UT audience about the ongoing murder problem in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
Cabela’s: Not Just for Deer Hunting
The store for hunting weed dealers!
Heartbreakers Dominate, Honeys Balance the Scales
TXRG starts ’08 season with doubleheader, high score, and some hard blows
Bend It, Stretch It
Unseen Worlds re-discovers Carl Stone’s 1983 classic
Texas Blues in the NBA
When it rains it pours for Kevin Durant. ESPN.com’s David Thorpe has had KD as the premier rookie all season long, even in late January when Durant saw his output fall and his turnovers increase. But a four-game losing streak where KD averaged fewer than 20 – he’s the scoring leader on an unbalanced team.…
Darkon Keeps On
SXSW ’06 prizewinning doc gets DVD release.
Michelle Obama in Austin Today
Barack’s better half stumping for him here
Election Eve Polls for Texas: Still Deadlocked
If it ends up being a tie, which way will the possession arrow be pointing? This is March madness.
Full Details of Clinton’s Town Hall and Austin Activities Tonight
Televised town hall first, then rally at Burger Center
Thompson to Dukes: Facts on My Side
HD-46 challenger fires back at Dukes’ family complaint.
Interesting Travis County Voter Stats
Lots of first-time voters on the Democrat side.
A Family Fractured
Albert Maysles responds to his niece’s film
Pay It Forward
Mumblecore pays it forward
Thompson Wins Ethics Assault
Texas Ethics Commission rejects claim HD 46 challenger broke rules.
The Conversation
The Conversation 1974, PG, 113 min. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Starring Gene Hackman, John Cazale, Frederic Forrest, Cindy Williams, Teri Garr. Released between The Godfather and The Godfather II, Coppola’s twitchy mystery about surveillance expert is its own triumph. Walter Murch’s editing and sound design contributions are essential.
Ladies & Gentlemen, Introducing… CHAINBOW
Taste the Chainbow!
Archival Films in SF
Andy’s going to SF and alls we get are these… well, pretty terrific blog posts.
Bagging Rights
Is that a bag on your head, or are you just glad to see the Duplass brothers back in town?
The Man Behind the Ad
Anti-toll roads activist says alleged Thompson attack ad not a Thompson ad.
Cookie Crumbles Obama’s Way
Political snacks still selling strong.
Final Early Voting Numbers Blow Away Previous Records
Good job, Travis County!
Noriega Has a Problem – Namely, Gene Kelley
Democrats aren’t supposed to be this stupid
Driving Down the 101: Somehow Ending Up in Austin
Hunky Ben McKenzie spoke to a throng of screaming babes at the UT Obama office.
Dukes: It’s Not My Contract
East Austin rep counters claims her consultancy business owes subcontractor.
Dream Team in Color and Bitches in Black, Baby!
This is how we do it in the primary, bitch!
Thompson: Not My Ad
Thompson responds to Dukes family law suit, says they have the wrong guy.
Dems Gay for Broke
Ahh, the dual edge of gay influence in the Democratic Party.
Law and Disorder in HD 46
Thompson fails to get Dukes ads pulled, Dukes family makes own defamation complaint.
Maxey and Spears (Aleshire) Spar Over Deadbeat Dads
Challenger says tax assessor doesn’t do enough; incumbent’s spokesman calls charge “big fat juicy lie”
Oh, it is ON
SXSW Film passes now on sale
Books! And Movies! And Bulls!
SXSW swag
District Attorney Ronnie Earle Endorses Dan Grant
Travis District Attorney takes sides in CD 10 race
Get Focused!
Gather round the TV, kids.
Caucus Training Party
Obama supporters want to show you how to caucus
Another Poll: Zogby Says Obama Has Big Texas Lead
Only poll not showing a deadlock
Toros Weekend Preview
The Toros have a pair of games this weekend against some stiff competition. With the addition of Andre Barrett speeding up the offense, there’s a pretty good chance you’re going to see a Toros stampede this weekend. Friday Night The Exquisite Details: Fort Wayne Mad Ants at Austin Toros 7pm Austin Convention Center Minor League…
One-Legged Two Step
Could the Clinton campaign be challenging the rules for the Texas primary?
Council Punts on Single-Member Districts
Only after bloodied players leave the field.
Freeconomics!
Free is the new not free.
Snapshot: Leslie & the Ly’s
Gem sweaters, everywhere!
Free Bus Rides on Election Day
Don’t tell us you can’t get to the polls. It’s FREE.
Last Day of Early Voting
C’mon – everybody’s doing it!
Down the Rabbit Hole
The weird, ever-evolving world of ARGs
The Common Law
Cycle Utopia – Can Cyclists Do That?
Carolyn Wonderland
Miss Understood‘s life of luxury
Page Two: Dream of Life
SXSW celebrates the best of what I am and what I believe
Reefer Madness
Election Edition
ScreenBurn Arcade
This two-day event is free and open to the public
Mr. Smarty Pants Knows
he benefits of exercise and alcohol together, why Tibetans loved to be devoured by dogs, and more
The Belleville Outfit
Six degrees of Uncle Walt
Playing Through
Eric Shanteau may be the third-fastest individual medley swimmer in the world, but that doesn’t guarantee him a spot on the U.S. Olympic team
Naked City
Quote of the Week “It’s a free country.” – Hillary Clinton, responding to the news that Ralph Nader has decided on another independent run for president Headlines • Tuesday, March 4, is primary election day, or, if you hurry, you’ve got today (Thursday) or tomorrow for early voting. And don’t just vote; caucus! Tuesday night,…
The Manipulation of Tay Zonday
Viral marketing, part-savvy, part-skeevy
Letters @ 3AM
The archetypes in this Democratic primary are Mama and He Who Can Free the Sword From the Stone
The Black
Bringing it all back home
Soccer Watch
The Aztex make some coaching move, and more
Happenings
Feb. 28-March 6
Talk Show Host
Heather Gold is not here to push your product
Event Menu
Feb. 29-March 6
Krum Bums
Punks take it to the street
Beside the Point
Single-member districts proposal shoehorned into discussion and vote, barely in advance of city’s election-setting deadline
City Plans for Webberville Land Cause Big Stink
Austin may use 2,800 acres of undeveloped land owned by Austin Energy for industrial purposes
Austin Museum of Art: The third way, explained
AMOA’s new proposal for a new Downtown home is dramatically smaller than the last, but that’s by design
Food-o-file
A new Torchy’s Taco complete with seating and Little Nookies, Quack’s political cookies, and more gooey food news
The Wiis on the Bus
How the Wii Remote and simulated games are changing the way we learn
Make Your Vote Count – Twice!
A primer on Democratic precinct conventions
@ Newsdesk
Is there extraterrestrial life out there?
The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Austin: Frederic blows out 38 candles (or should that be 152?)
The city’s G&S devotees throw the duty-bound hero of The Pirates of Penzance a Leap Day birthday bash
Thom’s Grocery
Picnic at Zilker Park? Make Thom’s your last stop.
See Jane Game
Keynote speaker Jane McGonigal wants to change the world
Debate Night: All the News Next Door
It’s campaign season in Austin!
Biscoe’s Mr. Fix-It Hangs Up Spurs
The man behind County Judge Sam Biscoe bids farewell
Arts Review
Il Teatro Nostro’s production of this play for youth by David Mamet outshines its shoestring budget
Cissi’s Market
South Congress’ grocer exemplifies its hip, modern surroundings
One Size Does Not Fit All
The international community reacts and adapts to a Westernized Web
Ron Paul
They were the two presidential campaigns meant to motivate the disenchanted and the unaffiliated. But the rallies held over the weekend by Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Rep. Ron Paul highlighted the differences between their policies, their crowds, and their successes. Almost a year to the day after Obama’s afternoon rally at Auditorium Shores, the…
Arts Review
Though it took some time to get there, the ensemble Viola by Choice proved how essential the viola is in chamber music
Phases & Stages
Ghostland Observatory Robotique Majestique (Trashy Moped) Since GLO’s breakthrough at the 2006 Austin City Limits Music Festival, the local duo has struggled to top its electroclash charades. Their solution? Lasers. On Ghostland’s third self-produced LP, Robotique Majestique, mastered at the Exchange in London by Nilesh Patel (Daft Punk, Justice), that strategy largely translates into massive,…
World, Interrupted
Saving the world, one Web warrior at a time
Debate Notebook: Outside Looking In
After UT’s brass-band fanfare kickoff to last Thursday’s Democratic presidential debate, it was a little lonely outside the Rec Sports Center. Around 7:15pm, James Karrington was standing opposite the sports center in the setting sun, unsuccessfully trying to hawk Barack Obama T-shirts to passersby. “I’m not too good at this,” said the 23-year-old from Los…
City of Men
This Brazilian followup to the award-winning City of God tells a new story but continues its look at gangster life and the cycle of poverty in the slums of Rio de Janeiro.
Arts Review
Matt Wester’s compassionate paintings are drawn from photographs he took as a National Guardsman in Iraq
Phases & Stages
Swordfishtrombones, Pink Moon, and Rid of Me: A Story
Simplexity Rising
Web usability reveals itself to be a game of hide-and-seek
Dukes and Money
Questions persist about Rep. Dukes’ finances
Be Kind Rewind
Michel Gondry’s latest mind warp, which stars Jack Black and Mos Def, is long on vision and heart but short on narrative coherence.
Trailers (No Trash)
The Food staff surveys the street corners and back alleys of Austin for its finest street-food cuisine
News/Print
Austinites get on the same page with the Mayor’s Book Club selection, Rockdale rocks some literature and music, novelist Amanda Eyre Ward gets crazy with the cheese (she’s a whiz with the books, too), and Dobie Paisano turns 40, gets some work done
Phases & Stages
Roxy Music The Thrill of It All
Stop Writing …
and Start Storytelling
The Constable Races: Part 2
The relatively tame contests at play in precincts 1,3, and 4
Semi-Pro
If basketball must be mocked, it deserves to be mocked well, and unfortunately, Will Ferrell’s Semi-Pro isn’t up to the challenge.
Ringo Deathstarr
Stargazers set phaser pedals to stun
Readings
The Thing About Life is an acknowledgement of the inevitability of bodily decline dressed up in elaborate literary garments
Phases & Stages
Van Morrison
Eugene the Destroyer
His comedy kills, and now he’s hosting the SXSW Web Awards
WilCo Officials Close Ranks in Constable Race
Maverick WilCo Republican constable under fire from county officials
The Other Boleyn Girl
The Other Boleyn Girl, with Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson, is an engagingly sordid meditation on protofeminism.
Zookeeper
The third life of Chris Simpson
Readings
Millhauser is a bit of an illusionist himself, trading in elaborate setups, allegorical sleight of hand, and fairy tales with something up their sleeve
Phases & Stages
Beach House Devotion (Carpark) Baltimore duo Alex Scally and Victoria Legrand proved aptly named on 2006’s self-titled debut, a mixture of sunshine pop and Mazzy Star reverb. With follow-up Devotion, they’ve gone from rolling around in the sand to a full-on séance. Scally continues to use slide guitar as the heavy current into which Legrand’s…
Will Ferrell Plays Dirty
On jocks, jokes, and why he’s no Cuba Gooding Jr.
Party Chairs
Grassroots vs. Technology; and Modernization vs. the Grassroots
Badland
Badland is a well-meaning but pointlessly overblown drama about an American vet with post-traumatic stress disorder.
‘Chronicle’ Endorsements
March 4 primary election
Readings
Dagoberto Gilb’s latest novel takes readers on a startling and inevitable journey
Phases & Stages
Ray Davies Working Man’s Café (New West) As game as Other People’s Lives seesawed, Ray Davies’ 2006 solo debut cranked up ancient machinery sure to warm up slowly. Co-produced by Ray Kennedy in Nashville, Working Man’s Café wipes up the studio sheen of its predecessor with a comfortable roots groove that Davies’ Kinks helped perfect…
The Film Prof’s Drunk, and the Kids Are Not All Right
Zombie auteur George Romero delivers another state of the union
Election Notes
• Delegates, shmelegates: The real competition among Democratic candidates in Austin has been about cuisine. Two local eateries held competitions to let locals vote with their stomachs on their favored presidential hopeful. Quack’s on 43rd Street produced a range of O- and H-shaped shortbread cookies (available with blue icing or red for wavering Republicans). The…
Penelope
Christina Ricci and James McAvoy star in this modern-day fairy tale about a girl who’s cursed with a pig’s snout for a nose but must find true love before the curse can be removed.
The Hightower Report
Forest Service Serves Mining Company; and Flaunting the Law While Flying the Flag
Readings
This unlikely, labyrinthine but ultimately intriguing tale by Swiss writer Pascal Mercier is already a bestseller in Europe
Phases & Stages
Tuxedomoon Vapour Trails (Crammed Discs) Once labelmates with the Residents, this native San Francisco group’s strange, unwieldy late-1970s output got more arch when it relocated to Belgium in the 1980s. Vapour Trails, recorded by the quartet in Greece, is far jazzier, darker, and fully formed than anything they’ve done. Smoldering opener “Muchos Colores,” sung in…
TV Eye
The government claims it wants to help you switch from analog to digital-ready TV, but they’re not making it easy
Olsen Hearing Raises More Questions Than Answers on APD Policy
Will Austin Police Department Sgt. Michael Olsen get his job back?
George A. Romero’s Diary of the Dead
Every generation gets the George A. Romero socio-political zombie opus they deserve. We must be living right, because this new film cuts right to the heart.
Leaping Into SXSW Interactive
An aperitif to kick things off
Readings
Carey, an Australian native, is at his best when describing the minutiae of the wild, and less when grappling with his implausible premise
SXSW Picks 2 Click 2008
Seven local showcasers ready for their close-ups
Off the Record
The sound of music at the 2008 SXSW Film Conference, Barack Obama boogies back to Texas with Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, and Bubble Recording sports a diamond
Target Target: Janitors win a legal victory
Laid-off janitors at Target sue for overtime and back pay
Youth Without Youth
After a 10-year absence, Francis Ford Coppola has come in from the vineyards, but his Youth Without Youth is a self-satisfied bore that fails to connect with the audience.
In Your Facebook
Do social networking sites strengthen communities or the class divide?
After a Fashion
Stephen has a DIFFArent weekend in Dallas and wants to give Katie Holmes a glass of water
Black Joe Lewis & the Honey Bears
The hardest-working man in the seafood business
Day Trips
Enjoy the petting zoo and hear the history of one of Texas’ most astonishing African-American ranching families at the Taylor-Stevenson Ranch
Point Austin: The Okey Doke
Obama’s genius is in movement and counterpoint
Luv Doc Recommends: Texas State Arts Festival
If you don’t think laser hair removal is an art, think again. It’s not all about carving landing strips and bisecting unibrows. There may be occasions where a customer requests to have his back hair depilated in a facsimile of C.M. Coolidge’s Dogs Playing Poker or his butt rug burned into Escher’s mirror ball. Exacting…
