Cover Story
Hurd Is the Word
Cornell Hurd, Austin’s most prolific C&W songwriter? It’s no joke.
How Hard Can It Be? Plenty.
Don’t miss our election autopsy in today’s print edition. Specifically, let me point you to Jordan Smith’s recap of Kinky Friedman’s election night “party,” where he sulked off like a neutered dog from his rescue ranch. (It’s the third article down.) I think a lot of people were genuinely excited and energized by Friedman’s announcement…
Dynamo-ite!
Big week for Texas soccer. The Houston Dynamo cruised into Sunday’s MLS Cup Championship game up in the Metroplex with a 3-1 home win over the Colorado Rapids. The Rapids took a shock lead in the fourth minute, but the Dynamo struck back quickly with two Paul Dalglish goals in a 10-minute span and looked…
Democrats Take Control of the Senate!
AP has called the Virginia Senate race for Jim Webb. Combined with John Tester’s win in Montana, the Democrats now have a 51 seat majority in the Senate, and control of both chambers of Congress. This is huge.
Seaman All Spent
Quorum Report has Dem challenger Juan Garcia creaming Gene Seaman by 200 votes in Corpus Christi. Declaring victory, the Garcia camp issued this statement: “Ten months ago I vowed to reach across the partisan divide to bring new leadership to the Coastal Bend. With the support of thousands of supporters across four counties, we will…
Doggett on Rumsfeld
Rep. Lloyd Doggett – no doubt enjoying the greater notice his press releases will get now that he’s in the majority – said the following today in reaction to the announcement that Defense Secretary Rumsfeld would step down: “When it comes to Iraq, President Bush just cannot seem to speak the truth. After proclaiming one…
Seaman All Dried Up?
The Corpus Christi Caller-Times is reporting that the “final count of three San Patricio County voting precincts won’t be complete until at least 3pm.” As of last count, incumbent Republican Rep. Gene Seaman was up by a scant 24 votes over Democratic challenger Juan Garcia.
CNN Calls Montana for Tester
While Bush blathered, CNN and AP both called the contested Senate seat for the Dem. A Webb victory in Virginia will give the Senate – and both chambers – to the Democratic Party.
Holy Shit! Rumsfeld Quits!
“A superb leader in a time of change,” says the president. Former CIA director, and Texas A&M president Robert Michael “Bob” Gates nominated by Bush. Let the Aggie jokes begin. In other news from this press conference, Bush is a contradictory ass. We wax Rummy with a wealth of his quotes below the fold. From…
Rumsfeld Resigns, but Don’t Break Out the Champagne
Yes, you read that right: CNN just reported that Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld will step down. We were giddy for about 10 minutes, until an astute political observer (my mother-in-law) just posited a way this could turn bad: Bush could appoint pro-war Democrat Sen. Joseph Lieberman as Rummy’s replacement. Connecticut’s Republican governor could then…
BurkaBlecch
Paul Burka pauses from delivering mustache rides to nowhere (like this real boner: “[Bell] lost any chance of getting my vote when he decried high-stakes testing”), to wax rhapsodic on last night’s D wins as only he could.
Virginia & Montana Update
Granted, it’s a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee press release posted on Daily Kos, so take with a grain of salt. But things continue bode well for the D’s: “Both Jon Tester and Jim Webb have won their races in Montana and Virginia but want to make sure that every vote is counted. We expect to…
Could Texas Send One More Dem to Congress?
The Democrats may not be done rolling up the score in Congress. Because of court-ordered redistricting, Dist. 23, which stretches from San Antonio almost to El Paso, was a special election rather than a general election. Unlike a general election, just getting the most votes is not enough – to win a special, an actual…
A Bigger Blue Dot?
That blue island in the sea of red that is Travis County added some land last night, as the neighboring Hays County government made a dramatic flip from R to D. All three Republican incumbents on the commissioners court were swept from office – including County Judge Jim Powers, who was first elected in 1998…
It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over
Apparently, the Democrats picked up four Republican seats in the Texas House last night, and could get a fifth: In District 32 (Corpus Christi area), sleazeball incumbent Gene Seaman – fighting for his political life amid investigations of criminal conduct – is clinging to a 24-vote lead over Democrat Juan Garcia with one box out…
Unbelievable Evening
Democratic control of both chambers of Congress hang in the balance of two outstanding Senate races, which, as of this writing, are leaning Dem. In Montana, Jon Tester leads Republican incumbent Conrad Burns 146,449 to 139,675, 73% reporting, according to CNN. Dems are “extremely optimistic.” Which leaves the Webb-Allen knuckleduster in Virginia. Webb, leading as…
Signing Off
That’s it for me, folks. My eyes are crossing from about 14 straight hours of staring at a computer. Some of my more nightowl co-workers might continue to post, but I’m heading home. Thanks for joining us tonight for our election coverage.
NBC Calls Missouri for McCaskill; Talent Concedes
Dems two seats away from control of Senate – and both chambers!
Texas Roundup Notes
We’re digging through the state results. Of interest: In Congressional District 10, Democrat Ted Ankrum did refreshingly well against incumbent Michael McCaul. With almost all votes counted, Ankrum, in a conservative district stretching from West Lake Hills to suburban Houston, has pulled in 41% of the vote, vs. McCaul’s 54%. Austinite Michael Badnarik – the…
Dems Have Won U.S. House
CNN has finally projected that the Democrats have wrapped up at least 220 seats, two seats over the number needed to take the majority, making it sort of official.
Bolton Gives Dems a Clean Travis Sweep
The Travis County Republican Party’s “No Blue Dot” campaign (referring to Travis County’s tendency to appear as a blue Democratic Dot on Republican red Texas election maps) has failed miserably. It took until nearly midnight, but with all 46 precincts reporting, Democrat Valinda Bolton has defeated Republican Bill Welch in state House Dist. 47, at…
Senate: Dems Could Do It
Knock on wood, but it could happen. Since my previous Senate post, McCaskill made a huge swing to pull into a slim lead in Missouri (19% remaining to be counted). The GOP’s Corker has defeated Ford in Tennessee, so the current count is GOP, 49-48. Democrat Tester looks solid in Montana with about half counted,…
Travis Counting Complete; Bolton Wins
All precincts have reported, except on the city of Austin bonds. Here are the winners in contested races exclusive to Travis County, and the percentage of votes garnered by the winners: State Senator, District 14 Kirk Watson-D 80% State House: District 46 Dukes-D 85% District 47 Bolton-D 50.24% (Welch-R 45.52%, Schick-L 4.24%) District 48 Howard-D…
Senate: Down to Four
The odds of the Dems taking the Senate look slim. The count is 48-48, with four races still outstanding: Virginia: Democrat Webb leads by a mere 2,265 votes, with 1% of the precincts yet to report. If his margin of victory is less than 1%, a recount will be automatic. Missouri: Democrat McCaskill is in…
Vo Looks Good Against Heflin
In 2004, Democrat neophyte Hubert Vo pulled out a squeaker win against powerful Republican incumbent Talmadge Heflin in state House Dist. 149, ousting the chairman of the Appropriations Committee by a mere 33 votes. Heflin is trying to regain that seat tonight, but Vo looks strong: With probably about half the vote counted, Vo is…
Prop. 6 Post Mortem
Library mastermind (and former Austin Chronicle city editor) Mike Clark-Madison is a woolly guy to get a hold of; At the 7 Steps party at Joe’s Bar and Grill, he’s frantically trying to get a handle on the national races. But sometime after the D’s took the House, the bibliophile Karl Rove shared his thoughts…
Doggett Savors the D Wave
Congressman Lloyd Doggett had the following statement on tonight’s election: “Electing my friend Nancy Pelosi, as the first woman to serve as the Speaker of the House, will make history. More importantly, the extremist agenda that has driven Congress, since I was elected in 1994, has now become history. Hope can replace despair. We can…
So Much for Those Travis Republican Districts
In the 2001 Lege redistricting, an extra district was carved into Travis County, increasing our delegation from five seats to six, with three specifically shaped to elect Republicans. Our representation went from four Dems, one Republican, to a 3-3 split, an appalling situation in True Blue Travis. It’s looking like those GOP gains could be…
Random Will Wynn Quotes:
…on a cell phone, frantically asking, “Where should I go right now?” “This feels so good.” “It was fun to do.” “It was so balanced, and I think that really resonated with the voters!” To anyone who will look, Wynn shows his copy of the new National Geographic Traveler, naming Austin “the best little city…
Dems Win House, Senate Still in Play
ABC News has projected that the Dems have the House in the bag; CNN says the current actual tally is Dems 158, GOP 134 (with 218 needed for a majority). In the Senate, the current tally is Dems 47, GOP 46, with 51 needed for a majority the Dems to take control, but only 50…
Thank God the Texas Governorship Isn’t That Powerful
Because Gov. Goodhair is on TV right now, reminding that we’re about to endure four more years of his far-right incompetence. Unfortunately, the Texas governorship tends to lead to bigger things, such as the presidency. Jeez, if you think the Bush White House has been bad, say this phrase without screaming in horror: “President Perry”
The Closest Local Races of the Night …
… are in the state 3rd Court of Appeals, where I’m guessing you have a push and pull between Travis County and the 23 other mostly rural counties that make up the district, which basically runs from LaGrange to San Angelo. Here are the numbers, with what I estimate to be about 50% of the…
Nervous Nelly Baird
Charlie Baird is fretting. He’s been at Cuba Libre for over an hour and he hasn’t seen any election results. For whatever reason, the e-night numbers in the 299th District Court are nowhere to be found. They’re not showing up on TV. And he can’t seem to locate them on the county Web site (they’re…
Into the Great Wide Open, Part One: Dude Version
Our continuing series on the Chronicle’s complete waste of resources finds me here to provide a preview for the 2006-’07 National Collegiate Athletic Association Div. I Men’s Basketball season. First and foremost, let’s composite the preseason polls below the fold. Associated Press Poll (The historically solid one) 1. Florida 2. North Carolina 3. Kansas 4.…
Associated Press Calls the Governor’s Race for Perry
And in other breaking news, AP has declared that the sun will apparently rise in the east tomorrow.
Librarian Lushes
The way these librarians party, they’re gonna need a 25-cent shot bar and an AA meeting room in the bottom of that new central library. Here at the Libraries for Austin party at Molotov, the early voting 60-40 split in favor of a new library has backers PSYCHED! “if it it stays that way, I…
More State Totals
The major issue at the Lege has been public school financing, and how well public school supporters can hold off the pro-voucher crowd. Here are some key races in that respect, based on a “races to watch” tip sheet from a public education lobbyist. Most of these races include all of early voting, and a…
Updated State Numbers
With what I estimate is about 40% of the vote counted, here are some key races we’re looking at: Governor: Perry 41% Bell 29% Friedman 11% Strayhorn 18% U.S. Senate: Hutchison 63% Radnofsky 35% Congress: Dist. 10 McCaul-R 55% Ankrum-D 42% Dist. 17 Chet Edwards-D 66% Van Taylor-R 33% Dist. 22 (DeLay’s former seat) Lampson-D…
A Blue Night
CNN just called the Maryland Senate seat for the Dems, one of the close races desperately needed by that party. The network just showed a graphic of races they’ve called, and it was overwhelmingly blue. (Which, if you’ve been living under a rock for the past eight years, is the color all the networks use…
Two More Democratic Senate Wins, Sort Of
CNN has called Ohio for Brown (expected) and Connecticut for Lieberman, who, despite the fact that he got kicked to the curb in the Democratic primary for his pro-war views and decided to run as an indie with huge Republican support, has said he’ll caucus with the Dems.
Dumbest Thing I’ve Heard Tonight
On CNN, archconservative and guardian of our moral purity Bill Bennett said “You will see a movement to draft Rick Santorum for president in 2008.” Sorry Bill, but this election seems to cast doubt on whether Americans are prepared to elect a complete idiot for a third straight election.
Early State Numbers
With early voting totals released, and 1.48% of precincts: Senate Hutchison (R) 62% Radnofsky (D) 36% Austin congressional seats: Dist. 10: McCaul (R) 44% Ankrum (D) 51% (Don’t get too excited – we suspect those numbers are predominantly Travis early voting) Dist. 31: Carter (R) 59% Harrell (D) 40% Dist. 21: Lamar Smith (R) 61%…
Huge Senate Pickup for Dems
I’m not sure why, because the numbers they’re showing don’t support it, but CNN is calling the New Jersey Senate race for Democrat Menendez over Republican Kean. That’s huge – one of the crucial seats the Dems were hoping for. The only numbers I see show Menendez behind, so I’m guessing that those returns are…
Early Bond Results
News 8 Austin has all seven bond propositions passing, but Prop. 4 in trouble with 56% for, 44% against.
Irony: Librarians Yelling
I was in the ladies room chatting with a woman sporting a Texas Conference for Women tote bag, who began thanking me profusely when she realized I was the one who dished on Martha Stewart in our coverage of that event, but we were interrupted by shrieks from the main room of the Molotov Lounge…
Squashing Santorum
CBS is calling Pennsylvania for Dem Bob Casey over Little Ricky.
Travis County Early Voting Numbers Out
Headlines: ALL CITY OF AUSTIN BONDS BONDS PASSING EASILY LEGE: BOLTON NARROW LEAD OVER WELCH LEGE: WATSON, DUKES, HOWARD, NAISHTAT, RODRIGUEZ, STRAMA WINNING EASILY DISTRICT COURTS: BAIRD AND NARANJO WELL UP ON REPUBLICANS COUNTY: DEMS ALL WINNING EASILY EXCEPT PCT. 2 JUSTICE OF PEACE At this point, the Texas House Dist. 47 race is the…
Texas Polls Are Closed
It’s all over but the counting. Very early numbers are trickling out, only 14 precincts out of 8,510, and obviously from conservative areas. Which, um, is most of Texas.
Bye Bye, Blackwell
Remember former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, he of the 80-pound cardstock? Well, he summarily got the crap kicked out of him in his bid for Governor by Democrat Ted Strickland. Blackwell trailed so bad, CNN just called it for Strickland with zero-districts reporting. Trailed so bad, he was pulling this shit in the…
Virginia Loves the Racist
Bad news from Robert E. Lee’s home state: George Allen (R) is leading R-turned-D James Webb, the former Navy secretary, by nine points in what was expected to be a dead heat. Only 10% of the precincts have been counted, but it can’t be good to be 27,000 votes behind. EDIT: now it’s just pulled…
Horse Race in Kentucky
Democrats are desperately hoping to knock off two Kentucky Republican incumbents in the House, and so far, they have reason to be hopeful in one of them: In KY-3, Dem John Yarmuth has a 50.1-48.8% edge with 65.7% of precincts reporting. In KY-4, Dem Ken Lucas is nine points behind Geoff Lucas, but that’s only…
Voter Suppression in Nueces County?
Burnt Orange Report has the gory details. $5,000 reward out there, people.
Tracking the Senate
Here’s the key number you need to know for following the battle for control of the Senate: 10. There 33 seats up for grabs. Of the seats not up for grabs, 40 belong to Republicans and 27 belong to Democrats. That stacks the odds quite a bit against the Dems, but polls are showing that…
Election Night Parties
Here’s the list of “victory parties” (they always call them that, even when the candidate in question has no chance of winning) that we know of at the moment. We’ll update this list as we receive more info. For the most part, we expect Austin candidates will all converge at the celebrations of their respective…
It’s Almost Time …
Polls close at 6pm (Central Time) in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia, followed by North Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia at 6:30. We’ll update you as soon as we get any numbers and can start getting a feel for how the battle for Congress is going, and then we’ll post early voting…
Voter Suppression Round-Up
High GOP trickification is afoot in several combative districts nationwide. A sampling of GOP vote suppression and all-around fuckery follows: In Maryland, homeless people were bussed in from Philadelphia, took a meeting with incumbent Republican governor Bob Ehrlich’s wife (!), and then proceeded to pass out campaign literature identifying Ehrlich as a Dem. In the…
UT Men’s Basketball Preview
The Texas Longhorns men’s basketball team now has a pair of exhibition victories in the bag, and for the most part, so far so decent. The starting guard combination of freshman D.J. Augustin and sophomore A.J. Abrams seems to contain enough quickness, instinct, and pure ability to man the backcourt with authority. Potential shortfall number…
It’s Official: Radnofsky Stuns Hutchison, Democrats Upset Abbott and Dewhurst
Well, sort of official: Those are the results from 8,000 Austin ISD students as part of the National Student/Parent Mock Election, an exercise to teach civic participation to schoolkids. Man, look at those Libertarian numbers! Glad they’ll have something to toast at their party at Legends tonight. Overall results: U.S. Senate: Radnofsky (D) 46%, Hutchison…
Report From the County Clerk
MIDDAY ELECTION UPDATE FROM COUNTY CLERK DANA DEBEAUVOIR We’re having a great Election Day in Travis County. Polling places are quite busy, and lines have been steady throughout the day. The overwhelming number of calls to the County Clerk’s Elections Division did result in a steady busy signal for a few minutes as voting got…
Good News, Bad News
The UT Lady Longhorns got invited to the Dance on Monday. In fact, they were greeted as one of the four guests of honor by the NCAA – and then ushered to their table in a far corner of the room, next to the bathrooms, and behind a column. Gee, thanks, I think. The Horns…
Austin-Area Voting Problems
Karen Renick of VoteRescue, a national organization based here in Austin devoted to documenting voting “irregularities” has sent out an e-mail spotlighting the following reported problems. The Chronicle will try to verify with the County Clerk’s office and provide more details as they become available. Renick says: * Wrong ballots issued in Cedar Park, PCT…
War of the Roses (and Greens)?
The Quorum Report just posted a confirmed report that an “altercation” broke out in Hays County between state Rep. Patrick Rose, D-Dripping Springs, and his Republican predecessor in that seat, Rick Green. Go to QR and click on “Daily Buzz.” They also mention an unconfirmed report that Green threw the first punch. Wow, it was…
The Final Countdown
This made me laugh. A world without Santorum? What will Dan Savage do? (If your moral compass has been mercifully spared an explanation of “santorum,” the frothy details start in the second to last paragraph here. (Links NSFW if your employer’s a dick.)
Vote Pot!
Voters in six states will today be asked to cast their ballots in favor of drug-law reform. Specifically, voters in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, and South Dakota will weigh in on a series of marijuana-related ballot questions, from propositions that seek to make pot-law policing the lowest of law enforcement priorities, to a Nevada…
Like Running Into a Brick Wall?
Are my eyes deceiving me? Did the New Orleans Saints defense really hold the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a mere 68 yards rushing Sunday afternoon? It’s been quite some time since the Saints defense has been known as a run-stuffing force, if it’s ever been known as such. But sure enough, on the road no…
Thanks for Coming, Tommy
In Dallas yesterday, George W. Bush and Rick Perry talked up the war on terra’ like crazy. “Stick with us and the country will be better off!” Bush told the whoopin’ crowd. Who knew that the governor’s campaign finale would turn into a love fest for war? Sort of gives you an idea of what…
Q: Can I Leave Work to Go Vote?
A: Maybe. If the polls are open either two hours before your work starts, or two hours after quitting time, then your employer is not obligated to let you leave work to vote. Otherwise, yes, the boss must give you time off to go vote. Here is what the Texas Election Code says: Sec. 276.004.…
Voter Assistance Hotline
As you head to the polls today, take this phone number with you: 866/OUR-VOTE. (866/687-8683) That’s the voter assistance hotline manned by the nonpartisan Election Protection Coalition, a project of the People for the American Way Foundation, the NAACP, and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. If you are having trouble figuring out…
Tough Guys Don’t Dance
Tough Guys Don’t Dance 1986, R, 110 min. Directed by Norman Mailer, Starring Ryan O’Neal, Isabella Rossellini, Debra Sandlund, Wings Hauser, John Bedford Lloyd, Lawrence Tierney, Penn Jillette, Frances Fisher. Mailer’s only studio effort is a murder mystery about a boxer who wakes up from a bender alongside a blonde’s severed head.
Driving Lessons
A 17-year-old boy’s dull summer turns more eventful when he gets a job assisting an unconventional retired actress who leads him into a series of character-defining adventures.
Boss
Boss 2006. Directed by V.N. Aditya, Starring Nagarjuna Akkineni, Nayantara. In Telegu.
How to Watch a Bill Welch Ad
You may have noticed a sudden upsurge in ads for Republican state House District 47 candidate Bill Welch over the weekend. That’s because, as we’ve previously blogged, he received a last-minute infusion of almost $700,000 in the month leading up to Election Day, including almost half a million from “Voucher Sugar Daddy” (as the campaign…
A Troika of Losers: Two Cowboys and an Aggie Walk Into a Bar …
I was needlessly afraid of the Oklahoma State Cowboys. As John Razook revealed in his blog, I was among the Longhorn faithful who weren’t all that faithful. Who can blame us? After all, my nickname of the Horns of recent vintage had been the Wifebeaters. (“We promise we won’t lose to Oklahoma again this year,…
Travis County Still Needs Election Workers
This just in from Travis County Elections: Election Poll Clerks and Election Night Workers Needed Austin – Travis County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir today put out a final call for Election Day polling place clerks and election night workers. “The election process relies on the active participation of our citizenry,” DeBeauvoir said today. “Whether you’re an…
Sorry, I Wasn’t Looking. Could You Kick That Again?
This Sunday didn’t count, right? Don’t tell me they’re actually going to record the results of those games, like for real. If you accidentally turned off the Cowboys/Redskins game in the last few seconds, mistakenly thinking Mike Vanderjagt would make that chip-in field goal and would limp on to a marginally deserved victory, it’s probably…
09/09/01 – Never Forget
We almost missed this gem over the weekend, wherein Rick Perry accused Chris Bell of living in a “post-September 9th world.” Having flexed his quiz show acumen during last month’s debate, we were prepared for Bell to elucidate upon the historical import of this grave day, but – wow. From a press release: “As to…
Down-to-the-Wire Polling Numbers
Here are the latest numbers as of Monday morning, freely stolen from some of my favorite sources: electoral-vote.com, Majority Watch, the Dallas Morning News and the Houston Chronicle. What to expect: Dems will easily take the House, it’s anybody’s guess in the U.S. Senate, Perry will still be our governor and Hutchison will still be…
What a Finish!
The UT Lady Longhorns won their first-ever Big 12 Conference tournament championship on Sunday afternoon in about as dramatic a fashion as possible, getting back-to-back game-saving plays from first Caitlyn Kennedy and then Dianna Pfenninger to beat Colorado 5-4 in a penalty kick shootout. Down 4-3 with just one kick to go for each team,…
Final Early Voting Totals
On Friday, a surge of 18,884 Travis County residents made their way to the polls to vote, the highest total of the early voting period, bringing the early voting grand total to 93,100. Add in the 5,560 mail-in ballots county officials have received, and that makes 98,660 who have cast their vote before Election Day,…
Fort Hood-Area Residents Screwed by Their Local PBS Station
[EDIT: Mary Beth Harrell’s campaign says it has been notified that KNCT has reversed the decision detailed below, and will air the episode of NOW on Monday evening at 8pm. Also, the complete episode may be viewed anytime on NOW’s Web site.] KNCT, Killeen’s PBS station, did a tremendous disservice to its Fort Hood-area viewership…
Toros’ Draft Picks
The D-League held its annual draft this past Thursday, and the Austin Toros made Darius Washington their No. 1 pick and the 10th pick overall. Washington, a six-foot-two-inch point guard from Winter Park, Fla., played his college ball at the University of Memphis, where he averaged 14.4 points and 3.5 assists a night. He earned…
Toros Tryouts: Day Two
When I walked into the Delco Activity Center for the second day of the Austin Toros open tryouts, I made two quick observations: one, the tension and competitiveness among the players had been ratcheted up from the previous day to almost unbearable levels; and two, I had no business being awake at 9 o’clock in…
Wings of Desire
Wings of Desire 1987, PG-13, 127 min. Directed by Wim Wenders, Starring Peter Falk, Bruno Ganz. Angels wander across Berlin while struggling with the desire to become human.
PBS in Central Texas
I just watched the coverage of the Texas Congressional District 31 race on PBS’s NOW, and it was quite impressive. A great example of how journalism with a viewpoint (make no mistake – any program founded by Bill Moyers is gonna be liberal) can still be evenhanded and not manipulative (see my complaints about HBO’s…
Best Quote of the Whole Election
“We’re talking not so much about an election anymore, we’re talking about an intervention. We’re talking about getting these people to recognize reality.” – Conservative columnist Andrew Sullivan, on PBS’s NOW, about why he’ll be voting Democrat on Tuesday
Injunction Against Abbott Lifted
The federal court preliminary injunction barring Greg Abbott from prosecuting individuals found in possession of the mail-in ballot of another, but with the consent of that voter, has been lifted. The case was brought by the Democratic Party and other Texans, arguing that the law was overbroad and that Abbott was overzealously prosecuting people who…
Wesley Clark Endorses Everybody
In the past few days, we’ve received e-mails letting us know that former NATO General Wesley Clark is making a push for Texas Democrats, endorsing Mary Beth Harrell (Congressional District 31), Ted Ankrum (CD 10), John Courage (CD 21), and Chris Bell (governor). Just in case you were wanting his recommendation.
Election-Related Events: Updated
A by-no-means-comprehensive sampling of upcoming election related events (not including candidate election night parties, which we’ll post on election morning). Ted Ankrum House Party (Candidate for Congressional District 10) TIME: Saturday, Nov. 4, 1:30pm-3:30pm PLACE: Home of Walt & Aletha Snowden, 2705 Kerrybrook Tejano Blues (A Democratic concert and rally) When: Saturday, Nov. 4 at…
It’s Payback Time
Things started out well enough with the Ice Bats winning their season opener against the Bossier-Shreveport Mug Bugs 3-2 in their new Bat Cave, the Chaparral Ice Center, but last weekend’s home-road-home series proved to be a disaster. With two losses and an overtime loss Austin was only able to secure one of a possible…
Early Voting Deadline Looms
Crowds are decidedly mixed on this, the last day of early voting. At the Fiesta along I-35, and at the Pleasant Valley Albertsons, there’s currently little or no lines. Elsewhere, at the HEB located on East Seventh Street, and Randalls on Ben White, anywhere from 25 to 70 people have been spotted in line. As…
Pilgrim in an Unholy Land: Notes of a Lonely Cowboy
Everyone seems scared of my Oklahoma State Cowboys. Let me tell you, I’ve seen this team, up close and in person. Make no mistake – they will beat someone this Saturday. The question is who? It could, just maybe, be the high and mighty Longhorns. State has knocked off bigger game: even Texas fans remember…
TV Watching Tonight
As we previously mentioned, the PBS newsmagazine NOW will put the microscope on Texas Congressional District 31 (which stretches from far north Austin, through Fort Hood, and up to Erath County) as a study of how the war in Iraq is affecting this year’s election. Dist. 31 pits Democratic challenger Mary Beth Harrell, a military…
‘Hacking Democracy’: Manipulative yet Important
Okay, I’ll get my criticisms out of the way first: Those who watched Hacking Democracy last night got equal parts journalism and activist propaganda in the HBO documentary on the dangers of electronic voting machines. Now, far be it from me to dismiss journalism with a viewpoint – obviously, that is The Austin Chronicle’s bread…
Free Bus Rides on Election Day
Okay, you just lost your last excuse for not voting. Capital Metro says: “AUSTIN, Texas, November 3, 2006 – Central Texas voters will have an easy option for getting to the polls on Election Day. Capital Metro will offer free rides on all bus routes on Tuesday, November 7. ‘We are proud to offer Central…
Bond Supporters Sure Are Enthusiastic …
…judging from this clip. (p.s. If you’re at work, you might want to put your headphones on.)
To Your Health
The lowdown on amyloidosis
Event Menu
Nov. 2-9
Texas Platters
Burden BrothersMercy (Kirtland) LAMF, Taz Bentley will bang out a five-minute drum solo in a 10-minute set. The Burden Brothers thrive on this idea of stadium rock; it defined debut Buried in Your Black Heart, and it’s taken up a notch on Mercy. Slick shredding (“Shine,” “She’s Not Home”), Zippo-friendly piano (“Life Between”), and classic-rock…
Streetcar Plans Unveiled
Capital Metro unveiled its streetcar circulator route for Downtown and Mueller at its recent board meeting, but the agency still managed to see that announcement upstaged by a proposal to double current bus fares and a likely impending labor squabble.
Saw III
The director of Saw II is back for more of this vicious-minded series in which the psychopathic Jigsaw toys with his victims’ last gasps.
The Common Law
Filing complaint against a doctor
Texas Platters
The ApplicatorsMy Weapon (King Fing’r/HairBall8) Like a catfight between the Runaways and the Donnas, or Be Your Own Pet’s Jemina Pearl fronting the Cramps, ATX’s Applicators produce infectious power pop that’s both tough as nails and pretty in pink. Judging from this kicking-and-screaming punk rock, these ladies aren’t afraid to bite or claw their way…
Cops Still Looking for Student Accused of Sexual Assault
Eighteen-year-old wanted on attempted aggravated sexual assault charge after allegedly holding pair of scissors to his Reagan High School teacher’s neck
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
This mockumentary provides some of the most fearless acts of transgressive comedy in years.
Day Trips
Visiting the Mt. Blanco Museum is a must for all dinosaur lovers
The Usual Suspects
Scott Walls Age: 50 Born: DuBois, Penn. Instrument of mass destruction: “Sho-Bud Pedal Steel, all my life.” Favorite song in CHB’s set: “I like all the songs we play.” Del Puschert Age: 74 Born: Annapolis, Md. Instrument of mass destruction: Tenor saxophone Favorite song in CHB’s set: “I Don’t Know Why I Love You but…
Texas Platters
The Lord HenryZoo Palace A former drum/guitar duo, the Lord Henry arrives, via Dallas, just a few years shy of the dance-rock revival. “Is This Legal” recalls the Rapture and Bloc Party, while “Fire on 42nd Street” matches up with What Made Milwaukee Famous and the Lemurs. Problem is only half of Zoo Palace sounds…
Travis Co. Has New Deputy Chief ME
Travis Co. Commissioners announce decision to hire Dr. James A. Wilkerson IV as county’s new deputy chief medical examiner
Flushed Away
Flushed Away has a wicked, smart, and subtle sense of humor, and unlike so many kids movies these days, its characters are living, breathing parts of a small ecosystem.
Soccer Watch
An MLS playoff update, and more
Texas Platters
Willie NelsonSongbird (Lost Highway) Leave it to Willie. Not many legends would follow one of their best albums, You Don’t Know Me: The Songs of Cindy Walker, released in March, with one of their worst. Songbird might have sounded like a good idea through a late-night tour bus haze shared with producer and labelmate Ryan…
Texas Platters
The Service IndustryRanch Is the New French (Buildgut) The Service Industry’s Ranch Is the New French could’ve been the soundtrack to Waiting. All of the familiar mop-bucket blues are here: “Front of House/Back of House” duties, the mind-numbing routine of “Featherduster,” and “The Drudge.” This local all-star crew (Hunter Darby, Mike McCoy, etc.) spits in…
Point Austin: One for the Books
All the sound and fury is upballot, but the real work is on the ground
Umrao Jaan
Bollywood film about the emotional journey of a young girl who is kidnapped and sold as a courtesan.
Mr. Smarty Pants Knows
Howdy Doody’s double and when to spank a monkey
Texas Platters
Pat GreenCannonball (BNA/Sony) Old dancehall-circuit buddy Jack Ingram’s recent success means Nashville is again paying serious attention to what Texans have been flocking to for years, and on his third time around the major label floor, Pat Green is more than happy to oblige. Exhibit A is first single “Feels Just Like It Should,” which…
Texas Platters
Hellapeño Hellapeño serves it up right, Lone Star in the left hand, Tito’s vodka in the right, and amps over the DUI limit. This is bar rock at its best – Elvis on Speed after a few nights at Honky’s Balls Out Inn. Dave Derrick’s best Bon Scott shriek rips through the finale of “Goodbye…
Beside The Point
As the bond election nears, council takes up a light agenda
13 (Tzameti)
This first feature by Georgian-born French immigrant, Gela Babluani, marks a memorable debut: It’s a taut and stylish thriller despite its brutal psychological duress.
Keeping Pace, Culturally
Proposition 4 calls for an investment in cultural facilities for the city, and, Austin, it’s time
Oops!
Our latest batch
Texas Platters
Halloween Hoot NightClub de Ville, Oct. 29 Austin’s homegrown “hoots” can be hit or miss, but Halloween cover-band nights are no holds barred. It’s the perfect excuse to tell your friends, “I’m gonna go see a Soundgarden cover band.” Sunday on Red River, Friday After Dark’s interpretation of the Police featured a saucy, white-blazered Sting…
Secrets Shared
The documentary photos of Donna DeCesare
Reefer Madness
Big time drug policy pusher swoops in on Austin
Old Joy
Old Joy is an accurately observed slice of that moment between postadolescence and parenthood, when friends cling or scatter, and circumstances force buried feelings to the fore.
Where the Money Goes
Here’s a more detailed rundown on the six components of Proposition 4. • Austin Film Society/Austin Studios: $5 million to provide full soundproofing and air conditioning for two of the five soundstages that were created out of old airplane hangars at the former airport, as well as support upgrades in electrical systems, fire suppression, and…
International Gustations
In Austin, it’s a small world after all, but one with plenty of options
Texas Platters
I Killed the Monster: 21 Artists Performing the Songs of Daniel Johnston (Second-Shimmy) It’s not surprising former Shimmy-Disc owner/producer Kramer launched his new label with a compilation of Daniel Johnston covers. Despite the label’s off-kilter pedigree, Johnston’s sole Shimmy disc, 1990’s Artistic Vice, was one of the Austin icon’s most accessible efforts. I Killed the…
Auditor’s Report: Staff misled city board on water plant site
Water Treatment Plant No. 4’s long, strange trip from proposal to eventual pumping was further complicated this week, as City Auditor Stephen Morgan confirmed the existence of a second viable site in the Cortaña tract, just south of the plant’s current proposed location. The announcement is an abrupt departure from the city’s insistence that no…
The Hightower Report
Wal-Mart’s New Look; and Good Neighbors, Bad Fence
‘High School Musical’: From the Disney Channel straight to Austin High
Disney’s made-for-cable phenomenon High School Musical is jumping from the small screen to the stage, and Austin High is one of seven schools chosen to premiere the official stage adaptation
International Gustations
Pacha4618 Burnet Rd., 420-8758 Monday-Thursday, 7am-7pm; Friday, 7am-9pm; Saturday, 8am-9pm; Sunday, 8am-6pm Just north of 45th, the enormous brown coffee-cup sign on Burnet Road indicates that the converted bungalow serves coffee. Pacha is indeed a coffeehouse with the full complement of caffeinated drinks, but it doesn’t stop there: This comfortable neighborhood hangout also serves beer,…
Texas Platters
Pink NastyMold the Gold With help from previous collaborator Will Oldham, brother Black Nasty, and Austin’s Chepo Peña, Pink Nasty (aka Sara Beck) has progressed from 2004’s folky Mule School. “I Don’t Know” is a fine start, but the opener probably should have been the next track. Beck’s living in Wichita led to “BTK Blues,”…
The ‘Chronicle’ Endorsements
Our picks for the Nov. 7 election
When the Family Business Is the Oldest Profession in the World
AFS Texas Documentary Tour: Mystelle Brabbée’s ‘Highway Courtesans’
2006 B. Iden Payne Awards: Payne, Payne, who got the Payne?
When the Austin Circle of Theaters handed out its B. Iden Payne Awards for 2005-2006, it was ‘American Fiesta’ that, well, bowled over the rest of the nominees
International Gustations
Curry in a Hurry2121 W. Parmer Ln. Ste. 114-A, 821-0000 Daily, 11am-8:45pm www.gandhibazar.com Vegetarians: Listen up! Curry in a Hurry is a relatively new and authentic vegetarian North Indian (Rajasthan and Gujarat) restaurant, and it serves large portions of vibrant, delicious food daily for $4.99 a plate. The menu changes every day, and on offer…
Texas Platters
Mario MatteoliHard Luck Hittin’ He’s been the most notable of the Weary Boys’ songwriters, but on his solo debut, Mario Matteoli steps away from his ATXer’s three chords and a cloud of dust for more introspective fare. The nine originals on Hard Luck Hittin’ aren’t even close to the Weary’s bluegrassy racket but rather rummage…
Austin Municipal Bonds: The ‘CliffsNotes’ version
It’s real simple:’yes’ seven times
‘SXSW Presents’
‘State vs. Reed’
First Night Austin: Just eight weeks until New Year’s
For folks working on First Night Austin, eight weeks out is crunch time for the mammoth cultural extravaganza, especially since they want the second edition to be even better than the first
International Gustations
Arpeggio Grill 6619 Airport, 419-0110 Monday-Thursday, noon-10pm; Friday-Saturday, noon-11pm Often when we hear from readers about their favorite neighborhood eateries, it’s obvious they aren’t entirely sure they want to part with the information. Sure, they know the hard-working restaurant owner could use the publicity and extra business, but if the secret gets out, their personal…
Texas Platters
Micah P. Hinson Micah P. Hinson and the Opera Circuit (Jade Tree) A former skate punk raised in a fundamentalist Christian household, Micah P. Hinson was touched early in life. Briefly paralyzed last year, MPH’s subsequent back surgery left him dependent for a time on a psychotropic cocktail of codeine, Soma, Xanax, and Neurontin. Fortunately,…
Top 8 Reasons to Vote for a New Main Library
On the Nov. 7 ballot, Proposition 6 provides “$90 million for constructing and equipping a new central library facility,” as part of the city of Austin Bond Election. Since this is the single big-ticket item, and the proposal that has sparked the most public debate, we thought it would be useful to summarize the key…
At the Alamo Downtown: Two Star Symphony does ‘The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari’
At the Alamo Lakecreek the Docuweek Multicity Documentary Tour
Arts Review
‘The Assumption’ is Refraction Arts Project’s very modern and entertaining take on ‘Hamlet’ – a Shakespearean satire of all things hillbilly and all things Eastern, set to a rock & roll beat
International Gustations
Los Pinos4919 Hudson Bend Rd., 266-3231 Sunday-Thursday, 7am-9pm; Friday-Saturday, 7am-10pm Margarito Maldonado worked with Mirabelle owner Michael Vilim at Brio Vista and Castle Hill. When Vilim opened his own restaurant, Maldonado was one of his first hires. For five years, Margarito Maldonado was the lunch chef at Mirabelle. But Margarito had always dreamed of starting…
Texas Platters
Attic TedThe Attic Ted Land Suite (Pecan Crazy) There’s precious little middle ground with this gothic country noise collective from San Marcos. Organist/vocalist Grady Roper has the iconoclastic charisma of a tent-show preacher. The vivid wash of accompaniment from electronic noise engineer Lance McMahan and cellist Margie Osborne only deepens the rabbit hole. While The…
Developing Stories
A look at the proposed Iconic Preservation ordinance – a brilliant idea, or a nutty one?
Film News
Minor ‘Miracle’: mystery of major Hollywood family film shooting here pretty much solved
Arts Review
Ring Rip Rent, a new play by Martha Lynn Coon, shows us a future where women who have violated society’s sexual mores are confined, classified, and treated
International Gustations
Flip Happy Crepes2041 S. Lamar, 552-9034 Wednesday-Saturday, 11am-2:30pm; Friday, 5:30-9pm www.fliphappycrepes.com There are eating destinations we choose because they’re there and we are, too. You know these places: They satisfy our convenience factor more than our palate. Then there are the places that are off our intended path, but a substantial enough improvement over the…
Texas Platters Sheet Music
Texas Zydecoby Roger Wood, photography by James Fraher University of Texas Press, 323 pp., $34.95 While zydeco is to Louisiana as Tejano is to Texas, Texas Zydeco writer Roger Wood and photographer James Fraher offer “verbal and visual evidence that support the contention that ‘Texas Zydeco’ is not an oxymoron but a cultural fact.” Like…
Iconic Preservation Concepts
Prepared by: Dave Sullivan, Chair, Planning Commission Revised: 10/25/06 All comments below are in the spirit of brainstorming. Nothing is final, these are just ideas … Intent is to create language that roughly parallels Historic Zoning for Iconic Preservation. (compare § 25-2-351Ñ359) This version has been modified after meetings with City of Austin Planning staff,…
DVD Watch
The Kieslowski-Stuhr collaboration turns a tale about the bond between a man and his beast into an allegory of fiercest humanity
Arts Review
William Kentridge’s film ‘Weighing … and Wanting’ re-examines the biblical tale of Belshazzar in post-apartheid South Africa
International Gustations
Southside Flying Pizza2206 S. Congress, 442-4246 Sunday-Thursday, 11am-10pm; Thursday-Saturday, 11am-11pm www.southsideflyingpizza.com In what feels like an embarrassment of riches, another quality pizza shop has opened on South Congress. Southside Flying Pizza has taken over the former Dairy Queen/Freddie’s Haircuts location, and transformed it into an unpretentious, first-rate pizzeria. Partners Bill Graham and Brad Yerkes have…
Texas Platters
Gorch FockThrilller (Australian Cattle God) Randall J. “Biscuit” Turner’s solemn words near the end of “Cary Michael Jackson” encapsulate the purposely distorted aesthetic of Gorch Fock’s third triumphant symphony of noise, Thrilller: “There is other things out there … the odd and the artistic, I’ve embraced that as well as you, and thank God, our…
Icon or Eyesore?
You make the call!
TV Eye
Is Free Speech F****d?
TCB
Dialtone Records, a chain-saw-carving country singer, Spoon on the silver screen, and still more Rolling Stones aftermath: This column is truly coconuts
The 23rd Austin Jewish Book Fair
Thursday, Nov. 2, through Nov. 12
Ana Brasil
A short trip to a new Brazilian boutique is a revelation
Texas Platters
When Dinosaurs Ruled the EarthSnacks (Emperor Jones) Local sevenpiece When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth is beyond definition. Crash bam boom. Pop metal noise. Start stop holler. Whatever. The Tuxedo Killers-Awesome Cool Dudes combo is loud, jittery, and – get this – completely in control. Where most noise bands spit and sputter above a staccato guitar…
Police Monitor: What Brown can do
The process is supposedly still open, but Travis Co. prosecutor Cliff Brown looks like a lock for the Police Monitor job
City Responds to Auditor’s Report Findings
Following the Chronicle’s Web publication Thursday, Nov. 2, of the city auditor’s “Report on Allegations of Integrity Violations Involving WTP4 Site Selection Process,” the city manager’s office issued a response. The memorandum, written by Austin Energy manager Juan Garza in his capacity as acting assistant city manager during the period in question, seeks to downplay…
Election 2006
One last stop on the campaign trail before Election Day
Page Two: The Time of the Toad
The New McCarthyism, or why the way the Dixie Chicks incident passes into history matters
Wine of the Week
Hi.
Texas Platters
Prom Nite… Thanks for the Words With a dank and dark discotheque clash that bounces between the glitz of Ghostland Observatory’s Paparazzi Lighting and Single Frame’s Body/End/Basement, Prom Nite could be the house band for KVRX’s annual prom. The Gang of Four-derived jangle of “Monastery” and “Gash” screams spiked punch, while “One-Ninety-Two” is that inevitable…
Naked City
Headlines and happenings from Austin and beyond
After a Fashion
Stephen goes off on Fudgems and gets a li’l on himself…
Food-o-File
All you can read …
Texas Platters
Adrian & the SicknessAdrian for President Adrian & the Sickness rock the vote. The Hell’s Belles frontwoman has already proven she can go lick for lick with Angus Young in her all-girl cover band, and on this third album, she’s pure “TNT.” “Loser” starts the head-bangin’ before AFP breaks into some Sex Pistols-like punk with…
Strayhorn Says Accenture Taking Texas to Cleaners
Comptroller releases report charging that agreement between Accenture and Health and Human Services Commission was crafted to benefit Accenture’s bottom line, and that the company has already profited despite series of missteps
Luv Doc Recommends: Extravagasm 2006
Before you haul your entire fetish wear collection down to the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store and begin your vow of celibacy as a nun, take a minute and consider the fact that the nun outfit is maybe one of the top five fetish costumes of all time, so you really wouldn’t be departing…
