thursday

Pam and Jim. Dead cat. Alfredo pasta. Bloody nipples. Vomit. I'm so glad you're back... I missed you. I am complete again.

stubby likes to plow

elephantastic

Don't spend enough time on the internet? Yeah, me neither. Pass a few minutes perusing some curious, albeit entertaining, randomness on elephantastic, a brand spanking new blog. Yes, yes, exactly what the world needs now... in this case it's true. It probably won't change your life, but you might muster a chuckle, and when is that ever bad. I would be remiss if I failed to mention this is my friend Richard's AND he was so gracious to allow me to add my ridiculous two cents to it. I am a www addict so it seems, and he the enabler. Skip my stuff, read Basin and Ali.

hurts so good

I suppose I have only myself to blame, but with two sunscreen police on patrol at all times I was a bit shocked to find that at the end of ACL I was sporting one hell of a burn. It was hard to feel it coming too when you become so accustomed to the feeling of being baked in the sun (sunscreen or not). And while the fans-on-a-stick and gallons of water helped beat the heat nothing could salvage this palest of the pale girl's skin. If this is what I have to go through though so be it.

I'm only hoping that Blonde Redhead and the 20-ish other bands I saw did not help me get one step closer to skin cancer... if that's the case, well partner, I guess I might not buy any more of your albums. Crap, who am I kidding. What's done is done. I still love you... even you shitacular bands I had the honor of seeing. And really, it's not you, it's me. So while we may break up for a year, it's been great, and I look forward to hooking up again... burns and all.

local music is sweaty

OK, really it's "sexy" but sweaty seemed appropriate too. Last Thursday the Mohawk and the Austinist combined their powers to bring the good folks of Austin the 4th installment of "Local Music is Sexy", this time showcasing acts on the outside stage such as The Lemurs, The Corto Maltese, and Brazos, with Car Stereo Wars and Markus with a K inside.

Can't say it set my loins afire (putting a lot of emphasis on the promise of that whole "sexy" part), or maybe it was just hard to tell in the sweltering heat what was what. I had some technical difficulties with my camera as well (i.e. I f'ed something up), however all in all it was the perfect precursor to the ACL hoopla that soon followed and I had a swell time.

one man's trash

The subtle brush strokes... the delicately balanced composition... the flattering likeness... all telltale signs of the craftsmanship you can almost always count on finding at a thrift store, or hope desperately to. I can't help but wonder what the story is behind each painting. Were they proud of what they produced? Did they lovingly create the masterpiece only to have their heart torn out later when they needed to part ways for whatever reason?

And the anticipation and excitement of going thrifting hinges equally on the potential albums scores. Who even necessarily cares if the record is audible when the cover could be pure gold... that's almost better.

If you need a thrifting fix but can't be bothered to check out the real thing you can supplement your needs with thriftstoreart.com. Not nearly as satisfying but will do in a pinch.

baby steps

Each Thursday night Rio Rita is home to Arts & Drafts, an opportunity for crafty sorts to get together, drink some beer, exchange ideas, and create in a relaxed environment.

I went with a friend last night to the eclectic-meets-IKEA decorated bar. I wasn't sure what to expect... knitting juggernaut, intimidating experts only club... and found a small gathering of genuinely nice folks. I resigned myself to the background but my buddy asked them a couple of questions and we found that talent is not required, just materials, and they'll show you what they know.

So this night consisted of some observations from afar, accompanied by a cheese plate, a Lone Star, and some quiet reading. Next time, next time... the yarn will be flying.

xemumba

artwork by: Jennifer Shank

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of heading out to a Latin Music Festival called Xemumba... that's [SHE-moom-ba] for those of you like me with a mouth that recoils in fear at the shear idea of pronouncing this. Hosted at the Compound, this event was devised and put together by Brandon Badillo; the intent of this particular showcase was to raise money for his ailing grandfather.


Local vendors supplied the booze and some great grub, with additional booths offering some eclectic artwork. The night was filled with a variety of live Latin music; traditional mariachi to DJ's spinning records, and everything in between.


Dancing, eating, drinking... some of my favorite activities... although I was more of a spectator on this particular night. Even so, I had a great time. The weather cooperated, the turn-out was fantastic, and the mix of attendees was a pleasant change from a regular 'ole evening out.


Look for more events in the coming future. If you would like to contact Brandon for any inquiries on what's cooking in the next few months you can contact him at paz6928@gmail.com. You can check out Xemumba's myspace here... and while you're at it buy a t-shirt... it's for a good cause, so don't be a cheapskate. And if you haven't been overloaded enough you can also see more of the photos here.

time for a treat

I love dachshunds. I love root beer. What a great find is this. A few months back I went to the annual wiener dog races in Buda. Low and behold at one of the booths I found this company, III Dachshunds Beer Co. based out of Milwaukee. Not only do they manufacture and sell their own root beer, they also offer at least 8 hand crafted brews. To name a few... Ankle Biter Ale, Show Dog Vanilla Stout, Howling Hounds Honey Wheat, and Piebald Pale Ale. And of course the experience wouldn't be complete without a III Dachshunds pint glass or "Grrowler" to drink it out of.

Root Beer and merchandise is available on-line but you will have to call to inquire about how to get your hands on the alcohol... or go to Wisconsin.