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A note to my fellow Austinites, from someone who hails from a colder clime
January 17, 2007
One alternative to spending the better part of 3 hours banging at the ice on your windshield until you actually CRACK the surface upon which you are beating (which, by the way, causes one of THE MOST irritating noises when heard one house over) is to actually, you know, warm up your freaking car. That way, within 20-30 minutes or so, the ice really just melts off. Ta-da!
Or, you could just keep banging until your angry neighbor marches out, grabs the keys out of your hand, turns the car on, and introduces you to the REAL reason there's a deFROST exhaust on your car's dash.
Thoughts on the weekend...history, social issues, and my mental/emotional state.
February 19, 2006
I spent the weekend at the Historians Against the War convention at UT, which was kicked of ceremoniously with a brilliant keynote one-two of Andrea Smith and Howard Zinn. I thought both of them gave compelling presentations, and I jotted down copious notes in spite of having to deal with really cramped quarters. At some point, I will share my notes from that keynote and from the rest of the event, but I think I really just want to write about my experience of the event in general.
First of all, DAMN, people are impatient. Including myself. The first person who approached the mic for Q&A rambled on a bit about the lovely performance activism she is doing, and within a minute, the audience was telling her to get to the point, in a not very nice way. I felt myself feeling the same way - and it happened multiple times throughout the weekend. By the 3rd or 4th time I really began to grow uncomfortable with the whole method of mob silencing that was happening & I was pleased when some with louder voices would counteract the "Shut up and ask a question" crowd. I wondered, too, why I wasn't the person counteracting, considering I was one person feeling uncomfortable with it. So, one lesson learned at the history conference was that I need to find my voice and use it.
The panels and the speakers throughout the event were informative, intelligent, and remarkable. I did kind of wish there was a way to include dissenting voices among the crowd to get a richer discussion, but in my heart of hearts I knew a) that wasn't really the point of the conference and b) it is rare for that kind of dialog to take place in a non-threatening way - particularly when there are elements of the crowd who find it necessary to silence even the voices of agreement.
At lunchtime, I situated myself in the far corner of the room to avoid all human contact. I guess I'm in that kind of mood lately. I dunno. I sat eating and pretending to write in my journal, but really I was observing everyone. Mr. Zinn was sitting two tables away, facing me...so I laughed to myself about the fact that I was practically eating lunch with one of the greatest historians of our time. I thought about maybe going back to school to study history. And then two nice boys joined me and we talked briefly about last night's speech and education and whatnot. It was a nice, pleasant conversation & allowed me to feel good about the fact that I didn't avoid human contact altogether, in spite of my best efforts to the contrary. Ha!
I was exhausted when I arrived home Saturday night, but I went out to dinner with J anyway. We went to Swad and it was pleasant, but there was dis/ease. I get the feeling it is painful for him to hang out with me, and that painfulness is maybe exacerbated by the fact that it's NOT painful for me. Or maybe he's just in pain in general. I don't know/can't claim that it has anything to do with me at all, but the dosa and chole bhatura and sev potato puri was fabulous, and it was nice to see J as he has been ill for a bit. He even helped me to fix a computer problem I have been having. I couldn't find the R. Kelly videos I told him I was going to make him watch with me, which was kind of a bummer, and he left early in the evening...which was probably good because I was so tired & sort of overwhelmed with being around people.
I was invited to a party, which had been making me nervous all week. The person who invited me is someone who I really enjoy hanging around, and actually would love to go to a party with at some point, because he always makes me feel at ease...but I just have not been feeling the whole "large crowd" thing lately & I was balking. So there was this dynamic of me feeling torn that I wasn't going to get to see my friend, but fairly certain that I would have a crappy time going to a party that was making me feel extra-super wishy washy about giving a definitive answer. I did SAY no to the party several times, but I'm fortunate that my friend is pretty sensitive about how I'm feeling, so even though he heard no, I think he sensed my feelings of hesitation and kept asking (because normally he accepts my boundaries pretty readily, actually, which is why he's so very very dear to me) - but the thing is that in addition to the original party, he was now going to be attending a fucking FRAT party, and all of the reasons for me not wanting to go were suddenly increased 5 million fold & not only that...suddenly the very idea was making me feel upset and agitated. I told my friend I was just going to go to bed, but when I laid down to sleep, I started feeling really upset about the whole party/meat market atmosphere.
I dunno...it started to really get to me that what I look like - and what others look like to me - dictates to such a great extent whether or not we ever really get to know them on a deeper level, whether we are even talking about a relationship level or not. Plus, it made me feel all shaky and weepy to think that going to a party is an exercise in dressing myself up to be judged and evaluated and deemed worthy/unworthy by random strangers in a room. blah! I'm not quite sure what actually precipitated all of this. I can't really say it has anything to do with hanging around in a room full of history nerds all day. And it's not even that I don't feel like I "measure up" or whatever...it's just the very act of feeling like other people are measuring me...in mass quantities...that started to ook me out a bit. Maybe, too, you know...I'm 36 years old! I guess to a certain extent I feel like my friend is inviting his mom out to a party with him, which seems kind of silly.
At any rate, I was able to express these feeling abruptly to my friend and get them out enough to where I was able to actually fall asleep, but it's still bothering me today that I felt so weird about it. Part of me feels totally justified in feeling that way, and part of me is like "Whatever, lady - it's just another background for whatever you experience...why get all bent out of shape." And I wonder if I would have refused to go last month or if I will refuse to go next month or the month after that. I spent much of the day today trying to figure out when I have last been to a party - like a house party of someone I don't know - and I just can't remember. And then I started trying to remember when I have ever actually met anyone worth knowing at a party, and I can't remember that, either...so I don't feel so bad. But, then, I do recall having been to some parties with friends and just enjoying the experience...so maybe that's the key. But, I guess going to a party with a male friend who is scouting for a relationship is probably what was making me feel like it wouldn't be such a good idea.
I dunno. I've already spent way more energy on this than it probably deserves, but I'm just sort of interested in why being asked to a party evoked such a strong, reactive emotional response in me. So I'll probably think about it more, but if anyone out there has any thoughts about that, I'd love to hear them.
Today I woke up late, but managed to only miss the one speaker in the whole event who made me feel impatient and irritated. There were only about 5 people on the 3-hour panel this morning, so there was lots of time for discussion in the end, and I really enjoyed hearing from all of the regular people in the room. One woman mentioned that the closest she has ever been to going to university was attending university conferences & I wanted to stand up and applaud her as she mentioned that it might be good for the panelists to consider that there are lots of people who don't have degress who could benefit from what they are saying. Then the ever-present Carl Webb made the important point that we need to bring this stuff off-campus and share information and solidarity with those who don't ever set foot on campus. I requested more resources for younger children, which is something I'm probably going to write about later, as so much of the historical research and documentation is geared towards high school and up - and even in our very good library, there are still tons and tons of books that teach the kind of history that I have to go back later and say "Oh, by the way, everything in this book is either wrong or told from a perspective that invalidates what really happened."
And now I am home. And it is fucking cold out there. And I have a million bajillion things to do, but I just want to curl up in a little ball under all of my covers and think through all of the events of the week - both educational and emotional - and breathe, and listen to music, and think, and allow myself to feel all of it, and work through all of it, and come out on the other side with some ideas about how to deal with it all.
But first I need to make myself a fucking sandwich, because I am HUNGRY!!!!!!!!
KOOP Burns again
February 5, 2006
A four-alarm fire in the heart of downtown Austin damaged at least three buildings early Saturday morning. They housed the club Taste, the old Copper Tank Brewery and the KOOP radio station.
From the KOOP website:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 4, 2006 Contact: Amy Wright – 207-0710 Andrew Dickens – 426-3273 info@koop.orgWho: KOOP Radio 91.7 FM
What: Second Fire Destroys KOOP Facilities
When: February 4th
Where: 304 E. 5th St. – 3rd Floor
Austin, TX 78701KOOP 91.7FM suffered another setback on the morning of February 4th when a second fire swept through our facilities, forcing KOOP off the air again. This second fire destroyed all of KOOP’s studio equipment. KOOP had been damaged in a fire on January 6th, 2006 when a fire in a second floor apartment caused considerable damage to the building and significant smoke damage to KOOP’s equipment.
The February 4th fire started in a club located on the same block as KOOP. The fire spread from the club to the building that houses KOOP, and then rapidly spread up to KOOP’s studios and offices.
KVRX is broadcasting for KOOP throughout the weekend. KOOP will not be able to resume full operations until we secure new equipment and a new location. KOOP is working on contingency plans to return to the air with limited capabilities.
Through the efforts of our staff, volunteers, and listeners, KOOP had begun to recover from the January 6th fire. This second event further strains KOOP’s already exhausted volunteers, staff and limited resources. Nevertheless, KOOP is determined to return to the airwaves to serve the community and fulfill its mission.
A mini membership drive, in partnership with Charity Partners of Austin, had been scheduled for this weekend (February 4-5). You may however contribute online.
KOOP faces a significant financial challenge in the coming months. It anticipates paying at least double the amount of rent it currently pays. Additionally, it will have to replace all studio equipment and spend a significant amount to build out a new studio.
About 91.7 KOOP Radio:
KOOP Radio provides high quality, innovative and diverse programming with an emphasis on those communities that are under-served or ignored by the mainstream media. KOOP is Austin’s community-owned, community-operated public radio station.
Posted by Amy Wright
Cool stuff I have done this weekend
February 5, 2006
I flopped down on my bed yesterday after the kids had been picked up, and actually bemoaned my aloneness for a minute. And then I lifted my head up, and was like "What the fuck? I LOVE spending time alone."
So I took myself out to Wheatsville to sit and eat and scan the Chronicle for any good movies that might be playing. I found none, so, insteady, I went out for coffee and read some of this book I've been reading (thanks for the recommendation) and did a bit of writing. The cool thing about having a gigantic laptop is not that the screen is nice a purty for graphics and whatall, it's because it's entirely too nerdy (even for me) to whip out this gargantuan thing at a coffee shop, so I'm forced to read and write when I'm sitting by myself, which is an excellent way to eavesdrop on everyone else's conversations. Which is my favorite thing to do.
So, anyway, the caramal latte at Spiderhouse is really yummy, and I made it last for a good 2 hours or so before I got back into my car and drove up to Half Price Books to see if I could find anything decent. I did. I found this Bell Hooks Book, and the two Upski Wimsatt books that I have been looking for. I actually had a copy of No More Prisons, but I lost it in a frenzy of lending, which is cool...I just hope whoever ended up with it is lending it out in a frenzy, also. I don't think I've ever read Bomb The Suburbs, so I'm looking forward to it.
Then home, and I was actually so tired that I didn't even walk the dog like I normally do. I just kind of tried to read a bit and realized I could barely keep my eyes open, so I crashed hard and didn't wake up until like 8 or 8:30, which is actually kind of late for me if I get to bed before midnight. I worked today, so that took up a chunk of my Saturday, but after work, I headed over to Flightpath with my big nerdy laptop and did a bit of websurfing and coffee guzzling before traipsing back home. Then I dumped my stuff, loaded up my walkman, and headed out on foot first to My friend M's house, where I had a nice little conversation about the peace of mind that seems to come from growing older, and abusive relationships and their detrimental effect on people, and being a witness for people, and other such groovy things.
I realized that sometimes I get too hung up on the craziness of certain people in my life, and I forget that they are so good. It's that way with M sometimes. Well, I mean, it's that way with everyone I know, if I let it. I take things too personally sometimes, and I let the momentary insanity that exists in all of us interfere with all of the nice things about that person. I think I'm getting a handle on it...I'm definitely better about it now than I was a year ago, and I was better a year ago than I was before that. I'm conscious of it, and that makes all of the difference in the world. So, it was especially nice to have a talk with M, because she really is a true gem, and I am so glad that she is part of my life.
I hung out with M longer than I was planning to, but that's OK. After we were done talking, I hoofed it up to Kim Phung for dinner. My sweet waiter guy got my order wrong, but I didn't really care. He felt bad about it, because he didn't notice until after the fact - but I was all "I would have said something if it really mattered" and it didn't. So I didn't.
And I walked back home, listening to Dead Can Dance and walking along Lamar. It was nice. The weather is perfect still. A little windy, maybe a bit nippier than the night before, but still really fucking nice for February. Gah! I just realized I will be in Chicago in about a month. How insane!
When I got home, I popped myself some corn and watched Crash, which made me cry and wish I had someone here to hug. & after it was over, I fired up the laptop and typed this. In a minute here, I think I'm going to go out for ANOTHER walk, because Dead Can Dance is really fun to listen to in the middle of the night, walking around my neighborhood. And then I'll probably come home and watch the episode of NOW that I just, um, recorded. And then...to sleep, most likely. And tomorrow I will wake up and go to this public forum and maybe the library and perhaps a movie and who knows what else, but it will be fun no matter what. I'm sure of it.
Why I love First UU Church of Austin
February 5, 2006
Title: Forum:Tools for Peaceful Resolution of Conflict Description: Speaker: Kris Donley, M.Ed., Executive Director, Dispute Resolution CenterConflict is a natural and necessary exercise of energy. Through conflict, growth, change and creative solutions emerge. Conflict in its most destructive form, however, is costly to the human experience.
It is our challenge as conscientious individuals to manage conflict in a productive manner so that growth and creativity can flourish. While mediation is a popular and increasingly known practical tool to address the externally expressed conflict between two or more individuals, groups or entities, meditation can prepare the individual to embrace what mediation has to offer-- either as a receiver or facilitator of the process.
This presentation examines the individual modalities and their interplay necessary for promoting individual and community peace.
Kris Donley has served as adjunct faculty member in the Graduate Conflict Management program at St. Edwards University and is a guest lecturer at many colleges and universities.
The Public Affairs Forum is presented most Sundays in Howson Hall at 11:30 am.
Sounds like a nice way to spend part of my Sunday, eh?
Where you will find me tonight.
January 31, 2006
With my notebook and my camera. Also, my yo-yo.
First here:
January 31, 2006Annual State of the Union Bridge Action
5:00-6:30 on the sidewalks of the Congress Ave bridge. People are encouraged to bring signs and be vocal. We may also have a fund raiser immediately following featuring Guy Forsythe.
Then here:
Austin: Austin City Hall (downtown, where S. 1st St. Bridge meets Cesar Chavez) 7:00 pm, Rally with speakers: Laurie Felker, NARAL Pro-Choice Texas (formerly TARAL) Davis Ferris, Adjunct Professor of Government, more TBA8:00 pm Drown Out Event - (Real time-State of the Union Address)
Join me.
Two words. Well, Four.
January 28, 2006
Wheatsville co-op. Popcorn Tofu.
Can I get a HELL YEAH?!
Oh my freaking god, this stuff is so freaking tasty. I think the deli person thought I was freaking stoned, I was so excited about it. hahahaha.
Also, is anyone going to see this film at Spiderhouse tonight? I'll be there with my kids, provided it is not raining. If anyone wants to come and buy me a "congratulations on the new domain name" coffee, that'd be great! Or, you could buy Monk an Orangina. He'd like that.
Yay Austin!
Birthday!
January 4, 2006
Tomorrow is my birthday! So, if any Austin folks want to join in the fun, you can meet me down at Beerland/Emo's for free shows and fun having. Email me so I know to look for you...or surprise me. I'll be the one not wearing the birthday hat and not dressed in my birthday suit. & you can not buy me a beer and I will be very happy!
Mwah!
btw - if anyone feels compelled to shower me with gifts, I do have a wishlist. I'm particularly dying to own this flux CD. I have it on vinyl and it's my favorite thing ever.
You are Free Now
January 2, 2006
It's hard not to dwell on the bittersweet. As the end of the year coincides with the end of my vacation. The end of hours of introspection and freedom of time and movement, and possibly the end of such wonderful, soul-satiating all-night chat sessions with such a dear heart. But First Night was about beginnings, as well. And as the year drew to a close, in spite of the temptation to dwell on the more maudlin aspects of this time, the lights and the sounds and the experiences and the people kept drawing me back into the present, reminding me that I Am Free Now.
The day began as another one of those continuations of the day before. More late-night talking, more too-early rising, more alternating between lamenting and luxuriating in the lax laziness of my vacation. I think I did some laundry, washed the dishes, listened to some music, took some time out to write a few things down, took a shower...and fell asleep.
I got a call at nearly 4 that woke me from my slumber, which was fine, because I was expecting to be out of here around 3 anyway. I had allowed myself to be talked into actually leaving the house on New Year's Eve, which says much about my state of mind and the gentle good influences of my partner-in-crime (hereafter referred to as "cricket" on account of his shiny black soul that chirps and hops about in seemingly random but purposeful direction). The plan had been to arrive (alive) at 4 PM (not five) and see the bboys dancing outside of the Frost Bank. We got there at 4:30 and First Night Austin was in full swing & thankfully for us the bboys (and girls) had evidently been awaiting our arrival, because they didn't start dancing until 5, anyway.
The dancing, I thought, was good. & when it was over, we met up with cricket's friend and wandered a bit, then watched the parade go by. A very impressive parade, if I do say so myself. I was snapping pictures like I was insane (and maybe I am) and enjoying the hell out of the spectacle, the lights, the various weird ideas of what the end of the year actually means, from vehicular insects to giant, stilt-walking puppets to juggling to, what else? The gleeful participation in the world's suffering.
The end of the parade was anti-climactic. There was no grand finale. It was like it was there, and suddenly it ended and the crowd closed in on the street so it was hard to tell that it had ever been there at all, which seemed to be a theme of the evening. We would arrive at an event, and it would end, and then there was nothing there at all, only we would still be staring off into space at where the something replaced by nothing once stood.
At any rate, after the parade was dinner, and we won't go into details there. I had a veggie burger. It tasted good. I also enjoyed my fries and the company of my dear, sweet cricket.
Dinner ended, and we walked down the middle of the First Street Bridge. The chalk drawings on the street were about the best example of ephemeralist art that I have seen in a long time, and ephemereality seemed to be the flow of the evening. Life and love are about as fleeting as chalk on a sidewalk. One good rain or a million pounding feet and it's history. Water under the bridge. Faded photographs or words that paint thin remniscient contours of the vibrance of what Was. And, like this essay, actually, all that is left is sentimentality tinged with bliss and/but vague dread. And, sure enough, by the time we reached the beginning of the bridge, the chalk was already fading. I wanted to hold my cricket's hand, hug him close, and be all clingy in the moment, but I stopped myself - reminding myself that worrying about impermanence doesn't make it any less so, it only destroys the present. Time cannot be stopped. We move about, searching, finding, connecting, reconnecting, disconnecting, Being. What is offered is what is real. Past and Potential are mythology.
All of this smiling morbidity made me that much more appreciative of the surreality of the evening. The flowers in the pot in the hallway inside of 1 Congress, where inside, people were dancing and clapping silently behind the glass while we stood outside in relative calm, looking in. A man with a banner that said "2006" with tinseled streamers also stood outside. We turned away to find the spirit of the evening made flesh in silhouette by The Shadow Catcher. A long, clotheslined banner of various people caught in reflected poses. Bikes, dancers, children, kissers. Utterly alone and together with cricket my cricket, I felt a shuddering familiarity in the presence of the people who had passed through and allowed themselves to be indelibly inked onto these sheets. It was heartbreakingly beautiful, and it made me ache for something eternal.
Then up to the slam poet telling a story about his popeye moments that made me laugh. And buildings and lights and more and more absurd spectacularity. We sat in the plaza while people walked all around us. I think it was at this point that I turned to my companion and said "People aren't so bad." And he grinned in that way he does when he's been staring off into space with No Smile and suddenly realizes that I am looking at him & that he wants me to know that he is OK. It's a crooked, broad, tight-lipped, mouth-only smile that makes my heart melt every time. It's a smile unconsciously designed to make me smile back. Shine eyes. Glad. Chirp chirp.
We made our way down to see the fire dancers next & that was OK, but more an excuse to sit for awhile. I enjoyed the sweet comments of the kid who was absolutely floored by the performances "We loved your act!" I observed the way the flashing lights of the cop cars reflected off of the water, but couldn't capture it on film in spite of my best efforts.
And suddenly, a yawn and it was time to enter the Real World again and head home. "Do you want to stay for the fireworks?" "I've seen fireworks before. It's no big deal." And it wasn't. I had been rapidly approaching my fill for hours, but didn't mind overfilling for this one night. These two weeks have been an exercise in overfillment that has been good for me. & what's one more night anyway?
So, we ascended, serenaded by the sweet innocent graffiti on the undercarriage of the 1st street bridge: "You are Free Now" "F-word" "You are Special" and some dude's phone number repeated like the scenery in the background of a roadrunner cartoon. Ascended, up and up and up onto the street, through more crowds, where children were playing in globs of snow-esque soap that acted as the misted veil between the fairlyland we were departing and I could almost hear the overture of bells and harps as we entered the overly squeaky-clean, yet somehow gritty reality of the world of 6th street. We scoffed at the drunks and made our way to the car, only to go home and drink Kahlua and ring in the New Year in a more mellow way. Listening to music, talking, enjoying life.
On the way home, I had wondered out loud about what I did on New Year's Day last year, because surely it was not as awesome as this celebration. We checked the blog when we got home to find that I was about as dopey in my joy of the celebrations of the past 2-3 years as I had been all night in the presence of my cricket and the good folks of First Night Austin, TX, 2006. It's like I'm fucking addicted to hope. The joy is neverending. Much like these days of vacation continuation...
The day, New Year's Day, was much the same as the day before. Too little sleep, too much enjoyment of the all that surrounds me to complain about the lack. Activity in waves. Music. Conversation. Connection. All threaded with the fought-back acknowledgement that these experiences are temporal in nature and/but in spite of that, they are always replaced by something equally if not more beautiful, giving rise to more and different and better and sometimes just other to create a rolling, roiling eternity that exists on this pindrop of life and love and beauty. Which, really, is what the past is for, anyway. So that when the panic of non-existence or changed existence begins to rise, I can look back on those photographs (real and imagined) and remind myself, "I am Free Now" and I can smile into the void.
And the void smiles back. Crookedly. To let me know that he is OK.
Klan, 14; People With Brains, 3000
November 7, 2005
You heard it right, the paltry Klan of 14 was met by 3000 protestors. The clan was out in support of Proposition 2, or, rather, they were evidently channeling God in support of Prop 2. Redneck Mother had this to say about that:
If re-banning gay marriage is that important to the almighty, why doesn't he just amend the state constitution directly, maybe with some smoke and lightning, rather than leave it to a citizenry that apparently didn't get the memo? Oh, wait. I think I know.
I guess I wasn't aware that God speaks through the KKK.
Walkin' to New Orleans
November 5, 2005
Well, actually, I'm driving. Anyone want to join me? I have room for 5-7 adults (depending on how comfortable you want to be) and I should be leaving sometime around Thanksgiving Day (either the day of or the day after). Here's the scoop:
Come lend a hand over the week of Thanksgiving until November 27th. That's less than three weeks away!The folks at Common Ground invite you to join an estimated 300 volunteers from around the continent to converge in New Orleans the week of Thanksgiving.We want to encourage those in attendance to arrive with building & clearning supplies, donated equipment and, if possible, funds that can apply directly to help rebuild and the 9th Ward.
For more information, visit the Common Ground Road Trip for Relief page.
Gah! I just realized the relief party ends ON Thanksgiving. I'm going to see if I might be able to leave the day before. It just depends on work. If I can't, then I am definitely leaving early early Thanksgiving morning or after 9 the night before.
UnGah! I was looking at a stupid October calendar. The relief party continues through the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Which means I will leave either Thanksgiving Day (which I'm hoping would be a good travel day) or the day after. And coming back either Saturday night or Sunday morning...although I'm pretty open to whatever days are best for whoever wants to come with.
The Decemberists...
September 21, 2005
I'm so glad I bought my tickets in advance, because it's a sold out show, suckas!
Mwahahahahahaha./a>
*ETA - How dumb is it of me to gloat about this, considering the show could very easily be called off due to hurricane weather. Shit.
ETA - Those of you who are finding this post through google can read the semi-review of the show here, and other posts about the Decemberists here and here, and a review of Picaresque here.
The Dalai Lama on KUT.org
September 20, 2005
KUT: Listener Supported Public Radio from UT Austin
The Dalai Lama KUT.org will present our first-ever streaming event Tuesday, September 20th at 4 p.m. as we carry The Dalai Lama’s address from the Frank Erwin Center. This will not be on the radio, it is a web-only event — and KUT is the only broadcaster given permission by the The Office of Tibet to carry the speech. The stream will be in MP3 format and will be available after the broadcast for download.
"I have nothing to offer to you. Nothing. Except...some of my own experience, which is somewhat useful in my daily life. That I want to share with you."
Yum! Food Blog.
August 31, 2005
I just found a great local food blog, the Austin Food Data Bank. The author is vegetarian, and he reviewed my favorite restaurant. Check it out.
Cindy Sheehan to speak in Austin
August 28, 2005
Cindy Sheehan speaking in Austin! Cindy and other Gold Star family members and supporters have been holding a vigil outside President Bush's ranch for 3 weeks waitng to ask him "for what nobel cause did their children die in Iraq?" 5:30pm Wednesday 8/31/05 Austin City Hall Plaza 301 W. 2nd St. Austin, Texas 78701 (park at the City Hall garage enter off Lavaca) Arriving from Crawford Cindy will be kicking off a bus tour across America culminating in her arrival at the National March for Peace taking place in Washington D.C. on 9/24/05 Lets give Cindy a warm Austin welcome PLEASE help by forwarding this announcement to at least 20 of your friends and your lists
Oh, I SO want to be there, but I have to work & I don't think there is any way I can get out of it. If I "call in sick" they will all totally know, and it will inconvenience several people.
So, please go on my behalf. Please?
The Second Time This Week I've Been Proud To Be From Austin
August 18, 2005
News 8 Austin | 24 Hour Local News | LOCAL NEWS | Walgreens must fill contraceptive prescriptions
Austin Walgreens pharmacies must fill prescriptions for birth control and emergency contraception even if pharmacists don't want to.The order comes from a vote of the city council revising the city's contract with the drug store chain. The move makes Austin the first city to take such a step.
(the first time this week was when I saw the enormous crowd at last night's vigil.)
Among the many things I won't be able to do on Jan 20th
January 17, 2005
I have to work, but you might be interested in joining in the protests.
My sentiments, exactly.
November 17, 2004
Oh, good grief. I had no idea there were so many ignorant people in Austin. It's just a breast. I really don't see what the big deal is.
The 620 Cafe and Bakery will never have my business. Instead, they will get e-mails and phone calls from me.
Here is a resource for breastfeeding media watch from the Texas Department of Health. I'd like to point this out to the proprieters of the 620 Cafe and Bakery in Austin:
SUBCHAPTER A. BREAST-FEEDING RIGHTS AND POLICIES
Sec. 165.001. LEGISLATIVE FINDING. The legislature finds that breast-feeding a baby is an important and basic act of nurture that must be encouraged in the interests of maternal and child health and family values. In compliance with the breast-feeding promotion program established under the federal Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. Section 1771 et seq.), the legislature recognizes breast-feeding as the best method of infant nutrition.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th leg., ch.600, SS1, eff.Aug . 28, 1995Sec. 165.002. RIGHT TO BREAST-FEED. A mother is entitled to breast-feed her baby in any location in which the mother is authorized to be.
Protest Attack on Fallujah
November 17, 2004
Friday, Nov. 12, 4:30-6:30 PM
Gather in front of the Capitol (11th and Congress)
A full-scale US attack on the resistance stronghold of Fallujah - an attack which is being hailed as the largest single military offensive since the Vietnam War - came just hours after US-appointed Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi declared a 60 day state of emergency throughout most of Iraq. During a similar assault last spring, over 600 Iraqi men, women, and children were killed before a cease-fire was brokered. This time, US military forces have pledged to "whack" resistance fighters in an unrelenting assault.
In solidarity with the people of Fallujah, protests around the world are taking place this week. This Friday, join with local opponents of the war in Iraq to send a message that US bombs won't bring liberation.
Demonstration called by Austin Against War.
Kings-n-Things
October 5, 2004
I forgot to mention that I had the distinct honor of witnessing a spectacular Drag Kings show last weekend. Ouch! It was very definitely the hottest thing I have beheld all year.
Austin's (and evidently, Texas') one and only Drag King troupe will be hitting the road to head to Chicago in a little while to participate in the IDKE. I had hoped I would be able to time a trip to Chicago while they were there, but it appears that will not happen. I wish them the best of luck and I know they will represent Austin well.
I've been sitting here staring at this entry, trying to figure out how to describe the Drag Kings to someone who might not know what the fuck I'm talking about. Trust me. There's no way I can do it justice. It's something that has to be seen to be appreciated, and any attempt I might make at describing it to you will only make it sound goofy.
Unfortunately, Austinites will just have to wait until December to see their Kings again.
Choices for Children
August 24, 2004
I'm seriously considering attending the Choices for Children 2004 conference. It might be just what I need to prepare mentally and spiritually for the coming year. Anyone want to join me?
Choices for Children is an educational program that provides parents and caretakers with information and skills to address the deepest needs of our children. We are very excited to offer the two following conferences.
Any Austin Cat Lovers?
July 29, 2004
Got a plea in a comment to post this information:
Please pass on the info if you are in the Austin area... ::::Ugh...The LJ Austin community journal recently went to moderated posts only. They've yet to allow any posts after 7pm to come through tonight. Mine is time-sensitive, so I'm itching. I have two Austin peeps on my friends list, and one of you has some cat link/networking abilities. If either of you want her before she's put to sleep, or can post it in your journal for other Austinites to see, here is the info (She's tubby and cute!):
-----------------------------------
The volunteers at the Town Lake Animal Shelter were desperate to find a home (OR A TEMPORARY FOSTER HOME) for a cat there tonight. Chloe will be put to sleep tomorrow night, by close of business. The volunteers tried to give her to me for Free. I've been at the shelter nightly for almost 4 weeks to look for a lost pet, and have not seen these same volunteers act like this before.
The deal:
Chloe was supposed to be put to sleep tomorrow morning. The volunteers got the front desk to put a hold on her until 7pm instead, because someone might be interested in her. Volunteers say they are trying hard with Chloe because she's so sweet, and are bummed that she's become so depressed from being there so long and don't want to see her put to sleep.
Chloe's photo is no longer on the shelter's website - but here's her stats:
- You can foster Chloe temporarily or keep! The volunteers will stay in touch, & help you find a home for her if fostered.
- FREE! Her fee dropped down to $20.00. The volunteers said they will pay the $20.00. You should tell the adoption desk that the volunteers said they would pay!
- No waiting period! You can take Chloe home immediately.
- Female
- Gray & White Snowshoe & Siamese Mix. Blue Eyes. Short Hair.
- Roly-Poly! 16 pounds. She's so tubby, she's darling.
- Has all shots!
- Microchipped!
- Spayed!
- Front Declawed (this means inside only & she won't rip up your stuff!)
- 5-years old
- Digs playing with her toy mouse
- She's become bummed out in her cage, so she doesn't come running to the front of the cage anymore. Just needs lovin'.
- They say her health is great.
- Her owner gave her up, because they just didn't want a cat anymore.-- Must be there earlier than 7:00pm when they close tomorrow night, to fill out adoption papers at the adoption desk.
-- If you rent, they need to see a paper from your landlord stating it's okay to have pets.
-- If you have pets, they need to see rabies shot proof for your other pets.If no pets - even better, you don't need rabies proof - just come get her. (Personally, I would lie my butt off & say I do not have any pets, if I was a bit behind on rabies shots & knew that mine were always inside ...but that's just me.)
Town Lake Animal Shelter's website & location: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/animals/Chloe's Shelter/prison I.D. is: A351670 -- She is in Kennel #AB 20 She is in the Adoption cat house, not the stray cat house.
* I'm in a situation where I can't take on a new cat - or I would have walked out of there with her tonight. The volunteers said they can't take anymore cats, Chloe's cage has Vet signs on it - no biggie, they had her on special food to try to get her to lose weight or something - they think the special food signs scared people away without realizing it's only food, and she is healthy.If you get Chloe - please comment here! Would love to know that she's found a permanent or temporary foster home.
I hope someone can find this cat a good home.
Goddess Night at Ararat
July 28, 2004
GODDESS NITE Full Moon Benefit for Ararat Restaurant July 31st, 2004Reserve your ticket to our Dinner/Theatre Showcase. Treat yourself to a special menu... a three course Middle Eastern feast. Enjoy live music by Katie O, belly dance by Cassandra and spoken word.
YUM!
Mermaid Hips.
July 1, 2004
JULY 17| AFRO-CARIBBEAN QUEER WY’MN ART| AT ALLGO MERMAID HIPS: The Work of ANA SISNETT No admission fee| ALLGO?s Tillery Street Theatre 701 Tillery Street Austin, TX 787027pm-8pm Reception| 8pm Spoken Word| 9pm-Midnight Dancing with DJ LENNE (DJ NXS) of Rainbow DJ Service For directions and other information go to http://www.allgo.org or call 512.472-2001 ext. 106
This very special event will feature Ana Sisnett’s mixed media visual art created with acrylics, polymer clay, digital imagery, and text. Sisnett's spoken word, inspired by stories she hears "in the motion of the Ocean," blends poetry, social commentary and the erotic in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Ms. Sisnett’s visual art will be available for sale at this event.
I am so there...anyone want to join me? I just wish my boys could be with me that night so they could meet the fabulous Ms. S.
Meet me at Waterloo Park to agitate for healthy babies
May 26, 2004
I can't find information to this ANYWHERE online, which peeves me immensely (where the fuck are all of the activist organizations on this issue?) but a bunch of people are going to be gathering at Waterloo park tomorrow (may 27th) from 11 AM - 2 PM to protest the decision by Brackenridge and Seton hospitals to lay off and cut back all or most of their lactation consultant staff.
This "budget cut" is absolute bullshit, but I suppose it's smart business. Not only are they reducing costs, but they're ensuring more profit as fewer breastfed babies will equate to more sick babies. Yay, capitalism!
Rally today. You still have time to make it.
May 16, 2004
AUSTIN, TX
Join hundreds of supporters on Sunday May 16
Save Our Constitution RALLIES & MARCH
2:00 Meet at Republic Park at 4th & Guadalupe for a pre- Pro-Marriage Rally sponsored by the Austin Coalition for Marriage Equality
3:00 Step off for MARCH from Republic Park to Capitol grounds
4:00 Save Our Constitution Rally at the Texas State Capitol sponsored by the Austin Coalition for Marriage Equality; Lesbian Gay Rights Lobby of Texas; Human Rights Campaign; Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays; Family Pride Coalition and others!
For more information visit: www.lgrl.org or write to auscme@austinmarriageequality.org
March In Crawford
March 17, 2004
For more information click here.
Only in Austin, Texas.
March 17, 2004
I'm crossing that crazy intersection over by Flightpath - where 53rd and 51st and Duval all cross over each other every which way. I'm a PEDESTRIAN, and I may be fat, but I have a distinct disadvantage when a car wants to play chicken with me. I look square in the eye of the driver of a truck that is stopping at the stop sign, and begin to cross, pausing to make sure the driver of the truck coming from the other direction is paying enough attention to notice me.
And the asshole I just looked at rolls RIGHT INTO ME. Thankfully, he wasn't accelerating or anything, but the guy freaking gives ME a dirty look, like I had no business walking in a crosswalk.
Ass.
The irony of it is that I got pulled over at that very same intersection last night for allegedly COMPLETELY RUNNING the stop sign. I didn't, but the cop claimed that I had. Thankfully, he got called away on an actual emergency before he could give me a ticket, but I wish he would have been there tonight.
Ass.
Quit Complaining
February 24, 2004
For those of you in Austin who like sitting on your ass and complaining that Ralph Nader is the definition of evil, you officially have an opportunity to confront lucifer himself tomorrow at UT:
Wednesday, February 25, 7:00 PM RALPH NADER SPEAKS ON THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE 2000 Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader will speak on why he is running for president as in independent, and how his run can help defeat Bush's agenda, be a voice for populist issues, fight corporate power, advocate for civil liberties and independent third party politics. Speech to be followed by Q and A. Whatever your thoughts on Nader running for President, keep an open mind and come down to hear him. There will also be an after-party at 9:15 PM at Mother Egan's (715 W. 6th St.) Location: UT Austin, Geology Building Room 2.324 Sponsored by Environmental Outreach. More info: 389-0215
Personally, if Kerry wins the primaries, I'll be thankful for Nader's candidacy. It's always nice to have SOMEONE to vote for who doesn't make me feel like I need to take a LONG hot disinfecting shower afterwards. Unfortunately, I have to work tomorrow night, and I don't think I will be able to take the night off, although I would really love to hear him speak.
Haliburton under investigation
February 24, 2004
HoustonChronicle.com - Pentagon opens criminal probe of Halliburton gasoline pricing
WASHINGTON - The Pentagon said today it opened a criminal investigation of fraud allegations against a unit of Vice President Dick Cheney's old company Halliburton Co. involving potential overpricing of fuel delivered to Iraq. The investigation was focused on Halliburton subsidiary Kellogg Brown and Root, a Pentagon spokeswoman said.
For those of you in Austin, there is a protest march from Highland Mall to Halliburton's offices tomorrow:
Tuesday, February 24, 11:30 AM PROTEST: STOP THE CORPORATE TAKEOVER OF IRAQ ! Protest Halliburton and demand an end to the corporate invasion of Iraq!This is a nonviolent, legal protest in solidarity with coordinated actions in over 25 cities in the US and UK. From bribing Nigerian dictators to ripping off American troops and Iraqi workers, corporations like Halliburton/KBR have no qualms about putting their bottom-line before human needs. To make matters worse, taxpayers are subsidizing this outrageous behavior with millions of dollars in no-bid contracts. Join a protest to demand a refund!
Meet at 11:30 AM at the Highland Mall (JC Penney parking lot). At 12:00 noon, march to Halliburton's KBR office at 505 E. Huntland Dr. Bring signs, visuals, drums, puppets, and banners!
Called by Austin Justice Action Movement, Code Pink Austin, and Women In Black
Ironically, all of the austin anti-war sites seem to not be working tonight, so I don't have a link...wait...here's one.
Bumming Around Austin + Other Updates
February 20, 2004
I would like to sit down and do some semi-serious writing today, but in the HOUR that I've been attempting to do so, I've been yelled at, demanded of, and the dogs have escaped from the backyard at least once. My life is way too chaotic lately.
Which is why I am glad it's an alternate Friday, and I have mama time. Yahoo! It's been almost a month since the last time I had 5 hours of unadulterated alone time, and I'm totally needing it now. Not that I'm unhappy with the company I've been keeping of late, but there's nothing like having time to myself, and I intend to make the most of it.
My plan is to take the bus down to the drag and bum around town. There is a rally at 11 for the National Day of Solidarity with Muslim, Arab and South Asian Immigrants, and then a rally and march at 4:30. Unfortunately, L doesn't get here until noon, and I'm supposed to be back by 5, so I'll miss much of both, but I think I can squeeze a little of each in, among my meanderings.
Most likely, I'll spend most of my time at Mojo's or Spiderhouse, clearing out my e-mail box and finishing this really old book on teaching Language Arts that I can't seem to, and am, for some reason, determined to finish. I'm sure that sentence was incorrectly composed, too. Oh, the irony. The book is from the 40's or 50's and features pictures of scrubbed and well-dressed white children intent on learning the ins and outs of the English language. But it's not as bad as it sounds. I'm skipping over a lot of things that are irrelevant in the homeschooling environment, but there are some good ideas, and I guess I don't want to miss anything that might be of use.
I also intend to make a stop at Half Price Books, so I can pick up a copy of The Hobbit for Monk. I scored a bunch of brand new Goosebumps books for him through freecycle, so he's going to have a bunch of reading material. Last night, he was so engrossed in Let's Get Invisible that he didn't want to go to bed. I think I'm raising a little sci-fi/horror/fantasy nerd, and I'm almost positive this child is going to grow up to be a military strategist. So much for my carefully controlled (and hyper controlling) homeschool environment. I guess I'm just not very good at this brainwashing thing.
Speaking of brainwashing, Coley is now into Age Of Empires. This child, who is three, can turn on the computer, find his way through the start menu to the folder and start-up file for the game, and can navigate the game well enough to create scenarios. It bugs the shit out of me that he wants to play the game (he insists that now that he's a "big boy" and can pee in the toilet, he should be allowed to play it) BUT I think his motor skills and his uncanny ability to open and close things is amazing. This morning, I told him "Coley, you are cute." And he got ALL indignant and said "I am NOT! I'm HALF cute and HALF smart."
Speaking of funny things they say, the other day at the playground, Monk was getting acquainted with another little girl who was there with her grandma. I was sitting on the perimeter, across the yard from them, playing Frogger on my phone. I heard the little girl say "I'm FIVE, and I'm not in school yet."
Monk replied "I'm SEVEN, and I don't plan to EVER go to school."
I burst out laughing, and felt I had to explain to grandma that Monk was a homeschooler, lest she call CPS on my ass. She laughed too, though - so I'm guessing she got it. As it turned out, the other lady who was at the park that day ended up retrieving my dog from one of her little romps around the neighborhood later that week. She told me "Monk is SO smart!" And when I told her we are homeschoolers, she gave me a joking glare and said she's an English teacher.
Have I mentioned that I REALLY need to fix that damn fence?
Speaking of pet problems, my cat has suddenly developed some sort of skin irritation on her back, and is scabbing up and losing her hair along her spine. She seems healthy in every other respect, so I"m just doing my best to douse her in lavender and tea tree oil mixed with a bit of olive oil and water, and hoping that it ends up healing over...we'll see. I don't get it. It's not fleas, and I don't think it's ringworm. I have no idea what she's gotten herself into...
So, yeah. Today is bumming around Austin, tomorrow is work and hanging out with my sweetie, Sunday is fixing things around the house day and making dinner with friends night, and then it's back to the daily grind on Monday. Which isn't really a grind at all, but I love to pretend that my job is somehow burdensome because that's what everyone else does, and we all know that I strive to be like everyone else, in every way.
Speaking of work, I've been posting quick little links on my work blog, since I can't access this site from there. There were a couple of good ones yesterday, if yr interested.
I hope everyone has a good day. I'll be posting from wherever I end up, as I might even get to read the news today. Hooray!
Save the Frog
January 7, 2004
After reading this:
This time, the controversy is not about business, but rather a frog.It's a silent hello, a greeting that brightens the day of people who walk by.
"Oh, it cheers me up. It's silly and fun and I think, it's a good touch even on a bad day," resident Elizabeth Kirkindall said.
Daniel Johnston, an alternative musician, painted the mural on the wall of Sound Exchange a decade ago, but Wednesday, the "Hi, how are you?" frog will croak for good.
"All the older Austin businesses get pushed out for the smaller chain restaurants and I think it's kinda' sad," resident Adam Norwood said.
I was actually kind of relieved to read this:
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Baja Fresh Mexican Grill today announced its franchise partner in Austin, Texas will spend his personal money to Save the Frog, a mural that for twenty years has adorned the walls of the building that's housing the newest Baja Fresh. John Oudt, a Texas entrepreneur and franchisee, is working with the community to preserve this culturally important art. John responded quickly to "do the right thing" when numerous students and citizens scaled the wall yesterday in protest against its demolition.
But it's still sad that another stupid chain is going up where a local business once stood.
Austin Events I'm looking forward to attending
January 6, 2004
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised at Alamo Drafthouse...
THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED D. KIM BARTLEY & D. O'BRIAN 2003, 74 MIN, VIDEO"A fascinating account of history in the making that plays like a cinematic whiplash." -- Robert K. Elder, CHICAGO TRIBUNE
"undoubtedly one of the finest pieces of journalism within living memory" - Sunday Independent
On the 11th April 2002, the world awoke to the news that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez had been removed from office and had been replaced by a new self-appointed "interim" government. News report after news report carried stories of the mayhem in Caracas, where 11 people had been killed in what were alleged to have been bloody street battles between Chavez supporters and an opposition march. Viewers all over the world were led to believe that Chavez had ordered the killings, and had therefore been forced to resign. What in fact took place was the first coup of the twenty first century, and probably the world's first media coup. Venezuela is the world's 4th largest exporter of oil, and the third highest supplier to the United States. In 1999 Hugo Chavez had been democratically elected president by a landslide majority, promising to end corruption and re-distribute the oil revenue to the 80% of the population who lived in poverty. But from his first day in office Chavez faced powerful enemies both inside and outside Venezuela. Just over 12 months ago two Irish documentary-makers, Kim Bartley and Donnacha O Briain travelled to Venezuela to make a film about this charismatic and unorthodox world leader. They met with Chavez and secured his permission to have full access to film, what was to be, an up close and personal profile. It turned out to be something completely different. "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" is a thrilling insight into Chavez, charting the last seven months in the run up to the coup and his dramatic return to power some 48 hours later. Never has such a range of footage of Chavez, the new icon of the left and the thorn in the side of the US Administration, been assembled in one documentary.
MLK Day March and Celebration...
Monday, January 19, 2004 From Capitol to Huston-Tillotson Festival Immediately FollowingIn celebrating the national MLK holiday, the Heritage Council is sponsoring the 11th Annual 2004 Citywide MLK March & Rally. The purpose of the Community March is to celebrate Dr. King's legacy while uplifting diversity and multi-culturalism in our city.
The 2004 celebration will kick off at 9 a.m. with a brief rally at the State Capitol followed by our annual March (1.5 miles) to the historic Huston-Tillotson College, where exciting activities are planned. The Heritage Council is planning a Community Festival which will begin after the March and last until 3 p.m.; it will include all types of vendors, gospel choirs, local musical artists, marching bands and local dance troupes to make the 2004 Celebration the best ever! A vendor application can be downloaded below for those interested in purchasing booth space. This must be submitted by January 2, 2004. For questions and information, please contact Michael & Elizabeth Hanshaw Winn by email or by telephone at (512) 671-3607.
Last year's march drew an estimated 15,000 people and we are anticipating even more individuals to unite for this special occasion in January 2004. All businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals are invited to march with us and celebrate Dr. King's legacy.
Kucinich/peace rally in Austin on Saturday the 3rd.
December 29, 2003
January 3 (Sat), 1pm - 3pm Peace Rally
MUSIC:
Michelle Shocked, Bill Passalacqua
SPEAKERS:
Rep. Dennis Kucinich, Michael Badnarik Libertarian Party, Adrienne Boer Green Party, Lesley Ramsey Texas Fair Trade Coalition, Nelson Linder NAACP, Charlie Jackson Texans for Peace, Dave Collins Veterans for Peace, Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Thad Crouch Austin Conscientious Objectors to Military Taxation, Richard Troxell Universal Living Wage
where: State Capitol steps, 11th and Congress
Sponsored by Austin Against War, American Friends Service Committee - TAO, Veterans for Peace
Snow Day!
November 19, 2003
In about 15 minutes, we will be leaving the house so we can play in the snow at Chaparral Ice skating rink. One of the moms in the homeschool field trip co-op came up with this one, and my kids are so freaking excited about it, it's not even funny. For educational purposes, they will also get a 15-minute tour of the facilities, but most of their time will be spent playing in the fake snow (scroll down the page to where it says "snow parks" for more information) with shovels and buckets and whatever else we can find around the house that looks snow-worthy.
Snowball fight, anyone?
Giving and Receiving, part one.
November 13, 2003
I've become hooked on freecycling. We have a list here in Austin, and it's all about giving away things that you don't need and asking for things that you do need...and receiving them. I have so far freecycled a vacuum cleaner (which I asked for, and have not yet picked up) and a two-seater bike trailer (which was offered, and I have also not yet picked up). But even more than the things that I have actively requested and received is just the general good vibe of seeing other people making requests and receiving items - and making offers and giving items away. It's a good thing. It's a very good thing.
It's kind of like the anti-e-bay, if you think about it. I know e-bay is good supplemental income for a lot of people out there, and can be used in the spirit of thriftscoring. At the same time, there is so much crap on e-bay that is totally overpriced and not really worthwhile. At least stuff that I'm looking for tends to be that way.
So I have - or will have - my much-needed vacuum cleaner, and as well as an oft-dreamed-of bike trailer (now I need to fix up my bike!) thanks to freecycle. I'm probably going to put out a request for some paint and some cork board in the near future. Someone offered carpeting, and I have considered taking them up on the offer, but I'm not sure if I will have time to install it anytime soon, so I kind of want to wait and see if someone else takes it. At some point, I am going to dig through my closets and figure out what I can freecycle. I know I have some things that are just taking up space that I can probably get rid of. Things that would be too much of a hassle to try to sell. Things I might want to release to someone who truly needs them and truly can't afford them - like the silver rhinestone tiara that was offered the other day specifically for a bride-to-be who didn't have enough money to buy fancy accessories.
It's nice to receive. It's nice to give. And it's nice to see giving and receiving happening.
A Couple of Austin Events
October 19, 2003
First off, there will be a benefit show for Scarleteen Monday night, October 20th starting at 9:30 at 219 West, on the corner of 4th and Lavaca in lovely downtown Austin.
Second, there will be a march on the capitol and a rally in support of midwives on Thursday, October 30th. From an e-mail:
Texans for Midwifery - AustinJoin us October 30, 2003, for a March and Rally for Midwives sponsored by
the Midwives Alliance of North America and Texans for Midwifery-Austin. The
event is on Thursday, October 30, from 4:30-6:00 p.m. The march begins at
the Hyatt Regency Town Lake at 4:30 and ends at 5:00 p.m. on the South Lawn
of the Texas State Capitol. The rally starts at 5:00 p.m. on the South Lawn.
Parking for the rally is available at both the Visitor Parking Garage at
13th St. and Trinity or at meters surrounding the Capitol, closest on
Colorado between 13th and 14th.For details, see
http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/SPB/Plan/Map.htm
TFM-Austin is a consumer-based group working to inform families, the medical
community and decisionma