Austintacious

June 2009

Austintacious

Inside: The rise of Homeslice Pizza The conflict over shopping at Chain Stores Should children be allowed into bars during SXSW?

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m e e t

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s t a f f

Jenny S. Jenny is a freshman at LASA High School. She enjoys hula hooping, cupcakes and tennis. Jenny was born in Scotland, but has lived in Austin for ten years. You can always find Jenny hangin’ out on The Drag. Jenny plans on making varsity next year for tennis.

Akshay J. Akshay is a freshman at LASA. He enjoys debating, playing tennis, and speaking Spanish. Akshay has spent all of his life in Austin and he really loves it. He also enjoys spending time boating on Lake Austin.

Akshay hopes to make varsity on both the Debate and Tennis Team.

Ismael S. Ismael Salgado is a freshman at LASA High School. He enjoys basketball, photography, and visiting Puerto Rico. He has lived in Austin all of his life and his favorite thing to do in the city is observe the skyline.

Ismael hopes to make the varsity basketball team next year.

Christina M-J. Christina is a freshman at LASA. She likes to play soccer, listening to music, and hanging out with her friends. Christina has lived in Austin all of her life. She enjoys watching the lit UT tower after the school’s victory. Christina hopes to make the varsity soccer team next year.

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c o n t e n t s 002

Eateries 002 A Cheesy Culture 005 Enchiladas y Mas 008 History of Local Restaurants

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N e i g h b o r h o o d Wa t c h 010 Just Another Wal-Mart 013 Major League Austin

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Au s t i n M u s t - H ave s 016 Row 18 018 The Best Locations in Austin 020 Top Ten Tourist Attractions 024 Why am I not allowed into bars during SXSW?

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Market Place 027 A Toy Haven 029 It’s an honest Business

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Shoportunities 032 Should we Feel Guilty for Shopping at Chain Retailers 034 Drag Picks

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Extras 007 Austin Quiz 023 Answers to the Austin Quiz 036 Austin’s Tallest

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002 Photo courtesy of Kthread/Kristen Taylor

Eateries

A Cheesy Culture By: Akshay J.

Above: The Homeslice Owners. From Left to Right: Joseph Strickland, Terri Hannifin, and Jen Strickland

The inviting smell of rising dough wafts through the front doors of Austin’s eclectic pizzeria. As the factions and troops of kooky Austinites coalesce, Homeslice provides them with a warm and inviting feeling. For one group of LASA seniors, Homeslice

has been a place where they can hang out and eat Authentic New York style pizza every Friday afternoon.

Homeslice Pizza is a local NY style pizzeria located at the heart of South Congress (1415 S. Congress Ave) and was founded by Joseph Strickland, Jen

2 All Photos courtesy of Homeslice Pizza.

Strickland, and Terri Hannifin. Homeslice Pizza has recently gained popularity from people and critics across the city and country as it serves food in addition to showing a part of Austin’s signature culture.

Back in 2002 when layoffs were widespread, the Strickland’s were drawn to the idea of creating a New York style Pizzeria in their own neighborhood. Although Austin is notorious for Tex-Mex food, Homeslice has been able to carve its own niche and maintain its own following. Because they have taken part in many taste contests nationwide, Homeslice has altered the way food critics see Austin. Not only have they brought in crowds from SoCo and won local awards such as 2006 Critic’s Best SoCo Slice, but have also received acclaim from critics all over the country winning other awards such as 2007 Critics Best NY-Style Slice, 2006 Critic’s Best Cannoli, This Side of Little Italy, and many more. Such acclaim in addition to the numerous Austin Travel Guides that have feature Homeslice have allowed the restaraunt to become a tourist attraction that not only serves pizza but also shows a parts of Austin’s eclectic culture.

“The food at Homeslice is great, it always has been,” McCallum High School student Alex Hager said. “The staff is really nice and although they always have their hands full, they still have time to be friendly and crack a joke or two. The atmosphere is very nice at Homeslice, and when I go there, I not only enjoy the food, but the people surrounding me.”

Even though Homeslice opened in 2005, the Strickland family came up with the idea in 2002. Only after that they pursued their dreams and decided to open the restaurant they always wanted to. As the restaurant started to take shape, Jen installed stone tiles in her oven so that she could perfect the pizza-making process while Joseph dappled with numerous business plans and spreadsheets. By this time, Jen had already chosen the name of the restaurant and had pinpointed the ideal locale. As the initiation process came to an end, Jen recruited an old friend from college, Terri Hannifin to help run the business.

“I have always loved the concept of making piz-

zas and after visiting numerous chefs in New York, it seemed quite easy” says owner Jen Strickland. “While Homeslice was being created, my husband and I were living in Travis Heights and thought of opening a pizzeria in our neighborhood (on South Congress) as it could follow the opening of the Jo’s and other interesting stores like Uncommon Objects.”

After the Stricklands moved out of the

Above: One of Homeslice’s Chefs tosses a pizza dough in the air at a Pizza Tossing Contest.

“hood,” they admired the crowds of people that gathered on South Congress during ‘First Thursday’ (on the first Thursday of every month, people open up stalls located all over South Congress and sell various items-the phenomena is very popular in Austin) and finalized their location situation.

“First Thursday brings the best we could imagine in town for foot traffic. We also really wanted to be a neighborhood joint first and foremost, and there are great neighborhoods with exactly the kind of people we wanted to serve that live on both sides of South Congress.”

Once Homeslice opened, the customers that were targeted included educated professionals and their families between the ages of 25 and 40, artists, artisans, musicians, college kids, and tourists 3

staying in close-by hotels and while walking down Congress during First Thursday. Homeslice has always been a popular restaurant, but is clearly now much better known by people from all over Austin.

“We were pretty slammed when we first opened,” Strickland said. “There was such

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The Homeslice Pizza Experience—from the food, to the service, to the atmosphere—is bonafide.

”

a hole in the market for authentic NY-style pizza that I think people were ready for us.”

For the past four years, Homeslice has been a place for one group of seniors at Liberal Arts and Science Academy to hang out every Friday afternoon.

“It is a tradition,” senior Jordan Sessler said. “We all love going there because the location is great, and it’s a good place where a bunch of us can make noise, have fun, crack jokes, and eat good food. To me, the staff is what makes Homeslice amazing, they’re cool in their own way and they’re great servers too.”

Homeslice has earned a reputation of having a staff that is quick, kind, and proud of what they do. The restaurant is also notorious for the employees’ strong sense of individuality, good teamwork skills, positive attitudes, and love for pizza.

“We are really picky about the employees we hire and low employee turnover is part of our mission,” said Strickland. “We look for 4

people who are passionate about taking care of people and consider pizza making an art.”

Two years ago, Homeslice took all of its full time employees on a cultural trip to New York City so they could eat at the pizzerias that got the restaurant to where it is today.

“The trip helped us add to our great reputation as a restaurant that really takes care of their employees,” Strickland said.

Over the past few years, Homeslice has been advertising themselves as “a restaurant with street cred” with an owner that is known as “the queen of the pies.” These slogans have helped attract people to the restaurant and also help to portray the ‘Homeslice Experience.’

“It’s true that I am the Queen of Pies,” Strickland said. “The story of the queen of pies essentially tells the story of what I did to start up the restaurant and how I got it to what it is today. The idea of Homeslice being a restaurant with street cred goes along with the notion of the Homeslice experience—which ranges from having a nice atmosphere, to good service, and most importantly, tasty food.”

Home Slice is a true neighborhood pizzeria that not only serves no-compromise, authentic NY-style pizza. “The Home Slice Pizza experience—from the food, to the service, to the atmosphere—is bonafide,” Strickland said.

It is one local restaurant that thinks it’s the little things that make a difference. But most importantly, it’s a place that pizza lovers-from anywhere--can come and eat pizza while getting to see a glimpse of Austin’s culture!

Enchiladas y Mas By: Christina M-J.

Above: The front entrance of Enchildas y Mas.

Austin, the music capital of Texas has an abundant number of Mexican or Tex-Mex restaurants in various zip codes; however, none stands out like the family owned Enchiladas Y Mas. Enchiladas Y Mas started out as the dream of a brother and brother-in-law as a follow-up to a career in meat packing. I caught up with one of the owner’s, Robert Martinez, Sr. and his family over Super Bowl Weekend to chat about what has made Enchiladas Y Mas such a fixture in the Austin restaurant scene.

On this February evening, Mr. Martinez along with his wife, Mary, his son Robert Jr. and granddaughter Alexis were taking a break from the bustling activity at the restaurant. I asked Mr. Martinez what made him want to open a restaurant in Austin with all the other Tex-Mex loca-

tions including El Patio, Matt’s El Rancho and Jorge’s to compete with. Mr. Martinez was born and raised in Austin and his wife and brother were born in San Antonio. As retirement loomed from Texas Meat Purveyors, he pondered what to do with the rest of his life. He tried landscaping with his son but then partnered with his brother-in-law in a restaurant.

The original idea was a “simple” burger joint but the dream of a Tex-Mex restaurant was formed with recipes passed down from generation to generation.

The first location at IH-35 and 26th streets was a small Kelly green building which sat 48 patrons.

I was situated on the frontage road of the interstate surrounded by the University of Texas, Concordia University and St. David’s Hospital. The business flourished at this location from 1994 to 1999 when the lease expired and the owner’s choose to move to the new location at 1911 Anderson Lane, which now seats 100. Mr. Martinez stated that the original location was fortnate enough to be located down the street from the Austin Chroniclewho did articles which was an asset to contributing to the customer base.

Mrs. Martinez stated that when the restaurant moved locations, it took a awhile for the patrons to get used to the new location; however, once it took off old patrons along with new ones from the Allendale neighborhood began to frequent the restaurant. Breakfast and lunch has always been a staple for the restaurant but now the dinner crowd is just as large if not larger.

Both owners state that as with any business in today’s economy, 2008 was not a banner year due to higher food costs and spending more for ingredients all the while attempting to maintain the same consistency in quality and quantity of the food.

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Photos courtesy of Christina M-J. unless otherwise mentioned.

Photo of Enchiladas (on page 6) by Joe M500

awards including Best of Citysearch 2006-2007 and 2007-2008. This is attributed to great food, great atmosphere and great service. Enchiladas Y Mas stands tall amongst the other Tex-Mex family restaurants in Austin as a staple. If you like good food and a good service-try Enchiladas Y Mas!!

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Enchilada Recipe

Speaking of food, the portions are generous and filling-you always come hungry are generous and filling-you always come hungry and leave stuffed. My particular favoite is the Combination Plate, which comes with two cheese enchiladas, rice and beans.

Every time I go to the restaurant, which is usually at least once a week, the staff is hustling between tables and there are plenty of smiling patrons. Mr. Martinez stated, “I have regular customers who I treat like family and who treat me like family.” “We try to give the best customer service as possiblegood food, good service and a good time.”

Mrs. Martinez said, “Owing a restaurant is like taking care of a babyyou gotta take care of it, give it lots of love and attention, and watch it grow”.

Enchiladas Y Mas is growing in popularity but not space as the owners do not wish to expand nor do they want to franchise. It is a small family orientated business geared to making a family meal enjoyable yet affordable. The restaurant has many

* 12-14 corn tortillas * 2 1/2 cups homemade enchilada sauce or one 28oz can * 3/4 cup oil in a shallow pan or a baking dish * 2 1/2 cups shredded cheese or other fillings * Pre-heat the oven to 350 degress F 1. Warm oil over a very low heat 2. Dip each tortilla into the oil for 5-8 seconds or until warmed through; set aside the tortillas in a warming plate until ready to use 3. Put chile sauce in a shallow dish 4. Dip the tortilla in the sauce until full coated 5. Place the sauce coated tortilla in a 9*13 pan and put 2-3 table spoons of filling down the middle; fold the tortilla over and turn it over seam side so that it doesn’t spill 6. Repeat steps four and five with each tortilla until the pan is full 7. Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas 8. Add cheese to the enchiladas covered in sauce 9. Bake for 20-30 minutes; enjoy

e u r t a u Are yo

? e t i n Austi

find o t z i u Q s i h t e Tak

out!

By : Akshay J.

1. Name one restaraunt on Sixth Street?

2. What music festival is held in March (Spring)?

3. What is Austin’s motto (slogan)?

4. What University is Austin known for?

5. Name two popular LOCAL newspapers?

6. Name two local news stations?

7. What music festival is held in August?

8. Who was the Austin mayor in April 2009?

9. What nationwide groceries store was founded in Austin?

10. Phrase that generally describes Austin politically: “Austin is a _________ city in a conservative state.

11. Name one of the top two tallest buildings in Austin.

12. What is the name of Austin’s airport?

13. What is the nickname of “South Congress?”

14. What company provides Austin with bus services?

15. What popular child’s television show has a character who’s birthday is celebrated in Austin with a parade in April?

16. Name one local restaraunt on South Congress?

Refer to page 23 for Answers Photos courtesy of Ismael S.

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Local Restaurant History Hut’s Hamburgers

1939

Maudie’s

1950

Waterloo Icehouse

1976

Amy’s Ice Cream

1984

Güero´s

1986

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Chuy’s

Kirby Lane Cafe

1982

1980

Taco Shack

1996

Home Slice

2001

Hut’s has won the Austin chronicle readers poll for the best hamburger, the last 8 years. Aside from it’s hamburgers, Hut’s is known for yummy shakes and delicious onion rings.

Maudies became a tex mex restaurant in 1992 but has been an Austin tradition for a lot longer. Many flock to Maudie’s for their fresh squeezed margaritas.

Waterloo Icehouse’s motto is “serving great food since the hippies showed up”. The restuarant is prided on having great entertainment from Austin musicians.

Kirby Lane Cafe is known for amazing breakfasts. The cafe is open 24 hours, so you can stop in any time for some yummy gingerbread pancakes.

Chuy’s is another great tex mex restaurant. Most notable is the creative decor, including velvet posters, and mismatched tiles.

Amy’s Icecream is home to the creative ice cream trick olympics.

The staff performs these mezmorizing tricks for each order. Amy’s also boasts 31 mix-ins for their ice creams.

Güero’s Taco Bar serves fresh delicous tex mex food to Austin. Using great ingredients Güero’s crafts some mean tacos.

Taco Shack is famous for, of course, it’s brilliant tacos. Their breakfast tacos are especially delicous.

If you want pizza, Home Slice is the way to go. Home Slice sells authentic new york style pizza, and has become a major Austin icon.

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010 Photo courtesy of Ismael S.

Neighborhood Watch

Just Another Walmart...

By: Christina M-J.

Whether it is grocery shopping or just shopping for clothes, people all around Austin are running to Wal-Mart where the slogan is “Low Prices” instead of going to the local grocery stores such as H-E-B or even Dot’s.

Looking out over the Austin skyline all I see is a wooden structure. It’s a bird, no it’s a plane, no it’s

a two story Wal-Mart soon to be erected at Northcross Mall. This was the cry heard all across north Austin in November 2006 when the city approved the plans for Lincoln Property to demolish parts of the mall and install a 217,000 square foot, two story 24 hour Super Wal-Mart. The proposed WalMart sparked outrage from the neighbors and com-

10 All Photos courtesy of Christina M-J.

munity but for the shoppers who love Wal-Mart, action lawsuits that have been pending against the they were not fazed. I myself am a believer that the company for several years. Wal-Mart paid $11 milspace could have been used for better purposes and lion to settle a federal investigation called “Operaintend to address my concerns. Wal-Mart has betion Rollback,” which found hundreds of undocucome a staple in communities throughout the counmented immigrants working off the clock to clean try for several years first starting in the small towns stores. In 2003, federal agents raided 61 Wal-Mart and then growing to the metroplexes by leaps and stores and arrested 250 undocumented immigrants. bounds.

[WashingAustin ton Post, has a total 3/19/05; of seven Los AngeWal-Marts les Times, within the 10/24/03.] city limits T h e with sevK a i s e r eral more Family in the surFoundarounding tion and cities such Health Reas Round search and R o c k , Above: The demolished land ready to house a new Walmart Supercenter EducaC e d a r tional Trust Park, Hutto and Pflugerville. In Austin alone had a Wal-Mart press release that stated that Walthere are two Wal-Marts within a ten-mile radiMart health insurance coverage lags far behind us of each other-one at the intersection of Hwy national average. Nationally, 64percent of work183 and IH35 and the other at Parmer Lane and ers in very large firms (5,000 employees or more) IH35 with various architectural upgrades dereceive their health benefits from their employer. pending upon location and city.

That is way Wal-Mart covers around 50percent of its employtoo many…when is the madness going to stop. ees. Health care is an important issue happening Concerns have revolved around issues such as in America today, as every person needs to have the unethical treatment of Wal-Mart’s employees; medical care. If Wal-Mart is to build in Austin, the lack of health care to most employees; too much City Council should mandate that the store protraffic in the neighborhood; and how Wal-Mart will vide health care to all employees or contribute to take away business from the local merchants. As the city funded MAP program for the un-insured. . an American, I believe that we should buy made in Cars, cars, and more cars are traveling AusAmerica and Wal-Mart advertises that many prodtin streets daily. You can’t get anywhere in thirty ucts sold in their stores express this as quoted in minutes or less anymore. The building of the WalJim Hightower’s Wal-Mart’s Made-In-America Lie Mart at Northcross Mall will definitely increase the published in April of 2000 in Alternet; however, traffic load, but that may provoke the city to look the employees are not highly paid for a days work. at it’s future transportation plans for this neighborThis seems like slave labor, which is wrong in evhood. Even without Wal-Mart, the intersection ery way. In the December 2008 issue of http://walof Anderson Lane and Burnet Road is highly conmartwatch.com/, it was stated that Wal-Mart angested at any time of day, especially the rush hours nounced that it would settle 63 wage and hour class (morning and evening). Is Wal-Mart going to con11

tribute any money to the transportation plans to alleviate this problem and are the mall entrances going to provide easy access and exit to consumers? If a good plan is compiled, it might ease a few of my concerns since I am tired of my parent’s tax dollars paying for road construction and giving abatements to businesses who want to build in Austin and them not giving anything back.

I believe in supporting the neighborhood businesses and I do agree that the building of the Wal-Mart will take away money for the people who make this a community. Some of the businesses have been in this neighborhood for years and sell the same types of products as WalMart. With the low prices by WalMart, these businesses will surely fail-what can we do? I have no solution for this; however, it would be great that if a customer came into the Wal-Mart and they were out of the product, the Wal-Mart personnel would say, “ Go to XYZ Hardware, I bet they have what you are looking for.” Boy am I living in Utopia as that will never happen-they will just get referred to another big box Wal-Mart down the street.

Whatever happened to helping your fellow man?

The community continued to be outraged and planned protests and hired attorneys to represent them in meetings with Wal-Mart and the city during the summer of 2007. The community felt that the city did not provide them with adequate notice of the intent of the Wal-Mart; however, the city stated that the plan was grandfathered in and no public hearing was required.

Don’t we vote these people into service so who are they looking out for-the citizens of Austin or WalMart Corporation? In an article provided by the Austin American Statesman in June 2008, it was stated that Wal-Mart has decided to scale down 12

the size of the store to 99,000 square feet, which is one-half of the original size. I think that this is a win win for the community; however, traffic still bothers me. I know that when I go to any Wal-Mart the parking lots are hard to navigate and the entrances and exits sometime pose a problem.

When I was younger, I used to go to Northcross for skating and movies. The skating rink is still there, but long gone is the movies and the Furr’s cafeteria. The loss of the movie theater is making the residents have to travel about five miles or further to see a movie thus creating traffic along other thruways. The sense of community is long gone when you could stroll the mall on a Saturday and shop as your kids ice-skated.

As of today, June of 2009, the Wal-Mart is no longer a plan…. it is in its beginnings. Ground has been broken and the building is taking shape and form. Although I totally do not agree with putting a Wal-Mart in the center of a community, I do understand that the times are changing. Wal-Mart is becoming a fixture within the city and creating a building design that does not make it look like a big box store by using cool décor like the one in Hutto. As far as the traffic is concerned, Austin also needs to take a look at the number of people moving into it and plan accordingly. Wal-Mart has been now required to treat its employees better and provide healthcare…so I guess we will just sit back and wait to see what happens after the opening.

Will it be a bust or a boom for the neighborhood?

Major League Austin By : Ismael S.

One afternoon not too long ago, I got together with some old buddies to talk about how we were doing and what we liked to do. We got to the topic of sports, and that’s when one of my pals said, “Hey, why doesn’t Austin have its own big time professional sports team?” Now, the first thought that popped into all of our heads was why not? Austin is the largest US city without a major league sports team, and the city has had five minor league teams over the last two years.

My friends began to complain about this. “This is crazy! We need pro sports! That would be so awesome!” Me, on the other hand, gave it more thought. And trust me, as of right now, a major league Austin sports franchise is not the way to go.

My stubborn companions began to blabber about how they disagreed with me and how the Austin Aztex, the newest minor league Austin team, was one step closer to a major league team because they were the only franchise in the 512 that actually got paid. The Aztex are a soccer team that belongs to the PDL*, which is a few steps below MLS. They also gave a crazy reason about how the Austin Toros, a successful team in the NBADL that gets good support from the city, is a sign that there should be bigger things to come. But what they didn’t talk about were some of Austin’s minor league failures, such as the Austin Wranglers, an AFL team that was forced to close because of financial trouble. The Austin Ice Bats, a minor league UT Photo by TFDuesing Toros Photo by CyberToast.

hockey team was forced to go “lights out” for the 2008-09 season because they didn’t have a place to play. The last of the five minor league Austin teams is the Round Rock Express, who had a dismal 2008 season. So its three bad minor league stories to two good ones, and the last time I checked, three was more than two. So if a city wants to add in a major league sports team, then it should at least have a good history with their minor league teams.

Usually when anybody thinks of Austin sports, the first two words that pop up into their head are ‘Texas Longhorns’. Austin’s been bleeding orange for over a century, and that’s not about to change. You know the old line; “This town ain’t big enough for the both of us.” Austin is too small to have a major league team and a very successful and popular athletic program in UT. A pro team would definitely take away a chunk of UT fans at games, whether it is football, basketball or any other sport. It is like having two major league teams in this middle-sized city. The smallest city with two big league pro sports teams is Buffalo, and their team’s schedules don’t clash. But wait! What if the pro sports team in Austin played in a different season than UT? That would be okay, right? Wrong. UT, being a university has many different sports, which means pretty much every season is sport season. So for everyone who says Austin is big enough, it isn’t.

If you want to have a sports team, you need a place to play, a home field or a home court. If 13

you want a major league prefessional sports team, you need a stadium. A big one. First off, making a completely new stadium would be very expensive,

Above: Austin Toros playing at Home (in Austin).

which translates to very difficult considering the tough times we are going through right now. So if we can’t build a stadium, how will we get a place to play? Sharing the Texas Royal Memorial Stadium would be impossible, cleaning up the trashy, repulsive mess from a UT Saturday football game on Sunday morning (which I had to do once, it was horrible) wouldn’t leave enough time to set up for an NFL game. Besides, the stadium is in the university there really aren’t any NFL stadiums that are shared with big time elite college football teams like UT. An MLS team wouldn’t work; the Aztex play at a high school football field. There’s nothing professional about that. An MLS team can’t play on a field like that. There is no home for an NHL team either for virtually the same reason; the Ice Bats were forced to not play for one season because they had no ice rink to play in. How can we have a hockey team if we don’t even have a rink!? My friends then talked about how a baseball team would be perfect. Additions to the Express’s Dell Diamond could be made to make the field MLB size, and it wouldn’t be as expensive as just building a brand new building. They also said that there are many people in the Austin area that 14

would be willing to watch pro baseball. But there is one little problem. A problem that Austin is facing right now. This problem irritates pretty much everybody in the city, regardless of age, gender, race, or interests. This problem is traffic, and it will only get worse if a major league sports team is added.

Time for a fun fact: according to the Texas Transportation Institute, Austin has the most traffic out of all the mid-major cities in the country. So why would we want to bring a big time pro sports team if it will Austin competing with Houston or LA in the traffic rankings? Congestion before and after UT games is bad enough. Unless you’re going to the game, leaving you house on a Saturday when the Longhorns play would be the biggest mistake of your week. A new pro sports team that would play at the same time as the Longhorns would make the streets more clogged up, and if the team played in another season, that would mean more horrible trafissue, especially for those people who need to get to work to help out the city in their own special way.

In the end, the bad stuff just completely out-

“

Austin’s has been bleeding orange for over a century, and that’s not about to change.

”

weighs the good stuff. My friends had to agree with me about the traffic part, even though they can’t drive yet. Money problems could mean doom for the team, there would be split loyalties between UT fans that want to watch the new team, finding a home would be hard, and traffic would scare away fans and just anger non fans. So it doesn’t end out pleasant. So let’s just stick with the ‘Horns.

Guide to Major League Acromyms NBA - National Basketball Association. One of the big four major league US sports.

NFL - National Football League. One of the big four major league US sports.

MLB - Major League Baseball. One of the big four major league US sports.

NHL - National Hockey League. One of the big four

major league US sports.

MLS - Major League Soccer. The biggest profession al American soccer league.

PDL - Primer Development League. A soccer league a

few steps below MLS.

AFL - Arena Football League. The United States’ in door football league.

NBADL - NBA Development League. Under the NBA. MLB Photo by PburghStever

NBA Photo by degreezero

NFL Photo by fragilebreath

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016 Photo by ret0dd

Austin Must - Haves

Row 18

By Christina M-J

Slowly walking down the dimly lighted stairs towards row 18 stopping every now and then to look at the row numbers to make sure that you are going in the right direction. All of a sudden the curtains on the stage open up and you see the scenery

of a home with a large Christmas tree surrounded by boxes of gifts. The memory of going to the annual Nutcracker ballet put on every year around Christmas time by Ballet Austin is the best.

The nutcracker ballet is one of the best memories that I have. When I first went to see the ballet I didn’t think anything of it because by that time I hadn’t gotten into the dancing thing

16 Nutcracker Photo: courtesy of Christina M-J. Ballet Shoe by Megyrash.

because I was young and I really didn’t want to go and see some people dance around. My mom told me to give it a chance so I did. When we arrived at the Bass Concert Hall in downtown Austin by UT it was crowded. We walked in and got our tickets scanned and went to find our way to the seats. Finding our seats was hard because the concert hall was packed with the people finding their seats and leaving to go to the bathroom before the show started.

Five minutes later the lights started to dim and the announcer told everyone to turn off all cell phones, pagers, and not to take any pictures during the show because of the flash in the performers eyes. When the curtain opened I started to get excited because the scenery was just like at my house with the large green Christmas tree in the center of the living room surrounded by boxes of all sizes

and colors underneath. As the ballet beganto take scene and the starts danced I became entranced with the magical world of Claire and her nutcracker doll.

Once the ballet ended I realized that I wanted to dance. As I got older and wiser I realized that Ballet Austin does this show every year so that adults and children can remember the times of family and friends. The ballet has brought new and wonderful things to Austin and has contributed to the culture with the summer programs, workshops, and just going around the community doing charity shows Ballet Austin will always be in my heart as a cool place to be when I’m not doing something. So now every year I go to see the ballet company put on this magical and wonderful show as a person that loves to see the Austin’s culture prosper.

17 Tree Photo by Randy Son of Robert.

Ballet Austin Photo by Rutio

The Best Locations in By: Akshay J.

THE TRIANGLE

Austin

The Triangle, located in Hyde Park is a recent addition to Austin that allows people to access venues ranging from living in an apartment, to finding groceries at a local farmer’s market to even getting a massage; here you have access to everything.

Located at W Guadalupe, W. 45th Street, an N. Lamar, the Triangle is in one of the most “happening” areas of Austin. It is a place where people who desire to go outside of its boundaries are comforted with access to the recreation and entertaining activities nearby in addition to the hottest clubs in Austin (that are also just a few minutes away).

Although the Triangle is relatively new, it has already received wide acclamation and is reaching to become a popular attraction for Austinites who need something ‘different’ to do as it is wrapped in the midst of retail shops, lively restaurants, and eclectic nigh life venues. It was able to reserve some of the most popular restaurants (such as Mandola’s) and events (Monthly Farmer’s Market) when it first opened, so I feel that it shall thrive economically and respectably.

If you plan on living here, you should expect an urban lifestyle where you can live where life happens; you can wake up and enjoy the fun right at your doorstep. The Triangle has become the best place to live if one desires a great atmosphere along with a comfortable/affordable style of living; it has combined the notorious laid back lifestyle of Austinites with the city’s signature eccentricity.

“I love living in the Triangle because I can walk to some of my favorite clubs and to some of the stores I have to go to. Ir is in the perfect location.” UT Senior and Triangle resident Nick Gajwani said.

“The Triangle has given the heart of Austin a new beat!”

- The Triangle Website Maintanence Staff

6th Street is the most famous street in Austin known for nightlife and is also the most expensive in terms of land value.

6th STREET (DOWNTOWN)

6th Street is notorious for its live music and relatively eclectic culture. In addition, it houses some of the fanciest hair salons, antique shops, and the one and only Driskill Hotel.

“Every where you are, there is music playing. It’s an amazing place and is much better than what I expected.” Chicago Resident Vinnie Jor said.

Sixth Street is one of the oldest and most historic streets in Austin and through the acclaim it has gotten, it has pulled in the largest revenues for any area in Austin.

It is what signifies Austin and its culture as eccentric and music-loving as many people around the country only visit Austin because of what they hear about Sixth Street and the image it has.

18 Downtown Austin photo courtesy of Ismael S.

6th Street photo courtesy of Ismael S.

SOUTH CONGRESS (SoCo) South Congress, also known as SoCo is the most eccentric locale in Austin.

Housing some of the most indie coffeeshops (such as Jo’s), and stores such as Lucy in Disguise, South Congress has earned a reputation within Austinites to have a very hipster-like culture. South Congress is a very pedestrian friendly road in Austin and you can commonly find people walking wherever you go.

Today, SoCo has become a more upscale area as land values have increased (due to its close proximity to downtown) and the street is losing its local feel as commercial places such as Starbuck’s are appearing.

“I love the people on South Congress, they are unique and cool in their own ways.”

Fulmore Middle School (a school located at the heart of SoCo) graduate Anna McCorquodale said.

First Thursdays is a festival held on South Congress that is very famous with Austinites. On the first Thursday of every month, shops stay open late and the entire street becomes swarmed with kids The Triangle and adults. Everyone goes shopping as many people open up stalls on the street to sell ‘funky’ items or services. First Thursdays is a friendly party that the whole family can enjoy.

Downtown

South Congress Photo of the Triangle courtesy of Akshay J.

Photo of South Congress by austrini.

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top ten tourist attractions By : Christina M-J.

1. State Capitol

The state capitol is the best place to visit when you come to Austin because it was designed to have the look of Renaissance. At the top the only building to have in America stands a small replica of the Statue of Liberty, which is on Ellis Island in New York. The historical aspect of the capitol brings in tourists from all over the U.S. The culture that the capitol brings to Austin is a large amount because the people of the city look at the capitol as symbol of hope that no matter what the problem is there will always be a symbol that stands tall.

2. Bob Bullock Museum

The Bob Bullock Story of Texas Museum was designed to show visitors coming to Austin, Texas about the history in fun and interactive ways. The museum gives a fun outlook and teaches the young and old about what Texas’ values.

To me this museum brings out the Texan in everyone young and old no matter what they come to do.

3. Governor’s Mansion

The governor’s mansion is an icon to all of the people in Austin because it houses the governor and their family. When I go to my mom’s job which is right across the street from the mansion I picture going on a tour finding out about the history of Texas through the governor’s eyes from all of the pictures that hang in the hallways and rooms.

When asked about what she thinks of the mansion state employee Robin Moten says that the mansion shows that now matter how much you try to get rid of it that the mansion is a symbol that even after being severly burned the mansion remains tall.

20 Capital Photo courtesy of Ismael S.

Photo of LBJ painting by cliff1066

Austin’s Children Museum photo by navets

Bob Bullock Photo by Wyscan

Bats Photo by dizfunkshinal

5. LBJ Library

4. Austin Zoo

6. Austin Children’s Museum

Admission is free (the only Presidential library that is). You can spend hours in here- see LBJ’s limosine, Lady Bird’s office, many important documents and mementos. This is a great museum that gives a lot of insight into the life of LBJ as a leader for Texas and for the United States. If you are in Austin you should definitely pop in to see all of the cool and fun artifacts tha the library holds.

The zoo in Austin is mostly about the animals and their well being. Any tourist can see when they go to the zoo that the caretakers love to help the animals in need and that Austin feels strong about saving animals from cruelty and abandonment.

To many local Austinites the zoo is like places to relax and go see different kinds animals that they know have a same home from cruelty. The overall purpose to visit the Austin Zoo is to have a great time and experience the coolest zoo in the ATX.

The Austin Children’s museum is one of the best children’s museums I have ever visited. It changes its displays regularly so that kids can come back and see new things. The museum is a blast to take kids of all ages to. From babie and toddler time, to regular hours where everyone is invited it is a great experience.

7. Congress Bat Colony The bat colony is the only one in Texas. It has about 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats that come out at night in the middle of fall to feed on the insects that are flying around.

The Congress Avenue bridge is the home to all of these bats which hang right over Lady Bird Lake. So if you are ever canoing, rowing, kyacking, or just walking the hike and bike trial look up when you go under the bridge and you can see the largest bat colony in Texas. Beware the bats poop so don’t look up for too long while rowing.

21 Governor’s Mansion Photo by bmendez 68

Lion Photo by wwarby

Train photo by Roger Blackwell.

Caverns photo by Rene Ehrhardt

Wildflower Photo by BruceTurner

8. Austin Steam Train

This train has been in Austin since 1989. It travels thorugh Austin and the surrounding cities like Cedar Park. The steam train is fast. When traveling through Austin the train blows its horn as the cars on the street look and aww at the large train going on the tracks because usually the only trains that go by have cargo never tourists. Austin steam train is a great attraction to take the kids when you travel to Austin in the summer and during spring break.

9. Longhorn Caverens

Longhorn Cavern State Park features Longhorn Cavern, a Texas Hill Country wonder created over thousands of years by the dissolving and cutting action of water on the limestone bedrock of the area.

Fossil remains show that many Ice Age animals once occupied the cave.

10. Lady Bird Wildflower Center The wildflower center holds many different flowers from around the state of Texas and shows off their radiance to all visitors that come to see them. Also the center helps Texas keep its natural landscapes. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is located in way south Austin, past Slaughter Lane off Mopac. It is located in a beautiful area of Austin, and is even more beautiful once you are inside.

Many of the local insects come and pollenate the flowers to give them that beautifull look and smell.

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s r e w s n A

z i u Q e t i n i to the Aust

1. Several include: Loiue’s 106, Z Tejas Grill, Opal Divine’s Freehouse, Portabla, The Old Pecan Street Cafe, Huts Hamburgers, and many more.

2. South by Southwest (SXSW) 3. ”Keep Austin Weird” 4. University of Texas at Austin (UT) 5. Austin Chronicle, The Austin American Statesman 6. KVUE, KXAN 7. Austin City Limits (ACL) 8. Will Wynn 9. Whole Foods 10. liberal/democratic 11. 360 Condominiums, Frost Bank Tower 12. Austin-Bergstrom (International) Airport 13. SoCo 14. Capital Metro 15. Winnie the Pooh (Eeyore’s Birthday) 16. Several Include: South Congress Cafe, Guero’s Taco Bar, Fran’s Hamburgers, Vespaio, Magnolia Cafe, Zen, Homeslice Pizza, and many more.

23 Photo courtesy of Akshay J.

W hy won’t these bars let me inside to listen to music?

B y: A k s h a y J.

During SXSW, teens should be allowed into bars so they can simply listen to the music they love.

Hundreds of people fill the streets in downtown Austin every year for the SXSW (South By Southwest) music festival. As soon as I heard about it, I jumped up and went online to check the dates, find out what bands are playing, and where they would be.

The website was well made, but each time I scrolled down, my heart sank. My excitement and joy slowly started to ebb down as I sat there gazing at the schedule for Day 1, noticing that out of 20 bars where music would be played, 3 would be open for people my age.

SXSW is a festive, cultural experience that allows people to listen to many musical legends. The problem unfortunately, for many teenagers who would also like to listen to their favorite bands and enjoy the experience, is that they are denied the right to do so and are not allowed to enter most of the bars where these bands are playing. Why is this, you may ask? These lounges (whose sole purpose is to play live music), are closed for people under 21. For example, The Aces Lounge, Fuze, the Ale House, the Victorian

24 Guitar Photo by bre pettis’

Emo’s photo by Stuck in Customs

Stubb’s Photo by dansays

Room at the Driskill, Lambert’, and the 18th floor at the Hilton Garden Inn are a few places I wouldn’t be allowed in. More popular bars that are open to people of all ages include Stubb’s, Emo’s, and the Radio Room.

“

The feeling of being at a live concert is a completely different ball game from listening to music through headphones

”

Listening to music in the presence of alcohol is not illegal and if three bars allow people like me to do so, why can’t they all. By allowing me in to their bar, they are not breaking the law. Therefore we need to make these adults realize that at least during these festivals, exceptions should be made so that teenagers are not denied the right to enter a bar and hear a band play. They should let SXSW be open to a younger crowd and simply deny them the right to alcohol rather than the right to enter.

Now I understand that the idea of allowing kids into bars during SXSW and exposing them to boisterous and uncontrollable behavior by people in their most intoxicated states can actually be detrimental, as kids might feel that getting drunk is an acceptable norm. It might also make it easier for these teenagers to buy alcohol as bartenders may not be able to distinguish a fake ID from a real one, as the lighting may be poor. Allowing teenagers into these bars during the SXSW festival may also drive away older people as they may feel inhibited and uncomfortable drinking in the presence of minors.

This makes the bar ‘unhappy’ because the less drinks they sell (to adults), the less money they make. But you know what, this is all wrong for many reasons.

According to alcoholfreechildren.org, 25 percent of high school students already commonly consume alcohol. Exposing children to drunken

adults is not detrimental because the kids allowed into these bars can see what alcohol does to an adult and therefore are exposed to this from a point of view that negatively portrays alcohol’s effects on a person. Giving teens this exposure will help them see alcohol from a different perspective and can see the cons of drinking. Bartenders are aware that selling alcohol to a minor is illegal so rather than having bouncers standing outside the bar, they actually should have them monitoring the inside, carding kids under 21 who try to purchase alcohol.

Allowing teens into bars in the presence of adults does not have much of an impact on the population of adults and the money made by the bar.

Bars such as Emo’s and Stub’s that allow people of all ages into their pubs and can still generate a considerable profit in comparison to their competitors such as BD Riley’s and Ale House. The reason they are able to do this is the fact that they are able to reserve better/widely known bands and therefore are able to charge more for tickets (and receive more money as they get a bigger share from total SXSW ticket sales) as a couple of bucks is not a big deal for most of these teens. By doing this, they are also able to gain popu-

Above: The Beastie Boys performing at Stubbs.

larity with the teens and overall have more customers at all times (many SXSW fans buy tickets simply for attending shows held at Stubb’s). Older people are also not driven away at these such bars because being in the company of teens is not reason enough 25

to turn someone away from hearing music they like.

SXSW is a festival that generates money for several of the small businesses that depend on such events.

Allowing teens into bars during this time can help these local businesses profit and can further help the Austin economy by providing more jobs all around.

This is true because when more people are in the area, more people have to eat these local restaurants/shop at stores and overall increase the revenues of these stores—ultimately requiring them to increase their staff size and give more people jobs. Therefore allowing teenagers into bars may actually be a financially viable alternative making it a win-win situation overall.

Aside from the financial incentives, allowing teens into bars during SXSW can also help give rise to the hundreds of bands that play each year as it promotes a more diverse audience. Even though several of these groups are popular around the nation, some have not reached the fame that they so strive for. As technology has progressed and kids have access to several social networking sites, the publicity that these bands receive has grown exponentially allowing bands that are not well known

to attain a larger audience. Nowadays some of the bands that play at SXSW such as 30H!3 aim at making music that is liked by teens rather than adults and allowing the widespread mass of kids into these bars would further the bands’ popularity.

The most important reason why teens should be allowed into bars during SXSW is the most obvious one, to listen to good music. There is no reason why listening to music while being surrounded by alcohol is illegal. Kids like listening to music as much as adults and they should be allowed to do so. I know for a fact that my friend at Austin High loves the feeling of being at a live concert and thinks it is a completely different ball game than listening through headphones or speakers.

These bars must allow kids onto their premises for the sole purpose of listening to music and simply can recover the money lost from lower sales of alcohol through the rise in ticket sales. As music played by bands catering to teenagers has started to create an impact at festivals such as SXSW and ACL, many bars must realize that kids are a growing part of this culture and are here to stay.

Above : A musician is seen playing her guitar during SXSW.

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027

Photo by Eric Gjerde

Market Place

A Toy Haven By : Je n n y S .

The sheer abundance of color and toys reaches from the spots found on the ornamented exterior, through to the neon glowing depths of the store.

The store paralyzes shoppers with its amazing collection of shimmering goodies. As they make their way through the store shoppers squeal in delight as they begin to notice things like cheddar cheese flavored worms, cupid catapult guns, toast stampers, and swirly glitter bouncy balls. This is pure bliss.

Chain box stores are becoming increasingly dominant and as they prevail independent local businesses are being pushed back. Toy Joy, a quirky, local toy store on Guadalupe Street in Austin, stands strong among these monstrous chains. The place oozes originality. One of the managers, Brian Byrne-Soria, said, “We try to get stuff that no one else has you know. You don’t see a lot of stuff here Target or Wal-Mart has.”

Some patrons will even go so far as to ar-

gue that Toy Joy defines Austin culture. The store has been on Guadalupe for about 20 years but has been in Austin for much longer. Recently Toy Joy has expanded into the building next door and has added a coffee shop that sells vegan drinks and Japanese beverages including fascinating concoctions such as a vanilla strawberry twist. UT students make up a lot of Toy Joy’s customers and can be found browsing on weeknights. Parents and their kids are often present during weekends and during the day plenty of adults hang out at the store during their lunch break.

It’s easy to get lost in the vast selection of toys but some attract an exceptionally large amount of attention. According to Byrne-Soria, whose favorite toy is the accordion, the most unusual toys that the store sells are the pregnant lady key chains. “A little keychain with a clear woman and the 27

Toy Photo by jelene.

Rug Photo by ACaDeMik

baby is in a bouncy ball that comes out of her stomach.” The most popular toy is the colorful, bouncy rubber pony, called The Rody. Kikkerland wind ups, small mechanical wind up bugs, are pretty hot, too.

Toy Joy has people that go to toy fairs every couple months to choose the toys found in the store. Currently they have some people at a show in Las Vegas scoping out new merchandise.

If someone brings something in that Toy Joy likes they will go look for it, same for if they see some-

“

Gypsies, every five years come through town and we pick them [toys] off their van, Byrne-Soria joked.

”

thing out of the store they like. Toy Joy imports a lot of toys from Japan, which they get to peek at during international toy fairs. There are toys at the store, from all over the world. Toy Joy spends a lot of time looking for unique toys, and really strives to sell things that few others do. ByrneSoria joked that “Gypsies, every five years come through town and we pick them off their van.”

To really capture the essence of Toy Joy you need to know a little about the staff. “We like hiding stuff and trying to have people find them” Byrne-Soria admits. Throughout the store little messages are hidden on the ceiling and under the counters. The staff also enjoy sticking unusual pictures along the walls. There used to be a wall covered by the staff with weird quotes from customers taken out of context. The employees are in charge of decorating the store, too. Toy Joy is decorated in theme with the current holiday. Byrne-Soria explained that “Halloween is my holiday so I get to decorate the front for Halloween. Valentine’s, somebody else comes in, so it’s everybody, it’s who28

ever is up to it.” The outside of the store has been painted with multiple colors and the roof has been lined with toy nuns. Inside there are countless glass boxes filled with trinkets, all labeled with hilarious hand drawn illustrations, courtesy of the staff.

When asked about the store, a 12 year old boy, Angus, lit up. He exclaimed “Toy Joy is the coolest place in the world, I love it!” Angus had one of the popular Kikkerland wind ups in his hand, a green putty eraser, along with an armful of smoke bombs.

You can often find Byrne-Soria sitting out-

Above: The Toy Joy banner at the Maker Faire in August of 2008.

side the store playing an accordion. The huge variety of toys that Toy Joy sells allows them to cater to the majority of the Austin community as well as tourists. Byrne-Soria encourages Austin newcomers to the store, “If you’re in Austin come see it”.

Toy Joy has definitely won the hearts of Austinites and rightfully has become an Austin tradition.

An Honest Business By : Ismael S.

It is a normal Wednesday afternoon at Child to college in Oregon, then moved to Hawaii, then Craft, a small after school care center in Central Austo Japan, and finally came back to Texas through tin. The kids are in a good mood, and loud, as usual.

California; and still hasn’t gotten a college degree.

One girl walks into the office of Harma Jordan, the “I’m the success story your parents don’t want director of the Child Craft after school program, to you to hear,” she says. “So go to school to get a degree.” ask if she can name all of the stuffed animals there.

Jordan began working at Child Craft as a “Sure,” Jordan replies. Then she goes back Pre-K teacher, and was later promoted to Child to her work, answering phone calls and scribCraft’s Director, and then Curriculum Dibling down future plans for the program. rector. And although she had been very sucChild Craft Schools has been a successcessful at Child Craft, Jordan needed more. ful day care for toddlers and “I decided I needed my young children since 1957. It own school,” she says. And in has served as an after school 1990, the Child Craft after child care center for the nearschool program was born. Jorby Bryker Woods and Lee Eldan married the owner of Child ementary schools for 19 years.

Craft, and then expanded the Child Craft has two lobusiness by buying the neighcations, one that is just a day boring property and creating care for toddlers, and an- Above: A child is seen playing with toys at the current after school care. other that includes a day care Child Craft.

Although it is a small busiand the after school program. ness, the after school care hasn’t The after school is divided into Clubhouse East, been affected by competition against the elemenfor 3rd to 6th grades, and Clubhouse West, tary schools’ other after school programs recently. which is for Kindergarten to 3rd grade. Jor“Because we pick up at two schools, any dan’s large house sits between the two clubhousone school can go through changes, and our es, and her office is located in Clubhouse East. numbers stay about the same,” Jordan says.

Jordan has lived in many places; she grew up in There was one occasion, though, where Dallas and Houston, then moved to California, then Jordan had to drop one of three elementa29 All photos courtesy of Harma Jordan unless otherwise mentioned.

Photo on page 30 courtesy of Ismael S.

ry schools, Casis Elementary, due to the fact that the competition was too strong there. She was then able to bring in more kids from Bryker Woods and Lee, which filled in the gaps.

“Since then families from Casis have wanted me to start again, because they weren’t happy with the competition that started up, but I already had an easier way of running my business so I said no thank you,” she says. “So I think we beat out our competition pretty easily.”

Child Craft hasn’t been drastically affected by the recession either. Child care centers have seemed to be unaffected by the recession, but Jordan says if parents begin to lose their jobs, then they will be impacted.

“I have known of two parents in the 62 children I have enrolled in this program who have lost their jobs, but they are keeping their children in childcare while they pursue new jobs,” she says. “So, it hasn’t affected me yet.”

Since neither competition nor the recession has had much of an effect on Child Craft, the center’s biggest problem in terms of money occurs within it.

“Kids destroy everything. So you have to constantly spend money repairing things, Above: A child is seen playing Stratego one afternoon at Child Craft

30

replacing things,” she says.

Another difficulty that faces Jordan is following a rulebook produced by the ‘Texas Department of Family and Protective Services’ telling her how to run her program.

“

Kids destroy everything. You have to constantly spend money repairing things.

”

“They have a rulebook about, oh, an inch thick that I have to follow, so that’s difficult.”

The rulebook talks about the minimum expected from a childcare program. There are regulations about First Aid, indoor and outdoor space requirements, the maximum number of kids a caregiver can responsible for, how many people need to be CPR certified, and more. There are some strange ones too, like how deep the gravel must be on the playground.

Another tough thing is training and choosing the right staff for the kids. It is after all, one of main reasons why Child Craft is successful.

“When you work with children, you want to find those special people who kids relate to,” Jordan says. “So, they have to be able to be a friend to children, but also be able to be the adult in charge.” Other factors she looks for in a staff member are that they are honest, reliable, and have a lot of enthusiasm toward the job.

The children love the counselors, and will want play board games or sports with them when they aren’t working on homework.

“You get to play games, and you get to do arts and crafts, which you don’t get to do in college,” says Cathy Barreda, who graduated from the University of Texas last year. She is working on a puzzle with some kids that they started the day before.

Counselors’ birthdays will usually result in a special snack that day instead of

the normal animal crackers and apple juice.

Maxwell’s favorite thing about Child Craft is “They had eaten cake today; it was Lauren’s the similar to Jordan’s; getting to see and talk to birthday,” says Jordan’s primary assistant Stella people who went to Child Craft who are now older.

Maxwell, explaining the children’s excitement.

“I get to see the progression that kids make. I Maxwell, another University of Texas graduget to see the span of their growth,” Maxwell says. ate, is in charge of keeping track of parents’ tuJordan regrets limiting interaction with parition payments, of making sure that attendance ents and kids by closing the Child Craft sumrecords are right, and of dealmer camp last summer. ing with kids’ problems.

She says it will be closed “I’m like the big grown this summer as well. up,” she says, wagging her finger “During the summer, as if she was scolding a child. my business was open from Besides the counselors, 7:30 to 6:00, for summer the kids enjoy playing outside, camp,” Jordan says. “More playing the piano located in staff, more responsibilities, Clubhouse East, and taking more activities going on, part in special parties such as very intense, but it made the Christmas, Halloween, most of the money that and end of the year festivities. made this small business “For the first ten years succeed.”

Nevertheless, I put on a Christmas show Jordan still believes the afwith all the kids,” Jordan says. ter school care is worth it.

“That was a whole lot of work, Jordan is happy with but a lot of positive energy the successes of Child from the kids and the famiCraft. She, along with lies. So that was my favorite.” the staff, believes that Now her favorite time of Child Craft is the most the year is the first day back from reliable in the business. the summer and winter breaks.

“I think I run a “[I enjoy] the beginning unique program in that, Above: A child is seen playing with toys when school first starts and the at Child Craft.

I hire very well; staff are good, kids are all excited about bebetter than most places. And I ing here and about having had a summer break believe that the owner being on site, being available and ready to go back to school, or, same thing to the staff and the parents, makes a difference in when the second semester starts,” Jordan says. terms of parents feeling good about the program.”

As for her favorite memory, that is too difficult As for her absolute favorite thing about for her to answer. There was an occasion, though, her job, Jordan feels that she has done a good when Jordan received an e-mail from a woman who deed to the elementary schools’ communilives in California and had gone to Child Craft. ties by running an honest program where chilThe e-mail talked about how much the woman had dren of working parents can feel at home. loved Child Craft when she was a girl. The wom“You feel good about being in this business. It’s an an also said she had given birth to two daughters. honest business, it’s providing a service that’s needed, “That makes you feel good when you know you and you get to hang out with kids and young people.” make a business that works,” Jordan said of the e-mail.

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032 Photo courtesy of Akshay J.

Shoportunities

Should you feel guilty for shopping at chain retailers?

By: Jenny S. Giant chain stores with their glowing signs and commercial feel are all over the U.S. Sometimes I cannot help but feel guilty when I pass a family run business with a “for lease” sign, on my way to Wal-Mart. Sure it’s sad to see a business die, but is it my fault for choosing chain retailers?

I must admit, small businesses do have a home-like feel, and everybody loves friendly service. Many locals argue that these small businesses are a precious part of their city’s culture. Some will even go as far as to say that these retailers define the culture.

But, are these attributes enough to keep small retailers in business anymore?

Culture is defined as “a particular society at a particular time and place.” Culture evolves as 32

time goes on, and it is natural for practices and beliefs to come and go, businesses included.

Moving forward is going to require letting go of the past, a sacrifice people often find difficult to make.

It is clear that box stores are a popular choice. In fact, according to The Pew Research Center, eighty-four percent of Americans have shopped at Wal-Mart, alone, in the last year. These stores are extremely handy too, ninetypercent of Americans live within fifteen miles of a Wal-Mart. Life is hectic and it just isn’t realistic to shop at inefficient small businesses all the time.

Chain retailers are cheap, accessible, and easy to shop at, so why shouldn’t you? You should not feel guilty for enjoying the convenience of these stores.

An advantage of chain retailers is the prices they offer. Chain retailers are able to buy in bulk, and therefore sell the products at reduced prices. The recent Cash Photo by Amagill

Coke Statue Photo by Hoyasmeg

Photo by Galaygobi

economic collapse has put even more pressure on families to find the lowest deals. You have to look out for yourself, and chances are, you can’t afford to spend the extra money on buying local.

The great deals and prices of chain retailers are hardly a secret, either. The Union of Concerned Scientists states that the average American is exposed to over three-thousand advertisements a day. It is almost impossible to avoid the huge colorful ads and billboards shouting out wonderful prices for your favorite things.

Every Sunday I look at countless glossy pages of products from my local chain store. And when weeks later I desperately need a new tape dispenser the first thing that comes to mind are the glorious pages of a large office supply store. Local stores just don’t have the same advertising campaigns, so it is incredibly easy for the name of that tiny family run office supply store to slip from your memory.

When I get to this large commercial office supply store, I am graced with spacious parking lots, easy access, and a larger choice of products. Chain retailers are often built to insure easy shopping. Life is busy enough without the added inefficiency and inconvenience allied with small businesses.

Generally small businesses stick with a very specific theme, but commercial retailers cover a much larger area. So when you have a whole list of things you need, it is very advantageous to be able to get them all from the same place, a chain retailer, instead of running all over town looking for numerous familyrun businesses.

Who really has that much time? Chain

stores make multi-tasking very easy.

Chain retailers also deliver some amount of comfort. I am always certain that I can find what you need there—this can’t be said for most of the tiny independent stores. It is also nice to be able to visit these commendable chain stores when you venture outside your local community; Wal-Mart has stores in fortyfour countries. It is comforting that your new grocery or hardware store looks identical to the one back home.

Small local businesses definitely have a place. They provide a more leisurely shopping experience and have the ability to sell more unique items.

H o w - ever, you should not feel guilty for shopping at chain retailers, because they have a lot of merits too. Let’s not forget what these chain stores started out as, small local businesses. By shopping at these big chain stores I am supporting a business that has worked hard to achieve such success.

Chain retailers are cheap, convenient and comforting. How can you afford not to shop there?

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Top Drag Picks By: Jenny S.

This stlyish dog fleece comes in 18 different color combinations.

Strategically cut, this vest is sure to satifsy you and your furry friend.

American Apparel $16.50

These little gadgets will entertain you for years. Just wind them up and let them go. These guys come in a variety of different types and are the ultimate desk toy.

Toy Joy $8+ With these band-aids, even pain can be fun! Okay, maybe not. But don’t opt for boring band-aids when you can have anything from bacon to Jesus to heal your cut.

Urban Outfitters $7

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On weekends you can often find a street vendor displaying peace bracelets and necklaces on a collection of carboard boxes. The jewelry is unique but talking to the designer is half the fun.

Street Vender Silver Plated- $5, Sterling Silver- $10 The Peanut Butter Moo’d combines chocolate, bananas, peanut butter, and frozen yogurt for a really tasty treat. Don’t be alarmed if people start salivating.

Jamba Juice $5 This chic woodland creature looks classy in any front yard. A cheerleader gnome is an easy way to showcase your UT spirit, and most importantly your love of gardening.

University Co-op S20 There are few things more delicious than a cold fruity bubble tea on a hot Austin day. Take your pick from a large selection of flavors, and sip away the heat. We especially love the mango bubble tea.

Coco’s Café $2.75

Show your adoration for Austin with one of these famous shirts. With over 157 designs to choose from, you are sure to find one you like. Not to mention, the cool kids are wearing them…

Tyler’s $17-19

35 Photo of Drag by davelam.

Timeline of Austin’s

By Ismael S.

Height:

T llest

Height: 320ft

100 Congress

(1987)

311ft

Height:

Texas State Capitol

Height:

328ft

Height:

(1888)

367ft

Height: 307ft

Dobie Center

(1972)

306ft

Bank of America Center

(1975)

301 Congress Avenue

Height: 325ft

(1986)

UT Tower

(1937)

Height: 395ft

One American Center

Chase Bank Tower

(1982)

(1974)

1970

1980

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Texas State Capitol:

Chase Bank Tower:

301 Congress Avenue:

One Congress Plaza:

UT Tower:

Bank of America Center:

100 Congress:

300 West 6th Street:

Dobie Center:

One American Center:

San Jacinto Center:

This is the tallest capitol building in the United States. It was Austin’s tallest building for 84 years.

No other building has held the title for Austin’s tallest building for that long. It was the 7th largest and 2nd tallest building in the world when it was completed. The Goddess of Liberty statue at the top has been changed once. The original stood on the top of the dome from 1888 to 1986 until it was replaced.

The tower has become a symbol of the University of Texas as well as Austin since its construction, and is the centerpiece of the University of Texas at Austin. Although the building itself is shorter than the capitol building, the hill it is on makes 6 feet taller above sea level. Whenever the Longhorns win a huge game, the tower will turn bright orange with certain windows lit up to resemble the number 1.

This building is home to the Dobie mall in UT. It includes a theater, a 500 seat food court, and Austin’s tallest dormitories, which houses UT students. It was also the tallest building in Austin built in the 1970’s when it stole the title of Austin’s tallest building from the Texas State Capitol. It remains to this day 36 the tallest building in the university.

This was Austin’s tallest office building for two years, from 1974 to 1975. The building originally had a flat roof and a gold glass façade that was really bothersome to drivers when the sun reflected off of it.

In a 1994 renovation the glass was changed to blue and a covered space frame was added to the top, raising the height from 315 feet to 325 feet.

This building is basically big black rectangular box. It is mostly consisted of offices and was the tallest office building in the city after it was finished. There was a 1931 height restriction that said any building on Congress Avenue taller than 200 feet had to stair step away from the street. The bank doesn’t follow this rule; I have no idea why.

This was the tallest building built in the 1980’s in Austin.

It has a six-story atrium facing Congress Avenue. It was Austin’s tallest building for 21 years, 1982-2003. The tower basically looks like enourmous steps going up towards the sky.

The building has an atrium that is 63’ 5’ high. Located in the lobby are prehistoric fossils that were found during construction of the building’s foundation in 1985 such as the skull of a Saber Tooth Tiger and the tusk of a Mastadon. Archeologists think this area was a watering hole 10,000 years ago. The top of the building has a 19 foot angled glass roof that runs the length of the building’s top.

This building is a 22-story office tower. While groundwork was being done for this building work crews discovered the fossils of a Mastadon, just like the 301 Congress Building. It has an underground parking garage with 535 parking spaces. It will soon be dwarved by the soon to be completed Austonian located right across the street.

There is a one-acre sunken plaza on the base of the tower filled with shady trees and park benches and a small waterfall cascading down a granite wall. The project had to contend with a 1931 height restriction stating that any buildings on Congress Avenue had to stair step back from the street.

It has an underground walkway from the parking lot to the office tower.

This office tower is the tallest building in Austin without aircraft warning lights. An interesting fact about this building is that it is the only completed building in Austin besides the capitol that has a curved roof. It will soon be tough to spot in the growing skyline, especially after the much taller W residences is built in right in front of it.

This office tower sits by Lady Bird Lake. It was originally going to have a twin tower to the east, but it never happened because of an overloaded real-estate market. This 21 story granite walled tower faces all the action of downtown Austin.

All photos taken by Ismael S. unless noted otherwise

* Austin Hilton Hotel Photo by Will Pate.

Height: 830ft

?

Height: 683ft

Height:

T. Stacy Hotel and Condo

516ft

(?)

Height: 325ft

Height:

Austonian

581ft

(2004)

(2002)

310ft

476ft

Frost Bank Tower

300 West 6th Street

Height:

Height:

(2009)

W

360 Condiminiums

Height:

Height:

377ft

(2010)

(2008)

339ft

San Jacinto Center

Austin Hilton Hotel

(1987)

Legacy on the Lake

*

(2008)

(2004)

Height: 432ft

Height: 394ft

Spring (2009) Height: 416ft

Height: 391ft

Height:

Four Seasons

314ft

One Congress Plaza

The Monarch

(1987)

(2008)

(2010)

Ashton

(2009)

2000

90

2010

The Frost Bank Tower:

Legacy on the Lake:

Spring Condominiums:

W:

Austin Hilton Hotel:

The Monarch:

Ashton:

Four Seasons:

360 Condominiums:

Austonian:

T. Stacy Hotel and Condos:

This tower instantly became an Austin icon after its completion in early 2004. It was the tallest building in Austin up until last year. It looks like an owl if one looks at one of its corners. The Frost Bank logos are the eyes and the crown only helps the effect. At the time of its groundbreaking on November 27, 2001, this was the tallest building in America to have started construction after the September 11th attacks.

Finished in 2004, it has the largest ballroom in Austin, and is the city’s current tallest and largest hotel. It has a rooftop poll on the 8th floor with a nice view of the city. From above, the orange tower takes the shape of the letter L. It was overshadowed by the taller Frost Bank Tower after it was completed.

This white tower with green lights is the easternmost located tower of Austin’s tallest. It is sort of isolated from the rest of the skyline, although it isn’t that far away.

It’s name was changed from Legacy at Town Lake because Town Lake was named to Lady Bird Lake. Legacy on Lady Bird Lake is a bit too long, so its called Legacy on the Lake.

The Monarch is called so because of its monarch butterfly wing structures at the top of the building. It was planned to be condos, then they changed it to apartments. At night the tower can be seen lit up different colors such as blue, green,or red.

Located in Austin’s tower district, it looks up at the 360 condos and the Spring tower. This tower, like the Frost Bank, helps keep Austin wierd.

It is currently (now being April 2009) Austin’s tallest building. If it didn’t have the 109-foot needle at the top, then it would be 472 feet tall, making it shorter than the Frost Bank Tower. It is this first tallest building in Austin that isn’t located on Congress Avenue. It is currently Texas’ third tallest residential tower, and tallest all residential tower.

All of this information and more can be found at www.emporis.com/en/

It will consist of 38 residential floors over 5 levels of parking and retail. It will also allow for 20-foot sidewalks.

The building is the westernmost located tall Austin tower, and has a beautiful view of Lady Bird Lake and the rest of Downtown, which attracts many residents. It is conveniatly located across the street form the Whole Foods Market headquarters.

This building will be the third tallest building in Austin when it completed. It is the next-door neighbor to 100 Congress, making them the two most closely located tall buildings in the city. Only a thin alleyway separates them. The original name for this future condominium was Altavida, but then it was changed to Ashton.

This highly anticipated tower will be the tallest building in Austin and tallest in Texas outside of Houston and Dallas when it is finished. It will beat out second tallest 360 Condos by a tiny bit more than 100 feet. It will be Texas’ tallest all residential tower, beating out the 360, and it will also be taller than all the partial residential towers in the state.

The project will include 250 luxury hotel rooms and 196 condominiums.

It will also have a 10,000 square foot public plaza to the east side of the building. The project will include a 2,200-seat theatre for the new Austin City Limits studio. There will be a 30 foot wide television screen over the plaza which will show live broadcasts of Austin City Limits.

When completed, it will have the highest swimming pools in Texas.

It is an improvement on the older 10 story Four Seasons which is located right next to it. It faces Lady Bird Lake, which means it will provide a nice veiw for people staying there. It will help strengthen the skyline if one is looking from the east.

If built, this 70 story giant will be the sixth tallest building in Texas, and will tower over the rest of Austin by about 150 feet. The plan features contain 300 hotel rooms and 200 condominiums. It will also include a 420-foot office tower which will further help it dominate the skyline.

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