Spork by LASA Ezine

Spork Spork

THE SPORK TEAM Frankie has a silver nose. And a pet dragon. And a silver nose. At the age of thirteen, Frankie got a dragon for her birthday, but in the process of training it she had her nose ripped off and eaten. She finished training the dragon, but her lack of a nose drove her crazy. She would toss and turn in bed at night, and in the day, she would walk up and down the streets...well, the street, because there was only one street in her home town of Okinawa. Anyway, she saved and saved money, and she bought a saddle to ride her dragon to the west. She saw a nosologist, and she spent the rest of her money on her new “silver nose.” However, this caused her to do several articles in our magazine.

Elie was trained by ninjas in the alps. He underwent an intense thirty-year training program to become a ruthless murderer. However, upon leaving his monastery and seeing dandelions, he realized the beauty in life. Now, he spends his days guarding the dandelion patch in his backyard from everyone else, killing all intruders. So far he has killed 22 men, women and children. He is wanted in 49 of the 50 states for manslaughter. Elie has recently taken asylum within the LBJ school cafeteria. He lives under the pool table and feeds off lost middleschoolers.

I know a girl and her name is Kath. One day, Kath needed a bath. Kath needed that bath but she had to face an animal’s wrath. Kath got a bath by beating the wrath of a giraffe. Kath got a bath from the wrath of a giraffe on the path. When Kath got that bath from the wrath of a giraffe on the path she began to laugh. Kath was in a bath and faced the wrath of a giraffe and was on the path and she started to laugh. And laugh. And laugh on the path with the giraffe’s wrath in a bath and her name was Kath. Actually, it was Katherine.

INSIDE THE SPORK 4 Music

musicians in austin face their stuggle to keep live music living.

6 Business

Flying discs and metal baskets tangled in chains, disc golf. 8,Music A local Austin band shows their color in their new CD, Exploding Impacting. 10.Culture There is no need to get bored in Austin, simply look up this article and find nine things to do in a day.

12 Culture

Art, creative and soulful, is the most important part of local artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life.

19 Food

PTerryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s burgers and shakes are shaking up Austin with delicious food. 20. Culture All around austin, cool places and interesting art decorate the city, can you find where spork went? 25.Culture Many types of people give Austin its spunk, know anyone like this?

25 Culture

A well known costume store shares how it began and life working there.

Keep Austin’s Live Music Alive How taking care of people keeps the music alive

Walking down Sixth Street in

Austin is the closest you can get to having your

own personal soundtrack. There is always music - traveling through the windows of every bar out to the streets where it melts into the sound of the people performing on the corner. You can hear music any time and any place in Austin. And most of it’s free. But what about the musicians? What about the people who make Austin the Live Music Capitol of the World? There aren’t enough programs to help ensure that they make living wages or have access to healthcare. And, if we don’t support them, then we will lose an important part of our culture. To be fair, the Austin City Council created the Live Music Task Force (LMTF) to help determine what to do on this issue. But, when they suggested the creation of

a permanent Austin Music Board to deal with specific challenges, the attempt was disbanded because the government was already 30 million dollars in debt from all the new development in the city. The excessive amount of development springing up in downtown Austin is a major issue for musicians. Not only are venues sometimes

October 2009

Photos by Frankie C.

written by Frankie C.

taken away to build these new structures- making more residential districts also forces the sound ordinances (no loud music on the street or in a residential zone between 10:30pm and 7:00am the next morning) to be more harshly enforced. These factors together mean musicians are more restricted with when and where they can play. But, the main difficulty for Austin musicians isn’t the sound ordinance. According to “Rent.com,” rent in Austin is on average $750 with $90 for utilities each month. Added up, that is $10,080 per year. According to a survey conducted by the LMTF, 54.3% of Austin musicians make less than $10,000 annually. The national rate of poverty for a one person household is $10,400 annually. With the rising cost

of living and low wages many musicians won’t be able to afford to stay in Austin. The main reason why so few musicians make any money is that the clubs don’t pay them. Some musicians even “pay to play,” just to try and get publicity. And even if musicians do make money from a gig, the cost of parking uses it up and they come away from it exactly where they started. Many musicians have started their careers in Austin, from Stevie Ray Vaughn to Janis Joplin. But it seems almost impossible now. Austin clubs aren’t supporting Austin musicians. Instead, they are making it incredibly hard for any emerging bands to “make it.”

Healthcare for musicians is another severe issue. According to the same LMTF survey, 40.3% of Austin musicians are uninsured. This is more than double the national rate of uninsured Americans which is18% (from the U.S. census bureau, 2007). While the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) is a wonderful organization that provides health care, dental care and mental health counseling to uninsured professional musicians in Austin (www.myhaam. org), it has reported that not all of its resources are being used. It may be that many musicians either don’t know about HAAM or don’t know how to reach them.

The city government needs to do more to support our live music scene. Give musicians priority over new developments in the city. Make sure that they have homes and that clubs pay them adequately when they play live. Reserve parking spaces downtown for musicians to load and unload with out having to pay. Help get musicians to HAAM’s resources or provide them through the government. Our live music scene is a major part of our culture. We are the Live Music Capitol of the World, after all. But if we don’t do something soon, we won’t be much longer.

October 2009

ELIE F.

A Toss in the Dark The story of Disc Nation and its owner.

he sun shines overhead, and there’s a light breeze. Below his feet is a patch of dirt, but there are trees and grass all around. In the distance, he sees a metal basket. In his hand is a sleek plate-shaped object made out of plastic. Tim takes a step, and twists his body with all of his might as he tosses his disc, and it flies far away, landing near the basket. That’s a birdie. And this is disc golf. Tim is a part-time disc golfer who attends LASA. Another LASA student and part-time disc golfer, Spencer, has a story of his own to tell. Spencer’s father owns Disc Nation, the where to find a good deal. When asked about Disc Naself-proclaimed “largest in the world” Disc Golf tion, Tim replied that he’s “been there like three or four superstore. Disc Nation started as a mail-order times.” And he only had good news. “I love that store, website, but it now has a superstore and a pro it’s very well organized, and the prices are better than shop open in Austin. The owner and Spencer’s most stores that I’ve been to, and it’s actually pretty father, Damon Neth, has some things to say about close to my house,” says Tim. Disc Nation and what it takes to run it. Disc Nation’s first physical store opened in 2006, “I’ve been playing disc golf for about three but the website has been selling discs since 2002. The years,” Tim explains. Over the years, Tim has owner, Damon Neth, first thought of Disc Nation a year gained experience and a taste for better discs. before he started the website. “Usually, when I go [disc golfing], there are a “Right around 2001, by then was playing with bunch discs lying around so I pick them up, but disc golf equipment, specifically designed for disc golf. one of my favorite ones is called the Avenger.” I didn’t feel like there were really any decent disc golf Now that Tim is more experienced, he knows sites to buy from. I saw an opportunity, and I took it.” He has been running his business and playing disc golf ever since. When it comes to discs, Neth’s fa-

TOSS

November 2009

TOSS

vorite is the Orion MF. “So a typical disc golfer will carry different discs, drivers for long shots, mid range discs for distance and accuracy, and putters for short shots and accuracy. My favorite disc is made by Millennium, and its called the Orion MF made from Sirius plastic.” From putters to drivers, Disc Nation has them all, and they’ve got one that’s just right for you. Neth first heard of Disc Golf as an official sport in 1987, but he had been playing for even longer. “Well, I played in college in late 1980, but I was unaware of the sport at time, there were Frisbee golf on courses set up on our college campus with trees and holes where we played ultimate. It wasn’t until the 90s that I discovered a sport with real equipment set up around the country.” That was the root of the 15year creation of Disc Nation. “Retail is the toughest, the hours are long and there are many

different aspects of a business you have to manage,” claims Neth, who has had his fair share of competition. “Yeah, there were some large competitors when we opened the business, and they continued as well as some other new ones that opened more recently. Disc Golf is growing sport, and the 3000th course was put in the ground this past month.” Work can also be monotonous at times. “There are a lot of challenging aspects you have to deal with, but I don’t really have anything I dislike with our business. If I had to say the worst thing it would be the day-to-day work.” However, running a business isn’t always so bad. “You know, one of my favorite things is probably [that] in general, it’s very rewarding to have a noteworthy business, and while its not a large market we’ve still been able to achieve a leading position

The Store

which is very nice.” And it’s not as if Neth hasn’t gotten some help along the way. “Austin has been a great home for our business. Disc Golfing is a large part of Austin’s culture, which isn’t like other large cities, so as a result, having the store has been a great contribution to the disc golfing community.” “We really got our start by taking an approach where we explained disc golf and disc golf products to our visitors,” said Neth. “I think as a result of explaining things to people, different shots, different kind of discs, we’ve been able to garner a large following of player to the sport.” “We let anyone throw new discs out on the driving range before they buy them, and the thing that makes me excited is being able to introduce new people to the sport.”

While the store itself does not represent the great stock of the website, there is still an amazingly large amount of discs for such a confined area. The store may also look a bit small at first, but out back is a large field to throw discs. When entering, you can shelves stuffed with all different types of discs, catalogued by type and build. There is also a room for disc bags, as well as a staff room, a wall of disc packs, and used discs.

Spork

The store is located at: 1218 Slaughter Lane, West Austin, TX 78748 (877) 4MY-DISC The website is located at: http://www.discnation.com There is also info on their new pro shop on the website.

AN EXPLOSIVE IMPACT By Katherine W.

With an incredible voice accented by a powerful beat and synthesizer tearing through the background, Belaire, a local Austin band, will really get you going. Their CD Exploding Impacting brings an energetic feel to life’s everyday situations. This CD covers all emotions and hits them head-on. There is no dull or boring here. With sadness comes low and deep music that reaches to out you, not a sorry-for-yourself pity song that can be so common. Cari, the lead singer, has an immense vocal range that enhances the music to a professional level. In the opening song “Jen”, gives you a jump-start to the CD’s remarkable sound. “You’ve Really Got Me Going” has a fun beat that will make you tap your feet and sing along to the lyrics that are simple yet fit perfectly. The oohs and ahs in the back ground tie it all together and get you going. A beat to make you move and lyrics that cause you to wonder what and why your doing things tie together ‘Don’t Delay, Participate” to be absolutely inspiring. On a more sullen note, in Belaire’s “Shadows Moving on the Wall” Cari’s voice brings an almost creepy, whispery feel that matches the eerie lyrPhotograph from Playpal.fm ics. A contrast to this song is the nostalgic sound in “Waiting Patiently” that has a simple beat of the drums that accents the strong sweet vocals. It will lull you into a thoughtful mindset with its relaxed dreamy sound. “There’s No Tomorrow” is melancholy and cumbersome with a low beat rumbling through the peaceful vocals. As one of Austin’s local bands, Belaire’s Exploding Impacting brings a captivating sound that will please almost anyone. The songs on this CD are sure to be heard in one of Austin’s live music venues. The CD is modern and intriguing and just like Austin’s modern and yet home-made culture. In Austin, there are many types of music and to some people, it might not be their style; it could be too much synthesizer, not enough singing but for many it is fun, energetic and captivating. For those who do not like Exploding Impacting simply view it as an interesting part of Austin culture or don’t listen to it at all. Exploding Impacting has an intriguing and bright sound that appeals to many people. From the marvelous singing to the catchy beats it is something that won’t get old fast. As a part of Austin, they are a remarkable band and those who listen to Exploding Impacting may find this colorful album amazing.

October 2009

The Ultimate Utensil. Katherine W. 2009

Steps to Dinner

Oh wait, how about this convenient list of nine amazing things to do in Austin!? Get out there and do some of these fun downtown-ish jackpots already!

Then, if it’s a hot day, pop on over to Sno Beach for some amazing snow cones.

W ee “G

By nutmeg

By illustir

hiz

!!!”

Stop for some breakfast at Torchy’s Tacos for a good start to your day (and then go to Holy Cacao if you have a sweet tooth).

Then drive over (or bike if you can, its more fun) to The Mound at Butler Park. Hang out there for a while, throw around a frisbee and take a stroll.

“POW!”

“SHAZAM

ryan.d.phillips

!!!”

Then arrive at Zilker Park for a dip in Barton Springs or a bridge-dive past the dog park... (What “no diving” sign?)

By cote

By Dirty Jerz

“B

!”

By rutlo

By beowulfintx

If you want to add some shopping to your day, stop by DJ Dojo for some music or head up north to Buffalo Exchange (it’s a bit further but it’s a great thrift store. Oh, and Toy Joy is next to it, and you just have to see that place). Next, drive back to Butler Park and make a pit stop at P. Terry’s for your new favorite burger.

Make one last drive over to South Congress, and pick your own adventure! My two favorite shops would be Monkey See Monkey Do and Big Top, two of the best toy and candy shops in Austin (except for Toy Joy). Then you need to head over to Homeslice Pizza for your new favorite pizza, and then go home and sleep.

!” W O W “

. . . WHEN

LIFE IS ART SOMEWHERE BETWEEN THE STRESS OF THE ART WORLD AND THE PRESSURE TO CREATE THE ART LIES

THE

INSIDE

THE

TRUE LIVES

BEAUTY OF

TWO

IN AUSTIN

ARTISTS.

THE BY

PROCESS. FRANKIE

A AT NINE O’ CLOCK on a weekday, most people are sitting in a boring cubicle staring at a computer screen and already anticipating lunch. But, local artists, Ryah Christensen and Sun McColgin are surrounded by color and light, ready to spend a day at work in their studio, Pandora Studios, after eating a round of homecooked tacos. They are married and live together in a world of creativity and beauty that they have strived very hard to create for themselves. “It’s a luxury,” Sun remarks, “but it’s a luxury that you create for yourself. Anybody could do it if they want to.” Sun and Ryah are members of the lucky community who make art for a living. But, they’ve worked very hard to get where they are and it’s taken them quite some time and energy to achieve such a lifestyle. “I went to school to be an archaeologist,” Sun explains, “And after doing that for a couple of years, I had an epiph-

any that I didn’t want to dig up other peoples’ art but that I wanted to make my own art.” No one in Sun’s family was an artist and he didn’t really consider it as a career option until later on in life. Once he realized what he wanted to do, though, he never looked back. Ryah, on the other hand, grew up around art as both her parents were artists. She always thought she wanted to be in theatre, until she

Ryah reflects. “I actually had a really hard time performing stuff that was very personal to me, but I didn’t have a hard time being in that place in the studio and then showing what I made. So, I decided it was a mentally healthier place for me to express myself.” For Ryah, art is not only a way to express herself but also a way to make a living. She makes most of her money through private commissions, but she has other reasons for making art for other people. “Making art for private clients will push you in directions you wouldn’t otherwise have gone,” Ryah says, “and that’s really good, because that will inform your own studio practice in the long run.” Sun, on the other hand, sees art as a personal expression and does not bend his art much for

LUXURY

“IT’S A ,” SUN REMARKS, “BUT IT’S A LUXURY THAT YOU CREATE FOR YOURSELF. ANYBODY COULD DO IT IF THEY TO.”

WANT

was 19 years old, when she chose to dive into visual art. “I decided that I preferred the solitude of the studio to the crowdedness of the stage,”

October 2009

a client. He agrees with Ryah, however, that varying the art that you make is an important part of evolution as an artist. “It can become kind of a

SACRED HEART OF EMU. PANDORA STUDIOS 2007.

process,” Sun elaborates, “where you’re like ‘Hey I’m making something and this is just how I make it. This is what I always do.’” To both Sun and Ryah, the evolution of their art over time is what pushes them to make art. They love watching the piece unfold as they work on it. “I don’t really know what it looks like until I’m in it, building it and watching it happen,” Ryah describes. But the process is also what keeps many people from art. They are afraid to

let

go of their inhibitions. “A lot of people with artistic tendencies don’t explore them because they are just afraid of that first step, which is playing with materials,” Ryah explains. “They’re afraid of making a mess or afraid that if you don’t know how to use a material that you shouldn’t use it until someone shows you how.” Once someone has made it past that first step, however, it is relatively simple to keep going. “It seems to me like the

SO SAID THE ROACH

creative process,” Sun says. “If you keep at it you just keep having more ideas.” Part of becoming an artist is seeing opportunities to make art in everyday things. Ryah and Sun have taken quite a bit of inspiration from their eighteen month old daughter, Talullah. “Exploring the world with her is in itself its own art piece,” Ryah explains. “Taking a walk is part of my art and hanging out with Lu is part of my art and exploring the world is all part of the art.”

OIL ON WOOD. PANDORA STUDIOS 2007.

I WAS THINKING OF JARS OF BUGS. A ROACH KEPT HARASSING ME. HE SAID, “I WILL KEEP FLYING IN YOUR HAIR UNTIL YOU PUT ME IN YOUR PAINTINGS!” I CAUGHT HIM - WATCHED HIM STRUGGLE AGAINST THE JAR. HE CLEANED HIMSELF; I LET HIM GO. HE CAME BACK AGAIN AND AGAIN OVER SEVERAL MONTHS. I’D HAD ENOUGH! I CRIED, “SO COME HERE ALREADY. I’M READY TO PAINT YOU!” BUT HE WAS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND. I LOOKED IN ALL THE USUAL PLACES - NO ROACH ANYWHERE. I WENT BACK TO MY CANVAS, AND SAW HE’D LEFT ONE OF HIS WINGS ON IT. SO I HAD TO SIT DOWN AND REMEMBER HIM.

October 2009

No matter how abundant inspiration is in the world, it can still take quite some time to develop full ideas for art pieces. “The pieces that I make just for myself, I tend to build over time,” Ryah explains. “I collect images and thoughts and moments and gradually pieces will start to come together like a puzzle.” When these pieces come together, though they are very different, they all reflect her personality. Despite the variation in content, color and medium, they are all connected by Ryah. “If you take crazy woman, bugs and animals and throw them together, then you’ve pretty much covered most of my pieces,” Ryah says, smiling. Sun’s life is also revealed in his work. His past as an archaeologist and his ideas about the permanence of humanity are certainly shown in the sculptures he makes. “I think my work really confronts time,” Sun says. “The art that I make is going to last a long time no matter where it is. I love the idea of creating these future relics that maybe people will find one day. The things that I make will actually be one

of the last things that survive. I love the idea of how people will interpret things.” It was difficult for Sun and Ryah to become artists, but they would never choose to do

anything else. “The only reason you continue with this lifestyle is because you love it,” Sun says. “There’s a certain need to do it or else you’d go crazy.”

STOW AWAY. PANDORA STUDIOS 2007.

THE SPORKTANIC

Confusing people in a theatre near you. wITH lEONARDO dEsPORKIO

Featuring Leonardo DeSporkio and Kate Sporkly

It’s To Die For

made from brown rice, mushrooms, black beans, oats, onions, cheese, and parsley. This was made for the Austin by Austin. All of this information comes straight from P. Terry’s website, pterrys. com, as do the titles below. P. Terry’s is not only a 4-star burger joint (according to yelp.com,) but it also has low prices! For about five dollars, you can get tasty fries, a fine burger, and absolutely perfect lemonade or shakes (coming in chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry.) Not only is it better than a common fast-food joint, but it’s the same price or less! Why eat fast-food when you can eat high-quality food? P. Terry’s has been described as “AntiFast Food” by Austin Monthly, and trust me; it’s not referring to how fast they serve your burger.

Walking over to South Lamar, I have hunger pangs in my stomach and one thing on my mind: Food. As I continue to walk, I look around. I see Peter Pan Minigolf, McDonald’s, Jack In The Box…and then my destination. There is a stunningly different building, with neon-retro themes expressed in a wavy design that fits perfectly into Austin but not so well into the constricted style of the other buildings on the street. The sign comes to life in its retro glory, colored with the most vibrant color scheme. The sign reads “P. Terry’s,” and the restaurant below this sign doesn’t let down the artsy landscape. Eating many times at P. Terry’s I have yet to have a bad experience. The food is good, cheap, and fast, and it always seems to fill you up just enough. Besides, P. Terry’s is also a cool place to hang out alone or with friends, and I’m not the only person that admires its quality. I have always loved P. Terry’s, but after reading several reviews for my favorite restaurant on yelp.com I was appalled. While the average rating of

the restaurant was 4 stars, I saw several low reviews, either at one or two stars. Some people just don’t like P. Terry’s, but I have a simple solution to that: If you don’t like it, don’t eat there. I personally think that P. Terry’s is delicious, and the average rating shows that I’m not alone in my opinion, but you don’t have to like it. I would tell any person to give it another chance, but the choice is yours. Some people may complain that the meals are small, but I can refute that in

three words: Quality over quantity. P. Terry’s serves all natural beef and chicken, and they cook with 100% canola oil without trans-fats or saturated fat. They also serve fresh, organic vegetables delivered daily as well as bread brought in every other day, so it stays fresh. Many complaints I found were targeting the “mushy and boring” veggie burgers. For your information, the recipe for the veggie burgers was made with the help of Chef Andrew Brooks, and it is

Since when did you have to be eating to enjoy a restaurant? Not only does P. Terry’s serve a mean burger, but they also have a cool natural atmosphere. If you’re not eating, you’re probably taking in the palm trees and the good beats. The best part about eating at P. Terry’s on South Lamar is that there is no inside: It’s more classic, as its just a stand and a patio, so the great outdoors can also be soaked in while eating your meal (or not eating any meal.) I just need to say that I am not the only person that praises P. Terry’s: In the past, the local chain has been awarded titles such as: Best Fast Food, Best Burger, Best Fries, Best Veggie Burger, Best Dog Friendly Patio, Best Drive Through, Divine Dish—Chicken Burger, and Best Corner Revamp, titles given by magazines and websites like The Austin Chronicle, Austin Monthly, Austin360, Citysearch, and Dishola. The Wall Street Journal also wrote a review praising P. Terry’s for its classic and delicious fries, burgers, and shakes. P. Terry’s high quality shows, and business is booming as restaurants are now located on North and South Lamar as well as William Cannon Drive. P. Terry’s is both a local and personal favorite, and if you ever get the chance just drop in for a great meal and a great time.

Spork Traveled Around Austin

See if you can find him in every picture. By Frankie C.

Oh The People You Know

In Austin’s unique community, you have probably seen someone like this. All around Austin you’ll find music and musicians. From punk to country there are tons of singers, The Bikers:From the guitarists, and etcetera. healthy and fit, to They may be walking those who are just around with a guitar at their side or a pair of worn biking for transportadrum sticks in their hands. tion, Austin is crawling At night, they are even with people on their easier to find, performing bikes. It helps the enat Stubbs or Emo’s or just vironment and helps on the street for those who you, too. The Austipass by to enjoy. These are the people that make Ausnites range from old tin the Live Music Capitol. men in short shorts

Austin

to a couple in their twenties out for some exercise and bonding time. Mostly found near Town Lake, these cyclists are an important part of Austin.

October 2009

Hipster: These are the too-cool kids that know their style and know how to wear skinny jeans and tight v-neck shirts. They always have their iPod, and are somehow always in shape. These cool kids in Austin can be found anywhere. They are hanging with their friends and looking out for something that isn’t too lame. These teens and young adults give Austin an edgy look. Party Animal:Not out much during the day due to a bad hangover from the intense parties nearly every night. They somehow manage to keep a job to pay for the parties. These people will always know where the party is at and can be found from 6th Street to the college sororities.

By Katherine W.

Unfortunately Austin has its fair share of the unkempt hobos. But they never seem to try to get their lives back on track; they take advantage of the kind Austinites by spending the money they get on alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes. Adorned with beards, matted hair, and a wardrobe of oversized used clothes, and a cardboard square in their hands, they walk through the streets and lazily hope to get a life.

Spork

Life at Lucyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

On the eclectic street of South Congress, in a jumble of edgy stores, a zebra in a dress towers over the costume shop of Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds. By Katherine W.

She sits comfortably in a coral chair, wearing seasonal bright orange pants, iridescent persimmon eye shadow, her grey hair falls loosely at her shoulders. Halloween decorations dangle all around her. She is Jenna Radtke and she is the owner of Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds, a local costume store on South Congress. Now that it is October, many people are rushing in for Halloween costumes and most of her business is made at this time of year, this can cause a wild environment in the shop. But life at Lucyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s can be enjoyable as well. After 26 years, Picture taken by Radtke is surprised that it has Katherine W. grown this large and popular.

Top left from Jenna Radtke, top right from heidielliott, Flickr commons, bottom two taken by Katherine W.

ytu6tr “Me and some

of my friends who liked to dress up started going to garage sales and thrift stores to buy stuff that looked like it could be a costume or looked like it really wanted to be a costume and we would make it into one,” Radtke explains. They would sew the costumes up in her garage and sell

This dressed up zebra stands atop the store.

A younger Jenna Radtke in costume

One of the many shelves of accessories inside the store

The front door and crowded entry hall of Lucy’s

them there. It was simple and cheap. Soon, they outgrew the garage and moved into a store and it just grew from there. Radtke and her friends found it challenging to let go

of the costumes after they had put time into making them. “It was hard to sell them because you want to keep them all but you can’t, you just can’t,” Radtke says.

October 2009

Now that the store has taken off, she says that Lucy’s sells about $50,000 worth of costumes per year. “That was a figure I never imagined,” Radtke expresses, raising her eyebrows. Nearly 50% of the business is made from Halloween to Christmas. It may seem slow the rest of the year, but it doesn’t slow down much, even in the summer and during the school year. “Kids come in and they’re doing their book report and they want to look like the character in the book,” she says. Book reports aren’t the only thing that keeps the business going when it isn’t Halloween. Mardi Gras and Carnival are the second busiest times of the year. Carnival and Lucy in Disguise pair up. As Carnival supplies the party and Lucy’s provides the costumes. According to Radtke, UT is also a big supporter of Lucy’s; many sororities have themed parties which require costumes that can me supplied by Lucy’s. Pop culture mainly dictates which costumes customers buy. Movies, celebrities and politics all influence which costumes are in demand. “Where the Wild Things Are just came out so we’re ordering as much of that grey fabric as we can to make that costume and politics,” Radtke says, “everyone wanted the Sarah Palin glasses. Also, Michael Jackson and Farah Fawcett just died and so everyone wants to dress like them,

but they were pretty popular before they died.” Radtke says. The three seamstresses at Lucy’s are very busy. They are constantly sewing new costumes to keep up with what the hot costumes are. On one occasion, they had to sew someone into their costume after it had ripped. He was a weight lifter and he was wearing a Batman costume. His costume had ripped and he had rented it for that day, so he needed it as soon as possible. He became so upset he leaped over the table in the room that Radtke was behind. When a weight-lifting Batman gets upset, it can be menacing. “It was like [the real] Batman was jumping over the table at me!” she reflects. “After we had sewn him in, he asked, ‘so how do I get out?’ Just rip it, I said. It didn’t even matter. Then he was like, ‘Write that down.’” He wanted it in writing so he wouldn’t have any more trouble with the store, like being charged for ripping a costume. When customers become this wound up, and the secondary managers just can’t deal with them, they go to Radtke. By the time they get to her, they are already in their costume and have plenty of complaints. “It’s the drama queens that bring it down,” Radtke says, “They’re so specific, especially sorority girls. It’s not as fun as it used to be after 26 years. I’m not a good people person; I don’t even want to be.” Radtke says. Generally, they try to make the customers happy, even if they’re a pain. “Whatever the customers want, as long as it’s

not too out there, you just people come in,” she says. have to do it.” Radtke says. As for now, the store Many clients, however, are is on a roll, but Radtke seems an inspiration, rather than a pain. worried about the future of the “The customers give us store. She hopes that one day our ideas,” she says, the couple that helps to man“They’ll send us pictures or age the store will have enough emails of how they wore the cos- money to buy it from her. tume and we’ll think, ‘Oh that’s so cool.’ And we’ll try it on other costumes.” Some clientele bring in costume ideas that the store has yet to find out about. “I’m so out of the loop,” Radtke explains, “When people ask for things I don’t know about, I say, ‘I think we have that’, and Picture courtesy of Katheirne W. I ask someone else about it or I Google it. It’s just constantly “It’s a whole other entity; changing; the hot costume this it’s so different than I thought year may be totally different it would be,” Radtke explains, than the hot costume next year. “I didn’t even anticipate that it You just have to watch; you would be here 26 years later. It’s have to constantly be watching.” like a child; I want to see it live on.” Many customers come in wanting many different things. Part of this is because there is a wide range of people who come into the store. But around Halloween, more than just the usual crowd comes in. “Everyone comes in, mothers, children, people who work at Wal-Mart,” she says. The many different people coming in are part of what Radtke likes about owning the store. “Its fun to see all the

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