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Table 4
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Contents
Letter from the Editors
About US
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Who Let the Dogs Out?
Blood, Sweat, and Brands
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10
Local Austin Coffee
Traffic Jams
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Keep Heaven Weird
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AISD Budget Cuts Amy’s
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Capitol Caring
Bound in Austin
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20
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Top 5 Places to Visit in Austin
Exclusive Interview with JB
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Guitar Sculptures in Austin
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Photo Courtesy of Mary Louise Gilburg
Letter from the Editors
The process of creating the first (and only) issue of USAustin was an interesting experience filled with catfights, design flaws, and four very different personalities. However, with perseverance, we were able to bring to you this fun and informative magazine all about the marvelous city that is Austin. USAustin is here to bring fellow Austinites and out-of-towners alike new knowledge of the exciting world that Austin had to offer. Whether it be about food, fashion, or an endless rivalry, USAustin is a variation of different ideas, personalities, and viewpoints to bring you everything we can tell you about Austin.
Cassidy Curra Co-Editor In Chief
Jackie Singer Co-Editor In Chief
Annie Murphy Co-Editor In Chief
Amina Moheddin Co-Editor In Chief
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About Jackie Jackie is a hard working, straight-A student who strives for perfection. Not only is Jackie smart, but she’s also an athlete. She in on the dance team as well as the varsity tennis team. She is fun-loving, bright, and incredibly determined. She knows she’s the best, and her type of the leadership is the kind that gets stuff done. Her dream job? To be the CEO of Apple or another Fortune 500 company. She wears Sperry’s probably everyday, but she’s amazingly stylish. Jackie’s hair is soft, blond, and a luscious river of flowing godliness. Everyone loves Jackie. EVERYONE! If Jackie is hungry, you can trust her to go the healthy route. Jackie Singer: perfection personified.
Amina Amina is not an Austin original, but she is an Austin fan. She loves thinking about and planning her future, yet she lives in the moment. She is extremely ambitious, and is always looking for opportunities to learn life lessons and gain experience. Her current objectives are earning her driver’s license and volunteering enough hours at her local hospital because she wants to be a nurse. She spends most of her week trying to catch up with other LASA students. Her favorite hobbies include making artwork during World Geography, shopping, and poking fun at her magnet school.
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US Annie
Annie Murphy is a shy, quiet, old soul who enjoys sipping tea at her house on the countryside. Just kidding guys, but she is pretty… well, epic would be appropriate here, but that word is pretty sinful. So, we’ll just say she’s sweet, hilarious, and can probably beat me (Cassidy, the author of this bio) up. Annie’s skills at doing things last minute are something that many people are intensely jealous of. Annie is always willing to help, and is known for bobby-pinned hair, athletic shorts, and usually some sport related t–shirt. Annie plays for her varsity softball team and recently won Offensive Player of the Year for her district. She also enjoys making people laugh (as you can probably see from her bio photo).
Cassidy Cassidy is an outgoing, fun loving person, who loves to party. Well, not really, but she is still amazing. Cassidy enjoys reading, and her favorite place in the entire world is the library. Cassidy is most commonly known to the group as “the smart one” and is insanely intelligent. Cassidy may seem shy at first, but once you get to know her she is funny, kind, and always willing to help. Not a day has passed when Cassidy hasn’t helped someone with their homework. Cassidy’s normal school attire is a T-shirt, boot cut jeans, and her Newbalance shoes. She often comes to school with her hair up, most commonly in a simple braid down her back. Cassidy has an amazing bone structure and many people think she will grow up to be a model (although she is way too smart for that). Cassidy is a fantastic writer, and will one day grow up to be a wealthy author, who has an amazing husband. Spring 2012 USAustin
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Opinions
Who Let the Dogs Out?
The annual game is over, but the rivalry will never end
Original Photo COurtesy of Search-Best-Cartoon.com Modified by Jackie Singer
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n Thursday, November 24, 2011, Texas A&M and the University of Texas football teams played each other for the 118th time. Now, with the Aggies leaving the Big 12 and joining the Southeastern Conference, the two teams won’t be going head to head anytime soon, but that does not mean that the rivalry is over. Die-hard UT fans still sneer at passing A&M fans on the street and will continue to do so, even with the absence of a game. Aggie fans also continue to foster ongoing animosity for the University of Texas at Austin.
Texas has more than double the Aggie’s number with their 76 total wins, with five ties between the two. Those statistics alone should be enough to put A&M fans in their place, but the College Station loyalists have the audacity to use the lyric “Saw Varsity’s horns off ” in their fight song, referencing the steer, who was UT’s former mascot. (One of only a handful of college fight songs in the nation to make mention of their primary rival is the “Aggie War Hymn,” according to Bleacher Report columnist Amy Daughters).
The SEC announced in September 2011 that Texas A&M will officially join the conference next season, becoming its 13th member. The University of Texas will be staying where it is, saying goodbye to its longtime foe for the annual Thanksgiving Day grid-iron match up. “Farmer’s flight” is the term used to describe the Aggie’s decision to leave the Big 12 in a recent Texas Monthly article and it is perfect for describing the situation.
“Those statistics alone should be enough to put A&M fans in their place.”
“I enjoy beating [UT] when it happens,” says Austin American Statesman staff writer, Dave Thomas, who admits to being an A&M fan. But A&M’s track record is less than exemplary. According to Texas Monthly, A&M has only won 37 of the 118 games played between the two teams. The University of
When the University of Texas hatched the idea for the Longhorn Network over four years ago, they had approached Texas A&M to join them to create a joint network to allow sports to be aired on television that normally would never be seen by the fans at home. Originally the Aggies weren’t interested and the Longhorns were afraid they couldn’t do it alone, but by the time Texas A&M inquired about the network again in 2010,
it was too late. Texas had decided that they had the prestige and the know-how to do it alone. When the Horns signed a $300 million deal with ESPN it brought with it a wave of uncertainty within the Big 12. This deal was a major reason that Texas A&M decided to pull out of the conference. Politics aside, I, as a proud Austin native and fan of the University of Texas Longhorns, believe that the Aggies had a hidden motive for leaving the Big 12. The Aggies had become tired of losing to the continuously dominant Longhorns. Dallas Observer News sports writer Richie Whitt wrote that the Aggies were “trying their best to bolt the Big 12 Conference for the SEC. A&M, it has become clear, can’t stand the fact that it’s been lost in its rival’s shadow.” He went on to say, “The Aggies can’t beat ’em, so they’ve decided to leave ‘em.” Clearly the decision makers at Texas A&M would never admit to their inferiority complex. They stand by their decision as doing what is best for their sports programs. According to Tully Corcoran, a writer for Fox Sports Houston, the Aggies “do stand to make more money as an SEC team. If that weren’t the case, it would be hard to imagine them making the move.” I still think they are just sore losers. Hook ‘em.
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Photo Courtesy of “Ironchefbalara”
Opinions
Photo courtesy of “Ironchefbalara”
By Amina Moheddin
T
he quality of designer clothes is the reason for their price. Right? Everybody knows that. Why else would someone buy a 3 by 12 inch purse for 750 dollars? Well, according to numerous new studies, more than 63% of the designer clothes
story. One of the biggest reasons that many turn to the designer stores instead of normal stores is because they have been led to believe that designer clothes are of
Blood, Sweat, and
on the market today are made in the same factories as non-designer garments.
higher quality than others of the same or similar style. This is not true. In fact, a lot of European designers demand to have their creations manufactured in third It is not unusual these days to see individuals wear- world countries. This is not to say that everything deing high end clothing. In fact, in some places, it has signer is made the same way. Of course, there is much become so common that it is a social necessity. It may variation. But it is safe to say that if it’s designer, and it be an exaggeration to say that wearing clothes with doesn’t cost as much as rent, then it is the same more recognizable brands will fetch you more respect than affordable clothing. There is a fine line between deanything else. signers that want the quality and perfection, and ones that want the money. Unfortunately, it is very hard to distinguish, since designers are the ones to decide everything about their clothes, including how much to pay every worker.
“I was too scared to miss a day...I was worried that I would lose my job.”
In a society where most are struggling to make rent, we have come to envy those who can afford to buy such clothes. We see the brand and wish we could wear it. Brand clothes have become something wonderful, sparkly, and desirable. But there comes the point where some start to doubt the wonderfulness of the whole trend. Should we really be wishing for designer clothing this badly? What is so different between the clothes with the brand and those without? Is the whole thing quite silly? The answer is quite simple once you know the whole
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Despite common belief, workers that make designer clothes are not paid any more than workers that make other clothes. They don’t work in any better conditions, either. Usually, when a case is filed against a designer company, it’s dismissed by many possible factors against the claim. Some include, “we have no business with the factory,” or, “we are not allowed to dictate hours and wages of factory workers,” along with many others. But one case, involving the Donna Karan brand, managed to get to the bottom of the situation and uncover a truth, at least about one of designer companies.
Photo Courtesy of “danielfoster437”
Photo Courtesy of “austinevan”
Donna Karan International would seem like any other designer company, until you visit the factory that the company employes, named Jen Chu, and located, surprisingly, in New York City. The company had suits filed against it more than once, but the executives of
6 of the teenagers were valued customers to high-end fashion. After the experiment, the teenagers learned a lot about the sweatshops of India. There was much shock when the teens discovered where their high end garments come from.
the company have managed to wiggle their way out of trouble. Further investigations revealed that the designer and the executives were actually the ones that demanded that workers work in bad conditions. One worker at the factory described the work conditions. One of the workers, named Feng Jiang, was an immigrant from China. She described her experience working in the factory. “I was too scared to miss a day because I was worried that if I did, I would lose my job,” she said. Another worker told reporters the same story. “They had very high expecta tions for us,” he told reporters. “There was a lot of work to be done. There were surveillance cameras to monitor key areas.” In conclusion, most workers that worked in the factory were workers that no one else would hire, therefore, they were left with no choice but to stay. Outside the US, it’s worse. In India, for example, workers are required to work like machines, fully ironing fifty shirts an hour. And even when workers meet their hourly goals, they are paid enough for an apple daily. As part of a BBC experiment, 6 teenagers were sent to India to work in a factory for a period of time. All
“I thought it was going to be a vacation,” one teenager said. But due to the overwhelming work load, and her inability to meet the unrealistic expectations, she broke down and ceased to try.
B r a n d s
According to another article, the reason many European designer brands sell for so much is because many people read “Made In Italy” on the label and immediately feel comfortable buying the garment. They have been led to believe that Italian brands, since they cost so much, pay their workers acceptable or very good wages. This theory used to accurate, but is not anymore. Due to high numbers of immigrants from China in Italy, immigrants, being the lower class citizens, are given mass production jobs. With mass production comes low wages and poor working conditions. Therefore, the numbers of sweatshop factories in European countries are rising. In the end, it is the people’s choice to support designers, their non-existent values, and place cash in their pockets. I only suggest thinking twice before picking up a fancy dress or bag. After all, there are many mock up brands available for less than half the price. Spring 2012 USAustin
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Opinions
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Local Austin Coffee Because local coffee is always better than Starbucks
By Annie Murphy
Y
ou’re walking into Starbucks, and you get an eerie sense of déjà vu. You’ve never been to this one before, yet you recognize every chair, table, and stir stick. If this has happened to you, you are not crazy. You are simply standing in one of the 19,435 seemingly identical Starbucks worldwide. If you want a taste of individuality and fun new coffees that you won’t find anywhere else, try visiting a local Austin coffee shop.
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When you walk into a Starbucks, you can expect a predictable menu, with classic favorites and simple, modern ambiance.
“Local coffee houses just seem to have more atmosphere.”
However, when you walk into any one of the many local Austin coffee shops (such as Austin Java, Strange Brew, Ruta Maya, Spider House, and Summer Moon), you can expect an eclectic Austin vibe with music, funky chairs and tables, and adventurous menus with coffee drinks you’ve never even heard of. In March 2009, Josie06 of the Experience Project blogged that “Starbucks is okay, but the local coffee houses just seem to have more atmosphere.” Local coffee shops also support the Austin economy. This means that when you buy from a local coffee shop, you know that the money is going to help
your community in some way. Whether it’s by providing local jobs, creating money for coffee shops to host local shows/concerts, or providing the opportunity for local Austin coffee shops to sponsor schools or local parks, you can feel confident that your money is going to a good cause. However, when you buy from Starbucks, the money goes to Starbucks employees, Starbucks coffee products, and Starbucks advertising. Little, if any, goes to our local Austin community. Given the choice, I know where I would rather have my hard earned money go. Local coffee shops can also be supporters of the Austin music scene, which is yet another way they are better than Starbucks. Many Austin coffee shops that I’ve been to will have small stages or posters advertising for Austin artists, and will usually play local artists through their speakers when there are no musicians playing live. Ruta Maya, for example, has a large stage which they use for various performances. In fact, they have a total of five upcoming performances
just this week, and host a “Kids Show” every Sunday at 10:30am. “Coffee just seems to taste better when you’re drinking it to a familiar Austin musician,” said LASA student Erin N-M. Granted, some people don’t listen to Austin music, and might say they prefer the normal “coffee house rock” that Starbucks plays. They also might not like the funky atmosphere, and may argue that one cup of coffee bought from a local coffee shop isn’t going to make that big of a difference to the Austin economy. However, to them I say that living in Austin and being an Austinite, is all about being individual and weird. It’s about not going with the norm or the main stream, but finding new ways to do everything from designing clothes, to making music, to drinking coffee. My mother Sharon once said, “let’s not settle for average, when we can go above and beyond.” So let’s not settle for Starbucks. Let’s help out the amazingly unique local coffee shops that help make Austin what it is today.
Cool Local Coffee Shops: Mozarts Address: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. Phone: (512) 4772900
Strange Brew Address: 5326 Manchaca Rd. Phone: (512) 8287636
Ruta Maya Address: 3601 S. Congress Ave Phone: (512) 7079637
Spider House Address: 2908 Fruth St. Phone: (512) 4809562
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Opinions
Traffic Jams With this year’s SXSW, comes more people, more lines, and a lot more traffic
By Cassidy Curra
T
Every year during spring break, Austin is invaded by a mass of young people. Bars open up just for the occasion, and every hotel room in the city is booked. So one would expect South by Southwest to be the best thing for the Austin economy. But with ev-
ery event and its not-so-sheepish corporate sponsor’s multitude of advertising, how much of that really goes into the unique small businesses that keep the spirit of Austin thriving? Whereas cute boutiques Downtown flourish, some businesses are actually forced to close down during the event due to the road closures. According to local running shoe business owner Ruth England, she loses $15, 000 in lost revenue due to the five days she’s forced to close during the festival. She told local KVUE news station, “They’re here to party. They’re here to smoke. They’re here to drink. They’re here to listen to music. They’re not here to buy running shoes.” Photo Courtesy of Nicole Curra
he air is hot in the March sun, and music is drumming in the background. Humans conglomerate together in sweaty masses: dancing, talking, laughing. It is the beginning of the South by Southwest season, and the city of Austin is filled to the brink with people waiting to see up and coming indie rock bands or the cult classic remake at the Alamo Drafthouse. I can only say one thing: I hate all of it.
Only 42 bands of the nearly 300 this year are actually from Austin, informs sxsw.com. This is not nearly close to the number of Austin band that used to be exposed at what is considered such as prestigious event. A multitude of in-
Still Want to Go to SXSW? Then Support these Austin Bands! Black Books Ringo Death Star Marmalakes Uncle Lucious Not In The Face!! Edison Chair
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The Zoltars Schmillion Amplified Heat
ternational bands showcase here when more local musicians could perform instead, and the Austin culture is overshadowed by the throngs of people who won’t look up from their iPhones long enough.
“With more people, comes more traffic, longer lines, crowded restaurant, and establishments that judge you based off of the color of your badge… or if you have one at all.
The festival has another issue altogether. If there was only one band that you would want to see, you still would have to actually buy at least a wristband. True, there are frees shows all around the city at local clubs, restaurants, etc. However, they’re so poorly advertised and at such inconvenient times, that most people either don’t hear or just can’t attend them. Then the free shows that are advertised, such as this year’s Counting Crows performance that I was present at, are so crowded that one is inclined to leave instead of listening to a crackling voice on a gigantic screen.
With South by Southwest, also comes the mass of people who come to see it from across the country, and even across the world. With more people, comes more traffic, longer lines, crowded restaurant, and establishments that judge you based off of the color of your badge… or if you have one at And what about the average Aus- all. tinite? Most people can’t afford the wristband that, according sxsw. So, yes, maybe South by Southwest com, costs 225 dollars alone and does to god for our economy. But is still doesn’t guarantee entrance to it really all worth it? Are you ready any performance. This means that for the lines? Are ready for the unonly someone with a relatively grateful people? And more imporhigh income can attend the festi- tantly, are you ready for the true val, while most Austinites can’t af- Austin spirit to be conveyed incorford the colossal event held in their rectly? If you are, have fun the next time you decide to invade my city. own city. Spring 2012 USAustin
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Features
Keep Heaven Weird The legend of Leslie will never be forgotten
By Annie Murphy
T
hongs, tiaras, and high heeled shoes. This is the common attire as hundreds of people gather in front of City Hall, waiting to begin their march down to 6th Street in the “Love for Leslie” memorial parade. “Leslie brought a whole new feeling to Austin,” said Alice Masterson, Leslie’s sister. “I just wish I could have had more time with him.” Albert “Leslie” Cochran, born
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and raised in Miami, Florida, has been a fixture in Austin since 1996, when he arrived here from Atlanta, Georgia on a tricycle. A thin man with long blonde hair and a scraggly beard, Leslie was most commonly seen wearing women’s clothing. His favorite outfit was a leopard thong, high heels, a tiara, and a small, colorful tank-top, but Leslie was also often seen in cheerleading outfits, short-shorts, and a variety of halter tops. Leslie is a
model of true Austin eccentricity. He is known throughout the city as an icon, and someone who has helped make Austin the unique city it is today. “When I think of Austin, I think of three things: music, bats, and Leslie,” said Dan Murphy, a local Austinite who had seen Leslie on several occasions. To the city of Austin, Leslie was
Original Photo Courtesy of George Hamilton, Illustration by Annie Murphy
more than just a cross-dressing homeless man. To them, Leslie was a big part of what made the city so “weird”. “I never met him,” said Jack M. a ten-year-old who was born and raised in Austin, “but his personality just seemed to be so outrageous. I guess that’s why everyone loves him though isn’t it?” Leslie would often tell children things like “stay in school,” or “it may seem boring, but you have to pay attention to your teachers because they’re smarter than you.” He was full of advice for people of all ages, and was never shy when it came to offering his opinion.
“Leslie always seemed to be happiest around other people.” “Leslie always seemed to be happiest around other people,” Masterson said. “Whenever he was talking to others or telling someone a funny story, he would get a certain light in his eyes. It was like he transformed from a man on the street into a man full of stories and wise things to share.” Through the years, Leslie’s fun and outrageous personality was not only something that Austinites had
come to expect and enjoy, but an Austin staple in itself by showing others the wonders and the eccentrics of this unique city. “He just represents so much that is good about Austin,” said Austin City Council member Mike Martinez. “We’re going to miss him, and that little part of Austin is now gone forever.” After Leslie’s death, the city of Aus-
tin was overcome with emotion. A moment of silence was observed in his honor by the Austin City Council, and a public service was held on March 11th. Hundreds of people attended. “I think that, even though he led a very unconventional lifestyle,” Masterson said, “Leslie couldn’t have been happier with the way his life turned out.”
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Features
A Bite out of the Budget Is the worst of the cuts over? By Cassidy Curra
S
tacia Crescenzi’s office is an imposing force. The walls are painted storm cloud gray, and her desk sits toward the back: steely, metallic, industrialized. A long wooden table lies in the middle of the room, black boardroom type chairs line every side of it, awaiting its high profiled visitors. But when she steps through the door, the small, blond-haired principal of the Liberal Arts and Science Academy has a smile on her face. Walking over toward the table, she relaxes in the once intimidating chairs that now seem comfortable, if not cozy. She instantly alleviates any initial stress as she leans into the malleable fabric, putting one into an easy, placid mood to talk about a very serious subject: Austin ISD budget cuts. Within the recent years, budget cuts are on the minds of most Austin parents. 92 million cuts are facing the school district in the last two years, and students, parents, and teachers fear the cuts to come. Crescenzi, however, is looking, not in fear, but in hope for the future.
“It’s not depressing at this point because I am hiring teachers. I’m not planning on cutting programs,” she says in regards to future cuts. However, when talking about the previous year’s cuts, where, despite not being at LASA until this year, she experienced as Academy Director at Lanier High School, Crescenzi was nearly solemn. Her thoughts on what was the most difficult part of the entire experience of budget cuts were clear, eliminating programs, and, most importantly, having to let go of staff. “Push comes to shove, these are people’s livelihood. It’s people’s jobs, and beyond it being their paycheck for most teachers, their identity is tied to the content that they teach and the students they interact with. And to take that identity away from them, or to have them feel like it’s being minimized, I mean that’s tragic.” The response of teachers and other staff members can put an even larger and more difficult emotional strain, causing teachers to be defensive about their Photo COutesy of Ian Britton
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programs instead of focusing on growth. “[The worst part of the budget cuts] was the emotional strain that it took on, that it put on staff to worry about their jobs, to worry about the jobs of their colleagues, to feel like they had to defend what they do. I feel like really, long term, I think that that was the worst about last year and the budget issues, wasn’t the money. It was people shouldn’t have to feel like it’s my job or my colleague’s job.” The importance of staff is a reoccurring theme with Crescenzi. “Staff. There’s no doubt about that. Staff. Just maintaining the connection that staff can have to students and class sizes that are reasonable for teachers to teach and grade, I think that’s integral. That’s the one place where I think above all else we cannot give in,” she states with a powerful and unquestionable voice in response to what she firmly believes is the most important area to maintain money in. It’s not just the staff that are being affected by the cuts, though. Even without strong emotional turmoil, students are being afflicted by these cuts, in ways they might not even realize. “The one area where students might be affected, where students don’t really know they’re being affected as much, but probably are, is in the small increase in class size when it comes to heavy writing courses like your English classes. The number of essays, and papers, and things, or social stud-
“It’s people’s jobs, and beyond it being their paycheck for most teachers, their identity is tied to the content that they teach and the students they interact with. And to take that identity away from them... I mean that’s tragic.”
ies classes where there are large written projects that teachers have to grade, is probably making it difficult for them to get things back in a timely manner.” It’s unfortunate, though that LASA is hardly unique in the majority of these afflictions, whether it be in cutting staff, programs, or the increase in class size. The one area, according to Crescenzi, where the magnet school might differ from the average AISD school, is in the “unusual electives” that the campus offers. “I think we had to really, really look at some of the unique electives that we offer that really no other campus offers, and by losing teachers you can’t make the core level classes so large that it makes it difficult for teachers to either grade or connect with each student. So, I think losing those classes hit us harder than say it would a traditional campus.”
Fortunately for Crescenzi, and LASA in general, the worst part of the cuts is over. Crescenzi hopes to see her school grow as a whole, with teachers striving to improve and push their programs to new levels. “I’m excited to challenge the teachers to grow their programs. Make their classes such a perfect challenge of ‘this is so hard, and I’m learning so much, but darn, it’s so much fun.’ If you can achieve that perfect balance, kids are going to be desperate to get in your class.” Budget cuts have always seemed like something to fear, but Crescenzi believes we are almost through the storm. Her hopes for a better LASA, with superior teachers and programs because of the cuts, are not unrealistic. In fact, they are closer than ever before. If anything, the budget cuts are the best thing for LASA, growing the school, and the district as a whole.
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Features
Amy’s Austin’s favorite ice cream shop
By Amina Moheddin Photo Courtesy of “Robert Banh”
Photo Courtesy of “atmtx”
T
he nostalgic feel of Amy’s Ice Cream is unmistakable. Whether someone has been in Austin two weeks or all their life, Amy’s is a great place to visit. It’s the classic, unique, and unofficial icon of Austin. Eighteen year old Kassandra has worked here for only three weeks, but she knows the store like it’s home. “I’ve grown up here pretty much. I’ve come here so many late nights with friends. So I have a sentimental connection with it,” she said.
Ice Cream for her first job location.
“This is a great first job, because the people here are really cool, and it’s really local,” she said with a smile. She enjoys being able to be herself while working here, and the great co-workers. “It (the store) isn’t too intense or stressful,” she said. Her training, for the job wasn’t either. The four day program trained her to work specifically at Amy’s Ice Cream. After the training, she started serving ice cream, and quickly found Since its founding in 1984, by Amy Simmons, the her favorite aspect of working at Amy’s, serving the store has gained massive popularity all over Austin. long lines of people during the hottest times of the The store has earned the Reader’s Ice Cream award, day. “Get the job done, and have a good time and be given by the Austin Chronicle, for eight years in a respectful, but am still really relaxed and chill,” she row. The unique ice cream store has many visitors, said. This allows her to feel a sense of accomplishment despite having a modest size. The great ice cream, at- and gratitude, she said, and also helps her improve her mosphere, and excellent customer service have made mood for the rest of the day. it irresistible. Kassandra is an average Anderson senior, and newbie worker at the Arboretum location of “At the beginning of the day, when I’m focusing on the Amy’s Ice Cream. Kassandra is glad she chose Amy’s wrong things, I can within an hour, change my mood
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“The unique ice cream store has many visitors, despite having a modest size.”
“We had a line that is standing right there, for an hour straight,” she said, pointing 5 yards away from the store door. The popularity of the shop seemed to overcome anything and everything, since people like the store so much. Unlike all the other Amy’s locations, the Arboretum location doesn’t accept credit or debit cards. According to Kassandra, this is the only problem she ever faced during her work in the shop.
and be happy.” Overall, she said, the whole of the store “The fact that we don’t accept credit cards...it really and its ice cream gives people something to enjoy any irritates some people. We do accept cash and checks, day and everyday. though,” she explained. She also said the customers enjoy the ice cream anyway, despite this minor difKassandra explained that the store receives the main ficulty. The feedback she has received from customers supply from the Amy’s Ice Cream factory at Burnet is great. Many have told her about the great customer Rd. service. Besides the great service though, Amy’s has many other things going for it as well. There are many, There are various rotating flavors that come and go many different reasons why Amy’s “clicked” with Ausat Amy’s. Of course, though, the crowd always has to tin residents. Among them is the customer service have a favorite. One flavor, in particular, is a huge suc- of Amy’s employees, Kassandra said, adding that the cess with Amy’s customers. “Our most popular flavor interactive presentation that is the serving of the ice is Mexican Vanilla!” Kassandra said without hesi- cream is the special icing on the cupcake. tation. “Whenever someone comes in, and they say they’ve never been here before, I offer them a sample “The ice cream is just really delicious. You get to watch of the Mexican Vanilla because it’s just our favorite,” the person prepare your ice cream and you choose she explained. Kassandra also said that the variety of anything you want...so I think thats whats it,” she said. “The quality of [the] ice cream, the environment, too, different flavors is ridiculous. is something that makes so much of Amy’s.” She later “The craziest flavor we have right now is White Light- said that Amy’s has a very unique and selective process ning cause its vanilla with rum in it.” she said. Kassan- when it comes to hiring new employees. According to dra said that her favorite ice cream flavor was Mexi- Kassandra, she enjoyed the refreshing change from can Ollieo. It’s a rotating flavor made up of mexican papers, resumes, and applications. She explained, in vanilla with lime and olive oil. Yes, olive oil. Even with detail, the application process she had to pass in order all the crazy flavors, overall, every ice cream flavor to get hired. that Amy’s serves is creamy and delicious, and all the “What you do is go in there and ask for a bag...and you seven main flavors are gluten-free! decorate it with your creativity and if it was creative “It just makes you happy inside,” she said, and I agreed. enough then they’d call you back and then you get an The ice cream at Amy’s plays an important role in its interview and everything,” she said. popularity, but so do other things as well. The shop is always busy, weekdays and weekends. With the large Overall, Kassandra, and many others enjoy the presstudent audience, though, the weekends are always ence of Amy’s at Austin. With virtually no competitors and hundreds of loyal customers, Amy’s is here busier. to stay. It remains an icon of the Austin spirit, where “The weekends, for me, are just really busy, because everyone can carry be weird together. that’s when I work,” she said. Then she described how long the line for ice cream can get some days. She ex- “I don’t think there’s anything like Amy’s Ice Cream plained that last weekend, the line was especially long. out here.” Spring 2012 USAustin
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Features
Capitol By Jackie Singer
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assionate volunteer, Kelsey August, decided to “go big” in 2009 and adopt a pregnant cat on death row, before Austin became a no kill city. She rolled up her sleeves and delivered six kittens, then taking care of the litter and a mother, while trying to place the cats into new homes.
seeing them put to sleep or run- to figure out how to get involved, says local philanthropist and CEO ning wild on the street. of the Entrepreneurs Foundation, Individuals and companies alike Eugene Sepulveda. Some wonder are doing what they can in our if you have to be wealthy to impact community and beyond to im- a charity, or if everyday citizens prove the lives of those around can make a difference. them by volunteering their time and donating money. Everyday in “Too many people have a narrow Austin there are people who are definition of impact and that has “That was very fulfilling. I’d never working to build a better future. dollar signs in front of it. I think had that experience before,” said that’s wrong because believe it or August, recalling her story. August With over 3,000 local charities, it not, sometimes nonprofits have loves animals and hates the idea of can be difficult and rather daunting plenty of money. What they need is more bodies, more support,” said Sepulveda. “If we think about animal rescue charities, what they need are people to adopt the pets. They can’t just build more facilities if people don’t adopt them.”
PASSION
What do you love to do?
GIFTS
Where you should get involved
What are you really good at?
NEEDS What are the needs in the community ?
Long time volunteer, Sepulveda descibes the perfect way to get involved as an intersection between gifts, passion, and community needs.
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Now that August has established a Fortune 500 company, she dedicates her time to improving her community and donating to Austin Pets Alive. She believes that her work is a hands-on way to make a difference. “It was an extremely memorable experience,” concluded August. “You should get involved at the the intersection between what you are passionate about, what you are good at, and what the community’s needs are, because then what you are doing doesn’t feel like work,” Sepulveda explained.
Caring
An inside look at Austin’s volunteering community Realtor Chad Goldwasser, CEO of Goldwasser Real Estate, saw a community need, realized his ability of bringing people together, and merged it with what he loves: music. Goldwasser’s company began hosting the Rock ‘n’ Restock benefit concert in 2002. “I am really passionate about music, so [my company] decided to have a concert and make it a fundraiser.” Around the holidays, the Capitol Area Food Bank puts out a lot of their food, so Goldwasser’s company chose to make their a benefit concert for restocking the shelves at the local food bank.
current pay isn’t that high.” Sepulveda went on to point out that, “we are also very young and young people tend to volunteer more than they give. If you looked at the report, it didn’t talk about volunteerism then, but we volunteered off the charts.” Sepulveda added that this means Austin should produce some very good philanthropists as the population ages and develops more disposable income.
“We are also very young and young people tend to volunteer more than they give.”
Austin has not always been seen as a city where people are involved with philanthropic issues. The 2008 Chronicle of Philanthropy reported that Austin was very low in per capita giving in comparison to other cities with a similar population nationwide, and as a result, organizations such as I Live Here, I Give Here were created. However, not all Austinites were satisfied. Sepulveda wanted to look deeper In the future, Sepulveda noted that for the long-term there, “needs into the original report. to be more major donors. There “I thought the methodology [of the needs to be more people who have report] was poorly done,” Sepul- the ethic of giving, but I think we’re veda said. “This did not take into making progress”. account that we’re a state capitol, which means we have a lot of state Forbes Magazine recently named workers and they’re not known for Austin the fastest growing city in their philanthropy because their America. According to Sepulveda,
as cities get larger, they have more and more problems to face. This means that Austin must continue to motivate people to get involved to help the city live up to its full potential. He says that the needs in the community are expanding with more people and the strains of the national economy. For those who wonder why someone should donate time and money to charity, the answer might be in what it brings back to the individual or their company. Goldwasser believes that it is important to give back to the community where a business earns its money. “It’s not only smart because it helps the city and it helps the people that are hurting in some way, but it’s also good for your business when people see you doing that,” says Goldwasser. August points out that her involvement and passion inspires her friends to make a difference, too, and often they expose each other to a variety of causes. Sepulveda added, “I’m not sure if charity work is selfless or selfish, as I gpet so much in return. I’ve meet the best people in the country - I mean think about it, if you want to meet the [most influential] people in the city, where would some of these people be? [They will be] volunteering.” Spring 2012 USAustin
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Extras
Bound in Austin By Cassidy Curra
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USAustin Spring 2012
ebookwoman.com
This Austin bookstores is catered to woman, just as its name specifies. It’s a great place to hang out and relax. Come here to find anything from a great romance novels to a group of woman who share book tastes with you.
ADDRESS: 5601 Brodie Lane PHONE: (512) 892-3493
Photo courtesy of
BookWoman
BookPeople
thatotherpaper.com
In Half-Price books, one can find both new and used merchandise. It’s a really interesting and unique store with a staff that feels more Austin than the place itself. With great, low prices, one can find books that are still in great shape for a really low price.
ADDRESS: 2929 S. Lamar Blvd. PHONE: (512) 443-3138
Photo courtesy of
Half-Price Books
Photo courtesy of sheistoofondofbooks.com
BookPeople is just one of those Austin staples. The two story building is decorated incredibly cool and funky, and the store holds signings with great Texas authors. The selection itself is amazing, and the store holds a variety of book clubs as well.
ADDRESS: 603 N. Lamar Blvd. PHONE: (800) 853-9757
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Places to Visit 4 5 in Austin By Amina Moheddin
Barton Springs
Plenty of trees, a sloping hill, and calming water. What more does this place need?
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Every year bats migrate to Texas for the summer season. One of their resting stops is under the Congress Avenue bridge. Every day at dusk, the bats emerge to look for food. You can watch the event from several viewpoints around the area.
Photo Courtesy of “young and with it”
Photo Courtesy of “heatheronhertravels”
Austin Bats
Photo Courtesy by “DAR in Austin”
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Alamo Drafthouse A historic Austin theater, this place has the latest movies, greatest popcorn, and the best seats in town.
Photo Courtesy of “transient musket”
State Capitol This immense structure was designed and built in the 1880’s, and still stands tall and glorious as a symbol for Austin people. Also, the surrounding stores and pubs provide a surrounding scenery and life. Best visited at night.
Photo Courtesy by “DAR in Austin”
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6th street
The busiest street in Austin at any time of the year, is always 6th street. Live music, ethnic restaurants, an immense amount of lights, and a general feel of Austin culture is what makes this paritcualr spot in Austin a mustsee for everyone.
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Extras
Exclusive Interview with JB from the JB & Sandy Morning Show
By Jackie Singer
Q: A:
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I didn’t really intend to be on the radio at first. I wanted to do a summer internship, so I asked my dad if I could live with him (while I was in college) for the summer and do an internship for some experience, but I couldn’t get a film or TV internship. I ended up getting a radio internship working in the promotions department and I fell in love with [radio]. What is your favorite type of music? I really like the lineup of ACL. That’s a lot of different genres, but I like the “small font bands”as you go down the festival lineups, I like the ones that aren’t headlining; those at the bottom of the lists. What has been your strangest experience as a local celebrity? Being asked to emcee events, which I’m not good at. Those throw you into a lot of weird situations.
USAustin Spring 2012
Photo Coutresy of Jackie Singer
Q: A:
What made you want to be on the radio?
Photo Coutresy of J.B. Hager
Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:
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Who was your most outrageous interview on the show? Jack Black was pretty outrageous because throughout the whole interview he stayed in character for his band Tenacious D, who believe they are the greatest band in the world. He was just really starting to get big and he was going to host the MTV music awards. I had prepped all of this Jack Black stuff, but he totally stayed in character for the whole interview.
How early do you wake up to host your morning show? I get up at 4:15, grab a coffee and go to my computer to read through all of the overnight entertainment news that would be relevant to our listeners for about an hour, just so that I am up to speed. Then I take the world’s fastest shower and drive to work, set up my laptop and I am ready to do the show. What brought you back to Austin after you moved your show to Dallas? We took the job in Dallas after turning down about 5 other jobs because we wanted to stay with the same company and we liked the people that were making the big decisions. They were the ones who convinced us to take the Dallas job. That was the worst job we ever took. The station changed to hip hop, 9/11 happened while we were there, and revenue went flat for a year. We were able to go back to Austin, which in retrospect, was okay. At the time it was horrible. What is your favorite place to go around Austin? The Hike and Bike Trail. My wife and I are runners, and I love going there, seeing the improvements that are being made. It’s like having a gym right in the middle of city.
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Extras
Guitar Sculptures In Austin By Annie Murphy
The “Austin GuitarTown” project was presented by Gibson Guitars six years ago in 2006. It was started as a public arts event dedicated to bringing both musical and visual artistic elements together. This was to be done by placing a unique display of various 10-foot tall guitar sculptures around Austin. These sculptures were to be painted by local Austin artists, and were supposed to have f Annie Murphy sy o r te u Co a wide variety of artistic styles preto o Ph sented on them. There was an auction held on the guitars in 2007 to raise money for Austin based charities, but a few guitars still remain around the city (mainly in the Austin Bergstrom airport) and are viewed by thousands of people every day. “Vibrancy” By Craig Hein Address: East Side of Congress and 4th St.
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“Livestrong” By David Mider Address: Austin Bergstrom Airport
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“Musician” By Howard Weliver Address: Austin Bergstrom Airport
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“Por Vida” By Kathy Marcus Address: Austin Bergstrom Airport
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