™
Spring 2012 Issue
Doing Business Austin Style Maudie’s tex mex The gluten free critic review austin Music Man walt wilkins yoga what’s going on in there? TINA CANNON AUSTIN ENTREPRENEUR SEEKS CITY COUNCIL SEAT
Buy Local. Be Loyal.
Publisher’s Note CO-FOUNDERS
Marcos Canchola Raúl Calvoz Tina Cannon
The Magazine Founded and based in Austin, Texas, LOCALoyalty Magazine is a free quarterly publication and is the only Austin magazine that focuses on local businesses.
Publisher
Booqoos, Inc. Editor-in-Chief
Raúl Calvoz Production Editor
Chuck Miller Ad designer
Chuck Miller Design
Clutch Creative Photography
Chuck Miller Contributing Writer
Raquel Cordón Muro
The Card LOCALoyalty is a local loyalty card Austinites buy and use to get small discounts at participating area retailers. LOCALoyalty Card holders simply look in the LOCALoyalty magazine or online to see all the participating retailers discounts and then present the LOCALoyalty card at the time of purchase. Cards are sold online and at partcipating businesses. The Website LOCALoyalty has simplified the marketing process for businesses by implementing a patent-pending, internet platform of do-it-yourself marketing tools for one low flat monthly fee. LOCALoyalty provides a powerful easy to use online solution for businesses to have complete control of discount offers to customers.
LOCALoyalty c/o Booqoos, Inc. 611 S. Congress Ave. Ste. 340 Austin, Texas 78704 © 2012 LOCALoyalty Magazine is published by Booqoos Inc. No portion of this work may be reproduced in whole or in part, including electronically or digitally, without the express written consent of the publisher. Editorial and advertising are for information purposes only and do not constitute advice. All rights reserved.
Jobs Sales Comments Advertising Article Submissions info@LOCALoyalty.com
Buy Local. Be Loyal.
contents Spring 2012
7 Local Songwriter, Walt Wilkins.
11 Maudie’s Gluten Free Tex Mex!
14 Various forms of Yoga revealed.
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3 7 8 11 12 14 15
Savings Directory Find LOCALoyalty discounts around town. More online!
Profile
Austin Music Man Walt Wilkins
Doing Business Austin Style.
Local Favorites
Maudie’s Tex Mex The Gluten Friendly Critic Review
Tina Cannon Austin Entrepreneur Seeks City Council Seat
Yoga What’s going on in there?
More Savings Advertising from your favorite local spots!
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El Sol y La Luna
Thistle Cafe
Kebabalicious
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Maxwell Video services
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Way South Philly
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services
Luis Banuelos, Musician
services
services
services
retail
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Fashion Floors
Phelps Properties
Goodie Two Shoes
Rockin Austin T-shirt Designs
music
Dogellos
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Bee Cave Veterinary Clinic services
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Use your card all over Austin at all these spots! (more online) savings directory FALL 2012
Get discounts with your LOCALoyalty card at all these businesses. Even more discounts online at LOCALoyalty.com Shore Club Restaurant & Bar
Fire Lake Event Center
Ricky Wilson Manufacturing
restaurant
special events
jewelry
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Savings Offer: $500 dollars off 3 day Wedding Rental of Fire Lake Event Center!
Savings Offer: 50% off Watch Battery valued at $10 or less
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Savings Offer: 50% off Simple Gold Chain Repair 512.467.6131 rwilsonmfg.com
Aesthetica Med Spa
jewelry/crafts
Red Diversions games
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Capital Chevrolet vehicles
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Matt Bowman Studios photography
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On Budget Decorator interior design
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In Home Versatile Physical Training by Debra weight loss
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Ray Rosenberg Auto Insurance Specialist insurance
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Anita Lane coaching
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spa
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Dr. Bendall medical
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Spellbound Studios services/art
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Canine Hilton pets/boarding
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savings directory
Sea of Beads
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Moy Yat Kung Fu Academy martial arts
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South Austin People
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Delicious Landscapes
landscaping
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Caroline Mowry photography
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Premeaux Tattoo tattoo
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Central Metro Realty real estate
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Evolve Personal Fitness & Gym fitness
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Stunt Ranch Paintball paintball
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Floor King North Austin flooring
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Keller Williams Greg’s Team real estate
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Special FX fireworks
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Get discounts with your LOCALoyalty card at all these businesses. Even more discounts online at LOCALoyalty.com Science in the Movies
Wild Thyme Herb Shop
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Savings Offer: 10% Off all teas, cocoas, and herbal tea blends, with $10+ purchase (all sales final)
film
Tactical Choices self-defense
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Foam U party foam
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To Have and Hold retail/bridal
Savings Offer: 30% off our custom “BRIDE” Dresses 300 Ash, Buda 512.965.5145 forevertohaveandhold.com
Bastrop Liza Jane retail
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Sugar Shack retail
Savings Offer: 20% off $20+ 114 Loop 150 W., Bastrop 512.321.3777
retail
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Telling Your Story photography
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The Magpie Trading Co. gifts/art
Savings Offer: 10% off (return for store credit) 705 Pine St., Bastrop 512.914.1281
Cripple Creek retail
Savings Offer: 10% off $20 or more (no local art, return w/in 30 days w/ reciept) 928-A Main St., Bastrop 512.632.7522
Blue Donkey Studio
Liberty Glenn
retail
retail
Savings Offer: 10% off $15 or more (not good with other offers, not good on already discounted items, returns with receipt for store credit) 1011 Main St., Bastrop 512.581.0501
White Morpha Fine Art Restoration & Gallery fine art restoration
Savings Offer: 10% off restoration (any type of fine art restoration) 714 Chestnut St, Bastrop 512) 549-3054
Savings Offer: First month free with sign-up 612 Old Austin Hwy, Bastrop 512.988.1259
Cherry Blossoms Spa spa
Savings Offer: $10 for 15 minutes on Bio Mat 601 Chestnut, Ste. I, Bastrop 512.332.2600
Savings Offer: $10 for $15 or more (returns for store credit) 920 Main St., Bastrop 512.321.0202
Savings Offer: 5% off $15+ 705F Pine Street, Bastrop 512.657.4275
Savings Offer: 10% off online or in gallery (not good with other offers) jocastilloart.com
legal services
Savings Offer: 15% off $25 or more (does not include jewelry) 805 Main St., Bastrop 512.321.3022
Savings Offer: 10% off 813 Main St., Bastrop 512.308.1168 pulleylight.blogspot.com
arts/crafts/jewelry
Savings Offer: 15% off $20 or more (return for store credit) 920 Main St., Bastrop 512.332.6351
Bastrop Jazzercise
antiques/clothing/furniture
Fat Cat Accessories
Art Connections
Jo Castillo Art
retail
Apothecary’s Hall
Loblolly General Goods retail
Barbara’s Corner
fitness
Bastrop County Networking Directory & Events Calendar special events
Savings Offer: 10% off new member registration 920 Main St., Bastrop basconet.org
Savings Offer: 20% Off All Wildflower Potter Savings Offer: 20% Off All Roster Pottery 1022 Main St., Bastrop 512.304.5332 bluedonkeystudio.com
Bastrop Picture Frame Emporium retail
Savings Offer: 10% off Wood Molding Frames 926 Main Street, Bastrop 512.308.3464 BastropPictureFrame Emporium.com
Christopher A. Hammon, Attorney at Law, PLLC legal services
Savings Offer: free consultation 1110 Main St., Ste A, Bastrop 512.549.3719
We support all the fine businesses of Bastrop. You should too. Go see them!
antiques/art
Piney Creek Candles retail
Savings Offer: 10% off (not valid with any other offer) 922 Main St., Bastrop 512.321.7467
Glitz-Z-Chix retail
Savings Offer: $25 off purchase $100+ 908 Main St., Bastrop
visit LOCALoyalty.com for more discounts savings directory FALL 2012
Austin Music Man Walt Wilkins Interview: Alan Bates
After almost ten years in the Nashville music scene, Walt Wilkins made Austin his home. Wilkins’ songs have been recorded by the likes of Ricky Skaggs and Pat Green, but it’s comparisons of his writing with the likes of John Steinbeck (County Standard Time) that give you a true sense of the true talent of this artist. Check out waltwilkins.com for show times – in Austin, of course! WHERE I LIVE... The suburban outskirts of my hometown, Austin. WHAT I DO... I play music about half of the days of the year, mostly with the band The Mystiqueros, and a fair amount by myself, and some with my talented wife, Tina. WHERE I GO... Most of our time is in the great state of Texas, but we get out to other parts of the country more each year. It’s a great life. I dreamed of this as a kid, and the reality is better than what I dreamed.
WaltWilkins.com
WHAT I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT... I started playing my songs myself 20 years ago, because I realized that no singers were going to show up at my apartment in Austin asking if I might have songs for them to record. Now, I can’t imagine my life without the friends I play music with and the adventures these songs have brought me. And, I’ve been fortunate enough to have a fair number of folks record a few dozen of my songs. WHAT ONLY MY CLOSEST FRIENDS KNOW ABOUT ME... When I’m home, I’m pitching baseballs to my son Luke, or hanging out with the family. Baseball is very near the center of our life, and playing catch with Luke is the best part of life. WHAT I’VE LEARNED... I just turned 51, and I generally feel like I’m still about 20, loving what I’ve loved since I was a teenager: thinking about life and God, playing music, throwing a baseball around, trying to be a decent, productive guy, and having a cold beer now and again. Like right now, and I’ll probably have one again soon. I feel real lucky. Blessed, as they say. LOCALoyalty 7
feature
DOING BUSINESS Austin Style By: Angela Rae Lewkin
If you are reading this article, and you are in Austin, Texas, you should know that there is no better place in the world for you to be. Why? According to CNNMoney, Austin is number 8 on the list of Best Places to Launch a Small Business. The only Texas city to score higher was Houston. But then, who wants to live in Houston? And that’s not me being snide. When you look at the big picture, and if you’re a believer in these “Best of...” lists, then you have to factor the opinion of Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine which ranked Austin, Texas Number 1 on the list of Best Cities for the Next Decade. So, you are definitely in the right place, and at the right time. And, you happen to be reading LOCALoyalty, which means that you are interested in local businesses. Have you thought of starting one? If you have, you should know that there are some excellent resources available to you in Austin.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM First, meet Vicky Valdez. Literally, go meet Vicky. She is the Small Business Administrator for the Small Business Development Program at the City’s Economic Growth & Development Services Office. That’s a mouthful, but Vicky and her team do a lot. It’s their job to help folks that want to start a 8
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business. Or, if you already have a business and want to expand, they’ll point you in the right direction as well. They do everything from technical assistance, business plan support, zoning and permitting assistance to helping you to connect with other resources, providing free classes and hosting mixers to help you to connect with potential mentors and investors. Joy Miller, with SBDP suggests, “If you are looking to move your business into a location, call us. Tell us the address and planned use. We will figure out if there are any zoning or permitting issues. You really need to know before you starting talking to a landlord about leasing.” How good is SBDP at what they do? Well, the office has recently hosted visitors from Germany, Ireland and Moldova who have come to the to learn “best practices” that they can duplicate in their countries. And check out the insert for recent awards the organization has received. Why so many accolades? “I have been a small business owner myself,” adds Vicky. “In my twelve years with the SBDP, the one piece of feedback that we have consistently
feature received is that we always go above and beyond. That’s what we’re here for. A lot of times, we have the information or resources a business needs. But if we don’t, we’ll find you someone who does.”
ibuyaustin.com
AUSTIN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ALLIANCE If you are en established small business looking to grow, you need to connect with the Austin Independent Business Alliance. As Rebecca Melancon, Executive Director of the AIBA, put it, “[The SBDP do] a really good job at what they do. They are there for earlier stage businesses. AIBA focuses on existing businesses.” Founded over ten years ago, the AIBA was the second independent business alliance formed in the United States. There are now over eighty such alliances across the US and Canada, AIBA focuses on educating the public about the benefits of buying from local businesses, in addition to publishing member and consumer newsletter and advocating local business issues at City Hall. AIBA boasts over 350 member businesses in the Austin area. AIBA has also worked to create IBIZ Districts. These are areas all over Austin that are defined by the independent businesses located in them as well as the unique feel of the neighborhood or area where they are located. Businesses in each IBIZ District work together to promote their district through cooperative advertising, social media, signage, etc.
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM One final resource to keep in mind if you are thinking about business
ownership in Austin is Eve Richter, Coordinator of the City of Austin Emerging Technology Program. The Program’s job is to increase jobs and investment in the technology sectors. If you are a techie looking to start something up, the ETP can help. “I see our role as consultant, matchmaker and cheerleader. We’ve worked with companies at all stages, from ideation to post-revenue venture looking for funding or to grow their customer base,” says Eve. If you are a techie, and you haven’t met Eve, it’s because you don’t leave the house (or garage). She is omnipresent in Austin at everything that has to do with start-ups or technology. Look for her at SXSW. Austin is a great place to do business, and a great place to live. And, with all the resources available, there are no excuses. Go start something up!
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM _______________________________________ AWARDS 2011
. .
2011 Liveable City Vision Award Economy 2011 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Awards - IBIZ Districts in Neighborhood Development Category
.
2011 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Awards - SBDP Program in Entrepreneurship Category
. . .
2011 American In House Design Award (Getting Connected) 2011 American In House Design Award (ElevateAustin) 2011 American In House Design Award (Business Community Outreach - ABJ ad campaign - BSC, online mapping & SBDP) LOCALoyalty
9
MAUDIE’S TEX MEX
THE GLUTEN FRIENDLY CRITIC REVIEW By: Raquel Cordón Muro
When we moved back to Austin from Europe in 2009, we were amazed at how much more gluten-aware Austin had become. My first experience with that was at Maudie’s Too, on South Lamar. Finally being back in Texas, at the top of my list of things I couldn’t get in Europe and wanted to have was Tex-Mex. I remember asking at Maudie’s, just for kicks, if they had a gluten free menu. I was amazed when they not only brought me one, but also brought me a sealed bag of gluten free tortilla chips – the regular ones go in the fryer with wheat products and there is risk of cross-contamination. Now that we’ve been back in the States for several years, I can tell you that these folks know their Tex-Mex and they don’t let gluten get in the way. My favorite – because it’s just an old standard, is the fajitas. Beef or chicken, both are good. They come with grilled onion, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream and cheese on the side. The Caldo, chicken soup, is also a solid option; though it’s usually
a little low on salt for my taste, that is easily remedied. Of course, what Maudie’s is famous for is their enchiladas. There are a total of five different gluten free sauces to choose from for your enchiladas, although each type of enchilada has a recommended sauce. My favorite – Skinny Sheryl’s – steamed corn tortillas, pulled chicken, tomatillo sauce, lettuce and tomato with grilled zucchini. Maudie’s makes a great tomatillo sauce. These enchiladas are simple, not your usual kitchen-sink enchiladas, and really allow you to enjoy the combination of chicken, corn masa and tomatillo flavors. Maudie’s now has six locations in the Austin area. You can check them all out at Maudies.com. Be sure to ask for the gluten free menu, and eat smart!
Gluten Friendly Favorites in Austin Establishment Austin's Pizza Che Zee Food for Life Jeffrey’s Restaurant & Bar Madam Mam’s Maudie’s Paggi House Wildwood Art Café Wink!
Gluten Free Menu X X 100% G-‐F X X 100% G-‐F
Accommodate G-F X X X
suggest others, email me at rcordon@gfcritic.com To
URL www.austinspizza.com www.chez-‐zee.com www.gfcfcuisine.com www.jeffreysofaustin.com www.madammam.com www.maudies.com www.paggihouse.com www.wildwoodartcafe.com www.winkrestaurant.com
LOCALoyalty
11
local politics
TINA CANNON
Austin Entrepreneur Seeks City Council Seat
We are sitting in Tina Cannon’s office on South Congress. She’s just wrapping up a phone call. Cannon is dressed in jeans, a grey sweater and cowboy boots. She’s wearing a Mickey Mouse watch. Hanging on the back of her office door is what looks like a recently pressed business suit. She’s drinking coffee. Her office décor is simple and practical. Comfortable chair. Functional desk lamp. A huge desk with three phones on it. A few photos – friends, family, pets. There are some stacks of paper on the desk, but not that many considering that Cannon is running two businesses, serving as Entrepreneur in Residence at Texas State University, and recently announced that she is running for Austin City Council. On the phone, Cannon is animated. She laughs heartily. She gestures with her free hand when she talks. And when she listens, she flips a pen in circles with one hand. She is a bundle of energy, all positive and upbeat. And, yes, her feet are up on the desk. As she wraps up the call, she winks at me – time for our interview. She hangs up the phone, and tells me, “Okay. Everything to voice-mail. I’m all yours.” How is the campaign is going? “Awesome. We’ve gotten extremely positive feedback all around. And, we’re hearing a lot of people say that they want change at City Hall. They want more responsible government.. “Fundraising is going well. And, endorsements – I won’t get into details yet – but we are really going to blow the socks off this thing. My phone doesn’t stop ringing.” You already have a full plate. Why run for office? “Three reasons: transparency in government, economic development and fair representation. There are too many issues – Formula 1, Water Treatment Plant 4 – that have been mismanaged 12
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by Council. I think there’s good intent there, in most cases, but poor execution. I want to bring some common sense back to city government. “Don’t get me wrong, on a personal level, I like my opponent [Cannon is running in Place 5 against incumbent councilman and UT Professor Bill Spelman]. He’s a good guy. “But, he’s an academic. He’s great on the theory, but there’s a lack of experience on the ground there that I can bring to the table. I’ve run a small business; I’ve struggled as an entrepreneur in Austin. I know those issues. There is a complete lack of advocacy for small business at City Hall. I want to change that. “And, although I have a lot on my plate, I’ve made a pledge. If I am elected, I will resign all full-time employment. Council is a full time job, and I intend to treat it that way.”
Cannon started her career as an emergency
medical technician. She has a B.B.A. in Accounting. In 1995, she left emergency care and worked for nine years in loss prevention and financial auditing, but it just wasn’t for her. “I get numbers. And I’m good with them. They come easily to me. But people energize me.” So, she started a restaurant with friends, the Lavaca Street Deli. “It was great. It just took off. Quality food, great service. It went so well, we sold it.” She laughs. “We got a great deal. But, the guy that bought it changed everything – I think he tried to scrimp on the ingredients. You just can’t do that. People are smart; they know what they want. I told him, but he didn’t listen. I think he lasted four months.” Cannon has since started several businesses, including PetsMD which was acquired by Pet360
in 2011. She is a frequent panelist and lecturer on the subject of entrepreneurship, and a past columnist for CBS’s BNET.com. She is also an active mentor to young entrepreneurs. She uses the Lavaca Street Deli story on me, as a teaching moment. “There’s something you need to understand about business and government. Some businesses try to get away with disguising what they put in your sandwich. I don’t recommend it, but some businesses do it. So it’s up to you to know what you want and to protect yourself. Caveat emptor; buyer beware. Government isn’t allowed to do that. “See, a lot of people confuse business and government. They think that the citizens are government’s customers. We’re not. We’re the owners. And as owners, we’re entitled to 100% transparency and accountability. We don’t always get that from our government, but that’s the mentality I want to bring to City Hall.” Are you referring to the pending investigation of City Council? [Spelman is under investigation for “secret faceto-face, round-robin discussions” about issues pending before City Council. These are potential violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act. Despite being chided in writing by Mayor Lee Leffingwell regarding “a potential violation of the [Texas Open Meetings] Act,” Spelman continued his private communication with Council.*] “No, not really. That’s all been covered in the press, and the process is moving along. We need to get that behind us. I want to run a positive campaign, focused on the issues. “My point is just that government needs to be transparent – citizens need to understand what’s being done and why. It makes for greater citizen participation, and for better government – in my humble opinion.” So, on the positive, what else should voters know about you? “Besides transparency and business growth, I am all about common sense in government. I’ve met lots of great folks since I announced I was running. And the one common thread, the thing I always hear, is ‘why doesn’t council listen to us?’” Common sense answer – council is
not accountable to its constituents in large part because a very small number of people elect them. “Did you know that only about 5-10% of the registered voters elect city council? That means that about 20,000-40,000 people decide who represents all of Austin. It’s appalling. Part of the problem is that we haven’t adopted some form of single member district structure to ensure fair representation. That’s high on my list of priorities.” Do you think city elections should be moved to November? “Absolutely. Having a special city election in May costs the City close to $1 million and serves only two groups, incumbent council members and the bundlers and lobbyists that are able to influence the election due to low voter turnout.” The phone rings again, and I see that my time is up. We shake hands as she starts into her next phone conversation. Making decisions as a voter is never easy. And there is no question that this political season is going to be like all of the others, too much information – and lots of “he said,” “she said.” But, as I debrief the interview with a friend over lunch, I can’t help but wonder exactly what’s in my sandwich. And, I am pretty sure, that if Tina Cannon was running the place, I’d know exactly what I was getting. City Elections will be held May 12, 2012. Early voting is from April 30 to May 8, 2012. Political advertisement paid for by the Campaign to Elect Tina Cannon. This campaign has agreed to comply with the contribution and expenditure limits of the Austin Fair Campaign Ordinance. *Complete Austin Bulldog coverage of the investigation is available at theaustinbulldog.org, Open Meetings Investigation a Year Old Today.
lifestyle
YOGA
What’s going on in there?
By: Raquel Cordón Muro You’ve seen the people carrying around the tube shaped pack. You’ve seen them congregating outside before and after a class. You’ve seen different locations popping up all over Austin. But what’s really going on inside? Well, I’ve been going to Yoga classes for three months now, and the other day a friend asked me, “What kind of yoga are you doing?” Well, I know what we do. But what exactly it’s called, I had no clue. How many could there be? Vinyasa Yoga – This may also be called “Vinyasa Flow” or “Flow.” This yoga emphasizes movement from one pose to the next. Great variety of poses. Each class is different. This is America’s most popular style of yoga. Bikram Yoga – This is yoga done in 105° heat and 40% humidity. But, the good news is that there are only 26 poses and a lot of alignment work. Good for beginners if you are up for the heat. 14
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Hatha Yoga – Focuses on slow, gentle movements. Iyengar Yoga – This is a type of Hatha Yoga, but uses lots of accessories, like straps, blocks, harnesses and cushions. It is really focused on alignment and is great for physical therapy. Ashtanga Yoga – This is sometimes called “Power Yoga.” It is more physically demanding than most other types. Best suited to the already athletic or experienced students of yoga. Kundalini Yoga – This is kind of like Ashtanga, but more focused on the energy area in your lower spine called the Root Chakra. Expect lots of focus on your core. Anusara Yoga – This is probably what you think of when someone says “yoga.” It’s another type of Hatha Yoga that focuses on “heart-opening” poses. These classes have a community-type vibe and involve more instructor commentary in class.
There are more types of Yoga. These are only the most popular. Call around and find the one that’s right for you!
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