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R TV O O L U M A H E 2 D 8 H N R EU M A B E g R 1 9 In S J A N g U A WR W Y 9 , I 2 T 0 p O0 H op ‘P 9 u la l p y eg M to C ed a Re pr E h to ev TA icago tal b Diew s f li h l or nd ar ng l co er, on e lightni Ic ckta then T brid ride th A ils. La gfo T r r bY hat’s s invit Oth din w e in T hat d us Ug o R we to n a I d h R d v id op ie E . M ab t es o s T et ar en A d t T n t Dia t h l W hra e ’T de I x. N alli I palm ng ice du ca jet Aa mus d a i O e n c s d p .’ Rol • l b p a l . l 4 Yo t : 6 p .4 9 see austinchronicle.com for breaking news, daily listings, speaker quest: straus vanquishes foes, girlie action lists persist, first night on film, and more cleansing flame contents PUBLISHER VOL. 28, NO. 19 (cid:40) JANUARY 9, 2009 Nick Barbaro EDITOR Louis Black SENIOR EDITORS MANAGING EDITOR Cindy Widner FILM Marjorie Baumgarten ARTS Robert Faires MUSIC Raoul Hernandez NEWS Michael King NEWS MANAGING EDITOR Amy Smith FOOD Virginia B. Wood SCREENS, BOOKS Kimberley Jones SPECIAL ISSUES, GUIDES, INTERNS Kate Messer ASSOCIATE EDITORS NEWS Nora Ankrum MUSIC Audra Schroeder CALENDAR vote! 2008-2009 Music Poll Ballot, p.49 AARSSTST. LLIISSTTIINNGGSS WAnanynee H Aalrarnis Brenner COMMUNITY LISTINGS James Renovitch STAFF WRITERS Wells Dunbar, Katherine Gregor, Margaret Moser, Lee Nichols, Marc Savlov, Jordan Smith CONTRIBUTING WRITERS TV EYE Belinda Acosta OFF THE RECORD Austin Powell VISUAL ARTS LISTINGS Benné Rockett DAY TRIPS Gerald E. McLeod MR. SMARTY PANTS R.U. Steinberg LETTERS AT 3AM Michael Ventura LITERA Ric Williams CLASSICAL, DANCE LISTINGS Robi Polgar FASHION Stephen MacMillan Moser GAY PLACE Ash Bell 4 PAGE TWO Inertia, Inverted the arts food SWOART DBSOMNANNA RJO.DO. C2R00O8NISE PPLRAYIONGD THUROCUTGHI OThoNmas Hackett 6 POSTMARKS Filmmaker Jodorowsky 25 Carol Burnett Talks 32 Daily Grill; Event Menu: Jan. PHOTO BY GARY MILLER CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jason Stout PRODUCTION MANAGER Mark Gates is not Spanish, Best Concert Variety Shows; and 8-10; and Food-o-File WGREABP DHIIRCE DCETSOIRG NBEriRaSn TBimar rGyrisham, Shelley Hiam, Carrie Lewis, nePwoster scategory shelved, and more 26 APA MuRtEO oVAnO’s LH UNoTelIdOwN D OigFs S GPIeRtI T 34 tKRoEE ESsPOtaILNrUtG To ITOfHfN OtShS eDE inWeetE-wfIGr iyeHenTa-dLrlOy SdSin ing music SPINTRCTTAOoEhFOfRrFtFiN esPR,S HEL AAOiAnnDnTnnOEgeaReGn SlRT,ao AS LoAPianzrHr maOERhss SttJri eonJoanghn,g n ,D B ZoAielunlkegdei te SeBrtrsa., o rAMnbm,aa Jrreokan ,ntF aNa agBtaihrnca,h nDu Bamrrcoiwen S, tMeveerends,i tKh ristine 10 Charter School Approval Sparks Ritual jazz theatre pio- BY KATE THORNBERRY 45 OFF THE RECORD The best GSpreeeankweormoda,n ,M Roincihcaar dR iWesheit, tSakaerar Robberson, Dacia Saenz, Meghan Ruth MNeowre U Dnekbnaotwen; YDoNguAr tE vSihdeonp cSea; gaan:d npreeemr iSehreasro an nBerwid gwfoorrkth, 36 RESTAURANT ROULETTE A spin tphiningg as iwne liefek oanre Rfreede :R riveecra p- AADVDERVTIESIRNGT DIIRSEICNTORG Simon Mulverhill her last in Austin around our Restaurant Guide plus more local music news SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jerald Corder, Annette Shelton Patterson, Carolyn More Phillips, Lois Richwine BY ABE LOUISE YOUNG BY AUSTIN POWELL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jeff Carlyon, Ali Garnel, Elizabeth Nitz, Angela Specht, 1 2 PBCOIYT IMYN TIHC AAHLUALSE THLI UNKS IWNTLGeEl cMomcCer atcok 2e0n’0s9 29 BoBfOa MrOrKya rRUvEneVslsIwE: oWAr StNh L;o avanendld b y s41c AGrFuSeys D aeoncd TnFoeuirss:t yS tFreamndmeeds; Tough 46 mfSoWro OnMRtheDst a TolOlniUc aRth, DeaI nArodRa Yad Tl l hoIr pegeoent i ng RAAMDDEALTVVRoAEEKrIRRiLE TTW TOIIISShPNIIiEGNNtRl GGeDA yICAT,RS OIELOSOCiNIzRST SWDOT MIARiNtN AhAETNTer AiBOrnGsRr aEC CRno dhlTlreoiieasbrut ii xnG aTa otJeuuPsrpvRsilOoleMnOTIONS MANAGER Logan Youree Gambit Miles From Nowhere: A was jet lag and a hangover CHRONTOURAGE Sarah Buser, Nicole Castanon, Nadia Elias, Charles Heidrick, BY WELLS DUNBAR Novel by Nami Mun FFuilmnn Sy eFraiecse; and DVD Watch: BY TRIVETT WINGO CPiaetp Heer,r rDinagn,i eMllae rPisrsaad oK,i lEgmoriely, EPlrleevno Msta, sLtiesan bSraowoka,y Lai,n Ahl iNsognu ySehne, pMhaelrodr,i eA shley 19 lTaHtoE rHs IGanHdT OOWuEr RF oRoEPd:O ER-TI -SEp-Ie-Ocu!;- 30 AFTER A FASHION 42 CTHinEe OmBaS EpSreSsIVeEn tAsF tSh eE sesaerlnyt ifaillm s 50 FPeHmASi EKSu &ti ,S LToAsG ECSa mFupcekseindo Us!p,, PCSLERSANOhSIMOSeOIRrFwT ICEIoOLDoANSdS SD;S IDpIRFIhERIoCEEtDTCoO TAgROCr aCRCpa/OhsPUseENirRdTsSy :E OFEXNrrEaiACczL UieSLTr/a IC cV Ih ERC eBLCyAUr,i SLaMSAnIaTF CItIOEtahDNreS rDw Ca OWnO eRHdDagIrNwdAoiTcoOkdR Michael Bartnett and Airlines Outsourcing Our Stephen’s holiday star of Brian De Palma the Kinks box set, etc. LEGAL NOTICES Jessica Nesbitt Safety and Jobs stocking … or star CLASSIFIED ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Yasmine Anderson, Stephanie Boeke, Jessica 20 WspEeLaCkOeMr Ea nTdO mTHoEr e8 1DSeTm Woicllr aat sn ew BstYa SlkTinEgP?H!EN 43 BTVY EJOYSE HA lRl OTShEaNt BGLliAtTteTrs 51 NEWS OF THE WEIRD False NMAICDTaIWOpENeSA, TLJ aSAnADeLV EEGSRi bTDIsISRoI.nN S,G tB eTophbehb eRyn u LMxeta.o tnLhe Ger oup NSOATUITOHNWAEL SSTA SLEASL EDSI RD.I RS.u Tsearnri BSemlaitihr spell ‘change’ at the Capitol? MACMILLAN MOSER BY BELINDA ACOSTA confessions to group crimes, OFFICE STAFF a third official gender for CFO Michael Schwarz CONTROLLER Liz Franklin BY ‘CHRONICLE’ NEWS STAFF government identification, SUBSCRIPTIONS Cassandra Pearce CREDIT MANAGER cindy soo ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT Samantha Jenkins ankle liposuction, and more INFO CENTER Fernando Martinez, Cassandra Pearce SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR Rebecca Farr ASST. SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR Frederick Stanton SPECIAL EVENTS Elizabeth Derczo CIRCULATION calendar back EMraiklk Cuosn, nM, iPchearreyl DMrcaKkee,n zJoiey, FGariarcnht iMlde, lTcohmer ,F Paairuchl iMldin, oRru, bDeann Fel oRriecsh,a Brdrseonnt , Motorcycle Michael, Rex Fourtwenty, Jeff Watts, Nicholas Wibbelsman, John Williamson, David Williford 52 COMMUNITY 64 FILM 92 COMIX How to Be Happy, Trouble- CONTRIBUTORS town, Eyebeam, and more Greg Beets, Rob Brezsny, Jim Caligiuri, Sandy Carson, Celesta Danger, Lloyd Y’know, after you drop that Christmas Gran Torino, The Wrestler, Revolutionary Dangle, Thomas Fawcett, Rachel Feit, Doug Freeman, Chase Hoffberger, Sam tree off for recycling at the Zilker Park Road MR. SMARTY PANTS Good-looking HMuilrlito, nEaliizraeb, eDtahn Jiealc kMsootnto, lAan, nPee tSe.r LMeuweisll,e Tr,o mAl aann dP oRgauye ,M Daoguligo zPzoi,t Gtear,r yK Mimilbleerr,l yT ony partners, ‘anal’ SUVs, and more PtToeo xlgoar saF bTie asltdotsom ooe nA n rSte awRt-euyvredivaaary l,i ntkh earte t’sh es tSillt atirm oef 6726 SSPHEOCWIATLIM SECSREENINGS Poetic Justice, 93 CLASSIFIEDS RKJAabeayete eWv L eTeoshsu,o tiJ,sr oneSsb hYheao rRnuryonn,sog Tenon mWbl haTeottem, lePorar,r toRriwicc,i haRa oJr.dy R TWuolhmaintptdka,ik nCeshr,, u JTcarkiyv eSTrthate cWphhitneegnrodb,,e TDrogad,r dDc iieVa .n SWate oWvlfeesnlocsnh, ,, 54 DAY TRIPS Kids of all ages will love the life- Murder à la Mod, The Magic Flute (2006), 101 THE COMMON LAW My Lawyer Won’t Stranded: I Have Come From a Plane That sized dinosaur replicas at Dinosaur World Return My Call The Austin Chronicle offers nonpaying internships. Crashed on the Mountains, James Brown Contact Kate Messer at the intern hotline, 454-5765 x303. 56 SPORTS Live at the Boston Garden 1968 102 CAR TALK What’s the Proper Use of 74 MUSIC ‘B’ Mode in Hybrid? PLAYING THROUGH Did UT’s performance in the Fiesta Bowl prove them to be the No. RECOMMENDED Free Week part two, plus 105 EASY STREET, The Austin Chronicle (ISSN: 1074-0740) is published by 1 te am in college football? Jerry Jeff Walker, James McMurtry, Danny PERSONALS T4h0e0 A0u Nst. inI- 3C5h,r o Anuicsltein C, ToXr p o7r8a7ti5o1n . w5e1e2k/ly4 5542- 5tim76e6s per year at SOCCER WATCH High school soccer begins, Barnes, the return of the Fuzz Club, Yo ©2007 Austin Chronicle Corp. All rights reserved. Aztex announce major signing, and more Majesty, Ted Roddy’s Elvis tribute, and THE LUV DOC A rambling recom- Subscriptions: One year: $60 2nd class. Half-year: $35 2nd class. much more mendation to shore up your Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, TX. 58 ARTS social calendar POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Austin Chronicle, 76 VENUES PO Box 49066, Austin, TX 78765. TVhiseuaatl rAe:r tTs:h ‘eM Laarsjot rFieiv Me oYoeraer:s Remains’ 78 ROADSHOWS + CLUB LISTINGS 107 yFoRuE Et oW cILeLle AbSrTaRteO LyOoGurYs Ietl’fs, tCimaper ifcoorr n c l e Us,n asrotlwicoitrekd, pshuobtmogisrsaipohnss, (ainncdl urdéisnugm béust) naorte linmoitt eredt utorn aerdti.- austinchronicle.com THIS WEEK @ BLOGS > VLOGS > TUNES > GALLERIES > COMMENTS + FORUMS > BALLOTS + POLLS > GUIDES > CONTESTS > DAILY LISTINGS > BREAKING NEWS > + 455,000 PAGES THAT DON’T FIT IN PRINT austinchronicle.com/chronic For this week’s Web Extras austinchronicle.com/webextra. and more Web exclusives, go to: Newsdesk wraps up the HOUSE SPEAKER RACE > Earache looks for THE BEAT IN ’09 > The Score is loving the ‘POSTMARKS’ online – updated (almost) daily > ASK MR. SMARTY PANTS – sooner or later, he’ll answer > MLB NETWORK > Gay Place kicks off the new year with RESOLUTIONS FOR A NEW QUEER > Picture in Picture ‘SOCCER WATCH’ online – updates from everywhere on B-BOYS AND BLOODSUCKERS > Chronique: FIRST NIGHT on film, stylish as ever 2 T H E A U S T I N C H R O N I C L E JANUARY 9, 2009 a u s t i n c h r o n i c l e . c o m a u s t i n c h r o n i c l e . c o m JANUARY 9, 2009 T H E A U S T I N C H R O N I C L E 3 In both books, the South is a crucial, if not the most crucial, character, cast as a land Inertia, Inverted pervaded by a not completely inhospitable existentialism. Even though life may lack pur- pose, it is still very Christian. While this pro- It isn’t the outside world but oneself that most vides for a coherent, if mysterious, universe – as well as a moral and ethical structure to often determines the nature of experience life – it doesn’t provide for meaning in one’s daily life. If anything, it lays a thin coat of BY LOUIS BLACK moral judgment on the action of nonaction. One of the novelists who was once very much part of the accepted canon but hasn’t Welcome to 2009. We have entered into “My job sucks,” “My boss sucks,” and “Your even days pass unnoticed. I have long been been for a long time is James Purdy. His this new year; let us all hope and pray that it job sucks!” The major problems I face and trapped in the heart of boredom. Sometimes novel Malcolm used to be part of many high is not the same as the last year. This is not to have faced almost always begin and end with I try for the disconnect. Hours pass by dur- schools’ standard English curriculum, though hold out undue hope for it: Given last year, me. When I want to move slowly, I can’t; ing which I try not to pay attention, forcing this is no longer the case. In the beginning of it won’t take much for it to be an improve- when I want to move quickly, I do no better. myself not to look at the clock. This is for the the novel, the title character sits on a bench ment. Dickens labeled the period right Staying still is not even an option. surprise at how much time has passed when day after day. He’s lost his father, though it is before the French Revolution as the best of I finally look. Invariably, when I finally check, not clear if Dad died or simply left. This does times and the worst of times. Over the cen- A couple of decades back, I was quite taken less than 10 and often less than five minutes remind me (though I’ve been advised that I’m turies, this observation has always seemed with novels in which the protagonist at some have passed. too corrupt and square to cite him) of one of profound, but now – when we are desta- point gives up on and surrenders to life by In life, decisions are being made con- the great Jonathan Richman lines: bilized by massive, systemic changes and disengaging. Usually their lives have just been stantly, regardless of the circumstances. “And some boyfriend, he’s lost his girlfriend, foundation-shattering eruptions – though it waiting for a long, flat stretch on which to pull Purposely not moving is easier than mov- Funny now, she was here just a minute ago.” still reads true and is still accurate, it doesn’t over to the shoulder and stop. Shifting into ing, but it still involves making a decision. There are other books, and probably mov- say nearly enough. a metaphysical neutral, they are just Being frozen, incapable of motion, on ies as well, that celebrate inaction. To be The grand storms are swelling, there’s the there. They become almost literally the other hand, is not a state one motionless and blank, not even meditative, is blasting of unending blizzards, and the once- frozen in time and in space. enters consciously. By definition, to be without responsibility – with all the wor- familiar is now so shattered and disfigured Since I have the above- page it is involuntary, and, in just ries, anxieties, and problems associated with that just talking of the tenor of these times mentioned attention span, what it is and how it is defined, life just not there. may well be missing the point. Amid the which would shame a gnat, two the effect is an almost physical Not doing and not accomplishing I’ve blowback of recent history, accompanied by being frozen has never been imposition. There are no deci- always found easy. Unfortunately, I’m even the disconnecting and individualization of an available option. Sure, I get sions involved. worse at going. Born on the edges of the ideology, there is less of a center than ever. depressed, bored, unproduc- second generation after On the Road was In the midst of chaos, I have often been tive, professionally unhappy, and The definitive frozen-by-inertia published, we would drive across the country calm. In fact, I may be at my calmest in the overwhelmed. Even at those times, work is John Barth’s The End of the through the American night. Often we drove midst of chaos, but I could always be calmer. however, it’s just that I’m powerless and Road, in which, if memory serves, the much the same cars as the Beats did: big “Calm” may even be the wrong word: Over incapable of activity; time does not disappear protagonist gets stuck standing on a train clunkers made in Detroit in the 1950s. As the years I’ve tried and succeeded, more than I or speed up. platform. This is probably an unenlightened we knew nothing of mechanics, our cars did have at most things, to focus on nonfocusing. Instead, if anything, it slows down incalcu- statement, but in a number of ways, Barth’s not have souped-up engines that could power Having no attention span helps a lot here. lably. Essentially, all time ends up passing at world in that novel seemed defined by the them up to top speeds. Instead, these old cars There is the “I” that I am and the “I” that the same horribly near-inert speed as minutes academic life: a life that can be fascinating, were slower than most. Driving them, one was is the writer. The latter is far more serious, got ticked off in grade school by one of those and even thrilling, but one that is almost thrilled to be able to actually hit and maintain though almost equally unfocused. standard black-and-white clocks: The clock’s always slightly disengaged. 55 mph. It wasn’t jazz blazing red in the dark When dealing with our dissatisfactions long hand would tick off each minute, getting I read all the available Walker Percy novels. of the car in the middle of the night; it was about life, some spew blame in all directions. louder and louder, slower and slower toward Percy is perverse in his belief in a kind of AM radio – mostly three-minutes-or-less pop The chanting is familiar to all of us: “The gov- the end of the day – especially if one was in a Christian existentialism. There is a God and or rock songs. ernment sucks,” “Too many people are greedy particularly boring class. a moral order, but that neither provides pur- On the record, I should note that whereas and corrupt,” and “Why oh why is it that I’m Not for me is the blur of one speeding pose nor necessarily makes anything make “we” drove these Fifties cars, I did most so much better a person than all too many through a segment of his or her life. There sense. Especially in his first two novels, The of my traveling in a 1964 Volkswagen bug, others?” On it goes: “The police should have has never been any hope of accessing that Moviegoer and The Last Gentleman, he evokes which wasn’t even parked on the same street better things to do than giving me a ticket,” lack of awareness, during which hours and the historic, great languor of the South. as On the Road. continued on p.6 A 2009 MAZDA3 ‘R’ i Sport Sedan Starting at: D $12995 , 32 Z Take a test drive today. A MPG WITH 38 Years on B u4rnet Rd. HWY 183 EST. HWY. A/C M ANDERSON LN 6825 Burnet Rd. • 512-459-4111 BURNET MAR BLVD VIN JM1BK32FX91194467 www.RogerBeasley.com N KOENIG LN LA MSRP $16,235 - $3,240 dealer discount = $12,995 +TT&L. PICTURES FOR ILLUSTRATION ONLY. ALL PRICES PLUS TT&L AND INCLUDE DESTINATION CHARGE. IN STOCK UNITS ONLY. 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The program offers electricity from clean, renewable EVERYWHERE YOU sources. WANT TO LIVE The GreenChoice charge of 8.0 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) is fixed for 5 years or 9.5 cents per kWh for 10 years. The GreenChoice charge replaces the standard fuel charge.* Enroll at www.austinenergy.com. Commercial customers should request a representative regarding commercial agreements. Call 972-7548. On newsstands Jan 23 . . *The standard fuel charge can increase or decrease every year. The current fuel charge is 3.65 cents per kilowatt-hour. For advertising opportunities: 512/454.5767 or e-mail classifi [email protected] a u s t i n c h r o n i c l e . c o m JANUARY 9, 2009 T H E A U S T I N C H R O N I C L E 5 PAGE TW0 CONTINUED FROM P.4 Postmarks We lacked the Dean Moriarty/Neil Cassady sense of a speed- ing car as a form of art, speed as poetry accompanied by con- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR must be signed with full name and include daytime phone number, full address, or e-mail address. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Letters may not be edited, added to, or changed by sender once stant rapping. Sure, sometimes we all talked endlessly, but we we receive them. never came close to capturing the sense of talk as speed, words General e-mail address: [email protected] Postmarks forum: austinchronicle.com/forums/postmarks pounding through the night as blood pounding through the Mailing address: The Austin Chronicle, PO Box 49066, Austin, TX 78765 body, as gas driving the motor faster and faster. Quite the con- trary, as invariably our vehicle was the slowest on the road. I love the notion of the race across the night deep into the heart of the country. The reality of it, however, used to drive me more than a bit crazy. The rhythm of the road would often kick in, but rarely during the night and usually only after three or four hours on a 10-hour trip. The first part of the drive would find me twitching in my seat, constantly check- ing the clock while switching AM radio stations in search of bearable and audible songs. During this part of those trips, the hours didn’t fly by; they barely walked. Even more ironic and myth-denuding was to have snails, cartoonlike, passing the car. A pure vision of speed, the road, and harmony is not destined to be mine. Years later I ended up in some rental cars that ripped clean and easy into the night – not the car I drive around Austin but a different one, sleeker and faster. The first couple of times I drove these were accidental. A rented car had to be moved from point A to point B, and I volunteered to do it. After that JODOROWSKY IS NOT SPANISH KEEP BEST POSTER CATEGORY trip – one completely different from those long, endless drives Dear Editor, Dear Editor, with which I was too familiar – when I had to drive any kind A quote from my friend, the esteemed filmmaker, comic-book I’m always glad when the new Austin Music Awards voting sea- of substantial distance, I would rent only fast, big cars. After I creator, composer, author, and sage Alejandro Jodorowsky, director son is at hand. It’s great that the Chronicle gives the public at large discovered the pleasure of Books on Tape, I finally managed to of the cult classic El Topo: an opportunity to celebrate the world’s most vibrant music scene experience the miles racing by the whole time. “My parents were Russian … I was born in Chile … the Chilean [Music Poll 2008-2009]. Hundreds and hundreds of miles, covered in a straight run children didn’t accept me because I was ‘Russian’ … because I was, however, quite surprised and disappointed to read that from the beginning of the drive to its often too soon end: I was a ‘Jew’… the French didn’t accept me because I was a the Best Concert Poster category has been shelved. After all, the Typically, it was not visceral energy but intellectual engage- ‘Chilean’ … the Mexicans didn’t accept me because I was ‘French’ Austin music culture of today is very much a product of its own … the Americans think I am ‘Mexican’… after 10 years I will move history and tradition, and concert posters are both a cornerstone ment that allowed me to go fast. This just brought home once to another planet. They won’t accept me because they will think I of the formative years, as well as a vital and colorful representa- again how it isn’t the outside world but oneself that is most am an ‘American.’” tion of the contemporary Austin music scene. Whoever made the often the determiner of experience. It’s not the speeds one can Jodo will be thrilled to learn that he can add yet another false claim that concert posters have “gone the way of the PDF” needs or can’t achieve that ultimately make any real difference; it’s nationality to his résumé. According to the experts at The Austin to peel themselves away from the computer screen and shake off who we are and how we live. ■ Chronicle film desk two weeks in a row, his origins, perhaps for the the effects of Flash animation. Poster art and its creators are here first time ever, are now thought to be in Spain [Special Screenings, to stay. Yes, even deep in the heart of Texas! Film, Dec. 26]. While music marketing has gravitated toward Internet and e-mail Philip Randolph Fagan promotion thanks to its low cost and immediate impact, concert RCOeaMdMerE NTS austinchronicle.com/co CRITICAL IS AS CRITICAL DOES? p osCtoenrss idaerer sthtiell vfearcyt pthreavta ltehnet aanrtd fsotrimll shearvse sau rvveirvye dke lyo pcaulr ppoosleit.i- m cians’ attempts to stamp out visual pollution from our public of the Week ment Dear Editor: streets and utility poles. The concert poster “industry” is alive s Is it just me, or did the first letter to the editor in your Jan. 2 and well on venue walls, band merch tables, music stores, record On Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle: issue from Internationally Known Teacher Lola Jones [Postmarks, swaps, etc. The heart of the Flatstock festivals, which are probably “As a silent comedy fan, I thought your last sen- Jan. 2], the one lambasting the Chronicle for negativity and cyni- the largest high-profile showcases of posters and poster design- tence was a fine tribute to the person who also cism; the one that points out that anyone can criticize because it ers in the world today, are primarily centered (both physically and was a great comedic artist. Fatty was a character takes no creativity, heart, brains, or discernible talent; the one that spiritually) around Austin, Texas’ poster-art scene. You might say says that criticism is a waste of time, creative energy, breath, and that Austin and South Texas set the “industry standard.” he portrayed on film, and Roscoe was the man his space in the paper, seem to be just a tad … critical? I happened to be the recipient of last year’s Best Concert Poster coworkers knew and loved.” – Don Wan Michael Abedin award at the AMA, for the poster I designed promoting the Uncle “Page Two,” Jan. 2 CONTINUED ON P.8 YEAR END CLEARANCE SAVE 50% OR MORE! 7 PIECE ALL CAPPUCCINO MATTRESS DINETTE 6 SQEUTESE NH ASILZFE OPFILFLOWTOP INWCLITUHD 6E SC THAABIRLES SETS AS $259 $399 LOW AS QUEEN SIZE PLATFORM BED CAPPUCCINO FINISH $299 WE SELL OVER 12 DIFFERENT COMFORT LEVELS DISCOUNT FURNITURE The University of Texas at Austin MUEBLERIA ALEX 6801 N. LAMAR BLVD. IN THE BIG TAN BUILDING ACROSS FROM WALGREENS 371-3004 furnituredude.com 6 T H E A U S T I N C H R O N I C L E JANUARY 9, 2009 a u s t i n c h r o n i c l e . c o m a u s t i n c h r o n i c l e . c o m JANUARY 9, 2009 T H E A U S T I N C H R O N I C L E 7 POSTMARKS CONTINUED FROM P.6 RCOeaMdMerE NTSaustinchronicle.com/com WDeHarA ETd CitoHr,ANGED ON THE MUSIC POLL? of the Week ment I’m not sure if the exclusions in the online ver- s sion of the Music Poll were intentional, but there is Regarding the top films of 2008: no “strings” section, no “album art” section, and “I think this is the first time I’ve read there is no “write-in” area for the Hall of Fame. this paper (thanks to David Hudson, for- There may even be more areas I didn’t notice at merly GreenCine, now on IFC), but if your first glance, but is this how you wanted it? It’s sad film critics’ choices are representative – that such a dependable publication could drop more power to you. It’s a great feeling to the ball, particularly on the Hall of Fame area, think that somewhere out there in the U.S. since the choices offered are quite limited. Also, is still a relatively ‘independent’ indepen- there is no area that addresses classical musi- dent paper. Here in NYC, as in so many cians, composers, or musical theatre. Is Austin music becoming narrower in scope, or does the places, our choices are being winnowed to Chronicle think it ought to use its great influence less and less. Even though I have not yet toward this end by eliminating certain categories seen all of the films that you all herald, instead of expanding the poll to reflect the variety your choices and reasons for them make of Austin’s music scene? Curious. me even more eager to do so. Keep it up, Roberto Riggio and let’s hope your paper can remain a [Austin Music Poll ballot administrator Margaret ‘truly independent alternative weekly,’ as Moser replies: There has been no album/CD cover Mr. Hudson notes.” – James van Maanen art category for several years, and it is always a difficult decision to drop categories. The bottom “Screens Top 10s,” Jan. 2 line is that a fair balance between the number of votes and number of nominees determines the category’s inclusion. Both the strings and horns John Turner Benefit show starring Johnny Winter. categories have been depressingly undervoted in What an honor it was to know that the poster recent years. In the end, we hope that umbrella I put so much of my heart into struck such a categories such as Best None of the Above and chord with others, as well. During my acceptance Best Miscellaneous Instrument honor a tremen- speech, I mentioned that this award is one of the dous scope of diverse musicians and performers. things that make the music community in Austin You’re correct about the glitch in the write-in Hall so fantastic. I said that not only have I never of Fame category, and that’s now fixed. With received an accolade like this in my hometown 45 categories and 13 Hall of Fame nominees, of San Antonio, but that they don’t even have Austin’s musicians and bands are remarkably well awards like this in SA. Now, apparently, they represented in a wide variety of genres that most THANKS FOR REVIEW OF EXHIBIT IT’S WRONG TO MAKE FUN OF PEOPLE don’t have awards like this in Austin, either. music communities can’t match.] Jerry Clayworth (concert poster designer) WHO DON’T USE AIR CONDITIONING Dear Editor, San Antonio [Editor’s note: Please see Margaret Moser’s IF ONLY IT WEREN’T MADE OF TREES Re: “Austin Americana: The Neal Douglass Dear Justin Andrews, Photography Collection” review [Arts, Dec. 26, Although it is your option to use air con- response to the letter “What Changed on the Dear Editor, 2008]: Thanks for the nice review, Lee. And while I ditioning whenever you feel like it, to make Music Poll?” at right, for more.] As an expatriate Austinite, an exile in Fort will say we did not quite go insane picking images fun of Pete Wall for not using AC is just plain Worthless, I’ve sorely been missing The Austin for the exhibit, it was no small task to winnow down wrong [Postmarks, Nov. 28]. I did not use AC Chronicle. Thankfully, I recently got a subscrip- from 65,000 to about 150. Also, we plan to add this last summer, because I couldn’t afford it. I POSTMARKS ONLINE tion to this liberal rag. It was a Christmas gift. I more images to the Portal to Texas History website rode my bicycle everywhere (I don’t own a car). could of course view the Chron online, but there’s in the coming years, so keep checking from time to I kept my clothes clean, bathed daily, sweat a UPDATED DAILY something different, something most satisfying time if you need to miss another day at work! lot, but didn’t stink. I’ll just bet that on the rare about holding it in your hands, flipping through Cheers, occasion that you work up a sweat that, “You austinchronicle.com/postmarks its pages. Now if only it weren’t made of trees. Mike Miller sir, are a sweaty, smelly fool.” Tom Lay Manager, Austin History Center Cliff Hexamer Tune in to Austin’s EMMY® award-winning series a8bout the people, places, stories & situations that make DOWNTOWN: As Austin As It Gets™. THURSDAYS, 8.00 PM · KLRU-TV, AUSTIN PBS Watch past episodes and share them with your friends at DOWNTOWNAUSTINTV.ORG 8 T H E A U S T I N C H R O N I C L E JANUARY 9, 2009 a u s t i n c h r o n i c l e . c o m CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE BUY LOCALLY This banter between pedestrians and cyclists must stop – we’re on the same team! Cars are Dear Editor, Dear Editor: more dangerous than bikes, period. Cars are . Re: “Virginia B. Wood’s Best Bites of 2008” Thank you for including the Austin more poisonous than bikes, period. Passionate $8 95 [Food, Jan. 2]: I just wanted to let you know Independent Business Alliance and several of peds should help cyclists lobby for better road the chef de cuisine of Cissi’s Market, Rebecca its members in the article “Revving Up for Slow conditions. More bikes on road = less cars on Haircuts Meeker, came up with the breakfast salad, not Times,” by Katherine Gregor [News, Dec. 5]. road = safer conditions for all of us. me. She deserves all the credit. Thanks for the The article did a great job of showing the chal- Brian Birdwell with this coupon press; it is always appreciated. lenges of local entrepreneurs and resources Regularly Adult $13, Child $10 Thanks again, available to assist them. U.S. RACISM PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED Deegan McClung A landmark study sponsored by AIBA in 2002 shows even small changes in buying patterns Dear Editor, WAKE UP MONTOPOLIS! can have a significant impact on the local econ- Regarding Jason Metzler’s letter in the Nov. 28 omy. While $100 spent at a national chain only issue of the Chronicle (“Why Do We Always Have Dear Editor, has a $13 impact on the local economy, $100 to Hate?”) [Postmarks]: I must take issue with For the past few months, we have been wak- spent with a locally owned business keeps $45 Mr. Metzler’s comment that “since we don’t hate ing up to the rumbling of jet engines rumbling in the local economy. African-Americans anymore, we have come out in Northwood Salon the windows of our grandkids. After contacting The benefits to buying locally are endless, droves to hate gay and lesbian Americans.” Since 2900 W. Anderson Ln. STYLISTS and bitching, some anal-retentive city worker/ such as creating more choice in the market- the elections, many of us seem to be under the puppet replied that on that particular night, place; maintaining Austin’s unique culture so mistaken impression that by electing Obama, we Next to Stein Mart & Zen. WANTED CALL the 2-3am racket occurred because they had it doesn’t become Anywhere, USA; preventing have somehow “fixed” racism in the U.S. Such 420-0099 965-0946 to get a scheduled plane out in the morning. sprawl; reinvestment as local businesses also a belief is dangerous not only because it no Just a question to the sleepy people around buy locally; helping the environment with less longer positions racism as something we need to Open M-F 9-9, Montopolis, wondering if they are all drunk transportation expenses; and many more. continually work against but because it ignores Sat 9-6 or drugged-up and cannot come together AIBA offers local businesses an affordable the very real subtle acts of racism and race bias Sun 11-5 and fight the mental assaults from Austin- way to promote themselves through listings that we as white Americans are oblivious to or exp. 1/31/09 Bergstrom International Airport: Are there no on IBuyAustin.com, our directory printed twice perpetuate every day. Furthermore, the assertion men in Montopolis or people sober enough, a year and distributed free at more than 100 that “gays are the new blacks” is dismissive and or is it all about being cowards? Cowards locations and monthly networking events. naive. Among other things, it falsely implies that Pregnant? in not speaking up for yourselves and the Buying locally for the holidays is a great way the oppressions faced by these communities are assaults from the new people buying up the to invest in our community. so similar as to be interchangeable, and it also cheap houses and the city taxing your butts Sincerely, leaves no room for those who live at the intersec- Scared? out of ownership. Where are all the strong Dean Lofton tion of those communities and might not find it women of yesterday that stood up for their Executive director so easy to draw a line through the center of their families? Millions were spent to quiet MoPac Austin Independent Business Alliance identity. Mr. Metzler, while I share your pain at the for the residents of the white neighborhoods. outcome of these anti-gay ballot measures, I would $30 million to build a mall where there are ABOUT BIKES AND PEDESTRIANS challenge you to look beyond the easy dichotomy You’re more stores than people, $9 million to make of your letter. First Street pretty while you need your streets Dear Editor, Katie Mahoney paved and your kids are walking the streets Hear! Hear! Thank you Ms. Moon for jump- not alone. because there are no sidewalks as pretty as starting this discussion with some “hot” com- PRO-UNION IS PRO-LABOR at Circle C Ranch, and the city can’t spend a ments [Postmarks, Nov. 28]. Here’s a note for million or two to deflect the racket from ABIA pedestrians who are afraid of bicyclists: Walk Dear Editor, because your children don’t deserve a peace- to one side of the sidewalk instead of planting Re: “Page Two: Workingman’s Blues” [Dec. ful night’s sleep. Wonder why they are failing yourself in the middle, and if a bike comes, 26]: I really enjoyed your article. Thank you for their grades? After all, it’s a guesstimate that don’t do anything! Continue walking (to one taking the time to research and write about a Free, confidential counseling. the 95% that use ABIA live in peaceful neigh- side), and let the cyclist do the navigating. Any topic that is largely misunderstood (especially in borhoods. I live 5 miles from ABIA, and my win- experienced bicyclist will tell you that near-colli- the South). If you’ve been watching the Chronicle 800-395-HELP dows rattle when they run those maintenance sions with pedestrians happen when they make Postmarks forum, there have been numerous tests at midnight. Get a grip Montopolis, and feeble attempts to “get out of the way,” when in threads and responses about unions. Sadly, put the beer and drugs away and wake up and reality, they just need to relax, stay on course, it seems many have been brainwashed by big do something. and let the cyclist do the swerving if swerving is business/government. Alex Rodriguez indeed necessary. Steven McCloud www.optionline.org Clearance Sale-Everything 50% to 70% Off, plus pay in full and get an addtiional 10% off! Or Take 12 Months with NO INTEREST and MAKE NO PAYMENTS* 9 Serving Central Texas Since 1941 with Quality and Low Price YES WE CAN CUSTOM ORDER AT NO UP CHARGE (cid:33)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:13)(cid:0)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:0)(cid:34)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:78)(cid:69)(cid:84)(cid:0)(cid:50)(cid:68)(cid:14)(cid:0)(cid:46)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:0)(cid:51)(cid:84)(cid:65)(cid:82)(cid:0)(cid:35)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:13)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:14)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:20)(cid:14)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:19) (cid:50)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:0)(cid:50)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:75)(cid:13)(cid:0)(cid:44)(cid:65)(cid:0)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:65)(cid:0)(cid:35)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:13)(cid:0)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:14)(cid:0)(cid:22)(cid:16)(cid:16)(cid:14)(cid:16)(cid:16)(cid:20)(cid:22) A member of the Austin BBB *With W.A.C. (cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:87)(cid:87)(cid:87)(cid:14)(cid:71)(cid:65)(cid:71)(cid:69)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:78)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:14)(cid:67)(cid:79)(cid:77) a u s t i n c h r o n i c l e . c o m JANUARY 9, 2009 T H E A U S T I N C H R O N I C L E 9 19 The Hightower Report 20 Lege Preview news You Call This Progress? The old building that housed the iconic Las Manitas Avenue Cafe was Headlines reduced to rubble Dec. 22, even though White Lodging Services has › Israel nears the second week of its bombard- delayed indefinitely its plans to build ment of Gaza in retaliation for Hamas rocket fire. a 1,000-room Marriott. The sudden Women and children were killed at a United Nations school hit by Israel, bringing the demolition dramatically transformed Palestinian death toll close to 700. With Ameri- this quaint, familiar block of Congress can disinterest in procuring peace, France is try- Avenue, uprooting not only the cafe but ing to broker a cease-fire. also the Escuelita del Alma Learning › Two-term Rep. Joe Straus, R-San Anton io, pulled Center and the Tesoros Trading Co. gift off a surprise coup over the weekend, replacing shop. The two latter businesses have Tom Craddick as the speaker of the Texas relocated, but it’s uncertain when or if House of Representatives. See “Looks Like a Las Manitas will reopen in a spot down Straus Waltz to House Speaker,” p.18, and the street. “Welcome to the 81st,” p.20. › The mayor’s race took an acrimonious turn, as candidate Brewster McCracken pressed the issue of whether Lee Leffingwell’s expected campaign announcement would trigger an expen- sive special election. See “City Hall Hustle,” p.12. › The Department of Justice released the results of its 18-month investigation into Austin Police Department policies this week, filled with myriad recommendations for improvement. See “DOJ: 160 Ways Austin Police Can Improve,” p.15. › In testimony to the House Select Committee on Hurricane Ike on Jan. 7, Texas Faculty Assoc- ia tion Executive Director Tom Johnson accused the University of Texas of “lie after lie” in its push to lay off staff at UT Medical Branch at Galveston in the aftermath of the hurricane. E › U Rosemary Lehmberg was sworn in Wednesday G O as Travis County district attorney, replacing P N Ronnie Earle, who retired after hitting the A 32-year mark in his D.A. career. AL Naked City Welcome to 2009 QUOTE › MADOFF HITS CLOSE TO HOME The $50 billion Ponzi scheme run by former Nasdaq Stock Market Chairman Bernard Madoff is now affect- From foreign wars to local follies, the world still turns of the ing nonprofits in Texas and has notably claimed WEEK half the budget of the Innocence Project of BY MICHAEL KING Texas. The Innocence Project will lose a more than $450,000 grant made by the JEHT Foun da- Just what we needed, another war in the their children suffer from occupier-enforced malnu- tion, which since 2000 has supported criminal Middle East. trition and lack of medical care; and endured justice reform work. No more, though, since JEHT’s funders were bilked by Madoff’s scam and And as every frog would have wings, our own decades of disproportionate warfare from a modern have announced that the foundation will close its Gov. Rick Perry – currently touring war zones far military power armed to the teeth by a foreign doors at the end of January without being able to from Galveston – appointed himself an authority on empire (that’s us). Would such a people be “expect- pay any more toward grants. The JEHT grant the most intractable conflict of our time, issuing ed to stand idly by” and submit to their masters money was earmarked for DNA testing, which costs roughly $4,500 for each case tested. So a statement defending Israel’s attacks on or to respond in whatever way they could, far, DNA testing funded by the project has freed Gaza. “Hamas must cease its attacks on even by fanatical self-destruction? 1Pr5o jmecetn i sfr ocumr reDnatlllya slo’ odkeinagth f oror wn.e Twh efu Inndnso ctoe nccoen - Israel,” Perry declared. “No other nation point I don’t know what will bring an end on earth would be expected to stand to this endless cycle of violence, but tinue its mission (some of which should, arguably, come from the state – perhaps from a tiny slice idly by while a neighbor fired missiles austin perpetuating and multiplying that vio- of the multibillion-dollar prison budget, Innocence and mortars into its cities, but Israel is lence a hundredfold is hardly a solu- Project chief counsel Jeff Blackburn has said). being held to an unreasonable, irre- tion; it creates what it would kill. If we Send donations to Innocence Project of Texas, sponsible standard of restraint. Instead, are to condemn “terrorism” – the use of 1511 Texas Ave., Lubbock, TX 79401. Get more the world community should be united in indiscriminate violence for political ends info at www.ipoftexas.org. – Jordan Smith its support of Israel’s right to defend its citi- – that condemnation applies on all sides, but “I’m very comfortable › POOR GRADES FOR TEXAS’ INFRASTRUC TURE zens and clear in its condemnation of Hamas.” especially to massive state terror against civilian and proud of my long The Texas Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers released an updated report card Since the governor has hereby granted us all targets. To borrow Perry’s terms: “The world com- Republican roots and Monday, giving the state’s infrastructure a cumula- license as instant foreign-policy experts, I wonder if munity must not tolerate terrorism in any form, credentials, and that’s tive grade of C- over 13 areas. Of the three areas he has considered what “any other people on earth” regardless of any false nobility assigned to its perpe- what frankly gives me the recommended for particular attention this legislative might do if they’d been turned into a nation of refu- trators or their motives.” confidence to be able to session, dams earned the worst grade, a D-. The gees, corralled as virtual prisoners onto a fraction of reach out to Democrats report noted that 888 dams have been rated “high hazard” (probable loss of life) and 799 “significant their homeland; lived under military occupation for THE STRAUS SOLUTION and not apologize for it.” hazard” (potential loss of life), yet no state or feder- 40 years; been subject to land expropriations and Elsewhere at the local Capitol, the state House – House speaker appar- al funding is in place to maintain and repair or even home destructions as official expansionist policy reps who declared their support for “Anybody but ent Rep. Joe Straus, inspect them. Roads and highways fell to a D grade, CONTINUED ON P.12 and collective punishment; suffered and watched CONTINUED ON P.13 R-San Antonio 10 T H E A U S T I N C H R O N I C L E JANUARY 9, 2009 a u s t i n c h r o n i c l e . c o m

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R TV O O L U M A H E 2 D 8 H N R EU M A B E g R 1 9 In S J A N g U A WR W Y 9 , I 2 T 0 p O0 H op ‘P 9 u la l p y eg M to C ed a Re pr E h to ev TA icago tal b Diew s f li h l or nd ar ng l co er, on e lightni Ic ckta then T brid ride th A ils. La gfo T r r bY hat’s s invit Oth din w e in T hat d us Ug o R we to n a I d h R d v id op ie E . M ab t es o s T et ar en A d t T n t Dia t h l W hra e ’T de I x. N alli I palm ng ice du ca jet Aa mus d a i O e n c s d p .’ Rol • l b p a l . l 4 Yo t : 6 p .4 9 see austinchronicle.com for breaking news, daily listings, speaker quest: straus vanquishes foes, girlie action lists persist, first night on film, and more cleansing flame contents PUBLISHER VOL. 28, NO. 19 (cid:40) JANUARY 9, 2009 Nick Barbaro EDITOR Louis Black SENIOR EDITORS MANAGING EDITOR Cindy Widner FILM Marjorie Baumgarten ARTS Robert Faires MUSIC Raoul Hernandez NEWS Michael King NEWS MANAGING EDITOR Amy Smith FOOD Virginia B. Wood SCREENS, BOOKS Kimberley Jones SPECIAL ISSUES, GUIDES, INTERNS Kate Messer ASSOCIATE EDITORS NEWS Nora Ankrum MUSIC Audra Schroeder CALENDAR vote! 2008-2009 Music Poll Ballot, p.49 AARSSTST. LLIISSTTIINNGGSS WAnanynee H Aalrarnis Brenner COMMUNITY LISTINGS James Renovitch STAFF WRITERS Wells Dunbar, Katherine Gregor, Margaret Moser, Lee Nichols, Marc Savlov, Jordan Smith CONTRIBUTING WRITERS TV EYE Belinda Acosta OFF THE RECORD Austin Powell VISUAL ARTS LISTINGS Benné Rockett DAY TRIPS Gerald E. McLeod MR. SMARTY PANTS R.U. Steinberg LETTERS AT 3AM Michael Ventura LITERA Ric Williams CLASSICAL, DANCE LISTINGS Robi Polgar FASHION Stephen MacMillan Moser GAY PLACE Ash Bell 4 PAGE TWO Inertia, Inverted the arts food SWOART DBSOMNANNA RJO.DO. C2R00O8NISE PPLRAYIONGD THUROCUTGHI OThoNmas Hackett 6 POSTMARKS Filmmaker Jodorowsky 25 Carol Burnett Talks 32 Daily Grill; Event Menu: Jan. PHOTO BY GARY MILLER CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jason Stout PRODUCTION MANAGER Mark Gates is not Spanish, Best Concert Variety Shows; and 8-10; and Food-o-File WGREABP DHIIRCE DCETSOIRG NBEriRaSn TBimar rGyrisham, Shelley Hiam, Carrie Lewis, nePwoster scategory shelved, and more 26 APA MuRtEO oVAnO’s LH UNoTelIdOwN D OigFs S GPIeRtI T 34 tKRoEE ESsPOtaILNrUtG To ITOfHfN OtShS eDE inWeetE-wfIGr iyeHenTa-dLrlOy SdSin ing music SPINTRCTTAOoEhFOfRrFtFiN esPR,S HEL AAOiAnnDnTnnOEgeaReGn SlRT,ao AS LoAPianzrHr maOERhss SttJri eonJoanghn,g n ,D B ZoAielunlkegdei te SeBrtrsa., o rAMnbm,aa Jrreokan ,ntF aNa agBtaihrnca,h nDu Bamrrcoiwen S, tMeveerends,i tKh ristine 10 Charter School Approval Sparks Ritual jazz theatre pio- BY KATE THORNBERRY 45 OFF THE RECORD The best GSpreeeankweormoda,n ,M Roincihcaar dR iWesheit, tSakaerar Robberson, Dacia Saenz, Meghan Ruth MNeowre U Dnekbnaotwen; YDoNguAr tE vSihdeonp cSea; gaan:d npreeemr iSehreasro an nBerwid gwfoorrkth, 36 RESTAURANT ROULETTE A spin tphiningg as iwne liefek oanre Rfreede :R riveecra p- AADVDERVTIESIRNGT DIIRSEICNTORG Simon Mulverhill her last in Austin around our Restaurant Guide plus more local music news SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jerald Corder, Annette Shelton Patterson, Carolyn More Phillips, Lois Richwine BY ABE LOUISE YOUNG BY AUSTIN POWELL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jeff Carlyon, Ali Garnel, Elizabeth Nitz, Angela Specht, 1 2 PBCOIYT IMYN TIHC AAHLUALSE THLI UNKS IWNTLGeEl cMomcCer atcok 2e0n’0s9 29 BoBfOa MrOrKya rRUvEneVslsIwE: oWAr StNh L;o avanendld b y s41c AGrFuSeys D aeoncd TnFoeuirss:t yS tFreamndmeeds; Tough 46 mfSoWro OnMRtheDst a TolOlniUc aRth, DeaI nArodRa Yad Tl l hoIr pegeoent i ng RAAMDDEALTVVRoAEEKrIRRiLE TTW TOIIISShPNIIiEGNNtRl GGeDA yICAT,RS OIELOSOCiNIzRST SWDOT MIARiNtN AhAETNTer AiBOrnGsRr aEC CRno dhlTlreoiieasbrut ii xnG aTa otJeuuPsrpvRsilOoleMnOTIONS MANAGER Logan Youree Gambit Miles From Nowhere: A was jet lag and a hangover CHRONTOURAGE Sarah Buser, Nicole Castanon, Nadia Elias, Charles Heidrick, BY WELLS DUNBAR Novel by Nami Mun FFuilmnn Sy eFraiecse; and DVD Watch: BY TRIVETT WINGO CPiaetp Heer,r rDinagn,i eMllae rPisrsaad oK,i lEgmoriely, EPlrleevno Msta, sLtiesan bSraowoka,y Lai,n Ahl iNsognu ySehne, pMhaelrodr,i eA shley 19 lTaHtoE rHs IGanHdT OOWuEr RF oRoEPd:O ER-TI -SEp-Ie-Ocu!;- 30 AFTER A FASHION 42 CTHinEe OmBaS EpSreSsIVeEn tAsF tSh eE sesaerlnyt ifaillm s 50 FPeHmASi EKSu &ti ,S LToAsG ECSa mFupcekseindo Us!p,, PCSLERSANOhSIMOSeOIRrFwT ICEIoOLDoANSdS SD;S IDpIRFIhERIoCEEtDTCoO TAgROCr aCRCpa/OhsPUseENirRdTsSy :E OFEXNrrEaiACczL UieSLTr/a IC cV Ih ERC eBLCyAUr,i SLaMSAnIaTF CItIOEtahDNreS rDw Ca OWnO eRHdDagIrNwdAoiTcoOkdR Michael Bartnett and Airlines Outsourcing Our Stephen’s holiday star of Brian De Palma the Kinks box set, etc. LEGAL NOTICES Jessica Nesbitt Safety and Jobs stocking … or star CLASSIFIED ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Yasmine Anderson, Stephanie Boeke, Jessica 20 WspEeLaCkOeMr Ea nTdO mTHoEr e8 1DSeTm Woicllr aat sn ew BstYa SlkTinEgP?H!EN 43 BTVY EJOYSE HA lRl OTShEaNt BGLliAtTteTrs 51 NEWS OF THE WEIRD False NMAICDTaIWOpENeSA, TLJ aSAnADeLV EEGSRi bTDIsISRoI.nN S,G tB eTophbehb eRyn u LMxeta.o tnLhe Ger oup NSOATUITOHNWAEL SSTA SLEASL EDSI RD.I RS.u Tsearnri BSemlaitihr spell ‘change’ at the Capitol? MACMILLAN MOSER BY BELINDA ACOSTA confessions to group crimes, OFFICE STAFF a third official gender for CFO Michael Schwarz CONTROLLER Liz Franklin BY ‘CHRONICLE’ NEWS STAFF government identification, SUBSCRIPTIONS Cassandra Pearce CREDIT MANAGER cindy soo ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT Samantha Jenkins ankle liposuction, and more INFO CENTER Fernando Martinez, Cassandra Pearce SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR Rebecca Farr ASST. SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR Frederick Stanton SPECIAL EVENTS Elizabeth Derczo CIRCULATION calendar back EMraiklk Cuosn, nM, iPchearreyl DMrcaKkee,n zJoiey, FGariarcnht iMlde, lTcohmer ,F Paairuchl iMldin, oRru, bDeann Fel oRriecsh,a Brdrseonnt , Motorcycle Michael, Rex Fourtwenty, Jeff Watts, Nicholas Wibbelsman, John Williamson, David Williford 52 COMMUNITY 64 FILM 92 COMIX How to Be Happy, Trouble- CONTRIBUTORS town, Eyebeam, and more Greg Beets, Rob Brezsny, Jim Caligiuri, Sandy Carson, Celesta Danger, Lloyd Y’know, after you drop that Christmas Gran Torino, The Wrestler, Revolutionary Dangle, Thomas Fawcett, Rachel Feit, Doug Freeman, Chase Hoffberger, Sam tree off for recycling at the Zilker Park Road MR. SMARTY PANTS Good-looking HMuilrlito, nEaliizraeb, eDtahn Jiealc kMsootnto, lAan, nPee tSe.r LMeuweisll,e Tr,o mAl aann dP oRgauye ,M Daoguligo zPzoi,t Gtear,r yK Mimilbleerr,l yT ony partners, ‘anal’ SUVs, and more PtToeo xlgoar saF bTie asltdotsom ooe nA n rSte awRt-euyvredivaaary l,i ntkh earte t’sh es tSillt atirm oef 6726 SSPHEOCWIATLIM SECSREENINGS Poetic Justice, 93 CLASSIFIEDS RKJAabeayete eWv L eTeoshsu,o tiJ,sr oneSsb hYheao rRnuryonn,sog Tenon mWbl haTeottem, lePorar,r toRriwicc,i haRa oJr.dy R TWuolhmaintptdka,ik nCeshr,, u JTcarkiyv eSTrthate cWphhitneegnrodb,,e TDrogad,r dDc iieVa .n SWate oWvlfeesnlocsnh, ,, 54 DAY TRIPS Kids of all ages will love the life- Murder à la Mod, The Magic Flute (2006), 101 THE COMMON LAW My Lawyer Won’t Stranded: I Have Come From a Plane That sized dinosaur replicas at Dinosaur World Return My Call The Austin Chronicle offers nonpaying internships. Crashed on the Mountains, James Brown Contact Kate Messer at the intern hotline, 454-5765 x303. 56 SPORTS Live at the Boston Garden 1968 102 CAR TALK What’s the Proper Use of 74 MUSIC ‘B’ Mode in Hybrid? PLAYING THROUGH Did UT’s performance in the Fiesta Bowl prove them to be the No. RECOMMENDED Free Week part two, plus 105 EASY STREET, The Austin Chronicle (ISSN: 1074-0740) is published by 1 te am in college football? Jerry Jeff Walker, James McMurtry, Danny PERSONALS T4h0e0 A0u Nst. inI- 3C5h,r o Anuicsltein C, ToXr p o7r8a7ti5o1n . w5e1e2k/ly4 5542- 5tim76e6s per year at SOCCER WATCH High school soccer begins, Barnes, the return of the Fuzz Club, Yo ©2007 Austin Chronicle Corp. All rights reserved. Aztex announce major signing, and more Majesty, Ted Roddy’s Elvis tribute, and THE LUV DOC A rambling recom- Subscriptions: One year: $60 2nd class. Half-year: $35 2nd class. much more mendation to shore up your Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, TX. 58 ARTS social calendar POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Austin Chronicle, 76 VENUES PO Box 49066, Austin, TX 78765. TVhiseuaatl rAe:r tTs:h ‘eM Laarsjot rFieiv Me oYoeraer:s Remains’ 78 ROADSHOWS + CLUB LISTINGS 107 yFoRuE Et oW cILeLle AbSrTaRteO LyOoGurYs Ietl’fs, tCimaper ifcoorr n c l e Us,n asrotlwicoitrekd, pshuobtmogisrsaipohnss, (ainncdl urdéisnugm béust) naorte linmoitt eredt utorn aerdti.- austinchronicle.com THIS WEEK @ BLOGS > VLOGS > TUNES > GALLERIES > COMMENTS + FORUMS > BALLOTS + POLLS > GUIDES > CONTESTS > DAILY LISTINGS > BREAKING NEWS > + 455,000 PAGES THAT DON’T FIT IN PRINT austinchronicle.com/chronic For this week’s Web Extras austinchronicle.com/webextra. and more Web exclusives, go to: Newsdesk wraps up the HOUSE SPEAKER RACE > Earache looks for THE BEAT IN ’09 > The Score is loving the ‘POSTMARKS’ online – updated (almost) daily > ASK MR. SMARTY PANTS – sooner or later, he’ll answer > MLB NETWORK > Gay Place kicks off the new year with RESOLUTIONS FOR A NEW QUEER > Picture in Picture ‘SOCCER WATCH’ online – updates from everywhere on B-BOYS AND BLOODSUCKERS > Chronique: FIRST NIGHT on film, stylish as ever 2 T H E A U S T I N C H R O N I C L E JANUARY 9, 2009 a u s t i n c h r o n i c l e . c o m a u s t i n c h r o n i c l e . c o m JANUARY 9, 2009 T H E A U S T I N C H R O N I C L E 3 In both books, the South is a crucial, if not the most crucial, character, cast as a land Inertia, Inverted pervaded by a not completely inhospitable existentialism. Even though life may lack pur- pose, it is still very Christian. While this pro- It isn’t the outside world but oneself that most vides for a coherent, if mysterious, universe – as well as a moral and ethical structure to often determines the nature of experience life – it doesn’t provide for meaning in one’s daily life. If anything, it lays a thin coat of BY LOUIS BLACK moral judgment on the action of nonaction. One of the novelists who was once very much part of the accepted canon but hasn’t Welcome to 2009. We have entered into “My job sucks,” “My boss sucks,” and “Your even days pass unnoticed. I have long been been for a long time is James Purdy. His this new year; let us all hope and pray that it job sucks!” The major problems I face and trapped in the heart of boredom. Sometimes novel Malcolm used to be part of many high is not the same as the last year. This is not to have faced almost always begin and end with I try for the disconnect. Hours pass by dur- schools’ standard English curriculum, though hold out undue hope for it: Given last year, me. When I want to move slowly, I can’t; ing which I try not to pay attention, forcing this is no longer the case. In the beginning of it won’t take much for it to be an improve- when I want to move quickly, I do no better. myself not to look at the clock. This is for the the novel, the title character sits on a bench ment. Dickens labeled the period right Staying still is not even an option. surprise at how much time has passed when day after day. He’s lost his father, though it is before the French Revolution as the best of I finally look. Invariably, when I finally check, not clear if Dad died or simply left. This does times and the worst of times. Over the cen- A couple of decades back, I was quite taken less than 10 and often less than five minutes remind me (though I’ve been advised that I’m turies, this observation has always seemed with novels in which the protagonist at some have passed. too corrupt and square to cite him) of one of profound, but now – when we are desta- point gives up on and surrenders to life by In life, decisions are being made con- the great Jonathan Richman lines: bilized by massive, systemic changes and disengaging. Usually their lives have just been stantly, regardless of the circumstances. “And some boyfriend, he’s lost his girlfriend, foundation-shattering eruptions – though it waiting for a long, flat stretch on which to pull Purposely not moving is easier than mov- Funny now, she was here just a minute ago.” still reads true and is still accurate, it doesn’t over to the shoulder and stop. Shifting into ing, but it still involves making a decision. There are other books, and probably mov- say nearly enough. a metaphysical neutral, they are just Being frozen, incapable of motion, on ies as well, that celebrate inaction. To be The grand storms are swelling, there’s the there. They become almost literally the other hand, is not a state one motionless and blank, not even meditative, is blasting of unending blizzards, and the once- frozen in time and in space. enters consciously. By definition, to be without responsibility – with all the wor- familiar is now so shattered and disfigured Since I have the above- page it is involuntary, and, in just ries, anxieties, and problems associated with that just talking of the tenor of these times mentioned attention span, what it is and how it is defined, life just not there. may well be missing the point. Amid the which would shame a gnat, two the effect is an almost physical Not doing and not accomplishing I’ve blowback of recent history, accompanied by being frozen has never been imposition. There are no deci- always found easy. Unfortunately, I’m even the disconnecting and individualization of an available option. Sure, I get sions involved. worse at going. Born on the edges of the ideology, there is less of a center than ever. depressed, bored, unproduc- second generation after On the Road was In the midst of chaos, I have often been tive, professionally unhappy, and The definitive frozen-by-inertia published, we would drive across the country calm. In fact, I may be at my calmest in the overwhelmed. Even at those times, work is John Barth’s The End of the through the American night. Often we drove midst of chaos, but I could always be calmer. however, it’s just that I’m powerless and Road, in which, if memory serves, the much the same cars as the Beats did: big “Calm” may even be the wrong word: Over incapable of activity; time does not disappear protagonist gets stuck standing on a train clunkers made in Detroit in the 1950s. As the years I’ve tried and succeeded, more than I or speed up. platform. This is probably an unenlightened we knew nothing of mechanics, our cars did have at most things, to focus on nonfocusing. Instead, if anything, it slows down incalcu- statement, but in a number of ways, Barth’s not have souped-up engines that could power Having no attention span helps a lot here. lably. Essentially, all time ends up passing at world in that novel seemed defined by the them up to top speeds. Instead, these old cars There is the “I” that I am and the “I” that the same horribly near-inert speed as minutes academic life: a life that can be fascinating, were slower than most. Driving them, one was is the writer. The latter is far more serious, got ticked off in grade school by one of those and even thrilling, but one that is almost thrilled to be able to actually hit and maintain though almost equally unfocused. standard black-and-white clocks: The clock’s always slightly disengaged. 55 mph. It wasn’t jazz blazing red in the dark When dealing with our dissatisfactions long hand would tick off each minute, getting I read all the available Walker Percy novels. of the car in the middle of the night; it was about life, some spew blame in all directions. louder and louder, slower and slower toward Percy is perverse in his belief in a kind of AM radio – mostly three-minutes-or-less pop The chanting is familiar to all of us: “The gov- the end of the day – especially if one was in a Christian existentialism. There is a God and or rock songs. ernment sucks,” “Too many people are greedy particularly boring class. a moral order, but that neither provides pur- On the record, I should note that whereas and corrupt,” and “Why oh why is it that I’m Not for me is the blur of one speeding pose nor necessarily makes anything make “we” drove these Fifties cars, I did most so much better a person than all too many through a segment of his or her life. There sense. Especially in his first two novels, The of my traveling in a 1964 Volkswagen bug, others?” On it goes: “The police should have has never been any hope of accessing that Moviegoer and The Last Gentleman, he evokes which wasn’t even parked on the same street better things to do than giving me a ticket,” lack of awareness, during which hours and the historic, great languor of the South. as On the Road. continued on p.6 A 2009 MAZDA3 ‘R’ i Sport Sedan Starting at: D $12995 , 32 Z Take a test drive today. A MPG WITH 38 Years on B u4rnet Rd. HWY 183 EST. HWY. A/C M ANDERSON LN 6825 Burnet Rd. • 512-459-4111 BURNET MAR BLVD VIN JM1BK32FX91194467 www.RogerBeasley.com N KOENIG LN LA MSRP $16,235 - $3,240 dealer discount = $12,995 +TT&L. PICTURES FOR ILLUSTRATION ONLY. ALL PRICES PLUS TT&L AND INCLUDE DESTINATION CHARGE. IN STOCK UNITS ONLY. 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The program offers electricity from clean, renewable EVERYWHERE YOU sources. WANT TO LIVE The GreenChoice charge of 8.0 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) is fixed for 5 years or 9.5 cents per kWh for 10 years. The GreenChoice charge replaces the standard fuel charge.* Enroll at www.austinenergy.com. Commercial customers should request a representative regarding commercial agreements. Call 972-7548. On newsstands Jan 23 . . *The standard fuel charge can increase or decrease every year. The current fuel charge is 3.65 cents per kilowatt-hour. For advertising opportunities: 512/454.5767 or e-mail classifi [email protected] a u s t i n c h r o n i c l e . c o m JANUARY 9, 2009 T H E A U S T I N C H R O N I C L E 5 PAGE TW0 CONTINUED FROM P.4 Postmarks We lacked the Dean Moriarty/Neil Cassady sense of a speed- ing car as a form of art, speed as poetry accompanied by con- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR must be signed with full name and include daytime phone number, full address, or e-mail address. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Letters may not be edited, added to, or changed by sender once stant rapping. Sure, sometimes we all talked endlessly, but we we receive them. never came close to capturing the sense of talk as speed, words General e-mail address: [email protected] Postmarks forum: austinchronicle.com/forums/postmarks pounding through the night as blood pounding through the Mailing address: The Austin Chronicle, PO Box 49066, Austin, TX 78765 body, as gas driving the motor faster and faster. Quite the con- trary, as invariably our vehicle was the slowest on the road. I love the notion of the race across the night deep into the heart of the country. The reality of it, however, used to drive me more than a bit crazy. The rhythm of the road would often kick in, but rarely during the night and usually only after three or four hours on a 10-hour trip. The first part of the drive would find me twitching in my seat, constantly check- ing the clock while switching AM radio stations in search of bearable and audible songs. During this part of those trips, the hours didn’t fly by; they barely walked. Even more ironic and myth-denuding was to have snails, cartoonlike, passing the car. A pure vision of speed, the road, and harmony is not destined to be mine. Years later I ended up in some rental cars that ripped clean and easy into the night – not the car I drive around Austin but a different one, sleeker and faster. The first couple of times I drove these were accidental. A rented car had to be moved from point A to point B, and I volunteered to do it. After that JODOROWSKY IS NOT SPANISH KEEP BEST POSTER CATEGORY trip – one completely different from those long, endless drives Dear Editor, Dear Editor, with which I was too familiar – when I had to drive any kind A quote from my friend, the esteemed filmmaker, comic-book I’m always glad when the new Austin Music Awards voting sea- of substantial distance, I would rent only fast, big cars. After I creator, composer, author, and sage Alejandro Jodorowsky, director son is at hand. It’s great that the Chronicle gives the public at large discovered the pleasure of Books on Tape, I finally managed to of the cult classic El Topo: an opportunity to celebrate the world’s most vibrant music scene experience the miles racing by the whole time. “My parents were Russian … I was born in Chile … the Chilean [Music Poll 2008-2009]. Hundreds and hundreds of miles, covered in a straight run children didn’t accept me because I was ‘Russian’ … because I was, however, quite surprised and disappointed to read that from the beginning of the drive to its often too soon end: I was a ‘Jew’… the French didn’t accept me because I was a the Best Concert Poster category has been shelved. After all, the Typically, it was not visceral energy but intellectual engage- ‘Chilean’ … the Mexicans didn’t accept me because I was ‘French’ Austin music culture of today is very much a product of its own … the Americans think I am ‘Mexican’… after 10 years I will move history and tradition, and concert posters are both a cornerstone ment that allowed me to go fast. This just brought home once to another planet. They won’t accept me because they will think I of the formative years, as well as a vital and colorful representa- again how it isn’t the outside world but oneself that is most am an ‘American.’” tion of the contemporary Austin music scene. Whoever made the often the determiner of experience. It’s not the speeds one can Jodo will be thrilled to learn that he can add yet another false claim that concert posters have “gone the way of the PDF” needs or can’t achieve that ultimately make any real difference; it’s nationality to his résumé. According to the experts at The Austin to peel themselves away from the computer screen and shake off who we are and how we live. ■ Chronicle film desk two weeks in a row, his origins, perhaps for the the effects of Flash animation. Poster art and its creators are here first time ever, are now thought to be in Spain [Special Screenings, to stay. Yes, even deep in the heart of Texas! Film, Dec. 26]. While music marketing has gravitated toward Internet and e-mail Philip Randolph Fagan promotion thanks to its low cost and immediate impact, concert RCOeaMdMerE NTS austinchronicle.com/co CRITICAL IS AS CRITICAL DOES? p osCtoenrss idaerer sthtiell vfearcyt pthreavta ltehnet aanrtd fsotrimll shearvse sau rvveirvye dke lyo pcaulr ppoosleit.i- m cians’ attempts to stamp out visual pollution from our public of the Week ment Dear Editor: streets and utility poles. The concert poster “industry” is alive s Is it just me, or did the first letter to the editor in your Jan. 2 and well on venue walls, band merch tables, music stores, record On Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle: issue from Internationally Known Teacher Lola Jones [Postmarks, swaps, etc. The heart of the Flatstock festivals, which are probably “As a silent comedy fan, I thought your last sen- Jan. 2], the one lambasting the Chronicle for negativity and cyni- the largest high-profile showcases of posters and poster design- tence was a fine tribute to the person who also cism; the one that points out that anyone can criticize because it ers in the world today, are primarily centered (both physically and was a great comedic artist. Fatty was a character takes no creativity, heart, brains, or discernible talent; the one that spiritually) around Austin, Texas’ poster-art scene. You might say says that criticism is a waste of time, creative energy, breath, and that Austin and South Texas set the “industry standard.” he portrayed on film, and Roscoe was the man his space in the paper, seem to be just a tad … critical? I happened to be the recipient of last year’s Best Concert Poster coworkers knew and loved.” – Don Wan Michael Abedin award at the AMA, for the poster I designed promoting the Uncle “Page Two,” Jan. 2 CONTINUED ON P.8 YEAR END CLEARANCE SAVE 50% OR MORE! 7 PIECE ALL CAPPUCCINO MATTRESS DINETTE 6 SQEUTESE NH ASILZFE OPFILFLOWTOP INWCLITUHD 6E SC THAABIRLES SETS AS $259 $399 LOW AS QUEEN SIZE PLATFORM BED CAPPUCCINO FINISH $299 WE SELL OVER 12 DIFFERENT COMFORT LEVELS DISCOUNT FURNITURE The University of Texas at Austin MUEBLERIA ALEX 6801 N. LAMAR BLVD. IN THE BIG TAN BUILDING ACROSS FROM WALGREENS 371-3004 furnituredude.com 6 T H E A U S T I N C H R O N I C L E JANUARY 9, 2009 a u s t i n c h r o n i c l e . c o m a u s t i n c h r o n i c l e . c o m JANUARY 9, 2009 T H E A U S T I N C H R O N I C L E 7 POSTMARKS CONTINUED FROM P.6 RCOeaMdMerE NTSaustinchronicle.com/com WDeHarA ETd CitoHr,ANGED ON THE MUSIC POLL? of the Week ment I’m not sure if the exclusions in the online ver- s sion of the Music Poll were intentional, but there is Regarding the top films of 2008: no “strings” section, no “album art” section, and “I think this is the first time I’ve read there is no “write-in” area for the Hall of Fame. this paper (thanks to David Hudson, for- There may even be more areas I didn’t notice at merly GreenCine, now on IFC), but if your first glance, but is this how you wanted it? It’s sad film critics’ choices are representative – that such a dependable publication could drop more power to you. It’s a great feeling to the ball, particularly on the Hall of Fame area, think that somewhere out there in the U.S. since the choices offered are quite limited. Also, is still a relatively ‘independent’ indepen- there is no area that addresses classical musi- dent paper. Here in NYC, as in so many cians, composers, or musical theatre. Is Austin music becoming narrower in scope, or does the places, our choices are being winnowed to Chronicle think it ought to use its great influence less and less. Even though I have not yet toward this end by eliminating certain categories seen all of the films that you all herald, instead of expanding the poll to reflect the variety your choices and reasons for them make of Austin’s music scene? Curious. me even more eager to do so. Keep it up, Roberto Riggio and let’s hope your paper can remain a [Austin Music Poll ballot administrator Margaret ‘truly independent alternative weekly,’ as Moser replies: There has been no album/CD cover Mr. Hudson notes.” – James van Maanen art category for several years, and it is always a difficult decision to drop categories. The bottom “Screens Top 10s,” Jan. 2 line is that a fair balance between the number of votes and number of nominees determines the category’s inclusion. Both the strings and horns John Turner Benefit show starring Johnny Winter. categories have been depressingly undervoted in What an honor it was to know that the poster recent years. In the end, we hope that umbrella I put so much of my heart into struck such a categories such as Best None of the Above and chord with others, as well. During my acceptance Best Miscellaneous Instrument honor a tremen- speech, I mentioned that this award is one of the dous scope of diverse musicians and performers. things that make the music community in Austin You’re correct about the glitch in the write-in Hall so fantastic. I said that not only have I never of Fame category, and that’s now fixed. With received an accolade like this in my hometown 45 categories and 13 Hall of Fame nominees, of San Antonio, but that they don’t even have Austin’s musicians and bands are remarkably well awards like this in SA. Now, apparently, they represented in a wide variety of genres that most THANKS FOR REVIEW OF EXHIBIT IT’S WRONG TO MAKE FUN OF PEOPLE don’t have awards like this in Austin, either. music communities can’t match.] Jerry Clayworth (concert poster designer) WHO DON’T USE AIR CONDITIONING Dear Editor, San Antonio [Editor’s note: Please see Margaret Moser’s IF ONLY IT WEREN’T MADE OF TREES Re: “Austin Americana: The Neal Douglass Dear Justin Andrews, Photography Collection” review [Arts, Dec. 26, Although it is your option to use air con- response to the letter “What Changed on the Dear Editor, 2008]: Thanks for the nice review, Lee. And while I ditioning whenever you feel like it, to make Music Poll?” at right, for more.] As an expatriate Austinite, an exile in Fort will say we did not quite go insane picking images fun of Pete Wall for not using AC is just plain Worthless, I’ve sorely been missing The Austin for the exhibit, it was no small task to winnow down wrong [Postmarks, Nov. 28]. I did not use AC Chronicle. Thankfully, I recently got a subscrip- from 65,000 to about 150. Also, we plan to add this last summer, because I couldn’t afford it. I POSTMARKS ONLINE tion to this liberal rag. It was a Christmas gift. I more images to the Portal to Texas History website rode my bicycle everywhere (I don’t own a car). could of course view the Chron online, but there’s in the coming years, so keep checking from time to I kept my clothes clean, bathed daily, sweat a UPDATED DAILY something different, something most satisfying time if you need to miss another day at work! lot, but didn’t stink. I’ll just bet that on the rare about holding it in your hands, flipping through Cheers, occasion that you work up a sweat that, “You austinchronicle.com/postmarks its pages. Now if only it weren’t made of trees. Mike Miller sir, are a sweaty, smelly fool.” Tom Lay Manager, Austin History Center Cliff Hexamer Tune in to Austin’s EMMY® award-winning series a8bout the people, places, stories & situations that make DOWNTOWN: As Austin As It Gets™. THURSDAYS, 8.00 PM · KLRU-TV, AUSTIN PBS Watch past episodes and share them with your friends at DOWNTOWNAUSTINTV.ORG 8 T H E A U S T I N C H R O N I C L E JANUARY 9, 2009 a u s t i n c h r o n i c l e . c o m CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE BUY LOCALLY This banter between pedestrians and cyclists must stop – we’re on the same team! Cars are Dear Editor, Dear Editor: more dangerous than bikes, period. Cars are . Re: “Virginia B. Wood’s Best Bites of 2008” Thank you for including the Austin more poisonous than bikes, period. Passionate $8 95 [Food, Jan. 2]: I just wanted to let you know Independent Business Alliance and several of peds should help cyclists lobby for better road the chef de cuisine of Cissi’s Market, Rebecca its members in the article “Revving Up for Slow conditions. More bikes on road = less cars on Haircuts Meeker, came up with the breakfast salad, not Times,” by Katherine Gregor [News, Dec. 5]. road = safer conditions for all of us. me. She deserves all the credit. Thanks for the The article did a great job of showing the chal- Brian Birdwell with this coupon press; it is always appreciated. lenges of local entrepreneurs and resources Regularly Adult $13, Child $10 Thanks again, available to assist them. U.S. RACISM PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED Deegan McClung A landmark study sponsored by AIBA in 2002 shows even small changes in buying patterns Dear Editor, WAKE UP MONTOPOLIS! can have a significant impact on the local econ- Regarding Jason Metzler’s letter in the Nov. 28 omy. While $100 spent at a national chain only issue of the Chronicle (“Why Do We Always Have Dear Editor, has a $13 impact on the local economy, $100 to Hate?”) [Postmarks]: I must take issue with For the past few months, we have been wak- spent with a locally owned business keeps $45 Mr. Metzler’s comment that “since we don’t hate ing up to the rumbling of jet engines rumbling in the local economy. African-Americans anymore, we have come out in Northwood Salon the windows of our grandkids. After contacting The benefits to buying locally are endless, droves to hate gay and lesbian Americans.” Since 2900 W. Anderson Ln. STYLISTS and bitching, some anal-retentive city worker/ such as creating more choice in the market- the elections, many of us seem to be under the puppet replied that on that particular night, place; maintaining Austin’s unique culture so mistaken impression that by electing Obama, we Next to Stein Mart & Zen. WANTED CALL the 2-3am racket occurred because they had it doesn’t become Anywhere, USA; preventing have somehow “fixed” racism in the U.S. Such 420-0099 965-0946 to get a scheduled plane out in the morning. sprawl; reinvestment as local businesses also a belief is dangerous not only because it no Just a question to the sleepy people around buy locally; helping the environment with less longer positions racism as something we need to Open M-F 9-9, Montopolis, wondering if they are all drunk transportation expenses; and many more. continually work against but because it ignores Sat 9-6 or drugged-up and cannot come together AIBA offers local businesses an affordable the very real subtle acts of racism and race bias Sun 11-5 and fight the mental assaults from Austin- way to promote themselves through listings that we as white Americans are oblivious to or exp. 1/31/09 Bergstrom International Airport: Are there no on IBuyAustin.com, our directory printed twice perpetuate every day. Furthermore, the assertion men in Montopolis or people sober enough, a year and distributed free at more than 100 that “gays are the new blacks” is dismissive and or is it all about being cowards? Cowards locations and monthly networking events. naive. Among other things, it falsely implies that Pregnant? in not speaking up for yourselves and the Buying locally for the holidays is a great way the oppressions faced by these communities are assaults from the new people buying up the to invest in our community. so similar as to be interchangeable, and it also cheap houses and the city taxing your butts Sincerely, leaves no room for those who live at the intersec- Scared? out of ownership. Where are all the strong Dean Lofton tion of those communities and might not find it women of yesterday that stood up for their Executive director so easy to draw a line through the center of their families? Millions were spent to quiet MoPac Austin Independent Business Alliance identity. Mr. Metzler, while I share your pain at the for the residents of the white neighborhoods. outcome of these anti-gay ballot measures, I would $30 million to build a mall where there are ABOUT BIKES AND PEDESTRIANS challenge you to look beyond the easy dichotomy You’re more stores than people, $9 million to make of your letter. First Street pretty while you need your streets Dear Editor, Katie Mahoney paved and your kids are walking the streets Hear! Hear! Thank you Ms. Moon for jump- not alone. because there are no sidewalks as pretty as starting this discussion with some “hot” com- PRO-UNION IS PRO-LABOR at Circle C Ranch, and the city can’t spend a ments [Postmarks, Nov. 28]. Here’s a note for million or two to deflect the racket from ABIA pedestrians who are afraid of bicyclists: Walk Dear Editor, because your children don’t deserve a peace- to one side of the sidewalk instead of planting Re: “Page Two: Workingman’s Blues” [Dec. ful night’s sleep. Wonder why they are failing yourself in the middle, and if a bike comes, 26]: I really enjoyed your article. Thank you for their grades? After all, it’s a guesstimate that don’t do anything! Continue walking (to one taking the time to research and write about a Free, confidential counseling. the 95% that use ABIA live in peaceful neigh- side), and let the cyclist do the navigating. Any topic that is largely misunderstood (especially in borhoods. I live 5 miles from ABIA, and my win- experienced bicyclist will tell you that near-colli- the South). If you’ve been watching the Chronicle 800-395-HELP dows rattle when they run those maintenance sions with pedestrians happen when they make Postmarks forum, there have been numerous tests at midnight. Get a grip Montopolis, and feeble attempts to “get out of the way,” when in threads and responses about unions. Sadly, put the beer and drugs away and wake up and reality, they just need to relax, stay on course, it seems many have been brainwashed by big do something. and let the cyclist do the swerving if swerving is business/government. Alex Rodriguez indeed necessary. Steven McCloud www.optionline.org Clearance Sale-Everything 50% to 70% Off, plus pay in full and get an addtiional 10% off! Or Take 12 Months with NO INTEREST and MAKE NO PAYMENTS* 9 Serving Central Texas Since 1941 with Quality and Low Price YES WE CAN CUSTOM ORDER AT NO UP CHARGE (cid:33)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:13)(cid:0)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:0)(cid:34)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:78)(cid:69)(cid:84)(cid:0)(cid:50)(cid:68)(cid:14)(cid:0)(cid:46)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:0)(cid:51)(cid:84)(cid:65)(cid:82)(cid:0)(cid:35)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:13)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:14)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:20)(cid:14)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:19) (cid:50)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:0)(cid:50)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:75)(cid:13)(cid:0)(cid:44)(cid:65)(cid:0)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:65)(cid:0)(cid:35)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:13)(cid:0)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:14)(cid:0)(cid:22)(cid:16)(cid:16)(cid:14)(cid:16)(cid:16)(cid:20)(cid:22) A member of the Austin BBB *With W.A.C. (cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:87)(cid:87)(cid:87)(cid:14)(cid:71)(cid:65)(cid:71)(cid:69)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:78)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:14)(cid:67)(cid:79)(cid:77) a u s t i n c h r o n i c l e . c o m JANUARY 9, 2009 T H E A U S T I N C H R O N I C L E 9 19 The Hightower Report 20 Lege Preview news You Call This Progress? The old building that housed the iconic Las Manitas Avenue Cafe was Headlines reduced to rubble Dec. 22, even though White Lodging Services has › Israel nears the second week of its bombard- delayed indefinitely its plans to build ment of Gaza in retaliation for Hamas rocket fire. a 1,000-room Marriott. The sudden Women and children were killed at a United Nations school hit by Israel, bringing the demolition dramatically transformed Palestinian death toll close to 700. With Ameri- this quaint, familiar block of Congress can disinterest in procuring peace, France is try- Avenue, uprooting not only the cafe but ing to broker a cease-fire. also the Escuelita del Alma Learning › Two-term Rep. Joe Straus, R-San Anton io, pulled Center and the Tesoros Trading Co. gift off a surprise coup over the weekend, replacing shop. The two latter businesses have Tom Craddick as the speaker of the Texas relocated, but it’s uncertain when or if House of Representatives. See “Looks Like a Las Manitas will reopen in a spot down Straus Waltz to House Speaker,” p.18, and the street. “Welcome to the 81st,” p.20. › The mayor’s race took an acrimonious turn, as candidate Brewster McCracken pressed the issue of whether Lee Leffingwell’s expected campaign announcement would trigger an expen- sive special election. See “City Hall Hustle,” p.12. › The Department of Justice released the results of its 18-month investigation into Austin Police Department policies this week, filled with myriad recommendations for improvement. See “DOJ: 160 Ways Austin Police Can Improve,” p.15. › In testimony to the House Select Committee on Hurricane Ike on Jan. 7, Texas Faculty Assoc- ia tion Executive Director Tom Johnson accused the University of Texas of “lie after lie” in its push to lay off staff at UT Medical Branch at Galveston in the aftermath of the hurricane. E › U Rosemary Lehmberg was sworn in Wednesday G O as Travis County district attorney, replacing P N Ronnie Earle, who retired after hitting the A 32-year mark in his D.A. career. AL Naked City Welcome to 2009 QUOTE › MADOFF HITS CLOSE TO HOME The $50 billion Ponzi scheme run by former Nasdaq Stock Market Chairman Bernard Madoff is now affect- From foreign wars to local follies, the world still turns of the ing nonprofits in Texas and has notably claimed WEEK half the budget of the Innocence Project of BY MICHAEL KING Texas. The Innocence Project will lose a more than $450,000 grant made by the JEHT Foun da- Just what we needed, another war in the their children suffer from occupier-enforced malnu- tion, which since 2000 has supported criminal Middle East. trition and lack of medical care; and endured justice reform work. No more, though, since JEHT’s funders were bilked by Madoff’s scam and And as every frog would have wings, our own decades of disproportionate warfare from a modern have announced that the foundation will close its Gov. Rick Perry – currently touring war zones far military power armed to the teeth by a foreign doors at the end of January without being able to from Galveston – appointed himself an authority on empire (that’s us). Would such a people be “expect- pay any more toward grants. The JEHT grant the most intractable conflict of our time, issuing ed to stand idly by” and submit to their masters money was earmarked for DNA testing, which costs roughly $4,500 for each case tested. So a statement defending Israel’s attacks on or to respond in whatever way they could, far, DNA testing funded by the project has freed Gaza. “Hamas must cease its attacks on even by fanatical self-destruction? 1Pr5o jmecetn i sfr ocumr reDnatlllya slo’ odkeinagth f oror wn.e Twh efu Inndnso ctoe nccoen - Israel,” Perry declared. “No other nation point I don’t know what will bring an end on earth would be expected to stand to this endless cycle of violence, but tinue its mission (some of which should, arguably, come from the state – perhaps from a tiny slice idly by while a neighbor fired missiles austin perpetuating and multiplying that vio- of the multibillion-dollar prison budget, Innocence and mortars into its cities, but Israel is lence a hundredfold is hardly a solu- Project chief counsel Jeff Blackburn has said). being held to an unreasonable, irre- tion; it creates what it would kill. If we Send donations to Innocence Project of Texas, sponsible standard of restraint. Instead, are to condemn “terrorism” – the use of 1511 Texas Ave., Lubbock, TX 79401. Get more the world community should be united in indiscriminate violence for political ends info at www.ipoftexas.org. – Jordan Smith its support of Israel’s right to defend its citi- – that condemnation applies on all sides, but “I’m very comfortable › POOR GRADES FOR TEXAS’ INFRASTRUC TURE zens and clear in its condemnation of Hamas.” especially to massive state terror against civilian and proud of my long The Texas Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers released an updated report card Since the governor has hereby granted us all targets. To borrow Perry’s terms: “The world com- Republican roots and Monday, giving the state’s infrastructure a cumula- license as instant foreign-policy experts, I wonder if munity must not tolerate terrorism in any form, credentials, and that’s tive grade of C- over 13 areas. Of the three areas he has considered what “any other people on earth” regardless of any false nobility assigned to its perpe- what frankly gives me the recommended for particular attention this legislative might do if they’d been turned into a nation of refu- trators or their motives.” confidence to be able to session, dams earned the worst grade, a D-. The gees, corralled as virtual prisoners onto a fraction of reach out to Democrats report noted that 888 dams have been rated “high hazard” (probable loss of life) and 799 “significant their homeland; lived under military occupation for THE STRAUS SOLUTION and not apologize for it.” hazard” (potential loss of life), yet no state or feder- 40 years; been subject to land expropriations and Elsewhere at the local Capitol, the state House – House speaker appar- al funding is in place to maintain and repair or even home destructions as official expansionist policy reps who declared their support for “Anybody but ent Rep. Joe Straus, inspect them. Roads and highways fell to a D grade, CONTINUED ON P.12 and collective punishment; suffered and watched CONTINUED ON P.13 R-San Antonio 10 T H E A U S T I N C H R O N I C L E JANUARY 9, 2009 a u s t i n c h r o n i c l e . c o m

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