1. Is there a bargain camera type of place in town? I'm looking for a place that sells expired film, cheap flashes, that kind of thing.

2. The sno-cone vendor at the Austin Zoo makes pickle sno-cones.

So I was wondering if some of you guys and gals could point me toward a good local open mic. I'm pretty much open to any suggestions that you've got. It can be a music or poetry open mic - or both. I would kinda prefer for it to be during the week because I'm not one for obnoxious, oppressive crowds. It doesn't have to be a bar - but I would appreciate being able to get a beer or something if I felt like it. Super plus points if it's in north Austin. If not, and you brag about it enough, I'll probably still check it out. :)

Thanks, y'all!

atx_wl_c

For years I've faltered with losing weight. I had remarkable results one year (80 lbs in 5 months) and fell off the wagon and have never regained that momentum.
As summer approaches, I feel the need to be more active and to try different things (insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results).

I came up with an idea for a community that will do a 90 Day Weight Loss Challenge. We've got 4 months of summer, so you pick when you begin and when you end.
This community will be for posting your progress, support, talking about exercise/dieting, possibly meeting new workout partners to keep you motivated, and to help keep the others on this difficult journey motivated (or to gain motivation when yours begins to falter).

It doesn't matter if you need to lose 15 lbs, or 150 lbs.
If you're interested in a combined effort to better our physical health and condition, please join AustinWeight Loss Challenge over at atx_wl_c.

We're also hoping to recognize everyone's efforts, but to reward the top Male and Female in an under 30/over 30 categories.
Criteria will be based upon percentage of weight lost, and how close you came to achieving your secondary goals (I'm hoping to get some businesses in on the rewards).

I'm hoping for enough people to have at least 2000 lbs lost over the summer.

Hosted By:
The Enchanted Forest Austin

When:
Saturday 00 10, 2008
9:00 PM

Where:
The Enchanted Forest
1412 W Oltorf @ S. Lamar
Austin
US

Sat. May 10th
Spring Circus...
All info @ austinenchantedforest.com

Come Early and SPREAD Tha WORD!
Doors open @ 2pm
Performance starts @ 7pm

( Flyer behind cut )

I know this has been asked before but I couldn't find the topic, what store in town will give you the most for used DVDs? I have probably a couple hundred to sell in mint condition.

Has anyone been to this place?  I can't find their presence on the internet.  I have a gift card for a facial there and was hoping to find some reviews/get some expectations before I go.  

I'm relocating to Austin around the beginning to the middle of the month and I've been trying to set something up for work-- even on a temporary basis.  With my background (radio/media/marketing) I thought it might be interesting to do some work with nonprofits in the area, especially if it could lead to more work in politics.  I'm seeing lots of help wanted ads for Grassroots Campaigns, Texas Campaign for the Environment and the Clean Water Fund-- and so far they're the only ones responding.   Has anyone had any experience with these groups?

And while I'm at it, anyone need a radio producer/graphic artist/copywriter?

Any wii sightings recently? I will call if need be, I'm just wondering if anyone has seen some lately.

Thanks!

anyone know where can I play racquetball, preferably not too far from soco? Don't want a monthly membership anywhere, just wanna play some racquetball once or twice a month. that is all I ask. thank you comrades

So, as an awesome part of my job, I've been charged with finding interesting Austin people/places/events to do video stories on for our news web site. While I've lived here forever, I'd still like to find stuff off the beaten path. Sure, everything here is weird, but I want to avoid doing a story on Leslie or something cliche like that.

The best ideas I've gotten have come from other people. So, Austin, hit me with your best shot. As an example, here's the video I did this week on some kids that started their own Quidditch club. It was pretty rad. :)

TIA!

FOUND THEM!  Party Pig.  Thanks so much all!  :)


I have been searching around South Austin for candy buttons today.  You know those little candy dots on paper....Tried HEB and Randalls.  Anyone know a place that may have them that is in South Austin?  I have limited time, as they are for cupcakes for my daughter's bday tomorrow..... (nothing like waiting till the last minute)

Any suggestions are helpful!

Thanks so much!

I've got some serious short timers syndrome here at work so I figured I'd stir some shit up and start a huge LJ-flamewar on what is most certainly a controversial topic in these parts: barbecue (or as many like to say Bubba-Q). Just about everyone who identifies themselves as a carnivore has some sort of fiercely held belief about what is right and proper about BBQ. Discussions about BBQ and how it oughta be done can often border on bloody religious crusades. What you prefer can very often be determined by where you come from. Since this is an Austin based LJ community, lets limit the scope of your opinions to JUST the Austin area (and within 100 miles of Awe-Stun). To prevent it from getting too out of hand, lets define some scope and lay down some ground rules.

I don't care how much you like that pulled pig back in Cackilackey or them slobber bone ribs up in Memphis, we're talking about TEXAS style BBQ, particularly Central Texas style... which, to be honest, is the only type worth mentioning :). Anyway, its pointless to simply mention what your favorite BBQ joint is since no BBQ joint does EVERYTHING they cook well, and very often a BBQ joint will specialize in one or two types of meat or a side and everything else is mostly filler. Whats more useful is to break it down Texas BBQ into its component categories and talk about who does what particular thing well.

Here's the breakdown as I see it and who I think does each one best and why. I invite you all to make your own nominations in each category (feel free to add other categories if you feel you must):

( This way to the egress! )

What is your favorite local restaurant that ahem, exudes quintessential Austin to you?

Somewhere you would take out of towners to experience.


Bonus points if they have private rooms or caters.

Can any of you craft mafiosi tell me where I can procure a rattle (such as would be sewn inside a doll to make noise when shaken) in this town?

I started at Hancock's Fabrics, and tried at Michael's and Hobby Lobby as well. None of them have questioned the existence of such an object, but no one seems to be carrying it at this time, either. I'm hoping the hip knitters and crocheteers will share the location of a secret doll-making supply shop that is independent and green and carries what I need. (Independence and greenness optional.) Or maybe some place selling cheap plushies with rattles and donor cards.

Alternately, if you have tips on how to make it (smooth, round, fitting easily in the palm of a hand) or want to recommend seeking advice from a specific one of the crafting coffeehouse meet-up groups, I'll take it.

Gracias.

Hi guys,
I tried to get in touch with Mayfield Park and no one was answering/responding, so I was hoping I could get some information from you...We were planning to go see the peacocks tomorrow, and I just wanted to know if there's anything I should be aware of regarding closing times or anything of the sort.

Thanks!

I went to The Oasis last night (it was a beautiful day)... I hadn't been since they just reopened about a year after the fire, and they had just a few skimpy decks, but the view was still nice.

Anyways, the place now looks FANTASMIC! They've rebuilt it and everything looks just gorgeous. Whoever designed/built the new version did a really nice job, imho. There are tons of unique decor items all over - sculptures, lamps, tables, furniture, etc. The decks are stepped so even if you're sitting closer to the building than the railing overlooking the lake, you still get a view without people's heads in the way. There's fresh stone and wood all over and the detail work in the construction/painting/decorating looks like someone made sure it was done properly. They even set up fans to cool off guests and installed heaters (for whenever we might need them). I just thought it had a really nice atmosphere, especially at sunset. My girlfriend said she thought it was "romantic". If you're entertaining guests from out of town, I would totally recommend taking them to The Oasis for a night. It would be a memorable experience, I think, if just for the atmosphere.

On the downside the food wasn't spectacular, though we just had queso and a burger since it was cheap. ;) They did give us a complimentary dessert for whatever reason, so it was a decent meal for $20. The wait-time on the food wasn't excessively long, but it wasn't quick, either. Most of the table and chairs were of the plastic deck variety, but they also have more permanent tables and chairs - you just sort of get what you get. I did think the food was expensive ($10-$16/entree), but my guess is you're paying for the atmosphere, anyway.

So, thumbs up to The Oasis since they've reopened!!!

Oh, also apparently they offer dance lessons on Mondays (?) free with a dinner receipt and The Brew (a good salsa band that plays at UT's annual Salsa Fest) plays there on Sundays.

Many thanks to everyone who sent their well wishes and good luck to us in finding Roux! A neighbor knocked on her door at 7am this morning with Roux in her hands! My friend STILL can't stop crying for joy over having her back.

Needless to say, the fence gets fixed today!

I'm (still) looking for a custom jeweller who has experience working with platinum. I've met up with a few jewellers around town but those that I've encountered tend to work mainly with gold (platinum cannot be cast as easily as gold due to the porosity of the metal as it cools).

Does anyone have a recommendation?

I've been to Calvin's, Kruger's, Koen's & Bailey, Banks & Biddle with no luck... based off of my previous encounters thus far I'm looking for someone who is artistic AND can work with a degree of professionalism .

On my drive to work this morning, I noticed a train was sitting on the tracks alongside McNeil road in Round Rock, blocking 172/Quick Hill Road and St Williams Street. There are police on the scene, so I suspect an accident. So far, the only details I've found are this rather vague commentary.

I'm not sure how long the train will be there, but if you normally head that way, be aware. Traffic wasn't bad at all, for me, but I turn left off of McNeil at Round Rock W, so I'm not sure if it impacted the I35 access road negatively or not.

Of course, I'm also curious about what happened, so if anyone finds any better news links, I'd love to see them.