New Yorker writer and hyper-liberal Hendrik Hertzberg got lucky on a recent visit to Austin and snagged what could be the coolest taxi this side of the Cash Cab.
The Land Yacht bills itself as the city's only rock 'n' roll taxi, and the specs on this thing back up the claim. Here's the word, unedited and straight from the cab's website:
So much BASS it'll shake yer @ss right outta the seat! Music Videos playin from 4 honkin big video screens right up in your face. Oh, did I mention that you get to CHOOSE the Music Videos you wanna watch?
And what runs all of this? It ain't yer garden variety little dvd player in 'da dash. Full computer setup right in the cab means I can do just about anything you can do with a computer! Over 2 teraBytes of hard drives means I gotz plenty of space for over 15,000 High Quality music videos available at your fingertips!
We're not saying you should go to Austin just for the transportation... Actually, you know what? That is what we're saying.
Relatively new Mexican LCC Viva Aerobus made its first flight into Austin, Texas on May 1, and the early reviews are fairly decent. And the airline is certainly thrilled, says a spokesman:
The Austin-Cancun route has been madness. We underestimated the potential of the American market.
Flights between AUS and CUN have been close to capacity all month, says the airline. (Maybe those promotional fares of $10 each way helped?) Monterrey has proven less popular, with only about 55 percent of the seats sold on a given flight.
Apparently unconcerned about fuel prices, Viva Aerobus is looking to expand to Chicago this summer and Las Vegas this fall. The carrier needs DOT approval first, and there's one other little problem at Gary/Chicago International: The airport still needs to build out an international arrivals gate and staff it with customs agents before Viva Aerobus lands at GYY.
By now the hipsters who've had their Converses on since 4 am have probably set foot on Texan soil by now. Just like last year, we're stuck at points euphemistically northward, but by golly, go down there and enjoy yourselves, kids!
Especially if you're pining after the Bank Ninja. And while you're at it, find a song to sing for your own at one of these local hot spots:
Beauty Bar :: This multicity chain is a great place to get a cocktail and a manicure together--and if you're lucky, a boy named Raif. 617 E 7th St.
Doc's Backyard :: If the tables are scarce for $2 burger day, it might be your chance to meet a cutie. 5207 Brodie Ln.
Jolt 'n' Bolt :: Stay long enough to fill up on coffee and get an unmarried hottie to go. 3724 N. Lamar
Super World TravelerAngelina Jolie flew out of Austin-Bergstrom International on Tuesday with her son Maddox as Brad Pitt worked away on his latest project, "The Tree of Life."
We've gotta hand it to Jolie for classing up the airport with such a fancy dress. And Maddox is looking pretty flash, too. Course that's easy to do when you're not schlepping a bunch of carry-on bags.
But our favorite thing about this airport photo shoot? The dude on the left who's completely unmoved by a crush of paparazzi and one of the most famous mom-and-son couples on the planet. Homeboy is just trying to make his flight.
The Sundance of the Southwest is just over two weeks away, and it's time to get your plans finalized for SXSW. Registration, while pricey, is still available, and you can get a pass to see all the music stuff until Monday, March 10. (It'll "only" cost you $650!)
To get you in the spirit, we've cherry-picked a couple Austin spots worth checking out. SXSW runs from March 7-16.
When visiting a new place, a lot of people will check out museums, historic landmarks or even the local shopping. Usually not on the list? Local schools, unless you're running for president. But Ashley Olsen apparently made a special stop in an Austin, Texas school this week as a guest of her new boyfriend Lance Armstrong's daughter. Guess show and tell has gotten a lot flashier since we wore short pants.
Lance and Ashley have been keeping their relationship rather private in New York City, making out at private parties but eschewing the long brunches and matinees popular among other couples. Apparently they thought the word would never get out if they appeared together in Texas... oops. If only Ashley could have brought her twin Mary-Kate down there, maybe the little Armstrong would have gotten extra credit.
The college football season is in full swing, so where are the best road-trip worthy stadiums? We've got the teams, the games and the shenanigans covered on our College Football Travel map.
The Texas Longhorns and their 21-year-old quarterback Colt McCoy are off to an impressive start this year, and undoubtedly have their sights set on a national championship after last year's hit-and-miss season. The Longhorns have yet to face any conference opponents, but have been looking good so far on their home field, Austin's Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Texas will host both Nebraska and Texas Tech later this year, but the 'Horns biggest game will be played in Dallas: The Red River Rivalry against arch rivals Oklahoma.
As the summer music festival season draws to a close, it's only fitting this show came in a little slow. Austin'sother big music festival, Austin City Limits, comes to town this weekend. It's like SXSW, but, you know, for old people.
For three days, on eight stages, 130 bands will perform in Zilker Park. While conversations backstage tend toward Bob Dylan and John Prine discussing how they're spending their Social Security checks, festival organizers have attempted to revamp the festival with some young blood. In addition to Dylan, this year's headliners include Bjork, The White Stripes, The Killers, Wilco, Arcade Fire, and a bunch of other whippersnappers.
