Mil gracias, truly a thousand thanks, to Cine Las Américas and the Consulate General of Mexico for the presentation of the Mexican movie Arráncame La Vida (Tear This Heart Out). Directed by Roberto Sneider and based on the highly acclaimed novel by Ángeles Mastretta, the movie was a phenomenal cultural treasure that honored Austin a few weeks ago. It is without a doubt our public role to invite, host, share, and support such international cultural gifts, and this unique jewel enriched … [Read more...]
White supremacists, demonstrators square off in LA
A white supremacist group rallied against illegal immigration in downtown Los Angeles Saturday as hundreds of counter-protesters gathered to shout them down in a tense standoff that included several arrests, thrown rocks and police in riot gear. Police officers stood between the white supremacists and counter-demonstrators on the south lawn of Los Angeles’ City Hall, where about 50 members of the National Socialist Movement waved American flags and swastika banners for about an hour. Five … [Read more...]
Black or biracial? Census forces a choice for some
There were 784,764 U.S. residents who described their race as white and black in the last census. But that number didn't include Laura Martin, whose father is black and mother is white. "I've always just checked black on my form," said Martin, a 29-year-old university employee in Las Vegas. She grew up surrounded by black family and friends, listening to black music and active in black causes — "So I'm black." Friday was the deadline to mail 2010 census forms. Although the results are … [Read more...]
CDC: Breast-feeding varies by race, place
ATLANTA – A new study confirms that Hispanic women generally breast-feed more than white and black women do. But it finds surprising regional differences in U.S. breast-feeding rates. The state-by-state analysis of racial and ethnic differences found that in the East, Hispanics breast-feed more than other women. In some Western states, white women had higher rates, according to the report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "There seemed to be an … [Read more...]
Tracy Morgan says son saved his life
Actor Tracy Morgan's riding high, but the actor-comedian said that -- thanks to his teenage son -- he's not driving high. Morgan, arrested twice for drunken driving four years ago, said he sobered up after his son confronted him. "My son said, 'What if I start driving drunk and kill somebody?' That right there just made me look into the mirror, like, I got to step up my game," Morgan said Tuesday on PBS' "Tavis Smiley." Morgan, whose role on NBC's "30 Rock" earned him an Emmy nomination … [Read more...]
Travis among healthiest counties in Texas
Travis was ranked in the top ten healthiest counties in Texas. The country was seventh in terms of health outcomes (measures of mortality and morbidity) and ninth in terms of health factors (what influences the health of the county). Williamson Country, which includes parts of Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and Georgetown, topped the list of health outcomes and ranked fifth in health factors. The University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson … [Read more...]
Recommended Event Listings for 12Feb-19Feb
Fri / 12 Feb MUSIC // Concierto Vivo Alternativo - Presented by ViVo ALTeRNATIVO and GoHispano. Celebrate V-day early with music by Rubik, from Monterrey, Mexico, Latin Hip-Hop with Manzanas Malas, and Arthur Yoria with his electroacoustic show. 9pm. $5 cover. All ages. Ruta Maya, 3601 S Congress Ave. MUSIC // El Tule with Huerta Culture - 9pm. $TBD. Flamingo Cantina, 515 E. Sixth St. Sat / 13 Feb EVENT // American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music - Organized by Experience Music … [Read more...]
Austin Transportation Department asking for citizen input
Tired of sitting in a parking lot that is supposed to be IH-35? Do you have some good ideas on how to fix Austin's transportation system? The Austin Transportation Department wants to hear what you have to say. The Austin Mobility Program (AMP) will be hosting a series of six forums throughout the week to get input from citizens on how to improve the transportation system in Austin. The goal of the Austin Mobility Forum is to make it easier to move around our city. From roads to rail to … [Read more...]
Recommended Event Listings for 5Feb-11Feb
Fri / 5 Feb ART // 3rd Annual Fashion Freakout - A catwalk collaboration of rock-minded trendsetters hell-bent on outfitting Austin's most fashion backward. Prototype Vintage Design, New Bohemia, and Buffalo Exchange define Austin style by mixing time-tested vintage trends with a taste of today, for the look of tomorrow. DJs Ben Blackout and Angel the Ripper, drink specials, and a Proto-photo booth snapped by the one and only Alison Narro. Comedian Matt Bearden will play master of ceremonies … [Read more...]
The end of an era for the Cactus Cafe?
The Cactus Café is one of the great acoustic music traditions in Austin. Situated in the heart of University of Texas campus, this intimate live music venue has acquired national recognition by showcasing top acoustic acts. Performing at the Cactus has become a right of passage for many great singers and songwriters, such as Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, and Alison Krauss, to name a few. Billboard magazine listed the Cactus as one of fifteen "solidly respected, savvy clubs" nationwide "from … [Read more...]