When it comes to sports events, this is not Austin’s first rodeo. A city that has made it to the BCS championship twice in the last five years is not new to hosting large numbers of sports fans eager to find a big screen to watch the game. However, with the World Cup games being held in South Africa, seven hours ahead of “Austin time”, you may think that it might be a little tricky to find a bar that is open at 7am . . . not so. Below is a list of establishments that will be showing the World … [Read more...]
The 2010 FIFA World Cup: Lacking the Star Power of World Cups Past
On June 11th, 32 National Soccer teams will partake a month long tournament known as the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The big power-house teams will be there: France, USA, Brazil, Germany, England, and defending champion Italy. The beauty of this event is that these Nations stop their daily routines and sit to watch a sporting event for over 90 minutes of non-stop action. However, much like in years past, there have been certain players from these countries that have set themselves … [Read more...]
The Souvenir Menu: Salad Niçoise with a Malbec rosé
In the book "A Year in Province", Peter Mayle explains that in France, even the simplest questions on food can become a twenty minute plus discourse--or even an argument--about the correct ingredients and method. Such was the case with one of my favorite summer meals, salade Niçoise. I had always accepted that the salad that I loved included lettuce (the French debate the type), new potatoes (some say “never!”, some say sometimes), tinned tuna (in oil versus not in oil), haricot verre … [Read more...]
A Cultural-ist Challenge, Are We Up To It?
Returning home after a busy, sleepless week in New York City attending BookExpo America 2010 (BEA), I spent a whole day in a couple of airports among the usual business travelers and familiies initiating their summer vacations. I certainly had a book along with me, as I always do, even when not traveling, but it was not one I had picked up at the show. This novel was sent to me by the author; I requested it and she graciously supplied me with a copy. I carried Margo Candela’s Good-bye to All … [Read more...]
Where will “The King” go?
In case you missed it, two-time NBA-MVP Lebron James has finished his contract with The Cleveland Cavaliers. That is the simple part of this up-coming 2009 NBA off-season. Now, here comes the hard part. The big question on everyone’s mind is, “where will he go”? If you turn on ESPN at any point in the day they’re talking about this issue. You’ll see reports that Lebron is talking with fellow free agents, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, or Joe Johnson about going to one lucky NBA team and making … [Read more...]
From the Publisher: Super Bowl Weekend
What are you doing this weekend? Chances are it will have something to do with the Super Bowl. Even if you are not a fan, somehow the spectacle will reach out and suck you in. Your email, cell phone or facebook has been littered with invites, e-vites and requests for you to join someone’s ultimate Super Bowl party. I’ll admit not watching any of the traditional hype leading up to the game, so I honestly can’t tell you what number we are on. I know it’s in the 40s and it should be … [Read more...]
History should not have a color
By Frank Garrett Jr. Once upon a time I spent the month of February crisscrossing Texas and Travis County participating in Black History programs. The colleges and schools I frequented loaded me down with certificates of appreciation, free lunch, and in some instances an honorarium. I loved the opportunity to enlighten people about our contribution to America and the world, but chaffed at having to do it during the shortest month of the year. It never escaped my mind that if History books … [Read more...]
