Man, this weather has my body a little confused. When it’s gray and rainy, all I want to do is crawl in bed and read or sleep. On the other hand, when it’s sunny, all I want to do is sit outside and soak up some Vitamin D. Should I wear layers of warmth or throw on a pair of shorts? I wish Mother Nature would make up her GD mind so I could plan my day, dammit!

These first world problems will all go away in 6 short weeks when the weather turns from coolish warm to blistering hot. And in a few short years, we’ll have a fancy new water destination: The Austin Aquatic Center at the YMCA on Town Lake. If the renderings, created by Austin’s Runa Workshop, are any indication, the center and its elevated park will take the Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail into 2020.

Renderings of the Austin Aquatic Center:

View of Austin Aquatic Center looking south from Lamar (CREDIT: Runa Workshop)

Rendering of the pool with super killer high dives!! (CREDIT: Runa Workshop)

Check out that WATER SLIDE!!!! (CREDIT: Runa Workshop)

The Austin Aquatic Center will be surrounded by an elevated park! (CREDIT: Runa Workshop)

The renderings show an ulta-modern, totally sleek new addition to the Austin landscape. In addition to pools, diving boards, and water slides (!!!), there will also be an elevated park, which reminds me of the High Line in New York City.

In case you are confused about where it will be, check out this mappy map:

Aerial View of the Austin Aquatic Center (CREDIT: Runa Workshop with labeling by me)

And what shall one do in this futuristic recreation center?

Visitors can overlook the pools during competition meets, watch shows and concerts hosted at the plaza, gather to enjoy fireworks at the lake, or simply gaze at the urban skyline. (via Runa Workshop’s flickr page)

I’m not an architect, so I’ll let Runa Workshop explain the concept:

The plan is transparent allowing light, sound, breeze and pedestrians to pass through organically. This undulating structure represents the concept of “connection”; the design becomes a connector merging architecture with landscape, serving as a transition to the city, and linking the Lake and trails with the Austin Aquatic Center. The structure rises gently from the landscape, with openness and permeability that encourages participation from all. It functions as both a living bridge and unifying datum, bending down to the earth to invite all manner of visitors to experience the Austin Aquatic Center and Lady Bird Lake in a unique way. (via Runa Workshop’s flickr page)

In addition to the proposed Austin Aquatic Center, the YMCA has been undergoing a lot of renovations and upgrades. It’s exciting to see them invest in building this new facility that enhances the beauty of our city. They could have easily just built a gross, box like fortress (I’m looking at you, new building at the Zachary Scott Theater on South Lamar!). Bravo, YMCA!

Check out more renderings and maps of the Austin Aquatic Center on Runa Workshop’s flickr page!

What do you think? Will you stop going to Barton Springs?

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December 31st, 2010: New Year’s Eve. The cedar count is at a record high. I want to die. I’m not just coughing like a coal miner, I’m also hacking up an alien green substance. My eyes, crusted over, painfully and relentlessly itch. Plus, they’re so swollen that I look like I was just hosed down with pepper spray. In this state, there’s no way in hell that I’d be seen in public. I decide to skip New Year’s celebrations for the first time in my adult life. I also decide to take control of my health and alter the true source of my allergies, my eating habits, and switch to the Paleo diet on January 1st.

Yes, we Austinites love to blame cedar for our allergies, but in fact, it’s our own eating habits that contribute to a good deal of the suffering. It sounds hippie, but many of the foods we eat, grains (like wheat and corn), sugar, alcohol, dairy, and processed foods, irritate our body, open us up to infection, and keep us in a state of low-level inflammation. And when our body is inflamed, it turns our immune system into a gang of trigger happy teenage boys hopped up on meth and testosterone, overreacting to the slightest perceived threat, even if the threat isn’t real. That’s why our white blood cells attack everything, including things like pollen or our own cells.

The Paleo diet attempts to return us to a time of simple eating by eliminating the foods our ancestors didn’t eat: grains, legumes, sugar, processed food, and dairy. Not only did our bodies not evolve to eat those things (especially the processed food), but they are all the top inflammation-causing bad guys. By kicking them off your plate, you take control of your health, look younger and lose weight.

Fast forward to December 31st, 2011: For the first time in almost a year, I had allergies–bad, bad allergies. After a week of heavy sweets and lots of holiday drinking, my body was once again pissed off. Thankfully there’s a new tool to help me get back on the clean eating train: Well Fed, a Paleo cookbook by Austin writer Melissa Joulwan.

Mel works with me at my jobby job. She’s the person that originally suggested  I go Paleo. Not only has it helped my allergies, it has also been the perfect solution for my Celiac’s Disease.

Making the switch to Paleo was difficult at first; I love cooking–but I often felt severely limited by ingredient choices. We’ve been programmed all our lives to think that every meal has to have grains or a starch. To cook Paleo, to me, felt like I was learning to cook all over again.

Mel made me realize that it’s usually not the starch that we love, it’s the stuff that you put on it. But when I checked out Paleo cookbooks, I felt still like I was in for a bland existence. One of the few sources of inspiration was Mel’s blog, The Clothes Make the Girl. It had recipes that were not only easy to make, but also super tasty.

This past December, with the release of Well Fed, Mel has taken her blog one step further. Full of beautiful photographs of delectable looking dishes, Mel makes even the most refined palate water. And the recipes aren’t bland. Whether you like Middle Eastern, American, Asian, Pacific Islander, or European Cuisine, there’s a recipe in Well Fed that will whet your whistle.

But don’t let the varied dishes scare you, Mel makes it super easy for everyone:

• It won’t cost a fortune. Well Fed isn’t full of crazy veggies or spices that you have to spend a lot of money on. Almost all of the ingredients can be found at the farmers market or at H-E-B, so cost doesn’t get in the way of health.
• You don’t have to be a rockstar chef. From basics to advanced, Mel walks you through everything you need to enter the Paleo world.
• Even busy folks can benefit. One of my biggest obstacles to eating healthy is time–and Mel takes that into consideration. Well Fed not only has tips and tricks for planning and saving time, but it also includes several adaptable “Quick Meals” and snacks.
• Better than going out to eat. Mel really considers all the hassles of going Paleo, but doesn’t make you compromise. Whether it’s salads, sauces, or extravagant dishes, Well Fed includes everything to make you NOT want to go out. It’s even got DESSERTS and comfort food!

And all those beautiful pictures? Mel’s husband shot them…and then they ate the food. No tricks. This ish is REAL.

REVIEW: Overall, Well Fed is a well-thought, beautifully shot foodie-focused foray into the Paleo diet. It’s recipes are broad enough that I’m giving it to my athletic college-aged, short-on-time cousin and my struggling-to-get-healthy, only-care-about-cost mom.

FREE SNEAK PEEK: Mel’s got the first 30 pages of Well Fed up on her site for free download. Check it!

BUY IT:  You can buy Well Fed directly from Mel’s site as an e-Book or a printed, softcover version.

WIN IT: We’ll be giving away a copy of Well Fed on the Republic of Austin Facebook page from 2-4PM TODAY. Head over there to learn how to win.

Mel will be signing the book this weekend at CrossFit Austin. She’s super personal and loves to answer questions. Copies will also be available for purchase!

What: Well Fed cookbook signing
Date: Saturday, January 28
Time: 12:00 noon
Location: CrossFit Austin, 8708 South Congress, Suite A180

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They say love and marriage mature a man. At least, that seems to be the case with Austin’s neiliyo. The electrosoul singer recently took Annie Ray to New York City and Martha’s Vineyard to propose to the “gimmie more” photographer. Not only did neiliyo come back with a new fiancé, he also had a head full of ideas. The end result is Aquinnah, his 6th EP.

*Hold up.*

Before I continue with the review, I have to get this off my chest: Y’all know we’ve loved neiliyo since day 1. His live shows explode with energy. His tracks can make you shake your ass–but the mix on the recordings always was a little off. Sometimes the vocals were too loud. Sometimes it was the guitar. Not so on the new EP: neiliyo’s production combined with Love at 20′s Mike G‘s mix make this album sound larger than Austin.

*Phew*

Now that I’ve cleared the air, let me get back to the review.

Aquinnah has been burning up my playlist since I got it last week. Based on the whirlwind of emotions neiliyo experienced during his engagement weekend last summer, Aquinnah expertly combines the chill beach vibe with the hyperactivity of the Big Apple. With waves of intricately woven samples layered on top of urban beats, Aquinnah displays a sophisticated maturity that demonstrates neiliyo’s growth as an artist over the last year and a half since his last album. In fact, I might go as far as to say that Aquinnah represents a continued evolution towards a unique ‘electrosoul’ sound that blends 90s dance sensibility with an 80s urban/soul crooning.

[Check out the dance party of a Voyeur Music Video for neiliyo's "Kinda Pissed" on the Lamar Pede Bridge]

Opening track “Beach Party” sets the tone for the album: a preppy weekend retreat to a beach house out on Martha’s Vineyard. The sampled voices on the background with the distorted beats remind me of Machine Drum minus the basswaves. Like tracks from the Game Night album, there’s something almost singsong and care free as he sings, “I hope it doesn’t rain, but if it does it’s ok, we’re getting wet anyways.”

“Flowers,” the second track, starts with a sample groove from 90′s classic “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss” by P.M. Dawn. Lazy Saturday exploring a small coastal town. Is he gonna do it? Is he ready to pop the question? Following the 90′s style, neiliyo tells a story and then follows it with a dreamlike, funky bridge. And it’s even got that slow-jam horn, in TLC style. Distorted beats, layered chords and whispered vocals make this song sound like a distant summer memory. In fact, I can’t stop singing the refrain: “Flowers dancing, on the sidewalk, I am freaking out. Was it worth it? Would you go back? Yes, with out a doubt.”

The third track, “Aquinnah,” is pure genius. It gives me chills. Part Prince, part chill wave, part Anita Baker, this is truly evolved neiliyo. Track opens with distorted cymbals crashing on top of claps and some phat beats–kind of reminds me of Peaches’s first album–except chill. Running away from the beach house, neiliyo and Annie Ray run out to a light house. 80s soul crooning in a falsetto, he asks, “Would you be…would you be my baby? For the rest…for the rest of my life?” There’s a break that drops some rimmed out booty bass beats and the sickest guitar solo this side of 1983. It’s a poetic love song. I can’t stop playing it…at all. I hope neiliyo continues this direction.

Fourth track “NYC Summertime” is a classic summer jam. It’s got all the energy of a 90s party jam plus a heap of Spank Rock. Dueling acid-like synth lines and singalong lyrics are guaranteed to make this a club banger. “Taxi cab pick me up. Hit that train. Make that bus. Watch the sign, don’t step across, but don’t forget my favorite line, it’s New York City summer time.” “So hot it blows my mind, It’s like a jungle sometimes, but it’s no wonder why: It’s New York City Summer Time.” “This ain’t no Austin, Texas, you ain’t on West Coast time. Change your plans. Stay Inside. It’s New York City Summer Time.” “Blackout windows sleep till 5, it’s New York City Summer time.”

LISTEN: neiliyo – “Aquinnah” EP

Full disclosure: neiliyo and I DJ every week together at #kitchen. He’s been teasing these tracks for the last couple months. And with all honesty, I’m so proud of my homie. He really turned it up to 11 on this album. After a couple listens, you’ll be hooked, and it might just be a part of your spring soundtrack. Head over to neiliyo’s soundcloud to download Aquinnah for free.

Austin dance musicians, neiliyo just upped the game. How you gonna answer?

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Have you noticed a big, silver, inflated thing in front of the Long Center? No, it’s not a giant bouncy castle from a carnival. Nor is it an early SXSW corporate promo venue. it’s actually a Luminaria, an inflatable sculpture you enter to be transported to a magical place, created by British art company Architects of Air,

This last weekend, a group of friends and I hit up the Architects of Air Luminaria. Even after reading all about Luminarias and watching videos on the Architects of Air site, we had no idea what to expect. What we discovered was probably one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.

When you’re inside, you totally forget about the real world. Beautiful colors bathe walls and wash over skin, making things look surreal. And veins of light flow throughout the ceiling, as if on a set for Tron.

When you are walking around inside the Luminaria, it’s kind of like walking around the inside of  a space station. There’s something clean, minimal, and airy about the structure. But it doesn’t feel fragile.

Some of the rooms soar like an Arab mosque. And the calming awe that permeated my body as I wandered from tunnel to chamber was probably what the unwashed peasants felt when they walked into a cathedral for the first time. Both magnificient and peaceful, I could understand why they quickly converted to Catholicism.

Exploring the structure really turned all of us into little kids. Lying on the floor in the big chamber, we looked at the ceiling and giggled. Other folks did some yoga poses.We wanted to fly. We pretended to be aliens and robots. We wanted to live there.

The Luminaria itself, made of a special tarp-like plastic, is handcrafted over four months. The things that look like glowing lights are actually light collectors that channel the sun light.

Planning your trip to the Architects of Air in Austin:

• Try to get a group together. Not only does it get you a little bit of a discount, if you call the Long Center, they’ll arrange for you to skip the line once your group is present.
• You’re gonna have to take off your shoes, so be sure to wear clean socks–especially if you’re one of those people who can’t stand to walk around barefoot.
• Bring a camera!!
• Get their early. The lines can be upwards of an hour to get in.
• The structure is cold in places and hot in others. Bring a hoodie.
• Go with someone who will explore and play. It’s also a great place for a date.
• You’re kids will love it–but they may be frustrated with not being able to jump on the walls or climb. Most of the kids there were super chill. I think the Luminaria has that effect.

EXPERIENCE: Architects of Air; (Thursday, 01.19; Friday 01.20); 10A-5P (Last admission at 5PM); The Long Center (701 W Riverside Dr, 78704); Tickets 8$ (For group pricing, please call 512.457.5161); More info

For more pictures, you can also check out my personal flickr page, here.

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From brewskis to booze, we Austinites are blessed with a healthy variety of locally-sourced adult beverages. Whether you want vodka, rum, gin, beer, or wine, it’s easy to find an Austin alternative to give you what you need to get drunk. And now we can add another brewery to the list–but this one doesn’t make ales, stouts, porters, or lagers. Nope, the new kid on the block makes something completely different, but still equally refreshing: hard cider.

Yes, thanks to Austin Eastciders, we now have a local source for hard cider. And although their first brew, Gold Top, debuted in November while I was on my walkabout, I tasted it for the first time this weekend at Cheer Up Charlie’s on the East Side. I’ll be honest, it was delicious.

My first sip of Austin Eastciders Gold Top apparently blew my face out:

Ya see, back in August, I had to switch to a strict gluten free diet. That meant no more beer. And since a brutha’s gotta have some sort of frothy adult bev while out on the town, I’ve been forced to try pretty much every hard cider commonly available at the bars. In fact, I’ve grown into a discerning hard cider connoisseur.

Most hard ciders, to me, are too sweet. Wood Chuck tastes like a Jolly Rancher. Hornsby’s is meh. Strong Bow is tolerable. Original Sin is pretty good. But Austin Eastciders Gold Top, produced with 12 different Texas apple varieties and more than 40 different antique English apple varieties, is effing amazing. With a nice balance of crisp sweet with a smooth dryness, it kinda reminds me of Martinelli’s Apple Juice.

Since my vampiric skin didn’t want to photo properly, I got my homeboy Happy to show off a bottle of Austin Eastciders Gold Top for me:

According to a press release from Austin Eastciders:

The vintage apple varieties used [in Gold Top] include Texas-grown old Southern cider apple Winesap, alongside amazing English varieties like Cap Of Liberty, Brown Snout, Bloody Butcher, Sheeps Nose, Harry Masters Jersey, Hangdown, Porter’s Perfection, Kingston Black and Lambrook Pippin. Gold Top is made in an extremely natural and traditional way. It is almost 100% apples and is made with the minimum of ingredients. There is no concentrate, no artificial flavorings or colorings and much of the fruit is grown using better than organic farming
practices.

And these guys seem to know what they’re doing (also from a press release):

Austin Eastciders make old style cider. We use vintage bittersweet and bittersharp apple varieties to produce ciders which are drier, smoother and more complex than many modern hard ciders. For us, making old style cider is about following the traditions that made cider the ‘Original Drink of America’, the most popular drink in the land until Temperance broke up the party. We use antique cider apple varieties to produce flavors that have not been widely experienced in America since Prohibition. We use the wild yeasts from the apples for a slow, natural fermentation. And we add nothing to our cider which isn’t present naturally in the fruit, no concentrate, no colorings and no artificial sweeteners.

For this first batch, the apples were shipped off to a processing facility in the UK. But Austin Eastsiders founder Ed Gibson says that won’t always be the case. In an email interview, Gibson shared his plans to open a production facility and brewery in East Austin this summer:

I would love to say it will be sooner, but our current aim is to have our East Austin production facility open by mid-summer.

Given that this will be classed by TABC as a winery rather than a brewery, there is potentially a lot more flexibility of use. For example, a Texas winery can sell its products directly onsite, whilst a brewery cannot. We want to try and take advantage of that and make the place a real destination, a space that can also be used for events/shows/parties. We also want it to be in the heart of East Austin, so we’re setting ourselves a high bar! But we have some interesting options and we’re hoping to confirm a space very soon.

You can keep up with Austin Eastciders’s developments via their Facebook page. You can also find out where to buy Gold Top and read more about the company on their recently launched homepage.

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With Austin having the third worst traffic congestion in the country and more than 700,000 folks expected to move here over the next couple decades, it might be time to finally think realistically about building some sort of urban rail to help ease the congestion of this fine city. Of course, Austinites always seem to want better public transit, but voters don’t want to pay the costs. The result, as noted in the recently-released 30-year Comprehensive Plan proposal for Austin, comes at the expense of our general public health and air. And although the Texas Legislature approved the Lonestar Line in 1998 to connect Georgetown to San Antonio via rail, little has been done to provide an effective solution to help commuters.

So it’s time to think big, folks. It’s time to let our minds wander a bit and dream up something that could last hundreds of years and help many generations to come. It’s time to consider effective solutions that people will use.

Thanks to Cavallari Stewart, we can imagine a world in which Austin already has a subway. The Massachusetts design firm started Transit Authority Figures, a side project that begin by fantasizing improbable solutions in smaller towns. They’ve recently branched out to larger cities, and wanted to share a draft of their subway map of Austin. Check it:

[Click image to see a zoomable map of Austin's Subway System]

I really love the thought they’ve put into this. Looking at this map, I imagine my morning commute going something like this: Walk to the Bouldin Creek subway stop, hop on the train, and after a short trip, I get off at the West 6th stop. Viola! Quick. Easy. No hassle. And how nice would it be to go out downtown on the weekends? Ot what about a family trip to Deep Eddy?

Here’s a close up:

According to the key, the stops would stretch deep into the suburbs:

They want the maps to be as realistic as possible, so they’re crowdsourcing this draft. They hope to get feedback from the folks that would potentially use the subway, if it existed. Here’s Creative Director Rob Stewart with a little more:

This is our first draft of the Austin Subway. Our hometown was easy to map because we knew where the stops should be and where the lines should run (and it’s small). For Austin (big), we’ve been studying maps and traffic patterns and consulting friends. But it’s important to get feedback from people who really know and love the metro area.

The lines all run out to the suburbs so that it serves commuters as well as urban dwellers. We wanted to connect hospitals and airports, colleges and museums, shopping centers and public spaces. We also want to make sure there is plenty of local flare—places only folks from the old neighborhood might get—as if the subway had been built 100 years ago.

Ok, me first: For starters, Congress Avenue north of the river is just called “Congress Ave,” not “N Congress.”  Also, the Barton Hills stop seems like it might be a little too far east to service the neighborhood that lies west of Bouldin Creek, not north of it. And what neighborhood is Bailey Park?

What do you think of the map? Do the locations of the lines and stops make sense? Are there high traffic places or popular destinations along the lines that don’t have a stop and should? Or are there ways the stops or lines should be renamed? It’s the little details, things that only people from Austin would know, that make these maps endearing to the people that live here.

Let’s imagine this was real. What would you improve? Leave messages for the creators in the comments!

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Sometimes Austin’s musical heritage is so loud, it drowns out some of the other arts, like film. For those of you who didn’t grow up watching ‘Dazed and Confused’ or ‘Slackers,’ Netflix that ish like now. Not only are they key pieces of Austin’s history, but you might learn a few things about our fine city: Everyone smokes weed. Everyone is a conspiracy theorist. And our high schools are rampant with unruly teens.

Debuting at this year’s upcoming Austin Film Festival, “Austin High” hopes to spark that j and pass on the tradition to the next generation. Set in current day Austin, “Austin High” shows the battle between a city government hell bent on eradicating everything weird, and the blazed out high school that fights to maintain their way of life. That life, of course, involves smoking hella weed. And if the trailer is any indication, it also includes some madcap hijinx.

Check out the trailer:

Did you notice the name of the High School in the trailer? It was Lady Bird High School–and its mascot is a big black dillo. That explains this sign I found earlier this summer stashed behind the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar.

There may have been more marijuana-related paraphernalia in that trailer than there is in the entire glass case at Planet K. And with an ensemble cast and multiple takes, it could get expensive buying the bricks of weed required to shoot a movie. Good thing their special effects crew knew how to turn some over-the-counter herb (oregano) into the stickiest of the icky. Apparently all it takes is some egg whites, sugar, and a little Kool-Aid.

Check out this behind-the-scenes video explaining the process:

Not convinced yet? Here’s the full synopsis:

Welcome to Ladybird High, nestled comfortably amongst the soul-searchers, aging hippies, and nouveau weirdos of famously freewheeling Austin, Texas. At Ladybird, it’s always 4:20, even for Principal Samuel Wilson. But when the community is rocked by a citywide crackdown on marijuana use, local leaders are determined to make an example of Samuel, his staff and students. When asked to support their iron-fisted efforts, Samuel is beset with the task of cleaning up his beloved school without compromising his life philosophy.

Austin High is a coming of age comedy for the young at heart, featuring an ensemble cast right from the source. Knowing there’s more than just fun at stake, Samuel’s daughter and crew of oddball friends try to keep him honest along the way. In the city officials’ “war on weird,” Samuel and the rest of the blazed faculty, students and staff of Ladybird High School will have to conform or pay the price. The fight is under way, and everyone must find the courage to stand up and defend the city they love, before it’s stripped of its unique essence and mutated into the latest American strip mall: a drab monument to consumerism.

I’m not gonna lie, I’m a sucker for late-night comedies. And, well, y’all know I love Austin. Can’t wait to check it out at the Austin Film Festival on October 22nd!

Speaking of AFF, have you bought your Austin Film Festival film pass yet?  It’s only $50 for access to all movies during the eight days (October 20th-27th, 2011) of film screenings, including entry in the priority Film Pass line and admittance to the Film Pass Party.

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Man, so much has happened since I wrote my initial musings on Occupy Wall Street. It seems like in the short span of 3 days, things have started to solidify on a more national level. And after pouring through tons of articles and videos, I can agree mostly with what #OcuppyWallSt stands for.

The tipping point, for me, was reading this CNN article on how this movement is different. Unlike other protests, this is the first protest for the Internet native. Since communication has changed, so has thinking. This movement is not read like a book with a beginning and an end; rather, it flows like the Internet. It’s full of crowd-sourcing and collaboration–and it’s not polarized by Democrat or Republican. (Seriously: The article states that much more eloquently.)

To me, it’s about finally waking up and understanding that a democracy is run by the people–not big businesses that pay politicians. Trying to explain this to my mom yesterday was like pulling teeth. In her world view, votes still count. But for me, my vote doesn’t count for anything: Someone’s money is more powerful than my vote, and politicians on both sides of the aisle are suspect. And when the people in a democracy start to lose power, the democracy fails. To reclaim our democracy, it’s time to take to the streets. It’s time to occupy public spaces and show the civil servants that they work for us.

Occupy Austin kicks off at City Hall today at 10AM, with a General Assembly at 3PM. It’s an occupation, not a protest, and is supposed to last until December 6th. That means that people will be there 24/7–which is a good thing, since working stiffs like me gotta be sitting in a cubicle during the weekdays. I’ll be heading over after work. Come join the more than 4000 folks who have RSVPd.

5 Tips to Get Ready for Occupy Austin:

1. Know what you are protesting.

The General Assembly of #OccupyWallSt in New York released their first official announcement earlier this week. Keith Olbermann read it on his show last night. This will help you if any members of the press or your not-quite-so-understanding friends ask you what this stands for. If you’d rather see the text version, click here.

2.This is supposed to be a nonviolent protest.

Remember that we are looking to change the whole system. But you are a part of the system–and so is the police officer. We want to liberate their minds as much as we want to liberate ourselves. Violence will not do anything but position people against you.

Be cautious of anyone trying to rile people to violence. Sometimes these are just anarchists. Sometimes they are operatives. In either case, it will muddy the message. This article describes an interesting way the OccupyWallSt protestors are countering the crazies.

3. Know how to handle police.

The New York City General Assembly has posted this Legal Fact Sheet. The National Lawyer’s Guild also has this fact sheet. Know it before you head out.

Here’s a good overview from the New York General Assembly:

“If You Come into Contact with the Police During the action, if police prevent you from leaving, ask if you are free to go. If they ask to search you or your bag, you should repeatedly state, “I do not consent to a search.” The New York City chapter of the National Lawyers Guild advises that if you are arrested, it is best to say, “I am going to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.” The police can legally lie when attempting to acquire information from you. You have the right to ask for an officer’s name and badge number. If you are mistreated, obtain this information as well as contact information of witnesses. If you are injured, take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible. Lastly, the National Lawyers Guild states, “If you are undocumented, out of status, a legal permanent resident (green card holder), or a citizen, you do not have to answer any questions about your immigration history [to government officers].”

4. Bring a camera or a phone that can record video.

If the police do arrest folks or do resort to brutality, we need to get it on tape or film. Even though this is a non-violent protest, there have been documented cases of police brutality in the #OccupyWallSt campaign. In a few instances, the folks with cameras were targeted by police. The more cameras there are, the harder it is for police to attack one person.

Despite what anyone says, videoing police is protected under the First Amendment. Check out this article from the ACLU. And here’s a printable card that tells you your rights, should you be arrested for photographing the event.

This is a graphic video, but it shows the kind of violence folks in New York experienced last night. I hope this doesn’t happen in Austin.

5. No sleeping or camping.

Although protesting is allowed on public sidewalks, the city does not allow camping. Apparently that means you can be there, but can’t sleep. I call BS. How did all those folks camping out for Hanson last week get away with it? OR does APD only enforce it if you are making a political statement? Also, Chief Acevedo has said that APD will arrest anyone in the parks after the 10PM curfew.

I can’t seem to find the no sleeping ordinance anywhere except in the Occupy Austin guide. If you find it, please share it. In the meantime, Occupy Austin is saying they will not pitch tents and that people will protest in shifts to get around the no sleep rule.

[UPDATE: The two most pertinent parts of the city code seem to be § 9-4-11 and § 9-4-14.]

This, to me, is probably going to be the clashing point with APD. Yesterday, police moved in on the camps in San Francisco and Seattle. They tried to evict the protesters who were camping. Will that happen in Austin?

The OccupyWallSt folks have managed to create a village without setting up a single tent or structure. Check out this beautifully shot video of how they have formed as a community. It’s about coming together. Kinda inspirational, no?

More than 4,000 people have RSVPed to join Occupy Austin. If you’re like me, you can’t miss work, so come after work. Bicycle, because parking and traffic may be a fluster cuff.

The People united can never be divided.

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Find something Austin-related that you want to share? Photos, screen shots, articles, news? Email us at tips@republicofaustin.com.

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Hey, you guys:

We updated the banner for fall and winter. Check it:

The banner uses our new logo, designed by contest winner Dan Reid. You can see more of his work on his Facebook Fan Page.

It also incorporates images from our Instagram friends:

Really loved this photo from photographer Miguel Angel, aka ulovei, of three ladies wearing masks. Check out his facebook, webpage, and follow him as ulovei on Instagram.

This picture of the bats coming out was by Bryan Gonzalez, aka brygonz on Instagram.

And this beautiful picture of the sunset is from Hawk Thompson, aka hawkt on instagram and twitter.

Hope y’all like it!! Oh, and feel free to follow me on Instagram: @socialTNT.

V + <3 + \m/,

Chris Apollo

Despite the cooler temps and the brief showers during ACL, we are still in a severe drought. In fact, over the weekend, the levels have surpassed the 2009 record low of 51.16 feet below normal.

(Source: LCRA)

Today the water level at Lake Travis is 52.5 feet below normal. That’s 6 feet lower than it was when we shared these horrific pictures of Lake Travis during the drought.

Here’s a video of aerial views of Lake Travis shot September 20th–lots of cliffs and large islands:

October is normally our 3rd rainiest month, but the Lower Colorado River Authority’s Chief Meteorologist Bob Rose doesn’t think it will rain. In fact, he doesn’t see more than a handfull of scattered showers from now through winter, extending the historic drought at least until spring. This could mean Austinites will suffer from tighter restrictions, including no outdoor water use.

Looks like I’m gonna keep showering in a bucket to water my trees. I’m not sure what’s sadder: The livestock and wild animals who can’t find water in the Hill Country, or the deaths of centuries-old trees throughout the city.

Will we ever return to the days when Austin was a Sportsman’s Paradise?

(Photo by Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman)

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Find something Austin-related that you want to share? Photos, screen shots, articles, news? Email us attips@republicofaustin.com.

Want more RoA? Be our friend on Facebook. Add our RSS feed! [what’s that?]. Start your morning with Republic of Austin in your InBox. Or read us 24-7 on Twitter!