I’ve been holding off on writing this post for several days. It’s really been hard to express my thoughts in a coherent way. Not only am I filled with anger and sadness at having to write another post about the tragic death of an Austin cyclist, but I’m also trying to wrap my head around the change that will be required to keep this from happening again. And I don’t want to sound condemning.

We as a city and a society are at a crucial point in history. The winds of change are blowing through, bringing new thoughts and new ideas. As that new philosophy starts to pollinate our minds, it causes a cultural clash. And in the midst of that, it gets a little chaotic.

Simply put: People are rethinking the way our streets should be used. Some see bicycles as a better way to commute. Plus, with massive growth over the last couple years, Austin is due for an infrastructure facelift. Now is the perfect time to talk about what we can do to improve the city to make it a safe place for everyone.

Another day, another tragedy

But first, I’ve got to share this:

This past weekend, a cyclist was struck from behind and killed while riding in the huge shoulder of 360. Here’s a picture of him smiling while on a bicycle. In this moment, he may be dressed as a cyclist, but you can see the joy and underlying humanity that connects each one of us.

Verter Ginestra was killed this past Saturday on 360.

Who blames who?

I could condemn the driver–but what good would that do? The person is also a human. And like all of us, that person has memories, sadness, and pain.

Rather, I’d like to think about what in our society has lead to nearly a dozen cyclists killed in 2012.

Is it because some rogue cyclists run red lights and stop signs? Maybe, but none of the folks killed got hit because of that. And for the record, I see at least 5 cars a day running red lights on my commute to work.

[See my previous post: 14 Tips to Help Cyclists and Drivers Coexist]

What about texting? I see tons of drivers texting despite it being against the law.

There are tons and tons of reasons to place blame. But that’s not going to help. Whether they are drivers in a hurry or cyclists who are trying to be bad asses, there will always be rogues. Nothing will change that.

Learning from the past

I read an article in Atlantic Magazine this week about the birth of Jaywalking. In the 1930s, there was a lot of resentment against cars for endangering the streets. After one particularly bad accident in Cincinnati, cities decided to start limiting cars through local ordinances. Knowing that more limits would decrease car sales, the automotive industry started lobbying to lessen restrictions and change perception of responsibility. Instead of manslaughter for a driver causing an accident that killed someone, they started shifting the ordinances to penalize the pedestrian who jaywalks.

It’s an interesting read that made my mind flip. For me, I thought streets had always been controlled by cars. I didn’t know that there’d ever been a time when people had questioned the purpose and use of the streets.

It got me thinking: What can be done to take back the streets? Aren’t we all just trying to get to work in the morning and home in the evening? Until we move beyond the automobile, what can we do to make the streets safe for cyclists, pedestrians, and cars?

Ok, what to do?

The answer is being addressed all over the country. LA, the pinnacle of car culture, is building 832 miles bike routes, making it the largest network of bicycle-protected lanes in the country. They are also putting problem roads on road diets, a new way of controlling traffic flow to make streets more pedestrian and bike friendly. (Check out Curbed LA’s full coverage of bikeification of the city).

Although Austin claims to be bike-friendly, it’s a joke; rather, we are a city that has a lot of cyclists, and our city government has built token bike ways. Our current bike lanes are shoulders with a bike logo in the middle.  And, I mean, seriously: 4 blocks of protected bike way on Rio Grande, 2 protected blocks on 4th St, and another protected bicycle way that parallels the Lady Bird Lake trail does not a “bike-friendly” city make. Plus, meandering through neighborhoods, the current bicycle trails aren’t practical for commuting.

We need to move Austin away from the automobile in a smart way. We should look at commuting patterns to make safe, protected, viable North-South and East-West routes. We need to look at areas with heavy foot traffic and see how to make them safe. And maybe someone in the City Planning can look at this map:

Bicycle vs Car Accident Map in Austin

[Check out the full interactive map of Bicycle vs Car Accidents here (via KVUE).]

That map shows the  location of bicycle accidents since 2009. What’s interesting about it is that all of those accidents happen on major North-South and East-West thoroughfares. And most bicyclists know how unsafe all of those intersections and roads are. In fact, last week I was thinking about writing a post called: South First, Barton Springs, or South Lamar: Where will the next death take place?

Yes, we NEED safe streets for ALL people. And we need it now, not after another 100,000 people move to our city. Not after more high-density condos and offices go up downtown. Not after another cyclist gets hit. We need it NOW.

Today, you can join hundreds of cyclists in a peaceful ride to help ensure that our roads are safe for everyone. Won’t you join?

EXPERIENCE: Pedaling for Safer Roads; Thursday, May 3rd, 2012; 7-9P; Meet at City Hall then slow ride to the Capitol. Facebook Event

Ah, SXSW…for those of us who live in Austin, we secretly dread the traffic and crowds. For those of y’all who live elsewhere, welcome to Austin! We are so happy you are here and taking over our beautiful city for 10 days!!!

Just kidding. We love South By and all its hipster glorious-ness, but it does leave a lady worse for the wear. The nonstop party-hopping, booze-guzzling, and power-walking can leave the body drained. We’re not medical professionals, but here’s some recovery drinks to keep you going:

The Coco a Go-Go

Coconut water is renowned for its high potassium (more than a banana!) and electrolytes, making it the perfect base to hold the..um…not so healthy ingredients. If Hemingway worked out, this is what he’d imbibe afterward.

1 cup chilled Coconut Water (We like Blue Monkey)
1 shot of Cruzan Black Cherry Rum (Save your fancy rum for later, we’re doing rum Dirty 6th Street style!)
1 squirt of lime juice
Heavy splash of club soda
Big ice cubes
Raw Brown Sugar

Run a lime wedge over the edge of your glass and dip into some brown sugar. Combine ice, coconut water, rum, and lime juice in a shaker. Shake well and serve over ice in the sugar-rimmed glass.

Dr. Emergency

Emergen-C is the tried-and-true of the weary. Chockful of a gazillion vitamins and minerals (1000 mg of Vitamin C), it’s a powerhouse in a powder. Make it super bubbly with a La Croix club soda (can’t go wrong with the cranberry flavor) and throw in some fresh-squeezed OJ to smooth it over.
1 packet of Emergen-C (we like the Tropical or Cranberry flavor)
½ cup of La Croix cranberry club soda
1 shot of vodka (Whatever you’ve got lying around)
Splash of fresh OJ (or just buy the expensive jug from Whole Foods)

Dump all the ingredients in a glass. Stir with a swizzle stick. Add ice. Take a power nap.

The Minty Fresh

This drink is not only refreshing, but it can help ease you out of bed just when you think there’s no hope. The minty bitters not only add an herbal bite, but they’re healing to upset tummies. All it takes is just a few dashes…these puppies are strong! And a handful of blueberries not only complement the mint, but add those much needed antioxidants.

1 cup of club soda
1 shot of gin (Tanqueray Ten for us)
1-5 dashes of Fee Brothers mint bitters
Float or muddle frozen blueberries

Combine all ingredients in an Old-Fashioned glass. Stir with plenty of ice.

We know what you’re thinking. Vodka? Rum? Gin? Ai mios dios! Those little devils got you here in the first place, right? Just wait, there’s an age-old recovery trick for the next day and it’s called “Hair of the Dog.” The old saying goes like this, “If this dog do you bite, soon as out of your bed, take a hair of the tail the next day.” It’s weird, but it works! And if whiskey was your poison the night before, keep it simple and throw back a shot. You’ll be on your way to Fader Fort in no time (save us a place in line, please).

To get in the mood for SXSW, we suggest these tunes to get you moving. Yes, some are ironic.

Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger”

Lil Wayne’s “I’m Hungover”

Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night”

Eddie Murphy’s “Party All the Time”

Cheers to a successful SXSW 2012! We’ll see y’all out in the trenches!

The Gooodetime Gals

This morning I woke up to an explosion of flowers on the plum (cherry?) tree in my backyard. And although I’d love to invite you all over to witness the occasion, I have a tiny backyard. Instead, I decided to take some pics and share them with all of y’all.

I’m currently reading “Creating True Peace” by Thich Nhat Hahn. In the book, he describes a neighborhood celebration of cherry blossoms. When someone in the neighborhood notices that the cherry tree in his backyard is about to bloom, he invites over family and friends for an all-day party. With cups of tea, cookies, and drums, everyone gathers around and celebrates a beautiful moment together.

By celebrating the natural cycles and rhythms of life, it helps us cultivate a feeling of peace within ourselves.

“Time is life; we should use our time in order to live with peace, joy, and freedom.” –Thich Nhat Hahn

Wishing you all a peaceful weekend before the joyous chaos of SXSW!

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If you’ve never been to SXSW, let me give you a tip:  You need to get on the FREE party circuit. As anyone who’s been to SXSW knows, all of the beauty and chaos occurs during these events.

Kanye West makes a surprise appearance at the Perez Hilton Party (photo courtesy of The New York Times)

Free food. Free booze. And FREE shows–all without a badge!  But here’s the thing tho: They don’t just let any chump off the street into these free galas. You have to RSVP–and FAST, because once the RSVP closes, that’s it. No entry for you!

We’ll be updating the main page of SXSW Free Party RSVPs regularly, so check back. It’s only gonna get more insane.

Feeling overwhelmed? Check out RSVPster, our homies who will do the RSVPing for you.

Not enough party? Head over to SXSHHH. They’ve got ALL the parties.

I’ve been putting this off for the last month. Watching the emails trickle in gave me a special kind of anxiety, RSVP Overload. And maybe a part of me is still recovering from last year.

Yes, yes, call me a slacker. I’ll wear it as a badge of honor. After all, this is the city of slackers. Maybe I’m saving all my energy for TEN days of non-stop party.

So now, with out further ado, here are 25 RSVPs you’ll want to get ASAP. More will be coming all week, so stay tuned!

SXSW Interactive (March 8th-13th, 2012) Party RSVPs

 TechKaraoke SXSW 2012 [Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Friday, March 9th, 2012, 8P-2A
• LOCATION: The Stage on Sixth (508 E 6th St, 78701)
• RSVP

Do512 and AirCover Present: Epic Interactive! Featuring Delta Spirit, Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr [Added Feb 27th]

• DATE:Friday, March 9th, 2012, 7P-MID
• LOCATION: The Belmont (305 W 6th St, 78701)
• RSVP

Startup Weekend, Zaarly & Twilio SXSWi Party [Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Friday, March 9th, 2012, 8P-2A
• LOCATION: Kingdom (103 E 5th St, 78701)
• RSVP

Beauty Bar X[Added Feb 27th]

• DATE:March 10th–March 12th (9A-3P)
• LOCATION: Beauty Bar (617 E 7th St, 78701)
• RSVP

SpareFoot + Uncle Bob’s present: SPARE BEATS with TBA DJs [Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Saturday, March 10th, 2012, 2P-MID
• LOCATION: Molotov (719 W 6th St, 78701)
• RSVP

Copyblogger Media Presents: The Computer Blue Party[Added Feb 27th]

• DATE:Saturday, March 10th (6P-8P)
• LOCATION: Rattle Inn (610 Nueces St, 78701)
• RSVP

Girl + Guy Party SXSW 2012[Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Saturday, March 10th, 2012, 2P-MID
• LOCATION: Stubb’s (801 Red River St, 78701)
• RSVP

Vivogig & DejaSet’s Mobile Music Invasion (Octopus Project +) [Added Feb 27th]

• DATE:Saturday, March 10th (8P-MID)
• LOCATION: Swan Dive (615 Red River St, 78701)
• RSVP

Big Ask Bash SXSW 2012[Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Saturday, March 10th, 2012, 8P-2A
• LOCATION: Hangar Lounge (318 Colorado St, 78701)
• RSVP

Klout & Barefoot Wine present One Beach! [Added Feb 27th]

• DATE:Sunday, March 11th (1P-3P)
• LOCATION: Parish (214 E. 6th Street, 78701)
• RSVP

Big Ask Bash SXSW 2012[Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Saturday, March 10th, 2012, 8P-2A
• LOCATION: Hangar Lounge (318 Colorado St, 78701)
• RSVP

CNET PARTY AT SXSW 2012 FEATURING DELTA SPIRIT [Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Sunday, March 11th, 2012, 9P-11P
• LOCATION: Maggie Mae’s (323 E 6th St, 78701)
• RSVP

Yelp’s Interactive Event & Mobile Lounge Launch”[Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Sunday, March 11th, 2012, 9P-2A
• LOCATION: Violet Crown Social Club (1111 E 6th St, 78702)
• RSVP

Zagat “Beer, Blues, & Bites”[Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Sunday, March 11th, 2012, 6P-9P
• LOCATION: Clive Bar (609 Davis St, 78701)
• RSVP

HGTVGardens.com Launch Party at SXSW [Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Sunday, March 11th, 2012, 9P-1A
• LOCATION: The Ghost Room (304 W 4th St, 78701)
• RSVP

GET.DOWN SXSW 2012 [Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Sunday, March 11th, 2012, 8P-11P
• LOCATION: The Pure Volume House (504 Trinity St, 78701)
• RSVP

The Barbarian Group & Tumblr present: #RobotripSXSW [Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Monday, March 12th, 2012, 6P-1.30A
• LOCATION: Mohawk + CLub Deville (912 Red River St, 78701)
• RSVP

Byte Rock Riot [Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Monday, March 12th, 2012, 6P-9P
• LOCATION: Flamingo Cantina (518 E 6th St, 78701)
• RSVP

gdgt Live in Austin [Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Monday, March 12th, 2012, 7P-10P/li>
• LOCATION: Austin Music Hall (208 Nueces St, 78701)
• RSVP

IndieGoGo Presents STARRY NIGHT at SXSW! [Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Monday, March 12th, 2012, 6P-9P
• LOCATION: Icenhauers (83 Rainey Street St, 78701)
• RSVP

The Boxing Lesson Presents: A Music OVRLD [Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Tuesday, March 13th, 2012, NOON-10P
• LOCATION: Guero’s (1412 S. Congress Ave, 78704)
• RSVP

White Whale Games presents God of Blades Party [Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Monday, March 12th, 2012, 6P-9P
• LOCATION: Shangri-La (1016 E. 6th St, 78702)
• RSVP

SOUND PELLEGRINO VS BODY HIGH – AUSTIN TX ROOFTOP PARTY [Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Tuesday, March 13th, 2012, 9P-2A
• LOCATION: Speakeasy (412 Congress Ave, 78704)
• RSVP

Art Disaster No. 14 [Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Tuesday, March 13th, 2012, 8P-2A
• LOCATION: Beauty Bar (617 E. 7th St, 78701)
• RSVP

Pond5 Media Makers Soirée SXSW 2012 [Added Feb 27th]

• DATE: Tuesday, March 13th, 2012, 9P-2A
• LOCATION: Maggie Mae’s (323 E 6th St, 78701)
• RSVP

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Yo, check out the Mounty, a kick-a bicycle mount for your smartphone designed by Eleanor Seaborne and Kevin Keller, two enterprising young Austinites:

What makes it so kick-a is that it’s not hard plastic like other mounts. Rather, it’s rubberized and bendy like knog lights. It also doesn’t require any tools. Here’s how it works:

Ok, so the headline was sort of misleading. The Mounty isn’t available to buy…yet. But if you act now, you can pre-order one for yourself AND help this Austin-based duo raise enough money on Kickstarter to manufacture the Mounty.

Please, please, please help them fund this. It’s perfect for looking at maps or GPS navigation through your phone while biking. And it’d make such a great addition to my daily bike commute.

WATCH: Head over to the Mounty Kickstarter page and watch their pitch video. It features Kevin and Eleanor demonstrating the Mounty in action in places all over Austin. It also includes music from local faves The Black and White Years.

DONATE: A $20 donation on Kickstarter gets you a Mounty. $35 gets you two. They have to raise a total of $29,000 by MONDAY FEB 27, 11:39PM CST. They’ve got roughly $18,000 remaining. That’s approximately 1,000 donors. Donate, then get your friends to donate. We can do it!!

One final plea from Eleanor:

My name is Eleanor and I am an Austin-based mechanical engineer…also a closet-hipster, community gardener and road bike rider…My friend and I have designed a tool-free smartphone mount for bikes, shopping carts, strollers, etc. We call it the Mounty and have launched a Kickstarter campaign to help us get it to production…We’re just trying to get a buzz going and appreciate any help.

Let’s do this, y’all!

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Man, there’s nothing this lil dillo loves more than Internet Memes…well, except maybe UT Football, Lonestar, and Bikes. Today, I’m cracked out on my new addiction, the UTexas Memes Facebook page.

It started around 10.30PM. I was checking Facebook before bed. My feed was blowing up with these hilarious UT-related meme pics. I couldn’t stop laughing, and I stayed up WAY passed my bedtime. To save you the time, here are my top 12.

Top 12 UTexas Meme Pics

Lame Pun Coon takes on Guadalupe St:

First World Problems at the PCL. All. The. Time.

Riding the shuttle, I’d always hear, “Por favor, no cruze enfrente del autobus” over the loudspeaker. Apparently so did Dos Equis guy

Condescending Wonka is really impressed by your friendship.

Sometimes it’s just faster to walk.

Oh, the magical albino squirrels…

I actually only saw them DAYS after an exam, just like this Scumbag Steve Impersonator

Archaic Rap takes on OU’s massive suckage:

Oblivious girl tries to pretend like she gets football.

Mac Brown as the Dos Equis guy:

Yeah, this STILL effs with my head as an adult. Those doors make me feel like less of a man.

This guys is probably the most boss service industry dude ever. No one can place an order with his speed.

Find these photos and more over at UTexas Meme. And if you truly bleed orange, you can upload your own!

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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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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

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

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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.

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