First, there's an excellent array of Breweries and Brewpubs, which I've scarcely had the opportunity to sample. In the supermarket, along with all the tried and true California classic ales (Anchor, Sierra Nevada, etc.) there's the Texan classic Shiner, famous for its Bock beer, and — a new discovery — Real Ale Brewing Company, which I’ve only found at my local HEB. It comes in a mixed 6 pack with 2 Brewhouse Brown Ales, 2 Full Moon Pale Rye Ales, and 2 Rio Blanco Pale Ales (make with Saaz hops), all excellent, well-crafted, true to their traditional style. Finally, Austin is home of Celis Brewery, probably the preeminent Belgian style brewer in America. Available on tap and at the market.

Strings Attached is going to be putting on a children's show. I heard then doing a live show on the radio the other week and they sounded really good. This venue is a beautiful outdoor amphitheater -- should be sweet.

They're pretty strict about meeting those dimensions here — I've already had a few piles of folded up cardboard left on the street. Curbside recycling in here is pretty good, but they don't take as much paper goods as they do in CA — cereal boxes and the like being the most frequently accumulated. It pains me to throw it away, but the stated rule of thumb here is When In Doubt, Throw it Out. (I can hear my Acterra friends cringing at their monitors – their worst fears of Texas confirmed!