Thinman

Rama TiruRama Tiru, a local artist, has self-published a photo essay book called Austin - East of I-35. Tiru calls herself a "people and place person." She roamed the neighborhoods, visiting, taking pictures and listening to stories. The people photographs - expressive and at ease - are clearly her strength.... continue reading on Austinist

Britt Jones, Slaughter Creek Trail OpeningThere is a new place to hike and bike in town! In 1998, Austin voters approved bonds to buy water protection land. On Friday, February 5th, thanks to 4,000 hours of help from volunteers (including the Austin Ridge Riders), the City of Austin Water Utility... continue reading on Austinist

www.theheadofstate.comA good story rests on tension: get a sympathetic character in trouble, then up the stakes. Lou Berney does that in Gutshot Straight. Shake, a deliveryman for stuff that can't go FedEx, gets out of prison and back behind the wheel on a Lincoln Town Car the next day. Of... continue reading on Austinist

Jonathan Safran FoerIn Eating Animals, Jonathan Foer (Everything Is Illuminated, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close) begins with his grandmother’s chicken soup and memories of their family holiday gatherings. He welcomes the reader to the table. He shares his journey from lapsed to committed vegetarian. Then, in a moderate, but eyes-open... continue reading on Austinist

Travis House, photo by thinmanOn October 13th, the Planning Commission (PC) considered the Historic Landmark Commission's recommendation that Travis House be designated as a historic building. The owner's lawyer told Planning that the 1945 building was in bad shape and contaminated with lead, mold and asbestos. Susan Villarreal, Senior Planner... continue reading on Austinist