Car2go

If I had to choose the worst things about downtown Austin I would have to say parking. I am sure I am not the only one who detests downtown parking and resort to other modes of transportation to get by, including riding the bus and carpooling. While looking for parking the other day I noticed a line of very small blue and white cars lined along the curb. In the corners of the each car read CAR2GO. I have slowly recognized the appearance of these little vehicles all around downtown, being driven and parked. I have even heard talk about the convenience of renting a car2go  so I did some research and found this phenomenally “Austin” program. 

Car2go in front of Texas capital

Car2go is a revolutionary program that allows an urban area to become mobilized by allowing members to use vehicles conveniently located in downtown areas to drive to next destination and park the car in any public parking location. The program was launched in May of this year and four months after the launching over 10,000 people were reported to have registered.

"Car2go's convenience and ease of use has been received with incredible enthusiasm by Austinites and this growth has exceeded our initial expectations," said Nicholas Cole, president and CEO of car2go North America. "Reaching 10,000 members so rapidly in Austin is just the beginning of car2go's success in North America. In 2011, we will continue to expand to other North American cities where there is a demand for innovative and forward-thinking transportation solutions."

The idea is simple, you register online to become a member with the only requirement of a valid driver’s license and pay a registration fee of $35. After you register you receive a membership card that is used to access the car2go and you are then charged usage fees for the time you use the car. The usage fees are reasonably priced at .35 cents a minutes or a maximum of $12.99 an hour and a maximum $65.99 a day plus tax. The fee covers fuel, parking, maintenance, cleaning and all other services.

Car2go has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 Clean Air Excellence Award for the innovative approach to reduce carbon emission.

Austin is the first city in North America to adapt the program. The first program was launched in Ulm, Germany in early 2009. This program continues to do well in Austin because it mirrors the values of the city. As Austin continues to progress, one thing is certain that the future looks pretty green.

car2go picture courtesy of globalgiant.com

Wal-Mart in the neighborhoods of the weird city

 Thursday Oct. 27 a new Wal-Mart opened its doors in Northwest Austin. While this might not seem like news, the location was a controversial issue for many Austenites who felt that the mega-corporation had no place in the neighborhoods of Austin. 

Activist for a Responsible Growth for Northcross (RG4N) had many concerns with a Wal-Mart in the center of a residential area including traffic, local business losing sales, crime rates increasing and potential litter issues. They have been protesting the plans since 2006 and after court battles and lawsuits there was a compromise.

The original plans included a 24-hour supercenter that would be two story 200,000 sq. ft. building and include a three story parking garage. The compromise was a single story 98,000 sq. ft. building over half the original size and the store is closed from 1 a.m to 5 a.m. Creators of the store called the downsized store the “Neighborhood Market by Wal-Mart.” Wal-Mart also has been taking steps to refresh its stores and the new Northcross store was built with environmentally friendly features and created 250 jobs. The new Wal-mart also does not have a warehouse for inventory, as trucks come in with the products they are directly put on the shelves.

Comments on KXAN website express both side of the issue, some people feel that Wal-Mart will decrease property value due to increase crime rate while other believe that it will increase property value due to convienence. Read more comments at the following link.

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/business/northcross-walmart-opens

As a student with a college budget I was very excited about the opening of the new store. The store was a 5 min drive from my home and as I walked into the new Wal-Mart and was greeted by an employee in the familiar blue and a smile I was ready to shop. The first thing I noticed as I walked in was the size, much much smaller than most Wal-Marts. When I started shopping I was disappointed by the lack of choices. The cereal aisle was one-fourth of common Wal-Mart stores cereal aisles. The more I shopped the more I found my self being disappointed and hoping I had gone to HEB for my groceries. In the end the experience was less than satisfactory and I am left thinking what a two story Wal-mart would have been like. I guess it just wasn’t meant for Austin.

If you have checked out the new Wal-Mart tell me what you thought and if you haven’t do you think the compromise was fair?

Original Plan-Wal-Mart Picture 

Actual Northcross Wal-Mart 

Cathedral of Junk Gets Permit

The Cathedral of Junk is just one of the many things contributes to Austins weirdness. You can argue that it is an just a pile of trash or artwork but this unusual heap of junk has been a local attraction for over a two decade. Owner Vince Hannamann, was faced with city ordinance in March of this year to close the attraction to the public because it was not up to safety standards.

The cathedral attracts over 10,000 visitors a year. Fans of the cathedral made a facebook page titled Save the Cathedral of Junk, and strangers and friends helped Hannemann get the cathedral to meet city code.

After six months of alterations Hannemann finally managed to get the structure up to code. In order to meet safety standards Hannemann had to remove over 30 tons of junk. However, there is still over 40 tons of junk left for visitors to admire. One of the biggest changes to the cathedral was the tower of debris which now is no closer than five feet from other properties and can withhold 32,000 pounds.

Though I have never personally seen the catherdal, the pictures are enough to catch my attention. This summer when I found out that the cathedral was closed to the public, I was kicking myself for missing out on the opportunity. The essence of a piece of artwork that practically defines Austin is something everyone who wants to see should get a chance to. Although I am still a little disappointed that I did not get to experience the backyard artwork in all its glory, I am still glad I will have a chance to check it out.

There has been some disapproval from neighbors who feel that the attraction is nothing more than junk that causes traffic in the neighborhood A person against the cathedral of junk left the following comment on the statesman.com story under the user name itscalledthinking.

"Quick! Before you can't crawl through it anymore someone go there, crawl in, and "get" injured...sue the guy and 'viola' - you have a new house in south Austin.
Or better yet - sneak in there with a wire snips. Looks like a pile of crap to me. What, too cheap to pay the junk-man to come haul away your trash? Of course once it piles up long enough it becomes "art". Maybe he should claim it as a historical landmark, then get money from the city to move it to that new "park" the city designated last week?"

I would disagree with these neighbors and remind them that innovative ideas such as this are what keeps Austin quirky and unique. Check it out and give me your feedback on what you think? Artwork or eyesore, junk or treasure?

 If you are interested in seeing the Cathedral of Junk it is open to the public during daylight hours, located at 4422 Lareina Drive, Austin, TX.

Running in Heels

Picture this… hundreds of women running in heels. No there is not an amazing sale at Macy but there is an amazing cause.

This past Saturday Oct. 13 the benefit run Stiletto Stampede for the Cure took place at Hill Country Galleria. The 100-yard high heel -dash aims to raise awareness and support for the fight against breast cancer.

This was the second annual Stiletto Stampede for the Cure in Austin and proceeds from the event went to the Austin area Susan G. Komen Foundation.  The funds raised went towards education, screening, treatment and support.

The family event had four heats including Survivor Stampede, High Heel Dash, Stroller Stampede for moms and dads in heels, and Pooch Scooch, a costume contest for pets dressed in outrageous pink. The entrance fee was $30 and included a goodie bag, a pair of Ideal Heels and educational information.

After the races, Hill Country Galleria Dillard’s held a post-race party which included a fall fashion show, custom bra fittings, complimentary makeovers, giveaways and breast cancer education seminar.

The event was sponsored by Ideal Heel and Nyle Maxwell.

"Our goal with the Stampede is to create a unique and fun event that encourages young people to be advocates for their health," said Michelle Patterson, President of IdealHeel and event creator. "Ultimately, we want to empower our participants to be proactive, not reactive to breast cancer."

The importance of advocacy for this issue is important and touches so many lives. Follow this link to hear Monica Yaniv's story and how her and her mother survivors of breast cancer support events such as Stiletto Stampede becuase of what they stand for. http://www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/274699/stiletto-stampede-puts-runners-in-a-high-heel-hustle#2

The uniqueness and philanthropic qualities of the event make it perfect for the Austin area.  I had a few friends participate in this years event and I know next year it will be on my to-do list.

The slogan Keep Austin Weird is an honorary title most Austenite’s hold. Weird is something they are proud to be and is proudly displayed on t-shirts and bumper stickers.

A city of weird would not be complete without a museum that commemorates all that is weird. What better place to display such things than in the middle of Sixth Street in the heart of downtown Austin. If you are curious about the Museum of Weird, then go see what it is all about.

In spirit of Halloween the Museum of Weird has just announced will be opening a new exhibit that details the ghostly history of the Texas State Capital. The new exhibit titled “Austin Haunted History” will feature local legends and landmarks with a haunted past including, the Driskill Hotel and the Paramount Theatre.

To promote the opening of this permanent new exhibit, Scott Johnson, American horror writer, will be promoting his new book on the haunted history of Austin. There will be a signing on Oct. 24 in Lucky Lizards Curios & Gifts store from noon to 4 p.m. Admission to the Museum of Weird will be free with a purchase of Johnson’s book.

The museum has been operating since May 2007 and has grown to include life-size wax figures of famous monsters including Frankenstein, Dracula and movie props such as two headed animals, a Fiji mermaid, and many more creepy spectacles.

I personally have seen the current exhibit and will make a stop on a night downtown to see the new addition.