Hello citizens of Austin. If you have lost your cuddly lion toy, it can now be found on the South side of Town Lake just before you step onto the new Boardwalk Trail, as some kind soul has placed it on a wall for safe keeping. As a secondary alert, the rains are over for now and sunny weather is predicted for the trail for today and tomorrow.
It turns out that a rainy Thanksgiving night is a good time to take a photo walk around downtown Austin.
This evening was the Republic of Texas Biker Rally in downtown Austin, including a motorcycle parade, some live music in the middle of Congress Avenue (featuring Asleep at the Wheel), and extra shenanigans on Sixth Street. It is always fun every year to go down and watch the bikers take over Austin. Everybody stay safe out there on the roads!
This tree was blooming in full on pink blossoms and its vicinity to the modern art sculpture made for some nice photos. The bee was an extra bonus as I made my way along Congress Avenue.
As part of the SXSW festivities in Austin, Robert Rodriguez has opened up a gallery of Frank Frazetta artwork. They asked for no pictures to be taken once I was inside the gallery, so unfortunately, I didn’t get any photos of the great original art. Below is a copy of one of his prints (the original “Egyptian Queen” was on display and the colors and details were much better in person). You can find more information at several places on the web, including the online Art History Museum. The news is that Robert Rodriguez is planning to direct a live-action relaunch of “Fire and Ice”, the 1983 animated feature by Ralph Bakshi and Frank Frazetta. I’m sure it will be filled with awesome creatures, kind of like the miniature creature that tried to attack me outside the venue. 🙂
The Elephant Room – “Cool Jazz in the Basement since 1991”, and tonight was no exception. A fun time was had by all.
There is a new hotel that has sprung up on Congress Avenue, between Second and Third Streets.  It is the JW Marriott, and they have a cool concept called the Burger Bar.  Yep, you just walk right up and get yourself some grub.  I think this is their nod to the food trailers that used to be in the area before they decided to plop down a fancy new hotel.  I must say the lobby bar on the first floor, and the Starbucks on the second floor were quite nice.  I ordered the Bacon Burger tonight and it was awesome.  Here is how they make the Burger Bar sound just as yummy as it really is on their website.
Here is a different view of Downtown Austin than what you are used to me posting. It is from a secret location that I might be willing to share with you, but first you must hazard a guess. 🙂
I took my Ferrari to Downtown Austin today. I usually only drive the white one on Sunday afternoons. 🙂
earthrobert 