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The End Of History

How are road kill, beer, and recycling synonymous of each other?  On July 2010 Scotland’s largest independent brewery BrewDog pushed all boundaries and expectations by creating the “End of History” beer.  It’s not the record breaking 55% alcohol level that makes it unique, it’s not even the outrageous $770 price tag.  What makes this beer so different is the fact that only 12 bottles have been manufactured and each bottle comes with its own certificate and is presented in a stuffed stoat or grey squirrel.  But not to worry, no animals were hurt in the process of making this product.  Only road kill carcasses were selected to become beer cozys.

But beware, The End of History beer must be consumed with caution.  Having a higher alcohol level than most vodkas this blend of art, taxidermy, and brewing must be consumed more as a fine whisky.  Surpassing over mainstream ideologies BrewDog’s alternative brewing styles have reached beer fans around the world by producing new blends, flavors, and of course packaging that re-vives the  drinking experience of even the most loyal beer drinkers.

Tired of the dirt, heat, and mean dogs from your regular dog park? Well do I have the perfect solution for you and your pet.  With it’s grand opening on July 2010 ZoomRoom is the new hip indoor dog park and agility facility.  Offering an array of activities such as, puppy training, adult and puppy agility courses,  and open gym ZoomRoom is the perfect environment for you and your pet to have fun in a safe location.  Located close to the intersection of loop 1 and high way 183, this state of the art facility incorporates fun and training so your pet is relaxed and always happy. 

    Offering weekly classes for about 6 weeks your puppy or older dog is guaranteed to be trained in either agility courses or basic commands. Even though the price tag attached to these courses might be a little pricey for the average Joe, the life long training your dog will obtain will definitely pay off in the long run.  Also, celebrating your companions birthday has never been so easy and fun.  With doggie cakes, treats, goodie bags and even Eco-friendly toys ZoomRoom is the best venue for your dogs celebration.  Drop by to see the state of the art equipment and the friendly faculty and I guarantee you and your pet will both be swinging your tails, and remember a tired puppy is a happy puppy.

With already 75 days into the BP oil spill, the city of Austin is giving a helping hand.  On June 25, 2010 residents from all over Austin came together at Auditorium shores in an effort to increase awearness and funds for the spill.  Uniting as “Hands Across the Sand” this dedicated group of people held hands making a large human chain that crossed through the park and was visible by admirers and crossing traffic.  Holding signs and gathering donations, Hands Across the Sand not only increasing awareness in Austin but also succeeded in sending a generous donation to Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary program, an environmentalist program dedicated to protecting Queen Bess Island, the only nesting ground for an endangered species of pelicans. 

 With the oil spill still gushing hundreds of oil gallons into the gulf, local Austin resident Scott Spain offers a possible solution.  As owner of the company Quatra S, his company produces a pink fluffy polymer that is used to pick up oil from surfaces.  After days of lab work and some adjustments he is finally confident that his  polymer solution will work.   Once the polymer combines with the oil it quickly becomes a rubbery solid that floats on water and can be pealed away easily.  Not only will this polymer clean the gulf waters but it can also be used as a  burning energy fuel.   With rejection from BP and government agencies every time he calls,  all he wants is an opportunity to demonstrate his solution.  Best of luck Scott!

Roller derby history dates all the way back to 1922, but did you know that the first all women’s roller derby league started here in Austin?  That’s right, after sexist male league members denied enrollment for women, the strong dedicated women of Austin started their own all female roller derby league here in town.   In 2001 after official founding by She-EOs Anya Jack, April Herman, Heather Burdick and Nancy Lynn, the TXRD leauge exploded with popularity and grew so quickly that the city of Austin has become the prime backdrop for all female leagues around the country. 

This fast pace game combines the “Keep Austin Weird” attitude along with a long dedication for fun and competition.  With the increasing amount fans, the roller derby venue has grown to much more than just a skating ring.  Events now include local bands from around Austin playing heart thumping, head bumping rock and roll that fits the environment perfectly. Along with local privately own restaurants selling delicious local delectables.

There are five main teams that compete against each other through out the season, these include, The Cherry Bombs, Hellcats, Holy Rollers, Putas Del Fuego, and Rhinestone Cowgirls.  Each one with its own unique punk-rock attitudes and stylish themes such as, cholas with a taste for blood and tequila for the Putas Del Fuego and 50’s-style vixens who love their hotrods and switchblades for the Hellcats.

The crowd is filled with high spirited fans of all categories screaming at the top of their lungs supporting their teams.  Its would not uncommon to find lawyers, soccer moms, bikers, and mohawks all encouraging the same teams side by side.  The ecstatic energy radiates from the stands that it is impossible not get hooked the moment you walk in.   I recommend this event to everyone, young, old,  assuring that you will always feel welcomed and have a great time. 

They host 1 to 2 evetns per months at the Thunderdome inside the Palmer Event Center and tickets range from $10-20 at txrd.com. Visit the website for schedule details.

On November 12-13-14, 2010 Wizard World Comic Con will transform Austin’s convention center into a fantasy wonderland celebrating comics, movies, video games, collectibles and so much more.   The four level facility will include an array of entertaining booths, discussion areas, music, food, and of course meet and greet with some of the most iconic pop culture celebrities in the industry.   Some confirmed guest include, actress-Kristanna Loken from Terminator 3,  cover artist Arthur Suydam from Marvel Zombies and Batman.  Actress Kelly Hu from X-Men 2; Scorpion King; the Tournament, and James Marsters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Smallville,  just to name a few. 

The event will run on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and you can purchase admission tickets for all three days for the discounted price of $45 or buy a single day admission for $25.  This is a pretty good deal considering the huge venue and low prices compared to other Comic Con events that can run up to $60 dollars a ticket. There are special deals you can find online so make sure you get the best price.  

For all those who love movies, comics, toys, video gaming, games, TV, anime, manga, horror, wrestling, MMA, original art, and collectibles this is an event you wont want to miss. Austin’s live spirit along with the celebration of pop culture will make this event one to remember. So come dressed in your best Wolverine and Sailor Moon outfits and come share with me a day to remember.  See you all there!