WATCH | US WOMEN’S TEAM WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIP
Soccer. Women. Team USA. We made it to the World Cup championship game against Netherlands. Whether you’re a soccer fan or not, and whether you’ve watched the games up until now or not, we think it’s time to turn on and tune in. The game is tomorrow, Sunday 7/7 at 2pm CST. This is a big deal, and we’re backin’ our team hard. Join us! Go USA!
READ | A ROCK STAR WAS ASKED WHAT GOD’S VOICE SOUNDS LIKE...
“His answer is beautiful,” is the continuation of the above line. We’ll let you be the judge. Most of us know Nick Cave via his past band the Birthday Party and/or the Bad Seeds, but for those of you who aren’t familiar, he’s also very well known for his reputation as a successful solo artist in music, film scores and author of multiple books. Then there’s this - his new intimate question and answer forum with his fans (known as the Red Hand Files) who send him emails and he responds, usually at length. "I think people increasingly have a hunger to engage in alternative ideas about all manner of things,” Cave said, "and this is evidenced in the kind of questions that have been sent to me." You might expect questions like these to be sent to some sort of spiritual guide, a therapist or a self-help columnist, but apparently Cave isn’t just any run of the mill rock star. Give this article a read and, if so inclined, you can read more of the letters here.
EAT | YOUR MOM’S SMITHVILLE
Setting: old historic downtown Smithville, Texas. If you’re not acquainted with it, you should be. It’s on the way from Austin to Houston, just off Highway 71. There’s plenty of treasure to be found, including the somewhat subterranean film scene, and you can easily spend a day or ten lollygagging around the charming restaurants, bars, general stores and antique shops. When we swing through, we always hit “Your Mom’s Cafe’ and Market.” A sweet, passionate and hard working couple brought a fresh breath of life into a tired brick building, and along with it some creative and scrumptious blue ribbon burgers, fresh hand cut fries (unlike any other) and more. By “more,” we mean delicious fried chicken, chicken fried steak and whatever special brisket, soup, or dessert they decide to serve on any given day. We’ve loved all the surprises, but our regular go-tos are The Willie Nelson (burger stuffed with cheddar topped with a fried onion ring, bacon and housemade BBQ sauce on Texas toast) or the Patti Labelle and also the Norma Jean - we’ll leave those as surprises. Everything is made from scratch, and you can watch the magic happen right there in the open kitchen. You can see some pics here, but if your mouth starts watering uncontrollably, you had fair warning.
SUBMIT | TITO’S PRIZE OPEN CALL
Calling all Austin Artists! It’s time to submit your beautiful hard work and enter the Tito’s Prize. What does the winner get? Tito’s Vodka? Nope! (But the award is funded by a generous gift from Tito’s Handmade Vodka - so cool of them.) The Tito’s Prize is a $15,000 award for one skilled and lucky artist. Hello $15k! In addition to the dough, the award includes a solo exhibition featuring the selected artist, on display from March 6 - April 4, 2020 in the Big Medium Gallery at Canopy. Dang! This opportunity will be available to all artists within a 20 mile radius of Austin. Artists working in any artistic media and at any stage in their career are eligible. The open call runs until July 25th, so if you’re an artist, get on it. If you have friends who are artists, tell them to get on it as well!
CAFFIENATE | BARISTA PARLOR NASHVILLE
When in Nashville, stopping at or having meetings at the Barista Parlor is kind of a no-brainer. There are 5 locations, so it’s a pretty good chance your paths will cross. Take our word for it, it’s worth it. When you walk in, you get that feeling that you’re dealing with pros and that their pursuit in the coffee craft is perfection. The interiors are all sharp, honest and well-lit, and the team behind the curtain works hard to literally make their coffee the best you’ve ever had. There’s a strong emphasis on ethics, sourcing, and “sweetness” in their roasting. Works from local Nashville artists adorn the walls, munchies come from local farms and bakeries, and the tunes are always spot-on in content and volume. A simple seven options on the beverage menu keeps the game friendly, and their minimal choices of biscuits (with fixin’s), burritos and smoothies are impeccable, so going wrong there isn’t really an option. The Barista Parlor doesn’t joke around - consistency is their middle name, so we say stop there and give ‘em a taste.
GIVE | VET TIX
Do you remember that band you saw and you totally lost your mind (or voice) because the show was so amazing? Or when your team won with seconds left and the whole stadium exploded with a roar? We all know that going to games and concerts is invaluable. It’s so much fun and makes memories that last a lifetime. If you’re blessed enough to get to have some of these awesome experiences, then we urge you to consider helping other deserving people have the same. Vet Tix is on a mission to, “Give Something to Those Who Gave.” This organization provides tickets to events which reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build life-long memories, and encourage service members and veterans to stay engaged with local communities and American life. They support our troops by honoring their service and providing positive family and life experiences, during and after their years of service to our country. Go to their website to learn more, see how you can help, and also look through photos of recipients totally enjoying the events!