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November 2008

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Holiday Gift Guide 39
Make your holidays fabulous with unique gifts from local shops

No More Shame 44
The faces of sexual violence
by April D. Boland

Letters    6
Our readers write.

Arts Feature    7
The planets align
Austin Lyric Opera opens an exciting season in its new home
by Bonnie Neel

Arts Buzz    8
Thrifty banquet of plenty
by Bonnie Neel

Arts & Entertainment    9
Art, music, theatre, books and more
Compiled by Laura Blewitt

Out & About    15
The lowdown on what’s going on
Compiled by Laura Blewitt

Intimacies    18
Singles or doubles, it’s good just to be in the game
by Karen Kreps

Seeking Spirit    19
What I really think about Sarah Palin
by Becca Hensley

Free Thought    20
Former UT football stars aren’t shining
by Tom Palaima

Family    21
Another Austin treasure: Children’s book authors
by Lindsey Lane
November Family Events    23

Food    25
Anticipation with certainty
Winter leek and potato soup
by Clane Hayward
November Food Events    27

Pets    28
Finding the right vet for your pet
by Laura Koffler
November Pet Events    30

In the Garden    31
Plant a nighttime garden
It brings you to your senses
by Cecilia Nasti
November in the Garden     33
November Garden Events    33

Shelter    34
Shelter from the sun
Home uses solar energy to its fullest
by Amy E. Lemen

Environment    37
Some unsolicited advice on energy for the new president
by Robert Singleton
November Environmental Events    38

Austin Original    52
Crystal Works
Established 1977
by Shelley Seale

Row, Row, Row Your Boat for Fitness    53
Calm waters of Lady Bird Lake perfect for rowing
by Karen Branz Leach

Holiday Skin Care: How to Look Your Best This Season    56
by Michelle Moon Reinhardt

Fitness    59
Not all vampires disappear with Halloween
by Carla Birnberg

Healthcare    60
Dropping the bomb on health insurance
by Karen Branz Leach

The Buzz    61
Health, wellness & fitness activities abound
Compiled by Laura Blewitt

Holiday Gift Guide 39
Make your holidays fabulous with unique gifts from local shops

No More Shame 44
The faces of sexual violence
by April D. Boland

Feedback on Proposition 2 column

Hello Rebecca,

Thanks for such a well balanced and informative article on such a complex issue ("Proposition 2: Do the right thing" by Rebecca Melançon, October 2008).

I really commend The Good Life for examining the situation from all sides and encouraging voters to do the same. We need more of that in this city!

Glen Coleman

Policy aide to Place Three Council Member Randi Shade

About that bailout

Dear Editor,

The primary work of legislatures has always been stealing, bribing, and lying.

Congress has now illustrated this for us, big-time, as they tried to steal seven hundred billion dollars from the American people-and failed.

Undaunted, they increased the size of the theft to eight hundred fifty billion dollars so the extra hundred and fifty billion dollars could be used to bribe fifty-eight congressmen to switch their "no" vote to a "yes" vote, enabling the massive theft to be pulled off.

What about the lying? They said that they were doing this to save the country.

Mike Ford

www.initiativefortexas.org

Austin

The Planets Align

Austin Lyric Opera Opens an

Exciting Season In Its New Home

by Bonnie Neel

"I have always believed that opera is a planet where the muses work together, join hands and celebrate all the arts."

-Franco Zeffirelli

Villains, cursed hunchbacks, fairy godfathers and revolutionary nuns-it's all in a day's work for the new season of Austin Lyric Opera. The muses of art and entertainment will be alive and kicking when ALO opens its season with a performance of Cinderella by Gioachino Rossini on November 8. At last ensconced in its new digs, the Joe and Teresa Long Center, ALO is planning an Opera Blast to mark the occasion with a pre-performance dinner and a post-performance party where the audience and cast members can mingle and discuss the season's innovative productions.

"With this performance of Cinderella, we wanted a production that really made a statement in our first full year in the Long Center," says Kevin Patterson, general director of ALO. "Our director, Garnett Bruce, has set his production in nineteen-thirties, Depression-era Hollywood. It was a time a lot of people lost hope, lost sight of their dreams. People were escaping from life into film, from silent pictures into talkies."

Enter Cinderella, who searches for her dreams and prince in a town and a time just falling in love with movie stars. Returning to Austin after her popular appearance in 2007's Barber of Seville, is lead soprano Sandra Piques Eddy, a music schoolteacher before her friends pushed her into giving performing a try. "There are these rare talents in the opera world that when they walk out onto the stage, the world just comes alive around them. And Sandra Piques Eddy is one of them," says Patterson. "I like to say she has the best face in the business. She is very expressive; it's not just about the sound that comes out of her mouth. She is a marvelous actress."

The innovative staging, stars and opening night Opera Blast are just the beginning of the excitement ALO has in store this season. After Cinderella, it will stage the classic tragedy Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi beginning January 31. The tale of the lecherous duke, the cursed hunchback and his lovelorn daughter is a staple in classic opera repertoire. Rounding out the season in April is Dialogues of the Carmelites by Francis Poulenc, a thought-provoking tale of a woman who must question her faith once the winds of the French Revolution invade her convent sanctuary.

"I think the opening of the Long Center provides a wonderful vehicle for the arts in Austin to continue to flourish," says Patterson. ALO is taking advantage of its new home by planning hundreds of events in the community in addition to its three productions. The Austin Lyric Opera Guild, a committed group of opera subscribers and fund-raisers, will be hosting the annual Opera Ball in February and numerous outreach events throughout the year. Last year also saw the founding of the Bravo Club, a league of young professionals who gather and network around their shared love of opera. "The first committee of the Bravo Club was eight individuals who were already coming to the opera and are really jazzed to take the art form out to their friends," says Patterson.

ALO provides an opportunity for diverse communities in Austin to come together for fun and fund-raising over their love of opera. La Noche de Opera is a coterie of aficionados who hold social and educational programs for the Hispanic community throughout the year. "They get together around each one of the performances and have lectures and food-they are very into food, love the food-and they're a great group," says Patterson. In addition, Triangle on Stage is ALO's innovative outreach program to the gay and lesbian community. It hosts an annual recital to raise money for the Joe McClain Scholarship Fund that helps students attend ALO's Armstrong Community Music School.

"We are the only opera company in the nation that has both an opera company and a music school for our educational offerings," says Patterson. ALO is committed to growing the next generation of music lovers with classes for adults and children to further their musical education. Along with this, a joint production with the University of Texas of the bilingual opera La Curandera by Robert Xavier Rodríguez, paired with Mozart's Bastien und Bastienne, is scheduled to be performed for middle-schoolers this February.

"We don't want Austin Lyric Opera to be the best kept secret in Austin," says Patterson about the many diverse events planned. When Patterson arrived from the Pittsburgh Opera last June, he started a program called Inside the Opera Studio, wherein he leads informal conversations with some of the stars of the performances; soprano Sandra Piques Eddy is on tap for November. "I've always had sort of a healthy irreverence for opera," says Patterson. "One of the things I wanted to bring to the audience was an understanding that those people on stage are people just like us."

Part of the strength of ALO is that it features some of the best of the up and coming talent in the world. We get to see the next Pavarotti before New York can snatch him away. Austin is growing right along with the performers and the new stage at the Long Center gives us all a place where we can shine. Dance in Hollywood with Cinderella, be heartbroken with the tragic hunchback Rigoletto, and question your faith with the Carmelite nuns. The muses and the planets are aligned for a spectacular inaugural season of ALO in the Long Center. See you on the front row.

Bonnie fell in love with opera thanks to the Metropolitan Opera's half-priced tickets for poor students. Contact her at bneel@goodlifemag.com.

Thrifty Banquet of Plenty

by Bonnie Neel

November is the time of bounty when we rejoice with too much food, too much football and too much shopping. But with times a bit precarious and thrift a bit more practical, here are some excellent art offerings this month, most under twenty dollars.

KDH Dance Company will celebrate its tenth anniversary with three separate programs for three Saturdays (November 1, 8, 15 at Café Dance), reviving some of the audience’s favorite dance pieces from the past decade (tickets ten dollars). If you are in the political spirit (and who in Austin isn’t?), celebrate or commiserate with the crowd at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar for its free election night party (November 4). A five dollar beverage ticket will secure your seat as we watch the pundits and pollsters prevaricate their way to victory.

For those in the mood for some excellent theater, Teatro Vivo will be premiering Fantasmaville (November 5-16) at the Rollins Theater. The comedy by Raul Garza, winner of the 2007 National Latino Playwrights Award, is about how the lives of Austinites are changing just as quickly as the skyline. Tickets are fourteen to eighteen dollars. For a little Shakespearean fun, the University of Texas Department of Theater and Dance is performing A Midsummer’s Night Dream (November 14-23) at the Oscar G. Brockett Theater for only twenty dollars. St. Edward’s Mary Moody Northen Theater is presenting Anton Chekhov’s The Three Sisters (November 13-23) directed by Moscow Art Theatre-trained Sheila Gordon. Tickets are fifteen to eighteen dollars.

Music is alive and well within your price range as the Austin Civic Orchestra performs its fall concert at Reagan High School (November 8, tickets ten dollars) featuring Respighi’s The Pines of Rome. Fresh from their fifth anniversary Halloween ball, the White Ghost Shivers, voted “Best Novelty Band” in the 2007 Austin Music Awards, will bring their own brand of zany jazz, bluegrass and experimental Americana to the Scottish Rite Theater (November 14). Tickets are fifteen dollars.

Visual arts are also within your penny-pinching reach as Women and Their Work presents The Activist Impulse (running through November 15), a free exhibit featuring the work of six artists curated by Regine Basha exploring the role art takes in activism, whether it be political, social or cultural. The Blanton Museum of Art celebrates the opening of its new Edgar A. Smith Building November 16 with a free performance by the always excellent Guy Forsyth Trio and a book signing by noted New York art historian and critic, Jed Perl. Additional entertainment and delicious samplings from the new café make for a pretty fine Sunday afternoon, if I do say so myself.

Finally, I have one recommendation for you that is a little outside of our new commitment to thrift, but just promises to be delightful. If you want to splurge this month, check out Austin Film Society and the Texas Motion Picture Alliance’s fund-raiser, Spaghetti Western (November 7) at the Star Hill Ranch. Tickets run about sixty dollars and the evening will feature a sit-down Italian meal, screenings of spaghetti westerns on the Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow screen, drinks, and music by Guy Clark Jr. and Band. If you are looking for bang for your buck, expect an explosion.

As we tighten our belts (and then loosen them after that Thanksgiving turkey), always keep in mind that quality and diversity in the Austin arts scene is available for the thrifty and the spendthrift alike. Happy Thanksgiving!

Bonnie is penny-wise and pound-foolish, just look at her credit card statements. Contact her at bneel@goodlifemag.com.

How to get your arts event listed: We prefer that calendar listing information be submitted by using the form on our web site at www.goodlifemag.com/calendar-submission-form2.html. Second choice is to e-mail the essential details to editor@goodlifemag.com. Or fax it to 512-474-5725. Or mail to PO Box 4400, Austin, Texas 78765. To be considered for inclusion, items must be received by the 15th of the month for the following month’s events. Listings are free & are published on a space-available basis.

ART SPACES
Nov. 1-Nov. 9 Día de los Muertos Altar Exhibition: Each autumn Mexic-Arte Museum invites individuals & organizations in the Austin community to participate in the creation of their own altars in remembrance of their relatives or friends. The altars are adorned with traditional ofrendas (offerings) including flowers, photographs & images of calaveras (skulls). Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Ave. Details: 480-9373 www.mexic-artemuseum.org.

Nov. 1-Nov. 9 Everything’s Going to be Okay: Young Latino Artists 13: This exhibition curated by Leslie Moody Castro illustrates how moments of vulnerability can turn into our greatest strengths. Now in its 13th year, this exhibition features & challenges Latino artists younger than 35 to create & present their vision in a reexamination of social & aesthetic norms with new & experimental media. Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 N. Congress Ave. Details: 480-9373 ext. 25 www.mexic-artemuseum.org.

Nov. 1-Nov. 25 The Living: Davis Gallery presents a 3-person exhibition of paintings by Stella Alesi, Miranda Gray & David Leonard, all of whom focus on living subjects as their source of inspiration. 837 W. 12th St. Details: 477-4929 www.davisgalleryaustin.com.

Nov. 1-Nov. 29 Tu-Sa free Royo: Moments of Light: Royo, a world-renowned Spanish artist, known as the Heir to the Spirit of Sunlight, revels in light & the beauty of women with a collection of art created specially for the Russell Collection Fine Art Gallery. 1137 W. 6th St. Details: 512-478-4440 www.russell-collection.com.

• Nov. 6 & Nov. 7 Th-F 6-8pm Artist’s Reception

Nov. 1-Nov. 30 free Dwain Kelley: Resurrection: Assemblages, paintings & drawings that span the last 6 decades. Kelley’s paintings & drawings have slowly evolved from early realism, landscapes, primarily, to works that retain that foundation but explore the shape, line & color relationships in a more experimental direction. Wally Workman Gallery, 1202 W. 6th St. Details: 472-7428 www.wallyworkman.com.

• Nov. 1 Sa 6-8pm Opening Reception

Nov. 1-Dec. 5 The Austin ISD Art Faculty: New Work: We mold creative minds during the day & by night create works of our

own. Mark your calendar & join us in celebrating a smashing exhibit of new works. The Hideout, 617 N. Congress Ave.

• Nov. 15 Sa 7-9pm Opening Reception

Nov. 1-Dec. 14 free Linda Calvert Jacobson: Texas native Linda Calvert Jacobson has combined a love of nature, wildflowers & art to create a series of paintings to celebrate spring year-round. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. Details: 232-0100 www.wildflower.org.

Nov. 1-Dec. 31 M-Su free Fab’rik + Rebecca Bennett: Original Oil Paintings: fab’rik, 12801 Hill Country Blvd. Bee Cave. Details: 923-0158 www.fabrikaustin.com.

Nov. 1-Jan. 4 Ben Woitena: A Retrospective: A look back at 45 years of work by noted Houston sculptor Ben Woitena, ranging from the figurative to the abstract, from hydrastone to steel. In Austin, Woitena is best known for replicating the Goddess of Liberty that’s on the top of the Texas State Capitol. The Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, 605 Robert E. Lee Road. Details: 445-5582 www.umlaufsculpture.org.

Nov. 1-Jan. 18 The New York Graphic Workshop: Showcasing over 100 prints, drawings & mixed media works, the exhibition will explore contributions made to the Conceptualist movement of the ‘60s & ‘70s thru the printmaking of The New York Graphic Workshop. Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. MLK. Details: 471-7324 www.blantonmuseum.org.

Nov. 1-Jan. 18 Reimagining Space: The Park Place Gallery Group in 1960s New York: An exhibition that opens a new window on the 1960s art world. In doing so, it reveals the decade to have been a period of much richer artistic possibility & complexity than standard art historical narratives suggest. Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. MLK. Details: 471-7324 www.blantonmuseum.org.

Nov. 1-Feb. 22 WorkSpace 10: Marcelo Pombo: 3 new large-scale paintings together construct a single narrative while maintaining a distinct autonomy. Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. MLK. Details: 471-7324 www.blantonmuseum.org.

Nov. 5-28 Austin Pastel Society Members’ Show: 100 members strong, the Austin Pastel Society celebrates its 10th Anniversary. The group sponsors juried & open exhibitions, workshops, paint-outs & educational opportunities. North Hills Gallery, 7050 Village Center Dr.

• Nov. 9 Su 12:15-1:30pm Reception

Nov. 7 F 6-9pm Art Opening at Chado Tea Market: Come join us & help raise money for Project Transition while supporting some upcoming local artists. We will have a jeweler & photographer displaying wares for the whole month of November. 5% of sales go to Project Transition. Project Transition is dedicated to serving people with HIV & AIDS by providing hospice, housing & support in a compassionate & caring environment. Chado Tea Market, 4616 Triangle Ave. Ste. 408. Details: 206-0524 <robert@chadoteamarket.com>.

Nov. 8 Sa 6-9pm Elgin Art Walk: A family friendly community event that showcases the artistic talents in & around the Elgin community. This is a self-guided tour of art exhibits in galleries & other locations throughout the historic downtown district where you will find works of art unique to Elgin. Historic Downtown District. Details: 289-5302 www.elginartwalk.com.

Nov. 9 Su 2-4pm David Ohlerking Paintings at Paciugo Gelato: Paintings & gelato. David Ohlerking’s landscape, cityscape & interiors paintings will be up all month. Paciugo Gelato, 241 W. 2nd St. Details: www.davidohlerking.com.

Nov. 13 Th BASH Insights Art Show & Sale: Buy art created & donated by professional & patient artists to support programs providing art supplies, books, performances, holiday parties, clothing & peer support programs for over 4,400 Texans annually. Enjoy music, food & art in with a panoramic downtown view. 816 N. Congress Ave. Details: 419-2330 <Barbara.kelly@dshs.state.tx.us>.

• 5:30 VIP Reception $50

• 6:30 General Admission $20

Nov. 14-15 F-Sa noon-5pm $3 The 16th Annual Art From the Streets Show: AFTS gives Austin’s homeless community the opportunity to exhibit artistic skills, interact with the people of Austin & raise funds to pay for necessities such as food, clothing & housing. Austin Resource Center for the Homeless, 500 East 7th Street. Details: www.artfromthestreet.org.

Nov. 15-Nov. 17 Sa-M free World Art Weekend: Hundreds of unframed originals on canvas by artists from South America, Asia & Europe. ART on 5th, 1501 W. 5th St. Details: 481-1111 www.arton5th.com.

• Sa & M 10am-6pm

•Su noon-5pm

Nov. 15-Feb. 8 Damian Priour’s Texas Chair Project: Priour created 100 miniature chairs made of glass & fossil-imbedded limestone. He then mailed the chairs to 100 Texas artists, asking for them to send him back one chair of their own making in return. Both celebrating the artistic impulse & investigating the chair as a rich & open-ended opportunity for exploration, the project hopes to push creative boundaries. Austin Museum of Art, 823 N. Congress Ave. Details: 495-9224 www.amoa.org.

Nov. 15-Feb. 8 Workers: Photographs by Sebastião Salgado: More than those of any other living photographer, Salgado’s images of the world’s poor stand in tribute to the human condition. The winner of numerous international photography awards, Salgado has renewed the “concerned photographer” genre. Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress Ave. Details: 495-9224 www.amoa.org.

Nov. 16 Su 1-5pm free Edgar A. Smith Building Opening: An afternoon of live music, art activities, architectural & gallery tours, film screenings & more. Lecture by critic & art historian, Jed Perl. Blanton Museum of Art, 1 University Station D1303. Details: 475-6784 www.blantonmuseum.org.

Nov. 22 & Nov. 23 Sa-Su 10am-5pm East Austin Studio Tour 2008: The seventh annual E.A.S.T. event celebrates the visual arts in East Austin. This year, 250 artists will be opening their studios throughout the eastside for a free two-day event. E.A.S.T. began as an artist-run initiative designed to highlight studios & galleries located in East Austin. It has grown by leaps & bounds but retains its original mission: to encourage creative dialogue among artists & their peers, as well as between artists & their city. Details: 294-0884 www.eastaustinstudiotour.com.

Dec. 7 Su 6-8pm David Ohlerking/Graham Reynolds Paintings of Play Stuff from Photos: Paintings of people doing play stuff, at a place where people do plays & play stuff. Done from photos taken by a musician who is already down with the thespians, interpreted by a painter who has been inexplicably sucked into the theatrical swirling vortex. Salvage Vanguard Theater, 2803 Manor Rd. Details: www.davidohlerking.com www.grahamreynolds.com.

Austin Art Space Gallery: A cooperative space for established & emerging artists to create, collaborate & present their work. There are 9 artists-in-residence at the studios. The gallery is available for rental for public & private exhibits & receptions. Details: 512-771-2868 www.austinartspace.com.

The Artist Assistance Project: The nonprofit center provides financial management, legal & management services to arts organizations & individual artists. Services offered on a sliding-fee-scale basis affordable for area artists & arts organizations. Details: Lois Jebo 451-5315.

VSA Arts of Texas, a nonprofit organization helping disabled artists have access the arts. 3710 Cedar St. Details: 440-1156 www.vsatx.org.

BOOKS
Nov. 1-30 free BookPeople Author Signings, Events 603 N. Lamar Blvd. 7pm unless otherwise noted. Details: 472-5050 www.bookpeople.com.
Nov. 1 Sa 11:30am Brian Lies: Bats in the Library
Nov. 1 Sa Bill Kongsberg: Out of the Pocket
Nov. 3 M 7% Solutions Book Club: discussing Cold Dish by Craig Johnson
Nov. 3 M Lueza Gelb: Schroon Lake
Nov. 5 W Rewritten History Book Club: discussing The Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
Nov. 5 W Vince Flynn: Extreme Measures
Nov. 6 Th 10am Jamie Lee Curtis: Big Words for Little People
Nov. 6 Th 6:30pm at St. Edwards Daniel Erikson: The Cuba Wars
Nov. 6 Th Thomas Campbell: My Big Toe
Nov. 7 F 5pm Alison Bechdel: The Essential Dykes to Watch Out For
Nov. 7 F Marian Schwartz: White Guard
Nov. 9 Su 11am at the Sheraton Hotel Clifton Taulbert
Nov. 9 Su 4pm Peter Yarrow: Peter Yarrow’s Songbook
Nov. 10 M AAIM Book Club: Discussing The Art of Power by Thich Nhat Hanh
Nov. 10 M 7:30pm H.W. Brands: Traitor to His Class
Nov. 11 Tu Sichan Siv: Golden Bones
Nov. 12 W The Intimacies Group with Good Life “Intimacies” columnist Karen Kreps (2nd W this month)
Nov. 13 Th Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators: Meet & greet
Nov. 14 F Jay Allison: This I Believe II
Nov. 15 Sa 3pm Louis Sachar: Holes 10th Anniversary
Nov. 15 Sa Phillipe Sands: The Torture Team
Nov. 16 Su 1pm Rick Steves: Discussing travel as a political act
Nov. 17 M Ludicrous Speed Book Club: Discussing Ubik
Nov. 17 M Mia Kirshner: I Live Here
Nov. 18 Tu Win McCormack: You Don’t Know Me
Nov. 19 W Steve Baker: The Numerati
Nov. 19 W 7:30pm Scott Westerfeld & Justine Larbalestier: Uglies series & How to Ditch Your Fairy
Nov. 20 Th John Grogan: The Longest Trip Home
Nov. 21 F Susan Meredith: Beyond Light Bulbs
Nov. 21 F M.T. Anderson: The Astonishing Life of Octavion Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom of the Waves
Nov. 22 Sa 2pm Lance Smith: The Old Man & the Cat
Nov. 24 M New & Noteworthy Book Club: Discussing Paris 1919
Nov. 25 Tu Brendan Short: Dream City
Nov. 30 Su 5pm The Voyage Out Book Club: Discussing Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy

Nov. 1-2 Sa-Su free Texas Book Festival: 2-day festival that features spirited literary panels, readings & book signings with celebrated Texas & national authors. Texas State Capitol, 1100 N. Congress Ave. Details: 477-4055 www.texasbookfestival.org.
• Nov. 1 Sa 10am-5pm
• Nov. 2 Su 11am-5pm

Nov. 1-10 $0-$25 Austin Jewish Book Fair: Meet authors from countries around the world, with a variety of religious perspectives & areas of interest. Details: 735-8076 www.shalomaustin.org/bookfair.
• Nov. 1 Sa 8pm free Opening Night with Evan Handler, actor & author of It’s Only Temporary: The Good News & the Bad News of Being Alive. Dell Jewish Community Campus, 7300 Hart Ln.
• Nov. 2 Su 6pm $75 25th Anniversary Celebration: Dinner, celebration, lecture by expert Michael Oren, author of Power, Faith & Fantasy: America & the Middle East: 1776 to the Present. JCAA Community Hall, Dell Jewish Community Campus, 7300 Hart Ln.
• Nov. 6 Th 11am $22-$25 Book Lover’s Luncheon: with Stephanie Klein, author of Moose: A Memoir of Fat Camp & Tracey Fine & Georgie Tarn, authors of The Jewish Princess Cookbook. JCAA Community Hall, Dell Jewish Community Campus, 7300 Hart Ln.
• Nov. 9 Su 7:30pm free Rabbi Brad Hirschfield, author of You Don’t Have to Be Wrong for Me to Be Right: Finding Faith Without Fanaticism. JCAA Community Hall, Dell Jewish Community Campus, 7300 Hart Ln.

The Boomer Burden: Dealing With Your Parents’ Lifetime Accumulation of Stuff by professional estate liquidator Julie Hall is designed to help the some 4,800 baby boomers who become middle-aged orphans each day when their elderly parents pass away, leaving more than just memories. Published by Thomas Nelson, 208 pgs. $14.99. Details: www.thomasnelson.com/consumer.

CINEMA
Daily $5-$12 IMAX Theatre: Presents an ongoing array of feature films. Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. Details: 936-4629 www.thestoryoftexas.com.

Daily $5-$12 IMAX Theatre: Presents an ongoing array of feature films. Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. Details: 936-4629 www.thestoryoftexas.com.
• Grand Canyon Adventure 3-D: River at Risk: Set against the immense backdrop of a natural treasure, the film takes audiences on an exhilarating adventure down the Colorado River in the company of a team of explorers who are committed to bringing awareness to global water issues.
• Sea Monsters 3D: A Prehistoric Adventure: Thru stunning photo-realistic computer-generated 3-D animation, National Geographic transports audiences back to the Late Cretaceous period more than 65 million years ago, when a great inland sea divided North America in two & covered most of Texas. Follow a family of Dolichorhynchops as they traverse ancient waters populated with saber-toothed fish, prehistoric sharks & giant squid.
• Texas: The Big Picture: This film brings the myth, majesty & magnitude of the Lone Star State to the screen.
• U2 3D: The first ever live-action 3D concert film, it immerses the audience in an all-enveloping & thrilling cinematic experience.
• Wild Ocean 3D: Filmed off the Wild Coast of South Africa & set to the rhythm of the local people, this film reveals the economic & cultural impact of the ocean while celebrating the communal efforts to protect our invaluable marine resources.

Tuesdays Nov. 4-18 7pm $4 Austin Film Society’s Essential Cinema Series: “I Married A Witch: Fredric March’s Comic Curse” focusing on the comedic side of two-time Academy Award winner Fredric March. Details: www.austinfilm.org
• Nov. 4 Nothing Sacred Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, 1120 S Lamar
• Nov. 11 I Married a Witch Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, 1120 S Lamar
• Nov. 18 The Best Years of Our Lives Alamo Downtown, 320 E. 6th Street

Nov. 7 F 6:30-11pm $50-60 Austin Film Society’s Spaghetti Western: The night will include a seated, family style Italian dinner under the stars, spaghetti Westerns on the Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow screen, plenty of liquid refreshments, celebrity speakers, a silent auction & music by Austin’s own Gary Clark Jr. Star Hill Ranch, 15000 Hamilton Pool Rd. Details: www.centraltxmpa.org

Nov. 13 Th 7:30pm $15 Orgasmic Birth: A documentary that examines the intimate nature of birth & the powerful role it plays in parent’s lives when they are permitted to experience it. An exclusive panel of internationally renowned birth professionals, anthropologists, sociologists & psychologists featured in the film will engage in an audience talkback following the screening. Live Oak Unitarian-Universalist Church, 3315 El Salido Pkwy. Details: www.centexbirthnetwork.org

Nov. 16 Su dusk (about 8pm) free Austin Film Society’s Outdoor Film Series: Films highlighting Austin’s counterculture from the 1960s psychedelic music scene to the punk rock scene of the ’80s. Bring blankets & chairs for seating. Food & drink permitted but no glass bottles, please. Details: 799-8184, 366-2716 www.austinfilm.org.

DANCE
Monday thru Friday 7:30-10pm Dance Across Austin: You can put on your dancing shoes & enjoy dancing every week night in Austin. Although most of the dances are held at senior centers, all ages are welcome. Attire is casual, but no shorts, please. All venues are nonsmoking & no alcohol is permitted. Details: Donna Baldwin 836-5099.
• M & Th $4 Senior Activity Center, 2874 Shoal Crest Ave. (29th & Lamar).
• Tu $4 Hancock Center, 811 E. 41st St. Bring a snack to share.

• W & F, $3.50 W, $4 F South Austin Senior Activity Center, 3911 Manchaca Rd. Bring a snack to share.

Mondays & Wednesdays Authentic Bellydance Classes: Zein Al-Jundi, native of Damascus, Syria & director-choreographer for Bint El Balad Bellydance Ensemble, teaches bellydance as it is danced & taught in the Arab World. For women only. All classes are ongoing. Zein’s Dance Studio, 5013-B Duval St. Details: 533-9227 www.wmdproductions.com.
• M & W 7:45-8:45pm; F noon-1pm; Sa 11am-6pm Beginner Bellydance
• M 6:30-7:30pm Beginner Intermediate Bellydance
• W 6:30-7:30pm Intermediate Bellydance
• M & W 6:30-6:45pm; Sa 10:45-11am free Conditioning Classes

Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays $13 ($66 for 6 classes) Belly Dance Classes: Texas Traditional & Classical Egyptian techniques & choreographies taught in a fast-paced fun format. Details: Drakon 750-7037 <drakon@desertpassion.com> www.desertpassion.com.
• M 7-8:30pm Platinum Gymnastics Academy, 1410 Royston Ln. Round Rock.
• W 6:30-7:30pm Kidsport Gymnastic & Dance Studio, 2522-C Shell Rd. Georgetown.
• Sa 10-11:30am Dance Unlimited Studio, Main St., Buda.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays Free Classes 1st Week Each Month: Dance Institute is offering free adult classes for new students, no strings attached, at 6612 Sitio del Rio (2222 at Riverplace). Details: 346-6612 <info@danceinstitute.com> www.danceinstitute.com.
• Ballroom Basics Tu 6-7pm
• Salsa W 6:30-7:30pm, F 6-7pm

Wednesdays 6pm $15 Belly Dance Classes: Learn the basics of belly dance technique from 1 of Austin’s best teachers & performers. Classes focus on the foundation moves, muscle isolation & footwork that can be taken into any style. NiaSpace, 3212 S. Congress. Details: 443-3013 www.niaspace.com.

Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm $60 Austin Clickety Cloggers: Beginning lessons. The Appalachian-style dancing requires no partner. 1807 Slaughter Ln. Details: www.clicketycloggers.com.

Saturdays Nov. 1, Nov. 8 & Nov. 15 6pm & 8pm $10 Program A: KDH Dance Company celebrates its 10th anniversary with 3 different concerts highlighting both excerpts & full-length productions of some of its most colorful & dynamic works. Café Dance, 3307 Hancock Dr. Details: 934-1082 www.kdhdance.com.

Nov. 1 Sa 8pm $0-$10 Desert Passion Middle Eastern Dance Theater: 1st Sa each month continuing a longstanding tradition of providing stage-style belly dance shows with some of the top belly dancers in the state. Each show has 10-20 dancers in gorgeous costumes dancing to exciting Middle Eastern music! Eternal Way, 1022 S. Lamar. Details: 750-7037 www.desertpassion.com

Nov.3-12 Blue Lapis Light Aerial Dance Classes: Blue Lapis Light dancer & choreographer Nicole Whiteside is beginning a fall schedule of group & private Aerial Dance classes at Blue Lapis Light Studios, 6701 Thomas Springs Rd., Ste. A. Details: Nicole 288-1929 <nicole@bluelapislight.org> www.bluelapislight.org.
• Mondays & Wednesdays Nov. 3-12 7-8:30pm $20 ($220 for all) Intermediate & advanced group classes.
• Private Classes: By appointment $65

Wednesdays Nov. 5-Dec. 3 8pm $40 Beginning Argentine Tango Classes: Tango is a subtle, social dance involving connection & communication between the leader & the follower. You will learn the fundamental steps & study techniques of movement, posture & embraces. No dance experience or partner required. Please register in advance. Murchison Middle School, 3700 North Hills Dr. Details: 414-2871 www.imagineaustin.org.

Nov. 8 Sa $5-$7 10:30pm & midnight Sahara Nights: Sabaya Bellydance Performance: Sabaya Bellydance Collective performs 2nd Sa each month. DJ & dancing after. Special guest dancers: members of Ajna Project. Tips encouraged & greatly appreciated. Copa Bar & Grill, 217 Congress Ave. Details: 974-7257 www.sabayabellydance.com.

Nov. 21 F 8-11pm free Social Dance Party: Free Dance classes that teach you how to get out on the dance floor movin’ & groovin’. There will be mini lessons in Salsa, Swing & more. Lessons followed by an evening of social dancing. Bring your friends & favorite beverage. Dance Institute, 6612 Sitio Del Rio. Details: 346-6612 www.danceinstitute.com

Dec. 7 Su noon-4pm Blue Lapis Light Dancer Auditions: Blue Lapis Light, Austin’s premier site-specific aerial dance company, is seeking dancers & gymnasts for upcoming aerial dance productions. Please wear tight-fitting workout clothes. Blue Lapis Light Studios, 6701 Thomas Springs Rd., Ste. A. Details” 736-9700 www.bluelapislight.org

Movin’ Easy’s Danceline: Information on dance events, performances, workshops, new classes & job opportunities. Details: 416-5700 ext. 3262. A recording lists events updated weekly for all ages & dance styles. Or visit www.movineasy.com.

Tapestry’s Fall Classes at New Location: Fall Academy classes are now underway & registration is ongoing for new, current & returning students at Tapestry’s studios. Tapestry’s Youth program emphasizes multi-form training & will also include in its schedule Intro to Dance, Basic Combo, Music & Movement, Ballet, Rhythm Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, Dance Theater & Bharata Natyam (Traditional Indian). Adult class offerings include Ballet, Modern, Rhythm Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballroom, Yoga, Belly Dance, Bharata Natyam, Yoga & Moving Women/Women Moving. Academy classes at Tapestry are for youth ages 3 to 18 years & the adult program offers beginning thru advanced classes for ages 13 & up. 2302 Western Trails Blvd. Details: 474-9846 www.tapestry.org.

FESTIVALS
Nov. 14-16 F-Su noon-1am $35/day $70/weekend The World United Radio-Music Conference & Festival: This event will focus the radio music industry & related press on the worldwide music market while providing a platform for musicians & artists to gain exposure & be heard by radio; most importantly attendees will be educated in the business interests of radio & the music industry. 109 E Hopkins, Suite 205, San Marcos. Details: 392-4997
www.worldunitedmusicfestival.com.

MUSIC
Mondays 7-9pm Tapestry Singers, aka Austin Women’s Chorus, wants you to sing. It’s a non-auditioned chorus; all levels of ability are welcome. Ongoing, chapel at Austin State Hospital 4110 Guadalupe St. Details: 567-6175 <tapestrysingers@hotmail.com> www.tapestrysingers.org.

Wednesdays 8-11pm free Campfire Songs Open Mic: The vibe is great & it’s a great place to try new songs, get in front of new people, network with other musicians or just hear some great music. Irie Bean Coffee Bar, 2310 S. Lamar, Suite 102. Details: Angela 326-4636 www.iriebean.com.

Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays 3-5pm $75 Austin Vocal Lab: The Vocal Exploration (Singing & Speaking): Shatter myths about the voice & express your fierceness. Anyone can sing & speak extremely well, barring a birth defect, complete deafness or a physical injury. Find your beautiful singing & speaking voice. Ongoing. Enroll on-line. Details: 445-6970 www.austinvocallab.com.

Nov. 1 Sa 7:30pm $40 Mmmmm … Creepalicious! Frightfully memorable works by musical masters. What better way to celebrate the Halloween season than deliciously spooky compositions from Beethoven, Shostakovich & Crumb? Come enjoy music in the key of Boo! Long Center Rollins Theater, 701 W. Riverside Dr. Details: 454-0026 www.austinchambermusic.org.

Nov. 1-Nov. 20 $17.50 Drumz Fall Classes: Celebrating creativity, compassion & communication. Drumz, 3700-½ Kerbey Ln. Details: 453-9090 <sdrumz@austin.rr.com> www.drumzaustin.net.
• Wednesdays Nov. 5-Nov. 19 6:45-7:45pm Beyond Beginner: Coed & for students already moving along the way on the drummer’s path. Class will work on exercises to improve technique, learn more about rhythm structure & more complex rhythm patterns than beginner level classes. All parts of the ensemble (bell, djun, shekere, djembe) will be included.
• Wednesdays Nov. 5-Nov. 19 8-9pm Beginning Hand Drumming: For those starting out on the drummer’s path. We learn basic hand technique, exercises to develop good technique, the “babatunde drum language” to help us learn West African style rhythm patterns, drum circle etiquette, how to select your drum, how to tune a hand drum as well as learning & experiencing in-the-moment-improv with a weekly spontaneous closing rhythm. Drums are furnished for those needing a drum for class.
• Thursdays Nov. 6-Nov. 20 7:30-8:30pm Intermediate Hand Drumming: For students with strong hand technique & a good grasp of West African style ensemble playing! We work at a more rapid pace with more difficult material. We do multiple-part djun bell combination patterns & practice is a must to stay up with the group.
• Saturdays Nov. 1-Nov. 22 10am-11am Morning Beginner’s Class: The class for those starting out on the drummer’s path.

Fridays Nov. 7-Dec. 12 noon-1pm free Live from the Plaza Music Showcase: Live From the Plaza’s 2008 fall season features free weekly lunchtime performances by a dozen of Austin’s finest bands. A local vendor will offer an optional $6.50 lunch special each week. Free parking in the garage during the performances. The outdoor plaza of Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd St. Details: 974-9310 www.cityofaustin.org/music/live.htm.
• Nov. 7 Meridian West
• Nov. 14 The Frank Gomez Band
• Nov. 21 Troy Campbell
• Dec. 5 Chicken Strut
• Dec. 12 Nakia and His Southern Cousins

Nov. 7 F 8-10pm $5 The Texana Dames: Mama Charlene & daughters Conni & Traci will play & sing their trademark tuneful variety of Texas, Cajun & Western Swing music. Patsy’s Cowgirl Café, 5001 E. Ben White Blvd. Details: 444-2020 www.texanadames.com

Nov. 7 & Nov. 8 F-Sa 8pm $5-$18 Postcards from Paris: Music of Corelli, Telemann, Pergolesi & Couperin: La Follia celebrates non-French composers who made it big in Paris. Included are Couperin’s exquisite tribute to Arcangelo Corelli, “L’Apotheose de Corelli,” & selections from Pergolesi’s delightful operetta “La Serva Padrona.” Details: 879-6404 www.lafollia.org.
• Nov. 7 F First Presbyterian Church, 8001 Mesa Dr.
• Nov. 8 Sa Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 3201 Windsor Rd.

Nov. 8 Sa 7:30pm $3-$10 Austin Civic Orchestra Fall Concert: The 2008-2009 season promises to be very exciting, eclectic & engaging, beginning with the first concert of the year “By Request!” This program will highlight Respighi’s “The Pines of Rome.” Also featured is the Dvorak “Serenade in D minor” for chamber ensemble & Nelhybel’s exciting “Danza” for strings. Reagan High School, 7104 Berkman Dr. Details www.austincivicorchestra.org.

Nov. 8 Sa 8pm $40 Chanticleer: Wondrous Free: Chanticleer demonstrates the diversity of song in America, from early American hymns & shape-note singing to Mexican baroque pieces, as well as European madrigals, American folk songs & more. Part of the St. Cecilia Music Series. First Presbyterian Church of Austin, 8001 Mesa Dr. Details: 345-8866 www.fpcaustin.org

Nov. 8 Sa 10:30pm $10 nelo: nelo, whose “melodic vibe” has enthralled audiences across Texas, the South & beyond returns to Antone’s to play a show of favorites from its spring debut album as well as tunes fresh from principal songwriter Matt Ragland & hours of recording at Pedernales Studios. Antone’s, 213 W. 5th St. Details: 320-8424 www.nelomusic.com

Nov. 8, 9 & 15 Eduardo Minozzi Costa: The Austin Classical Guitar Society presents a young Brazilian musician of outstanding facility & musical insight, Minozzi plays with an enthusiasm & energy that draws audiences into a world of spontaneity, creation & wonder.
• Nov. 8 Sa 7:30pm Hyde Park United Methodist Church, 4001 Speedway
• Nov. 9 Su 7:30pm Grace United Methodist Church, 205 E. Monroe St.
• Nov. 15 Sa 4pm Alma Thomas Theater at Southwestern University, Georgetown.

Nov. 8 & Nov. 13 7:30-10:30pm Peace-N-Rhythm International Festival: Huston-Tillotson University Chapel, 900 Chicon St. Seniors & kids younger than 10 get in free. Tickets available at Antone’s Records. Details: Richard Carson <diversepro@yahoo.com>.
• Nov. 8 Sa $12-$15 Music from India, Haiti, China, France, Nicaragua, Cuba & North America
• Nov. 13 Th $15-$20 Music from Guinea, Brazil, India, New Orleans & North America.

Nov. 8-Nov. 16 $20-$175 Cinderella: Austin Lyric Opera opens the season with Rossini’s charming fairy tale. This innovative production has been updated to a setting in 1930s Hollywood, starring acclaimed mezzo-soprano Sandra Piques Eddy in the role of Cinderella. The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Dr. Details: 512-472-5992 www.AustinLyricOpera.org.
• Nov. 8 Sa, Nov. 12 W & Nov. 14 F 7:30pm
• Nov. 16 Su 3pm

Nov. 12 W 7pm & 9:30pm $20-$40 The Rodney Crowell Acoustic Trio: Rodney Crowell is often associated with country music, but his songs span rock, folk, swing & bluegrass. Since his critically acclaimed album, 1988’s Diamonds & Dirt generated an unprecedented five #1 singles, Crowell has been at the top of his game as tunesmith. One World Theatre, 7701 Bee Caves Rd. Details: 329-6753 www.oneworldtheatre.org.

Nov. 12 W 8pm free Carolann Ames: Texas-born singer Carolann Ames’ strong but tender vocals send shivers down the spine. Her latest album hints at her country roots while detailing Americana’s wide range of sound & emotion. Threadgill’s, the Old No. 1, 6416 N. Lamar Blvd. Details: 451-5440 www.carolannames.com.

Nov. 13 Th 7pm & 9:30pm $20-$40 Gary Hoey: Since his debut release, “Hocus Pocus” reached the top of the Billboard charts, Gary Hoey has been called everything from a guitar demi-god to cult hero. Say Ho! Ho! Hoey this holiday season with excellent rock versions of holiday songs creatively arranged & performed by a premier virtuoso guitarist. One World Theatre, 7701 Bee Caves Rd. Details: 329-6753 www.oneworldtheatre.org.

Nov. 13 Th 8pm $40 Vienna Boys Choir: No group of child musicians has won more renown than the incomparable Wiener Sängerknaben, founded in 1498. Six centuries later, the Vienna Boys Choir continues to delight music lovers with their purity of tone, distinctive charm & a diverse repertoire. Part of the St. Cecilia Music Series. First Presbyterian Church of Austin, 8001 Mesa Dr. Details: 345-8866 www.fpcaustin.org.

Nov. 13 Th 9:30pm Alex Coke’s Birthday: Celebrate Coke’s birthday with an evening of great jazz with Coke, Rich Harney & Arjen Gorter. Elephant Room, 315 N. Congress Ave. Details: 473-2279 www.xs4all.nl/~alexcoke.

Nov. 14 F 7-10pm Elgin Jam Musician’s Networking Group: Where musicians get together & jam & have fun the 2nd F of each month. Bring a chair, instrument & cord, your favorite mic & stand & at least 10 copies of the songs you want to play so we can share them with others. Back Forty Chiropractic, Rain Deer Production & Promotion Studio, 105 W. 2nd St., Elgin. Details: 229-8100.

Nov. 14 F 8pm $15 advance $20 door The White Ghost Shivers: Imagine a smorgasbord of Cab Calloway, circus sideshow, KISS, cabaret, Hee Haw & Robert Johnson served up at Andy Kaufman’s bar-mitzvah. A joyous mixture of the absurd & sublime, the seven-piece ensemble gracefully blends a musical amalgam of Hokum Blues, Hillbilly Swing, Country & Hot Jazz. Scottish Rite Theatre, 207 W. 18th St. Details: 472-5436 www.scottishritetheatre.org.

Nov. 14 F 9:30pm $16-$20 Billy Joe Shaver: Legendary songwriter Shaver performs with his band. Partial proceeds benefit Child & Youth Focus of Austin. Ruta Maya, 3601 S. Congress Ave. Details: 707-9637 www.rutamaya.net.

Nov. 14-16 F-Su $25 advance $30 door Jazz at St. James’ Concert Series: Two legendary jazz artists, saxophonist David “Fathead” Newman & trombonist Curtis Fuller, perform with pianist James Polk, drummer Cadino Newman & bassist Michael Stevens. St. James’ Episcopal Church, 1941 Webberville Road. Details: www.jazzatstjames.org.
• Nov. 14 & 15 F & Sa, doors at 6:30pm, show at 7:30pm
• Nov. 15 Sa 11am free Jazz at St. James’ Workshop & “Informance”
• Nov. 16 Su 8am, 10:15am, 1pm & 6pm Jazz Masses

Nov. 16 Su 6pm & 8:30pm $20-$60 Strunz & Farah: Strunz & Farah’s compositions range from flamenco, Persian & Latin to the romantically classic with fluid melodies. Some call it ethno jazz. One World Theatre, 7701 Bee Caves Rd. Details: 329-6753 www.oneworldtheatre.org.

Nov. 21 F 7pm & 9:30pm $20-$60 George Duke: Piano & synthesizer pioneer Duke’s extensive body of work tells of his journeys through the worlds of jazz, funk, R&B & pop, collaborating with artists such as Miles Davis, Frank Zappa, Anita Baker, Al Jarreau & George Clinton. He was named R&B Keyboardist of The Year by Keyboard Magazine for two consecutive years. One World Theatre, 7701 Bee Caves Rd. Details: 329-6753 www.oneworldtheatre.org.

Nov. 21-22 F-Sa 7pm Untraveled Worlds: The Conspirare Youth Choirs present a fall concert. Utilizing a combination of rigorous vocal, music theory & sight-singing instruction, Conspirare Youth Choirs provide a nurturing environment in which a young singer can explore the depth & beauty of choral music. St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 606 W. 15th St. Details: 476-5775.

Nov. 22 Sa 8pm $6-$10 Director’s Choice: Music Director Richard Floyd has planned a program that spans three centuries of great concert band music. The music of Bach & Holst will be combined with exciting works of contemporary band composers to provide a broad palate of listening pleasure. Details: Reagan HS Performing Arts Center, 7104 Berkman Dr. Details: www.asband.org.

Nov. 22 Sa 8pm $10-$25 Festival of Lights: A Celebration of Sarode Maestro Aashish Khan’s 70th Birthday: Sangeet Millennium welcomes one of the world’s finest sarode players, Aashish Khan, back to Austin. Khan promotes the rich classical traditions of his homeland through performing & teaching, while also pursuing innovative collaborations with a diverse array of rock, jazz & world musicians. Monarch Event Center, 6406 N. I-35 Suite 3100. Details: 448-2149 www.sangeetmillennium.org.

Nov. 29 Sa 7pm & 9:30pm $30-$70 A Peter White Christmas featuring Rick Braun & Mindi Abair: White’s acoustic guitar, Abair’s fluid saxophone & emotive vocals & Braun’s masterful trumpet & flugelhorn transform the simplest melody into works of art. One World Theatre, 7701 Bee Caves Rd. Details: 329-6753 www.oneworldtheatre.org.

Dec. 6 Sa 8pm $30-$60 Manuel Barrueco: This Grammy-nominated master of the classical guitar has been one of the most influential artists on the instrument for 30 years. A regular guest of the world’s greatest symphonies, Barrueco is not to be missed. Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, 7050 Village Center Dr. Details: 300-2247 www.AustinClassicalGuitar.org

Dec. 7-10 Su-W $16-$65 Christmas at the Carillon Concert Series: Noted for its collage technique & improvisational style, the “Christmas at the Carillon” concerts first took shape in 1996 & have been quick sell-outs for the company ever since. Conspirare will be joined by special guest, Grammy-nominated Austin singer-songwriter Eliza Gilkyson. Details: 512-476-5775 or www.conspirare.org.
• Dec. 7 Su 2:30pm & 8:30pm Carillon chapel at 2630 Exposition Bld.
• Dec. 8 M 8pm Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 West Riverside Dr.
• Dec. 9 & Dec. 10 Tu-W 8pm Carillon chapel at 2630 Exposition Bld.

Texas Music Calendars: More than 500 annual events showcase Texas music. You can view the calendar on-line at www.EnjoyTexasMusic.com or request the calendar in Word or pdf format by e-mailing music@governor.state.tx.us. Or request a printed copy by calling 463-6666 & providing your mailing address.

Trail of Lights Festival Talent Call: Seeking performers for 2 stages at the 2008 Trail of Lights Festival, Dec. 14-24. There will be a main stage for dance groups & musicians & a post office stage for singers. Details: Lisa Cortez Walden 974-4002 www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/cultural.htm.

THEATRE
Tuesdays Nov. 4-25 7-10pm free Tuesday Improv Jam: Forget your worries & come out for an evening of improv comedy starring you in low-pressure warmups, games & scenes. Surprise yourself this week. The Hideout Theatre, 617 N. Congress Ave. Details: 443-3688 www.austinimprov.com.

Thursdays Nov.6-27 8pm Some Like It Improvised: Completely Improvised Screwball Comedies: Parallelogramophonograph presents a fully improvised theatre in the style of classic screwball comedies from the ’30s & ’40s. ColdTowne Theatre, 4803-B Airport Blvd. Details: Details: 968-6486 www.pgraph.com.

Saturdays Nov.1-Dec. 27 10pm $7-$10 Maestro Improv: Elimination-Style Improv Comedy: The Heroes of Comedy present Austin’s longest-running, best-selling improv comedy show with more games & scenes inspired by audience suggestions. Only the funny survive. The Hideout Theatre, 617 N. Congress Ave. Details: 443-3688 www.hideouttheatre.com.

Nov. 1-9 Caroline or Change: Caroline works as a maid for a Jewish family in Louisiana. When her employers tell her she can keep the change she finds in their 8-year-old son’s pockets, they set in motion an emotional series of events that will alter both Caroline & the family forever. From the book by Tony Kushner, music by Jeanine Tesori, directed by Dave Steakley, starring Janis Stinson. Zach Theatre’s Kleberg Stage, 1510 Toomey Rd. Details: 476-0541 www.zachtheatre.org.

Nov. 1-9 $15-$20 Still Life with Iris: The University of Texas Department of Theatre & Dance presents a sophisticated & engaging story of a courageous young girl on journey through a magical world, on a mission to find her home through memories of her past. UT Performing Center’s B. Iden Payne Theatre, F. Loren Winship Drama Building at 23rd St. & San Jacinto. Details: 477-6060 www.utpac.org
• Nov. 1, 5, 6 & 7 8pm
• Nov. 1, 2 & 9 2pm

Nov. 5-Jan. 31 $150 Improv Classes at the Merlin Works Institute for Improvisation: Improv classes can help people think faster on their feet, be more spontaneous & in the moment, reconnect with their creativity, be more confident speaking in public & just have fun! The class’s interactive exercises build listening & communication skills, heighten awareness & teach you how to be more playful, spontaneous & flexible. Salvage Vanguard Theater, 2803 Manor Rd. Details: 657-3005 www.merlin-works.com

Nov. 6-22 Th-Sa $12-$15 The Nina Variations: Gobotrick Theatre Company is excited to present The Nina Variations, written by University of Texas at Austin playwriting professor Stephen Dietz. Dietz strips a relationship down to its barest essence—two people alone in a room—& gives them as many chances as they need to get it right. Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs. Details: 569-7003 www.gobotrick.org.

Nov. 13-23 Th-Sa $12-$18 Three Sisters: Mary Moody Northen Theatre at St. Edward’s University opens its 2008-2009 season with the play by Anton Chekhov, translated by Paul Schmid. This elegant 1901 family saga follows the struggles of 3 sisters & a brother living in a provincial town & yearning to return to their beloved Moscow. Directed by Sheila Gordon. Sexual content is recommended for mature audiences. 3001 S. Congress Ave. Details: 448-8484 www.stedwards.edu/map.
• Th-Sa 7:30pm
• Su 2pm
• Nov. 19 W Special added performance 7:30pm

Nov. 20-22 Th-Sa 8pm & 10pm $10 Waffle Fest: Austin is a whirling mass of improv comedy right now & fifteen of the best troupes in town are whipping up thousands of fresh waffles with all the fixin’s just for you. Stretch your stomachs for Thanksgiving with all-you-can-eat waffles & improv comedy. The Hideout Theatre, 617 N. Congress Ave. Details: 443-3688 or www.hideouttheatre.com.

Nov. 25-30 $25-$65 Cirque Dreams: Jungle Fantasy: This spectacular, family-friendly event is direct from Broadway, transforming the stage of the Michael & Susan Dell hall into a visually stunning celebration of athleticism, theatre & imagination. New York Magazine calls the it, “The grandest circus spectacle east of Las Vegas.” The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. at South 1st. Details: 474-5664 www.TheLongCenter.org.
• Nov. 25 Tu 7:30pm
• Nov. 26 W 2pm
• Nov. 27 Th No show on Thanksgiving Day
• Nov. 28 & 29 F & Sa 2pm & 7:30pm
• Nov. 30 Su noon & 5pm

Austin Circle of Theaters: AcoT, an arts service organization for Central Texas, has expanded its services with www.NowPlayingAustin.com: Austin’s Ultimate Guide to Arts & Culture. Details: 247-2531.

WRITERS
Nov. 12 W 12:30-2pm Freelance Austin Monthly Meeting: Freelance Austin holds regular monthly meetings to help freelance writers, designers, PR specialists & other communication professionals meet, mingle with & learn from some of Austin’s best in the business. Usually meets the 2nd W each month, with special events scheduled periodically. Free to members & first-time guests. Spicewood Springs Branch Library, 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd. Details: <programs@freelanceaustin.org> www.freelance-austin.org.

How to get your event listed: We prefer that calendar listing information be submitted by using the form on our web site at www.goodlifemag.com/calendar-submission-form2.html. Second choice is to e-mail the essential details to editor@goodlifemag.com. Or fax it to 512-474-5725. Or mail to PO Box 4400, Austin, Texas 78765. To be considered for inclusion, items must be received by the 15th of the month for the following month’s events. Listings are free & are published on a space-available basis.

CONFERENCES
Nov. 8 Sa 10am-5pm free People-Powered Media (un)Workshop: An “unconference” created to explore community media & how it can be a tool for information, organization & action. Possible topics include blogging & podcasting, citizen journalism, communications & media policy & community broadcasting. Space is limited. Preregistration advisable. Ruiz Branch of the Austin Public Library, 1600 Grove Blvd. Details: Stefan Wray 478-8600 ext. 13 www.texascommunitymedia.org/unworkshop.

DAY TRIPS
Nov. 28-Jan. 1 daily free The 19th Annual Lights Spectacular, Hill Country Style: The Blanco County Courthouse, located in Johnson City, glows with more than 100,000 lights & a million-light forest is displayed at the Pedernales Electric Cooperative Headquarters on Ave. F. Blanco County Courthouse, 200 N. Ave G. Pedernales Electric Cooperative Headquarters, 302 S. Avenue F. Details: 830-868-7684 www.johnsoncitytexaschamber.com.

A Hill Country Heritage 8am-5pm daily free The Land & People that Inspired a President & First Lady: A permanent exhibit. Tram tour $3. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site, 2 miles east of Stonewall on US Hwy. 290. Details: 830-644-2252 www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/lbj.

EXHIBITIONS
Nov. 1-Nov. 25 M-Sa Pearls: An exhibition celebrating the 100-year history & culture of America’s first black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, spotlighting the Beta Psi Omega Chapter of Austin. George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center, 1163 Angelina St. Details: 974-4926

Nov.1-Jan. 4 Cowboys & Presidents: From Theodore Roosevelt to George W. Bush, U.S. presidents have used the powerful iconographic symbol of the heroic American cowboy to define themselves & their administrations to the nation & the world. In this election year, the special exhibition created by Autry National Center explores the fascinating & ongoing intersection of cowboy culture & presidential politics. Motion pictures, TV, radio & music enhance the exhibition & visitors are invited to cast their votes on thought-provoking issues in interactive voting booths. Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. at MLK Blvd. Details: 936-8746 www.thestoryoftexas.com.

FESTIVALS
Saturdays & Sundays Nov.1-Nov. 30 9am-dusk Texas Renaissance Festival: Renaissance-themed adventure merriment, music & romance. 21778 FM 1774 between Magnolia & Plantersville. Tickets range from $5 to $21. Details: 800-458-3435 www.texrenfest.com.
• Nov. 1 & Nov. 2 Pirate Adventure
• Nov. 8 & Nov. 9 Roman Bacchanal
• Nov. 15 & Nov. 16 Highland Fling
• Nov. 22 & Nov. 23 Barbarian Invasion
• Nov. 28 F Thanksgiving Friday (Celtic Christmas)
• Nov. 29 & Nov. 30 Celtic Christmas

Nov. 1 Sa 5-10pm Día de Los Muertos Procession & Celebration: Mexic-Arte celebrates Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a traditional Mexican holiday when family & friends gather to honor & remember loved ones, thru music, food & festivities. Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 N. Congress Ave. Details: 480-9373 www.mexic-artemuseum.org.
• 5-7pm Procession: Gathers at Plaza Saltillo in East Austin with various sections including the return of the Frida Kahlo look-alikes, tributes to Virgen de Guadalupe, Chihuahuas, portable altars, noise makers, mariachis, folklórico & Aztec dancers, paper-mâché props, sponsored floats & Posada Catrinas.
• 7-10pm Celebration: On 5th Street, between Congress & Brazos. Festivities include artists’ booths, traditional foods, dancing & live music. Portable altars from the procession will be displayed outside during the day. Entertainment also includes a reprise of the “Thriller” dance.

Nov. 8 Sa noon free Pfall Chili Pfest & Street Dance: Compete to win bragging rights to the best Chili in Pflugerville! Categories include best chili, show, people’s choice. If you don’t cook, come sample & vote for your favorite! Enjoy kid’s activities, vendors, live entertainment. Stay for the street dance from 5-9pm! Downtown Pflugerville, Main St. Details: 759-2206 www.cityofpflugerville.com/CurrentEvents.asp?EID=4628.

GOVERNMENT
Nov.6-Nov. 19 6:30pm free Austin Energy Seeks Input on How to Meet Future Energy Needs: An 8-month program will gather public input for options for future power generation. As part of the City of Austin’s Climate Protection Plan, Austin Energy seeks to obtain at least 30% of its power generation from renewable resources by 2020. The draft plan also calls for 1,000 megawatts (MW) of new generation by 2020, offsetting 700 MW of peak demand through energy efficiency & load shifting, capping greenhouse gas emissions & taking steps to become one of the nation’s first carbon-neutral electric utilities. After meetings in Oct. & Nov. Austin Energy will coordinate with customer groups to set up a second round of town hall meetings, beginning early next year. Austin Energy expects to provide final recommendations to the City Council by next summer. Details: Ed Clark 322-6514 www.austinenergy.com/About%20Us/Newsroom/Press%20Releases/2008/publicParticipation.htm
• Nov. 6 Th University Hills Branch Library, 4721 Loyola Ln.
• Nov. 12 W Travis County Service Center, 4501 N. FM 620
• Nov. 19 W Metz Recreation Center, 2407 Canterbury St.

Resource Guide for Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom & Enduring Freedom: Veterans for Common Sense, an organization formed in 2002 by war veterans & claiming 12,000 members throughout the United States, has joined forces with the Justice Project & the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation to create Veterans for America. They have published a guide for returning veterans to help them navigate the assistance & benefits available. The guide also contains ways for people to support the troops. The guide is currently available at www.veteransforamerica.org. Details: <vfa@vi.org> 202-483-9222.

Texas Veterans Land Board Produces PSAs to Inform Veterans of the Benefits it Provides: Mail Call’s Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey wants Texas Veterans to know the benefits they’ve earned thru their service. The Texas Veterans Land Board provides low-interest land & home loans, home improvement loans & skilled care at 7 Texas State Veterans Homes. Ermey also encourages Texas veterans to tell their story to the Veterans Land Board’s oral history program, Voices of Veterans. Details: 800-252-8387 www.texasveterans.com.

HONORS
Nov. 2 Su 2pm Memorial High Veterans Ceremony: The East Austin Lions Club, the Greater Southwest Optimist Club, The City of Austin, The Tejano Music Coalition, the Tejano Genealogy Society of Austin, The Tejanos in Action, and the Catholic War Veterans invite you to attend a solemn ceremony, honoring the Johnston High 16, now known as Eastside Memorial High School Vietnam Veterans, for sacrificing their lives while in service to our country. Mexican American Culture Center, 600 River St. Details: 826-7569 <darellano@austin.rr.com>

NATURE
Saturdays Nov.1-Feb. 28 10am–noon free Walk on the Wild Side! Enjoy an interpretive hike as a park naturalist brings together a unique blend of human & natural history to tell the story of the Colorado River & how it influences animal, plant & human life along its banks. Each walk will focus on a different aspect of the river’s story. Geology, botany, native & early people, wildlife & river history are just some examples. Preregistration is required. Hike limited to 1st 20 people. McKinney Roughs Nature Park, 1884 SH 71 West. Details: 303-5073 <outdoorprograms@lcra.org> www.lcra.org.

Nov. 1-29 9-11am $0-$4 Wild Basin Walks: 2-hour nature hikes are a great introduction to the preserve. Learn about the plants, animals & geology of the Basin’s Central Texas Hill Country habitat. Reservations required. Wild Basin Wilderness, 805 N. Capital of Texas Hwy. Details: 327-7622 www.wildbasin.org.
• Nov. 1, Nov. 15, Nov. 29 Sa
• Nov. 9 & Nov. 23 Su

Nov. 7 F 8-9pm $3-$5 Stargazing: Learn about the planets, stars & constellations as you gaze into the night sky from Wild Basin’s overlook. Peer thru telescopes & learn fun astronomy facts from the knowledgeable volunteers of the Austin Astronomical Society. You may want to bring a small flashlight, water, binoculars & a cushion. Weather-permitting. Reservations required. Wild Basin Wilderness, 805 N. Capitol of Texas Hwy. Details: 327-7622 www.wildbasin.org.

Nov. 8 & Nov. 9 Sa & Su 9am Bright Leaf Preserve Guided Hikes: These monthly hikes are usually 4 miles & last about 2 hours. Wear sturdy shoes & bring water. There’s only 1 hike per day so arrive on time. Takes place 2nd Sa & 2nd Su each month. Other hikes for any type or size of group can be arranged. Meet at the parking lot off 2222 & Creek Mountain Rd. Details: 459-7269 www.brightleaf.org.

Nov. 17 M noon Geography of Place Lunchtime Lectures: The Lifeworld of Hornsby Bend: Nature & Placemaking in the Wasteland: 3rd M each month, use your lunchtime to learn about ongoing ecological research & environmental education from the Austin Water Utility Center for Environmental Research. In a series of talks about his geographical research, Kevin Anderson will introduce some central concepts of geography: space, place, cultural landscape & environmental perception, while focusing on some particular places that he has studied. Waller Center, 625 E. 10th St. Details: 972-1960 www.ci.austin.tx.us/water/cer2.htm.

NEIGHBORHOODS
Envision Central Texas maintains a web site & welcomes feedback. The mission is to address the growth of Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis & Williamson Counties, focusing on transportation, land use & the environment. ECT also addresses housing, healthcare, economic development, social equity & education. Details: www.envisioncentraltexas.org.

Free Databases On-line The Austin Public Library makes fee-based databases available free. You need a library card (free to all residents under the age of 18 regardless of residency) & PIN number & then you can access full-text articles from home. (If you do not live in Austin, your local library may offer the same service.) Includes the full text of Austin American-Statesman articles back to 1996, the last 12 months of The New York Times & thousands more newspapers, magazines & books that cover consumer, business, health, technical & scientific topics. ReferenceUSA is a comprehensive national business directory that’s accessible. Do your own homework or help the kids with the aid of on-line dictionaries, encyclopedias & reference works. Details: Check out the Databases home page at www.cityofaustin.org/library/databases.htm. See the frequently asked questions at www.cityofaustin.org/library/d_faqs.htm. Stop by any Austin Public Library location or call 974-7400.

SENIORS
Weekdays 7am-5:30pm sliding scale Elderhaven Adult Day Care: Elderhaven Adult Day Care is accepting new clients. Safe, therapeutic, licensed adult day care for seniors & adults with disabilities. Nurse & activity director on staff. Hot lunch & two snacks. Drop-Ins welcome. AGE Building, 3710 Cedar St., Austin & 110 S. Brown St. in Round Rock. Details: 458-6305. www.ageofaustin.org/elderhaven_adult_day_care.htm

Nov. 8 Sa 9am-2pm free Caregiver Boot Camp: In recognition of National Family Caregiver Month, Family Eldercare is providing training for family members & friends providing support as a caregiver for an older adult. Learn from a professional the essentials of caring for an older adult in the home. Norris Conference Center, South side of Northcross Mall, Burnet Rd. at Anderson Ln. Details: Carin Yeh 483-3583 <cyeh@familyeldercare.org> familyeldercare.org.

Nov. 12 & Nov. 26 W 1:30-3:30pm Becoming A Sage: The book From Age-ing to Sage-ing by Zalman Schachter-Shalomi will be the focus of a study group meeting twice a month at Congregation Beth Israel. The book can be purchased at the gathering for $10. Open to the public. Details: Judith Hepburn 454-7229 <thehelburns@sbcglobal.net> www.sage-ingguild.org.

Nov. 13 Th 7-8:30pm free Navigating the Health Insurance Maze for Seniors: Learn the differences between Medicare, Medicaid & Medigap Insurance Programs. AGE Building, 3710 Cedar St. Details: 451-4611 <bkravitz@ageofaustin.org>

Nov. 14 F 9am-4pm $10 New Ideas for Keeping Your Brain Active & Alert: Ruth Flexman, PhD, coordinator of Lifelong Learning at the University of Delaware-Wilmington, invites local professionals who work with older adults to expand their ability to incorporate cognitive stimulation into their programs. The MindAlert Program seeks to disseminate research & innovative practices that older adults can take to maintain & enhance cognitive & mental functions in their later years. Morning refreshments provided. Lunch provided for afternoon participants. Lyons Gardens, 2720 Lyons Rd. Also, 15-25 adults over 60 are needed to participate in demonstration exercises. Details: Joyce Hefner, Family Eldercare 483-3553 <jhefner@familyeldercare.org>.

$50,000 Grant for In-Home Mental Services to Elderly: A Glimmer of Hope Foundation has made a grant of $50,000 to The Samaritan Center for Counseling & Pastoral Care as seed money to implement a new program providing professional counseling to elderly shut-ins. This is an outreach program to increase access to mental healthcare for homebound older adults. Details: Linda Thompson 451-7337 ext. 116 <Linda@samaritan-center.org>.

Meals on Wheels & More Partners with Travis County Tax Office to Educate Clients about Tax Breaks: If you’re over the age of 65 or suffer from a disability, the Travis County Tax Department may owe you money. In fact, county officials suspect thousands of people who fall into one of these groups aren’t getting the discounts they deserve on their property taxes. Learn about the tax exemptions you may qualify for & get connected with county officials who can help you navigate the money-saving options. Call to arrange an interview with MOWAM & county officials. Details: Sarah Andrews 617-921-2092 <sandrews@mealsonwheelsandmore.org> www.mealsonwheelsandmore.org.

Prescription Savings Program: Together Rx helps Medicare recipients without prescription drug coverage & with incomes of less than $28,000 for singles & $38,000 for couples. Cardholders can save 20-40 percent on more than 170 branded & some generic medications. The program is free. Details: 1-800-444-4106 www.togetherrxaccess.com/Tx/jsp/home.jsp.

SHOPPING
Nov. 7 & 8 F 9:30am-6pm Sa 9:30am-3pm $5 Holiday Collectibles Sale: Over 50 vendors will have items ranging from clothing, toys & arts & crafts for the whole family. Come early to buy the famous homemade casseroles, soups & pies. Details: 922-0866 www.austinchildfree.org.

Goodwill’s Computer Works E-commerce Web Site: Customers can purchase computer parts for the same low prices on-line—more convenient & much easier. Check the web site for showcased items. Details: 637-7124 www.shop.austincomputerworks.org.

Personalized Bricks at Lady Bird Lake for Trail Enthusiasts: Supporters of the Trail Foundation (formerly the Town Lake Trail Foundation) can purchase commemorative bricks & become a lasting part of Trail history. Approximately 2,500 bricks are available, in 3 sizes. Bricks priced in $100, $500 & $1,000 increments & can be inscribed with a name or names to leave a family legacy or honor a special person. Buyers who purchase bricks for someone else can print a gift notice after they place an order. Details: 733-3989 www.thetrailfoundation.org.

SOCIAL
Fridays: 1-2pm free Conversational French Class with SEED: Informal French instruction & conversation for all levels. Free with a purchase at the café during class time. Ruta Maya, 3601-D S. Congress Ave. Details: 707-9637 www.rutamaya.net.

Saturdays 10-11:30am $10 Conversational French: Great group for advanced beginner thru advanced French speakers. Dominican Joe Coffee Shop at Riverside & South Congress Ave. Details: Amy 466-1168 www.dominicanjoe.com.

Sundays: 8pm $5 Deep Eddy Pool Tournament: Double-elimination 8-ball at one of Austin’s favorite family-owned beer & wine joints. 1st place gets 75 percent of pot. 2nd place wins the other 25 percent. Beginners welcome. Deep Eddy Cabaret, 2315 Lake Austin Blvd. Details: 472-0961.

Sundays Nov. 2-30 11am free Riverbend Singles Class: A Church Affiliated Singles Association. Program normally followed by optional off-campus lunch for members & guests. Lunch details & location posted before & after main program presentation. Room 4-A of the Quadrangle, Riverbend Church Campus, 4214 N. Capital of Texas Hwy. Details: 289-3712 www.riverbendsingles.com.

Nov. 1 Sa $500-$50,000 A Season of Harvest: Austin Children’s Shelter Gala: Elegant, black-tie event features a live musical performance, live dance music, a sumptuous menu created especially for this event & a plethora of items to bid on in the live & silent auctions. Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto Blvd. Details: 499-0090 www.austinchildrenshelter.org.

Nov. 1 Sa 6-9pm $75 Safari Night Fund-raiser: Scottish Rite Learning Center’s 2nd annual fund-raiser will offer a barbecue dinner, live entertainment & a fabulous silent auction. Texas Disposal Systems Exotic Game Ranch & Pavilion., 12200 Carl Rd., Creedmoor. Details: 472-1231 or www.scottishritelearningcenter.org.

Nov. 5 & Nov. 9 Austin Childfree: Formerly Austin No Kidding!, this social group for adults who are not parents & enjoy being childfree offers a variety of fun monthly activities. Newcomers welcome. Regular activities include movies, restaurants & book club. Details: 922-0866 www.austinchildfree.org.
• Nov. 5 W 7-9pm Games Night meets 1st W each month at Central Market, 4001 N. Lamar.
• Nov. 9 Su 6-8:30pm Monthly Supper meets 2nd Su each month at Threadgill’s World Headquarters, 301 W. Riverside Dr.

Nov. 7 F 6-11pm $5-$10 B scene: The Blanton Museum of Art rocks on the 1st F each month. Featuring live music, gallery tours, art-making activities, light snacks & cash bar (with Blantinis of course). MLK at N. Congress Ave. Tickets at texasboxoffice.com. Details: 471-7324 www.blantonmuseum.org.

Nov. 9 Su 4pm $40 1st Annual Veterans Day Charity Poker Tournament: A charity poker tournament to raise money for Ravens Grove Foundation, a program that provides services to people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Third Base Austin, 1717 W. 6th St. Details: 586-2736 www.ravensgrovefoundation.org

Nov. 12 W 7-8:30pm free The Intimacies Group: Sexual Energy: Join The Good Life magazine’s “Intimacies” columnist Karen Kreps & special guest Gayle Michaels, for a conversation about how to have more sexual energy & derive more pleasure from it. Michaels founded the Institute of Intimate Wisdom & has much to say about how diet & lifestyle choices can affect one’s sexual prowess. 3rd floor, BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar. Details: 472-5050 <p2paustin-subscribe@yahoogroups.com> www.truetintimacies.com.

Nov. 16 Su 6-9pm $20-$25 Going Beyond Vanilla: BDSM for Beginners: Men & women are invited to join professional dominatrix Mistress Kayla for an introduction to the wonderful world of kink. Learn about the terminology, toys & techniques, all geared for the kinky beginner. The class for adults age 18 & older will also cover safety issues, how to introduce kink into your vanilla sex life & a list of resources for the local kink community. 20% discount post-class shopping. Forbidden Fruit, 108 E. North Loop. Details: 453-8090 www.forbiddenfruit.com/workshops.htm.

Nov. 18 Tu 6-8pm $25-$50 PAPA Becomes American Gateways: After 21 years of nonprofit service providing free & low-cost legal aid to Central Texas immigrants, PAPA, the Political Asylum Project of Austin, is changing its name to American Gateways. Join this premier launch party to celebrate a new era of nonprofit excellence. Guests will enjoy an appetizer buffet, happy hour drink specials, numerous door prize giveaways & much more. 100% of proceeds will go to directly support American Gateways programs. Terrace 59, open-air rooftop at the Speakeasy, 412-D N. Congress Ave. Details: Sharon Mims 478-0546 ext. 208 <sharonm@papais.org> www.americangateways.org.

Nov. 18 Tu 7pm Introduction to Nudism & Naturism: Information meeting held by the Hill Country Nudists 3rd Tu each month. Come find out about Naturism & get your questions answered. Mr. Natural, 2414 S. Lamar. Details: <inquiry@hillcountrynudists.com> www.hillcountrynudists.com.

SPEAKERS
Nov. 10 M 9am free Program Evaluation for Nonprofits: Does your organization have a great program or program idea but doesn’t know how to plan or pilot the program, promote the program to funders & the community, or measure its effectiveness or participant satisfaction? Program evaluation can help with all of these things & more. Austin Community College Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd. Details: www.shared-advantage.com

Nov. 10 M 7-8:45pm free Lonestar Mensa Meeting: Usually meets 2nd Tu each month. Austin Public Library, North Village Branch Library, 2139 W. Anderson Ln. at Burnet Rd. Details: 491-9881 www.lsm.us.mensa.org.

SPECTATOR SPORTS
Nov. 1-29 6:30pm Texas Longhorns Volleyball Games: Come watch the Lady Longhorns battle it out. The following home games will be played at Gregory Gymnasium. Details: www.texassports.com.
• Nov. 1 Sa Texas A&M
• Nov. 12 W Texas Tech
• Nov. 19 W Nebraska
• Nov. 22 Sa Kansas
• Nov. 29 Sa Colorado

Nov. 8 & Nov. 27 UT Football Big 12 Conference: The following home games will be played at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium at Joe Jamail Field. Details: www.big12sports.com & www.texassports.com.
• Nov. 8 Sa Baylor
• Nov. 27 Th 7pm Texas A&M

Nov. 9-23 Texas Longhorns Women’s Basketball Games: The following home games will be played at the Frank C. Erwin Special Events Center. Details: www.texassports.com.
• Nov. 9 2pm Houston Jaguars
• Nov. 15 6:30pm Dayton
• Nov. 16 6:30pm St. Mary’s

Nov. 14-30 Texas Longhorns Men’s Basketball Games: The following home games will be played at the Frank C. Erwin Special Events Center. Details: www.texassports.com.
• Nov. 14 F 7pm Stetson
• Nov. 18 Sa 7pm Tulane
• Nov. 30 Su 2pm Rice

Nov. 28 & 29 F-Sa 7:30pm $8-$23 Austin Toros: Austin’s NBA development league team is kicking off its new season. The following home games will be played at the Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez. Details: 236-8333 www.austintoros.com.
• Nov. 28 F Utah Flash
• Nov. 29 Sa Tulsa 66ers

Austin Wranglers are in the Southern Division of the Arena Football League. They played their last home game of the season July 26. Home games are played at the Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River St. Details: 471-7744 www.austinwranglers.com.

Round Rock Express: A minor league baseball team playing in the Pacific Coast League as the Class AAA affiliate of the Houston Astros. They played their last home game of the season Sept. 1 at Dell Diamond Stadium, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd. Round Rock. Details: 255-2255 www.roundrockexpress.com.

Texas Rollergirls: Rock ‘n’ Rollerderby 1st Su each month, but the 2008 season is over for home bouts. Details: www.txrollergirls.com.

SPIRIT & SOUL
Nov. 4 Tu 7-9:30pm The Pleidans Via Master Jesus: Pleidans arrive in Austin via the Master Jesus. If you’d like to hear what the Pleidans have to say, don’t miss this event; it’s a live one. Healing Light Center, 7018 William Wallace Way. Details: 278-0559 www.sashawhite.com.

Nov. 14 & Nov. 15 F-Sa Sound Current Healing: As was demonstrated with Jesus’ Teachings & Healings. First of 5 courses, a 2-day supreme healing intensive. This is a giant next step in healing. Healing Light Center, 7018 William Wallace Way. Details: 278-0559 www.sashawhite.com.
• F 5-9pm
• Sa 10am-7:30pm

Nov. 16 Su 4-7pm free In The City, For The City: This first-ever event will feature more than 100 ministries & civic organizations from Central Texas & is expected to be Austin’s largest & most comprehensive Ministry Expo ever. Each event participant will have personnel on site to answer questions & explain the role of their organization & its impact in Austin & surrounding communities. The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. Details: www.abbaconnect.net

Nov. 18 Tu 7pm Global Evolution Series: Come join us for the Global Evolution Series, a set of 36 different workshops designed by Global Relationship Centers Inc. Meets 3rd Tu each month. These workshops will help you acquire a fresh outlook on life using proven effective tools to create a more balanced & harmonious existence. Details: 694-3850.

Nov. 18 Tu 7-9:30pm The Giants in America: By Metatron. Guest appearance by Saint Germain. Healing Light Center, 7018 William Wallace Way. Details: 278-0559 www.sashawhite.com.

Nov. 23 Su 7-9pm Sufi Dancing (Dances of Universal Peace): Usually meets 4th Su each month from 7:15-9:15pm at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church, 3315 El Salido Parkway, Cedar Park. Free. Details: Xvarnah D’Obrenovic 280-0584 <parvati1199@yahoo.com> www.sufidance.org.

VOLUNTEERING
Dec. 5 & Dec. 6 F-Sa $25 Cancer Connection Volunteer Training: Volunteers are needed to participate in 1-on-1 matching & treatment center visitation programs with newly diagnosed cancer patients & caregivers to provide practical & emotional support. Training sessions Dec. 5 & 6. Details: 342-0233 www.thecancerconnection.org
• F 6-9pm
• Sa 9am-4pm

American Cancer Society needs volunteers to help with patient transportation. Volunteers must be over the age of 21, have a valid Texas driver’s license, a dependable car with insurance coverage & a safe driving record. Drivers are provided training & can volunteer as little or as often as they like. Details: 919-1800 www.cancer.org.

Arc of the Capital Area needs usable clothing & household items, furniture, toys & small appliances. ARC provides opportunities for people with mental retardation & other developmental disabilities. Free donation pickup. Details: 707-0008 www.arcofthecapitalarea.org.

AseraCare Hospice serves Central Texas by providing medical, emotional & spiritual support to terminally ill patients & their families. Volunteers are needed to offer friendship to patients & families for the last 6 months of life. A once a week contact is preferred. TB & drug tests, background check, training & placement provided. Details: Deborah, volunteer coordinator 218-9890 www.aseracare.com.

Austin Lupus Support Group: Nonprofit group needs volunteers to help distribute fliers & lupus literature. The group also needs help with organizing & running fund-raising events, health fairs & awareness & educational events. All proceeds raised from events are used to educate lupus patients, their families & general public, provide support services to local lupus patients & their families, increase public awareness of the disease & encourage, promote & support lupus research so that ultimately a cure for lupus is found. The Austin Lupus Support Group needs & would love to have your time, talent, resources & energy. Details: Patti 217-6826, Gail 388-1018 www.freewebs.com/austinlupus.

Auto Donation: This year-round fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society is an easy way to get rid of an unwanted vehicle. Your car is picked up & sent to auction at no cost to you. You can claim your donation as an itemized tax deduction. The vehicle must have four inflated tires & all vital parts. The program accepts donations of used cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats & recreational vehicles. Details: 877-999-CARS www.cancer.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas seeks adult volunteers to create big magic by sharing moments with children in Travis & Williamson counties. Share a little of your time each month by becoming a friend to a child. Details: 472-KIDS (5437) www.bbbscentraltx.org.

Call for Board Members for the YWCA of Greater Austin: The YWCA of Greater Austin is looking for a few good women! If you are a woman who is interested in making a difference in our community by eliminating racism & empowering women & girls, call for more information about joining the YWCA board of directors. You can make a difference. Details: 326-1222 www.YWCAaustin.org.

Family Eldercare: You can make a difference with just 4-6 hours a month as a volunteer advocate or volunteer bill payer. Scores of elderly & disabled people are on a waiting list for volunteers. Matches by Zip code. Details: 483-3569 <volunteer@familyeldercare.org> www.familyeldercare.org/how-you-can-help.

Give the Gift of Life: Donate Milk! Healthy, breastfeeding moms are needed to donate excess breast milk for premature & ill infants. The Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin accepts, pasteurizes & dispenses by prescription donated human milk to the smallest & most fragile lives. Details: 494-0800 www.milkbank.org.

Goodwill’s Computer Recycling Program: Goodwill is looking for volunteers to participate in the demanufacturing of donated computers that will be resold or recycled. Details: Christine Chute 748-1684 <christine.chute@austingoodwill.org> www.austingoodwill.org.

Handy Helpers Program Needs Volunteers: The Glimmer of Hope Foundation has granted AAIM’s Hands on Housing program the funds needed to begin Handy Helpers. The rest is up to you. The program is especially looking for retired trades professionals, skilled home repair people, handy men & women, apprentices, carpenters, electricians & plumbers. Ideally, we are looking for folks with their own tools who can volunteer on a consistent basis (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) or several times a year when you are available. Details: Kathy Weiner 386-9145 <kweiner@aaimaustin.org> www.aaimaustin.org.

Health’s Angels: You can make a difference in the life of an elderly person in Austin by volunteering for one of the nonprofit organizations that assist older adults & their caregivers. Perfect for teenagers looking for community service hours or new retirees. Health’s Angels works with local aging-services providers to pinpoint volunteer opportunities for its members, then match members with those agencies. Members may volunteer as much as they are able. There is no minimum service requirement & members are encouraged to involve their families in their service hours. Details: 879-6600 www.healthsangels.org.

Help Austin Cancer Survivors: Lance Armstrong Foundation, CanCare Austin & St. David’s Community Health Foundation are cooperating to train & connect volunteers with opportunities to help others facing the disease. Together, the LAF, CCA & SDCHF will identify volunteer opportunities for & train survivors of all diagnoses (including their caregivers, family members & friends) to support people affected by cancer in the Austin community. Details: Karen Greif 342-0233 <karengreif@austin.rr.com>

Help the Homeless Front Steps a program of the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH), serves food from a kitchen & dining room at 500 E. 7th St. Volunteers needed to help prepare & serve food & for other ARCH programs. ARCH operates on the belief that all people deserve the dignity of a safe place to call home. ARCH seeks to end homelessness by providing shelter, affordable housing, community education & a day resource center. Details: Susan Morris 305-4133 www.frontsteps.org.

Join Austin Area Interreligious Ministries to Help Austin’s Refugees: Austin is becoming a major destination for political & religious refugees from around the globe, people who were forced to flee their homes & often endure long years in refugee camps. AAIM is the region’s sole provider of English as Second Language classes for refugees settled in Austin. We teach the adults basic English skills, help orient them to American culture & provide enriched learning experiences for their children. AAIM does not proselytize or attempt to convert the refugees; we simply give them the skills they need to survive so that, some day, they will be able to call Austin home. AAIM needs your seed money & support, whether you are rooted in a faith tradition, consider yourself to be spiritual but not religious, or simply share the values of our mission, you can make a difference in the life of our community by supporting AAIM. Details: 386-9145 www.aaimaustin.org/donation_new.html.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: The Gift Store at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center needs your help. We are interviewing people who would enjoy working a 3 hours shift during the week or on weekends either every week or every other week. We provide technical & product training. We are open Tu-Sa 9am-5:30pm & Su noon-4pm. Details: 232-0102 or <cmcdonald@wildflower.org>

Meals on Wheels & More Needs Volunteers: Meals on Wheels & More serves hot, nutritious meals to over 2,100 homebound disabled & elderly in the metro-Austin area & relies on a corps of over 3,000 volunteers to make that happen. Training sessions for volunteers every Thursday 12:15-1:15pm. All that’s needed is a valid driver’s license & proof of auto insurance. The program requires a commitment of 1 hour per week. Training sessions 3227 E. 5th St. Details: 476-6325 www.mealsonwheelsandmore.org.

North Austin Medical Center: Needs volunteers for various departments, such as Main Information Desk, ER, ER Registration, Medical Records. 12221 N. MoPac. Details: 901-2545 www.stdavids.com.

Project Transitions needs beds, household items & furniture. Donations are needed for clean or gently used dressers, sofas, chairs or tables, plus bed sheets, blankets, towels & money for buying mattresses. Details: 454-8646 www.projecttransitions.org.

RSVP Opportunities: The Travis County Retired & Senior Volunteer Program needs volunteers to serve in a broad array of areas, such as the Austin Humane Society, Austin Gray Panthers, Circle of Friends Alzheimer’s Caregivers Respite Care Program, Hispanic Contractors Assn., LBJ Library & Museum, Meals on Wheels & More, Odyssey Healthcare, Senior Games-Austin & in other capacities. Details: 854-7787 www.seniorservice.org/travis_county_rsvp.

Seton Medical Center Volunteers are looking for compassionate & caring persons to volunteer in patient & nonpatient care areas of Seton Medical Center. Volunteers are needed to provide support to families in need, assist hospital staff in the ER & in the Surgery Center & help in the gift shop, the cafe & at the information desks. Details: Volunteer office 324-1590 <vkappler@seton.org> www.setonmedicalcenter.org.

Swing Into Action as a Volunteer with The First Tee Of Greater Austin! Today’s youth need to experience support, care & love. They need to feel valued. They need to understand boundaries & expectations. And they need constructive, enriching opportunities to grow. As a volunteer for The First Tee of Greater Austin, you can help meet these needs & many more. Possessing golf experience is not necessary. Possessing a passion for helping kids is. We have a job for you whether you’re in high school, retired, or in between; whether you’re able to dedicate 1 hour each week or 40. Volunteer opportunities include: Mentors, Event & Committee volunteers, Program Coordinators, Instructors & Event Coordinators. Details: 732-0380 www.firstteeaustin.org.

United Way Capital Area Launches Appeal & Survey to the Austin Hispanic Community: Aimed at increasing community engagement & volunteerism, United Way Capital Area wants to target Hispanics to improve relationships & encourage community engagement. The survey is aimed at collecting baseline & demographic profile data about Hispanics living in the Austin area in an effort to develop future strategies that will lead to improved opportunities for community involvement. Community members wishing to participate in the survey are encouraged to visit the web site or call the survey hotline. Details: 498-4900 www.adelantesolutions.com/unitedwaysurvey/survey.html.

Wright House Wellness Center, formerly the HIV Wellness Center, has volunteer opportunities available. Work directly with clients, represent the Wright House in the community, or work with staff behind the scenes. 4301-B N. I-35. Details: Leah Graham 467-0088 <leah@thewrighthouse.org> www.thewrighthouse.org.

WOMEN
Nov. 5 W 5:30-7:30pm free Ladies Night Out: An evening of pampering for the ladies! Complimentary wine & cheese, chair massage, Salsa lesson & laughter. Bring a friend! Dance Institute, 6612 Sitio del Rio. Details: 326-6612

Nov. 6 Th 10:30am-12:30pm $17 Country Fair Silent & Live Auction: Hosted by the North Austin Women’s Connection. Tables full of great buys, baked goods & gift ideas. River Place Country Club, 4207 River Place Blvd. Details: 608-6686.

Nov. 6 Th 7pm free Women Traveling Solo: Traveling alone as a woman can be a powerful growth experience. However, safety is a consideration & some prep work will help you make the most out of your journey. Hostelling International is hosting a free workshop to help. REI Gateway, 9901 N. Capital of Texas. Details: 444-2294 www.hiaustin.org

Nov. 8 Sa 8am $45 What Women Need to Know About Divorce: Workshops meet 2nd Sa each month to deal with the legal, family, financial & personal issues of divorce in a logical & compassionate way. Workshop topics vary. DeVry University Stratum Executive Center, 11044 Research Blvd. Details: Melanie Johnson 732-1244 www.austindivorceworkshop.com.

Nov. 12 W 7:30-9pm $20-$25 Women’s Pole Dancing with Miss Natasha: Discover the art of pole dancing with real dancers & industry professionals. Whether you’re a pro looking to create a more dynamic stage presence or just fantasize about dancing for your partner, this class will teach you how to safely perform all the exciting pole tricks you see in music videos & night clubs. The class is for adults age 18 & older, for all shapes, sizes & fitness levels. Complimentary refreshments & wine for adults 21 & older. 10% discount post-class shopping. Forbidden Fruit, 108 E. North Loop. Details: 453-8090 www.forbiddenfruit.com/workshops.htm.

Women of Visionary Influence Austin Chapter: WOVI, incorporated thru outreach, collaboration & expansion, provides for the individual development of women globally. Meets monthly at Balcones Country Club, 11210 Spicewood Club Dr. Details: 638-6563 www.womenofvisioninternational.org/Austin.htm.

Singles or doubles, it's good just to be in the game

By Karen Kreps

All the years when I was single, I thought it would be so wonderful to be married. I wanted to be paired, as if that would validate me as a person and confirm my desirability as a woman. I felt lonely and ashamed when I didn't have a date on Saturday night.

I thought that if I just could find the right man and get him to love me, I'd be happy. I hadn't learned that happiness comes first from within.

As a solo traveler, I resented paying extra to tour operators because I didn't have a companion with whom to share the hotel room or cruise cabin. I envied my married girlfriends who could always count on having someone taller and stronger to retrieve a jar from the top shelf and get the cover unstuck.

I wanted to make babies and I didn't want to bring them up alone.

Every man I met became a possible candidate. I learned to quickly disqualify the married, the gay guys-even the most charming-and the losers in my search for a winner. I learned slowly to also disqualify the emotionally damaged and the confirmed bachelors.

After I got married, I learned that the human mind is always changing. One day we want one thing; another day, we want something else. Sometimes, what we arrange doesn't turn out to our liking. Anything we arrange can be unarranged.

When we attach happiness to anything that is transitory, our peace will be short-lived.

The difference is that, when you're married, you can't easily escape and start a new relationship, the way you can when you're just dating. Rather, you have to learn to compromise, communicate and support each other. And you have great opportunity to find out so much about yourself by observing how you behave with your spouse. You make promises that you are motivated to fulfill. You learn-perhaps not entirely-what effect your moods have on someone else and you take more responsibility for them. You learn that someone else can mean a lot to you, but can't be your "everything." It isn't humanly possible, and such expectations lead to an emotionally unhealthy reliance and disappointment.

So now that I've been married a good long time, and now when Thanksgiving is around the corner, I find myself asking: "Am I thankful now for all the things I thought I missed as a single person?"

Yes! I may not always be alert to it, but I do enjoy the companionship, the sense of belonging and the peer respect for the institution of marriage that is commonly afforded to those who succeed in maintaining a long-term relationship.

I've learned that, while we may have fallen in love on account of charm and good looks, love deepens as we learn to know one another with increasing intimacy and as we watch and support each other in our growth and maturation.

Now that I think about it, I realized that this is the life for which I had yearned. The benefits are many that come in reward for all the effort that a marriage demands: having someone with whom to share meals, to take turns cooking and cleaning, to go on walks, to spoon in bed, to turn to for easy, safe, satisfying sex. It's fun and comforting to have a shared history and a collection of inside jokes. All the good stuff described as "wanted" in singles' ads is available in marriage. I wanted it; I got it. For this, I am thankful.

At the same time, I can now appreciate the greenery seen beyond the fence I closed behind me.

Now, I can remember the freedom of living a life free of compromise.

Those who live alone have total control over their space. The mess they make is their own doing, and they need not pick up after someone else. They are available for romance when it knocks on their doors, or they can venture out to seek it in an endless array of social adventures. They meet more people when they travel.

I always knew but thought little of how singles don't have to worry about how the in-laws view them and or what their family expects of their spouse. They enjoy more time to focus on their careers, health, friendships and other areas of their lives that require time and energy to accomplish. They can live out their fantasies without having to be told they are wrong by the person closest to them, if that person doesn't happen to share their passions. They can invent themselves at every turn.

Why didn't I appreciate all this when I had the liberty to enjoy it? I don't know. I guess I was focused on the glass half empty. But marriage has taught me that life is good and that relationships are the great gifts that enrich our days and nights.

If you dig a well and don't hit water, you can go dig another well and the same thing may happen. But if you dig deep and don't keep starting over, you're bound to strike the fluid that sustains life. So it is with relationships.

Single or paired, both passages of life have their ups and downs. It's like in sports. In tennis, you can play singles or doubles. In singles, every move is your own, win or lose. You can't blame anyone else when you flub the ball. In doubles, you face your opponents in unison and experience the powerful synergy of teamwork. Either way, remember life is a great a game. Have fun at it and play to win.

Given the choice, Karen Kreps opts for marriage. You can write to her at kkreps@goodlifemag.com and learn about her book, a collection of these columns titled Intimacies: Secrets of Love, Sex & Romance, at www.TrueIntimacies.com.

What I really think about Sarah Palin

By Becca Hensley

This is the God's truth. Before I ever saw her or knew anything about her, I hated Sarah Palin. This is not because I had heard she was going to be John McCain's running mate, nor was it because I could only assume that a man I consider to be the very embodiment of evil was behind it.

Surely, you know who I mean. The one that used to live in Austin; the guy who now works for Fox. The fellow who no doubt took a coffee break from his media desk to phone poor John McCain and to tickle his Achilles heel with a little proposition. Imagine it: the call began with a Dr. Evil sort of menacing laugh and then he lured McCain with the promise of the masses, meandering Zombie like, Bibles held to their breasts, to the polling site.

"We know you want that Jew," he said, "but the masses can't abide by that. No, pick an Israel-loving mom who knows nothing. She will be putty in our hands." And then he laughed again. And made McCain, like Faust, sign a little pact with the-well, you know, the guy with horns that lives down there. But I digress.

No, friends, I hated Sarah Palin before I knew that she didn't believe in sex education, didn't support abortion, said "doggone it" and "golly gee" for real, had the nickname "barracuda," loved guns, didn't have a passport until this year and hunted cute little Alaskan moose and no doubt polar bears, a threatened species, as well. I hated her because she hurt my ears.

Yes, there I was trying to write something while my husband watched the news down the hall. I heard a terrible din. This cacophony came from the tube. It was hair-raising; the sort of sound that turns your body to mush; the sort of noise that makes otherwise stalwart kitty cats put back their ears and wail. "Good God," I said, my hands covering my ears. "Who is that? I hate her voice." Imagine my abject surprise to walk in, look at the screen and see my husband transfixed with a mad sort of glee. "He's just picked her as his running mate." I was incredulous.

My husband, to give him credit, was inspired by the historical ramifications. "This is awesome," he said. "For the first time we will either elect an African American or a woman to the White House." I, a former acolyte of Hillary Clinton, though a lover of Obama as well, was speechless.

Soon after that I traveled to France with a group of friends and one acquaintance, who it turns out actually brags that Playboy magnate Hugh Hefner is his best friend. I thought this was a joke. I had been told that Joel would be joining us on Monday because on Sunday he has a standing backgammon game with Hugh Hefner. "Ha, ha," I said. "Good one."

Then, when I met Joel and saw him scribble a note on some stationery that had (I swear to God) a pair of bosoms on top, I wondered. "Are those boobs?" I asked, horrified because we were after all having lunch in a Michelin-starred restaurant.

"No," he said, offended. "That says HMH-Hugh Hefner's initials. He gives (the stationery) to me. I take all I want. I brought some for all you guys."

Crinkling my brow, I looked closer. They were boobs, but they were also Hefner's initials, artistically (if you can call it that) formed to be boob-like letters. I was outraged. "I don't want one," I said.

"What's wrong?" he said. "Don't you like Hugh Hefner?"

"Absolutely not," I said.

"Well you don't know. He's a lovely man-he's my best friend," he said.

I shuddered.

Needless to say, this Joel and I didn't hit it off. He kept talking about Hugh Hefner and how much fun it was to eat dinner three times a week surrounded by luminaries like naked bunnies and has-been actors like Robert Culp at the Mansion. Worse, he bragged for Hugh in absentia about how much "exercise" Hugh manages to get. Ick!

Joel had one redeeming quality though. He agreed with all of us politically-at least in regard to the presidential election. I am ashamed to say that the French must have been astounded by us. We could not stop talking about politics. We were like rabid junkyard dogs. And though we all agreed about which candidate we wished to win, we came into every tête-à-tête loaded for bear (with words, which is different than being loaded for moose). We would start out quiet (for Americans) then roar into argumentative, interrupting loquacity. Somehow the zenith of each talk turned out to be our disregard for Sarah Palin.

We were mostly women and at one point Joel, who had been a Hillary man but now fully supported Obama, looked at us in disbelief. "You really hate her, don't you?" he asked, truly puzzled.

"Hello!" "Absolutely" "Are you kidding, we abhor her." We all screeched like strident banshees. "Well, don't you?" one of us asked.

"No, I don't like her; but you guys hate her."

That sort of stopped us in our tracks. Hugh Hefner's best friend was making us look a little like she-wolves.

So why do we hate her so much? Not for the reasons the conservatives have suggested: that she's attractive, athletic, rich and charismatic. Not because she's seeking power. Not because she's managed to do it all, have a family and a successful career. Not because she was out of her league in national politics (Wouldn't most of us be?). Not even because we completely disagree with everything she stands for.

Would we hate her so much if she were a man? Do we hate her because she's one of us? God, I hope not.

Becca Hensley knows that some questions posed must be pondered over time. You may e-mail Becca at bhensley@goodlifemag.com.

Former UT football stars aren’t shining

By Tom Palaima

What do Ricky Williams, Cedric Benson and Vince Young have in common? Don’t wait for a punch line. There isn’t one.

They are the three greatest products of the University of Texas at Austin football program in the last ten years. All three received major national awards. Williams won the Heisman Trophy for the most outstanding college football player. All three were top-five picks in the NFL draft. But their professional and personal lives since leaving UT have been so troubled that we have to ask what preparation for pursuit of the good life athlete students are getting during the years they perform in Royal-Memorial Stadium.

Big-time college sports in Austin grab us, even if we do not rent skyboxes or buy season tickets. Early last fall, the Austin American-Statesman ran headline stories by Eric Dexheimer about “the Longhorn economy.” Among the many letters to the editor concerning the extravagance and misplaced priorities, one from Peggy Pickle, daughter of the late U.S. Representative J.J. “Jake” Pickle, stood out. Two decades ago her father authored the Pickle Amendment, which made money given to UT athletics a tax-deductible gift to higher education. He never intended, she wrote, that “our sports programs” would “eclipse the purpose of the University of Texas.”

The cover story of this month’s edition of Texas Monthly examines what it calls Longhorns Inc., the business operation built around NCAA athletics at UT Austin that brings in a hundred twenty five million dollars a year for its own use. Nothing much has changed since Peggy Pickle wrote her letter.

I was interviewed for the story last May. I gave Texas Monthly writer Sam Gwynne a list of people to contact at UT about the sports budget, admissions standards, the tutoring of athletes, trademark deals and the new AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center—and sports booster hotel. But I focused on what UT’s highly commercialized sports programs—Austin’s substitutes for the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs and Texas Rangers—were doing to the students who put in full-time jobs as athletes. They provide the public entertainment that generates a hundred twenty-five million dollars per year. What do they get in return?

I am the UT and Big XII steering committee representative on the Coalition on Intercollegiate Athletics (COIA), a national alliance of faculty senates that works with the NCAA and their own institutions to set values for intercollegiate athletics and academics. COIA members are not anti-sports. Neither am I. Playing baseball as a kid taught me many life lessons, especially about the costs of trying to win at all costs.

Knowing what sports can do to help us understand how to live our lives better makes the cases of Ricky Williams, Cedric Benson and Vince Young so unfortunate. We say students go to college to get an education. But an education is not something you get. Attending prescribed classes, getting tutored, and passing enough courses per semester to meet the very low standards set for athlete students by the NCAA are not enough. Academically, athlete students need more time and independence to explore who they want to be, to learn about the world, past and present, and their places in it. As athletes, they need to learn the lessons that come from fair competition.

Star college athletes face enormous pressures. They need to keep both NCAA sports and the prospects of future professional careers in perspective. But perspective is hard to find at Longhorns Inc.

Why would any student educated at a world-class university entrust his professional contract negotiation, as Williams did, to a rap star, sign a contract heavily weighted toward unrealistic performance incentives, and then retire and unretire, while violating league marijuana rules four times? What was done during his time at UT to help him deal with his life ahead?

Benson’s career has been rocky from the start. A contract holdout put him behind in training and made teammates resentful. Instead of being the showcase player, he has had to compete against other gifted running backs on his team. Injuries and alcohol-related arrests in May and June of this year led to his release by the Chicago Bears. Like Williams, he has now caught on with another team.

Vince Young is the youngest of this troubled trio. He led UT to a national championship in 2005. He won thirty games and lost only two as a starter, the most wins ever by a UT quarterback. However, big-time college football programs play many mismatch games. The Longhorns play at most four truly competitive games per year. Victory margins of forty points or more in the other seven to nine games are not uncommon.

Against such lackluster competition, Young did not have to correct his unorthodox throwing style. The quality of competition in the NFL has made him face real failure for the first time. After being booed, he was reluctant to reenter a game. He then disappeared under circumstances that led his coach and his counselor to believe he might be contemplating suicide. Suicide. Over being booed playing a game.

What Williams, Benson and Young seem to have in common is not learning enough about themselves as athletes, students or human beings during their years at UT. Longhorns Inc. got what it paid for. But these former Longhorns stars seem not to have gotten what they played for.

Tom Palaima encourages free thought about the good life. You may e-mail Tom at tpalaima@goodlifemag.com.

Another Austin Treasure: Its Children Book Authors

by Lindsey Lane

This past summer, I became an MFA student in Writing for Children and Young Adults at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. When I told professors and fellow students that I was from Austin, more often than not, they said, “Wow, you have a quite a community down there.” We do. Austin hosts one of the most vibrant children’s book writing communities in the country and I feel lucky to be a part of it.

I am writing about this treasure chest of Austin children’s book writers for two reasons. First, it’s the month of Thanksgiving so I am counting my blessings. Second, it’s close to that month of gift giving and I thought it would be helpful if you had a handy, take-to-the-store list to buy book gifts for teachers, children and parents that you know and love, written by people who you can potentially know and love because they live right here.

But what about Beatrix Potter, A.A. Milne, J.M. Barrie, Anna Sewell, J.D. Salinger, J.R.R. Tolkien, you ask? “Shouldn’t I buy the tried and true classics with my hard-earned dollars?” The answer is no.

Don’t get me wrong. I love the classics. They inspire me. They’re important. But they’re also easily found in libraries and garage sales. They aren’t in any immediate danger of disappearing if you forego purchasing them. However, books of current authors (read: vibrant living authors), both local and national, are constantly threatened with going out of print if their initial print run doesn’t sell out quickly enough. It doesn’t matter to the publisher that authors might be juggling a day job while promoting their own books or that it might take a bit of time to build a following. Sadly, publishing, even for children, is a numbers game.

So when I say forego the classics, I mean it. Extend your eating local habits to your book buying purchases. Children’s classics are like the canned food section: Enormous shelf life, definitely worth having, particularly in emergencies, but limited in color, variety and freshness. And absolutely avoid those synthetically processed books (Hint: no writer’s name on the cover) spun off from television shows and movies. They are the food equivalent of those sugary cereals with movie characters on the boxes. Buying local children’s book authors is like supporting a different kind of CSA produce: Community Sustained Authors.

To assist you in your local buying habits, I have assembled a list of Austin children’s book authors by category. Please clip this list and take it to local bookstores or order them on-line. These Austin authors are part of a larger group of more than a hundred Texas children’s book authors. Due to space considerations, I can’t include Austin illustrators, writers with first books coming out next year

or the many fine authors in our nearby communities.

Picture books—In this category, Austin is lucky to have so many authors.

Jane Scoggins Bauld is the author of numerous books, including Journey Of The Third Seed and a series about Hector the Bat who lives under the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge.

Mostly recently, Anne Bustard is the author of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.

Keith Graves has written and illustrated many books, including Three Nasty Gnarlies, Pet Boy and, my personal favorite, Frank Was A Monster Who Wanted To Dance.

Author-illustrator Regan Johnson twisted that funny little song, “Little Bunny Foo Foo” into Little Bunny Kung Fu, a very engaging book.

Jane Ann Peddicord crafted her first book, Night Wonders, as an adventure through outer space in rhyme, with pictures from the Hubble telescope. She followed it up the That Special Little Baby, also in perfect rhyme.

Liz Garton Scanlon is the author of the picture book of metaphors, A Sock Is A Pocket For Your Toes and soon from Simon and Schuster, All the World.

Philip Yates is the author of Ten Little Mummies, an ingenious and hilarious little counting book.

Emma Virjan is the author-illustrator of the new board book series Nacho the Party Puppy.

Fact books—Children are little fact-munching machines and a few Austin authors have written some great fodder.

Shelley Bueche is the author of The Ebola Virus and Bedbugs.

Author and illustrator Mark G. Mitchell wrote Seeing Stars: The McDonald Observatory: Its Science and Astronomers; The Mustang Professor: The Story of J. Frank Dobie and Raising La Belle, which won the Western Writers Spur award and the United States Maritime Award.

Denise Schmandt-Besserat is a professor at The University of Texas, Austin and the author of The History Of Counting.

Fantasy books—In the fantasy genre, Austin boasts otherworldly fiction for younger and older readers.

Brian Anderson is the author of the Zack Proton books, a great series for the seven- to ten-year-old set and the reluctant boy reader.

P.J. Hoover just published her first young adult book, The Emerald Tablet in her series The Forgotten Worlds.

Jo Whittemore is the author of a young adult trilogy The Silverskin Legacy.

Historical fiction—Austin’s two middle-grade authors have written some fine historical fiction.

Shana Burg’s book A Thousand Never Evers has already caused quite a stir and received a star from Publisher’s Weekly.

Julie Lake is the author of Galveston’s Summer Of The Storm about the hurricane of 1900.

Young adult fiction—In this genre, Austin hosts a wealth of authors.

Ted Dekker is known for adrenaline-laced novels like Obsessed, The Circle Trilogy (Black, Red, White), Three, Blink, Heaven’s Wager, When Heaven Weeps and Thunder Of Heaven.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Suzanne Harper is the author of The Secret Life of Sparrow Delaney and The Juliet Club.

Born and raised as a Texan, Helen Hemphill is the author of Long Gone Daddy, Runaround and The Adventurous Deeds of Deadwood Jones.

Varian Johnson is the author of My Life As A Rhombus and Red Polka Dot In A World Full Of Plaid and, soon from Delacorte, The Path of the Righteous.

Columnist Ruth Pennebaker is also the author of Don’t Think Twice, Conditions Of Love, and Both Sides Now.

Thomas Pendleton is the author of Mason and the Wicked series. He also writes under the name Lee Thomas for the adult market.

A Michener Fellow and University of Texas graduate, Lori Aurelia Williams is the author of When Kambia Elaine Flew In From Neptune, Shayla’s Double Brown Baby Blues, and Broken China.

Brian Yansky is the author of My Road Trip to the Pretty Girl Capital of the World and Wonders of the World.

Jennifer Ziegler is the author of Alpha Dog and How Not To Be Popular.

Margo Rabb is the author of the acclaimed Cures for Heartbreak.

Multi-genre authors—Several in our community publish books in more than one category, a writer’s version of crossover hits.

Angela Shelf Medearis’ byline is currently in the food section of Austin American-Statesman but she is also the author of more than ninety books for children and young adults, including What Did I Do To Deserve A Sister Like You? and The Ghost of Sifty-Sifty Sam.

Beloved author of Holes, Louis Sachar also penned the Wayside Series, the Marvin Redpost series and his newest, Small Steps.

The writing and illustration team of Janice and Tom Shefelman focus mainly on historical fiction and have created many middle-grade (A Paradise Called Texas, Sophie’s War) and picture (A Peddler’s Dream, and I, Vivaldi) books.

Not only is Cynthia Leitich Smith the author of picture books, middle grade and young adult books like Jingle Dancer, Santa Knows, Rain Is Not My Indian Name, Indian Shoes, and Tantalize, she is also the creator of the largest and best web site (www.cynthialeitichsmith.com) about children’s literature on the planet and a major reason why our community is as recognized as it is.

Her husband Greg Leitich Smith is the author of two middle grade books Ninjas, Piranhas and Galileo, Tofu And T. Rex, and a picture book, Santa Knows.

Finally this list would not be complete without mentioning Trevor Romain, whose self-help books and DVDs like Bullies Are a Pain In The Brain and Facing Fear Without Freaking Out are an Austin industry unto themselves.

Lindsey Lane’s picture book Snuggle Mountain (Clarion, 2003) is soon to join the ranks of the tragically out of print. You may console her at llane@goodlifemag.com.

How to get your family event listed: We prefer that calendar listing information be submitted by using the form on our web site at www.goodlifemag.com/calendar-submission-form2.html. Second choice is to e-mail the essential details to editor@goodlifemag.com. Or fax it to 512-474-5725. Or mail to PO Box 4400, Austin, Texas 78765. To be considered for inclusion, items must be received by the 15th of the month for the following month’s events. Listings are free & are published on a space-available basis.

FAMILY
Daily: Kids Series on KLRU-TV: Austin’s PBS affiliate station hosts a children’s series that incorporate literacy & behavioral & academic skills. Check the web site for complete schedule. Details: www.KLRU.org.
• M-F Word World A literacy-based, animated series where WordFriends spell their way thru “word play” adventures.
• M-F Super Why! Tells the story of Wyatt Beanstalk & his friend Super Why, a tiny superhero who lives behind the books in a children’s library. Each episode brings a new twist to a classic fairytale, while showing emerging readers how reading & seeking answers in books can help solve problems.
• M-F WordGirl: An animated weekly series about the everyday life & superhero adventures of WordGirl as she fights crime & enhances vocabulary usage. Each episode introduces up to four new vocabulary words in an engaging way.
• Sa Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies: Is set in the African savanna, chronicles the adventures of sassy elephant Mama Mirabelle & the young animal characters she cares for. Each episode aims to illuminate the real world for pre-schoolers by providing insight into animal customs & behaviors.

Mondays 9am-noon $4-$8 Baby Bloomers: Weekly program for children ages 3 & younger & their caregivers. Discover the exhibits & play in a relaxed atmosphere with other families with small children when the museum is open exclusively for this age group. Stroller parking included. Storytimes 9:30am; sing-along 10:30am; The Little Explorers Lab 11am. Austin Children’s Museum, 201 Colorado St. Details: 472-2499 www.austinkids.org.

Monday-Friday 10am $6 per class Tot Signs: Classes incorporating sign language to help toddlers communicate more effectively. Free trial class. Locations around Austin. Details: Elisabeth McCoy 771-9449 <info@totsigns.com> www.totsigns.com.

Tuesdays afternoons Free Month of Youth Martial Arts Classes: Fun! Focus! Confidence! Life Ki-do Martial Arts & Life Education is offering a free month of classes for children ages 4 & up & also a free month of Family Classes. No strings attached. Classes are fun, nurturing & age appropriate. In addition to developing martial arts skills, students will also develop focus, confidence, social skills, body awareness & coordination. Life Ki-do Martial Arts at Westover Hills Club, 8706 Westover Club Dr. Details: 215-0064 <info@lifekido.com> www.lifekido.com.

Tuesdays & Thursdays Nov.1-Dec. 11 5-6:30pm $45-$60 La Juventud Youth Social Dance Program: Salsa: The nonprofit EsquinaTango Cultural Society of Austin invites children to come be part of this new, unique & exciting program that includes Tango, Tejano, Salsa Swing & more. Enjoy demonstrations, refreshments, raffles & get to know the staff. Special discount for registering for upcoming sessions. Classes meet once a week for 45 minutes. 6-week session $60, $15 off for 2nd session & additional child in the family. 209 Pedernales St. Details: 524-2772 www.esquinatangoaustin.com.

Wednesdays 5-8pm $1 Community Nights: Come out & play & enjoy the exhibit galleries, storytime & a variety of hands-on activities. Austin Children’s Museum 201 Colorado St. Details: 472-2499 www.austinkids.org.

Wednesdays & Thursdays 5:30-7pm Austin Derby Brats: Program for girls ages 5-17 with the primary focus to develop character, confidence, leadership & social interaction thru sports. Austin Derby Brats believe performance is secondary to these ideals & intends to nurture & develop both skilled athletes & those who have not yet realized the champion inside of them. Millennium Youth Center, 1156 Hargrave St. Details: Major Problem 472-6932 <austinderbybrats@yahoo.com> www.txrd.com.

Thursdays 12:30pm $3 Garden Yoga: Mia Pem takes children ages 3-5 on a spiritual journey thru yoga in the organic garden at Ronda’s Montessori Garden. Pioneer Garden School, 4300 Mt Vernon Dr. Details: 707-8635 <rondasgarden@yahoo.com> www.rondasgarden.net.

Saturdays 10-11am Kids Yoga: With Cindy. Free with a purchase at the café. Bring a mat; some provided. Ruta Maya Café 3601-D S. Congress. Details: 707-9637 www.rutamaya.net.

Saturdays Nov. 1-22 10am-noon $0-$6.50 Engineering Saturday: Children & families can explore engineering firsthand with activities presented in collaboration with students from UT’s Cockrell School of Engineering. Austin Children’s Museum, 201 Colorado St. Details: 472-2499 www.austinkids.org.

Saturdays & Sundays Nov. 1-23 $55-$150 per family Texas Outdoor Family Program: Designed to provide your family a chance to learn basic outdoor skills needed for a great day at the park & a positive overnight camping experience. There is no better way to learn than to do. Your family will have a hands-on experience that’s fun & educational with plenty of help & advice from outdoor specialists, park staff & trained volunteers. This exciting program is offered at many participating state parks & local parks thru November. No experience necessary. Details: 389-8903 www.tpwd.state.tx.us/outdoorfamily.
• Nov. 1 & Nov. 2 Palmetto State Park, southeast of Luling
• Nov. 8 & Nov. 9 Brazos Bend State Park, southwest of Houston
• Nov. 22 & Nov. 23 Guadalupe River State Park, on the boundary of Comal and Kendall counties

Sundays 10:30am free Sunday Morning Kids Shows: Ruta Maya showcases Austin’s community of great children’s performers & entertainment. Tips for performers appreciated. Check web site for the schedule of performances. Ruta Maya International Headquarters, 3601 S. Congress Ave. Details: 707-9637 www.rutamaya.net.

Sundays Nov. 2-23 3-5pm $0-$6.50 Science Sundays: Limited seating available. Recommended for child & guardian pairs aged 5+. Austin Children’s Museum, 201 Colorado St. Details: 472-2499 austinkids.org.
• Nov. 2 Society of Women Engineers provide hands-on activities.
• Nov. 9 UT Hands-on-Science teach about sticking together.
• Nov. 16 Women in Engineering provide hands-on activities.
• Nov. 23 Dr. Kold shows what happens when things get cold, really cold.

Nov. 1 Sa 1:30-3pm $12 Sculptor To Be! Sculpture Workshop for Kids: Bronze Me Up, Charlie! Ages 6-12. Come out & use your creative senses to follow in the footsteps of the great bronze sculptors of our time. We are going to create our own unique works of art using paper-clay. It is a new-age material that dries rock hard overnight. Students will take home non-toxic bronze paint to finish their masterpieces. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. Details: 445-5582 x101 www.umlaufsculpture.org.

Nov. 1-9 $3-$10 Cinderella: An original version of the classic tale of a girl who must live with her cruel stepmother & stepsisters until she receives much needed help from a magical fairy Godmother. Best suited for ages 3-10, this interactive play encourages children in the audience to become part of the action. Scottish Rite Theatre, 207 W. 18th St. Details: 472-5436 ScottishRiteTheatre.org.
• Sa 10am
• Su 2pm
• Nov. 4 & Nov. 5 Tu & W 10:30am Weekday Shows

Nov. 1-30 $3-$5 DinoLand Exhibit: Visitors to the DinoLand Exhibit will travel back in time, coming face to face with 30 lifelike dinosaur models of every shape & size. These prehistoric creatures will take up temporary residence along the new Escarpment Trail (near the Hartman Prehistoric Garden) being developed by Austin Parks and Recreation Department. From the fierce, 33-ft. Daspletosaur (cousin to the T-Rex) to a herd of tiny carnivores, these scientifically accurate dinosaur models were created by Guy Darrough, a renowned paleontologist & owner of Lost World Studios. Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. Details: 477-8672 www.zilkergarden.org.

Nov. 1-May 30 Sa-Tu $0-$6.50 All Systems Go: Going places. Getting there. This feature exhibit, sponsored by Capital Metro & developed by Austin Children’s Museum, is all about transportation. Austin Children’s Museum, 201 Colorado St. Details: 472-2499 www.austinkids.org.

Nov. 8 Sa 10 am–noon $10 Acorn Eaters Nature Club: 2nd Sa each month thru Feb. 14. Ages 3 & 4. Budding nature lovers will delve into the outdoors using all 5 senses. Share nature with your child while learning about the animals & habitats of McKinney Roughs thru outdoor art activities, nature hunts & games. Children need an adult partner present to participate. Preregistration required. McKinney Roughs Nature Park, 1884 SH 71 West. Details: 303-5073 <outdoorprograms@lcra.org> www.lcra.org/parks/developed_parks/mckinney_roughs.html.

Nov. 8 Sa 10 am–noon $10 Junior Naturalists Nature Club: 2nd Sa each month thru Feb. 14. Ages 5-10. School-age children will look deeply into the natural world to learn the skills of a true naturalist. Children will practice the naturalist skills of journaling, tracking, research & keen observation thru outdoor art, games & activities that hone their senses. Preregistration required. McKinney Roughs Nature Park, 1884 SH 71 West. Details: 303-5073 <outdoorprograms@lcra.org> www.lcra.org/parks/developed_parks/mckinney_roughs.html.

Nov. 8 & Nov. 9 $0-$2 Fossil Fest 2008: Dealers & exhibits as well as activities for the kids. A fun & educational experience for the whole family, sponsored by the Paleontological Society of Austin. Old Settlers Park, Highway 79, 3.3 miles east of I-35, next to the Dell Diamond. Map on-line. Details: Ed Elliott 657-7581 www.texaspaleo.com/psa.
• Sa 9am-6pm
• Su 9am-4pm

Nov. 9 & Nov. 29 Single Parent Resource Network: Unique support & resources for single & unattached parents, including babysitting cooperatives. You can also tune in 1:30pm each Wednesday for the Radical Mother’s Voice radio program on KOOP-FM 91.7. Details: 694-5272 www.sprn.org.
• Nov. 9 11:30am 2nd Su each month, Ruta Maya International Headquarters, 3601 S. Congress at Alpine, for discussion & planning.
• Nov. 29 3pm last Sa each month, Central Market, 4001 N. Lamar Blvd., for potluck, playgroup & clothing swap.

Nov. 11 Tu 7-9pm $50 Understanding the Evaluation Process & Implementing the Results: William Dailey, PhD, will discuss the main components of a learning disability evaluation, how tests are interpreted & how findings are reported to parents. Scottish Rite Learning Center of Austin, 12871 N. Hwy. 183. Details: 472-1231 www.scottishritelearningcenter.org

Nov. 13 Th 7-8:30pm Parents of Dyslexic Children Support Group: This month’s topic: Talking Book Program: How to access this free & helpful resource. This free support group meets monthly Sept. thru May. Scottish Rite Learning Center, 12871 N. Hwy 183. Details: 472-1231 <dbroadway@scottishritelearningcenter.org> www.ScottishRiteLearningCenter.org.

Nov. 20 Th 6:30-8pm The ABC’s of ADD or Who are these Kids & Why are they Driving me Crazy? In this workshop you will learn the core symptoms & management strategies for children with disorders of self-control. Scottish Rite Learning Center of Austin, 12871 N. Hwy. 183. Details: 472-1231 www.scottishritelearningcenter.org

Austin Jewish Academy Transitional Kindergarten Program: In response to community needs, AJA has created a transitional kindergarten program known as Gesher (“bridge”). Gesher is designed for students who are in a transitional year between preschool & kindergarten. 7300 Hart Ln. Details: 735-8350 <Sharon.swedlow@austinjewishacademy.org> www.austinjewishacademy.org.

FamilyLab free w/museum admission. This ongoing activity in a new interactive space is designed to provide families the opportunity to experiment, observe & respond to the art on view. Through activities such as make & take art projects, collaborative creations & interdisciplinary approaches to art, visitors of all ages are invited to learn, play & nurture their curiosity. AMOA-Downtown 823 N. Congress. Details: 495-9224 www.amoa.org.

Mariposas Spanish School has children’s Spanish classes in several Austin locations. Experienced, fun & creative teachers share the language & culture with kids. Details: 653-7369 <info@mariposasspanish.com> www.mariposasspanish.com.

McKenna Children’s Museum provides a learning environment for children & families that stimulates thought, inspires imagination & prompts understanding thru hands-on educational exhibits & programs that focus on fine arts, culture, history, science, technology & health. Check out the interactive web site at mckennakids.org. 801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels. Details: 830-620-0939 <pmaxwell@mckennasys.org> www.nbchildren.org/default_flash.aspx.

Naturalist Workshop & Trade Counter at Austin Nature & Science Center is a perfect place to explore the natural world. Use microscopes & magnifying glasses to get a closeup view, a balance to check the weight, plus field guides & touchable specimens for identification of your finds. If you collect natural objects, you can bring a favorite rock, fossil, seedpod, sea shell or other cool natural object to the Trade Counter, which brims with treasures that are available for trade & can be taken home by visitors thru a trading point system. W-F: 10am-1pm; S: 10am-4pm. Austin Nature & Science Center in Zilker Park. Details: 327-8181 www.ci.austin.tx.us/ansc.

PJ Library Offers Free Books & Music to Nurture Jewish Families: The PJ Library is available to help enrich Jewish family relationships by offering free children’s books & CDs. Children ages 6 months thru 6 years are eligible. It’s free the first year, $18 per child in subsequent years. The PJ Library mails brand new, age-appropriate Jewish children’s books & music CDs each month to participating families, along with parent guides. In many of The PJ Library family homes, only 1 parent is Jewish, or 1 is a Jew by choice, lacking Jewish childhood memories to pass on. Designed as an outreach to build Jewish identity in young, intermarried & unaffiliated Jewish families, The PJ Library is also available to Jewishly involved families, exposing them to Jewish culture & enhancing creative Jewish parenting. Details: Lisa Apfelberg, Jewish Community Assn. of Austin 735-8076 <lisa.apfelberg@shalomaustin.org> www.shalomaustin.org/pjlibrary.

Special Seats Offer Children Safety Boost: Because children often leapfrog from child safety seats to seat belts they miss an important transitional safety support, a special vehicle booster seat designed just for their size, according to safety experts. Children shorter than 4-feet, 9-inches need a booster seat. Learn more about the seats at The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration web site: www.boosterseat.gov.

Wonders & Worries offers developmentally appropriate support groups & individual counseling for children & youth who have a parent with cancer or other serious illness. Support groups & counseling available for children, adolescents & young adults with cancer, cystic fibrosis, juvenile arthritis & other chronic illnesses. All services are free of charge & are offered in Spanish & English. 923 Westbank Dr., Ste C. Details: Meredith Cooper 329-5757 www.wondersandworries.org.

Anticipation With Certainty
Winter Leek and Potato Soup

by Clane Hayward

Toni Morrison described happiness as “anticipation with certainty” and that’s just how I feel about soup. A bowl of soup has a particularly comforting warmth and heft. The season’s most nutritious vegetables—yams, squash, beets, hearty kale—lend flavor and color to soups, and suggest the abundance of a good harvest. In modern times, of course, we no longer depend on a bountiful harvest to sustain us throughout the cold months, but we still have a sort of timeless response to warmth, abundance and heartiness.

All this talk of soup, abundance and certainty brings me to another point, albeit a sad one. In Austin, as anywhere in America, there are plenty of people who have neither abundance nor certainty, which is particularly distressing as we anticipate the holidays. Here’s your chance to do something about it, while enjoying some soup at the same time: visit the twelfth annual Empty Bowl Project on Sunday, November 23, from 11am to 3pm. It’s being held this year at the Mexican American Cultural Center (512-478-6222) at 600 River St. All proceeds go to the Capital Area Food Bank (512-282-2111). It works like this: you buy a bowl of gourmet soup for fifteen dollars, and eat it while listening to live music. But you get to keep the handmade, one-of-a-kind clay bowl, which has been donated by local potters from ClayWays Pottery Studio and Gallery (512-459-6445), which sponsors this event every year. With your help the Empty Bowl Project will make hundreds of thousands of meals available to hungry Texans.

Good soup begins with good stock. In a perfect universe you know how to prepare a rich and savory chicken or vegetable stock, and you have some in the freezer. But since you’ve had better things to do, you can doctor up some off-the-shelf stock. Choose vegetable or chicken stock and choose the form as well: you can use bouillon cubes, canned stock or that cool canned stock that actually comes in a box.

In a stock pot quickly caramelize half an onion by searing it, cut-side down, in a little hot oil. Add a roughly chopped carrot and a few stalks of celery, a bay leaf, a few peppercorns and a pinch of thyme. If you happen to have a few sprigs of fresh parsley or marjoram, toss these in the pot as well. Add your stock. Simmer (don’t boil) for half an hour and then strain the solids.

At this point, consider how you feel about carbohydrates, and particularly the glycemic index of potatoes (which is very high, because potatoes are laden with carbohydrates). Carbs don’t make you fat. They just spike your blood sugar, which causes your body to use sugar as fuel, and store fat. If you’d prefer a less carbohydrate-laden dish, substitute turnips or cauliflower for some of the potatoes. Turnips and cauliflower will add a lovely, very subtle depth of flavor to your soup while reducing the

carbs and adding more fiber as well. If you use turnips, peel them.

In a pot of generously salted water, cook peeled, chopped russet potatoes, and your turnips and cauliflower if you’re using them, into complete submission. Some people like Yukon Golds, unpeeled fingerlings or red potatoes, but I think the extra starchiness of a younger potato actually weirds the flavor. However, I love the color and texture of potato chunks in a creamy soup, so I also chop a few fingerlings, Yukons or red potatoes into careful, smaller chunks (no larger than three quarters of an inch square) and cook them in a separate pot of generously salted boiling water. Cook the reds or Yukons or fingerlings only until they are tender, since you don’t want shapeless potatoes in your beautiful soup.

Drain your various potatoes and vegetables and set them aside to cool a bit. In a blender, in a food processor or with a potato masher, purée the confabulation of russets, cauliflower and turnips. Add a little cooled stock as you blend, to keep your blender from whining in frustration.

Discard the hairy roots and the last few, dark green, tough inches of your leeks (but do keep some of the green part) and chop them into half-inch rounds. My brilliant, unrecognized leek strategy has always been to rinse the leeks after they’ve been chopped. I’m the type of person who can’t bear to throw away food, and insist on using the part of the leek where a lot of dirt hangs out, and this dirt is virtually impossible to remove unless the leeks are already chopped. Thinly chop a few celery stalks.

Cook the celery and leeks in butter until they’re somewhat softened, with a little salt and pepper and even, perhaps, half a cup of white wine. I adore tender sweet corn in my leek and potato soup, but corn at this time of year isn’t strictly seasonal.

Combine your potato purée and stock in careful proportions. You don’t want a runny soup, so don’t add way more stock than purée. But neither do you want a sludgy soup, so don’t use way more purée than stock.

It’s time, now, to consider unnecessary fat. A half-cup of heavy cream will turn a leek and potato soup that’s wearing jeans and a nice blouse and some good shoes at the movies into a leek and potato soup that’s wearing Versace at the Oscars. It’s up to you. Usually, I can’t resist.

Add your sautéed leeks and celery and your cubed potatoes, and gently bring your soup to a nice heat over a very low temperature. Before serving, garnish your soup with a sprinkling of chopped parsley, a few elegant chive batons, or a spoonful of sweet corn kernels and carefully quartered cherry tomatoes. I’ve said it many times before, and can’t resist saying it again: bowl food is soul food.

Clane Hayward lies. She can never, ever resist heavy cream in leek and potato soup. You may e-mail Clane at chayward@goodlifemag.com.

Winter Leek and Potato Soup

Peeled russet potatoes.

Scrubbed, diced red, Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes.

Optional chopped cauliflower.

Optional peeled, diced turnips.

Chicken or vegetable stock.

Carrots, roughly chopped.

Diced celery stalks for the soup, and additional roughly chopped stalks of celery for stock.

Diced leeks.

Heavy cream.

Butter.

White wine.

Assorted optional fresh herbs: parsley, thyme, marjoram, winter savory.

Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

How to get your food event listed: We prefer that calendar listing information be submitted by using the form on our web site at www.goodlifemag.com/calendar-submission-form2.html. Second choice is to e-mail the essential details to editor@goodlifemag.com. Or fax it to 512-474-5725. Or mail to PO Box 4400, Austin, Texas 78765. To be considered for inclusion, items must be received by the 15th of the month for the following month’s events. Listings are free & are published on a space-available basis.

FOOD
Wednesdays & Saturdays 9am-2pm year-round Market at Boggy Creek Farm in East Austin: TDS certified organic produce. 3414 Lyons Rd. Details: Carol Ann Sayle & Larry Butler, farm owners 926-4650 <boggycrk@realtime.net> www.boggycreekfarm.com (map on web site).

Wednesdays 3-7pm Austin Farmers’ Market at The Triangle: This weekly year-round market is part of the Sustainable Food Center’s system of markets. Fresh produce from the farm, cheeses, eggs & more are available each week to eat or to take home. Triangle Park, 46th St. between Lamar & Guadalupe. Details: Suzanne Santos, Sustainable Food Center 236-0074 www.AustinFarmersMarket.org.

Fridays Nov. 7-28 4-7pm Citywide In-Store Wine Tastings: Twin Liquors presents wine samples at 13 area locations. Shop & visit with the wine experts to locate a particular bottle of wine, get wine-food pairing suggestions & answers to any & all wine-related questions. Details: Paula Biehler 328-3935 www.TwinLiquors.com.

Fridays & Saturdays F noon-2pm & 4-7pm, Sa 10am-2pm Farmstand at Green Gate Farm: Kid-friendly venue hosts spontaneous events like the Red Potato Pull & Rattlesnake Bean Run. Certified naturally grown produce. WIC vouchers accepted. 8604 FM 969 (East MLK at Decker Ln), 8 miles east of downtown. Details: Farm owners Erin Flynn & Skip Connett 926-2436 or 404-625-4967 <greengatefarms@gmail.com> www.greengatefarms.net.

Saturdays 8am-1pm year-round South Austin Farmers’ Market on Congress: El Gallo Restaurant parking lot, 2910 S. Congress Ave. (across from St. Edwards University). Details: Tony Piccola & Suzanne Bartoo market managers. 830-914-3756 www.austinfarm.org/safm.

Saturdays 9am-1pm year-round Austin Farmers’ Market: Now with an ATM available on-site, bike valets & a booth for Yellow Bike Project to help folks with bike racks, homemade panniers & basket options. The market features fresh & local vegetables, herbs, cheeses, eggs, meats, breads, honey, flowers, prepared foods, drinks & artisan crafts. Free admission & free parking on the street & in the state garage at 3rd & San Antonio. Kids Patch activities, garden info, live music & chefs’ demos. 4th & Guadalupe. Music 10-11:30am. Details: Suzanne Santos, Sustainable Food Center 236-0074 www.AustinFarmersMarket.org.
• Austin Farmers’ Market Accepts Food Stamps: In keeping with its mission to improve access to fresh & healthy local foods for all people, Sustainable Food Center operates the Farmers’ Market Food Stamp Initiative at the Austin Farmers’ Market downtown. Through this initiative, recipients of food stamp benefits can use their Lone Star cards to purchase locally grown fruits & vegetables directly from the farmers who grow them & can also buy other fresh, healthy, locally produced foods.

Saturdays 9am-1pm year-round Sunset Valley Farmers Market: Toney Burger Activity Center parking lot, US Hwy 290 West in Sunset Valley, between Brodie Lane & Westgate Blvd exits. Details: Salila Travers, market director 443-0143 or 280-1976 <svfm@austin.rr.com.com> www.sunsetvalleyfarmersmarket.org.

Saturdays 9am-5pm Market at Arnosky Family Farms: Come to the Big Blue Barn where you’ll find vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, cheeses made of goat & cow’s milk, eggs & plants for your garden. The farm is open all other days for self-service. Come spend as much time as you’d like & walk the fields. This is a real working family farm, so be careful & enjoy yourself. 12550 RR 2325 at the junction of RR 165, between Blanco & Wimberley. Details: 830-833-5428 www.texascolor.com.

Saturdays 10am-1pm Nov. 1, Nov. 8 & Nov. 22: Fun Cooking Classes: The Culinary Academy of Austin offers a variety of cooking classes at 6020-B Dillard Circle. Details: 451-5743 www.culinaryacademyofaustin.com.
• Nov. 1 $95 One Pot Cook: Chef Stephen Rafferty will lead a class in creating Crawfish Etouffee, Jerked Chicken & Chili Con Carne, all made with specialty bread to compliment three fantastic meals.
• Nov. 1 $75 Gluten-free Cooking: Chef Alain Braux will show you how to bake products free of wheat and gluten. Make French-Mediterranean boule, blueberry muffins & chocolate chip cookies. Recipes, ingredients and equipment provided. You take home your products.
• Nov. 8 $100 Gingerbread Architecture: Chef Heather Malkani and attendees will construct gingerbread houses & decorate them for you to bring home. Candy, icing, dough & bases will be provided. Recipes & templates are yours to keep.
• Nov. 22 $80 Osso Buco: Chef Natalie Dauterive will show how to create a savory dish from Milan, Italy, of braised veal shanks, complimented with delicious Italian polenta.

Saturdays noon-6pm free Open Tasting: Sample a variety of wines & spirits at Grapevine Market, 7938 Great Northern Blvd. Details: 323-5900 www.grapevinemarket.com.

Saturdays & Sundays 11am-4pm World Flavors on the Grill: Look for exciting seasonal selections on the grill in Market Hall. Taste them & then walk away with an easy recipe you can try at home. Prices vary depending on selections. Whole Foods Market, 525 N. Lamar. Details: 476-1206 www.wholefoodsmarket.com.

Nov. 1 Sa 5pm Open House in the Blue Barn & Dia de los Muertos Altars: Some of our friends & neighbors will make altars in the barn to observe & celebrate the memories of their loved ones who have passed on. Traditional Mexican refreshments, samples of our cheeses & a great supply of fall vegetables & flowers. Come & get your marigolds. Arnosky Family Farms, 12550 RR 2325 at the junction of RR 165, between Blanco & Wimberley. Details: 830-833-5428 www.texascolor.com.

Nov. 8 Sa 3-7pm Farmers’ Market at Mueller: Produce, treats & gifts from 45 local growers, vendors & artisans, live music, child & adult cooking demonstrations & children’s activities are included in festivities at the historic Browning Hangar, off Airport Blvd. Parking available along Simond Ave. & in designated areas near Lake Park. Follow the signs. Details: Mueller Central 703-9202 www.MuellerAustin.com.

Nov. 13 Th 6:30-9pm $60 Central Market Cooking School Benefit for Project Transitions Holiday Swing: Join CM Cooking School Chefs Cindy Haenel & Christina Lee for a fun-filled class packed with delectable recipes & insider kitchen tips for entertaining with ease. Mixed greens with roasted pears & goat cheese, herbed prime beef, Belgian endive gratin & chocolate walnut rum cake. All proceeds benefit Project Transitions, an organization dedicated to serving people with HIV & AIDS. Cash or check only, please. 4001 N. Lamar. Details: 206-1014 www.centralmarket.com.

Nov. 14 F 6:30-9pm $50 Dishin’ with the Divas: Ready for the Holidays: Presenting the Beat Divas’ fall cooking class. A great menu & the debut of a new song called “Hog Fat.” The divas cook & sing, you eat & drink & enjoy. Now taking reservations. Central Market Cooking School, 4001 N. Lamar. Details: 458-3068.

Nov. 19 W 5-7pm Holiday Tea Tasting: Come join us at the weekly Wednesday night farmers market in the Triangle. Chef & Tea Enthusiast Robert Simpson will be sampling & sharing some tea knowledge with you as well as some great ideas on tea snacks using local organic ingredients you can find right at the Farmers Market. Chado Tea Market, 4616 Triangle Ave. Ste. 408. Details: 206-0524 <Robert@chadoteamarket.com>

Nov. 20 Th 6:30-9pm $60-$75 Big Reds & Bubbles: Featuring more than 50 champagnes & red wines as well as a select group of Austin chefs showcasing their finest holiday cuisine. Also with a unique silent auction, the perfect way to commence your holiday shopping. RSVP required. The Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos St. Details: 327-7555 www.winefoodfoundation.org.

Nov. 21 F 7-9pm Culinary Academy of Austin Open House: Watch executive chefs demonstrate culinary skills, try some great food & get a taste of what the Academy has to offer. 6020-B Dillard Circle. Details: 451-5743 www.culinaryacademyofaustin.com.

Nov. 29-30 Sa-Su $4-$7 First Annual Austin Food Show: The show will feature a wide variety of vendors selling products & services related to cooking & entertaining—the perfect way to spend a few hours on Thanksgiving weekend as holiday shopping & entertaining get underway. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. Details: 451-9867 www.austincookingshow.com.
• Nov. 29 8:30am-5pm
• Nov. 30 11am-5pm

Dec. 6 Sa $25 solo, $40 family (2 or more) Eat Local Week Urban Farm Bicycle Tour: Discover Austin’s local food-producing gems on a family-friendly bicycle tour. Stops at urban farms, school & community gardens, the Edible Austin Tea Party & more. Farm & henhouse tours. Sample local beverages. Win prizes including a fully outfitted cruiser bike. Details: 441-3971 www.edibleaustin.com.
• 9am 14 Mile Option Departs Bicycle Sport Shop, 517 S. Lamar.
• 9am 24 Mile Option Departs Sunset Valley Farmers’ Market, Toney Burger Center, US Hwy 290 West.
• 10am 10 Mile Option Departs downtown Farmers’ Market, 4th & Guadalupe.

Dec. 6-13 Eat Local Week: This is a fund-raiser and local food celebration event sponsored by Edible Austin with all proceeds going to support Urban Roots. During the week of December 6-13, Austin residents are encouraged eat local and invited to attend events celebrating local food such as the Urban Farm Bicycle Tour, the Austin Tea Party and Small Bites of Austin. Eat Local Week culminates December 13 at the downtown Austin Farmers’ Market. Details: 441-3971 <info@edibleaustin.com> www.edibleaustin.com.

Austin Community Gardens: Want to grow some of your own food but have no land? Check out the plots available at these neighborhood garden locations listed by the Sustainable Food Center. Details: Emily Neiman 236-0074 ext. 5 <emily@sustainablefoodcenter.org> www.sustainablefoodcenter.org.
• Alamo Community Garden 2101 Alamo St.
• Blackland Community Garden 1600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, across from Kealing Middle School.
• Deep Eddy Community Garden 3001 Atlanta St.
• El Jardin Alegre Community Garden 1801 E. 2nd St.
• Good Soil Community Garden 12th & Chicon streets.
• Peter Tucker Community Garden 1705 Waterston Ave.
• Project Imagine 3421 E. Cesar Chavez St.
• Quilombo Garden Collective 5606 Harold Court.
• South Austin Community Gardens South 5th Street at Cumberland Road.
• Sunshine Community Garden 4814 Sunshine Drive at 49th Street.
• Travis County Southwest Metro Park Community Garden US Hwy 71 at Ross Road.
• Windsor Park Community Garden 5801 Westminster Drive.

Central Market Cooking School: Call the school for up-to-date schedules & class availability. N. Lamar at 40th St. Details: 458-3068 www.centralmarket.com/cm/cmClasses.jsp.

Community Supported Agriculture Subscription Delivery Programs. The following farms provide food to clients who subscribe. Contact the farms for details:
• Finca Pura Vida 944 Lakeview Rd. Fayetteville. Details: e-mail preferred <puravida@cvtv.net> 979-249-3866.
• Green Gate Farms 8604 FM 969 (E. MLK at Decker Ln) 8 miles east of downtown Austin. Certified naturally grown produce. 512-926-2436, 404-625-4967 www.greengatefarms.net.
• Hairston Creek Farm Rt. 3, Box 69 Burnet. Details: 512-756-8380 <hcf@moment.net>.
• Hands of the Earth Farm (formerly Oasis Gardens Farms): Offering 2 pick-up locations to get a weekly bushel basket of fresh, seasonal veggies. Details: 389-3835 <oasisgardener@hotmail.com> www.handsoftheearth.com.
• Millberg Farms (Kyle area only) 737 Opal Lane, Kyle. Details: Tim Miller 512-268-1433.
• Tecolote Farm 16301 Decker Lake Rd., Manor Details: David Pitre & Katie Kraemer <tecolotefarm@juno.com> e-mail preferred. 512-276-7008.

One-Pot Meals Brochure Lays Out Meal Model: 18 recipes revamp old favorites in healthy ways in this free brochure, based on steadily mounting research on diet & cancer. Experts at the American Institute for Cancer Research are urging Americans to adopt a simple but innovative meal model for better health & lower weight. The brochure can be read, downloaded or ordered at www.aicr.org/onepot. Or a single copy can be ordered at no charge by calling 1-800-843-8114, ext. 459.

Slow Food Austin: Recognizing that the enjoyment of wholesome food is essential to the pursuit of happiness, Slow Food USA is an educational organization dedicated to stewardship of the land & ecologically sound food production; to the revival of the kitchen & the table as centers of pleasure, culture & community; to the invigoration & proliferation of regional, seasonal culinary traditions; to the creation of a collaborative, ecologically-oriented & virtuous globalization; & to living a slower & more harmonious rhythm of life. Want to learn more or join? Details: <slowfoodaustin@yahoo.com> www.slowfoodaustin.org.

South Austin Food Co-op Forming: Potential members sought for this new food co-op. Details: Michael Shattah 694-4001.

Whole Foods Market Culinary Center Cooking School: Call the school for up-to-date schedules & class availability. 525 N. Lamar Blvd. Details: 476-1206 www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/calendars/LCC.html.

Finding the Right Vet for Your Pet

by Laura Koffler

“I love writing about my job because I loved it, and it was a particularly interesting one when I was a young man. It was like holidays with pay to me.”

—James Herriot, author and veterinarian

Sooner or later all pet owners have a realization that their animals need urgent medical attention. Usually, it is this exact moment when they do not have the slightest idea of who to call, where to go or what to do. Some of us are lucky enough to have healthy pets that only on rare occasions require a trip to the veterinarian.

In Austin there is no shortage of veterinarians. It seems you can find at least two or three in every neighborhood. But the question is, are any of them “The One”? While I think it is highly improbable that there’s a perfect match, allow me to offer a list of ideas that you might find helpful in your hunt for the best vet for your pet.

Paramount on the wish list is someone who listens to your (and your pet’s) concerns and answers your questions clearly and with a positive attitude. In addition, you’re best finding one with vast knowledge, clinical experience and ideas about improving an animal’s health. And as always, patience and kindness go a long way (with humans and animals alike).

A good veterinarian should answer all your questions in plain and easy language. Condescending or patronizing doctor-speak combined with technicians who are not willing to explain the whats, whens or whys are a recipe for disaster. Instead, find a clinic where you can ask everything you need to know; after all, you will be the one making the decisions and you must be well informed. This is a two way street so make sure the veterinary staff asks you important questions and makes you fill out a form to provide information about your pet’s origin, diet, behavior, previous illnesses, activity level and other pets that might live with you.

The capture, restraint and examination of your pet should be performed with ease and care, but also with a level of firmness. Be wary of a veterinarian or a technician that seems nervous or afraid of your animal. Also, do judge a book by its cover: Are the staff presentable and helpful? Is the office clean? Is the smell relatively tolerable? Are the

cages spacious and comfortable? Is it modern? Do they have x-ray and ultrasound machines or other advanced equipment on site? Or do they have to send you to a different facility to have the exams performed? If the answer to most of these is “yes” then you’re likely on the right path.

Remember that great minds think alike. If, like me, you’re a self-righteous know-it-all, it is very important that you pick a DVM who shares your views and approach. If you hate antibiotics, are somewhat opposed to vaccines and favor a raw diet, then ask like-minded people to tell you which vet they take their animals to visit. If you find alternative therapies compelling, your best shot would be to look into animal homeopathy, acupuncture and chiropractic web sites. They provide listings of veterinarians in various locales, and you might find one in your same zip code.

Snakes, iguanas, birds, sugar gliders, ferrets and all the other unconventional pets will be safer if you find them a professional experienced in treating exotic species. Many traditional veterinarians lack the knowledge necessary to treat these less common pets.

Hello, neighbor! This might not be a big priority, but if you find a great veterinarian who happens to be close to your house or workplace, keep that one forever. Although I would say that if you need to drive a few (or more) minutes to get to someone that you and your cat love, then by all means take the drive. The one thing that’s really important is for the place to have an easily accessible parking lot. There is nothing worse than having to carry your already uncomfortable animal for a block or two. Inquire about their schedule and, in case they do not cover emergencies, get a recommendation for a good clinic that does.

They say a medical doctor’s real education starts upon graduation. The same applies to doctors in veterinary medicine. You want someone who keeps up with the most current research, knows the best treatments and drugs available, and demands that his staff stay sharp. A good idea is to check if the veterinarian is a member of one or more of the national and international associations. If there is a specific problem with your pet, the best thing that you can do is to take it to a specialist.

We all wish money was not an issue but, more often than not, it is. Discuss fees and make sure that you are dealing with an honest person who charges fair prices. You can do this by comparing costs and shopping around, especially for routine treatments like dental cleaning or vaccines. Pets are family and family is priceless, but we all have to live within our means. Some procedures are difficult and often drugs can be expensive, so do take these into consideration. And remember, quality care has no substitute and often carries a high price tag, so when money is the decisive factor, look for payment plans or buy pet insurance.

Referrals go a long way, so ask your friends and neighbors and check on-line reviews. You should be looking for a long-term relationship with a person that you can trust with your animals’ lives, so be assertive and inquisitive. Never compromise, make sure that you get everything that is important to you and your treasured pet.

Laura Koffler is a homeopathic veterinarian on hiatus from practice. She misses her patients very much. You may e-mail Laura at lkoffler@goodlifemag.com.

How to get your pet event listed: We prefer that calendar listing information be submitted by using the form on our web site at www.goodlifemag.com/calendar-submission-form2.html. Second choice is to e-mail the essential details to editor@goodlifemag.com. Or fax it to 512-474-5725. Or mail to PO Box 4400, Austin, Texas 78765. To be considered for inclusion, items must be received by the 15th of the month for the following month’s events. Listings are free & are published on a space-available basis.

PETS

Saturdays Nov. 1, 8 & 22 Greyhound Meet & Greet: Greyhound Pets of America-Central Texas seeks responsible loving homes for adoptable greyhounds that failed to qualify for the race track or no longer race. $195 adoption fee with approved application. Details: 267-7603 <gpact@gpacentraltexas.org> www.gpacentraltexas.org.
• Nov. 1 9am Town Lake Stroll, meet on north side of Zachary Scott Theatre, 1510 Toomey Rd.
• Nov. 8 noon-3pm Tomlinson’s West Lake Hills, 3300 Bee Caves Rd.
• Nov. 22 11am-3pm Petco, 9828 Great Hills Trail, Austin.

Nov. 1-10 Elect to Adopt a Dog Month: To celebrate national Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, the Austin/Travis County Health & Human Services’ Town Lake Animal Center & the Austin Humane Society are hoping you’ll “Elect to Adopt” a dog or puppy this fall. Both shelters will reduce their adoption fees to just $35, which includes spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, an identifying microchip & more. Town Lake Animal Shelter, 1156 W. Cesar Chavez. Austin Humane Society 124 W. Anderson Ln. Details: TLAC 809-6857 or <amber.rowland@ci.austin.tx.us> AHS 837-7985 www.austinhumanesociety.org.

Nov. 1-15 Meet the Cockers! Cocker Spaniel Rescue of Austin-San Antonio Meet & Greet: $150 adoption fee with approved application. Details: Noira Boilin 527-9923 <admin@austincockerrescue.org> www.austincockerrescue.org.
• Nov. 1 1st Sa each month 11am-2pm Petco, 5601 Brodie Ln., Austin.
• Nov. 8 2nd Sa each month noon-3pm PetSmart, 2601 S. I-35, Round Rock.
• Nov. 9 2nd Su noon-3pm PetSmart, 12812 Shops Pkwy, Bee Cave.
• Nov. 15 3rd Sa noon-3pm PetSmart, 11150 Research Blvd., Austin.

Nov. 1 & Nov. 22 Sa noon-4pm Meet & Greet Shadow Cats Adoption Days: Adoptable cats & kittens. $100-$125 adoption fee. 1st & 4th Sa each month. PetSmart, 2601 S. I-35, Round Rock. Details: 512-388-3909 <feralfriend@austin.rr.com> www.shadowcats.net.

Nov. 8 Sa 8am-noon free Pet Wellness Fair: Does your dog or cat need a rabies vaccine plus some tender loving grooming? The Austin/Travis County Health & Human Services Department’s Town Lake Animal Center & the Parks & Recreation Department present the Pet Wellness Fair. Bartholomew Park, 5201 Berkman Dr. Details: 972-6115 or 311. Free Services for Dogs & Cats Include:
• Free rabies vaccination
• Free pet registration
• Free nail clipping & limited grooming
• Dog training demonstrations
• $3 custom pet ID tags
• Free collars, leashes, pet food, pet toys & pet information

Nov. 8 Sa 11am free Austin Chihuahua Meetup Group: A great place to socialize your Chihuahua & meet other owners. We love Chi’s & realize the importance of socializing with other small dogs. We also promote adoptions & eliminating unnecessary breeding. Meets 2nd Sa every month. Private home, 2 Kern Ramble St., Austin. Details: 779-4023 <chris@nudd.com> www.chihuahua.meetup.com/29.

Nov. 8 & Nov. 9 Sa-Su Central Texas SPCA Adoption Days: Come meet adoptable shelter dogs & cats. $95 adoption fee. Details: 260-7722 <info@centraltexasspca.com> www.centraltexasspca.com.
• Nov. 8 1-4pm 2nd Sa each month, PetSmart, Hwy 29 @ I-35, Georgetown
• Nov. 9 1-4pm 2nd Su each month PetSmart, 1890 Ranch, Cedar Park.

Nov. 8 & Nov. 15 Low Cost Pet Vaccination Program: Pet Medical Services provides low-cost mobile vaccination clinics to the Austin area. Details: 413-0989 www.austinpetms.com.
• Nov. 8 2nd Sa each month 9:30-11am Tomlinson’s, 202 Walton Way, Cedar Park.
• Nov. 15 3rd Sa each month, as follows:
• 9-10:30am Tomlinson’s Ben White, Lakehills Shopping Center, S. Lamar & Ben White, Austin.
• 11am-12:30pm Tomlinson’s West Lake Hills, 3300 Bee Caves Rd.
• 1:30-3pm Tomlinson’s Airport, 908 E. 49-1/2 St. Austin.

Nov. 8 & Nov. 22 Sa 11am-2pm Austin Boxer Rescue Adoption Days: These dogs have been rescued from bad situations & are rehabilitated medically, socialized & taught basic manners before being offered for adoption. Adoption fee $75-$300 with approved application. Brown Elementary School, 505 W. Anderson Ln. Details: 968-1343 www.austinboxerrescue.com.

Nov. 9 & Nov. 16 Su 1-4pm Thundering Paws Adoption Days: This nonprofit program of the no-kill central Texas animal sanctuary, located in Dripping Springs, has pets for adoption on the 2nd & 3rd Su each month. Adoption fee $100 with approved application. PetSmart, 5207 Brodie Ln. Details: Anne Zabolio 402-9725 <zabolio@thunderingpaws.org> www.thunderingpaws.org.

Nov. 24 M 7-8:30pm free Pet Loss Support Group: Meets last M each month to offer care, compassion & understanding to those who have lost or anticipate the loss of a pet. Facilitated by dedicated staff & volunteers. Austin Humane austinhumanesociety.org Society. 124 W. Anderson Ln. Details: Lisa Starr 646-7387 ext. 226 www.austinhumanesociety.org.

Animal Trustees of Austin Needs More Than Your Money: Donations are desperately needed year round, but especially towels. Towels are used as bedding, but mostly during surgical procedures, probably hundreds a day. If you can donate clean, used towels, please drop them off at The Natural Gardener, 8648 Old Bee Caves Rd. Details: Missy 450-1504 www.animaltrustees.org.

Austin Humane Society: Are the dog days of summer getting you down? Adopt a cat. Join us in celebrating our shelter cats & kittens all summer long with reduced adoption fees & special cat promotions. AHS, along with the city shelter, is on our way to saving at least 1,500 feline lives this year. So now is the best time ever to adopt a cat or kitten 124 W. Anderson Ln. Details: Lisa Starr at 512-646-PETS ext. 110 <marketing@austinhumanesociety.org> www.austinhumanesociety.org.

Austin Humane Society Free, Public Feral Cat Spay-Neuter Program. Bring in a feral or stray cat & we will spay-neuter them, free of charge. Our goal is to fix 5,000 by 2009. Donations are needed to continue this essential program & can be made safely on-line. Other donations such as canned kitten food, kitty litter, towels & blankets can be brought to the shelter at 124 W. Anderson Lane in Austin. All donations are tax deductible. Details: Lisa Starr 646-7387 x110 <LStarr@austinhumanesociety.org> www.AustinHumaneSociety.org.

Austin Vet Care Offers Lost & Found & Adoption Service: Austin Vet Care, a veterinary practice with locations in Central (Central Park) & North Austin (Metric), provides an automated Lost & Found & Adoption service thru its web site. The service allows people to upload information, including photographs, directly to the veterinary practice server. Details: 459-4336 <contactus@austinvetcare.com> www.austinvetcare.com.

Central Texas Animal Alliance: Formerly the SPCA of Greater Austin, the CTAA’s mission is to build a broad-based alliance across Central Texas that includes all organizations, individuals & businesses dedicated to ending the killing of homeless animals in our public animal facilities. The alliance hopes to establish performance & accountability standards for our public shelter directors. CTAA remains committed to ending the killing of homeless animals & is looking for new members. Details: 965-0777 <info@centraltexasanimalalliance.org> www.CentralTexasAnimalAlliance.org.

Emancipet is a nonprofit organization providing low-cost or free spay-neuter services. The mobile spay-neuter clinic visits areas around Central Texas daily. Free days are Thursdays & Fridays with check-in beginning at 8am on 1st come, 1st served basis. Appointment-only most other days. Check web site for dates & locations. Stationary clinic at 601 Airport Blvd, #605. Details: 587-7729 <emancipet@gmail.org> www.emancipet.org.

German Shepherd Rescue Central Texas needs foster homes for wonderful dogs—puppies, youngsters & adults, male & female—who are waiting for their forever homes. All are friendly; some even like cats. Fostering a homeless dog makes room for another to be saved, often from certain death. We also need help with fund-raising, transportation, repairs, minor construction & adoptive home background checks. Just coming to walk & play with the dogs, who are so grateful for the one-on-one attention, is a huge help. Details: Bev Gainer 264-2478 www.gsdrescuetx.com.

Guide Dogs of Texas seeks volunteers to raise & socialize guide dog puppies. Each puppy must be raised indoors & be with the volunteer thruout the entire day. Service includes daily training walks for exposure to a variety of city settings & monthly supervisor visits. No experience necessary but volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. A minimum 1-year commitment is required. Call to schedule an interview. Details: 210-366-4081 www.guidedogsoftexas.org.

Humane Society of Williamson County is a no-kill, nonprofit shelter located on 22 acres in Leander. It is the largest no-kill animal adoption center in Williamson County. It provides animal services such as low-cost spay & neuter surgery & low-cost vaccinations. These services are available to everyone in the community. The Humane Society is always in need of committed volunteers & donations. Your donations will go directly to animals to help prepare them for adoption. Shelter located at 10930 E. Crystal Falls Pkwy, Leander. The web site provides information & a list of adoptable animals, including photographs. Details: www.hswc.net or call 512-260-3602.

Lifelong Friends Pet Adoptions desperately needs volunteers. The organization provides a safe haven for local area cats & dogs while they wait for loving, forever homes. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Cat Caregivers must be at least 13 years old & Dog Caregivers must be at least 16. If you have time, energy & love to give to homeless animals, contact Lago Vista PAWS. Details: 512-267-6876 www.lvpaws.org.

PALS-Prevent A Litter of Central Texas, a nonprofit organization providing educational & income-based pet spay-neuter services to the needy, seeks volunteers & donations. Details: Sharri Boyett 512-878-2226 <PAL@preventalitter.com> www.preventalitter.com.

Safe Kids-Safe Dogs: Tail Town Training presents dog safety classes to schools & other organizations in which owner Joycelyn Schedler teaches children & families about dog body language, safety around loose dogs, how to approach a dog & other valuable skills. Schedler is a certified canine training specialist who trained her own dogs, Woodstock & Gunner, to be therapy dogs, to visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools & any place they can provide emotional support. To schedule a therapy dog visit or a Safe Kids-Safe Dogs class for your organization, call Schedler. Details: <tailtowntraining@gmail.com> 303-0063.

Southern Animal Rescue Association (SARA) Sanctuary, a no-kill, nonprofit animal sanctuary, located on 580 acres in Seguin, is home to more than 700 dogs & cats, two 800-pound pigs & other farm animals, all of whom would love some extra attention & care. We need fund-raisers, groomers, feeders, shelter builders, foster homes, vet techs & all-around animal lovers to help out. SARA seeks adoptive homes for all the animals, but when adoption is not possible, the animals have a permanent quality home at the sanctuary for the duration of their natural lives. The sanctuary is full & we are struggling to provide care, build shelters & raise funds for our 700-plus residents. We would love your volunteer help, in any capacity. Details: 210-669-8399 <sarasanc@swbell.net> www.sarasanctuary.org.

Southpaws University: Higher Learning for You & Your Dog! Southpaws University will offer a variety of pet-related classes taught by instructors with a vast array of experience & expertise in the pet industry. The list of classes currently scheduled include beginner & intermediate clicker training, pet first aid & CPR, obedience training, pet photography, how to choose a dog, making toys for dogs, homeopathy for dogs & more. Southpaws Playschool, 2324-B S. Lamar. Details: Sonya Wilson 440-7529 <hercules@texas.net> www.southpawsplayschool.com.

Thundering Paws: This nonprofit program of the no-kill Central Texas Animal Sanctuary, located in Dripping Springs, needs volunteers to help care for animals, raise awareness & do other chores necessary for the well-being of animals. Adopters, foster-care providers & donations are also needed. Details: Anne Zabolio 402-9725 <zabolio@thunderingpaws.org> www.thunderingpaws.org.

Town Lake Animal Center Needs Toys for Orphaned Animals: Toys & chews are needed to keep the orphaned animals occupied & help alleviate stress. A list of what they need includes tennis balls, Kong toys & other sturdy, washable dog toys, interactive cat toys, washable, plastic, ball-type cat toys & natural rawhide chews. Please bring items to The Natural Gardener, 8648 Old Bee Caves Rd. or drop it off at the shelter. Town Lake Animal Center, 1156 W. Cesar Chavez. Details: 3-1-1 www.ci.austin.tx.us/tlac/default.htm.

Plant A Nighttime Garden
It Brings You to Your Senses
by Cecilia Nasti

“Night, when words fade and things come alive.”
—Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Flight to Arras

We are taught by our parents as children—or perhaps it’s buried in our cellular memory from ancient times—that being outdoors in the open when night falls could spell trouble; one never knows what’s lurking in the shadows. This message, with its deep taproot, has anchored itself and grown in our psyches, causing us believe it is best to be indoors when the moon and stars are out.

We hear a twig snap or the rustle of leaves and convince ourselves that we see something or someone hiding in the bushes. A sharp-fanged werewolf-type creature? A Jehovah’s Witness? Our hearts begin to race and our palms become damp (and that’s not all that gets damp) so we hurry inside and lock the door behind us, vowing never again to set foot outside at night, unless carrying a crucifix, a head of garlic and a Glock (with a magazine filled with silver bullets).

Whether you take refuge on your front porch or recline in lawn chairs parked in the driveway, there’s something seductive about the night that draws us into it despite our parental or primal fears…especially if just outside the door is a garden specifically cultivated to be enjoyed once the sun dips below the horizon.

Nighttime flatters certain blooms the way depictions of Elvis compliment black velvet. There is just something inexplicably mesmerizing about the combination.

Consider cultivating a bed of plants that light up the night, to enliven and extend your garden’s influence and to fill the air with a sweet bouquet. Plant this patch near an existing sitting area, or create such a space, where you can linger and enjoy the beauty that unfolds after hours.

When planning a moonlight garden, consider plants that have white or light colored blooms as well as others that display silvery or variegated foliage. These combinations take advantage of available light, bouncing it back for your enjoyment on velvety petals and languid leaves. When selecting your plant materials, get crazy and include a variety of shapes, textures and heights, as this will help to create interest and drama in your night gallery.

Some of the specimens that wake up the night have blooms that remain open all day long, whereas others do not open until the light dims. Still others only release their perfume under the cover of darkness that they may entice the droves of the seldom seen, including species of nectar-sipping moths as well as other insects and the bats that love (to eat) them.

A staple in most night gardens is the Moonflower vine, Ipomoea alba. This is the night-blooming cousin of the Morning Glory, and just as

invasive, so give them a wide berth, lest these night crawlers tangle with your other garden plants. Oh, and also like their early rising relative, they’re poisonous. The highly fragrant white blooms that cover this plant are five to six inches wide and reflect available light brilliantly. Grow this light colored lovely from seed where it has something to grab onto, and then watch it go. It likes moderate water and sun to partial sun during the day.

For drama and structure in daylight and nightlight gardens, you cannot go wrong with Datura, Datura innoxia. A member of the Brugmansia family, it’s also called Angel’s Trumpet, or conversely, Devil’s Trumpet (talk about midnight in the garden of good and evil). It can grow four to six feet tall and nearly as wide. It has fragrant drooping trumpet-shaped blooms (that can be white, pale yellow or lavender), which open when night falls and close with first sun. It will thrive in sun and partial shade, and does not like to be overwatered. What you need to know about this plant is that all parts of it are poisonous. Datura may die back with a hard freeze, but it’s a fast grower, and will come back strong once spring temperatures start to climb.

A plant that was made for Austin if ever there was one is the Bleeding Heart, Dicentra spectabilis. It has lovely arching branches adorned with delicate heart-shaped flowers of red or pink. Something you may not know is this plant has a pale, yet quite attractive cousin: Bleeding Heart Alba, Dicentra spectabilis “Alba,” which has white blooms, making it look as though the blood has drained from the heart altogether. Which sounds gross, I know. At night, when the light hits the flowers on this plant, they look like little sparkling jewels. Plant this shrub in well-drained soil that’s kept moderately moist, in part to full shade. It will reach its mature size of between two and three feet in height and width in about two to three years.

Night Gladiolus, Gladiolus tristis, is another plant that inspires admiration when the sun sets. Creamy blooms show up from late spring to midsummer atop delicate, willowy stems that reach up to thirty-six inches in height. The flowers are fragrant, and attract birds and bees as well as other insect life. They prefer full sun and do not like to be overwatered. Night Gladiolus is a great cut flower, but be warned that the plant is poisonous and handling it can cause skin irritation to those who are sensitive. Beauty always comes with a price.

A foliage plant that will really brighten up a garden working the night shift is the Licorice Plant, Helichrysum petiolare “Variegatum.” This drought tolerant specimen has fuzzy variegated foliage that is a true delight. It grows twelve to eighteen inches high, in sun to partial shade, and makes a great groundcover. The Licorice Plant does get tan to orange colored flowers that some gardeners believe detract from its beauty, and pluck them off. This plant can be tender in our area, and so you might need to treat it as an annual.

One of my favorite little foliage plants is Dusty Miller, Senecio cineraria. Its incised silver-gray leaves are fuzzy, almost felt-like to the touch, and it has a mounding habit. Dusty Miller livens up a garden—day or night. It prefers a sunny location in well-drained soil, and is relatively drought tolerant, but does best with regular watering. At night, when the light is just right, this plant reminds me of a furry animal, but not the scary kind with fangs.

Of course, I would be remiss if I did not give a nod to the Caladium, Caladium × hortulanum, with its gorgeous broad leaves. A cultivar called “White Christmas” is a large white-leafed plant with deep green veining. It’s best when grouped with several of its kind for the biggest impact. It will grow in filtered sun to full shade, to a height of eighteen to twenty-six inches in well drained, moist—but not waterlogged—soil.

Creating a garden to be enjoyed after nightfall is a simple and worthwhile project. So, go bravely into that dark night, and remember to stop and smell the flowers.

Want more of Cecilia Nasti’s gardening know-how, wit and wisdom? Tune-in at 11:55am every Saturday during “Folkways” for her “Growing Concerns” segments aired exclusively on KUT-FM 90.5, public radio for Austin. Or log onto www.kut.org. You may e-mail Cecilia at cnasti@goodlifemag.com.

Things to Plant in November

Flower plants—Ajuga, Alyssum, Bluebonnet, Butterfly Weed, Calendula, Candytuft, Carnation, Chinese Forget-Me-Not (Cynoglossum amabile), Cornflower, Dianthus, Daisy (African, English and Painted), Euryops, Forget-Me-Not (Myositis), Gazania, Indian Blanket, Liatris, Nasturtium, Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Pansy, Penstemon, Petunia, Phlox paniculata, Obedient Plant (Physostegia), German Primrose (Primula obconica), Snapdragon, Stock.

Flower seeds—Alyssum, Bluebonnet, Calendula, Candytuft, Cornflower, Daisy, Delphinium, Hollyhock, Larkspur, Nasturtium, Pansy, Petunia, Phlox, Pinks, California Poppy, Scabiosa, Snapdragon, Sweet Pea, Sweet William, Verbena, Viola, Wildflowers.

Bulbs—Agapanthus, Allium, Alstroemeria, Amarcrinum, Amaryllis (in container), Anemone, Ground Orchid (Bletilla), Calla, Crinum, Crocus, Daffodil, Freesia, Spider Lily (Hymerocallis), Ipheion, Dutch Iris, Spuria Iris, Ixia, Snowflake (Leucojum), Lily, Liriope, Monkey Grass, Muscari, Star of Bethlehem (Orthinogalum), Rain Lily, Society Garlic, Spraxis, Aztec Lily (Sprekelia), Watsonia.

Vegetables—Early to mid month: Carrot, Chard, Mustard and Turnip. ?All month: Lettuce, Radish and Spinach.

Herbs—Borage, Burnet, Caraway, Catnip, Celeriac, Chamomile, Chervil, Chives, Comfrey, Coriander, Cumin, Dill, Fennel, Fenugreek, Lemon Balm, Mexican Mint Marigold, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Santolina, Winter Savory, Sorrel, Thyme, Yarrow.

Fruit—Strawberries.

Things to Do in November

Fertilize—Strawberry beds with a 3-1-2-ratio fertilizer. Keep soil moist to promote good plant vigor and berry production next spring.

Water—Everything well before a freeze, but avoid overwatering.

Transplant—Divide and replant crowded perennials throughout the winter months. Transplant chives, garlic and multiplying onions. Now is the best time to move woody ornamentals. Prepare the new site before transplanting.

Prepare soil—Have landscape and garden soils tested now to determine soil-balancing needs. Forms are available at the Extension Office, 1600-B Smith Road in Austin (512-854-9600). Check winter mulch and replenish if needed. Stockpile leaves for mulch and composting throughout spring and summer.

Lawn care—Bring a sample of problem turf into the Extension Office in a labeled plastic bag for analysis. A mulching mower makes raking leaves obsolete. Or, use a grass catcher as a mulch catcher. Use shredded leaves and grass clippings as a mulch or put them into the compost bin.

Diseases and pests—Watch roots of removed annuals for nematodes (knots on the roots). Check houseplants for spider mites, scale and mealy bugs.

Prune—After blooming, Chrysanthemums should be cut back almost to the ground. Prune long, gangly shoots on shrubs. Remove dead and damaged wood from shrubs and trees.

Other Things to Do in November

Bring a bit of spring cheer to winter’s gloomy days by “forcing” Paperwhites and Amaryllis to bloom inside the home. Just put them into a pot or vase and keep them watered. (Soil is not required, nor is chilling.)

Tulips, Crocus and late flowering Daffodil bulbs need at least six weeks of pre-chilling in the refrigerator (with no vegetables or fruits in the same section to give off gasses that will kill the flower bud). It’s best to plant the bulbs by late November.

The best bulbs for our area include wild and lily-flowered Tulips, Jonquils, very early Daffodils, Muscari, Leucojum and Squills (Neglectum species). Plant bulbs at the recommended depths.

It’s time to get the garden ready for the new growing season. Clean, repair and replace garden tools. Create a garden plan to organize your chores and planting schedules.

—Travis County Master Gardeners Association

How to get your garden event listed: We prefer that calendar listing information be submitted by using the form on our web site at www.goodlifemag.com/calendar-submission-form2.html. Second choice is to e-mail the essential details to editor@goodlifemag.com. Or fax it to 512-474-5725. Or mail to PO Box 4400, Austin, Texas 78765. To be considered for inclusion, items must be received by the 15th of the month for the following month’s events. Listings are free & are published on a space-available basis.

GARDENING
Fridays 9-11am The Nursery’s Seasonal Herbs: Potted strawberry plants & vegetable transplants will be on sale to children who are beginning a garden of their own. The greenhouse & organic gardens are located in Ronda’s Montessori Garden, 4300 Mt. Vernon Dr. Details: 707-8635 www.rondasgarden.net.

Saturdays & Sundays: Sa 9-11am & Su 8-10am free Gardening Naturally airs on KLBJ-AM 590. John Dromgoole of The Natural Gardener has been waiting for your call for 25 years. This is your chance to ask him your gardening questions on the air. Call 836-0590.

Nov. 1 Sa 11am-1pm $10 donation Lasagna Gardening: Green Gate Farms will teach a class on a simple permaculture technique, also known as sheet mulching, that transforms any weedy, useless patch into blooming beauty. No weeding, no tilling, no moving rocks, just lots of layers and fun. Participants are encouraged to bring food scraps, grass clippings, coffee grounds, pine needles & leaves to add to the layers. Kids welcome. Handouts provided. Free to the farm’s CSA members & volunteers, otherwise a donation of $10 is suggested. RSVP appreciated. 8310 Canoga Ave. (around the corner from the farm stand). Details: 949-9831 <greengatefarms@gmail.com> www.greengatefarms.net.

Nov. 5 W 7pm free Make Your Yard More Desirable to Wildlife: Jane Tillman of the Travis Audubon Society will present this program, including how to support the Wildlife Austin Initiative. REI Downtown, 6th & Lamar. Details: 482-3357.

Nov. 8 & Nov. 9 Sa-Su free KLRU-TV’s Central Texas Gardener: Find out how to create walls, screens & defined spaces with plants. On tour, visit a small front yard design that frames an old bungalow. Details: www.klru.org/ctg.
• Sa noon & 4pm
• Su 8am

Nov. 10 M 7-9pm free Austin Organic Gardener’s Club: Meets 2nd M each month. Steve Deever of Betsy Ross’ grass-fed beef farm will discuss soil biology to promote healthy crop growth & animal health. Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. Details: 443-7187 www.austinorganicgardeners.org.

Nov. 11 Tu 9:30-11:30am Austin Herb Society Gardening Day at Zilker Herb Gardens: 2nd Tu each month. Members, guests & newcomers welcome. Zilker Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. Details: 944-2787 www.austinherbsociety.org.

Nov. 15 & Nov. 16 free KLRU-TV’s Central Texas Gardener: See how to create structure, screens & defined harbors with plants, tall & small. Visit a Waco gardener who designed intimate adventures to break up his wide-open spaces. Details: www.klru.org/ctg.
• Sa noon & 4pm
• Su 8am

Nov. 16 Su 1pm free Gardening Classes at The Natural Gardener: Prosperity Gardens: Whether you have a small or large yard, you can produce high yields of nutritious, organic produce from a small area. Learn how from the Natural Gardener’s John Dromgoole & Roger Igo. 8648 Old Bee Cave Rd. Details: 288-6113 www.naturalgardeneraustin.com.

Nov. 17 & Nov. 18 M-Tu noon-5pm $65 Citizen Forester Workshop: Learn about urban tree care from an array of professional arborists, foresters & landscape designers. Workshop topics include tree biology & identification, pruning & planting techniques, the role of trees in landscape design & how to climb trees safely with the right equipment. Center for Environmental Research, Hornsby Bend, 2210 FM. Details: 443-5323 <paul@treefolks.org>

Nov. 17 M 7-9pm Austin Pond Society Meets 3rd M each month. This month, Bog Gardens & Filtration. Zilker Botanical Gardens, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. Details: 477-8672 www.austinpondsociety.org.

Nov. 18 Tu 9:30am Heart of the Hills Garden Club: Meets 3rd Tu each month September thru May. Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. Details: 266-7439 www.zilkergarden.org/aagc/clubs.html.

Nov. 18 Tu 7-9pm Native Plant Society of Texas, Austin Chapter: Meets 3rd Tu each month. Members conduct plant surveys, rescue plants from development areas, collect & exchange seeds, maintain demonstration gardens, sell native plants & propagate hard to find species. Wild Basin Preserve, 805 N. Capital of Texas Hwy. Visitors welcome. Details: <austin@npsot.org> www.npsot.org/austin.

Nov. 18 Tu 7:30-9pm free Austin Rose Society meets 3rd Tu each month except December & February. Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. Details: Rosanne Crump 565-5581 www.zilkergarden.org/aagc/clubs.html.

Nov. 20 Th 9:30am-noon Violet Crown Garden Club: Normally meets 4th Th each month, but meets early this month due to Thanksgiving. The program: Hang Them High: Wreaths, Swags & Garlands, presented by Sue Minter. Plants & treasures will be for sale. Open to the public. Zilker Botanical Gardens, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. Details: Sandra Holt 345-3164 www.zilkergarden.org/aagc/clubs.html.

Nov. 20 Th 7:30pm free Austin Cactus & Succulent Society Monthly Meeting: Meets 3rd Th each month. Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. Details: 347-8615 www.austincss.com.

Nov. 22 & Nov. 23 free KLRU-TV’s Central Texas Gardener: Garden Conservancy Tour: Learn how a transplanted British gardener sprinkles in winter color for a hardy Texas cottage garden look. On tour, a family pitched in together to create a garden & long-lasting memories. Details: www.klru.org/ctg.
• Sa noon & 4pm
• Su 8am

Nov. 23 Su 2pm Austin Area Begonia Society: Meets 4th Su each month. Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. Details: 477-8672 www.zilkergarden.org/aagc/clubs.html.

Nov. 24 & Nov. 25 M-Tu 9am-1pm Ronda’s Montessori Garden Strawberry Plant Sale: The pre-school children at Ronda’s Montessori Garden think every child in Austin should plant strawberry plants. Strawberries are the first fruit of the spring & need to winterize. Ronda’s Montessori Garden, 4300 Mt. Vernon Dr. Details: 707-8635 www.rondasgarden.net.

Nov. 24 M 7pm Austin Butterfly Forum Club Meeting: Meets 4th M each month. This month, members show & tell. Members can show slides of butterflies, ranging from those in the backyard to distant travels, or you can talk about your best butterfly experience of the year. Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. Details: 477-8672 www.austinbutterflies.org.

Nov. 29 & Nov. 30 Sa-Su free KLRU-TV’s Central Texas Gardener: Find out how to keep wildlife coming in winter for entertainment on chilly days. On tour, see how the Green Corn Project connects several generations & the community to the earth & good food. Details: www.klru.org/ctg.
• Sa noon & 4pm
• Su 8am

Austin Grow Green: The City of Austin’s Grow Green program provides Austin area homeowners with earth-wise solutions to yard care problems & offers more than 20 fact sheets on general landscaping tips, native & adapted plants & pest & disease problems. Details: www.cityofaustin.org/growgreen.

Earth-Wise Guide to Weeds: The Grow Green program of the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department & the Texas Cooperative Extension have produced a free guide on weeds that’s available to anyone with an interest in gardening. It’s a full-color, quick-reference publication that helps home gardeners identify & choose the least toxic options for weed control. It contains a 3-page foldout chart on annual, perennial & cool & warm season weeds. The guide is available at more than 40 locations in the Austin area, including retail nurseries & home improvement centers. See growgreen.org/nurseries for locations. Or get it on-line at www.ci.austin.tx.us/growgreen/downloads/weeds.pdf.

Garden for Wildlife! Help get the City of Austin certified as a Community Wildlife Habitat. Join National Wildlife Federation’s nationwide team of volunteers who serve our communities as Habitat Stewards. At our workshop, the National Wildlife Federation will teach you how to help people create & restore wildlife habitat in yards, schoolyards & other private & public areas. NWF will provide the training, no prior experience is necessary. You will work with a group of like-minded people, using your creative skills, regional botanical knowledge & gardening know-how. It is fun & satisfying. Details: Rebecca <gardener50@netzero.net> or Jane 794-0058.

Shelter from the Sun
Home Uses Solar Energy to its Fullest
by Amy E. Lemen

Frank Lloyd Wright once said that a great house starts with a great site. That was the inspiration for a Cat Mountain home that relies on a thoughtful passive solar design to minimize energy needs.

Mark Lind, owner of the Sun and Stone building design practice that created the house, says the owners wanted to do a modern home that was also energy efficient, two concepts that appealed to him.

“They really wanted to do a green, energy-efficient house, and one that had an abundance of light,” he says. “They also wanted the public area on the top floor to take advantage of the views, and that meant we could do some cool stuff with the roof, like raising or lowering it to suit. It was very liberating, design-wise.”

Lind says the site had a lot of potential, but also had some drawbacks. Homes in the area have zero-lot lines, putting them about five feet apart on long, narrow lots. The site is very steep and, because of safety codes, fireproof materials were required where the west wall of the house sat on the property line. Still, it was a perfect site for a solar house.

“They’ve got views of the Colorado River and Lake Austin, and the site offered great solar exposure,” says Lind. “Most of the breezes come from the south, plus there’s wind from the river valley.”

In the end, Lind worked with the site, including its seasonal sun angles and prevailing breezes, to design a house of three thousand square feet that opens to the south and east, while turning away from the west. It has an open staircase that connects all floors. All the living spaces including the kitchen and dining area are on the upper floor. There is no attic. Instead, there’s a curved, barrel-vaulted roof.

“Even though we were limited, I didn’t want to make it a box, so the curved roof is over the main house to add interest to the massing,” he says. “We ended up with a funky, more modern and creative elevation. They were pushing me to be more creative. Usually it’s the other way around.”

There’s a high bank of clerestory windows between the main curved roof and the lower sloping roof over the stairway and entry. South-facing walls on all three floors are almost entirely made of glass, so natural light floods the home and artificial lighting is rarely needed, even when it’s overcast.

Glass block between the upper cabinets and countertops in the living and kitchen areas provide a lot of natural light for critical work surfaces. High windows at the two-story entry vestibule and stair tower allow even more light to come in through the front of the house.

Lind calls the home a good example of passive solar design, which means the home’s site—not solar panels—is largely responsible for energy conservation.

“You can generate electricity via solar panels, but your HVAC system is still working harder to cool the house, so it’s not as efficient,” he says. “The first thing about green building is orienting the house to take advantage of the wind and views. The house is fairly conventional construction. It’s just about good siting.”

Since the western wall of the house is built directly on the prop-

erty line and the houses are so close together, both the east and west walls are shaded most of the time. Because of that, the house only gets direct sunlight in the winter, while the decks and the glass on the south side of the house stay shaded and the inside of the house stays comfortable.

The house has other features that make all the difference when it comes to comfort. Decks on all three floors shade the windows below and give the homeowners access to deep porches with great views and cool breezes. Lind says the homeowners were concerned about ensuring that all three floors would stay comfortable even when the mercury was rising outside.

So, while operable windows and sliding glass doors allow for cross ventilation, and the open plan of the house lets air move between floors, the homeowners also decided to invest in a high-efficiency, zoned mechanical system with an oversized compressor, a variable speed motor and separate thermostats on each floor.

Lind says this turned out to be an effective strategy because they only had to use a single set of equipment and ductwork, which helped reduce equipment costs and provides lower utility bills.

“Lighting and proper ventilation were important issues for the homeowners,” says Lind. “There’s no carpet in the home, either; instead we used tile, wood on the stairs, and low-VOC paints to ensure indoor air quality.”

Lind says the house shows that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on active solar elements if you orient the house on a site wisely, and are smart about where you put windows, doors, decks and overhangs that are also sized properly so that they’re effective.

“If you have clients who know what they want, you can create a successful design,” says Lind. “In this house, even the bathtub has a view.”

Amy Lemen writes about shelter for local and national publications. Her next home project involves finally finishing the kitchen backsplash. Got a cool house? Know of a cool house? You may e-mail Amy at alemen@goodlifemag.com.

Some Unsolicited Advice on Energy for the New President
(Unless Libertarian Bob Barr Wins. He’s on His Own.)
by Robert Singleton

You sometimes have a significant advantage over me when you read this column—at least two weeks will have gone by since I wrote it. We all could be reading this by candlelight and living in storm sewer tunnels the way the economy is going.

But assuming the presidential election occurred November 4, and further assuming that election results are not the subject of a pending Supreme Court decision, you now know who the forty-fourth president is. And if you’re reading this between November 1 and November 4 and didn’t vote early, what sickening revelation are you waiting for? Go vote!

But I digress.

Whether we elected the guy with the big ears and the funny name or the creepy one who reminds me of Mr. Magoo, there are some suggestions on energy issues that are almost equally applicable.

On nuclear power, neither Barack Obama nor John McCain has given me any reason to believe that I’ll be able to sleep comfortably for the next four to eight years. McCain has been more specific on the issue, and therefore worries me more. McCain wants to build forty-five new nuclear reactors at an estimated cost of more than three hundred billion dollars.

Obama, on the other hand, says that he favors nuclear power if we can figure out how to safely dispose of nuclear waste. On the surface, with continuing opposition to the licensing of the Yucca Mountain nuclear storage facility in Nevada, that sounds like a no.

There is a fundamental problem with laying out a strategy of conditional approval. It means that the debate has shifted from the wisdom and necessity of nuclear power to a discussion of the safety of the Yucca Mountain proposal. What Obama’s conditional approval means is that if the Yucca Mountain debate is even close, it would be much harder to backtrack and oppose building more plants.

There’s an episode of The Simpsons that illustrates this. (Isn’t there always?)

Burns: “You know, Smithers, I think I’ll donate a million dollars to the local orphanage…when pigs fly!”

(They laugh. Pig sails across the sky.)

Smithers: “Will you be donating that million dollars now, sir?”

Burns: “No-o-o, I’d still prefer not.”

Obama’s answer on nuclear power is a political one, and a reflection of some troubling campaign contributions from Illinois-based nuclear giant Exelon Corp., which wants to build two reactors at Victoria, Texas. (And then some. See late-breaking news below.)

McCain’s problems run a little deeper than campaign contributions. At least two of his nuclear selling points are not true.

In the final debate, McCain argued that nuclear reactors are safe, and pointed to the nuclear navy as proof.

“Look, we’ve sailed Navy ships around the world for sixty years with nuclear power plants on them,” McCain said.

Where to start?

First, and I admit this is quibbling, but the first nuclear naval vessel, the U.S.S. Nautilus, was launched in 1954. Fifty-four years doesn’t round up to sixty.

Second, nuclear ships operate with significantly different reactors than commercial power plants.

Third, doesn’t this guy read the papers? The Japanese are still near to riot over revelations that the U.S.S. Houston, a navy attack submarine, had leaked radioactive water at two Japanese ports in 2006 and 2007. If McCain is president, he needs to be mindful of how his casual pronouncements affect foreign policy.

For a complete list of military nuclear boo-boo’s, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_military_nuclear_accidents. The best that can be said for our navy is that we’re not as bad as the Russians.

The simplest position for the new president to take, and I know I was arguing against simple answers earlier, is that new nuclear plants make no sense at this time because of the economy. Electricite de France SA, the world’s largest operator of nuclear plants, recently withdrew plans to acquire Constellation Energy Group Inc., citing the “current state of financial markets and in particular the difficult credit market for corporates.”

McCain could easily wiggle out of support for new nuclear plants. After all, he says he favors across the board cuts for all federal programs, including Social Security and Medicaid, so it would be hypocritical to propose additional nuclear subsidies.

McCain also relies heavily on reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel as the solution to waste storage. He’s short on details of where fuel would be reprocessed, how much it would cost and how much waste would be reduced. In fact, McCain tends to tout reprocessing as if there were a “reprocessing fairy” who was going to wave a magic wand and make tons of radioactive material disappear. It would make more sense to simply abandon nukes than to try to flesh out his reprocessing proposal.

Both McCain and Obama hiccup the phrase “clean coal technology” as well. Who can argue against “clean coal?” Opponents of new coal plants compare it to “safe cigarettes.” And no coal company anywhere is actually proposing anything other than the same old dirty technology.

Both candidates mentioned energy efficiency throughout the campaign, and it is a good alternative to both nuclear power and new coal plants. It is sound fiscal policy to not waste energy. The only beneficiaries of inefficiency are the power companies, who really like high utility bills and building more power plants.

Really, really last minute breaking news

On Sunday, October 19, Exelon Corp. announced an offer to buy NRG Energy for six-point-two billion dollars. On the plus side, this deal would consolidate proponents of nuclear energy in Texas, as Exelon plans two new units near Victoria, and NRG wants to build two additional reactors at the South Texas Nuclear Project. One big target might be easier than two smaller ones. On the other hand, it’s going to be a target with incredibly deep pockets.

After talking to some anti-nuclear people about the Exelon-NRG deal, there is the possibility of some less horrible news coming from the deal. Exelon might figure they’d have less trouble building additional units at the STNP than they would have if they went ahead with the new site at Victoria.

Robert Singleton is fairly immune to the credit crisis, as all his assets are tied up in food and medicine. He has begun recently to receive “pre-declined” credit card offers. Contact Robert at rsingleton@goodlifemag.com.

How to get your environmental event listed: We prefer that calendar listing information be submitted by using the form on our web site at www.goodlifemag.com/calendar-submission-form2.html. Second choice is to e-mail the essential details to editor@goodlifemag.com. Or fax it to 512-474-5725. Or mail to PO Box 4400, Austin, Texas 78765. To be considered for inclusion, items must be received by the 15th of the month for the following month’s events. Listings are free & are published on a space-available basis.

ENVIRONMENT
Mondays 7-9pm free Save Barton Creek Assn. meets weekly to discuss important environmental issues of the day. The public is invited. Vinny’s Café, 1003 Barton Springs Rd. Or e-mail about how to get involved. Details: 480-0055 <sbca@austin.rr.com> www.savebartoncreek.org.

Nov. 1 Sa 9am-4pm $10 Cultivating Simplicity in a Complex World: UT Informal Classes presents a workshop on strategies for gaining a view of a simpler life path that treads softly on the earth & gives intelligent use of limited resources. Bring an object you have purchased within the last year & have not used. Facilitated by Steven Hughes & Justin Follin. Details: 232-5277 www.informalclasses.org.

Nov. 5 W 7pm free Austin Sierra Club Meeting: Green Building by Design, Not by Device: Peter Pfeiffer will discuss the state-of-the-art practices in green building. In 2003, the National Association of Home Builders honored him as the “National Green Advocate of the Year” for his lifelong achievements in mainstreaming green building. (Meeting Wednesday rather than usual Tuesday due to Election Day Nov. 4.) Open to members & nonmembers. TSTA Building, 316 W. 12th St. Details: 444-1326 www.texas.sierraclub.org/austin.

Nov. 6 Th -8pm free Town Hall Meeting on Possible Annexation of Groundwater Area: At the request of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District is exploring public sentiment for annexing territory that would provide for a groundwater district to serve the booming development area in southwestern Travis County. Bee Creek United Methodist Church, 3000 Bee Creek Rd., Spicewood. Details: General Manager Kirk Holland 282-8441 www.bseacd.org.

Nov. 8 Sa 10am-2pm Greenfest: A Green Living Fair where you can learn about sustainable products & get tips from Austin Energy, Texas Gas, Austin Water Utility, Wildlife Austin, Watershed Protection & Home Depot. In front of the New Home Depot store at Mueller, I-35 and 51st St. Details: Mueller Central 703-9202 www.MuellerAustin.com.

Nov. 9-12 Su-W $50-$250 Texas Renewables ’08: Diversifying the Texas Energy Engine: The Texas Renewable Energy Industries Assn. organized this event, which includes more than 50 speakers who are representatives of industry, government and nonprofits. Omni Austin Hotel Southpark, 4140 Governors Row. Details: Russel Smith 345-5446 <rsmith@treia.org> www.treia.org.
• Nov. 9 Su 1-7:30pm
• Nov. 10 & Nov. 11 M & Tu 8:30am-5pm
• Nov. 12 Tu 8:30am-noon Tour Renewable Energy Installations & ERCOT Control Center

Nov. 14 F 5:30-8pm Austin CarShare’s 2nd Birthday Party: A party, fund-raiser & silent auction for our members, friends, supporters, future members, those who are curious. It will be a circus-cirque themed party featuring food, drink, music, performance artists & Connie Leaverton, comedy juggler & unicyclist. Design Within Reach, 200 W. 2nd St. Details: 472-7200 www.austincarshare.org

Nov. 14 F 7-8:15pm free Hot Science, Cool Talks: Outreach Lecture Series: Beginning the Search for Life on the Outer Planets: Through Europa’s Icy Looking Glass. This is a way for leading researchers to communicate their research to the public. Includes pre-lecture activities in the foyer starting at 5:45pm. Participation by the audience in lively discussions follows the lecture & an Internet broadcast will be made for those who cannot attend. Welch Hall Lecture Auditorium Rm. 2.224, 24th & Speedway. UT campus. Details: 471-4974 www.esi.utexas.edu/outreach/lectures.html.

Nov. 15 Sa 9am-1pm free GreenGirls Meeting: Adopt-a-Street Cleanup & Potluck: Regular meetings usually meets 3rd Sa each month. This month, GreenGirls is having their 1st cleanup kickoff event. GreenGirls is a network of powerful women who care deeply about the environment & know that we are more powerful when we feel healthy, strong, balanced & connected with nature. The group schedules fun & interesting outdoor activities & welcome ideas for future outings. Be part of our network & have fun with us. Please RSVP. Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury. Details: 480-326-6323 www.greengirls.net.

Nov. 15 Sa 10am-5pm free 2nd Annual Youth Environmental Summit (YES): The Office of Civic Engagement at Southwestern University in Georgetown is hosting this conference for high school students, with the goal of encouraging environmental activism starting at the high school level by introducing students to environmental issues thru a variety of disciplines & activities. Registration is free till Nov. 3, then $5. Participants will have access to events, lunch & complimentary canvas bag. Details: Kimberly Griffin <griffink@southwestern.edu> www.southwestern.edu/enviro_summit.

Nov. 28 F Green Drinks Happy Hour: A monthly informal social gathering of folks who care about the environment. Attendees are encouraged to bring someone who is “light green” or even “grey” for discussion & fun. 4th F each month. Check location & sign up for mailing list on website. Opal Divine’s, 700 W. 6th St. Details: Thomas Vinson-Peng 232-7149 www.greendrinksaustin.blogspot.com.

Dec. 2 Tu 7pm free Austin Sierra Club Meeting: The Pros and Cons of Wind Energy: Presenters include Cyrus Reed, conservation director of the Sierra Club’s Lone Star Chapter, and Ed Arnett, conservation scientist, Bat Conservation International. Wind-generated electricity is renewable & generally considered environmentally clean. However, widespread reports of fatalities among birds & bats caused by wind facilities are raising concerns. Open to members & nonmembers. TSTA Building, 316 W. 12th St. Details: 444-1326 www.texas.sierraclub.org/austin.

Jan. 10 Sa 9am Northcross Drive Tree Planting: Volunteers are needed to help the City of Austin Forestry Department plant 50 trees in the medians of Northcross Drive, between Anderson Ln. & Burnet Rd. It will just take a few hours. Please sign up now to help! Northcross Dr. Medians, Northcross Dr. & Forester Ln. Details: 452-6623 <bluegeckoyoga@aol.com>

Alliance to Save Energy Consumer Web Site: Billed as everything you always wanted to know about reducing your energy bills but couldn’t easily find in one place, this web site provides homeowners with another version of the educational 3 Rs: refinancing, remodeling & reducing energy bills. Details: www.ase.org.

Austin CarShare: Carsharing is a service that provides members with 24-hour access to a fleet of cars & a truck on a per-hour & per-mile basis. The service is available to new members after orientation. Gas, insurance, parking, maintenance & roadside assistance are all included in price of usage. It reduces traffic, improves air quality, promotes sustainable economic development, increases the number of transportation options & improves the quality of life in Austin by providing access to carshare vehicles. Vehicles are available at 2nd & Colorado; 4th & Congress; 23rd & San Antonio adjacent to the UT campus; & Fresh Plus at 43rd & Avenue H. Details: www.austincarshare.org.

AustinEcoNetwork: Subscribe to this free, moderated listserve for info about Austin & the environment, including events, political actions, jobs & networking. Send message with subject “subscribe” to <AEN@AustinEcoNetwork.org>. Details: Brandi Clark 477-3311 www.austineconetwork.org.

Austin Electric Vehicle Buyers Group: An organization whose objective is to enable members to purchase practical, affordable all-electric vehicles by aggregating a market in Austin of at least 100 buyers. Approximately a dozen companies already produce EVs with a 100-mile range, excellent acceleration & all the safety features & amenities of a conventional car. We believe that an order of 100 EVs (of a common design) could bring the selling price down to under $30,000. Register on-line. Details: <info@austinevbuyers.org> www.austinevbuyers.org.

Austin Freecycle Network: Where one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. The goal is to reduce waste by connecting people who are throwing away unwanted items with others seeking these items (& have a little fun in the process). No item too big or too small, but all items must be 100% freely offered. No money, no trading, no barter & no strings attached. Details: www.freecycle.org or www.groups.yahoo.com/group/AustinFreecycle.

Austin Green Neighbor Program: The program previously geared to water quality protection has been expanded to provide a comprehensive guide to environmental protection. The new booklet is a compilation of action items that include tips on saving energy & water, reducing air pollution, reducing gardening chemicals & cutting waste. Details: 974-2446 www.cityofaustin.org/watershed/greenneighbor.

Austin Home Energy Survey Invites Participation: UT-Austin graduate students are conducting a study to explore Austinites’ current energy consumption & preferences for future energy policy & vehicle technology. The survey takes about 20 minutes. It will ask questions about you, your travel & household energy use. No names or identifying identification will be used in preparing data for analysis. You can stop at any time, but your input is important. Details: Kara Kockelman, PhD, associate professor of Transportation Engineering 471-0210. Take the survey at www.surveygizmo.com/s/68524/energysurvey.

Be a Park Sustainer: For only $10 a month, help the Austin Parks Foundation hold more volunteer events, support more volunteer groups, offer more Neighborhood Park Grants & be your voice for parks. Benefits include: 10 percent Amy’s Ice Cream discount; 15 percent RunTex discount; 10 percent Bicycle Sport Shop discount & invitation to special members-only park tours & events. Details: 477-1566 www.austinparks.org/member.html.

Central Texas Sustainable Indicators Project Community Survey: This nonprofit, nonpartisan organization provides hard facts on sustainability of the economy, environment & social equity, allowing us to make regional tactical & strategic decisions to move us in the right direction. A community survey is underway & your participation is requested. Also, please forward any indicators we should be aware of. Participate in the survey by visiting http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=JAO_2f1ckAqWURXTSGwk2_2fqw_3d_3d. Details: Jim Walker 499-0526 <director@centex-indicators.org> www.centex-indicators.org.

Check Voting Records for Texas House & Senate Members 1993-2007: The Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club does not score the various house & senate positions members but you can see whether or not the lawmakers agreed with the Sierra Club when voting on specific legislation. Details: www.texas.sierraclub.org/press/votingrecord.asp.

City of Austin Environmental Links: The Austin City Connection’s home page has a link that takes you to a list of all the city’s environmental programs & services, speakers bureaus, rebates, loans, giveaways, gardening, conservation, endangered species & much more. Use it to learn more about earth-wise issues & find tips on how to become an environmental steward in your home or business. Details: www.ci.austin.tx.us & click on Environment.

Currents: Lower Colorado River Authority publishes a free bimonthly e-mail newsletter on water topics as well as useful land-conservation information for both large & small landowners. Details: www.lcra.org/newsletter/currents.

Design~Build~Live: Formerly the Sustainable Building Coalition, the group incorporated as a nonprofit organization expanded its mission to reflect a goal to facilitate the incorporation of sustainability into every aspect of people’s lives. While sustainable building will remain of central importance in our educational efforts, all aspects of a more sustainable lifestyle will be part of the mission. DBL offers periodic site visits to view sustainable buildings. Sign up for the group’s newsletter at the web site. Details: Gayle Borst 478-9033 www.designbuildlive.org.

Ecology Action of Texas needs volunteers to help sort materials & assist customers at the downtown center. Also needed are a commercial electrician, a web designer, a mechanic to help maintain vehicles, a designer to produce eye-catching materials for outreach events, tabling help & help at special recycling events. Details: 322-0000 <recycle@ecology-action.org> www.ecology-action.org.

Free Toilets Available! The Free Toilet Program is back! If you’re an Austin Water Utility customer whose toilets were installed before 1996, Austin Water Utility Conservation will give you new, high-performance toilets for free. New flapperless technology means these toilets get the job done in just one flush with even less water than some modern toilets. Plus, you’ll never have to change a leaky toilet flapper again. Customers can apply to replace up to three toilets per house. Standard white, round bowl toilets are free. Taller, handicapped toilets with an elongated bowl are available for a fee of $21.10 plus tax, payable at pickup. Rebates of up to $60 per toilet for installation by a licensed plumber. Details: 974-2199 www.WaterWiseAustin.org.

Friends of Barton Springs is dedicated to protecting & improving Austin’s favorite natural swimming hole. It has grown into an active organization hosting volunteer pool cleaning sessions with a growing complement of volunteers that numbers in the dozens at each cleaning. Volunteers are invited to participate in cleaning & in organized committees. Details: <ding_dong_slb@yahoo.com> www.friendsofbartonspringspool.com.

Friends of McKinney Falls State Park promotes 1 of Austin’s most valuable natural treasures, a state park on your doorstep. This beautiful attraction offers a fascinating array of natural, geological, historical & prehistoric treasures, including Old Baldy, a bald cypress over 500 years old & 60 feet tall; the oldest living resident of Travis County. And don’t forget it’s got a great swimming hole too! Support McKinney Falls by volunteering, making a donation or becoming a member. Details: <McKinneyFalls@yahoo.com> www.mckinneyfalls.org.

GreenerChoices.org offers Products for a Better Planet on this free web site hosted by Consumer Reports magazine. At www.GreenerChoices.org, consumers can quickly access information about everything from fuel-efficient cars to energy saving appliances to sustainable food production. Also check out www.eco-labels.org, where Consumer Reports offers free information about product-label terms such as “organic” & “recycled” & includes green shopping tips, articles about environmental issues & more.

Longhorn Environmental Alumni Association supports environmental & sustainability initiatives at the University of Texas at Austin & connects UT alumni interested in the environment. The group publishes a quarterly newsletter about the campus environment, provides input on key campus sustainability issues & organizes a variety of networking events. It is also in the process of establishing a Green Fund to support sustainability projects at UT. All UT alumni are invited to join; membership is free. Details: www.enviroexes.org.

NeighborWoods Tree Deliveries: Help TreeFolks deliver NeighborWoods trees. Imagine riding in an open truck delivering free trees to happy people. Sound like fun? Details: 443-5323 <scott@treefolks.org> www.treefolks.org.

Online Store Offers Affordable Energy Efficiency Solutions for Congregations & Their Members: Texas Interfaith Power & Light (TXIPL) operates ShopIPL.org, an online store designed to help faith communities & their members reduce global warming & air pollution thru energy efficiency. On ShopIPL, congregations can buy proven energy efficiency products for their house of worship including an array of compact fluorescent light bulbs, rechargeable batteries, water heater timers & weatherization products & more at substantially discounted prices. Members can order products for their own homes & businesses thru the congregation & youth groups or other congregational ministries can use the site to conduct fund-raisers. Details: 800-379-4121 www.shopipl.org.

PODER, People Organized in the Defense of Earth & her Resources, is a grass-roots effort redefining environmental, economic & social justice issues. PODER aims to increase the participation of communities of color in corporate & government decision-making related to toxic pollution, economic development & their impact on neighborhoods. Details: 472-9921 <poder@austin.rr.com> www.poder-texas.org.

Powerhouse Investigative Program: This energy education program teaches middle-school students & their families about the effects of energy use on natural resources & the environment. Utilities sponsor the program for schools within their service areas. Details: Donna McCord 800-776-5272 x3397 www.lcra.org/energy/education_safety/powerhouse.html.

Program Helps Texans Refresh Local Waterways: Texas Waterway Cleanup Program stands ready to help Texas rivers & lakes get well-deserved facelifts with this statewide effort to provide free cleanup supplies, educational materials & promotional support to help Texans beautify & improve the quality of their local waterways. The program focuses on helping groups of any size host environmental education activities & cleanups of freshwater areas including lakes, rivers, creeks & wetlands across the state. Participants include schools, government agencies, youth & scout groups, neighborhoods, businesses or any group of concerned Texans. Details: Josh Spradling 478-8813 <josh@ktb.org> www.ktb.org/press/twcp_spring_08.htm.

Rainwater Collection Guide: Rainwater is better to use on plants than city water. A 10-foot by 10-foot shed can collect 60 gallons of rainwater in a 1-inch rainfall. For more information on rainwater harvesting, check out the Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting at www.twdb.state.tx.us/publications/reports/RainwaterHarvestingManual_3rdedition.pdf.

Recycle Your Lawn Mower: Bring your old gas powered mower to be recycled at the following locations. Be sure that all oil & gas has been drained. Details: www.cleanairforce.org/2008MowingFlyer.pdf & www.texas.earth911.org.
• 710 Industrial Blvd. Details: 442-2384.
• 1704 Howard Ln. Details: 251-3407.

Support Parks 3 Meals a Day! Feed your family dinner from the Soup Peddler & Austin Parks Foundation gets 5% of your purchase. You must order thru The Soup Peddler web site. Details: 373-7672 www.souppeddler.com/austinparks.

Texas Smoke-Free Ordinances Database: Information about ordinances designed to restrict exposure to secondhand smoke in public places in Texas communities is available in an on-line database developed by the University of Houston & funded by the Texas Department of State Health Services. A recently released US Surgeon General’s report concludes there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke, which causes lung cancer, heart disease, sudden infant death syndrome, low birth weight, asthma, bronchitis & other serious illnesses & is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths each year in the United States. Details: www.txshsord.coe.uh.edu.

Texas Urban Forestry License Plate: Tree-loving Texans who buy the license plate will pay an additional $30 over the cost of regular plates & $22 will go to Texas Urban Forestry Council for urban forestry education, tree preservation & tree planting. Details: Specialty License Plate Branch 374-5010.

TreeFolks’ Local Carbon Offset Program: Carbon offsets are things that you purchase that either sequester CO2 (like planting trees) or avoid CO2 (like alternative energy development). The carbon is sold by the ton & there’s an easy to use calculator to figure out how many tons of carbon you’re responsible for. All of TreeFolks offset money goes into local, mostly urban trees in public spaces that don’t just sequester carbon, they lower power consumption (saving even more CO2), provide wildlife habitat, keep storm water runoff clean, calm traffic, increase property values & just generally make it much more livable right here in your own community. Details: 443-5323 <paul@treefolks.org> www.treefolks.org/prog_calculator.asp.

Tree Planting Days: Come help TreeFolks plant trees at various parks around town. All you need to bring is yourself (& maybe a few friends) in comfortable work clothes & closed-toe shoes. TreeFolks will provide trees, tools, planting supervisors & refreshments. RSVP. Details: 443-5323 <scott@treefolks.org> www.treefolks.org.

UT Campus Environmental Center Seeks Speakers: Looking for Austin community members who wish to speak on their environmental field of expertise. Talks will be held 1st & 3rd Th for 30 minutes on the UT Campus. Attendance can range from 20-60 students depending on the meeting topic. Details: Nancy Shackelford <director@ utenvironment.org > www.utenvironment.org.

Fat Turkey

For the most discriminating palates, Fat Turkey Chocolate offers the finest handmade chocolate truffles. You are guaranteed to be appreciated by any chocoholic who receives their Truffle of the Month as a gift. Each month a delicious box of chocolates containing the best all-natural truffles made fresh will be delivered on your behalf.

When asked, “What makes your Truffle of the Month special?” owner Jennifer Flood says, “Most of the time, the flavors we send out for the Truffle of the Month are brand new and not available in stores or from our web site. That gives our Truffle of the Month customers the first experience of our newest creations.”

For the holidays Fat Turkey will also be bringing back a few popular seasonal flavors. The first is their Sweet Potato Cardamom Truffle, which was a huge success at the 2008 Austin Chocolate Festival. Also coming to market will be the Holiday Cranberry Truffle, based on her mother-in-law’s cranberry recipe with anise, orange, and cinnamon. Jennifer says, “These truffles are the perfect companion to a glass of Port or a fine Sherry and some friends.”

When asked what the holidays are like for Fat Turkey, Jennifer says, “It is pretty crazy, we have a lot of wine and chocolate parties booked, a massive amount of chocolate to make, and orders for the holidays coming in on our web site until the very last minute. It is exhilarating and satisfying for us to know that many people around the country are enjoying our chocolates and sharing them with their friends and families.”

You can take advantage of a special coupon for Good Life readers when ordering from the Fat Turkey web site. Just enter GoodLife in the coupon field during the checkout process to take ten percent off of your order from http:fatturkeychocolate.com.

Texas Rowing Center

From the first ripple, there’s something poetic that happens when the oar is dipped in the water and the rowing shell begins to glide across Lady Bird Lake. And if you consider that most of us experience this from our car window, imagine what it would be like firsthand—on the water.

A gift from the Texas Rowing Center guarantees beautiful views of Austin and a workout that burns calories and improves flexibility. Whether you’re seventy and looking for a unique adventure or want to surprise your girlfriends with a group gift, the Holiday Rowing package will get you on the water immediately while providing training in three, ninety-minute sessions. This package includes an added bonus month to the six-month or annual packages at no additional cost.

And you don’t have to be a jock to try it, says Joan Porcaro, outreach coordinator for the center. Packages include six-month and annual unlimited memberships and the center is open seven days a week from 6am to dark.

So, raise your oar this year to a new hobby that feeds the body and the mind.

1541 W. Cesar Chavez (parking on Veterans Drive near Austin High School) 512-467-7799.

38^th Street Pharmacy

It is rare to find a local, family-owned pharmacy anymore. Rarer still is one that has been in business for more than eighteen years and offers the finest, fastest, friendliest customer service you can imagine.

The 38^th Street Pharmacy is that one-of-a-kind business. It offers free delivery to neighbors living within a twelve-mile radius and ships medicines to those living in outlying areas. It will also set up thirty-day charge accounts and honor most insurance plans, including Medicare Part D.

Looking for a hard to find medicine? The folks at 38^th Street Pharmacy specialize in pediatric, cancer and AIDS medications, especially the more obscure ones.

Longtime customers really appreciate seeing the same friendly faces behind the counter, whether it’s owners Jeff Warnken and his wife, one of their children, or one of their employees—some of whom have worked at the pharmacy for more than ten years. Family-oriented and active in the community, the Warnkens are just the kind of people you want taking care of you.

Ethnic Loft

Here is a sample of what Ethnic Loft customers are saying: “Your prices are great, so affordable!” — “My friend told me to come here.” — “Unique stuff.” — “This has got to be one of Austin best kept secrets!” — “You have beautiful, quality products.” — “Wonderful staff.” — “Great store.” — “I love coming here!”

Ethnic Loft is a furniture and home accessories store conveniently located at 1800 W. Koenig Lane in central Austin. Locally owned, the store is in its third year of business and strives to keep quality products at affordable prices so that everyone can leave the store with a treasure.

“I love discovering unique products like these and wanted to give other people the same opportunity. Because of Ethnic Loft, I can share a piece of a country’s culture, history and people in the form of art and home furnishings.” says Maria Alma, owner.

From African masks to Indian textiles and rustic Asian furniture, their hand-selected items convey character and originality. There are even products that allow you to think “outside of the box.” For example, imagine a Chinese pillow box used as fashionable storage. Or, imagine this: a square stool that can double as a small side table. (Add another stool, and voilà, a truly versatile coffee table.)

The storefront does not reveal the many rooms of products you can meander through. Ethnic Loft’s collection includes: tables, cabinets, chairs, stools, shelves, armoires, chests, window screens, batiks, decorative pillows, lamps, wall art, baskets, vases, candleholders, books and much more. In addition, Ethnic Loft is a proud retailer of World of Good products (committed to Fair Trade) and Acholi Beads (a socially proactive business).

If you’re looking for that special holiday gift, go to Ethnic Loft. The experience alone is worth the trip.

No More Shame

The Faces of Sexual Violence

by April D. Boland

Photography by Barton Wilder Custom Images

Billy Dan Carroll has been a volunteer fireman, worked with Habitat for Humanity, and served with Court Appointed Special Advocates of Travis County (CASA), an organization that provides advocacy for abused children. He is a married father of two and has served as youth leader at his local church. So imagine the reaction of his friends and family, as well as most Austinites, when in July 2008, he was indicted on multiple charges of aggravated sexual assault. Austin police seized thirty-three videotapes as evidence of Carroll abusing six children, one of whom was as young as two years old.

Sexual assault is rampant, not only in Austin but across the country. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, in 2006 more than a quarter-million incidents of rape and sexual assault were reported in America. (A far greater number likely were not reported.) But these statistics do little to help us understand the trauma that victims experience or what must be done to reduce these crimes.

Child abuse

Joe Henry Delgado is a fifty-four-year-old video producer and director who creates health and nutrition videos for the Texas Department of State Health Services. He is upbeat, friendly and full of life. Few would suspect that he is a survivor of long-term childhood sexual abuse.

Delgado grew up in a broken family in Jacinto City, Texas, east of Houston. With a criminal father who was often on the run, Delgado spent many years living with his grandparents and uncle. At six years old, Delgado's uncle, who was five years older, began molesting him. "It started with baths, when he would fondle me and soap me up," Delgado recalls. "Eventually he began to play with my genitals and perform oral sex. It was almost like a little secret that he had with me."

When Delgado was ten years old, his father was accused of committing a sex crime against a family member and was forced to flee to escape the police. Delgado began working at a family-owned store, along with his abuser, to help support his family. The store was ten miles away from the family home and had an apartment above it, so on many weekends Delgado would stay behind with his uncle, opening him up to more abuse. Delgado says that he was coerced into reading sexually explicit books to his uncle while masturbating him. "It escalated to where he would penetrate me with everything from his penis to his finger to the handle of a toilet plunger, with or without condoms and with or without Vaseline," he says. Yet Delgado was unable to break free of the sexual abuse because he was threatened with losing his job. In addition, Delgado's uncle was one of the few male figures he had in his life, especially when his father was away. "He had a real strong hold on me psychologically."

When Delgado was a teenager, his family moved to Houston and he found a job at a different store. His father returned, which put added pressure on Delgado to remain silent about his abuse. "I was afraid of telling my father because he would hurt my uncle and would have to go away again. It was a sacrifice I made in order to have a whole family." Delgado was very sociable, immersing himself in several high school activities to mask the pain and memories of his childhood abuse. When he was eighteen, however, he discovered hallucinogens, which he enjoyed because they allowed him to "go away" inside his head. "I would do drugs to take me to a place where no one could touch me," he recalls. "It seemed like a good escape."

Ultimately, Delgado realized that to save himself he had to leave Houston. He was carrying a gun and dealing drugs, and he was full of anger. "I really felt like I could shoot somebody," he says. Delgado decided to move to Austin, where he attended the University of Texas and earned a degree in radio, television and film. Upon graduation, Delgado was able to pursue his dream of working in television. And yet, his past haunted him, manifesting itself in his relationships with women. He had constant affairs and found that he quickly lost interest in his partners. The final realization that he needed to reexamine his life came after he abruptly ended a fifteen-year relationship. His girlfriend at the time moved out of the home that they shared to give Delgado space and, with this time alone, he started to look at his past. Through Planned Parenthood, Delgado was able to find a group for male survivors of sexual violence. Later, he would help form a similar group in San Marcos, sponsored by the Hays-Caldwell Women's Center. "I was able to seek help in an area where there wasn't much help," Delgado says. "I know there's a lot of emphasis on girls and women in relation to sexual violence, but it was kind of slim for us (male victims), and maybe still is."

Delgado is not the only male survivor to have faced difficulty in finding help and resources. Annette Burrhus-Clay, executive director of the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA), agrees that services for male victims are important yet often neglected. "Several years ago, we looked at the rape crisis centers throughout Texas and found that while some of them were doing a very good job at tailoring services to the needs of male survivors, other ones tended to look at males as perpetrators and not victims. We had male victims call us and say, ‘I called a rape crisis center and told them I was a rape victim, but they still referred me to a group for perpetrators.' Yet one of four rape victims is male."

Today Joe Delgado has come a long way toward understanding his past and its effect on his present. "I had a chance to live a better life," he says, looking back to when he first sought help. "Now my eyes are open and my mind is open. I don't have to live with guilt or shame."

Many children suffer silently-Unfortunately, experiences like Delgado's are not uncommon. According to the Department of Family Protective Services, there were more than seven thousand confirmed cases of child sexual abuse in Texas in 2007. While many organizations are working to alleviate the problem, it can be hard for anyone to get to the truth.

"Children are often afraid to disclose abuse," says Rachael Cayton Barden, LCSW, a social worker who spent several years working at both Child Protective Services and SafePlace, an organization that works to end domestic and sexual violence. "When they do, they sometimes recant the disclosure. Our community of Austin is fortunate to have the Center for Child Protection, which provides a safe place for children to tell their stories. It is staffed by professionals who can ask the right questions and provide therapy, since asking a child to recount a traumatic event multiple times is traumatic in itself."

Effects of abuse can last a lifetime-Like Delgado, most victims of childhood sexual abuse find that it affects their adult lives. Kelly White, former executive director of SafePlace, notes that the trauma can endure for years after the abuse ends. "People don't understand the enormity and long-term impact of the problem of sexual abuse," she says. "When you look at the programs at SafePlace that deal with people who are having the hardest time recovering, they are almost one hundred percent people who were sexually abused as children. This kind of abuse is about perceiving love in an unhealthy way and not being able to trust another human being. It's devastating."

How to Educate Children about Safety

The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network and the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault suggest the following ways you can be proactive and teach your children to be on guard against sexual abuse.
Teach your children that their bodies belong to them, and that they have the right to say no to anyone who touches them. Explain to your children that if someone touches them in a way that feels funny, even if it is someone they know and trust, it is okay to say no. Tell your children that you want them to come to you if anything happens that makes them feel uncomfortable—and that you won’t be angry even if they were doing something at the time that they weren’t supposed to be doing (e.g., drinking, being someplace they were told not to go). Explain that some adults or older teens may even threaten children by saying their parents will be hurt if the children ever tell the secret. Emphasize that an adult who does this is wrong.
Teach your children basic sex education, i.e., areas of the body covered by a bathing suit are private and only parents and trusted adults (like doctors) should ever touch their private areas and only with a specific reason like checking to see if they are hurt. In addition, if an adult does touch their private areas, it should never be a secret. Teach your children they do not have to be embarrassed to talk to you about their private parts.
Advise your children not to give information over the phone such as “my parents aren’t home.” Spend adequate time with your children; children who are lonely and attention-starved are easy targets.
Do not instruct children to “Give Uncle Jimmy a kiss” or “Give Aunt Maria a hug.” This teaches children they don’t have the right to say no concerning their own bodies. Allow children to express affection on their own terms. Do not teach your children blind obedience to adults. Do not teach children to do whatever a teacher or babysitter tells them. Teach your children that it is okay to say no to an adult, teen or other child if they want them to do something they know is wrong.
Avoid scare tactics. Explain that most adults would never do anything to hurt a child; those who prey on children are the exception. Stress that there should be no secrets, especially those involving another adult. Encourage children to assess situations critically and to recognize and follow their instincts.
Make your children familiar with the common lures used by child molesters and abductors:
• The offering of gifts, candy, money or bribes.
• Appealing to the child’s sense of helpfulness, such as asking for assistance in finding a lost dog.
• Offers of rides on motorcycles or in cars.
• Telling children that their parents were hurt and are in the hospital and offering a ride to the hospital.
• Telling children that their parents sent him to pick them up.
Try to be relaxed when talking about these issues. If you are not tense while talking about these issues, then children are less likely to be worried about talking.

—April Boland

Dealing with sex offenders-Both nonprofit organizations and state and federal government face the challenge of finding the right approach to dealing with convicted sex offenders. In 2007, the Texas Legislature adopted its version of Jessica's Law, which was passed in Florida in 2005. The law, which was named for a nine-year-old Florida girl who was raped and buried alive in 2005 by a convicted sex offender, aimed to increase penalties for those who commit sex crimes against children. It had been proposed that the death penalty be included in the Texas version of Jessica's Law, but the Texas Legislature ultimately adopted the law without the provision for the death penalty. Interestingly enough, the idea of introducing the death penalty for these crimes had been vehemently opposed by TAASA. Executive Director Annette Burrhus-Clay says that though the law was meant as a preventive measure against child sexual abuse, including the death penalty could have adverse effects. "One hundred percent of the time, we are going to be supportive of things that make us safer and hold perpetrators accountable. Yet in our opinion, a lot of what was presented during that (2007 Texas legislative) session would not necessarily have made people safer. Our concern was that Jessica's Law might actually have the exact opposite effect of what was intended. So much child sexual abuse happens within the family, and with the death penalty on the table, I would say that family members would be less likely to report it." In June 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling on this very issue, finding that allowing the death penalty for individuals convicted of child rape is unconstitutional.

There are other programs in place for dealing with convicted sex offenders in Texas. The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains a Council on Sex Offender Treatment (CSOT), which is responsible for treating sex offenders, establishing rules and regulations regarding such treatment, administering a civil commitment program, and educating the public on the management of sex offenders. Allison Taylor, executive director of the CSOT, says, "The Council's mission is this: No more victims. We are working toward this by developing and implementing standards and policies to protect the citizens of Texas through research-based assessment, treatment and management."

Young girls are vulnerable-Mindy, who spoke on condition that her last name not be published, was also sexually abused as a minor. Her family had just moved to Camarillo, California, when her abuse started. At the age of fourteen, she was hired by her youth minister and his wife to baby-sit their two children. While the children napped, the minister would spend time with Mindy. Eventually, he began asking questions about her sexual experience and offering to teach her things. Mindy says that he manipulated the

Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

Is a child you know being sexually abused? The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault provides a checklist of possible warning signs to look for, as follows:
- Unexplained pain, swelling, bleeding or irritation of the mouth, genital or anal area; urinary infections; and sexually transmitted diseases.
- Vaginal or rectal bleeding, pain, itching, swollen genitals, vaginal discharge.
- Torn or stained underclothing.
- Copying adult sexual behavior.
- Persistent sexual play with themselves, other children, toys or pets.
- Displaying unusual interest in or knowledge of sexual matters, through language or behavior, that is beyond what is normal for their age.
- Unusual interest in all things of a sexual nature.
- Drawings, pictures or stories with a strong, unusual or bizarre sexual theme.
- Seductiveness, attempts to seduce adults or other children.
- Hints, indirect comments or statements about the abuse.
- Expressing affection in ways inappropriate for a child of that age.
- Unexplained fear of a person or an intense dislike at being left somewhere or with someone.
- Intolerance to being touched.
- Self-injuring behavior (e.g., cutting the skin, banging the head).
- Unusual aggressiveness or anger.
- Inappropriate clothing (e.g., too much for the season, much high-necked clothing, baggy clothing).
- Suicidal behavior.
- Sudden drop in grades, falling asleep at school.
- Vague somatic complaints (stomach aches, muscle soreness).
- Changes in behavior such as withdrawal, fearfulness, crying without provocation.
- Appetite disturbances.
- Recurrent nightmares, disturbed sleep patterns, fear of the dark.
- Regression to more infantile behavior such as bedwetting, thumb sucking or excessive crying.

—April Boland

fact that she was not close to her parents, giving her books that they had shielded her from. "He said, ‘We're at the same place at the same time, and I don't think God would have put us here if he didn't want us to,'" she recalls.

Mindy says the abuse lasted for about a year and a half. She says that it started with touching and progressed into sex shortly after her fifteenth birthday. At sixteen, she left California and came to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University. While in school, Mindy felt extreme guilt over what had happened. She was depressed and couldn't sleep, which led her to seek counseling. When she confided in her counselor about what had happened to her, he told her that they needed to report it to Child Protective Services. "I was not ready for that," she says. "It was a backwards step." She e-mailed the youth minister, telling him what she had discussed with her counselor but assuring him that she had not divulged his name. He responded angrily, telling her that she had been the only one and that he was not going to do it to anyone else.

Nearly six years later, Mindy learned that one of her best friends in high school had also been abused by the youth minister. Pretty soon, other girls began to share similar stories, which eventually led to thirteen felony charges against Markus Holland McDowell, a resident of California. The Ventura County Star reported on October 22, 2008, that after pleading guilty to two counts of molesting a minor and two counts of digital penetration, McDowell, age forty-eight, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison and enforced registration as a sex offender.

The courage shown by Mindy and the others in giving their statements about McDowell will likely prevent future abuse of other girls. In fact, Mindy has spoken out against sexual violence in various venues since then, including benefits coordinated by the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN). "The more I talk, the more right it feels," she says. "All I want is for this to not happen to as many people as possible."

Blaming the victim-Mindy firmly believes that anyone who has been a victim of sexual violence should seek help and support. "If you need help, even if it's just a school counselor or something, talk!" she urges. "Don't keep it to yourself. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that what other people think doesn't matter. I've had people blame me for what happened, and it's hard to get over that."

Debby Tucker, executive director of the Austin-based National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence, agrees that blame is often unfairly placed on victims. "The practice of blaming the victim is alive and well, and I think that we have to keep working on that as much as anything," she says. "We need to continue to create a better understanding in the general public that sexual violence doesn't happen because of something that the victim did or wore. It can happen to anyone who has the misfortune of being vulnerable at a moment when a predator wants to engage in that kind of conduct."

Prevention in schools-The desire to protect children from sexual violence has led some schools to implement prevention programs. TAASA manages a peer-based high school program called STAR (Students Taking Action for Respect) that seeks to educate students about the dangers of sexual harassment, acquaintance rape and dating violence. Annette Burrhus-Clay says, "Both male and female students do all the work within the school. They develop curriculum, help plan an annual conference and teach at the conference. They just run with it, trying to prevent sexual assault by changing the culture of their school."

Date rape

While children can be easy targets for predators due to their vulnerability, adults of all ages are at risk for sexual assault. Maggie Watson had just completed her first year at Texas State University when she became a victim at age eighteen. She was vacationing on South Padre Island with her stepsister and her stepsister's mother when they met two young men who invited them to dinner. Over the next few days, the five of them spent a lot of time together because they were staying in condos next door to each other. On the last day of their trip, as they walked along the beach, Watson says one of the men slipped something into her drink. He walked alone with her as his friend walked the other two women back to the condos. Watson began drifting in and out of consciousness. At one point, she awoke to find that she was being raped. She tried to lift her arms to push the man off but found that she could not move.

For a month afterward, Watson was unable to sleep and suffered from recurring panic attacks. One day, after taking medicine for a cold, she became dizzy and had a flashback from her sexual assault. This led her to admit to herself what had happened and confide in the people closest to her. "I remembered a professor at Texas State who told us that

What to Do if Your Child Has Been Sexually Abused

Child abuse is a traumatic experience, and it is important to be tactful and cautious in discussing it with your child. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services provides these tips on how to broach the subject if you suspect your child has been abused.
If your child is sexually abused, the most important thing that you can do is believe your child. Stay calm and provide reassurance that your child did nothing wrong. Abuse is never a child’s fault.
Listen to your child. Be careful not to make comments and judgments about the abuser. Usually, the child knows or loves the person who abused them.
Make sure your child is safe from further abuse.
Get help for both your child and yourself as soon as possible.

—April Boland

Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Sexual Assault

Sexual assault can happen to anyone at any time; it is never the victim’s fault. The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network and the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault suggest the following ways to reduce your risk of becoming a victim.
- Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid covering both ears with headphones or earbuds while walking alone.
- Avoid isolated areas.
- Walk with purpose. Even if you don’t know where you are going, act like you do.
- Trust your instincts if a situation or location feels unsafe or uncomfortable.
- Try not to load yourself down with packages or bags as this can make you appear vulnerable.
- Make sure your cell phone is with you and charged and that you have cab money.
- Don't allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don’t trust or someone you don’t know.
- When you go to a party, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, check in with each other and leave together.
- Do not leave your beverages unattended or accept drinks from someone you don’t know or trust.
- Turn around and check if you think you are being followed. If you think someone is following you, cross the street, yell and run to the nearest lighted area where there are other people.
- Always check the front and back seat of your car before entering.
- Install a peephole in your front door. If you can't, always ask who it is before opening the door. Before opening the door to a repairman, demand identification from the person at your door. Check the identification by phone or ask a neighbor to keep you company while the repairman is in your home.
- Take a self-defense course.
- Keep your car well-serviced, with good tires, a spare and plenty of gas.?

—April Boland

she had been sexually assaulted in college," Watson recalls. "So I went to her and told her what happened. She said, ‘We need to get you to counseling.'" After being evaluated at the University's counseling center, Watson was referred to the Hays-Caldwell Women's Center, where she participated in group counseling with other college-age women who had been sexually assaulted. "It was strange, because it's not something you see walking around campus, but going to a group like this made me think, ‘Wow, I'm really not the only one.'"

Watson spent two years in counseling, working to overcome the depression and suicidal tendencies stemming from her rape. She also decided to participate in TAASA's "Speak Up, Speak Out" campaign, which features sexual assault victims sharing their stories. "I would travel to colleges and universities to talk about what happened to me and people would come up to me afterwards and say, ‘I never told anyone this, but I was sexually assaulted too.' It made me feel good to help someone tell their story by telling mine."

Eventually Watson went on to work at her alma mater, educating teachers and administrators in public schools about dating violence through the Center for Safe Communities and Schools, which is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Criminal Justice. She feels that it is important to confront common misconceptions about rape among the general public. "We have the idea that all rapists have ‘rapist' tattooed on their foreheads," she says. "They don't."

Debby Tucker agrees. "When people are sexually assaulted, it will most likely be by someone they know. The ‘stranger in the trench coat' image does exist out there, but is much less of the problem."

Many cases go unreported-According to Annette Burrhus-Clay, only eighteen percent of sexual assault cases are reported in Texas. Once again, this is a problem that both nonprofit organizations and the government are trying to address. In May, USA Today reported that in 2009 the federal government will begin requiring states to both offer and pay for anonymous rape tests. The tests, commonly called "Jane Doe rape kits," allow victims to have an emergency room forensic rape exam without committing to pressing charges. Results will be kept on file and remain confidential until the victim makes the decision to prosecute. This is designed to combat the fact that many victims are afraid to report their rape and do not decide to press charges until later, when all of the physical evidence is gone. This is a large problem and certainly contributes to the low reporting rates surrounding sexual violence.

Maggie Watson says, "I never pressed charges because I was really intimidated by law enforcement. Looking back on it, I wish I had, but I took a shower so I washed away evidence."

Intimate partner rape

Michelle Mock was twenty-two years old when she found herself in an abusive relationship. It began when her boyfriend, who had been a good friend for three years, invited her to move from her grandmother's home in Boerne, Texas, to his family home in Edgewood, New Mexico. They had initially met while attending the same church, where he had been the camp director and son of a deacon. Mock took him up on his offer and moved in with him and his family. A few months later, after the two of them returned from church camp, Mock decided that she was not ready to engage in a sexual relationship. She says that his initial reaction was supportive and understanding, yet later that night, while kissing, Mock told him that she wanted to stop. "He didn't take no for an answer," she says, "and he raped me."

This pattern went on for months as Mock tried to deal with the situation. "I was completely on autopilot," she recalls. While friends and family noticed a change in her behavior, no one was aware of the abuse she was suffering. During one episode, Mock's boyfriend grabbed her arm so hard that he left bruises. His father saw them and asked Mock what had happened, but she didn't answer. He later got into an argument with his son, who apologized to Mock in front of his father but later lectured her on keeping their business private.

At a church service one day, there was a call for prayer. A person who needed private prayer and counseling could go to a room in the back. Mock told her boyfriend she was going to the bathroom and asked a friend to distract him. "I ran to the back of the church and locked myself in a room with a complete strang-

What to Do if You Have Been Raped

Sexual assault is a traumatic and terrible experience. Victims are often confused about what they should or should not do when it occurs. The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault suggests you consider taking these steps if you have been raped.
- Get to a safe place.
- Do not shower, bathe, douche, wash your hands, brush your teeth or use the toilet. Do not change or destroy clothing. As hard as it may be not to clean up, you may destroy important evidence if you do.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible.
- Contact a friend or family member you trust or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) for support and information.
- There is a federal mandate to make available Anonymous Rape Tests by January 2009. These tests, also called “Jane Doe rape kits,” would allow victims to have an emergency room forensic rape exam without committing to pressing charges. Stakeholder meetings are being held about how to comply, but as of this writing these exams are not available.

—April Boland

," she says. "He didn't ask me any questions. I told him I wanted him to pray with me because I didn't know what to do and I didn't feel safe. He said, ‘I'll pray with you, but after that I think we should get your stuff and you should move in with me and my wife.'" Mock feared retaliation but a few days later, when she was off from work and her boyfriend was out of the house, she called the couple. They arrived and helped her move all of her things. "I left him a note, and that was it. It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made."

Although Mock was safely out of the house, the abuse did not end, as she continued to see him and try to make their relationship work. "We would meet somewhere and he would try to rape me while I would try to make him love me." Finally, in February 2007, Mock ended things once and for all. At this point, however, she was not yet able to face what had happened to her. "I still couldn't call it rape," she says. She found a therapist and started talking things through. The two decided together that it was best for Mock to leave the state, which she did, moving to San Marcos and cutting off contact with her abuser.

On the one-year anniversary of Mock's first rape, she was unable to look herself in the mirror. She had heard about the Hays-Caldwell Women's Center and decided to call to ask for counseling. The woman on the line asked her if she had been a victim of domestic abuse or sexual assault. "I couldn't talk at all," Mock recalls. "I said, ‘I'm sorry, I don't know what to say.' She said, ‘Just tell me, number one or number two?' I choked out the number two through my tears, and it was the first time I had acknowledged it. She thanked me for my courage." Mock then began intensive counseling that would help her on her road to recovery. "The Hays-Caldwell Women's Center is a fantastic place," she says. "It saved my life."

Sex abuse within relationships is still abuse-Many victims of intimate partner rape have a hard time convincing others that they have been victimized at all. The sexual relationship that may already exist between the victim and the perpetrator seems to blur the lines. In fact, Debby Tucker spent ten years lobbying Texas lawmakers

Resources

If you are in immediate danger of sexual violence call 911—now.
The following resources are available for the survivors of sexual violence.
Address Confidentiality Program—The Texas Attorney General’s office allows eligible Texans who are survivors of sexual assault to register for an anonymous address that will appear on voter and school registration cards, driver’s licenses, and most government documents, including court records. Download a pseudonym form at www.oag.state.tx.us/victims/forms.shtml. (A pseudonym form is also available for victims of family violence.)
Austin Police Department—The Austin Police Department encourages individuals with information regarding a sex crime to call the Sex Crimes Tip Line at 512-974-5095.
Center for Child Protection—This organization is the first stop for children in Travis County who are suspected victims of sexual and physical abuse and for children who have witnessed a violent crime. Each child referred to the Center by law enforcement is brought in for a recorded interview, forensic medical exam, counseling and crisis intervention. For more information call 512-472-1164 or visit www.centerforchildprotection.org.
Center for Safe Communities and Schools—This is a grant-funded center within the Department of Criminal Justice at Texas State University San Marcos. It trains law enforcement and educators, facilitates community mobilization and develops youth as leaders. For more information call 1-877-304-2727 or visit www.cscs.txstate.edu.
Child Protective Services—This division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Service investigates reports of abuse and neglect of children. It also provides services to children and families and places children in foster or adoptive homes when necessary. To report abuse, call the twenty-four-hour hotline at
1-800-252-5400 or visit www.txabusehotline.org.
Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline—This nonprofit organization exists to meet the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children. It focuses its efforts on advocacy, prevention, treatment and community outreach. The hotline operates seven days a week around the clock at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). For more information visit www.childhelp.org.
Council on Sex Offender Treatment—This organization is recognized by the State of Texas as the expert on the treatment and management of sex offenders. It establishes standards of practice for the sex offender treatment providers in the state. For more information call 512-834-4530 or visit www.dshs.state.tx.us/csot.
Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center—This organization exists to create an environment where violence and abuse are not tolerated. It provides education, violence prevention services, and crisis intervention to victims of family violence, sexual assault and child abuse. Call the twenty-four-hour helpline at 512-396-HELP (4357) or visit www.hcwc.org.
National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence—This Austin-based center designs, provides and customizes training and consultation, influences policy, promotes collaboration and enhances diversity with the goal of ending domestic and sexual violence. For more information visit www.ncdsv.org.
National Sex Offender Registry—The Family Watchdog web site offers a free service for locating sex offenders in one’s area. Do a search or sign up for free safety alerts at www.familywatchdog.us.
National Sexual Assault Hotline—The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network claims to be the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization. It operates the National Sexual Assault hotline and carries out programs to prevent sexual assault, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. Call the hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). For more information, including what happens in a rape case investigation, visit www.rainn.org.
Planned Parenthood—This organization delivers vital healthcare services, sex education and sexual health information to millions of women, men and young people. To find a health center in your area, call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) or visit www.plannedparenthood.org.
SafePlace—This nonprofit organization based in Austin exists to end sexual and domestic violence through safety, healing, prevention and social change. It also provides crisis services such as twenty-four-hour staff and trained volunteers to meet with recent survivors of sexual violence at the emergency room to support them through the medical and forensic examinations. Call the hotline at 512-267-SAFE (7233) or visit www.safeplace.org

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What to Do if Your Child Has Been Sexually Abused

—April Boland