Austin Farmer’s Market: From Farm To Table

One of the most encouraging trends in American food consumption is the transition from factory-farmed fruits, vegetables and meats to locally grown products. Farmer’s markets around the country have given producers a chance to present their products to excited eaters for decades, and they’re starting to become major keystones of grocery shopping. The Austin’s Farmer’s Market reflects the interests and values of this progressive enclave in the middle of the state, with organic vegetables, humanely raised meats, and a wide variety of ethnic prepared foods. Regulars rave about the fantastic coffee—at two bucks a cup with a free refill, it’ll keep you alert as you shop for everything you need. Some complain that certain goods sell out early, so show up at sunrise to make sure you get everything checked off your list. Best of all is the ambience—everyone is happy, laid back, and celebrating the joys of good food in a great city.

Austin Farmer’s Market
4600 Guadalupe St
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 236-0074

Happy Veterans Day!

Today we honor and pay tribute to the men and women who have bravely fought for our country and say thank you for your service.

The Long Center: The Big Stage

Located along the shore of Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, The Long Center is widely regarded as one of the best performance spaces in a town full of them. Originally known as The Palmer Auditorium, it was renamed in 1999 and completely reconstructed into a multi-use facility with four unique theaters. The largest auditorium, the Michael and Susan Dell Hall, is a 2,400-seat venue with three levels of seating and private boxes that is used for symphony performances and other large-scale events. The Debra and Kevin Rollins Studio Theater is the Center’s black box room, an adaptable space that seats up to 229 in a number of configurations. The other spaces are the outdoor City Terrace and Hartman Concert Park. All of the seating and acoustics are top of the line, and the staff here is beyond reproach. No matter what your interests may be, The Long Center is a great place to enjoy them.

The Long Center
701 W. Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 457-5100

Don’t Forget to Vote!

Today is Election Day!  Don't forget to visit your local polling place to cast your vote and make your voice heard.

Intriguing Facts About Game Theory

Social scientists have worked for generations on ways to model and understand human behavior. One of the most intriguing branches of this kind of sociology is game theory, which uses basic principles of competition to try to explain what motivates people. Here are some of the field's most interesting discoveries:

The games in game theory aren’t like games you play with the family – they’re more like mathematical models of behavior. Some of the most famous include the “normal form game,” which is expressed in a matrix of boxes that illustrate player’s choices, as well as the “centipede game,” used to examine situations where players can risk increasing amounts of a reward or lose it all.

Game theory enjoyed a boost of popularity during the 1950s, as analysis of the classic “prisoner’s dilemma” puzzle tied in with psychology to model human beings' motives for behaving the ways they do.

One of the disciplines that uses game theory most extensively is economics. Because most economic transactions can be judged as two parties wishing to obtain the greatest reward for the lowest risk, using game theory models to understand their behaviors is very effective. The key model for economic studies is the Nash equilibrium, which represents the best possible response from all players. You might have heard the name Nash in the recent film A Beautiful Mind.

Check Out Austin Fan Fest 2012!

Celebrating 2012's inaugural U.S. Grand Prix, Austin Fan Fest 2012 comes to downtown Austin from November 16-18th. If you haven't heard, the U.S. GP is a Formula 1 race taking place that weekend at Austin's newly constructed Circuit of the Americas race track, and Austin Fan Fest brings the city even more fun with an array of musical acts from all over the country, along with great local and regional bands.

Fan Fest's headline performers Aerosmith, Flo Rida, and Enrique Iglesias will play on main stages for the Fest's three night engagement, while smaller stages will showcase acts like Lupe Fiasco and The Wallflowers.

Around downtown Austin, attendees can also interact with F1 racing related installations, like racing simulators and Formula 1 cars. Arts exhibits, parties, and family friendly events all over downtown make the whole thing complete.

Want to know more? Click here to learn about Austin Fan Fest 2012.

Trip Idea: Salt Lake City, Utah

Brimming with natural delights and a vibrant culture, Salt Lake City is a city that's worth checking out. Here are some highlights from Utah's lovely capital.

Temple Square
The heart and home of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a beautiful downtown landmark, with the impressive temple dominating the area. There's a lot to see on the grounds, including the Mormon Tabernacle and the Beehive House.

Red Butte Garden
Natures lovers will go wild over the amazing trails and plantlife to see here. Take a nice hike and you'll be treated with extraordinary views of the entire valley! Red Butte Garden also has arts facilities and frequently hosts concerts and performances.

Pioneer Theatre Company
Pioneer is a professional theatre company known for its incredible production values. One of the area's cultural treasures, taking in a show here is a must for visitors interested in the arts.

Sugarhouse Park
This beautiful and well-maintained park is perfect for a pleasant walk or picnic. There's a wonderful duck pond and numerous pavillions and benches, making it the ideal place to relax and enjoy some time outside.

The Great Salt Lake
One of the saltiest lakes in the world, this impressive landmark is also massive. The lake is a great spot to look for migratory birds. Check out Antelope Island, too for some terrific opportunities to see gorgeous scenery and wildlife.

Beets Living Foods Café: Refresh with Raw Creations

Beets Living Foods Café is a vegan, raw food establishment that makes food that will impress any diner. Passion and creativity are at work in the kitchen to create healthy and good tasting meals. These dishes aren't your typical, bland sort of health food fare. Inventive items like the raw reuben and an eggplant B.L.T. are all over the menu, as are an impressive selection of side and entree salads. There's also an array of refreshing fruit and vegetable smoothies. Beets also regularly offers classes on raw cooking, and can be rented out for events at extremely great rates. Relax in the spacious dining room and enjoy a nice meal or a quick refresher. Whatever you do, be sure not to miss Beets Living Foods Café. You'll be amazed that so much flavor can come out of raw cooking, and your body will thank you for it!

Beets Living Foods Café
1611 W. 5th Street
Suite 165
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 477-2338
http://www.yelp.com/biz/beets-living-foods-cafe-austin
 

Happy Autumn!

As the mosaic of nature's colors arrive, the pumpkins grow in the cornfields, and the cornucopia of harvest festivals enrich our area, we want to wish you a Happy Autumn.

Via 313: Dare To Be Square

The interesting thing about pizza is how many regional styles there are. New York has their thin crusts, Chicago the deep dish, but Detroit? And not only that, Detroit-style pizza in Texas? It’s real. Via 313 (with that number being the area code of the Detroit metropolitan area) was opened by two brothers from Michigan in a small trailer in East Austin with the intention of showing the town a new style of pizza pies. Detroit-style pizza is made in a square pan like a classic Sicilian, but with a little twist – it’s “upside down.” To make it, you start with dough, then add meat, cheese, and other toppings, and then finally finish with the sauce on top before throwing it in the oven. It seems ridiculous, but it works, and Via 313 has built a dedicated clientele who love it. Their topping combinations are delicious, their crust is perfect. Well worth the trip.

Via 313
1111B E. 6th Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 939-1927
http://www.yelp.com/biz/via-313-pizza-austin

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